Blaine MN | Millennials Flock to Low Down Payment Programs

We are fortunate in Minnesota and the Twin Cities to have a number of down payment resources available to first time homebuyers. In particular, buyers considering the Blaine 55449 zip code can find programs in not only the State of Minnesota but throughout Anoka County too. In other areas of Minneapolis/St Paul there are similar opportunities. 

Wondering if there are funds available for you? Find out now using this tool to check for down payment funds available for your situation. Not a millennial? No problem. This tool is for all generations.

Today I would like to discuss a bit more about how Millenials Flock to Low Down Payment Programs


A recent report released by Down Payment Resource shows that 65% of first-time homebuyers purchased their homes with a down payment of 6% or less in the month of January.
The trend continued through all buyers with a mortgage, as 62% made a down payment of less than 20%, which is consistent with findings from December.
An article by DS News points to the new wave of millennial homebuyers:

“It seems that the long-awaited influx of millennial home buyers is beginning. Ellie Mae reported that mortgages to millennial borrowers for new home purchases continued their ascent in January, accounting for 84 percent of closed loans.”

Among millennials who purchased homes in January, FHA loans remained popular, making up 35% of all loans closed. Ellie Mae’s Executive Vice President of Corporate Strategy Joe Tyrrell gave some insight into why:

“It is not surprising to see Millennial borrowers leverage FHA loans because they typically offer lower down payments and lower average FICO score requirements than conventional loans. Across the board, we're continuing to see strong interest in homeownership from this younger generation.”

Bottom Line

If you are one of the many millennials who is debating a home purchase this year, let's get together to help you understand your options and set you on the path to preapproval.

 Source: KCM Teri Eckholm Blog

READY to Make YOUR Move? It IS essential to have a knowledgeable agent at your side. If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me, Teri Eckholm of BOARDMAN Realty, a call at 651-336-7073 or visit my website for a FREE Home Buyer Success Guide or FREE Home Value Report. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
 
Copyright 2017 terieckholm.com

Hunting for a NEW HOME? Why Fall is a Great Time to Buy a House!

Autumn is just a few days away and many people are thinking of  bright orange pumpkins, warm apple cider and the crackle of fallen leaves under your feet. Fall is a time of change. But few people are thinking of moving in the Minneapolis/St Paul area...or are they?

This is a common misconception of Minnesota home buyers. Often they think they “missed out” on the busy season in real estate and few good homes will be listed at the end of the year. But surprisingly, searching for a home in October, can be a very wise decision indeed.

The spring and summer are traditional times when the real estate market is hot. Many homes do list early in the year, but there is a flood of buyers at that time too.  Summer weather is ideal for moving but these are busy months for vacations and activities. Many homes that list in June and July, linger on the market, partially due to there being an influx of listings at this “good” time.  But sellers are motivated to move before the sidewalks get icy and lawns are snow covered so they often reduce their home prices in the fall. Homes that list in October and November are often priced to sell quickly since there can be less active buyers. 

I have seen buyers slack off on their home search at this time when they really should be more aggressively looking. One such first time buyer missed out on several good deals during hunting season when he just wasn’t available to look or move. If you are serious about finding a good deal, hunting for a new home should take priority in the fall. 

I have watched this trend for several years now. The housing prices seem to to be a bit more favorable for the buyers when the leaves start to turn through mid-November. Less buyers, means the market is more balanced. This makes it a great time to negotiate for the seller to pay some closing costs or to get a better price your dream home.  Buyers are scarce as temperatures drop and the holidays approach. Fall house hunting can bag the biggest bargains and best home deals. It is a strategy I recommend. 

READY to Make YOUR Move? 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 2017 terieckholm.com

Back to Basics—When the First Time Buyer is Your First Born

Buying a first house is difficult whether you’re in your mid-20’s or mid-30’s or really at any age. Over the years I have assisted people making this first big purchase in every age group from 18 on up. No matter the age, there are things that must be considered to be a successful homeowner. Buying a home should not be on a whim but a thought out plan. I always let a buyer make their own final decision but I do offer helpful advice throughout the home buying process.
My kids have grown up watching my educational sales process. Often I would have to pick them up from their elementary school and head directly to an afternoon showing with them in tow. They sat in the back of the minivan with snacks and Gameboys but I know they could occasionally hear conversations through the windows. 

Now my oldest is in that process of graduating from renter to home buyer. This is somewhat of a challenge for both of us requiring me to rely on my basic approach to educate rather than just say “don’t buy that one”. Over the years I have seen parents have to resort to a “tough love” approach with their children buying a first home. Sometimes it backfires even when the parents are right. The buyers are trying to spread their wings and make their first major adult purchase. It can be embarrassing to them when a parent vetoes their decision on their dream home. 

My job has been a balancing act of educating both parents and the buyer to somehow make everyone happy. After all, the buyer will have to live in the house and pay for updates and repairs whether Mom & Dad like the house or not. It is better for all concerned if they have come to some sort of understanding before the purchase agreement is signed that this particular home is the buyer’s best option.

Now as the parent of the buyer, it is a bit of a different ballgame. I get to educate the buyer while letting him make his own decision. So it is back to basics….

1.    Get pre-approved by a good, reputable loan officer to pre-approve prior to starting the home search.
2.    Make a list of target areas to live in. Understand how different municipalities and properties taxes can fluctuate greatly.
3.    Decide what features are “must haves” in a house. Educate on how to read an MLS listing for things like foundation type and size, heating source, and room sizes. Scan the photos for possible issues like asbestos siding, deteriorating driveway or gigantic trees to narrow down the "must see list".  Eliminate any home with an issue that might be a huge expense down the road. 
4.    Remember not to get too invested in a specific house until after the offer is accepted and the inspection is done. 

Putting my 20+ years of experience as a REALTOR® and homeowner to use to help a home buyer understand the basics is one of the services I provide. Not just to my family, but to all of my first time buyers.  

Helping this particular home buyer will be a bit more of an adventure. But like everything else, one step at a time.

Are you ready to buy YOUR First Home? Let me be your professional guide. 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 2016 terieckholm.com
 

Down Payment Assistance is Available in Ramsey County for YOUR 1st Home!

Considering purchasing a first home in Ramsey County in 2015? There are many opportunities to explore before you write your offer. First time home buyers in Ramsey County have a number of amazing, often overlooked programs available to them. There are specific qualifying guidelines so it is essential to find a loan officer or mortgage broker that is well versed in the details to take advantage of these unique opportunities.

First Step In Buying a Home: Get Preapproved!

For most Minnesota first time buyers the first step is, where do I start? Your very first step towards buying your first home is to contact a real estate agent to help you a mortgage professional who knows how to work with first time buyers. Contact me and I can direct you to a local loan officer that understands mortgage assistance programs in the Minneapolis/St Paul area. The loan officer will counsel you step by step until you are pre-approved and help determine which are the best options for your financial situation. Once you know exactly how much you qualify for, we can start a home search in a price range with payments well within your budget. 

Minnesota Down Payment Assistance

There is an excellent program for down payment assistance available in the Ramsey County area. Ramsey County includes the communities of St. Paul, Maplewood, Roseville, Shoreview, New Brighton, Little Canada, North St Paul, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake. The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency offers a program called StartUP which can be used for either up to 5% or $5,000 worth of assistance on a Ramsey County home valued at up to $310,000. This StartUP down payment assistance is a second mortgage on your home but has no interest and requires no payments until you pay off the home. One of the unique features of the funds in this program is that it can often be used in addition with other assistance programs. 

Down Payment Assistance through Ramsey County

Ramsey County offers another great down payment assistance option for Minnesota first time home buyers up to $10,000. The FirstHome assistance program can be used with many loan programs such as VA, FHA, and conventional loans. The program can also be used with the StartUP assistance from Minnesota Housing if you qualify. Like all other programs Ramsey County has certain qualifications that the Ramsey County first time home buyer must meet. Meeting with an loan officer familiar with the program for your pre-approval is essential as they can help you determine if you are eligible for the Ramsey County FirstHome program.

Neighborhood Stabilization Program in Ramsey County Qualified homebuyers also have an opportunity to purchase newly remodeled and rehabilitated Ramsey County homes. These homes are amazingly updated and give the first time homebuyer a perfect start to home ownership. They are reserved only for first time buyers that meet the income guidelines outlined by the Ramsey County program. Several of these homes come on the market every year in communities throughout the county.

Ramsey County down payment assistance programs can be used with a variety of mortgage loans. Most typically they would be used with an FHA loans to help with the 3.5% down payment. However, if you already have a sizable down payment but need some help getting to 20% down to eliminate the need for mortgage insurance, it is possible these programs could help if you meet the income restrictions.  If you are a veteran, these programs can also work with a VA loan if you meet the qualifications.

Homebuyer Classes Required to Qualify

Most of these programs for down payment assistance will require that you attend a class for first time home buyers called the Home Stretch Workshop. Don’t worry…these are not like high school classes. There is no test at the end. They are informative and fun.

You will need to plan for a full day of classroom training. There are many dates available to accommodate home buyers schedules including evenings and weekend options. Verify that the workshop you register for will satisfies both the state and local community program guidelines if you are using more than one program.

Information about Ramsey County

Ramsey County is one of the eleven counties in the Minneapolis/ St Paul metropolitan area. It is the home to the state capital of Minnesota, St. Paul. With a population of over 500,000 it is one of the most densely populated counties in the state if not the entire U.S. First time home buyers  in Minnesota can benefit from the Ramsey County First Home program with down payment assistance up to $10,000.

NEED HELP BUYING  A RAMSEY COUNTY HOME? Let me be your professional guide. 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 2015 www.terieckholm.com

That's a GREAT Question for an Inspector!

I like helping buyers find the homes of their dreams. Not all homes are perfect and some do have issues. Some issues are very obvious. Last week I showed a home with a front step where the sidewalk had settled nearly three inches on one corner of the slab. I pointed it out to my buyers. When they asked if it could be repaired or if it was a problem, I answered, "That's a great question for an inspector."

Sometimes buyers see things I have never seen before. Yesterday I was showing a 1950's ranch home. The windows opened with a weird flat metal piece that had to be extended and pushed forward to open the window. I had no idea how it worked. Again, I recommend asking an inspector. 

There are times where the question will be best answered by someone at the city or county office. I will instruct my buyer to contact a government agency for additional information. Recently there was  home with a culvert in the backyard. My clients wondered who would be responsible to keep it clear of grass and debris.  Since it could be the homeowner but also could be a city maintenance responsibility, this was a great question to ask at city hall. 

I try to have answers to all real estate questions but construction, legal and accounting issues are not my forte. Sometimes I can spot something that doesn't quite look right and it is my job to point it out to my buyers. And, believe me, my home buying clients appreciate the "heads up" so to speak on something that might be good to ask an expert about. It is important to keep in mind that even a home inspector will refer you to an expert for certain parts of the inspection like someone who will test the well water, septic system, pool mechanicals or service the fireplace and/or furnace. 

A home inspection is a very important step in the process whether you are considering new construction or an existing home or townhome. Take time to find a knowledgeable, experienced professional. Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will ever make so it is well worth the investment to have the home thoroughly reviewed by a home inspector.

Need More Help Buying a Home?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 2014 www.terieckholm.com

Home Buying Questions Answered: How Much Earnest Money Do I Need?

Writing an offer on a home is an exciting time whether it is a first time buyer or someone who has purchased a home previously. Going through the offer raises many questions, one of the most important is about earnest money and how much should be written into the offer.  So what exactly is earnest money and how much does a homebuyer need?

Today’s Real Estate Term is:

Earnest money The funds that a buyer submits with their offer or purchase agreement to demonstrate to the seller their seriousness about buying the property. It should be an amount sufficient enough to indicate to the seller that the buyer will not walk away from the deal without good reason. It is not the same as a down payment. If your offer on the home is accepted, the earnest money check will be cashed and placed into a broker’s trust account. The funds will go toward the purchase price of the home.

HOW MUCH Earnest Money Does a Buyer Need? In Minnesota, most sellers expect to see a minimum of 1% of the sale price of the home but that has been increasing. Often sellers want the buyer of their property to have a bit of skin in the game. This is especially true with new construction where up to 5% or more could be required.

It is very important to keep in mind if the offer is accepted and the check for earnest funds will be cashed and held in a broker's trust account. If for some reason all contingencies are not met or a situation arises where the sale does not go through, the buyer does NOT automatically receive a refund of the earnest money. But the seller will not automatically get to keep these funds either. In the event of a cancellation, the buyer and seller must reach an agreement to cancel the contract which will outline the disbursement of the funds.




Copyright 2014 www.terieckholm.com

This REALTOR Welcomes Helicopter Parents!

“I was accused of being a helicopter parent.”  This statement was recently made by a friend of mine while we were chatting at a local coffee shop about our adult children.

My response to her was, “Really? Did you say thank you?”

Being a helicopter parent doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. It means you care about your children enough to give them advice rather than let them go off on their own and make mistakes. Okay, it’s not a good thing to ride with them on the school bus, follow them into the classroom and do their homework. But a mom going to check out colleges with her daughter or a dad going to the car dealer with his son isn’t such a bad thing is it? 

As a REALTOR®, I come across helicopter parents all the time. Buying a first home can be an exciting, but also a somewhat scary, experience. It is the first big purchase most young people make. One that will have lasting effects on their live if they make a huge mistake. I am not surprised when my young buyers say that their parents want to see the house or attend a showing. In fact, I welcome moms and dads to attend showings or a meeting where we write up a purchase agreement. Usually after a few minutes of questioning by a concerned parent, they realize I am not just out to sell a house as quickly as possible. What I want as a buyer’s agent is the same thing that any parent would want for their child. I want my client, their child, to be happy with their home purchase. When someone signs a buyer’s contract for representation with me, I have fiduciary duties to put their needs first. I work in the best interest of my client at all times. This means full disclosure on the condition of the home, pointing out things to ask the sellers or an inspector about as well as preparing the paperwork noting contingencies that will protect the buyer if everything is not as it seems.

I have received almost as many thank you notes and emails from parents after successful closings as I have from my home buyers.   After all, we had the same goal, for the new home owners to be happy with their first home.

Copyright 2014 www.terieckholm.com

Buying a First Home? Define YOUR Dream!

Minnesotans are fortunate to live in an area where housing is affordable. Couple that with the low interest rates and first time buyers who live in the Minneapolis/St Paul metro have opportunities to buy that aren't available in other parts of the US.

However affordable, buying a first home can be quite intimidating. Understanding the difference between a lender mediated short sale,  a bank-owned foreclosure and traditional sale is essential. The Twin Cities market still has some distressed homes in the market but there are abundantly more traditional and new construction sellers too.  From Forest Lake to Blaine to Hugo and White Bear Lake, there are homes in all shapes, sizes, price ranges and conditions. 

Savvy home buyers will educate themselves using the wealth of information that is available online, but there will come a time to view the home in person too and many first time home buyers get stuck on what is the first step to buying a home. But I can help...and surprisingly, it is commission FREE!

I love assisting first time home buyers!

The thought of owning a first home is exciting and that excitement bubbles right out of these home buyers. Most will have a picture in their heads of what their dream home should look like.  Part of my job is to help draw out that picture and locate a home that will fit their dream. But each dream is different.

• Is it a little bungalow with the white picket fence?

• A new trendy condo in the heart of downtown St. Paul?

• Or maybe a vintage, fixer-upper to renovate and build equity?

As a REALTOR® working for home buyers, I work with you to define YOUR dream. But my service while invaluable is FREE!  It doesn't cost buyers one cent in commission to have representation but and is received is priceless!

As the real estate market in the metro becomes more balanced, there still are options in almost every price range for a homebuyer to consider. So how does a buyer narrow down the choices? 

Working with a professional real estate agent can help. The first step is always to get pre-approved for a mortgage to define an affordable price range and mortgage program. As a REALTOR®, I work with loan officers and can direct you to someone who is experienced and professional. Once we understand the financial parameters, my job really begins. I work hard to understand my client's needs and lifestyle so we can find the perfect home.

One of my favorite ways to assist buyers is to ask questions that help define their dream...What is most important their home? I take this beyond the number of bedrooms and baths or how many garage spaces. I want to know how do they really plan to live. By taking the time to talk with my buyers about their lives and what is important to them, I better understand their needs and wants in a property.  By taking a short, lifestyle inventory, I focus in on what makes up an ideal house. 


Once home buyers have outlined their needs and wants, putting a priority on the NEEDS of course, the list of potential properties can be narrowed down to good potential options. By understanding what my buyers' picture perfect home is, I help them stay focused and avoid wasting time with homes that don't fit the dream. It most cases it's not long before one house will stand out as the "perfect" home to make an offer on.

Copyright 2013 www.terieckholm.com

What Ebay can Teach a Home Buyer about Multiple Offers

I’ll have to admit, I can get a rush when buying things from an Ebay auction. After putting in a bid on something I cannot live without, it is exciting to watch the second count down to the end of the bidding. I don’t always win. In fact, it can be frustrating; I’ll throw in a good solid bid, only to be outbid in the final seconds. But I have watched and learned. In fact, I have now snatched an item or two from other buyers just a moment before the end of the auction too.

There are some important lessons that I have learned from online bidding that apply to a home buyer in a frenzied real estate market. 

As the real estate market has heated up a bit this spring in the Minneapolis/St Paul metro area, buyers are seeing many more multiple bids on homes. Home buyers don’t always have time to think and process whether a home is a good buy or not before someone snatches it up. This can lead to questionable decisions at the last second.

Lessons Learned from Ebay

1.    Know the Value Whether Ebay trinket or townhome in Hugo, you need to know the value of the item you are buying. Without research to know a good deal, there is a big risk of over spending on the item.

2.    Read the Fine Print Sometimes the information in the description, or in the case of a home the disclosures, can help decide how aggressive your offer should be. Recently, I had a buyer excited about a property but after reviewing the previously listing information which mentioned severe mold in the home (but was not in the current disclosure) my client decided to pass on the home all together. Don’t forego your due diligence or you could have regrets.

3.    Know Your Limit I have learned that in the last seconds of bidding, if I have not thought out what my absolute limit is on an item, I can risk overbidding and feeling ripped off. This also can happen in negotiating for a home. Some buyers just want to “win” the house but can feel buyer’s remorse as soon as the bidding war ends. It’s not a good feeling to overspend on a home. If you are financing the property, it will still have to appraise for the value. If it does not, you could lose the house if you do not have the funds to make up the difference. 

4.    It’s More Fun Solo As exciting as an auction is, it is much more fun when you are the only interested party. Sometimes when I really want something, I will just pay the “buy it now” price. With a home, it is easier if you can get your offer in before everyone else and avoid the multiple-offer situation all together. So as a home buyer, it is important to be working with a REALTOR® to be updated on homes that meet your criteria, non-contingent on selling your current home and pre-approved for a loan. This way you can get in first and write up your offer on the best homes as soon as they hit the market. It is good to be the only offer on the table.

Copyright 2013 www.terieckholm.com

Real Estate Word of the Day for the First Time Homebuyer is Appraisal

First Time Homebuyer Real Estate Word is Appraisal

On a rerun of the TV game show, Cash Cab, a carload of New Yorkers were stumped when asked  to define the acronym, FSBO. This is a term often used in real estate to describe people who sell their home without an agent or "For Sale By Owner". As a REALTOR® I was a bit surprised they couldn't come up with the correct answer but then I  remembered of all the times a look of confusion came over a buyer’s face when I mentioned escrow funds and earnest money. These terms sound so much alike when being bombarded with new terminology like, mortgage, deed, easement, appraisal, and association dues, etc. It is understandable that a buyer who is more interested in room sizes and kitchen counters to be confused with the everyday real estate jargon like down payment or cash to close. Buyer confusion is totally understandable because most people will only buy a home once or twice in a lifetime.

FSBO is only one of many terms that could possibly confuse a First Time Homebuyer. So I thought a glossary of real estate terms might be helpful. From time to time I present terms often used by REALTORS® in a series of posts for the first time homebuyer with explanations. This way you can skip buying that big “how to buy a house” book or attending that First Time Homebuyer Class and have a quick resource at your fingertips. I am continuing the series with Today’s Real Estate Term:

Appraisal An appraisal is the process of assessing a value to a parcel of real estate. A real estate appraiser is an independent 3^rd party who will assess the property and prepare a valuation report. This is most often ordered by the buyer’s lender and paid for by the home buyer to verify the amount the buyer is requesting for the mortgage is not more than the current value of the home. The appraiser will try to find three to six comparable homes that have been sold in the last few months to compare to the subject home. The process involves comparing the size, structure, age and features of the subject home/land to the comparable sold homes to determine an appraised value.

An appraisal is similar to a market analysis performed by a real estate agent but it does differ in several key ways. A real estate agent does a market analysis at the request of a seller to determine the best price to list a home. It will take into account homes that are currently listed for sale but an appraisal will not. Appraisers are often licensed and trained to do a precise, detailed value analysis while the market comparison done by a real estate agent is used to determine a price. While an appraiser will charge a fee of several hundred dollars to appraise a property, most real estate agents do not charge a fee to provide a market analysis of a home. A market analysis can be a cost effective way for a homeowner to get value of their home if offered for sale but this document is not acceptable to verify value for a mortgage.

Copyright 2013 www.terieckholm.com

Which Comes First, the REALTOR or the Loan Officer?

It is often debated, the philosophical question, “which came first, the chicken or the egg?” There are many ways to address that question. (Though my preferred way is to show a lolcat photo of a cat in a chicken hat and avoid the discussion all together.) But really there is no definitive answer.

When buying a house, there is a much less philosophical but equally confusing dilemma, "Which comes first, the loan officer or the REALTOR®?" Both professionals are equally important in purchasing a home but who should a home buyer contact first?

As a REALTOR® I would prefer for a buyer to contact me first. Whether you are a first time buyer or have a property to sell, contacting an agent is an important first step.

If you have a home to sell, the loan officer will need to know an approximate value of the home you will be selling. Of course, you and the mortgage professional can guesstimate. But if the estimated sales price of your current home does not reflect a realistic selling price, you may find yourself short of funds for a down payment.

But even a home buyer without a house to sell could find it easier to contact an agent first. Recently, I was called by a first time buyer who was preapproved with her bank for a first home. She explained that she was going to be buying with a conventional mortgage and showed me the letter from her lender. Something just didn’t seem right so I had her run the numbers with a different mortgage professional that I know who has years of experience. It was a good thing she did. The first loan officer discounted a dispute on my client’s credit report and her limited credit history. She would have never been able to obtain a conventional mortgage. If she had written an offer using the original preapproval letter, her earnest money could have been put at risk if she didn’t qualify for the mortgage.

Home buyers do not always know where to find a good loan officer or what questions to ask to determine the experience level he/she has. As an experienced real estate agent, I have a list of  high quality mortgage professionals I have worked with previously. Experience can prevent most situations from becoming big headaches down the road.

The bottom line is, start with someone you can trust. If you find a real estate agent you trust first, then ask for a referral to an experienced, professional loan officer. Conversely, if you know a high quality mortgage professional that you trust and want to work with, start there. Most REALTORS®, myself included, will work with any loan officer that represents their client in a professional manner. The key is to get preapproved before starting to look for a home. Knowing what you qualify for, down payment required and an estimated monthly payment, will ease the stress when you start viewing properties. It’s hard to write an offer, if you do not know what you can afford!

Copyright 2013 www.terieckholm.com

What’s YOUR House Style?

One of the most difficult things for some home buyers to decide is what style of home they want to buy. Sure you’ve got the three bedrooms, two and a half bath and 2 stall attached garage down but architectural style isn’t always something a buyer thinks about until after seeing a home or two.

Looking at listings on the internet, a home buyer is able to view the images of many types of homes. Some will have descriptions like, ranch, contemporary or bungalow. But many buyers have know idea of what these styles are...heck, some real estate agents will misuse the terms too!

I just came across this awesome tool for home buyers! It is an Architectural Guide to Residential Homes  The guide defines with drawings and descriptions what 33 popular styles of homes look like and the history of that design. Home buyers who review this information will have no trouble determining whether a saltbox or Tudor is their favorite style when their REALTOR® asks! 

Copyright 2013 www.terieckholm.com

Going, Going, Gone! Why Homebuyers Need to be Ready to Write an Offer

It seems a bit unbelievable to some homebuyers. After a few years of hearing about a real estate market where buyers were in the driver’s seat now buyers are hearing, "Sorry, that home is SOLD!"

That is the very market we are now in folks! There are still homes being listed every day. But with these phenomenally low interest rates (Did you ever think a 15 year mortgage would be UNDER 3%?!), there are many more homebuyers off of the fence and in the market. If you are a first time homebuyer and looking for a home in the $100K-150K range, you are not only battling against first time homebuyers but also investors to find a good deal. Investors have plans to fix up and resell or put a renter into the home. And since investors often pay with cash, there are no worries to the seller as to whether the home will appraise or the financing will fall through. It’s tough competition for an FHA first time buyer who wants the seller to pay closing costs. 

So what’s a homebuyer to do? 

Get organized. If you want to buy a home at a good price in this market, you need to have a plan.

Plan to Work with a REALTOR® This is not a market to go at it alone. Find a good, trusted professional who is willing to show homes as soon as they hit the market and sign a contract for buyer’s representation. In most cases, it will not cost you anything because the seller will pay the commission.

Plan to Get Pre-Approved for a Loan Without a pre-approval letter, you won’t be able to submit an offer. Most sellers won’t consider accepting a purchase agreement without a letter from a loan officer stating the buyer is qualified to purchase the home. Some bank owned properties only will accept specific types of financing so proactive buyers will be pre-approved for a loan.

Plan to Define Your Criteria Once pre-approved, you know what you can pay for a home so define all other aspects of your purchase including location, school district, number of bedrooms, bathrooms and garage stalls.

Plan to Get Set Up to Receive NEW Listings Call YOUR REALTOR® and ask to be set up to receive all new listings as soon as possible. This is one of the best perks of working with one agent, they know what you are looking for and will help you find it. I like to use a program called Listingbook  so my buyers can leave any property related questions for me to answer on their favorite homes. This is a great way to weed out short sale listings that already have offers too. I review favorites and if there are any short sales with an offer in to the bank but still listed as active on the MLS, we can note it and move on.

Plan to Be Ready to See Homes ASAP The good ones are going fast in this market. If a property meets your criteria, you will need to see the home as quickly as you can.

Plan to Make a Quick Decision Many homes are in multiple offers after a day or two on the market. When a serious homebuyer sees a home that they are interested in, they have to make a quick decision and write up the purchase agreement as soon as possible.

Prepare for Multiple Offers In the first time homebuyer price range, I have seen multiple offers on almost every home I have written a transaction on this summer. Many homes are listed at low prices to encourage more than one offer. If the home appears to be an excellent value, plan to write your “highest and best” offer on it!

Persistence Pays! This summer I had a young couple looking for a starter home who wrote SIX offers before finding their dream home. They were persistent and finally realized their dream. Another young family wrote four offers. In a lower price point, it may take a few offers to get a home, but the reward is worth the effort!

Copyright 2012 www.terieckholm.com

First Time Homebuyer’s Word of the Day is Earnest Money

In an episode of Cash Cab, a television quiz show that takes place in the back seat of a New York City taxicab, a family was stumped by the acronym, FSBO. This is a often term used in real estate to describe a person selling their home by owner (For Sale By Owner). As a REALTOR® I was a bit surprised that such a simple term I use everyday would be unknown to so many. But then it got me thinking of all the times a glazed look came over a buyer’s eyes when I talked about escrow or earnest money. These can easily be confused with other real estate and mortgage terms like down payment or cash to close. It is totally understandable because most homebuyers do not buy houses everyday.

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

Earnest money The funds that a buyer submits with their offer or purchase agreement to demonstrate to the seller their seriousness about buying the property. It should be an amount sufficient enough to indicate to the seller that the buyer will not walk away from the deal without good reason. It is not the same as a down payment. If your offer on the home is accepted, the earnest money check will be cashed and placed into a broker’s trust account. The funds will go toward the purchase price of the home.

Copyright 2012 terieckholm.com

First Time Homebuyer’s Real Estate Word for Today is Earnest Money

It may be hard to believe that the acronym FSBO could stump a game show contestant. But in an episode of the Emmy award winning television show, Cash Cab, a taxi full of New Yorkers couldn't come up with the answer. FSBO is a often term often used in the real estate world to describe a person selling their home by owner (For Sale By Owner). As a REALTOR® I was surprised that such a simple term I use everyday would be unknown to so many. But then it got me thinking of all the times a glazed look came over a buyer’s eyes when I talked about escrow or earnest money. These can easily be confused with other real estate and mortgage terms like down payment or cash to close. It is totally understandable because most homebuyers do not buy houses everyday.

There are so many terms that could possibly confuse a First Time Homebuyer that I thought an online glossary of real estate terms might be helpful. So over the next few weeks I am going to have a series of posts for the first time homebuyer with explanations of the most often used (and sometimes confusing) real estate terms. This way you can skip buying that big “how to buy a house” book or attending that First Time Homebuyer Class and have a quick resource at your fingertips.  

Today’s Real Estate Term is:

Earnest money The funds that a buyer submits with their offer or purchase agreement to demonstrate to the seller their seriousness about buying the property. It should be an amount sufficient enough to indicate to the seller that the buyer will not walk away from the deal without good reason. It is not the same as a down payment. If your offer on the home is accepted, the earnest money check will be cashed and placed into a broker’s trust account. The funds will go toward the purchase price of the home.

Copyright 2012 Teri Eckholm

Zero Down Financing is Available in Chisago County with USDA Rural Financing!

And just because the financing is rural, it doesn't mean you will have to buy a farm either! 

It's still the American Dream to own a home. With prices very affordable and interest rates are extremely attractive, now is a great time to purchase a first home! But not every potential homebuyer has sufficient funds for a downpayment and closing costs. So what are the options in the northeast Twin Cities Metro? USDA rural financing!

Most loan officers will tell you that a conventional mortgage can require 5, 10 or 20% for a down payment. Even government backed FHA loans will require that buyers have a minimum of 3.5% of their own funds to invest in their home. Our veterans have always had a wonderful zero down program available and the VA loan program is still a great option to those who have served our country. But for other buyers trying to come up with the minimum 3.5% down payment required by FHA or 5-10% down for a conventional loan is a road block to in their path to a new home.

There is good news for those considering buying a home in Chisago County. Most communities in Chisago County are designated rural areas and qualify for the zero down option, Rural Development Program through the USDA. Best of all this is NOT a program limited to first time home buyers…Anyone can take advantage of the USDA financing program if the home and your income meet the requirements.

Now when some people hear "rural", they immediately start to think I will have to buy a broken down old-time farmstead in the middle of nowhere. Nothing could be further from the truth! According to the USDA Rural Development website, the program was created to "build stronger, more vibrant rural communities across the nation." This unique housing loan program does apply in many counties in the north and east metro that aren't so far from the cities and they don't have to be farmsteads either! Communities in Isanti and Chisago Counties including North Branch, Stacy, Chisago City, Lindstrom, Shafer, Taylors Falls and many others can possibly qualify for this program. If you are considering buying a home in any of these communities, USDA is a great program to look into. But only a handful of loan officers really know the ins and outs that make a program like this work.

I do work many north metro communities where the deals are nothing short of amazing. Homes that are 5-6 years old are being sold for $30-50K less than just a few years ago! Amazing properties with 4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 3 car garages and ½ acre yards priced in the $200K range. Beautiful homes in move in condition…And with the USDA program they can be purchased for ZERO DOWN!

I work with some very good loan officers that understand USDA financing and can get you started on your path to home ownership.. These mortgage professional assist buyers and sellers all over Chisago County using this unique CONVENTIONAL LOAN program. Some of the features and benefits of the program include:

• NO down payment
• NO monthly PMI
• The seller is allowed to pay all reasonable closing cost and prepaids up to 6%
• NO hit to the interest rate for the zero down
• NOT just for first time home buyers
• NO reserves needed

There are income limits to the program that will prevent some buyers from qualifying. These numbers have recently increased to allow more potential buyers to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Household income does include all residents in the home that work so yes, your teenager’s income from a job at the local fastfood chain will be included as would be your retired mother’s social security payment if they are living in the home. These income limitations are guidelines and, in some cases, may be exceeded.

Understanding the restrictions is essential but the benefits to the program are enormous! If you are considering a home in Chisago County, plan on speaking with a qualified loan officer that understands the rural development loan program before starting your home search. You could be able to afford more home than you expect. Likewise, working with a REALTOR ® that knows understands the current market conditions of the communities within this program are just as critical to your dream home becoming a reality.

Copyright 2012 www.terieckholm.com

New Year's Resolution for 2012: Resolve to Save for a First Home!

In a few days we will all be turning the calendar page and entering 2012. After the champagne corks pop and the big ball drops in Times Square, it will be time for resolutions. If you want to be a first time home buyer in 2012 maybe it is time to set a financial resolution or goal. If despite all the gloom, doom of the foreclosures during the past several years you still plan to own a homeowner one day soon, it's time to start saving! 

Those dreaming of buying a first home are in very good company. According to a CNNMoney.com article, Housing Bust? So What? We Still Want to Own, over half of Americans still want to own their own home. In fact, over a quarter of Americans indicated are even MORE likely to buy real estate since the foreclosure crisis. 

Does this surprise you? Not me. As a REALTOR® who has sold homes during this entire decade of rising and falling housing prices, one thing has remained constant: People prefer the freedom of owning their own house and piece of land. Whether it is a multi-level on a corner lot in Shoreview, a rambler on acreage in Anoka County or 50 feet of sandy lakeshore on  Forest Lake, people want to OWN! The biggest change (and reason I believe that there has been a rise in wanting to own) is simple. Owing a home is affordable again!

Home prices have started to stabilize and even inch upwards in some communities at the lower price points.  But overall housing prices in the Twin Cities remain at all time lows. This past year we saw first time buyer and starter priced homes start to sell again. Inventory is low for starter homes and demand is picking up. Though most communities are seeing significantly lower housing prices than a few years ago, prices are starting to edge up again. Record low interest rates combined with low prices meant that there was a really opportunity for the first time home buyer in 2011 and it will continue into 2012 too!

But like last year, first time homebuyers  must have a down payment. It is also important to have some cash reserved for repairs, remodeling and of course new furnishings for the new house! So what is the best way for a first time buyer to begin saving?

Copyright 2011 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

REALTOR® Selection 101—How to Choose the BEST REALTOR® for YOU! (Part Two of Two)

How does the average home buyer or seller find their REALTOR®? Did they meet a friendly person hosting an open house? Call their best friend's brother who just got licensed? Answer an ad on Craigslist? I don't know the percentages but I am certain that most home buyers don't spend any more time researching their real estate agent than they do their groceries. But a home is not an everyday purchase; it is too big of a decision to not have sound advice. So how does one select a good REALTOR® to work with?

The average American will buy or sell property only 2-3 times during their lifetime. It is imperative to have a logical process to select a real estate agent. Purchasing and selling a home for your family is a very emotional situation. If you chose an agent wisely, you will be confident that your REALTOR® is on your side through the entire purchase and/or sale even when your emotions are running high.

As a REALTOR® working in the Twin Cities north metro, I love assisting people to find the perfect home. Many of my clients come from the referrals of past clients but I also meet home buyers at open houses and through various marketing avenues. When I meet a potential client, I expect questions about myself and my business. I answer additional questions about living on acreage, wetlands and lakeshore. I field questions on properties in Anoka, Washington and Ramsey Counties. Sometime the questions are about specifics of homes the buyer is interested in and often the questions are about the real estate market in general. But unfortunately not all of these potential clients ask pertinent questions. Some are already be caught up in the emotional buying process of a major life change.

Here is a great step-by-step approach to selecting the perfect REALTOR® for you. This is Part two of a two part article. In Part One, I discussed how to mentally prepare yourself  for your meeting with potential real estate agents. (To read Part One, CLICK HERE.) in Part two I am going to outline specific questions you can ask of potential agents to help you make a better decision on which one will be the best partner in your home search.

Six questions to ask a potential agent

Do you have an introductory flyer or personal resume that you could send me prior to our meeting?
The way an agent promotes him/herself will give you a good idea of their professionalism. If you receive high quality, well thought out marketing materials in the mail within the next day or two (or immediately via email), the agent is on the ball. A well written, professional personal brochure should be part of a REALTOR®’s marketing materials. If you receive something of less quality or nothing at all, the agent might not be able to pay attention to detail throughout the transaction.

Do you work independently or as part of a team?

And, if the agent is part of a team, ask for more specifics, (i.e. If you are part of a team, who will I be working with most often?)

If you prefer to have someone who can immediately answer the phone and track down an answer, you might like working with an agent that is part of a team. But it is important to understand how the team operates. Some teams will operate with the agents being interchangeable where you will have one agent showing you homes to buy, one agent handling listing your home, and another holding the open houses. Often teams will have unlicensed assistance handling the incoming phone calls. An unlicensed assistant, while often friendly can't always answer specifics on a property or show a house.

If you want to work with the same person throughout the transaction, you may prefer an agent that works independently. Often when you call their office, the agent will pick up the phone. They handle all the details throughout the transaction and can answer your questions directly without waiting to contact another source.

Can you give me the names of past clients?

An experienced REALTOR® will have worked with any number of clients and will be able to provide you with a list of previous clients that you can contact as references. When talking with the references, it would be a good idea to ask if they had any problems during the transaction. If they did, ask how quickly and professionally they were resolved. Also ask how they met their agent. If the agent gives you only a list family members, a list of best friends from high school or no list at all, it may be concerning.

(For Buyers) Can You Help Me Understand My Financing Options?

If you are pre-approved for a mortgage but do not understand the financing paperwork after meeting with your loan officer, a good real estate agent should be able to peruse the documents to note any fees that do not seem correct. Sometimes a phone call by a REALTOR® to the loan officer on your behalf can resolve the issue. If not, most real estate agents have several good mortgage professionals that they have developed professional relationships with they can call upon. It could be in your best interest to visit with another loan officer to verify that all fees charged are necessary and that you are in the best type of loan program for your situation. Any real estate agent unable or unwilling to assist you in finding the tools to understanding your financing options might not be the best choice.

(For Sellers) What is your listings-to-sales ratio?

Some agents seem to have every house on the block or every house in a neighborhood listed. You see their signs in yards throughout the town. Their ads are in your local newspaper and in your mailbox. This is may be an indication of a successful REALTOR®. But the big question is “Did the homes sell?” In this slower buyer’s market, there are many more homes on the market than buyers. Do you want an agent that can successfully get you to list your home or one who will actually help you price and market it properly to get the home sold? If the agent is unsure of their ratio, you can figure it out for them. Ask how many homes they listed last year. Then ask how many listings they sold. (Make sure that the agent doesn’t include sales of homes where they represented the buyers.) Divide the listings sold by the total number of listings to get the ratio. If the ratio of listings-to-sales is less than 30-40%, you might want to select a different agent. Successful agents won’t sell every home they list, but their success ratio will be over 50%, even in a slow year.

(For Sellers) How will you market my home?

A comprehensive marketing plan should be prepared for your specific home prior to signing any contract. Good agents establish a marketing plan for each home they list. Your REALTOR® should provide you with a list of how they intend to market your home. They should outline what websites your home will be promoted on and the timing schedule of updated online ads. If there is going to be a sign in your yard, your agent should tell you whether their will be a brochure box with flyers for potential buyers driving by. Anything from the number of pictures in the MLS or whether there will be a virtual tour, open house or print advertising should be discussed and outlined.

Copyright 2011www.terieckholm.com