Photographic Analogy of the Current Real Estate Market - 03/30/09 08:48 AM
The current real estate market is depicted by a late March photograph of the shoreline along Forest Lake in Washington County, Minnesota.
 
overcast sky, unstable ice frigid water, rocky shore waiting; secure in the knowledge that this season too shall pass value always returns  
If you are buying or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet, Homebuyers Success Packet or sign up for Listingbook Twin Cities Home Search. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro … (18 comments)

Time for Anoka County Spring Cleaning? Hazardous Waste and Compost Sites Announce Summer Hours - 03/30/09 08:08 AM
Whether you are ditching the hazardous waste when cleaning out the garage or dumping the leaves from an afternoon yard cleanup, Anoka county has you covered.
Got Hazardous Waste? If it is time for a trip to the Anoka County Household Hazardous Waste Facility (HHW) head to Blaine! The HHW is located at 3230 101st Ave NE in Blaine just west of the 35W and 95th Ave interchange and is open YEARROUND and is FREE to Anoka County Residents!
CLICK HERE for Map and Directions
Summer Hours (April through October)Wednesday 2PM-8PMFriday 9PM-3PMSaturday 9PM-3PMHHW accepts more than paint too. Drop off any … (2 comments)

Pictorial Essay of Signs of Spring in Forest Lake Minnesota - 03/28/09 11:38 AM
Spring has sprung according to the calendar but in Minnesota we all wait for the ice out on the lakes as a true sign of that the season of growth is upon us. As you can see in this photo essay of shots of Forest Lake, there is still some work for the sun to do. 
 About a week ago, an early ice out was anticipated. We experienced several days with unseasonable 60 and 70 degree temperatures. The snow melted quickly but it takes longer for three to four feet sheets of ice to drop to the bottom of the lake.
… (10 comments)

Uniquely Minnesota Artful Distractions—Homeowner Version: Giant Red-Headed Woodpecker in Forest Lake, MN - 03/27/09 07:06 PM
Winding around Forest Lake along North Shore Trail, it is always a good idea to keep your eyes on the road. Along this twisty-turny trail, there is a good view of the eclectic mix of lakeshore homes with the huge mansions abutting the property with quaint lakeshore cabins.
Just off 97 and before the turn on Keather, if you look up you can catch a glimpse of this wonderfully unique distracting piece of carved and painted art perched up on an overhanging limb. The woodpecker is about three feet long; just a bit bigger than the real Pileated woodpeckers that inhabit this area.
Other … (10 comments)

Seven Simple Steps to a VA Home Loan—Are YOU a Veteran? - 03/27/09 08:35 AM
If you can answer yes, the VA loan program is designed exclusively to help you buy a home. It is a GREAT option for financing your piece of the American Dream! And, it is one of the only ZERO down programs still available.As a REALTOR® who works throughout Anoka, Chisago and Washington Counties, I have sold many homes using the DVA program. I have worked with sellers in Forest Lake and Coon Rapids who accepted offers from Veterans using the DVA financing program to purchase the home. I assisted Veteran home buyers to locate and purchase homes in Wyoming, Lino Lakes, … (8 comments)

Minnesota Lakeshore and Wetland Homesellers--What Should be on the Disclosure? - 03/26/09 10:06 AM
Last week I received a text inquiry from someone who had read my blog asking if I had any homes currently listed on a Minnesota wetland. I was excited as though I didn't have any current listings on one of Minnesota's greatest resource; I know there are many well-priced homes currently listed throughout Anoka, Chisago and Washington Counties on beautiful property with views of our Minnesota lakes and wetlands.I made the connection and my "buyer" was calling not to buy, he had already bought a home located on a wetland. It was another question on Minnesota disclosures. What should have been … (4 comments)

Wordless Wednesday (Almost)--Minnesota Wacky Weather! - 03/25/09 01:22 PM
This is NOT what I saw out my windshield as I headed down to a Real Estate Continuing Education class this morning on VA Loans. We did have a few flurries in Anoka County early today but nothing like a Minnesota winter storm. Think Spring!

 
If you are buying or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet, Homebuyers Success Packet or sign up for Listingbook Twin Cities Home Search. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities … (15 comments)

Remember When REO Used to be a Rock Band and a HUD Home was a Dump? - 03/24/09 10:14 AM
In the early 1980's, when someone was talking about REO they probably meant REO Speedwagon not a home owned by a bank. Yep, back in the day when many of my friends and relatives were buying their first house, few thought a foreclosure home was a good deal. There was a section in the paper at the time for HUD homes. They were all dumps in the minds of buyers. It was deemed "too risky" to buy a bank owned home. Better to leave those houses for an investor.In 1981 when REO (the band) was tearing up the charts with the … (16 comments)

Time is Running Short to Trim Oaks and Prevent Oak Wilt - 03/23/09 10:45 AM

The snow is quickly melting away and spring has sprung! If your oak trees require trimming, do not delay. It is best to have all trimming done by April 1st or wait until October. Oak wilt is devastating to the landscape across Anoka County. Oak trees should be trimmed in the late fall or winter months. If you have overgrown oak trees, trim them this week or wait until fall to avoid exposure to this tree-killing disease! As a REALTOR who lives and works in the areas of Blaine, Ham Lake and Lino Lakes, I am very aware of how … (10 comments)

Dream Home SOLD Thanks to My BlackBerry Photos! - 03/20/09 05:17 PM
Relocating from out of state to Minnesota takes coordination and a little innovation doesn't hurt either...Here's the story: After weeks of narrowing down homes to view and a couple of long days seeing a half dozen or so beautiful properties throughout Chisago and Anoka Counties, my out-of-town buyer, Lyn, had found the perfect home. Unfortunately, someone else thought it was perfect too and an offer had been accepted moments before we had contacted the listing agent with ours. We were back at square one...and out of time! My disappointed buyer had to head back to work and wouldn't be back in … (24 comments)

March 2009 Video Update--Twin Cities Real Estate Market Shows Signs of Recovery - 03/20/09 08:25 AM
Spring has sprung and with it comes a new video from the Minneapolis Association of REALTORS. The March Monthly skinny once again shows that the market appears to be making moves in the right direction. Pending sales are up 7.4% from this time last year. This is great news but it is also noted that over 60% of the pending sales are lender mediated (i.e. bank owned or short sale homes). The affordability index is nearly 90% higher on lender mediated properties than on homes sold by traditional sellers.What is the Affordability Index?When the affordability index is at 239 as mentioned … (12 comments)

Making Home Affordable Program Offers Help to those with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Loans - 03/19/09 02:13 PM
A new government help program just launched yesterday with to assist homeowners in restructuring their loans. The US Treasury Department's easy-to-navigate website and telephone hotlines were activated on March 19, 2009, for the Making Home Affordable program. This program was created to assist the over 9 million homeowners with a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac mortgage refinance or modify their mortgage. The website is makinghomeaffordable.gov and the toll-free hotline numbers is 1-888-995-4673.The site offers in formation on how to refinance to a new loan as well as steps to modify a current Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan. Easy step by … (6 comments)

Wordless Wednesday--Misty Minnesota Sunrise - 03/18/09 08:30 AM

Melting snow creating fog is a beautiful sight in Minnesota just before the sun rises across a Ham Lake field.
Spring will soon be here!
If you are buying or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet, Homebuyers Success Packet or sign up for Listingbook Twin Cities Home Search. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey … (20 comments)

Ice Out is Almost Here—Lake Ice is NOT Safe in the North Metro! - 03/17/09 09:33 AM
It seems like only yesterday when Forest Lake was full of cars, trucks and ice houses all attempting to catch a fish or two on a beautiful winter day. This photo was taken in February when the ice was four feet thick. Ice houses had to be removed a couple of weeks ago but with our below zero temperatures just last week, people were still venturing out on the lakes in their cars thinking the ice was safe.
Since spring has almost sprung in the last few days, the 60 degree weather has made the ice very unstable. A car sunk … (12 comments)

Anoka County Homebuyer? Here's a few GREEN Options to Consider for St Pat’s Day! - 03/16/09 10:21 AM

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by bringing a bit of “green” thinking in your home search. Whether your home search is in Anoka, Chisago or Washington County, there is an opportunity to buy real estate that's a wee bit green. Spring is the time that many start thinking about making a move. Homes are more affordable than ever before and there is still an awesome selection of single family homes on the market for buyers to choose from.
Ton’s O' choices on the market!
Homes on lakeshore Homes on acreage Starter homes Foreclosures New construction Here are just a … (9 comments)

Ham Lake Acreage & Car Enthusiasts Shop--First Open House Sunday March 22 from 1-3PM - 03/15/09 06:57 PM
This IS the spring for YOUR move to the country! (But stay close enough to the city not to notice.)
4BR/2BA Rambler with 3 car attached garage & Detached 4 car shop!


2.5 Landscaped acres with open areas for kids and pets to play but wooded enough for privacy.
4 bedrooms (3 on one level) all with new paint and carpeting.

Car enthusiasts workshop features heat, insulation and electricity.
Separate gravel driveway with plenty of space to park a boat, trailer or RV.
Located on paved cul de sac near higher priced homes.

Backyard has fenced area to keep … (6 comments)

Minnesota Irish Eyes are Smiling on St Patrick's Day! - 03/14/09 05:50 PM
Every March 17th there is a ton of fun afoot in the Twin Cities. This upcoming Tuesday will be no different I am certain. I knew there were parades on both sides of the Mississippi on St. Pat's Day but full associations to celebrate Irish heritage in both Minneapolis and St. Paul? Who knew?The St. Patrick's Day Association of Minneapolis has a full array of contests and events to mark this special day. In addition to the evening parade down Nicollet Mall, there is a Ms. Blarney and Wee Leprechan Contest. Yep, the cutest Irish lad or lassie can win a … (15 comments)

Buying a Minnesota Lake Home? MN Lakeshore is Affordable; But is the Water Safe? - 03/12/09 10:02 AM
Today more than ever, buying a home and living on Minnesota lakeshore is a realistic goal in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. With over 12,000 lakes to chose from (yes, there are thousands more lakes than our state slogan touts) and increased affordability, Minnesota is really a land of opportunity for anyone considering buying a piece of shoreline property. The natural beauty of Minnesota abounds with lakes, ponds, creeks and rivers found in the city and suburbs of Anoka, Ramsey, Chisago, Washington, Hennepin Counties.
Almost every day on the news there is something happening in, on or around one of our … (12 comments)

Wordless Wednesday--Bored Teen + Balloons + Pet = lolcat - 03/11/09 05:27 PM

Muffin is a real party animal--NOT!
No animals were harmed in the taking of this photo...Unless you count balloon animals.
… (45 comments)

Free Help with MN Property Tax Rebate Forms for Anoka County Seniors - 03/08/09 11:00 AM
The postcards won't be in the mail this year but the tax assistance clinics will go on. If you are a senior citizen, aged 65 or over or a disabled person who needs assistance filing your M1PR form for a property tax refund, the help clinics will go on all over Anoka County as in past years, but the reminder postcards will not be sent. The schedule was mailed as part of the Anoka County News that was sent to every resident in March. If you recycled the newsletter without saving the schedule, here are a few of the dates in … (10 comments)

Snow or No Snow…Only a Turkey would Forget to SPRING FORWARD Tonight! - 03/07/09 07:57 PM
Springing forward is a bit of a let down when snow is still in the forecast. Springtime is one of my favorite times of year in Minnesota. It is the time of year when the snow melts and the ground thaws so quickly that the winter white world seems to change overnight into an array of green shades from lime to emerald. Flowers start budding. Birds sing late into the evening. Everything starts anew again.

Like last year, we are springing forward earlier than we had in the past many years of daylight savings time. As March is one of … (19 comments)

Tax Forfeited Properties Available in Anoka County are Posted Online - 03/06/09 11:20 AM
Did you know that you can see the properties that have been forfeited to Anoka County and available for sale right on the Anoka County website? 
Currently there are three properties available in communities spanning the county. One is to the north in Linwood, while another is located in the south community of Fridley and then to the west in Coon Rapids. The site features links to both plat maps and aerial views.
Homes are sold with a sealed bid system. Complete instructions on how to properly submit a bid are posted. Click here for additional information. 
Need information on Anoka … (6 comments)

Hollywood Canine Stars Struggle in Forest Lake, MN--The Carlos Avery Wolves - 03/04/09 07:56 PM

Okay the wolves never were in Hollywood as the television show was filmed on location in Minnesota but on a frigidly cold Saturday afternoon, a week or so before Christmas, my family and I took an opportunity and dropped by the Wildlife Science Center(WSC) to meet Truck and Growly Pants, stars of the Animal Planet special. We are fortunate to live quite close to this animal sanctuary and drive past its entrance just east of Lexington on Broadway daily. We made the stop after hearing that the center was struggling to make ends meet in the poor economy. They were … (16 comments)

Foreclosure Disclosures: In MN, it is Still Home Buyer Beware! - 03/03/09 11:58 AM
Wise men say; only fools rush in...Wait a sec. I know that classic song is about falling in love. But since many home buyers do "fall in love" with a home and become a bit foolish, it applies.A few weeks ago, I was with a couple who went a bit gaga over a bank-owned foreclosure listed by one of those agents specializing in REO homes. I'll admit, this was an amazing home: Nice floor plan....Picture perfect condition...Terrific View...And a "just reduced" price tag that put the home in the category of phenomenal deal!These buyers were not first time buyers, having bought … (6 comments)

FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS! Affordability and an $8000 Tax Credit Make NOW the Time to Buy! - 03/01/09 11:21 AM
If you haven't heard, the recently approved stimulus package had a wonderful provision for anyone buying their first home; An $8000 tax credit!Here are the things to know about the $8000 Tax Credit in a nutshell:
The tax credit is for homebuyers buying their first home only. The money does not have to be repaid. The credit is capped at 10 percent of the home's purchase price with a maximum of $8,000. Homes must be purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. (Note not the credit is NOT available until the end of the year. Plan … (2 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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