The road to homeownership is a complicated process. Be prepared to take your time when purchasing a home. As you dive into the process of buying a home, remember that the current housing market is more competitive than ever. An ever-growing pool of buyers (many of...
Big, bare, and beautiful, these architectural elements demand attention. Find out if exposed beams can make a striking statement in your new home construction or renovation project. Favored for their old world and country-chic appeal, exposed ceiling beams add a...
Getting ready to settle into your new property After you’ve completed your home sale with pets, there are some things to keep in mind as you move into a new property with your furry friend. Moving homes can be a confusing time for your pets, but there are tips...
When planning a new kitchen or major remodel, a key decision you’ll need to make is whether to run the upper wall cabinetry all the way to the ceiling or to install cabinets with a gap above them. Most homes built in the last 50 years have kitchen cabinets that...
When you inherit a home or other real estate from a lost loved one, it can be tricky to navigate the emotional waters ahead. Here are insights you can use as you decide how to accept or refuse the inheritance, and whether to live in, rent out or sell the property....
Break through the jargon to ensure you choose the right paint for the job. By Karen Rechenberg, PPG Paint When it comes to paint, there’s a lot of jargon, from “sheen” and “finish” to “scrubbability” and “washability.” A novice painter might find themselves asking:...
Even a cozy home can use some festive flair. Many homeowners have decked the halls early this year. Those who are embracing the warmth and coziness of home during the pandemic are finding themselves in a particularly festive spirit. Sixty-seven percent of consumers...
The mudroom may be getting renamed and becoming much more of a necessity. A home’s mudroom may be getting renamed the “disinfection room.” In an era of a pandemic, preventing the spread of bad germs is high on most people’s lists. The mudroom is gaining prominence as...
There’s nothing better than a cozy, crackling fire on a cold winter night. But if you don’t keep your fireplace clean, soot, ash and other debris may start making their way into your living spaces. The Chimney Safety Institute of America recommends scheduling an...
Statistics show that 85 percent of a house’s heat loss is straight up through the attic space. Houses built before the energy crunch in the early ’70s, might just have a little bit of fiberglass insulation in the attic or empty cavities between the joists....
Like a sprite spreading cheer upon a midnight clear, ice wrangler Jennifer Shea Hedberg crafts luminaria wonderlands—and teaches others to do the same. Her tools? Buckets, balloons, water and a little help from Old Man Winter. As temperatures plunge and indigo...
Reduce your carbon footprint and increase your savings with these tips from the pros Home Tech In our eco-conscious (and money-conscious) age, there’s really no excuse for wasting energy at home. There are dozens of extremely easy, small steps you can take right now...
Real estate continues to be called the ‘bright spot’ in the current economy, but there’s one thing that may hold the housing market back from achieving its full potential this year: the lack of homes for sale. Buyers are actively searching for and purchasing homes,...
Long ago (on the timeline of technology), social media was exposed as a disingenuous platform for self-promotion, image, and materialism — just a facade of real life. It has since evolved to include a new generation of echo chambers and misinformation. Yet with the...
In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, I’ve seen a dramatic increase in client demand for 360-degree virtual home tours. By Julie Legge, guest contributor Buyers and sellers alike want options to view homes remotely and keep everyone involved in a transaction as safe as...
Down payment gifts, or mortgage gift funds, are increasing in popularity as more and more first-time homebuyers enter the market. For buyers who can afford a monthly mortgage payment and other housing expenses, but who have a hard time saving up a down payment nest...
Whether you’re following a new recipe, preparing multiple dishes at once or simply desire to cook in a clean, stress-free environment, organization is key. With so many of us in the kitchen more than ever — baking banana bread, tending to sourdough starters,...
After you’ve completed your home sale with pets, there are some things to keep in mind as you move into a new property with your furry friend. Moving homes can be a confusing time for your pets, but there are tips you can implement to make the transition for your...
What are the five best questions to ask at an open house? How long has the home been listed for sale and at what price? Has anyone else made an offer on the property? Are there any seller disclosures? What updates have been made to the property? Why are the current...
I want to buy a house, but I have debt… If you’re wondering whether or not you can own a home despite debt, the answer is — yes, you can! According to the 2019 Profile of Buyers and Sellers from the National Association of REALTORS®, 51% of buyers said that...
When it comes to preparing your home for sale, you’ll want to put your best foot forward. Homeowners that complete upgrades — like a bathroom remodel — before listing are likely to gain buyer attention. Plus, sellers may achieve a better return on investment (ROI)...
Scammers are targeting everyone and seem to zero in particularly on seniors. In fact, the American Journal of Public Health estimates that nearly 5% of older adults fall prey to some type of scam every year – that equates to approximately 2 to 3...
Whether you’re staging a home with a closed floor plan or trying to make the most of the space you plan to live in for years to come, there are a variety of ways to create the illusion of a larger space. Here are insights you can use to decorate, design, and...
Our hearts go out to the family and friends of George Floyd, and to everyone in our communities deeply impacted by this grave injustice. Here’s a message from Edina Realty’s CEO Greg Mason. Statement from Edina Realty Home Services CEO Greg Mason It has been just over...
Today’s market is infamous for low inventory and you may be worried about finding one home that suits all your needs. But some of today’s buyers are having just the opposite problem: they are having a difficult time choosing between two local homes for sale. Here are...
Whether you’re hoping to sell your current home and merge households or downsize — or move into a new property that you’ve had your sights set on, there are some things you should ask yourself. Here are insights you can use when considering selling your home. Not only...
Are you thinking about purchasing a home in Minnesota or western Wisconsin, but need help finding the best mortgage solution? Below, we outline conventional mortgage loans, one of the most common types of mortgages selected by home buyers. Remember, every buyer is...
And now, for the most glamorous story you’ll read all day. Whether you’re an organics-bin pro or a composting newbie, it’s time to take stock in your trash—small switches can go a long way. It can be easy to dismiss composting as a waste of time...
Cost, upkeep and resale value: How to decide between hardwood and carpet once and for all As hardwood and inexpensive laminate alternatives continue to rise in popularity, carpet is starting to get a bad rap. We analyzed the pros and cons of these flooring choices in...
Don’t Go In with A Specific Price in Mind It’s great to establish a price for your home early on after you hire your REALTOR®, but we don’t recommend you go in with a specific price in mind. Instead, it’s important that you work with your agent to review market...
