Minnesota Homebuyer Blog: July 2010

Friday, July 30, 2010

Blaine, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Mid Year 2010

The community of Blaine has continued to grow and expand in the north metro of the Twin Cities despite the economic downturn. Just drive down Highway 65 and see the Main Street (125th) overpass to get an idea of how the significant changes have affected the community. Though housing construction had slowed during 2008-2009, it has not stopped and continues to affect the market in 2010. 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 along with the tax incentives seemed to boost sales in the Blaine area during the first half of 2010. Looking at pending sales, it is doubtful that the trend will continue during the second half of the year but time will tell. The homes that are selling best in Blaine continue to be in the under $200,000 price point. I think that the tax credit incentive boosted the lower end sales considerably by enticing first time buyers into the market. Move up buyers had opportunities too as more homes sold in some of the higher priced categories too…but compared to completely stagnate sales of the past few years, it could have been due to pent up demand. It is also important to note that there are fewer new construction properties in the over $500,000 price range and that builders are starting to construct both townhomes AND single family homes under $200,000. Sales were brisk in the 2nd quarter in these price points for new construction. However, momentum has seemed to decline with the tax credit expiration.

The townhome and condominium market has started to sell at a rate similar to single family homes. This is affected directly by the number of new townhomes available at lower price points and how quickly they flew off of active status. Existing townhome sellers must continue to be aggressive in their pricing to compete with builders if they want to sell their properties in this market.

2009 Average Sales Price of all homes sold in Blaine:

· All Homes $196,174
· Single Family Homes $216,254
· Townhomes/Condos $150,5232009 Average Cumulative Days on Market in Blaine:
· All Homes 143
· Single Family Homes 140
· Townhomes/Condos 150

1st Half Blaine residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $200,000~ 109 Active Listings, 14 Pending Listings, 141 Sold Listings, 105 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 5 Active, 1 Pending, 2 Sold, 21 CDOM)

$200,000-300,000~104 Active Listings, 14 Pending Listings, 78 Sold Listings, 138 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 37 Active, 6 Pending, 23 Sold, 88 CDOM)

$300,000-$400,000 ~40 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 28 Sold Listings, 158 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 15 Active, 1 Pending, 13 Sold, 142 CDOM)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 18 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 11 Sold Listings, 216 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 2 Active, 1 Pending, 3 Sold, 282 CDOM)

$500,000-$1,000,000~ 20 Active Listings, 6 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, 180 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 7 Active, 4 Pending, 3 Sold, 53 CDOM)

$1,000,000 and Up ~1 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (No New Construction over $1,000,000)

1st Half Blaine residential real estate statistics for townhomes and condos:

Under $200,000~ 143 Active Listings, 27 Pending Listings, 103 Sold Listings, 123 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 16 Active, 9 Pending, 15 Sold, 124 CDOM)

$200,000-300,000~ 11 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 16 Sold Listings, 177 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 8 Active, 1 Pending, 13 Sold, 162 CDOM)

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 5 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 137 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 3 Active, 2 Pending, 1 Sold, 137 CDOM)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 6 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 1 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 2 Active, 1 Pending, 1 Sold, 1 CDOM)

$500,000-$1,000,000~ 3 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 371 CDOM (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 1/1/10 through 6/30/10.

Home Sales Statistics for other communities in the north metro:

acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

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

Ham Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Mid Year 2010

The City of Ham Lake has a rich history. 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. Though, I can only assume that the lake itself got its name due to its unusual “ham hock” shape, the community started out with a different name. 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. Anoka County officially was recognized it 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 more and more people look to buying acreage, executive, luxury and lakeshore homes in the Ham Lake area. The real estate market is not quite as sluggish in Ham Lake, MN as it was in early 2009. Homes are selling again. There are bright spots across the board with homes selling in all price categories. Even several higher priced homes moved off the MLS in the first half of 2010.

Inventory is moving at a pretty good pace for most price points in Ham Lake. There are currently 117 homes active on the market. Homes listed at higher prices are starting to sell again. With only 7 listed homes over $500,000 and 3 sold in the first half of 2010 and one in pending, the absorption rate is just over a year. Lower priced inventory has continued to sell well. With 35 actives and 35 sales in the first half of 2010, it seems that homes under $200K are selling twice as fast as the half million plus properties in Ham Lake. The only price point with an over abundance of listings seems to be $400,000-$500,000 range. With 14 actives and only 4 sales in 6 months, there is well over a years worth of inventory and the cumulative time on the market seems to reflect this as well. 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 again over 6 months but in some price points it could take a year or longer. Right now inventory levels indicate there is about 10 months of inventory in the Ham Lake area and homes are selling again in every price point. But since the tax credit for home buyers has now expired, having your home properly priced and prepared for showings will be essential to sell a home in this Anoka County community as we continue into the second half of 2010.

First Half 2010 Ham Lake residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $200,000~ 35 Active Listings, 4 Pending Listings, 35 Sold Listings, CDOM 105 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 0 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold)

$200,000-300,000 ~ 39 Active Listings, 7 Pending Listings, 20 Sold Listings, CDOM 187 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 1 Active, 1 Pending, 1 Sold)

$300,000-400,000 ~ 22 Active Listings, 4 Pending Listings, 12 Sold Listings, CDOM 312 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 5 Active, 1 Pending, 2 Sold)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 14 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, CDOM 333 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 1 Active, 1 Pending, 3 Sold)

$500,000 and Up~ 7 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 3 Sold Listings, CDOM 220 (New Construction Subgroup ~ 2 Active, 2 Pending, 0 Sold)

Lakeshore available in the City of Ham Lake
11 Active Listings

Ham Lake lakeshore price range: $100,000-$774,900

6 Homes on Coon Lake
2 Homes on Ham Lake
1 Home on Lake Netta
2 Home on Little Coon Lake

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1/1/10 through 6/30/10.

Click HERE to Search for Minnesota Lakeshore or Acreage Homes!

Articles on Ham Lake, Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

Where's the Playground? A Key to Parks in Ham Lake Minnesota
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:

Saturday, July 24, 2010

July 2010 Twin Cities Real Estate Market Video Update—Robbed from Peter to Pay Paul

Have you ever heard that phrase? Robbing from Peter to pay Paul? That's the Twin Cities market in a nutshell. June 2010 pending sales are down 40% from June of 2009. The buyers from what is traditionally one of our busiest months, June were undoubtedly rushed into purchasing for the now expired housing tax credit. So those early spring numbers that showed so much promise, have leveled off….no surprise there. However there was one bright spot in the statistics, the average home sale's price is up and sellers are getting closer to asking price again. But there is no crystal ball to show if we are completely out of the woods.

Want to see the entire story? Take a look at the July 2010 Monthly Skinny from the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Forest Lake, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Mid Year 2010

Forest Lake, Minnesota is well known throughout the Twin Cities area. Many people from the city remember the northeast St. Paul suburb fondly from years gone by as a summer vacation spot, an annual ice fishing tournament tradition or as a destination when going for a Sunday a drive in the country. 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. The northern Washington County and east Anoka County community of Forest Lake is now considered an integral part of the Twin Cities.

Real estate in Forest Lake, MN sold a bit faster during the second quarter compared to the first. A total of 110 properties sold in the Forest Lake Area between January and June compared to 45 being sold prior in the first three months of the year. Of these homes, 68 properties, were single family homes while the other 42 were townhomes, condos or twin homes.

Not surprisingly, the price category of under $200,000 is the high point the bulk of homes sold during the first half of 2010 (78 properties sold with 39 Single family homes and 39 townhomes/condos). The $8000 tax credit really made an impact in the Forest Lake market as the first time buyer homes under $200,000 are not staying on the market for very long. It will be interesting to see if this momentum continues, though it seems doubtful based on early pending sales results for May and June since the credit expired.

High end homes continue to struggle though the first half of 2010. Homes over $500,000 remain are at a complete standstill with zero homes sold in the over half a million price category in the Forest Lake area during this time period. Add that to the one home sold in all of 2009 and it will is difficult to calculate an absorption rate. As most lakeshore homes fall into this category, there is an abundance of high valued lakeshore homes to select from in the Forest Lake area. With one sold in the past 18 months and 24 active listings over $500,000, it will DECADES for all the homes to sell if sales continue at this rate.

What does this mean for the home buyer? Homebuyers in 2010 looking for homes under $200,000 will have to make quick decisions on homes in Forest Lake that appear to be good values. Lakeshore and acreage properties priced under $500,000 seem to be attractive to buyers and selling quickly again, so it is important to be prepared to buy when the right property comes onto the market.

A buyer looking to purchase high-end lakeshore in the Forest Lake area, is at the wheel in the captain’s chair in 2010! With so much inventory, high-end lakeshore sellers must to be flexible on pricing if they want to be the house with the SOLD sign on their yard this summer! NOW might be the perfect time to negotiate a GREAT deal on a lakeshore home! The inventory is awesome…Over 50 lakeshore homes with are currently active in the Forest Lake area; some are at very attractive and affordable price points. Many have been on the market for several months; some have been on the market for years. With the continued low interest rates may never be a better time to negotiate a deal on your piece of Minnesota shoreline!

Mid Year Average Sales Price of all homes sold in Forest Lake:

All Homes $175,317

Single Family Homes $207,204
Townhomes/Condos $125,208

Mid Year 2010 Average Cumulative Days on Market in Forest Lake:

All Homes 167
Single Family Homes 180

Townhomes/Condos 146

Mid Year Forest Lake real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $200,000~ 48 Active Listings, 7 Pending Listings, 39 Sold Listings, 123 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 0 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$200,000-$300,000 ~ 60 Active Listings, 7 Pending Listings, 19 Sold Listings, 200 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 9 Active, 1 Pending, 1 Sold, 50 CDOM)

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 24 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, 210 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 8 Active, 2 Pending, 2 Sold, 86 CDOM)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 15 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 6 Sold Listing, 408 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 5 Active, 0 Pending, 3 Sold, 493 CDOM)

$500,000-$1,000,000~ 19 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 19 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$1,000,000 and Up~ 5 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 5 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

Mid Year 2010 Forest Lake residential real estate statistics for townhomes and condos:

Under $200,000~ 35 Active Listings, 11 Pending Listings, 39 Sold Listings, 121 CDOM

$200,000-300,000~9 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 3 Sold Listings, 200 CDOM

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 4 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings

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

54 Active Lakeshore Properties available in the Forest Lake area:

Price range $225,000-$4,995,000

44 Homes on Forest Lake
6 Home on Clear Lake
2 Homes on Comfort Lake
1 Home On Shields Lake
1 Home On Sylvan Lake

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1/1/10 through 6/30/10.

Home Sales Statistics for other communities in the north metro:

2009 Year End Snapshot of Andover, MN Home Sales Statistics

2009 Year End Snapshot of Blaine, MN Home Sales Statistics

2009 Year End Snapshot of Centerville Market Statistics

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

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

2009 Year End Snapshot of Columbus, MN Home Sales Statistics

2009 Year End Snapshot of Coon Rapids Market Statistics

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

2009 Year End Snapshot of Forest Lake MN Home Sales Statistics

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

2009 Year End Snapshot of Hugo, MN Home Sales Statistics

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

2009 Year End Snapshot of Linwood, MN Home Sales Statistics

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

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

2009 Year End Snapshot of Wyoming, MN Home Sales Statistics

White Bear Lake, MN Year End Real Estate Market Statistics MidYear 2010

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

Legends aside,

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

Mid Year 2010 Average Sales Price of all homes sold in White Bear Lake:

· All Homes $ 207,697
· Single Family Homes $ 216,994
· Townhomes/Condos $ 166,640

Mid Year Average Cumulative Days on Market in White Bear Lake:

· All Homes 132
· Single Family Homes 121
· Townhomes/Condos 184

Mid Year 2010 White Bear Lake residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $200,000~ 45 Active Listings, 21 Pending Listings, 60 Sold Listings, 102 CDOM

$200,000-300,000~50 Active Listings, 5 Pending Listings, 35 Sold Listings, 113 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 1 Active, 1 Pending, 2 Sold, 88 CDOM)

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 8 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 6 Sold Listings, 167 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 1 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 205 CDOM)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 7 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 856 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 5 Active, 1 Pending, 1 Sold, 856 CDOM)

$500,000-$1,000,000~ 9 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 3 Sold Listings, 183 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 7 Active, 0 Pending, 2 Sold, 257 CDOM)

$1,000,000 and Up ~ 6 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 357 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 6 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 357 CDOM)

Mid Year 2010 White Bear Lake residential real estate statistics for townhomes and condos:

Under $200,000 ~ 44 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 18 Sold Listings, 161 CDOM

$200,000-300,000 ~ 11 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 3 Sold Listings, 245 CDOM

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 5 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listings, 205 CDOM

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 1 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 156 CDOM

$500,000-$1,000,000~ 5 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings

$1,000,000 and Up ~ 1 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings

Lakeshore available in the White Bear Lake area
20 Active Listings

White Bear Lake lakeshore price range: $244,900-$3,200,000

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

For additional information on any current White Bear Lake real estate listing or for additional information on buying a home in 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 1/1/10 through 6/30/10.

Home Sales Statistics for other communities in the north metro:

Friday, July 16, 2010

Top 10 Reasons People L♥VE to Call SHOREVIEW, Minnesota HOME!

Shoreview, Minnesota attracts attention for many other reasons besides the twin, skyscraping, radio transmission towers reaching high 1400+ miles into the air. Though not officially incorporated until 1957, Shoreview has a rich history. A good portion of what is now known as Shoreview was once inhabited by Dakota and Ojibwe Native America tribes. It was ceded to the US Government from the Ojibwe in 1837 and soon became known as a farming community. The Soo line of the railroad expanded into Shoreview in the late 1800’s and soon New Englanders and other European settlers came to farm the land. The iconic radio towers weren’t built until much later in 1963 but those three towers on 694 are still the tallest structures in the state of Minnesota. According to the 2000 census, nearly 26,000 people called Shoreview home. No doubt this decade’s survey will only add to the number of residents in this vibrant community.

Here is a top ten list of reasons why Shoreview Minnesota is such a great place to live.

#10—Turtleman Triathlon. Shoreview is home to Minnesota’s oldest triathlon, the Turtleman Triathlon which is run every August starting at Turtle Lake park. Hundreds of athletes take to the streets and shores of Shoreview for this annual summer event.

#9—Free Music and Movies! Concert in the Commons has been an annual tradition from June thru August. In 2010, free movies were added to the mix of family-friendly activities being shown at the Shoreview Commons Pavilion on Friday evenings in August. Bring popcorn or a picnic and have fun.

#8—Einhausen Sister City. For nearly a decade, the City of Shoreview has had a unique relationship with Einhausen, Germany as its sister city. As sister cities, Shoreview and Einhausen are partnered to promote a cultural understanding between the United States and Germany by creating opportunities for residents in the two communities to form personal relationships.

#7—Awesome Schools. Although Shoreview does not have it’s own secondary schools it is served by two highly rated school districts: Roseville School District 623 and Mounds View School District 621. It also has three community based public elementary schools within its borders: Emmet D. Williams Elementary School , Island Lake Elementary School, Turtle Lake Elementary School .

#6—Lakes & Parks. Shoreview has several of Minnesota’s 10,000 lakes within its borders. The largest and most notable are Island Lake, Lake Owasso, Snail Lake and Turtle Lake but there are also several smaller named lakes in Shoreview including: Grass Lake, Emily Lake, Lake Judy, Lake Wabasso, and Martha Lake as well as Rice Creek to enjoy the view of one of Minnesota’s greatest resources. And as for parks, there are too many great ones to mention…just check out this link to some of the best! Shoreview Parks & Playgrounds

#5—Bicycle Friendly Community! According to Shoreview’s community website, it is only one of three communities in Minnesota to have earned a “Bicycle Friendly Community” award. The Twin Cities Bicycle Club has notes several rides on it’s schedule on Shoreview’s trails all summer long!

#4—The Tropics! Where do you go for a little splashing fun when the Minnesota lakes are frozen? Why the Tropics of course! The Tropics Waterpark is an indoor oasis located in the Shoreview Community Center for kids of all ages to enjoy some water fun whether it is too hot & humid or cold & blustery. Since it opened, it has been a popular birthday party venue for residents in the north metro. But most people don’t want to wait for a party, everyday is a party at the affordable Tropics Waterpark.

#3— Enjoy a Slice! The Slice of Shoreview is an annual summer event with something for everyone. This community extravaganza held every July includes fun activities that have included a petting zoo, parade, car show, art fair, talent show and carnival. It is as fun as a county fair and an event the entire family can enjoy!

#2—Eclectic Options for Living. Whether you want the convenience of a low-maintenance townhome or condo, a home with a lakeshore view, a 1950’s rambler or bungalow, or a recently constructed, modified two story, you can find an affordable option to rent or purchase in Shoreview.

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

FEATURED LISTINGS in the SHOREVIEW AREA

Townhome 831 Martha Lake Court, Shoreview MN 55126

Lakeshore 278 Janice Avenue, Shoreview MN 55126

Condo 4 Pine Tree Dr, #123, Arden Hills, MN 55112

Additional Articles that might be of interest:

Think you could be at home in Shoreview, 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.

Blaine, MN Real Estate Market Statistics Mid Year 2010

The community of Blaine has continued to grow and expand in the north metro of the Twin Cities despite the economic downturn. Just drive down Highway 65 and see the Main Street (125th) overpass to get an idea of how the significant changes have affected the community. Though housing construction had slowed during 2008-2009, it has not stopped and continues to affect the market in 2010. 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 along with the tax incentives seemed to boost sales in the Blaine area during the first half of 2010. Looking at pending sales, it is doubtful that the trend will continue during the second half of the year but time will tell. The homes that are selling best in Blaine continue to be in the under $200,000 price point. I think that the tax credit incentive boosted the lower end sales considerably by enticing first time buyers into the market. Move up buyers had opportunities too as more homes sold in some of the higher priced categories too…but compared to completely stagnate sales of the past few years, it could have been due to pent up demand. It is also important to note that there are fewer new construction properties in the over $500,000 price range and that builders are starting to construct both townhomes AND single family homes under $200,000. Sales were brisk in the 2nd quarter in these price points for new construction. However, momentum has seemed to decline with the tax credit expiration.

The townhome and condominium market has started to sell at a rate similar to single family homes. This is affected directly by the number of new townhomes available at lower price points and how quickly they flew off of active status. Existing townhome sellers must continue to be aggressive in their pricing to compete with builders if they want to sell their properties in this market.

2009 Average Sales Price of all homes sold in Blaine:

· All Homes $196,174
· Single Family Homes $216,254
· Townhomes/Condos $150,523

2009 Average Cumulative Days on Market in Blaine:

· All Homes 143
· Single Family Homes 140
· Townhomes/Condos 150

1st Half Blaine residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $200,000~ 109 Active Listings, 14 Pending Listings, 141 Sold Listings, 105 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 5 Active, 1 Pending, 2 Sold, 21 CDOM)

$200,000-300,000~104 Active Listings, 14 Pending Listings, 78 Sold Listings, 138 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 37 Active, 6 Pending, 23 Sold, 88 CDOM)

$300,000-$400,000 ~40 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 28 Sold Listings, 158 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 15 Active, 1 Pending, 13 Sold, 142 CDOM)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 18 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 11 Sold Listings, 216 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 2 Active, 1 Pending, 3 Sold, 282 CDOM)

$500,000-$1,000,000~ 20 Active Listings, 6 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, 180 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 7 Active, 4 Pending, 3 Sold, 53 CDOM)

$1,000,000 and Up ~1 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (No New Construction over $1,000,000)

1st Half Blaine residential real estate statistics for townhomes and condos:

Under $200,000~ 143 Active Listings, 27 Pending Listings, 103 Sold Listings, 123 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 16 Active, 9 Pending, 15 Sold, 124 CDOM)

$200,000-300,000~ 11 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 16 Sold Listings, 177 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 8 Active, 1 Pending, 13 Sold, 162 CDOM)

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 5 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 137 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 3 Active, 2 Pending, 1 Sold, 137 CDOM)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 6 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 1 CDOM (New Construction Subgroup 2 Active, 1 Pending, 1 Sold, 1 CDOM)

$500,000-$1,000,000~ 3 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 371 CDOM (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 1/1/10 through 6/30/10.

Home Sales Statistics for other communities in the north metro:

2009 Year End Snapshot of Andover, MN Home Sales Statistics

2009 Year End Snapshot of Blaine, MN Home Sales Statistics

2009 Year End Snapshot of Centerville Market Statistics

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

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

2009 Year End Snapshot of Columbus, MN Home Sales Statistics

2009 Year End Snapshot of Coon Rapids Market Statistics

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

2009 Year End Snapshot of Forest Lake MN Home Sales Statistics

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

2009 Year End Snapshot of Hugo, MN Home Sales Statistics

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

2009 Year End Snapshot of Linwood, MN Home Sales Statistics

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

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

2009 Year End Snapshot of Wyoming, MN Home Sales Statistics

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.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Can the Purchase Agreement be Cancelled? Understanding Risk of Loss

Minnesota’s summer storm season has started. The first big severe weather outbreak of the season walloped Minnesota just a couple of weeks ago...more is in the forecast as we head into the heat of July. Hail will pummel roofs. Wind will tear off siding and snap trees like toothpicks. Lighting will zap

houses causing a variety of damage. And tornados could literally move homes off foundations.

From the time we are very young, Minnesotans are taught how extremely important it is to be weather alert during the summer.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature doesn’t care if a homeowner just accepted an offer from a buyer after having their home on the market for weeks on end. No doubt some of the homes damaged in yesterday’s storms will affect homebuyers and sellers with a contract in place.

Picture the following scenario: After months of scouring Anoka County for the perfect place to call home, you wrote an offer on a home in Lino Lakes that was accepted and is scheduled to close in 45 days.

A few weeks prior to the closing, severe storms with straight-line winds blow through Lino Lakes, Centerville and Hugo. Concerned, you drive up to your dream home and see that the picturesque oak trees that gave the home character have been uprooted. Worse yet, one of the huge trees crashed onto the house severely damaging the roof and eaves. You are devastated as this was no longer the home you pictured in your dreams. What happens now?

Risk of Loss is one of those “boiler plate” clauses on page four of the purchase agreement used most often in the State of Minnesota. Being preprinted, some agents and/or their clients will gloss over this clause but it is very important to understand, as is every other line in the document you sign to buy a home.

The highlighted section starting at line 150, clearly states that the risk of loss due to any reason whether an act of God or the acts of vandals will be the responsibility of the seller from the time the purchase agreement is signed until the date of closing. That means if there is a fire or accident the seller is required to bring the home into the condition that it was in at the time the contract was written and signed.

So if that temperamental decade-old dishwasher goes out, the seller is required to repair or replace it. If a deliveryman backs over the mailbox at the end of the driveway, it is the seller who must repair the post and replace with a new box. And if hail leaves dents in the aluminum siding, the seller must make the repair.

Final walkthroughs are essential to ascertain the condition of the home prior to signing the closing documents. But what happens to those irreplaceable picturesque trees that have fallen on the roof? Three weeks prior to a closing, there could be plenty of time for the seller to call their insurance company and have the home repaired. But is it the same house? And more importantly does the buyer still have to buy the home? In a word, no.

The clause goes on to say that in the case where there is substantial damage to the home or property, it is the buyer’s option to cancel or continue with the purchase agreement. In the fallen tree scenario outlined above, which was a real situation that occurred a few summers ago, the landscaping was significantly changed in the eyes of the buyers as the trees could not be replaced. The damage to the home caused an insurance claim that would now be reflected in a CLUE insurance report that could affect the ability to insure the home. The buyers opted to cancel the contract as was their option in the clause with all earnest money refunded.

Risk of loss comes into play quite often when buying and selling a home. In most cases the repairs are made quickly to both the buyer’s and seller’s satisfaction and the contract will close on time. But when the property sustains significant damage, the buyer has the option of continuing to closing or walking away from the deal. Boilerplate or not, Risk of Loss is an important clause to understand when buying or selling a home.

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

Friday, July 2, 2010

Top 10 Reasons People L♥VE to Call North St Paul, Minnesota HOME!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional Articles that might be of interest:

Think You Could be At Home in North St. Paul, 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.
Copyright 2010 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/