Check out this article from Houzz.com.  It's got some great decor ideas.  For yourself or a gift.
10 Beautiful Decor Gifts to Make on the Cheap

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