On Topic - Lizzie Byrne

Merry Music Must-Have’s

Music plays an important role in our lives and, especially during the Minnesotan winter, provides an essential light and joy. 

From marrying musicians to serving on the board at pillars of the Twin Cities’ arts community, music is woven into every aspect of our lives. That’s why this month, Chad Larsen, Barry Berg, Krista Eull, and Deb Shafer are sharing what music means to them.

What role does music play in your life?

Chad: “My father used to play music in the house when we were kids – contemporary music, but also classical orchestra music. So, I gained an appreciation for classical music. On Sundays, he would put on classical records and often organ music. It would echo through the house with its signature sound. I can still remember it to this…

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Start the Talk, Savor the Season

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it seems our to-do lists quadruple. Whether you’re finalizing travel plans, crafting menus for family gatherings, or getting a head start on gift shopping, checking off these tasks now paves the way for a relaxed holiday season. 

Similarly, if you’re considering selling your home next year, we ask you to take one quick and simple action during November or December: Call the Berg Larsen Group. This conversation sets things in motion allowing you to enjoy the holidays with peace of mind, knowing you’re a step ahead. 

Find What Fits Year Round

The holiday season often reveals how your current home fits your needs.

Is your formal dining room large enough for the entire family to share a meal be it…

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Change is in the Air

Properties are particularly stunning during autumn, showcasing summer's remaining vibrant greens and transitioning into the reddish hues of fall. October offers an ideal window of opportunity for prospective buyers and sellers eager to move, and the current market is flush with variety and value. 

The Twin Cities upper-bracket market has gorgeous properties. If you’re starting your search for what’s next, Chad Larsen and Barry Berg encourage you to inquire and explore the options.

Chad Larsen tells buyers, “Many listings are selling quickly, so if you see something you like, don’t hesitate to schedule a showing.” 

Touring a home in person stimulates your imagination. Look out the living room window and picture yourself admiring the fall colors.…

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From the First Phone Call to Final Paperwork

Whether it’s your first time or your 15th time selling a home, having the guidance and expertise of a seasoned real estate professional is invaluable. That’s why when Mike and Julie were ready to sell their Lowry Hill condominium, a friend encouraged them to contact a local expert: Barry Berg. 

“We knew that Barry has so much history in and knowledge of the downtown real estate market,” says Mike. “My wife and I looked at each other and decided to make the call.”

It wasn’t the couple’s first time selling a home - the two lived in nearly 20 different properties over the course of 40 years - but it was their first time working with the Berg Larsen Group.

“Going into this, we were already familiar with the process,” says Mike. “But the surprising…

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A Berg Larsen Group Sign Could Be a Sign You’re Ready to Move

When you see a Berg Larsen Group “For Sale” sign in front of a home that speaks to you, it could be a sign you’re ready to explore what’s next. 

It was for a couple who recently saw an iconic house with a Berg Larsen sign in the front yard and called the number on it. 

As it turns out, it wasn’t their first time calling the number on a Berg Larsen Group sign. 

“That’s how we bought our previous home,” the client says, laughing. “I guess you could say we’re pretty spontaneous.” 

The Catalyst 

Buying or selling a home may not seem like a spontaneous decision. But when something strikes your fancy and you decide to check it out, you open yourself up to the possibility of finding the right option at the right time.

After reconnecting with…

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How the Berg Larsen Group’s “Insider Expertise” Made Selling a High-End Condo Successful

As a long-time resident of The Carlyle, Chad Larsen of the Berg Larsen Group offers Twin Cities upper-bracket condo buyers and sellers the kind of insider expertise you can’t find anywhere else.

One of his many neighbors/clients sings his praises this way: “If you’re working in top-tier condo buildings, especially The Carlyle, you have to talk to Chad.” 

“It Was Time”

Following retirement, Terry and Connie realized they no longer needed their once essential Twin Cities hub.  “We loved everything about The Carlyle - the building, location, how it’s run, the community and the amenities. But we were also excited to explore what’s next”, said Terry and Connie.

Turning to the Expert 

Terry and Connie reached out to Chad, as they knew him as a…

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The Joy of Diving In

One of the true joys of summer in Minnesota is diving into one of our many scenic lakes. It’s a feeling you don’t get from just testing the water. You’re either all in, or you miss out on one of life’s most refreshing experiences. 

The same could be said about the market for destination homes in the Twin Cities most desirable neighborhoods right now.

“This is an incredible time for buyers and sellers who are ready to take the plunge,” says Barry Berg. “We’ve seen some breathtaking homes come on the market this summer, but these opportunities won’t last forever. This is not the time for a ‘testing the water’ mentality.”

Adds Chad Larsen, “Many of these homes were designed by well-known architects or builders who created unique pieces of art…

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The Sellers Sweet Spot: Home Preparation, Market Timing, and the Berg Larsen Group's Counsel

When you’re ready to sell the home you’ve lived in for more than 20 years, you might realize it’s been a long time since you’ve gone through the process. In that case, you'll need a guide who knows the Twin Cities’ upper-bracket market inside out.

“We always knew that we would call Chad when we were thinking about selling our house,” says S.S and C.S., who knew Chad Larsen through their shared country club and community involvement. After 23 years in their house, it was time to call Chad.

“Once you’re ready to sell, you’re anxious to get moving - we would have been ready to go on the market in November,” recalls S.S. 

However, Chad urged them to wait until late February - the start of the spring market. 

First, Chad presented data showing the…

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Location, Location, Imagination

What makes a home the perfect home? Hint: It often has less to do with what you think you want, and more to do with imagining new possibilities with the help of a visionary real estate professional. 

Barry Berg explains, “By the time you find the ‘perfect’ home, you’ll no longer need it. Your children will have grown up and moved on, or you’ll be ready for a different chapter in your lives, and you’ll have missed out on the opportunity to create and build memories.”

In other words, if a home has 90% of what you’re looking for, congratulations—it could be the perfect opportunity to make it 100% your dream home. 

Just ask Deb and Dan. 

In their search for an urban abode, a condo in the East Isles neighborhood of Minneapolis repeatedly caught…

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Don’t Sweat the Details This Summer

If you’re planning on buying or selling a home this summer, it can feel like you’re jumping from the frying pan into the fire and back.

“Summer is a notoriously busy time of the year,” says Barry Berg. “People are juggling family vacations, summer camps, soccer practice for the kids, and a full calendar of work commitments. Throw in all the different moving parts of buying or selling a home, and it’s no wonder you’re feeling the heat!”

That’s when the cooler heads and real estate expertise of the Berg Larsen Group can make all the difference.

“We truly enjoy envisioning the possibilities with our clients,” says Chad Larsen. “It’s exciting to help you figure out what you’re looking for, where you’re heading, and what your future could be.”

For…

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