Weekly Market Activity Report For Week Ending October 22, 2016

Even though there are still more than two months remaining on the year, there is
little to suggest that the prevailing trends of 2016 will suddenly change. If all holds
firm, inventory will trend lower, prices will trend higher and sales will show that
demand remains strong, despite having fewer homes to choose from.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending October 22:
 • New Listings decreased 4.7% to 1,174
 • Pending Sales increased 8.2% to 1,001
 • Inventory decreased 15.9% to 13,632

For the month of September:
 • Median Sales Price increased 3.6% to $230,000
 • Days on Market decreased 13.8% to 56
 • Percent of Original List Price Received increased 0.9% to 97.5%
 • Months Supply of Homes For Sale decreased 20.0% to 2.8

Publish Date: October 31, 2016 • All comparisons are to 2015

Neighborhood Spotlight: Edina

Edina is a perfect place to live. What began as a small farming town has now become a beautiful suburb. Edina is close to Minneapolis and has the convenience that being close to the big city brings. It also has the large yards and green space that being in a suburb brings. Edina has over 1500 acres of parkland and open space. They also have a great school system. In 2015 Edina’s high school was named the highest ranked school in Minnesota by U.S. News and World Reports. Edina also has a great business presence. Jerry’s Foods, Lunds, Regis Corporation and Dairy Queen all have headquarters in Edina. If shopping is more your thing check out Southdale Center, The Galleria, or 50^th & France.

Quick Facts:

Population: 49,000

Average Home Price: $393,000

Walkability: 36 – Car Dependent/ walkable depending on the area

Here is a beautiful property currently available in Edina:

https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/mn/edina/5205-benton-avenue/pid_14743474/

More Information:

City of Edina Website: http://www.ci.edina.mn.us/

City Livability: http://www.livability.com/mn/eden-prairie

Weekly Market Activity Report For Week Ending October 15, 2016

Housing starts may have fallen for the second month in a row, but the cause
appears to be an abnormally large decline in the multifamily category. An increase
in single-family starts and building permits is a better indicator of a market reacting
positively to the prevailing inventory struggle.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending October 15:
• New Listings increased 5.0% to 1,364
• Pending Sales decreased 0.1% to 994
• Inventory decreased 16.2% to 13,795

For the month of September:
• Median Sales Price increased 3.6% to $230,000
• Days on Market decreased 13.8% to 56
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 0.9% to 97.5%
• Months Supply of Homes For Sale decreased 20.0% to 2.8

Publish Date: October 24, 2016 • All comparisons are to 2015

Have a Spooky Weekend!

There are only two more weekends for Halloween fun. Last week we shared family friendly corn maze activities. This week we’ll share some spooky fun to enjoy this weekend.

The Soap Factory – Haunted Basement – Minneapolis

Every year The Soap Factory turns their basement into something delightfully scary for the month of October. This year is their 10^th anniversary and the theme is a day in the life of a tortured soul. The Haunted Basement is one of the best Halloween attractions in the Midwest for those that like to be scared. The theme may change every year but one rule stays the same: Don’t let go of the rope!

http://www.soapfactory.org/haunted-basement/

Valleyfair – ValleyScare – Shakopee

If you are looking for a little diversity in your haunted house experience check out ValleyScare. With six different haunted mazes you’re sure to find one that fits the scary bill. They even have a new experience called the Skeleton Key. This gets you in front of the line for all six mazes and gives you access to special scary experiences. They will also have limited rides open for when you need to take a break from being scared.

https://www.valleyfair.com/haunt

Trail of Terror – Shakopee

The Trail of Terror is full of fantastic scare opportunities. There is the Howling Pines woods walk where you can walk a dark creepy trail filled with things to make you jump, Hotel 666 with 25 terrifying rooms with “citizens” ready to greet you, and something called the Crystal Caverns where it’s dark and full of surprises. There is also Zombie Paintball and this Saturday is the Running Dead 5k.

http://www.trailofterrormn.com/index.html

http://www.runningdeadmn.com/info.html

May you have a scary weekend!

Good Night, Sleep Tight

Do you ever have trouble sleeping? Did you know there are some simple things you can change in your bedroom to help you catch more z’s?

Image by LilyRose97 via Flickr

1. What color is your room? Studies show that having your bedroom painted blue may lead to you sleeping longer. The reason is the receptors in your eyes. The color blue is associated with calm when picked up by these receptors and helps reduce blood pressure and your heart rate. That all leads to a better night’s sleep. If blue isn’t your thing try grey or another neutral color.
2. Have you thought of adding some green to your décor? Not on the walls but with bringing plants into the room. Plants have been shown to reduce anxiety and stress. They can also help purify the air leading to better breathing which leads to better sleeping. Jasmine, Lavender, Aloe Vera and Golden Pothos are some excellent options.
3. Turn the temp down. This may seem crazy especially with winter approaching but turning your bedroom temperature down a couple of degrees will help you sleep deeper. It sends a signal to the brain that it’s time to snuggle down and sleep.

Hopefully one of these small changes can help you feel more rested and ready for all the adventures of the next day. Good night, sleep tight.  

Weekly Market Activity Report For Week Ending October 8, 2016

Cooling weather and recent interest rate hikes have fewer first-time buyers
shopping for homes thus far this fall, just as many existing homeowners are cozying
up to the idea of remaining in their current homes a little bit longer. With fewer
home buyers and homes for sale, we may see sales and sales prices start to
mellow, or it could mean that the more serious buyers and sellers will simply have
less competition.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending October 8:
 • New Listings decreased 4.1% to 1,395
 • Pending Sales decreased 6.5% to 980
 • Inventory decreased 16.5% to 13,832

For the month of September:
 • Median Sales Price increased 3.6% to $230,000
 • Days on Market decreased 13.8% to 56
 • Percent of Original List Price Received increased 0.9% to 97.5%
 • Months Supply of Homes For Sale decreased 20.0% to 2.8

Publish Date: October 17, 2016 • All comparisons are to 2015

Corn Maze Time

It’s almost halfway through October. If you are looking for some things to do that will get you into the October spirit you should check out some of the corn mazes around town.

Apple Jack Orchards – Deleno

Apple Jacks has a corn maze again this year. Not only can you enjoy the orchard you can pick your own pumpkins or enjoy getting lost in the maze. The maze is open on the weekends and over MEA. They also have music there. October 22^nd – 23^rd is Pumpkin Palooza weekend and October 29^th – 30^th you get a treat if you wear a costume. For more information check out their website: https://www.applejackorchards.com/

Sever’s Fall Festival – Shakopee

Sever’s is celebrating its 20^th year and it is going big with the activities. There is an obstacle course (that’s new this year), an exotic petting zoo, two different corn pits (one is extreme), live music, jumping pillows, zip lines, magic shows and more. All of those activities are free with admission. There is also a pumpkin patch and hay rides that you pay extra for. It’s open every weekend through October 30^th and tickets are $15. If you are looking for more information or a $1 off coupon check out their website: https://seversfallfestival.com/

Twin Cities Harvest Festival and Maze – Brooklyn Park

If you are looking for a Vikings theme to your corn maze look no further. The Twin Cities Harvest Festival dedicated their giant maze to the inaugural year in US Bank Stadium. This is also the largest corn maze in the twin cities. For $12 a ticket you can enjoy the maze, a corn pit, live music, petting zoo, kids play area and a hayride. They have pumpkins and other fun activities, including a mechanical cob of corn, for a bit extra. Part of every ticket sold this year goes to the Vikings Children’s Fund. For more info check out their website: https://twincitiesmaze.com/

Have fun and grab a map for your adventure!

Neighborhood Spotlight: Eden Prairie

Last month Money released its annual Best Places list which rates cities around the U.S. looking for the Best Places to live. #2 on the list this year was Minnesota’s very own Eden Prairie. This attractive city has 37 parks, 17 lakes and 200 miles of sidewalks and trails. The city isn’t just beautiful green spaces. It is also home to some big corporate giants like Optum, Starkey, Supervalu, C.H. Robinson. What this means is a low unemployment rate at 3.6%.  Eden Prairie has highly rated schools including a top rated Spanish immersion school, low crime rates and a convenient location in relation to highways and downtown really round out this city. In 2014 94% of residents rated the city as a good or excellent place to live and it’s easy to see why.

Quick Facts:

Population: 64,000

Average Home Price: $305,000

Walkability: 16 – Car Dependant

Here is a beautiful property currently available in Eden Prairie:

https://www.coldwellbankerhomes.com/mn/eden-prairie/10535-parker-drive/pid_14355686/

More Information:

City of Eden Prairie Website: http://www.ci.victoria.mn.us/

City Livability: http://www.livability.com/mn/eden-prairie

Weekly Market Activity Report For Week Ending October 1, 2016

As the struggle to maintain adequate inventory levels continues in much of the
country, a number of influences have been named as factors in the housing
shortage. One probable cause is the large decline in negative equity on homes that
were bought before the recession. As prices continue to go up, those homes are
either placed on the market and snatched up quickly or they may have even risen to
a less affordable price for today's home shoppers.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending October 1:
 • New Listings increased 3.9% to 1,429
 • Pending Sales decreased 4.0% to 1,066
 • Inventory decreased 16.5% to 14,125

For the month of September:
 • Median Sales Price increased 3.6% to $230,000
 • Days on Market decreased 13.8% to 56
 • Percent of Original List Price Received increased 0.9% to 97.5%
 • Months Supply of Homes For Sale decreased 20.0% to 2.8

Publish Date: October 10, 2016 • All comparisons are to 2015

What’s Happening this Weekend?

Image by Teresa Boardman via Flickr

 We are fully into fall which mean it’s now time for lots of football and lots of Oktoberfest gatherings.

Image by Kellie via Flickr

Tonight is the Chanhassen Storm vs the Chaska Hawks rivalry football game. Since Chanhassen High opened in 2009 there has been a friendly rivalry between the two neighboring schools. Chaska has won the matchup 6/9 times. If you’d like to be part of the festivities you might want to get to the game early. The stands fill up quickly. The game starts at 7pm tonight (10/7) at Chaska High School.

               There are also numerous Oktoberfest parties going on this weekend. Waconia is having their Oktoberfest tomorrow at the Carver County Fair Grounds Event Center. There will be a car show, polka band, German food, beer and more! It’s from noon until midnight and tickets are $7 in advance or $12 at the gate.

Image by Vadim Lavrusik via Flickr

               Excelsior Brewing Company is hosting Docktoberfest. The docks are coming out of Lake Minnetonka but that doesn’t mean the party has to stop. There will be music all the way through Sunday and Lederhosen will be abundant. There will also be a new Bitteschlappe Brown Ale for the occasion. For more information check out the website here: http://excelsiorbrew.com/oktoberfest/

               Have Fun!

9 Fun Ways to Decorate for Fall - -

 

Image by Aaron Harmon via Flickr

1. An attractive centerpiece on your dining table – Bring the outside in with pinecones, leaves and branches
2.  Plaid blankets over a cozy chair – creating a place to have some hot chocolate will instantly make you feel like fall
3.  Use fall leaves to create artwork – fall leaves aren’t just something to rake up. You can gather some really beautiful ones and create an outstanding piece of art. For one diy idea check here: http://theviewfromhere.is/posts/5668e981c7cc1cb911a195f4
4. Gourd, gourds everywhere – fall isn’t just about pumpkins. Gourds can add an element of fun to your decorations. One way is to hollow a section out and use them as tea light holders.
5. Store firewood – Adding it for decorating creates a feeling of warmth on a fall day
6. Paint Pumpkins – While most people carve pumpkins for Halloween there are many other creative ideas that can last a lot longer. An unexpected decoration is a fun painted pumpkin. For 10 different ways to decorate a pumpkin check out this list: http://theglitterguide.com/2014/10/22/ways-to-decorate-your-halloween-pumpkin/10/
7.  Amp up your entryway – boots and fall coats need cozy hooks and lovely racks to live.
8. Bring Fall colors inside – burnt orange, yellow and lively red can add a dash a fall to any room in the form of pillows, blankets and art.
9. Tree Branches for decorations – you could even make your own tree branch coasters using this DIY: http://gardentherapy.ca/natural-branch-coasters/

Weekly Market Activity Report For Week Ending September 24, 2016

An increase in builder confidence could indicate an increase in construction starts
in the near future, which would be great news in a time of continued supply
constriction. As rents and sales prices throughout the country continue to rise,
adding purchasable housing to the market mix over more rentals would help
alleviate the inadequate inventory situation and potentially ease affordability for
prospective buyers.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending September 24:
 • New Listings increased 1.7% to 1,421
 • Pending Sales increased 2.2% to 1,044
 • Inventory decreased 16.5% to 14,244

For the month of August:
 • Median Sales Price increased 5.6% to $237,500
 • Days on Market decreased 14.1% to 55
 • Percent of Original List Price Received increased 0.8% to 97.9%
 • Months Supply of Homes For Sale decreased 21.6% to 2.9

Publish Date: October 3, 2016 • All comparisons are to 2015