Sound's like a trick question in this market doesn't it? Funny thing is that no matter what the market is like, the answer is not simple.

?What if you dig into your closet or file cabinet for that big vinyl envelope you received when you finalized your refinance last year? There was an appraised value for your home in that paperwork. Is that what your home is worth?

Assessed values from the Washington County or Anoka County assessor are updated annually. That should be a pretty accurate number right?

There are some great, interactive websites like Zillow that have popped up over the past few years. Type in your address and within seconds a slew of interesting information hits your computer screen. But are these values accurate?

Ironically, all of these values could be considered good, accurate numbers or at least clues to the value of your home. As these numbers can be drastically different, how do you know what is the most accurate number? First, you need to know what the value is for. If you want a value to determine a selling price for your home in today's changed market there is no quick and easy answer. Since, there is no special real estate Magic 8 Ball for determining the best starting price, working with a knowledgeable Realtor for expert advice is the next best option.

Many things can affect the selling price. A home located with easy access to 35 is more desirable to some than a home on the opposite side of Forest Lake. Existing homes near the Landings of Summerfields development are affected by the prices and discounts being offered on the new homes in that community. Whether your home is on public utilities or has a private well and septic system is a consideration. And this is only the tip of the iceberg.

As a Realtor, I serve the communities in the Forest Lake school district and Anoka County. From Forest Lake to Hugo and Lino Lakes to Blaine and beyond, I keep my ear to the ground to hear what affects the prices of homes in the north and east Twin Cities metro area.

Are you planning a spring move and need to know what your home is worth? Do you want expert advice from someone who knows the Anoka County and Forest Lake District #831 area? Let me help you! CLICK HERE to schedule a FREE market value assessment. 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.

Copyright 2008 Teri Eckholm  http://www.terieckholm.com/

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!

Copyright 2013 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/

 

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This post has been included in Minnesota Real Estate News

16 Comments on What’s My Home Worth in Forest Lake, MN? Or Ham Lake? Or Lino Lakes? Or Blaine?

JAN
29
2008
329,920 Points 45 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

Hi Teri - you're right about there being so many online sources for values, and the majority of them are not correct.  The online sites have no clue about the vagaries between various houses, the updates and upgrades, and the differences between neighborhoods that there can be.

Calling a local expert is the best way to find out the real value of any property!  Great post and great advice.
Ann
12:18pm • #1
1,157,626 Points 38 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Teri, It's wonderful that you're so knowledable about all your areas, I can see why different areas would affect pricing.  Wonderful advice for your consumers.
2:36pm • #2
565,074 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Ann--Thanks!! Online sources and old documentation can be a good place to start but if you are going to try to sell in this market, you need to have an expert work with you to price it right from the start. Or you may be on the market for much longer than you want to be.
5:58pm • #3
565,074 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Carole--Setting the right price from the start is very important in this changed real estate market. Thanks for your comments. :)
6:04pm • #4
322,170 Points 28 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp
Teri - you are such a great REALTOR® - great job educating your readers
8:15pm • #5
JAN
30
2008
648,311 Points 63 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master
This is a perfect example of why you need someone LOCAL. Local knowledge is key in setting prices and understanding value.  Great job.
4:24am • #6
304,064 Points 15 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog
Hi Teri,
You are right for sure, it is not as simple as Zillow would have one believe.  So many variables to look at and only an agent who knows the area is qualified to do that.  Great post.
4:58am • #7
565,074 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Thesa--Those considering selling would receive a better education if they sign up for the market value assessment. I really like explaining how market conditions affect the value to homeowners.
8:46am • #8
565,074 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Ruthmarie--My point exactly! No computer generated estimate will ever outweigh local knowledge!
8:48am • #9
565,074 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Cynthia--If only the sellers would contact us first rather than rely on a "programmed" value. It is a good indicator...but in a changed market there need to be many other considerations.
8:50am • #10
1,330,089 Points 189 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Teri, send one of those Magic Eight Ball home pricers my way. I always tell people there are estimates of home values from appraisers, tax folks, web sites, the next door neighbor, etc. but in the end the "market" prices your home at a point in time.
4:59pm • #11
565,074 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Gary--You are one smart cookie! :) My first week of real estate a veteran agent told me, "Your house is only worth what someone wants to pay for it today". It is a truism that remains accurate no matter if the market is hot or slow.
6:16pm • #12
410,411 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Teri, it is so difficult these days to really know what the selling price could be. When someone asks me, I give them a window........but, I gotta tell you, it's difficult. Appraisals for refinancing, Zillow or what someone else down the street sold for doesn't even get it these days.

Pepper
11:11pm • #13
JAN
31
2008
565,074 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Teri--If expert Realtors are having difficulties what makes one thing that a website can give a value? People considering selling in the spring need to be informed by someone who knows their area for best results in this changed market.
9:22am • #14
FEB
02
2008
878,969 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Teri - The advice of a good Realtor can be invaluable. There is so much misinformation online. Zillow is pretty poor in most markets and assessed value is usually not the best indicator of value either. Market are constantly changing - only a Realtor is going to be able to stay on top and react to new information fast enough for it to be meaningful.
1:06pm • #15
FEB
03
2008
565,074 Points 75 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Bill-- I agree. There is only so much a computer program can do and it is only as good as the information that has been input. A Realtor can take that same information and apply it to your particular home and neighborhood. Much more accurate when their is a educated professional involved!
10:47am • #16

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

Ham Lake, MN

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REMAX Specialists

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

Cell Phone: (651) 336-7073

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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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