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May 2009 Video Update—Answer to the Big Housing Market Question....In or Out of the Woods?

By
Real Estate Agent with Boardman Realty Minnesota License#90858

It appears that the Twin Cities housing market is continuing to move forward to recovery as we head into the summer. According to the Minneapolis Realtors Association's May Monthly Skinny, there continue to be positive signs that we are moving out of the woods. Inventory did not inflate this spring as it usually does when the snow melts so the housing inventory levels that have been extremely high are starting to level off and come down. A major share of the homes, sold 46%, continue to be lender-owned or lender-mediated sales. These homes are selling at 21% less than in 2008 but traditional sellers home sales prices are only down about 8%. Distressed homes are moving out of the market and that is a good thing.No doubt the $8000 first time homebuyer tax credit has continued to fuel the spring market throughout the Twin Cities as things really kicked into high gear just after the credit was announced.

A major coup for the most two neighborhoods most affected by the foreclosure crisis was the Pohlad Family Foundation Grants allowing for $8000 grants in the form of a forgivable loan to homebuyers in the 55411 in Minneapolis and 55106 zip code in St. Paul. Suddenly a surge of homebuyers became interested and now once over looked areas are seeing multiple offers on homes.

These positive signs are not just limited to Minneapolis/St. Paul and first ring suburbs. The entire north metro is seeing activity and homes selling. First time buyers have been in the market for several weeks now. As those first time homes sell, move-up buyers are finally able to take advantage of the market. I am continuing to field questions daily from excited first time Anoka County buyers on the specifics of this unique $8000 Tax Refund opportunity. (If you have a question call on the program, just let me know with a call or text to 651-336-7073 or just send a quick email.) Take a peek at the entire May video for a quick update on the Twin Cities housing move toward the edge of the woods as we make our way out...

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation Packet, Homebuyers Success Packet or sign up for Listingbook Twin Cities Home Search. I specialize in acreage and lakeshore properties in the north and east Twin Cities metro area including Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and all communities in the Forest Lake School District! Serving Anoka, Chisago, Ramsey and Washington Counties in Minnesota.

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

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

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Posted by

Teri Eckholm. REALTOR with Boardman Realty, is a native Minnesotan who has lived and worked in the Minneapolis St Paul metro all of her life. She specializes in lakeshore homes, acreage properties and first time home buyers but assists anyone making a move in the north and east Twin Cities metro.

If you are buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota and need help from a professional REALTOR®, give Teri , a call or visit her website for a FREE Home Buyer Success Guide or FREE Home Value Report She 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.

Copyright 2019 terieckholm.com

 

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Comments(8)

Terry & Bonnie Westbrook
Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner - Grand Rapids, MI
Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re

We also have seen the market activity pick up the addition of the grant money should help buyers that have been sitting on the fence make the decision to jump in.

May 26, 2009 02:12 AM
Diane Aurit
LKN Realty, LLC - Mooresville, NC
Lake Norman Real Estate

Great information for your area home buyers and sellers.  I hope it spreads our direction and throughout the country!

May 26, 2009 03:38 AM
Mesa, Arizona Real Estate Mesa Arizona Realtor
Homes Arizona Real Estate LLC - Mesa, AZ
AzLadyInRed

Teri, great to hear of your upward climb. It seems to be happening across the country. Of course, we're all inundated with short sales and bank owned....;-)

May 26, 2009 03:44 PM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

Teri, It's so nice to hear good news and upward trends.  I believe things may be picking up for many and hope it continues.

May 26, 2009 03:55 PM
William Johnson
Retired - La Jolla, CA
Retired

Hi Teri, I suspect that with all the foreclosures ( purchased mostly by investors with cash to become the landloards of the displaced homeowners) that it would appear that the housing business is improving. The reason I think it may not be is that there is huge pent up need for gazillions of homeowners to move their properties and can not even come to market in their lowered values. In a month or so the new surge in foreclosures will start to come on the  market and I am not sure how much more drop in values will take place. The banks are trying to pace things so that housing could appear more stable before unloading the many more foreclosures that will soon come. While there are plenty of sales , the condition of the housing market has a long ways to go to get stability where a seller can sell because they need and want to  and not because they haven't a choice. I sure hope I am wrong and this is just a blinded view of the future but the more I evaluate what is happening, the more I think that the worst may not even have shown up yet. 

May 26, 2009 05:53 PM
Karen Kruschka
RE/MAX Executives - Woodbridge, VA
- "My Experience Isn't Expensive - It's PRICELESS"
Teri, Your association does a fantastic job with those videos - our foreclosure sales are above 46%. Thank you for the call yesterday - I understand you spoke with one of the inmates Karen
May 28, 2009 01:38 AM
Art Kruschka
Administrative Manager - Manassas, VA
Manassas Woodbridge Dumfries Real Estate Sevices
Teri Oh, isn't her comment precious - the last part that is :) Art
May 28, 2009 07:41 AM
Teri Eckholm
Boardman Realty - White Bear Lake, MN
REALTOR Serving Mpls/St Paul North & East Metro

Karen and Art--Or should I say, warden and inmate??? :) It was such a pleasure to talk with you Art the other day. I hope I get a chance to talk with you both next time and hope I will have a reason to call again soon!

May 29, 2009 12:48 AM