The Bartel Group Blog

Minnesota is proudly known as "Land of 10,000 Lakes," and there are certainly multiple bodies of water near Minneapolis homes for sale. But lakes are only part of the beautiful scenery that makes St. Paul homes for sale so desirable. Every day's a vacation when you visit these amazing spots around the Twin Cities.

1. Lake Nokomis Park - 4955 W. Lake Nokomis Pkwy., Minneapolis, MN 55417
   Named for Hiawatha's grandmother in Longfellow's epic poem, Lake Nokomis Park is visual poetry. The 204-acre lake and its surroundings provide a peaceful oasis rarely found in an urban setting. Enjoy the view while you drive around the lake, or stroll the 2.7-mile pedestrian trail that circles the perimeter with your leashed dog. Watch for colorful butterflies at the four-acre Nokomis Naturescape Garden and its landscape of native grasses and wildflowers. Park hours are 6 a.m. - midnight daily. The garden is open 7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.

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Let's face it. Deep cleaning your house isn't exactly on the top of everyone's list of favorite things to do. But it's an important first step to get your Minneapolis homes for sale ready to be seen by buyers. If you have a little extra time and want to know where to start, put these often overlooked chores on the top of your to-do list.

1. Vacuum or dust behind and under the furniture. Most of us don't move the furniture every time we vacuum and dust. Even when it's time for this chore, it's often neglected to save time. That makes it a good place to start.

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When you feel like you've been stuck indoors for a long time, sometimes you just need to take a drive and see the sights. Luckily, you'll find a lot of fun and unique attractions near our Minneapolis homes for sale. If you're in the mood to go for a drive, be sure to check out these Twin Cities landmarks. 

• Minneapolis Sculpture Garden - 725 Vineland Place, Minneapolis, MN 55403
  A park and an art gallery rolled into one, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is one of the best places in the Twin Cities to walk around and have your mind blown in the great outdoors. The park spans 11 acres, with several miles of walking trails that lead to dozens of unique and eye-catching sculptures. The Spoonbridge and Cherry sculpture is arguably the park's most iconic fixture, but there are enough to keep you busy for days, including works by some of the most renowned sculptures of the 20th century.

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Are you thinking about adding your home to the inventory of Minneapolis homes for sale? If so, you're probably already aware of how important curb appeal is for attracting potential buyers. Have you ever wondered, though, if there's such a thing as too much landscaping? 

It turns out, the answer is yes! Excessive landscaping can overwhelm potential buyers. Millennials, in particular, aren't interested in spending a lot of time and money on landscape maintenance.

So, how do owners of Saint Paul homes for sale maximize their curb appeal without overdoing it? Start with these four tips. 

1. Rethink Your Water Features
   While koi ponds and fancy water features are a gorgeous addition to many homes, they're not necessarily a selling feature. Some potential buyers may fall in love with it, but others will worry about things like how expensive it is to take care of or how they'll keep the fish alive during the winter. Families with small children or pets may also worry about safety issues.

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Whether it's an attic, an alcove under the stairs or unused space above the garage, making a "bonus room" appealing to potential buyers is never a bad idea when staging your home. Many Minneapolis homes for sale have small spaces that can be used as a crafting or art studio, home office, or just about anything you can conjure up. Although your imagination may start running wild when thinking about what to do with a bonus room, it's important to stay focused so potential buyers looking at St. Paul homes for sale aren't confused about what the purpose of it really is.   

• Know Your Market Demographic
  Understanding the types of buyers who are looking for houses in your area is key to creating a bonus room that will help sell your home. Do you live in an up-and-coming, hip neighborhood that attracts young professionals? If so, you'll probably want to consider making that bonus room a home office. If you live in a more family-oriented area, buyers may be looking for a house with a space that could easily work as a playroom or nursery. If you're unsure about who your likely buyers will be, talk with your real estate agent. After all, they're used to helping people buy and sell homes in the area, so they should know a bit about who's looking.

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