Real Estate Blog for the North & East Twin Cities

AWESOME HOME 6428 210th Lane N, Forest Lake MN 55025

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:44:36 -0700

Welcome to 6428 210^th Lane N, Forest Lake!

Modified Two Story with awesome floor plan! 4BR/4BA/3car

Attractively priced at $299,900

Vaulted Open Floor Plan—Soaring vaults enhance the living room that is open to entry foyer & dining/kitchen area. The very spacious living room area features a floor-to-ceiling stone surround, gas fireplace, upgraded lighting, neutral paint & carpeting and view of both front & back yards. Over 2900 finished square feet plus unfinished utility room.

Huge Lower Level Family Room—Spacious area for watching television, entertaining & relaxing.

Perfect Play Area!—Lower level playroom features ceramic tile flooring and walks out to a huge paver patio!

Perfectly Appointed Kitchen—Custom Cabinetry, built-in desk, spacious island. walk-in pantry, and oak hardwood flooring. Just off garage and opens to dining room with easy access to deck.

Main Floor Laundry Room—Great location just off garage & kitchen. Natural lighting provided from window. Cabinets for storage & newer front-loading washer and dryer.

Full Master Suite—Bedroom opens with solid oak French doors to a well designed of room with space enough for king-sized furniture. Note the architectural detail with the raised edge ceiling. Abundant storage with walk-in closet. Master bath with whirlpool corner tub, walk-in shower and double sink vanity.

4 Huge Bedrooms—3 of the bedrooms are on the upper level and the fourth is on the main level with paned-glass French doors & hardwood floors, currently being used as an office. All upper level bedrooms have beautiful large windows, custom blinds & spacious closets.

4 Bathrooms—There are 2 upper level full baths, one ¾ bath on the main level just near laundry and bedroom and ¾ bath in lower level.

Mechanicals include—90% efficiency furnace with humidifier. Water Softener. Basement drain-tile & sump pump. Roof with architectural shingles NEW in 2008.

Spacious 0.40 Yard with Loads of Curb Appeal—Huge backyard features wooden privacy fencing and plenty of places to garden & play. NEW playset is included. In-ground sprinkling system to keep lawn lush and green. Waterfall garden feature near patio. Brick front and maintenance free vinyl siding.

More Pictures? CLICK Here and Take a Tour!

Need additional information? Call or Text me, Teri Eckholm, RE/MAX Specialists, at 651-336-7073 today!

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me, Theresa "Teri" Eckholm, a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet or FREE Homebuyers Success Packet. 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 HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

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Moving to Forest Lake? Awesome Summer Entertainment Scheduled!

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:10:51 -0700

What's there to do in Forest Lake MN for entertainment in the summer? When considering a move this "lake-sentric" community in the north metro Minneapolis/St Paul area some might wonder, what is there to do besides hanging out on the lake. Is there a cultural side to Forest Lake, MN? In a word, YES!

While the community of Forest Lake is well known for its full recreational chain of lakes, there are abundant options for land-lovers too. There is a strong tradition of music in the community and this year's line up for Arts in the Park was recently finalized. Arts in the Park, is a tradition that keeps Forest Lake families and visitors entertained all summer long.These FREE concerts are held Tuesday evenings at the Lakeside Park Gazebo (located just east of the Broadway/Hwy 61 round-about. Special Kids Nights are on June 19, July 16 and August 16.

Note the very specialHOLIDAY concerts scheduled forFriday May 31 and Thursday July 4!

Arts in the Parks 2013 Schedule:

May 31 The Rockin' Hollywoods(7:00 p.m.)
June 11 North Shore Trail/The Ashworths (7:00 p.m.)
June 18 - Kids Night with Wonderful World of Woody(6:00 p.m.)
June 18 Aces & 88s - Dueling Pianos (7:00 p.m.)
June 25 - Lehto & Wright(7:00 p.m.)
July 2 - The Andrew Walesch Trio(7:00 p.m.)
July 4 -Shake Down (5:30 p.m.) AND Charlie O (8:00 p.m.)
July 9 - Bavarian Musikmeisters(7:00 p.m.)
July 16 - Kids Night with the Teddy Bear Band(6:00 p.m.)
July 16 - Rich and the Resisters - 7:00 p.m.
July 23 - Savanna Blue (7:00 p.m.)
July 30 - Dan Perry & Ice Cream(7:00 p.m.)
August 6 - Croix Daddy(7:00 p.m.)
August 13 - Kids Night with AlphaBits (6:00 p.m.)
August 13 - The Wax Tones(7:00 p.m.)
August 20 - Jeff Brooks - 7:00 p.m.
August 27 - Fresh Squeezed Country - 7:00 p.m.

FEATURED FOREST LAKE LISTING

4BR/4BA/3Car Vaults, Hwd Floors, Irrigation, Huge Fenced Yard, Master Suite and MORE! $299,900

CLICK Address for Details:

6428 210th Lane N, Forest Lake, MN 55025

Buying a Home? Check out my HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

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What Ebay can Teach a Home Buyer about Multiple Offers

Mon, 06 May 2013 17:23:26 -0700

I’ll have to admit, I can get a rush when buying things from an Ebay auction. After putting in a bid on something I cannot live without, it is exciting to watch the second count down to the end of the bidding. I don’t always win. In fact, it can be frustrating; I’ll throw in a good solid bid, only to be outbid in the final seconds. But I have watched and learned. In fact, I have now snatched an item or two from other buyers just a moment before the end of the auction too.

There are some important lessons that I have learned from online bidding that apply to a home buyer in a frenzied real estate market.

As the real estate market has heated up a bit this spring in the Minneapolis/St Paul metro area, buyers are seeing many more multiple bids on homes. Home buyers don’t always have time to think and process whether a home is a good buy or not before someone snatches it up. This can lead to questionable decisions at the last second.

Lessons Learned from Ebay

1.    Know the Value Whether Ebay trinket or townhome in Hugo, you need to know the value of the item you are buying. Without research to know a good deal, there is a big risk of over spending on the item.

2.    Read the Fine Print Sometimes the information in the description, or in the case of a home the disclosures, can help decide how aggressive your offer should be. Recently, I had a buyer excited about a property but after reviewing the previously listing information which mentioned severe mold in the home (but was not in the current disclosure) my client decided to pass on the home all together. Don’t forego your due diligence or you could have regrets.

3.    Know Your Limit I have learned that in the last seconds of bidding, if I have not thought out what my absolute limit is on an item, I can risk overbidding and feeling ripped off. This also can happen in negotiating for a home. Some buyers just want to “win” the house but can feel buyer’s remorse as soon as the bidding war ends. It’s not a good feeling to overspend on a home. If you are financing the property, it will still have to appraise for the value. If it does not, you could lose the house if you do not have the funds to make up the difference.

4.    It’s More Fun Solo As exciting as an auction is, it is much more fun when you are the only interested party. Sometimes when I really want something, I will just pay the “buy it now” price. With a home, it is easier if you can get your offer in before everyone else and avoid the multiple-offer situation all together. So as a home buyer, it is important to be working with a REALTOR® to be updated on homes that meet your criteria, non-contingent on selling your current home and pre-approved for a loan. This way you can get in first and write up your offer on the best homes as soon as they hit the market. It is good to be the only offer on the table.

Want MORE Help Buying YOUR First Home?

Buying a Home? Check out my HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

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SOLD 4675 Dale St N, Shoreview MN 55126

Wed, 01 May 2013 09:07:19 -0700

SOLD!

4675 Dale St N, Shoreview, MN!

Huge multi-level home in the heart of Shoreview! FOUR big bedrooms! Huge family room! Almost 1/2 Acre corner lot!

Perfect home for large family!

Solid stucco & brick multi-level home just blocks away from the Shoreview Community Center. Corner lot is almost a half acre! Three stall garage and extra wide driveway for parking all the cars and toys!

Eat in kitchen with newer stainless steel appliances and loads of cabinets and counter space.
Combination dining/living room is extremely spacious. Dining area walks out to deck. Note the newer neutral carpeting.
Lookout from living room window to spacious backyard; this corner lot is almost a ½ acre!
Spacious foyer has beautiful & durable brick flooring. Note the huge closet.

Just off the foyer is the laundry and mechanical room. Note the spacious storage closet across from the washer/dryer. And at the end of the hall is a ¾ bath for a quick clean up.
Master bedroom is spacious enough for a king-sized bed...note the walk-in closet and private ¾ bath.
This home has FOUR spacious bedrooms! The master suite is on the main level along with a 2^nd bedroom and TWO additional LARGE bedrooms in the lower level.and TWO additional LARGE bedrooms in the lower level.

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 unique brick hearth and shelving.
Maintenance free stucco and brick exterior is a plus and the roof was replaced approximately 5 years ago!

Huge backyard shed provides additional storage for gardening tools and other supplies.
3 Stall garage is insulated...just add heat.
Awesome location-Just off Lexington, the home is just a few blocks from the Shoreview Community Center. Shopping, schools, parks and Rosedale Center are located within a few miles. This home is located in the Moundsview school district.

Need additional information on how to get your Shoreview home sold?

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

Buying a Home? Check out my HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

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Real Estate Word of the Day is Appraisal

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 16:38:30 -0700

First Time Homebuyer Real Estate Word is Appraisal

On a rerun of the TV game show, Cash Cab, a carload of New Yorkers were stumped when asked to define the acronym, FSBO. This is a term often used in real estate to describe people who sell their home without an agent or "For Sale By Owner". As a REALTOR® I was a bit surprised they couldn't come up with the correct answer but then I remembered of all the times a look of confusion came over a buyer’s face when I mentioned escrow funds and earnest money. These terms sound so much alike when being bombarded with new terminology like, mortgage, deed, easement, appraisal, and association dues, etc. It is understandable that a buyer who is more interested in room sizes and kitchen counters to be confused with the everyday real estate jargon like down payment or cash to close. Buyer confusion is totally understandable because most people will only buy a home once or twice in a lifetime.

FSBO is only one of many terms that could possibly confuse a First Time Homebuyer. So I thought a glossary of real estate terms might be helpful. From time to time I present terms often used by REALTORS® in a series of posts for the first time homebuyer with explanations. This way you can skip buying that big “how to buy a house” book or attending that First Time Homebuyer Class and have a quick resource at your fingertips. I am continuing the series with Today’s Real Estate Term:

Appraisal An appraisal is the process of assessing a value to a parcel of real estate. A real estate appraiser is an independent 3^rd party who will assess the property and prepare a valuation report. This is most often ordered by the buyer’s lender and paid for by the home buyer to verify the amount the buyer is requesting for the mortgage is not more than the current value of the home. The appraiser will try to find three to six comparable homes that have been sold in the last few months to compare to the subject home. The process involves comparing the size, structure, age and features of the subject home/land to the comparable sold homes to determine an appraised value.

An appraisal is similar to a market analysis performed by a real estate agent but it does differ in several key ways. A real estate agent does a market analysis at the request of a seller to determine the best price to list a home. It will take into account homes that are currently listed for sale but an appraisal will not. Appraisers are often licensed and trained to do a precise, detailed value analysis while the market comparison done by a real estate agent is used to determine a price. While an appraiser will charge a fee of several hundred dollars to appraise a property, most real estate agents do not charge a fee to provide a market analysis of a home. A market analysis can be a cost effective way for a homeowner to get value of their home if offered for sale but this document is not acceptable to verify value for a mortgage.

Additional Terms in the Real Estate Glossary:

Want MORE Real Estate Help?

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Friday Fun Photo--SMILE!

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 19:36:21 -0700

For a quarter you can get a close up view of the Lake Superior harbor and the bridges that connect Duluth Minnesota to Superior Wisconsin. If you turn the viewer around, it appears to be a happy face! The north shore had a record breaking amount of snow this April so is no doubt still snow covered but it was sure a beautiful view last fall!

Considering a move to one of Minnesota's 10,000+ smaller lakes?

Buying a Home? Check out my HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

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Which Comes First, the REALTOR or the Loan Officer?

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:41:42 -0700

It is often debated, the philosophical question, “which came first, the chicken or the egg?” There are many ways to address that question. (Though my preferred way is to show a lolcat photo of a cat in a chicken hat and avoid the discussion all together.) But really there is no definitive answer.

When buying a house, there is a much less philosophical but equally confusing dilemma, "Which comes first, the loan officer or the REALTOR®?" Both professionals are equally important in purchasing a home but who should a home buyer contact first?

As a REALTOR® I would prefer for a buyer to contact me first. Whether you are a first time buyer or have a property to sell, contacting an agent is an important first step.

If you have a home to sell, the loan officer will need to know an approximate value of the home you will be selling. Of course, you and the mortgage professional can guesstimate. But if the estimated sales price of your current home does not reflect a realistic selling price, you may find yourself short of funds for a down payment.

But even a home buyer without a house to sell could find it easier to contact an agent first. Recently, I was called by a first time buyer who was preapproved with her bank for a first home. She explained that she was going to be buying with a conventional mortgage and showed me the letter from her lender. Something just didn’t seem right so I had her run the numbers with a different mortgage professional that I know who has years of experience. It was a good thing she did. The first loan officer discounted a dispute on my client’s credit report and her limited credit history. She would have never been able to obtain a conventional mortgage. If she had written an offer using the original preapproval letter, her earnest money could have been put at risk if she didn’t qualify for the mortgage.

Home buyers do not always know where to find a good loan officer or what questions to ask to determine the experience level he/she has. As an experienced real estate agent, I have a list of high quality mortgage professionals I have worked with previously. Experience can prevent most situations from becoming big headaches down the road.

The bottom line is, start with someone you can trust. If you find a real estate agent you trust first, then ask for a referral to an experienced, professional loan officer. Conversely, if you know a high quality mortgage professional that you trust and want to work with, start there. Most REALTORS®, myself included, will work with any loan officer that represents their client in a professional manner. The key is to get preapproved before starting to look for a home. Knowing what you qualify for, down payment required and an estimated monthly payment, will ease the stress when you start viewing properties. It’s hard to write an offer, if you do not know what you can afford!

READY to TAKE the FIRST STEP?

Buying a Home? Check out my HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

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6 Essential Spring Repairs to get YOUR Home Ready to SELL!

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:56:21 -0700

It is hard to miss the media reports this spring that REAL ESTATE is back! This good news has many Minnesota homeowners thinking about selling. If you will be listing your home on the market this spring, it will take some preparation and repairs.Even though we seem to be in a never-ending winter this April, it may be time to make the "honey-do" list of spring projects.

Keeping your home in optimal condition is essential in maintaining property value. Whether you plan to sell your home this summer or not, there are a few essential things to check, repair and or replace after every Minnesota winter. As a REALTOR®, I often have to show 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, cracked driveways and unmaintained decks that can be downright scary to walk on.
Surprisingly, these are not all foreclosure homes. While I understand it can be frustrating to have to make repairs just prior to selling your home, not making the repairs means being priced to compete directly with foreclosure homes for thousands less.
If repairs had been made in a timely manner and the home properly maintained, this expenditures before selling might have been avoided.

With hindsight being 20/20, I often hear sellers lament about how they wish they had chosen to keep the home in better condition all along and had more of an opportunity to enjoy the benefit of a well maintained home. It is much more beneficial and cost effective to assess your property for required repairs on an annual basis than to be hit with everything at one time when you sell.

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:

Roof—Walk around the exterior of your home with binoculars if necessary and check for any missing shingles that may have been blown off during a winter storm. If any are missing or you see other concerns, bring in a contractor to assess the damage and make repairs before you have water damage on the interior of your home.
Siding—Power wash debris buildup from vinyl or aluminum siding. Buildup can stain siding overtime.

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.

Paint and 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.

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.

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 when there in an open area with extreme sun exposure to extend the life of the driveway.

Need More Tips to get YOUR Home Ready to SELL?

Buying a Home? Check out my HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

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Speechless Sunday (Almost)--Neverending Winter on Lake Superior

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:34:49 -0700

Though I live about 2 hours south of Duluth, we travel up quite often to see the ships come into the harbor. This was the first time I have witnessed anything quite like this...but then this has not been an ordinary spring for Minnesota. We should have green grass and flowers by now but sadly we are snow covered this year.

After an unseasonable spring snow fall of over nine inches in Duluth Minnesota this last week, ships coming into port though the canal had to wait for icebreaking ship to guide them in and avoid damage. The snow in the foreground is chunks of floating ice & snow on the lake. There are two ships waiting in this photo but we could actually see two more waiting further out. The news reported this morning that at one point yesterday, there were NINE ships waiting to pass through the canal under the famous Duluth Lift Bridge.

This neverending winter continues to frustrate us...Time for spring!

Don't Let this Unusual Spring Snow Keep You From Making a Move to Minnesota...

Buying a Home? Check out my HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

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RETHINK the Bridal Registry! RE-Direct Funds to a First Home Instead!

Sun, 07 Apr 2013 17:53:14 -0700

When I was married we didn't have a fun barcode readers to capture and share our favorite towels, toasters and china patterns but they seem to make life simple for today's bride and groom. But wouldn't it be awesome to point that thing beyond the department store wares and head out to the nearest neighborhood of cozy bungalows and tag something that a the happy couple also needs, their first home? Imagine engaged couples browsing the internet listings on realtor.com or dropping by an open house and using a scanner to click the QR-type code on their favorite new home so the front door key could be handed over as the bride is carried over the threshold. AWESOME idea, right?

It is an off-the-wall idea but couples getting married this year may have a tough time finding first time buyer financing. Zero down loans have all but disappeared from the landscape and first time buyers need cash in their pockets to put toward a new home. As mortgage programs continue to change and evolve, it is essential to save for that down payment. A forward thinking young couple might want to divert some of their wedding funds and gifts into an investment in a new home, in which they can begin their lives together.

Buyers wanting to purchase this spring will 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. With an average Minnesota starter home in the $175,000 price range, today's brides and grooms will need to save at least $5,000-$10,000, plus closing costs.

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 figure away 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? Maybe the insert in the wedding invitation should read:
“The couple is registered for a small number of necessities at Target, JC Penneys 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 dream wedding going for over $20,000, maybe a little arranging of the budget is in order. Those saved dollars from the dream wedding can go toward that dream home instead. Now, I am not suggesting "cheaping out" on anything or everything. But it would be prudent to take a look at where you can economize on your budget. Maybe you can go fore go the fancy invitations or select a less expensive dress. Is it possible the honeymoon trip to Hawaii would be a better choice for your fifth anniversary and a road trip to Duluth, MN to create newlywed memories along the north shore of Lake Superior could be considered instead? Whether on wedding details, reception or the honeymoon, if just 25% could be saved on the average wedding, approximately $5000 cash that could go toward your dream home.

So brides and grooms start thinking about your future lives together and create a plan for your dream home. Though those scanners will not work outside of the department stores, I do! As a professional REALTOR® , I have helped many young couples find the first home of their dreams. I know the north and east Twin Cities housing market and can help you spot a deal whether want a dream home in Maplewood, Forest Lake or Blaine. I will assist you in writing a fair offer and negotiate a deal so your dream can become a reality. And 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.

Buying a Home? Check out my HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

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14 Tips for HOMEBUYERS Considering a Move to a Minnesota Acreage Home

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 15:10:31 -0700

Tips for Moving to Acreage in Minnesota

Home prices are reboundingand many city homeowners are thinking this is the year we can sell and have enough money to move to a larger home. For some, it is not just the size of the home that they want to increase, many people dream of living outside the city on a hobby farm or small acreage. Making such a move can be overwhelming if you don't know the differences between city and country life. It's not just more space and less neighbors, many times there are less amenities or public utilities too.

Moving to Minnesota acreage doesn’t have to make you feel overwhelmed. Good planning can ease the transition from life in the city to your new life on a Minnesota hobby farm or small acreage!

As a REALTOR® who works throughout the north and east Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area, I show homes to other families looking a bigger backyard. My family made a similar move years ago. At first we were frustrated with our decision and wanted to sell our new Anoka County home and move back to our old North St. Paul neighborhood where we had lived for years. But after a few showings of city homes we quickly realized, you cannot go back….the yards in the city looked too small after a year on 2 acres. Yes, acreage has its appeal.

It took about a year before we fully embraced life on our Ham Lake acres. And now working as a REALTOR® , I have assisted several friends and old neighbors make similar moves out of the city to Anoka and Chisago County hobby farms and acreage homes. In each of these transactions, I notice that the same questions continue to come up whether considering a hobby farm in Ham Lake, an acreage lakeshore home in Lino Lakes, a horse property in Columbus or an executive estate in Andover. Though the properties that are being considered are only 15-20 miles from the bustling city life of downtown Minneapolis, the airport and the Mall of America, there are significant differences in the rural way of life.

Here are 14 important questions and considerations homebuyers should ask before they move from the city to acreage in Anoka and Chisago Counties.

**What is a Septic or Private Sewer system?

Most rural homes have a private septic system. Not all systems are created equal. They are designed for the specific property and size of the home. Even a new septic system can fail if not properly maintained. How do you know if the septic system is working? Since not all communities require point-of-sale inspection, have your REALTOR® require the seller to supply certification of compliance from a certified septic inspector in your purchase agreement. This certification should be no more than three years old. Also, if you have never lived on a home with a septic system, it is important to educate yourself on how to best maintain and protect your private sewer system. Additional information on Septic Systems.

**Is there a city water utility or a private well? Will I need a water softener or other water treatment system?

Families new to the concept of well water have many questions regarding its safety. Most buyers will request the water be tested for bacteria and nitrates in the purchase agreement. This is usually paid for by the seller. If you want the well test for your property to include tests for other contaminants, like lead, it must be specified in the purchase agreement. Annual water testing is recommended for all home owners with wells. Locate your MN Unique Well Number.

One question often asked by home buyers considering a property with a private well is about water treatment options available. Many homes with private wells have water softeners to treat the water in the home. Some will go one step further and have a reverse osmosis water treatment system in the kitchens as a drinking water supply. Additional information on Water Softeners and Reverse Osmosis Drinking Systems.

**Is there a natural gas supply to the home or will a propane tank be located on the property?

Often people looking at acreage will have questions about the huge propane fuel tank located near the home. People from the city usually only see these tanks outside of the gas stations where they pick up the small refills for their gas grills. In the country, the large propane tanks are in many backyards as the source of fuel to heat the home and run appliances. As a fuel source the differences are not noticeable. Propane is the least expensive cleanest fuel if a home does not have access to natural gas. Additional information on the differences between natural gas and propane.

**Does the home have access to cable or high speed internet or will a satellite connection be required? Which cable services are available to the home? What are the alternatives if DSL is not available through the phone or cable lines? Do I have to have cable or a dish to get television reception? Will I have cell phone reception?

A decade ago, these were not questions that people worried about in the rural communities. Today our interconnected world brings these questions to the forefront but no worries; there are tons of alternatives today to keep you connected. From hot spots to internet cards there are options to keep your family connected even out in the woods. However, there are many homes in Lino Lakes, Ham Lake, Forest Lake and East Bethel that do not have cable lines or high speed internet available through the phone lines. And there are cell phone dead zones no matter how numerous or close those towers seem to be. We have one less than a mile from our house and still have to have a Sprint Airave to get continuous cell phone reception. So if your family lives on the internet and could not live without a high-speed connection, it is essential ask questions to figure out how to get the best access and reception.

**If the road is gravel or unpaved, how often is it maintained by the city/county?

Our road was not paved when we first moved to Ham Lake. We were nearly a mile down a soft, gravel/sand road. When we moved it was late fall and were very surprised when the spring rains and snow melt left the road extremely poor condition. It was treacherous at times. The re-grading was done by the city on a periodic schedule so we had to negotiate the pot-holed road for days. Our road is now paved but the memories still remain.

If you are considering acreage, remember many rural roads are not paved. If the acreage property you are considering is on a gravel or dirt road, try to visit the property on several occasions and under differing conditions. It might be a good idea to talk to the city and county to understand how the road is maintained. Also be sure to ask if there are any plans to pave the road in the future and what would be assessed per property owner for the project.

**Is there wildlife?

Well maybe not lions and tigers, but we have had bears and cougars seen near our home in Anoka County. We also have pheasant, hawks, bald eagles, raccoons, foxes, several varieties of squirrels and deer. A flock of wild turkeys have made their home in our neighborhood and continue to nest year after year. And an owl and a hawk have nested in trees in on our property. I rarely saw blue jays, cardinals or hummingbirds in the city, but in our Anoka County acreage home, we see them on a daily basis. While exciting, the downside is sometimes the wildlife comes in. I don't know anyone on Ham Lake acreage that hasn’t had an occasional field mouse enter their home.

**Can I have horses?

If your move to acreage is for having horses or other farm animals in your backyard, keep in mind that most communities have restrictions on how many, if any, animals are allowed. Whether you can have horses, pigs, cows, chickens, ducks, sheep or goats will be determined by the local city regulations. Even the amount of domesticated dogs and cats can be restricted on acreage property, just as it was in most urban communities. So if you plan to run a dog kennel, breed cats or train horses, for business or pleasure, make sure it is allowed in your new rural community prior to writing an offer.

**Is hunting allowed?

In some rural areas hunting is still allowed depending on the amount of acreage, the development restrictions and city and county rules. It was a rude awakening for us to discover our neighbors were allowed to hunt….and it seemed right outside our door too! Imagine our shock that first deer opener when the hunters came out in blaze orange to hunt in the woods next to our home. The property owner, at our request, posted the land and the hunters left. The land has since been developed but it is something everyone moving should understand before buying any acreage home. Check with the city and county for all ordinances regarding firearms.

**Where are the schools?

The public school districts in rural communities can be vast. In the Forest Lake School District 831, students come from communities as far west as Ham Lake, as far south as Lino Lakes, as far east as Scandia and as far north as Stacy! It you drive from the western border to the eastern border of the district, it takes almost 45 minutes, one way! There is only one high school in the district, so your children's best friend from school could literally live almost an hour from your home. But the opportunities to get to know kids from all areas can outweigh any negatives. The bottom line here is, it pays to research the school district prior to any housing decisions.

Also school alternatives can be limited. Communities in the city have dozens of private and charter school options. These options are much lower in rural areas due to the smaller population. Additional information on Educational Alternatives in the North Metro.

**Can we have a bonfire and burn all this debris?

There are strict state and local restrictions regarding burning of construction debris and yard waste. There are restrictions on the size of the fire and what can be burned. Many construction materials cannot be burned because they release chemicals into the air that pose an environmental hazard. There are times of the year where burning is only allowed by permit and sometimes not at all. Before burning it is best to check the local restrictions as well as the DNR. More information on MN Fire Restrictions.

**Where do we shop? How far to the nearest corner store, gas station, shopping center and mall?

Depending on how often you like to shop, this may or may not be a big concern. But it is always nice to know how far you will have to go for a gallon of milk for breakfast, a propane refill for the BBQ or gas for the lawn tractor.

**How long does it take to cut the grass?

If your yard is over an acre with few trees, you might consider a lawn tractor. Many people on acreage only cut certain areas leaving the rest to grow to a natural prairie. Another consideration would be whether or not to install an irrigation system for the sod near the home.

**Wow! There are a lot of trees! Do I have to worry about oak wilt and emerald Ash Borers?

Oak wilt is a big concern in Anoka and Chisago counties. Many of the communities have information and programs to help protect and save the oak trees from this disease. And Additional information regarding oak wilt. Recently people have been extremely concerned with the emerald ash borer that has been found in Ramsey County communities including St. Paul and Shoreview. These insects bored into ash trees and tunnel under the bark eventually killing the tree. There are programs to control the spread of the insects. Additional information on the Emerald Ash Borer

**What about emergencies? How far to the nearest hospital? Where is the nearest fire station? Who provides police protection?

No one wants to think about these things when moving but accidents and illnesses do happen. It was a long hour drive to Children's Hospital in St. Paul when my young son fell and needed stitches. If the nearest fire station is staffed with volunteers and over five miles away, it will seem like a lifetime during those 5-10 minutes while you wait for the fire truck to show up to YOUR home. And big fires in dry areas will need the water trucked in due to limited water hydrants, if any, like in the city. Many rural communities do not have police officers but are patrolled by the county sheriff's department. Understand your options before an emergency occurs because it will likely take a bit longer if you are in a rural area.

With a little planning your move to a home on acreage can be a great one! If you are considering purchasing an acreage foreclosure, there are additional things to consider. Please read Buying a Foreclosed Home on Minnesota Acreage

Buying a Home? Check out my HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

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Draw YOUR Perfect DREAM HOME with Harold's Purple Crayon!

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 14:41:48 -0700

Decades ago, when I was first learning to read, I loved picture book, "Harold and the Purple Crayon" by Crockett Johnson. I wanted a crayon just like that little boy who drew out his dreams in his footy pajamas. Even though I have never been a fan of the color purple, I always wanted one of those special violet Crayola-type sticks of wax to draw to draw my dreams. Imagine life being so simple.

After many years of wondering whether the dream of owning a home was dead, the housing market has made a turn around. Due to lower inventories in many areas, sellers are back in the drivers seat and would be homebuyers are back to sitting on the fence dreaming about their perfect home. As interest rates start to creep up, the dream of a home could slip away. The reality is, there STILL are AFFORDABLE homes in the Minneapolis/St. Paul north and east metro.Maybe homebuyers just need one of Harold’s purple crayons so they can draw out a path to a perfect new home…

Draw YOUR perfect REALTOR® Grab that magic purple crayon and sketch out your ideal of a trusted professional REALTOR®. The first step in owning a dream home is to find the agent of your dreams to represent you throughout the process. Make certain to sign the buyer’s representation agreement for with a blue ink pen not a purple Crayola.

Draw Your Preapproval letter. Pre-approval is an important step before you begin looking for a home. It not only determines how much home you can afford to spend on a home, it guarantees that you are ready to write up the offer when you find your dream home. The letter will serve as notice to the sellers that the bank has committed to lend you a specified amount based on your financial history. This gives you significant buying power as a seller recognizes you are approved for a loan. Your professional REALTOR® can assist you in locating a qualified loan officer that will work with you to make your dream home a reality.

Draw YOUR perfect home! Here’s the drawing you have been waiting for...glide that purple crayon across the page and sketch out your dream home. Your perfectly depicted REALTOR® will set up an MLS search for homes that meet your needs. As perfect homes hit the market, showings will be set to view the homes in person.

Draw up a Purchase Agreement and happy seller! Use that magic purple crayon to draw up a contract on your dream home. Okay the contract will more than likely be completed in something other than that crayon, but here is where you work with your REALTOR® to draw up a contract including all of the details such as what you want to pay for the home, what personal property is to be included as well as the date you want to close and move in.

Draw a Qualified Inspector. To be certain that you didn’t miss any important details when you sketched out the beautiful purple palace, draw a home inspector that is qualified to check out your new purchase.

Draw up a SOLD sign. A big purple "SOLD" sign will announce to the world that this is YOUR dream home! It will stay on the sign while the home is in "pending" status prior to the closing. During this period prior to closing, your dream professionals work closely together to ensure that details such as the appraisal and updating the title are handled in a timely manner. Now you can use a REAL purple crayon to cross off the days on the calendar until you get to the closing table!

Draw the Keys to your new front door! ! One final purple colored work of art will complete the home buying process—Sketch up a set of house keys! When closing day arrives, be prepared to attend with your state issued picture identification, a 10 year address history, your checkbook, and all other information requested by the closer. At the end of this meeting, you will be handed the keys to your new home.

Wait a second! Nobody really needs a purple crayon! You just need a trusted professional REALTOR® to guide you through the story to your happily ever after!

Buying a Home? Check out my HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

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SOLD 1296 Mackubin St, St. Paul MN 55117

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:38:14 -0700

Welcome to 1296 Mackubin Street, St. Paul MN

This home is SOLD!

Meticutiously maintained spacious bungalow in the North End/South Como area of St Paul! A home that has been lovingly maintained, updated and upgraded throughout! Located one block off Wheelock Parkway.

*Beautiful 4BR/3BA! Stylish period architecture and charm provides loads of curb appeal!

*Stucco & Brick maintenance free exterior!

*Newer Cement Driveway *Covered Entry *Mature trees!

Gleaming Original Hardwood in Living Room and Dining Room!
Spacious rooms combination livingroom and formal dining room featuring coved ceilings and arched doorways.
New Stainless Steel Appliances in kitchen

4 HUGE Bedrooms (2 on main level and 2 upstairs)
2 FULL Baths! Recently completed upper level full bath.
All rooms freshly painted in neutral colors.

Awesome lower level family room is perfectly designed for entertainment!
Recessed area for extra large television and plenty of room for seating!
Loads of light with recessed ceiling lighting. Room is fully insulated to reduce sound travel.
Additional area for game table or play room.

Fenced backyard is perfect for kids, pets & gardening!
Newer cement patio is just off the backdoor to kitchen--Perfect for outdoor entertaining!
THIS HOME IS SOLD!

NEED ADDITIONAL INFO on how to buy an AWESOME home like this one? Call/text me, Theresa "Teri" Eckholm, RE/MAX Specialists, at 651-336-7073.

Buying a Home? Check out my HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

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Friday Fun Photo--No Guest Room!

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 17:10:25 -0700

If your home is a bit too crowded maybe it's time to make a move. Interest rates are still at record lows and starter homes are selling quickly in the Minneapolis/St Paul north and east metro! Your perfect little starter home could sell for top dollar due to the record low inventories on homes for sale in the Twin Cities. It's the perfect situation for a move up buyer.

Ready to make a move to a bigger home?

Buying a Home? Check out my HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

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SOLD2518 3rd Ave E, North St Paul MN 55109

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:40:56 -0700

Welcome to 2518 3rd Ave E, North St Paul!

This home is now SOLD!

Spacious cozy bungalow in the heart of North St Paul! FOUR bedrooms! Huge fenced backyard!

Perfect First Home!

Solid one and a half story 4BR/1+BA/2Car home that is walking distance to Hause Park and downtown North St Paul. Huge fenced yard with mature tree for shade. Oversized 2 stall garage and wide driveway for year-round off street parking. This home is a family estate not a short sale or foreclosure so a quick closing is possible!

Eat in kitchen with appliances included. Loads of cabinets and counter space.
ONE YEAR HOME WARRANTY provided by Sellers.
Windows Replaced in 2002

Spacious livingroom with coved ceilings.
2 Bedrooms on Main floor with beautifully maintained original hardwood floors!
2 HUGE Bedrooms on Upper Level

Need additional information on how to buy a great NORTH ST PAUL home like this one?

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

Buying a Home? Check out my HOME BUYER'S BLOG!

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Real Estate Blog for the North & East Twin Cities

**AWESOME HOME** 6428 210th Lane N, Forest Lake MN 55025

Moving to Forest Lake? Awesome Summer Entertainment Scheduled!

6428 210th Lane N, Forest Lake, MN 55025

What Ebay can Teach a Home Buyer about Multiple Offers

**SOLD** 4675 Dale St N, Shoreview MN 55126

Real Estate Word of the Day is Appraisal

First Time Homebuyer Real Estate Word is Appraisal

Friday Fun Photo--SMILE!

Which Comes First, the REALTOR or the Loan Officer?

6 Essential Spring Repairs to get YOUR Home Ready to SELL!

Speechless Sunday (Almost)--Neverending Winter on Lake Superior

RETHINK the Bridal Registry! RE-Direct Funds to a First Home Instead!

14 Tips for HOMEBUYERS Considering a Move to a Minnesota Acreage Home

Tips for Moving to Acreage in Minnesota

Draw YOUR Perfect DREAM HOME with Harold's Purple Crayon!

**SOLD** 1296 Mackubin St, St. Paul MN 55117

Welcome to 1296 Mackubin Street, St. Paul MN

Friday Fun Photo--No Guest Room!

**SOLD**2518 3rd Ave E, North St Paul MN 55109

AWESOME HOME 6428 210th Lane N, Forest Lake MN 55025

SOLD 4675 Dale St N, Shoreview MN 55126

SOLD 1296 Mackubin St, St. Paul MN 55117

SOLD2518 3rd Ave E, North St Paul MN 55109