The property showcased in today’s Star Tribune “Just Listed” feature is the “Mary Tyler Moore” house on Minneapolis’ Kenwood Parkway. Just one catch: the house has been on the market since last summer — when I discussed it on this blog. See, “Famous Homes — Twin Cities Edition.”Read More
Supply, Demand, and the Price of Electricity “Xcel Energy reported a 17 percent jump in earnings per share for the third quarter, but warned that electricity sales remain slack, and that it will seek a Minnesota rate increase.” —Star Tribune (10/26/2012). OK, so it’s been 30(!) years since I studied economics in college. And I...Read More
New Housing Starts Pop The most prominent (bullish) article on the housing market to date? The headline (above) in today’s Star Tribune, covering the 13-county Twin Cities metro area. For context, the seasonally adjusted rate of 872,000 units reflects an 83% increase from the 2009 recession low, but is still well under the 2007 peak of...Read More
Second Line of Business — Or First? “Star Tribune to Sell Land for Apartment Project.” —Star Tribune (Aug. 28, 2012) What do Twin Cities companies The Star Tribune, Gabberts, and Hoigaards all have in common? Certainly not their primary lines of business: newspaper publishing, furniture, and sports equipment and apparel, respectively. Rather, each company has...Read More
Appraisal Version of “Garbage In, Garbage Out” Homes under contract that don’t appraise have been a big issue in the Twin Cities housing market all Spring. See also, Jim Buchta’s “Low Home Appraisals Hold Down Area Values” in this past weekend’s Star Tribune. What is the most common reason? A. Multiple offers drove the price...Read More
Just Don’t Call it a “Shadow Market” What: Cash Buyer looking for a 3 BR/2 BA Craftsman Bungalow near the Lakes with all the “goodies” :　 built-in’s + original character, updated Kitchen and Baths, 2-car garage; upper level Master BR. Linden Hills, Fulton, Kingfield, Bryn Mawr, Minikahda Vista all OK. Price: up to low $400’s....Read More
