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Community Corner

House Hunt: Homes for Sale in Mendota Heights Area

Tornadoes and natural disasters create complicated real estate questions.

What happens when the house you are selling or buying gets hit by a tornado? The answer is–it depends. Claims adjusters are good an handling claims on a case by case basis, so if the home is totally destroyed and it’s a short sale or otherwise literally or figuratively underwater, the insurance money can be used only to rebuild, not to pay off a mortgage.  The only exceptions are when a local government won’t allow construction.

Sellers still own and are responsible for the home until the moment of closing. If the home is damaged or destroyed the night before all the papers are signed, the sellers and their insurance company must cover the costs. Standard purchase agreements contain a provision that allows the buyer to back out without penalty in the event that their dream home becomes a pile of rubble. This is true even if the home is a short sale.

If the tornado (or fire, or earthquake, or nuclear meltdown) damages or destroys the home at any time after the closing, the buyer is responsible. This is one reason that mortgage lenders require that homeowners bring a prepaid insurance packet to the closing. If anything happens, they don’t want to lose the collateral on the mortgage.

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Homeowners’ insurance will usually pay the costs to clear away the debris and rebuild, using the most up-to-date materials and workmanship in order to meet current codes. Land, which is not insured, almost always retains its value.  

The following homes (untouched by tornados!)  are on the market looking for new owners.

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House No. 1: 791 Creek Ave., Mendota Heights

Listed by: Coldwell Banker Burnet

Price: $174,900 Taxes: $1,948

Description: One story; four bedrooms, two baths and 1,232 finished square feet. This cute rambler has four bedrooms on one floor, one with a private bath and eat-in kitchen, hardwoods under the carpets, wood burning living room fireplace and a lower level ready to be finished to your specs. Enjoy the large flat yard and patio or the nearby Mendakota Community Park. This is a great location and a great cozy home. 

 

House No. 2: 2478 Lockwood Dr., Mendota Heights

Listed by: Edina Realty

Price: $179,900 Taxes: $1,776

Description: Side by side townhouse; three bedrooms, two baths and 1,417 finished square feet. This large town home features a walk-in closet, two full bathrooms, cathedral ceilings, an eat-in kitchen plus a formal dining room.  Walk out from the sunny living room to a backyard patio overlooking a pond and beautifully landscaped and well maintained green areas.  The low association fee of $210 includes snow and lawn care, sanitation, water and outside maintenance. There are no stairs and all living areas are on one level.

 

House No. 3: 2390 Pagel Rd., Mendota Heights

Listed by: Edina Realty

Price: $400,000 Taxes: $3,405

Description: One story; three bedrooms, three baths and 3,538 finished square feet. Beautifully updated, this large home sits on nearly an acre of land with a large play and entertaining area surrounded by beautiful trees. The family room and the master bedroom opens to a beautiful paver patio. There are three fireplaces and large windows gives a view of green space–it’s like country living only minutes from the city.  The lower level features  a hobby room, an office and a large amusement room. This is a beautiful and unique home.

 

House No. 4: 1029 Marie Ave., Mendota Heights

Listed by: P L Dorn Company

Price: $479,900 Taxes: $4,089

Description: Two stories; four bedrooms, four baths and 4,646 finished square feet. A gem! An stylish home has an eat-in country kitchen, four fireplaces,  entertainment room, office, a walk-in closet and media center, billiard room, wet bar/ice cream parlor and spa with sauna.  The new sunroom has glass walls and a heated floor. The floor plan is great for entertaining.  The laundry and all bedrooms are on one level. Start enjoying it now.

 

House No. 5: 185 Stonebridge Rd, Lilydale

Listed by: Edina Realty

Price: $840,000 Taxes: $7,200

Description: Twin home; four bedrooms, three baths and 3,704 finished square feet. This twin home in a gated community, situated on the bluffs of the Mississippi River, combines the comfort of a single family home with the ease of a town home. The $350 association fee means you’ll never have to shovel or mow and, outside maintenance is included.  Cook in the gourmet kitchen with its cherry cabinets, granite counters, a pantry, a  double oven and breakfast bar. The den features a high, beamed ceiling.  The family room and the deck overlooks the river. The lower level includes heated floors and a wet bar. All this, plus lots of storage and a three car garage in a great location.

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