Minneapolis Real Estate Blog

A Walk in the Park: Twin Cities' Top Strolls

Andy Asbury — Mon, 17 Jun 13 14:29:18 -0500

Now that the weather has become suitably summer-like (finally!), we thought we might take a moment and reflect upon the Twin Cities’ many options for beautiful walks to take. Whether you’re inspired by natural landscapes, urban cityscapes, or both, the Twin Cities offers dozens of destinations, perfect for any occasion. Our favorites, in no particular order:

• Milwaukee Avenue. This historic district, tucked away off of Franklin Avenue in the Sewar...

The Return of an Urban Icon

Andy Asbury — Wed, 12 Jun 13 17:06:44 -0500

When interpreting the state of the economy, media will often place a large emphasis on the number of apartments, condos and single family homes being built. And rightly so! However, with the recent announcements of a new Vikings stadium as well as the massive renovation of the downtown East region, the influence of the hospitality industry should not be over looked.

To that end, the (very) recent re-opening of the Millennium Hotel in downtown Minneapolis is noteworthy. Closed f...

Minnesota Legislature alters foreclosure rules

Andy Asbury — Thu, 23 May 13 22:31:57 -0500

Raise your hand if you love politics. Most likely, few hands went into the air. And that’s OK. But the reality is that a lot of what politicians do affect us directly. Lawmakers passed a whole bunch of laws during the recently concluded legislative session, but I wanted to touch on one of them in particular.

It’s called the Homeowners’ Bill of Rights, and its goal is to reduce foreclosures in Minnesota. If you’re so inclined, you can read the bill

Big-time redevelopment slated for Minneapolis

Andy Asbury — Mon, 20 May 13 12:49:25 -0500

The Linden Hills Neighborhood Garage Sale

Andy Asbury — Thu, 16 May 13 10:04:50 -0500

With warmer weather suddenly upon us, residents of the Twin Cities have begun the time honored tradition of the spring-cleaning garage sale. For the next few months, hundreds of families will begin the yearly process of getting rid of that bike they never rode or those golf clubs they never learned how to use.

In Southwest Minneapolis' Linden Hills community, residents have adopted a unique tactic toward ridding themselves of these items. Every May, dozens of families in this quaint ...

Minneapolis: A sports best

Andy Asbury — Tue, 14 May 13 22:25:07 -0500

It’s been a long time since any of our local professional sports teams – save for the Vikings and the Brett Favre era – have really been relevant on the national stage. But how about we let that slide, OK? This isn’t a blog post about winning or losing. Not in the winning games or losing games sense, anyway.

But suffice it to say that Minneapolis (and

Uptown's newest apartment complex and a brief history lesson, too

Andy Asbury — Tue, 07 May 13 13:20:19 -0500

If you've been keeping up to date on the Minneapolis luxury apartment goings-on (and who hasn't?), you know the Twin Cities are going gangbusters – it seems like every day there's a new boutique building breaking ground.

This past weekend, we were shopping in Uptown – the shopping district near the lakes and dozens of great restaurants and shops – when we decided to visit The Walkway. Under construction, this luxury apartment complex is set to boast underground park...

Food truck season is upon us

Andy Asbury — Mon, 06 May 13 08:52:10 -0500

Please take a moment to remember winter. Maybe you even feel a little sorry for winter. After all, it really wanted to stick around this year. You know the feeling when you just can’t let go? You know how hard that is? That’s got to be what winter felt like.

OK. That’s done. Let’s move forward. Because it’s almost summertime here in the Twin Cities. Getting a little ahead of ourselves? Maybe. So instead of celebrating summer, let’s pay h...

How to navigate the new condo market

Andy Asbury — Sun, 28 Apr 13 21:21:16 -0500

If you’re looking to live in downtown Minneapolis, you’re not alone. Not only is there a well-documented surge in construction – especially of luxury apartment buildings – but there also are lots of people who have serious interest in making their home in the urban landscape.

But we&r...

Another beautiful apartment building coming to Minneapolis

Andy Asbury — Fri, 19 Apr 13 12:15:15 -0500

The construction parade in Minneapolis continues.

In an attempt to keep up with an increasing demand for city living, another apartment building is slated for completion next year. Assuming the Minneapol...

Minneapolis: The city that offers everything

Andy Asbury — Wed, 17 Apr 13 14:43:53 -0500

By Ashley Delisle
University of Minnesota

Growing up in North Dakota, I have always loved Minneapolis – or the "big city." This made my decision to attend college at the University of Minnesota very easy.

Minneapolis is a city that truly offers everything, and has that Minnesota nice aspect as well. Although winter in Minneapolis tends to overstay its welcome, the city looks beautiful in any of the four seasons, especially fa...

How safe do you feel?

Andy Asbury — Sun, 14 Apr 13 15:00:07 -0500

Picture this: It’s a beautiful evening. The temperature is in the low 70s and there’s not a whisper of wind. The moon is full, the stars are twinkling. You need some exercise. There is a fitness room in your condo building, but you also know fresh air does wonders. So you consider taking a walk outside.

The question, then, is whether or not the walk will be enjoyable. Do you feel safe venturing out in the city after dark, or will an uneasy feeling prev...

A look at condo associations

Andy Asbury — Sun, 07 Apr 13 20:39:24 -0500

It’s fair to say the condo market is humming along, and we’re seeing lots of people who are interested in living the urban lifestyle. Many of these people either are first-time homebuyers, or first-time condo buyers. One frequent question relates to condo associations, so I figured I’d tackle the topic in a little bit of detail.

In general, condo owners make a payment every month to their condo homeowners association. There is a huge range of ass...

'Twins Territory'

Andy Asbury — Wed, 03 Apr 13 20:08:48 -0500

Minneapolis is a wonderful place. It’s easy to get around. There are wonderful restaurants and cultural amenities including museums and concert halls. The people are nice (and I maintain that’s not just because we Upper Midwesterne...

Spring! Spring! Spring!

Andy Asbury — Fri, 22 Mar 13 15:39:28 -0500

Spring is in the air. How do I know? Glad you asked.

1. I can hear the water falling off the roof. That means the sun is sufficiently high in the sky, and the temperature is sufficiently warm, to melt the white stuff. And we all know that when snow melts it turns to water, and then gravity takes over and it falls from the roof and hits the ground. And that’s the sound I’m hearing.

2. The thermometer says the temperature ...

Minneapolis and St. Paul: best bets for St. Patrick’s Day

Andy Asbury — Fri, 15 Mar 13 15:21:57 -0500

St. Patrick’s Day is just around the corner. Really. Truly. It’s on Sunday, March 17. But don’t wait until then to celebrate. Really. There’s no need. Because if you wait until Sunday, ...

In Minneapolis, biking is the way to go

Andy Asbury — Sun, 10 Mar 13 10:30:09 -0500

When people who don’t live in Minneapolis think about the city, they often think about cold. About winter. And about a frozen tundra. We know there’s much ...

Luxury apartments will change Minneapolis skyline

Andy Asbury — Tue, 05 Mar 13 20:58:05 -0600

If you find yourself in downtown Minneapolis in the near future, take a look at the skyline.

It won’t be the same for long. That’s because two luxury, high-rise apartment buildings are about to go up – one in the

Energy-efficiency tax credits, rebates and savings in Minneapolis and St. Paul

Andy Asbury — Sat, 23 Feb 13 14:43:09 -0600

You don’t have to live in a mansion to worry about energy costs. No matter what the size of your home, you’ll always incur expenses to run your appliances, power your lights and keep your place warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

But the bills don’t have to be as high as they are right now.

There are a variety of things you can do to save on energy. Turn off your lights when you’re not using them. Keep the windows clos...

'The Future is Here'

Andy Asbury — Fri, 15 Feb 13 06:56:49 -0600

Several months ago, we blogged about a study, commissioned by Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, that included 1,001 members of Generations X and Y (18- to 35-year-olds). According to respondents of that study, the results of the housing downtown taught them a lot about real estate, but the downturn itself won’t keep them on the real estate sidelines.

Valentine's Day Top 3: Where To Eat, Where To Shop

Andy Asbury — Mon, 11 Feb 13 15:32:31 -0600

An Insider's Guide to Valentine's Day in Minneapolis This Valentine's Day, whether you're dining out or cooking at home, we want you to have a great time. Following is a list of some of our favorites. For more, be sure and head over to our guide to Dining in the Twin Ci...

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Leads the Way

Andy Asbury — Sat, 09 Feb 13 09:18:52 -0600

When Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate was launched in 2008, the downturn in the housing market was just beginning. The nation’s economic slump already had begun. In short, it wasn’t the best of times to be starting a new real estate business.

But just more than four years later, there are more than 8,000 agents in 26 states and Canada. The company, in a nutshell, is doing well. It never hurts to be able to leverage such a tried-and-true li...

In Rankings, Minneapolis Scores Well

Andy Asbury — Wed, 06 Feb 13 09:55:17 -0600

Even if you’re not an inherently mean person, not prone to having to outdo others, it still feels good to be recognized as being near the top. That’s why as people we, in general, like compliments, and like to hear that what we’re doing is good. And it’s true of where we live, too. Nobody wants to hear about how bad their city or neighborhood is.

Luckily for them, that’s not really something Minneapolis residents have to be concerned about. The city c...

The Urban Baby 'It List'

Andy Asbury — Fri, 25 Jan 13 07:41:33 -0600

Few are the people who, in some form or fashion, don’t have a baby in their lives. Some people have babies of their own. Others have grandchildren. And still others have friends with children or grandchildren. No matter your relationship to them, the Twin Cities and surrounding areas have a wide variety of shops and activities aimed at babies, and those who love them.

Oh Baby!
This store, which is located in ...

Gold Medal Park in Minneapolis: A Closer Look

Andy Asbury — Fri, 18 Jan 13 21:47:13 -0600

In a town like Minneapolis, where it is obvious officials have prioritized green space, some spots simply stand above the rest. Gold Medal Park, which is one of the city’s newest parks, is...

Minneapolis, St. Paul, and a hat tip to Nordic heritage

Andy Asbury — Wed, 09 Jan 13 10:30:07 -0600

Out With 2012, In With 2013

Andy Asbury — Tue, 01 Jan 13 10:01:48 -0600

So here we are, about to embark on a new year. There are many indications that 2013 is shaping up to be a good year. More condos and other buildings are planned for downtown Minneapolis, the real estate market continues to improve, and, oh yeah, the Minnesota Vikings are going to the playoffs!

New Year’s resolutions may be a little cliché, but what the heck. It’s tradition, right? So here is a quick list of resolutions, specifically tailored to you condo...

Safety in the City

Andy Asbury — Sat, 22 Dec 12 10:55:02 -0600

How much time do you spend thinking about safety? It isn’t exactly a fun subject to think about. It’s sort of like writing a will or buying life insurance – unpleasant, but necessary. At the same time, making sure you’re safe doesn’t take long, and you might be surprised by the peace of mind it gives you. Condo buildings in Minneapolis are safe places, but even so, a little safety planning can go a long way.

Following are a few ideas:

Development in Minneapolis going gangbusters

Andy Asbury — Fri, 14 Dec 12 10:47:22 -0600

In recent months, we’ve been awash in signs of a rebounding real estate market. More sales. Higher prices. More competition for homes, especially those in good condition and in prime areas.
While that’s true in many places, it’s especially the case in Minneapolis.

Simply put, there are big things happening in Minnesota’s largest city. New condo buildings. New apartment complexes. Expanded (and expanding) mass transit, and more peopl...

Four Festive Ways to Spend December in Minneapolis and St. Paul

Andy Asbury — Sat, 08 Dec 12 10:43:03 -0600

Is it just me, or is it a little hard to get into the Holiday spirit this year? True, we got some snow yesterday, and are slated to get more this weekend. But for what seems like weeks, the temperature has been in the 40s and what little snow we’ve had is long gone. A white Christmas? The white stuff now on the ground notwithstanding, I’ll believe it when I see it. Luckily, if you don’t mind a little outside influence, there’s plenty in Minneapolis and St. Paul that can h...

After 40 years, St. Paul’s historic Union Depot re-opening its doors

Andy Asbury — Fri, 30 Nov 12 11:09:24 -0600

There’s a new chapter being written in the already rich history of Lowertown St. Paul’s Union Depot, which at one time was the transportation hub in Minnesota’s capitol city.

For the first time since it closed in 1971, the Union Depot...

Real estate continues to gain steam

Andy Asbury — Sat, 24 Nov 12 07:48:30 -0600

It’s often constructive to look back on where you’ve been as you move forward. But when it comes to real estate, that’s not been an especially fun thing to do.

For years we’ve seen condos and lofts, and single-family homes, selling at relatively low prices. Sellers who didn’t go low enough had their properties sit on the market for months, and, in some cases, even longer. Buyers, on the other hand, had to have the cash to buy a house – or the ab...

Thanksgiving in Minneapolis

Andy Asbury — Fri, 16 Nov 12 14:43:31 -0600

Turkey Day is nearly upon us. It’s a day to give thanks for what we’ve been given, of course, and a reminder of how far our nation has come. For some, it’s a day of gluttony and food-induced naps. For others it’s an opportunity to spend some time with family and friends. Following is a look at local Thanksgiving traditions, both old and new.

Food
Everyone has their own food preferences, but some of the mainstays include turkey, stuff...

Buying a condo in Minneapolis, and why it pays to be near transit

Andy Asbury — Fri, 09 Nov 12 15:54:44 -0600

Of all the desirable aspects of living in a condo or loft in Minneapolis, proximity is the highest on many people’s lists. That includes proximity to sporting events and the arts, bars and restaurants and nightclubs, shopping and office buildings. But don’t forget about transit. For many of the folks with whom I work, the ability to live in close proximity to transit is one of the main reasons for choosing to live in a downtown loft or condo.

In Minneapolis, the primar...

The time to prepare for winter is now

Andy Asbury — Thu, 01 Nov 12 22:07:23 -0500

I hate to even think about it, but winter could come any day. Tomorrow might be sunny and warm, and we could wake up the day after that to a foot of snow on the ground. And below-zero temperatures. For who knows how long.

Sorry. Am I bringing you down? That’s not my intent. Many of us make a big show of our disdain for the cold and snow, but we still live here in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, right? I think a lot of us – present company included – enjoy winter. ...

The housing downturn’s impact on a generation of homebuyers

Andy Asbury — Mon, 29 Oct 12 11:14:55 -0500

We’re just now emerging from a housing downturn that left a bad taste in many peoples’ mouths. But it apparently didn’t dampen the home-ownership enthusiasm of the next generation of homebuyers.

According to a survey of 1,001 members of Generations X and Y (18- to 35-year-olds), which Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate commissioned, the housing downturn – and the resulting media coverage – taught them a great deal about real esta...

Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Area Leaders featured in Washington Post story

Andy Asbury — Sat, 13 Oct 12 07:51:39 -0500

In previous posts, I've elaborated on some of the reasons why I believe there have been a lot of positive signs for the real estate market.

The following article, in which Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Area Leaders is featured, takes a little bit broader look....

Positive news for the Minneaplis and St. Paul lofts and condos market

Andy Asbury — Fri, 05 Oct 12 08:32:22 -0500

What a difference a year makes. During the final months of 2011, condos, lofts and other properties sat on the market, generating little interest among potential. Then the calendar turned to 2012 and those same properties were hot commodities, with many of them generating multiple offers and bidding wars.

That, of course, was good news for sellers. And the even better news? That scenario continues to play itself out across the Twin Cities lofts and condos market.

Y...

Five festive fall activities in Minneapolis and St. Paul

Andy Asbury — Wed, 26 Sep 12 09:46:02 -0500

As the summer wears on, we casually mention how the fall will be here before we know it. (And winter after that, but let’s focus instead on there here and now.) Well, fall is upon us.

If you’re like many of us, you’ve got a long to-do list, and what seems like not enough time to accomplish it all. Yet, it’s important to get out of your condo or loft every now and again and enjoy some of the good things Minneapolis and St. Paul have to offer.

...

Condo residents, try a farmers market

Andy Asbury — Tue, 11 Sep 12 15:11:37 -0500

The farmers markets in Minneapolis and St. Paul can be sights to behold, juxtaposing as they do the best of rural and urban life. During each market, you can watch as Minneapolis residents shop the selection and then ...

Check out the $7 Million Dollar View from the Aveda Founder’s new Minneapolis Condo

Andy Asbury — Fri, 18 Nov 11 10:42:22 -0600

The media has been buzzing all week about Horst Rechelbacher’s new 18,000 square foot condo. And rightfully so… it’s truly amazing! The condo is two stories tall and completely wrapped in glass. The views are just shocking and I snapped this video last night to give you an idea of what Rechelbacher will enjoy every evening when living at the Phoenix on the River.

Minneapolis Welcomes Mill District City Apartments

Andy Asbury — Thu, 11 Nov 10 00:13:49 -0600

On an unusually warm November day, the construction crew at the Mill District City Apartments paused for only a moment so Mayor R.T. Rybak could make a toast to another great development soon to unveil in Downtown Minneapolis. During the ceremonial “Ribbon Cutting” Mayor Rybak applauded the efforts and collab...

Minneapolis' North Loop Neighborhood 30 BC (Before Condos)

Jim Asbury — Wed, 20 Jan 10 00:36:15 -0600

By now we take the extraordinary rebirth of the Minneapolis North Loop for granted. First Avenue North is a long-established entertainment street, the new Twins stadium is connecting downtown with the industrial district beyond, and hundreds of architecturally distinctive condos have been constructed in landmark warehouse buildings or built new. It all seems to make sense as a piece—and of course it does.

Yet a modern-day Rip van Winkle awakening after 30 years would be ...

Minneapolis Condo Financing: Tax Credit Update

Amy Haugen — Sun, 17 Jan 10 23:15:38 -0600

If you’ve been on the sidelines waiting for the “best” time to purchase that new home, you might want to start NOW to benefit from the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit that expires April 30, 2010.

The success of the First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit of 2009 in stimulating the housing market brought Congress to pass legislation that will continue to help first time home buyers as well as extend a new tax credit to current homeowners in t...

Developers of the Skyscape Condos Cash Out

Andy Asbury — Wed, 06 Jan 10 23:23:06 -0600

Tandem Developers, a Chicago based development firm, whose Minneapolis condo project known as Skyscape has reportedly sold their remaining unsold condo inventory to a local investment group called Opportunity Advisors (Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal, 1/6/10, Sam Black). The terms of the sale have not been released to the public yet but the Star Tribune estimates that the sale included approximately 30% of the homes at Skyscape.

All Aboard! Minneapolis Condo Owners and Commuters Look Forward to Light Rail Plans

Eric Solberg — Tue, 05 Jan 10 21:42:26 -0600

The Hiawatha light rail transit (LRT) has provided a growing number of commuters a viable alternative of transportation since it began operation in 2004. While its success has been nothing short of spectacular (ridership has already exceeded pre-construction estimates for the year 2020 according to the Metropolitan Council), its reach is limited, and its likely many Twin Citians have never even stepped foot on the train. That’s all about to change as rail development ...

Do you think your property taxes are too high? Well just pay less... here's how!

Eric Solberg — Tue, 13 Oct 09 22:41:14 -0500

Warning: This could take 30 minutes of your time. So if you're billing out at hundreds of dollars an hour you may not find this worth your while. Everyone else... listen up! Property tax refunds are real, they are easy to obtain and they are far too often overlooked. Have you filed yours yet? If this didn’t make your summer to-do list (how can we blame you), don’t fret – there’s still time. &nb...

Minneapolis Condominiums on the Light Rail Featured in Video Blog

Andy Asbury — Tue, 06 Oct 09 23:24:57 -0500

Minneapolis condominiums are often built in locations that provide amenities to residents that extend far beyond the walls of the building. One project in particular that truly exemplifies this development trend is Olin Crossings in South Minneapolis. Balanced by a combination of modern advancements in transportation and lasting natural beauty, Olin Crossings offers urban living in an am...

Will the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Be Extended?

Eric Solberg — Mon, 31 Aug 09 22:19:39 -0500

Expiration of the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit is fast approaching. Qualified purchasers wishing to take advantage must close on a home on or before November 30, 2009. But will it be extended? Maybe. Maybe not. The only certainty at this point is that the tax credit currently in place is one sweet deal.

The biggest advantage of the current tax credit is the fact it doesn’t have to be repaid – provided the home purchased is your primary residence for at least three ...

Short Sale… What is that?

Andy Asbury — Sat, 11 Jul 09 19:08:10 -0500

If you’ve been on the hunt to purchase a new home lately there is a good chance you’ve heard the term “short sale”. It’s quickly become a very popular term in the real estate industry and many new home buyers could use the cliff notes version of what it’s all about. Here is a short explanation so when your friend tells you he just bought a short sale you won’t think he picked up a new pair of Bermudas.

A short sale occurs when a h...