Most real estate news today is bad, but rising sales volume is great news, and often seen skeptically in the media. While falling average prices is important, it's not nearly as accurate as it seems. Home owners would be well advised to understand the media's coverage of real estate is usually dead wrong in the way it thinks about your specific home's value.
I take issue with most news stories on two points 1)The importance of rising sales volume, and 2)For not pointing out that averaging sale data, reflects the large volume of bank mediated sales, and don't accurately predict values of individual homes.
Point 1) Rising sales volume is one of the most important metrics in our current market. We have a supply side issue (among others). As the number of homes offered for sale declines, supply and demand come back into balance. Minnesota Independant recetly said, in an otherwise good artical, that the number of homes sold is a "meaningless" and "futile" metric. Revealing a widly held, and fundamental, misunderstanding of the market.
Point 2) Value statistics (i.e. "Home Price Decline 38%") take all sales into account, and the increased volume of bank mediated sales artificially lowers these stats. Bank sales occur at all price points, but the majority are below the median price range. Investment buyers are very active in this market, and are behind a lot of the rise in sales volume. A relocation, or move up buyer, with a new baby on the way, may not be able to consider bank sales due to time and condition requirements. Bank sales come with additional risk, long timelines, typically poor condition, and are most common in lower price ranges. Unless you own an "average home" (which doesn't exist) then the average stats are only useful in a general sense, they don't predict specific home values in any way at all.
Rare Opportunity!Complete the interior restoration and build out of this important and historic townhome unit. 3 of 4 units have sold; this is the last one left!2-story unit on the south, or river, side of the building featuring extraordinary views of the Mississippi, 11-ft ceilings, original banister, and over 2000 sq ft.Landscape and grounds are complete.
Completely re-done internally and historically preserved this one of a kind property remains connected to St. Paul’s early history, while enjoying modern heating, cooling, and finishing features.
Built in 1886 by noted St. Paul architect Edward Payson Bassford, the Historic Armstrong-Quinlan house was moved in 2001 from its original site on Cleveland Circle to the edge of Irvine Park overlooking the Mississippi.
Find mesmerizing tranquility on “Isle of the Pines” on Little Sissabagama, an exemplary north woods wilderness lake.
Retreat to the breathtaking sustainable home nestled into a natural clearing of trees to preserve views from the lake and capture summer breezes. This thoughtfully crafted home is built from locally sourced wood and designed for energy and water efficiency and limited maintenance. Home is equivalent to LEED silver certification.
Relax on the insulated wrap-around porch, providing 270-degree views of the lake from oversized windows.
The three-bedroom two-bath home offers an exceptionally open floor plan for great lighting and efficient heating and cooling.
Gather around the wood stove or enjoy the master bedroom gas fireplace for crisp fall days. Ceiling fans and an efficient air conditioner keep the home comfortable in the summer.
With only three residences on the small island, you’ll take full advantage of the natural sugar sand beach, transparent water, and idyllic location near popular former lumber towns.
The Historic Hawley Mansion, built in 1874 and currently operating as the Moondance Inn Bed and Breakfast (www.moondanceinn.com), is now available for purchase.
Located in beautiful Red Wing, Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River, this charming inn is just 60 minutes south of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Fully restored and updated, the stately mansion offers five guest bedrooms with en suite baths, game room, equipped commercial kitchen, rich woodwork and high ceilings throughout, grand central fireplace, and living and bedroom furnishings. A sixth bedroom is located in the lower level. The carriage house currently serves as the owner’s private quarters.
Drive along the scenic bluffs of the Mississippi, enjoy expansive Lake Pepin, bicycle the Cannon River Trail, visit local wineries, and stroll the historic neighborhoods of Red Wing. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to continue a rich tradition. Or create your own!
Enjoy Victorian detail with modern amenities! Built new in 2002, this hillside cottage perched above Lake Superior makes an ideal vacation home or guest house. You’ll fall in love with this home’s Scandinavian style, romantic views and historic setting.
Built with great attention to detail, this cottage-style home features a striking vaulted ceiling and open, central staircase. Brazilian maple and cherry hardwoods, Italian marble, and in-floor heat are just a few of the luxurious touches awaiting you.
Located in the quaint neighborhood of “Little Italy”, this home has 2500 finished square feet and sits on an oversized lot with bird’s eye views of Duluth Harbor. Three bedrooms in the main portion of the cottage, a gas fireplace, gourmet kitchen, inglenook hideaway, and large whirlpool tub all greet you after touring Duluth’s many offerings.
Retreat to your private garden-level suite after hiking, antiquing, skiing, sailing or just enjoying the striking beauty of Minnesota’s North Shore.
Located in the “Driftless Area” of Southeast Wisconsin, this 300 acre plantation of walnut, oak, chestnut, hickory and pine trees is spread across a spectacular valley. Actively managed as a deciduous hardwood forest and walnut plantation for the past 42 years by a dedicated professional, the opportunity to provide the future stewardship of this important property is now available.
A recently completed timber cruise has estimated the current and projected timber harvest for the next 5 – 10 years. Currently the property has more than 9600 board feet of veneer quality walnut trees ready for harvest. In addition there is more than 70,000 board feet of red and white oak for harvest and additional oak, maple, hickory and elm that could be included in the harvest over the next 3 – 5 years. Unique to the property is a mature stand of pine that is suitable for construction of a log home.
Located on the upper plain of the property is a 55 acre parcel that was reforested in 1979 exclusively with walnut trees. These trees which will begin to mature at more than 10% a year and yield a harvest in 12 – 15 years. The careful pruning, planting, and culling of the forested and plantation areas have added significant value to the property.
Under all is the land, and the current property owner has found enjoyment and satisfaction in the commitment to this parcel. The level of joy found in the hours of work, discovery, hunting, fishing, hiking or just relaxing on these 300 acres of woods, fields and streams is immeasurable. In addition to the forest and plantation management the owner has conserved, preserved and enhanced the property. More than 35 years ago, 100,000 + trees were planted on the property, he has developed and maintained a 1/3 acre pond, established more than 5 miles of roads and trails on the property and taught his children and grandchildren the lessons of land stewardship. You will find a quality deer heard on the property and the place where two trout streams merge to form a critical habitat formed from some of the many natural springs on the property.
Indian folklore says that we do not inherent the land, but maintain it for future generations. No where is that more evident then here at Indian Springs. The owner has established and maintained a 28 acre prairie and inventoried and reestablished native forest and savanna wildflowers and shrubs.
Together with The American Chestnut Foundation, he has begun an experimental project to reestablish American Chestnut Trees in the forest, and an agreement is in place currently to manage more than 21 acres for CRP.
Blending seamlessly into the landscape is a cabin built by the owners in 1973. Based on the “prairie style” architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright, it is constructed as a bridge over a small ravine. Spring brings with it the sound of rushing water under your feet. At the entrance to the property is an oversized 1870’s built dairy barn. Well maintained over the years, it is perfectly suited for horses and as a storage facility.
Ownership of this important parcel requires a passion for the land and all it represents. Through the cooperation and enthusiasm of the family, the pride of ownership has enhanced this valuable and natural resource that we call Indian Springs. “One generation plants the trees; the next one enjoys the shade”
For more information on this impressive property contact
Once in a lifetime done a home home like this come along. Grand Rapids, MN on Lake Pokegama. 24965 Great Sunset Rd. Ultimate Luxury in the Great Northwoods.
Experience Europe’s finest in the midst of Minnesota’s ten thousand lakes. This magnificent 7000 square foot estate home enjoys ten acres of beautifully landscaped yard and wilderness overlooking Lake Pokegama, in central Minnesota. High ceilings and oversized windows throughout permit spectacular views, with most rooms facing the lake.
Live like nobility in this stately residence with an impressive two-story foyer, exquisite living room with tray-ceilings and hand-carved limestone fireplace, a formal dining room, gourmet kitchen, and a one-of-a-kind informal dining space in a hand-painted turret, all with views of the lake.
The owner’s suite, clad in hand-painted wall paper and gold-leaf, takes advantage of a second turret with stunning vistas of Pokegama, and includes an ample dressing area and sumptuous bathroom with a two-headed shower and tub. Slip out the double doors to enjoy morning coffee on a wrought-iron deck that connects the owner’s suite to the other living spaces on the main level.
An impressive banister leads you upstairs to three additional bedrooms, two full baths, and a cozy family entertainment room with a gas fireplace.
The walk-out basement combines Northwoods charm with the sophistication of a fine European club. A two-sided gas fireplace serves the bar, billiards room and informal living space.
A second fully-equipped kitchen makes it easy to entertain on the lower-level, which enjoys a walk-out rustic stone patio. The Nordic sauna is reminiscent of the local heritage.
22638 Henderson Rd. Grand Rapids (Cohasset), MN on Lake Pokegema
Enter the elegant tree-lined drive that leads to this palatial home on Lake Pokegama, in the heart of Minnesota’s lake country near Grand Rapids. This exquisite lakefront home enjoys 6.9 acres and 300 feet of prime, sandy shoreline on one of Minnesota’s finest recreational lakes. Lake Pokegama, or “Spider” Lake in the native Ojibwa language, boasts 6,600 acres of clear sky-blue waters.
This privileged estate is reminiscent of a European palace with floors of Italian porcelain, crystal lighting from Germany, sculpted crown moldings, magnificent columns, and regal heights. Yet it has all the modern comforts including high-end appliances, in-floor heating, and whole-house music and security systems. This 6000 plus square foot home with three bedrooms, five fireplaces and six baths has been thoughtfully designed to be energy-efficient.
You’ll be welcomed through a handcrafted front door to discover an elegant foyer with 20 foot ceilings, curved staircase, mahogany handrail and a stunning crystal chandelier from Germany. Step into the living room which enjoys a breathtaking view of Lake Pokegama and fireplace with custom stone mantle, just one of five that warm the home. The adjoining gourmet kitchen also enjoys a view of lake, and extends to an outdoor covered cooking deck, perfect for alfresco dining. A spacious dining room, mahogany-paneled library and game room also grace the first floor.
Take a lift in the elevator paneled in fine cherry wood. The master bedroom suite overlooking the lake includes another custom fireplace, two separate bathrooms, two large dressing areas, and private exercise area. The second and third bedrooms, each with en suite baths, overlook the lake and the tree-lined entrance. Even the utility room is elegant, with high-end washer and dryer, kitchenette, television, and folding area.
The grounds are beautifully landscaped with natural river rock from Arkansas. The estate includes eight garages with the appearance of fine carriage houses, all with in-floor heating, and additional living space above five of the garages.
Discover 260 acres of unparalleled Wisconsin landscape on the banks of spring-fed Lake Chetek, 2 hours east of Minneapolis/St. Paul and 7 hours north of Chicago.This is Norway Trail, named after the 20-acre Norway Pine plantation that serves as a breathtaking entrance to the property.Once a farm, the privileged acreage is available for development or private enjoyment.
Norway Trail has been platted for over 80 exceptional home sites.Nine of the home sites have frontage on Lake Chetek.Eight more have frontage on Moose Ear Creek, upstream and source for Lake Chetek.The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has approved the creation of ponds or reservoirs in the natural folds of the existing terrain, providing potential for more waterfront home sites.
Ponder the moving waters of Lake Chetek and Moose Ear Creek, ideal for canoeing through the wilderness.Look for the abundant wildlife that frequents the property – bald eagles, deer, wild turkeys and otters.There is currently a grass airstrip on the gently sloping field and a local aerodrome is just 5 miles away.
Build, develop or enjoy, this will remain a magnificent piece of Wisconsin territory.
Build a dream estate or development on an entire peninsula, with 5000 feet of shoreline on North Center Lake, located 50 minutes from either downtown. Sloping terrain provides wonderful lake views. Property has been in same family for 150 years.
AQUATERRA PARTNERS Todd Shipman, Jeanne Larson, Ben Kolkman
Historic Armstrong-Quinlan Mansion 
Completely re-done internally and historically preserved this one of a kind property remains connected to St. Paul’s early history, while enjoying modern heating, cooling, and finishing features.
Built in 1886 by noted St. Paul architect Edward Payson Bassford, the Historic Armstrong-Quinlan house was moved in 2001 from its original site on Cleveland Circle to the edge of Irvine Park overlooking the Mississippi.
Find mesmerizing tranquility on “Isle of the Pines” on Little Sissabagama, an exemplary north woods wilderness lake.
fireplace for crisp fall days. Ceiling fans and an efficient air conditioner keep the home comfortable in the summer.
Step into the gilded age.
Drive along the scenic bluffs of the Mississippi, enjoy expansive Lake Pepin, bicycle the Cannon River Trail, visit local wineries, and stroll the historic neighborhoods of Red Wing. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to continue a rich tradition. Or create your own!
Hillside Guest Cottage Duluth, MN
Retreat to your private garden-level suite after hiking, antiquing, skiing, sailing or just enjoying the striking beauty of Minnesota’s North Shore.
Located in the “Driftless Area” of Southeast Wisconsin, this 300 acre plantation of walnut, oak, chestnut, hickory and pine trees is spread across a spectacular valley. Actively managed as a deciduous hardwood forest and walnut plantation for the past 42 years by a dedicated professional, the opportunity to provide the future stewardship of this important property is now available.
Located on the upper plain of the property is a 55 acre parcel that was reforested in 1979 exclusively with walnut trees. These trees which will begin to mature at more than 10% a year and yield a harvest in 12 – 15 years. The careful pruning, planting, and culling of the forested and plantation areas have added significant value to the property.
Indian folklore says that we do not inherent the land, but maintain it for future generations. No where is that more evident then here at Indian Springs. The owner has established and maintained a 28 acre prairie and inventoried and reestablished native forest and savanna wildflowers and shrubs.
Ownership of this important parcel requires a passion for the land and all it represents. Through the cooperation and enthusiasm of the family, the pride of ownership has enhanced this valuable and natural resource that we call Indian Springs. “One generation plants the trees; the next one enjoys the shade”
Experience Europe’s finest in the midst of Minnesota’s ten thousand lakes. This magnificent 7000 square foot estate home enjoys ten acres of beautifully landscaped yard and wilderness overlooking Lake Pokegama, in central Minnesota. High ceilings and oversized windows throughout permit spectacular views, with most rooms facing the lake.
Live like nobility in this stately residence with an impressive two-story foyer, exquisite living room with tray-ceilings and hand-carved limestone fireplace, a formal dining room, gourmet kitchen, and a one-of-a-kind informal dining space in a hand-painted turret, all with views of the lake.
An impressive banister leads you upstairs to three additional bedrooms, two full baths, and a cozy family entertainment room with a gas fireplace.
22638 Henderson Rd. Grand Rapids (Cohasset), MN on Lake Pokegema
Enter the elegant tree-lined drive that leads to this palatial home on Lake Pokegama, in the heart of Minnesota’s lake country near Grand Rapids. This exquisite lakefront home enjoys 6.9 acres and 300 feet of prime, sandy shoreline on one of Minnesota’s finest recreational lakes. Lake Pokegama, or “Spider” Lake in the native Ojibwa language, boasts 6,600 acres of clear sky-blue waters.
You’ll be welcomed through a handcrafted front door to discover an elegant foyer with 20 foot ceilings, curved staircase, mahogany handrail and a stunning crystal chandelier from Germany. Step into the living room which enjoys a breathtaking view of Lake Pokegama and fireplace with custom stone mantle, just one of five that warm the home. The adjoining gourmet kitchen also enjoys a view of lake, and extends to an outdoor covered cooking deck, perfect for alfresco dining. A spacious dining room, mahogany-paneled library and game room also grace the first floor.
Take a lift in the elevator paneled in fine cherry wood. The master bedroom suite overlooking the lake includes another custom fireplace, two separate bathrooms, two large dressing areas, and private exercise area. The second and third bedrooms, each with en suite baths, overlook the lake and the tree-lined entrance. Even the utility room is elegant, with high-end washer and dryer, kitchenette, television, and folding area.
Discover 260 acres of unparalleled Wisconsin landscape on the banks of spring-fed Lake Chetek, 2 hours east of Minneapolis/St. Paul and 7 hours north of Chicago.
Build a dream estate or development on an entire peninsula, with 5000 feet of shoreline on North Center Lake, located 50 minutes from either downtown. Sloping terrain provides wonderful lake views. Property has been in same family for 150 years.
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