Ham Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics for 2nd Quarter 2009

Yes, there really is a lake and a town in Minnesota named after a ham hock. It will probably not come as a surprise that the unique Ham Lake name wasn't the first choice by the settler's to the area. Incorporated in 1974, Ham Lake became a city after over a hundred years of humble but steady growth. The area was first settled in 1855 by a group of Scottish men on the southwest side of Ham Lake. The original name of the community was Glen Carey, which is the Scottish translation of "beautiful valley". Following a prairie fire in 1857, the first settlers moved but the community was resettled again. The new Scandinavian settlers had a hard time with the pronunciation of Glen Carey and soon the fledging community was known as Ham Lake...most probably because the lake in the area has a unique "ham-hock" shape. Anoka County officially was recognized Ham Lake as a township in 1871. In the early 1900's Central Avenue (Highway 65) was a slow commute as it was a wagon trail through the sand and swampland. And we think going through stop light after stop light slows traffic. Though it was graveled and paved at some point, it 1954 before was expanded to four lanes.

Those four lanes are in full use now as people continue look at acreage, executive, luxury, hobby farms, lakeshore and even entry level starter homes in the Ham Lake area. The real estate market remains sluggish in Ham Lake, MN like many other Anoka County communities, but a number of homes are selling. There are bright spots across the board with homes selling in all price categories under $400,000. Not only have there been a significant number of closed sales during the quarter, there still are a large number of existing single family homes in pending with scheduled upcoming closing dates. However, new construction sales are still slow to move with only a handful of closed sales in the second quarter. This is an improvement from the zero homes sold in the first quarter of 2009. The average Cumulative Days-on-Market (CDOM) is down a bit from first quarter in Ham Lake but still at 202 days it is taking longer to sell a home than in 2008 when the CDOM was at 158. These numbers will tend to be skewed for sometime as we work through the sales of homes that sat on the market for well over a year.

Inventory is down in Ham Lake from the levels seen in 2008 but has taken a jump in the spring and summer months. No doubt lakeshore home sellers have jumped back in to the market as there is nothing as picturesque as a Minnesota lake in the spring and summer months. There are currently 133 homes active on the market compared to 110 at the beginning of January. Homes continue to take months to sell as there still seems to be more Ham Lake homes on the market than Ham Lake buyers. Homeowners considering selling a home in the Ham Lake area must consider the average time to sell a home in the Twin Cities north metro is approximately 6-8 months. Right now inventory levels indicate there is about 24 months of inventory. Having a good price strategy for your home and being prepared for showings is crucial for anyone planning to sell a home in this Anoka County community in 2009.

2nd Quarter 2009 Ham Lake residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $200,000~ 29 Active Listings, 12 Pending Listings, 13 Sold Listings, CDOM 196 (All existing homes)
$200,000-300,000 ~ 38 Active Listings, 8 Pending Listings, 14 Sold Listings, CDOM 192 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 2 Active, 1 Pending, 2 Sold, CDOM 15)
$300,000-400,000 ~ 37 Active Listings, 3 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, CDOM 175 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 6 Active, 1 Pending, 0 Sold)
$400,000-$500,000 ~ 13 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (New Construction Subgroup ~ 3 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)
$500,000 and Up~ 16 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listings, CDOM 366 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 3 Active, 1 Pending, 1 Sold, CDOM 586)
Lakeshore available in the City of Ham Lake
6 Active ListingsHam Lake lakeshore price range: $185,000-$950,000

• 6 Homes on Coon Lake


• 1 Home on Lake Netta


• 1 Home on Ham Lake


• 3 Homes on Little Coon Lake

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1/1/09 through 3/31/09.







Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Forest Lake MN Real Estate Market Statistics 2nd Quarter 2009

Forest Lake, Minnesota is well known throughout the Twin Cities area. It was a favorite summer vacation spot, an annual ice fishing tournament tradition and a destination when going for a Sunday a drive in the country in days gone by. Today, the lakeside cabins have been replaced with year round residences, the fishing tourney is but a memory and the farms are few and far between in this third ring St. Paul suburb.

Real estate in Forest Lake, MN in north Washington County and east Anoka County has seen homes priced under $200,000 selling significantly faster in the 2nd quarter than in the last year, though there has not be a significant increase in the number of homes sold A total of 16 single family homes were sold in Forest Lake and Forest Lake Township during this time period. The Cumulative Days on Market (CDOM) Statistic is down considerably in the 2nd quarter from 165 days to129 days for homes under $200,000 in Forest Lake. This is quite a bit better than what was seen in the first half of 2008 when the CDOM ranged from 211-286. Homes are selling much better in the lower price points…no doubt that the $8000 first time homebuyer tax credit had something to due with the picked up rate of sales in this price range.

It appears the high end homes will continue to struggle into 2009 with virtually no sales for homes priced over $500,000. All of these properties are lakeshore and many are beautiful executive residences on Forest Lake's picturesque First Lake. Currently, the Forest Lake community sits with nearly 5 years of inventory in the highend price range and with no homes sold in the second quarter…long after the ice has melted…it appears this end of the market is at a standstill.


With all this inventory, some sellers are getting aggressive with pricing. There are a few beautiful homes are currently on the market in Forest Lake at amazing prices; many are lakeshore and acreage properties. With this much inventory, motivated sellers will need to be flexible on pricing. It might be the perfect time to negotiate a GREAT deal on a lakeshore or acreage home! There are 46 active lakeshore homes for sale in the Forest Lake area and some are at attractive and affordable price points. Many lakehomes have been on the market for several months; some over a year. With the amazing low interest rates and few highend buyers, it could be a great time to negotiate a deal on your piece of Forest Lake Minnesota shoreline!

2nd Quarter 2009 Forest Lake real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $200,000~ 34 Active Listings, 11 Pending Listings, 16 Sold Listings, 129 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 1 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$200,000-$300,000 ~ 51 Active Listings, 10 Pending Listings, 8 Sold Listings, 180 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 5 Active, 1 Pending, 1 Sold)

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 29 Active Listings, 5 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listings, 190 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 6 Active, 2 Pending, 1 Sold)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 11 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listing, (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 6 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$500,000 and Up~ 28 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 28 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

Lakeshore available in the Forest Lake area: 46 Active Listings, 3 Pending Listings, 2 Sold

ListingsForest Lake lakeshore price range: $189,900-$2,600,000
42 Homes on Forest Lake
1 Homes on Clear Lake
2 Home on Comfort Lake
1 Home on Heims Lake (Environmental Lakeshore)

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 4 /1/09 through 6/30/09.


Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

2008 Real Estate Market Statistics Ham Lake, Forest Lake, Lino Lakes and Blaine MN….It’s All in the Details!

Real estate marketing statistics have been thrown around in the media lately as commonly and as randomly as a toddler tosses around a bowl full of Cheerios. Just like those darn O’s, numbers and stats are everywhere! But with so random of a disbursement, does a home buyer or seller really get what they mean?

Since the beginning of the year, I have been posting real estate market statistics for the communities in the north metro where I do the bulk of my business. While I work in Anoka County, Southern Chisago County, North and Eastern Ramsey County and North Washington County, the focus of my business is Ham Lake, Blaine, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake and Centennial school districts.

There are two types of reporting that I post. The first is a quick snapshot report that includes information taken directly from the Minneapolis REALTORS® Association Top 100+ Report that includes statistics for 205 different Twin Cities communities. I put these stats along with a quick synopsis of what happened during the past year. I have done quite a few of these "short and sweet" looks into the basic real estate housing stats for several communities.

Housing Statistic Snapshots

But as is said, the devil is in the details (or God as the case may be). I have another version of market reports for specific communities are not snapshots. In the communities that I work in on a daily basis, I want to really help people to understand the market so I take good hard look at the real estate sales on a quarterly basis and post a more detailed report. I also post a year end review several communities I work in and know well.

When I take the time to pull statistics directly from the Twin Cities Multiple Listing Service (MLS) I look for specific details like cumulative days on the market (CDOM). This comes into play every time a home is relisted as a new listing in the MLS. The snapshots DOM do not take relisting into account so the time on the market appears to be much shorter than it really is in some area.

I also look at CDOM by price point. Homes in the lower price ranges are selling much more quickly that in the higher price points. A quick overview does not get that specific.

Since each community is unique, I will examine different things in different areas. Blaine has an abundance of townhomes. Since townhomes are lingering on the market in all price points, this does have an affect on the CDOM if the sales are looked as an aggregate. But if the townhomes and single family homes are looked at separately, the details give home buyers and sellers more useful information than a one-size-fits-all quick look at the market. Now in Forest Lake, lakeshore homes are a focus while in Ham Lake and Lino Lakes, acreage comes into play.

Knowing how to pull the right comparables and read the market comes from knowing a specific area and what makes the community different. Finding a REALTOR® that knows the details is imperative when buying or and selling a home in this topsy-turvey, continually changing real estate market. There is no one-size-fits-all agent when buying or selling a home today. It is necessary to work with an expert.

Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com

Ham Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Year End 2008

The City of Ham Lake has a rich history. Incorporated in 1974, Ham Lake became a city after over a hundred years of humble but steady growth. The area was first settled in 1855 by a group of Scottish men on the southwest side of Ham Lake. Though, I can only assume that the lake itself got its name due to its unusual “ham hock” shape, the community started out with a different name. The original name of the community was Glen Carey, which is the Scottish translation of “beautiful valley”. Following a prairie fire in 1857, the first settlers moved but the community was resettled again. The new Scandinavian settlers had a hard time with the pronunciation of Glen Carey and soon the fledging community was known as Ham Lake. Anoka County officially was recognized it as a township in 1871. In the early 1900’s Central Avenue (Highway 65) was a slow commute as it was a wagon trail through the sand and swampland. And we think going through stop light after stop light slows traffic. Though it was graveled and paved at some point, it 1954 before was expanded to four lanes.

Those four lanes are in full use now as more and more people look to buying home on acreage in the Ham Lake area. Though the sluggish real estate market has affected Ham Lake, MN and Anoka County in 2008, homes did sell. Homes are stayed on the market longer with an average Cumulative Days-on-Market (CDOM) of 158 days for homes during 2008. Note that CDOM for homes over $500,000 are the only homes with extremely long market times, selling with an average CDOM of 287.

While there are 13% fewer homes on the market in Ham Lake now compared to January 2008 (110 versus 126 active listings), homes are taking a bit longer to sell so there continues to be more homes on the market than buyers. Homeowners considering selling a home in the Ham Lake area must consider the average time to sell a home in the area is approximately 5-6 months but inventory levels indicate a different story. Inventory levels are manageable for homes under $200,000 with about 12 months of inventory. But it rises to 18 to 24 months in prices between $200,000 and $500,000. Over $500,000 there is over five years of inventory. Having your home properly priced and prepared for showings will be essential if planning to sell a home in this Anoka County community in 2009.

Year End 2008 Ham Lake residential real estate statistics for single family homes:
Under $200,000~ 27 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 30 Sold Listings, CDOM 144 (All existing homes)

$200,000-300,000 ~ 29 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 17 Sold Listings, CDOM 166 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 1 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold)

$300,000-400,000 ~ 33 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 18 Sold Listings, CDOM 157 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 8 Active, 0 Pending, 2 Sold)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 24 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 12 Sold Listings, CDOM 156 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 3 Active, 1 Pending, 1 Sold)

$500,000 and Up~ 22 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, CDOM 287 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 7 Active, 0 Pending, 2 Sold)

Lakeshore available in the City of Ham Lake:8 Active Listings

Ham Lake lakeshore price range: $245,000-$945,000

3 Homes on Coon Lake
2 Homes on Lake Amelia
1 Home on Ham Lake
2 Home on Little Coon Lake
**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1/1/08 through 12/31/08.

Featured Listing in Ham Lake Minnesota: 17721 Durant St NE

Articles on Ham Lake, Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• Where's the Playground? A Key to Parks in Ham Lake Minnesota


• Do you Have your Eye on a Real Estate SLEEPER?


• Extremely Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore!


• Buying a Home on Minnesota Wetland--Affordable Beauty and Privacy!


• Dreaming of Life on Minnesota Acreage? Must have INFO Before YOUR Move!

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 or Homebuyers Success 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.
Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com

Forest Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Year End 2008

Forest Lake, Minnesota is well known throughout the Twin Cities area. Many people from the city remember the northeast St. Paul suburb fondly from years gone by as a summer vacation spot, an annual ice fishing tournament tradition or as a destination when going for a Sunday a drive in the country. Today, the lakeside cabins have been replaced with year round residences, the fishing tourney is but a memory and the farms are few and far between in this third ring St. Paul suburb. Though housing sales have slowed down considerably in many northern suburbs during the past few years due to continued concern of increased gas prices, Forest Lake is holding its own.


Real estate in Forest Lake, MN in north Washington County and east Anoka County continues to sell. A total of 125 single family homes were sold in Forest Lake and Forest Lake Township during 2008. The Cumulative Days on Market (CDOM) Statistic ran at 165 days for all homes sold during the year. In the first and second quarter the CDOM was well over 211-286, so at the end of the year homes started selling at a faster pace.


Not surprisingly, the price category of under $200,000 is the high point of the year. With 49 listings sold at an average CDOM of just under 4 months, it appears buyers are out there shopping for homes under $200K. It is a bit slower in the $200,000-300,000 category in this market, 6 months worth of inventory is very manageable.

All year, high end homes struggled for sales. In the second half of the year three times the number of homes sold in the $300,000-400,000 category than in the first six months. Sellers are becoming more realistic on pricing and inventory is starting to move. Homes over $500,000 have sales at a near standstill. Currently, the Forest Lake community sits with nearly 5 years of inventory in this price range and no relief appears to be in sight.

Great homes are currently on the market in Forest Lake at amazing prices; many are lakeshore and acreage properties. With this much inventory, sellers will need to be flexible on pricing. It might be the perfect time to negotiate a GREAT deal on a lakeshore home!


Lakeshore opportunities have been abundant in the Forest Lake area throughout 2008! There are more listings than ever before at incredible prices too! The inventory is awesome…40 lakeshore homes are currently active and some at attractive and affordable price points. Many have been on the market for several months. With the amazing low interest rates and few buyers looking at frozen lakeshore, it could be a great time to negotiate a deal on your piece of Minnesota shoreline!


Year End 2008 Forest Lake real estate statistics for single family homes:


Under $200,000~ 35 Active Listings, 8 Pending Listings, 49 Sold Listings, 118 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 0 Active, 2 Pending, 1 Sold)

$200,000-$300,000 ~ 35 Active Listings, 3 Pending Listings, 45 Sold Listings, 168 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 4 Active, 0 Pending, 2 Sold)


$300,000-$400,000 ~ 22 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 19 Sold Listings, 240 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 6 Active, 0 Pending, 5 Sold)


$400,000-$500,000 ~ 10 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 7 Sold Listing, 144 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 6 Active, 0 Pending, 2 Sold)


$500,000 and Up~ 27 Active Listings, 9 Pending Listings, 5 Sold Listings 349 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 24 Active, 0 Pending, 4 Sold)



Lakeshore available in the Forest Lake area:


47 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 16 Sold Listings


Forest Lake lakeshore price range: $224,900-$2,100,000


35 Homes on Forest Lake
3 Homes on Clear Lake
1 Home on Shields Lake
1 Home on Howard Lake



**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1 /1/08 through 12/31/08.



Articles on Forest Lake, Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move!


• Extremely Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore!


• Relocating to Forest Lake MN? The Schools are Full of Ranger Pride!


• Think Now is a GREAT Time to Make a DEAL on a MN Lakeshore Home? You Are SO Right!


• Lakeshore Market Statistics for Forest Lake, MN—Clear Lake & Forest Lake Sales


• Does "Minnesota Nice" Affect the Real Estate Market? "Yah, You Betcha!"

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 or Homebuyers Success 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.
Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!
Copyright 2009 terieckholm.com

Blaine, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 3rd Quarter 2008

Blaine is expanding by leaps and bounds in the north metro of the Twin Cities. The residential real estate construction boom in Blaine during the past decade has slowed but not stopped making new and existing home purchase opportunities very affordable. Conveniently located along 35W and Highway 65 and connected by Highway 10 just north of the Twin Cities, Blaine is an attractive location for both business and residential development. The community is served by three school districts; Anoka Hennepin District #11, Centennial District #12, and Spring Lake Park District #16. Blaine is best known for the National Sports Center a sport and meeting facility that hosts an annual worldwide soccer event and Tournament Players Club golf course where the PGA Senior tour is played every summer.

Real estate in Blaine, MN in Anoka County is affordable and selling—though admittedly at a slower pace than most sellers would like. The third quarter numbers show area homes are staying on the market an average of 162 days. Single family homes are selling faster than townhomes/condos with an average of 154 CDOM (Cumulative Days on Market) verses 183 CDOM. And newly constructed homes are out pacing existing homes with 107 CDOM to 164 CDOM. The overall CDOM statistic for Blaine compares with other areas of the north metro like Lino Lakes with a 151 CDOM, Forest Lake with a 167 DOM and Ham Lake with 210 CDOM. (Links to statistical reports for these communities are listed below.)

Last year, homes in Blaine were selling a bit faster than other areas of Anoka County but the slowdown in existing sales seems to have overtaken this community as well. New Construction is a bright spot with homes selling at a brisk 107 CDOM and in less than 6 weeks in some price points.

Buyers looking at single family homes under $300,000 in Blaine have an inventory over 200 homes to choose from currently on the market. At a rate of 30 per month sold, the inventory is manageable. Looking at current inventory levels and the rate of sales for single family residential homes priced under $300,000, there is about 7 months of inventory as it stands today. This is up a bit from last year at this time when there was about 5-6 months of inventory at the same time period.

Higher price homes are selling faster than last year. Still, they have to compete with new construction for the buyers. Note that one third of the homes sold over $300,000 sold in the 3rd quarter are new construction. If you have a higher priced existing home on the market, be aware of the builder incentives being offered as they do affect your ability to sell.

The townhome and condominium market has exploded in Blaine and builders have pulled out all the stops bringing pricing down. There is considerably less new construction townhome inventory on the market with only about 8 months of inventory compared with nearly 3 years of inventory at this time last year. Existing townhome sellers still must make their prices very attractive even though some of the builders’ inventory is down. There are still a significant number of builders with new townhomes available in the same area and they are making deals as evidenced by their very low 40 CDOM compared with 183 CDOM for existing townhomes and condos.

3rd Quarter Blaine residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $300,000~ 222 Active Listings, 36 Pending Listings, 95 Sold Listings, 152 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 17 Active, 2 Pending, 6 Sold, 167 CDOM )

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 51 Active Listings, 8 Pending Listings, 28 Sold Listings, 143 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 15 Active, 5 Pending, 10 Sold, 49 CDOM)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 26 Active Listings, 3 Pending Listings, 9 Sold Listings, 135 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 8 Active, 3 Pending, 3 Sold, 44 CDOM)

$500,000-$1,000,000~ 47 Active Listings, 4 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, 285 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 12 Active, 2 Pending, 2 Sold, 77 CDOM)

$1,000,000 and Up ~ 1 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (New Construction Subgroup 0 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

3rd Quarter Blaine residential real estate statistics for townhomes and condos:

Under $300,000~ 143 Active Listings, 26 Pending Listings, 64 Sold Listings, 183 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 36 Active, 5 Pending, 18 Sold, 40 CDOM)

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 33 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (New Construction Subgroup 10 Active, 1 Pending, 0 Sold )

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 11 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (New Construction Subgroup 6 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$500,000-$1,000,000~ 11 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (New Construction Subgroup 1 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

For additional information on any current Blaine real estate listing or for additional information on buying a home in Blaine contact Teri Eckholm directly at 651-336-7073.

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 7/1/08 through 9/30/08.

Articles on Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• Does "Minnesota Nice" Affect the Real Estate Market? "Yah, You Betcha!"


• Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move!


• Lakeshore Market Statistics for Forest Lake, MN—Clear Lake & Forest Lake Sales


• Lino Lakes, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 3rd Quarter 2008


• Circle Pines & Lexington, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 3rd Quarter 2008


• Forest Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Third Quarter 2008


• Ham Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 3rd Quarter 2008

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 terieckholm.com

Lino Lakes, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 3rd Quarter 2008

Lino Lakes continues to grow and real estate is affordable. Conveniently located near the junction of the 35E and 35W split north of the Twin Cities, Lino Lakes is a 33 square miles treasure. With 13 lakes and acres of beautiful protected wetland, the community is served by three school districts; Centennial District #12, Forest Lake District #831, and White Bear Lake District #624. The gem attraction is the pristine 2,700-acre Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve is situated within the heart of the city. Lino Lakes is committed to maintain this treasure and its natural settings and wildlife habitats for years to come.

Real estate in Lino Lakes, MN in Anoka County is still selling. During the third quarter, single family homes had a cumulative days on the market statistic (DOM) of 151 days or about five months average selling time in the Lino Lakes area. While encouraging, these are summer numbers and it will be interesting to see if the momentum continues into the fall and winter. Active homes priced under $300,000 seem to be selling well and with thirteen in pending, it seems there is still some momentum as we head into October in this category. There currently is about a six month absorption rate meaning it will take six months for the current inventory of homes to be sold if no additional homes are listed. Lino Lakes existing homes continue to compete with available new construction in Hugo and Blaine. But as it is in southern Anoka County, its sales figures do not tend to be as stagnant as northern Anoka County communities like Ham Lake and Linwood.

High end home sales are starting to move in Lino Lakes. This is welcome news as no high end homes were sold in the first quarter of 2008. There were still just a handful of sales in the $400,000-$500,000 category but the 6 sales over $500,000 is an encouraging sign.
Acreage opportunities are abundant in the Lino Lakes area! From one acre parcels to 15 acre hobby farms, Anoka County as quite a selection of homes in the Lino Lakes area. Many have been on the market for a quite a while. With continued low interest rates, it is a great time to negotiate a deal on your piece of Minnesota acreage!

1st Quarter Lino Lakes residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $300,000~ 50 Active Listings, 13 Pending Listings, 22 Sold Listings, 145 DOM
$300,000-$400,000 ~ 30 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 7 Sold Listings, 145 DOM
$400,000-$500,000 ~ 13 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listing, 181 DOM
$500,000 and Up~ 13 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 6 Sold Listings, 152 DOM

Lakeshore available in the City of Lino Lakes:
4 Active Listings
Lino Lakes lakeshore price range: $324,900-$698,000

1 Home on Baldwin Lake
1 Home on Otter Lake
2 Home on Reshanau Lake

Acreage properties available in Lino Lakes:

12 properties listed on 1-2 Acres priced between $89,900-$799,900
2 property listed on 3-5 Acres priced at $264,900-$550.000
3 properties listed on 5-10 Acres priced at $319,900-$579,900
1 property listed on 10-15 Acres priced at $689,900
1 property listed on 20 Acres priced at $429,900
1 property listed on 80 Acres priced at $6,000,000

**All Sold and Pending Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 7/1/08 through 9/30/08.
Articles on Lino Lakes, Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move!


• EXTREMELY Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore!


• Forest Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Third Quarter 2008


• Circle Pines & Lexington, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 3rd Quarter 2008


• Ham Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 3rd Quarter 2008


• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distraction—Homeowner Version: D’oh! Homer at Home in Centerville

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 terieckholm.com

Forest Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Third Quarter 2008

Forest Lake, Minnesota in the northeast metro Twin Cities area holds a special place in the hearts of many Minnesotans. Many residents of Minneapolis, St. Paul or one of the first ring suburbs will remember Forest Lake fondly from decades ago as a summer vacation spot or place to go for a drive in the country. Today, the lakeside cabins have been replaced with year round homes and the rural nature is all but a thing of the past in this thriving St. Paul suburb. Though housing growth has slowed down drastically in the past year or two in many northern suburbs due to ever increasing gas prices, Forest Lake is holding its own.

Real estate in Forest Lake, MN in north Washington County and east Anoka County continues to sell but slowly. The Days on Market (DOM) Statistic is currently running at about 167 days for all homes sold. When the six month numbers showed area homes had stayed on the market an average of 211days, this is welcome news.If we look at sold homes in the under $300,000 category the absorption rate is at a 7 month level which is down from 11 months at mid-year and significantly lower than the first quarter 24 month high. Summer weather for selling lakeshore may have contributed to this lower statistic. But high end homes continue to struggle for sales. Only eight homes sold in the 3 summer months in the $400,000 plus price category. Currently, the Forest Lake community sits with over 4 years of inventory when factoring in the sales of the first three quarters sales on high priced homes. Great homes at amazing prices are out there on lakeshore and acreage properties. With this much inventory, sellers will be forced to consider offers and be flexible when negotiating if they NEED to sell their home. However, it is an ideal time for and astute buyer to negotiate a GREAT deal on a lakeshore home!

Lakeshore opportunities are abundant in the Forest Lake area! There are more listings than ever before at incredible prices too! The inventory levels are awesome…49 lakeshore homes currently active. Many have been on the market for a quite a while. With continued low interest rates, it is a great time to negotiate a deal on your piece of Minnesota shoreline!

Mid Year 2008 Forest Lake real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $300,000~ 86 Active Listings, 6 Pending Listings, 38 Sold Listings, 164 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 5 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 32 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 8 Sold Listings, 175 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 6 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 17 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listing, 138 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 8 Active, 0 Pending, 3 Sold)

$500,000 and Up~ 35 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings 231 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 30 Active, 1 Pending, 4 Sold)

Lakeshore available in the Forest Lake area:

49 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 7 Sold Listings

Forest Lake lakeshore price range: $210,900-$2,100,000

43 Homes on Forest Lake

3 Homes on Clear Lake

1 Home on Shields Lake

1 Home on Heims Lake
1 Home on Comfort Lake

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 7/1/08 through 9/30/08.

Articles on Forest Lake, Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• Does "Minnesota Nice" Affect the Real Estate Market? "Yah, You Betcha!"
• Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move!
• Extremely Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore!
• Relocating to Forest Lake MN? The Schools are Full of Ranger Pride!
• Forest Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Mid Year 2008
• Wyoming, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 3rd Quarter 2008

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 terieckholm.com

Wyoming, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 3rd Quarter 2008

The City of Wyoming, Minnesota on the northeastern edge of the Twin Cities metropolitan area is a hidden gem! According to the city's website the town was named after the first settlers who in 1855 relocated from the Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania. Wyoming boasts its own police and fire departments, city utilities, library, hospital, elementary school and several community parks. Neighborhood shopping is great with a cute coffee shop, drug store and grocery store in the heart of the town.

Activities are abundant in Wyoming. Not only is the center of the community located smack dab on the walking/biking/snowmobile trail that runs along Hwy 61, there is the new Stars and Strikes bowling, laser tag, restaurant and meeting facility too. Several great fishing lakes are nearby including, Forest Lake, Coon Lake and Comfort Lake. Hunting is a favorite activity of many Wyoming residents as areas of Carlos Avery State Wildlife Management area are within its border. Wyoming Elementary is an integral part of the Forest Lake District 831 school district which provides community sports and activities for individuals of all ages.

Commuting into St. Paul or Minneapolis is a breeze from Wyoming as most residences are a within 3-5 minute drive to I35. The city is just 3 miles north of Forest Lake which is home to the NEW Park and Ride lot for an express commute to downtown Minneapolis.

A good fall pumpkin crop isn't the only big surprise for Wyoming, MN. Real estate in southern Chisago County is finally selling at a pace similar to other areas in the metro. The cumulative Days on Market (DOM) Statistic for single family homes in Wyoming was 163 days or just over 5 months in the third quarter. This time frame is down significantly from the 7 months/214 DOM statistic in the first half of 2008.

Inventory levels are significantly lower in all price points which is a good indicator of a positive trend. Though the highest number of homes available is in price points under $300,000, this category is selling faster translating to about 10 months of inventory. But homes at higher price points still struggle for sales. A DOM of 74 days sounds great in the $400,000-$500,000 category but with only one sale, it is an anomaly. With inventory levels down and sales up, Wyoming is in a better position than it was earlier this year. Current numbers show about 11 months of inventory for Wyoming homes over $300,000, as compared with 4 years of inventory based on sales in the first half of the year.

The amazing deals on the homes in the Wyoming area reflect the changed market. The prices on many existing homes for sale in the Wyoming community have been priced aggressively to entice buyers to drive just a little further north.

Mid Year 2008 Wyoming residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $300,000 ~ 38 Active Listings, 8 Pending Listings, 12 Sold Listings, 136 DOM

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 17 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 5 Sold Listings, 302 DOM

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 1 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listing, 74 DOM

$500,000 and Up ~ 4 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings, N/A DOM

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 7 /1/08 through 9/30/08.

Photo Featured Home in Wyoming MN:


25797 Freeport Avenue, Wyoming, MN 55092



Articles on Wyoming, Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• Wyoming, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Mid Year 2008
• Lendt’s Pumpkin Patch—A Fall Tradition in Wyoming, MN
• Does "Minnesota Nice" Affect the Real Estate Market? "Yah, You Betcha!"
• Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move!
• Relocating to Forest Lake MN? The Schools are Full of Ranger Pride!

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 terieckholm.com

Circle Pines & Lexington, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 3rd Quarter 2008

Circle Pines is a small city, approximately 2 square miles, in Anoka County. The neighboring community, Lexington is even smaller encompassing less than one square mile of land. Both little communities are often overlooked since they are sandwiched between Blaine, Lino Lakes just to the north of Shoreview.

Circle Pines might be small but is thriving and has a unique history. According to Circle Pines and Lexington History, it was one of the first cooperative communities started in 1946 in an area between the townships of Blaine and Centerville in Southern Anoka County. According to the Circle Pines website, the symbol of the cooperative was a pine tree with a circle around it; thus the name Circle Pines. Though the unique development idea only lasted 3 years due to financial and leadership problems, the name remained. One benefit of its cooperative past is that Circle Pines is the only suburban city that operates its own natural-gas distribution company which serves part of Lino Lakes. The community is a part of the Centennial School District is home to Golden Lake and acres of wetlands.

Real estate in the communities of Circle Pines and Lexington is affordable and selling. Single family homes are affordable and tend to sell briskly compared with other communities in Anoka County. Single family homes are staying on the market an average of 115 CDOM (Cumulative Days on the Market.) Like neighboring areas, higher priced homes sales are stagnant or non-existent in the Circle Pines/Lexington community. The overall DOM is not affected too drastically as there are very few high price point homes in this area. Townhomes/condos are selling a bit more slowly with a 163 CDOM. Prices reductions on townhomes are drastic in this area due to the abundance of new construction in the neighboring community of Blaine. Amazing deals can be had for the astute first time condo home buyer.

2008 Mid Year Sales Statistics for Circle Pines/Lexington residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $200,000~ 17 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 12 Sold Listings, CDOM 124

$200,000-$300,000 ~ 9 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, CDOM 86

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 0 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings, CDOM 265

$400,000-$500,000~ 2 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings

$500,000 and Up ~ 4 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings


2008 Mid Year Sales Statistics for Circle Pines/Lexington residential real estate statistics for townhomes and condos:

Under $200,000~ 23 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 8 Sold Listings, CDOM 163

$200,000-$300,000 ~ 5 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 7/1/08 through 9/30/08.


Photo Featured Circle Pines Listing:
401 Village Parkway, Circle Pines, MN 55014


Other Listings in the Northern Metro:

• 15139 E Vermillion Circle NE, Ham Lake, MN 55304
• 25797 Freeport Ave, Wyoming, MN 55092

Articles on Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• Anoka County Foreclosures Rate Highest in Metro-How Does this Affect Homeowners?
• Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move!
• EXTREMELY Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore!

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 terieckholm.com

Year End Real Estate Market Statistics for Lindstrom, Minnesota

Lindstrom is known throughout Minnesota as America’s little Sweden. Lindstrom was first settled by Daniel Lindstrom who left Sweden for America in 1853. A statue of Karl and Kristina Oskar, the fictitious characters that symbolize Swedish peasants who migrated to America over one hundred years ago, is a focal point for visitors to the Lindstrom community. Lindstrom is one of four cities that comprise the Chisago Lakes Area. The area is named after an Indian phrase, "Ki Chi Saga," which means "fair & lovely waters." Swedish immigrants referred to it as, "The Big Lake," as many of today's area lakes comprised one large lake.

Currently real estate in Lindstrom, MN in Chisago County is selling slowly. Being a bit east of the main metro area, it is often overlooked by home buyers as too far out. With the recent Highway 8 improvements and the brand new Park and Ride in Forest Lake, Lindstrom is worth a second look. As homes linger on the market in this area, sellers are negotiating and relisted properties are coming in at lower asking prices. There are great prices on new construction, nearly new homes and lakeshore properties throughout the community of Lindstrom.

In other Twin Cities counties, inventory levels are sitting at about 4-6 months but Lindstrom levels are a bit higher. Homes under $200,000 are in the best position to sell in Lindstrom as there is currently only 8 months of inventory on the market based on last years sales. Inventory levels are a bit higher than demand in the $200,000-$300,000 price range with just over a years worth of inventory. In the over $300,000 price range, it will take over three years to sell all of the currently listed homes if sales continue at this slower pace.
Lakeshore opportunities are abundant in Lindstrom! The combination of an amazing inventory of 22 lakeshore homes on 8 different lakes, long market times, and low interest rates, creates the perfect situation as sellers should be ready to negotiate an acceptable deal for the sale of your piece of shoreline!

2007 Year End Lindstrom residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $200,000~ 21 Active Listings, 4 Pending Listings, 31 Sold Listings, 140 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 1 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$200,000-$300,000 ~ 32 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 28 Sold Listings, 182 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 4 Active, 0 Pending, 4 Sold)

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 21 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 7 Sold Listing, 162 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 6 Active, 0 Pending, 3 Sold)

$400,000 and Up~ 13 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings 279 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 11 Active, 0 Pending, 3 Sold)

Lakeshore available in the Lindstrom, MN
22 Active Listings

Lindstrom lakeshore price range: $169,900-$747,777

4 Homes on Kroon Lake
1 Home on NEDS Environmental Lakeshore
3 Homes on North Center Lake
4 Homes on North Lindstrom Lake
7 Homes on South Center Lake
1 Home on South Lindstrom Lake
1 Home on Spider Lake
1 Home on Vibo Lake

**All SOLD Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1/1/07 through 12/31/07. Current pending and active listings statistics as of 3/4/08.

FEATURED LINDSTROM LISTING:
29541 Shoreview Circle, Lindstrom, MN 55045

Articles on Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• Does "Minnesota Nice" Affect the Real Estate Market? "Yah, You Betcha!"


• Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move!


• Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore

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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, MN Real Estate Market Statistics 4th Quarter 2007

The sluggish real estate market continues to affect Ham Lake, MN and Anoka County in the fourth quarter of 2007. Homes are staying on the market longer with an average Days-on-Market (DOM) of 220 days for homes sold in the 4th Quarter (compared to 157 DOM during the 3rd Quarter). Note that DOM for homes under $300,000 is a significantly lower time on the market, selling with an average DOM of 155.

While there are 30% fewer homes on the market in Ham Lake, 110 versus 158 at the end of the third quarter, homes are taking a bit longer to sell so there continues to be more homes on the market than buyers. Homeowners considering selling a home in the Ham Lake area must consider the average time to sell a home in the area is approximately 5-8 months. A home must be properly priced and prepared for showings to sell effectively in the Ham Lake market today.

Additional 4th Quarter Ham Lake residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $300,000~ 36 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 10 Sold Listings, DOM 155 (All existing homes)

$300,000-400,000 ~ 24 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 5 Sold Listings, DOM 222 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 1 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 20 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 6 Sold Listings, DOM 257 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 3 Active, 0 Pending, 2 Sold)

$500,000 and Up~ 30 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, DOM 390 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 9 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

Lakeshore available in the City of Ham Lake:
6 Active Listings

Ham Lake lakeshore price range: $267,900-$945,000

1 Homes on Coon Lake
2 Homes on Lake Amelia
1 Home on Ham Lake
1 Home on Lake Netta
1 Home on Mallard Lake

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 10/1/07 through 12/31/07.

Featured Listing in Ham Lake Minnesota:
3608 Woodland Drive

Articles on Ham Lake, Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• Where's the Playground? A Key to Parks in Ham Lake Minnesota


• What Makes a House a Home-Ham Lake, MN


• Does "Minnesota Nice" Affect the Real Estate Market? "Yah, You Betcha!"


• Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move!


• Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore

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/

A Snapshot of Real Estate Across the Twin Cities and the US

This week I took part in a real estate experiment of sorts. Actually it was more of a survey of days on the market (DOM) for homes sold across the US. Several of my colleagues and I are tired of the gloom and doom numbers being touted by the national media. While things are slower in certain areas of the nation, the overall numbers are not as bad as the talking heads on the nightly news suggest.

See, real estate is local. Remember the real estate mantra…Location. Location. Location? We have to consider the location to get a true picture of the real estate market place.

Based on this theory, Ashley Drake Gephart, Keller Williams Realtor in Albuquerque, New Mexico compiled current information from Realtors throughout the US for her post, US Real Estate Agents Weigh In. Ashley wanted honest numbers from communities across the nation from actual agents. So as she puts it, “without any fluff or twisting of numbers, here they are…”

Looking at these numbers without the added analysis from someone working the market, you might be concerned about a 248 DOM for November. But what I pointed out to Ashley is that Ham Lake is a very specific area in the north end of the Twin Cities. Only dozen or so properties sell each month. During November, three high-end properties were sold. These homes list priced at $475,000-$750,000 take a significantly longer time to sell as I have indicated in previous Ham Lake market posts. The fact that three high end properties sold in one month, though skewing the DOM, is actually a good sign for the Ham Lake market.

Here is a picture of how the Ham Lake DOM stacks up against the county DOM for the north and northeast Twin Cities metro:

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 9/1/07 through 11/30/07.

DOM numbers are cumulative meaning that if a home was re-listed several times with the same or a different Realtor, ALL of the days on the market counted. It also includes every residential property whether in foreclosure or new construction; townhome or single family. When unique situations or designs are broken out, the numbers can change dramatically. Townhomes are taking longer to sell as are homes in foreclosure. New construction homes can be on the market for one day when a buyer sees a model but selects a different lot not currently MLS listed.

Note the other anomaly in Chisago County in October with a 229 DOM. Out of the 39 homes sold, one had a 1083 DOM. Yes, that is nearly 3 years! Some homes for whatever reason, can take that long to sell but it does not present a true picture of the market. Notice that in November, the Chisago County DOM was back to 130 days.

In my market, I tell people considering selling their home that the average time on the market in the north and northeast metro is approximately 4 months. The further from the Twin Cities and the higher your price, the longer it will take to sell your home. If your home is not in the optimal condition, it will take longer.

I also tell buyers looking to buy that first home or move into something bigger, it is a great time to buy! Just look at all of the options you have with so many great homes on the market AND low interest rates. A great combination for home buyers!

Bottomline here is this: If you want a true picture of the real estate market call an experienced Realtor who works in that community and ask. It’s not gloom and doom all over.

Need more information on the Albuquerque market or any of the other markets listed? Here are the links to the agents that provided the information for Ashley’s article.

• Ashley Drake Gephart Albuquerque NM real estate


• Missy Caulk Ann Arbor MI real estate


• Terry McDonald Charlotte NC market reports


• Cyndee Haydon Clearwater Beach FL real estate


• Chris Tesch College Station TX real estate


• Susie Roscoe Brandon, FL real estate


• Stephanie Edwards-Musa Houston, TX real estate


• Janis Gagliardi Port Orange, FL real estate
  

FEATURED Listings in Ham Lake and Forest Lake Minnesota:

• 3608 Woodland Drive, Ham Lake


• 20685 Georgia Ave N, Forest Lake

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 2007 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/