Chisago Real Estate News

For 10 years, Cheryl Kempenich has been a  weekly real estate columnist for the Chisago County Press, providing insightful, current, and relative articles.

Do you have a question or article request? Contact Cheryl

Chisago County Home Sales Are Up

Chisago County Home Sales Are Up

Despite higher Mortgage rates the number of new listings and sales in January, were higher than last January in Chisago County, according to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). The median sale price was up 12%, compared to last January, coming in at $357,950. Marketing time decreased by 9%, down...

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Buyer Tried to Switch Lenders

Buyer Tried to Switch Lenders

One of my team members was on vacation and his client informed the lender that he was switching lenders less than three weeks before closing, to get a lower interest rate. This created a huge problem with the seller and the listing agent, as it could have delayed the closing. I contacted the buyer...

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Why is a Title Search Important?

Why is a Title Search Important?

A title search can turn up issues that could prevent a sale from closing. The property must have clear title to close. The seller must have the legal right to transfer ownership without liens or claims against the party being sold. After the seller accepts a purchase agreement, the buyer may...

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Lenders Require Buyers to Purchase Title Insurance

Lenders Require Buyers to Purchase Title Insurance

Lenders require the homebuyer to purchase the lender’s title insurance for an amount equal to the loan. The policy is typically paid for with a one-time premium at closing and remains in effect until the loan has been repaid. This policy protects only the lender should a title problem occur. There...

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Dealing with Buyer’s Remorse

Dealing with Buyer’s Remorse

Home buyer’s remorse is a common feeling of regret or anxiety that arises after purchasing a home. It can be caused by various reasons such as overpaying, disliking the location, or realizing that the house needs more maintenance than expected. Some buyers experience remorse the morning after...

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Coming Soon Listings Generate Excitement

Coming Soon Listings Generate Excitement

Coming soon marketing can help generate excitement about your home while you are getting ready to put it on the market. The Multiple Listing Service (MLS) has offered the Coming Soon Status since November 2018, but there is still confusion for buyers and sellers. If your home is to be listed as...

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Beware of the 20-Year-Old House

Beware of the 20-Year-Old House

Whether you are buying or selling a home, before an experienced real estate agent provides you with a valuation opinion, they will analyze the condition of the home to help determine the value. Homes generally turn over every 20 years, on average. That means if you are selling a home that is about...

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Buyers Rely on Home Photos

Buyers Rely on Home Photos

According to the National Association of Realtors, over 90% of buyers view housing on the internet, before they contact their Realtor® to view properties. Property photos are extremely important to these buyers in determining which properties they want to see. The goal, for my listings, is to...

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Home Inspections Provide Protection for Buyers & Sellers

Home Inspections Provide Protection for Buyers & Sellers

During the competitive real estate market over the past two years, many buyers declined to have a property inspection to provide more favorable terms for the seller, to get their offer accepted. Some buyers discovered costly problems after they closed that could have been discovered during an...

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Why Buy a Home in the Chisago Lakes Area?

Why Buy a Home in the Chisago Lakes Area?

As the real estate market slows and we look for more buyers for our home sales in Chisago County, we often get asked, “what is so great about the Chisago Lakes Area?”. This is an easy question for me because I made the choice to move here, as I spent most of my life in the Twin Cities. I was...

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