A Historical Look at Ham Lake, Minnesota - 04/30/07 09:28 AM
Rich in history, Ham Lake was incorporated into a city in 1974 after over a hundred years of humble but steady growth. The community of Ham Lake was first settled in 1855 by a group of Scottish men on the southwest side of Ham Lake. The original name of the community was Glen Carey, which is the Scottish translation of "beautiful valley".
Following a prairie fire in 1857, the first settlers moved on but others came in their place. The new Scandinavian settlers had a hard time with the pronunciation of Glen Carey and soon the fledging community was known as … (4 comments)

Where's the Playground? A Key to Parks in Ham Lake Minnesota - 04/30/07 09:13 AM
When my family first moved to Ham Lake from the city, my boys were the perfect playground age group. They spent hours of time and burned off tons of energy on the swings, slides and money bars in our North St. Paul neighborhood. Of course, Ham Lake being more rural, the playgrounds and parks are well hidden. We drove around for hours and finally just used the McKinley school playground near Constance and Highway 65.
To help your family find a playground more quickly, here is a key to parks and playgrounds in the City of Ham Lake. Hopeful there is one near … (0 comments)

Prevent Oak Wilt in Anoka County—Don’t Take Down or Trim Oaks Now! - 04/29/07 10:58 AM
The 2007 oak wilt season is upon us! To prevent the spread of devastating disease, it is imperative to follow the guidelines for oak wilt prevention. Do not prune, damage or cut down oak trees during the growing season from May 1 through September 30.
During the Spring and early summer months of May and June, oaks are at especially high risk to this highly contagious, landscape changing disease.Any wood or branches taken down over the winter that is infected with oak wilt, needs to remain covered under black plastic and completely sealed until after July 1.During the summer if you sustain … (2 comments)

It’s Arbor Day in Minnesota! Plant a Tree--Build a Forest! - 04/27/07 08:58 AM
Arbor Day is celebrated in Minnesota on the last Friday in April. The City of Ham Lake has much to be proud of this Arbor Day after being honored with the title of Tree City USA for the 14th time by The National Arbor Day Foundation. Ham Lake is one of only 77 communities across the state of Minnesota that has achieved this status. Other north and east metro  honorees include Anoka (25 years), Columbia Heights (14 years), Columbus (12 years), Coon Rapids (26 years), Lake Elmo (4 years), Lino Lakes (17 years), Moundsview (24 years), New Brighton (24 years), Oakdale … (0 comments)

Is Your Well Water Safe? Time for a Check Up - 04/27/07 08:11 AM
Well Water Wise Week, May 7th through 11th, is coming up fast in Ham Lake, MN. All homeowners in Ham Lake get their water supply from a private well since there is no public water and sewer system in the city. Here is an easy way to find out whether your well is producing water that is safe for your family to drink.
It is recommended that all homeowners have the quality of their water tested annually. As a Realtor working in the Ham Lake and Forest Lake areas, I know that most people only test their water when they buy or … (8 comments)

Does "Minnesota Nice" Affect the Real Estate Market? "Yah, You Betcha!" - 04/26/07 10:49 AM
It is not necessary to be a Realtor in the Twin Cities to be aware of the slow real estate market. The Minneapolis and St. Paul metro area has experienced the same slow down as the rest of the country. It is a buyer's market and the media has no problem reminding the public of the situation.
As a Realtor I do find the situation a bit perplexing in Minnesota. After all most of us were instructed by our parents to be what we all know as "Minnesota Nice". Being "Minnesota Nice" is when a person goes out of the way to … (4 comments)

Relocating to Forest Lake Minnesota? The Schools are Full of Ranger Pride - 04/25/07 08:21 PM
Forest Lake School District #831 is a bit of a misnomer. Most people would not realize how many communities and neighborhoods are a part of this north metro Twin Cities school district with the motto: Inspire the Learner...Ignite the Potential!
Located 35 minutes northeast of the downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, the Forest Lake School district is geographically huge. Covering one of the largest areas in the state with over 240 square miles of area, Forest Lake schools are the educational home of 12 communities in 3 different counties. Students come from Columbus, East Bethel, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Linwood in Anoka County. … (4 comments)

Can't Teach an Old Dog New Tricks--Moving isn't Easy with a Senior Pet! - 04/24/07 07:20 PM
Our family was planning to move to a new home this year...but for several reasons, we decided against it. A buyers market is a great time to buy a home. With so many options and incredible deals being made on existing homes and new construction all across the Twin Cities, we couldn't wait to get out there and find our new dream home.
Although there were several reasons we put our move on hold, the biggest one was our dog, Tikki. The Australian Shepard mix we've had since he was a pup is now 15 years old and is a bit set in … (8 comments)

Home Buying 101: How Much Earnest Money Do I Need? - 04/23/07 04:24 PM
Every home buyer loves the process of visiting homes and finding that perfect place to call home. Sitting down and writing the offer is not always as much fun! For many people, the process of buying a home is something they go through only once or twice in a lifetime. New terms and questions come are the norm as the purchase agreement is prepared. As a Realtor in the northeast Twin Cities metro, whether I am working  with first time buyers, move-up buyers or empty-nesters,  one question always stops the process for a moment of discussion. How much earnest money are … (0 comments)

It's a Buyer’s Market—Why You Shouldn't Necessarily Give a Lowball Offer - 04/22/07 08:46 AM
In Minnesota, we are currently experiencing a buyer's market. There are many more homes for sale than buyers in the Twin Cities market right now.
As a Realtor working in the northeast metro, I can pinpoint homes in neighborhoods throughout Anoka and Chisago Counties that haven't sold after being on the market for several months. Communities north of the Forest Lake and Ham Lake areas that were booming a few years ago, like Stacy, Linwood and North Branch are experiencing a tremendous slow down. From Hugo to Lino Lakes, acreage properties and lake homes aren't exempt from the slowdown. There are … (17 comments)

Moving to Minnesota? FREE Relocation Information - 04/20/07 03:33 PM
Will you be making a move to the Twin Cities area in the next few months?
As you plan your move to Minnesota, you'll want to be sure to have the right Realtor® representing your interests. I have the training and experience needed to look out for your interests in Twin Cities' real estate market.
Whether you are considering a move to Blaine, Forest Lake, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Maplewood, North St. Paul, Shoreview, White Bear Lake, Wyoming or any of the surrounding communities, I am ready to assist your family.
With thousands of homes available to you, it's my job … (0 comments)

Hidden Treasures near Ham Lake, Minnesota - 04/19/07 11:36 AM
It is amazing how many unique activities and fun adventures you can have minutes your home. As a Realtor in the northeast metro area of the Twin Cities, I am often asked, "What can we do for fun?" Here are some of my families' favorite hidden treasures in Anoka County that remind us of why we love living in Ham Lake, Minnesota.
Who wouldn't love a pony ride! Bunker Hills Stables is a wonderful place to spend a family day. It is a great opportunity to bond with your younger child or grandchild as you lead them on a pony down the … (2 comments)

Keller Williams Realty almost 1500 Strong in MN - 04/18/07 11:06 AM
Three and a half years ago I made a jump to a new brokerage, Keller Williams Premier Realty, that had recently opened in our state. It was a big move as I was doing well with one of the major real estate companies in Minnesota. To transfer to this unknown organization was a big risk for my personal business, but I made the move and never looked back.
I remember speaking of Keller Williams to a new client on the first day after my decision. The potential seller was concerned, "Who is this company?" My answer was look at the red signs in yards … (8 comments)

Buyers' Market Dilemma—200+ Homes! How Many Should I See? - 04/17/07 08:14 AM
Cities across the U.S. are in serious buyers' markets. These markets offers more housing inventory than has been seen in a decade. As a Realtor in the Twin Cities north metro, I have had clients with very loose selection criteria, have hundreds of homes available to choose from. The amount of homes is overwhelming to the buyer going it alone. Work with an experienced agent, to get that list of homes down to a manageable level.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website, the average buyer sees 15 homes before writing an offer on a home. In my experience … (8 comments)

Appreciation in the Twin Cities Down to Half a Percent—But Median Sales Price Up! - 04/16/07 10:51 AM
In the fall of 2004, I attended a presentation on mortgages given by a lending group that I worked with on a regular basis. As a Minnesota Realtor, I work to find the best products and options for my clients. One of the presenters started an explanation on zero down interest only loans and what a great opportunity it was for us as agents and our clients. He explained that across the country, people are able to purchase more home than in the past with this innovative loan product.
The basis of this loan officer’s argument was that interest only loans … (2 comments)

Inspirational Story of an Unlikely Friendship - 04/15/07 02:00 PM
When a hippo and tortoise photo arrived in my inbox a few days ago, I was inspired but skeptical. A 100+ year old tortoise befriends and plays mother to a baby hippo. Sounds like a headline from the grocery store check-out lane. I decided to verify the story before I posted it for all to see. Not only is it true. There are plans to make a movie about the unusual friends. Here is the link that verifies its authenticity: Snopes Hippo Tortoise Story.
What struck me about this as a Realtor is what a great reminder this is that not only best … (4 comments)

Land of 10,000 Lakes and None Safe for Spring Swimming! - 04/15/07 10:29 AM
Although there seems to be a bit of a debate as to the actual number of lakes in Minnesota, one thing is for certain; all MN lakes are all too cold for swimming in the spring. The air temperature of many April and May days in Minnesota can be as warm as in July. The water in those 10,000+ lakes can look very refreshing. But beware. In order to swim safely, the water temperatures should be around 70 degrees. Minnesota lakes do not reach that temperature until late May. Some lakes in the northern part of the state never reach 70 … (8 comments)

Mountains Popping up in Your Yard?—Pocket Gophers are a Sure Sign of Spring - 04/14/07 07:43 AM
It's a beautiful day to be out in the garden enjoying the warm Minnesota spring breeze. Suddenly there is a mountain of dirt in your yard. You are certain it wasn't there a bit ago. What is that huge pile of dirt? And where did it come from? 
You have a pocket gopher!
Pocket gophers, along with their little mole friends, are the bane of the countryside. These small little rodents cause serious damage to lawns and landscaping across Anoka County. Although they leave huge dirt mounds above ground, pocket gopher burrows crisscross deep beneath the earth. (This differs from their mole … (10 comments)

Dinosaurs Replace Peanuts in the Twin Cities this Summer - 04/13/07 07:50 AM
My family along with thousands of others searched for a parade of Peanuts Characters for 5 straight years.
First we searched for Snoopy throughout the city of St. Paul in the summer of 2000. The next spring in 2001, we were at it again finding Charlie Brown all around the town. During the next two summers, we looked for Lucy and Linus in Ramsey County parks, street corners and even at the Minnesota State Fair Grounds. The Peanuts parade ended in 2004 with Twin Citians asking "Where's Woodstock?" as we searched for Snoopy and his little yellow friend on decorated doghouses … (2 comments)

Looking HOT From the Street—Tips for Curb Appeal - 04/12/07 08:26 AM
Selling in a buyer's market like we currently are experiencing in the Twin Cities metro, is tricky. Your home needs to look HOT from the outside in!
As a Realtor, I have been showing homes all over Anoka County, from Blaine to Forest Lake this month. As the snow melts, some yards are looking rather boring. When buyers have hundreds of homes to choose from, decisions are made in a split second from a photo on a computer screen or from the moment a potential buyer drives up to the curb. It takes only a few moments for a buyer to … (14 comments)

Mother Nature Perpetuating the Minnesota Myth - 04/11/07 03:53 PM
Whenever I travel or am on the phone with an out-of-state client, I get the weather question: "How cold is it in Minnesota?" or "It must be freezing where you are, right?"
One July while in New York business trip, a colleague asked if my system was shocked when I arrived to the almost 100 degree heat. I was confused as I had just left a similar heat wave behind in Minnesota. It was then I discovered the myth:
People who have never been to Minnesota believe the state is snow bound and freezing 365 days a year!
Sure our state has … (8 comments)

Fearing Foreclosure? Help is Available--Homeownership Preservation Foundation - 04/11/07 11:26 AM
Foreclosure is sadly, not as uncommon as it was in years past. Throughout Minnesota and in many places across the US families are facing the loss of their American dream. The influx of ARM's and zero down financing and refinancing has put many a homeowner into this financial situation.If you are aware of someone who currently fears foreclosure, there is help. The Foreclosure Prevention Hotline is an initiative to help those experiencing issues with their mortgages. This is a service being managed by the Homeownership Preservation Foundation and employs 4 different credit counseling agencies to provide free counseling for consumers--all are … (6 comments)

First Time Buyers: Realtors Help to Define YOUR Dream - 04/09/07 11:35 AM
I love assisting first time home buyers! The opportunity to own their home is exciting and that excitement bubbles right out of these buyers. Many have a picture in their head of what their dream home looks like and it is my job to figure out what that picture is and help them find it. Is it the little bungalow with the white picket fence? A new trendy condo with views of the Mississippi? Or a fixer-upper that they can renovate and build equity?
Everyone has a different dream. As a home buyer's representative, I work with you to define your dream. … (6 comments)

Home Maintenance Tips--Spring Clean your Refrigerator! - 04/08/07 08:04 AM
Athough there was probably not a bunny, if you found another surprise in your refrigerator this Easter, now maybe the time for a little spring cleaning.
If you're considering moving this spring, a clean refrigerator is essential. Home buyers are very particular about the cleanliness of kitchens. And they do look inside the refrigerator and stove to check to see how clean they are. Here are quick tips to put your fridge in tip top shape:
Remove all food from refrigerator. If anything is past the freshness date, throw away.Remove all drawers and shelves that can be removed. Put on the counter … (8 comments)

Bird Watching in Off and On-Line in Minnesota—Help Keep Power Lines Clear and the Electricity ON! - 04/08/07 07:15 AM
From the windows in our Anoka County home, we have the opportunity to bird watch. There is a falcon that has nested in a catalpa tree in our front yard. There is huge barn owl in one of our back oaks. A male pheasant lives under a towering pine. All year round we see song birds, blue jays, cardinals, and wood peckers. It is great fun to watch and identify different species. We know we are fortunate in Ham Lake. Not everyone can see such an array of birds at home.
If you like to keep an eye to the sky and … (4 comments)

Wave Goodbye to the Snowman—Hwy 36 is Under Construction! - 04/07/07 07:28 AM
East and West bound Twin Cities commuters won't be able to wave at Frosty this summer. The North St. Paul Snowman located on the south side of Margaret St. on Highway 36 will be tied up in the construction project that will affectively split the town in two for the summer.
The business community will remain open but the spring Crazy Days festival is cancelled this year. A temporary Detour Days will be celebrated in its place. Antique and custom car enthusiasts may have to find another venue this summer as the Friday Night Car show which is a huge tradition … (2 comments)

Home Owner's Guide: Change YOUR Furnace Filter! - 04/06/07 08:38 AM
When my husband and I bought our first home in North St. Paul, MN, we had no idea of how to maintain a home. One case in point was our furnace and central air conditioning. We bought our home in September but it wasn't until a year later when we had our furnace serviced for the first time that we changed the furnace filter! Yes. For an entire heating and cooling season our furnace had to suffer with one of those cheap forty-nine cent filters.
When I became a Realtor a few years later, I learned that we were not alone … (2 comments)

Home Owner’s Guide: Smoke Detector Maintenance - 04/05/07 07:28 AM
Smoke detectors are essential in saving lives if there was ever a fire in your home. Most home owners heed the warnings to test their smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries twice a year at the daylight's saving time switch. But were you aware that smoke detectors will not work forever? Did you know that you should periodically dust or vacuum your smoke detectors?
Our two-story home built almost ten years ago, has several hard wired smoke detectors located strategically throughout our home. There is one in each upstairs bedroom and one in the upstairs main hallway, one in the main … (2 comments)

Dreaming of Life on MN Acreage?--What YOU Need to Know Before YOUR Move! - 04/04/07 08:14 AM
About 10 years ago, my family came across a home being renovated on 3 acres in the country. It was a bit of a drive from North St. Paul and Maplewood, the quiet little suburbs where we had spent most of our lives. But there was something intriguing about the beautiful landscape with dozens of towering oaks and pines. We loved the idea that our two preschool boys could play hide and seek and ride their bikes right in our own yard. We made the leap without considering all of the differences that faces us switching from a city to a … (14 comments)

Natural Gas and Propane—What’s the Difference? - 04/03/07 07:47 AM
 
Communities outside the Twin Cities metro area do not always have the infrastructure that home owners in the city take for granted. In rural communities where homeowners live on and own acres of land, they may not have water or sewer systems to the home. The electrical, cable and gas utilities may not provide service to any or all homes in the area. Alternatively, homeowners will have private services where the public utilities do not exist. Homes on acreage will have private wells for water and septic systems for sewage. If the home does not have cable access, they can use … (2 comments)

What is a Reverse Osmosis Drinking System? - 04/02/07 09:46 AM
As a Realtor in the northern suburbs of Minnesota, I get a fair number of city dwelling clients that consider moving to acreage in the country. The idea of a little elbow room from their neighbors or a small hobby farm appeals to many Twin City residents. And the beauty of it is, is that in Anoka and Chisago counties there are numerous, affordable homes on acreage that have a reasonable commute to employment in the cities.
Although there are several considerations when making a move to an acreage home, one important one is that acreage homes most often do not have … (0 comments)

How Does a Water Softener Work? - 04/01/07 09:24 AM
As a Realtor in the northern suburbs of Minnesota, I get a fair number of city dwelling clients that consider moving to acreage in the country. The idea of a little elbow room from their neighbors or a small hobby farm appeals to many Twin City residents. And the beauty of it is, is that in Anoka and Chisago counties there are numerous, affordable homes on acreage that have a reasonable commute to employment in the cities.
Although there are several considerations when making a move to an acreage home, one important one is that acreage homes most often do not … (7 comments)

 
Terismsq Rainmaker_large

Teri Eckholm, REALTOR® Anoka&Washington Counties Acreage & Lakeshore Homes

Ham Lake, MN

More about me…

REMAX Specialists

Address: 4910 Highway 61 N, White Bear Lake , MN, 55110

Cell Phone: (651) 336-7073

Email Me

Theresa "Teri" Eckholm/REMAX Specialists assists Minnesotans to find their way home with helpful tips and quality service. Dedication to customer service has made Teri the REALTOR® of choice for families in Blaine, Forest Lake, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and Wyoming areas. Licensed in MN.


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