Client Comments

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 01:54:25 UT

My country home was listed in January. Terry had found my buyer by March. In this market Terry manages to generate interest through social media, open houses and ads so finely worded that you want to buy your own house.

There were challanges prior to closing; buyer financing and failed septic systems among them. Through it all Terry remained positive and had solutions.

Terry has strong personal ethics. Without reservation I have recommended him to several of my friends as 'the' Realtor to contact. In a nutshell, Terry is proof good guys can finish first.

-Frances Koscielak Grand Marais, MN

We’ve been looking for the ideal home in Grand Marais for over twelve years. We approached Terry Backlund this past December to help us with our search while we were in town visiting family at Christmastime. Upon our initial meeting Terry spent a lot of time with us just discussing what we both had in mind. After sorting out our wish lists he took us out to look at properties. Much to our surprise and excitement the first home he took us to see was the one we purchased. The property was just what we were looking for in a home for us in Grand Marais. The transaction itself was a breeze with Terry’s help and professionalism. The transaction took place over long distance, as we live in Alaska. Terry made it easy for us to do business no matter where we were. Terry is very knowledgeable about the area and seems to have a very good rapport with the community. Making a big decision like buying a new home can be stressful, but for us it was easy with Terry’s help. We feel we not only made the right purchase, we made a new friend. Talk to Terry!

-Chris and Jodie McDonnell Naknek, AK -- Grand Marais, MN

"Stugan pa Sjostranden" Translated: "The Cabin by the Lakeshore" in Norwegian

I called Terry some four years ago to initiate a property search in Cook County not quite knowing what I was looking for in the area. I told Terry I was looking for something "unique." I'm sure he hung up the phone and scratched his head. Needless to say, he showed me properties from Tait Lake to the west and up & down the Gunflint Trail, Grand Marais proper, over to Tom Lake to the east and literally all points in between since then. There were lotsa "Talk to Terry" conversations over the years. Ultimately, I found my new home close to Grand Marais with a spectacular view of Lake Superior and I now call it "Stugan pa Sjostranden" in honor of my Norwegian/Swedish ancestry.

My simple advice: Stick with Terry and hold to your own "unique" dreams. He will help you find your own "Stugan pa Sjostranden" in the Grand Marais area.

-Todd Mestad Marine on St. Croix, MN -- Grand Marais, MN

Backlund Realty was highly recommended to us by a friend who told us Terry was the best Realtor in the Grand Marais area, so we gave him a call. He was easy to talk to and we hit it off from the start. We met with him and listed our property on a Wednesday and had an offer on Friday. Our whole experience with Terry was great, he's genuine and very professional. One of the things that really impressed us was that if we reached his voice mail he always returned our calls very promptly. We would recommend him without any reservation and would not use anyone else in the future if we find ourselves able to return to the area.

-Dick and Maxine Iwen Oak Grove, MN

While living in Grand Marais, we noticed Backlund Realty ads and open houses. We liked what we saw. When we were ready to sell, we called Terry. Our house went up for sale after all the tourists left in late October, quiet November was next and winter was about ready to set in. Terry said, "not to worry". We went to Florida for the winter. Terry had an open house....people came. He showed the house to those he met and we had an offer in December. What a surprise and wonderful Christmas present. Terry kept us informed and the sale was completed February 1st, and we never left Florida. What a wonderful experience. Terry is knowledgeable, calm, friendly, trust worthy, easy to work with and immediately becomes a good friend. Whether selling your home or looking to buy in the Grand Marais area, we highly recommend Backlund Realty.

-Jim and Carol Forstad Minneapolis, MN -- Sun City Center, FL

We listed our duplex with Terry on Wednesday and had a full price offer
on Friday. We were out of state leading up to the closing, and Terry touched base with us often, and took care of everything. Needless to say we are very happy campers. In our book Terry is the ONLY Realtor on the North Shore.

-Jerry Lawson and Randy Eastlund

-Grand Marais,MN -- Truth or Consequences, NM

If you are unsure about the process of purchasing a home or if you feel sketchy about the current real estate market and those involved in it, then I would like to recommend the services of Terry Backlund. When you are seeking and researching your new home, Terry is right there. When you are questioning the quality or wondering what’s “really” the best purchase for you, Terry is a great sounding board. He listens first and offers valuable advice to help form your decisions. I found a friend and business man that truly is there for your best interests and not to line his pockets. Terry is friendly, honest, knowledgeable and goes way beyond the required steps to help in the purchase and the “sale” of your home. I was fortunate that Terry helped me both Sell my home and Purchase my new home. I am lucky to know Terry and will tell all who ask me, “ Use Backlund Realty to buy and sell”.

-Sandra Petty Grand Marais , MN

“We had never bought a home before but with the good online resources available we began to understand what we wanted based on what was available. When we came to Terry to arrange some property showings he was extremely helpful and made the process personal. We felt he would go to the outer limits to make sure we would have a smooth transition into home-ownership. His advice was right on and always delivered with good humor. He always had time for us in person and kept up good communication by email, responding promptly whenever we had matters to discuss. Terry made us feel special, but somehow it's easy to believe he treats all his clients as special.”

-Dick and Sherry Powell Saganaga Lake, Ontario -- Silver Bay, MN

Terry Backlund is the consummate professional with a truly personal touch. We know because we have worked with Terry on two successful Grand Marais real estate transactions. His knowledge of the North Shore makes him an invaluable resource in matters other than real estate as well. He has great recommendations for enhancing the good life on the North Shore of Lake Superior. Thanks Terry.

-Bonnie and Hardy Goebel Burnsville, MN -- Grand Marais, MN

Five years ago while visiting my mom on Devils Track Lake I spied a letter on the coffee table from Terry Backlund announcing his return to the area and foray into the real estate business. Terry is the youngest member of the Sid and Betty Backlund family who are/were among our very closest friends going way back, and seeing Terry's letter emboldened me follow up on a long held desire to have a piece of property on which to eventually build -- somewhere in the area. When I called to ask if he was up for showing me parcels of land he was quick to agree. We spent a day looking at a range of properties and it was clear that he possessed an unusually keen sense of the area's character and nuances. He was quick to pick up on my own likes and dislikes and made the exploration good fun. He suggested "for the heck of it" that we look at a house in town that he had perked up about. By midday the following day I was signing papers that put me on the path to owning what I still think is one of the best houses in town. I have friends who have bought and shopped for homes with Terry and come away with a happy and often raucously hilarious experience. Looking for and finding a home in northeastern Minnesota can be a joy-filled illuminating event... just contact Terry.

- Jeanne Hedstrom New York, NY -- Grand Marais, MN

A belated Thank You for all you did for us helping to find a great vacation home in Grand Marais. Without your insight and help the hunt may have been a bit more daunting and a bit less fun. Your practical approach towards all of our questions, and even your questions to us, really grounded us during our search. Thank You.

We have really enjoyed the house, find it very relaxing and have enjoyed getting out and about meeting new people and also seeing new local friends around town. We know we have just scratched the Grand Maris surface so far but think we made the right choice in this great community.

- Ed and Barb Katzmark Forest Lake, MN

We want to thank you for your outstanding real estate service. You were responsive, reliable and went the "extra mile" --- even putting ads on Boreal for us. We look forward to working with you in the future when it's time to list our current property!

- Doug and Mary Sanders Grand Marais, MN

Terry shines as a realtor. He helped me purchase my home with a minimum of stress, and didn't balk when I withdrew an offer and made a lower one. Known locally as the Thursday Night Trivia Miester, Terry positively glows when reminiscing about Cook County history and the characters of his youth. He's always ready with a story, a trivial tidbit and a good-natured personality.

- Nancy Persons Grand Marais, MN

No one knows Grand Marais, Minnesota better than Terry Backlund! During the past five years we have purchased two homes in Grand Marais and Terry was our agent for both transactions. We told him what we were looking for and he helped us find the properties that were perfect for us. He knew what the honest price would be for the buyer and the seller, and also knew more history of both properties than we could ever find in a book in the library!

We have had two perfectly wonderful experiences with Terry as our Realtor and we cannot recommend him highly enough for any of your real estate needs in Grand Marais or Cook County.

- Malcolm Smith and Heather McPherson

Indianapolis, IN -- Edinburgh, Scotland -- Grand Marais, MN

We want to thank Terry for helping us sell our home. It sold very quickly because we listened to his great advice. Terry is honest, sincere, and willing to listen.

The night before our closing we had rain, rain, and more rain. The next morning we went to check on our home to make sure all was well, and found that we had water in our basement. After seeing this, we called Terry to come and take a look and see what we should do. He called the buyers agent to discuss the problem, and kept the closing on track.....he even helped us wring out the rug! We highly recommend Terry if you are selling or buying a home. He is trust worthy.

- Chuck and Joyce Petek Grand Marais, MN

"Terry provided excellent customer service from our first meeting, through the sale and closing process, and for many weeks and months following the closing. He is extremely knowledgable of the area, local merchants, and the services available along the north shore. He makes commitments and follows through on the details long after his commission has been paid. That is what distinguishes Terry and makes him an exceptional real estate agent. We fell in love with Grand Marais and our cabin; in part because Terry made the transition so easy."

- Bob and Holly Lamond Corcoran, MN -- Grand Marais, MN

“Terry is an excellent Realtor who has guided us through several transactions. He is knowledgeable, professional and extremely personable. I highly recommend Terry if you are interested in properties in the Grand Marais, MN vicinity.”

- Ari and Susan Fuad Eden Prairie, MN -- Grand Marais, MN

"My wife Laurie and I began working with Terry almost two years ago when we
made the joyous decision to retire to Grand Marais. For over a year Terry
kept us well informed regarding the available inventory of houses that fit
our needs. One weekend we toured seven homes on Saturday, returned to two on Sunday, and made an offer on our retirement home the same day. Being a
true local Terry was wonderful at relating the history behind many of the
homes we visited, and he could direct us to local businesses and services
to make our relocation not only easy but pleasant.....he even live trapped
the grey squirrel trapped in the attic at no extra cost!! We can highly
recommend Backlund Realty to fulfill your Grand Marais dreams .... talk to
Terry you will be glad you did."

- John and Laurie Hill Grand Marais, MN -- Saint Paul, MN

"It's great to know there is such a friendly genuine guy selling real estate in Grand Marais. I don't think I'll ever come back from England to G.M., but you can count on the fact, that if I do, I'll be knocking on your door."

- Jim Bowen Newcastle, England

Terry Backlund is an excellent Realtor to work with and we felt very good
about listing with him. He is one of those "truly nice guys" who cares
about the people he's working with and has a good feel for matching up
properties with the right buyers. We recommend him highly to anyone who wants to buy or sell property in the area.

- Clayton and Nancy Koss Washburn, WI

Testimonials

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 01:35:10 UT

Meet Terry Backlund

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:27:28 UT

Backlund Realty - Who's Terry Backlund?

Client Comments

Testimonials

Meet Terry Backlund