Saint Paul Real Estate Blog

Spring Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase ~ 2011

This weekend is the 24th annual Spring Parade of Homes Remodelers Showcase. This is a unique opportunity to tour 69 actual remodeled homes in 26 communities throughout the Twin Cities metro.

This event is presented by the Builders Association of the Twin Cities Remodelers Council. The showcase homes will be open Friday April 1 from 1-7pm, and Saturday and Sunday April 2-3 12:00 noon to 6:00 pm. Admission is free (except for a Dream Remodeled Homes) to the general public. Remodeling representatives will be on hand to answer questions. All 57 professional remodeling firms showcased on the tour are members of the Council.

Homes are open in 26 communities across the Twin Cities area. Minneapolis has 12 homes on the tour and 8 are in Edina.  Other homes are located all around the metro, from Andover to Woodbury.

Practically every type of remodeling job is showcased on the tour, including 16 whole-house remodels, 47 kitchen renovations, 24 additions, 12 baths and 12 lower-level finishes. Other projects featured include decks, porches and exteriors, owners’ suites, mud rooms, home offices, laundry rooms and garages.

The two Dream Homes were selected as this spring’s Builders Outreach Foundation Dream Remodeled Homes. Both were whole-house remodels. One home in Minneapolis is by House Lift and one in St. Paul by Ispiri, LLC. A $5.00 donation is requested to the Foundation, the charitable arm of BATC, with all proceeds used to build homes for families who otherwise couldn’t afford one.

Guidebooks are available free at all metro area Holiday StationStores or online. The Remodelers Showcase has a Calendar of Events, from educational to inspirational these events are held at Remodelers Showcase homes, offices and showrooms. Find out more online at www.paradeofhomes.org.

This weekend is...

Minnesota Real Estate Market Showing Stability

The housing market in Minnesota is showing signs of stability, even as home sales across the United States decline.

According to the Minnesota Association of Realtors, there were 7,284 home sales within the state during January and February - a 5.7% increase over the same period last year.

Nationwide, home sales remained mostly flat in the first two months of 2011, as compared to 2010. On a seasonally adjusted basis, however, February sales fell 9.6%, as reported by the National Association of Realtors.

"Home sales are being constrained by the twin problems of unnecessarily tight credit, and a measurable level of contract cancellations from some appraisals not supporting prices negotiated between buyers and sellers," said Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the national Realtors group. "This tug and pull is causing a gradual but uneven recovery."

The latest data shows the housing market is volatile both locally and nationally as the economy struggles to regain traction and the mortgage industry is overhauled. The biggest obstacle facing a real estate recovery is the foreclosure crisis, which dominates every market and puts downward pressure on home prices.

Across the country, prices decrease to the lowest level in nearly nine years. Even in Minnesota, sale prices continue to decline. During February the median sale price of all closed sales fell 8% to $129,900. The low prices have been luring bargain shoppers into the market, but haven't done much to move mid-range and higher-end properties.

While statewide sales figures indicate gains, that's not true throughout the state. During January and February, four of Minnesota's thirteen regions showed declines in sales and only five showed an increase in the median sales price.

The regions that did well have strong economies tied to a growth industry, such as farming communities where high-demand crops like corn and wheat are grown. In the...

What $299,900 Buys in Saint Paul MN

Here is MLS # 4015764

 

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This charming duplex is located at 659 Wilder Street South in St. Paul, Minnesota. This home has 2,228-square-feet and was constructed in 1929 in the Highland Park neighborhood. Each unit has 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.
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Each unit also has generous living spaces, hardwood floors, and updated electical and plumbing. The kitchens and bathrooms have also recently been remodeled.

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This duplex would be great for an owner occupant or an investor. It could be yours for $299,900!

Browse more Highland Park Saint Paul MN Real Estate
Browse more Homes for Sale in St Paul MN Neighborhoods

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Twin Cities Parade of Homes Spring Preview ~ 2011

On March 5, the Parade of Homes Spring Preview opened the doors to model homes and neighborhoods across the Twin Cities.

The Parade of Homes offers access to 342 new homes and communities located in 74 cities throughout the Minneapolis - St. Paul Metro Area. There are 146 builders and developers participating in the 2011 installation of the annual event. There is a total value of $163,076,794 in houses on tour, encompassing 865,986 finished square feet for viewing. There are a total of 1,216 bedrooms and 1,060 bathrooms open to tour.

Homes on the tour are various in price and location; there is sure to be something for everyone. Five are priced below $150,000. About 70% of the entries, a total of 229 homes, are priced below $500,000. Seventeen homes are priced over $1,000,000, with two of those priced at over $3,000,000.

New this time is an Energy Efficient Home Tour, with 94 verified homes, which gives visitors a chance to tour a wide variety of energy efficient homes.  The newly built Twin Cities houses incorporate innovative energy-saving materials, construction methods and designs. These energy-savers also range of prices and styles, from a $138,000 multi-level townhouse in Rosemount to a $1.5 million lakeside retreat in Hugo.

Finally, visit the Dream Homes - three truly unparalleled homes to tour. The $5.00 donation at the door helps the Builders Outreach Foundation continue its mission of promoting homeownership through affordable housing and to contribute to the revitalization of communities.

The residences on the Parade of Homes Tour are open Thursday - Sunday through April 3.

For more information, visit www.paradeofhomes.org.

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