Why Minnesotans have More to be Proud of than 10,000 Lakes

As a native Minnesotan, I have always loved living here! I have traveled to many parts of the United States and though there are other wonderful communities across this great nation, but I have always loved calling Minnesota home!

Being a Realtor working in the northeast metro of the Twin Cities, I get the opportunity to meet with many out of state families considering relocation to Minnesota for the first time. It is eye-opening for many of these visitors just what an opportunity it is to live in the land of 10,000 lakes! Whether people are considering a home an acreage home in Lino Lakes or Ham Lake, a town home in Blaine or a lakeshore home in Forest Lake, the reaction is always the same: Minnesota offers great opportunities.

At a recent seminar I attended, this message about Minnesota was brought home tenfold! Glenn Dorfman, COO of the Minnesota Association of Realtors shared some interesting statistics he compiled from various sources about our great state. I was amazed at our ranking in several categories. As Minnesotans, we have much to be proud of!
Minnesota is Prosperous!

• MN has the 2nd lowest poverty rate in the US



• MN rates 8th on the scale of median family income.



• MN rates 15th on the scale of residents with median family incomes over $150,000.



• MN rates 2nd for homeownership!

Minnesotans work hard and value education!

• MN rates 1st in women’s labor force participation.



• MN rates 4th in men’s labor force participation.



• MN is 9th for residents with a college diploma!



• MN is 2nd for residents with a high school diploma!

Minnesotans care about our health.

• MN rates 4th for residents having health insurance.



• MN is ranked 2nd on the list as healthiest by the United Health Foundation.

Minnesota is growing!
Minnesota grew faster than its four neighboring states, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin from April 2000 through July 2003. Minnesota grew 2.8% during this time period which was very close to the growth rate of 3.3% shown by the US as a whole.


If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in the north and east Twin Cities metro area and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage properties! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.


Copyright 2007terieckholm.com

Moving to Minnesota? FREE Relocation Information!

Will you be making a move to the Twin Cities area in the next few months?

As you plan your move to Minnesota, you'll want to be sure to have the right Realtor® representing your interests. I have the training and experience needed to look out for your interests in Twin Cities’ real estate market.

Whether you are considering a move to Blaine, Forest Lake, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Maplewood, North St. Paul, Shoreview, White Bear Lake, Wyoming or any of the surrounding communities, I am ready to assist your family.


With thousands of homes available to you, it's my job to make sure you have all the information you need to save you time and money. I am here and ready to assist you and your family in finding your dream home in Minnesota.


I would love to custom build a relocation package for your family. Click here and complete the form in its entirety for your FREE package.

Is Moving Making YOU Crazy?--How to Lower the Stress

Change is difficult. Especially when the change is so big and personal as moving to a new home. While difficult, it is also an exciting time. Change opens doors and provides opportunities that staying put doesn’t allow. But when your children are leaving the only home they have ever known, no matter what positive spin you put on it, there is bound to be some stress. So how to you make a move without your entire family going crazy?





Educate Yourself—It is important for you to realize that when making a move there are some unknowns that will come into play. Sometimes things will seem out of your control as appraisers, inspectors and real estate agents enter your life and home. The sellers of your new home, the buyers of your home and your mortgage broker will make requests and decisions that will directly affect your life.



Understanding the process of purchasing a home and the steps to a smooth transaction will help considerably. A caring, experienced Realtor will lead you through the home buying/selling process while tying up the loose ends. Your Realtor can’t prevent all of the stress but a good agent can predict some of the common situations that arise. By explaining each possible scenario in a timely manner and providing options and alternatives, your Realtor will keep the process moving forward with minimal stress to you.



Prepare the Kids—If you have been in your home for even a few years, this may be the only home your children have ever known or can easily remember. As tough as the change is for you, it will be more difficult on them. It will take some time to adjust to the thought of coming “home” to a new house.



Be positive when announcing the move! Show excitement when talking about the new neighborhood and school. Don’t expect that to be mirrored in your children right away but stay upbeat. If possible, arrange a tour of the new school and visit to the neighborhood and home. If your children will be changing schools mid-year, find out the new teachers name and email address. (We are a very connected society now and all teachers have email!) Email the new teacher and ask that he/she email your child about fun things that are going on in the classroom.



Let the kids help pack their important belongings. Reassure them that all of their precious things will be safe until they are unpacked at the new house.



Email will work great for staying connected to old friends and neighbors too. Have a neighborhood going away party and take photos so your children remember their old friends. Have an address book available for everyone to write down his or her email as well as current mailing address.



Don’t Panic—Moving is a H-U-G-E change in anyone’s life. It ranks up there as one of the most stressful situations families face. Moving has caused the most levelheaded person to go a little crazy. Working with an experience Realtor in your corner can be quite calming. Just knowing that this is a professional who helps families buy and sell homes every day can relieve some stress. Realtors have been through this many times before and understand what a major change it is for your family. It is their job and goal for you to have a successful closing and move.



Be Flexible—Sometimes it may become hard to remember that there is another family on the other side of the transaction. Things will come up that weren’t foreseen by either party. Inspections reveal unknown concerns. Moving trucks arrive late. Appliances suddenly stop working.



We don’t live in a perfect world and things can, do and will change. To keep the process moving forward and stress to a minimum, you may be asked to be flexible. Remind yourself to take a step back and look at the big picture. By reviewing the entire problem with logic, not just emotion, a win-win outcome can be achieved for most situations.



Reward and Pamper Yourself—This is a tough process! When things start feeling totally out of control, it is ok to walk away for a few hours, literally. Take a walk with the kids to the playground. Go to a movie or out to dinner with friends. Order a pizza and sit outside on the deck visiting with neighbors. Head to the gym and relax in the whirlpool. After an hour or two, you will be ready to face that packing or project with renewed energy!

If you are relocating to Minnesota, are looking for Homes for Sale in Forest Lake and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call. Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties real estate in Minnesota.

Copyright 2007 terieckholm.com

Moving with Pets--Important things to remember!

Moving can be especially difficult on one of your most important, but often overlooked, family members: your pet. I often hear from clients that their pets begin acting up weeks before the actual move. The resulting behavior can cause destruction in the home you are selling as well as concern for the pet’s reaction in their new location. If Fido or Kitty is a senior pet, a new home can be particularly traumatic. How do you relieve your pet’s anxiety? Preparation is the key.

Before the Move

Visit the Veterinarian for a complete examination. Verify and document that all vaccinations are up-to-date. Inquire about medications for stress and the options of administering before or during the move depending on your pet’s particular needs. Keep copies of your pet’s medical records, including a current photo, in an accessible place.

Check homeowners association and local authorities for pet restrictions before purchasing your home. Many cities and neighborhoods have restrictions on the type, size and number of pets you are allowed to keep in a home. Requesting this information prior to making an offer can save the heartache of your beloved pet being restricted from your new home.

Keep to a regular routine. If your move will require the use of a carrier, find one of good quality that is sturdy, comfortable and insulated. It needs to be large enough to accommodate your pet and allow movement. Have it out in your house and use it routinely, so that your pet is familiar with his temporary home and comfortable in it.

Moving long distance and traveling by car? Many hotels are pet friendly but some are not. Plan in advance your route and check with area hotels for the ones that will allow your pet to stay with you. Your pet will appreciate the chance to get out of the carrier in the evenings and spend time with you.

Moving Internationally? Pets could require 6-12 months of surveillance or quarantine before being allowed into a different country. Check restrictions and make preparations well in advance of the move so there are no surprises for your family.

Day of the Move

Make sure your pet is safe. Keep in a safe room/kennel or at a trusted neighbor’s or pet sitter’s home while your belongings are being loaded into the truck. (A pet sitter directory is available at http://www.olddogpaws.com/ ). Make sure it is a place your pet is familiar with as to not create additional stress. If you do leave your pet in a room in your home, remember to check in frequently. Leave a litter box for cats and let dogs out on a leash for breaks to avoid accidents.

Identify your pet. Make certain that your pet’s collar or tags have current information with a cell phone number and/or the new home information so you can be contacted in the event of an escape.

Time to load the pet carrier. Put in your pet’s favorite blanket, toy or bed along with food and water for the trip. Remember a container of additional food and water in case of spills. It is a good idea to pack paper towels and wet wipes to clean up any messes from sickness or accidents during the ride. Don’t leave your pet unattended for more than a few minutes at a time in his transportation kennel.

At Your New Home Sweet Home

Expect some behavior changes as your dog or cat becomes accustomed to his new surroundings. Use as many familiar items from your pets past to make him feel at home. This is not the time to try out a new food or bring in the new pet bed. Bring in his old toys, dishes and blankets to make your old friend comfortable. With lots of love and attention, Fido and Kitty will be back to normal in no time.