Holiday Traditions & Celebrations

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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Decking the Halls

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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From Ugly Sweaters to Timeless Classics: the Berg Larsen Group Shares their Festive Favorites

Feeling festive isn't one size fits all. For some people, the perfect sweater is what gets them in the mood, while others watch their favorite seasonal flicks and debate whether Die Hard is a holiday movie (which Chad Larsen unequivocally believes it to be). Whether you’re looking for some festive fashion inspiration or new movies for your watch list, the Berg Larsen Group has you covered.  

Festive Fashion

When it comes to Chad’s festive holiday garb, an “ugly” sweater is never out of the question. Additionally, Chad has been known to rock some bold holiday pants. 

“I do occasionally enjoy providing some shock and awe during the festive holiday season, while still looking good,” says Chad. “I just purchased an updated version for this year!”

…

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Far Away from Home for the Holidays

Sometimes, the best holiday memories happen far away from home. 

Far Away Holidays with Barry Berg

For Barry Berg, there were many wonderful Christmas ski vacations in years past to Sun Valley, Idaho or Snowmass/Aspen, Colorado. Barry recalls, “As a family, we have shared memories as much about the ambience, music and celebrations in those locales as about the beautiful days spent on the slopes.” 

In addition to being a family of skiers, Barry’s daughter was a competitive figure skater. 

“We have memories of her skating during vacations and of ‘ice shows’ featuring many of the top national and international skaters,” says Barry. 

Christmas ‘Up North’ with Krista Eull

As children grow older, oftentimes our holiday traditions grow as well.…

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The Realtor’s Realtor

In certain aspects of life, professionals turn to other professionals for expert guidance. Doctors consult with fellow doctors, lawyers seek advice from their legal peers, and Realtors like Denise H. choose the Berg Larsen Group.

After dedicating nearly two decades to helping others buy and sell homes in the Twin Cities, Denise found herself ready to part with her own home of 38 years and embrace condo living. Recognizing the significance of this transition, she sought the support of seasoned industry professionals, ultimately turning to the Berg Larsen Group. 

Throughout her real estate career, Denise had crossed paths with Barry Berg and Chad Larsen on several occasions.

“I always had respect for the way they did business,” Denise reflects.…

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Enjoying Festive Foods and Memorable Gifts

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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Introducing Our Holiday Series

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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Don’t Let This One Pass You By – Sage Advice from the Berg Larsen Group

After two decades in Deephaven’s picturesque, resort-like neighborhood of Cottagewood, Deb and Dan decided it was time to embark on the next chapter of homeownership. They were ready to return to the city and take advantage of the ease of condo living.

Their quest for an urban abode led them on a Zillow search, but the places they found were bland at best—however, a particular address on Humboldt Ave. S., a captivating 110-year-old building with seven units, repeatedly caught their eye, even though it didn’t have all their initial wish-list items.

Cue Chad Larsen from the Berg Larsen Group. What unfolded next was a seamless transition guided by expertise, unparalleled service, and a touch of serendipity. They sought Chad’s counsel because they felt…

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When the Time is Right for You

There's a right time and a wrong time to buy or sell a home -- only it’s not what you think it is. You may see stories in the media or listen to a well-meaning friend or family member. They lead you to believe you can time the market, but the market isn’t one size fits all, and this is especially true for homes valued at one million or more.

With more than 60 combined years of experience with upper-bracket homes in the Twin Cities’ most iconic neighborhoods, Chad Larsen and Barry Berg conclude that timing is more a matter of what you can do now to be ready when it feels right for you. 

While some times of the year are “better” than others, it’s really a matter of strategically positioning your property, and more importantly, it’s a matter of having…

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Sometimes it’s not who you know, it’s who we know

The Berg Larsen Group is all about building trust relationships – with clients, vendors and other real estate professionals. 

“I don’t see myself as a salesman,” explains Barry Berg. “I’m a counselor. I’m here to listen to you and get to know you. Because when I understand what’s important to you, I’m able to help you find the right home, in the right neighborhood, and the right community, where I know you’ll be incredibly happy.”

Our Network is Your Network

For decades, the Berg Larsen Group has been counseling upper-bracket clients and matching them with their dream homes. But in many ways, that’s only the beginning of the relationship. 

The support you receive from Barry and Chad goes well beyond closing, as their network of referrals…

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