Buyers

Sept. 9, 2025

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Realtor in Minnesota & Wisconsin? Buyer’s Agent Commissions Explained

How Much Do Realtors Cost in Minnesota & Wisconsin?

If you’re buying a home in Minnesota or Western Wisconsin, one of the most common questions is: “How much do I pay my Realtor?”

The answer has changed in recent years. In August 2024, a class action lawsuit

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Posted in Buyers
Aug. 25, 2025

Earnest Money Explained: What Minnesota Homebuyers Need to Know

What Is Earnest Money in Minnesota Real Estate?

When you sign a purchase agreement in Minnesota, your Realtor will ask for earnest money. But what is it?

Earnest money is essentially a good faith deposit that shows the seller you’re serious about buying their home.

It’s …

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Posted in Buyers
May 23, 2025

New Construction Homes East of the River: Prices, Builders, and Trends

If you’re considering a new construction home in the Twin Cities, the areas east of the river—such as Maplewood, Oakdale, Cottage Grove, Lake Elmo, Woodbury, Bayport, Hudson, Stillwater, and White Bear Lake—are buzzing with opportunity. From affordable options to luxury builds, this region offers a variety of choices for homebuyers. …

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Posted in Buyers, Sellers
May 21, 2025

New Construction in the Northwest Quadrant of the Twin Cities: Your Guide to Affordable Homes

Hey there, homebuyers! I’m Travis Anderson, your local real estate expert in the Twin Cities, and today we’re diving into the exciting world of new construction in the Northwest Quadrant of Minnesota. If you’re looking for a brand-new home with plenty of options and price points, this area is calling …

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Posted in Buyers, Sellers
May 20, 2025

Key Home Features That Boost Value in Dakota County | 2025 Real Estate Market Insights

If you’re a homeowner or buyer in Dakota County, understanding which home features drive value can make all the difference. From lakefront properties to single-level living and homes with acreage, certain attributes command a premium in today’s market. I’m Travis Anderson, your local real estate expert, and I’m here to …

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Posted in Buyers, Sellers
May 15, 2025

Is the Housing Market Shifting? A Look at the Twin Cities and Beyond

As a real estate expert in the Twin Cities, I’m constantly tracking how the housing market evolves, both locally and across the United States. Lately, there’s been a noticeable shift: the number of homes for sale is starting to outpace the number of buyers entering the market. So, what’s going …

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Posted in Buyers, Sellers
May 14, 2025

Does a Pool Add Value to Your Home in Dakota County, MN? Data Insights

By Travis Anderson, Your Local Real Estate Expert

Are you considering adding a pool to your Dakota County home or wondering if an existing pool boosts your property’s value? As a local real estate expert, I’ve crunched the numbers from the past six months to uncover whether pools are …

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Posted in Buyers, Sellers
May 13, 2025

Buying and Selling a Home: how to finance

Selling your home and buying a new one at the same time can feel like a high-stakes balancing act. How do you manage financing? What about contingencies? And how do you compete in a hot market? In this post, real estate expert Travis Andersen teams up with mortgage pro Peter …

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Posted in Buyers, Sellers
May 1, 2025

Do Home Additions Like Decks, Patios, or Porches Increase Your Property Value?

 

When considering home improvements like adding a deck, patio, or a three- or four-season porch, a common question arises: do these additions increase your home’s value? The answer, as real estate expert Travis Anderson explains, depends largely on buyer expectations and the standards of your neighborhood.

The …

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Posted in Buyers, Sellers
April 30, 2025

Does Adding a Bedroom Increase Your Home’s Value in Dakota County?

Introduction
Thinking about converting an office or basement space into an extra bedroom to boost your home’s value? It’s a common question among Dakota County homeowners. In this post, local real estate expert Travis Anderson dives into whether adding a bedroom truly increases your home’s value. Spoiler: It’s not as …

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Posted in Buyers, Sellers