Should I Buy a Vacation Home? Second Homes, Cabins, Airbnb, VRBO and 1031 Exchanges

Owning a second property is one of those real estate decisions that can be equal parts financial and personal.

For some Minnesotans, the goal is a cabin within a few hours of the Twin Cities — a place to spend weekends, get out of the city, be near the water, ski, fish, hike, or simply have a place that feels completely different from home.

For others, the second property is farther away: Scottsdale, Florida, Palm Springs, or another warm-weather destination that becomes part of a winter routine.

And increasingly, I talk with people who want a property to do more than one thing. They want to use it themselves part of the year but also rent it through Airbnb…

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Buying an Older Home in Minneapolis? 12 Things I Look For Before the Inspection

One of the things I enjoy most about Minneapolis real estate is the housing stock.

Depending on the neighborhood, you can walk through a 1920s Tudor, a Craftsman bungalow, a 1940s Cape Cod, a 1950s rambler, a mid-century split-level, or a home that has been remodeled and expanded several times over the last 100 years.

Older homes can have tremendous character, but they also require a different kind of evaluation than newer construction.

After more than 20 years selling homes throughout Minneapolis and the Twin Cities, there are certain things I automatically start looking at during a showing — often before we ever get to the inspection.

I am not replacing the…

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Buying a Home in Minneapolis This Fall: What Changes After Labor Day?

Labor Day tends to feel like a dividing line in Twin Cities real estate.

Summer schedules settle down, school is back in session, vacations slow down, and buyers and sellers who still want to make a move before winter often become more focused.

After more than 20 years working in Minneapolis and throughout the Twin Cities, I have found that the fall market is not simply a quieter version of spring. It has its own rhythm, opportunities, and things buyers should watch closely.

If you are thinking about buying a home, condo, or townhome this fall, here are some of the differences I would keep in mind.

There May Be Fewer Buyers, But the Good Homes Still Matter

One of the…

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Buying a Minneapolis Condo? What to Review Beyond the Unit

One of the biggest mistakes I see condo buyers make is focusing almost entirely on the individual unit.

The kitchen looks great. The view works. The parking space is good. The monthly payment fits.

But when you buy a condominium, you are also buying into the building and the association behind it. After more than 20 years working with condos throughout Minneapolis, I have found that the building itself can matter every bit as much as the residence you are purchasing.

This is especially true in Minneapolis, where condo options range from century-old warehouse conversions and boutique buildings to large downtown high-rises, newer Mill District developments and mixed-use properties.

…

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10 Reasons I Love Living in South and Southwest Minneapolis

I sell real estate all over the Twin Cities, but South and Southwest Minneapolis are areas I know especially well because this is also the kind of place I genuinely enjoy living in.

When people ask me why I like this part of Minneapolis so much, it is hard to give them one answer. It is not simply the houses, the lakes, the restaurants or being close to downtown. It is how all of those things overlap.

I can leave my house and walk around a lake, jump on a bike and ride for hours, take my kids to hockey, grab dinner at a neighborhood restaurant, go downtown for a concert and still be home without feeling like I spent the entire day in the car.

So rather than writing another generic…

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Twin Cities Real Estate Market Update 2026: Has the Market Slowed Down or Is This Just Summer?

If the Twin Cities real estate market feels like it has taken a small step back from the urgency we saw this spring, you are probably not imagining it.

There is more inventory in parts of the market, showing activity has softened slightly, and buyers appear to be taking a little more time before making decisions. At the same time, this is absolutely not a broad slowdown where every property is behaving the same way.

We are still seeing houses come on the market that attract immediate attention and multiple offers. Others are sitting longer and making price adjustments. That distinction is becoming increasingly important as we move through the second…

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Buying a Fixer-Upper in Minneapolis & St. Paul: Financing, Renovation Strategy & What Buyers Need to Know

Fixer-uppers continue to attract buyers throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul, and older first-ring suburbs because they can offer something increasingly difficult to find in today’s market: opportunity. Whether you are a first-time buyer trying to get into a competitive neighborhood, a move-up buyer searching for a better long-term layout, or an investor exploring renovation projects, buying a home that needs work can create significant upside when approached strategically.

However, fixer-uppers are not always easy opportunities. Financing restrictions, renovation costs, permit requirements, contractor management, and tax implications can all…

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Living in Edina: A Guide to Edina’s Most Popular Neighborhoods

Edina continues to be one of the most desirable suburban communities in the Twin Cities. Known for its mature neighborhoods, strong long-term property values, excellent parks, luxury housing, and convenient location, Edina consistently attracts buyers looking for both lifestyle and stability.

One of the reasons Edina remains so popular is that it is not a one-size-fits-all community. Different parts of Edina offer completely different feels—from historic luxury neighborhoods and walkable village-style areas to quiet streets filled with 1950s ramblers and newer custom homes.

Schedule a Consultation to explore Edina neighborhoods, homes, and market opportunities.

Why Buyers…

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Twin Cities Spring Real Estate Market Recap 2026: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Know

The 2026 spring real estate market across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding suburbs delivered exactly what many expected: strong buyer demand, competitive pricing in key segments, limited inventory in highly desirable neighborhoods, and continued movement toward lifestyle-driven housing decisions.

From multiple offers in Southwest Minneapolis to renewed condo activity in the North Loop and Mill District, this spring market showed that buyers are still highly motivated when the right property hits the market.

Schedule a Consultation if you want to discuss buying, selling, pricing strategy, or what the market means for your next move.

Overall Spring…

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Living in Mac-Groveland St. Paul: Historic Homes, Walkability, River Trails & Long-Term Value

Mac-Groveland is one of St. Paul’s most established and desirable neighborhoods, known for historic architecture, walkable streets, mature trees, and strong long-term housing demand. Located between Grand Avenue and the Mississippi River corridor, the neighborhood combines classic character with everyday convenience and remains a favorite among buyers looking for timeless homes in a highly livable urban setting.

For many Twin Cities buyers, Mac-Groveland offers a compelling alternative to neighborhoods in Southwest Minneapolis. Buyers who appreciate walkability, parks, local restaurants, and architectural charm often compare Mac-Groveland to areas like…

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