Bridget Telkamp Blog

Buying a new home is exciting, and if you are honest, a little scary. Our real estate agents have years of experience making the exciting part of home buying win out over the scary. Let's take a quick look at seven habits of successful homebuyers.

1. Do Your Homework
   When it's time to begin your search for a home, you don't need to spend time looking in places you don't want to live. Spend some time researching the Twin Cities neighborhoods to see which ones fit your family's needs. How close do you want to be in your workplace? Are good schools important to you? Do you enjoy spending time outdoors in neighborhood parks? These questions can help narrow your search area. 
   
   

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Picnics gained popularity in post-Revolutionary France when the royal parks became open to all. Today picnics are a great way to share quality time with friends and family of all ages. July is National Picnic Month, so it's a perfect reason to celebrate at one of these outdoor spots in the Twin Cities suggested by our REALTORS®.

1. Minnehaha Regional Park - 4801 S. Minnehaha Dr., Minneapolis 55417
   With its stunning scenery and variety of activities, Minnehaha Regional Park never gets old no matter how many times you visit. The magnificent 53-foot waterfall is the primary draw, but the park also features views of the Mississippi River and limestone bluffs. There are walking and cycling paths, a disc golf course, and a volleyball court along with a wading pool and playground for the kiddies. Bring Fido along for a romp in the off-leash dog park. Hours are 6 a.m. - midnight daily.

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According to John Lennon, "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." In a perfect world, the sale of your current home would coincide with the timetable for your move, but circumstances don't always cooperate. Our real estate agents share their top six tips for selling a vacant home after you've already relocated.

1. Notify the Neighbors
   Explain to your neighbors that you'll be moving, but your vacant home will still be up for sale. Most people will be happy to keep an eye out for suspicious activity and contact the authorities if they notice anything amiss. If your community has a formal neighborhood watch organization, share the information with group leaders as well.
   
   

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Independence Day is right around the corner! July 4 is a favorite family holiday in the Twin Cities, and we want to make sure you and your loved ones have a blast! We've picked out a few of the best places around Minneapolis and Saint Paul where you can eat, drink and celebrate the 4th!

• Independence Day Celebration – Historic Fort Snelling, 200 Tower Ave., St. Paul, MN 5511
  Independence Day is a great time to celebrate togetherness, but it's also essential to learn about our nation's history. Historic Fort Snelling wants to take you on a trip into the past and learn more about the ways Americans celebrated this holiday two centuries ago. This detailed look into 19th century America will show you how the concept of freedom was regarded in a nation where all genders and races did not enjoy equal freedoms. With a parade, cannon firing, learning stations and much more, this interactive exhibit is an educational and engaging way to spend your Fourth of July around Saint Paul homes for sale.
  
  

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Food trucks have become a mainstream phenomenon that seems to be growing in popularity year over year. It's not surprising. After all, who doesn't love having access to deliciously prepared food at a great price, and without the wait? 

While you're driving around looking at St. Paul homes for sale, you're sure to notice the prevalence of food trucks in the area. In fact, Minneapolis-St. Paul was named among the nation's Top Ten Food Truck Cities. 

To help you prepare for National Food Truck Day on June 28th, our real estate agents have created this list of their favorite hotspots. Don't feel like you have to wait until June to start exploring your options, though. There's never a bad time to visit your local food truck!

1. Moral Omnivore
   When exploring Minneapolis homes for sale, you'll want to stop by downtown to visit some of the awesome trucks parked at 2nd Avenue's Food Truck Row. This is where you're likely to find the Moral Omnivore. These foodies are dedicated to serving eclectic, sustainably-produced foods. Locals love the fried tomato BLT, beet sliders, and the curried mushroom fries.

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