Real Estate Blog for the North & East Twin Cities

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:

• 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
  

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.

2009 Average Sales Price of all homes sold in White Bear Lake:

• All Homes $186,735
  
• Single Family Homes $192,195
  
• Townhomes/Condos $150,823

2009 Average Cumulative Days on Market in White Bear Lake:

• All Homes 146
  
• Single Family Homes 133
  
• Townhomes/Condos 153

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

Under $200,000~ 51 Active Listings, 33 Pending Listings, 30 Sold Listings, 119 CDOM

$200,000-300,000~69 Active Listings, 31 Pending Listings, 14 Sold Listings, 135 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 1 Active, 1 Pending, 1 Sold, 13 CDOM)

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 24 Active Listings, 7 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listings, 217 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 1 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 205 CDOM)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 8 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (Lakeshore Subgroup 4 Active, 1 Pending, 0 Sold)

$500,000-$1,000,000~ 29 Active Listings, 3 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, 643 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 16 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 436 CDOM)

$1,000,000 and Up ~12 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 357 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 8 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 357 CDOM)

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

Under $200,000~ 53 Active Listings, 10 Pending Listings, 11 Sold Listings, 121 CDOM

$200,000-300,000~ 14 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 502 CDOM

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 8 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 2 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings

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

Lakeshore available in the White Bear Lake area
30 Active Listings

White Bear Lake lakeshore price range: $249,900-$3,200,000

4 Homes on Birch Lake
11 Homes on Bald Eagle Lake
15 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 White Bear Lake 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 3/31/10.

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

Like most other communities in the north east Twin Cities metro, White Bear Lake has seen more closed sales but at lower prices in 2009 compared to 2008. In this Northern Ramsey County city home sales dropped just over 16%; that's almost 30% over a two year period! Inventory levels are going down as there are just slightly less (4.1%) of new listings that came onto the market this past year. The average days-on-the-market statistic is down by 10% so homes are starting to sell faster in White Bear Lake. The bulk of sales has been in the lower price points as nearly 67% of all homes closed in 2009 were sold for less than $200,000. Another 27% were sold for prices in the $200,000-$300,000 range. Traditional sellers considering a move up in White Bear have an opportunity this year as there are so few starter homes but many higher valued homes to select from. For additional breakdowns by price point in the White Bear Lake area CLICK HERE.

Just about everyone who grew up in the Twin Cities north metro is familiar with the White Bear Lake community. Whether your memories are of passing the iconic gigantic white bear statue at Polar Chev, swimming at Bellaire beach or setting sail across White Bear Lake, everyone seems to know the area. 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. While 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 , there are two other lakes in the community: Birch Lake and Goose Lake. The community is home to White Bear Lake School District #624 and Century College encompassing 11 square miles of land. Real estate opportunities include both historic homes and more 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.

Single family home inventory levels are at very manageable levels in the City of White Bear Lake. In the price category under $200,000, there is under 3 months worth of homes currently listed as we start January. There is just under 6 months of absorption for homes priced from $200,000-$300,000, while it will take just over a year to sell all the homes listed in the $300,000-$500,000 price range. Things are not quite so rosy for the beautiful lakeshore and executive homes in the half-million plus category. At the current rate of sales, it will take over 3 years before all of the current listings sell .

White Bear Lake townhomes are selling a slightly slower pace. There is just under a 6 month absorption rate for townhomes and condos priced under $200,000 while it will take about a year to sell the current inventory of homes in the $200,000-$400,000 range. But high-end townhomes and condos are in the same predicament as with single family homes as they have about 3 years of inventory to sell through at the current rate of sales.

2009 Average Sales Price of all homes sold in White Bear Lake:

All Homes $186,735
Single Family Homes $192,195
Townhomes/Condos $150,823

2009 Average Cumulative Days on Market in White Bear Lake:

All Homes 146
Single Family Homes 133
Townhomes/Condos 153

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

Under $200,000~ 36 Active Listings, 11 Pending Listings, 161 Sold Listings, 112 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 0 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 246 CDOM)

$200,000-300,000~34 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 67 Sold Listings, 162 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 2 Active, 0 Pending, 2 Sold, 301 CDOM)

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 11 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 8 Sold Listings, 214 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 1 Active, 1 Pending, 1 Sold, 325 CDOM)

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 3 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, 149 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 2 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)

$500,000-$1,000,000~ 8 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 3 Sold Listings, 118 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 7 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 13 CDOM)

$1,000,000 and Up ~5 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 901 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 5 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 901 CDOM)

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

Under $200,000~ 24 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 54 Sold Listings, 188 CDOM

$200,000-300,000~ 6 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 5 Sold Listings, 351 CDOM

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 3 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 5 Sold Listings, 198 CDOM

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 4 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 708 CDOM

$500,000-$1,000,000~ 1 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 52 CDOM

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 1/1/09 through 12/30/09.

Articles on Real Estate, Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:

• It Passed! Details on the Extended and Expanded Tax Credit for Homebuyers
• Could it be the WINTER to Move Up to a Bigger House? YES!!
• Inspection, Pre-Inspection, Truth-In-Housing and Disclosures? What Does a Seller Need to Sell a Home?
• EXTREMELY Affordable Minnesota Lakeshore!
• First Time Homebuyers ARE Getting Deals on Foreclosures in MN!
• Does "Minnesota Nice" Affect the Real Estate Market? "Yah, You Betcha!"

Sometimes a flying flag doesn't affect us but on days like Veteran's Day when our country has just had a very vivid reminder at Fort Hood of how lucky we are that there are so many couragous men and women fighting to protect our freedoms, the flag means so much more. This flag flies over White Bear Lake near my office. Just one of many, many symbolic thank you's to our veterans.

There are always lots of white bears to be found in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Sometimes you have to do a double TRIPLE take though!

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!

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

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Flag flying high over White Bear Lake, Minnesota.

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!

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

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I never miss an opportunity to take a great photo. Years before we were married, my husband and I ventured out to take photos of the hot air balloon race during the St. Paul Winter Carnival. We froze our fingers that subzero day but took some awesome photos of colorful hot air balloons. Of course with the warm spring weather, I jumped at the chance to photo the RE/MAX balloon as it took off from Benson Airfield just north of White Bear Lake. Little did we know that we were going to be more involved in the launch than just showing up and snapping a few pictures.

I thought I had missed out on the flight as it was suppose to fly over the Governor's Fishing Opener on White Bear Lake this past weekend. I had been busy showing homes in Chisago County on Saturday so figured the balloon fly over was just a memory.

On Sunday afternoon, my colleague Rose Hildebrand dropped by my Wyoming open house. She also was holding an open in the same neighborhood and had dropped by to preview my listing. When she casually mentioned the RE/MAX balloon was a go for Sunday evening, I couldn't believe I hadn't missed out!

The takeoff point was Benson Field just south of Hugo in White Bear Township. It was a beautiful evening. It was a good thing my husband was there, the balloon team needed a bit of help to get the balloon off the ground. There is a bit of work to getting the balloon set up and put away. My fellow RE/MAX Specialist REALTOR®'s Julie Jarvis and Rose Hildebrand were allowed to go along for the ride of their lives. I chose to keep both feet firmly on the ground and capture the adventure in photos.

When asked where they planned to land the balloon, the answer was, wherever the wind takes us. (This wasn't a joke.) We followed the van to assist the team in putting the balloon back in the van and had to chase after the balloon; stopping and assessing along the way. They tried to set down in the Mahtomedi practice field but the wind had other ideas. 

They literally ended up landing on the front yard of a home in Mahtomedi. Before landing, the van driver did ask the homeowners permission...Her teenager thought the hot air balloon was amazing and took out a cell phone to snap a few pictures of his own. But their dog, Daisy, who is afraid of regular balloons, was having her worst nightmare. For me however, it was just a fabulous adventure! If you ever have a chance to assist in a RE/MAX hot air balloon adventure of your own, don't turn it down. It was a great way to spend a Sunday evening!

Looking for REALTOR® that goes above and beyond? 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, 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!

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

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Bear sculptures abound in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. This one located just off 2nd between Washington Square and Hwy 61 is unbearably cute and NOT white!

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, 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!

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

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With the official ice out last week, it won't be long until the sails are skimming across Minnesota lakes.

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!

Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

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LIKE MY BLOG? Subscribe and let me email you an update!

Subscribe to Teri's Notes & Anecdotes on Twin Cities Real Estate by Email