Posts with tag 'Bloomington MN'

Housing 

Despite elevated demand for housing, construction of new homes fell in April, with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau reporting a 9.5% decrease in housing starts from the previous month. Rising building costs continue to hinder affordability and inventory for many homebuyers, although shortages in labor, issues with the U.S. supply chain, and lasting impact from late winter storms have also contributed to the decline in new construction activity, putting some projects on pause for the time being.  

Provided by the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors.

Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are down below three percent, continuing to offer many homeowners the potential to refinance and increase their monthly cash flow. In fact, homeowners who refinanced their 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in 2020 saved more than $2,800 dollars annually. Substantial opportunity continues to exist today, as nearly $2 trillion in conforming mortgages have the ability to refinance and reduce their interest rate by at least half a percentage point.

~Provided by www.freddiemac.com 05-27-21

Housing Needs

A new analysis by housing giant Freddie Mac suggests that the U.S. housing market needs 3.8 million more single-family homes nationwide to meet demand. Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's chief economist, noted "we should have almost four million more housing units if we had kept up with demand the last few years." While new construction activity has increased in recent years, it has never fully recovered to its previous peak more than fifteen years ago.  

Provided by the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors.

Mortgage Rates

In light of the rising COVID caseloads globally, U.S. Treasury yields stopped moving up a month ago and have remained within a narrow range as the market digests incoming economic data. The good news is that with rates under three percent, refinancing continues to be attractive for many borrowers who financed before 2020. But, for eager buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, inventory continues to be extremely tight and competition for available homes to purchase remains high.

~Provided by www.freddiemac.com 04-29-21

You know the key to maintaining a clean environment is a place for everything and everything in its place. But the more things we accumulate, the more difficult it is to find places to keep them.

We always advise sellers that the greatest enemy of comfort is clutter. Here are a few features they have found in some of the finest Alexandria homes for sale and White Bear Lake homes for sale that can help move your house to the front of the line. The best news is that they won't break the bank.

Experienced buyers will fall in love with the house where they can envision their own belongings. But why wait for time to sell? If you're just moving into your new place, these small details will help keep your home clean and functional. With careful planning, you can maximize the space and create a relaxing environment without sacrificing your belongings.

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Caribou Coffee may be the workhorse coffee franchise for most of Minnesota, but when you are staving off winter chills during house-hunting expeditions, you may want something more than a cuppa Lakeshore Blend. In a hot market like Bloomington, you cannot afford to stay indoors looking for Bloomington homes for sale — you have to get out and look! Herewith, seven of our favorite spots to jazz up your java and get jiving with jitter juice. 

1. Ambrosia Coffee and Cafe, at 7373 France Avenue South in Edina, not only has some of the finest coffees and teas around, it serves up sandwiches, pastries, and pleasure with every sip. If your doctor okays it, try the "Ultimate Grilled Cheese" sandwich, built from four kinds of cheese (Provolone, Pepper Jack, Swiss, and Cheddar) and then overdone on a ciabatta bun with cream cheese melted with tomatoes — lotsa fun! It pairs well with a white mocha espresso. 

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Homes in Bloomington are turning heads this year as our agents have been getting plenty of calls showing interest in this beautiful community.

Fall in Minnesota is a breathtaking experience that you won't want to miss. 

Locals are particularly lucky to be just down the road from one of the best.  It's the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and you'll enjoy every minute of it.

The Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge is Where You See Autumn in Action 

Autumn foliage is one of the most beautiful things about the changing of the seasons, and it's even better if you can watch it happen in all its magnificent splendor – out in the beauty of nature.

With almost 14,000 total acres of floodplain forest, wetlands, and prairie featuring iconic tall grass, the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge offers self-guided tours around some of the most amazing natural wonders found in Minnesota.

The most common way to experience it, however, is by ambling around the dozens of hiking trails. They are among the most popular for both hikers and trail runners state-wide, attracting a bevy of visitors each year since the land opened to the public in 1976.

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