Minnesota Homebuyer Blog: February 2010

Friday, February 26, 2010

Year End 2009 Snapshot of Hugo, MN Home Sales Statistics

In this northern Ramsey and Washington County community, just north of White Bear Lake, closed home sales were up an average of by nearly 43%. Unfortunately, the average sales price did continue to decline again during 2009; down nearly 17% to under $200,000! This is no doubt a reflection of the significant amount of first time home buyers in the market. With only a handful of additional new listings in the area, inventory is down considerably. Sellers are already starting to see sales prices come in closer to asking price. Time on the market to sell a home, has remained flat at just over four months. It appears that the Hugo market is starting to become more balanced which is great news for homeowners in this Washington County suburb.

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.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

OPEN HOUSE This Sunday 2/28 from 1-3! BIRCH PONDS CONDOS--An Awesome Place to call HOME!

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

OPEN House Sunday February 28 from 1-3PM

20 Windsor Lane #310A, New Brighton.

Hosted by Teri Eckholm RE/MAX Specialists

651-336-7073

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Workout and Whirlpool. Keep fit by using the in building workout facilities. An assortment of workout equipment and free weights are located in the mini-gym of each building. Or just relax after a long day in the whirlpool.

6. Guest Suites. Most people do not have room to entertain out of town guests in their condo but this is not a problem at Birch Ponds. For a nominal daily fee, a guest of a resident can reserve and rent one of the guest suites that is located in either building.

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

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

icles 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!

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.

Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

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

With the number of closed sales dramatically up for the second year in a row and this year new listings dramatically down, there is significantly less real estate inventory to start off 2010 in the East Bethel. While this northern Anoka County community did see a drop in the average sales price in 2009 compared to statistics in 2008, lower inventory is a good indicator of a more balanced market on the horizon. The ratio comparing sold price to list price did see a bit of a comeback in 2009 but at just over 90% it is one of the lowest in the north and east metro communities I work in. The Days on the market statistic is also up again for the second year in a row; this is significant as many surrounding communities did see a bit of a drop in DOM in 2009.

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

The number of new listings in Circle Pines dropped again in 2009 compared to the previous year. In this small Anoka County community, just north of Shoreview, home sales more homes sold; up over 22% from last year. The average time on the market did drop in Circle Pines from 141 days to 127 days on the market. The average price also fell by over $35,000 which is over 14% lower, than in 2008 making this community that has an abundance of starter homes, even more affordable than last year. The ratio of percent received versus list price is also up for this year to 94%. All in all, the home sales market in Circle Pines, Minnesota appears to be weathering the changed market well.

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Year End 2009 Snapshot of Chisago Lakes, MN Home Sales Statistics

There were just a few more closed sales in Chisago during 2009 over 2008 but the average sales price was down significantly for the second year in a row. New listings were down almost 21% over the previous year. Sellers are receiving just slightly less than they did in 2008 with as the accepted sales price ratio compared to list price ratio is down just a bit. At 89% it remains one of the lowest in the north and east metro communities I work in as many communities saw an improvement in this ratio this year. Market time is up significantly to well over 200 days. Buying a home in Chisago City could continue to be a very affordable option as there appears to be plenty of sellers still on the market and willing to negotiate on the list price of their properties.

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.

Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

Year End 2009 Snapshot of Coon Rapids Market Statistics

Coon Rapids, Minnesota homes are sold faster in 2009 than 2008 and more homes were sold too! New listings were down by almost 15% which is a sign that this Anoka County Community is moving closer to a more balanced market. The average sales price did dropped again by over 16% so affordability was evident in Coon Rapids in 2009 but with the lower inventory levels, we could see the average sales price start to level off in 2010. The ratio of original price to received price is down is starting to edge up in Coon Rapids which is good news for those considering selling in 2010.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Year End 2009 Snapshot of Wyoming, MN Market Statistics

The number of new listings was down again for 2009 in Wyoming, Minnesota along with the average sales price of a home in this Southern Chisago County community. Since 2007, the average sales price of a home dropped by over 30%; over 15% last year alone. A high point to the year is that homes are selling at a faster pace with an average of 47 days less time on the market in Wyoming, Minnesota compared to last year. Sellers appear to be getting just over 91% of their asking price which is in line with several other north east metro communities. If you are considering selling your Wyoming home, this might be a good time to list with less inventory on the market to compete with.

Year End 2009 Snapshot of Columbus MN Market Statistics

Home sales are up in Columbus, Minnesota which is well known for its acreage properties but like most neighboring communities, prices are not. In this Anoka County community, just west of Forest Lake, home sales rose over 37% from 2008 to 2009. The average price of a home dropped nearly 11% and fewer homes were listed on the market. Decreased inventory helped sellers to keep more dollars in their pockets during negotiations than in some neighboring communities although the ratio of percentage of list to sale price did go down. With average days on the market also down considerably for the first time in two years, it appears that buyers are making decisions quickly on acreage homes in Columbus, Minnesota.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Love at First Sight is a Home Buying Phenomena too!

Do you believe in love at first sight? I do!

Decades ago as a handsome young blue-eyed man walked through the door of a neighborhood restaurant, his eyes connected with the sparkling eyes of a young girl. In that instant, their lives changed. It was years before they married and there were many ups and downs during that time. But they are still together and in love today. I should know, as the star-struck green-eyed girl was me.

Funny thing is that when I see that tell-tale star struck look these days, it is when my buyers fall in love with a house. After showing house after house to my clients,

whether they are first time buyers or moving up or downsizing, I can see it in their eyes when we have found the one!

It is not always the best house.

It is not always the most expensive.

The property is not always perfectly staged.

But something about the home strikes the heartstrings of the buyers…I can see it in their eyes.

I am a firm believer in houses selling themselves.

For most home buyers, a housing purchase is unlike any other investment; it is an emotional decision. My job as a buyer's representative is to provide stable, unbiased support and assistance throughout the home buying process. So while my buyers are starry-eyed looking at the warm paint colors, brilliant hardwoods and room sizes, I check out the nooks, crannies and disclosures to discover things that might be overlooked. While not an inspector, I will point out potential issues to question the sellers about (and home inspector should the buyers decide to write an offer). Sometimes flaws are hard to see with stars in our eyes.

Falling in love at first sight is a wonderful experience whether with another person or a home. It is important to take the time to get to know that object of your affection before making a commitment. As a professional REALTOR®, I can guide love struck buyers through the home buying process so that they get a good deal on their dream house. My job as a real estate agent when representing buyers is to look out for my clients’ best interests so they can remain in love with their dream home as long as the live there.

♥ Have a Wonderful Valentine's Day!♥

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Year End 2009 Snapshot of Centerville MN Market Statistics

Centerville, Minnesota came through 2009 without a big change in average sales price. Days on the market are up a bit but still in line with surrounding Anoka County communities. Centerville home sellers are not being hit as hard in the negotiations as indicated by the ratio of original price to sold price going back above 90% in 2009. That is good news for sellers as is new listings being down a bit means less competition. However, Centerville remains an affordable place to call home.

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

The stability of real estate in White Bear Township in 2008 unfortunately did not continue into 2009.There were many more sales in White Bear Township, Minnesota in 2008 versus 2009 with closed sales up 40%. This northern Ramsey County township escaped much of the affects of 2008 but could not escape it into 2009. DOM went up a whopping 49% while the average home price dropped over 15%. From 2007 to 2008, prices were only down 3% so this 15% drop was a significant in prices for the area. The average sales price for a home in White Bear Township is now just under $225,000.