The Minneapolis Association of Realtors just posted their first video update of the year on YouTube yesterday. The January update on the Twin Cities real estate market discusses of the increased affordability index in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Housing affordability combined with amazing low mortgage rates makes it a very attractive buying environment in the metro area. Several indicators are down but there is still “an elephant in the room” with the foreclosures and lender mediated homes. Another quick and fun view of real estate market conditions in the Twin Cities. Take a look...
If you are buying a home or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
Friday, January 23, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Say Vern…How much Earnest Money Do You Need to Buy a House?
I don’t know if Ernest ever went buy a house in the series of comedies Jim Varney made in the 1980’s but it could have made a good story line. However when buying a home, understanding real estate terms is no laughing matter In fact, it is serious business as a misunderstanding can make or break an offer and but a buyer’s money at risk.
When buying a home, the words thrown around can often be as confusing for a home buyer as Ernest often seemed to be. Home buyers want to be focused on the esthetics and mechanics of the property (the color of the paint and nuts & bolts of the structure) while the structure of the offer is often left to their REALTOR®. So I am never surprised by the silence when I pose the question, "How much are you prepared to write the earnest money check for?”
Earnest money is different than a down payment. These are funds submitted with the offer to the sellers’ real estate broker while a down payment is paid at the time of closing to the bank or mortgage company. The amount of the earnest money is something that the buyer determines based on the property. The amount will vary with each purchase agreement. A buyer must first understand the purpose of the earnest money to determine the right amount to include with the offer.
Earnest money is a term used for the funds that a buyer puts down to demonstrate to the seller their seriousness about buying a home. 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. In Minnesota, 1% of the purchase price is customary. But a buyer can offer more and a seller can ask for a higher amount as well. A lower amount may be acceptable in some circumstances; however it is important to be realistic.
Only a couple of years ago, a potential buyer wanted to write up an offer on at an open house of a home I had on the market in Forest Lake. The acreage home was set up with stables and a newer home. It was priced in the $300,000 range. This wheeling and dealing buyer wanted to impress the sellers with a whopping $100 earnest money check. The seller was significantly less than impressed. They knew the deal would be on shaky ground as with this unreasonable amount, the buyer could easily walk away from the deal.
Generally the earnest money funds are in the form of a check. If the offer is accepted, the money will be deposited into the listing broker’s trust or escrow account. In Minnesota, the funds must be deposited within three days of an offer having been accepted in writing. Yes, there needs to be money in the bank because that the check WILL be cashed after the offer has been accepted in writing.
If the offer is accepted, the earnest money will be applied to the down payment and/or the closing fees when the closing takes place. If your offer is not accepted the check is not cashed and your original check will be returned to you.
However, if the offer is accepted and the check cashed and then for some reason all contingencies are not met or other situation arises where the sale does not proceed, the buyer does not automatically receive a refund of the earnest money. Nor, does the seller automatically keep the down payment. The funds are disbursed as outlined in the purchase agreement or in some cases; the Buyer and seller must reach an agreement for the cancellation of the agreement before the funds can be disbursed.
Want to take the confusion out of buying a home? If you are buying or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
When buying a home, the words thrown around can often be as confusing for a home buyer as Ernest often seemed to be. Home buyers want to be focused on the esthetics and mechanics of the property (the color of the paint and nuts & bolts of the structure) while the structure of the offer is often left to their REALTOR®. So I am never surprised by the silence when I pose the question, "How much are you prepared to write the earnest money check for?”
Earnest money is different than a down payment. These are funds submitted with the offer to the sellers’ real estate broker while a down payment is paid at the time of closing to the bank or mortgage company. The amount of the earnest money is something that the buyer determines based on the property. The amount will vary with each purchase agreement. A buyer must first understand the purpose of the earnest money to determine the right amount to include with the offer.
Earnest money is a term used for the funds that a buyer puts down to demonstrate to the seller their seriousness about buying a home. 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. In Minnesota, 1% of the purchase price is customary. But a buyer can offer more and a seller can ask for a higher amount as well. A lower amount may be acceptable in some circumstances; however it is important to be realistic.
Only a couple of years ago, a potential buyer wanted to write up an offer on at an open house of a home I had on the market in Forest Lake. The acreage home was set up with stables and a newer home. It was priced in the $300,000 range. This wheeling and dealing buyer wanted to impress the sellers with a whopping $100 earnest money check. The seller was significantly less than impressed. They knew the deal would be on shaky ground as with this unreasonable amount, the buyer could easily walk away from the deal.
Generally the earnest money funds are in the form of a check. If the offer is accepted, the money will be deposited into the listing broker’s trust or escrow account. In Minnesota, the funds must be deposited within three days of an offer having been accepted in writing. Yes, there needs to be money in the bank because that the check WILL be cashed after the offer has been accepted in writing.
If the offer is accepted, the earnest money will be applied to the down payment and/or the closing fees when the closing takes place. If your offer is not accepted the check is not cashed and your original check will be returned to you.
However, if the offer is accepted and the check cashed and then for some reason all contingencies are not met or other situation arises where the sale does not proceed, the buyer does not automatically receive a refund of the earnest money. Nor, does the seller automatically keep the down payment. The funds are disbursed as outlined in the purchase agreement or in some cases; the Buyer and seller must reach an agreement for the cancellation of the agreement before the funds can be disbursed.
Want to take the confusion out of buying a home? If you are buying or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
Friday, January 16, 2009
Making Home Buyers Dreams Reality~~No Matter How Long it Takes!
It was a sunny spring afternoon a year or so ago, when my cell phone rang.
“Hi my name is Ben Johnson and you worked with my in-laws a few years back. They are in that great home in Scandia.”
“Sure, Ben, I know who you are. I spoke with your wife, Kim, a few years back but you weren’t ready to make a move then.”
“Well we are now! Could you show us a few homes tomorrow? We are interested in a few horse properties that are on the market in Isanti and Anoka Counties.”
“Great! I will set them up!”
So began the quest to the perfect home for the Johnson family. This story does have a very happy ending but the middle was rather a long drawn out process. Ben and Kim had a St. Paul home to sell. When they sold their first home more than ten years before, it sold in just days. They were certain that their home would again sell quickly, even in the slowed down buyer's market. A number of friends and acquaintences had indicated they were interested in the two-story, centrally located St. Paul home. But selling a home for-sale-by-owner. or FSBO, is not as easy as it would seem. After exhausting their contacts, they listed with me at the end of the summer.
From our first meeting, the Johnsons enthusiastically signed a buyer’s representation agreement. They wanted to be working with one specific professional REALTOR® and chose me. Kim and Ben’s dream was to live on acreage so they wouldn’t have to board their horses. The Johnson’s wanted land to ride on and memory-making views of golden sunsets. Driving from North Branch to Linwood and Stacy to Scandia, we scoured the countryside. We found many near-perfect places for this family while they waited for their home to sell. The Johnsons wanted their offer to be non-contingent on the sale of their current home so needed to find a buyer for their St. Paul home first.
Over the December holidays, the Johnsons chose to remove their home from the market. Their busy schedule included celebrating with a number of chi
ldren and grandchildren. Showings didn't fit in the plan. During the time their home was temporarily off of the MLS, a buyer contacted me as my sign was still in the yard. She was ready to buy and love the home from the outside and the photos online. I spoke with her agent and the day the house re-listed in January, she wrote an offer which was accepted. Of course this offer had to timed with the first big snowstorm of the year. The snow did not stop us. The Johnsons and I trekked out in the elements to see new homes. After viewing properties from East Bethel to Chisago, the perfect home was found in Forest Lake. Unfortunately, the person buying the Johnson's home wasn't as pre-approved as their letter lead us to believe. A day later the earnest money check bounced. So we were back to the drawing board.
A few weeks into March and my clients were more dedicated than ever to find the perfect home. Kim and Ben had just had a new roof put on the house and made every repair recommended in their required truth-in-housing inspection. They decided to offer a warranty on their 1960's era home so a new buyer wouldn't have to worry about an older dryer or boiler. They lowered their list price and showings picked up. The Forest Lake home they had their eyes on in January had sold, but new homes were coming on the market to consider.
As spring turned to summer, my clients were home sellers frustrated with the slow real estate market. The Johnsons dropped their price again. Weeks later, we were contacted by an agent that an offer was being written. Out we headed again to find a perfect place for the Johnson's to call home. This time there were homes in Scandia, Stacy, Columbus, North Branch and Linwood to consider. A perfect Scandia home was located.
An offer did arrive by fax the next day. It was from an investor who wanted to close within days. When the sellers countered with a new closing date, the investor rejected the counteroffer and bought a different home. A week later the Scandia home went into pending and another dream faded.
As August approached, Ben and Kim remained positive and determined to have a new home for the school year. Another price adjustment and another offer came in. The third offer was definitely the charm!
Now, it was time to get to work finding that dream acreage! A perfect horse property was available. It was a second choice to the Scandia home. An offer was written, accepted and on a bright sunny fall afternoon, both homes closed. The Johnson's dream was finally a reality.
The lesson here is a professional REALTOR® is in it with buyers for the long haul. Because of the Buyers' Representation agreement we had signed, I was with my clients through all of the sketchy buyers and the changed real estate market. I showed them homes in four counties and several communities for over a year until their timing was right.
When I checked in on the family a few weeks after closing, the Johnsons were very pleased with their new home. Of course there were minor issues that need to be resolved but overall the family was satisfied and feeling at home in the country. Their children were adjusting well, the horses were grazing in the back and life was returning to a new normal on 10 acres in the country.
This is why I love being a REALTOR®. My job is to make dreams reality no matter how long it takes.
*The story is true though in interest of my clients' privacy, I did change the names.
More Articles on Buying Real Estate that might be of interest:
- Are You a BUBBA?
- Rent VS Buy? It's Time to Revisit the Question!
- How to Choose a Realtor-Why a Good Friend is Not Always a Good Option
- How to Choo-Choose a Realtor and Avoid a Train Wreck!
Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Affordability and Lend-Ability—Keys to Minnesota Home Buyers Today!
Affordability of homes is at an all time high in the Minneapolis/St Paul market. Prices are at rock bottom in the northern suburbs, southern suburbs and on both sides of the Mississippi. Interest rates are loan and projected to stay there and maybe even drop further. But we keep hearing this positive real estate information but some buyers can still be struggling to get funded for that first home at a reasonable interest rate.
According to the Minneapolis Board of Realtors, the Housing Affordability Index has jumped to 192, the highest ever recorded. Homes are 36% more affordable in the Twin Cities metro area than this time last year. (Click here for the full Weekly Market Activity Report from the Minneapolis Association of REALTORS®).This is awesome news…So first time buyers are heading to their loan officers enticed by the affordability and the potential of extremely low interest rates…dare we say 4.5% interest rates…but the rates hover around 5%. Of course this is good but are they going to get better and when?
Ever wonder how mortgage brokers and banks get their money to lend out to home buyers? Even after years in the industry, this can be troublesome for the best of us REALTORS® to explain to our clients. Just this morning, I came across this post on my Facebook account of Brian Brady, Mortgage Broker with World Wide Credit Corporation as he explains, slowly and carefully so we can all understand, why he believes interest rates will be coming down again and soon. In less than four minutes, you will better understand the flow of money in the mortgage industry. Here’s the link to give it a listen:
Now doesn’t Brian make it SOUND so easy!
If you are buying or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
Monday, January 12, 2009
Simple Steps to Find a REALTOR® You'll LOVE!
As a successful REALTOR® working throughout Anoka County, I attended many, many closings and sit by quietly as my clients sign documents selling their family home, buying their first house, or investing in that big deal. Though dual agency is an option in Minnesota, most buyers and sellers have individual representation. So by the time we ge to the closing, the group assembled at the closing table is eclectic. The buyers, their agent and closer are joined with the sellers, their agent and closer. Every once in a while, there is a loan officer or lawyer thrown into the mix!
In most cases this is an exciting time! The buyers are ecstatic to be moving into their new home. The sellers are often ready to move on to their next adventure whether down the block or out-of-state. And the closers are happy once again to have completed and closed the file.
On a rare occasion, the closing can be a very tense place. As agents we can anticipate some of the tension. If the buyer/seller negotiation process was particularly stressful, sellers can elect to presign their documents and collect their check at a later time. Sometimes this happens with two sellers that are divorcing and papers are signed down the hall from each other to reduce confrontation.
In most cases this is an exciting time! The buyers are ecstatic to be moving into their new home. The sellers are often ready to move on to their next adventure whether down the block or out-of-state. And the closers are happy once again to have completed and closed the file.
On a rare occasion, the closing can be a very tense place. As agents we can anticipate some of the tension. If the buyer/seller negotiation process was particularly stressful, sellers can elect to presign their documents and collect their check at a later time. Sometimes this happens with two sellers that are divorcing and papers are signed down the hall from each other to reduce confrontation.
Stress can not be avoided if the client is upset with their agent. In these situations, while extremely rare, the closing can be a train wreck as it is the clients’ last opportunity to have their say prior to signing the documents. Usually the agent will arrive late to the closing, just in time to pick up his or her check. During this time, the client will make barely audible comments that hint of the stress of the situation. Though most closings go through, there is a moment or two where everyone in the room holds their breath in anticipation of what could happen.
I often wonder what research the client did to find their agent. Did they do any research at all? Did they select a top selling agent? Did they look at credentials? I think most people did research their REALTOR® but still ended up in a personality clash with their agent.
Most of the lists of how to select an agent that I have seen omit the most important steps for a client…How to assess their own personality prior to agent interviewing and selection. Ask yourself what do you expect from an agent? As a client, you must examine what you want and need from an agent prior to signing that representation agreement to avoid the train wreck!
5 Steps to REALTOR® Bliss
1. Who do you trust for advice?
Is it a parent or grandparent? Maybe a close friend or uncle? Or is it your sibling or boss? Think about the qualities that person possesses and why you look at them as an advisor. If your trusted advisor is your grandfather, you might prefer working with someone older. If you tend to bring your problems to your best friend, you might want a REALTOR® with similar characteristics to your friend.
2. How demanding are you?
If you are an impatient person who needs answers as soon as you think of a question, you will need a Realtor that is available to you. If you are more laid back, you might prefer a REALTOR® with a similar style.
3. Do you prefer to use email or the phone as your main source of information?
Some Realtors are very computer savvy and will answer an email within the hour. Others answer emails once a week or less. There are REALTORS® who return calls only one time a day or week. There are others that always answer their own phone and others that have an assistant to field calls and answer basic questions.
4. Are you into gadgets?
If you prefer video updates videos on your new Rant cellphone or Blackberry, you might prefer working with an agent who presents email your market analysis in a pdf presentation and gives market updates in video format. If you prefer an old school paper document that you can write your own notes on with a pen, a with more a more traditional style might be more your cup of tea.
5. Do you have expensive tastes and exclusive brands? Or are you more conservative?
If you like the finer things in life, you might prefer a REALTOR® who drives a Lexus and has you sign the contract with a Mont Blanc pen. If you are more conservative, a REALTOR® in a Ford F250 that uses a trust Bic ballpoint might be more your style.
1. Who do you trust for advice?
Is it a parent or grandparent? Maybe a close friend or uncle? Or is it your sibling or boss? Think about the qualities that person possesses and why you look at them as an advisor. If your trusted advisor is your grandfather, you might prefer working with someone older. If you tend to bring your problems to your best friend, you might want a REALTOR® with similar characteristics to your friend.
2. How demanding are you?
If you are an impatient person who needs answers as soon as you think of a question, you will need a Realtor that is available to you. If you are more laid back, you might prefer a REALTOR® with a similar style.
3. Do you prefer to use email or the phone as your main source of information?
Some Realtors are very computer savvy and will answer an email within the hour. Others answer emails once a week or less. There are REALTORS® who return calls only one time a day or week. There are others that always answer their own phone and others that have an assistant to field calls and answer basic questions.
4. Are you into gadgets?
If you prefer video updates videos on your new Rant cellphone or Blackberry, you might prefer working with an agent who presents email your market analysis in a pdf presentation and gives market updates in video format. If you prefer an old school paper document that you can write your own notes on with a pen, a with more a more traditional style might be more your cup of tea.
5. Do you have expensive tastes and exclusive brands? Or are you more conservative?
If you like the finer things in life, you might prefer a REALTOR® who drives a Lexus and has you sign the contract with a Mont Blanc pen. If you are more conservative, a REALTOR® in a Ford F250 that uses a trust Bic ballpoint might be more your style.
So what is next? Get additional REALTOR® selection tips by reading my other posts: Real Estate Agent Selection Primer—How to Choose the BEST REALTOR® for YOU! (Part One of Two) and Real Estate Agent Selection Primer—How to Choose the BEST REALTOR® for YOU! (Part Two of Two) .
Let me be the REALTOR® you love! If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Home Buyers Can Make a Great DEAL in this Changed Real Estate Market!
Howie Mandle isn't the only one giving people the opportunity of a lifetime....You CAN Make a GREAT Deal if you buy a home now. For the past couple of years now, the term "Buyer's Market" has been synonymous with the real estate market. Obviously this is the opposite of the "Seller's Market" term that had been used for the prior decade. I also made a practice of tossing around these descriptions. Awhile back, I decided when I use these terms, I negatively affect half of my clients.
A buyer's market, defined as a market with many sellers and few buyers, gives the impression that all buyers are winners making the sellers the losers. Likewise, in a seller's market, with fewer sellers than buyers, there was an implication of the sellers getting the upper hand in every deal.
But here's the rub: In this market, not ALL sellers lose and not ALL buyers win.
A seller that purchased a home in the early 1990's, maintained it properly, diligently made payments and didn't refinance out all of their equity can sell a home today at a handsome profit. This seller is in no way a loser.
A buyer who purchases a foreclosed home from a bank without a disclosure for a price well below the value of neighboring properties then discovers toxic black mold in the walls costing, a failed septic system or cement in the plumbing with unexpected repairs in the tens of thousands is not a winner.
These situations are part of today's CHANGED real estate market. Yes, that is how I describe the market now. I avoid the phrases, "buyer's market" and "seller's market" and used "changed market" instead. Face it, the market has changed. But there can be winners on both sides of the transaction.
Here's a case in point: A savvy young couple, who wanted to take advantage of the glut of new construction models on the market last year in the Forest Lake area and sell the Anoka County starter home they had outgrown, were winners! They negotiated with a major builder on a perfect model and saved over $30,000 on the price. Then after making all necessary repairs, they listed their home at a rock bottom price equal to what they had paid for it four years earlier, and sold it in less than 60 days.
Did they lose money on the sale of their previous home? Some might think so, but this educated couple realized they were not losers. Their gain from the builder far outweighed the money they supposed “lost” on their sale. Had it been a hot "Seller's Market" they might have sold their starter home for a few thousand more but the builder would never have negotiated the drastic price reduction. All parties in this transaction were winners all the way around...The buyer of the starter home got a great deal. The move up couple sold quickly and got and awesome deal. The builder reduced their home inventory. Win. Win. Win.
This is just one example of the success stories I have witnessed this past year in this CHANGED real estate market. I know of dozens of examples of other individuals and families, both buyers and sellers, who are winners in this market.Is it your turn to be a winning home buyer? If you are thinking that now is the time to make a move but the constant gloom and doom of the media has you sitting on the fence about buying, contact a REALTOR® to help you assess your situation. Getting professional real estate assistance from the get-go is the best way to "MAKE A GREAT DEAL" in this changed market.
The young move-up couple in the previous story had contacted me months prior to finding their dream home to figure out a plan of action. I give sellers throughout the north and east Twin Cities metro area realistic facts about how to get their homes ready and where they need to be priced. They were prepared and ready to negotiate realistically with buyers when an offer came in on their property.
When I meet first time buyers, I give them a packet of information on how to buy a home so they are prepared for what to expect in the process. Before we start deciding whether to look at homes in Forest Lake, Ham Lake, Blaine or Hugo, I make certain my buyers are pre-approved for a loan with a reliable mortgage broker who will get the job done. Clients understand exactly what they can afford and what their payment will be. Then I discuss with my buyers the opportunities and pitfalls when looking at foreclosed homes, short sales, new construction and owner occupied homes. Prepared clients are then ready to jump on the perfect house and when the situation arises. With my expert assistance, buyers understand how to finesse a low offer as a starting point to negotiations so they can get their dream home at a price acceptable to both parties.
Are you ready to make a move? Team up with a great REALTOR® and get educated!
When buying a home in today's market, you can make a GREAT deal. Win-win sales are not only possible, they are my goal in every transaction!
If you are buying or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Teri Eckholm REALTOR® Moves to RE/MAX Specialists! Change is Good!
The late (and great) comedian George Carlin once quipped about stepping out of status quo; “I put a dollar in one of those change machines. Nothing Changed.” Dry humor yes, but a bit profound too…People seem to want change to happen to them without doing much of anything. But real positive change takes time and hard work. And, once the wheels are set into motion, the rewards are endless.
Just after Thanksgiving, I decided that I wanted to change my business in 2009. I spent over five wonderful years working as an agent under the Keller Williams Premier umbrella but sometimes a change will energize an individual and provide a more dynamic future. So without any decisions being made, I started interviewing brokers to see if there was a better fit out there for me and most importantly one that would provide additional benefits to my client base. I began researching smaller brokerages as I felt they would better fit needs. I contacted several but nothing felt right.
Fate played a role. In a Listingbook class, I was seated next to a fellow REALTOR® who I knew in the White Bear Lake area. She told me of ch
anges that were taking place at the White Bear Lake RE/MAX office that she was affiliated with. A day later, I heard similar news from another trusted mortgage colleague. Intrigued, I contacted the owner/broker Mike Vanderheyden and listened to what RE/MAX Specialists had to offer. Small firm with innovative ideas. Redesigning itself to be poised for the future. Putting the needs of the clients first. Hmmmm….Sounds a lot like me.
So I took a risk and made the change. As of January 1, 2009 I am now proud part of the RE/MAX Specialists family.
Funny thing happened, when I made that leap off the bridge of change. A day after I called Mike and informed him of my decision, I received a call from Bob Stewart, Active Rain guru in Bellvue, WA asking if I was interested in being part of the Growth Leadership Marketing Program. I had read his post on the project months ago but Minneapolis/St Paul was not on the list of cities so I didn’t respond. Bob called me anyway. What an amazing opportunity that just sort of fell into my lap. The start up was put on hold until after the broker change but soon my readers will see weekly posts on this fantastic program.
And the positive energy didn’t stop there…After I decided to make my change, my phone started to ring like crazy. Things just started to happen!
- A referral from a long time friend.
- A “I need a house NOW” buyer from the internet.
- Showings on several of my listings during the usually slow Christmas week.
Sometimes change may not seem necessary but life’s forces are dynamic! One change can lead to others and create a field of positive energy. So take up the challenge: Make a change and reap the rewards in 2009!
If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or Homebuyers Success Packet. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.
Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
