They say you cannot pick your neighbors but this one picked us. A few weeks ago as our family returned and stomped into our Ham Lake house in our usually way, my youngest son noticed a ball of fur sneaking out from under our cedar steps. The animal cautiously moved along the cement block of our basement wall; away from the noise of the groceries being brought in. We had an opossum living under our Minnesota porch!
Living on acreage in Anoka County, we have seen our share of wildlife. We see deer almost nightly and have had raccoons in the trash. An assortment of squirrels, black, red, white and gray, play in the trees. Though we rarely spot them, we are aware that an occasional skunk will wander through the property. Our sandy soil is perfect for painted turtles come up from Coon Lake and lay eggs in the grass. There was the spring a few years back when the neighbor came over to let us know that a bear had been on their deck. And last fall we had a turkey knocking on the window to get in!
My experience with opossums was limited to Disney's, A Goofy Movie, when Goofy and Max visited Lester's Possum Park while on vacation. This guy didn't have little x's for eyes but did have the long ratlike tail! I had to read about them in the Opossum Wiki to see if it was some kind of threat or if it would swing from it's tail and drop down on me. (It won't thank goodness!)
The opossum hid himself under our front porch before I could get my camera out that day but this past weekend he was out in the yard again. I ran and got my camera. It took about fifteen minutes before I found him "playing possum" behind one of our giant oaks.
Don't play possum in your real estate transactions! If you are considering buying, selling or relocating to Minnesota acreage and need help from a professional Realtor, give me a call or visit my website for a FREE Relocation 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.
Copyright 2008 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/
Lindstrom is known throughout Minnesota as America's little Sweden. Lindstrom was first settled by Daniel Lindstrom who left Sweden for America in 1853. A statue of Karl and Kristina Oskar, the fictitious characters that symbolize Swedish peasants who migrated to America over one hundred years ago, is a focal point for visitors to the Lindstrom community. Lindstrom is one of four cities that compr
ise the Chisago Lakes Area. The area is named after an Indian phrase, "Ki Chi Saga," which means "fair & lovely waters." Swedish immigrants referred to it as, "The Big Lake," as many of today's area lakes comprised one large lake.
Currently real estate in Lindstrom, MN in Chisago County is selling slowly. Being a bit east of the main metro area, it is often overlooked by home buyers as too far out. With the recent Highway 8 improvements and the brand new Park and Ride in Forest Lake, Lindstrom is worth a second look. As homes linger on the market in this area, sellers are negotiating and relisted properties are coming in at lower asking prices. There are great prices on new construction, nearly new homes and lakeshore properties throughout the community of Lindstrom.
In other Twin Cities counties, inventory levels are sitting at about 4-6 months but Lindstrom levels are a bit higher. Homes under $200,000 are in the best position to sell in Lindstrom as there is currently only 8 months of inventory on the market based on last years sales. Inventory levels are a bit higher than demand in the $200,000-$300,000 price range with just over a years worth of inventory. In the over $300,000 price range, it will take over three years to sell all of the currently listed homes if sales continue at this slower pace.
Lakeshore opportunities are abundant in Lindstrom! The combination of an amazing inventory of 22 lakeshore homes on 8 different lakes, long market times, and low interest rates, creates the perfect situation as sellers should be ready to negotiate an acceptable deal for the sale of your piece of shoreline!
2007 Year End Lindstrom residential real estate statistics for single family homes:
Under $200,000~ 21 Active Listings, 4 Pending Listings, 31 Sold Listings, 140 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 1 Active, 0 Pending, 0 Sold)
$200,000-$300,000 ~ 32 Active Listings, 2 Pending Listings, 28 Sold Listings, 182 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 4 Active, 0 Pending, 4 Sold)
$300,000-$400,000 ~ 21 Active Listings, 1 Pending Listings, 7 Sold Listing, 162 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 6 Active, 0 Pending, 3 Sold)
$400,000 and Up~ 13 Active Listings, 0 Pending Listings, 4 Sold Listings 279 DOM (Lakeshore Subgroup ~ 11 Active, 0 Pending, 3 Sold)
Lakeshore available in the Lindstrom, MN
22 Active Listings
Lindstrom lakeshore price range: $169,900-$747,777
4 Homes on Kroon Lake
1 Home on NEDS Environmental Lakeshore
3 Homes on North Center Lake
4 Homes on North Lindstrom Lake
7 Homes on South Center Lake
1 Home on South Lindstrom Lake
1 Home on Spider Lake
1 Home on Vibo Lake
**All SOLD Statistical information based on information from the REGIONAL MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE of MINNESOTA, INC. for the period of 1/1/07 through 12/31/07. Current pending and active listings statistics as of 3/4/08.
Articles on Lakeshore and Minnesota that might be of interest:
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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. 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.
Another housing report and more bad news; foreclosures are up in Anoka County. In fact, Anoka County ranks in first place in the 13 county metro area for foreclosures at 1.57% according to article by Paul Levy on StarTribune.com, Housing Crisis Hits Hardest in Anoka County.
Does this come as a surprise?
Maybe for some, but there are some factors that could help explain. Anoka County is one of the largest counties in the metro with a southern border to Hennepin County where the foreclosure rate has been on the rise for many months. Add this to the housing development explosion all over Anoka County in the past 5 years in communities like Andover, Lino Lakes and Blaine. During this time period, many first time homebuyers took advantage of the zero down programs and adjustable rate financing to maximize purchasing power and possibly purchasing more than they could afford. With balloon payments coming due on these programs, rates rising and property values stagnant or in some cases falling, there is no refinancing safety net. Foreclosure is the ONLY option for those who are over extended.
So how will high foreclosure rate affect the property values of other homeowners in Anoka County?
Two factors give this situation a little more perspective:
Sounds a little better right? Before we get too excited, we have to remember that some specific communities may be hit hard. If you live in a neighborhood where several of the homes are in the foreclosure process, if will probably have a negative affect on the value of your home. Families facing foreclosure often do not have the funds to keep up their homes so when the foreclosure process is complete, the bank has to sell at a discount to find a buyer. Banks don't give away these homes so property values won't plummet but they are not getting top dollar either.
If you don't have to move over the next three to five years, you should be okay as this downturn should balance out in time. However if you need to sell your home this year, it is more important than ever to have good expert advise from someone who knows the community where you live.
Understanding and assessing the neighboring property values and positioning your home to compete with foreclosed homes for sale will take knowledge and expertise of a Realtor who works to sell homes in your specific community every day.
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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. 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/
Last Monday, the Ham Lake Chamber of Commerce hosted a discussion on the proposed Ham Lake development. The discussion was lead by Ham Lake's Mayor Paul Meunier along with East Bethel's Mayor, Greg Hunter. Several commercial Realtors and developers were invited and on hand for the discussion. Though not widely publicized, several dozen members of the public were in attendance at the informal discussion as well.
The two hour Q&A event on February 25 was held in the Ham Lake Senior Center just downstairs from City Hall. Mayor Meunier gave a brief introduction to East Bethel's Mayor Hunter and then proceeded with an overview of the five proposed plans from the task force. View the Five Visions of Ham Lake Development HERE.
During the overview, Mayor Hunter did interrupt the discussion to clarify that East Bethel does not yet have a wastewater treatment system or pipe to connect to and at this time just has designated areas along Highway 65 that would be for proposed development. According to Mayor Hunter this area includes two major intersections at County Rd 22 and 65 and another intersection to the north. It would extend approximately three quarters of a mile in either direction from Highway 65. The City of East Bethel has been working on this development project for four years and is continuing on the research and development stage of the project. The Met Council has committed $30 million dollars to the development of a wastewater treatment facility but as of yet, no developers have stepped forward to pay for the infrastructure to connect. Until that happens there is no plant for Ham Lake to connect to.
This prompted questions and soon hands started popping up in the crowd, mainly belonging to members of the public. The questions were specific. One resident questioned why the amount of connection changed from $37,000 down to $22,000-$25,000 on the Ham Lake proposal, Mayor Meunier answered that the numbers had not changed. "These are the exact numbers presented at the Town Hall meeting," was the Mayor's response.
Mayor Meunier is correct that the numbers are the same as presented at the meeting. But earlier meetings and in an online Powerpoint Presentation documentation dated December 11, 2007, the price range was listed as $32,500-$37,500 per REC Residential Equivalent Connection (One REC per Acre) for this option. View documentation HERE. When I personally reviewed all of the documentation of what I had posted previously, I notice changing numbers and a lot of fuzzy math.
No matter what the number, with foreclosures up considerably in Anoka County, is it fair to add an additional concern to any residents of Ham Lake...Even if it only encompasses 7% of the community? Read StarTribune's Article "Housing Crisis Hits Hardest in Anoka County" HERE. Many people are struggling to make current house payments, is it realistic to think that ANY homeowner can absorb even a $20,000 assessment?
When asked about what East Bethel residents would be required to pay, Mayor Greg Hunter said that it was very difficult to put a price tag on something that may or may not happen. He further recommended to Mayor Meunier that Ham Lake use caution when putting price tags on something so far in the future. He reiterated that there is no pipe yet and no developers. Link to Update on East Bethel's Plan.
When asked specifically about Coon Lake as it is several miles out from the 65 corridor, East Bethel's Mayor Hunter did admit that there are some issues with failing septic systems and small lots that could possibly be addressed in the Hiawatha Beach neighborhood. Though no one pointed it out at the meeting, this area is not within the designated ¾ mile city water and sewer area of East Bethel but several miles away. He additionally made a point of saying that the water quality of Coon Lake continues to be monitored and it is as good as it has ever been.
Ham Lake Mayor Meunier did make a statement that he did not want to see the rural aspect of Ham Lake changed. He knows that many residents live in five acre developments as he does himself and he has no intention of having city water and sewer brought to every street in Ham Lake. The city sewer and water area encompasses only 7% of the community. It is obvious that neither he, nor his neighbors, are in the proposed Coon Lake city sewer and water district. But the unvoiced question remains as within that 7% area there are several 2, 3 and 5 acre parcels as well larger and smaller lot sizes. Why is it ok to force ANY Ham Lake resident to connect to city water and sewer?
Questions were asked of both mayors regarding whether residents will be forced to connect. The mayors were in agreement on this that if the pipe came down the street, it is not the intention of the CURRENT city councils to force residents of either community to connect. But they went on to further say this could be as many as 10-20 years out and that they cannot control what the Met Council or FUTURE city councils might require.
At this point, a developer stood and offered that it was his belief that whenever utilities are offered to a community it is best to connect no matter what the cost. A resident questioned this logic considering the plight of the neighboring community of Ramsey facing bankruptcy. The developer called the Ramsey situation an "anomaly" but few in the audience were convinced as several other town center developments in Burnsville, Lake Elmo and Apple Valley are also struggling and restructuring.
Another resident who has some experience in the city utilities spoke his distrust of the statements that connection will be an option or choice to the homeowner. He remembered a few years back when people in Blaine were forced to connect and the assessments were so high several homeowners were forced to sell. He went on to further tell of signs along the roads in house after house of people who could not afford to pay.
Toward the end of the meeting, Mayor Paul Meunier did state that 84% of the Task Force was in favor of moving ahead with Option 2, the Town Center with a Coon Lake Water and Sewer District. He pointed out that every Ham Lake resident was given the option of participating in the task force. This is true. But had the task force been presented as "Ham Lake is considering City Sewer and Water" rather than being organized to look into a trail system, I am certain that more than 34 residents would have signed up.
It is interesting to note that of the 34 listed on the Task Force, I could only verify 22 as Ham Lake residents in the Anoka County tax records. So, that 84% of the task force is roughly 28 people. When there are over 12,000 citizens in the Ham Lake area, this means that less than 0.2% of Ham Lake residents agree that this is the best option.
With something as big as city water and sewer being considered which will in some way affect all Ham Lake residents, doesn't it make sense to poll all Ham Lakers?
Additional Articles on the City Water and Sewer in Ham Lake:
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. 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/
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Forest Lake residents who work in downtown Minneapolis can skip the frustrating traffic jams and backups! A new commuter station, or transit center, began offering express bus transportation in January. No need to drive 35 down to the 95th station either...The new Park and Ride station is located a hop, skip or jump from most Forest Lake homes!
As a Realtor, I get questions regarding the commute to downtown from Forest Lake all of the time. It is a concern for anyone considering a move to the Forest Lake or Wyoming area. A normal traffic free commute from Forest Lake by car to downtown Minneapolis is about 30-40 minutes. Add in rush hour traffic and the delays can stretch the ride into the city by 20-30 minutes especially in light of the 35W bridge collapse and detours. The best option was the nearby, very busy, Park and Ride at 95th Avenue in Blaine, just south of Lino Lakes. Great option...no doubt, but the new station is...A Welcome Relief!
The new Forest Lake express route started without a lot of fanfare but with a good number of excited riders! The station is not yet open but rides have begun.
The free parking and convenient location has attracted several commuters.
It is located on the Hardwood Creek Trail just west of Highway 61 and 202nd Avenue about a mile south of Forest Lake High School.
Great for parents of students who may have to drop off a student the high school, Century or Southwest Junior High as it is just minutes south of any of these schools.
The transit center, scheduled to be complete in early March, will be heated or cooled as weather dictates and have bathroom facilities for commuters.
Check out the Route 288 schedule HERE!
Departure times run at approximately 30 minute intervals between 5 AM to 7 AM and get commuters downtown in an approximate 45 minute ride! Using shoulders and commuter lanes gets the riders to their downtown workplace destination quickly. Return express rides to Forest Lake start just before 3:30 in the afternoon and run approximately every 25-30 minutes until 5PM.
If you are considering moving to the north metro but avoided Forest Lake and Wyoming due to the commute, it is time to think again. This route will make your commute to downtown Minneapolis a breeze! Communities like Chisago, Scandia,Stacy and Lindstrom also will benefit as the transit station location is easily accessible from these communities as well.
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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. 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/
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Dedication to customer service has made Teri Eckholm/REMAX Specialists the REALTOR® of choice for families in Blaine, Forest Lake, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes and Wyoming areas. Licensed in MN.
"Exceptional service is always in style."
Considering Lakeshore? Acreage? A Single Family Home? A Townhome or Condo? Need to downsize? Need more space? Just need a change?
As a real estate sales professional and a parent of two teenaged boys, I know how important a home is to your family. It is more than just a place to live, it is a place to create memories with the people that matter the most.
I grew up and lived most of my life in North St. Paul. As a North St. Paul resident, I know the ins and outs of the North St. Paul, Oakdale, Maplewood and White Bear Lake areas. Over a decade ago, our family moved north to the eastern edge Ham Lake in the Coon Lake/Carlos Avery area. We love living just outside of Forest Lake and Columbus Township.
Now, I work and sell homes from East St. Paul to East Bethel--Specializing in Anoka County and homes in the Centennial, Blaine and Forest Lake School Districts! My 20+ years of experience in sales and marketing allow me to provide my clients with the BEST service available.
I have sold homes throughout the Northeast Metro area. As a REALTOR®, Mpls/St.Paul Magazine and Twin Cities Business Monthly have selected my on multiple occassions to be included in their their annual listing of Super Agents. With my skills, experience and dedication, I am ready to assist your family in finding the perfect home to create your memories.
Areas Served:
Andover, Blaine, Chisago, Circle Pines, East Bethel, Forest Lake, Ham Lake, Hugo, Lexington, Lindstrom, Lino Lakes, Mahtomedi, Maplewood, New Brighton, North Oaks, North Branch, North St. Paul, Oakdale, Scandia, St. Anthony, St. Paul, Shoreview, White Bear Lake,Woodbury,Wyoming, and surrounding areas.
Homes Sold: 401 Village Parkway, Circle Pines, MN 55014; 29194 Scenic Dr, Chisago City, MN 55013; 801 126th St NE, Blaine, MN 55434; 8943 138th St Ct, Apple Valley, MN 55124; 6006 269th Ave NE, Stacy, MN, 55079;20685 Georgia Ave. N., Forest Lake, MN 55025; 22355 Elston Ave, Forest Lake, MN 55025;1988 North Robin LN, Centerville; 10125 Jewell St NE, Blaine, MN 55014; 2335 Cedar Ave., White Bear Lake; 1728 Leone Ave., St. Paul; 15065 E Vermillion Circle NE, Ham Lake;1517 128th Ave NE, Blaine; 20404 Everton Tr., Forest Lake; 6418 83rd Ct. N., Brooklyn Park; 5671 370th St., North Branch; 23661 Japura St,. Linwood; 8655A Quarry Ridge Ln., Woodbury; 5683 409th Ct., North Branch; 39064 4th Ave., North Branch; 116XX 20th St., St. Michael; 2706 Galtier St., Roseville; 669 Arlington Ave., St. Paul; 608 Wells St., St. Paul; 1834 9th St., White Bear Lake; 25797 Freeport Ave., Wyoming; 40560 Finley Rd., North Branch; 9145 Yancy St., Blaine; 1482 Albemarle St., St. Paul; 25797 Freeport Ave., Wyoming; 5499 264th St., Wyoming; 5900 Oxford St., Shoreview; 694 Mariner Way, Woodbury; 12800 Johnson St., Blaine; 24375 Moody Lane, Chisago City; 2501 Long Lake Rd., New Brighton; 1123 Pecks Woods, New Brighton; 13155 St. Croix Ave., Lindstrom; 38474 Coventry Dr., North Branch; 40113 Greenlawn Ave., North Branch; 9472 Flanders St., Blaine; 2119 Highland Pl., Columbia Heights; 23840 Lofton Ave., Chisago City; 2335 Cedar Ave., White Bear Lake; 6876 262nd St., Wyoming; 11224 Magnolia St., Coon Rapids; 2512 16th Ave E., North St. Paul; 26411 Freeport Ave., Wyoming; 2715 184th Ln., East Bethel; 3401 Croft Dr., St. Anthony; 4586 245th St., Forest Lake; 5950 264th St., Wyoming; 26405 Glen Oak Dr., Wyoming; 2830 Hillvale Tr. N., Oakdale; 874 Main St., Lino Lakes; 6723 Foley Rd., Finlayson; 10400 Holly St., Coon Rapids; 32865 Redwing Ave., Shafer
Teri had previously sold one of our homes and was our first choice when we were looking to find a new home.
Teri was able to help us navigate the current unstable real estate market and went out of her way to help us. She pointed out about pros and cons of neighborhoods where we found potential homes and was eager and willing to work with both of us. She was willing to work out of her normal territory and traveled to meet our needs
She kept us informed and worked diligently with a difficult REALTOR® to present and negotiate our offer ensuring all the paperwork was presented and in order.
Teri represented our interests throughout the negotiations and closing process. We have been through several real estate transactions this one turned out to be a very smooth, quick purchase we are thrilled with our new home. We I highly recommend Teri for your real estate needs.
Thank you Teri!
-Cheri and Denny L.
Teri made buying our 1st town home a breeze! When we moved out of state 6 months later, Teri handled all of the details of the sale to assist us in a smooth transaction. We truly appreciated her assistance!
- Carl and Maria W.
We just wanted to say again, Thanks! You worked so hard to sell our home and did a great job- despite the market. You were always very patient with us and our constant questions and "eagerness" to sell. It was such a relief to have the house SOLD! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! We will absolutely (and already have been) recommending you to all our friends and family! We were told by a discount broker the only way to sell our lake home was to lower the price below the appraised value. Teri's marketing plan and advertising brought in several potential buyers. We were able to sell our home at our price and couldn't have done it without her! Teri, We love our new house! You did a great job! Thank you for all your hard work.
Disclaimer This is a personal web site, reflecting the opinions of its author. It is not a production of my broker. Statements on this site do not represent the views or policies of anyone other than myself. The information on this site is provided for discussion purposes only, and are not recommendations for real estate purchases. Nothing in this website shall be construed as an offer to purchase a home, sell a home or take any action whatsoever. Due to the nature of this blog/website, typographical errors and unintentional misstatements of fact may occur. In no event shall the publisher of this website and any affiliates be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special or consequential damages arising out of or in any way connected with the use of this blog/website, whether based on contract, tort, strict liability or otherwise.
- Joe and Theresa B.
- Joe and Jamie C.
- The Hansons
Thank you so much for all your hard work and the effort you put into selling my house. The brochures you put out were excellent! I enjoyed working with you and hope to again in the future. Again, thanks for going the extra mile.
- Terri/White Pine Homes
Teri, After I decided to sell, selecting the right person to represent ALL MY interests was imperative. Your experience, knowledge and consistent communication helped guide me through this whole 1st time process. The expedient sale can only be attributed to your efforts and hard work. Thank you so much!
- Suzanne A.
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