Real Estate Blog for the North & East Twin Cities

The real estate market really made a positive turn in Chisago, MN in 2011. Sales nearly doubled, up 69%; from 58 homes sold in 2010 to 98 sold in 2011. It was not at the expense of other stats either. The average sales price was almost dead even with the average in 2010 at just over $174,000. New listings were down nearly 7% so the market is more balanced than it has been for awhile in this northeast metro community just outside of Forest Lake. Sellers are receiving only slightly more than they did in 2010 with as the accepted sales price ratio compared to list price ratio is down just a bit. Market time also dropped significantly for the second year in a row. It now takes an average of 186 Days on Market or approximately 6 months which is similar to other north metro suburbs. The price per square foot in Chisago did slide a bit from $94/sq ft in 2010 to $90/sq ft which is comparable to other northeast metro suburbs. Buying a home in Chisago appears to be an affordable option into 2012.

For additional details on the inventory levels in Chisago, MN at the end of 2011, Click HERE.

Welcome to Old Towne Road!

This home has been removed from the market.

Own a piece of Chisago City History!

 Historical Significance Keeping guests happy has always been a part of this home’s history. The home was constructed for Frank Dahl in 1910 when the historic Dahl House resort was in its heyday as a summer get away for Minnesota’s rich and famous. (Though the resort has been gone for decades, its brick gateway still stands just a few hundred feet east of this home.)The prairie-style design of this house was obviously influenced by the architectural innovations of Frank Lloyd Wright as evidenced by its strong linear lines, extended roof overhangs, and the use of built-ins, window benches, and high windows. Though remodeled by the current owners to add an attached garage, expanded kitchen and main floor family room, every attempt was to make certain the historical beauty of the home was not only retained but also enhanced.

Need more information about this beautiful Historic Home?

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

Today, I had a closing where my clients were moving about a hundred miles south of their current home in Chisago County. They were to give immediate possession to the new buyers after the closing so they had to have the home entirely cleared out prior to the meeting. With temps in the 80’s at 8 AM, it could have been deadly to leave a dog in the car so their terrier-mix, Max, had to accompany my clients into the title office. It was obviously the poor dog was already stressed from the move. He trembled and whined softl as he sat on his owner’s lap while she signed one document after another. Max is not a puppy and the stress of a move can be hard on an older dog. So I thought a few good reminders of what to do on moving day might be in order.

Keeping Your Dog Happy on Moving Day!

Make sure your pet is safe. Keep him in a safe room/kennel or at a trusted neighbor’s or pet sitter’s home while your belongings are being loaded into the truck. (A pet sitter directory is available here). Make sure it is a place your pet is familiar with as to not create additional stress. If you do leave your pet in a room in your home, remember to check in frequently unless you want to have a carpet cleaning and/or replacement bill added to your closing statement..

Identify your pet. Make certain that your pet’s collar or tags have current information with a cell phone number and/or the new home information so you can be contacted in the event of an escape.

Make the Carrier Feel Like Home. Put in your pet’s favorite blanket, toy or bed along with food and water for the trip. Remember a container of additional food and water in case of spills. It is a good idea to pack paper towels and wet wipes to clean up any messes from sickness or accidents during the ride. Don’t leave your pet unattended for more than a few minutes at a time in his transportation kennel.

CLICK HERE for additional tips on making your senior dog comfortable on moving day.

Welcome to Old Towne Road!

This home has been removed from the market.

Historical Significance Keeping guests happy has always been a part of this home’s history. The home was constructed for Frank Dahl in 1910 when the historic Dahl House resort was in its heyday as a summer get away for Minnesota’s rich and famous. (Though the resort has been gone for decades, its brick gateway still stands just a few hundred feet east of this home.)The prairie-style design of this house was obviously influenced by the architectural innovations of Frank Lloyd Wright as evidenced by its strong linear lines, extended roof overhangs, and the use of built-ins, window benches, and high windows.

Need more information about this beautiful Historic Home?

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

You want to own your own home. You know that prices are very affordable and interest rates are extremely attractive. But rising gas prices and a weak economy leaves you struggling to save for that down payment. Sound familiar?

Most loan officers will tell you that a conventional mortgages can require 5, 10 or 20% for a down payment. Even government backed FHA loans will require that buyers have a minimum of 3.5% of their own funds to invest in their home. Our veterans have always had a wonderful zero down program available and the VA loan program is still a great option to those who have served our country. But for other buyers trying to come up with the minimum 3.5% down payment required by FHA or 5-10% down for a conventional loan is a road block to in their path to a new home.

There is good news for those considering buying a home in Chisago County. Most communities in Chisago County are designated rural areas and qualify for the zero down option, Rural Development Program through the USDA. Best of all this is NOT a program just for first time home buyers…Anyone can take advantage of the program if the home and your income meet the requirements.

Now when some people hear "rural", they immediately start to think I will have to buy a broken down old-time farmstead in the middle of nowhere. Nothing could be further from the truth! According to the USDA Rural Development website, the program was created to "build stronger, more vibrant rural communities across the nation." This unique housing loan program does apply in many counties in the north and east metro that aren't so far from the cities and they don't have to be farmsteads either! Communities in Isanti and Chisago Counties including North Branch, Stacy, Chisago City, Lindstrom, Shafer, Taylors Falls and many others can possibly qualify for this program. If you are considering buying a home in any of these communities, it is a great program to look into. But only a handful of loan officers really know the ins and outs that make a program like this work.

I do work in several of these communities and have shown homes in these areas of the past few weeks. The deals throughout Lindstrom and North Branch are nothing short of amazing. Homes that are 5-6 years old are being sold for $30-50K less than just a few years ago! Amazing properties with 4 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, 3 car garages and ½ acre yards for well under $200K. Beautiful homes in move in condition…And with the USDA program they are available for ZERO DOWN!

I have a couple of great loan contacts that do understand USDA and can get you started on your path to home ownership with a USDA loan. These mortgage professional know I work with buyers and sellers all over Chisago County and the north and east metro so have given me a quick lesson on this unique CONVENTIONAL LOAN program. Some of the features and benefits include:

 NO down payment

· NO monthly PMI

· The seller is allowed to pay all reasonable closing cost and prepaids up to 6%

· NO hit to the interest rate for the zero down

· NOT just for first time home buyers

· NO reserves needed

• 10585 N Martha Lake Drive, Chisago City MN 55013  Listed at $239,900
  

Welcome to 10585 N Martha Lake Drive,  Chisago City, MN!

SOLD!

One Level Living for nature lover! Located on the shores of Martha Lake, a natural lake with abundant wildlife including nesting wood ducks, loons and whitetailed deer.

Better than new construction!

All the expensive finishing has been done! Newly finished basement! New Maintenance free deck! New landscaping...there's even a stack of wood for your firepit! Tastefully painted with updated color pallet! Upgraded window treatments!  From the moment you walk from the front porch and over the threshold, you will feel at home! Open floor plan with living room/dining room/kitchen area on main level. 

• Open floor plan with soaring vaulted living room...just painted in neutral colors with taupe accent wall!
• Lookout from living room window to spacious landscaped backyard and Martha Lake below. Watch closely for nesting wood ducks and loons.
• Spacious foyer has beautiful, yet durable, ceramic tile flooring and opens into living/dining/kitchen area.

• Live on ONE Level! Master suite, kitchen, living, dining & laundry are all on the main floor!
• Kitchen with breakfast bar island and loads of custom oak cabinetry including pantry.
• The unique "generation 2" microwave allows you to bake. Enjoy fresh baked cookies or pizza in a couple of minutes!

• Wonderful family room is a great place to entertain or relax. Room for a pool table and plenty of room to sit and enjoy a game or movie with the family too!
• Gas fireplace in family room is surrounded with oak mantle and shelving.
• There is a walkout to patio & backyard from the family room too!
• A huge workshop is another wonderful feature located in the lower level of the home.

• Walkout from dining room to huge maintenance free deck...perfect place to enjoy morning coffee and the wonder of nature in your own backyard!
• Or walkout to your patio from the family room and relax on a summer afternoon.
• There is also a second patio is behind the garage.

• Perfect way to relax on a summer day...Sitting on the front porch and watching the world go by.
• Landscaped backyard with beautiful gardens and perennials! GREAT area set up to enjoy a campfire with friends & family next summer. Set down low from the street it feels like a private getaway!
• And don't forget that the home is located on the shore of Martha Lake; a natural environmental lake that provides wonderful views of nature year round in your own backyard!

Looking for a beautiful Chisago City Home like this one? This property is now sold but you can Visit my website at www.terieckholm.com and search for active listings.