Kelly Wilen Kelly Wilen

Common Home Inspection Findings

After searching for a few months, you've finally landed the home of your dreams. Then comes the 60+ page inspection report, probably the most overwhelming aspect of the home purchasing process. Understanding which inspection items need immediate attention versus what can be part of routine home maintenance can help you make informed decisions, and prevent you from panicking about the state of your next dream home. We like to think of the home inspection report as a guide to owning your new home, a homeowner's guide to maintenance and repairs. Here's a practical guide to common inspection findings and their typical timeframes for repair.

Read More
Kelly Wilen Kelly Wilen

Home Sweet (Smaller) Home: Why America is Downsizing

Seeing a house come back on the market can seem like a huge red flag for many buyers. Over the past couple of months, cancellations have become more commonplace and buyers may find themselves considering a home that was previously under contract with another buyer. However, there are several common reasons why this might happen. Here are the top three reasons.

Read More
Kelly Wilen Kelly Wilen

November and Twin Cities Real Estate

Seeing a house come back on the market can seem like a huge red flag for many buyers. Over the past couple of months, cancellations have become more commonplace and buyers may find themselves considering a home that was previously under contract with another buyer. However, there are several common reasons why this might happen. Here are the top three reasons.

Read More
Kelly Wilen Kelly Wilen

September and Twin Cities Real Estate

Seeing a house come back on the market can seem like a huge red flag for many buyers. Over the past couple of months, cancellations have become more commonplace and buyers may find themselves considering a home that was previously under contract with another buyer. However, there are several common reasons why this might happen. Here are the top three reasons.

Read More
Kelly Wilen Kelly Wilen

Why Homes Come Back on the Market: The Top Three Reasons Explained

Seeing a house come back on the market can seem like a huge red flag for many buyers. Over the past couple of months, cancellations have become more commonplace and buyers may find themselves considering a home that was previously under contract with another buyer. However, there are several common reasons why this might happen. Here are the top three reasons.

Read More
Kelly Wilen Kelly Wilen

Protecting Your Home: Preventing Water Intrusion from Rain and Melting Snow

Water intrusion or damage is one of the most common reasons for inspection re-negotiations and call-outs. Water in your home isn't just a major inconvenience—it can also lead to long-term issues like mold growth. Fortunately, preventing water intrusion is often straightforward. Here are some common issues related to water damage and tips on how to protect your home and investment.

Read More
Kelly Wilen Kelly Wilen

Elevating Your Home's Appeal: The Crucial Role of Staging

When preparing to sell your home, remember that first impressions matter—a lot. In fact, on average 94% of buyers find their next home first online. That's where staging steps in. It's not just about throwing up some decorations; it's about creating an atmosphere that resonates with potential buyers. You want them to step inside and immediately envision themselves living there, lounging on the couch, or cooking dinner in the kitchen.

Read More
Kelly Wilen Kelly Wilen

How to Compete in a Competitive Buyer's Market

While spring is traditionally a competitive time for buyers, the combination of pent-up demand and low inventory has intensified competition in recent weeks. Here are five tips on how to compete for your next home when facing multiple offers.

Read More
Kelly Wilen Kelly Wilen

(Single Family) Home Highlights of 2023

Interest rates dominated the headlines in 2023, putting the brakes on the rollercoaster ride of buying and selling that followed the record-low interest rates in 2021 and 2022. This month is a nosey neighbor highlight reel of 2023 of the seven-county metro area – Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, and Washington counties. Explore the most and least expensive homes sold, and offer a glimpse into what you can expect for the median single-family home price point in each county.

Read More
Kelly Wilen Kelly Wilen

Navigating the Pros and Cons of New Construction Homes

When it comes time to purchase your next home, the idea of a new construction home might capture your interest. There are two primary types of new construction homes to consider: the first is commonly known as a "spec home" or "model home," signifying a build that is either already completed or set for completion by a builder with a predetermined design. The second type is the more envisioned scenario: a new build that allows you to design from scratch.

Read More
Kelly Wilen Kelly Wilen

End-of-Year Twin Cities Market Update

As we wrap up a rollercoaster of a 2023 real estate market, let's take a look at where the market currently stands and what it could mean for you if you're contemplating buying or selling before the year's end (or heading into spring 2024).

Read More
Kelly Wilen Kelly Wilen

7 Essential Fall Homeowner Projects to Prepare Your Home for Winter

Fall is my absolute favorite season of the year. I love the cooler nights, windows open, the leaves turning color, and, of course, apple picking and Halloween. But as a homeowner, it's also an important time to tackle essential maintenance tasks to prepare your home for the upcoming winter.

Read More
Kelly Wilen Kelly Wilen

Your Top Homebuyer Questions, Answered!

If you're embarking on the exciting journey of buying your first home or making a move to a new place, you probably have a slew of questions swirling around in your head. Fear not, below are the most common homebuyer questions:

Read More
Kelly Wilen Kelly Wilen

What is Knob and Tube Electrical Wiring?

When searching for a new home, it's essential to consider your next home's electrical system. One type of wiring that often comes up in older homes is knob and tube wiring. Once a popular electrical system, knob and tube wiring has some limitations and potential safety concerns that homebuyers should be aware of.

Read More
Kelly Wilen Kelly Wilen

What is an Appraisal Gap Clause?

As multiple offers become more and more commonplace, one way to make your offer more enticing is to offer the seller an appraisal gap as part of your offer.

Read More
Kelly Wilen Kelly Wilen

Frequently asked buyer and seller questions

If you’re an interested buyer or seller thinking about wading into the property waters, below are common questions clients want answers to. These eight questions are a great start to building your knowledge of the housing market.

Read More