Buying a home often has little to do with luck. 

Instead, it usually centers around thoughtful preparation, curious exploration, and expert guidance.

Become the Best Buyer You Can Be

Becoming a “ready buyer” doesn’t happen overnight – it’s a thoughtful, multi-step process.

Whether you’re relocating across the country or right-sizing nearby, taking early, intentional steps can make all the difference once you begin your search. 

Each step contributes to a sense of clarity and confidence – a rhythm that helps you move through the process with ease.

Mind Over Matter

Contrary to what some people may think, readiness isn’t just about being emotionally or financially prepared. It's also about understanding the pace of the market, your…

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If you’re considering selling your home, chances are you’ve already started thinking about things like timing and value. And while timing and pricing are key, there’s another key factor that often gets overlooked - preparation. 

How well you prepare your home can make all the difference while setting the stage for a successful sale.

Preparation is Priceless

When it comes to getting your home market-ready, there’s often more to do than you think - but it’s also not as overwhelming as it may seem. 

From decluttering and depersonalizing to thoughtful updates and staging, the process is about making calculated changes that will help buyers envision their future in the space with ease. Even small edits can have a significant impact on not only how…

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In the debut episode of Setting the Standard - Conversations with Chad and Barry from the Berg Larsen Group, Chad Larsen and Barry Berg explore one of the most common questions they hear: “How’s the market?”

While it may sound simple, the answer is anything but. 

How’s the Market?

Much like asking about the weather in Minnesota, “How’s the market?” has become a kind of small-talk shorthand. 

But, when people ask it, they typically aren’t just asking about real estate trends. Instead, they’re really asking about timing, value, and opportunity for their own unique situation: What does the market mean for me? 

Well, It Depends…

Market timing isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. 

Whether you’re buying or selling, there are strategic…

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Between mornings at farmers markets, long days on lakes, and more time to spend with family and friends, it’s no wonder that Minnesotans love their summers. And, as Realtors, we always enjoy the summer market too. 

Saying So Long to that Sweet Summer Market

There’s no doubt that properties look particularly stunning with greenery and gardens in bloom. 

June and July showing activity was seasonally steady, and August always reflects a predictable and slight slowdown as potential buyers engage in a wide range of summer activities. That’s why, as the State Fair and Labor Day approach, our attention shifts toward the fall market.

“We sense buyers are eager to return to their home searches and homeowners are preparing to put their homes on the…

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Summer is a season of possibility. Not only is the market ripe with opportunities, but properties shine in a whole new light when the grass is green and the flowers are blooming.

These circumstances create the perfect opening for buyers and sellers alike to explore neighborhoods, tour homes, and think about their next move.

Crafting Your Criteria
In order to find what you’re looking for, you have to know what you’re looking for. That means knowing your criteria - your non-negotiables and nice-to-have’s.

“Initial considerations may be things like your budget and ideal location,” says Chad.

However, there are lots of other factors to keep in mind.

“When we are working with clients, it’s essential that we truly understand them,” Barry explains.…

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When Lindsay’s parents relocated to the Twin Cities years ago, they trusted the Berg Larsen Group to help them find the right home. And, when it was time for Lindsay and her husband to move to Minneapolis in 2020, her parents didn’t hesitate to make the introduction. 

A Virtual Search, A Personal Connection

Buying remotely while preparing for the big medical school move, Lindsay and her husband turned to Barry’s expertise. 

“We couldn’t tour the houses in person, so Barry toured them with my mom and used video to walk us through,” says Lindsay. “If he said, ‘I wouldn’t let my kids buy this’, we trusted him.”

With Barry’s guidance, they landed a charming Minneapolis home. 

“We got a great deal on the house,” Lindsay shares. “We trusted him…

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In Minnesota, we live for summer—the stretch of warm months when the weather is perfect, the lake is calling, and our homes become hubs for activity, relaxation, and connection.

As summer brings new rhythms—grad parties, out-of-town guests, long weekends, and fireworks—it also prompts us to use our homes differently. With each gathering or getaway, you may start to notice whether your home is truly meeting your current needs.

From Grad Parties to Guest Suites
If you’re hosting outdoor events this summer, you might be wishing for a bigger patio, deck, or yard. Or perhaps entertaining has you rethinking your kitchen setup—does it support how you like to cook and connect, or would a better layout or prep kitchen make a difference?

Frequent visitors…

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Good conversations start with good questions. That’s why Barry and Chad rounded up some of the ones they hear most often. You’ll find their general responses below—but don’t hesitate to reach out for advice tailored to your unique situation. With decades of experience, they’re always ready to offer insight and guidance. Just ask.

 

Buyers Ask:

Will I need a lender pre-approval letter if I’m going to write an offer on a home?

Yes, we will need to provide that with any offer, if you will be obtaining a mortgage. This will be especially critical if we find ourselves in a competitive offer situation, as listing agents and sellers will need to know that you can secure financing. However, if you are a cash buyer, you will need to provide some…

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Guidance from an experienced professional is vitally important. But, finding someone with expertise in the downtown condo market was even more important for Joshua Shaffer as he embarked on his first-time homebuying journey. A referral led him to the Berg Larsen Group.

“Right away when Barry and I met, he was interested in my preferences,” says Joshua. “His genuine care defined our approach to finding the right condo for me.”

Beyond the typical questions surrounding location and architectural design, Barry encouraged Joshua to consider the age of buildings, how many units they had, and how their HOAs were structured.

Joshua recalls, “Barry was invaluable in determining the unknown unknowns. He helped me identify the things I didn’t know to think…

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It’s never too early to connect with Chad Larsen and Barry Berg to talk about what’s next. 

No matter if you’re thinking six months or six years ahead, having a conversation is an opportunity to think about where you are now and what you might want in the future. 

“When people approach us to discuss what’s on their mind, we can act as their sounding board,” says Chad.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to listen, ask questions, and offer advice,” adds Barry. “A conversation isn’t a commitment. It’s a pressure-free environment to talk things through with a professional who can offer support and feedback.”

Since the 1980s, Chad and Barry have helped people navigate their next steps. 

“In 2024, 90% of our work was with past clients, their…

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