The Bartel Group Blog

Ahhh, January. The holidays are over and after all that socializing you're ready to take some well-deserved "me time." So what do you want to do? There's no better way to start the new year and break up winter boredom than to pick up a new hobby. Whether you're interested in looking at Minneapolis homes for sale or need suggestions for trying something new, our real estate agents have the skinny on where to go and what to do.

• Find Your Om at One Yoga Studio - 721 W. 26th St., Minneapolis
  Yoga can help increase strength and flexibility, enhance your overall health and lead to more mind-body awareness. One Yoga offers more than 60 classes each week for all levels and abilities. This nonprofit yoga studio is unique—its mission is to provide health and well-being through the practices of yoga to everyone, including those who typically may not have access due to financial or logistical barriers. In addition to providing affordable expert instruction in a wide range of styles, they offer workshops, teacher training, and a work-study program. One Yoga is dedicated to bringing the teachings and practices of yoga to the community through their outreach program, which serves more than 200 people each year.

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Attractive, appealing, professional-quality listing photos are a huge key to attracting buyers when you put your home on the market. Most buyers start their search online, and your listing photos provide a crucial first impression of the property.

While it's often easier to get great listing photos during the warmer months thanks to green grass and flowers, you can still capture perfect listing photos in the winter if you know the right tricks of the trade. Our real estate agents are here to help, with a guide to capturing picture-perfect listing photos in the winter.

1. Keep Snow from Building Up in Key Places
   When you're competing with other Minneapolis homes for sale, you always want to put your best foot forward. Start by clearing snow away from walkways, your driveway, and your front porch. A snowy scene can provide a nice backdrop for your listing photos, and clearing snow from key places helps you set the scene while making your home feel safer and more inviting for buyers.

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As writer and environmentalist Bill McKibben so eloquently stated, the ideal holiday is the one you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, and traditions. Enrich your personal holiday by starting a new tradition with one of these festive activities around Minneapolis homes for sale. 

• Pick out a Live Christmas Tree at Bob's Famously Fresh Christmas Trees - 1632 Como Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108
  Few things will get you in the holiday spirit quicker than selecting your own live tree at Bob's Famously Fresh Christmas Trees. Bob has been organically growing native species of trees on his farm near St. Paul homes for sale for more than 30 years, so you're assured of the finest quality no matter which one you pick. His friendly staff will offer you a cup of hot cider and make sure your tree is securely loaded before you leave. Beginning the Friday after Thanksgiving, Bob's will be open 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. seven days a week until supplies are gone.

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Moving across state lines comes with a unique set of challenges. Because it is more complex than a move across town, you'll want to start planning well in advance. The good news is that you aren't the first person to move into Minnesota from out of state, we can help ease the transition and help you settle in when you arrive. 

1. Hire a Buyer's Agent
   A buyer's agent will represent your best interest throughout the process. Your agent will help identify homes within your budget and select neighborhoods, schools, etc. that best suit your needs.
   
   
2. Hire a Relocation Specialist
   Relocation specialists often work for free and many larger employers have relocation specialists they use for new employees. Relocation specialists earn their money based on referrals to vendor services and products you purchase when you move into the community. They will help with everything from organizing the move to helping you find lawyers, doctors, plumbers, dentists, and other service providers when you arrive.

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Are you ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year? With the holiday season nearly in full swing, now is the perfect time to experience the Minneapolis performing arts scene with a holiday show at a local theater. Whether you're looking for the perfect show to put the kids in the holiday spirit or a performance of your favorite plays and musicals from your own childhood, there's a local performance with your name on it. We are here to help you celebrate the season, with a guide to plays and musicals around Minneapolis this year.

Must-See Holiday Musicals and Shows

• A Christmas Carol at Guthrie Theater – 818 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis, MN 55415
  Minneapolis homes for sale make it easy to attend so many of the shows on our list, including a classic performance of A Christmas Carol at Guthrie Theater. This is always one of the most popular holiday performances in the area, thanks to amazing acting and the classic, unforgettable tale of A Christmas Story.

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