The active season for buying and selling homes is just around the corner, so this edition of our quarterly newsletter includes links to timely blog posts from the Berg Larsen Group partners, market information, a team member spotlight, and a new story about a client who recently relocated to the Twin Cities. | | |
|
|
Built on Referrals
In our latest blog, Partner Barry Berg reminds us that referrals are integral to buying or selling a home. During these next few months in particular, we ask ‘what can we refer you to?’ The Berg Larsen Group’s network of connections to vendors and services is one of the many ways in which our client support never expires.
Read the blog: Built On Referrals
| | |
|
|
Setting the Standard with Digital Marketing
Your ability to make informed decisions is everything to us. In order to make your house hunting and selling journey as seamless as possible, the Berg Larsen Group utilizes the newest technology so that every photo, 3D tour, and listing is a click away. Partner Chad Larsen recently blogged about updates to our digital marketing tools, which are “powered” by colleague Brandon Vasquez - learn more about him below.
| |
Partner Jon Ness notes the typical age of first-time buyers is at an all-time high and concurrently first-time home buyers make up the smallest buyer pool in the market since the National Association of Realtors started tracking the data. This is particularly interesting because they are capturing a larger age range of first-time buyers and the number of first-time buyers is at a record low. | |
Many buyers think they need to have a 20% down payment. While that may provide a better interest rate, the average down payment of all home buyers is only 14% and it is only 6% for first-time buyers. | |
|
While property values in Minnesota do not have the huge swings in market values like some of the states along the coasts, we still on average saw a year-over-year equity gain of $19,000 last year.
For additional details/questions on these market trends, please email a Berg Larsen Group agent.
| |
|
Team Member Spotlight
At Berg Larsen Group, we pride ourselves on our multifaceted team. One of our strongest players is our Digital Marketing Manager, Brandon Vasquez. Brandon is responsible for anything and everything digital. From web building, digital ad campaigns, website management, email campaigns, content creation, and managing our social media channels. Brandon is our one-stop digital marketing agency! When Brandon joined the BLG team in 2013, he was hired as the Social Media Manager. At that time, BLG had a Facebook page with under 50 followers. We knew we needed some fresh ideas but had no idea where to start.
| |
|
|
Brandon has been leading the charge for nine years and what a difference he has made! Thanks to him, we were early adopters of Matterport, the 3D virtual imaging system that allows buyers to ‘walk through’ homes online. Brandon also began doing video walk-throughs of our homes, which we upload to our listing pages and websites. Many agents still do not do this for their properties. Going above and beyond, Brandon is an FAA-licensed Drone pilot, adding stunning aerial photographs and video to our listings.
Brandon’s long list of talents and responsibilities provides us with a faster turnaround on our digital marketing efforts, keeping us ahead of the curve and ready at a moment's notice. His favorite part of his job(s) is the endless opportunity for creativity. He loves getting the first look at our properties and showcasing them with his diverse skill set.
When he is not building content for us, Brandon loves to travel, often to Colorado to snowboard, camp, and mountain bike. He is an avid cyclist with eight bikes, all for different purposes. He also loves to cook.
Get to know Brandon and his talents even better by visiting our BLG website, Facebook, or Instagram to see his work. We are lucky to have him on our team!
| | |
|
|
Sometimes coming home really is as easy as it seems - as long as you have the right help.
Katherine and Joe Chaves learned that truth while moving halfway across the country with the help of the Berg Larsen Group. Joe, a Minnesota native, and his wife Katherine met while studying at the University of Michigan six years ago. After graduating, the couple moved to the east coast, living and working in New York until 2021 when they became pragmatic about their lifestyle goals as they welcomed their first child. They decided to return to Joe’s roots, and start their family in Minnesota.
| |
|
Outlining Criteria
To prepare for the move, Katherine and Joe started looking at homes online, pinpointing neighborhoods in Southwest Minneapolis and first-ring western suburbs. The couple bypassed their starter-home phase while living in the big city, so they instead searched for an older house in the $1-$1.2m price range. They were particularly looking for something with four bedrooms so that they wouldn’t outgrow it in a few years.
Read more on the blog: Client Stories: The Chaves Family
| |
Welcome to 301 at the Whitney Landmark Residence! This condo features distinctive finishes, beautiful views of the river, Stone Arch Bridge, and more. As a corner unit, an extraordinary amount of light fills the home. The open floor plan features a spacious living room area with the first of two balconies, a custom, stunning fireplace, and beautiful river views. The dining space is large and offers opportunities for entertaining large groups. The kitchen is stunning, including Wolf range, bar, and great storage. There's also a storage/laundry room off the kitchen. A custom bar that complements the kitchen was added to the home. The primary bedroom features a private balcony, an updated 3/4 bath, and an amazing, large closet. There's a second bedroom and a full hallway bath. Mudroom with storage and second entry. Two parking spots and storage. Walk to everything in the Mill District including The Guthrie, Gold Medal Park, Mill City Farmer's Market, retail, restaurants & the Stone Arch Bridge. | |
|
Superb penthouse-level two-story condominium for sale in the Mills District. This Stone Arch Lofts unit includes gracious main-level living, as well as a staircase to a den and a generous private roof terrace. The main level includes 2 bedroom suites, each with a private bath and walk-in closets, plus a media room/den. The spacious south-facing great room includes a large kitchen with a center island, plus a pantry with laundry facilities. Fireplace in the great room. 3 baths, 2 parking spaces + separate storage. One of the bedroom suites has extensive built-ins, designed to function as an in-home office. Excellent natural light. Balcony on the main level as well as a roof terrace.
VIRTUAL TOUR
| | | | |
