Avoiding “The Bowling Alley” Effect First, a caveat: unless there’s also a detached garage in the back of the house (typically, off an alley), converting a one-car garage into something else is a non-starter. That’s because going from a one-car garage to a no-car garage is guaranteed to destroy much more value than it creates. But, assuming that that’s not the...Read More
Killing Three Birds With One Stone What do you do with a dated, functionally obsolete* 1950’s rambler a stone’s throw from increasingly swanky Cedar Lake? In the case of 2425 France Avenue South in St. Louis Park, pop the roof and add a second story. Such an addition, done well, accomplishes three things: One. Cashes...Read More
Three Key Factors Besides Price Tag, Scope of Work Discounting for a home’s “vintage” condition is inherently subjective. Some Buyers don’t want to tackle anything more challenging than painting a Bedroom (if that). Others — especially if they have contracting skills (or access to them) — are up for remodeling the Kitchen, Bath’s and anything...Read More
3911 24th Street: Open House This Saturday (May 2) After a couple weeks of last-minute prep, 3911 24th St. just west of Cedar Lake will officially be on the market this Friday, May 2. The home is perfect for someone who wants to build new construction on a great lot in a terrific location; do...Read More
One Less Rambler Near the Lakes Continually replace the cheapest house on the block with the most expensive, and what happens? The block’s median sales price increases. Sometimes gradually, if the pace is slow. Or sometimes, quite rapidly, in the case of several high-demand pockets near the City Lakes right now. Thanks to such redevelopment,...Read More
Not Necessarily “Open & Shut” One of the issues that can come up during the Buyer’s inspection is a loose thread — or several — concerning previous work done on the home. Exhibit A: an open permit pertaining to a past remodeling project or home addition. For the Buyer, the approach is easy: stipulate that...Read More
