The Homebuyer Assistance Incentive Program from the Pohlad Family Giving Foundation is the program that everyone is talking about on the east side of St Paul! It is a great program for homebuyers looking to buy in St. Paul’s 55106 zip code and available through the Pohlad Family Giving Foundation. I am currently working with several buyers who are interested in this program and boy are the homes selling quickly in these communities! Every other listing agent makes a point of reminding me about the "$8000 Pohlad money" for the buyer, as if we had not heard of the program. But few ot these agents have delved into the details. Some of the stories about the program are a bit exaggerated or misunderstood. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as a homebuyer purchasing a house and walking in to... 05/20/2009

Beautiful white flowers as big as dinner plates in the rotunda of the Como Park Conservatory. 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 and Washington Counties in Minnesota. Buying a Home? Check out my new HOME BUYER'S BLOG! Copyright 2009 Teri Eckholm http://www.terieckholm.com/ ****************************************************************************************************** LIKE MY BL... 05/06/2009

The city of Saint Paul is now giving online access to Truth-In-Sale of Housing reports! Like Minneapolis has been doing for the last two years, Saint Paul is now providing easy access to TISH reports online.  While the reports won't be 'created' online the way that Minneapolis reports are, they will still be available as pdf files. To look up reports, go to www.StPaulOneStop.com .  Click on "Property info and Permits by Address".  Now type in the address that you want to look up.  For example, try 2117 Highland.  Now click "Submit".  Under the "List of Activity" on the next page, you'll see that the most recent activity for this property was a Truth In Sale of Housing Inspection, and there is a link to this report at the bottom of the box.   That's all there is to it. There are some lim... 05/04/2009

How did that old gum commercial go? "Double the pleasure. Double the Fun." How about "Double the Savings" with an $8000 grant AND an $8000 tax credit, if you buy a home this year on St. Paul's east side?Earlier this year the $8000 Tax Credit to first time homebuyers was announced as part of the stimulus plan. For those who may not have been paying attention, here is a quick rundown of the criteria to qualify for the government housing tax credit: The tax credit is for homebuyers buying their first home only. (But buyers are considered first time buyers if they haven't owned a home in the past three years.) 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... 05/01/2009

A visit to Como Park in St. Paul, Minnesota brings back so many wonderful memories. As a kid it was a place for the annual summer family reunion with all of the cousins, aunts and uncles. I enjoyed skipping along the stone walkways, through the beautiful flowers in the Como Zoo Conservatory and begging for pennies from my grandmother and great aunts, Ida and Ann, so I could make a wish in the rock fountain Koi pond. It was wonderful to dream of my future wedding where I would have photos taken in this lovely building. As a college student, the first warm spring day would inspire many of my dorm mates to join in a jog to the park and around the lake as it was a short distance from the Hamline University campus. My husband and I spend several of our first dates walking around Como Zoo, fe... 04/26/2009

Close up on the Koi in the Como Park Conservatory. See more conservatory photos by CLICKING HERE. 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/ ****************************************************************************************************... 04/26/2009

A visit to Como Park in St. Paul, Minnesota brings back so many wonderful memories. As a kid it was a place for the Summer family reunion and a destination for school field trips. As a college student, I enjoyed riding my bike around the lake as it was a short distance from my Hamline University campus dorm. My husband and I spend several of our first dates walking around the park, feeding the ducks at the lake and seeing the Como Zoo animals up close and very personal in their original small cages. Almost every weekend, as a young starving college grad, I would head over to the zoo or conservatory with my nieces in tow to photograph the bears and throw fish to Sparky. It has always been free to visit Como Park and what a great way to spend an afternoon. When I had children of my own, ... 04/25/2009

One of my favorite buildings in all of the Twin Cities to photograph is the Como Park Conservatory in St. Paul Minnesota. 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/ ****************************************************************************... 04/22/2009

No need for a king-sized bed for Como Park Zoo's big cat...just a few leaves and a bit of shade to catch forty or so winks on a Saturday afternoon. (We thought he was going to get up but he just rolled over.)   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.teri... 04/19/2009

Como Park, St. Paul is one of the nicest areas in the Twin Cities.  Como Park's home value has continued to hold strong as well over the past year.  Homes range from $27,900 to $449,00.  Here is a quick snapshot of what is available in Como Park and what is Pending: Click here to View Full Report If you are thinking about buying or selling in Como Park - Please give me a call, 651-468-9099.  No agent or team sold more homes in Como Park than The Hartmann Korby Team last year.  We are area experts and will get you the best deal in Como Park. Click here to search Como Homes Online   03/10/2009

This is a great 1951 3 bedroom 1 bath 1 1/2 story home in Highland Park.  Nice hardwood floors and great potential for an master bedroom upstairs and room to finish in the clean basement.  The house has a newer furnace, AC, Hot Water Heater, and Fridge in the past few years.  This home also has a 2 car garage!  Check out the neighborhood! 03/07/2009

I've been getting a number of calls from potential home buyers asking about Saint Paul's  recent changes to the way vacant buildings are handled.  The Star Tribune ran an article a couple weeks ago about the woes of a person who bought a Category III Registered vacant building in Saint Paul, and I can't understand what the big deal is... but I digress (I'll come back to this).  The reason I'm writing this is to help Saint Paul Realtors and home buyers.  The biggest question I'm getting is whether homes that I've done Truth in Sale of Housing Evaluations on need code compliance, or if they are registered vacant buildings.  These are important questions to ask if you're buying a vacant building in Saint Paul. To help understand the issue, here's a quick summary: Saint Paul has three offic... 02/23/2009

The Como Park Market Trends and Stats have just been released from the Minneapolis Association of Realtors (MAR).  The Como market still remains one of the strongest in all of St. Paul.Como Park did see a decrease in inventory last year in 2008 (197) to 2007 (230), which was a 14.3% change.  A decrease in inventory is not always a bad thing,especially for sellers.  Less inventory means better competition between properties. The average sales price in Como has dropped down to $188,925 in January and took an overall drop to $201,473 in 2008, which is a 10.8% decrease in average slaes price from 2007.  Sellers are still receiving about 93.5% of their asking price when they sell their home, by far the best percentage in St. Paul.The average days on market for a home to sell in Como Park is ... 02/19/2009

In July of 2008, President Bush signed a major housing bill (H.R. 3221) into law.  As part of the housing bill, Congress has created a new, temporary tax credit to provide an incentive for first time homebuyers.  The $7,500 credit will be available for the purchase of a principal residence on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009.This information has been based on the 7-30-08 Tax Bill and as with any law maybe subject to change.Any Tax Credit is typically used to offset any taxes the new homeowner may be set to pay in.  For example, after you complete your taxes you are supposed to pay in $6,000.  If you were/are a first time homebuyer and have or will purchase a home within the above mentioned time frame, you would qualify for the credit.  You then would be eligible for the di... 02/17/2009

Bill Bartmann address self image from the physical point of view; why exercise is vital to your mind and body   During a series of interviews, Bill Bartmann has been discussing how a positive self-image improves self-confidence and the ability to succeed in business.  Bill Bartmann recommends exercise for everyone.  "Whether you're overweight, underweight, or the perfect weight for your bone structure, you still need to exercise regularly for other health benefits.  It is never too late to start a work out program to strengthen your cardio vascular system, improve oxygen flow to the brain, relieve stress and maintain overall good health."   Bill Bartmann believes that maintaining physical and mental health are vital to one's abilities to meet life's challenges and work through problems ... 02/12/2009

Monday February 16th from 9-4 bring your kids to the Como Park Zoo and spend the day learning about the Como Park Zoo animals through interactive, enjoyable games.  If you would like to learn more about the animals at the Como Park Zoo click here.  Examples of some of the activities your kids will be doing are: Teaming up like a Wolf pack Pouncing with Cat like reflexes Going the distance like migrating Birds Como Park Zoo scavenger hunt like Eagle eye precision If you would to register for this event - click here to go to the Como Park Zoo website. 02/10/2009

 Como Park is off to a great start in 2009.  There are currently 80 active homes for sale in Como Park ranging in price from $26,900 - $449,900.  The average listing price for the active homes for sale in Como Park is $181,798.  With the pending homes for sale in Como Park the price range varies from $122,000 - $369,000.Search Como Park Homes for SaleTo view a complete list of numbers for Como Park click here 02/03/2009

Valentine’s day is quickly approaching - Do you have plans? You can enjoy an enchanted evening at the Como Conservatory: An Enchanted Evening A Valentine’s Day Dinning Experience Saturday, February 14 This Valentine’s Day, don’t just give your sweetheart flowers; take them where they can dine amongst them. Candle-lit tables of two will line the North Garden, Palm Dome and Sunken Garden of the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory. It’s a rare opportunity to be seated in one of the Conservatory’s gardens, with candle light bouncing on the long, sleek windows with dancing shadows cast by the lush vegetation of the North Garden and Palm Dome. The color and scents of the Winter Flower Show transforms you to a picturesque warm summer day of a flower garden. Before dinner, enjoy a glass of wine and s... 01/26/2009

Como Park has held its own in 2008 and still remains one of the best places to live in St. Paul!  The most recent report was just released by Minneapolis Association of Realtors.  You can see that Homes in Como Park have maintained their value better than other surrounding St. Paul areas. The average sales price in Como Park has dropped about 10.8% from 2007 to 2008.  In 2008 sellers were still receiving about 93.5% of the asking price of their home (-2.3% change). The number of homes for sale has dropped from 469 (2007) to 381 (2008).  This is a reduction of inventory by 18.8%.  This is a great news for anyone looking to sell their home in Como Park.  The number of closed sales from 2007 to 2008 has also seen a slight decrease from 230 to 197, a 14.3% reduction. Here is a quick overvie... 01/21/2009

On January 18, 2009 at 1:00 PM, you are invited to an Open House at 844 Hoyt Avenue West in Como Park. If you are looking for a Home in Como Park, don't miss this rare opportunity to visit this home. For a preview of this Single-family property, check out my site at http://www.hartmanneam.com. Please do not hesitate to Contact Me if you have any questions or wish to schedule a private showing. Click Here to Take a Look Search all of COMO HOMES   01/15/2009