Jim Buchta

The Bloomington “strip” along I-494 is the second-largest and second-emptiest office sector in the metro. But that might be changing.

For buyers weary of competition, fall and winter are the best, and often cheapest, days to shop for lakeshore property.

Minneapolis and St. Paul leaders are hailing such projects as the key to downtown revitalization, but the projects are also notoriously complex and expensive.

Lakeshore property in Minnesota is typically expensive and can be an hours-long drive from the metro area. But compromising for a view of the water instead of private shoreline provides some more affordable and suburban options.

One solution for downtown Minneapolis’ vacant offices: Affordable ‘co-living’ housing

Home prices are still on the rise but are far below the national average. That’s relieving some pressure for rate-weary buyers but isn’t as celebrated among sellers looking for equity.

There are only about 85 Lundie-designed homes still in existence, and one of his largest remaining residential designs, a 9,300 square-foot house in a Twin Cities suburb, is on the market for $4.95 million.

Even as companies look for new space and bring employees back in person, it’s not enough to offset space vacated in the wake of the pandemic. But some brokers and boosters are optimistic despite the ongoing challenges.

Sales increased 8 percent and prices rose 9.4 percent last month, but gains weren't felt evenly.

As life changes, and rates decline a bit, these homeowners are fueling sales of more expensive move-up homes.