Video Tips to Make the Dream of Living on Minnesota Acreage a Reality

 

Change is not easy. But if moving from the city to a rural setting is your dream, it can become a reality.

The idea of moving from a city or suburb to a more rural, acreage setting is a dream of many Minneapolis/St. Paul homeowners. Beautiful homes with sprawling landscapes of are available throughout Anoka, Washington and Chisago Counties. But acting on the dream can be intimidating. There  are so many changes to consider. Fortunately, with good information and the right assistance, the process can be manageable. 

Before becoming a REALTOR®  my family transitioned from a corner lot house in North St. Paul to an acreage property in Anoka County just west of Forest Lake. It was quite a transition at the time. We had to learn about private sewer systems, well water and lack of internet access the hard way. We just didn't know enough to ask the right questions. I have shared my list of tips in the past but have started a video series with similar information. Today is the first video which quickly explains what a Septic Systems is and why compliance testing is important when buying Minnesota acreage.

Video Tips to Make the Dream of Living on Minnesota Acreage a Reality

Did you enjoy the video but to see more tips or have a specific question? Send me a message or call me and I would be happy to help!


READY to Make YOUR Move? It IS essential to have a knowledgeable agent at your side. If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me, Teri Eckholm of BOARDMAN Realty, a call at 651-336-7073 or visit my website for a FREE Home Buyer Success Guide or FREE Home Value Report. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
 
Copyright 2018 terieckholm.com

Real Estate Word of the Day--Septic System

Buying a home is often a once or twice in a lifetime experience. There are often lots of things to learn. Buying a home on acreage has it's own set of unique terms that the average city-dweller might not have heard before. 

From time to time I am surprised that a simple term I use everyday as a REALTOR® is like a foreign language to some home buyers. It is not unusual to see a glazed look come into a buyer’s eyes when I talked about escrow or earnest money but also when I mention well water, septic systems and compliance tests. The confusion is totally understandable because most home buyers do not buy houses on acreage everyday.

There are so many terms that could possibly confuse a home buyer that I thought an online glossary of real estate terms might be helpful. So I am continuing my series of posts for the first time homebuyer with explanations of the most often used (and sometimes confusing) real estate terms. This way you can skip buying that big “how to buy a house” book or attending that First Time Home Buyer Class and have a quick resource at your fingertips. Today’s Real Estate Term is:

Septic System—If a home is not connected to a public sewer, there will be a private system that will hold and/or process the waste called a septic system. There are several types of systems. They can be a holding tank where all the waste must be pumped out or a tank that releases the waste water back into the environment via a drain field or mound. A private septic system can be owned by the individual property owner or shared by a number of homes. 

It is important to know what type of septic system is on a property. All systems will require maintenance but the type of system, indicates to a buyer how often the maintenance will have to take place and how much it will cost. Shared systems usually are part of an association where fees are collected on a periodic basis to pay for pumping out and maintaining the sewage system. 

It is also important to understand what can and cannot go into a private sewer system in order to keep it in the best condition possible. The cost to replace a private septic system can be in the tens of thousands of dollars. Proper maintenance and care can extend the life of the system by many years.  For additional information check out the University of Minnesota Extension Service's guide to Understanding Your Septic System.

 

Copyright 2014 www.terieckholm.com

Septic Systems Maintenance is No Joke! But they do have funny slogans

Every three years like clockwork, I put in a call to Olson's to have our septic pumped out. It’s a dirty business and somebody’s gotta do it. The City of Ham Lake where we live, does not have a public sewer system. We all have individual sewage disposal or septic systems in our yards. The septic pumping and inspection is mandatory every three years. Getting your septic pumped and inspected is a requirement of most Twin Cities metro municipalities. State and county codes are not specific on the subject of on-site or individual sewage disposal systems (ISDS) or septic systems, leaving it up to each Minnesota city to adopted their own rules for inspection.

We have had Olson’s Sewer Service of Forest Lake maintain and inspect our system since we moved to our Ham Lake acreage. Their slogan, “keeping your sewer in the pink” and hot pink trucks are seen all over Forest Lake, Columbus, Lino Lakes, Wyoming and Ham Lake. When the pink reminder postcard arrives in the mail, we schedule our inspection right away.

Olson’s slogan while catchy is tame compared to others as septic professionals really have a sense of humor about the role they play in the community. Here is a list of some favorites that have been seen on sewage and plumbing trucks all over the US:

· Yesterday's Meals on Wheels
· We're #1 in the #2 business.
· You Dump It, We Pump It
· After the first whiff, call Cliff.
· A good flush beats a full house
· We do Pump 'N Right
· We'll take crap from anybody.
· Satisfaction guaranteed or your merchandise cheerfully returned.
· Your poop is our bread and butter!
· Your brown is our green.

If you have a septic system on your property, check with city hall for specific time frames. While once every three years is required in Ham Lake, it is once every two years in Lino Lakes. Most cities require that the tank, drain field and baffles of the system be checked at the same time. The licensed contractor will provide a completed permit to the city to document the inspection.

This is not an optional inspection. If you choose not to inspect your system, the city might do it for you. Then you could be on the hook for additional fines and charges from your city.

Copyright 2013 www.terieckholm.com

Ham Lake Chamber of Commerce Hosts Forum on City Sewer and Water

Last Monday, the Ham Lake Chamber of Commerce hosted a discussion on the proposed Ham Lake development. The discussion was lead by Ham Lake’s Mayor Paul Meunier along with East Bethel’s Mayor, Greg Hunter. Several commercial Realtors and developers were invited and on hand for the discussion. Though not widely publicized, several dozen members of the public were in attendance at the informal discussion as well.

The two hour Q&A event on February 25 was held in the Ham Lake Senior Center just downstairs from City Hall. Mayor Meunier gave a brief introduction to East Bethel’s Mayor Hunter and then proceeded with an overview of the five proposed plans from the task force. View the Five Visions of Ham Lake Development HERE.

During the overview, Mayor Hunter did interrupt the discussion to clarify that East Bethel does not yet have a wastewater treatment system or pipe to connect to and at this time just has designated areas along Highway 65 that would be for proposed development. According to Mayor Hunter this area includes two major intersections at County Rd 22 and 65 and another intersection to the north. It would extend approximately three quarters of a mile in either direction from Highway 65. The City of East Bethel has been working on this development project for four years and is continuing on the research and development stage of the project. The Met Council has committed $30 million dollars to the development of a wastewater treatment facility but as of yet, no developers have stepped forward to pay for the infrastructure to connect. Until that happens there is no plant for Ham Lake to connect to.

This prompted questions and soon hands started popping up in the crowd, mainly belonging to members of the public. The questions were specific. One resident questioned why the amount of connection changed from $37,000 down to $22,000-$25,000 on the Ham Lake proposal, Mayor Meunier answered that the numbers had not changed. “These are the exact numbers presented at the Town Hall meeting,” was the Mayor’s response.

Mayor Meunier is correct that the numbers are the same as presented at the meeting. But earlier meetings and in an online Powerpoint Presentation documentation dated December 11, 2007, the price range was listed as $32,500-$37,500 per REC Residential Equivalent Connection (One REC per Acre) for this option. View documentation HERE. When I personally reviewed all of the documentation of what I had posted previously, I notice changing numbers and a lot of fuzzy math.

No matter what the number, with foreclosures up considerably in Anoka County, is it fair to add an additional concern to any residents of Ham Lake…Even if it only encompasses 7% of the community? Read StarTribune’s Article "Housing Crisis Hits Hardest in Anoka County" HERE. Many people are struggling to make current house payments, is it realistic to think that ANY homeowner can absorb even a $20,000 assessment?
When asked about what East Bethel residents would be required to pay, Mayor Greg Hunter said that it was very difficult to put a price tag on something that may or may not happen. He further recommended to Mayor Meunier that Ham Lake use caution when putting price tags on something so far in the future. He reiterated that there is no pipe yet and no developers. Link to Update on East Bethel’s Plan.

When asked specifically about Coon Lake as it is several miles out from the 65 corridor, East Bethel’s Mayor Hunter did admit that there are some issues with failing septic systems and small lots that could possibly be addressed in the Hiawatha Beach neighborhood. Though no one pointed it out at the meeting, this area is not within the designated ¾ mile city water and sewer area of East Bethel but several miles away. He additionally made a point of saying that the water quality of Coon Lake continues to be monitored and it is as good as it has ever been.

Ham Lake Mayor Meunier did make a statement that he did not want to see the rural aspect of Ham Lake changed. He knows that many residents live in five acre developments as he does himself and he has no intention of having city water and sewer brought to every street in Ham Lake. The city sewer and water area encompasses only 7% of the community. It is obvious that neither he, nor his neighbors, are in the proposed Coon Lake city sewer and water district. But the unvoiced question remains as within that 7% area there are several 2, 3 and 5 acre parcels as well larger and smaller lot sizes. Why is it ok to force ANY Ham Lake resident to connect to city water and sewer?

Questions were asked of both mayors regarding whether residents will be forced to connect. The mayors were in agreement on this that if the pipe came down the street, it is not the intention of the CURRENT city councils to force residents of either community to connect. But they went on to further say this could be as many as 10-20 years out and that they cannot control what the Met Council or FUTURE city councils might require.

At this point, a developer stood and offered that it was his belief that whenever utilities are offered to a community it is best to connect no matter what the cost. A resident questioned this logic considering the plight of the neighboring community of Ramsey facing bankruptcy. The developer called the Ramsey situation an “anomaly” but few in the audience were convinced as several other town center developments in Burnsville, Lake Elmo and Apple Valley are also struggling and restructuring.

Another resident who has some experience in the city utilities spoke his distrust of the statements that connection will be an option or choice to the homeowner. He remembered a few years back when people in Blaine were forced to connect and the assessments were so high several homeowners were forced to sell. He went on to further tell of signs along the roads in house after house of people who could not afford to pay.

Toward the end of the meeting, Mayor Paul Meunier did state that 84% of the Task Force was in favor of moving ahead with Option 2, the Town Center with a Coon Lake Water and Sewer District. He pointed out that every Ham Lake resident was given the option of participating in the task force. This is true. But had the task force been presented as “Ham Lake is considering City Sewer and Water” rather than being organized to look into a trail system, I am certain that more than 34 residents would have signed up.

It is interesting to note that of the 34 listed on the Task Force, I could only verify 22 as Ham Lake residents in the Anoka County tax records. So, that 84% of the task force is roughly 28 people. When there are over 12,000 citizens in the Ham Lake area, this means that less than 0.2% of Ham Lake residents agree that this is the best option.

With something as big as city water and sewer being considered which will in some way affect all Ham Lake residents, doesn’t it make sense to poll all Ham Lakers?

Additional Articles on the City Water and Sewer in Ham Lake:

• Ham Lake Sewer District: $75 Million…Plus Interest


• Mike’s Musings “Sewergate"


• Tale of Two Headlines—City Water and Sewer for Ham Lake?


• Price tag in the millions for Ham Lake sewer


• Ham Lake Residents Town Hall Meeting—View City Water and Sewer Plans


• Town Hall Meeting Update—More Questions than Answers as the City Water/Sewer Debate in Ham Lake Continues

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If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2008 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Ham Lake Residents Town Hall Meeting—View City Water and Sewer Plans

Do you have an opinion on the vision for Ham Lake’s future? Take time and attend the town hall meeting to see the five proposed plans that the task force has outlined. On Tuesday February 12 starting at 7:00PM, there will be an opportunity for all of Ham Lake’s residents to see the five comprehensive plan proposals that are currently being considered by the task force appointed by the city council.

According to the February 2008 issue of the Ham Laker newsletter, there will be a short presentation describing each of the five alternative visions for Ham Lake.

Mixed-Use Village Center Develop 115 acres around the Crosstown/Hwy 65 intersection with industrial, commercial, park and residential with varying densities. Densities meaning single family or multi family (apartment and townhome) developments. City water and sewer service would be contracted from East Bethel.

Mixed-Use Village Center and Moderate Density Development Expanded version with 1700 acres developed to include residential homes with 1/3 acre lot sizes. According to a map in the January 2008 issue of the Ham Laker this would encompass the area around the Coon Lake area north of Crosstown and east to Lexington Avenue. Sewer service would be contracted directly with the Met Council and the City would be required to develop it’s own water system. Residents in the proposed area could be required to connect to these new systems.

Business-Only Sewer District 115 Acres at the Crosstown/Hwy 65 intersection developed for industrial and business use exclusively with water and sewer services contracted from East Bethel.

Mini-Batch Sewer Plant Develop a 20 acre sewer district to serve the existing businesses at the Crosstown/Hwy 65 intersection. Each business would use their existing wells.

Individual Sewer and Wells This proposal, which is the least expensive of the five options, is to maintain status quo with individual wells and septic systems serving each property. The city will continue to monitor the water quality in area lakes and enforce septic system regulations as necessary.

This is an important meeting that will affect every Ham Lake resident and our taxes for years to come. Plan to attend to review the proposed options for yourself.

Additional Articles on the City Water and Sewer in Ham Lake:

• Ham Lake Sewer District: $75 Million…Plus Interest


• Mike’s Musings “Sewergate"


• Tale of Two Headlines—City Water and Sewer for Ham Lake?


• Price tag in the millions for Ham Lake sewer

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If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2008 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Tale of Two Headlines—City Water and Sewer for Ham Lake?

A day or two before Christmas, our copy of the January 2008 Ham Laker Newsletter arrived from the City of Ham Lake. I noticed it nestled between the holiday cards and did a quick glance over the headline, “Please Answer our Community Survey”, before tearing into the envelopes that held the photos, wishes and good tidings from our family and friends. It wasn’t until the Christmas gift wrap had been cleared that I had a chance to sit down and actually read it.

Being a Realtor who likes to blog to keep residents informed on Ham Lake and Anoka County, I read every issue of The Ham Laker cover to cover to get the news from the city council meetings and community. Luckily even though the January issue was poorly timed, I did not make an exception.

On closer examination of the story on the community survey, I read the words, “financially feasible sewer and water system.”

Hmmmm…I had heard that there was talk about developing the corner of Highway 65 and Crosstown for additional commercial development. I had read about the task force of 30 people that were investigating options. Reading further, I became a bit concerned as I read between the lines, it sounded like they were seriously considering bringing city water and sewer into Ham Lake and implying it would lower our taxes.

Looking closely at the map, the proposed area included areas around Coon Lake. I was becoming mildly concerned.

A few days after the New Year, the January issue of Lakes and Loons arrived. This year old privately funded publication has been giving a different side of the news since it’s inception first issue. Their headline was not a bit vague. Ham Lake Sewer District: $75 Million…Plus Interest

Ouch…The Ham Lake city council was not just considering a northern city water and sewer system, they were talking numbers. Reading the article was eye opening!

• The task force is not made up of Ham Lake residents.


• No citywide vote is scheduled for this massive change to the Ham Lake community.


• A community center is being considered along with walking and bike paths.


• High density housing would be an option in areas where the city utilities are available.


• Several proposals are being considered to pay for the proposed city utilities. One funded completely by developers.

Now as a Realtor working in Anoka County, this concerns me. People consider Ham Lake because of the rural life style and close proximity to the city. These changes will have an immediate affect on property values. Right now, any homeowner in Ham Lake would have to disclose to a buyer that city water and sewer are being discussed as an option. This could deter a buyer from considering a purchase of a home as the costs to abandon a septic system, seal a private well and connect to public utilities will run into the tens of thousands of dollars. How do you escrow for unknown assessments and costs?

With current time on the market for a Ham Lake home being counted in months not days; this is going to be another blow to the Ham Lake home seller. View 4th Quarter Ham Lake real estate market statistics here.

If your Ham Lake home is not in the area where the public utilities are being considered but you live nearby, your home value can still be affected. I have sold homes in Centerville, Lino Lakes, North Branch, Forest Lake and Wyoming with septic systems in close proximity to homes with city water and sewer. It is a tough sell when you have a well but your neighbors have city water. And the situation is the same with a septic versus public sewer connection. There is always a perceived threat that the homeowner might be forced at some point to connect to the system.

Though, I have few answers and many questions about the water/sewer proposal for Ham Lake, I do have some advice to Ham Lake residents. Read both of the articles* and Mike’s Musings “Sewergate” editorial and make your own determination on the situation. Make it a point to attend the council meetings. Take the survey and give your comments on the situation. Get educated. This WILL affect Ham Lake property values and taxes and the affect will begin immediately.

*I provided a link to the Ham Laker Newsletter page but as of today, the January 2008 issue is not available on-line.

Lakes and Loons Survey for Ham Lake Residents

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If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2008 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

The Thousand Dollar Gamble—Why Buyer’s Representation is Essential!

I love working with home buyers! First Time Buyers. Move up Buyers. Relocation Buyers. You name it—I love it!
That is why a few weeks ago when a young couple called for a showing on a home I have listed, I was excited. I pulled together my Home Buyer’s Packet with information and tips for anyone considering making a move and headed off to the home.

Now I know that most people do not fall in love with the first home they are shown. But, I am also aware that buyers scour the internet for weeks, even months prior to calling a Realtor. So after a few pre-qualifying questions, I knew this young couple was ready to buy their first home.

I arrived to the home first and turned on all the lights to brighten up the place. A few minutes later several cars pulled up. The young couple and both sets of parents got out to inspect the property. After looking everything over, I asked the young people the big question:While you are out looking at homes, are you looking for a Realtor at the same time?
Usually the answer is vague so I am ready with my speech about choosing a Realtor. This time one of the dad’s spoke up. “They don’t need an agent because the will get a better deal without one.”
OK. I just met the young couple and their parents so I had to tread lightly here. I wanted a further explanation of what this guy was thinking, so I asked. It was his belief that with both sides of the commission on the table a better deal could be negotiated.

Well maybe, but usually not. Yes, there can be variable commission rates with dual agency so the offer could be a bit more attractive to a seller. But that amount is negligible in the grand scheme of things when buying a first home.

The total commission paid by the seller on a $200,000 home will run anywhere from $8,000 to $14,000. Now unless the agent is the listing broker, a percentage of the commission will go to the brokerage; usually 25-50%. Now we are down to a total commission for the agent of $4,000 to $7,000. How much of that will the buyer see in a lower purchase price? Maybe $1,000 to $2,000. Is it worth a thousand bucks to gamble that a great agent is going to be the listing agent on YOUR dream home?
In the alternative, if a first time buyer signs a buyer’s representation agreement with a Realtor, the savings can be in the tens of thousands. When you work with a Realtor to show you properties, that agent will help you through the negotiations, prepare a market analysis for the neighborhood, and assess each property with you. When you walk into a home unrepresented, the listing agent is working for the seller until you sign and agree to dual agency. The agent owes the fiduciary duties only to the seller, including disclosure and confidentiality, so everything you say about your financing and interest in the home is disclosed to the seller as required by the listing contract.

Minnesota state law requires that I disclose that I am working for the seller when I first meet with buyers. When I explained the Minnesota agency disclosure document to this young couple, it was the first time they had seen or heard of it after viewing several homes with various agents. It was obvious to them that not all agents are following this law.

This is where I will leave the story of these first time buyers but I want anyone considering buying a home to remember this, buyer’s representation with a Realtor will save you money. Here are a few examples of how this savings can work:

New Construction—When buyers visits a model home, the sales agent in the house will quote the list price and discounted savings that the builder is offering. That's it...End of Story. But, if buyers sign with their own agent, often a better price can be negotiated with the builder. I had clients who saved an additional $15,000 last year on their dream home from the price quoted by a sales agent. Had my buyers walked into the model without me as their Realtor, they would have paid more for their home.

Existing Homes—As I walk through each potential home with buyers, I point out concerns to address in the purchase agreement. Will the upgraded fixtures stay with the home? Is that discoloration a moisture problem? The carpet, roof, furnace needs replacing, can it be done prior to closing?

As a buyer’s agent, I will discuss these issues with you on the home and assist you structuring an offer addressing the defects in the home and repairs that will be needed. I also assist my buyers in determining a fair initial offer on the home based on comparable homes that have been recently sold in the area. If the home is overpriced, we can often negotiate a lower sales price. If the roof needs replacing and we are able to negotiate a new roof, that can be $4000-6000 in savings alone.

Will the listing agent point out all concerns or that the home is overpriced? The answer is no, as they are working for the seller. Unless it is a material fact about the property, there is no duty to disclose to the unrepresented buyer.
Septic Systems and Wells—These are important and very expensive issues when considering purchasing an acreage property. Some Realtors who work mostly in the Twin Cities will not know how to address these home features. If after agreeing on a price for the home, the septic or well does not pass an inspection, who pays the thousands of dollars for the repair or replacement?


If you are looking at an acreage property, having a Realtor that understands how the testing process works and how to write a purchase agreement to address these important issues is essential. The cost of replacing a failing septic system can be well over $10,000, not including replacing landscaping for the new drain field. Wells can have a similar price tag if complete replacement is required.

Service Professionals—Whether you need a loan officer, title company or inspector, many Realtors have a list of service professionals at their fingertips to get the job done efficiently and at the lowest possible cost to you. Most buyers do not have first hand knowledge to make a great selection for these professionals. When making the single largest purchase in your lifetime do you really want to take your chances asking DEX? I work in this industry everyday and know when it is worth it to pay a few dollars more and when the savings is not worth the cost.

The bottom line when buying a home is, you need a knowledgeable advisor in your corner. Partner with a Realtor you trust before you find that dream home. Not only can it save you thousands, it can save you headaches as well.


More Articles on Buying Real Estate that might be of interest:

• Are You a BUBBA?


• Real Estate Agent Selection Primer—How to Choose the BEST Realtor for YOU! (Part One of Two)


• Real Estate Agent Selection Primer—How to Choose the BEST Realtor for YOU! (Part Two of Two)


• Rent VS Buy? It's Time to Revisit the Question!


• How to Choose a Realtor—Why a Good Friend is Not Always a Good Option


• How to Choo-Choose a Realtor and Avoid a Train Wreck!

Featured Listings:
3608 Woodland Drive, Ham Lake
20685 Georgia Ave N, Forest Lake

Ready to buy in the Twin Cities without taking a gamble? If you are considering buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2007 www.terieckholm.com

New Acreage Homeowner? Attend a Class to Understand Your Septic System

If you just moved to Ham Lake, MN, you have a septic system. The City of Ham Lake does not have a city sewage system. All homeowners have private sewer systems that must be maintained properly. In fact there are many other communities through out Anoka County where septic systems are the norm. Whether you are in Columbus, Wyoming, Lino Lakes, Forest Lake or Linwood, if you are on acreage, chances are that you have a private sewage system.

When my family moved to our acreage home over a decade ago, we came from North St. Paul with city water and sewer. We knew replacing a septic system would be expensive and were told to “protect” our system but didn’t know what that meant.

Our builder made a point of explaining that it is important that nothing heavy runs across the system or drainfield. They should be left alone…So how heavy is heavy? Car- heavy? Lawn tractor- heavy? We didn’t have a clue.

Our family was told to be careful of the products we used. Avoid pouring chemicals down the drain. No more bleach? Ever? Could we wash out a paint brush?

No garbage disposal. No powdered detergents. No running the faucet. Don’t plant trees or bushes. Have the system pumped periodically. The rules are endless regarding septic systems. But as a Realtor living and working throughout Anoka County, I know that it is imperative to protect my septic system as part of my home investment and avoid a sewage backup.

On October 15, 2007 the University of Minnesota Extension Service will be giving the class, Homeowner Education for Septic Systems. The two hour program costs $5 and will be held from 7-9pm at the Bunker Hills Activity Center. Preregistration is required.

Don’t worry if the class doesn’t fit into your schedule. The program is offered periodically throughout the year. In the meantime The University of Minnesota Extension Service Septic Owners Guide is available as an online HERE. Get your septic system answers for with the click of a mouse!

Additional articles for acreage homeowners:What is a Minnesota Unique Well Number?
Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore
Dreaming of life on MN Acreage? What YOU need to know before YOUR Move!
Time to Pump it Out! Septic Service Provides Comic Relief Too!
Minnesota Lakeshore Is Affordable Again!
Featured homes available in Anoka and Washington Counties:

• 1988 Robin Lane N


• 3608 Woodland Drive


• 20685 Georgia Ave N

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 2007 www.terieckholm.com/

Time to Pump it Out! Septic Service Provides Comic Relief Too!

It’s a dirty business and somebody’s gotta do it. At least once every three years in the city of Ham Lake. . I’m talking septic pumping and inspection here. Getting your septic pumped and inspected is a requirement of most Twin Cities metro municipalities. State and county codes are not specific on the subject of on-site or individual sewage disposal systems (ISDS or septic systems, leaving it up to each Minnesota city to adopted their own rules for inspection.

We have had Olson’s Sewer Service of Forest Lake maintain and inspect our system since we moved to our Ham Lake acreage. Their slogan, “keeping your sewer in the pink” and hot pink trucks are seen all over Forest Lake, Columbus, Wyoming and Ham Lake. When the pink reminder postcard arrives in the mail, we schedule our inspection right away.

Olson’s slogan while catchy is tame compared to others as septic professionals really have a sense of humor about the role they play in the community. Here is a list of some favorites that have been seen on sewage and plumbing trucks all over the US:

· Yesterday's Meals on Wheels
· We're #1 in the #2 business.
· You Dump It, We Pump It
· After the first whiff, call Cliff.
· A good flush beats a full house
· We do Pump 'N Right
· We'll take crap from anybody.
· Satisfaction guaranteed or your merchandise cheerfully returned.
· Your poop is our bread and butter!
· Your brown is our green.

If you have a septic system on your property, check with city hall for specific time frames. While once every three years is required in Ham Lake, it is once every two years in Lino Lakes. Most cities require that the tank, drain field and baffles of the system be checked at the same time. The licensed contractor will provide a completed permit to the city to document the inspection.

This is not an optional inspection. If you choose not to inspect your system, most cities will hire a contractor for you and assess the charges on your property taxes.

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 2007 www.terieckholm.com/

How Does a Water Softener Work?

As a Realtor in the northern suburbs of Minnesota, I get a fair number of city dwelling clients that consider moving to acreage in the country. The idea of a little elbow room from their neighbors or a small hobby farm appeals to many Twin City residents. And the beauty of it is, is that in Anoka and Chisago counties there are numerous, affordable homes on acreage that have a reasonable commute to employment in the cities.

Although there are several considerations when making a move to an acreage home, one important one is that acreage homes most often do not have a city sewer and water supply. These homes have private water and sewer systems or wells and septic systems. The quality of the water can vary from property to property even on the same block or community.

Living in the city, most people do not give their water supply little thought. As long as a home owner can turn on the tap and receive water, they have few concerns. There is an assumption that the city is monitoring the safety of the water that flows through the system. Occasionally, a news story will run regarding a community with contamination in the water supply. When that happens, city officials are called on to take care of the situation. However home owners with a private water supply or well, have to maintain the quality of their drinking water by themselves.

There are two types of treatment systems available to homeowners:

1. Water Softener
2. Reverse Osmosis

Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a treatment system for drinking water. It is used to remove substances that occur naturally or have contaminated the water supply. Basically it uses pressure to move the water through a membrane that allows the water molecules to past through but not the contaminants. The process removes nitrates, sulfates, sodium and other contaminants that discolor and/or make your water smell and taste bad.

The other alternative, a water softener, is designed to remove calcium and magnesium from the water supply of the whole house. Hard water contains both of these minerals which cause two basic problems for homeowners:

Build-up or scale inside of pipes, water heaters and plumbing systems.
Reacts with the chemicals in soap that reduces lathering and causes soap scum

A third problem…too much iron in the water can be addressed with a water softener to a minor degree. A normal water softener is not designed to remove high levels of iron that cause rust colored stains on fixtures and clothing. But some of the mineral can be reduced with the use of a water softener for homes with well water. If the iron levels in your water are significant you can consider a special treatment system designed to remove iron.



The concept of a water softener is simple. The calcium and magnesium ions are replace with sodium ions. Sodium works well with soap and detergents and does not cause scale build-up in pipes. To exchange the ions, the untreated water runs through a bed of small plastic zeolite beads that are covered with sodium ions. The calcium and magnesium ions stick to the beads and the water captures the sodium ions. Eventually the beads are completely covered with the calcium and magnesium ions and need to be regenerated with the sodium ions. Here is where those bags of salt come in…The water softener unit mixes up a brine solution of sodium chloride (salt water_ which is flushed over the beads to recharge them. Once recharged, the process begins again.

This process does discharge a large amount of waste water into the sewer system; approximately 25 gallons per cycle. If you are located on acreage with a private sewer system, additional water into your septic system is a consideration that should be weighted against the damage of hard water.

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. Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

Copyright 2007 terieckholm.com

What is a Septic System? How does it differ from a city sewer system?

Considering moving to a home on acreage? Often country homes are too far away from public sewer lines and require an individual sewage or septic system to handle wastewater and material. These systems are an integral part of your new home and need to be cared for properly. Having the system replaced can cost between $8,000 and $20,000. Since the tank is underground and cannot always be located in the same location, your yard and landscaping is usually changed when a new system is require.

If you are considering a move to a country or acreage home with a septic system, there are some basic things you should know about how to care for and preserve your septic tank. Rather than outline all the information here, I will direct you to the best resource I have found. It is the Septic Systems Owner’s Guide published by the Minnesota Extension Service. The complete guide is available on-line using the following link: Complete Septic Owners Guide

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