The Bartel Group Blog

With the holidays right around the corner, we know how difficult it can be to find the perfect gift for those you care about. Chain and online stores are okay, but avid shoppers know that the real gems are at the mom and pop shops. Grab a gift for everyone on your list and shop 'til you drop at these local boutiques around downtown White Bear Lake.

• Truly… - 2175 4th St., White Bear Lake, MN 55110
  If you're a lover of all things wonderfully simple, then you'll truly love your experience at Truly…. Their boutique shop shares their love of fashion from independent designers with their guests, offering a unique selection of jewelry, paper goods, knitwear, accessories, and more. Whether you want to wear it, write it, carry it, or happify your life, Truly… has it waiting for you.

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The homes for sale in Minneapolis really do have something for just about everyone. And even if you love your home so much you never want to leave, everyone needs a vacation now and then.  With COVID-19 concerns, many people are turning to RVs as a possibly safer alternative for those vacations. Investing in an RV can provide your family with the opportunity for some unique experiences they'll never forget. But there are some considerations to think about prior to purchasing.

1. The Initial Price Tag
   RVs exist with a wide variety of sizes, features, and amenities. Although it can often be a cheaper way to vacation, it is also just as easy to over-purchase. Some high-end luxury models can cost more than traditional Saint Paul homes for sale! And it's not uncommon for buyers to finance the purchase over 20 years. Towable models are considerably less expensive, but keep in mind you will need to have a vehicle that can tow it. Even if you aren't planning to get something with all the bells and whistles, it pays to familiarize yourself with the types of RVs available and be realistic about what you need and what you're willing to spend.

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Pre-pandemic, HGTV and other home improvement experts were touting the benefits of tiny Minneapolis homes for sale as people sought to simplify and downsize. Has quarantining affected homebuyers' wish lists? Here's a look at why upsizing may be the current trend when it comes to Saint Paul homes for sale.

1. Millennials "Break Out"
   Over the years, people have shifted away from formality in favor of more casual behavior. Millennials are the culmination of this movement toward a laid-back lifestyle. But when it comes to living space, twenty-somethings yearn to escape their current domain of dorm rooms, micro-apartments and multiple roommates for less confining homes.

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Appreciating the blazing colors of fall foliage is a traditional part of autumn, and you can get your best "leaf peeping" in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area from mid- to late-September to the first or second week of October, depending on the weather. Nature's display is in full effect at various parks, some historic streets, and other locations that are just around the corner from Minneapolis homes for sale, and they're well worth a visit.

The following are some of the best places to go leaf peeping around the Twin Cities:

• Summit Avenue – Start at 240 Summit Ave., St. Paul MN 55102
  Summit Avenue, a historic street that's reportedly the longest avenue of Victorian homes in the country, boasts beautifully colorful mature trees and vines. Located near St. Paul homes for sale, a 4.5-mile stretch makes the perfect short drive for leaf peeping, or you can choose to park on Summit or a side street and walk all or part of the way. In addition to the fall foliage, you'll get to see over 300 historic homes, including the James J. Hill House, a five-story stone mansion.

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We invite you to join us in helping rebuild businesses that were impacted by the unrest following the killing of George Floyd. The MN Realtors® Rebuilding Community Giving Campaign is raising funds to help businesses get back to doing what they do best – serving the community. All funds donated will be given to the following organizations:

• Upper Northside Business Association
• Longfellow Community Council
• Minnesota Foundation Fund for Safe Communities
• Twin Cities Rebuild for the Future Fund

The Minneapolis and St. Paul Area Realtors® Foundations are matching every dollar raised up to $100,000, so give today!

Thanks again for being part of this collective effort to assist businesses in need, and joining us in becoming a donor!