Bridget Telkamp Blog

We are so excited to share the news that Counselor Realty, Inc. has been awarded the Bronze for Minnesota's Best Real Estate Company! It is an honor to be selected! Minnesota's Best had over 5,700 businesses, organizations, and individuals competing to be named to the top three spots in 300+ categories. We thank you for your vote of confidence and are so proud to take home the Bronze!

When you're busy exploring Minneapolis homes for sale all day, it's normal to feel an afternoon slump. A tasty cup of iced coffee can give you the refreshing pick-me-up your need to keep moving forward on your house-hunting mission.

Luckily, there are many great local coffee shops where you can get a perfect cup of iced java. Our real estate agents often frequent them when they've had a long day of showing Minneapolis and St. Paul homes for sale. Here are a few of their favorites. 

• Quixotic Coffee: 769 Cleveland Ave. S, St. Paul, MN 55116
  Located in the trendy Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul, Quixotic Coffee offers up a selection of amazing cold brew specialty drinks. If you're ready to take your iced coffee habit to the next level, you'll definitely want to pay them a visit.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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