Blaine · First-Time Buyers
Your First Home in Blaine
Learn how buying works before you shop, explained in plain words, so you know what you're signing.
Buying your first home in Blaine
Blaine's first suburban homes were starter homes built after World War II in the southern part of the city, and newer neighborhoods followed for decades. I'm Lesley, a REALTOR® with Bridge Realty, and we help first-time buyers compare them with real numbers.
Can a first-time buyer afford Blaine? It depends on the home and the area. The Census survey for 2020 to 2024 put the median owner-occupied home value at $352,400, but that is a survey figure, not today's prices. We pull recent sales so you see what fits your budget.
Ask Me Your First Question
What first-time buyers should check in Blaine
- The full monthly cost. Add property taxes, insurance, and any association dues. Look up the taxes in the Anoka County property records.
- The trash bill. Blaine contracts with one hauler, Walters Recycling and Refuse, and the city bills homes for trash and recycling. Count it in your budget.
- The age of the home. An older home may cost less to buy and more to update. A newer one may come with an association.
- Water near the lot. Ponds and wetlands are common. Flood insurance, if needed, changes your monthly cost.
What it costs, and the help available
Plan for four costs: earnest money with your offer, the inspection, your down payment, and closing costs. Down payments are often far less than 20 percent, and assistance may be available if you qualify. If your credit needs work, a lender can give you a plan. Our first-time buyer page explains each cost, and getting ready covers pre-approval. Comparing with a nearby city? See Ramsey.
Ask us your first question about Blaine
You do not have to be ready to buy. Bring your questions, and you will leave with a plan. More on the city is on our Blaine page, and the steps are on how we help buyers.
Send us a message or call (651) 661-4770.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need for a down payment in Blaine?
Often less than 20 percent. Some loans allow as little as 3 percent down, and assistance may be available if you qualify.
Is there public transit in Blaine?
Yes. Metro Transit Routes 10 and 824 run between Northtown Transit Center and downtown Minneapolis.
Do I pick my own trash hauler in Blaine?
No. Blaine contracts with one hauler, Walters Recycling and Refuse, for all homes, and the city bills for weekly trash and every-other-week recycling.
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Homes For Sale In Blaine
See every home on the market in Blaine right now, updated from the MLS.
Blaine
What first-time buyers looks like in Blaine
Blaine is the largest city in Anoka County, north of the Twin Cities on Interstate 35W, with more than 50 miles of trails, the National Sports Center, and TPC Twin Cities.
Blaine is still adding new neighborhoods, and we help buyers and sellers compare its older and newer areas, its three school districts, and its routes into the cities.
- The homes
- Starter homes from after World War II in the southern part of the city, then decades of new subdivisions. The city has added about 1,000 residents a year for 20 years.
- Schools people ask about
- Three school districts serve different parts of the city: Anoka-Hennepin, Centennial, and Spring Lake Park. Confirm the district for any address.
- Getting around
- Interstate 35W and Highways 10 and 65 run through the city, north of Minneapolis and St. Paul.
- Nearby
- About 638 acres of parks, more than 50 miles of trails, the National Sports Center, and TPC Twin Cities.
- The trade-off
- Blaine has sandy soils and many wetlands, so check the flood map and any wetland or pond near a home before you buy.
First-Time Buyers: keep exploring
Ready to make your move with Lesley The Realtor?