Welcome to 23085 Havelka Ct N, Forest Lake MN!

 Just Listed at $274,900

 Spectacular HomeFull of upgrades!

Granite, Vaults, Slate Tile and More

Move in perfect!

BEAUTIFUL Inside and OUT!

 Love the huge yard and privacy from the moment you drive into the cul de sac!
inside this home is also a treasure! GRANITEcounters! SLATE Tile floors!
Hardwood Floors! PAVER patio! MAINTENANCE-Free DECK! NEW Hot Water Heater! Master suite
with private full bath designed with in-floor heat, granite vanity and separate tub & shower! 2300+ Finished
square feet plus three stall garage.

• ·Perfectly Enhanced Kitchen—Custom Cabinetry, Slate tile backsplash, Granite Counter & Breakfast bar, walk-in pantry, and hardwood flooring. 

• Vaulted Open Floor Plan—Soaring vaults enhance the living room that opens to dining area and kitchen, the living room area.

•  Master Suite Full of Upgrades—Spacious bedroom, walk-in closet and full master bath with whirlpool tub and separate walk-in shower all with slate tile surround. Slate tile flooring with in-floor heating.  Stylish granite double sink vanity.

• 4 Huge Bedrooms &  3 Full Bathrooms——3 of the bedrooms are on the main level and a fourth is just off the lower level family room. All bedrooms are good sized and bathrooms are designed with upgraded amenities.

• Huge Family Room features walkout to recently installed paver patio, area for dining or pool table. Area to watch television & relax while enjoying the surround sound wired throughout. Dry bar area with granite counter and mini fridge.

• ·  Perfect Office  Bright, sunlit area open off of family room is perfect place for office.

• Spacious Yard with Loads of Curb Appeal--Huge backyard features wooden privacy fencing and plenty of places to garden & play. In-ground sprinkling system to keep lawn lush and green. Stone front and maintenance free vinyl siding. Cement driveway. Almost ½ acre of privacy with wooded area and stone retaining wall.
  

Call me, Teri Eckholm/ReMax Specialists at 651-336-7073

Spring Repairs to Maintain Home Values in Minnesota

A few weeks ago, annual property tax notices reach the mailboxes of many Anoka County and Washington County homeowners. Assessors processed this information based on last year's sales and assessments so while the real estate market is picking up, many home assessed values continued to decrease. The county assessor will often review a home from the exterior and make a value determination. 

So as spring has sprung, it's time for Minnesota homeowners start thinking it's time for the "honey-do" list of spring projects. 

Keeping your home in tiptop shape is essential in optimizing your property’s assessed and market value. Even if you don’t intend to sell your home this summer, there are a few essential things to check, repair and or replace after ever Minnesota winter. As REALTOR® in the north and east Twin Cities metro, I see many properties that have not been properly cared for. Throughout Anoka County, Chisago County and northern Washington County, the areas where I work extensively, I have seen houses with interior ceiling damage from leaking roofs, potholed, cracked driveways and decks that are downright scary to walk on.
 
Surprisingly, these are not all foreclosure homes. It is frustrating to have to make repairs just prior to selling your home. Some traditional sellers who chose to sell in recovering real estate market and are frustrated as they often will have to make thousands of dollars in repairs in order to sell due to lack of maintenance--or make a drastic price concession to a buyer. Not making the repairs means pricing your home to compete directly with foreclosure homes. Offers on under-maintained homes come in at thousands less than expected--If they get offers at all. Neither choice is appealing to sellers when values are depressed.

I have often heard a seller wish they had chosen to keep the home in better condition over the last decade so they could have enjoyed the benefit of a well maintained home. It is much more beneficial and cost effective to assess your property on an annual basis and make repairs as necessary.


Here are 6 spring maintenance tips that will not only beautify your home, but also aid in retaining your home’s value for years to come:

1. Roof—Walk around the exterior of your home with binoculars and check for any missing or curling shingles. Shingles on roofs can be blown off in severe winter weather. If any are missing or you see other concerns such as curling or partial shingles, bring in a contractor to assess the damage and make repairs before you have water damage on the interior of your home.
2. Siding—Power wash debris buildup from vinyl or aluminum siding. Buildup can stain siding overtime. 
3. Deck Settling—Check for any settling or worn boards on your deck especially if it is several feet off of the ground. If the supports of your deck appear to be pulling away from the home or if the boards are weather-worn, have it reviewed by a professional before that first summer barbeque. 
4. Paint  & Stain—Did the harsh winter sleet, snow and ice cause the paint or stain on your siding, trim or deck to start to peel? Now is the time to assess the damage.
5.  Gutters—Gutters filled with leaves? Take the time to clean out to prevent water backups. Keeping water away from the foundation is the best way to keep water out of your basement. If your gutters are clogged, they cannot do the job and the rains will pour right over the clogged-gutter’s edge near the walls of your home. Consider adding screens or guards to prevent leave buildup in the future. 
6. Driveway—The winter’s freeze and thaw cycle can do damage to an asphalt driveway. Cracks need to be filled or they will get worse. It is recommended that blacktop driveways also be seal-coated every 2 years. If the driveway has long term exposure to extreme sunlight, seal coating might be recommended on an annual basis to extend the life of your driveway.

Minnesota's state motto claims we live in the land of 10,000 lakes, yet there is actually over 12,000 in this great northern state. However, one thing is for certain; all MN lakes are all too cold for swimming in the spring.  This March marked several record breaking temperatures in the high 70's and I know more than a few Minnesotan's were tempted to turn on their central air yet a quick jump in the lake could have been deadly. It is normal for air temperatures in April and May to occasionally be as warm and sultry as August, making the water in those 10,000+ lakes look very refreshing. But beware. In order to swim safely, the water temperatures need to be at 70 degrees. Most Minnesota lakes do not reach a 70 degree temperature until late May. Some lakes in the northern part of the state never get that warm during the year!

Minnesota has thousands of beautiful lakes within its borders. But be forewarned, the inviting beauty is best enjoyed from the shore until warm the water has warmed sufficiently for safe swimming.

Welcome to 7943 Jackson St NE, Spring Lake Park MN

              A 3BR/2BA/2 Car Rambler listed at $144,900              

Looking for a solid starter home in a great Spring Lake Park neighborhood? This fantastic 1966 built rambler could be perfect for your family. Rooms on the main level of home being repainted in neutral tan with white ceilings in April 2012. It is **LOADED** with recent updates!

 Here are some “not-to-be-missed” features of this beautiful home:

• NEW Roof and upgraded R60 attic insulation with venting to current code in 2011.
• NEW Windows and doors throughout home in May 2009
• NEW Insulated Garage Door 2009.
• NEW Furnace and hot water heater in 2007.
• Upgraded electrical panel and NEW light fixtures throughout home in 2007.
• NEW Central Air Conditioning in 2006.
•  Cozy, yet convenient eat-in kitchen with NEW vinyl flooring and faucets. All appliances are included in the sale.
• Three bedrooms on main level. All featuring original hardwood flooring.
• Wonderful family room lower level family room is huge and could be expanded. Or dig an egress window and finish additional space as a fourth bedroom.
• Spacious lower level laundry room with built-in shelving storage.
• Oversized chest freezer in basement included.
• Durable hardboard siding and brick exterior
• Huge double lot (almost 1/3 acre) with abundant space for flowers, vegetables, children and pets. NEW Underground sprinklers added in 2009.
• Awesome location—A few blocks west of the recently re-built Spring Lake Park High School. Walk to high school or Woodcrest Elementary. Shopping, schools, restaurants, hospital/clinics, parks and Northtown Shopping Center are nearby.

Call me, Teri Eckholm/ReMax Specialists at 651-336-7073

Why can't a bride and groom take that little bar code scanner from Target or Macy's and scan a photo of a new home instead? I know couples need the department store stuff like blenders, coffee makers and blankets but they often want and need a first home too!  

What if brides and grooms could  browse the internet listings on any real estate website or drop by a neighborhood open house and use a special "dream home scanner" to click on a favorite home. Then they could receive the keys to their dream home just in time to be carried over the threshold. THAT, my friends, would be a fairy tale ending or beginning; a really start to happily ever after.

It may sound off the wall but newlyweds are going to face a tougher time finding a loan without a down payment.  Zero down loans have all but disappeared from the landscape and first time buyers will need cash in their pockets to put toward a new home. As mortgage programs continue to change and evolve, it has become imperative to save for that down payment. Forward thinking young people might want to divert some of their wedding funds and gifts into an investment in real estate.

In this changed real estate market, new home buyers NEED a down payment for a house. Not just a few bucks either. In most cases a buyer will require a minimum of 3-5% to put down. Minnesota starter homes run about $150,000 in the north and east Twin Cities metro. So,  newlyweds today will need to save up a minimum of $5,000-$10,000, plus closing costs before making a first home purchase.

All is not lost for first time buyers, but a little forward thinking is in order. There is a lot of money involved in most weddings; both on the party planning and the gift recipient side. A savvy bride and groom might be able to devise a plan to have the perfect wedding AND a dream home.

New Home Gift Registry Young couples getting married register for gifts to let their friends and family know exactly what they want and need. If you need a house, why not let your guests know? How about adding a note to the invitation stating your gift preference?

“The couple is registered for a small number of necessities at Target and Macys. If you would prefer not to shop, they are also saving for a down payment for a new home and would a appreciate monetary gift toward their dream.”

I don’t know what Miss Manner’s would say about but I think a financial wiz like Suze Orman would applaud the idea.

Wedding Budget With the average wedding pushing $20,000, maybe a little rearranging of the budget could be a way to find some funds. Those saved dollars from the perfect wedding can go toward that dream home instead. Now, I am not suggesting going the bargain basement route on anything and everything, just economize where it makes sense. Maybe you can go opt for less fancy invitations or choose a less expensive dress. Maybe that cruise to the Caymans would be a better choice for a future anniversary and a honeymoon in Duluth, MN creating newlywed memories along the north shore of Lake Superior would be be a budget friendly change. Whether on wedding details, reception or the honeymoon, saving 25% of an average wedding bill would be $5000 cash toward a new home.

So young couples start planning your future with a plan for your dream home too! While the current technology does not allow a scanner to work outside of a department store, I do! Adjust the budget to come up with the down payment and I can assist you with finding your dream home.

As a professional REALTOR®, I have helped many young couples find their first home.. I know the north and east Twin Cities metro area and can help you spot a dream home deal whether you are looking in Lino Lakes, Blaine, Andover or anywhere in the Forest Lake school district. I can assist you in writing a fair offer and negotiate a deal so your dream can become a reality. And (more budget friendly advice here)....Having your OWN agent doesn't cost you any additional fees--The seller pays my commission! Working with an agent to find your first home, takes the stress out of the home buying process so you can focus on making your wedding day special rather than moving in details too.

Welcome to 20710 Minnie B Grant LN, Linwood!

SOLD!

Spectacular Home
& Beautiful Gardens on 2.4 Acres! Privacy--Located at the end of a
cul de sac and bordering a 660 Acre DNR nature preserve.

BEAUTIFUL Inside and OUT!

Love the gardens and the yard from the moment you drive up the driveway but
inside this home is also a treasure! GRANITEcounters! BIRCH Cabinets!
MAPLE Floors! NEW Roof! NEW Furnace! NEW Hot Water Heater! Master suite
with balcony and private bath with 2 person whirlpool!  2200+ Finished
square feet plus an unfinished fourth level!

Call/Text Teri Eckholm, RE/MAX Specialists, at 651-336-7073 today!

In East Bethel, Minnesota on the north side of Highway 65 sits this tall carved black bear. It is a beautiful carving and one I am proud to add to my series of Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions!

Other Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions:

• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Hometown Version: The North St. Paul Snowman
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: Grrrr....Black Bear in Columbus
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Hometown Version: Giant Mouse and Buffalo in Center City
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: Forest Lake Steam Train
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Homeowner Version: Ham Lake Bald Eagle in Nest
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: Little Gnome Facts in Forest Lake
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions--Hometown Version: Lindstrom Teapot Watertower
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Homeowner Version: D'oh! Homer at Home in Centerville
• Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions-Hometown Version: Giant Polar Bear in White Bear Lake

Horse and animal restrictions on Minnesota acreage properties

Last year, during a final walkthrough of an acreage home my buyers were purchasing in Anoka County, one of their daughters ran up to me giggling and said, “Joe thinks you are buying him a pony.”

Tips for protecting home from pet damage

Just yesterday I was out showing homes in northern Anoka County. We were at a lovely, well kept home in East Bethel. As we pulled into the driveway, we could hear barking from the garage. The two kenneled dogs did not bother the showing at all. But as I inspected the home with my buyers, we noticed chew marks on the oak door frame near the floor.. In this particular case, my buyers discounted the small flaw in an otherwise meticulously well kept home, Pets do make a difference when selling a home.

We Americans LOVE our pets. Dogs, cats, bunnies, snakes, hamsters...you name it. Some people let them sleep in the bedroom or eat in the kitchens. Others will cook fresh food for the dog, while nuking a frozen meal for the family. People dress their pets up and treat them like a member of the family (well, they are, aren't they?) But it is important to remember the damage pets can do to your home.

As a REALTOR® working in the north and east Minneapolis and St Paul metro area, I have seen some strange pets inside of some homes...everything from lizards to a tank of fresh trout and a rabbit with the run of the house. And of course, there are people who have dogs and cats too. Many homeowners take great measures to protect their homes and property but some do not.

A few years ago I walked into a vacant home that was clean to the eye yet the potential buyers who were able to pick out the exact closet where litter box used to be located. Not only have I have seen puppy's teeth marks on the sides of oak door frames, I have seen similar damage to cedar decking and claw marks on wood floors. I have walked through extensively landscaped yards destroyed by holes dug by chained dogs. I have witnessed the family cat of a seller jumping up and attaching itself to the screen apparently to notifiy its owner it was time to come back inside. One home had a huge terrarium full of noisy crickets and a note letting all potential buyers that this was the food for the lizards in the other room. There was a family of sellers with the horse in the front yard leaving droppings by the entrance. But the loose rabbit hopping through the home leaving droppings (that were NOT jelly beans) had to be the worst!

While these "petscapades" are amusing to read about, it's not so funny when you go to sell your home. When if you are trying to sell and haven't addressed pet damage and odor issues, you may find yourself discounting your selling price significantly to attract a buyer.

Odors are the worst. People who keep pets in carpeted rooms even in cages or kennels can have serious problems. Clean any accident immediately with a special cleaner designed to remove pet urine odors. In extreme cases the odor will not be removed with a simple steam cleaning. In this situation the carpet should be replaced. Homeowners with poorly trained pets may find that they are not only replacing the carpet but also the padding and  the sub-flooring to eliminate the smell.

But smells aren't the only problem. Stains from accidents or the ground-in dirt from a favorite sleeping spot can be impossible to remove. Our cats knocked down a just-watered plant onto our light-colored carpeting a few years ago. The damp potting soil never completely was removed from the carpet. We plan to replace that carpet prior to selling our home. When our dog started to stain the carpet by sleeping in the exact same spot day after day, we invested in a few dog beds. By strategically placing the beds around the house, we protected our carpets from further discoloration.

It is possible to love your pet and protect your home!

• Keep your pet well groomed to reduce odor, hair and nail damage.
• Get a pet bed for your dogs and cats. Dogs loves the extra comfort and it keeps dirt and sweat from his coat from going into the carpet fibers. We will move his from room to room during the day so he can stay with us. If this is too much trouble, buy several. They are considerably cheaper than replacing carpet. Our cat uses his bed daily too. It is positioned for his easy access in front of his favorite window so he doesn't jump and leave marks on the woodwork.
•  Have a proper sized kennel or cage for exotic pets and clean often.
•  Clear all accidents immediately. Use special pet cleaners to remove odors and stains.
•  Cover all exposed woodwork especially around windows. Pets love to jump up and look out windows. Use gates to limit your pet's access to soft wood floors like birch or cherry wood. Nail marks require the floor to be completely sanded down before refinishing. It can get very costly.
•  Don't chain your dog to the side of your house. Chains and bolts can cause both cosmetic and structural damage to your home.
• If your dog shows behavior problems such as chewing, clawing etc, address them immediately to avoid damage to your home.