Here's today's report from Mpls Area Association of Realtors.  Inventory levels remain low with only a 3.6 month supply on the market.    It will most likely stay that way thru the end of the year.  While there won't be many buyers out there during December, the ones out there will be "Ready, Willing, & Able". 

As the end of the year approaches, market futurists will either put on their overly cheery, poinsettia-colored glasses or turn into a bunch of dreary Nostradamus Nellys. The wise analyst will tune out extremes and embrace seasonally appropriate slowdowns as a sign of normal market activity while looking with anticipation to what will likely be continued moderate recovery in 2014. Watch for light gains in inventory, quieter pending sales activity and more sedate market times.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending November 23:
• New Listings increased 46.6% to 893
• Pending Sales increased 42.8% to 841
• Inventory decreased 3.6% to 15,008

For the month of October:
• Median Sales Price increased 11.4% to $194,900
• Days on Market decreased 27.2% to 75
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 1.4% to 95.8%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 10.0% to 3.6

Mpls Area Association of Realtors Latest

Here's the latest from Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors. Inventory is still low.  If you 're thinking of selling, let me know.    Holiday decorations have debuted in department stores across the nation (really?), and their mere presence just might affect housing activity for those prone to a good winter hunker. Comparisons to year-ago levels will show improvement and recovery, even as general activity will likely slow through the rest of 2013. With rates seemingly in a continuous go-low zone, the thrifty buyer and willing seller will still meet for transactional tea.    In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending October 26: • New Listings increased 16.4% to 1,209 • Pending Sales increased 10.4% to 974 • Inventory decreased 3.1% to 16,211 For the month of September: • Median Sales Price increased 11.7% to $195,000 • Days on Market decreased 29.7% to 71 • % of Original List Price Received increased 1.7% to 96.4% • Months Supply of Inventory decreased 14.0% to 3.7

Mpls Area Association of Realtors Weekly Market Activity Report

Here's the latest from the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors.  The market is recovering, however, let's hope the Shut Down doesn't go on for too long.
Higher interest rates, rising prices and a budget standoff in Washington haven't shaken consumer sentiment regarding housing.  Buyers continue to rifle through existing inventory for options, keeping an eye out for new listings. A sense of normalcy is returning to the real estate ethos after more than a decade of extreme ups and downs. It’s a big week for economic and housing news, so keep your eyes and ears tuned for any changing headlines.

In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending September 21:
• New Listings increased 13.3% to 1,469
• Pending Sales decreased 5.5% to 970
• Inventory decreased 6.8% to 16,249

For the month of August:

• Median Sales Price increased 16.9% to $207,900
• Days on Market decreased 34.0% to 70
• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 2.0% to 97.0%
• Months Supply of Inventory decreased 18.2% to 3.6

The foreclosure crisis reaches a silent end | 2013-09-13 | HousingWire

Here's an article stating what I have been seeing for the past 6 months or so.  While I don't know that the Foreclosure crisis is over, I have found that the sellers that I have been dealing with aren't upside down in their mortgages.  Even as late as 2012, I was having discussions with potential sellers on what their options were if they were upside down in their mortgage;  Come to Closing with $$$, Shortsale, or Foreclose.  I am delighted to report that I am not having those conversations in 2013.  Let's hope the trend continues.

The foreclosure crisis reaches a silent end | 2013-09-13 | HousingWire

Here's the latest from Mpls Area Association of Realtors.  They predict that the market will remain stable.  I concur, barring no major negative economic news.  Inventory levels look good & my listings are Selling, Selling, Selling.  If you are remotely thinking about selling, now may be the time.  Give me a call & I will do a market for your home to see where things are at in your neighborhood.

Most economists expect the housing recovery to continue, even with rising mortgage rates.  New household formations & tight supply should keep bolstering markets & shield homeowners from downside price risk.  Price gains should inspire sellers to add new inventory to the market.  Although inventory & other metrics will begin to taper from seasonal highs, they are likely to remain above last year's levels.


In the Twin Cities region, for the week ending August 24:

• New Listings increased 15.7% to 1,485

• Pending Sales increased 17.8% to 1,144

• Inventory decreased 9.2% to 16,180

Check out this cool house that won the Remodeling Design Award 2013.  It's in San Francisco, but there are elements that could work great with smaller homes. Check it out.

Remodeler's Magazine; Remodeling Design Award 2013

Here's an interesting solution to a small space.  This was posted in Builder; Pantry Raid @ BuilderOnline.com.  Check it out.

 

Pantry Raid 

Sliding doors disguise kitchen storage.

By

Rachel Barron

 

Credit: Anice Hoachlander/HDPhoto

Contemporary Kitchen Renovation, Washington, D.C.

ArchitectBarnes Vanze Architects, Washington

Builder Artwork, Washington

 

With more and more clients requesting walk-in pantries, builders are forced to make them work in homes of all sizes. (According to the NAHB, at least 84 percent of all buyers consider a walk-in pantry essential or at least desirable.) In this clean, contemporary kitchen, builder Charlie Sleichter had to get creative because the powder room on the adjoining wall prevented building a bigger storage space.
This compact kitchen serves as an entertaining hub, so finding pantry doors that wouldn’t take up extra space posed yet another challenge. A barn door, rather than a hinged one, was just the thing, says architect Ankie Barnes. What’s more, these asymmetrical sliding doors work some sleight of hand, tricking the eyes into perceiving the pantry as centered on the wall. The storage space and its entry are actually positioned slightly to the right to accommodate the powder room plumbing.
Birch plywood with a clear varnish is hardy, looks fresh, and is easy on the wallet, says Barnes. Most important, sliding doors of birch plywood can handle frequent use. Their stainless steel rolling hardware is exposed and ends up being both functional and ornamental. The absence of pulls is intentional, Barnes says, because they would have upset the optical illusion. Design doesn't hinder function, however, as the doors open and close just fine with a push or a pull.