THE BRIX REPORT VOLUME THREE: “BOUNDLESS” Life & Real Estate in the Twin Cities
THE BRIX REPORT
VOLUME THREE: “BOUNDLESS”
On the cover: Gold Medal Flour Sign in the Minneapolis Mill District Photo by Wale Deen Agboola
BRIX St. Paul 1390 7th Street West St. Paul, MN 55102
BRIX Minneapolis 748 North 3rd Street Minneapolis, MN 55401
BRIX Burnsville 201 West Burnsville Parkway Burnsville, MN 55337
BRIX Maple Grove 6885 Sycamore Lane North Maple Grove, MN 55369
BRIXTWINCITIES.COM · 612-927-2749
BRIX Real Estate is a boutique brokerage operating in the Twin Cities that puts clients first in every respect. By celebrating and refining the craft of real estate, participating in the betterment of our local community and taking great pride in the relationships we build, we work tirelessly to provide exceptional service and an elegant, streamlined approach to every aspect of our service.
Contributors Luke Finsaas
Editor, Writer, Designer Luke Finsaas is a writer and designer in the Twin Cities. His work at Revolver was recognized as “Best of MN 2015” by City Pages and Star Tribune. Find more of his work at lfinsaas.com.
Wale Deen Agboola
Tracy Mumford
Wale Agboola is a photographer + storyteller based in Minneapolis + Brooklyn, NY. His work explores simplicity, color, and movement. You can find more of his work at deenstudio.com.
Tracy Mumford is a writer and podcast producer based in Minneapolis. She produced and co-hosted MPR News’ 74 Seconds, which received a Peabody Award and the “Best Documentary: Gold Award” from Third Coast.
Kristy Hanson
Nathan Roberts
Kristy Hanson is a writer, bodyworker, and yoga teacher living and loving in downtown St. Paul. You can often find her delighting in cuisine at Tongue in Cheek (her favorite restaurant) or teaching movement/yoga at Northern Yoga Center (her home studio).
Nathan Roberts is the Co-Founder and US Director of Daylight Center and School in Kenya educating at-risk students. He is a weekly featured guest on Twin Cities News Talk Radio Closing Argument with Walter Hudson, founder of online magazine The Salt Collective, and a contributing writer to City Pages.
Photographer
Writer
Writer
Writer
Note on Market Report Data
Market Report Data represents 2017 compared to 2018 and represents all properties types, including single-family homes, townhouses and condos. Source of all data is the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors, Multiple Listing Service. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
© 2 0 1 9 B R I X R E A L E S TAT E
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L E T T E R F R O M B R I X R E A L E S TAT E
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T H E U N F O R G E T TA B L E J O U R N E Y From tacos to cutting-edge cuisine, sister restaurants Popol Vuh and Centro are living up to the hype.
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SPOTLIGHT ON THE NORTHWEST We visit an ingenius driving range, a beautiful park, and a great community center.
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THREE MINNEAPOLIS GEMS LOST TO TIME A rollercoaster on Lake Street? A women’s baseball team swinging for homeruns in the heart of the city? Tracy Mumford investigates the Twin Cities’ ecclectic past.
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L I F T, S W E AT, F LY Kristy Hanson takes us inside distinctive fitness studios in the Twin Cities.
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THE RIVIERA OF THE MIDWEST The Ultimate Weekend Getaway to Stillwater, done five ways.
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DRAW YOUR CITY We asked kiddos to draw their city—the results are in!
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NEIGHBORS FOR GOOD Nathan Roberts profiles three Twin Cities residents going above and beyond.
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AT H O M E W I T H S T U D I O G R E Y Edison bulb, coming or going? Studio Grey owner, Amanda Maday, reveals all.
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SUMMER VIBES 2018 Tacos, mescal, killer music, and a DUNK TANK.
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BRIX MARKET REPORT
Letter from BRIX Real Estate
D
uring the winter, as the snow dunes grow taller and the daylight is nearly snuffed out, you can get the sense that the Twin Cities are a small place. And they are, in some ways. “A small big town,” as one of our Neighbors for Good put it. But the Twin Cities are also expansive, boundless, a metro in constant transformation. In this third issue of the BRIX Report, we’ll look back into our cities’ past, search its present, and peer into its future. We’ll take you inside Popol Vuh & Centro (p. 8), sister restaurants where Chef Jose Alarcon is creating food entirely unique to the upper midwest, if not the country. We sample the best of the Northwest Suburbs (p. 12) and go back in time with Tracy Mumford as she excavates the rollercoasters on Lake Street and a professional Minneapolis women’s baseball team forgotten to time—until now (p. 14). From trapeze to crossfit, Kristy Hanson takes us on a tour of thoroughly unique ways of getting in shape (p. 18). An interview with local designer/architect Studio Grey will give you insights into how the professionals thinks. We plan a weekend getaway to Stillwater, five different ways (p. 21).
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Nathan Roberts will introduce us to three Twin Cities residents who are doing good in our communities (p. 26) and we’ll recap our epic Summer Vibes party (watch for Summer Vibes 19 next summer!). Finally, we’ll check in on real estate trends in neighborhoods around the Twin Cities metro in our BRIX Market Report (p. 34). We’re also proud to include a special feature in this year’s edition: Draw Your City. We invited kiddos under the age of 16 to submit a drawing of the Twin Cities, pledging $5 for local school supplies for each entry. $460 was donated to Minneapolis Public Schools towards supplies and an additional $500 went to Mr. Iverson’s Class #112, whose students Lily and Molly were the artists behind this year’s Grand Prize Winners! They each took home $50 gift cards. Lucy and Joe took second and third place, both scoring gift cards as well. See their creations on page 24. We’re looking forward to seeing what the kids come up with next year! We’re excited to share our pride in our city with you. We hope you enjoy. Until next time, BRIX Real Estate
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Popol Vuh & Centro in Northeast Minneapolis by LUKE FINSAAS
TA C O S ! TA C O S ! TA C O S ! There’s a taco for everyone at Centro. While the adventurous explore the subtlety of cured cactus and the booming flavor of braised beef cheeks, the rest of us can go wild for delicious mainstays: chorizo and potatoes (Papas con Chorizo), spicy chicken (Tinga), and beer-battered fish (Pescado)—just to name a few on the menu.
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n the past decade, the Twin Cities has seen an explosion of good food: high-brow, low brow, and everything in between. From the white tableclothes of La Belle Vie, an early star of Minneapolis fining dining (R.I.P.), to the theatrics of Travail’s culinary experiments, from the fried chicken of Revival to the casually astounding dishes at Hola Arepa, it seems like the cities have got everything you’d ever need. And yet, sister restaurants Popol Vuh & Centro stood shoulders above the crowd this year. Not only did they receive accolades from the normal suspects—Eater (Best Chef ), MSP Magazine (Best New Restaurant), Star Tribune (4.5 Stars),
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Pioneer Press (“Our 12 Favorite Dishes of 2018”)—Food & Wine took notice, too, giving them a nod in their “The Biggest Restaurant Openings of 2018.” The hype is well-deserved. Over the past few months, I’ve been able to work my way through the entire Centro menu and it is, in a word, great. Perfect for any mood. I love the deep feeling, nuance, and obvious technical skill on display in the dishes at Spoon & Stable, but sometimes you just want to eat food, you know? At Centro, you can appreciate the complexity of tender strips of cactus and a salsa composed
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of black sesame, soft peanuts, and roasted chiles in the Nopales Taco or you can chow down on zippy Chicken Tinga tacos—either works. The bright space, killer cocktail menu, and relaxed atmosphere make it perfect for a romantic evening with a date or lunch with your parents. At night, the doors open to Centro’s dark and imaginative sister restaurant, Popol Vuh. The restaurant is named after the Mayan creation myth, a wild story of fertility, and the pairing is apt: Chef Jose Alarcon is creating food entirely unique to the upper midwest, if not the country. Born in Morales, Mexico, Chef Alarcon is on the cutting edge of the global trend of exploring and
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reimagining his culture’s mainstay dishes. Food & Wine wrote that the menu could be found in Mexico City’s upscale Condesa neighborhood. Central to the Popol Vuh kitchen is an open fire, where meats, fish, and vegetables are seared to anchor the astonishing dishes he’s imagined. Shadows from the stove’s fire flicker on the ceiling and compelling cocktails flow from the bar. I’d highly recommend the tasting menu. Each dish builds on the last, from the marinated jicama to the cured cactus, the seared fish to the carne asada smothered in an earthy, deep mole sauce that you’ll want to lick from the plate. Popol Vuh is a journey you will not soon forget.
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Chef Jose Alarcon is creating dishes entirely unique to the upper midwest, if not the country.
3 THINGS TO TRY 1 ) P O P O L V U H TA S T I N G M E N U A culinary tour de force awaits your mouth with this stunning tasting menu. 2 ) C A C H E T E S TA C O S Braised Beef Cheeks: to taste is to believe. 3 ) G U AVA G O D D E S S S L U S H Y Mescal + Guava Nector + Slush = Heaven?
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It seems like just yesterday the northwest suburbs were rolling hills of prairie grass on the periphery of the Twin Cities. Today, these booming cities boast parks, entertainment, dining and shopping. Here are just a few of the highlights from the northwest suburbs:
photo by Joe Bielawa via flickr
TOP GOLF If you think golf is a boring sport, you haven’t tried Top Golf. Combining a driving range, bowling, cutting edge technology (the balls are chipped!), plus a full bar and restaurant, Top Golf is a spectacular night out on the town with friends, families, and colleagues.
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C E N T R A L PA R K M A P L E G R O V E This beautiful community park is walkable from many Maple Grove neighborhoods and has something for everyone, including a 2,100 square foot interactive fountain, labyrinth and gardens, playgrounds, and even an ice skating loop! The Phenow Pavilion Park building has restrooms, concessions, and can be rented for special occasions. The trail around the pond and in the park connects to the 55 miles of Maple Grove trail system.
T H R E E R I V E R S PA R K With 27,000 acres of park land spanning the Western suburbs, Three Rivers Park District is the largest wildlife habitat in the Metro. Wildlife is not the only beneficiary of the park System. There are recreational opportunities in every season, and hundreds of educational programs and events scheduled throughout the year for all ages. General use of the park is free, certain activities require a pass. photo by Tony Webster via flickr
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A rollercoaster on Lake Street? A women’s baseball team swinging for homeruns in the heart of the city? A mid-century modern home managed by an art museum? We had it all, Minneapolis—and we lost it.
by TRACY DANGER MUMFORD
1. THE MINNEAPOLIS MILLERETTES
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nless you’re pushing eighty, you never got to see Minneapolis Millerettes take the field. In 1944, the girls in white and maroon played at Nicollet Park, at the corner of Nicollet and Lake Street. (It’s an apartment building now, with a scenic view of the K-Mart.) The team was part of the All-Americans Girls Professional Baseball League, launched by chewing gum heir Phillip K. Wrigley. Wrigley also owned the Chicago Cubs, and when the U.S. entered World War II, he worried the
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draft would empty the ballparks. As young men shipped out to fight overseas, Wrigley recruited women to run the bases. The league started small in towns like Rockford, Ill., and Kenosha, Wis., but expanded to Minneapolis and Milwaukee in its second season. Women came from as far away as Brooklyn to play on the team. The Millerettes spent their spring training in Peru, Ill., with batting practice by day—and mandatory charm school by night. The players received a formal education in walking,
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Women came from as far away as Brooklyn to play on the team. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE AAGPBL
speaking, sitting and make-up application. (Never run for home without your rouge.) But when the Millerettes returned home to play, they never succeeded in charming the crowds: Minneapolis sports fans didn’t turn out for the team. By halfway through the season, they were only playing (and mostly losing) games on the road. By 1945, the team packed up their bats and moved out of Minneapolis, landing in Indiana where they became the Fort Wayne Daisies. It wasn’t a teary goodbye. There’s no crying in baseball.
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T O D AY ’ S G E M THE MINNESOTA ROLLERGIRLS You can catch some high intensity flat track roller derby with the ladies behind the Atomic Bombshells, the Garda Belts and more. No bats, just helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards and mouth guards. Buckle up.
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2 . W O N D E R L A N D A M U S E M E N T PA R K o to the corner of Lake Street and 31st Avenue South now, and your options for amusement are a McDonalds or a Walgreens. Go in 1905, and you would have been at the gates of Wonderland, a 20-acre amusement park styled after New York City’s Coney Island. There was a rollercoaster that clocked 45-miles an hour, a miniature railroad for children, and a petting zoo. Visitors could “Shoot the Chutes,” piling into a boat that was drawn up a steep incline and then released, speeding down a ramp into a manmade lagoon. Standing above it all was the park’s 120-foot tall Beacon Tower. It was electrified with reportedly more than five thousand bulbs, at a time when not even half of American homes had electricity yet. In a sign that liability insurance was still in its infancy, people could climb the tower. Couples even got married at the top, with a $100 bonus from the park for the publicity. And in a page straight from Coney Island, one of park’s biggest (or littlest?) attractions was the Infantorium. Visitors paid to tour the
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building and peer in at premature babies in incubators. The admission fees covered the high costs of the brand-new incubator technology, so families didn’t have to foot the bill. The public became attached to the anonymous infants on display, giving them nicknames and tracking their progress in the press. Most survived, in a triumphant win for medical innovation. But the dream of Wonderland did not. After two chillier than usual Minnesota summers in a row, the park was bleeding cash and the owners closed its gates in 1911. The rollercoaster, the chutes, Beacon Tower – all of it was razed to make way for housing. The only thing left is in the Infantorium, at the corner of 31st and 31st. It’s now an apartment building.
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CAN CAN WONDERLAND It’s like Maurice Sendak re-imagined a country club: you’ve got mini-golf meets lucid dreaming in this artistdesigned entertainment complex. Putt for your life or play vintage arcade games in the only Wonderland we’ve THE BRIX REPORT got left.
3. IDEA HOUSE II
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n 1941, the Walker Art Center built a house: A fully functional, sparkling display of efficiency and modern amenities. Just off Vineland Place near the museum, the home was open for tours, and the public flooded through. It was called Idea House I. The home proved so popular that after the war ended, the Walker built another. Idea House II opened in 1947. A stunning example of mid-century modern design (which, was just design at that point), the house featured some truly cutting-edge features, like an open floor plan, a breakfast counter in the kitchen and an automatic dishwasher. It cost $21,000 to build, and it was intended to “encourage and exhibit the arts which contribute to good living,” according to Life magazine. In essence: good design can mean a good life. To demonstrate, an average family was asked to move in for a week to fully experience Idea House II. Insurance salesman Rockwell Stensrud and his wife Janet, along with little Susan and Rockwell Jr., spent seven days in the redwoodsided concrete block home. They loved the big windows, the children’s play space and the flow of the floorplan. But they weren’t keen on the carport, Janet missed her wallpaper, and one of the lamps was a little too avant garde.
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After the Stensrud test run and the public tours, Idea House II became the home to the director of the Walker. It was torn down in the early 60s to make way for The Guthrie, which of course didn’t stay there.
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BELLA LUNA STUDIOS (AKA THE WOLF HOUSE) in Northeast Minneapolis takes house-as-art to a new level. Crafted like a canvas from top to bottom with stones, murals and other gems, the cozy Hobbitesque house is home to readings, concerts and workshops.
photo from Walker Archive
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THE AVIARY
Distinctive Fitness Studios in the Twin Cities by KRISTY HANSON
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one are the days of cookie-cutter box gyms and uninspired workouts. The new wave of fitness is here in the Twin Cities metro and with it? A customized, inspired, community-oriented way to get your workout in.
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THE FIRM The Firm labels itself as a five-piece fitness boutique. They house a spin studio, movement studio, yoga space, offer personal training, and host a CrossFit gym. You want it? Chances are they got it. Interested in the history of a downtown gym? Head on over to their website and read the harrowing tale of The Firm’s success. Now, the instructors here aren’t your average gym leader. These folks are hailed as ‘motivational performers’ with the goals of getting your heart rate high and your sweat dripping. Looking for something dynamic and unique? Check out their FloMo class. Led by Laura, this offering draws inspiration from martial arts, yoga, and dance.
TWIN CITIES TRAPEZE CENTER Remember those sparkling days of childhood when all you wanted was to run away with the circus? Twin Cities Trapeze offers you space to do just that and still make it home in time for dinner. Housed in one of the old Hamm’s Brewery warehouse buildings on the east side of town, strolling into this cavernous space can feel dizzying. Look to the left and check out their aerial silks, straight ahead for the trampoline, and up up up for their gravitydefying flying trapeze. Scared of heights? Don’t fret. Their knowledgeable instructors and acrobats will put you at ease and make you feel like a soaring professional in no time.
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THE AVIARY Speaking of flying—been hoping to get your feet off the ground, but want to keep your head out of the clouds? Head on over to one of The Aviary’s two locations and find your wings. The Aviary specializes in aerial yoga and fitness, in addition to fly bungee. Yoga and fitness make use of silk hammocks suspended from the ceiling. Does the idea of hanging upside down in a hammock make you feel like nervous-sweating? Don’t worry—these aren’t your typical beachlounging hammocks. These are incredibly sturdy, solid, and can hold up to 1,000 pounds. The Aviary does require that each new student takes an introductory class to introduce them to the space, the silk hammocks, and those sweet aerial moves.
ALCHEMY 365 Founded in 2014 in the North Loop, Alchemy 365 looks poised to take over the metro as the Twin Cities’ premier gym. Alchemy is like CrossFit and CorePower had a baby—yoga, strength, and high intensity group exercise all wrapped into one energetic and challenging bundle. This gym doesn’t use your run-ofthe-mill weights. The founders dreamed up, designed, and ran a successful kickstarter to fund their original all-in-one workout tool: the torpedo. Think free weight meets kettlebell meets barbell. They offer a free week trial for those wanting to test the waters and with five locations around the Twin Cities, there’s apt to be one near you.
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Dailey T H E B R Photo I X RbyEJenna POR T
1 C I T Y / 5 WAY S
by LUKE FINSAAS
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nly 30 minutes away from the Twin Cities, Stillwater has a character all of its own. Ranked as one of the Top 10 Best Antiquing Towns in the U.S. by Fodor’s Travel, the charming
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town nestles into the St. Croix River Valley. No matter what sort of traveller you are, there’s a weekend getaway waiting for you in Stillwater. Read on for our recommendations >>>
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1 C I T Y / 5 WAY S
THE ACTIVE OUTDOORSY TYPE
W H E R E T O S TAY >
MORNING
Do you know how to set up a tent, make a fire, and row a boat? Camp on an island (for free!) in the St. Croix – High Bridge to Boom Site Landing (Map 10). Available on a first come, first serve basis.
Take in the dawn light with a bike ride around the 4.7 mile St. Croix Crossing Loop Trail. The Old Stillwater Bridge should be done by the end of Summer 2019.
THE HIPSTER COUPLE
THE ROMANTIC GETAWAY
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BRUNCH >
The Lady Goodwood B&B provides all the cozy, vintage charm of a classic Queen Ann Victorian inn, full of charm and delights. Also, there are whirlpool tubs in every room.
Overlooking the city, Chilkoot Café & Cyclery is a scratch kitchen and full service bike shop. Settle in and enjoy Brioche French Toast, a delicious latte, and a tuneup for your bike.
MORNING >
R E L A X AT I O N
Spend the morning strolling through the orchards of Aamodt’s Apple Farm, home of the honeycrisp apple. Pick your own or grab a sack of deliciousness in the gift shop.
At the Just for Me Spa, take a forty-five minute treatment in zerogravity chairs, soaking in the atmosphere of the Himalayan Salt Cave Sanctuary.
LET’S KEEP THIS LUXE
THE FOODY TYPE
< W H E R E T O S TAY
< W H E R E T O S TAY
SHOPPING
When you need a private patio, fully stocked wet bar, and a pet-friendly room, book the Empire Suite at the Lora Hotel. This hip hotel opened Summer 2018 and is sure to be a hit.
Head over to Stillwater’s Historic Main Street where you’ll find boutiques for every taste, from the Stillwater Olive Oil Company to a whole slew of antique stores.
B R E A K FA S T >
M I D D AY >
Start the day with the Oasis Cafe, a classic 50s diner up on the hill with a fresh menu. Find old school favorites as well as futureclassics like the Captain Crunch Sandwich (we’ll see about that one).
Take a class with the Cooks of Crocus Hill - Stillwater. Whether you’re looking to learn the Winter Flavors of Spain or how to master simple French dishes, these folks will turn you into the chef of your dreams. THE BRIX REPORT
< AFTERNOON
DINNER >
Get a workout while learning the basics of aerial silks at Airy Fitness. For the more adventurous, try its sister company, The Pole Barn, that gives pole dancing fitness classes.
With their extensive vegetarian & vegan menu, Tilted Tiki is a standout option for anyone looking for healthy and/or meatless options. Tropical Pineapple Beyond Burger™ anyone?
AFTERNOON >
EVENING
For those folks sporting prodigious beards and/or looking for a straight edge shave, swing by LeBeau’s Barbershop for a precision shave from this neotraditional barbershop.
Head over to Maple Island Brewing for an evening brew. This craft microbrewery/taproom is located in the center of town, and serves up full-flavored craft beers with good friends.
DINNER >
NIGHT >
Enjoy a romantic dinner at Domaćin Restaurant & Wine Bar, just up the hill. The restaurant is known for its warm service, great food, and incredible wine list.
The romance of Venice in Minnesota! Take a moonlit cruise on the river under the stars with Gondala Romantica. Your captain might even wear the striped shirt.
< AFTERNOON
< EVENING
Sail 3,000 feet over the gorgeous St. Croix River Valley in an Aamondts Hot Air Ballon. They offer a Private Flight option for two (plus the pilot). After, enjoy a champagne toast in their restored barn!
Head to Outing Lodge for one of their special Theme Dinners. Previous incarnations have included Paris in the 20s and Spring in Tuscany. Fantastic cuisine, a dollop of history, and excellent wine.
DINNER >
P O S T C O C K TA I L >
In 2018, Wine Spectactor gave one Stillwater restaurant an Award of Excellence: Domaćin Restaurant & Wine Bar. Stocked with over 2,000 bottles, you’re bound to find something new.
The Velveteen is Stillwater’s only speakeasy and the subterranean bar is dark, sexy, and swanky. It’s a glamorous place to end one delicious day.
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We invited kiddos under the age of 16 to submit a drawing of the Twin Cities, pledging $5 for local school supplies for each entry, as well as prizes for the winners and their classroom. We had 92 submissions this year! $460 was donated to Minneapolis Public Schools towards supplies and an additional $500 went to Mr. Iverson’s Class #112, whose students Lily and Molly were the artists behind this year’s Grand Prize Winners! They each took home $50 gift cards. Norah and Joe took second and third place, both scoring gift cards as well. We’re looking forward to seeing what the kids come up with next year! Grand Prize Winners: Lily and Molly
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Second Place: Lucy
Third Place: Joe
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by NATHAN ROBERTS
Minneapolis is a city where neighbors look out for each other. We pride ourselves on working together to make our neighborhoods more welcoming, fair, and safe for all members of our community. These neighbors have taken their passion to do good to the next level. BRIX is proud to honor these Neighbors for Good.
Elodie Lee
Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative in Minneapolis Elodie Lee works to create sustainable and equitable housing for homeless in the Twin Cities. “Simply put, I raise dollars from passionate people for important things. I work with Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative because we are breaking the stereotypes about affordable housing and creating solutions to homelessness in our community. Among us, there are more than enough resources to go around so none of our neighbors should have to face homelessness.”
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As a neighbor, Elodie loves that Minneapolis “has often felt like a big small town to me. Small enough that you can see how your hard work connects to a neighbor. And big enough that advocating for safe and affordable homes can actually affect a community of 20,000.”
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Lawrence Richardson
Transgender Advocate and Pastor of Linden Hills UCC Church in Minneapolis Lawrence is a pastor and transgender advocate in the Twin Cities. He is also part of the transgender community in Minneapolis. “Minneapolis is home to one of the largest transgender populations in the country. I love that Minneapolis is a city where people who are transgender and gender nonconforming have the same rights, opportunities and protections as cisgender people. My hope is to inspire transgender people to see themselves as part of a dynamic, diverse community with access to resources, opportunities, and supportive relationships.”
Ruthie Johnson
Racial Justice and Public Policy Department, YWCA Minneapolis Ruthie works at the YWCA Minneapolis and is on their Racial Justice and Public Policy Team as their Consulting Manager. Her role focuses on helping organizations and businesses engage in their mission of eliminating racism and empowering women through their Inc.lude(™) consulting services. “Working in the Racial Justice and Public Policy Department at the YWCA Minneapolis allows me to engage in meaningful work and a mission that is larger than myself. Especially in our current political climate, it’s imperative that we learn to have critical conversations on race and what it means to have anti-oppressive organizations and systems.”
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An Interview with Amanda Maday by LUKE FINSAAS
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LF: So, Edison Bulbs: coming or going? AM: Ahhh, one of my favorite questions and design pet peeves. It’s not so much the Edison bulb itself but the way it’s being used. Edisons are great—the ambience they create is perfect, and it’s a cool looking bulb overall. But I’m tired of seeing them everywhere, hanging from single cords, exposed bulbs, next to barnwood. So the bulb itself isn’t going, but the way we use them is evolving. LF: I'm wondering what you call yourself. I was talking the other day with a friend about Studio Grey and I was saying that you’re an Interior Designer... but then, I thought, ‘No, that's not right.’ You're doing CAD drawings and building structures, as well as finding the perfect fabric, chandelier, and so on. But I couldn't think of the right title for what you do. What would you call yourself? AM: This can be a sore subject for interior designers [laughs]. Anyone can be called a decorator. Your brother, mother, grandpa can call themselves a decorator if they want as they’re capable of making those decisions. I have a 4-year college degree in Interior Design and have worked as an Interior Designer for over 10 years. In my opinion, if they went to college and studied to be an Interior Designer, then they earned the right to call themselves an Interior Designer...not decorator. I have friends that jokingly call me decorator to get under my skin. Think of it like this—if the person selects paint colors, pillows, décor accents, and furniture but cannot create technical drawings or know codes, then I consider them decorators.
of building materials and their application, and of course the license to sign drawings. They go through a longer process to become licensed. Interior Designers do not have to be licensed. Designer is just a general term in my mind. That word encompasses designers in Graphics, Textiles, Interiors, Architects, Furniture Makers, Custom Light Fixtures, and so on. LF: How do you like to approach a home remodel project? AM: Always start with a scaled floor plan. Having the plan in place lets you know what items will fit and provides a list of lighting, finish, furniture, etc. selections that need to take place. This allows for everyone (Client,
LF: Where do you see the line between architect/ designer/interior designer? Is there one? AM: Yes, there is definitely a skillset difference between those along with overall education duration and expertise. IDs can create architectural drawings of interiors and exteriors alongside the Architects—but Architects are experts in building code, detailed construction
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contractor, designer) to be on the same page for the overall project goals. LF: Is there a standard process that you take clients through or is it bespoke every time? AM: Typically, there is a similar format and design process we follow but every project is different. I like to meet clients on site for a walkthrough before we do anything. This allows for us to learn the project goals, the experience and aesthetic they want the space to embody, and just to get to know the client on a more personal level. Design can be a very personal thing and it’s our job to understand what they want and how we can elevate that vision. Floor plan layouts and inspiration photos come first to solidify the concept. Then we follow with 3D vignettes and material selections. From there, we develop our plan documents for any permit, pricing, or construction submittals. There’s obviously a lot of steps in between but that’s the basic agenda.
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LF: What’s one thing that you wish folks knew before they started a remodel? AM: Even though we tell our clients that no project is perfect and there will be hiccups, it never really sinks in. There will be last minute decisions that have to happen. Or something doesn’t get delivered on time. Or there was a body hidden in the walls... just kidding. But honestly, no project is perfect. There will be problems, big or small, that the client’s design team can help manage. Projects usually take longer than expected, too. If you think it’s a six-week construction schedule, add at least two weeks. Construction is completed by many different hands; plumbers, electricians, millworkers, countertops, etc., and if one of those areas gets behind schedule, then it bumps the rest of them. And it’s not like this project is the only one they are working on... patience (and trust) during a remodel project is key! LF: What trend are you excited about? AM: I’m not a big fan of what you would call ‘trends.’ I try to stay away from them and create
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unique, one-of-a-kind spaces with styles that represent the client and/or brand. Mixing classic and eccelctic elements gives the space character and allows it to age over time without dating itself so quickly. I will say dark colors have made a comeback and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I’ve always had a more dark & moody style (my whole house and office are painted with black walls) so I enjoy seeing clients become more receptive to those colors. And plants. You can never have too many plants. LF: How was it being on the Ellen Show?!?! AM: I personally wasn’t on the Ellen Show but our design was. We paired up with the Cousins from HGTV and helped design a kitchen and dining space for a large family in a smaller home. We’ve worked with the Cousins on a few projects in the past, so we were honored to help out with this one. We had two weeks to fly out there, measure, come up with a design, and get all products ordered and on site. But that’s TV for you...
THE BRIX REPORT
31
SUMME VIBES SUMME VIBES SUMME VIBES
R R
BRIX Real Estate hosted Summer Vibes, a blowout customer appreciation event in August 2018. We had something for everyone: face painting, squirt guns, cocktails, tacos, and a DUNK TANK. Even one of the BRIX owners, Kirk Duckwall, took the seat and let the kiddos test their aim, plunging him into the icy waters below. The Nunnery, Sloslylove, and local superband Grandmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Boyfriend performed outstanding sets while the Centro team served up incredible tacos and small batch cocktails. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s already speculation about Summer Vibes 2019. Join us?
R THE BRIX REPORT
33
When we analyze a market, we want to understand why home prices are going up or down, how fast a home will likely sell, and what homebuyers are snapping up or skipping over. Consumers today are awash in data on the housing market, and that data is often inexplicable and even contradictory. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in the business of giving advice to our clients and we want that advice to be based on all the facts in our arsenal.
34
The Market Snapshots in The BRIX Report compare the data from 2017 to 2018 and uses four key market indicators to give you a sense of a key trends.
THE BRIX REPORT
Photo by Wale Deen Agboola
What Do The Numbers Mean? D AY S O N M A R K E T This is the median number of days from the listing date to the day that the listing broker reports in the MLS that the seller has accepted a contract for purchase. We show Median Days on Market, which represents the point at which half the homes went under contract in fewer days and half went under contract in more days. When the total number of Days on Market decreases from one year to the next, this indicates that it is a “seller’s market” because buyers are quickly going under contract on homes. Homes at the upper end of the price range in nearly all communities have longer Days on Market, simply because there are fewer buyers of more expensive homes.
MONTHS INVENTORY We show this as the active inventory of homes for sale versus the previous twelve months of homes reported as Under Contract. Think of it this way: if the Month’s Inventory is two, this means that the available number of houses would be sold out in two months. This is based on the rate of sales in the past year. A low Months Inventory shows that houses are selling quickly. There are fewer buyers for higher priced homes, so the higher end market usually has a greater Months Inventory.
MEDIAN SALES PRICE Median represents the point at which half of the homes that sold in a given year were priced higher and half were priced lower. Calculations are based on Sold data and the prices do not account for seller concessions (e.g. a closing cost credit). We don’t use Average Sales Price because even just a small number of very high or very low priced transactions can distort our understanding of the market. A year-to-year decrease or increase in Median Sales Price needs to be carefully analyzed. In a market with a relatively small number of sales, it may mean that a number of much lower or much higher priced homes were sold in this year compared to the previous year.
T O TA L S A L E S This is a count of the actual sales that have closed in a given year. Calculations are based on sold data from the Northstar Multiple Listing Service and do not include off-market transactions. A decrease in Total Sales doesn’t necessarily mean that the market is declining, because if the Inventory is low there may simply not be enough houses to meet buyer demand. An increase in Total Sales from one year to the next may reflect a variety of conditions, such as the opening of a major new subdivision or condo building, or a dramatic change in interest rates.
Named one of the best places to live in the U.S. by Money Magazine on four separate occasions, over 50,000 people call Apple Valley home. Apple Valley boasts a great park system, recreational areas and the famous Minnesota Zoo. Properties sold in 2018 were just about evenly split between single-family homes and townhomes/condos. Homebuyers face tight inventory and many homes are on the market for less than a month.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
21 Days
INVENTORY
/ -22.2%
SALES PRICE
$245,000
THE BRIX REPORT
1.5 M.
/ -21.1%
SOLD HOMES
/ +6.6%
1,096
/ -4.0%
37
With 85,000 residents, Bloomington is Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fourth largest city. Quite a distinction for a community that is just 10 miles south of Minneapolis. Bloomington is home to the Mall of America and serves as the corporate headquarters for many successful companies. Homebuyers are drawn to Bloomington because of its affordable home prices and range of property types. Sellers enjoy market times of less than one month and multiple offers on their homes.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
20 Days
INVENTORY
/ -25.9%
SALES PRICE
$247,000
38
1.5 M.
/ -11.8%
SOLD HOMES
/ +6.9%
1,265
/ -1.9%
THE BRIX REPORT
Brooklyn Center is home to just over 30,000 residents and is home to Caribou Coffeeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headquarters and Surly Brewing. The housing stock is comprised primarily of single-family homes which saw price gains just shy of 10% in 2018.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
17 Days
INVENTORY
/ -19%
SALES PRICE
$204,000
THE BRIX REPORT
1.2 M.
/ -0%
SOLD HOMES
/ +9.6%
442
/ -7.9%
39
Brooklyn Park is a northwest suburb of the Twin Cities and is the 6th largest city in MN. Located on the western bank of the Mississippi, it features 47 miles of trails and parks and some 60+ parks. Prices in 2018 appreciated at 8.7% which outpaced the metro area by 1.8%. Location and relative affordability were driving factors.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
19 Days
INVENTORY
/ -26.9%
SALES PRICE
$250,000
40
1.4 M.
/ -22.2%
SOLD HOMES
/ +8.7%
1,245
/ -2.5%
THE BRIX REPORT
Burnsville is a southern suburb offering easy access to both Saint Paul and Minneapolis. Its numerous shopping and entertainment attractions have helped attract nearly 60,000 residents. Sales were split evenly between singlefamily homes and townhomes/condos. On average, homes stay on the market just over a month, so buyers need to move quickly when they see their perfect home.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
20 Days
INVENTORY
/ -20%
SALES PRICE
$262,000
THE BRIX REPORT
1.3 M.
/ -18.8%
SOLD HOMES
/ +7.1%
1,026
/ -4.2%
41
Champlin is a northern suburb with nearly 25,000 residents that saw appreciation of home values at 6.5% which was in-line with the greater metro area. Overall supply continues to be low as we head into 2019.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
19 Days
INVENTORY
/ -24%
SALES PRICE
$255,000
42
1.6 M.
/ -20%
SOLD HOMES
/ +6.5%
417
/ -8.4%
THE BRIX REPORT
This first-ring suburb to Minneapolis with nearly 20,000 residents is home to Earl Bakken, founder of Medtronic. Prices climbed 10.5% in 2018 as the result of housing stock below the median for the metro and short supply.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
17 Days
INVENTORY
/ -10.5%
SALES PRICE
$209,999
THE BRIX REPORT
1.3 M.
/ -7.1%
SOLD HOMES
/ +10.5%
321
/ -13.9%
43
Coon Rapids is a northern suburb of the Twin Cities that is home to HOM Furniture and medical device manufacturer RMS Company. With some of the lowest inventory levels in the metro and homes at still affordable prices we saw values rise significantly in 2018 by 11.1%.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
18 Days
INVENTORY
/ -18.2%
SALES PRICE
$227,000
44
1.2 M.
/ -7.7%
SOLD HOMES
/ +11.1%
1,101
/ -2.7%
THE BRIX REPORT
Located just between Robbinsdale and New Hope, Crystal boasts 22,000 residents and smalltown charm. Prices increased in 2018 as the depressed supply could not keep up with buyer demand. The average total days on market also decreased, showing that buyers must act quickly when they find a home they like.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
15 Days
INVENTORY
/ -31.8%
SALES PRICE
$220,000
THE BRIX REPORT
1.1 M.
/ -15.4%
SOLD HOMES
/ +9.8%
434
/ -13.4%
45
Eagan is a southern suburb with convenient commutes to both downtowns, the airport, and MOA. The population is around 65,000 residents and tends to attract families who value excellent schools, activities, and parks. In 2012, Money Magazine rated Eagan as the 14th best place to live in the United States. If you live in Eagan you will not have to travel far to find a mountain bike trail, cross country ski trail, a fishing hole, indoor park, water park, or a place
to purchase anything you may need around the house. It is a suburb that can keep anybody busy, and is only a short commute to the excitement located in Saint Paul or Minneapolis.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
INVENTORY
19 Days
/ -9.5%
SALES PRICE
$280,000
46
1.5 M.
/ -11.8%
SOLD HOMES
/ +4.8%
1,070
/ +4.9%
THE BRIX REPORT
This family-friendly city boasts recognition as the best place to live in the U.S. by Money Magazine. Add to that top-notch schools, plenty of outdoor beauty with gently rolling hills, 17 lakes that residents flock to year-round for swimming and ice skating, and 125 miles of running, hiking, and biking trails and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got a dynamite place to live. Homes sell quickly here, with average times on the market hovering around a month, buyers who want to take advantage of all Eden Prairie has to offer must act fast.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
26 Days
INVENTORY
/ -13.3%
SALES PRICE
$337,500
THE BRIX REPORT
2.3 M.
/ -8%
SOLD HOMES
/ +2.4%
1,140
/ -5.9%
47
An affluent first-ring suburb just southwest of Minneapolis, Edina boasts median family income and home prices well above the state average. The real estate market showed strong performance in 2018 as a result of low inventory. About 60% of the homes sold in 2018 were single-family with nearly 40% being condos and townhomes. New construction continues to drive prices with single-family median price rising to $588,000.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
33 Days
INVENTORY
/ -15.4%
SALES PRICE
$450,000
48
3.6 M.
/ -9.1%
SOLD HOMES
/ -2.2%
945
/ -8.7%
THE BRIX REPORT
Fridley is an Anoka County first-ring suburb of Minneapolis and the operational HQ to Medtronic. With a median sale price of $219,000, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s general affordability allowed for home values to rise at 10% in 2018, a rate greater than the metro as a whole.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
17 Days
INVENTORY
/ -22.7%
SALES PRICE
$219,000
THE BRIX REPORT
1.2 M.
/ -14.3%
SOLD HOMES
/ +10%
422
/ +10.2%
49
The 20,000 residents of Golden Valley enjoy urban style combined with suburban tranquility. Major employers such as General Mills, Honeywell, and United Health contribute to a healthy economic base which in turn supports city investment into many parks and recreation areas. Because of a decrease in the number of homes for sale, both sales and prices increased in 2018. The vast majority of homes sold were single-family with only about 19% being townhomes or condos.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
22 Days
INVENTORY
/ -19.4%
SALES PRICE
$310,000
50
1.8 M.
/ -18.2%
SOLD HOMES
/ -0.9%
400
/ -5.4%
THE BRIX REPORT
Surrounded by the communities of Minnetonka, Saint Louis Park, and Edina, the western suburb of Hopkins is located a mere three miles from downtown Minneapolis With a population of approximately 20,000, Hopkins is about 98 percent developed with little remaining vacant land. It has been in a redevelopment mode for a number of years, and that will continue as city leaders look for ways to maintain, preserve and improve this historic community.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
18 Days
INVENTORY
/ -14.3%
SALES PRICE
$251,000
THE BRIX REPORT
1.2 M.
/ -20%
SOLD HOMES
/ +14.8%
238
/ -13.5%
51
Inver Grove Heights is home to approximately 30,000 residents. Many have chosen this area because of its wonderful schools, park facilities, community center and golf course. The boundaries expand over 28 square miles of rolling wooded terrain that provides for an engaging mix of residential dwellings and commercial facilities.
The community that was started by a few settlers is expected to have a population that exceeds 44,000 by 2020. Residents have a wide choice of housing, ranging from apartments to large-lot estates. With its year-round recreational activities and significant recent commercial development, Inver Grove Heights is a particularly good choice when looking for a new home.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
INVENTORY
22 Days
/ -4.3%
SALES PRICE
$254,000
52
1.7 M.
/ -29.2%
SOLD HOMES
/ +10.4%
524
/ -6.9%
THE BRIX REPORT
Lakeville, just 20 miles south of both downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul, is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Twin Cities area. Home to 50,000, approximately 70% of the homes sold in 2018 were single-family homes, 30% of which were new construction.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
26 Days
INVENTORY
/ -16.1%
SALES PRICE
$355,950
THE BRIX REPORT
2.6 M.
/ -10.3%
SOLD HOMES
/ +9.5%
1,317
/ +1.3%
53
Maple Grove continues to be a rapidly growing community. Boasting 68,000 residents, it was named the second best place in the U.S. to live by Money Magazine in 2014. Maple Grove is home to more retail that nearly any other city in the state, second only to Bloomington. About 54% of the homes sold in 2018 were singlefamily homes while the remaining 46% were townhomes or condos. Market time here is short, as homes sell in just under a month.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
24 Days
INVENTORY
/ -4%
SALES PRICE
$297,750
54
1.9 M.
/ -13.6%
SOLD HOMES
/ +8.7%
1,486
/ -1.7%
THE BRIX REPORT
This suburb covers some of the greatest distance in the Twin Cities metro, with Little Canada on the north end and Newport to the south. This is why you will find a wide variety of housing styles, ages and price ranges. Maplewood is also the current hometown of the Ramsey County Fair Grounds and all its rich traditions dating back to 1913.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
19 Days
INVENTORY
/ -29.6%
SALES PRICE
$235,000
THE BRIX REPORT
1.4 M.
/ -12.5%
SOLD HOMES
/ +6.8%
555
/ -10.9%
55
Medina is a prosperous city located just west of Plymouth. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s known for its Historic Downtown (known as Uptown Hamel), sprawling landscapes, and sense of community. As its population rises past 6,000, its residents are eager to preserve its rural heritage while providing new housing and amenities to all who live in this great city. Nestled in three Top 25 school districts in Minnesota, Medina residents enjoy golf, its many parks and trails including
D AY S O N M A R K E T
73 Days
And we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to mention the famous Medina Entertainment Center who is host to countless concerts, weddings, parties, bowling and community events all throughout the year.
INVENTORY
/ -28.4%
SALES PRICE
$675,000
56
Hamel Park, city celebrations, and antique shops and restaurants.
5.3 M.
/ -33.8%
SOLD HOMES
/ +5.5%
145
/ +15.1%
THE BRIX REPORT
Mendota Heights is sometimes called the bestkept secret in the Twin Cities because it provides the feel of the country with all the amenities of urban life. A first-ring suburb of the Twin Cities, Mendota Heights has preserved an abundance of parks and open spaces and encourages spacious residential development. Housing turnover is low in this community of 11,000 people.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
32 Days
INVENTORY
/ -36%
SALES PRICE
$385,000
THE BRIX REPORT
3.1 M.
/ -16.2%
SOLD HOMES
/ +6.9%
177
/ -11.5%
57
S I N G L E - F A M I LY
2018 was again â&#x20AC;&#x153;the year of the sellerâ&#x20AC;? in the Minneapolis housing market. Due to a thriving local economy and favorable mortgage rates, the sales of existing single-family homes set new records for price, time on the market and inventory numbers. Buyer demand exceeded supply which caused buyers to scramble when a new listing came on the market as homes often went under contract in just a few days with multiple offers.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
18 Days
INVENTORY
1.5 M.
/ 0%
SALES PRICE
$265,000
58
/ -6.3%
SOLD HOMES
/ +9.5%
3,976
/ -6.6%
THE BRIX REPORT
TOWNHOME / CONDOS
Driven by a strong economy and low unemployment, the Minneapolis real estate market has grown more rapidly since the recession than other city its size. The townhome and condo market saw another banner year in 2018 with both an increase in the total number of sales and the median sales price. Time on the market dropped and sellers of well-priced homes in top condition often went under contract in just days after receiving multiple offers.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
29 Days
INVENTORY
/ +3.6%
SALES PRICE
$260,000
THE BRIX REPORT
2.4 M.
/ +14.3%
SOLD HOMES
/ +8.3%
1,569
/ +11.3%
59
Located just 8 miles west of Minneapolis, Minnetonka is a fully developed suburban community of just over 51,000 residents. Minnetonka is a wonderful place to live with a range of housing opportunities and charming neighborhoods. The split between single-family and townhomes/condos is about 60/40 with properties selling in about a month.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
26 Days
INVENTORY
/ -7.1%
SALES PRICE
$348,000
60
2.6 M.
/ 0%
SOLD HOMES
/ +3.9%
891
/ -7.3%
THE BRIX REPORT
Encompassing the towns of Minnetrista, Mound, Shorewood, Deephaven, Wayzata and Orono, the Lake Minnetonka area is best known for its great natural beauty and protection of woodland, lake and wildlife spaces. Many homes are located on large properties with beautiful views of parks, open spaces, andâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; of courseâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Lake Minnetonka. This area has one of the highest median home prices in the Twin Cities. Homes sell, on average, in about a month and a half.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
41 Days
INVENTORY
/ -8.9%
SALES PRICE
$495,000
THE BRIX REPORT
4.4 M.
/ -8.3%
SOLD HOMES
/ +10%
1,043
/ -5.3%
61
In the 1920s, a rumor spread by a local farmer that there was gold bars hidden along Long Lake spurred a small Minnesotan gold rush! Since then New Brightonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s proximity to the Twin Cities has made it a popular mostly residential suburb. Supply of homes remains in short supply with just 1.1 months of inventory at the time of publication.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
16 Days
INVENTORY
/ -23.8%
SALES PRICE
$260,000
62
1.1 M.
/ -21.4%
SOLD HOMES
/ +6.1%
270
/ +11.2%
THE BRIX REPORT
Located just west of Robbinsdale, New Hope boasts a population of 20,000. Although already considered a fully developed community, the city is moving into a period of growth in population, housing, and businesses. Nearly every New Hope home is within a quarter-mile of a city park. New Hope maintains 20 city parks with a total of more than 200 acres of green space. Over the past couple of years, the city has also issued an average of approximately 2,000 building
permits annually, representing an investment of about $25,000,000 each year in New Hope homes and businesses.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
INVENTORY
18 Days
/ -18.2%
SALES PRICE
$243,000
THE BRIX REPORT
1.1 M.
/ -21.4%
SOLD HOMES
/ +8%
307
/ -6.7%
63
A suburb of Saint Paul, Oakdale is located on the eastern side of the Twin Cities. Many of the homes here were built during the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expansion in the 1908s and 1990s. Homes in Oakdale are affordable for the Twin Cities area and sell quickly, in under a month. About two-thirds of the properties sold were single-family homes and one-third were townhomes or condos.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
20 Days
INVENTORY
/ -16.7%
SALES PRICE
$225,000
64
1.1 M.
/ -26.7%
SOLD HOMES
/ +6.5%
468
/ -9.3%
THE BRIX REPORT
Otsego is located in Wright County within the Elk River School District and is bordered by the Mississippi and Crow Rivers. Residents have multiple outdoor recreational options including the 70 acre Wright County - Otsego Regional Park that provides fishing and canoe access to the Mississippi and the Otsego Prairie Park with a playground, splash pad, skate park, sledding hill and dog park. The Pour Wine Bar and Rockwoods Bar and Grill are popular
night spots, and the huge 101 Market Garden Center not only provides plants and landscaping materials, but also features a huge corn maze and activities in the fall.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
INVENTORY
19 Days
/ -9.5%
SALES PRICE
$305,000
THE BRIX REPORT
2.6 M.
/ +23.8%
SOLD HOMES
/ +19.4%
536
/ +4.7%
65
Plymouth is regularly recognized as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Its 75,000 residents enjoy beautiful trails, parks, lakes and open spaces. Nearly 20% of the single-family homes sold in 2018 were new construction. Homes in Plymouth stay on the market for less than a month so buyers must move fast when they see a home they love.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
26 Days
INVENTORY
/ -10.3%
SALES PRICE
$369,475
66
2.3 M.
/ -8%
SOLD HOMES
/ +8.4%
1,494
/ +1.7%
THE BRIX REPORT
Located 20 miles southwest of downtown Minneapolis and seated next to Savage and Shakopee, Prior Lake features many recreational amenities including more than 55 parks on 1,000 acres, over 100 miles of trails and sidewalks and 14 lakes. Taken together, the parks and lakes offer a wide variety of outdoor opportunities for residents with a wide variety of interests. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) is located in Prior Lake and is the largest
employer in the county. They offer their own array of opportunities to the public including restaurants, fitness, an ice center, two casinos, and a hotel.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
INVENTORY
29 Days
/ 0%
SALES PRICE
$325,000
THE BRIX REPORT
3.2 M.
/ +10.3%
SOLD HOMES
/ +9.8%
590
/ -0.5%
67
Richfield has turned into one of the hottest cities in the Twin Cities due to its quality housing stock and proximity to south and southwest Minneapolis, as well as Edina. Inventory remains sparse and demand is very high, driving prices higher.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
14 Days
INVENTORY
/ -22.2%
SALES PRICE
$250,000
68
1.0 M.
/ 0%
SOLD HOMES
/ +6.1%
529
/ -14.3%
THE BRIX REPORT
Robbinsdale is a city of about 14,000 people located next to the northwest corner of Minneapolis. The city is over 100 years old and has maintained its small-town feel. Only about 10% of the housing is townhomes or condos. Prices in 2018 continued their rise, but it still remains an affordable option.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
16 Days
INVENTORY
/ -30.4%
SALES PRICE
$223,000
THE BRIX REPORT
1.0 M.
/ -33.3%
SOLD HOMES
/ +8.8%
293
/ -9%
69
The City of Rogers is located in Hennepin about 25 miles northwest of Downtown Minneapolis. Rogers was chosen the “Best Place to Raise Kids in Minnesota” by Business Week Magazine. Rogers has a population of about 13,000 but still retains a bit of a small town feel with all the amenities of a larger city, and is home to Henry’s Woods, a rare stand of over 50 acres of the original 2,000 acres of Big Woods that used to cover central Minnesota.
Don’t miss Rockin’ Rogers Days, held the last week of June.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
INVENTORY
24 Days
/ -25%
SALES PRICE
$330,000
70
2.8 M.
/ 0%
SOLD HOMES
/ +4.8%
256
/ +21.9%
THE BRIX REPORT
Roseville is a suburban community located just north of Saint Paul. With 33,000 residents and a short commute to either downtown area, Roseville’s established neighborhoods are a little over half single-family homes, with the remaining being townhomes, condos, or multifamily units. Roseville’s two school districts are consistently rated among the top in the state. Roseville continues to be a strong seller’s market.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
19 Days
INVENTORY
/ -24%
SALES PRICE
$262,000
THE BRIX REPORT
1.6 M.
/ +11.1%
SOLD HOMES
/ +7.8%
500
/ -3.3%
71
Originally a landing point for Irish and Scottish immigrants in the 1800s, Savage just kept growing. At one point a shipbuilding port for the U.S. Navy along the Minnesota river, Savage still today is a manufacturing job center in the South Metro.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
22 Days
INVENTORY
/ -15.4%
SALES PRICE
$315,000
72
2.7 M.
/ 0%
SOLD HOMES
/ +8.7%
614
/ -2.4%
THE BRIX REPORT
Shoreview is a community of 26,000 residents who are committed to protecting the natural environment and the 11 lakes in their area. They boast 1,400 acres of natural open spaces and an award-winning park system along with small town charm. The addition of two public high schools rated in the top 10% in the U.S. by Newsweek doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hurt either. The inventory shortage was felt here as well with more buyers looking to move to this area than homes available.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
16 Days
INVENTORY
/ -30.4%
SALES PRICE
$264,000
THE BRIX REPORT
1.2 M.
/ -14.3%
SOLD HOMES
/ +5.3%
428
/ -6.3%
73
Situated on one of the largest lakes in Minnesota, Shorewood was incorporated from an area previously known as Excelsior Township. Encompassing parts of Lake Minnetonka and Christmas Lake shores, the city also boasts three islands.
can be found in Shorewood, but one thing all homes have in common is the beautiful, natural surroundingsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; lakes, trees, and plenty of open space.
Shorewood remains primarily residential, and housing is varied, including homes built at the turn of the century, and homes still being constructed. All shapes, sizes and price ranges
D AY S O N M A R K E T
61 Days
INVENTORY
/ -36.8%
SALES PRICE
$547,000
74
3.9 M.
/ -27.8%
SOLD HOMES
/ +7.5%
138
/ +11.3%
THE BRIX REPORT
South St. Paul is one of the smaller suburbs by geographic area, but this town is definitely not small at heart. Starting out as a small town South of St. Paul back in the 1800s the population has grown to over 20,000 residents today. South St. Paul prides isself on its rich history, strong work ethic, and ethnic diversity. You will still find hints of its small town roots, from the old building that still stand to their many annual events around the town.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
19 Days
INVENTORY
/ -24%
SALES PRICE
$214,950
THE BRIX REPORT
1.3 M.
/ -18.8%
SOLD HOMES
/ +12%
382
/ +6.4%
75
The City of St. Michael is located about 35 miles northwest of Minneapolis along Interstate 94W in Wright County. The population of St. Michael is over 17,000 and has almost tripled since 2000. Popular destinations in St. Michael include the Crow Hassan Park Reserve, The Main Street Farmer Restaurant, BK Tap Haus, and the St. Michael Cinema, which not only has a full bar and reclining seats, but features the live music venue, Le Musique Room.
Most of St. Michael is located in St. Michael/ Albertville school district, and does have some residents in the Buffalo School District and the Elk River School District.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
INVENTORY
26 Days
/ -10.3%
SALES PRICE
$306,000
76
1.8 M.
/ -10%
SOLD HOMES
/ +11.3%
352
/ -8.3%
THE BRIX REPORT
St. Anthony, known as “The Village”, is a suburban city only 5 miles northeast of downtown Minneapolis. With its shops, restaurants, and artist community, The Village has retained a quaint flavor that separates it from the larger metropolitan areas. The Village of St. Anthony experienced a true seller’s market in 2018.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
20 Days
INVENTORY
/ -0%
SALES PRICE
$285,000
THE BRIX REPORT
1.3 M.
/ -18.8%
SOLD HOMES
/ +5.9%
134
/ 0%
77
St. Louis Park is close to everything: lakes, work, downtown, etc. It has the benefits of big city living without the hassles. Total sales dropped and prices increased as a result of constrained supply. The average total days on market is still low, showing that buyers must act quickly when they find a home they like.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
19 Days
INVENTORY
/ +5.6%
SALES PRICE
$287,150
78
1.5 M.
/ 0%
SOLD HOMES
/ +8.5%
944
/ -1.7%
THE BRIX REPORT
S I N G L E - F A M I LY
Saint Paul had another record-breaking year in real estate sales. The story of real estate in Saint Paul continues to be one of inventory shortage which leads to a historically low average onmarket time of under a month. As a result of restricted inventory, total number of sales were down and prices were up.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
18 Days
INVENTORY
/ -21.7%
SALES PRICE
$215,000
THE BRIX REPORT
1.6 M.
/ -5.9%
SOLD HOMES
/ +10.5%
3,131
/ -3.7%
79
TOWNHOMES / CONDOS
The condo and townhome market was robust in 2018 with high demand and limited supply. Homebuyers looking for the advantages of maintenance-free living in Saint Paul need to move quickly when a property comes on the market. Home sellers can expect their properties to be sold in about a month and a half, but properties in great condition and competitively priced will sell in just a few days with multiple offers.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
31 Days
INVENTORY
/ -22.5%
SALES PRICE
$190,000
80
2.2 M.
/ -8.3%
SOLD HOMES
/ +2.7%
602
/ -2.9%
THE BRIX REPORT
Incorporated in 1854, Stillwater is a wellestablished, dynamic, growing community with a population of about 18,000 residents. Located about 20 miles east of downtown Saint Paul, Stillwater offers the advantages of living near the Twin Cities with the addition of a wide variety of recreation opportunities. Housing prices continued to increase in 2018 as the total supply of homes decreased.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
26 Days
INVENTORY
/ -33.3%
SALES PRICE
$334,000
THE BRIX REPORT
2.7 M.
/ -20.6%
SOLD HOMES
/ +6%
400
/ -1.7%
81
Vadnais Heights sits between the Twin Citiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; east metro and western Wisconsin at the intersection of 3 highways. Vadnais Heights offers a wide range of housing: starter homes, executive housing, condos and townhomes for maintenance-free living, and an active senior community. Vadnais Heights offers great choices for outdoor activities with well-maintained parks and a growing network of trails that offer recreational enjoyment.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
17 Days
INVENTORY
/ -34.6%
SALES PRICE
$245,000
82
1.6 M.
/ -15.8%
SOLD HOMES
/ +2.1%
241
/ +5.7%
THE BRIX REPORT
Affluent Wayzata is located just west of the Twin Cities and borders on Lake Minnetonka. A significant number of total sales in 2017â&#x20AC;&#x201D; nearly 37%â&#x20AC;&#x201D;were new construction and most of those were high-end and ranged in value from $1 to $4 million, pushing the median price up significantly. Downtown Wayzata is known for its boutique shops and fantastic dining options that offer everything from casual to elegant with many providing lake views.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
36 Days
INVENTORY
/ -47.8%
SALES PRICE
$741,050
THE BRIX REPORT
5.8 M.
/ -14.7%
SOLD HOMES
/ -18.2%
101
/ -1.9%
83
With a population of 25,000, White Bear Lake has a distinct small-town character and offers some of the most affordable housing in the Twin Cities area with an average sales price of $221,000 from single-family homes. About 80% of the homes sold in 2018 were single-family homes, while the remaining 20% were townhomes or condos.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
16 Days
INVENTORY
/ -27.3%
SALES PRICE
$244,900
84
1.2 M.
/
+1.2%
SOLD HOMES
/ +6.5%
443
/ +12.4%
THE BRIX REPORT
Woodbury continues to be one of the fastest growing communities in the Twin Cities. Recognized as one of the Best Places to Raise your Kids by Business Week, Woodbury showed continued strength in 2018 with both an increase in homes sales and median sale price. Woodbury is popular with new homebuyers as more than 10% of all sales were in new construction areas.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
24 Days
INVENTORY
/ -14.3%
SALES PRICE
$325,000
THE BRIX REPORT
2.3 M.
/ +4.5%
SOLD HOMES
/ +4.2%
1,549
/ +10%
85
2018 saw a continuation from 2017 of extremely low inventory and price appreciation. The constrained inventory levels pushed total sales down while prices continued to rise at a rate of 6.9%. Median days on market set a record as well-priced homes continue to sell in multiple offers and very quickly. At the end of December, there were just over 10,000 homes for sale vs an all-time high in March of 2008 of nearly 33,000.
D AY S O N M A R K E T
22 Days
INVENTORY
/ -18.5%
SALES PRICE
$265,000
86
2.1 M.
/ -4.5%
SOLD HOMES
/ +6.9%
58,144
/ -3.5%
THE BRIX REPORT
2018 was a year of growth and community at BRIX Real Estate. We added 6 fine agents, 2 outstanding staff members and a beautiful new office. From the start of BRIX, the character of the people we work with has been the primary focus in hiring. The core and character of the BRIX team has never been stronger than it is now. Through our collaborative approach, we are growing together, expanding professionally, and we are having a ton of fun doing it.
T O TA L A G E N T S
T O TA L V O L U M E O F S A L E S
23
$106.1M
/ +26%
AVERAGE SALES PRICE
SOLD HOMES
+8.5%
384
above market average*
/ +14%
/ +10.9%
* based on the market average price per square foot for the 13 county metro
THE BRIX REPORT
87
The 2019 BRIX Real Estate Prediction: Deceleration of Appreciation JANUARY-JUNE:
JULY-DECEMBER:
Kicking off the year with a Federal Government shutdown, the Spring Market will bring the typical seasonal push. However, it will be distinctly marked by its lackluster finish. Heightened uncertainty in the economy will suppress consumer confidence resulting in a moderate, but measurable slowdown in real estate appreciation in the first half of the year.
Q3 discussions of a cooling market may create a snowball effect with consumer confidence.
Real estate values will continue to increase through June but will slow further or level off in the second half of the year.
Enter: the beginning of a balanced market. The last time we experienced a balanced real estate market, the market was transitioning so quickly from a buyer’s market towards a seller’s market that nobody recognized the balanced market’s existence. This time around, the balanced market will grace our presence for a considerable time before reintroducing us to the buyer’s market in late 2020. Expect housing inventory to increase and buyer activity to slow due to rising interest rates, decreasing home affordability and slowing consumer confidence, resulting in a greater state of equilibrium in the real estate market. Toward the end of 2019, homebuyers will begin to feel that the are gaining negotiating power, and sellers will need to consider the importance of competitive pricing and quality marketing as they watch their “Days on Market” increase.
88
THE BRIX REPORT
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO? Homeowners who want to downsize should consider the possibility of selling this Spring. Homeowners wanting to up-size should consider a conservative approach and tread cautiously with their purchase when approaching the demonstrated value limitations of a neighborhood. First-time homebuyers should be cautious of “incurable objections” in a home. What is overlooked by buyers in a seller’s market will not be overlooked in a buyer’s market. Buyers will have many other choices. Real Estate markets tend to cycle every 8-10 years. This is a cycle of inventory rather than one of value. The market naturally transitions between “Seller’s Market” (more buyers than sellers) and “Buyer’s Market” (more sellers than buyers). It is important to note that property values can increase in both a buyer’s market and a seller’s market, and in Minnesota, with the exception of the “Great Recession,” this is actually the long-standing historic trend.
THE BRIX REPORT
We are now 9 years into a seller’s market and the market will be transitioning soon. If a typical homeowner buys her home now, she will likely be selling it towards the end of the upcoming buyer’s market cycle, as a homeowner lives in their home for nearly 8 years on average. A home purchaser now should consider choosing a home which will have good saleability, meaning it has few or no “incurable objections” and that it compares well to other similar homes. If a buyer falls in love with a “one-of-a-kind” home (which is more difficult to sell in a buyer’s market), she should consider living there just a bit longer (perhaps 10 years instead of 8) in order to get back into a seller’s market cycle when unique properties are easier to sell.
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