SHOULD I BUY A VACATION HOME? SECOND HOMES, CABINS, AIRBNB, VRBO AND 1031 EXCHANGES

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 A HOME IN MINNEAPOLIS THIS FALL: WHAT CHANGES AFTER LABOR DAY?

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

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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TWIN CITIES REAL ESTATE MARKET UPDATE 2026: HAS THE MARKET SLOWED DOWN OR IS THIS JUST SUMMER?

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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CONDO RESERVE REQUIREMENTS IN MINNEAPOLIS: WHAT BUYERS NEED TO KNOW IN 2026

Condo Reserve Requirements in Minneapolis: What Buyers Need to Know in 2026

If you’re shopping for a condo in Minneapolis—whether it’s in the North Loop, Downtown East, or Southwest neighborhoods—you’ve probably started hearing more about “reserves,” “HOA budgets,” and financing challenges. These aren’t just buzzwords anymore—they are becoming one of the most important factors in whether a condo is a smart purchase.

As someone who has worked in the Minneapolis condo market for nearly two decades, I can tell you this shift is very real. It’s not a new law that’s changing everything—it’s how lenders, insurance companies, and buyers are evaluating condo associations.

What Are Condo Reserves (And Why Do They Matter)?

Every condo association…

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LIVING IN MINNEAPOLIS’ NORTH LOOP: CONDOS, LIFESTYLE, AND REAL ESTATE INSIGHTS

Living in Minneapolis’ North Loop: Condos, Lifestyle, and Real Estate Insights

Minneapolis’ North Loop has evolved from an industrial warehouse district into one of the most sought-after urban neighborhoods in the Twin Cities. With historic brick buildings, modern luxury condos, award-winning restaurants, and unbeatable access to trails and downtown employment centers, the North Loop offers a unique blend of historic charm and contemporary city living.

Located just west of Downtown Minneapolis, the neighborhood has become a magnet for professionals, entrepreneurs, and buyers seeking an energetic urban lifestyle with walkable amenities and character-rich architecture.

If you’re considering buying or selling property in the area, you can Schedule…

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MILL DISTRICT LIVING IN MINNEAPOLIS: CONDOS, RIVERFRONT TRAILS, AND LONG-TERM VALUE

Mill District Living in Minneapolis: Condos, Riverfront Trails, and Long-Term Value

Mill District Living in Minneapolis: Condos, Riverfront Trails, and Long-Term Value

The Mill District is one of Minneapolis’ most distinctive downtown neighborhoods, blending historic architecture, riverfront access, and modern condo living. Located along the Mississippi River just east of the central business core, the Mill District appeals to buyers who want walkability, views, and direct access to some of the city’s best trails and cultural amenities.

Known for its converted flour mills, contemporary residential towers, and proximity to parks and stadiums, the Mill District offers a lifestyle that feels both urban and connected to nature.

Where the Mill…

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The Outlook for Mortgage Rates in 2026

Twin Cities Mortgage Rate Outlook for 2026: A Data-Driven Guide for Homebuyers

Mortgage rates have reshaped the Minneapolis–St. Paul housing market more than any other single factor over the past five years. From record lows near 2.65% in 2021 to two-decade highs around 7.8% in 2023, buyers navigating Downtown Minneapolis condos such as the North Loop and Mill District, Southwest Minneapolis neighborhoods like Linden Hills and Fulton, and western suburbs including Edina, Minnetonka, and Plymouth have felt every turn in the market.

As we look toward 2026, homebuyers want one thing: clarity. While no forecast is perfect, we now have clear economic signals from Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, MBA, NAR, and the Federal Reserve that help shape expectations.…

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