How to Maximize Space in a Smaller Home

Welcome to the cozy charm of smaller homes! Whether you’re downsizing, moving into your first home, or simply embracing a simpler lifestyle, smaller spaces come with their own unique advantages—and a bit of creativity can make them feel as spacious and functional as a much larger home. As your local realtors, we know how important it is to make every square inch of your home work for you. That’s why we’ve put together these tips to help you maximize space and fall in love with your home, no matter its size.

1. Start with a Fresh Canvas

The first step to making the most of your space is to declutter and organize. Think of it as a chance to create a fresh start in…

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Schooling on Schools! Alexandria Area Schools

Welcome to Alexandria, MN—a community that takes pride in offering excellent education opportunities for students of all ages. Whether you’re new to the area or considering making Alexandria your home, the variety and quality of schools here are sure to impress. Let’s take a closer look at the wonderful educational options available in our community.

Alexandria Public Schools

At the heart of our community is Alexandria Public Schools (ISD 206), known for its commitment to academic excellence, innovative programs, and strong community involvement. The district serves over 4,000 students across several schools, including:

  • Elementary Schools: Carlos Elementary, Garfield Elementary, Lincoln…

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The Future of Real Estate: How Technology is Changing the Industry

Buying or selling a home used to mean a lot of running around, paperwork, and guesswork. But thanks to technology, the process has become easier, faster, and way more convenient for everyone involved. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned seller, here’s how technology is helping simplify the real estate journey.

1. Search for Homes from Anywhere

Gone are the days of flipping through newspaper ads or driving around neighborhoods to find “For Sale” signs. With online platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and others, you can:

  • Browse homes for sale from your couch.
  • Filter by price, location, size, and more to find exactly what you’re looking for.
  • Get instant…

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Seasonal Trends: When is the Best Time to Sell your Home?

Selling your home in Minnesota requires strategic timing to maximize your return and expedite the process. Understanding seasonal trends in the local real estate market can provide a significant advantage.

Spring and Early Summer: Peak Selling Season

In Minnesota, the real estate market typically heats up during the spring and early summer months. New listings often peak in April and May, with pending sales following in May and June. Closings tend to reach a yearly high in June and July.


This period benefits from pleasant weather, longer daylight hours, and families aiming to relocate before the new school year, contributing to higher buyer activity.


Advantages of Selling in…

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Pros and Cons of Buying a Fixer-Upper: Is It Right for You?

Buying a home is a big decision, and for many, the idea of purchasing a fixer-upper can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you're drawn to the potential of creating your dream home or intrigued by the prospect of saving money upfront, there’s a lot to consider before diving in. Let’s explore the pros and cons of buying a fixer-upper to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you!

The Pros of Buying a Fixer-Upper

1. Lower Purchase Price
Fixer-uppers typically cost less than move-in-ready homes, making them an appealing option for buyers on a budget. You can often get more house for your money, even if it needs some TLC.

2. Customization Opportunities
One of the biggest…

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As the vibrant hues of summer give way to the rich, warm tones of fall, the real estate market undergoes a shift. Whether you're a buyer, seller, or investor, understanding how the transition from summer to fall impacts the market can help you make informed decisions. As always, your team at ConnCrete Realty Solutions is here to keep you informed and walk you through your individual situation. Here’s a general look at what to expect and how to navigate the real estate landscape as we move into the fall season understanding that the November election could throw in unforeseen changes. 

1. Market Dynamics Shifting

As the temperature drops, so does the pace of the real estate market. Historically, fall tends to see a slowdown in activity compared to…

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Below is a quick snapshot of August 2024 housing stats. Rates have been favorable for home Buyers, but both Buyer and Seller activity has been lower compared to August 2023. As the fall air blows in and our summer season slows down, we will likely see days on market increasing as they typically do. There are usually great opportunities for Buyers this fall as Sellers look to get their properties sold before winter so Buyers should keep their eyes open for those!

To check out the full report, click here.

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Join us August 28th for our next Lakes Area Investor Meetup! Free to attend and we encourage you to bring friends with you. Aaron will be speaking about things to consider with partnerships, how to potentially structure them, and what to keep in mind. Bring your questions and any deals that you'd like to analyze! It's always a good time :)

As always, we are meeting the 4th Wednesday of the month at 6pm in the third floor conference room at Creative Touch Boutique.

Join us for light appetizers, great networking and an amazing discussion on strategic partnerships!

Not able to make it and looking to reach out to Aaron, give him a call or set up a meeting! 507-841-3398

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New listings are down and prices are up. "New listings typically peak in April and May, pending sales in May and June, with closings reaching their yearly high in June and July. Annual trends suggest that peak home buying and selling season has passed in Minnesota, but there’s still significant action ahead—particularly if mortgage rates remain favorable. Seller activity continues to outpace buyer activity." - from MN Realtors Housing Report

New listings and signed purchase agreements are down for the year. With inventory being 15% higher over July 2023, that indicates our listings may be taking longer to sell. 

"Eager home buyers were excited about the prospect of lower mortgage rates this year. But that didn’t materialize in July. Pointing…

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