Blog - Christian Plewacki

General Education

Don’t Miss Out: File for Homestead Status Before March 1st!

If you bought a home in Minnesota in 2024 (or haven’t filed yet), this is your friendly reminder to apply for homestead status before March 1st—a simple step that could save you thousands on property taxes. Why It Matters: ✅ Lowers your taxable home value = lower property taxes✅ Protects you from sharp tax increases […]
General Education

Spring MN housing market survival guide 🏠

Just like every other year, football season has ended and the spring housing market has begun. (I can’t explain exactly why the market starts winding up the day after Super Bowl Sunday…it just does.) Regardless of what the market does this year in terms of mortgage rates, home prices, or housing inventory, when it’s time […]
General Education

Fall housing market in Minnesota – outlook & predictions

I’m excited about what I anticipate will be a very active fall housing market across the twin cities. The market is gradually self-correcting after a few years of general volatility related to high mortgage rates, historic low inventory of homes for sale, and a variety of affordability challenges that have kept many hopeful buyers and […]
Homebuying

Untangling the NAR Settlement

By now I’m sure you’ve read a few articles (or at least headlines) regarding the recent news about a settlement agreement announced by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) over real estate commissions. If you’re not really sure what all of this is about, or simply confused over the matter in general, you’re definitely not alone. Setting […]

General Education Don’t Miss Out: File for Homestead Status Before March 1st! If you bought a home in Minnesota in 2024 (or haven’t filed yet), this is your friendly reminder to apply for homestead status before March 1st—a simple step that could save you thousands on property taxes. Why It Matters: ✅ Lowers your taxable home value = lower property taxes✅ Protects you from sharp tax increases […]

General Education Spring MN housing market survival guide 🏠 Just like every other year, football season has ended and the spring housing market has begun. (I can’t explain exactly why the market starts winding up the day after Super Bowl Sunday…it just does.) Regardless of what the market does this year in terms of mortgage rates, home prices, or housing inventory, when it’s time […]

General Education Fall housing market in Minnesota – outlook & predictions I’m excited about what I anticipate will be a very active fall housing market across the twin cities. The market is gradually self-correcting after a few years of general volatility related to high mortgage rates, historic low inventory of homes for sale, and a variety of affordability challenges that have kept many hopeful buyers and […]

Homebuying Untangling the NAR Settlement By now I’m sure you’ve read a few articles (or at least headlines) regarding the recent news about a settlement agreement announced by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) over real estate commissions. If you’re not really sure what all of this is about, or simply confused over the matter in general, you’re definitely not alone. Setting […]

General Education How to select a real estate agent For most of us, buying a home is the biggest financial transaction we’ll ever make. Having a good real estate agent to represent you can make buying or selling a wonderful experience. Conversely, hiring a not-so-good agent can cause a lot of unnecessary heartburn. There are many important skills, qualities, and aptitudes that a stellar […]

Homebuying Mortgage interest rates in 2023 For many homeowners and aspiring buyers, mortgage interest rates can be a significant factor influencing their decision to move. As interest rates play a crucial role in determining the cost of homeownership, it’s natural to want to wait for more favorable rates before making a move. On a weekly basis I talk to people who […]

Homebuying A guide to first-time homebuyer programs in Minnesota Becoming a homeowner for the first time can be an exciting but daunting experience. In Minnesota, there are various first-time homebuyer programs available to help make this dream a reality. These programs aim to provide financial assistance, education, and support to individuals or families looking to purchase their first home. Let’s explore some of the […]

Homebuying Unraveling the Reluctance: Homebuying in Minnesota in 2023 As the real estate market continues to evolve, potential homebuyers across the United States are facing unique challenges and uncertainties. Among the states that have seen some shifting trends is Minnesota. In recent times, an interesting phenomenon has emerged – a growing reluctance among individuals to buy houses in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Let’s […]