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Teri Eckholm, REALTOR® Anoka County Acreage & Lakeshore Homes

Speechless Sunday(Almost)--Do I hear a Gobble Gobble??

I have never been a hunter but buying an acreage home in Anoka County does present the perfect hunting opportunity now and then. Sure we see a deer run through the yard (or in front of our car) now and then but sometimes the missed opportunities are just GOLDEN! Just a few days ago, I heard quite a commotion in my backyard. Just a few weeks prior to Thanksgiving and we have a rafter of TURKEYS make a visit. We counted at least 40 of them. Quite an opportunity to take a shot or two...with my camera! Enjoy!


FYI--A rafter is the correct term for a group or flock of turkeys.

Ham Lake Wild Turkeys by Teri Eckholm REALTOR

Ham Lake Wild Turkeys by Teri Eckholm REALTOR

Wordless Wednesday--Thank You Veterans!

American Flag by Teri Eckholm Realtor

Sometimes a flying flag doesn't affect us but on days like Veteran's Day when our country has just had a very vivid reminder at Fort Hood of how lucky we are that there are so many couragous men and women fighting to protect our freedoms, the flag means so much more. This flag flies over White Bear Lake near my office. Just one of many, many symbolic thank you's to our veterans.

Birch Ponds Condo in New Brighton MN Open House Sunday November 15th 1-3PM

20 Windsor LN NW #310A, New Brighton, MN

Open Sunday November 15 from 1-3 PM!

Perfect size & Beautiful View! Priced reduced to $149,900

20 Windsor Lane listed by Teri Eckholm REMAX Specialists

Wonderful third floor condo in secure and convenient Birch Pond Development!

Conveniently located just off Silver Lake Rd and County Rd E.

20 Windsor Lane listed by Teri Eckholm REMAX Specialists

Huge formal living room area that opens to formal dining area and second bedroom.

Beautiful pond views from every window in the unit!

20 Windsor Lane listed by Teri Eckholm REMAX Specialists

Eat-in Kitchen with newer appliances and an abundance of storage.

In-unit laundry room, washer and dryer also included!

20 Windsor Lane listed by Teri Eckholm REMAX Specialists

Walking trails, swimming pool, workout room, workshop area, carwash, guest suite.

So many amenities are available to Birch Pond owners!

More Photos at www.terieckholm.com

For additional information on the home contact Teri Eckholm, REALTOR, RE/MAX Specialists at 651-336-7073.

Expanded Tax Credit Will Make Moving in a MN Winter Worth the Effort!

Everyone knows that S word associated with a Minnesota Winter: SNOW! The dreaded elements of the season that scare many "sunshine and warmth" lovers out of our great state do present problems when it comes to moving and selling a home. But this year if you wait until spring, you could lose out big time. The expanded and extended tax credit for homebuyers will expire in April 2010 just as the warm winds of spring make a comeback. If you are considering a move in the next 6-12 months, listing your home now could definitely be to your advantage. Here are a few reasons…besides the $6500 tax creditthat might convince you to put your home on the market now:
  1. Buyers who look at homes in the winter months in Minnesota are serious about purchasing a house. There are less “snow” tire-kickers when you have to navigate to showings along icy roads.
  2. Not all first time buyers could find that perfect foreclosure home this summer. Many would prefer to work with a traditional seller who can provide a history of the home on a disclosure.
  3. Buyers like viewing homes where the utilities have not been disconnected, and this is true especially in the winter. As a traditional seller your home isn’t winterized and disconnected like vacant, foreclosed properties. Buyers will definitely feel a warm glow any home with the lights and heat on!
  4. Snow can cover landscaping flaws. If fido has left dead spots in the grass, now one will notice.
  5. Homes look very festive during the holidays! Of course don’t go overboard with the lights…This means NO Griswold decorating! But tasteful holiday décor will make a house feel more like home.

It Passed! Update on the Extended & Expanded Homebuyer Tax Credit

Did you hear it? That big woosh of air was all of those buyers, sellers, REALTORS, loan officers and title representatives that had a purchase agreement with a November 30, 2009 closing date breathing out a collective sigh of relief. An extension for the tax credit for first time homebuyers was approved by both the house and senate and is scheduled to be signed by the president today. Professionals in the industry were worried about the potential bottleneck of all the closings trying to happen before the original deadline because we all know, S*** Happens on the way to the closing table from time to time. (Yep that stands for STUF…wink, wink!) Most closings will go off without a hitch but occasionally there can be delayed a day or so. However, not closing on time could have cost some first time buyers big bucks had the extension not passed.

And, as many buyers, sellers and real estate professionals had hoped, the Homebuyer Tax Credit was not only extended but expanded to include homebuyers who have owned homes in the past. Specifically someone who has owned a home and lived in it for five consecutive years of the last eight, you could qualify for the up to a $6500 tax credit. There are guidelines and limitations so understanding the program is essential. Here are a few key details of the plan:

  1. First time buyers qualify for up to $8000.
  2. Current Homeowners qualify for up to $6500.
  3. Purchase agreements must be written by April 30, 2010.
  4. Closing must be finalized by July 1, 2010.
  5. Income Limits are $125,000 for a single person or $225,000 for married couples.
  6. Home must not cost more than $800,000

For additional details the NAR has two pdf links to additional information on their website:

NAR Homebuyer Tax Credit Changes

NAR Frequently Asked Questions and Answers on the Homebuyer Tax Credit Changes