Friday, July 10, 2009

In a Real Estate Quandary: Want the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit but Love Apartment Life!


Remember how years ago people turned to “Dear Abby” with their intriguing questions about daily life? A newspaper columnist who resolved every type of situation from relationship issues to financial dilemmas. Today, more people seem to turn to Suze Orman for financial advice but I thought I would tackle this situation for the first time buyer who wants the freedom of apartment life but the benefits of homeownership:
Dear Abby...no...Suze...no...Teri,

I love carefree apartment living but feel I should take advantage of the $8000 first time buyer credit that is being offered this year. Interest rates are low and I keep hearing about how affordable homes are today but I hate the idea of having to maintain a yard or shovel snow off a sidewalk. I don’t want to deal with deteriorating shingles on my roof or peeling paint off the siding. I like the safety of a security building and off street parking in a heated garage. What would do you advise?

In a Real Estate Quandary
Dear RE Quandary,

Think Condos! Amazing affordability? You bet! Eligible for the first time buyer tax credit? Absolutely! Conforms to your carefree way of life? Without a doubt!

Condo living is not just for city dwellers and senior citizens! Many people who prefer the lifestyle of an apartment dwelling find buying a condo as an answer to their prayers. The homeownership benefits without the maintenance that a single family home requires. And the prices on condos are extremely affordable now. In many areas, prices on Twin Cities condos are down tens of thousands of dollars. Yes you can have your home and lifestyle too!

Signed, Teri


Look for a well priced condo in the New Brighton area?
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 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

10 Excellent Reasons to Call Birch Pond Condo in New Brighton, MN Home!

There are countless reasons people love the condominium community of Birch Ponds in New Brighton, Minnesota! It was difficult but I have narrowed down the list to just 10 amazing features.

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!

Featured Birch Ponds Listing:
20 Windsor LN #310A, New Brighton, MN 55112 Click here to Take the Tour

Want to learn more about living in Birch Pond Condos? 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 properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.



Thursday, July 9, 2009

Real Estate Market Statistics 2nd Quarter 2009 for Lino Lakes, MN



Lino Lakes in Anoka County, MN was a great place to scout out a great deal on lakeshore or acreage in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area north metro during the second quarter of 2009. Directly impacted by the promise of an $8000 tax credit for first time buyers, bank owned and lender mediated properties flew off the Lino Lakes market. Traditional homes also saw an upswing in sales in the lower price points…heck in almost every price point. Even townhomes in this area have started to sell at a quicker pace, though not at higher prices.

Lino Lakes has a good mixture of lakeshore, acreage and townhome residences but is more known for having a bit of space between the houses. It conveniently located near the junction of the 35E and 35W split, just north of the Twin Cities, Lino Lakes is a 33 square miles treasure. With 13 lakes and acres of beautiful protected wetland, the community is served by three school districts; Centennial District #12, Forest Lake District #831, and White Bear Lake District #624. The gem attraction is the pristine 2,700-acre Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park Reserve is situated within the heart of the city. Lino Lakes is committed to maintain this treasure and its natural settings and wildlife habitats for years to come.

Lino Lakes single family homes in the low price points did not lingering on the market during the second quarter. The cumulative days on market (CDOM) statistic was down considerably to 174 in the second quarter compared 192 in first quarter. It is still higher than for the average CDOM of 160 that was for all of 2008. But obviously homes are starting to sell in Lino Lakes neighborhoods. Looking at current inventory levels and the rate of sales during the 2nd quarter for homes priced under $300,000, there is about 6 months of inventory for single family homes and 10 month of inventory on town homes.

Surprisingly, Lino Lakes homes in the $300,000- $400,000 price point are also starting to sell as people look for deals on acreage and lake homes with a quick commute to either downtown area. High end homes are not selling however. With two sales in the past six months over $500,000, it will take three years for the current high end inventory to sell.

2008 Average Sales Price of all homes sold in Lino Lakes:·

All Homes $259,826
Single Family Homes $276,580
Townhomes/Condos $169,074

2008 Average Cumulative Days on Market in Lino Lakes:

All Homes 160
Single Family Homes 157
Townhomes/Condos 178

2nd Quarter Lino Lakes residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $200,000~ 17 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 14 Sold Listings, 159 CDOM

$200,000-$300,000 ~ 40 Active Listings, 6 Pending Listings, 13 Sold Listings, 160 CDOM

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 27 Active Listings, 7 Pending Listings, 7 Sold Listings, 155 CDOM

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 10 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 5 Sold Listings, 227 CDOM

$500,000 and Up ~ 12 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listings, 370 CDOM

2nd Quarter Lino Lakes residential real estate statistics for townhomes and condos:

Under $200,000~ 25 Active Listings, 5 Pending Listings, 9 Sold Listings, 121 CDOM

$200,000-$300,000 ~ 8 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 430 CDOM

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 1 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listings, 165 CDOM

Lakeshore available in Lino Lakes as of 6/30/2009

4 Active Listings

Lino Lakes lakeshore price range: $375,000-$648,000

1 Home on Otter Lake
2 Homes on Reshanau Lake

Acreage properties available in Lino Lakes as of 6/30/2009

14 properties listed on 1-2 Acres priced between $159,900-$648,000
4 properties listed on 2.1-5 Acres priced between $239,900-$550,000
5 properties listed on 5.1-10 Acres priced between $249,900-$750,000
1 property listed on 10.96 Acres priced at $660,000
1 property listed on 29 Acres priced at $849,900
1 property listed on 80 Acres priced at $6,000,000


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

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

Home Sales Statistics for other communities in the north metro:

More Anoka County Articles that Might be of Interest:
Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move!
Extremely Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore!
Buying a Home on Minnesota Wetland--Affordable Beauty and Privacy!
Dreaming of Life on Minnesota Acreage? Must have INFO Before YOUR Move!
Wetland, Lakeshore and Foreclosure--What Does a Minnesota Homeseller Have to Disclose?
Attn: Homebuyers-Are YOU a Veteran? Seven Steps to a VA Loan

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

Monday, July 6, 2009

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



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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ListingsForest Lake lakeshore price range: $189,900-$2,600,000

42 Homes on Forest Lake
1 Homes on Clear Lake
2 Home on Comfort Lake
1 Home on Heims Lake (Environmental Lakeshore)


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

Click HERE to Search for Minnesota Lakeshore Home!


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

Is a Home on Forest Lake Your Dream Come True? Let me be your professional lakeshore 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 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

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


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

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

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

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

Under $200,000~ 29 Active Listings, 12 Pending Listings, 13 Sold Listings, CDOM 196 (All existing homes)
$200,000-300,000 ~ 38 Active Listings, 8 Pending Listings, 14 Sold Listings, CDOM 192 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 2 Active, 1 Pending, 2 Sold, CDOM 15)
$300,000-400,000 ~ 37 Active Listings, 3 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, CDOM 175 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 6 Active, 1 Pending, 0 Sold)
$400,000-$500,000 ~ 13 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (New Construction Subgroup ~ 3 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)
$500,000 and Up~ 16 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listings, CDOM 366 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 3 Active, 1 Pending, 1 Sold, CDOM 586)

Lakeshore available in the City of Ham Lake
6 Active ListingsHam Lake lakeshore price range: $185,000-$950,000
  • 6 Homes on Coon Lake

  • 1 Home on Lake Netta

  • 1 Home on Ham Lake

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


Click HERE to Search for Minnesota Lakeshore or Acreage Home!

Articles on Ham Lake, Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:
Where's the Playground? A Key to Parks in Ham Lake Minnesota
Do you Have your Eye on a Real Estate SLEEPER?
Extremely Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore!
Buying a Home on Minnesota Wetland--Affordable Beauty and Privacy!
Dreaming of Life on Minnesota Acreage? Must have INFO Before YOUR Move!

Home Sales Statistics for other communities in the north metro:

Is a Home on on Ham Lake Acreage Your Dream Come True? 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 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Real Estate Market Statistics 2nd Quarter 2009 for Blaine, MN

In spite the economic downturn of the past few years, the community of Blaine has continued to grow and expand in the north metro of the Twin Cities. Just drive down Highway 65 and see just completed Main Street (125th) overpass to get an idea of how the significant changes have affected the community. Though housing construction had slowed during 2008, it has not stopped and continues to affect the 2009 market. New developments expand the housing base, especially in the townhome and lower level price points. Conveniently located along 35W and Highway 65 and connected by Highway 10 just north of the Twin Cities, Blaine is an attractive location for both business and residential development. The community is served by three school districts; Anoka Hennepin District #11, Centennial District #12, and Spring Lake Park District #16. Blaine is best known for the National Sports Center a sport and meeting facility that hosts an annual worldwide soccer event and Tournament Players Club golf course where the PGA Senior tour is played every summer.

Builders' incentives and lender mediated home sales have required home sellers to be very competitive with housing prices making homes in the Blaine area extremely affordable. As I predicted this affordability is continuing in 2009. It seems a builder or two has finally caught on that under $200K is the price point where the bulk of the buyers are as there are single family new construction homes in Blaine UNDER $200K for the first time in years!

While the homes moving the quickest in Blaine continue to be in that under $200,000 price point, we are finally starting to see a little more movement in the $300K-$600K priced homes (the over $600K market remains pretty static). My guess is that all the first time buyers have bought up a few of those starter homes owned by traditional sellers that are now able to finally move up to the next price point.

Cumulative days of the market (CDOM) are pretty consistent in the lower price points. But notice the high CDOM’s for high valued homes…475+ days on the market is a very long time. With 55 homes on the market above $500,000, there is currently almost 3 YEARS of inventory!

Additionally, the $8000 first time homebuyer tax credit really affected the inventory levels in the lower price points. Looking at current inventory levels and the rate of sales (including pending sales) for single family residential homes priced under $200,000, there is about 3 months of inventory for single family homes in Blaine as it stands today.

Lower priced townhomes in Blaine have similar statistics with very low inventory. Of the townhomes and condominiums on the market in Blaine, roughly 25% of those sold were new construction. Townhomes are still a popular option for first time homebuyer in the Blaine area and builders price incentives have affected the market, as has lender mediated pricing. The average price of Blaine townhomes sold has dropped significantly in the first half of the year. Existing townhome sellers must make their prices very attractive to compete with the aggressive lender mediated and builder pricing. Townhomes under $200,000 have about a four month absorption rate but higher priced units have well over a year of inventory.

Average Sales Price of all homes sold in Blaine 2008 vs 2009 to date:

  • All Homes $225,300 in 2008 vs $194,321 in the first half of 2009
  • Single Family Homes $253,143 in 2008 vs $211,725 in the first half of 2009
  • Townhomes/Condos $171,218 in 2008 vs $149,652 in the first half of 2009

Average Cumulative Days on Market in Blaine 2008 vs 2009 to date:

  • All Homes 154 in 2008 vs 159 in the first half of 2009
  • Single Family Homes 150 in 2008 vs 155 in the first half of 2009
  • Townhomes/Condos 162 in 2008 vs 172 in the first half of 2009

2nd Quarter Blaine residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $200,000~113 Active Listings (20 Disclosed as Lender Mediated), 50 Pending Listings, 54 Sold Listings, 121 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 1 Active, 1 Pending, 0 Sold)

$200,000-300,000~94 Active Listings (9 Disclosed as Lender Mediated), 23 Pending Listings, 31 Sold Listings, 162 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 17 Active, 6 Pending, 6 Sold, 298 CDOM)

$300,000-$400,000 ~37 Active Listings(2 Disclosed as Lender Mediated) , 13 Pending Listings, 9 Sold Listings, 175 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 13 Active, 7 Pending, 5 Sold, 116 CDOM)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 26 Active Listings (2 Disclosed as Lender Mediated), 1 Pending Listings, 8 Sold Listings, 484 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 8 Active, 0 Pending, 2 Sold, 272 CDOM)

$500,000-$1,000,000~ 29 Active Listings (3 Disclosed as Lender Mediated), 3 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listings, 496 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 7Active, 1 Pending, 1 Sold, 170 CDOM )

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

2nd Quarter Blaine residential real estate statistics for townhomes and condos:

Under $200,000~ 110 Active Listings (12 Disclosed as Lender Mediated), 43 Pending Listings, 42 Sold Listings, 162 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 13 Active, 10 Pending, 8 Sold, 313 CDOM)

$200,000-300,000~24 Active Listings (2 Disclosed as Lender Mediated), 2 Pending Listings, 3 Sold Listings, 325 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 13 Active, 2 Pending, 0 Sold)

$300,000-$400,000~ 7 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 3 Sold Listings, 150 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 6 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 276 CDOM)

$400,000-$500,000~3 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (New Construction Subgroup 3 Active, 1 Pending, 0 Sold)

$500,000-$1,000,000~ 2 Active Listings(1 Disclosed as Lender Mediated), 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (New Construction Subgroup 1 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

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

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

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

Looking to Buy or Sell a home in Blaine, MN? 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.

Friday, June 26, 2009

June 2009 Real Estate Market Video Update--Continuing to Move Out of the Woods!

Continued low interest rates and the $8000 first time home buyer tax credit continue to build on the more positive trend and path out of the proverbial real estate woods for the Minneapolis/St. Paul real estate market. According to the Minneapolis REALTORS® Association's June Monthly Skinny, the positive signs continue that the Twin Cities market is moving out of the woods. Overall inventory is at 7.6 months currently (a balanced market would be 5.6 months). But while lender-mediated inventory stands at 5 months, traditional homesellers face double the competition with 9.9 months of inventory. The supply of bank-owned and short sale homes is down considerably. Another indicator that we are marking a path to recovery is that pending sales have increased for the eleventh month in a row….up 17% in May 2009 compared to May 2008. No doubt the $8000 first time homebuyer tax credit has played a role in energizing the Twin Cities real estate market.



Not to be out done by our friends on the west side of the Mississippi, the St Paul Area Association of REALTORS® (SPAAR) has a premier edition of their own Twin Cities real estate market video. In the just released, Market Beat, SPAAR indicates this is the perfect time for first time home buyers due to the trifecta of affordability, low interest rates and the $8000 tax credit! Lower inventory and more pending sales has had a positive effect on the sales price of area homes. To take a look at the entire May Market Beat,
Click HERE to go to the SPAAR website. On the right side of the page look for the “Related Media” heading and click to view the entire video. (Hopefully SPAAR will be posting their informational videos on YouTube soon so I can embed and make it easier to watch…until then, this is the process.)

The positive signs in the real estate market are the entire 13-county area and the north metro is no exception. First time buyers have been in the market for the last couple of months and multiple offers on well priced homes under $200,000 has become common place. Just yesterday, I tried to set up several homes in the Hugo and Forest Lake area for a first time buyer….6 of 10 homes that they wanted to see were under contract, had offers or were sold pending inspection. As those first time homes sell, move-up buyers are finally able to take advantage of the market. I am continuing to field questions daily from excited first time Anoka County buyers on the specifics of this unique $8000 Tax Refund opportunity. (If you have a question call on the program, just let me know with a call or text to 651-336-7073 or just send a quick
email.)

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