Andover and Coon Rapids are within 20 minutes of downtown Minneapolis. Home prices are starting to slow, so both areas provide good buys for homebuyers, say local Realtors.

Andover

"Andover is just north of Coon Rapids to the north of Highway 10, just 20 minutes from downtown Minneapolis," says Realtor Mark Claessens. "Andover is a haven. I personally live in the city of Andover and love it up in the northern part because it is still country living and close to the city. Many homes in the northern portion are positioned on 5 or 10 or more acres, with lots of hobby horse farms. The southern portion of Andover is more populated and you will find plenty of nice-sized city lots, most of which are not that old. If you are looking for new construction, you will find it out here in Andover."

Claessens continues, "The past 12 months were good for buyers and sellers in Andover. The average sales price was $268,702 with an average of 49 days on the market. This is still a very quick but stable selling time. Prices are rising in general because there is only so much property available and Andover hosts a lot of properties with 2.5 acre lots."

Suggests Realtor Dave Heinrich. "Andover is experiencing a shift to a buyer's market. Home prices are being reduced for greater value."

Coon Rapids

"The city of Coon Rapids is situated in the southern portion of Anoka County and lying against the Mississippi River (to the south)," describes Claessens. "Coon Rapids is a very well-developed area over the past 15 years and is the home of approximately 62,177 wonderful people. You can be downtown in 14 minutes and in the country in five. This is the home of one of the largest regional shopping areas in the Twin Cities: the Riverdale Mall area."

About the market, Claessens says, "There is lots to choose from to meet your housing needs when you come to Coon Rapids. If you are looking for an inexpensive or $400,000 town home you will find one. If you prefer a small home that is 20 years old, or a brand, spankin' new home that will be the envy of all your friends, look no further. Again, you have a lot of established neighborhoods along with the newer developments. No matter what you purchase in Coon Rapids you can count on very solid appreciation through the years to come as it is developed more and more. What was the average sales price over the past 12 months in Coon Rapids? A whopping $207,765. But that does not beat the fact that the average market time was only 39 days and the average seller received 102 percent of asking price! This is a seller's market!"

"A moderate summer market for buying and selling brings us to the fall market which will be mixed due to variable economic conditions," predicts Realtor Bret Hubert. "A stable market for the rest of the year is to be expected unless unforeseen events throw a wrench in the equation. It is still a great time to buy and sell real estate."

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Published: September 15, 2004

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