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.

There was a bit more optimistic picture for sellers midyear in 2010 than in 2011. This year the average home price is again lower for the total average and single family homes while remarkably the average price of townhomes/condos has increased from $166,640 at the end of June 2010 to $171,572. This can be attributed to the sale of a few higher priced condo/townhomes in 2011 while there were no high priced condo/townhomes sold in 2010. Days on the market is up for all homes and all categories. Likewise inventory has increased this year. Availability in every type of home and every price point is nearly double what it was midyear 2010. This is great news for anyone considering a purchase now. Lower prices and high inventory always seems to give the advantage to home buyers.

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

• All Homes $ 197,783
• Single Family Homes $ 206,247
• Townhomes/Condos $171,572

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

• All Homes 172
• Single Family Homes 156
• Townhomes/Condos 222

Mid Year 2011 White Bear Lake residential real estate statistics for single family homes:

Under $200,000~ 85 Active Listings, 31 Pending Listings, 101 Sold Listings, 134 CDOM
$200,000-300,000~68 Active Listings, 10 Pending Listings, 31 Sold Listings, 171 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 4 Active, 1 Pending, 0 Sold)
$300,000-$400,000 ~ 28 Active Listings, 7 Pending Listings, 10 Sold Listings, 203 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 7 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 500 CDOM)
$400,000-$500,000 ~ 19 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 9 Sold Listings, 239 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 3 Active, 1 Pending, 1 Sold, 62 CDOM)
$500,000-$1,000,000~ 29 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 7 Sold Listings, 338 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 12 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 488 CDOM)
$1,000,000 and Up ~ 12 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings (Lakeshore Subgroup 11 Active, 1 Pending, 0 Sold)

Mid Year 2011 White Bear Lake residential real estate statistics for townhomes and condos:

Under $200,000~ 66 Active Listings, 8 Pending Listings, 37 Sold Listings, 216 CDOM
$200,000-300,000~ 22 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 7 Sold Listings, 140 CDOM
$300,000-$400,000 ~ 5 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 5 Sold Listings, 286 CDOM
$400,000-$500,000 ~ 2 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings
$500,000-$1,000,000~ 4 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 2 Sold Listings, 388 CDOM
$1,000,000 and Up ~ 1 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 0 Sold Listings

Lakeshore available in the White Bear Lake area 45 Active Listings White Bear Lake lakeshore price range: $244,900-$3,200,000
11 Homes on Bald Eagle Lake
2 Homes on Birch Lake
1 Home on Echo Lake
1 Home on Goose Lake
1 Home on Long Lake
1 Home on Otter Lake
1 Home on Varney Lake
27 Homes on White Bear Lake

**All Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1/1/11 through 6/30/11. 

Featured Listing in the White Bear Lake Area

4500 Oakhurst Ave, Vadnais Heights, MN 55127

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.

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 Chevrolet, swimming at Bellaire beach or setting sail across White Bear Lake, everyone in the north and east Twin Cities metro area seems to know the community. But I doubt that many know the legends that surround the lake and that Manitou Island is at the center of it all. I noticed awhile back that as you enter the City of White Bear Lake you are welcomed by a sign announcing you are entering White Bear Lake, the city of Lakes and Legends. So what is this legend? The story has been documented by several writers but the most notable was the infamous storyteller, 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.

The average sales price of homes in White Bear Lake is up about 3.5% ($193,671 versus $186,735 in 2009) and overall cumulative days on the market are down almost 7% (136 compared 146 in 2009). These are good indicators that the market is stabilizing somewhat in the community of White Bear Lake. However, inventory is almost double what it was at this time last year for the under $200,000 homes. There was a big demand in this price point with the expiring tax credit. However the inventory is still manageable with an approximate 6 months absorption rate.

Higher priced inventory is down and sales are not completely stagnate but still much slower than a few years ago. There is about a year's worth of inventory in price points over $400,000. The inventory of lakeshore homes is also down in the White Bear Lake area. There are still options in several price points but lakeshore sellers in the higher price points don’t appear to have budged on their pricing too much. There is an opportunity out there for those interested in lakeshore in the White Bear community.

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

• All Homes $193,671
• Single Family Homes $203,576
• Townhomes/Condos $151,799

2010 Average Cumulative Days on Market in White Bear Lake:

• All Homes 136
• Single Family Homes 131
• Townhomes/Condos 156

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

Under $200,000~ 65 Active Listings, 12 Pending Listings, 116 Sold Listings, 107 CDOM (No Lakeshore)

$200,000-300,000~ 27 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 53 Sold Listings, 132 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 2 Active, 0 Pending, 2 Sold, 88 CDOM)

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

$400,000-$500,000 ~ 4 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, 420 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 2 Active, 1 Pending, 2 Sold, 591 CDOM)

$500,000-$1,000,000~ 4 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, 358 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 4 Active, 0 Pending, 3 Sold, 465 CDOM)

$1,000,000 and Up ~ 4 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 1 Sold Listings, 357 CDOM (Lakeshore Subgroup 4 Active, 0 Pending, 1 Sold, 357 CDOM)

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

$200,000-300,000~ 18 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings, 238 CDOM

$300,000-$400,000 ~ 4 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 3 Sold Listings, 205 CDOM

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

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

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

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.

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My cell phone rang as I pulled into the parking lot of my RE/MAX real estate office in White Bear Lake one afternoon. The caller said he and his fiancée had just driven by a listing of mine and could I show them the inside. My first question is always, “Are you working with a real estate agent?” “No”, he answered. The meeting was set for the next evening.

The young man and his fiancée arrived with an entourage of parents and assorted other friends and relatives. Being first time buyers, they wanted assistance and approval on their very first home purchase. Looking over the home from top to bottom, they liked what they saw but needed time to think. I asked the question I always ask, “When you are shopping for a home, are you shopping for a REALTOR®?” One of the dads quickly answered. They don’t need an agent and won’t be signing any contract with a buyer’s agent. They will get a better deal working directly with the listing agent.

I explained why this wasn’t true but could tell from the look on this dad’s face, he wasn’t about to believe me.

I avoided the debate but went on to explain agency to the young couple. I asked them to sign the disclosure on agency as required by the State of Minnesota. Buyers need to understand that with any of my broker's listings, I am under contract to work for the seller and protect their interests. However, if the couple decides to sign a buyers’ representation agreement with me, they would be in a DUAL agency when looking at any property currently listed with RE/MAX Specialists. They had seen many homes over the last several weeks with dozens of other REALTORS®, but I was the only listing agent who explained agency to them or asked them to sign the required disclosure.

Days later, a decision was made; the young couple wanted to make an offer on my listing. A contract was signed for buyers’ representation for the specific home only. Dual agency now applies. As an agent working for both parties, I could not do anything that would hurt either the buyer or seller. Because the agreement was only for the specific home, I could not discuss other property options. An offer was presented, but terms could not be agreed upon. The buyers went away.

A few weeks the price was reduced on my listing. I called this young couple to see if the lower price would be enough to renew their interest. It would. But there was also another new construction house in a different area that was being considered.

Another showing. They were sure that they had it down to between the two homes. I could see the indecision and confusion on their faces. I asked about the other home they were considering to help them contrast it to my listing to help my selling clients and put their home in a better light. As with most homes, neither home was a perfect fit. I am a firm believer that after weighing all of the pluses and minuses, homes will sell themselves if they are the right home. A week passed. No offer came forth.

Finally a phone call came from the young man. We have made a decision. We are not going to offer again on your listing. It is not the right home for us. In fact, neither home is right. We are starting over and think we need our own agent. "Would you help us find a home?"

Now as their buyers’ representative, I got to work. For the next few weeks, we visited half a dozen or so homes from the hundreds currently on the MLS that met their criteria. Traveling from Stillwater to White Bear Lake and Hugo to Forest Lake, we narrowed down the field of potential homes to a couple of favorite houses. Finally, one sparked enough interest for a second showing with the parents, but this home also had a few quirks that raised concerns. That same evening, since we were out, I set up another showing for a home in a development that hadn't considered but I knew would be a very good match for their needs. As it turned out, the second home was perfect for these buyers!

With the perfect home, there was no delay or hesitation in signing the offer. Things fell into place. With every visit to the home for the inspection and showings, the young couple became more excited about their first home.

At the final walk-through, with minutes to go before they were to receive the keys to their first home, I asked them, “So, are you glad that you decided to sign with a REALTOR®?”

They answered together, “Yes!! You made it so much easier to find the right home! Especially for first time buyers.” I don’t make this stuff up…Those were their exact words.

After the closing, I received a hug and sincere, “thank you for everything”, from my young clients. As they set off to begin life in their dream home a thought struck me, I absolutely LOVE my job!

Other Articles First Time Homebuyers Might Enjoy:

• Homebuying 101—Is a Home Still a Good Investment?
• First Time Homebuyer’s Real Estate Glossary--Topic for Today is Earnest Money
• Top 10 Reasons People L♥VE to Call OAKDALE, Minnesota HOME!
• First Time Homebuyer’s Real Estate Word for Today is Fiduciary
• Picks for First Time Anoka County Homebuyers--Not all DEALS are Foreclosures!

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.