Sometimes it’s hard to believe the spring market starts in February, but thankfully this year’s great weather (well, minus this week’s substantial winter storm) has everyone thinking about whether they’re ready to move. That means preparation is the key to maximizing this particularly opportune time. Barry Berg and Chad Larsen offer a perspective on what buyers and sellers can do now to make the most of this season. 

“The sooner we have the chance to start discussing things, the better we can help you,” Barry assures. 

Sellers: Spring into Action to List Your Home 

Act quickly before listing your property by focusing on a few high-priority projects to get your home ready to sell. Touch up the paint and declutter wherever necessary. It’s too early…

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“They live up to their excellent reputation.” 

That’s the quote that now graces our billboard display, near our Bde Mka Ska office. We don’t often use billboards, but when this prime spot became available, it felt like the right opportunity to connect. 

To make the most of this space, we decided we would try to capture our essence through fresh photographs. So, we got dressed up and gathered our team at 35 Groveland Terrace on an overcast December morning. It was quite a fun day as we enjoyed each other’s company in a new property we proudly represent. 

When it came time to choose the right headline for the billboard, we knew that we wanted to feature something our clients had said about us. After all, your words often convey our identity more…

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The prospect of a new year often prompts reflection and resolution. We ask ourselves what’s next. Perhaps we recommit to what’s already working for us or maybe we commit to something new. Both are viable options, even when it comes to our homes.

At some point, you decided to buy your current home. For many Berg Larsen Group clients, a home is a long-term commitment. It’s common for people to find the home that checks all the boxes and then to make adaptations as life changes. We have clients who have stayed in their current homes for decades, and it warms our hearts that the home remains the right fit and the best financial decision.

However, you may ponder whether you’re interested and ready for your next home. Life is a series of what’s next, so…

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One of the many perks of living in Minnesota is being able to experience all four seasons and the variety of outdoor activities they offer. 

Subject to snow conditions, Barry Berg often enjoys cross country skiing during the winter months. For Chad Larsen, platform tennis is the way to go. 

“Playing platform tennis, or paddle tennis, is a great outdoor sport to embrace the winter weather,” says Chad. “It is a fast-paced, doubles game that is great for exercise and camaraderie.”

In addition to enjoying winter sports, Chad has a tradition of incorporating seasonal elements into some sweet treats. 

Chad explains, “Over the years, starting when we first moved to Minnesota 25 years ago, we have gone strawberry picking, raspberry picking, and…

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The holidays are a time of tradition - both cherishing the old and creating the new. 

Timeless Traditions

One of Barry Berg’s big holiday traditions is his annual “Soup Night” the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. 

“This year was our 23rd annual such evening,” says Barry. “We typically host 45-55 people that evening. Each year, we provide the soups (3 ‘made from scratch’) and wines, while inviting guests to bring hors d’oeuvres, salads and desserts. It’s always a terrific start to the holiday season.”

As the season progresses, Barry looks forward to typically celebrating Christmas with Walter’s family in New York City. There, they always include at least one “family-friendly” Broadway musical as a family and often attend one or two  other shows…

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One of the best parts of the holiday season is seeing how people decorate their homes. While some people gravitate towards the traditional look, others choose a more modern feel or perhaps even a creative theme. At the Berg Larsen Group, various styles are represented - from Charlie Brown trees to ornaments from around the world.  

More Decor!

When it comes to holiday decor, everyone has their own little twist. For Deb Shafer, traditional decor is the way to go. 

“I have very sentimental ornaments and a nativity set from my mom and dad, who are no longer with me,” says Deb. “My niece started my collection of nutcrackers about 15 years ago, and it continues to grow each year.” 

Krista Eull, on the other hand, chooses a less traditional…

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It wouldn’t be the holiday season without memories of family food traditions, a handful of memorable gifts received, and the gifts we’ve shared with others. 

Our Favorite Festive Foods

For Deb Shafer, having a casual Christmas Eve dinner of grilled cheese and tomato soup is a favorite holiday tradition. 

Deb explains, “When my daughters were little, I decided it was too much to prepare a big Christmas Eve dinner, get them to bed, then create Christmas magic. So, we started having grilled cheese and tomato soup for dinner. My husband and I still look forward to having it every year and my daughters now do the same with their families.”

Chad Larsen, on the other hand, saves his appetite for something a little sweeter. Each year, Chad looks…

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In our everyday work, we have the opportunity to know you and your lifestyle. Our ability to guide you through your home buying or selling process hinges on understanding who you are, how you live, and what’s important to you. But, oftentimes our clients don’t have the opportunity to know us in that way. That’s why this year, we want to extend the same to you by sharing what’s important to us during the holiday season. 

Through the end of the year, you’ll see a handful of blogs highlighting some of our holiday favorites - foods, traditions, decorations, movies, and more. Stay tuned and be sure to check out our Instagram and Facebook for some fun holiday photos. 

Happy Holidays from the Berg Larsen Group!

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Jon Ness - Licensed Realtor and Business Partner 

As houses go on the market and buyers start their search, Jon Ness, licensed realtor and partner at the Berg Larsen Group, shares his best tips on surviving showings. For buyers and sellers alike, showings season is an exciting and busy time. We are here to help you stay prepared and organized amid this active spring season. By following Jon’s advice to put extra work in ahead of time, you can do more than just survive showings - you might even enjoy them.

It’s the Little Things

Before putting your house on the market, we recommend hiring professionals to do the first round of deep cleaning. Hiring a team to do the initial sweep makes your upkeep between showings easier to maintain. When…

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Chad Larsen - Business Partner and Licensed Realtor

After selling three condos within two weeks, colleagues started asking Berg Larsen Group Partner Chad Larsen, “Is the condo market back?” To which he emphatically says yes, and it prompted this blog post to ask and answer a few more questions.

Timing is Everything

For condo owners who have decided to sell, their decision didn’t happen overnight. Many people started thinking about moving last year and in the meantime, invested in updating their space. After some new flooring, painting, and light renovations, their units were ready to hit the market. Instead of rushing to list their condos, people waited until after the Superbowl to put things into motion, anticipating the surge of buyers this…

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