Sign up to get new listings emailed daily! JOIN SIGN IN
Thomas Simonsen, Metrowide Team
REALTOR®, GRI, CRS, CSS, E-Certified, Broker
Facebook Icon LinkedIn Icon YouTube Icon Twitter Icon 

Posts from July 2021

Thomas Simonsen Minnesota and Wisconsin Real Estate

Subscribe and receive email notifications of new blog posts.




rss logo RSS Feed
Alexandria, MN | 9 Posts
Bloomington, MN | 1 Posts
Brainerd, MN | 1 Posts
Buy a Home | 39 Posts
Edina, MN | 1 Posts
Home Improvement | 25 Posts
Homeownership | 59 Posts
Minneapolis, MN | 30 Posts
Saint Paul MN | 14 Posts
Sell a House | 17 Posts
Sell Your Home | 20 Posts
Twin Cities | 154 Posts
Uncategorized | 1 Posts
Wayzata, MN | 1 Posts
July
26

Adding a Patio - Home Improvement - Counselor Real Estate

If you're getting ready to pursue that long-awaited patio addition, there is no better time to get started. Adding a patio is a fantastic way to improve your outdoor space while simultaneously increasing your home value. Some of our favorite Brainerd homes for sale and Coon Rapids homes for sale have beautiful patio spaces, which always make for an attractive selling point. 

If you're planning to add a patio to your home this summer, there are a number of things you'll need to consider before beginning construction, so it's important to prepare accordingly. Below are some tips to keep in mind during the planning process:

  • Be Realistic On Size
    When building a patio, you need to carefully consider how much space you have to work with. Building a patio that is too large or small in relation to the rest of your home can make your outdoor space appear awkward. Consider the patio furniture, the size of your grill, and how many people you'll be hosting outdoors. Some experts say to allocate 25 square feet for each person you want to have on the patio. To host 10 people comfortably, you'll need at least 250 square feet.

    Click Here to Read More...

July
19

Painting Classes - Twin Cities - Counselor Realty

If you've been busy exploring Minneapolis homes for sale, you're sure to find your dream home soon! When you do, you'll want to make your new house feel like a home by choosing decor you love. 

There's nothing quite like an original painting to give your walls some character. Sure, you could buy a painting, but why not make your own? There are several great DIY painting classes and parties in the area. They're a ton of fun and are a great way to relax. Best of all, when you're done, you'll have a one-of-a-kind creation to hang in your new home. 

July is World Watercolor Month, making now the perfect time to try out your painting skills. Here are a few of the best local places where you can embrace your inner Picasso.

Click Here to Read More...

July
12

Consider the Garage - Buy a Home - Counselor Realty

It's easy to get lost in the vaulted ceilings, beautiful views, and spacious rooms of your potential new home. These marvelous features contribute to the home's ambiance and hint at your future lifestyle. But, it's important to find your focus and turn your attention to the home's more utilitarian spaces. In particular, you don't want to overlook the garage of the Arden Hills homes for sale you have your eyes on. These rooms can have hidden qualities...and hidden flaws you will want to know about before you sign the papers.

  • Look the Garage Up and Down
    Look at the roof and walls for signs of leaks and other damage. Streaks on the wall, bubbling drywall, and sagging ceiling panels are indications that there is a moisture problem in the garage. You should also look at the insulation. This is often overlooked, but it can have a significant impact on your monthly utility bills. Make sure the insulation isn't compacted and that it's not moldy or smells of mildew. 

    It's also vital to look at the floor. Make sure you look closely for cracks and signs that the concrete is separating. While standing water is rare unless it's recently rained or the floor has been cleaned, if you see water stains on the floor it's an indication that there is a low spot where water collects and pools.

    Click Here to Read More...

July
5

Ice Cream Shops - Twin Cities, MN - Counselor Realty

What could be better than a fresh, cool, flavorful scoop (or two!) of ice cream on a summer day in the Twin Cities? Whether you're searching for a scoop near Minneapolis homes for sale, planning a family outing close to St. Paul homes for sale, or trying to sample the best flavors in both cities, there's nothing like an ice cream tour of the Twin Cities. Start scouting out your favorite flavors and planning your next ice cream outing with our guide to 6 great places to grab a scoop around the Twin Cities.

  • Milkjam Creamery – 2743 Lindale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55408
    You never know what you might find when you visit Milkjam Creamery, and that's part of the fun. This popular Minneapolis ice cream shop is constantly experimenting with new flavors, and creating new things for you to try. Summer is a great time to enjoy some special, unique seasonal flavors at Milkjam Creamery, and there are a wide variety of gluten-free flavors available so that everyone can get in on the fun.

    Click Here to Read More...



By searching Listing Data you agree to this End User License Agreement

Copyright 2026 Regional Multiple Listing Service of Minnesota, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use

Agency License Information: Counselor Realty, Inc. is licensed in Minnesota and Wisconsin; Counselor Realty, Inc. of Alexandria is licensed in Minnesota; Counselor Realty Detroit Lakes, LLC is licensed in Minnesota; Counselor Realty of Rochester is licensed in Minnesota; Counselor Realty of Victoria, LLC is licensed in Minnesota; Counselor Realty of Brainerd is licensed in Minnesota.

Disclaimer: All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumers personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Information on this site was last updated 03/06/2026. The listing information on this page last changed on 03/06/2026. The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Internet Data Exchange program of Delta Media Group MLS (last updated Fri 03/06/2026 3:09:18 AM EST) or RMLS-MN MLS (last updated Fri 03/06/2026 12:02:34 AM EST). Real estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Counselor Realty may be marked with the Internet Data Exchange logo and detailed information about those properties will include the name of the listing broker(s) when required by the MLS. All rights reserved.



STATE OF LICENSURE: MINNESOTA

Privacy Policy / DMCA Notice / ADA Accessibility


Agent License Information: Minnesota Broker License #20096468 Wisconsin Brokers License #51024-90

Login to My Homefinder

Pixel