When selling your home, you will be asked, “Are you aware of any work performed on the Property for which appropriate permits were not obtained?” You could be required to get back dated permits, some with a fine. Each city is different. If you hired a contractor, confirm that the necessary permits were pulled and [Read More]

It’s not your imagination! Many home-owners who purchased in the past few years are already moving on. For some, it is buyer remorse: They bought too quickly or didn’t realize the home needed so much work. For others, the move is due to lifestyle changes. Most purchased during the pandemic and a highly competitive market. [Read More]

More than once in recent weeks, I was told the market is in a downturn. “Haven’t you seen the headlines?” Of course, I keep up with current news, but wanted to see exactly what they were reading. I combed through the various articles and realized the issue: the data used was not current enough to [Read More]

I hate to brag, but I have the answer to everything you need in life.  Okay, just one thing. But if you struggle with the month of March in Minnesota, this is the ONLY thing you ever need to know. Let’s face it, March is a tough month. Sure, we brave ‘brisk’ walks in subzero [Read More]

You have just taken some time off.  Enjoyed sunshine, explored, ate amazing food, and feel perfectly energized. For some, this blissful feeling doesn’t last past the first load of laundry. But why?  Why not keep that vacation feeling alive?  Here’s how: Color. Do you close your eyes and see the vibrant color and scenery from [Read More]

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]