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 AN OLDER HOME IN MINNEAPOLIS? 12 THINGS I LOOK FOR BEFORE THE INSPECTION

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?

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 FIXER-UPPER IN MINNEAPOLIS & ST. PAUL: FINANCING, RENOVATION STRATEGY & WHAT BUYERS NEED TO KNOW

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 MAC-GROVELAND ST. PAUL: HISTORIC HOMES, WALKABILITY, RIVER TRAILS & LONG-TERM VALUE

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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WESTERN MINNEAPOLIS SUBURBS REAL ESTATE: LUXURY LIVING NEAR LAKES, TRAILS, AND TOP-TIER AMENITIES

Western Minneapolis Suburbs Real Estate: Luxury Living Near Lakes, Trails, and Top-Tier Amenities

The western suburbs of Minneapolis offer some of the most desirable residential real estate in the Twin Cities. From Lake Minnetonka estates and executive homes to walkable communities and private acreage properties, this part of the metro appeals to buyers who want space, lifestyle, strong school options, and long-term value.

For many buyers, the western suburbs provide the best of both worlds: beautiful natural surroundings and a quieter residential setting, while still offering convenient access to Minneapolis, the North Loop, the Mill District, and major employment centers.

Schedule a Consultation to explore homes in the western Minneapolis…

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LIVING IN EDINA VS ST. LOUIS PARK: WHICH WEST METRO SUBURB FITS YOUR LIFESTYLE?

Living in Edina vs St. Louis Park: Which West Metro Suburb Fits Your Lifestyle?

If you're considering a move to the west metro, Edina and St. Louis Park are two of the most popular suburbs just minutes from downtown Minneapolis. While they sit right next to each other geographically, they offer very different lifestyles, housing options, and price points.

Both provide quick access to the city, strong amenities, and desirable neighborhoods, but choosing between them comes down to how you want to live day-to-day.

Schedule a Consultation to explore homes and determine which area aligns best with your goals.

Location and Accessibility

Both suburbs offer excellent proximity to Minneapolis, making them ideal for commuters and buyers who want…

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VALUE IN NORTH MINNEAPOLIS: WHY BUYERS ARE TAKING A LOOK IN 2026

Value in North Minneapolis: Why Buyers Are Taking a Look in 2026

For years, North Minneapolis has been one of the most overlooked pockets of opportunity in the Twin Cities. But in 2026, that narrative is starting to shift.

With rising prices in Southwest Minneapolis and continued demand across the metro, buyers are expanding their search—and North Minneapolis is increasingly on their radar.

If you’re considering where to buy next, Schedule a Consultation to explore opportunities that align with your goals.

Why North Minneapolis Is Gaining Attention

Affordability is a major driver, but it’s far from the only reason buyers are looking here.

• More square footage for the price compared to Southwest neighborhoods
• Classic early 1900s…

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SHOULD YOU BUY A HOME IN MINNEAPOLIS IN 2026 OR WAIT?

Should You Buy a Home in Minneapolis in 2026 or Wait?

One of the most common questions buyers are asking right now is simple: Should I buy a home in 2026, or should I wait? If you're considering purchasing a condo, townhome, or single-family home in Minneapolis or the surrounding suburbs, the answer depends on several factors — including inventory levels, interest rates, and what type of home or neighborhood best fits your lifestyle.

After working in the Minneapolis real estate market for many years, one thing becomes clear quickly: real estate decisions are rarely about perfectly timing the market. Instead, they are about finding the right property in the right neighborhood that supports the way you want to live.

If you'd like help…

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LIVING IN ST. LOUIS PARK: THE GATEWAY BETWEEN MINNEAPOLIS AND THE WESTERN SUBURBS

Living in St. Louis Park: The Gateway Between Minneapolis and the Western Suburbs

St. Louis Park has become one of the most desirable suburbs in the Minneapolis metro area. Located immediately west of the city, it offers the convenience of urban proximity with the comfort and space of suburban living. For many homebuyers, St. Louis Park represents the perfect balance between city access, outdoor recreation, and strong neighborhood communities.

Residents enjoy quick access to Downtown Minneapolis, while also being minutes away from the lakes and residential neighborhoods of Southwest Minneapolis. This unique location has made St. Louis Park especially popular among professionals, families, and buyers relocating to the Twin Cities.

A Prime…

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