Thomas Simonsen Blog

Does the thought of selling your home over the holiday season intimidate you? In past years, many buyers have wondered whether selling in December is a good idea. And whether you've got Minneapolis homes for sale or Saint Paul homes for sale, it's important to time things right.

You might have heard that the market is slower at year's end; that showings can interfere with holiday plans, or even that harsh winter weather can keep buyers from your doorstep.

2020, however, brings us a winter selling season unlike any other.

In short: Not only is this the best holiday season in years to go forward with your sale, it may be the best time to sell period. A unique combination of economic factors is driving a sellers' market that's enormously favorable to your plans – like no other time in decades.

And this window of opportunity will likely close by the start of spring. What is it that makes this holiday season unique for sellers? Let's take a closer look.

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Poinsettias and other holiday plants make ideal gifts or arrangements to brighten up your own home this season. As you're looking for Minneapolis homes for sale or St. Paul homes for sale, shop any of the following long-standing florists in the area to find beautiful holiday plants and flowers:

• Lake Harriet Florist – 5011 Penn Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55419    
  You'll find fresh, hardy poinsettias at Lake Harriet Florist, which offers convenient curbside pickup to Minneapolis and throughout the Greater Twin Cities area. Other holiday choices include a Merry Christmas Dish Garden with ivy, painted fern, dracaena, croton, and fittonia plants, a Norfolk Pine decorated with festive balls and ribbons, and a petite pine under glass. The shop's hours are 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. and 9 a.m. - noon on Saturdays. Online ordering is available, as is curbside pickup. The physical store is currently closed to the public due to COVID-19.

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Whether you're most interested in Minneapolis homes for sale, Saint Paul homes for sale, or homes anywhere else throughout the Twin Cities region, one key fact remains the same: There are plenty of little details that can make your homebuying journey much easier … or much harder!

All in all, buying a home isn't as intimidating as it might look in the beginning. But the process can have its twists and turns, and the best way to navigate is with the help of an expert. Your real estate agent is your staunchest ally, getting you to closing day with the minimum number of surprises.

No matter what questions you have – and most first-time buyers understandably have plenty of them – your Realtor can help. He or she is always thinking two steps ahead, so you're never in the position of feeling lost or not knowing what to do next.

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The Twin Cities' bread world has changed drastically over the years. Now, there are many artisan bread bakers simultaneously using modern traditions and time-tested techniques to crank out all manner of top-notch breads. Many bakeries incorporate heritage grains that impact texture, flavor, and nutrition. If you've been exploring Minneapolis or Saint Paul homes for sale, you'll definitely want to find a home near a place where you can easily find a variety of fresh-baked breads. Worry not because the Twin Cities do rise to the occasion when it comes to baked goods. Here are some of the best places to get a carb-overload around Minneapolis and St. Paul.

• Brake Bread – 1174 7th St. W, Saint Paul, MN 55102
  This bright and airy little bakery on West 7th in St. Paul started as a bike delivery service in 2014. Brake Bread has grown into a full-time bakery offering naturally leavened loaves. Most days, the bakery is stocked with classics like white and whole wheat artisanal loaves; white sandwich loaf dubbed "Fwuffy"; baguettes, a delightfully sour white loaf with a crisp crust; and a brown round bread stuffed with oats, flax, and sunflower seeds. You can pick up delicious freshly baked breads from their bakery or have them pedaled straight to your doorsteps.

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For most of the last sixty years, investing in a home has been considered a sure way to get started on preparing for retirement. Thousands of Minneapolis homes for sale and Saint Paul homes for sale have sold as safe vehicles for working professionals to accrue value in the form of home equity. It's a reliable and effective strategy.

But today's financial picture is a lot more complex in many ways. Paying off a mortgage before retirement is no longer a sure thing. At the same time, those who have substantial home equity have more ways to access it, even if they decide not to sell. How close you are to a full mortgage payoff also makes a difference.

The practicalities of selling your home and downsizing before retirement are easy to understand. Many people want a smaller home that's easier to clean and navigate. Smaller homes also cost less in heating, cooling, and lighting. But the financial impact of deciding to sell before retirement isn't always as obvious.

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