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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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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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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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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It’s hard to believe that June is approaching, and we’re nearly halfway through 2024. 

Like the past few years, the spring real estate market continues to bloom through May, with excellent properties popping up across the metro. That means there’s still time and opportunity for those considering buying a home this year. 

Chad Larsen and Barry Berg offer perspective for buyers this season.

Finding the Property That’s Right for You

It’s no secret that finding your next home is a significant decision. There are many considerations, such as your lifestyle, ideal location, and when you’d like to move in. 

“As a Realtor, our job is to help you identify what matters - your true wants and needs,” explains Chad. “Once we have that level of…

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In the real estate industry, we’ve seen a steady shift in demographic trends over the past several years. As reported by the National Association of REALTORS, millennials (ages 25-43) are now the primary home buyers, representing a total of 38%. 

If you’re selling your home, that means your buyer is likely younger than you are and has different interests. Barry Berg and Chad Larsen share some key insights about millennial homebuyers.

Time is Precious - Millennials Prefer Fewer Home-improvement Projects

Time is a precious commodity for this demographic.

People are incredibly selective about how they spend their limited free-time. For many buyers, this means house projects fall to the bottom of their to-do list. 

“Buyers often have a…

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The Twin Cities and greater metropolitan area is known for offering a variety of truly excellent neighborhoods - from luxurious lakeside living to charming suburban residences. For decades, the Berg Larsen Group has successfully paired people with the homes that are right for them in the communities that we know best. 

While our clients are primarily concentrated around the Minneapolis Chain of Lakes, Downtown Minneapolis, and Edina, we’ve helped people buy and sell their homes in more than 100 zip codes from the western suburbs to the east metro and beyond. By focusing on some distinct geographies, we’ve developed a deep knowledge and understanding of their key characteristics and offerings. Whether you’re looking for a specific architecture,…

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As the market welcomes new listings and prospective buyers want to find the perfect home, Barry Berg and Chad Larsen are here to offer their expert insights for navigating showings with ease. The season is both thrilling and bustling for everyone involved. Rest assured, our guidance is designed to keep you prepared and poised during this dynamic spring period. By dedicating time to preparation, we think you'll be pleased with the results.

It’s the Little Things

Before putting your house on the market, the Berg Larsen Group recommends hiring professionals for the first round of deep cleaning. Hiring a team to do the initial sweep makes upkeep between showings easier. When prospective buyers walk through your home, we want to give them a clean slate…

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With the hustle and bustle of the spring real estate market, it’s the season of showings and open houses. While both provide key opportunities - for buyers to explore properties and for sellers to get their homes in front of prospective buyers - there are notable differences and strategies to consider. 

Chad Larsen and Barry Berg share their perspective on several important questions. 

What’s an open house versus a showing?

When people hear the phrase “open house,” they tend to think of one definition: an event where the general public can tour your home. While that is one type of open house, the Berg Larsen Group notes that there are also open houses exclusive to Realtors. These Realtor-only events allow agents to get acquainted with the…

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When the time comes to sell a family home, the journey is filled with memories and emotions. For Sally R. and her siblings, this began with the decision to sell their parents' beloved home in St. Louis Park, a property not just rich in memories but also situated on a substantial lot in a highly sought-after neighborhood.

Sally was familiar with the Berg Larsen Group because their “sold” signs decorated her parents’ neighborhood for years. She’d heard that they’re known for their extensive industry experience and profound knowledge of the upper-bracket real estate market, so she reached out to Barry Berg for an initial meeting.

Sally explains, “People think it’s easy to sell their own house, but I think it’s important to have a partner and a…

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