Early spring in Minnesota isn’t quite as picturesque as one might hope. Instead of green lawns and blooming flowers, we’re often shoveling driveways and navigating puddles.

But regardless of the forecast, one thing remains constant: first impressions matter.

In the latest episode of Setting the Standard, Chad Larsen and Barry Berg discuss the importance of curb appeal and why every showing counts.

The First Showing Happens Online
The first time buyers see your house likely isn’t at the front door. That’s why Barry often reminds sellers that the most important showing might just be the one with the listing photographer.

Buyers begin touring properties on their phones. They’ve studied the photos, scanned the floor plans, and likely taken a video…

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What we call the “spring market” in Minnesota doesn’t wait for peonies to pop. That’s because the market isn’t driven by the weather, but by buyer behavior, school-year timing, and strategic positioning. 

As we step into this active time of year, we’re sharing fresh insights through our podcast, Setting the Standard - Conversations with Chad and Barry from the Berg Larsen Group. 

In the season premiere, Chad Larsen and Barry Berg explain when  the spring market truly begins, why it starts earlier than many expect, and how both buyers and sellers can position themselves ahead of the curve. From understanding seasonal rhythms to preparing thoughtfully and intentionally, their conversation offers clarity on how to make the most of the season.

Spring…

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As headlines draw attention to issues affecting many Minnesotans, we’re reminded how deeply community matters here – and we continue to be inspired by the strength and connection that carry us through challenging moments.

The Seeds are Planted

Beneath the snow and beyond the winter chill, the spring real estate market is quietly coming to life. The groundwork may not be visible yet, but it’s taking shape, as it does every year. 

Drawing on decades of experience, we’re sharing insights to help buyers and sellers prepare for a successful season. From thoughtful pricing and presentation to perspective on neighborhoods, timing, and trusted vendors for all-important home projects, Chad Larsen and Barry Berg help clients move forward with clarity and…

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As we embark on the 2026 real estate season, buyers and sellers are presented with an ideal opportunity: a fresh start, a clean slate, and a renewed sense of energy. 

Barry Berg and Chad Larsen emphasize that a new season doesn’t begin with watching - it begins with stepping onto the field. 

Getting in the Game

“This time of year, we often see people waiting on the sidelines,” says Barry. “They’re scrolling through listings and monitoring the market, but they’re waiting for the ‘perfect’ moment to join in.”

However, change doesn’t happen by observing alone.

Chad affirms, “You can’t play if you don’t play.” 

Whether that means listing your home, purchasing a new one, or simply starting the conversation, participating means progress. 

…

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Our final recipe of the holiday season is a fantastic jambalaya that Barry’s husband makes for their annual night-before-Thanksgiving “Soup Night.”

“This year’s event was the 25th such evening, which I began years ago as a kickoff to the holidays, designed not to compete with the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Walter makes the jambalaya, which guests absolutely love and have come to expect as one of the three fresh soups we make each year.”

And in case you missed it, be sure to check out Barry’s Pumpkin Lentil Soup recipe.

Jambalaya

Ingredients:

âť– 1 cup cooked & sliced andouille sausage (smoked sausage)

âť– 2/3 cup of smoked ham OR â…“ cup diced tasso and â…“ cup diced pickled pork (if unable to find tasso and pickled pork, use smoked ham…

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Barry Berg invites us to try his recipe for Pumpkin Lentil Soup. Here, he shares not only his recipe, but also his secret to entertaining friends and family.

“When I first moved into a downtown condo, recognizing that I was likely to be someone’s guest for Thanksgiving dinner in future years, I decided to invite friends the ‘night before Thanksgiving’. This night, a soup and wine dinner, is a tradition I’ve now done for 25 consecutive years.” 

“What began as an evening with perhaps 14-15 guests has grown to accommodate closer to 45-50 guests, with the same formula from 25 years ago: Walter and I make 3 soups from scratch, invite guests to bring hors d’oeuvres, salads, and desserts, while we provide the soup and wine.  The food doesn’t compete at all…

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Through the end of December, we’re sharing some of the Berg Larsen Group’s favorite holiday recipes. Follow along for delicious eats and a look into the Berg Larsen Group team’s festive traditions. 

Today, Krista Eull is sharing her crowd-favorite mashed potatoes, and a tasty salad that pairs well with any holiday spread. 

“This recipe came my way in 1987 when my group of high school friends decided to start an annual Christmas party (a party that continues each year, now in April to avoid the holiday rush, 38 years later!). I shared the ‘hosting’ duties and cooking with my friend Tami whose mom had this exceptional mashed potato recipe on hand – and my family has never looked back! We can no longer eat “regular” mashed potatoes at the holiday…

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Today we are sharing sweet holiday memories with an even sweeter recipe from Krista Eull. 

"Our family holiday recipe is for homemade “Mounds Bars.”  My big sister, who already had a family of her own in the early ‘90s, started making them and she’s made them EVERY Christmas since. I got the recipe and have followed in her footsteps once I stopped celebrating the holiday with her. For a while, we saw each other every other Christmas, and she would always send us a tin full of her Mounds Bars as part of our gift. She knew that we couldn’t go without them! They disappeared fast. The whole extended family now expects them each and every year. They are greatly loved!"


Krista and her great-niece snowshoeing in Steamboat, Colorado in 2018

Mounds…

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Deb Shafer is bringing a savory slice of holiday cheer to our recipe series. Her Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese will keep you toasty warm this holiday season, so you can weather whatever comes your way.

"We really don’t have any special holiday traditions. We didn’t live close to our families, so it was always just the four of us. When our girls were very young, I started a tradition for Christmas Eve. Instead of making a huge meal, I started making parmesan-crusted grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Every year, we would eat that and then watch 'It’s a Wonderful Life'. My girls now do the same with their families."

 Parmesan Crusted Grilled Cheese

Ingredients:

âť– Your favorite kind of bread

âť– Butter

âť– Garlic salt

…

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As a cookie connoisseur, it says a lot when Deb Shafer calls out her Chocolate Cappuccino Cookies as a favorite.

“One of my friends and I get together a week or so before Christmas and bake hundreds of cookies. We give them out to family and friends each year.”

Read below for the full recipe, and be sure to let us know if you give them a try!

Chocolate Cappuccino Cookies

Ingredients:

âť– 2 cups butter, softened

âť– 4 cups packed light brown sugar

âť– 4 eggs

âť–  5½ cups of all-purpose flour

âť– 1 cup unsweetened baking cocoa

âť– ¼ cups instant coffee granules or crystals

âť– 1 teaspoon baking powder

âť– 1 teaspoon baking soda

âť–  1 teaspoon salt

âť– 1 bag (10oz) cinnamon-flavored baking chips

Directions: 

âť– Heat oven to 350…

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