Mark Vickerman
Energy Rebates Worth Exploring!

The recently passed Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) brings good news for homeowners looking to upgrade their energy systems. Between now and 2032, you have the opportunity to benefit from various tax credits made available under this new law. One significant change from previous legislation is the removal of a lifetime cap on tax credits. While there's a maximum of $3,200 per year, you can claim this amount annually until 2032. To make the most of these savings, consider spacing out your upgrades wisely. Here's a list of some eligible upgrades.

Energy Rebates Worth Exploring!
Mark Vickerman
Housing Prices Continue to Rise.

It's been a year of low volume sales in the twin cities real estate market.  Closed sales are down 25% from last year. Nearly all the indicators suggest we are moving towards a more balanced market: Inventory is down, pending sales have decreased, and days on the market have increased.  However, when you look at the median sale price and housing affordability, it becomes evident that the market still favors sellers.

Housing Prices Continue to Rise.
Mark Vickerman
The Hill: A Prairie Landscape

So, grubs decided to make a feast out of our yard, and we grew tired of mowing that steep hill. The solution? We decided to transform it into a native prairie landscape, complete with a cool switchback trail. We'd been toying with this idea for a while but got stuck in the whole overthinking phase. Then, this year, we said, "Let's just do it!"

The Hill: A Prairie Landscape
Stacie Hunt Vickerman
Money Making Home Improvements – Plus, Projects ...

Homeowners remodel, redesign, and restructure their homes for a variety of reasons.  In smart news, we share a report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) that takes a deep dive into the reasons a homeowner remodels, the outcome of taking on projects, and the increased happiness found in the home once a project is completed. The report also contains:

·       The typical cost of 19 remodeling and replacement projects, as estimated by members of the National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI)

·       How much appeal each project is likely to have for buyers, according to REALTORS®

·       How much REALTORS® estimates that homeowners can recover on the cost of the projects if they sell the home.

Money Making Home Improvements – Plus, Projects That Bring The Most Joy!
Mark Vickerman
First Quarter 2023 Market Update

The word for the year so far is “Uncertainty”. Lance Lambert with Fortune.com said he tracked 27 different real estate research groups and every single one of them is different in their predictions”. Here are the nuts and bolts of what is going on right now!

First Quarter 2023 Market Update

Twin Cities Market Reality Check

Twin Cities Market Reality Check

This month we thought this trusted professional could break it down for you best. This has been a most unusual year in our community. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic this spring, we have made major changes in how we go about our lives and work. Real estate has been considered an essential activity throughout this period and REALTORS® have adjusted their business practices to ensure the safety of consumers. While the housing market dipped during the initial weeks of the pandemic, activity has been increasing as people feel more comfortable with buying and selling homes.

"Why Didn't We Do This A Long Time Ago?"

"Why Didn't We Do This A Long Time Ago?"

Over the years working to help our clients get their homes ready for sale, there's one thing we hear over and over, "Why didn't we do this a long time ago?". With this in mind, we've come to believe that you should go through your home every couple years as if you are getting ready to sell, then don't! Let's face it, with the pandemic and winter setting in maybe you have time on your hands. Our process breaks it down to three basic steps; Fix it, Refresh it, Stage it.

Lets Get Together and Feel Alright (Virtually of Course)!

Lets Get Together and Feel Alright (Virtually of Course)!

Recently, we were invited to a special event put on by Scott W. Johnston, Merchant & Gould P.C. - Minneapolis Trademark Attorneys, bringing further awareness to racial injustice in our country. It was called "End Racial Injustice," a free in-home Reggae Concert featuring, Innocent, Lynval Jackson, Singing Tony, Prince Jabba, Carolyne Naomi and Lance Pollonais. This live musical performance was dedicated to ending racial injustice in America, put on by Club Calabash.

Let’s Work Together!