Updates

Minnesota Experiences a Boom in New Realtors®

posted 13 hours ago
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MNR Survey Uncovers Career Shifts Amidst Pandemic   MINNEAPOLIS (Dec. 3, 2020) – A rapidly growing number of people are entering the real estate profession since August according to Minnesota Realtors ® , the organization that licenses Realtors in the state. Most recently, newly licensed Realtors were up 82% year over year. “The real estate market is booming, and demand for Realtor services is high,” said Chris Galler, CEO of Minnesota Realtors. “In the midst of the pandemic and an uncertain economy, a rapid influx of new Realtors see an opportunity to have a flexible career in a growing sector of the economy.” Last month, Minnesota Realtors surveyed ...
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Meet MNR's 2021 Committee Leadership

posted 2 days ago
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We welcome and congratulate the Realtors who will be helping to lead the organization and its important committees in 2021! Bob Clark, C2EX, ePRO Nominating Committee Chair, Risk Management Committee Vice Chair Aarica Coleman Governmental Affairs Committee Chair Brandon Doyle Member Engagement Committee Vice Chair Wayne Gilbert Public Advocacy Committee Chair, RPAC Trustees Vice Chair Wendy Giles Forms Committee Chair Emily Green, C2EX, CRS, ePRO, GRI, PSA, SFR Finance Committee Chair Charles Holland, GRI, SRS Strategic Issues Forum Chair Susan Jackson, AHWD, CIPS, GRI Professional Development Committee Chair LeeAnn Lehto Strategic ...
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2020 Election Update

posted 3 days ago
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Election 2020 was historic, and with all of the drama of the Presidential, Senate, and Congressional races, it was hard to focus on the state and local levels. MNR's advocacy team gives a breakdown on the 20 out of 25 Realtor® wins. READ MOR
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NAR Virtual Conference Recap by Emily Green

posted 9 days ago
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I serve on the NAR Meetings and Conference Committee and I can tell you we had some exciting events planned for this year’s Relators® Conference and Expo that sampled all that New Orleans has to offer from jazz and historic sites, to pralines and beignets. It was going to be an experience to remember. However, this year’s conference did what everything did in 2020 – it went virtual. Did it work? Umm…Yes! The governance meetings were held in early November and ended with the board of director’s meeting on the 13 th . The board welcomed the incoming association leaders including NAR President Charlie Oppler, President-Elect Leslie Rouda Smith, and our very own ...
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October Booms with Strong Finish in Closed Sales

posted 10 days ago
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Pending sales and new listings are up in robust fall market MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 24, 2020) – In October, closed sales surged to 10,290 homes sold, which is a +29.8% increase versus a year ago. Pending sales also showed strong growth, up +22.4% over last October as consumers purchased properties at rates typically seen in the spring. The unusually strong fall housing market is straining housing inventory in most regions of the state. Motivated by low interest rates and a desire for more space, consumers are competing for scarce stock and driving up prices. “In 2020, fall is the new spring in terms of market activity,” said Chris Galler, CEO of Minnesota Realtors. ...
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October Booms with Strong Finish in Closed Sales

posted 10 days ago
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Pending sales and new listings are up in robust fall market MINNEAPOLIS (Nov. 24, 2020) – In October, closed sales surged to 10,290 homes sold, which is a +29.8% increase versus a year ago. Pending sales also showed strong growth, up +22.4% over last October as consumers purchased properties at rates typically seen in the spring. The unusually strong fall housing market is straining housing inventory in most regions of the state. Motivated by low interest rates and a desire for more space, consumers are competing for scarce stock and driving up prices. “In 2020, fall is the new spring in terms of market activity,” said Chris Galler, CEO of Minnesota Realtors. ...
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A SRES Designation Helps Cater to Seniors During Life Transitions

posted 10 days ago
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For far too many Minnesotans, the “golden years” are fraught with health issues, fear, and insecurity. Lack of affordable housing often tops the list of worries for the elderly. “It all starts with an illness that lands them in a care facility,” said Lisa Dunn, a Realtor ® with ReMax Results in Edina, and founder of Silver Closet, a non-profit organization that helps older people re-establish households during difficult transitions. “After they’re released, many of them have no place to go. They stay in motels or with family and friends, couch-jumping while they wait for an apartment to open in state-subsidized housing for the elderly.” But the waitlists ...
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Marketing Monday: Planning Your Business for 2021

posted 11 days ago
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Many of us are ready to say goodbye to 2020, and with 2021 just around the corner, it’s essential to take time and plan for the new year. Though creating a business plan may seem challenging, it is a rewarding effort that can actually be fun. Here are some helpful tips to get started on your objectives:   Setting Goals 2020 has been a tumultuous year, but it also has a powerful reminder of how resilient, hardworking, and essential Realtors ® are for Minnesota. As we look ahead, it may feel daunting to create goals for the year but creating short and long-term goals is an essential part of marketing planning. Check out this helpful list from Inman ...
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The Legal Download: NAR Code of Ethics, Arbitration, and Purchase Agreements

posted 13 days ago
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Read the November 2020 Legal Download Don't Litigate. Arbitrate! Realtor® By Day, Night...At All Times. Where Purchase Agreements Go Off the Rail
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NAR Code of Ethics Updates

posted 14 days ago
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Realtors® who engage in hate speech or discriminatory conduct even outside of their real estate practice could face disciplinary action under the Code of Ethics. The National Association of Realtors®’ Board of Directors approved a proposal intended to hold members to a higher standard of ethics in everything they do on Friday, November 18 th , 2020. The changes go into effect immediately but do not retroactively apply to members’ past activities or actions. Realtors® who make discriminatory remarks, on their business or personal social media accounts, can be subject to disciplinary action. T he new rules extend Article 10 of the Code, which already prohibits ...
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Open Enrollment for the Individual Health Insurance Market and Medicare

posted 14 days ago
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Individual Health Insurance Market:       Open Enrollment goes from November 1 st to December 22 nd . Ucare has the lowest premiums and the largest network in 2021 If you want to review your options or need help with MN Sure, please contact us with any questions. Medicare:                                                      Open Enrollment goes from October 15 th to December 7 th .                                                                      Zero-dollar premiums are available, with several no-cost add-on benefits. Humana dropped their Fairview network access in 2021, call for replacement.    If you are turning 65 in 2021, ...
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Realtor® Brenda Mehr is making people smile in Minnesota and across the globe.

posted 16 days ago
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As a dental hygienist and a Realtor ® at Edina Realty, Brenda splits her time helping her clients find the perfect home and giving her patients great dental care. Brenda also volunteers with Project Haiti Dental, an organization that provides training, mentorship, education, and donations to a dental clinic in Pignon, Haiti. The charity is the sister mission of Project Haiti, a non-profit that has provided medical care to the people of Pignon for over 30 years. Now dentists are joining the established crew of surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists to care for their community. Because Project Haiti Dental is a fairly new program, getting it up and ...
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Broker Broadcast Replay

posted 20 days ago
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Get the replay of the Broker Broadcast from November 7, which included a discussion of arbitration disputes, the proposed NAR Code of Ethics changes and live Q & A. WATC
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The Minnesota Realtor®: November/December Edition

posted 20 days ago
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Check out the highlights from the November/December edition . Letter from Chris Galler: Focused on Our Mission, Despite Obstacles Meet the 2021 Leadership Team: President TJ Simon, President-Elect Jason Miller, Treasurer Emily Green, Immediate Past President Bob Clark 2020 Award Winners: Geri Theis, 2020 MNR Realtor® of the Year; Kath Hammerseng, Ed Anderson Political Achievement Award; Matt & John Pecarich, MNR Good Neighbor Award A Year Like No Other : Bob Clark looks back on his tenure as President of Minnesota Realtors® Setting a Marketing Budget : You can't manage what you don't measure - Jessica Lamker and Brandon Johnson give tips ...
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Subsurface Sewage Treatment Systems (SSTS) Rule Change FAQ

posted 22 days ago
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Summary of Ruling On November 1, 2019, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) published a dual notice of intent to adopt changes to MN Rules governing subsurface sewage treatment systems (SSTS) – septic systems. Included among these rule modifications, was a requirement for septic tanks to be pumped empty in order to complete a compliance inspection. Minnesota Realtors® (MNR) participated in every step of the rule-making process and submitted comments expressing our opposition to this rule modification. The MPCA’s rule-making documents, including the draft rule, comments for/against the proposal, and the MPCA’s responses to comments, can be found ...
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We are proud of our veterans.

posted 23 days ago
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On Veterans Day we honor, acknowledge, and thank everyone who has served our country. An extra salute and thank you to our special Realtor® Veterans. With respect and gratitude, we thank you for your service and sacrifices. Not pictured: Aerica Benson - U.S. Air Force: 2002 - 2008 Kent Hartwig - U.S. Army Military Corps Chris Jacques - U.S. Navy Jason Jacobs - S. Air Force: 2000-2004    AJ Larson - U.S. Navy Phil Larson - Air Force Larry Lawrence - U.S. Air Force: 1966-1970 Chuck Omvig - U.S. Air Force: 1971-1972 Tom Sutton - U.S. Air Fo
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9 Weird Places to Visit in Minnesota

posted 27 days ago
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If you need a dose of the strange, outlandish, and downright peculiar, consider adding one or more of these destinations to your itinerary. Ax-Man Surplus Looking for a wide assortment of vials, flasks, beakers, and Bunsen burners for the mad science lab you’re setting up in the basement? Or perhaps you need a megaphone to yell at those noisy neighbors who crank ear-splitting death metal way past 3 am. Whatever strange thing you’re into, chances are Ax-Man Surplus has just the thing you’re looking for, from brain-splat balls and flying monkeys to electronic bread boards, barrier strips, and contact relays. A Twin Cities fixture for over 50 years, Ax-Man ...
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Incorporating home renovations into the “new normal” of homeownership

posted 11-02-2020
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Survey Results Reveal National Home Improvement Trends MINNEAPOLIS (October 29, 2020) – COVID-19 continues to reshape our lives, changing our daily routines and mandating precautionary measures that involve staying in our homes as often as we can. With people spending more time at home than ever before, home improvement projects are increasingly becoming top of mind for homeowners. “Remodeling home projects take time and patience, and REALTORS  and homeowners alike recognize the feelings of accomplishment, satisfaction and potentially higher home values that come with it. During this pandemic, homeownership is invaluable, and we know that your home means ...
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7 Overlooked Methods To Generate More Business

posted 11-01-2020
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Like most industries, real estate has been overtaken by digital marketing. Which is a good thing. A historic number of homes are now listed online, and the vast majority of homebuyers, including people born pre-internet, are discovering homes via Google and other web sources. All of these things only help the industry. Perhaps the biggest proof of the web's influence is that you're reading this article, and your colleagues and competitors get a lot of information from sites like this. The consumer side is doing the same thing, literally "consuming" everything the web has to offer. The internet is (mostly) free, it conveniently travels in your pocket, and it's ...
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We Are Minnesota: Denise Sjoberg

posted 10-30-2020
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From a young age, Realtor® Denise Sjoberg’s parents taught her the importance of giving back to the community, and it has become an integral part of her life. Denise volunteers with many local organizations and groups doing everything from being on boards, helping food drives, and supporting local artist communities and job transition groups.  And even through the pandemic, Denise has been stepping up and helping the community. This summer Denise helped conduct a food and supply drive for people affected by civil unrest in Minneapolis & Saint Paul. The drive lasted for many weeks, and their team collected about 60 pallets worth of diapers, formula, ...
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Winter Homeowner Checklist

posted 10-30-2020
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For many Minnesotans, it’s second nature to grab the shovel & salt and clear the snow, but for some first-time homeowners – especially ones not used to the cold, snowy months - it might be a new experience. So we compiled a helpful checklist of Winter tips to help your clients survive their first Minne-snowta winter as homeowners! ❄️ Keep paths cleared of snow and ice. Regular shoveling or snow blowing is the best way to keep walkways and sidewalks safe. Unshoveled snow can easily melt and then freeze, turning sidewalks into an unsafe, icy mess. In some Minnesota cities, it’s required after 24 hours to shovel public sidewalks after snowfall. Keep some ...
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Who Wins When It’s Artists’ Rights vs. Property Rights?

posted 10-28-2020
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I s the spray-painted mural on the walls of your building a work of art or vandalism? Knowing the correct answer before trying to remove it can make the difference between asserting your property rights or ending up in a costly court battle. The distinction pivots around the Visual Artists Rights Act of 1990 (VARA), a federal law that protects “distinguished works of art” from modification, mutilation or outright destruction. In a landmark case from 2017, Jerry Wolkoff, a real estate developer was taken to court by 20 aggrieved artists for whitewashing murals and other spray-painted artworks from a sprawling warehouse he owned in Queens, New York City. More ...
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When Buyers Are Sellers

posted 10-28-2020
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In the October 2020 issue of The Legal Download , the Risk Management Team gives three options for helping buyers who need to sell and close before purchasing property.
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Gaining Momentum in Your Realtor® Career

posted 10-27-2020
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6 tips for leveling up growth and success After a year or two in the real estate business, you’ve learned it’s a fiercely competitive, self-driven, entrepreneurial business where success is determined by your ability to learn, network, market, and consistently demonstrate your value to the most fearsome, demanding bosses of them all—your customers. As you go farther in the profession, it’s heartening to know there are lots of passionate, caring professionals willing to help new Realtors ® excel and build a successful practice. We’ve assembled some of their collective wisdom with seven tips to follow during your “sophomore” rite of passage. 1. Develop ...
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Buyers Breaking the Bank for New Homes

posted 10-23-2020
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They want the right location with lots of space—and are willing to pay for it In a competitive market where bidding wars flare up over scarce housing supplies, many buyers are ready to stretch their budgets to close the deal. Almost two thirds of respondents to a recent Lending Tree survey said they would pay more than originally planned for “the perfect house.” For Millennials—the largest demographic in today’s market—the budget-busting impulse was even greater. 76% of those in the 24 to 39 age range said they would exceed their allotted resources for a new home. And what is the stuff of dreams for today’s home buyers? According to the survey, location ...
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We Are Minnesota - Lisa Dunn

posted 10-21-2020
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Lisa Dunn always knew she wanted to work with seniors - and it was her passion for helping seniors that led her into real estate. Lisa has spent the last 17 years helping senior citizens through often difficult situations, giving her clients hope through every step of the process. “Many people feel stuck and not sure they can make a move - I help empower my clients that it can happen in a way that they feel good about and it’s not just dictated.” Through her work, Lisa realized many seniors enter into living situations without essential items like beds, chairs, plates, and other home goods.  Lisa recognized a way to help those seniors. For many ...
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Giving Campaign raises more than $250,000

posted 10-21-2020
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  Giving Campaign raises more than $250,000 Realtor associations form coalition to raise money and rebuild businesses damaged in Minneapolis and Saint Paul civil unrest   MINNEAPOLIS (Oct. 12, 2020) – A coalition of Realtor® associations from across the Twin Cities has collected more than a quarter million dollars in donations for businesses that were damaged during civil unrest in Minneapolis and St. Paul earlier this year. The effort was spearheaded by MN Realtors® Rebuilding Community, a multi-association initiative created in June 2020 to engage Realtors® on housing issues related to racial diversity, equity and inclusion. In September, ...
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Realtors® Give Back by Writing Off Loneliness

posted 10-21-2020
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Realtors ® are bringing comfort to seniors with letter-writing campaign For millions of senior citizens and other adults in need of physical assistance, the stress of the pandemic has been exacerbated by lockdowns that cut them off from most social contact. “Without visitors or the ability to interact with the wider world, many seniors may be growing lonely. That affects not only their mental health, but also physical health,” said Emily Green, MNR board member and broker at Sandy Green Realty in Minneapolis. A new initiative, Letters Against Isolation , focuses on providing comfort and reassurance to seniors across the nation. Launched earlier this ...
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Advice for Newer Realtors®

posted 10-20-2020
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Congratulations on becoming a Realtor®! Below is advice from experienced Realtors® across the state to help make your first year and beyond a success. Good luck! "Grab every piece of a person’s contact information and store it. Either in a CRM or a simple spreadsheet. Data is king!" —    Brandon Johnson "My first advice is to make a hot list of your closest friends and family that live in your market.  Get their addresses, and start mailing them monthly postcards about your real estate business." —    Michael Hartung "Think about what can help your business and is FREE. Brokers can help with what is offered by the company at no charge; Building ...
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Minnesota’s Top 5 Spookiest Spots

posted 10-19-2020
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For most of us, Halloween’s host of spooks, spirits, and specters only rolls around once a year. But in some parts of Minnesota, All Hallows Eve never ends. From disembodied voices chattering in Hibbing’s Greyhound Bus Museum to a mournful mother wandering the halls of a 19 th -century home in Stillwater, the Land of 10,000 Lakes may be haunted by at least that many ghosts.  Hibbing Greyhound Bus Museum Book a round-trip ticket to the Twilight Zone at the Greyhound Bus Museum. With its 15 vintage buses, the site serves as a transit station for long departed passengers and staff. Bus windows and doors open and close by themselves, and at night ghostly ...
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Minnesota Realtors® Announces 2021 Leadership

posted 10-14-2020
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A new team of leaders for Minnesota Realtors ® (MNR) was officially installed in early October. Taking the helm from outgoing President Bob Clark is President-Elect T.J. Simon of Wolff & Simon Real Estate in Park Rapids. Jason Miller, who served as 2020 treasurer, has been selected as president-elect and will serve as association president in 2022. Emily Green of Sandy Green Realty in Minneapolis will assume the role of treasurer. Terms for the newly elected officers begin in January 2021. Presiding over MNR during a year marked by a global health crisis, economic distress, and social turmoil, President Clark provided steady leadership that helped the ...
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Minnesota Realtors® names Geri Theis as 2020 Realtor® of the Year

posted 10-13-2020
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Geri Theis owns Scenic City Realty in Redwood Falls MINNEAPOLIS (October 9 th 2020) – Annually awarded to a member whose outstanding work advanced the entire Minnesota real estate industry, the 2020 honor was given to Geri Theis, who serves as a Realtor ®   and owner of Scenic City Realty in Redwood Falls. She is actively involved in local, state, and national associations, serves on many committees, and volunteers for community charities. Dedicated and hardworking, Theis commits her time and talents to the Realtors ®   Political Action Committee (RPAC) and the Federal Political Coordinator (FPC) program, and Minnesota Realtors® (MNR) Professional ...
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Closed Sales Surge as Pending Sales Soar in September

posted 10-13-2020
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New listings increase for first time since March as more sellers enter hot market MINNEAPOLIS (Oct. 12, 2020) – In September, closed sales spiked +22.1% over a year ago as pending sales hit a new high at +27.7% above last year. New listings increased in September for the first time in six months, a +6.6% year-over-year increase as more sellers entered Minnesota’s hot real estate market where buyers are competing with multiple offers for desirable properties. Consequently, days on the market decreased -8.9% to an average of 41 days. “The turnaround that began in June with a rise in pending sales, has become a hot market where inventory cannot match demand,” ...
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Closed Sales Surge as Pending Sales Soar in September

posted 10-13-2020
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New listings increase for first time since March as more sellers enter hot market MINNEAPOLIS (Oct. 12, 2020) – In September, closed sales spiked +22.1% over a year ago as pending sales hit a new high at +27.7% above last year. New listings increased in September for the first time in six months, a +6.6% year-over-year increase as more sellers entered Minnesota’s hot real estate market where buyers are competing with multiple offers for desirable properties. Consequently, days on the market decreased -8.9% to an average of 41 days. “The turnaround that began in June with a rise in pending sales, has become a hot market where inventory cannot match demand,” ...
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MNR Honors Outstanding Realtors® at Leadership Event

posted 10-08-2020
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Minnesota Realtors ® (MNR), the real estate industry’s state association, announced the recipients of three awards during its annual Leadership Installation and Awards Event at the Minneapolis Marriott Northwest on October 7. The recipients were selected for their outstanding contributions to the real estate industry by serving on local, state, and national associations, and for volunteer work in their communities. Geri Theis was named Realtor ® of the Year; Kath Hammerseng was honored with the Ed Anderson Political Achievement Award; and John and Matt Pecarich were both chosen for the new Good Neighbor Award. Geri Theis is 2020 MNR Realtor ® of the Year ...
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5 Best Practices for Managing Multiple Offers

posted 10-08-2020
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In the September 2020 The Legal Download , you'll find tips for how to handle multiple offers.
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Earnest Money in Failing Purchase Agreements

posted 10-08-2020
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In the September 2020 issue of The Legal Download , MNR's Risk Management Team looks at what happens to earnest money when a purchase agreement falls apart; or what happens when the earnest money is never delivered.
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Escalation Clause Quiz

posted 10-08-2020
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Low inventory, low interest rates and high demand are fueling bidding wars across Minnesota. One tool that many buyers may turn to is the escalation clause. The September 2020 issue of The Legal Download features a quiz on escalation clauses.
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Fire Prevention Week

posted 10-02-2020
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October 4-10 is Fire Prevention Week – an important week for life saving fire safety education! And while one hopes they will never have a home fire, it can happen to anyone. Fire spreads incredibly fast, and it’s important to always be prepared in addition to taking important steps to reduce fire risks in your home. Here are some tips to stay safe & reduce the risk of fires in your home: Get a Fire Extinguisher Having a fire extinguisher is your first line of defense against house fires. Keep a fire extinguisher in every room that is a potential threat – like your kitchen. But also remember that fire spreads incredibly fast, so if you don’t feel ...
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Mapping the Legacy of Racism in Twin Cities Real Estate

posted 10-01-2020
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As we seek to improve the quality of life for all people in our state, we must explore our past. Acknowledging the historical legacy of racism is an essential first step toward making meaningful and equitable change. Time and time again Minnesota makes the list for one of the best states to live in – and you betcha’ we’re proud of that. We also pride ourselves on being Minnesota Nice – helping our neighbors or pushing a stranger’s car stuck in the snow. But Minnesotans haven’t always been welcoming, inclusive, or “nice”. And though we most often associate the racism of Jim Crow and other policies with the South, Minnesota also has a very troubling history ...
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