The Bartel Group Blog

If you've been busy exploring Minneapolis homes for sale, you're sure to find your dream home soon! When you do, you'll want to make your new house feel like a home by choosing decor you love. 

There's nothing quite like an original painting to give your walls some character. Sure, you could buy a painting, but why not make your own? There are several great DIY painting classes and parties in the area. They're a ton of fun and are a great way to relax. Best of all, when you're done, you'll have a one-of-a-kind creation to hang in your new home. 

July is World Watercolor Month, making now the perfect time to try out your painting skills. Here are a few of the best local places where you can embrace your inner Picasso.

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It's easy to get lost in the vaulted ceilings, beautiful views, and spacious rooms of your potential new home. These marvelous features contribute to the home's ambiance and hint at your future lifestyle. But, it's important to find your focus and turn your attention to the home's more utilitarian spaces. In particular, you don't want to overlook the garage of the Arden Hills homes for sale you have your eyes on. These rooms can have hidden qualities...and hidden flaws you will want to know about before you sign the papers.

• Look the Garage Up and Down
  Look at the roof and walls for signs of leaks and other damage. Streaks on the wall, bubbling drywall, and sagging ceiling panels are indications that there is a moisture problem in the garage. You should also look at the insulation. This is often overlooked, but it can have a significant impact on your monthly utility bills. Make sure the insulation isn't compacted and that it's not moldy or smells of mildew. 
  
  It's also vital to look at the floor. Make sure you look closely for cracks and signs that the concrete is separating. While standing water is rare unless it's recently rained or the floor has been cleaned, if you see water stains on the floor it's an indication that there is a low spot where water collects and pools.

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What could be better than a fresh, cool, flavorful scoop (or two!) of ice cream on a summer day in the Twin Cities? Whether you're searching for a scoop near Minneapolis homes for sale, planning a family outing close to St. Paul homes for sale, or trying to sample the best flavors in both cities, there's nothing like an ice cream tour of the Twin Cities. Start scouting out your favorite flavors and planning your next ice cream outing with our guide to 6 great places to grab a scoop around the Twin Cities.

• Milkjam Creamery – 2743 Lindale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55408
  You never know what you might find when you visit Milkjam Creamery, and that's part of the fun. This popular Minneapolis ice cream shop is constantly experimenting with new flavors, and creating new things for you to try. Summer is a great time to enjoy some special, unique seasonal flavors at Milkjam Creamery, and there are a wide variety of gluten-free flavors available so that everyone can get in on the fun.

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Your real estate agent has shown you a great home before the official open house. It's the right style, in the perfect neighborhood, and you love it. Should you seize the day and make an offer before the home is added to the list of Minnetonka homes for sale or Alexandria homes for sale? In most real estate transactions, offers come in after a house debuts on the market, and potential buyers get a chance to look at it. Some sellers will even set an "offer date" to expose the home to as many buyers as possible and get multiple offers. In some cases, however, submitting an early offer may be the best course of action.

What is an Early Offer, and When Should You Consider It?

An early offer is a bid made by a buyer on a property before it is listed on the Multiple Listing Service(MLS) or before the seller's official offer date. An early offer is a great way for buyers to get noticed before other buyers fall in love with the home at the Open House. Once the property hits the market, the seller or their agent will market the home to the best of their abilities. They'll promote the home online, schedule an open house, and set up multiple showings. These marketing efforts will attract multiple offers from different buyers.

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With its abundance of lakes, river, and streams that have many different types of game fish, the Twin Cities has plenty of spots that are perfect for fly fishing. Whether you prefer walking a stream, wading in a river, or casting from a boat, pier, or the shore, you'll be able to do it at several area locations.
  
Try the following five fly fishing destinations around the Twin Cities and located near Minneapolis homes for sale or St. Paul homes for sale.  

1. Lake Calhoun – about 3 blocks west of Lake St. and Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis   
   Lake Calhoun is a prime spot to fish for bluegill, crappie, tiger muskie, Northern pike, largemouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, bullhead, and carp. The pier lets you cast into deep water, so you don't necessarily need a boat to reel in a big one. Recommended flies include the wooly bugger, bass popper, small nymphs, and minnow patterns. And as an added bonus, you'll be able to enjoy beautiful views of the Minneapolis skyline from the lake.

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