A GLIMPSE BEHIND THE CURTAIN Seven BRIX clients spill on life, love, and the pursuit of real estate.
(BRIX) SURVEY SAYS Do people love their view or their cozy nook? The scientists at BRIX have answers! VOLUME IX Life & Real Estate in the Twin Cities
OUR CURRENT FAVES Discover your fellow BRIX clients’ amazing projects and businesses.
By celebrating and refning 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 an exceptional experience and an elegant, streamlined approach to every aspect of our service.
by Nicole Geri
Photo
A message from BRIX on
and what’s ahead this year.
A couple turns house-hacking into a family business, trading space for strategy as they build a future.
What makes a home? Survey results reveal the spaces you love most and also how you all get out of plans.
An impromptu house hunt leads to a Tudor home with charm, history, and room for new beginnings.
An abbreviated list of some of our current favorite client businesses and projects.
What starts as a simple home search turns into a lasting friendship, a wild real estate ride, and an unexpected trip to London.
Ali and Dan take on a historic Stillwater
blending old character with new life.
A musical couple and their two kids trade a cozy house for more space—and a home studio.
Saying goodbye to a beloved home is hard—but it’s not all sad! We hear about one family’s journey.
A bigger space, a bigger crowd, and an even bigger impact—complete with BMX thrills and a powerful partnership with The Backpack Project MN.
What’s driving home prices, inventory shifts, and buyer behavior? Our annual market analysis breaks down key trends, helping you make sense of the data and what it means for your next move.
House hunting isn’t just location-location-location this couple followed intuition to guide them home.
After a couple’s home search takes (several) unexpected turns, they find a place that feels just right.
Last year brought rising rates, shifting buyer demand, and a more balanced market. Here’s what we think 2025 will bring.
Letter from BRIX written by Adam Duckwall
Home is You
“Home” is a feeling, a place, a friend, a memory, a dream. Home is your first sight each day and your last each night. Home is a mug of coffee, winter’s first snow and spring’s first green. Home is your anticipation when you leave work, growing with every turn and passing landmark. Home is your open door and a world curated perfectly for you. Home is all that waits and misses you. Be it heavy or light, home is your perspective on the day, and the world. Whatever else home means in your life, it is always the place where you are authentically you.
When you can truly be you, the world is a better place. When you find home, the world is yours. Helping you find home is what we do, and we are incredibly honored and grateful that you trust us.
BRIX is turning 10 this spring, and for 10 years, we have been helping you find your home. All the while, we have watched with amazement as you have transformed your homes, your lives, your schools, your businesses and your communities. We could not be more proud, or more inspired!
This edition of The BRIX Report is all about you, and represents the tiniest sampling of you, all of you, the amazing people that you are. As you peruse this edition, you’ll find stories that inspired us and, we believe, will inspire you, make you laugh, and perhaps even cry—all at once. Of course, we also included a full-size portion of the localized market statistics and predictions that you have come to expect from BRIX. We hope you enjoy!
Thank you for being you, and thank you for always being the very best part of BRIX. We are so excited to continue this journey with you.
— BRIX Real Estate
THE QUIRKS, CHALLENGES, AND JOYS
THE SCIENTISTS AT BRIX REAL ESTATE HAVE CONCLUDED THEIR STUDY: “CUSTOMER SURVEY”. MANY DISCOVERIES WERE MADE. WE RELAY THEM TO YOU NOW.
35.9%—LIVING ROOM—IT’S NETFLIX HQ
26.6%—KITCHEN—WHERE THE MAGIC (AND SNACKS) HAPPEN
26.6%—OTHER 10.9%—BEDROOM—AKA FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE
HOME THEME SONG
31.3%—“DON’T STOP BELIEVING” (THE DIY PROJECT WILL BE DONE SOMEDAY) 29.7%—“TAKE ME HOME, COUNTRY ROADS” BY JOHN DENVER 2.6%—OTHER 9.4%—“UNDER PRESSURE”—BY QUEEN
THING ABOUT YOUR
We’re always amazed to learn about all the things that BRIX customers are involved in, whether that’s a business, an organization, or a touring band. We’ve put together a very abridged list of some of our current faves:
Applecrest Orchards
Applecrest Orchards is where fall dreams come true. Think rows upon rows of apple trees begging you to frolic, pick, and Instagram your heart out. This family-owned orchard in Hugo, MN, is perfect for crisp autumn weekends, with apples so fresh you’ll swear you’ve been lied to by the grocery store your whole life. Pro tip: grab a cider and take it slow. It’s not just an orchard—it’s an experience.
Mere of All Trades
Mere of All Trades is what happens when your artsy friend’s DIY hobby gets its own fanbase. Based in Bayport, MN, this little gem is all about handmade soaps and candles that smell like comfort wrapped in a bow. Fleur De Mer candle? Swoon. Meredith’s Etsy shop is packed with goodies that scream “treat yourself,” and she’s even cool enough to let locals skip the shipping and pick up their goodies in person. Warning: you’ll want to buy everything.
The Goodery
The Goodery is wellness in a glass—if wellness were fresh, bright, and poured straight from the heart of Stillwater. Tucked into the iconic Isaac Staples Sawmill Building, this juice bar is all about spreading good vibes, one sip at a time. Think fresh-pressed juices, vibrant flavors, and a community-driven philosophy that’ll make you feel as great as their juice tastes. It’s your go-to for sipping on sunshine with a side of positivity.
Roots, Crafts, and Apples
Old Oak Acres
Old Oak Acres is pure homesteading charm with a dash of goat-filled whimsy. Nestled in Cambridge, MN, it’s the kind of place where life slows down, and everything feels delightfully earthy. Fresh eggs, adorable goats, and a whole lot of sustainable farming vibes. Stop by, meet the goats (seriously, they’re cute), and maybe pick up some goodies fresh from the land. It’s farm life at its dreamiest.
Apples
EMBLEM SKIN • INK
Emblem Skin + Ink is where subtle meets stunning. Think hyper-realistic Nano Brows that look effortlessly natural, Lip Blush that gives you that just-bitten tint, and lash line enhancements that make your eyes pop without the morning mascara struggle. Owner Cassandra Schorn has been perfecting her craft since 2017, blending artistry with science to deliver next-level skincare, micropigmentation, and permanent makeup.
Greiling Trees
Greiling Trees is where the magic of nature meets the practicality of planting. This family-owned tree farm is all about sustainability, providing gorgeous trees for landscaping and conservation projects. Whether you’re reforesting the planet or just sprucing up your yard, Greiling Trees has your back. Bonus: buying from them feels like planting a little piece of hope.
The Big Wu
The Big Wu is the band that knows how to bring the party. With their jam-band vibes and improv-heavy sets, they’re the kind of group that makes you forget everything but the music. Rock, jazz, a little funk—whatever your flavor, they’ve got it covered. Whether you’re dancing in the crowd or chilling with a beer, The Big Wu guarantees a good time, every time. Catch them live, and you’ll leave glowing.
Dignity Made
Dignity Made is like that friend who not only cooks you a gourmet meal but also sources every ingredient ethically and sustainably. Formerly known as Dignity Coconuts, this social enterprise is transforming the coconut industry with their raw, organic coconut oil that’s as good for you as it is for the farmers who produce it. Each jar supports fair trade, education, and clean water initiatives in the Philippines, making your purchase a force for good. So, go ahead—whip up that stir-fry or moisturize your skin, knowing you’re part of a movement that’s better for all.
Minnesota Made
Minnesota Made is downtown Stillwater’s ode to all things local and lovely. It’s like walking into a love letter to the state, featuring handcrafted goods from Minnesota artisans that are as cozy and charming as a weekend up north. Apparel? Home goods? Something cute for that one friend who’s impossible to shop for? They’ve got it. Pop in and leave with a little piece of Minnesota magic.
General Expert Moving
General Expert Moving is like that one super-organized friend who actually shows up to help on moving day— except they’re pros, and they don’t steal your pizza. Serving the Twin Cities, these movers make the chaos of packing and unpacking feel like a breeze. Fast, friendly, and ridiculously reliable, they’re the real MVPs when it’s time to start fresh. Moving doesn’t have to be stressful; just call these guys.
Los Ocampo is like a fiesta on a plate—vibrant, authentic, and absolutely unmissable. Since 2003, they’ve been serving up some of the Twin Cities’ best tacos, tamales, and their iconic masa cakes are basically edible hugs. Whether you’re hitting up their Minneapolis location, grabbing quick bites from Los Ocampo Express, or chasing their food truck, every dish feels like a love letter to Mexico. Pro tip: don’t skip the horchata—it’s as creamy and comforting as it gets. Los Ocampo isn’t just food; it’s an experience that keeps locals and visitors coming back for más.
Los Ocampo
Old Bones, New Stories
by Kristy Hanson
About Ali + Dan
When did you buy your home?
April 2024
Distance from Old to New House
30 miles
Favorite Local-to-Them Restaurant
Stillwater’s food scene punches above its weight, so it’s hard to choose a single restaurant. Dan recommends Lolito Cantina and Ali says Oasis Cafe.
What do you do?
Dan is a VP of a health IT company; Ali is a biologist for FDA with a focus on food safety.
For Ali and Dan, building a life together has always been a mix of spontaneity, grit, and an appreciation for the kind of charm that takes years to cultivate.
It’s ftting, then, that their Stillwater home—a historic fxer-upper brimming with character—embodies everything they love about old houses and small towns. Tey’ve found the satisfaction of home ownership you can only truly feel after spending weeks paint stripping built-in cupboards.
Te couple met in D.C., both of them transplants. Dan is from a small, historic town in Connecticut, and Ali hails from the wooded landscapes of Northern Wisconsin. After six months of dating, Ali presented Dan with a bold idea: leave D.C. and move to Minnesota. Ali had been accepted into a PhD program at the University of Minnesota and neither of the two were keen on doing the long-distance thing.
And while they didn’t know what would come next, they were sure of each other. In July of 2018, the two packed their bags, left our nation’s capital, and moved to the Midwest. T ey rented a home in Robbinsdale while Ali worked on her program and Dan continued to work remotely for a Health IT business based on the east coast.
Te two began to think—very casually at frst—about buying a home in Minnesota. For years, they toyed with the idea, occasionally scrolling through Zillow for fun. But it wasn’t until interest rates dropped in 2020 that they decided to get serious.
It was through a chance inquiry on Zillow that they met Danny, the realtor who would guide them through the often-overwhelming world of real estate. “Danny protected us fearlessly from start to fnish,” Ali said. Teir search for a home wasn’t without its hurdles—rejected ofers, unreliable sellers, and the heartbreak of losing out on properties they’d fallen in love with—but Danny’s
calm, no-nonsense approach helped them navigate every twist and turn with confdence.
While the couple is adventurous, they’re also purposeful. Tey thought they wanted to live within walking distance of downtown Stillwater, but before buying a house, they wanted to know without a doubt that was the place for them. Teir solution? Embark on a months-long road trip to check out other cities. Stillwater was the bar: any contender had to far exceed the riverside city’s charm.
Te road trip took them to multiple cities on the east coast: Portland, Maine, and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, were strong contenders.
Andyet—Stillwater was the clear winner. Located along the St. Croix River, Stillwater was the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city convenience. It was close enough to the Twin Cities for their work travel needs, yet far enough to feel like a retreat. Te town reminded Dan of his hometown in Connecticut, with its historic roots and walkable streets. Tey loved its historic architecture, its proximity to state parks, and its rich sense of identity.
“Stillwater punches above its weight class for food and convenience,” Dan said. “And most importantly, it’s not trying to be Minneapolis—it’s doing its own thing.”
Teir directive to Danny was simple: they wanted an old house near downtown Stillwater that had charm. Not exactly a box you can check to flter out listings on Zillow, but Danny embraced the challenge. Over the course of two years, Ali and Dan toured a dozen homes and put in about fve ofers.
As their search continued, the stakes suddenly changed. Teir landlord announced he was selling their rental house, turning their leisurely hunt into a pressing need. Tey had to fnd a place, and soon. Even so, they didn’t want to settle. Te priority was still fnding a home
they could truly make their own—a place with history and character, nestled in a community that felt right.
What came next felt more than fortuitous. A listing for a classic old home with good bones, plenty of character, and just blocks away from downtown Stillwater. It had all the potential they were looking for. Tey called Danny, eager to make an ofer, and his advice was crucial. “He told us to pump the brakes,” Ali said. “He helped us fgure out if there were other ofers and what the best terms would be. He always put our interests frst.”
Teir ofer was accepted, and four days later, they closed on the house. Te timing couldn’t have been better—their landlord sold their rental a week later.
For Ali and Dan, the real work began once they moved in. Tey’ve spent the past seven months bringing the house back to life, embracing the quirks and challenges of DIY home renovation. Teir goal is to restore the home’s original charm, reversing some of the modern updates made by previous owners.
Tey’ve paint-stripped built-in cabinets to reveal the original wood, exposed brick chimneys that had been plastered over, and painted the siding on three faces of the house. Ali’s father, Randy, has been a huge help on their restoration projects. One summer evening, while working on the exterior, a neighbor came over and ofered them scafolding. Te next day, they walked outside and saw the materials sitting in their yard.
“We wouldn’t have been able to fnish without it,” Ali said. “Te community here has been so welcoming and helpful.”
the home before
Ali’s family roots in Northern Wisconsin have also inspired her love of restoration and preservation. Her family has been rebuilding a century-old barn on their ancestral farm in Cumberland, WI, a project that runs parallel to the work Ali and Dan are doing on their Stillwater home. “Fixing things runs in the family,” Ali said.
For Dan, Stillwater is the perfect place to share with his family. His mom and brothers have already visited, and he loves showing them the Midwest, a part of the country they hadn’t spent much time in before.
When asked how they spend their free time, the two laughed. “What free time?” Tey joked that they often fall asleep watching YouTube tutorials together. But their hands-on approach to home improvement has been deeply rewarding. Te house fghts back, they said, but they love the process.
T ey’ve also found joy in connecting with their neighbors. Drinks in someone’s yard often turn into long conversations, and the neighborhood feels like the kind of community Ali and Dan haven’t experienced since childhood. T ey love hosting friends and family, sharing the story of their home and showing o f the charm of Stillwater.
Whilemuch of their time is spent on the house, Ali and Dan still fnd time to enjoy the outdoors and explore the area. Tey hike the local trails with their dog, Watson, who they hope to train for skijoring in the winter. Tey love the cross-country trails that wind
through Stillwater’s parks and are excited to explore the town’s vibrant downtown scene.
Looking back, Ali and Dan are grateful for the lessons they learned during their home-buying journey. Teir advice for others? “Find your balance and protect your peace,” Ali said. “Real estate is tumultuous, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Advocate for yourself, fnd a realtor you trust, and stay fexible. If you lose out on something you love, there will be other opportunities. Sometimes things work out for the best in ways you can’t predict.”
As for their future, Ali and Dan plan to stay in Stillwater as long as circumstances allow. For now, they’re embracing the challenge of turning their house into a home and savoring the little moments of connection and discovery along the way.
In the end, Ali and Dan’s Stillwater home is more than just a house—it’s a refection of their shared values, their willingness to adapt, and their love for history, community, and each other. For a couple who’ve built their life together on bold moves and hard work, it’s the perfect place to write their next chapter.
the home after
Te Soundtrack of Home
by Kristy Hanson
For
Mark and Karly, music has always been at the heart of their lives—whether it’s Mark organizing events to bring his songs to audiences, the couple going to shows on date nights, or their kids jumping on him the second he walks through the door, back from tour and ready for wrestling matches that they jokingly call, “floor time.”
Butwhen their cozy Como Park home began to feel a little too snug for their growing family, it was time to fnd a new rhythm, one that would give them more space, more privacy, and still keep them connected to the Twin Cities music scene they love.
Te journey to their new home in North Oaks started the way many adventures do these days: with a Facebook post. Years before they had kids, Karly put out a call for realtor recommendations, and they connected with Sarah. Right from the start, it felt like a perfect match. Tey quickly realized they knew a ton of mutual people. Sarah’s communication style made Mark and Karly feel so comfortable. Sarah helped them fnd their frst house in the Como Park area.
As their family grew to include two kids—Magnolia, now 7, and Levon, now 5—they knew it was time to upgrade. Over two months, the family went to 15 property viewings, each one helping them refne their vision of what their next home would look like. Tey toured homes in Roseville, Stillwater, and White Bear Lake, but competition was ferce, and nothing quite clicked.
Te family wasn’t quite sure where they’d land. Ten they visited North Oaks, a quiet suburb just outside St. Paul. Tey hadn’t known much about the area before their realtor gave them a crash course: a previously gated community with winding roads, sprawling lots, protected nature, and a unique mix of privacy and community. To Mark and Karly, it felt more like rural Northern Minnesota than a suburb of the Twin Cities.
Even though the environment felt really special, they still weren’t sure the North Oaks house was the one. Mark credits their realtor with helping him wrap his head around what life would look like in the North Oaks area.
Asthey considered the house more deeply, their vision for their family’s future started to take shape. Te house checked all the boxes: a fxer-upper with good bones, plenty of room for the kids to play, space for their creative pursuits, and a stunning backyard view of trees that seemed to stretch on forever. Tere was even private access
to a beach within walking distance—a real summer dream come true for a Minnesotan family.
Tey closed on the house in early November 2024 and moved in just before Tanksgiving. It was a whirlwind, especially since they needed to prepare their old home in Como Park—it would soon be a rental property. Karly and Mark didn’t want to lose their frst home. Sarah played an instrumental role in helping them navigate the logistics of becoming landlords, from fnding a renter to connecting them with the right mortgage.
Tough the move meant a short walk down the street to school was replaced by a 20-minute drive every morning, the trade-ofs were worth it. Karly and Mark now have separate home ofces—something they dreamed of after the shared 1,300-square-foot experience of COVID lockdowns—and a music room that’s slowly being transformed into a 24/7 studio. Mark envisions it as a space where he can write, record, and eventually stream music. Te studio is much better than the storage space he’d been renting, Mark said—it has lots of windows and overlooks a tree-flled backyard.
Mark’s music career has taken him all over—from the Virgin Islands, where he and Karly were married, to Tailand, Mexico, and across the U.S. In 2024 alone, he took 49 fights, juggling a mix of writing, touring, and working as a consultant for folks navigating the music industry. Despite the challenges of being away from home
so often, Mark treasures the moments when he’s back with his family.
Music runs in the family. Magnolia is already taking piano lessons and loves to sing, while Levon has natural rhythm, loves to dance, and seems destined to be an entertainer.
While Karly loves music and being a part of the music scene, she also gets excited about interior design—seeing a home’s potential. Te North Oaks house was structurally sound but needed plenty of cosmetic updates—something that might’ve scared of other homebuyers. Karly was able to look beyond the carpeting, wallpaper, and bold paint choices of the previous owners and envision a look that suited her family.
Tey’ve already replaced the fooring and Karly has big plans for the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms. She loves working on these projects so much that if she had to do it all over again, she fgures she’d go to school for interior design.
Te family is taking it one room at a time, prioritizing the spaces everyone sees frst. “It’ll take us 10 years to do everything we want,” Karly joked, “but that’s part of the fun.”
Thoughthey worried at frst about the sprawling nature of North Oaks and whether they’d get to know their neighbors, those fears were quickly put to rest. Neighbors came over soon after the moving trucks left, introducing themselves and bearing the sweet gift of
donuts. Importantly, there are kids living next door around the same age as Magnolia and Levon.
Tough the house is still very new to them, living in North Oaks seems to ofer the perfect balance of country living and city convenience. A private beach and trails are within walking distance, and they love the quiet, winding roads that feel a world away from the busyness of the Twin Cities. And even though it feels like a world away, the two are still able to head into town for a dinner and a show.
“Music is such a big part of our lives,” Mark said. “Te Twin Cities have such a great music scene, and we’re excited to keep exploring from here.”
For now, the family is looking forward to seeing how their home feels through the seasons—watching the trees change color, exploring new trails, and building memories together. “At the end of the day, it’s about staying present and engaged in what’s happening around you,” Mark said. “And for us, this house feels like the perfect next chapter.”
As they continue to settle into their North Oaks home, Mark and Karly are grateful for the way everything came together. Teir advice for future buyers? Communicate, stay fexible, and trust the process. “Write down your goals before you start looking,” Karly said. “And fnd an agent who really gets you and cares about what’s best for you.”
the North Oaks home
Pink Walls, Big Backyards
A Family’s Journey to a New Home
About Adam + Amanda + Aoife + Finella + Huckleberry + Gus
When did you buy your home?
November 2024
Distance from Old to New House
Just under a mile
Favorite Local-to-Them Restaurant
Currently, Herbst Eatery.
What do you do?
Adam is an attorney at an insurance company and Amanda is a dental hygienist.
by Kristy Hanson
Moving to a new house is always an adventure, but for the MacLeod-Roth family, it felt like the end of an era— the closing chapter of their first home, where Amanda and Adam had started their journey as a young couple
Itwas the place they brought their daughters, Aoife and Finella, home as newborns, weathered the pandemic, welcomed two dogs, and wove together the threads of a life flled with love and growth.
Adam and their realtor, Danny, had known each other since they were 11. Amanda often joked that he’d been on a lifelong interview for the position of realtor. But Danny wasn’t just a realtor—he was practically family, so much so that Aoife afectionately called him ‘Uncle Danny.’
Uncle Danny had helped them purchase their frst home ten years earlier. Back then, Amanda and Adam thought they’d never leave. Even two years ago, they would’ve said they were frmly rooted with no plans to move. But by the spring of 2024, their focus had shifted, and they began actively watching the market.
We tried to make it work,” Amanda said of their frst home. As the walls began closing in, they considered remodeling, wavering between renovation plans and browsing online listings. It wasn’t until they toured a house they loved—but didn’t get—that they realized they were ready to move on. Trying to reshape their original home no longer made sense.
Tey saw four houses before fnding the one. It ticked all the boxes: still in St. Paul, close to the girls’ school, and full of charm. While Aoife and Finella had tagged along for other showings, they were in school when Amanda and Adam toured the house they’d eventually make an ofer on. Not seeing it beforehand made the move even more emotional for the girls.
To ease their nerves, Aoife and Finella mapped out their new neighborhood on Google Maps, charting routes from their old house, checking the distance to school, and discovering familiar landmarks. Aoife realized
she wouldn’t be too far from the places and people she loved—in fact, one of her friends lived just down the block from their new house.
Even so, Aoife joked, “Two facts you need to know about tangletown: if you’re driving and you suddenly turn into Tangletown you’ll know it because you won’t know where you’re going and also the blocks are really really long.” With its maze-like streets, Tangletown redefnes what it means to live “just around the corner.” Still, it was comforting to know where important landmarks like school and friends were in relation to their new home.
Once the big move happened, excitement took over. Finella claimed the biggest room, with the promise it would be the frst to get a makeover—transforming it from Green Bay Packers green to the pinkest pink. “It’s really pink,” Aoife teased, but Finella was thrilled.
Aoife happily settled into the smaller room, which reminded her of a character’s bedroom from a show she loves. She chose a light blue for the walls and is already planning her dream setup—a cozy reading nook complete with a beanbag chair.
After years of sharing a room, both girls agreed that having their own spaces was one of the best parts of
the new house. “We thought we’d miss sharing,” Aoife admitted with a grin, “but sleeping separately is awesome.”
Te whole family pitched in to unpack quickly, and the frst thing they did was decorate for the holidays. “We wanted it to feel festive and homey right away,” Amanda said. Every Christmas Eve, they visit grandparents—one in Minneapolis, the other in St. Cloud—then spend Christmas Day relaxing at home. Tis year’s routine stayed the same, but, they joked, next year they might be brave enough to host at their new place.
Moving often happens at a breakneck pace, leaving little time to process the emotions of saying goodbye to a frst home. For Amanda and Adam, the focus was on helping the kids navigate their own feelings. Tey recommend that parents facing a move with children stay positive while also making space for kids to express their emotions. “Teir stress and sadness about leaving are real,” Amanda refected. For Finella and Aoife, saying goodbye to their beloved street was bittersweet, but having room to acknowledge those feelings helped them adjust.
Te old neighborhood was a special place. All the kids roamed freely—bouncing between houses, biking, and playing in each other’s backyards. One summer, Aoife spearheaded a grand event: a backyard carnival complete
note that Finella wrote for new owners + kiddo and dogs look out front window
hard at work
with a snow-cone machine, clothespin-drop game, and obstacle course. Adam manned the grill, Amanda ran the logistics, and Aoife laughed at the amateur face-painting that left everyone looking like clowns.
To other kids facing a big move, Aoife said, “Your friends won’t stop being your friends just because you move. Tere are lots of ways to stay connected.” She added, “If you’re scared about moving, think about what you’ll love about the new house and write down what you’ll miss about the old one. And if you have a fufy dog, cuddle it.”
Ten, she said with a grin, “Even if it has the worst farts in the world.”
Tose fufy dogs, Huckleberry and Gus, might be the biggest fans of the new house. Tey’re obsessed with the fenced-in backyard, where they can race around and play fetch to their hearts’ content—no more chasing balls into the neighbors’ yards.
Now, all six of them are settling into their new life, embracing the extra space, the charm of their home, and the possibilities it holds. Aoife and Finella are busy dreaming up backyard adventures—maybe even another carnival someday. But for now, they’re content with pink walls, blue rooms, and quiet moments in a house that is already starting to feel like home.
Reading the Signs
About Sarah + Kaylynn
When did you buy your home?
They bought in May 2017 and sold their home in July 2021.
Distance from Old to New House
256 miles
Favorite Local-to-Them Restaurant
Favorite local restaurant in Madison, WI is Bradbury’s. In Hudson they have two favorites: Joe to Go and Urban Olive and Vine.
What do you do?
Current occupation is a hospice massage therapist, but Sarah recently graduated with her masters and is working towards becoming a licensed marriage and family therapist. She hopes to work specifically people experiencing grief and loss, chronic and terminal illness and caregivers.
by Kristy Hanson
For Sarah and Kaylynn, finding a home wasn’t necessarily about square footage, crown molding, or hardwood floors. It was about how it all felt standing in the living room, strolling through the yard, or walking down the street to the corner gas station.
But beyond that, an even more important question guided their search: Would it feel safe? As a married couple moving to a new area not exactly known for being LGBTQ+ friendly, Sarah and Kaylynn didn’t know what to expect.
Te couple’s home-buying journey began in the spring of 2017. At the time, they lived in St. Paul, with Kaylynn commuting to her teaching job in Hudson, Wisconsin—a commute that was starting to wear on them both. Tey began to wonder what it might be like to live in the same community where she worked, to skip the daily drive and truly put down roots.
As they searched, they noticed little markers—both literal and symbolic—that seemed to guide them. One Saturday, after putting in an ofer on a house, they drove through Hudson to get a better sense of the town. Stopping at a gas station, they looked up to see a small pride march winding its way down the street. “All Are Welcome Here” signs lined the sidewalks. At a time when rainbow fags were being stolen or burned in some places, this little parade felt like a message. “We took it as a sign that everything would be okay,” Sarah said.
Still, not every house felt right. You see, Sarah has an intuitive gift—one she’s come to embrace and better understand over the years. In her early 20s, while working as a caregiver for patients with HIV, she began having unexplainable spiritual experiences in the older homes she visited. At frst, she brushed them of—“I’m just tired,” she told herself—but over time, she realized she had a connection to the energies of those who had passed. It wasn’t scary, exactly, just unfamiliar.
During their house hunt, Sarah sensed a presence with a message for their realtor. She hesitated—was it
appropriate to share? Would it make things awkward? Ultimately, she decided to wait until after they’d closed on a house, wanting to keep a boundary between the professional and personal.
While Sarah’s professional life as a therapist focuses on helping people, her intuitive gift continues to guide her in unexpected ways. “It’s like therapy for ghosts,” she joked.
Her work isn’t about exorcisms or hauntings—it’s about helping spirits who feel stuck. Often, they’re just like living people, grappling with feelings of being unseen or unheard. Sarah views her role as helping them feel acknowledged.
Tat gift made house-hunting uniquely challenging. One home in particular sticks out in Sarah’s memory. From the outside, it was charming, full of history and character. But once inside, Sarah began to feel… of. When they reached the basement, there was a hatch leading to a lower level. Her wife and realtor headed down without hesitation, but the moment Sarah stepped through the doorway, she froze. “It felt like a train station down there,” she said. “Busy. Overwhelming. Not violent, but… not for us.”
It was then that Sarah decided to share her experience in the basement with their realtor. To the couple’s relief, she took it in stride, respecting Sarah’s intuition and keeping it in mind throughout the rest of their househunting journey.
A few showings later, they turned down a tree-lined street in North Hudson. As soon as Sarah saw the red pines towering in the backyard of one house, she knew—this was it. It felt right. It felt like theirs.
After closing on the house, Kaylynn encouraged Sarah to share the message she’d received during their initial conversations with the realtor. Te reaction was one of genuine surprise—there was no way Sarah could have known such personal details. Te message was warmly received, deepening the bond between them and adding an unexpected layer of connection to their journey.
The frst summer in their new home was a joyful blur.
Tey adopted a sweet dog named Mabel, who loved the backyard as much as they did—often coming home covered in sap. Sarah worked as a massage therapist in hospice care while Kaylynn settled into her job at the local school, and together they found their rhythm.
Four years later, during the COVID-19 pandemic, they decided it was time for a new adventure. Kaylynn accepted a job in Oregon, Wisconsin—a small rural town just outside Madison. With the world still in upheaval, they sold their beloved Hudson home and bought their next house sight unseen. Tis time, there were no red pines, but the move brought new trails to hike, restaurants to discover, and countless nights spent stargazing in their backyard. Tey’ve been there for three and a half years now, joking that their date nights revolve around trips to Costco—simple routines that have become part of their story.
Tough Sarah and Kaylynn are homebodies at heart, the move reminded them of how much they value being part of a community. Even in the small town of Oregon, they’ve found ways to build connections. Someday, they plan to return to the Twin Cities—the place where they frst met online back in 2012, and the place that still feels like home. And when they do, they say they’ll be in touch with their realtor.
For Sarah, buying a home—twice now—has always been about more than brick and mortar. It’s about feeling connected: to a space, to people, to something bigger than ourselves. And maybe, just maybe, to the spirits who wander alongside us, quietly waiting to be seen.
Te Napkin Plan
by Kristy Hanson
About Tom + Julie
When did you buy your home?
May 2023
Distance from Old to New House
46 miles
Favorite Local-to-Them Restaurant
Champs Sports Bar and Grill for Tom (rooftop is awesome in the summer); Table 65 Bistro and Gelato Cafe for Jules
What do you do?
Tom is a Railroad Safety Inspector for Federal Railroad Administration and Podcaster at smallscalelife.com. Julie owns and operates two small businesses: Willow River Blooms (willowriverblooms.com) and Willow River Yoga (willowriveryoga.com).
In 2008, Tom and Julie were living in Chicago, grappling with the strain of a recession and the weight of a hefty house payment. The married couple decided it was time to simplify their lives and turned their gaze north—first to small towns near the Windy City, then to bigger towns a little further out, and finally to the Twin Cities, with its big-city feel and small-town charm.
Theyfgured they’d eventually move somewhere more rural, but not for a while—and defnitely not in Wisconsin. But life, as they say, had other plans.
Tom and Julie were living in a three-bedroom Northeast Minneapolis apartment with their two sons and one son’s girlfriend. Te fve adults got along just fne, but sharing one bathroom quickly became a logistical nightmare. Over the years, the family had moved plenty— thirteen times in thirty years—but the dream of settling somewhere rural never faded. Tom’s work as a rail crossing inspector took him all over the Midwest, and with every gorgeous property he passed, the pull grew stronger.
In 2020, they decided to take the leap. Tey teamed up with their trusted realtor, Sarah—a friend from high school who understood the nuances of the MinnesotaWisconsin market—and began searching in earnest. Not long after, they found the perfect plot of land and put in an ofer.
Theplan was simple: sell their apartment, build a house on the property, and start fresh. Tey had even drawn up designs with a contractor, envisioning their future home nestled in the scenic Driftless Region.
But then COVID hit. Te cost of construction materials skyrocketed—two-by-fours shot up to $12 apiece—and their dream house quickly turned into a fnancial nightmare.
One night, lying in bed, Julie fnally voiced what had been lingering in the back of her mind: “I don’t think this is the right move.”
By morning, they were on the phone with Sarah, ready to rethink their strategy. T ey decided to sell the property and focus on f nding a home with an existing
structure—something that wouldn’t require starting from scratch.
Soon after, during a dinner party with friends, Julie’s brother called from Texas with a tip about a listing they just had to see. As luck would have it, the property was right around the corner from where they were gathered.
They drove past the listing on their way home. Even in the dark, Tom and Julie felt an immediate connection. Tey called Sarah to set up a showing.
Julie toured the property while Tom was out turkey hunting with one of their sons. She gave them a FaceTime tour, pointing out the rolling hills, 200-year-old trees, and the charm of the old hobby farm. Te Ingalls homestead was nearby, adding a touch of history to the landscape. Te previous owner had raised Icelandic sheep, and although the sheep weren’t part of the deal, Julie and Tom could already picture a new chapter of their lives unfolding there.
Before long, they were packing up and moving from Minneapolis to the heart of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region, thanks to another smooth deal with their trusted realtor.
But the real challenges began after the move. Te property turned out to be far more complicated than they’d anticipated. Te house was in rough shape—much worse than they expected. Contractor after contractor delivered the same grim verdict: renovating the house into their dream home would be no small feat. In fact, it’d be better to start from scratch.
Tey asked contractors to review the other structures on the land. Every structure on the property got a similar verdict: tear it down and start over.
Te couple wrestled with what to do next. Tey had just settled in, and now they were facing the possibility of leaving again.
Then, in 2022, tragedy struck. Teir son passed away.
Te sprawling solitude of the farm that once felt like a dream now felt too quiet, too isolating. Te land, once full
of possibility, suddenly felt like a burden—a weight too heavy to carry
Tey decided to sell the property. Preparing it for the market was no small task—they updated the septic system, replaced the kitchen tiles, and worked tirelessly to ensure it was ready for the next owner. Tey received multiple ofers, ultimately choosing to sell to a young man who reminded them of their son.
But where would they go next?
One night over dinner, Julie and Tom found themselves having a diferent kind of conversation: What kind of home and community did they need for a good life? Tey grabbed a pen and a napkin, scribbling down everything they wanted in their next—and hopefully fnal—home. Tey dreamed of a place connected to nature but not isolated, a home where they could host friends and family, with room to relax and space for their hobbies. It needed to feel welcoming and vibrant. While they were happy to make updates, the house had to be structurally sound from the start—no more surprises.
Tey handed their “Napkin Plan” to Sarah and trusted her to help them fnd the right place.
A short time later, Julie’s dad called with a lead. Again Tom and his son were turkey hunting, but this time the couple weren’t leaving anything to chance. He came home to see the new-ish build in New Richmond in person.
And while the house needed some updates, it was solid—no impossible fxes. Te house was on a pond, connected to the Willow River, with hummingbirds, bald eagles, and even river otters frequenting their backyard. It was walkable to downtown, yet peaceful enough to feel like an escape.
In May 2023, the couple moved into their “forever-fornow Napkin Plan” home. Compared to their previous experiences, this move was, as they put it, “easy-peasy.” Tey wasted no time making it their own—adding a
working on the home
new roof, fresh paint, patios, new furniture, and even a vintage 1925 cast-iron bathtub that Julie discovered at a market. Tey also installed a hot tub and a cold plunge tank, blending their love of comfort with their commitment to wellness—Julie is a yoga instructor, and Tom, a kombucha-brewing enthusiast.
For the frst time in years, they feel settled. Tey’re looking forward to kayaking on the Willow and Apple Rivers, hosting friends for dinners, and enjoying the vibrant wildlife that surrounds their property.
Teir advice for homebuyers? Take the time to fgure out what you truly want. Write it down if you need to—whether on a napkin or something more ofcial. Don’t shy away from projects; sometimes, a simple coat of paint can transform a space. And perhaps most importantly, fnd a realtor who truly understands you.
After closing, they gifted their realtor a magic wand and framed their Napkin Plan. Teir journey to New Richmond is a testament to trusting your instincts, leaning on your community, and knowing when it’s time to start over. Because in the end, their house isn’t just a house—it’s a refection of their journey and their dreams.
Building a Legacy, One House at a Time
by Kristy Hanson
About Vicky + Abby + Remi + Río
When did you buy your home?
We have purchased 3 investment properties: March 2023, December 2023, and January 2025.
Distance from Old to New House
Their properties in Minneapolis and St. Paul are within 15 miles of each other. The single family house they owned and moved out of to start househacking is in Farmington, MN. It’s about 30 miles from NE Minneapolis, where they live now.
Favorite Local-to-Them Restaurant
They love the sour beer at Pryes brewing Company and Young Joni has great pizza! Both are walking distance from their NE Minneapolis home.
What do you do?
Vicky is an HR leader for Nordstrom and Abby is a real estate investor and property manager. They love to meet people who are interested in real estate investing in the Twin Cities—feel free to reach out to them at casitapropertiesmn@gmail.com
When
Vicky and Abby first met on the rugby field more than a decade ago, neither of them imagined that they’d one day be managing multiple rental properties, raising twins, and laying the foundation for a future full of possibilities.
But life, like rugby, can be unpredictable and wild. Te path they’re walking together is a true testament to teamwork, adaptability, and a willingness to take bold leaps.
Te married couple’s journey into real estate began in 2018, when they moved to Farmington, Minnesota, to settle into a suburban home. While there, they started thinking about their next chapter: building a family. By 2021, they had twins, Remy and Río. As Vicky and Abby started looking towards the future and the kind of life they wanted to lead (and considered the cost of daycare), they started having serious conversations about how to build passive income. Something that allowed Abby to stay home with the kids without stretching their fnances to the breaking point.
It was around this time that they discovered Bigger Pockets, a popular real estate investing community, and began researching house-hacking—a strategy where you buy a property, live in part of it, and rent out the rest to ofset the mortgage. Inspired by the possibilities, they started interviewing realtors and eventually found Jef. Jef wasn’t just a realtor. He was also a landlord. He ofered Vicky and Abby trustworthy guidance.
“Jef wasn’t just selling us houses,” Abby said. “He showed us the nuts and bolts of how it works—how to collect rent, manage tenants, and analyze deals. He even shared his personal systems and templates with us.”
He also helped them wrap their heads around the idea of carrying debt. “I grew up with the mindset that all debt is bad,” Vicky said. But the couple knew they couldn’t pull this of without structuring their debt responsibly—even if that did feel like an oxymoron. Te couple read up on fnancing and the process of engaging with investors. Te ultimate goal was learning how to use this type of debt as a tool to make money instead of lose money.
In 2023, Vicky and Abby bought their frst investment property in St. Paul’s West Seventh neighborhood. It wasn’t turnkey—in fact, it needed a lot of love—but that was exactly what they wanted. “We’re not looking for perfect homes,” Vicky said. “We want properties where we can add equity and create value.”
Tey rolled up their sleeves, learning how to tackle renovations themselves. Tey did 80% of the work on their frst property, gaining hands-on experience in everything from painting and fooring to restoring fnishes. “When you’re new to the game, you don’t know what you don’t know,” Abby admitted. “But learning how things work helps you inspect what contractors are doing later. It’s empowering to know what goes into it.”
Teir second property, a duplex in Northeast Minneapolis, came in 2024, followed by a third property in the Cherokee Park area of West St. Paul just this year. Trough each deal, Jef was a trusted partner, helping them hone their negotiation skills and push for better deals. Tey followed the tenet of taking emotion out of the process and tried to think like investors. In doing so, they’ve been able to pay under listing price and even negotiate seller credit.
Vicky and Abby moved out of their comfortable suburban home with a sprawling backyard into the upper unit of their Minneapolis duplex—a much smaller space to eliminate their mortgage and save money. It wasn’t easy to go from half an acre and four bedrooms to a postage-stamp backyard, but it was worth it. Vicky joked that instead of a college fund, their kids are getting duplexes.
While moving frequently might scare some families, Vicky and Abby see this chapter as a unique opportunity. Teir twins are only three years old, so they’re not yet in school, giving the family fexibility to move and adapt. “It’s
one of their finished renovations
hard, but it’s temporary,” Abby said. “Once the kids are in school, we’ll settle down.”
For now, the family is focused on making the most of this time. Tey recently spent a month in Mexico City, celebrating Día de los Muertos and visiting Vicky’s family. Te twins, Remy and Río, are already becoming part of the family business. “For Christmas, we got them a drill, a tape measure, and a headlamp,” Abby said with a laugh. “Tey think I’m a ‘constructor.’
With four properties and big plans for the future, Vicky and Abby are entering a new phase of their real estate journey. Tey’re no longer doing all the renovations themselves—“It’s not realistic to work full-time, be moms, and remodel full-time,” Abby admitted—but they don’t have to carry it all themselves.
Tey’ve built a trustworthy team of contractors and are learning quickly how to manage projects and delegate tasks efectively. Vicky does the fnancing and insurance part while Abby does everything else: due diligence, compliance and licenseship, planning and oversight of remodels, administration of fnances, and all things property management.
Through it all, they’ve remained grounded, taking things one step at a time. “Passive income isn’t truly passive,” Abby said. “It’s a part-time job, at least for now. But the goal is to create a steady cash fow that supports our family and gives us options.”
As far as future plans, Vicky and Abby have a few ideas. Tey’re excited by the potential in fx-and-fip properties—buying, renovating, and selling homes, with an eye on the frst-time homebuyer market. Tey joked that house-fipping would be their ‘hack’ to buying a lakeside property. Tey’re also interested in growing their portfolio by leveraging a ‘buy and hold’ strategy.
When asked what advice they’d give to others considering house-hacking, Vicky and Abby’s answer was simple: Do it.
“Be thoughtful, do your homework, but don’t stall,” Vicky said. “Do your analysis, but don’t paralyze yourself. Tere’s always going to be a reason to wait, but you don’t know what’s coming in the future—you might as well start now.”
Abby added, “Find people who’ve done it before and ask them questions. Tere’s so much to learn, but you don’t have to do it alone. Tere are people out there who will share their story and help you get started.”
For families with kids, Vicky and Abby are proof that house-hacking is possible, even if it’s not the traditional route. “Don’t let having kids stop you,” Abby said. “Tis isn’t just a Vicky/Abby thing—it’s a family business.”
working on the family business
Brick, Beams, and Family Dreams
by Kristy Hanson
The decision to buy a Tudor-style home in Minneapolis wasn’t planned. If anything, it was the opposite.
Onemoment, Deb was fying into the Twin Cities to meet her daughter Janessa, who was fying in from Vermont. Te two were going to see a concert together— Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago.
Te next, they were getting ready in their cozy Tudorstyle Airbnb, with Deb marveling at how charming the house was. She joked that one day, she’d love to own a Tudor of her own—ideally one with a pool. Tat passing comment planted a seed. Neither of them knew it at the time, but that Tudor-style Airbnb was the frst step toward a new chapter unfolding.
Not long after, Deb became the proud owner of a house that checked all the boxes: Tudor charm, a soaking tub, and plenty of space to make it their own. It had a huge kitchen window overlooking the yard, thoughtful updates, and—yes—a pool. It was the house she didn’t know she was looking for—and it felt like the house that had been waiting for her all along.
Deband her daughters, Janessa and Brogan, are no strangers to big moves. After her girls graduated high school, Deb left her home state of South Dakota, working as a Reading Recovery teacher in New Zealand, and living in places like Arkansas and Vermont (currently) along the way. When asked why New Zealand, she shrugged. Tere was a job there, she applied, and it was a country she wanted to visit.
Her two daughters went out for a visit and fell in love with the country. So much so that when Janessa had the chance to move there for work years later, she jumped at it.
Even with other states and countries they used to call home, the two have chosen to move back to the Twin Cities. And it isn’t just the Tudor home that’s calling them.
For Janessa, the house was a chance to set down roots while staying connected to what she loved most about Minnesota. She’d lived in Mankato during college, and even returned after stints in Arizona, Colorado, New Hampshire, and New Zealand. Travel had always been a big part of her life—she went to school for aviation and worked in the feld, with jobs that took her from airports in Arizona to working 911 dispatch in Minnesota.
“Minnesota felt like a safe choice,” Janessa said, “but it’s also where I wanted to be.”
As so many big life moments do, Deb’s journey to Minnesota began with an idle Zillow search. Deb loved trawling real estate listings, especially for Tudor-style homes. After living in Arkansas for years, she’d grown tired of cookie-cutter brick houses. She wanted something with charm and character, on a block full of other homes with charm and character. Tudor homes seemed to be everywhere in Minnesota, so she kept an eye out for one that spoke to her.
A few months after the concert, Deb came across a listing in the Twin Cities and sent it to Janessa. On Saturday, Janessa went to the open house. By Monday, they were making an ofer.
Janessa wasn’t planning on house-hunting that weekend, but she was excited to check it out. She was babysitting a friend’s kids, so she brought them along, reminding them to keep their hands out of the pool and not touch anything.
The house had it all. Beyond the pool and gorgeous landscaping, it had two ensuite bedrooms—one upstairs and one downstairs. Not only could Janessa move in and have her own space, there’d also be plenty of room for Brogan and other family members coming for a visit.
More than that, Janessa got the sense that the current owners really cared about their home. Te landscaping was immaculate, and the house felt warm and inviting. It wasn’t just a property—it felt like a home.
On Monday morning, their realtor called Janessa—the owners wanted to move quickly. Did Deb want to put an ofer in on the house? Janessa called her Mom, but she was driving home from work. “Give me ten minutes,” she said.
By the time she got home, the decision was made. She put in the ofer and shortly afterwards, it was accepted.
A week prior to closing, Deb visited the Twin Cities for her birthday and saw the house in person for the frst time. She also met the previous owners. Te couple had clearly loved the home—they gave Deb tips on maintaining the property, ofered to clean the pool, and even said they’d help with yard work if needed. “Teir best friends and daughter still live in the area,” Deb said. “It was comforting to know there was already a sense of community here.”
For Deb, the house feels like a natural next chapter in her life. She felt ready to move closer to her roots in South Dakota and be an easy f ight away from Brogan in Colorado.
Deb at the Te Awa School
Now that Deb’s nearing retirement, she’s excited about the simple pleasures of homeownership again. After seven years in apartments, she’s eager for a yard, a space for projects, and, as she joked, “leaf blowers and snow blowers.”
Deb plans to move in June after fnishing the school year in Vermont, where she currently works as a teacher, and bringing her beloved cat, Lucy, with her.
ForDeb and her family, this Tudor home is more than just a house. It’s a place to create memories, share laughter, and build a life—together. “We’re so thankful and grateful to be able to do this,” Deb said. “For us, it all fell into place.”
Teir advice for others making a big move? Stay curious and be open to change. Janessa stressed how important it is to talk to people, “even if you’re nervous. Tell them you’re new in town, and keep spending time in the places you love.”
Deb agreed. “Once you make a big leap, it gets easier. You realize people are still doing the same things—going to the grocery store, working their jobs— and you fgure it out.”
Left: Deb & Janessa at Niagara Falls · Below: the whole family celebrates 41
Adventures in BRIXing
Luke Finsaas worked with Danny Dietl to purchase and sell a number of properties over the years—but their first time working together was something special. What started as a straightforward client-realtor relationship evolved into a friendship marked by bold decisions—like buying a home sight unseen—and even bolder adventures, including an unforgettable trip to London they won through a DocuSign contest.
The two of them reminisced over video chat in December 2024. Through laughter, real estate tales, and travel mishaps, Luke and Danny share how their professional partnership with BRIX turned into a lasting connection filled with stories worth telling.
Their story, while unique, showcases a regular consequence of working with BRIX: Your realtor turns into a confidant, a mentor, a friend, and—in some cases—an extension of your family.
Luke Finsaas: All right, we’re set to go. It’s happening. So, we’re going to chat about how you and I met and how you helped me buy and sell some property and…
Danny Dietl: And traveled to London.
And traveled to London. I think we met and I was like, I want to buy a loft. I remember driving around for weeks, just the two of us looking at lofts.
We saw a lot of lofts.
The CW Loft is permanently engraved in my brain—these endless halls of the same apartment over and over again. After awhile, you were like, “Yeah, I mean, we can go see another one if you want to, but you know what it’ll look like.” I remember you’d tell me all the gossip of the buildings… I remember —
I mean, that was just after the Great Recession, so every building had a story. They were not just humming along. Even the one you bought—what you paid for it versus the list price—there was a huge discount because everybody was like, “Is this the end or is this thing going to turn around?” We should also mention the part where you had permission from your partner to do the house shopping while she was in Kenya with limited internet access.
Yeah. That’s a very important part of the story. I was basically taking a pictures—with my Droid, the first Android thing—and sending them to Rachel. When we saw the River Park Loft place, I was like, “this is the one.” And Rachel said, “let’s do it.” Now, in my late 30s, this all sounds insane.
And it was very early days of electronic signings. So we made the offer and she signed off at some random internet cafe in Nairobi. And then, the first time she saw the apartment was at the final walkthrough—after coming from the airport, if I remember correctly?
A young Danny Dietl prepares to enjoy a drink he will never forget
Yeah, we had to time the closing for when she got back to the states.
We take for granted just where technology is. We have people that buy sight unseen all the time now because you can do virtual walkthroughs, video’s great, photography is great. But think about the quality of everything back then—it was very, very different trying to really understand what you were buying 14 years ago. I just remember opening the door and I was like, wait, she hasn’t seen it at all—what are these two people doing? what if she doesn’t like it? And then she walked in and she was like, “I love it.” It was immediate. That was pretty cool.
Yeah. I don’t think I realized how much of a dice roll that was. [ laugh ]
Fortunately. And then next year, I got an email from DocuSign about this competition, ‘how do you DocuSign?’ And I was like, Luke’s a writer and I think we got a pretty good story.
I remember you texted me—“Hey, here’s the situation. There’s this competition and we can win a trip to London. You want to do it?” So I banged out a few paragraphs over my lunch break. I remember the other ones were not great.
We got to the top four and then we got to see what the other submissions were. I read the three other ones and I think I texted you: “pack your bags.”
Yeah, that’s right. And then we won it.
We were like friends, but we weren’t hanging out all the time. So, it was like,—okay, this is interesting. Obviously I like you.. I think we liked each other. We’re going on… what was it? Four days, five days, something like that?
I think it was five days.
Yeah. That trip to London was—especially for me—I don’t like to leave my house or go further than six blocks of my house—I was like, “Okay, we’re doing this.” And it was awesome. It was great.
Super fun. I remember that first night where we followed that guy across London to find some place that was open—totally screwed up our sleep for the entire trip. Every day we were just waking up at noon and all the tours were over. Well, I guess we went to some museums.
We saw the Damian Hirst exhibit. That was pretty sweet.
With the shark.
The apartment, after a kitchen renovation by BRIX’s friends at Rogue Arc.
And what was on the ground? Was it shells? That represented people.
Oh yeah—Ai Weiwei, the Chinese artist. The whole entrance to the Tate Modern covered in these porcelain sunflower seeds that you had to walk on.
Which represented how the Chinese government treats its people.
I was like, oh I understand why you are no longer welcome in China, Mr. Wei. [ laughs]
I remember going to the local bars and we’re like “God, the food is so terrible.” And they all tasted the same. Then we notice this plaque outside one of them and we figured out that they were all owned by the same people—we’d been eating in white-labeled Applebees. So we were like okay, let’s get off the beaten path.
And we went to that Alice in Wonderland bar where we had that amazing drink.
I’ll never forget that drink. I’ve tried to describe it to people. I mean, if you think Malort is bad—what was it? Vegemite?
The British version—Marmite. They put it into a spray.
I could not get the taste out of my mouth for three days. You and the bartender are like, who can enjoy the worst possible drink? And I’m just sitting here, just give me my cosmopolitan.
[ laughs ]
Then you started buying up half of downtown St. Paul.
[laughs] Yeah, there was that little window of time in St. Paul where the prices hadn’t caught up to Minneapolis yet but there was so much energy around St. Paul. We got the studio in the Fitzgerald and the unit in the Rossmor. Then me and Rachel split up and sold off everything, other than the Rossmor, which I moved into.
Ai WeiWei’s Sunflower Seeds at the Tate Modern from October 2010—May 2011
The Rossmor was such a cool space. I still think that’s still one of my favorite buildings and the value for what you get there still surprises me. Prices at that building have not gone crazy, specifically.
Such a good building. Is there anything else we need to talk about?
Well, then we connected later and you’ve done all the BRIX Reports, except for our first one. This is your seventh?
This’ll be number seven.
Yeah, these have been super fun to work on. We get all the covers blown up in the office. It’s fun that we started as acquaintances and now all the things are wrapped up in a nice package.
Basically, work with BRIX and you can get some free travel, good business, and make money in real estate.
We guarantee you will win a sweepstakes if you work with BRIX. Guaranteed. Also, you’re always so good to my dog.
That monster. Cali still hasn’t responded to my allegations. My question is—what is she hiding?
Cali “I Can Do No Wrong” Dietl
Photo of the Wacouta Apartment
Damien Hirst’s The Physical Impossibility of Death in the Mind of Someone Living
Our annual client party has become the event we look forward to all year, so naturally, we decided to kick it up a notch.
Enter !
We found a bigger, better space to make room for the most important people in our worldour amazing clients, friends, and families. The result? An afternoon of epic fun, meaningful connections, and just the right amount of chaos to keep things interesting. It was unforgettable in all the best ways, and we are so grateful to have shared it with all of you.
This year, BRIXtreme was more than just an opportunity to say thank you; it was a chance to make a real difference. We partnered with The Backpack Project MN, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth experiencing homelessness. Thanks to your generosity and participation, the event was a success for both our community and The Backpack Project.
Through financial donations, gift cards, and critical items like socks, we were able to make a tangible impact:
• $772 in financial donations
• $210 in gift cards to include in backpacks
• 176 pairs of socks valued at $384.69
A total contribution of $1,377.19, which translates to:
• 10 completed backpacks for youth in need
• Enough socks to gift 4+ pairs in each winter backpack
The gift cards were especially impactful. As The Backpack Project shared, these cards provide more than just necessities; they offer dignity and small moments of relief. For youth experiencing homelessness, a gift card is not just a way to purchase essentials—it’s a “ticket” to access restrooms, a warm seat in the skyway, and a moment of respite from the elements.
The event itself was filled with excitement, including a high-energy BMX show that thrilled audiences of all ages. Alongside this, our familyfriendly activities kept everyone entertained while bringing smiles to faces throughout the day. But the heart of the event was the sense of community. From reconnecting with our clients to supporting an incredible cause, it was a reminder of what truly matters: the connections we share and the impact we can make when we come together.
To everyone who attended, donated, or supported in any way - thank you. Your generosity and spirit make events like our BRIX celebrations possible, and your support allows us to give back to those who need it most.
We’re already looking forward to next year’s BRIX event and the opportunity to create even more meaningful moments together. Here’s to building a stronger community, one small act of kindness at a time.
With gratitude, BRIX(treme) Real Estate
Te BRIX Market Report
Whenwe 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. We’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.
The Market Snapshots in the BRIX Report compare the data from 2023 to 2024 and use four key market indicators to give you a sense of trends.
Photo by Collin Clyne
What Do The Numbers Mean?
Days on Market
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.
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.
Month’s 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 Month’s Inventory shows that houses are selling quickly. There are fewer buyers for higher-priced homes, so the higher-end market usually has a greater Month’s Inventory.
Total Sales
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.
22 days 22.2% ON MARKET
$380,000 2.7% SALES PRICE
2.3 months 15.0% INVENTORY
44,361 1.9% # SOLD
Photo by Eastman Childs
Cold Start, Warm Finish
by Kirk Duckwall
2024 had a bit of a rough start. Although interest rates started the year in the mid-sixes (historically high), they continued to rise right as the market was heating up and we left 2024 a more balanced market—but 2025 will likely see prices rise.
Rates peaked at 7.52% in late April. This had slowed buyer activity over 2023 by as much as 28% during that same period of time. Due to this slowing, we started to see the inventory of homes rise to levels not seen since 2020.
Looking past the rates early on, savvy buyers and real estate investors took notice as they realized they had negotiation power also not seen in years. By mid-summer, rates began to retreat as well bring even more buyers into or back into the market. Inventory peaked in September, but with buyer activity now higher—by as much as 24% of the same time in 2023—diminished that increase in inventory quite fast.
As we wrap up the year as I am writing this, things are very similar as to where they started, with a few notable exceptions. Although we had a heck of a roller coaster year, inventory is going to be in about the exact same place, as well as the average time on market. We did see home prices move up by 3.5% in 2024 versus just 1.8% in 2023. In an odd twist, we will be starting out 2025 with about 10% more buyer activity while simultaneously seeing interest rates around 7%.
Looking into 2025, the higher buyer activity could give sellers looking to take advantage of the “Spring Market”, mid-February to mid-April, a needed boost over 2024. Another jolt to the spring market would be if we see retreat in rates again. This could make for a market much closer
to what we experienced in 2023 where the market meter peaked near 10 on the scale, which is in extreme seller’s market territory. In 2024, we peaked at about 7.5 more in the mid to mid-sellers market range. I do think either way, we will see the 2025 spring market favor sellers more than it did in 2024.
People looking to sell will probably be best served if their home is market ready no later than mid-March. This will be especially true if rates do not go down as the buyer activity tends to fade fast coming out of the spring market in higher rate environments.
Buyers will likely have the best outcomes in the later half of 2025 as demand tends to subside after the 4th of July, as well as prices. That said, those who are patient and look past the photos can find opportunity in almost any market condition. 2025 will likely see prices continue to rise at or above the pace seen in 2024. We are also likely to see more first-time homebuyer homes come on to the market. This is due to more and more baby boomers downsizing and new families looking to upsize.
Every time of year, neighborhood, city and suburb is different though. If you are looking to move, start those planning conversations with your agent early. This will give you the best chance to find the optimal market conditions and timing for your goals.
