They’re probably right. Moving is stressful. And if you’re stressed out, chances are you aren’t the only one. Your pet is probably feeling it too.

To make the transition into your new condo a little less stressful for you and your pet, we suggest following the tips below (Your new neighbors will thank you).

Learn Local Minneapolis Pet Laws

Minneapolis is a pet-friendly city, but before you move into a new loft or condo in Minneapolis, it’s still important to learn local pet laws. As a Minneapolis pet owner, your responsibilities include the following:

• License – A pet license is required for dogs, cats, ferrets and rabbits.
• Vaccinate – Rabies vaccinations are required for dogs, cats and ferrets.
• Leash – All dogs must be leashed unless they are within a completely fenced yard.
• Pick Up – Pet waste must be cleaned up in your yard and on walks.
• Multiple Pets – If you have more than three pets, you need a multiple pet permit.

If you live in a downtown loft or condo, additional pet rules will likely be included in your homeowners’ association documents.

Control Excessive Barking

Constant barking or whining often signals that your pet is frightened, bored or has separation anxiety. Whatever the cause of the problem, even the most tolerant neighbors in your condo building will have a low threshold for this kind of noise disturbance.

If you aren’t able to temper your pet’s barking or whining, your homeowners’ association may have to intervene. Instead of letting it get to this point, it’s a better idea to visit a local veterinarian who can help you discover a solution to modify these negative behaviors.

Teach Your Dog Manners

Dogs are naturally social creatures, but that doesn’t mean everyone wants to socialize with your pet. Be courteous to neighbors by teaching your dog appropriate boundaries.

Discourage overly enthusiastic greetings like jumping or barking. Don’t allow your dog to dominate furniture or room space, or beg from the table. And make sure your dog knows basic commands. Teaching your dog how to sit, stay, come and walk properly on a leash is as important as teaching a young child how to read and write.

Never Leave Pets Unattended on the Balcony

On warm spring and summer days, you might be tempted to leave the balcony doors open — but you might want to think twice if you have pets. Cats specifically, like to perch in dangerous places and have little fear of heights. And though you might not think your cat will fall, thousands of cats fall from balconies, open windows and rooftops every year. It’s a common cause of injury and death.

Avoiding unnecessary injuries is pretty simple. Don’t allow your pets free access to your balcony. And if you do allow your dog or cat onto the balcony, it’s always a good idea to keep them on a secure leash.

Image Credit: Flickr

The post Are You A Good Pet Neighbor? appeared first on Downtown Resource Group Minneapolis Condos And Lofts.

And according to a new study from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), purchasing residential property (condos, single family homes, townhomes and apartments) near public transit is the smartest decision you can make — especially in times of economic downturn.

The study, which looked at cities across the U.S. — including Minneapolis — between 2006 and 2011, found that homes located near (within a half-mile) good public transit systems fared 41 percent better on average, than the metro as a whole.

Areas with zero transit options performed the worst in terms of property value.

So why are homes located near public transit seeing an increase in property value?

“When homes are located near public transportation, it is the equivalent of creating housing as desirable as beach front property,” APTA President and CEO Michael Melaniphy said in a statement. “This study shows that consumers are choosing neighborhoods with high-frequency public transportation because it provides access to up to five times as many jobs per square mile as compared to other areas in a given region. Other attractive amenities in these neighborhoods include lower transportation costs, walkable areas and robust transportation choices.”

Other interesting tidbits about Minneapolis:

• Minneapolis condos, single family homes, townhomes and apartments close the Hiawatha Line saw average property sales perform 62.7 percent better than Minneapolis/St. Paul region, while those near the Northstar line did 11.2 percent better.
• On the Hiawatha Line, the Government Plaza station transit zone saw the highest increase in average residential sales prices (76.1%) relative to the region. On the Northstar Line it was the Target Field station (30.7%).
• Minneapolis residents living near public transit had access to three times more jobs per square mile compared to the rest of the region.
• Typical households living near the Hiawatha line spent an average of $324 less per month compared to region as a whole. While those living near the Northstar spent an average of $167 less.
• In the first quarter of 2012, average weekday ridership on the Hiawatha line was 27,100 and was 2,100 on the Northstar line. While Metro Transit’s total average weekday ridership was 260,500.
• Though only 8.3 percent of residents in the Minneapolis/St. Paul region used active commuter modes (transit, walking or biking) get to work, 28.5 percent of residents who lived near public transit used transit, walked, or biked

Interchange Coming to North Loop in 2014

Are you looking for a smart real estate investment in Minneapolis? Then it’s time to consider the North Loop.

The Interchange, which will be located just steps from Target Field and adjacent to the historic North Loop neighborhood, is about to become Minneapolis’ very own version of Grand Central Station.

Slated to open in 2014, this multimodal transit hub will link the Blue Line (Hiawatha),  the Green Line (Central Corridor), the North Star Commuter Rail and local bus routes. The facility will also be adjacent to the popular Cedar Lake Trail — which is used by bicyclists and pedestrians.

Once it’s open, the Interchange will not only serve commuters, it will also be an entertainment hot spot. Two planned portions of the Interchange known as the “Great Lawn,” an outdoor stage and the “Cascade,” an amphitheater will showcase planned and impromptu shows through out the year.

Image Credit: Flickr

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That being said, there’s a lot of confusion today as to the difference between condos and lofts — and rightfully so.

In the past, lofts were mainly converted warehouses that doubled as both a living and work space. While condos were traditional single family homes that came equipped with a number of public amenities.

Today, the lines between condo and loft living have blurred. And from a legal standpoint, most lofts are in fact, condos. In both instances, an owner holds ownership of their particular unit, as well as a common stake in the shared areas of the building itself (e.g., lobby, hallways, roof, elevators).

So what is it that differentiates a condo from a loft? Style and layout.

Key Differences: Style and Layout

Lofts: A true loft by definition is a large, un-partitioned room that has been converted from an industrial warehouse or manufacturing facility. Most lofts feature a number of industrial elements like high ceilings, concrete finishes, exposed mechanical systems and floor-to-ceiling windows.

In addition to true lofts, many real estate developers have started labeling newly built complexes as loft living spaces — though they have more in common with traditional condos. Known as “soft lofts” these units offer a more conventional condo-like feel, mixed with some of the more desirable design elements of loft living.

Condos: A traditional condo unit is newly built and features structural designs often found in single family homes. All of the rooms are dedicated to a specific function, making them great for families who need privacy and space. Finishes vary, but you’ll always find well defined and partitioned rooms like bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens.

Because they’re built from the ground up, most traditional condos also have more amenities such as 24-hour concierge or valet services, private entrances, swimming pools, fitness centers, securities systems and large entrance lobbies.

Do you have questions about condo or loft living in Minneapolis? Contact the experts at DRG today!

The post Condos vs. Lofts: What’s The Difference? appeared first on Downtown Resource Group Minneapolis Condos And Lofts.

Bad timing resulted in a number of defunct condo projects – some of which were abandoned mid-construction.

Since then the climate for new condo development has been sluggish. Phoenix on the River (a high-end tower near the foot of the Stone Arch Bridge) was the last to break ground all the way back in 2008.

Minneapolis Condo Market Poised for Comeback

Fortunately, many once dormant lots have begun to show signs of life again, suggesting the condo market is poised for a comeback.

In the wake of the crash, Minneapolis has become a hotbed for rental apartment construction, and finally the city is about to get a new condo building.

Stonebridge Lofts, slated to open in May 2014, will be the first condo development to reach completion since the recession. And with 45 of the 164 units already spoken for, it’s clear there’s pent-up demand for new urban units.

Yet another brainchild of Shamrock Development (whose long list of accomplishments includes a number of downtown Minneapolis lofts), the 12-story luxury condo will be located across from Gold Medal Park in the historic Mill District of downtown Minneapolis.

Individual unit pricing will range from $249,900 to $1,200,000 and will include a number of luxury staples like stainless steel appliances, hard wood floors and granite counter tops. Each unit will also feature it’s own private balcony.

The building itself offers amenities such as a roof top pool and hot tub, a high speed elevator and climate-controlled indoor parking.

Are you interested in learning more about Stonebridge Lofts? Contact the Downtown Resource Group for additional property details today.

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The post New Minneapolis Condo Slated to Open May 2014 appeared first on Downtown Resource Group Minneapolis Condos And Lofts.

According to a new survey released by ManpowerGroup, an employment services firm, Minneapolis is among the best cities for new employment opportunities come spring.

The survey followed more than 18,000 employers across 100 metro areas. Of those surveyed, 18% anticipated an increase in staffing during the spring quarter, while 5% foresaw a decrease in payrolls.

The difference between those numbers gives you what ManpowerGroup calls a net employment outlook of 13% (or 11% when adjusted for the season). The survey also revealed that 73% of employers anticipated no change in their current staffing, while the remaining 4% were unsure.

Based on the calculated net employment percentages, here’s a snapshot of some of the best cities (including Minneapolis) for jobs this spring:

No.1: San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
No.1: Portland-South Portland-Biddeford, Maine (tie)
Net employment outlook: 23%

No. 3: Salt Lake City, UT
No. 3: Tucson, AZ (tie)
Net employment outlook: 22%

No. 5: Des Moines, Iowa
No. 5: Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown, NY (tie)
No. 5: Richmond, VA (tie)
Net employment outlook: 21%

No. 8: Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN
Net employment outlook: 20%

No. 9: Bakersfield, CA
No. 9: Houston, Sugar Land-Baytown, TX (tie)
No. 9: Knoxville, TN (tie)
No. 9: Pittsburgh, PA (tie)
Net employment outlook: 19%

You can also find out which cities ranked the worst for new jobs this spring.

What do you think of this survey? Is Minneapolis a good place for new job opportunities? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

The post Minneapolis Named Eighth Best City For Jobs This Spring appeared first on Downtown Resource Group Minneapolis Condos And Lofts.

And though we might be a little biased, we think purchasing a condo is one of the smartest investments a new home buyer can make.

That being said, we still think gaining a thorough understanding of what’s involved in the maintenance and operation of your condo is key to your long term satisfaction.

Before signing on the dotted line, we suggest asking the following questions:

1) Is this complex renter-friendly?

If more than 10 percent of the residents are renters, there should be established rental policies in place, either listed in the bylaws or added on as a formal amendment.

In most cases, there will also be strict requirements regarding the percentage of renters allowed, so if you plan to purchase a unit as an investor, you’ll need to find out in advance if your unit is eligible. Also, don’t forget that an association can change its bylaws at any time to restrict or prohibit renting.

2) How much is in the reserve fund?

Homeowners sometimes face major repairs and so do condo associations. These kinds of repairs are known as “special assessments.” As you can probably imagine, most special assessments aren’t cheap. Fortunately, a well organized condo association plans ahead for these situations by setting up a reserve fund.

The money for this fund comes directly from residents in the form of a monthly association fee. Newer condo complexes (between one and 10 years old) should have at least 10 percent of the cost of major expenses (roofs, swimming pools, etc.) covered in the fund. Older, more established condo complexes should have an even larger fund to cover upcoming expenses.

3) What is the current condo fee delinquency rate?

Finding out who is and isn’t paying can reveal a lot about the current level of contentment, or lack thereof, of the residents. If fees aren’t being paid on time, it may signify some underlying issues with building management. It could also mean the association reserve is underfunded. Either way, it’s probably a bad sign.

4) Are there any current disputes among the owners that the condo association is trying to resolve?

Take a look at the “minutes” of recent condo association board meetings to see what the owners have been grumbling about. If the owners in your prospective building are in a constant battle, you might want to think twice about moving in. Complaints about things like faulty plumbing or snow removal can also mean the complex is having management difficulties.

Do you have a Minneapolis condo question? Contact a knowledgeable DRG agent today!

The post 4 Questions to Ask Before Signing on the Dotted Line appeared first on Downtown Resource Group Minneapolis Condos And Lofts.

And with so many fantastic options around town, choosing a favorite restaurant is like choosing a favorite child — you just can’t.

Luckily the online review site Urbanspoon has done some of the work for us with it’s newly released “Most Popular Restaurant Bars” list.

The list, which covers 200 restaurants in 101 cities across the country, features four Minneapolis-based establishments: 112 Eatery, Bar La Grassa, George and the Dragon, and Tilia.

112 Eatery (112 N 3rd St)

Since opening nearly a decade ago, the 112 Eatery remains one of the toughest reservations downtown. Under the leadership of Chef Issac Becker (named “Best Chef in the Midwest” in 2011), diners have come to expect a humble take on traditional fine dining. From tagliatelle with foie gras meatballs to Chinese fried eggs, featured dishes run the gamut. To top off it’s award-winning food, the 122 Eatery offers diners friendly service, a comfy aesthetic, and an extensive beer, wine and cocktail list.

Bar La Grassa (800 N Washington Ave)

Another brain child of Issac Becker, Bar La Grassa offers affordable, Italian fare in a chic, urban setting — making it the perfect destination for family get togethers, date nights and even business dinners. Menu favorites include the soft eggs with lobster bruschetta, the gnocchi with cauliflower and orange and the bucatini bolognese. Bar La Grassa also offers a full bar and an extensive, ever-changing list of Italian wines.

George and the Dragon (813 W 50th St)

Fashioned after a classic English pub, George and the Dragon has quickly become a neighborhood gem in it’s little corner of Southwest Minneapolis. The menu features an array of traditional pub fare (think bangers and mash, and fish and chips) as well as a solid selection of local beers and English imports. As far as food goes, there’s also plenty of kid options available, including mac and cheese and a classic burger — making George and the Dragon a great family-friendly escape.

 Tilia (2726 W 43rd St)

Under the direction of Chef Steven Joel Brown, expect familar dishes like roasted chicken, fish tacos and potted meat with a contemporary twist. Tilia also features an impressive 21-beer tap list that changes seasonally. And with only 14 tables, Tilia offers a cozy, intimate dining experience in it’s charming section of the Linden Hills neighborhood. Just keep in mind that Tilia doesn’t take reservations, so plan on a little wait during dinner rush.

Did your favorite restaurant/bar make the list? Let us know your thoughts! You can also check out Urbanspoon’s full list here.

The post 4 Local Restaurants Land on National “Best of List” appeared first on Downtown Resource Group Minneapolis Condos And Lofts.

More and more people are choosing the city over the burbs. And who can blame them? With convenient access to premiere dining, live entertainment and an amazing music scene, downtown Minneapolis is a thriving urban playground.

That being said, when the time comes to sell your condo, it can still be a challenge — especially if you aren’t willing to make a few adjustments to your expectations. Below we’ve rounded up five of the best ways to drum up interest in your condo:

Price to sell

Today’s condo buyers are very educated about comparable home sales in the area, which can have a significant impact on the fair market value of your condo. To be more competitive, find out what your condo is worth (your sellers agent will be able to conduct a competitive market analysis) and be willing to make some concessions on the price. Condos that are a great deal will undoubtedly get the most visits and, on a occasion receive more than one offer.

Always be ready to show

If no one has access to your condo, it’s never going to sell. So make sure your condo is “show-ready” at all times. This means sparkling clean bathrooms, dish-free sinks and zero dust bunnies. You and your home need to be in the game at all times. Though it might be a little inconvenient at times, it will get your condo sold a lot sooner.

Empty out your closets

There’s no such thing as too much closet space. Potential buyers are known to snoop through closets so make sure yours are neatly organized and open. Aim to have 20 to 30 percent open space in each of the closets in your condo. This trick will give the impression of more space, even if your closet square footage is less than ideal.

De-personalize your space

Family photos, precious keepsakes and personal collections are what make a house a home — your home. Unfortunately, they’re a big turnoff to potential buyers. If you’re serious about selling, these items should be placed in storage. The goal is to strike a perfect balance between clutter-free and lived-in.

Listen to your agent

Finding a reputable Minneapolis seller’s agent is one of the most important steps you can take in the selling process. Someone with a track record of selling condos in the downtown area will certainly have a long list of recommendations that can be customized to accommodate your unique situation. Find an agent you trust and follow their advice as closely as you can.

In today’s competitive market, you need expertise on your side. DRG specializes in the Minneapolis loft and condo market. Contact us today to find out what your home is worth.

Image Credit: Flickr

The post 5 Tips for Selling Your Minneapolis Condo appeared first on Downtown Resource Group Minneapolis Condos And Lofts.

Wrong. In fact, balcony gardening (or container gardening) isn’t as hard as you think. It even offers some key advantages:

• Involves less time and planning
• No need to worry about weeds
• Less garden pest problems
• Easier to control soil health

Getting Started: The Best Vegetables for Balcony Gardening

Living in the city doesn’t have to mean giving up all the simple pleasures of country living. If you have pots, soil, water supply, and your balcony gets at least six hours of sun per day, you have to means to start your very own garden. And the veggies below will give you a great start:

• Beans
• Broccoli
• Brussel Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Corn
• Cucumbers
• Herbs
• Peppers
• Tomatoes

SproutRobot: A Solution for Urban Gardeners

If you’re brand new to the concept of balcony gardening (or gardening in general), it might be time to check out SproutRobot.

SproutRobot is a nifty start-up with a mission: To help aspiring balcony gardeners get started on the right foot.

All you have to do is tell SproutRobot your zip code and what it is you’d like to grow. From there, you’ll receive a personalized planting calendar and when it comes time to plant, they’ll mail you the necessary seeds (if you want them) along with automatic email updates reminding you when and how to plant them.

We typed in our Minneapolis zip code and this is what popped up for this week:

 We were also able to see what was coming up in the next several weeks:

SproutRobot is free to sign-up, but if you want seeds (high quality, certified organic from Seeds of Change) sent directly to your condo, you’ll need to pay for a premium account which starts at $20 per year.

Have you ever started a container garden? Share your tips with other Minneapolis Condo owners below!

The post Condo Living: Tips for Growing Your Very Own Balcony Garden appeared first on Downtown Resource Group Minneapolis Condos And Lofts.

This means you might run into a little competition when trying to snag that hip downtown condo or loft.

Speaking from experience, we can say there’s no greater buzz kill than losing out on your dream home, especially following an emotionally-charged bidding war.

Fortunately, when you’re in the midst of a bidding war, a little strategy can go a long way.

Work with the right people

Choosing the right representation will benefit you in a number of ways — especially when a bidding war ensues. A local Minneapolis real estate agent will have the necessary skills and insight to guide you through the process. A local agent with a strong reputation will also be more attractive to sellers because they’ll feel more confident that the sale will actually go through.

Have all of your ducks in a row

Never jump into the market without being fully prepared. Prior to even looking at the condo of your dreams, you should make sure you’re an ideal buyer — or you might be in for some grave disappointment down the road.

• Loan Pre-Approval: Taking the time to get pre-approved shows a seller that you’re responsible, credit-worthy and genuinely interested.
• Good Credit: These days, a credit score of 730 or higher is usually the golden ticket for getting pre-approval.
• Cash Down Payments: In recent years, larger down payments have become the standard for most lenders. The best candidates will already have 20 percent in the bank.

Make ‘em an offer they can’t refuse

When it comes to bidding, money usually does most of the talking. But it’s not the only way to strike up a deal. Most sellers will value bid offers that:

• Provide a sizeable down payment, preferably in cash.
• Have pre-approval from a prominent local lender.
• Agree to accommodate closing date wishes, whether they’re in 3 weeks or 3 months.
• Steer clear of multiple requests, conditions or stipulations.

Be prepared to call it quits

Bidding wars can be pretty exciting, which can make it difficult for many buyers to give up in the heat of the moment. That being said, it’s important to have a spending limit and to make sure that you don’t exceed that budget. Your real estate agent should be able to tell you if the asking price is reasonable or significantly over market value.

No matter what stage you are in the condo buying process, the real estate experts at DRG are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about condo vacancies in downtown Minneapolis.

Image Credit: Flickr

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