Twin Cities Metro

Minneapolis North Loop

Itasca Loft North Loop Minneapolis

Itasca Lofts in The North Loop of Minneapolis 

Virtual 3D Tour

When you enter this remarkable loft at 708 N 1st Street in the Historic and award-winning Itasca Building, you immediately notice the blend of natural light, dramatic timber, and brick. The unique architectural combination of modern design and historic elements creates an atmosphere that is both dramatic and intimate.

A True Minneapolis Loft 

Do you crave the urban lifestyle? Does exposed brick, wood floors, soaring ceilings, lots of light, views of the city, the romance of the Mississippi Riverfront, and the North Loop right outside your door make your heart beat faster? Then you might fall in love with this fabulous loft too. 

Itasca Loft North Loop Minneapolis

Location – The North Loop

The North Loop is known as the trendiest neighborhood in Minneapolis. It has excellent restaurants like the Spoon and Stable and Bachelor Farmer. Beautiful boutiques, hip bars, and Whole Foods. The Mississippi River outside your door with walking and biking trails. It's also a neighborhood steeped in historical significance.

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How Do You Know A Super Real Estate Agent When You Meet One?

 

real estate agent tips

Can You Recognize a Super Real Estate Agent When You Meet One?  Take This Quiz!

You have finally made the big decision to buy a home, and you’re ready to dive headlong into the real estate market! Congratulations!  Given today’s market and the great opportunities that abound in the Twin Cities Metro for homeownership, I applaud your decision.  But, (and yes, there is always a “but,”) before you take the plunge, just like every great athlete needs a coach, or every talented artist needs an agent, you need a Realtor© by your side, advocating for you.

“Why can’t I just advocate for myself?” you say.  Great question, and I am so glad you asked. An honest and ethical real estate agent will steer you in the right direction to not waste time spinning your wheels. He will offer expert advice when called for, even if it might not be what you want to hear, and will put your best interest at the forefront of any transaction.  Not only will he protect your interests, but he will also limit your liabilities and even save you money. 

“Wow,” you say, “having an agent will give me an edge!  I want one, but, with all those...

Twin Cities Housing Review November 2018

 November 2018 Housing MN Property group

Minneapolis-St Paul Housing Overview

As we approach years’ end, we see some subtle changes in the Twin Cities Metro housing market. The increase in inventory of homes for sale was10.5 percent over last month giving home buyers something to rejoice. This inventory boost by is by no means enough to bring the market into balance but does bring us closer. For consumers who have been trying to buy a home for several months, it was welcome news.

What’s Up and What’s Down

As we compare November of this year to November 2017, we find new listings up 12.6 percent, closed sales down 0.9 percent, the percentage of list price received down 0.1, and the median sale price of $265,150 up 8.2 percent. Meanwhile, pending sales were down 5.2 percent, inventory levels rose 2.3 percent with months supply up 10.5 percent. Days on the market fell 7.1 percent.

So while inventory is increasing and sales are decreasing, we are seeing more price reductions and fewer deals closing for full price offers. Although housing prices are still higher than last year, they appear to be slowing down. Properties for sale are still spending less time on the market than last year, an indication that demand is still robust, and buyers are...

Magical Wayzata MN Homes

Top Wayzata Realtor Sold this Magical Wayzata MN House

Minnesota Property Group/ 243 Bushaway Rd. Wayzata MN

 Wayzata MN Homes Like This Sell Quickly. 

Tucked away on an idyllic wooded lot in a cozy corner of Wayzata is our newest listing. If you are looking for a great family home that is close to all the city has to offer yet located in a community with a small town feel and a nationally recognized school system we have the perfect choice for you. Consider this gracious and elegant 5 bedroom 3 bath residence. This outstanding home offers 2360 square feet of living space with keynotes of elegant simplicity and peaceful serenity creating its signature ambiance.Minnesota Property Group/ 243 Bushaway Rd. Wayzata MN...

Twin Cities Activities

Minnesota Property Group

Twin Cities Activities

It seemed like just a couple of weeks ago that the whole splendor of summer lay spread out before us. Now, here we are past the half way mark of August. Hot days and balmy nights seem to be already behind us for this year. The cooler temps probably make it easier for the kids to return to the halls of learning but still, that bittersweet feeling that we have lost something is all too familiar for many of us. In my opinion, the worse characteristic of our summer is that it’s simply not long enough.

Minnesota Property Group Given the fact that the glorious days of my favorite season are so limited, I try to squeeze every drop of joy and pleasure from every blessed day right to the end. At this time, every year, I remind myself that summer is not over, it is just, like me, in its golden days and has much to offer and should be appreciated.  

So then, what do you plan to do with your last few precious weeks before the leaves begin to turn? There are so many activities, events, and destinations in the Twin Cities Metro that are tailor made for days in the seventies with low humidity. Need some inspiration?  

Art + Mini-Golf = Sculpture Garden at the Walker

If you haven't checked out the mini golf course...

Summer is Hot in the Twin Cities

Stone Arch Bridge Minneapolis Minnesota

What's Happening Twin Cities?

June has arrived in the Twin Cities and the doorway to summer is wide open. We step through that portal and the whole glorious season awaits us, spread out like a canvas waiting for the artist’s brush to bring it to life!  If I sound a bit dramatic I’m not apologizing because summer has that effect on me and I am just going with it.

In the Twin Cities Metro, we celebrate summer in a grand scale with art, music, song, food, and drink. Festivals, fairs, and concerts abound from one end of the metro to the other and beyond. To inspire you as you plan your seasonal calendar, we have curated those once a year most popular events that highlight the summer season in Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Northern Sparks Festival Minneapolis St. Paul MN

Northern Spark, Climate Chaos/People Rising

June 10 8:59 PM until 5:26 AM – Along the Green Line

This is a relatively new metro event began in 2011 but growing in popularity each year. It takes place with events in neighborhoods and public spaces along the Metro Green line connecting Minneapolis and St. Paul. The grandest Northern Spark yet with 70 art projects planned in the neighborhood nodes: Cedar Riverside/West Bank, Weisman...

Building A New Home In Minnesota

New Construction, Home, Buying

Building A New Home In Minnesota

So you decided to take the plunge and buy a home - great!  One of the options you should consider if you haven't already done so is a brand new home!  When you consider new construction vs. previously owned certainly there are pros and cons on both sides of the equation.  Let's take a look at what I consider my top 8 reasons for buying a newly constructed home.

Building a Home in the Twin Cities

Buy or build a new home in the Twin Cities and you get to make all the choices, every single one! You choose the lot, the style of home, floor plan, builder, and all of the finishes touches that will make this house truly your home. Depending on the builder, development, real estate agent and price point you are comfortable with, you can have as little or as much input as you desire.

New Construction, Home, Buying

In the kitchen, you select the cabinets, countertops, appliances you have always wanted.  The bathroom fixtures will be up to you, and the style of the doors and windows.  And of course, you select all the flooring, light fixtures, and colors!  You can decide how you want to allocate your allowances.  Perhaps you want the top of the line windows,...

Top Remax Real Estate Team in the Twin Cities

Twin Cities - Minneapolis

Twin Cities Real Estate Market Review by Top Remax Results Team

It’s that time again, the brand new year that marks the start of 365 days of new opportunities as well as new challenges. It is a psychological line of demarcation between what past and what will happen in the next 12 months. Some factors we can control and others we can’t but still, it is a fresh start. An opportunity to review and evaluate, amend and renew as we head into the new year. 

This is the time I look back and celebrate the accomplishments of the Minnesota Property Group of RE/MAX Results as a team, and mine personally as the team leader. While I celebrate the successful outcomes, the resolve to do better for my clients, my team, my community and my family is the cornerstone on which I will build my priorities for 2017.

Minnesota Property Group 2017

It Was A Great Year in Real Estate for The Twin Cities Top Realtors

The Minnesota Property Group, like the 2016 housing market, had a very successful year in local Real Estate.  As the team leader, it has been profoundly gratifying for me to oversee the professional...

Relocating to the Twin Cities

Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Twin Cities, Minnesota Best Places

Relocating to the Twin Cities Metro

Recently someone asked me why I loved living in Minnesota.  It’s a question I ask myself every winter, and last night as the snow gently fell outside my window, I sat nestled in front of the fire and counted the reasons I feel lucky I live here.

The Twin Cities Metro is an incredible place to live, work and play

US News Money rated St. Paul the #1 city for healthcare in American. Kaiser Health News said Twin City area residents are enjoying the best bargains in insurance premiums. Forbes awarded Minneapolis top honors as the healthiest city in the nation.  According to Forbes, “If you live in Minneapolis-St. Paul, you and your neighbors are less likely to have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and asthma and are more likely to be in excellent or very good health.”

Minnesotans Are Fit

We have acres of open spaces and miles of trails so you see people walking and biking everywhere.  In the Twin Cities metro area, a high percentage of area is parkland, featuring ball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, dog parks, golf courses and recreation centers.  During our notoriously cold winters, area citizens maintain their commitment to fitness and exercise by skiing, ice-skating, and snowshoeing.  Is it any wonder that Time named Minneapolis-St Paul the fittest city in American for 3 years running?

Minneapolis-Saint Paul, Twin Cities, Minnesota Best Places

In the Twin Cities, Minnesotans Take Play Seriously

Today’s world can be very stressful so taking the...

Buying a Home in Minnetonka, MN

having it all in Minnetonka

having it all in Minnetonka

Buying A Home In Minnetonka, MN 

Minnetonka is a dynamic city located on the eastern tip of Lake Minnetonka. The land mass is 26.93 square miles, water covers a 1.29 square mile area,  population according to the 2010 census is 49,734, median home price as of April 2015 is $306,100 and expected to rise 0.9% within the next year according to Zillow. It is a great place to live, work and raise a family. Here are my top 9 reasons to consider buying a home in Minnetonka.

Beautiful downtown Minneapolis MN

Minnetonka Homes Have Great Metro Access

A location 8 miles west of Minneapolis makes commuting to the city for work or play a snap.  Whether your intent is to explore the uptown or downtown options, less than 20 minutes finds you there!  Families relocating to Minnesota often find themselves being encouraged by their Realtor, Co-Workers, and Relocation Director, to look at homes for sale in Minnetonka.

Ridgedale Center shopping mall Minnetonka MN

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Sell Your Home with Remax Results

Winter in Minneapolis MN

Sell Your Home with Remax Results and the Minnesota Property Group

The beginning of a new year is a beautiful thing! It is a perfect opportunity to review the past 12 months and compare it to the previous 12 and celebrate the success we have achieved. It is a time when we can continue to grow and to show you why you should sell your home with remax results and the Minnesota Property Group. Also, as we learn what worked well and what did not, we are in a better position to focus our energy in the coming year where we may have fallen short of our goals. For many of us it is the fresh start we need to clean the debris field of the old year and start with a clean slate for the new while for others it’s the beginning of another cycle of building on past achievements, adjusting priorities as well as setting new goals. To me it is like a pool of crystal clear still water waiting for me to stick my toes in and create some ripples, or maybe jump in with my whole being and create a huge splash!   

The Minnesota Property Group Team How to Market Your Home for Sale in the Twin Cities

For The Minnesota Property Group, it was another outstanding year of showing the Twin Cities how to market your home for sale. We started some great new projects last year that we want to build on, improve and expand. The re-launch of ...

11 Reasons It Rocks to Live in Bloomington MN

Bloomington MN at Lake Normandale

Bloomington Minnesota Rocks! Here are 11 Reasons Why

The Minneapolis metro area boasts many suburbs that are outstanding places to live and Bloomington is one of them. Located ten miles south of downtown Minneapolis, Bloomington sits on the north bank of the Minnesota River above its confluence with the Mississippi. Land Mass is 34.68 square miles with water covering a 3.78 square area. The population according to the 2014 census is 86,314.

Bloomington become established as a Minneapolis suburb during the housing boom following WW II.  The Eastern end of city is comprised of modest housing on tree lined streets in tidy neighborhoods. West Bloomington development took off in the 70’s and is comprised of more upscale and expensive homes.  The median home price as of August 2015 as published on Zillow is $218,218 up 1.7% from the previous year with a prediction values in Bloomington will rise 1.5% over the next year.

Downtown Minneapolis MN

 1. Bloomington Offers Great Metro...

7 Perfect Reasons to Buy a Home in St. Louis Park

For Sale 4213 Utica Avenue S Saint Louis Park, MN 55416

St. Louis Park

So you have made the decision to buy a home! Now what?  One of the very important questions you need to ask yourself is where do I want to live?  Perhaps many of you already know.  Great! But for those of you who are still undecided, St. Louis Park deserves serious consideration.

St. Louis Park, often referred to as simply “the Park”, is a first-ring suburb just west of Minneapolis. Land mass is 10.64 square miles, water covers a .22 square mile area,  population according to the 2010 census is 45,250, median home sale price as of June 2015 is $252,225 and expected to go up 1.1% next year according to Zillow.  The City motto is “Experience Life in the Park”.  Life in the park is pretty darn good as a matter of fact, and here are 7 reasons why.

1.  Location, Location 

The Park is a commuters dream if you work in the city. Whether your intent is to explore the uptown or downtown options you are ideally located.  With Highway 100 and 169 running north and south and 394 east and west, it has great interconnectedness to the entire Metro.

St. Louis Park Property Value Index

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Is Golden Valley MN a good place to buy a home

Minnesota Property Group loves Golden Valley MN

Is Golden Valley, MN, an excellent place to buy a home?

Located 5 miles west of downtown Minneapolis lies the first-ring suburb of Golden Valley. The landmass is 10.19 square miles; water covers a .34 square mile area, population according to the 2010 census is 20,374, median home price as of October 2015 as published on Zillow is $254,300 with prediction values in Golden Valley will rise 1.4% over the next year.

9 Reasons why Golden Valley MN is an excellent place to buy a home

1. Easy Access to the Downtown Minneapolis

A location 5 miles west of downtown Minneapolis makes commuting to the city for work or play a snap. All the cultural and recreational attractions the city has to offer are a mere 10-minute drive!

downtown Minneapolis

2. Shop in and around Golden Valley

If you love to shop, you have great options! Why not explore the trendy Shops at the West End in nearby St. Louis Park. Need a mall fix? A mere 5 miles to the west lies the Ridgedale Center in Minnetonka, where you can browse through 2 levels featuring 140 retail stores.

Shops at the West End Golden Valley MN

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3 Dos and 3 Don’ts for Home Buyers

In Spring thoughts turn to buying a home

Spring has arrived in the Twin Cities Metro and the housing market is in full swing! The onset of warmer temperatures has caused buyers to shed their boots and mittens and start house hunting in earnest.  Traffic at Minnesota Property Group Open Houses has been brisk. We are seeing many more first time buyers, move up buyers, and buyers who are coming back after going through foreclosure or short sale experiences, (dubbed boomerang buyers) as well. 

with real estate values on the rise, buying a home is a good idea

According to data published by The Minneapolis Association of REALTORS©, March showed an increase in pending sales of 30% over last year and was the highest level for that month since 2005. Additionally new listings were up 21% over March 2014, but due to avid buyer activity the market advantage is still tipping towards sellers. So, it’s a strong market, an active market, and what I would describe as a “snooze and you lose market” with desirable properties often selling within days or even hours of being listed.

Incredibly low mortgage interest rates are holding steady at least for now, so this is really an awesome time to make your move.  However be aware that competition among buyers for desirable properties can be stiff, so as a buyer, to get the edge you need to be prepared to make your move when you find that dream property.  Here are my 3 best do’s and don’ts...

Top Realtors in Plymouth Minnesota Know Why This City is so Great

Beautiful Home located in Plymouth MN

Top Realtors in Plymouth, MN 

Discuss the 10 Best Reasons to Live in Plymouth

Plymouth is the 7th largest city in Minnesota. The landmass is 32.68 square miles; water covers a 2.64 square mile area,  population according to the 2012 census is 72928, median home price as of July 2015 is $300,700, up 8% from the previous year according to Zillow. Prices are predicted to rise another 2% within the next year.

Why is Plymouth a great community? Let us count the ways!

1. Plymouth, MN is a Nationally Recognized Best Place to Live

Chosen by Money Magazine as the number 1 best place to live in 2008, featured in the top 12 for 2011.

Turtle Lake Park in Plymouth MN

2. The City of Plymouth has easy access to the Twin Cities Metro

Whether traveling to downtown Minneapolis for work or play, hop on Interstate 394 and head west 12 miles to reach your destination. Should you want to enjoy the shopping and dining experience of Uptown or enjoy a free concert at the Lake Harriet Bandshell, you can be there in about 22 minutes.

Plymouth MN was chosen Best Place to Live by Money Magazine in 2008 and made the top list again in 2012...

New Homes in Medina MN

Home buying, Medina Real Estate

Buying a New Home in Medina, MN 

Medina is a small but charming community with a rural flavor.  It is located on the western edge of Hennepin County.  The area of the city is 27 square miles, 1.55 square miles of that area is water.  The population as of 2010 was 4,892 people.   As of July 2015, the median home value is $551,200, up 4% over the last year and predicted to rise another 1.2 % in 2016, according to Zillow. 

Top 7 Reasons to buy a new home in Medina

1.  New homes in Medina have easy access to Downtown Minneapolis

Want to hear the symphony, watch a play, visit a museum, or plan a special evening of dining? Downtown Minneapolis is an easy 20-mile drive heading east on the expressway. Hop on 494 in nearby Plymouth and access the entire Metro! 

Beautiful Minneapolis

2. New home developments in Medina are close to shopping & restaurants

Just 12 miles south, you find Ridgedale Center in Minnetonka, which offers endless options in fashion for yourself and your home in a mall setting.  Also to the south, a mere 7 miles, is the chic and charming Wayzata shopping district.  There you will find dozens of high-quality retail shops featuring fashions, art, and antiques.  Stop for lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking Lake Minnetonka for a leisurely meal and a stunning water view. 

Hamel Lion's Club Flea Market...

7 Reasons Selling Your Home Is Not a DIY Project

When the time comes to sell your home, you may be tempted to forego hiring a Realtor and do it alone.  After all, DIY is the hot trend these days and who doesn't like to save a few dollars? Being a great fan of saving money with DIY projects, I totally understand. But, before you pound a “For Sale” sign in your front yard and start counting the money you’ll save on a Realtor’s commission, there are a few facts you should consider because this may be a DIY project that ends up costing you money rather than saving you money over the long run.

To buy and sell a house is no simple task. In fact, national statistics show that only 9% of all “For Sale By Owner” (FSBO) efforts are successful. Only one out of every twelve people who attempt to sell their own home actually end up with a closed deal and approximately 24% of those transactions involved a sale to a friend or relative, 15% involved a buyer directly contacting a seller, and 1% when the owner was a licensed agent.  

Selling your home is not a great DIY project

When DIY sellers were surveyed by The National Association of Realtors, the most difficult aspects of going FSBO were cited as follows:

  1. Understanding and performing paperwork: 18%
  2. Getting the right price: 13%
  3. Preparing/fixing up home for sale: 12%
  4. Helping buyer obtain financing: 3%
  5. ...

5 Painless Ways to Save for a Home

saving for a home

Do you want to buy a home but don't have enough saved for a down payment? For some, saving equals sacrifice. Granted, to save you need to spend less but there are ways you can cut expenditures in the short term that you won’t miss and over the long term can help you realize your dream of home ownership. So whether you are a veteran saver or just getting your down payment fund off the ground, consider my 5 painless, no-anesthesia-necessary ways you can start saving today.

1. The Double Play - Improve Your Credit Score

The health of your FICA or Vantage Score has a direct effect on your interest rates. The higher your score, the lower the rate of interest you will pay to borrow money. Individuals with good scores can often negotiate lower rates on credit cards and generally also pay lower auto insurance rates. As an additional incentive, if you are thinking of buying a home, an excellent credit score will not only save you thousands over the life of your mortgage but make it easier to be approved for a loan when the time comes. So in terms of buying your dream home, this is a double play!

FICO score

2. Evaluate Your Auto Insurance Coverage

Speaking of auto insurance, if you have not reviewed your policy recently, now is a great time. One way to save on monthly premiums is to raise the deductible limits. If your car is older and you own it, perhaps you should consider...

5 Reasons Home Ownership Should be #1 on your February To-do List

Winter is a Great Time to Buy

Can you believe it's February? It seems the days since we welcomed in 2015 have passed faster than the Starship Enterprise at warp speed!  But the year is still young so If home ownership is one of your New Year's Resolutions, now is a great time to begin the journey.  Yes, I know, it’s darn cold here in the Twin Cities and you are happy enjoying your warm fires and cozy corners but don’t wait until the tulips are in bloom to start looking for a home. Pull on your boots and dig out your scarfs and mittens because here are 5 great reasons to buy a home now.

1. Less Competition

Spring brings droves of buyers out of winter hibernation looking for homes.  As a wiley winter buyer you will face less competition for available homes, tipping the scales in your favor. Even though there are more listings to choose from in spring, chances are the home of your dreams may very likely be the dream home of other buyers as well.  When this happens, you may find yourself in a bidding war or at the very least feel pressured to offer a higher price and make more concessions to the seller than you had planned in order “to get” that house before your competition steps in with a better offer.

2. Winter Buyers Enjoy Lower Prices and More Leverage

Spring rains cause rivers, creeks and home prices to rise. Historical data supports higher listing prices for homes in spring and summer months. It is not uncommon for a seller with a desirable property to receive more than one offer which results in less opportunity for you the buyer to negotiate price and conditions of the sale. In winter however, fewer buyers in the market inspire sellers not to let a good one off the hook by haggling over the price and the...