Speechless Sunday (Almost) Plant a Butterfly Garden

Walking through a park in Maplewood, Minnesota last summer, I came across directions posted on how to plant prairie butterfly garden.  Follow these simple directions to attract bumble bees and butterflies this spring and summer by planning your own blossom filled oasis. Black-eyed Susans, cone flowers, prairie phlox and clover are just a few of the native plants that are perfect additions to your landscape...if it ever stops raining, that is!

Gardens and perennial flower beds boost curb appeal by making a home cheerful and inviting if you should ever decide to sell too.

Need more landscaping tips to add value to your Ramsey County home? Ask Me! I Can Help!

 Need More Ideas Home Selling Tips? 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 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 2019 terieckholm.com

10 Reasons People LOVE to Call North St Paul MN HOME!

So what is the big draw to the town with the giant ever-smiling snowman? There is a love for this unique town that goes beyond the iconic snowman greeting those passing by on Highway 36.

People love living in North St Paul. The City of North St Paul, is located just EAST of St. Paul Minnesota along Highway 36. It is a quaint little town with a rich history that was founded in 1870 by Henry Castle on the banks of Silver Lake. He named the town’s main streets after his children, Henry, Helen, Margaret and Charles. When it incorporated in 1887, 221 people called the Village of North St. Paul home. From those humble beginnings, the town has grown considerably. As of 2008, nearly 12,000 people call the City of North St. Paul, Minnesota home.

Here is a top ten list of reasons why this community is such a great place to live.

#10—Water and Electric. Most cities provide the basic utilities of water and electricity to its residents. But few communities can boast water from five wells drilled deep into the earth for a pure, natural source of drinking water as well as their own power grid and wind turbine like North St. Paul can!

#9—Local Police and Fire. The City of North St. Paul is proud to have its own police department and volunteer fire department.

#8—Cowern Elementary, Richardson Elementary, Webster Elementary and North St Paul High School. Go Polars! North St. Paul has three K-5 grade schools and a high school within its borders. Cowern and Webster Elementary schools are located on the south side of 36; Cowern at Margaret St and South Ave and Webster on North St Paul Rd just north of McKnight. While both Richardson Elementary and North High School are located on the north side of 36. Richardson bisects 16th Avenue and North is located along 11th Avenue. All three schools are an integral part of the North St. Paul/Maplewood/Oakdale School District #622.

#7—Silver Lake Park, Beach and Fishing Pier. Many North St. Paul children have learned to swim on brisk summer mornings in the water of Silver Lake , a tradition that continues into today! Warm summer afternoons the beach and playgrounds are full of swimmers, fishermen and picnickers. Although there are several other parks and playgrounds scattered throughout North St. Paul, Silver Lake is one of the most often visited.

#6—Unique taste treats! Homemade French fries at Village Pizza, Broasted Chicken from Pizza Factory and award winning homemade ice cream from the HomeTown Creamery ice cream shop are just a few of the delectable treats served daily in North St. Paul.

#5—Booya! The fall tradition of the North St. Paul fireman’s booya is an experience that no resident of North St Paul can resist! After a night of cooking up a ‘secret recipe’stew in giant pots, the volunteer fire department serves up their brew for all. Whether purchased by the bowl or pot, it is a fall tradition enjoyed by community residents for nearly a century!

#4— Friday Night History Cruz. Love classic cars? Spend a Friday evening in North St. Paul for the History Cruz. Hundreds of car enthusiasts invade the main street of downtown North St. Paul, 7th Avenue, to show off their prized vehicles and see the shiny chrome fenders of yesteryear.

#3—The Snowman. The snowman has been greeting the residents of North St. Paul since it was constructed in the 1970’s. It was originally downtown behind what is now K&J Catering, but later moved to a park at the corner of Hwy 36 and Margaret Street. For those keeping statistics, the snowman is 44 feet tall and weighs about 20 tons! The North St. Paul Snowman is also a social-media phenomena with nearly 10,000 likes on his Facebook Page.

#2—Eclectic Options for Living. Whether you want the convenience of a low-maintenance townhome, a historical turn of the century treasure, a 1950’s rambler or bungalow, or a recently constructed, modified two story, you can find an affordable option to rent or purchase in North St Paul.

#1—Friendly People. The number one reason for living in North St Paul is the welcoming community atmosphere. Isn’t that what most people search for in a place to call home?


Copyright 2012 www.terieckholm.com
 

Ready to Buy a Minnesota Lakeshore HOME? But How Safe is the Water?

A lakeshore home is the ideal of many a Minnesotan! And why not? When you live in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, one would be hard pressed not to drive by a lake, pond or river on a daily basis. Whether you are in Anoka, Ramsey, Chisago, Washington, Hennepin or any other county in our great state lakeshore is a plentiful and beautiful.

On an almost daily basis there is a news report regarding one of our wonderfully wet natural resources. Unfortunately, some of the news is not always so great: Eurasian milfoil, mercury in the fish and polluted waters are just a few of the concerns. Even those who live in the city are being asked to prevent grass clippings from going into the street and sewer systems as the chemicals that make our lawns so beautifully green, go through the storm drains and into our lakes. So how do you know if the sparkling pristine blue water of that Minnesota lakehome you want to buy is as clean as it looks?

As a REALTOR® working in the north and east Twin Cities metro, I do get asked questions regarding the quality of our lakes. After buyers are dazzled by the view of a lakeshore sunset, they want to know about water quality before they sign a purchase agreement. Lakeshore owners want to be able to fish, boat and swim in the water. So questions arise.

*Is the lake polluted?

*Are the fish safe to eat?

*Is there milfoil present?

*Is the water safe to swim in?
Finding these answers is simple. I direct my lakehome buyers to http://www.checkmylake.org/, a wonderful website devoted to MN lakeshore and recreation published by Conservation Minnesota. The site gives information great information on all of Minnesota’s lakes that have been tested for water quality.

A potential lakeshore buyer can find out whether the lake water is safe to swim in and whether the fish are safe to eat on a case by case basis. The lake search is very simple to use. Just put in the name and or county of the lake you are interested in and hit GO. I found that when I was looking for a big lake that overlaps into more than one county, like White Bear Lake, entering the lake name alone can be best because each lake is listed in only one county. (In the case of White Bear Lake, it listed as Washington County not Ramsey County.)

Pollution status is not the only feature of checkmylake.org. The website is updated daily with water facts, lake news and beach reports. You can also sign a petition to protect our lakes, volunteer to monitor lake quality, or submit a story about your favorite lake.

Now if you are looking for a great place to fish on a Ramsey County Lake, check out these links:

Fishing Piers in Ramsey County:

• Bald Eagle Lake
• Beaver Lake
• Lake Gervais
• Island Lake
• Lake Josephine
• Keller Regional Park (Round Lake)
• Long Lake
• Lake McCarrons

Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm 

White Bear Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics First Quarter 2010

Just about everyone who grew up in the Twin Cities north and east metro is familiar with the White Bear Lake community. Whether your memories are of passing the iconic gigantic snow white bear statue at Polar Chev, swimming at Bellaire beach or setting sail across White Bear Lake, everyone seems to know something about the community. But few know the legends that surround the lake and that Manitou Island is at the center of it all. The legend has been documented by several writers but the most notable was Mark Twain who wrote of the Indian warrior who killed the great monster of a polar bear to save himself and his lover in his book, “Life of the Mississippi”.

Legends aside, today the White Bear Lake community is a vibrant area that is continually growing while preserving its rich heritage. There is no doubt that the shores of White Bear Lake are the most well known as one of the largest lakes in the north metro as it spreads from Ramsey County into Washington County. But there are two other lakes in the City of White Bear Lake: Birch Lake and Goose Lake as well as Bald Eagle Lake in White Bear Township. This town is the home of the White Bear Lake School District #624 and Century College while encompassing 11 square miles of land. Real estate opportunities include both historic homes and recently constructed residences. First time buyers, executive home buyers, retiring downsizers and luxury lakeshore buyers have a wide variety of options if the choose to call White Bear Lake home.

2009 Average Sales Price of all homes sold in White Bear Lake:

• All Homes $186,735


• Single Family Homes $192,195


• Townhomes/Condos $150,823

2009 Average Cumulative Days on Market in White Bear Lake:

• All Homes 146


• Single Family Homes 133


• Townhomes/Condos 153

Year End White Bear Lake residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $200,000~ 51 Active Listings, 33 Pending Listings, 30 Sold Listings, 119 CDOM
$200,000-300,000~69 Active Listings, 31 Pending Listings, 14 Sold Listings, 135 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 1 Active, 1 Pending, 1 Sold, 13 CDOM)
$300,000-$400,000 ~ 24 Active Listings, 7 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listings, 217 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 1 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 205 CDOM)
$400,000-$500,000 ~ 8 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (Lakeshore Subgroup 4 Active, 1 Pending, 0 Sold)
$500,000-$1,000,000~ 29 Active Listings, 3 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, 643 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 16 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 436 CDOM)
$1,000,000 and Up ~12 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 357 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 8 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 357 CDOM)

Year End White Bear Lake residential real estate statistics for townhomes and condos:
Under $200,000~ 53 Active Listings, 10 Pending Listings, 11 Sold Listings, 121 CDOM
$200,000-300,000~ 14 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 502 CDOM
$300,000-$400,000 ~ 8 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings
$400,000-$500,000 ~ 2 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings
$500,000-$1,000,000~ 5 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings

Lakeshore available in the White Bear Lake area
30 Active Listings

White Bear Lake lakeshore price range: $249,900-$3,200,000

4 Homes on Birch Lake
11 Homes on Bald Eagle Lake
15 Homes on White Bear Lake

For additional information on any current White Bear Lake real estate listing or for additional information on buying a home in White Bear Lake 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 1/1/10 through 3/31/10.

Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm

2009 Real Estate Sales Statistics for the North and East Metro—Snapshot VS Detailed Report

Real estate marketing statistics can be confusing. Local television news reports can seem to be conflicting and if you are a home owner or home buyer, you may have trouble understanding what you hear. On one channel there will be a news report proclaiming good news with rising average sales prices for several consecutive months in the Twin Cities metro area flip channels and there another talking head giving gloomy report of how foreclosures and short sales are causing a significant decline in the market value of homes in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

Since January, 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. That does include a good number of communities so it takes a bit of time to pull all of the information together.

There are two types of reports that I post. The first is a quick snapshot that includes information taken directly from the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS® website’s Top 100+ Report (a comprehensive database with statistics for 205 different Twin Cities communities). I pull these stats into a chart and post 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 north and east metro communities.

Housing Statistic Snapshots

• 2009 Year End Snapshot of Andover, MN Home Sales Statistics


• 2009 Year End Snapshot of Blaine, MN Home Sales Statistics


• 2009 Year End Snapshot of Centerville Market Statistics


• 2009 Year End Snapshot of Chisago City, MN Home Sales Statistics


• 2009 Year End Snapshot of Circle Pines, MN Home Sales Statistics


• 2009 Year End Snapshot of Columbus, MN Home Sales Statistics


• 2009 Year End Snapshot of Coon Rapids Market Statistics


• 2009 Year End Snapshot of East Bethel, MN Home Sales Statistics


• 2009 Year End Snapshot of Forest Lake MN Home Sales Statistics


• 2009 Year End Snapshot of Ham Lake, MN Home Sales Statistics


• 2009 Year End Snapshot of Hugo, MN Home Sales Statistics


• 2009 Year End Snapshot of Lino Lakes, MN Home Sales Statistics


• 2009 Year End Snapshot of Linwood, MN Home Sales Statistics


• 2009 Year End Snapshot of Mahtomedi, MN Home Sales Statistics


• 2009 Year End Snapshot of North St. Paul, MN Home Sales Statistics


• 2009 Year End Snapshot of Oakdale, MN Home Sales Statistics


• 2009 Year End Snapshot of White Bear Lake, MN Home Sales Statistics


• 2009 Year End Snapshot of White Bear Township, MN Home Sales Statistics


• 2009 Year End Snapshot of Wyoming, MN Home Sales Statistics

But as is said, the devil is in the details . 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.
Detailed Statistic Reports
Blaine, MN Year End Real Estate Market Statistics 2009
Forest Lake, MN Year End Real Estate Market Statistics for 2009
Ham Lake, MN Year End Real Estate Market Statistics for 2009
Lino Lakes, MN Year End Real Estate Market Statistics 2009
White Bear Lake, MN Year End Real Estate Market Statistics 2009
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 so different, 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 selling 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.


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 , Homebuyers Success Packet or sign up for Listingbook Twin Cities Home Search. 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 2010 Teri Eckholm

OPEN HOUSE Sunday February 28 1-3 BIRCH PONDS CONDOS--An Awesome Place to call HOME!

Spring is right around the corner! If you are planning to move as soon as the snow melts, you'd better hurry. There are only a few units still available in the Birch Pond Condominum community. Sunday I will be hosting an open house at 20 Windsor Lane and featuring a wonderful 3rd floor unit that has an awesome pond view! It is a wonderful spotless unit with 2 Bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms at a reduced price of $144,900! The home has an eat-in kitchen, formal dining area, huge livingroom, in unit laundry, and a screened/glassed in balcony.

OPEN House Sunday February 28 from 1-3PM

20 Windsor Lane #310A, New Brighton.

Hosted by Teri Eckholm RE/MAX Specialists

651-336-7073

For your convenience, additional Birch Pond condos will be open to view in 10 Windsor Lane during this same time period.

Not sure if you can attend the open house for 20 Windsor Lane #310A? Take a virtual tour NOW Clicking HERE!

Though there are countless reasons people love to call the condominium community of Birch Ponds home. Here is a list of my ten favorites.

Top Ten Reasons People ♥ ♥ ♥ Birch Ponds in New Brighton Minnesota!

10. Beautiful Pond. What a great place to take a walk, have a picnic or sit and relax. Residents with views of the pond from their balconies often consider this the best place to relax in the condo, while those without enjoy taking frequent strolls around the pond.
9. Professional Management. The association is professionally managed and works hard to keep the quality of service up while maintaining reasonable association fees.

8. Workshop. Be creative in the common hobby room/workshop that is located just off the garage in each building. And there is an assortment of tools available for resident use too.

7. Workout and Whirlpool. Keep fit by using the in building workout facilities. An assortment of workout equipment and free weights are located in the mini-gym of each building. Or just relax after a long day in the whirlpool.
6. Guest Suites. Most people do not have room to entertain out of town guests in their condo but this is not a problem at Birch Ponds. For a nominal daily fee, a guest of a resident can reserve and rent one of the guest suites that is located in either building.

5. Swimming Pool. Who doesn’t think an outdoor swimming pool looks incredibly inviting during the dog days of a Minnesota summer? Whether you enjoy sipping lemonade poolside or splashing with family and friends, having an outdoor pool at your disposal is a wonderful feature.

4. Underground Parking. Most units have at least one parking spot in the underground heated garage. And as a special bonus, both buildings offer a carwash stall allowing residents to have sparkling clean vehicles year round.

3. No Age Restrictions. This is not a senior only building though due to the amenities many of the residents are 55+. This makes Birch Ponds the perfect condo for anyone who wants a no-maintenance lifestyle!

2. Security. Key access to the building and unit and an intercom entry system is only just the start of the security that you will find at the Birch Pond complex. It is a friendly community of people that make a point to know their neighbors and keep a watchful eye on who is coming and going in the building for everyone’s safety and security.

1. Location, Location, Location. What a great area to live in! Birch Ponds is situated near the intersection of Silver Lake Rd and County Road E in New Brighton. Close to both 35 and 694 to access virtually any community in the Twin Cities within minutes! Plan on a quick commute to a theatrical evening at the Guthrie in downtown Minneapolis; or a action packed Minnesota Wild hockey game in downtown St. Paul. If shopping and traveling is more your style, Birch Ponds is just minutes from a shopping spree at the Mall of America and the Mpls/St Paul International airport!



Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm 

10 Reasons YOU Should Call North Saint Paul Minnesota HOME!

People love living in North St Paul. And I am not talking about living on the north side of Minnesota’s capital city; I am referring to the City of North St Paul, located just EAST of St. Paul Minnesota along Highway 36. It is a quaint little town with a rich history that was founded in 1870 by Henry Castle on the banks of Silver Lake. He named the town’s main streets after his children, Henry, Helen, Margaret and Charles. When it incorporated in 1887, 221 people called the Village of North St. Paul home. From those humble beginnings, the town has grown considerably. As of 2008, nearly 12,000 people call the City of North St. Paul, Minnesota home.

Here is a top ten list of reasons why this community is such a great place to live.

#10—Water and Electric. Most cities provide the basic utilities of water and electricity to its residents. But few communities can boast water from five wells drilled deep into the earth for a pure, natural source of drinking water as well as their own power grid and wind turbine like North St. Paul can!

#9—Local Police and Fire. The City of North St. Paul is proud to have its own police department and volunteer fire department.

#8—Cowern Elementary, Richardson Elementary and North St Paul High School. Go Polars! North St. Paul has two K-5 grade schools and a high school within its borders. Cowern Elementary is located on the south side of 36 at Margaret St and South Ave. While both Richardson Elementary and North High School are located on the north side of 36. Richardson bisects 16th Avenue and North is located along 11th Avenue. All three schools are an integral part of the North St. Paul/Maplewood/Oakdale School District #622.

#7—Silver Lake Park, Beach and Fishing Pier. Many North St. Paul children have learned to swim on brisk summer mornings in the water of Silver Lake , a tradition that continues into today! And few resident can say they have never dropped by the annual Historical Society summer Ice Cream Social for a vanilla cone scooped by a neighbor. Although there are several other parks and playgrounds scattered throughout North St. Paul, Silver Lake is one of the most often visited.

#6—Unique taste treats! Homemade French fries at Village Pizza, Broasted Chicken from Pizza Factory and award winning homemade ice cream from the HomeTown Creamery ice cream shop are just a few of the delectable treats served daily in North St. Paul.

#5—Booya! The fall tradition of the North St. Paul fireman’s booya is an experience that no resident of North St Paul can resist! After a night of cooking up a ‘secret recipe’stew in giant pots, the volunteer fire department serves up their brew for all. Whether purchased by the bowl or pot, it is a fall tradition enjoyed by community residents for nearly a century!

#4— Friday Night History Cruz. Love classic cars? Spend a Friday evening in North St. Paul for the History Cruz. Hundreds of car enthusiasts invade the main street of downtown North St. Paul, 7th Avenue, to show off their prized vehicles and see the shiny chrome fenders of yesteryear.

#3—The Snowman. The snowman has been greeting the residents of North St. Paul since it was constructed in the 1970’s. It was originally downtown behind what is now K&J Catering, but later moved to a park at the corner of Hwy 36 and Margaret Street. For those keeping statistics, the snowman is 44 feet tall and weighs about 20 tons!

#2—Eclectic Options for Living. Whether you want the convenience of a low-maintenance townhome, a historical turn of the century treasure, a 1950’s rambler or bungalow, or a recently constructed, modified two story, you can find an affordable option to rent or purchase in North St Paul.

#1—Friendly People. The number one reason for living in North St Paul is the welcoming community atmosphere. Isn’t that what most people search for in a place to call home?





Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm 

North St. Paul, MN—A Perfect Place to Call Home

People love living in North St Paul. And I am not talking about living on the north side of Minnesota’s capital city; I am referring to the City of North St Paul, located just EAST of St. Paul Minnesota along Highway 36. It is a quaint little town with a rich history that was founded in 1870 by Henry Castle on the banks of Silver Lake. He named the town’s main streets after his children, Henry, Helen, Margaret and Charles. When it incorporated in 1887, 221 people called the Village of North St. Paul home. From those humble beginnings, the town has grown considerably. As of 2008, nearly 12,000 people call the City of North St. Paul, Minnesota home.

Here is a top ten list of reasons why this community is such a great place to live.

#10—Water and Electric. Most cities provide the basic utilities of water and electricity to its residents. But few communities can boast water from five wells drilled deep into the earth for a pure, natural source of drinking water and their own power grid like North St. Paul can!

#9—Local Police and Fire. The City of North St. Paul is proud to have its own police department and volunteer fire department.

#8—Cowern Elementary, Richardson Elementary and North St Paul High School. Go Polars! North St. Paul has two K-5 grade schools and a high school within its borders. Cowern Elementary is located on the south side of 36 at Margaret St and South Ave. While both Richardson Elementary and North High School are located on the north side of 36. Richardson bisects 16th Avenue and North is located along 11th Avenue. All three schools are an integral part of the North St. Paul/Maplewood/Oakdale School District #622.

#7—Silver Lake Park, Beach and Fishing Pier. Many North St. Paul children have learned to swim on brisk summer mornings in the water of Silver Lake , a tradition that continues into today! And few resident can say they have never dropped by the annual Historical Society summer Ice Cream Social for a vanilla cone scooped by a neighbor. Although there are several other parks and playgrounds scattered throughout North St. Paul, Silver Lake is one of the most often visited.

#6—Unique taste treats! Homemade French fries at Village Pizza, Broasted Chicken from Pizza Factory and award winning homemade ice cream from the HomeTown Creamery ice cream shop are just a few of the delectable treats served daily in North St. Paul.

#5—Booya! The fall tradition of the North St. Paul fireman’s booya is an experience that no resident of North St Paul can resist! After a night of cooking up a ‘secret recipe’stew in giant pots, the volunteer fire department serves up their brew for all. Whether purchased by the bowl or pot, it is a fall tradition enjoyed by community residents for nearly a century!

#4— Friday Night History Cruz. Love classic cars? Spend a Friday evening in North St. Paul for the History Cruz. Hundreds of car enthusiasts invade the main street of downtown North St. Paul, 7th Avenue, to show off their prized vehicles and see the shiny chrome fenders of yesteryear.

#3—The Snowman. The snowman has been greeting the residents of North St. Paul since it was constructed in the 1970’s. It was originally downtown behind what is now K&J Catering, but later moved to a park at the corner of Hwy 36 and Margaret Street. For those keeping statistics, the snowman is 44 feet tall and weighs about 20 tons!

#2—Eclectic Options for Living. Whether you want the convenience of a low-maintenance townhome, a historical turn of the century treasure, a 1950’s rambler or bungalow, or a recently constructed, modified two story, you can find an affordable option to rent or purchase in North St Paul.

#1—Friendly People. The number one reason for living in North St Paul is the welcoming community atmosphere. Isn’t that what most people search for in a place to call home?

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

16,000 of the Best Reasons to Buy a Home on St Paul's Eastside in 2009!

How did that old gum commercial go? “Double the pleasure. Double the Fun.” How about “Double the Savings” with an $8000 grant AND an $8000 tax credit, if you buy a home this year on St. Paul’s east side?

Earlier this year the $8000 Tax Credit to first time homebuyers was announced as part of the stimulus plan. For those who may not have been paying attention, here is a quick rundown of the criteria to qualify for the government housing tax credit:

• The tax credit is for homebuyers buying their first home only. (But buyers are considered first time buyers if they haven’t owned a home in the past three years.)
• The money does not have to be repaid.
• The credit is capped at 10 percent of the home's purchase price with a maximum of $8,000.
• Homes must be purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. (Note not the credit is NOT available until the end of the year. Plan accordingly!)
• Income caps to apply...Single taxpayers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000 qualify for the full tax credit.
• Additional questions on the $8000 can be answered by CLICKING HERE

Now for the exciting news for Twin Cities homebuyers. In mid-April, the Pohlad Family Foundation pledged up to $20 million to support two Twin Cities neighborhoods hardest hit by the housing and foreclosure crisis. Part of that funding is being allocated in the form of grants to homebuyers in the 55106 zip code in St. Paul and 55411 zip code in Minneapolis. These areas are considered to be the hardest hit by foreclosures statewide, according to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency.

Anyone who purchases a single-family home or duplex in either of these neighborhoods by the end of the 2009 calendar year will receive $8,000 from the Pohlad Foundation Charity. The money will not have to be repaid if the home is kept for seven years. Also the homebuyer would have to live in the home to qualify for the grant but there are no limits on income.

Here’s where “Double the Fun” comes into play: The funding would be in addition to an $8,000 federal tax credit that is part of this year's federal stimulus package. Distribution of the funds will be through the following agencies:

• Dayton’s Bluff Neighborhood Housing Services of St. Paul Phone 651-774-6995
• Neighborhood Housing Services of Minneapolis Phone 612-521-3581

As many of the homes in these neighborhoods are in foreclosure, first time homebuyers need to be savvy when making there purchase. Get educated on how to buy a home by contacting a REALTOR® that knows this part of St. Paul (or Minneapolis) and how to best negotiate a good deal on a foreclosed or bank-owned home.

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

Move-In Ready Foreclosures in Ramsey County! Deals for First Time Buyers & Lakeshore Buyers!

Good news is that foreclosures are no longer always trashed, fixer-uppers. Today's foreclosures can be simply AWESOME! This economy has forced builders and responsible homeowners alike to let amazing properties go back to the bank. Many are still in pristine condition. Some still may require a bit of cleanup or a few cosmetic changes but there are many in move in condition too.

Here are a few of the lakeshore and high-end treasures I noted on the Twin Cities MLS in Ramsey County this past week:

• Detached executive town home in White Bear Lake. Master suite, custom kitchen, 2005 blt., assessed value over $475K, bank asking $380K.
• Bald Eagle Lakeshore. Two story home with attached guest suite& 6 car garage. Assessed by county at over $750K now priced under $460K.
• Picture perfect North Oaks split level w/lots of windows. Originally listed for nearly $700K now short sale priced at $499K.

Now if you are a first time buyer, here are a few foreclosures you might want to consider. Remember, if you buy a home before December 1, you will qualify for an $8000 credit when you file your taxes. Learn more about the $8000 credit HERE or call me at 651-336-7073. If you need additional help with a down payment or fix up funds and want to live in St. Paul, check out Live MSP.

• One level town home in Battle Creek area of St. Paul. 2BR/2/BA and 2Car Built in 2002. Sold originally for over $170K. Now bank-owned and under $130K.
• Maplewood 2story 2002 townhome. Over 1800 ft sq ft. Orig owner asking price $234K, bank asking only $155K.
• 2006 Townhome near Mall and St. John’s Hospital. Beautiful, stylish. Sold for over $230K but bank priced at under $185K.
• Mpwd Townhome New Construction Short Sale. Previous asking $290K now priced at $219K.
• 2005 built rambler near Harvest Park in Maplewood. Sgl fam home on almost ½ acre. Sold for $384K bank asking less than $225K.
• Near Keller Golf Course’03blt multi-lvl home. 4BR/3BA/3Car with vaulted ceilings and fireplace. Assessed at $347K, bank asking $250K.
• Almost new single family on St Paul’s East side. Rambler blt in ’06 4BR/2BA.Bank priced under $100K.
• 3M area executive ’06 3BR THome. Granite counters, Master suite. Owner asked $234K. Bank wants $115K.
• 2005 blt 2story in Phalen. 3BR/2BA/2Car single fam home with deck. Sold for $205K 4 years ago, bank asking less than $145K.
• Mac/Grov 2004 built Condo. 2BR/2BA/1Car. Owner asked $334K originally. Bank offering at less than $190K.

Want more information on any of these great foreclosures? Give me a call at 651-336-7073.
If you are in the market for a great deal on a foreclosed home, time to get organized because the rules to buy are a bit different than when working with a traditional seller.
Seven Tips for homebuyers considering a foreclosed home:

1. Banks LOVE clean offers. Buyers MUST be preapproved with credit checked and employment and funds verified. Documentation must accompany the offer or it won't be considered.
2. Banks reject lowball offers...Usually with no negotiation. They are a business and know the value of the asset they are selling.
3. Well priced foreclosed homes get multiple offers. Serious buyers put in their best bid first.
4. Banks sell homes AS-IS. What you see is what you get. Repairs will not be made.
5. Banks will not pay for inspections in most cases. This includes the septic system and/or well. Be prepared as all inspections could end up being the buyer's responsibility. If you chose to inspect the septic or the county requires a septic compliance test, expect to pay $400-$500 for this inspection. A well test will run around $150. A whole house inspection is $350-$500.
6. Personal property is not included as part of the sale. So if the appliances are at the home when you close, they are a bonus. The bank will not remove. But they don't guarantee will remain at the home or that they are in working order. This means if someone breaks in the home prior to the closing and takes them, the bank will not replace.
7. Having your own REALTOR® to represent your interests is essential. The listing agent is under contract to represent the bank. In many cases, the bank will not allow a dual agency so if a buyer contacts the listing agent to write the offer, the buyer does not have representation. This means all of your information goes to the bank...the listing agent is required to tell the bank everything that you say about your financing and the amount you are able or willing to pay. But the agent is not required to tell you anything in return. The agent works only for the bank.

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