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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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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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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Sometimes it’s hard to believe the spring market starts in February, but thankfully this year’s great weather (well, minus this week’s substantial winter storm) has everyone thinking about whether they’re ready to move. That means preparation is the key to maximizing this particularly opportune time. Barry Berg and Chad Larsen offer a perspective on what buyers and sellers can do now to make the most of this season. 

“The sooner we have the chance to start discussing things, the better we can help you,” Barry assures. 

Sellers: Spring into Action to List Your Home 

Act quickly before listing your property by focusing on a few high-priority projects to get your home ready to sell. Touch up the paint and declutter wherever necessary. It’s too early…

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“They live up to their excellent reputation.” 

That’s the quote that now graces our billboard display, near our Bde Mka Ska office. We don’t often use billboards, but when this prime spot became available, it felt like the right opportunity to connect. 

To make the most of this space, we decided we would try to capture our essence through fresh photographs. So, we got dressed up and gathered our team at 35 Groveland Terrace on an overcast December morning. It was quite a fun day as we enjoyed each other’s company in a new property we proudly represent. 

When it came time to choose the right headline for the billboard, we knew that we wanted to feature something our clients had said about us. After all, your words often convey our identity more…

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The prospect of a new year often prompts reflection and resolution. We ask ourselves what’s next. Perhaps we recommit to what’s already working for us or maybe we commit to something new. Both are viable options, even when it comes to our homes.

At some point, you decided to buy your current home. For many Berg Larsen Group clients, a home is a long-term commitment. It’s common for people to find the home that checks all the boxes and then to make adaptations as life changes. We have clients who have stayed in their current homes for decades, and it warms our hearts that the home remains the right fit and the best financial decision.

However, you may ponder whether you’re interested and ready for your next home. Life is a series of what’s next, so…

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One of the many perks of living in Minnesota is being able to experience all four seasons and the variety of outdoor activities they offer. 

Subject to snow conditions, Barry Berg often enjoys cross country skiing during the winter months. For Chad Larsen, platform tennis is the way to go. 

“Playing platform tennis, or paddle tennis, is a great outdoor sport to embrace the winter weather,” says Chad. “It is a fast-paced, doubles game that is great for exercise and camaraderie.”

In addition to enjoying winter sports, Chad has a tradition of incorporating seasonal elements into some sweet treats. 

Chad explains, “Over the years, starting when we first moved to Minnesota 25 years ago, we have gone strawberry picking, raspberry picking, and…

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