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September 24, 2024

Your Guide to Woodbury, MN

Located just a short drive from Saint Paul, Woodbury, MN, offers a blend of suburban charm and urban convenience. This vibrant city has grown into one of the most desirable places to live in the Twin Cities metro area, known for its excellent schools, lush parks, and a strong sense of community. Whether you're visiting for a day or considering making Woodbury your home, this guide will help you explore the best of what the city has to offer. Discover all the things that make Woodbury a standout destination below!

More blog posts

August 30, 2024

Durability Meets Design

Partner Content

Creating a home that stands the test of time — and the daily whirlwind of family life — requires a blend of thoughtful design and durable features. From flooring that can withstand the rough play of children and the inevitable messes from pets to top-notch cleaning services that keep your sanctuary spotless, these products and services can make all the difference.

August 29, 2024

Your Guide to Selecting Countertop Materials

Choosing the right countertop material can transform your kitchen or bathroom into a functional and stylish space. With so many options available, it’s essential to understand each material's unique features, benefits, and maintenance requirements. This guide will help you navigate popular choices, making it easier to find the perfect countertop for your home.

June 28, 2024

Getting Ready to Buy? When the Time Is Right, Here’s How to Make Sure You’re Prepared.

Buying a home is a big milestone — one that’s both exciting and a little bit daunting. Whether you’re settling down in the Twin Cities or eyeing a suburban location in Minnesota, careful planning and consideration are essential. To ensure you’re ready when the time comes, here are some practical tips for navigating the homebuying process.

June 26, 2024

Your Guide to Wayzata, MN

Located just 12 miles from Minneapolis and nestled along the northern shore of Lake Minnetonka, Wayzata, Minnesota offers a delightful mix of scenic beauty, small-town charm, and vibrant community life. Whether you’re looking to move or just explore, Wayzata’s unique charm and dynamic community spirit will make you feel right at home.

Keep reading to discover the best of what Wayzata has to offer!

June 7, 2024

Community Comforts: Top Amenities to Look for in New Construction Homes in Minnesota

When it comes to finding your dream home, it’s not just about the structure itself but also about the community surrounding it. New construction neighborhoods in Minnesota offer an array of amenities designed to elevate your living experience. From community clubhouses to social events, here are some top amenities to consider when buying or building a new construction home in Minnesota.

June 6, 2024

Your Guide to Lake Elmo, MN

Located just east of the Twin Cities, Lake Elmo offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and modern conveniences. With its picturesque landscapes, vibrant local culture, and welcoming community, Lake Elmo is an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil yet dynamic place to live or visit. Whether you’re considering a move or looking for a new city to explore, Lake Elmo has something for everyone.

Discover some of the hidden gems this delightful community has to offer below!

May 9, 2024

Vibrant Remodels Harness the Power of Color

Today, we’re diving into the heart of the home: the kitchen. On the Spring Remodelers Showcase, homeowners were embracing color to infuse personality and style into their culinary spaces. Take a closer look at some inspiring kitchen remodels that beautifully incorporate color.

May 2, 2024

Elevated Outdoor Living: How to Add Ambiance to Your Backyard

As the warmth of summer approaches, Minnesotans eagerly anticipate spending more time outdoors. For many, the allure of the great outdoors extends far beyond its natural beauty; it’s a space where memories are made and laughter echoes.

December 3, 2018

5 Winter Renovation Projects to Tackle

It’s cold, the snow is flying, and you’re getting cabin fever…so maybe now is just the right time to call your remodeler. It may seem counter-intuitive, but there are plenty of reasons to give your home a refresh in the dead of winter. Here are five winter renovation projects to consider when the temperature drops.

Builders & Remodelers
Home Tips & Tricks
November 30, 2018

Home Staging Tips: Getting Your Home Ready to Sell

After you’ve found your dream home on the Parade of Homes, it’s time to get your current place ready to sell. One of the keys to getting the best price for your current home? Home staging done right. Focus on your home’s strengths, downplay the weaknesses and appeal to the largest number of buyers with these home staging tips.

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November 19, 2018

6 Steps for Styling Your Bookshelf

Make your shelves feel curated—not cluttered—with this expert guide.

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November 16, 2018

10 Questions to Ask When Considering New Construction

You’ve toured the Parade of Homes and fallen in love with the benefits and choices available in a new home. You’ve seen lots of gorgeous homes that speak to your style and lifestyle. You’ve discovered a couple neighborhoods that feel just right. So, what’s next? How do you make sure you choose the right builder to make your dream home come true?

Home Tips & Tricks
November 8, 2018

A Lifestyle Change to Love

Downsizing happened somewhat serendipitously for Chuck and Kelly when he ran into a friend one night at a local restaurant. Chuck had retired recently, and while he loved his shop and the acreage they owned, Kelly had been suggesting a less-encumbered lifestyle might be a good choice for them. A new home was just what they were looking for.

Real Stories
October 30, 2018

Building the Perfect Home for One-Level Living

Why buy new? With a new home, you pick the floor plan and finishes that fit your lifestyle. You choose the community and neighborhood that speak to you. And you can even select just the right energy-saving features that balance your personal philosophy with your budget. We asked this family to share what drove them to new construction.

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October 29, 2018

Twin Cities Best New Homes Win 2018 Reggie Awards

BATC-Housing First Minnesota hosted the annual BIG (Building Industry Gala) Night on Oct. 25, 2018. Over 900 attendees joined together to celebrate the home building and remodeling industry and to find out which homes from the Fall Parade of Homes were judged the best — the best design, construction quality and value.

Builders & Remodelers
Home Tours
October 27, 2018

Design Trends From the Fall Parade of Homes

The Parade of Homes is a great way to see the newest trends in home design and the styles that are continuing to shine. From freestanding bathtubs to statement ceilings, this year’s fall tour had no shortage of details that were sure to leave tour-goers inspired. Here are a few of the trends we spotted from Minnesota homebuilders.

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October 10, 2018

Building a New Home for a Growing Family

Why buy new? With a new home, you pick the floor plan and finishes that fit your lifestyle. You choose the community and neighborhood that speak to you. And you can even select just the right energy-saving features that balance your personal philosophy with your budget. We asked this family to share what drove them to new construction.

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September 24, 2018

A Radical Change: A Real Family's Remodeling Story

Lisa and Eric have lived in their traditional Colonial home in Minnetonka for over a decade, but the segmented layout felt dated. They dreamt of a sun-drenched kitchen and a warm, inviting space to make lasting memories with their family — so they made their dreams a reality.

Home Tours
Real Stories
September 23, 2018

Remodelers Showcase Features Two Dream Remodeled Homes

These two stunning whole-house remodels from Black Dog Homes and Frontier Structures are this fall's Dream Remodeled Homes. Your $5 tax-deductible admission to each remodeled home will go to the BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation to support their mission of building and remodeling homes and facilities for veterans and the homeless.

They're open for one weekend only, so grab your guidebook and head out to tour Sept. 28-30, 2018!

Home Tours
September 18, 2018

Wayzata Dreams Times Two | Real Family Homebuilding Story

Brandis and Paris had found a great new homesite in Wayzata, a place they have long loved. They showed their best pals Amy and Bo their chosen site and plans for their soon-to-be new home with Pillar Homes and couldn’t be more excited. That is until Bo and Amy fell in love with the location and decided to build right next door. Now these two besties and their families are thrilled to be next-door neighbors building homes together.

Home Tours
Real Stories
August 10, 2018

Four Dream Homes Featured on the Fall Parade of Homes

There’s no shortage of incredible residences on the Parade of Homes, but these four amazing homes have been selected by our BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation as this fall’s Dream Homes. These four beauties from Homes By Tradition, Highmark Builders, Carl M. Hansen Companies and Trestle Homes will leave you in awe. Plus, a $5 tax-deductible entry fee to each of these four homes will go to the BATC-Housing First Minnesota Foundation to support their mission of building and remodeling homes and facilities for veterans and the homeless.

And stay tuned for more details on our two Dream Remodeled Homes, open the final weekend of the tour during the Remodelers Showcase!

Home Tours