Towards the end of 2022, interest rates were a major concern. They seemed to be increasing weekly with no cap in sight! Many buyers abruptly stopped their searches. Who could blame them when these high rates made such an impact on what they could afford. Thankfully, this interest rate frenzy is leveling out. Just two [Read More]
Let's face it. When the forecast called for snow, you had a reaction that ranged from "Best news EVER!" to "UGH, but it was almost Spring!?" Whichever category you fall under, we can help!
Twin Cities Price Growth Stabilizes to Match Historic Norms (February 15, 2022) – According to new data from Minneapolis Area REALTORS® and the Saint Paul Area Association of REALTORS®, the median sales price across the Twin Cities grew 2.7 percent to $341,995. The metro is returning to historic trends for median home price growth. Inventory [Read More]
Giving Beyond the Holidays: A Lesson to Learn The music has been turned off, the hot chocolate and cookie stand put away, the parking lot is empty. The crowd has gotten home by now, warmed up, cozy and ready for bed. But somewhere close by you can bet there is a group of people packing [Read More]
Did you see it, too? Santa and Mrs. Claus came through town! It was not just any parade. Instead they toured in and out of neighborhoods, circled parks, and creatively traveled the areas of Orono, Spring Park, Mound and Minnetrista. John was in the lead car helping navigate while I scooted around town catching Santa [Read More]
If These Walls Could Talk… I really love houses. I know that seems obvious for a Realtor but my appreciation goes beyond the business side of what I do. I truly appreciate their spaces, how the sun lights up their rooms, their character, their quirks, and what gives them their unique personality. Once in a [Read More]
No question, the market is adjusting. Predictions vary on how long before interest rates level out. If you were considering buying or selling in the next year, it can be overwhelming to sort through the news and know what to do. Markets like this make it even more important to ask this question: What is [Read More]
Home: Serving as #1 Backdrop for the First Day of School since 1925 Okay, so I am not exactly sure about the year. But I did not make up the fact that many of us enjoy our home as the ultimate backdrop for documenting this important occasion: The first day of school. Is there any [Read More]
Are Inspections a Good Idea? Yes! An inspection gives buyers an opportunity to learn about any issues, major or minor, with the home they are buying. Are inspections only for first time home buyers? Absolutely not. A first time home buyer may learn about some basics (like how to change a furnace filter) that will [Read More]
Buying Land to Build? Know Your Building Eligibilities You found the perfect acreage in the perfect location. There is a house already on the property, situated close to the road. Of course, the more ideal location for your dream home is the beautiful wooded acreage further in to the property. So you decide to keep [Read More]
You love your home! You love where you live! But after being home more and possibly even working from home, you are just feeling it needs a lift. Here are a few tips to freshen things up! Assess the uses of the space. Yes, literally walk through your entire home and really pay attention to [Read More]
It is very likely that you have considered selling in this hot sellers’ market. But the truth is, the timing is not quite right for you. Or perhaps COVID factors affected your original plan. If you decide you are staying put for now, there are things you can do to be ready for a future [Read More]
For those of you considering a move in a year to five years, there is still an opportunity for you to grab on to today. Take this time to decide what you are looking for in a move (More space? Bigger yard? A new city altogether?). Determine what area you are moving to. Explore. On [Read More]
“It’s a Sellers’ Market!” That may be mostly true, but it doesn’t mean that being a seller is without its challenges! So where do you begin? Determine timing. You have already decided to sell in 2022. But when? After your high school senior graduates? Before next Fall? Keep in mind that if you have been [Read More]
Congratulations! You have decided that 2022 is the year to buy a home! You know what price, general area, and overall style you are looking for. But you still may be apprehensive. That is understandable considering the stories you may have heard about the 2021 market. So how can you stay on track? First, follow [Read More]
We had so much fun as we kicked off the holiday season in Mound! Photo shows the Santa and Mrs. Claus tour as it sets out to tour the neighborhoods! The tour then ended in downtown Mound. We were proud to be part of the planning and to participate in such a fun event. And [Read More]
Take a moment to look at the graph in this post provided by the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors. It shows that in August of 2007, the median number of days a home was on the market was 86 days. In 2008, it was 97 days. Wow! We could not help but recall what the [Read More]
Prior to writing this blog, I reviewed a lot of stats.* Stats that were encouraging; stats that would make my buyers and sellers anxious; and still others that would make them laugh out loud. How can one market offer so many different outlooks? The data itself has a lot to do with it. Specifically, some [Read More]
The beginning of a new school year! What does that look like for you? Is there a 2022 grad in the house? A little one preparing for his/her first day of school? Are you an empty nester (that happened fast!)? Or do you simply hope to survive in-person-for-now-may-be-distance-on-these-days learning? Either way, may it be a [Read More]
Equity Opportunities Still Exist! No doubt, the market is moving fast right now. Yes, it is considered a seller’s market. Yes, low inventory and high demand are driving prices up. But that does not mean there are not opportunities to buy a home and build equity! As in any market, a buyer first needs to [Read More]
Writing Contingent? Focus in on Photos! That's right! If you are writing an offer contingent on the sale of your home, this is just one way to make your offer stand out! There is a lot of competition out there. With inventory of homes at an all-time low, more buyers are going after the same [Read More]
I just watched a great presentation about our real estate market! One of the topics discussed "Are we in a Housing Bubble?" See graphic for a great summary explanation! Thank you Buffini & Company for the information!
