Looking back on some of my most unexpected real estate moments of the year.   Launching Wildernest Cabins After three years of planning and construction, we finally opened Wildernest Cabins this fall. My husband, in-laws, and I transformed a unique property on Duluth's North Shore, designing and building six intimate cabins with private saunas, gas fireplaces, and woodland views. Watching our first guests arrive and fall in love with the experience we've created has been one

As 2025 wraps up, let's see how expert predictions stacked up against reality. and what it means for your plans in 2026. Dip in Mortgage Rates While some experts were overly optimistic, anticipating rates in the high 5% range, The National Association of Realtors (NAR) correctly forecasted rates around 6%. We dropped from an average of 7% in 2024 to about 6.2% now - a meaningful improvement, even if it's not the dramatic plunge buyers wanted. Expect rates to hover around 6% t

Holiday shopping for somebody who just doesn’t need “more stuff”? Tickets to concerts and plays are go-to experience gifts, but here are a few more experience ideas that support local businesses and will create lasting memories! For the Zen-Seeker Washershed brings self care to the next level with spa services, wellness treatments, and their iconic signature bathing rituals featuring spacious sauna & steam rooms, detoxifying salt scrubs, hot and cold tubs, and the most medit

If I were selling my home in 2026, here are the steps I would start now for the smoothest journey to securing the best sale possible. Know My Numbers Before I started getting my home ready to list, I'd begin by getting a home valuation & market report . That way, I'd have a good idea of what my home could be worth now, potential equity, and what I should know about my local real estate market. Get A Jumpstart on Projects Now's the time to begin decluttering and working on mai

Spring has long been peak season for real estate, and for good reason. Pleasant weather, convenient timing for families, and eager buyers all converge between March and June. But here's what most buyers miss: purchasing in winter could put thousands of extra dollars in your pocket. With buyer leverage at its strongest point in years, waiting for spring means giving up your negotiating advantage just as competition heats up. Less Competition = More Leverage While other buyers

One of the best things about owning a home is filling it with loved ones during the holidays. Hosting house guests can also be intimidating, especially when you realize your spare room is currently storing last year's Christmas decorations and a long-abandoned Peloton. If you're gearing up to host out-of-town visitors this season, take a deep breath. With a little planning and the right mindset, you can create a welcoming space without spiraling into perfectionism. Here's wha

The federal government shutdown that began early Wednesday morning is sending ripples through financial markets and creating uncertainty...

Ever notice how everything feels possible in September? That fresh-start energy isn't just for new school supplies – it extends to real...

Three years ago, my in-laws asked me about a unique property along the North Shore near their cottage on Lake Superior. In real estate,...

If you're planning to list your home this winter or early spring, here's a secret that savvy sellers know: the best time to photograph...

Picture this: You walk into a house with great bones in your ideal neighborhood, but the walls are painted neon green, the carpet is...

Summer in Minnesota is pure magic – those precious months when we embrace the outdoors with the enthusiasm of people who've survived...

Warning signs your realtor is not a fit and how to make a switch

In a nation where homeownership has long been considered the cornerstone of financial stability, an astonishing statistic looms large: of...

What does economic volatility mean for our local housing market?

Whether you're hunting for a condo or a single-family home, these are six walkable Minneapolis neighborhoods to know.

My top tips for buyers and sellers on how to make the most of these open door events.

With smart planning, your starter home can become the stepping stone to the home of your dreams.

Bidding wars look to be making a comeback in Spring 2025. Why is this happening and what does this shift mean for buyers & sellers?

Here is how investors impact our market.