Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Here are some fun things happening this weekend!

Bingo & Burgers by the Bay

The Lake Minnetonka Excelsior Rotery presents the 5^th annual Bingo & Burgers by the Bay. Since their first event in 2013, they have donated more than $60,000 to the Excelsior Chamber of Commerce Fireworks Fund for their 4th of July celebration! This family-friendly event will take place in downtown Excelsior, near the movie theater on Saturday, May 6^th from 3-7pm. Live music will follow Bingo from 7-10pm. To add it to your calendar, click here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-bingo-burgers-by-the-bay-tickets-32243815119

May Day on Main

Hopkins is hosting the first annual May Day on Main celebration. Come see an evening performance by Jefferson Starship! Events begin at 3pm and include performances by Farewell Milwaukee and Sleeping Jesus, food trucks, beer garden and cash bar, sidewalk activities and Maypole event, silent auction, fundraising games and activities. Street Admission is free but the shows need tickets.

May Day on Main proceeds benefit The Depot Youth Foundation, Blake Road Corridor Collaborative, Hopkins Activity Center, and Hopkins Center for the Arts. Help us raise money for teen and after-school programs, arts programs, senior activities, crime-prevention, and neighborhood engagement. For tickets click here: https://my.stagestheatre.org/single/SYOS.aspx?p=739

20^th Annual Bud Break

The 20th annual Bud Break is a 5k held at the Minnesota Arboretum.

For those who have don’t this 5k before the course will be run counter-clockwise this year, the way cars travel, making the route fresh, interesting and perhaps faster as runners challenge the hills and prairies in a whole new way. 

Online registration is closed but you can register onsite on race day. For more info click here: http://arboretum.umn.edu/budbreak.aspx


Last but not least is the Cinco de Mayo festivities in St. Paul. For a full list of their events and information about the parade check out their website: http://www.cincodemayosaintpaul.com/parade.html 

Sumptuous Surfaces: The Latest in Luxury Wall Coverings

The room doesn’t just exude luxury. It seems to exhale it, filling the space with majesty. Magnetism. Magnificence. But even with super-luxe fabrics and exquisite furniture pieces…even with priceless art and attention to every detail within the room…there may still be something missing if the frame of the space hasn’t been properly addressed.

And we’re not talking about paint. Today’s luxury homes are increasingly eschewing slathered walls in favor of high-end applications that adopt classic themes, modern interpretations and everything in between. We looked at four luxury trends that will have your walls talking this year.

Classic Luxury Wallpaper

Chinoiserie dates back to the European aristocracy of the 17th century, and its popularity today remains every bit about royal heritage, bespoke elegance and timeless appeal. The hand-painted wallpaper from de Gournay is revered as the industry standard, showcased in some of the finest homes on earth, and is soaring in popularity even outside of more expected venues.

de Gournay

“The broad subject matter of the wallpapers and the diverse techniques we use in their creation mean they inhabit both historic and contemporary environments with ease — often pairing elements from both styles to great effect,” says Harald Donoghue, spokesperson for de Gournay. “For example, a traditional, 18th-century chinoiserie motif might be painted onto a background of tarnished silver leaf, custom colored to resemble rose gold.

“Every single panel of our wallpaper is painted entirely by hand, which means we regularly work to specific briefs outside of current interior trends, each one beautiful and diverting in its own way,” he continues. “However, more recently, the metallic effects we can apply to our existing chinoiserie and Japanese, Korean and scenic motifs never fail to capture clients’ imaginations.”

Contemporary Vinyl Wallpaper

Between the subdued yet rich color palette, the plush materials of velvet and marble and gold accents, and the Serge Mouille light fixtures, it’s hard to know where to settle your eye first at 51fifteen Cuisine and Cocktails in Saks Fifth Avenue…until it lands on the enormous graphic flower that seems to be coming to life right on the wall. The design, and everything else in the talked-about Houston restaurant, was the work of “It Girl” Nina Magon, owner of Contour Interior Design, and it showcases how contemporary wallpaper can transform a space.

51fifteen Cuisine and Cocktails at Saks Fifth Avenue, Houston

“We used a large-scale Wall&decò super graphic vinyl wallpaper to echo the blossom ceiling lighting theme in the entry of the restaurant,” says Magon. “This dramatic wallpaper created the illusion of a three-dimensional pattern that added depth and color to the restaurant design. When used in the proper manner, wallpaper can really change the personality and design of any space. Not only does it provide an eye-catching, large-scale pattern that creates impact, but it actually makes the rest of the room easier to design.”

Leather Tiles

Leather. It’s sensual when worn, and that goes for clothing and walls. That may account for the demand for fine leather tiles in lieu of other luxury wall coverings. With different shapes, sizes and compositions, it’s possible to create a textural mosaic that brings a distinctive touch to an upscale room.

Lapèlle

“Discerning clients demand their interior designers create unique spaces that reflect their lifestyle and personality, and that applies to wallcoverings,” says Paolo Timoni of IMAESTRI, who exclusively handles U.S. sales for leather wall tile leader Lapèlle. “To help interior designers meet the demand of highly sophisticated clients, Lapèlle has created unique leather tiles that offer unprecedented quality and flexibility, with 14 collections, each with different textures and finishes and available in a range of at least 15 to 20 colors and in 14 different shapes and sizes.”

Murals

Scientists believe that paintings depicting seals on Spain’s Costa del Sol are the world’s oldest works of art. Forty-two thousand years later, murals remain a popular artistic expression — albeit with exceedingly more sophisticated techniques.

“Murals were among the very first interior decorations, as seen in prehistoric cave paintings,” says renowned custom artist Paul Montgomery, whose work is showcased worldwide in luxury residences and hotels. “We have always been tuned into nature, history, architecture and landscapes.”

Paul Montgomery

While custom murals and larger-scale design have experienced a recent resurgence among luxury clientele, Montgomery says it’s not about chasing trends. “Classic designs cannot be improved upon, just reinterpreted in thoughtful and exciting ways. The fact that these pieces are less intimidating than they once were, partially thanks to advanced techniques that allow many of them to be hand-painted in the studio and finished onsite, is also a factor.”

By Zachary Chase
This article origionally appeared in the spring 2017 issue of Homes & Estates

Weekly Market Activity Report For Week Ending April 22, 2017

It is a lucrative time to sell a home, and it would appear that it will remain that way
for the time being. Houses that show well and are priced correctly have been selling
quickly, often at higher prices than asking. Thus far, buyers are proving to be
resilient in 2017, keeping the home-purchasing momentum up even amidst the
mounting competition that comes with the annual spring market.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending April 22:
• New Listings increased 4.7% to 2,037
• Pending Sales decreased 9.8% to 1,409
• Inventory decreased 21.5% to 10,625

For the month of March:
• Median Sales Price increased 6.9% to $237,400
• Days on Market decreased 15.3% to 72
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 1.3% to 98.1%
• Months Supply of Homes For Sale decreased 19.2% to 2.1

Publish Date: May 1, 2017 • All comparisons are to 2016

Information gathered from MAAR

What’s Happening this Weekend?

We are in the full swing of Minnesota spring. The weather is crazy. If you are hoping to spend some time outside this weekend, try to plan it on Saturday. It is supposed to rain all Sunday.

If you’d like to celebrate the rain head to the Chaska Community Center for SWCHS’s production of Singin’ in the Rain! There is a show tonight, Friday and Saturday at 7pm. Tickets are $15 for an and $10 for a student. You can find more information and purchase tickets here: iTickets

Waconia Brewing Company is having a new food truck come out Friday and Saturday. It’s called Smashed Potatoes and features… you guessed it lots of potatoes. The use baby red potatoes and grill them with toppings of your choice. For more information click here:  Waconia Brewing

There are a couple of things happening this weekend in the big cities. Craftstravaganza is happening at the St. Paul Fair Grounds. It’s a huge one-day craft sale. For Info visit: craftstravaganza.com  It is also the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival. Tickets are $6-$13 and the shows are running at the St. Anthony Main Theater. For a schedule and more information click here: http://mspfilm.org/festivals/mspiff/

Easy Ways to Live Greener

The U.S. is the number-one trash-producing country in the world, at 1,643 pounds per person per year. In 2008, only a third was recycled, reports the EPA, though experts say more can be. Here, a quick primer:

FOR PAPER

1. Do: Recycle paper with staples, clips, or spirals intact — the metal will be filtered out by machines later. Don't: Include any paper with food stains (think pizza boxes), as they can contaminate a load.

FOR PLASTICS

2. Don't: Forget to remove bottle caps. They're made of a different type of plastic and can mess up a whole batch. Do: Return plastic bags to stores. Find a local spot at plasticbagrecycling.org.

FOR GLASS & METAL

3. Do: Rinse out bottles, jars, and cans; throw away (or recycle) caps. Don't: Worry about labels — they'll burn off at the plant. Do: Include washed pie tins and foil, metal bottle caps, wire coat hangers, scrap metal.

FOR FURNITURE

4. Don't: Make the town dump your first stop. One person's trash is another's treasure — so when you want to ditch an old item, first try freecycle.org, Craigslist, or a thrift store that does pickups.

3 ways to cut the clutter — and save trees in the process

1. Get off junk-mail lists Register with the Direct Marketing Association's DMAchoice mail preference service (dmachoice.org), and you'll see a significant reduction in mail after three months.

2. Permanently place a recycling box an arm's length from your mail bin so you can toss any remaining junk mail pronto.

3. Pay bills online, or set up automatic check paying from your bank account. No envelopes, no postage — and no late fees, if you're on an automatic plan.

• Buy refillable containers Spray bottles, for example, can be refilled from larger jugs or concentrate. Over time, you'll buy — and dispose of — fewer containers.

• Choose concentrated or "ultra" cleaning products, which use 50 to 60 percent less packaging than traditional formulas while cleaning just as thoroughly.

• Don't use more product than the directions indicate Pouring in extra laundry detergent or fabric softener won't get your clothes any cleaner or cuddlier. Instead, follow the markings as directed on the label.

• Stop brown-bagging it (literally) and wasting paper when you pack lunch. The best-tested L.L.Bean Flip-Top Lunch Box (plus some ice packs), keeps contents nice and cool.

• Grab a microfiber cloth, which can take the place of 60 rolls of paper towels before it needs replacing.

• Stash leftovers in reusable containers. Some choices: plastic Rubbermaid Lock-Its (for portability) and glass Snapware Glasslock (for microwave reheating).

• Green your next move with Rentacrate's reusable plastic crates (rentacrate.com), which mean no more dozens of cardboard boxes to tape up and try to get rid of later.

Article from GoodHousekeeping.com 

Weekly Market Activity Report For Week Ending April 15, 2017

In light of the low inventory and affordability situation this year, it was a good
surprise to see existing home sales hit a national 10-year high. It isn't a surprise,
however, to see multiple offers on a home within a few days of being on the market.
Buyer demand is high and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, so it was
also welcome news that builder confidence and housing starts were up as well.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending April 15:
• New Listings decreased 17.8% to 1,612
• Pending Sales decreased 6.7% to 1,374
• Inventory decreased 20.1% to 10,574

For the month of March:
• Median Sales Price increased 7.0% to $237,500
• Days on Market decreased 14.1% to 73
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 1.3% to 98.1%

Publish Date: April 24, 2017 • All comparisons are to 2016

Information from MAAR

10 Things to Look for in a House if You Have Children

Your life at home with children will be easier if your house has some version of these features.

VICTORIA KEICHINGERAPR 12, 2017

Houzz Contributor, Laura Gaskill

If you have kids (or are planning to) and you’re shopping for a house, your what-to-look-for checklist is probably already a mile long. To avoid getting swamped by the home buying process, focus on what you really want from your home. Beyond the basics of location, price, condition and school district, what would really make a home a great fit for your family? Consider adding these 10 items to your home buying wish list!

Photo by Andrea Swan – Swan Architecture – Browse beach style entryway ideas

1. Entry storage. From the strollers and car seats of the baby stage to the sports gear and backpacks of the older years, a never-ending parade of stuff comes with having children in the house — and the more places you have to put this stuff when you walk in the door, the better! Look for a house with built-in entry storage, from closets and cabinets to cubbies and shelves. Having an entry out of view of the rest of the house is ideal, so you can enjoy your home without staring at the gear in the entryway all the time.

Photo by Balla Custom Services – Browse transitional laundry room ideas

2. Convenient laundry. A laundry in the basement may not be the first thing you notice at an open house, but if you have young children, you might want to give the laundry zone a little more thought. Having the washer and dryer on the main level — in a mudroom or off the kitchen, for instance — comes in incredibly handy when you’re wrangling small children who go through more wardrobe changes in one day than Lady Gaga. A laundry near upstairs bedrooms is another good option, since this will likely mean a lot less schlepping of heavy baskets up and down the stairs.

Photo by STOR-X Organizing Systems, Kelowna – Look for traditional entryway design inspiration

3. Stairs that can be safely gated. Speaking of stairs, if you are looking at homes with more than one level, pay attention to the stairs and railings. Look for stairs that can be gated easily at the top and bottom, and sturdy railings without any wide gaps. Airy, open staircases may look beautiful, but if you can’t easily block them, life with a little one will be very stressful.

4. Ditto for the kitchen. While being able to see what’s going on in the living room while you chop veggies for dinner is a definite plus, it still pays to consider how you can gate off the cooking area to keep curious little hands out. Door openings that are larger than standard size may require custom (read: costlier) solutions. Of course, you may decide you don’t need to separate this area … but it never hurts to think about it before you buy.

Photo by Johnson Squared Architecture + Planning – Look for contemporary family room pictures

5. Built-in storage. Built-in storage means more places to neatly stash your family’s stuff, without worrying about anchoring tall, topple-prone pieces of furniture to the wall. Ideally, look for built-in shelving in the living room or family room with open shelves above and closed cabinets below.

Photo by John R. Schroeder, AIA – Discover transitional bathroom design inspiration

6. Kid-friendly bathroom. We’re not talking about a themed bathroom here, but a functional space that will work well for your family. Look for a bathroom with a tub and plenty of room to maneuver — you may be spending a remarkable number of hours perched on a stool beside that tub, so comfort and spaciousness count! Other details to look for include a bathroom mirror that comes down close to the sink (so little ones can actually see themselves), and storage space for bath toys and extra towels, and if you have a large family, multiple faucets are a big plus.

Photo by Stone Creek Builders – Look for contemporary kids’ room design inspiration

7. Bonus space. When you have kids, extra space is always a good thing. Look for an area of the home that has the potential to be used in a number of different ways, from playroom to home office to nursery for a future sibling. If the space (attic, basement) is not finished, find out what it would take to make this area usable in the future.

Photo by Art in Green – More contemporary landscape ideas

8. Fenced yard. Even a small yard can offer big possibilities to a child, from building play forts to digging in the dirt. For your own peace of mind, look for a backyard that is fully, securely fenced, so you can let creative play happen without worrying your little explorer will go toddling off toward the street.

9. A view of the outdoors. Being able to take care of a little chore inside and still have a view of your child playing can be a huge help. A bonus benefit of having a good view of your outdoor space — whether through generous windows, sliding glass doors or French doors — is that it will encourage you and your family to actually use it!

Photo by Blackfish Homes Ltd. – Look for contemporary bedroom pictures

10. Master suite. As a parent, having a space to call your own is so important. Sure, you may end up sharing the space with a toddler who had bad dreams or a random pile of Lego bricks more often than you would like, but knowing that this space is officially yours is worth it. Look for a master bedroom with its own private bathroom and a spacious closet. French doors leading to your own private balcony or patio? Major bonus.

Tell us: Do you have kids in the house? What features do you love the most (or wish you had) in your home?
Related Reads:
Inspiration to Make Your Dream Closet a Reality
Keep Kids’ Spaces Tidy With a Toy Organizer
Dedicate a Corner to Creativity With a Kids’ Table and Chairs

Hello, Weekend!

Happy Friday!

There is a lot going on this weekend.

You can catch a Twins game against the Detroit Tigers today, tomorrow or Sunday. Saturday is Earth day so be on the lookout for events at your local parks. St. Paul, Eagan, Stillwater, Lino Lakes, Bloomington and Blaine are all having cleanup days this weekend. Chaska is having theirs on May 6^th.

There are also a lot of events to remember Prince on the anniversary of his death. There is a special concert at First Ave in Minneapolis. There is also a 4-day celebration that started yesterday at Paisley Park called Celebration 2017. To find out more about the Paisley Park events in Chanhassen check out their website: https://officialpaisleypark.com/

The Minnesota Woodworkers Guild is presenting a Northern Woods Exhibition featuring woodworking by local artisans with furniture, decor, and accessories made from wood. It’s free at the Eden Prairie Center. Daily from April 20-22, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. April 23, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Have fun and enjoy the sunshine!

It's time to start planning a garden

Spring is here and summer is coming sooner than we think!  It’s time to start planning a flower garden. Why not grow your own flowers from seeds?  

1. Start with good seeds. The best place to get seeds is from your Grandma or someone you know. A lot of avis gardeners harvest seeds from old-fashioned, heirloom flowering plants every summer and are willing to share. Annuals such as Marigolds are some of the easiest to harvest.  If you can’t find someone who can share, there are several good seed catalogs online: http://www.thegardenglove.com/top-garden-seed-catalogs/ 
2. Seed starter trays. Purchase a couple of seed starter trays for a few dollars at your local garden center or make your own out of egg cartons or a clean container that’s two or three inches deep. Make sure to give it some drainage by punching a few holes in the bottom.
3. Start with good, clean dirt. Seed starter mix can be purchased at your local garden center.
4. Planting the seeds. Drop your seeds on top of the soil and cover, but check your seed package first. The rule of thumb is usually three times the size of the seed. However, some seeds, like Alyssum, should not be covered at all because they need more light. Loosely covering with plastic wrap will help keep your seeds warm and damp. Uncover when the sprouts start showing.
5. Water lightly. It’s best to mist your seedlings until they get established or place the tray in a little water.
6. Place in a sunny window. A kitchen garden window is perfect for starting seedlings, but if you don’t have one, place your seedlings in front of any window that’s sunny and away from drafts. If your plants start to lean toward the light, they are not getting enough sun.
7. Move your new plants outdoors slowly. When your plants are ready to move outside you should give them a little bit of the outdoors every day. Maybe move them to a porch the first day or two. Then give your new plants a few hours outside every day for about a week so they get used to it. Your new flowers should then be ready to plant.

Are you planting vegetables, flowers or both this season?

Info gathered from Coldwell Banker Burnet Blueprint Blog

Weekly Market Activity Report For Week Ending April 8, 2017

With both inventory and months of supply struggling to keep up with demand, it will
not be unusual to see some weeks where pending sales post a year-over-year
decline, especially if new listings droop below the standards set during the prior
year. Meanwhile, we can continue to expect to see sales prices forge their way
upward and affordability shrink downward in what is expected to be a pleasant
spring and summer for sellers.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending April 8:
• New Listings increased 1.4% to 2,013
• Pending Sales decreased 9.1% to 1,337
• Inventory decreased 21.7% to 10,188

For the month of March:
• Median Sales Price increased 7.0% to $237,500
• Days on Market decreased 14.1% to 73
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 1.3% to 98.1%
• Months Supply of Homes For Sale decreased 19.2% to 2.1

Publish Date: April 17, 2017 • All comparisons are to 2016

Information gathered from MAAR

Have you heard about Hygge?

It’s pronounced Hue-guh and is a Danish word for cosy/comfortable. It is the newest lifestyle trend. It’s about creating a minimalist approach to your home decor while also having it looked lived in and comfortable. It’s about a being able to enjoy a peaceful cup of coffee in comfy socks. The question is how does one create Hygge at home. Here are 4 ways:

1. It’s not about one specific style but more about a state of mind. This means looking at a space like your living room and asking yourself how to make it warm and cozy. It might mean decluttering everything and just leaving a simple palate of throw blankets. You could also have comfortable pillows and create spaces to relax.

• This style isn’t about having a pristine white feel to your spaces. Try introducing wood finishes like a warm walnut or natural oak.
• The less is more approach doesn’t just mean decluttering. Hygge also included finding the best solutions for your spaces. Having small nesting tables instead of a larger coffee table is an example.

• Light will make your home feel more comfortable. Having the right lamps in your house helps. Pick them not only for design but for function. Natural light is always the best but you can create a natural feel through beautiful lamps and daylight bulbs.

In a fast paced world that can be stressful a lot of time your home should be an oasis for you to relax in, maybe the concept of Hygge will help. 

Weekly Market Activity Report For Week Ending April 1, 2017

Confidence in buying a home has fallen according to the Fannie Mae Home
Purchase Sentiment Index after hitting an all-time index high in February.
Continuing price increases and low inventory are easy answers for why the index
fell. The good news is that an improved employment outlook and higher wages are
major factors toward purchasing a home, and demand is not expected to abate.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending April 1:
• New Listings decreased 3.9% to 1,874
• Pending Sales decreased 5.2% to 1,303
• Inventory decreased 21.7% to 10,003

For the month of February:
• Median Sales Price increased 7.7% to $223,250
• Days on Market decreased 14.6% to 82
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 1.4% to 96.5%
• Months Supply of Homes For Sale decreased 28.0% to 1.8

Publish Date: April 10, 2017 • All comparisons are to 2016

Weekly Market Activity Report For Week Ending March 25, 2017

During the first quarter of 2017, housing affordability has clearly become an issue
for some buyers, as prices continue to rise amidst strong demand. Even so,
pending sales figures have generally remained positive across the nation. A better
balance between high-price inventory and starter homes being sold would be the
most beneficial situation for the marketplace.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending March 25:
• New Listings increased 6.3% to 1,584
• Pending Sales decreased 4.9% to 1,292
• Inventory decreased 23.0% to 9,874

For the month of February:
• Median Sales Price increased 7.6% to $223,000
• Days on Market decreased 14.6% to 82
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 1.4% to 96.5%
• Months Supply of Homes For Sale decreased 28.0% to 1.8

Publish Date: April 3, 2017 • All comparisons are to 2016

Happy Friday - It's the Parade of Homes.

This is the last weekend of the parade of homes! It is supposed to be in the upper 50’s for the temperature all weekend so it should be a lovely time to get out and see the Parade. You can see beautiful homes and gather great ideas

This year’s Parade features 481 new homes. You can easily narrow that number down using their website. You’ll be able to filter by builder, whether a home is new or remodeled and if it is part of the Green Path. They even have a tool if you set up an account to create your own tour path. 

Have fun and enjoy the parade!

Questions Every Buyer Should Ask Before Making an Offer on a Home

Buying a home is a big financial commitment, so it’s important to make sure that you’re getting the best value for your money. While a home inspection will help prevent a buyer from purchasing a property that is full of problems, there are many things that the sellers can choose to withhold if they aren’t asked directly. Knowing which questions to ask can help you cover your bases and will prevent you from wasting money and time if the home is at risk for major problems in the future.

Carefully review any disclosures that the sellers provide, and check to see if the following questions are answered. If they aren’t, have your real estate agent ask the listing agent before you decide to make an offer on the property.

1. How old are the home systems, and how often have they been serviced? The HVAC and electricity systems might be working when you look at the home, but if they’re old or have gone a long time without being properly maintained, you might end up having to spend a great deal of money to have them inspected or replaced with a newer system.

2. What are the monthly expenses? Asking the current homeowners what they spend on utilities each money is a good way to get an idea of what you’ll be paying. People often forget to include utilities and bills in their monthly expenses list, so get an estimate.

3. When was the roof last replaced? Asphalt shingle roofs usually need to be replaced every 15 to 20 years, so if the roof on the home is approaching the 15-year mark, you might be looking at a major future expense.

4. Is this a “stigmatized property”? In some states, sellers are not required to disclose if there has been an occupant death, murder, suicide, or serious illness of someone living in the home. Whether such an event has occurred might not make a difference on whether or not you make an offer, but it’s good to know the history of your home, especially if it could negatively impact future resale value.

5. Are there any warranties on the appliances staying with the home? If the sellers are leaving behind any appliances, ask them to provide the warranty documentation. You’ll want to be able to review the paperwork to see how long everything is covered and what the terms and conditions are.

If the home happens to have some potential red flags before you put in an offer, that’s not to say you shouldn’t make one. Asking upfront allows you to be aware of any lingering issues instead of being surprised by giant problems that could have been foreseen. Be a smart buyer, and always make sure that you have a home inspection done on the property after you make an offer. A thorough inspection will expose any issues that need to be resolved immediately and can give you an idea of future home projects as well.


Source: Tamara Oakley - Blue Matter Blog http://blog.coldwellbanker.com/questions-every-buyer-should-ask-before-making-an-offer-on-a-home/

Weekly Market Activity Report For Week Ending March 18, 2017

The number of existing home sales was down last month, indicating that there is
still a large divide between supply and demand. However, we need to keep in mind
that the value of the housing market is the highest it has been in years. Confidence
and household incomes are increasing, which are indicators of future home buying,
which should lead to a continued strong market.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending March 18:
• New Listings decreased 2.2% to 1,728
• Pending Sales decreased 2.7% to 1,247
• Inventory decreased 23.7% to 9,633

For the month of February:
• Median Sales Price increased 7.8% to $223,500
• Days on Market decreased 14.6% to 82
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 1.4% to 96.5%
• Months Supply of Homes For Sale decreased 28.0% to 1.8

Publish Date: March 27, 2017 • All comparisons are to 2016

What's Happening this Weekend?

The MSHSL Boys Basketball State Championships are this weekend. They are at Target Center on Sunday, March 25th. Come cheer on your favorite team. Games start at 11am and continue until the AAAA game at 8pm. The games are below:

• Champlin Park vs Apple Valley (AAAA)
• DeLaSalle vs Austin (AAA)
• TBD (AA)
• Minneapolis North Community vs TBD (A)

If basketball isn’t your thing consider visiting one of the indoor winter markets. There is one at the Mill City Museum from 10am – 1pm featuring local food, ceramics, jewelry, art and home products. There is also one at Bachman’s Floral Home & Garden - 6010 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis from 9am – 1:30pm. Both are on Saturday.

Last but not least there are a couple of movies out this weekend. If you haven’t already seen it consider Disney’s Beauty and the Beast which came out last weekend. It is the #1 movie in the world currently. It is also rated 70% on Rotten Tomatoes. If you have seen it there are a couple movies out this week including CHIPS and Power Rangers. 

Weekly Market Activity Report For Week Ending March 11, 2017

In the last three months, the Federal Reserve has now twice increased its
benchmark interest rate a quarter point. The good news is that this was an
expected move due to strong confidence in the economy. Mortgage rates will likely
increase as well. That said, homes are still selling quickly, and there is little
indication that the trend will slow down in the spring and summer months.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending March 11:
 • New Listings decreased 3.3% to 1,740
 • Pending Sales decreased 11.1% to 1,102
 • Inventory decreased 24.8% to 9,290

For the month of January:
 • Median Sales Price increased 7.7% to $223,250
 • Days on Market decreased 14.6% to 82
 • Percent of Original List Price Received increased 1.4% to 96.5%
 • Months Supply of Homes For Sale decreased 28.0% to 1.8

Publish Date: March 20, 2017 • All comparisons are to 2016

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

There are a bunch of events going on this weekend for you to enjoy whether or not you are irish!

All Metro transit rides are free for St. Patrick's Day so feel free to ride the bus into Minneapolis to enjoy their parade at 7:30 Friday night. There will also be various attractions throughout Minneapolis and St. Paul.

On Saturday it is free ink day. If you've ever wondered what print making entails you can go give it a chance for free. It is at the Highpoint Center for Printmaking in Minneapolis. Wear clothes that can get messy and plan for at least 30 minutes of working on your art. 

Do you like trivia? On Sunday there are a couple of local options to get your game on. Mainstreet Bar and Grill in Hopkins has trivia starting at 7pm Sundays. Your other Sunday option is Cy's bar in Chaska at 8pm. Trivia is run by Trivia Mafia and usually lasts around 2 hours. A helpful hint is to look up the internet only question of the day before you go. You'll get a free point that most teams miss. To find out the question head to http://www.triviamafia.com. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day. May you have a great and safe night.