Hi there, my fiancé 27(m) and I 28 (F) are moving to the Albertville area in the middle of December ! We are coming from southern Cali, and we would love any advice from you guys🙂

Hello,

I have been living in Minnesota for the past couple of years but due to the end of a relationship I had to quickly move back to my home state. I absolutely do not believe I can live in my home state and stay in a good mental state. I need to move back to Minnesota, I just know it's where I belong. I had a job I loved there, one of my best friends is moving there in 2 months. I just am struggling to find affordable housing near where she will be in Minneapolis. I am not a student and the only options I'd be able to afford are listed as university housing... does ANYBODY have any leads or any advice on how I can get back home?

In case anyone on here is looking for a home to rent and a mom and pop landlord, we have a 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home that will be available for rent in the Longfellow neighborhood! This home has never been rented before and it is our only rental property. Walkable and bike friendly location and close to bus and light rail. Detached garage, heat and A/C. Laundry room. Quiet, family-friendly neighborhood with a great sense of community. Message me for more info and photos. Thanks!

I'm beyond excited about moving to Minneapolis in April! I've been looking at groups to meet friends. I do enjoy pickleball, outdoorsy stuff, anything to do with food, and cycling, which will be exciting. The Meetup groups don't seem to have alot up there. For those who have moved there, how have you met friends?

Hello, we might be relocating from Europe to Minnesota-suburb, and we are trying to collect info on usual expenses during the month, can you help us out? If we search online it varies a lot… We are family of 4, - 6years old and 3years old, it would be only one income for now.

Housing - rent most likely, Electricity, gas, other cost related to having a house, TV, telephony, Car, insurance, gas…, Daycare, school? Weekly groceries ,

Thank you in advance

Hi!

My husband and I (33 & 40) are moving to the area in the next year. We need help narrowing down some neighborhoods that you think would be a good fit.

We like the South Minneapolis area, but it are open to other ideas. We love Linden Hills, but I’m worried there might not be enough people our age that live there. We are coming from AZ where our neighbors are all retired, so we’d like to live near younger couples with families.

We’d like a nicer home ($650k-1.5m) so budget isn’t really an issue.

• Safe neighborhood
• great area for families (parks, schools, kids activities)
• dog friendly (dog parks, trails)
• walkable to restaurants, bars and coffee shops
• near bike trails or paths
• farmers markets nearby
• ideally close to Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods

My family is relocating to the Minneapolis area within the next several months. We haven’t totally committed to a particular area but leaning toward southeast Minneapolis if we stick to the city. (Also considering a few suburban areas.) Both my kids (13 and 10) are active in theater where we currently live. We’ve been fortunate to live in a place with a thriving arts scene and multiple choices for young actors of all experience and talent levels to be on stage, not to mention strong theater programs in their schools. I’m curious if there are any options like this around the city. My google searches mostly yielded results for professional performances (adult actors) geared toward children’s audiences…which is cool but not what I’m looking for.

Anyone wanna name drop some rental management properties for me to avoid? I’ve been looking all over the Twin cities.

Also I’d take any recs on who to try and rent from too.

We’re looking for a house with a yard and a garage with no particular area in mind, so if ya have recs or advice on where to stay, pls feel free to lmk.

Hello, I (32M) am currenty struggling picking the best place to live in Minneapolis. I am still looking for a job which could obviously affect where I move. Hoping to get an interview lined up next week for a place near Normandale Lake. To be honest the area doesn't really speak to me. What does speak to me is Downtown I have an absolute love of tall buildings. I will be spending a large amount of my time riding my bike and going to the library. I have a car and not opposed to commuting up to 40 minutes with traffic. I currently live in the DC metro so I am used to it. There are so many options to choose from its really difficult to narrow it down. What I am hoping to get from this post is clarity on either the best studio apartments in the downtown area or if I should look at getting a 1 bedroom condo. Max rent is $1550 not including utilities and such. Thank you for any insight and I can't wait to move to MPLS!

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share some exciting news with you all. The First-Generation Homebuyers Community Down Payment Assistance Fund has re-opened its application process, and they're accepting applications once again.

What's New:

• A short instructional video is now available, covering who may qualify for these funds and how to navigate the approval process. https://www.firstgendpa.org/#video
• A shortened and combined industry training video has also been added to help you get up to speed.

Important Reminders:

• Don't start shopping for a home until you've been approved and issued a Fund Reservation Letter. This ensures you can shop with confidence and helps streamline the loan closing process. The approval process doesn’t allow for applying after you've signed a purchase agreement.
• Underwritten Pre-Approval Required: Make sure you have an underwritten pre-approval from your mortgage lender before applying. Desktop Underwriting won’t be accepted.

If you're interested or know someone who might benefit, be sure to follow the step-by-step instructions on their site to ensure a successful application. https://www.firstgendpa.org/

Is it possible (after the NAR Settlement) that a MN buyer's agent can be negotiated with to accept a flat fee? I don't know if they would laugh or if it is something worth trying. If not, what should I expect to pay them for a property in the 200k range?

If you could describe the vibes of the families that live in Linden Hills, King Field, Lynnhurst, and Fulton in a sentence or two, how would you?

Is one neighborhood more community focused vs individualistic? One more local and diverse? One have more families with young kids vs older kids? One have more street get togethers? LGBTQ+ families?

We are moving to Minneapolis and love specific things in each neighborhood but can only get a glimpse of the vibes during our short visits.

Hi friends!! My boyfriend and I are looking to move within half an hour from Minneapolis, any recommendations on places nearby some good movie theaters and pizza places? My boyfriend also LOVES walking trails, so we'd love a place nearby some good ones. Thank you!

Two mid 20 people moving to Minneapolis. Looking for a two bedroom apartment. I want to keep rent less than $2000/month. One dog, tea cup yorki. Roommate works in the city. I work anywhere. They want to live directly in the city. I want to live right on the outskirts of the city (example: Ventura village, not exactly that place but still like it). I also need to go to a community college to finish up some credits before I transfer to UofMN. I would appreciate thoughts. I’ve lived in Minnesota before, they haven’t. I drive my roommate so preferably don’t want to drive more than 30 minutes to get in the city since winter will double it. I also want to be close by my community college. We’ve googled as much as we can. It has now come to ask the people of reddit.

My partner and I are queer, so we're wondering about things like LGBTQ+ safety? Also, we're curious about the cost of living and the relative crime rate out there? We just want to live in a city that is relatively safe, has some new opportunities for us, and isn't so incredibly expensive just to live. Thank you for any and all responses!

Me (37F) and my husband (40M) are considering a move to the Twin Cities and looking for advice on what neighborhoods to check out!

We’d like something in a neighborhood that’s walkable. We will still have cars so can commute if necessary, but want to be able to walk to coffee shops, restaurants, etc. We don’t drink so don’t really care about nightlife/bar scene.

We’re child-free, progressive, love older homes and looking for community. Into arts & music, etc. We’ll likely want to rent for the first year while we get to know the area, and will be looking for a 2 bedroom around $1500/mo (budget is fluid but no more than 2k). Houses or duplexes/similar preferred over apartments.

Any neighborhoods in Minneapolis or St. Paul that we should focus on?

### Key Changes to Realtor Compensation Rules Effective August 17, 2024

1. **Written Agreements Before Home Tours:**

   • Realtors must have a signed agreement with buyers before showing homes listed on the MLS (a marketplace where real estate agents share property listings).

   • The agreement must clearly state:

• The exact amount or rate of the agent’s compensation.

• That the compensation is fixed (e.g., a flat fee, percentage, or hourly rate).

• The agent cannot receive more than the agreed amount from any other source.

• Broker fees and commissions are negotiable and not set by law.

  • In Minnesota, this practice has been in place for 30 years, but the new rule emphasizes securing these agreements sooner.

2. **Changes to Compensation Communication:**

   • Offers of compensation from one broker to another will no longer appear on the MLS.

   • Brokers can no longer make blanket offers of compensation on the MLS.

   • Instead, offers of compensation must be communicated through other means.

   • Sellers can still offer buyer concessions on the MLS (e.g., covering closing costs).

3. **Impact of the Settlement:**

   • Most Realtors will be protected from lawsuits about seller-paid commissions.

   • This change ensures everyone understands and agrees on how compensation works.

   • Realtors will need to discuss compensation practices more with clients and develop new methods to maintain high service standards, especially for underserved communities.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers:

• **For Buyers:**

  • You must sign an agreement with your agent before touring homes (both in-person and virtual tours).

  • No agreement is needed for open houses or general inquiries about services.

  • Agent compensation is fully negotiable.

• **For Sellers:**

  • You can offer buyer concessions on the MLS.

  • Discuss compensation details with your agent directly.

Tips for Working with an Agent:

• Ask about their services, compensation, and the written agreements.

• Understand exactly what services are provided and at what cost before signing any agreement.

Hello everyone, we are considering moving to Twin Cities area so I can finish my degree at UoM

We'd like space, quiet and don't mind driving around 45 mins to get to the university. (We plan to get an AWD SUV) Where should we be keeping an eye out? Other posts mentioned Saint Paul as being quieter and slower but we also like more modern homes. We are also avid hikers so nature is a plus.

(Because Space means different things to everyone we mean 1/4+ acre)

Don'ts:

• Skip the Listing Agent: Those agents on Zillow ads are typically not the ones who listed the property. They pay for placement and might not have your best interests in mind.
• Rely on Facebook Recommendations: While Facebook can be a great resource for connecting with people, asking for realtor recommendations can be a mixed bag. Be prepared for a variety of (potentially biased) opinions. And hundreds of Dm's
• Make Big Financial Changes: Avoid large purchases or messing with your credit score (except paying down credit cards to 10% or less utilization) before buying a house. This keeps your financial situation stable for mortgage approval.
• Stretch Your Budget: Just because you're pre-approved for a certain amount doesn't mean you should borrow that much. Leave room for savings, emergencies, and unexpected expenses.
• Skip the Home Inspection: Don't waive a home inspection! This crucial step can uncover potential problems and save you money (and headaches) down the road.
• Bid Blindly: Don't get caught up in bidding wars over a staged house. Maintain perspective and stick to your budget.

Do's:

• Seek Out Gems: Look for well-maintained older homes, often called "grandpa houses." These single-owner properties might not be trendy but could be structurally sound with updated essentials like roof and mechanics.
• Explore Neighborhoods: Drive around different areas to get a feel for the vibe. Ask friends and family for realtor recommendations, but remember to interview them yourself.
• Plan for the Future: Consider your lifestyle needs and future plans when choosing a house. Think about your life in 5-10 years and find a place that can grow with you, avoiding the need to move soon after.
• Attend Open Houses: Open houses are a great way to see different properties. If you don't want to be pressured to talk to an agent, politely let them know you already have representation.
• Interview Agents and Lenders: Find a realtor and lender you trust! Interview 2-3 of each and ask for references you can contact. This is a big decision, so make sure you feel comfortable with your team.
• Get Pre-Approved: Talking to a lender first can help you understand your budget based on current interest rates and your comfort level with monthly payments.
• Wait for the Right Time: The best time to buy a house is when you're financially stable and don't feel pressured to rush into a purchase.

The hunt for a realtor and lender can feel overwhelming. If you'd like some tips on finding the right people, I'm happy to share some resources or answer any general questions you have :)

I will be moving to MN for studies soon and it is a huge move for me and my family. We currently live in asia and have been in apartments our whole lives. Looking for a place to rent has been rather challenging as we can't physically tour the places we're keen on. We very quickly ruled out houses as we were afraid of break-ins and the general unfamiliarity with maintaining one. Any advice for us? There are 4 of us (2 adults and 2 elementary sch-going kids). Hoping to stay below 2K for a 2B 2BA with easy access/commute to the U of M. Safety is top priority in my consideration for where to stay. Would appreciate any insights and advice!

Thanks for any suggestions!

So I will be moving from NJ to Minnesota, and I currently drive my parent's car around. They are willing to gift it to me, I was wondering how does transferring the title as a gift work in Minnesota, for an out-of-state title/ car?

I'm trying to understand whether/how many homebuyers--who are not investors--consider multi-family homes. If you are a non-investor in the market for a house, are you excluding multi-family homes from your searches? If you are working with a realtor, do they ever show you multi-family homes as options?

Background: My wife and I rented the lower level of a 1-up/2-down duplex when we first moved to Minneapolis 20 years ago. We fell in love with the place and bought it from the owners two years later. It was more house than we needed at the time, and it meant saving up for a larger down-payment, but it turned out to be one of the best financial moves we ever made. For the first 8 years we rented out the upstairs, and with the help of that income (and a lot of hard work) we paid off our mortgage. Then when our family grew we stopped renting out the upstairs and used it as a home office and guest suite. It turned out to work really well as a single-family home, and not having to move to a bigger house was another huge cost and headache savings. I doubt we would have ever considered a multi-family home had we not already been renting one, but perhaps other people do? That's what I'm hoping to get an (anecdotal, not statistical) sense of. Thanks!

Artist and rustbelt transplant from Illinois to GNV Florida looking to find an affordable room for August after I graduate.

Philosopher, artist, activist.

Looking for help with the general trajectory of finding something cool, I really like the idea of a warehouse flat, but willing to compromise.

Hello hello! My wife and I are going to be moving to Minneapolis in a few months and don’t know where to live.

We are in our mid 20s and have 2 dogs, and don’t know a soul in the state. We’d like to live in a neighborhood where we will have a lot of chances to make friends, while also having enough green space for walking the dogs.

Would love to hear your thoughts on neighborhoods! And also any apartment building recommendations if you have them!

Extra context: I travel for work a lot, and want to be somewhere where my wife will feel safe to be out alone. Walking the dogs, running, groceries, etc.

We’ve visited several times and have found neighborhoods we liked but didn’t quite check all the boxes. Like:

• Powderhorn Park: LOVED the people, great green space, but heard gunshots outside the house twice in a month
• Linden Hills: loved the lake but worry it will be hard to find friends
• East Bank: loved but worried about crime in the surrounding areas (only there for a day)

Thanks!!

Thanks for any advice!

I’m a foreign student looking for cheap [ < 700$ ] studio apartment around Minneapolis, preferably closer to Shakopee :)

Hi! Thinking of moving to Minneapolis area. We currently live in Syracuse and we don't really mind the cold but we do mind how much sun and overcast it is here in upstate NY. Googling shows Minneapolis gets significantly more sun(25% over the year) compared to our area here. Anyone familiar with the central/upstate NY area that can comment on how the weather compares?