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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!

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Your Guide to Chaska, MN

Nestled along the banks of the Minnesota River and just a stone’s throw away from Minneapolis, Chaska is a vibrant city that perfectly blends small-town charm with modern amenities. Known for its beautiful parks and lively downtown, Chaska offers an appealing lifestyle for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re considering moving to the area or just visiting, Chaska has a little something for everyone — from its dynamic local businesses to its scenic outdoor spaces. Keep reading to discover the best of what Chaska has to offer!

When Is the Right Time to Buy New?

As home values and interest rates remain elevated, you may be wondering, “When is the right time to buy a new house?” There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Market trends, economic forecasts, and individual circumstances will all play a role in someone’s decision to buy. There are, however, some signs you should look for and steps you can take that indicate you’re ready to make the leap — no matter if you’re looking for your first home or forever home.

How to Pick the Best Home for Your Pet

There are a lot of factors thatgo into the decision to move. Maybe you need an extra bedroom to accommodateyour growing family, or perhaps you want to be closer to work. But above all,the most important consideration when selecting a new home is how it enhancesthe lives of all family members, including your four-legged ones.

From floor plans andmaterials to landscaping and community amenities, here’s how to pick the besthome for your pet — both inside and out.

Life-Proof Surfaces

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, maintaining a pristine home can be a daunting and difficult task. From sticky hands and spilled drinks to muddy paw prints and accidents, the surfaces in your home face constant wear and tear. That’s where "life-proof"surfaces come to the rescue. Whether you're a parent, a pet owner, or someone who values durability and ease of maintenance, this guide is for you.

23 Advanced Certified Homes on the Fall Tour

Minnesota’s Green Path is lighting the way to energy-efficient homes of the future. Testing nearly 5,000 new construction homes per year, the Green Path certification program gives homeowners a clear understanding a home’s energy performance. With rigorous standards and independent, third-party raters, you can be confident in Green Path certifications.

What the Fed’s Rate Cut Means for Homebuyers

The Federal Reserve announced this week they would make cuts to interest rate levels for the first time since March 2020. It marks a major turning point for homebuyers, particularly, after nearly two years of high mortgage rates and a significant slowdown in housing market activity.

If you're in the market to buy a home or looking to refinance, this rate cut could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

Defining Home Types on the Parade of Homes

Every year, home enthusiasts, prospective buyers, and curious neighbors look forward to the Parade of Homes. Taking place in the spring and fall, the Parade of Homes is a chance to explore some of the most beautiful, innovative, and thoughtfully designed homes across the Twin Cities area. Whether hunting for your dream home or gathering inspiration for your own, the Parade of Homes is a can't-miss event.

February 6, 2024

Your Guide to Hosting for Game Day

No matter what sport or team you're an enthusiast for, most people love getting together with friends for game day. But watching the event is only half the fun. Being a top-notch host involves plenty of behind-the-scenes execution to set the stage. Here are our tips for designing an entertainer's den and keeping everyone happy during game day — no matter the score.

Home Tips & Tricks
February 5, 2024

6 Steps to Buying a New Home

Owning a home remains a key component of the American dream. It’s the place where you create cherished memories. It’s your sanctuary in an increasingly hectic world. It’s a reflection of your lifestyle, your tastes, and your style.

Home Tips & Tricks
February 1, 2024

Six Steps to Stress-Free Remodeling

Whether you're looking to make some minor improvements to a single room or ready to gut an entire part of the house—remodeling can be an overwhelming process if you're not prepared. But don't worry, we've pulled together our top six tips for a smooth and stress-free experience.

Remodeling
January 24, 2024

How to Find the Right Fireplace for You

Ready to upgrade or install a new fireplace in your home? It's time to make a few decisions to narrow down your options. We've asked the experts at Fireside Hearth & Home to share their top 3 elements to consider.

Home Tips & Tricks
January 18, 2024

2024 Home Tour Dates

In 2023, we celebrated our 75th anniversary of the Parade of Homes and our 10th anniversary of the Artisan Home Tour, AND we launched a second Artisan Home Tour in the fall. Our home tours are a long-loved tradition by many Minnesotans and have continuously grown in popularity amongst homebuyers and home enthusiasts alike. As the largest and longest-running Parade of Homes in the nation, we're proud to continue our legacy of top-tier home tours in 2024 and beyond. This year, we've got a few changes coming your way!

Home Tours
January 2, 2024

New Year, New Home: Resolutions That Will Refresh Your Space

The wind is blowing, the snow is falling, and no one wants to leave the house. You know what that means? It’s time for some winter cleaning and organization projects! As you develop your New Year’s resolutions this year, take a moment to think about a few ways that you can make your home even better than it already is. If you’re not sure what to do, here are a few ideas of projects to tackle in the upcoming months.

Home Tips & Tricks
December 18, 2023

Christmas Décor Trends To Help You Feel Festive

We’ve begun the countdown to Christmas celebrations! Decorate to impress with a mix of traditional elements—garlands, candles, Christmas trees—and pops of unique decor.

Design
December 15, 2023

Decorating for the Holidays with Heather Fox

We got a sneak peek inside the home of Heather Fox—realtor and designer with Fox Homes and Foxwell—to see how she decorates for the holidays. Take some inspiration from her subtle swaps and creative flairs to recreate a festive look in your own home!

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November 13, 2023

Maintaining an Organized Home

A pile of cords on the kitchen table. That stack of forgotten birthday cards on the desk. The dog toys scattered across the living room floor. Sound familiar? As much as you love your home, it can be difficult to keep everything neat and organized with a busy schedule. With these simple tips, you can transform the chaos into a calm and clutter-free space.

Design
November 8, 2023

4 Reasons to Remodel

Take a look around your house. If you’re anything like most families, you may see a lived-in and loved home — scratches on the door from the dog, a broken cabinet handle where your son pulled too hard, and scuffs on the wall from balls bounced back and forth.

A home captures thousands of little memories, but that doesn’t mean you need to live with each bump and bruise life brings. Whether your home needs an update because your design tastes have changed or your lifestyle warrants a complete restructure of the floor plan, it may be time for a remodel.

Knowing when to remodel, where to start, and how to kick off a big project can be intimidating. Here are four benefits to remodeling with a professional to keep in mind.

Remodeling
November 1, 2023

6 Tips for Selecting Countertops

Six tips for selecting countertops that cater to your lifestyle, design preferences, and budget.

Design
October 2, 2023

Sharing Decades of Love for the Parade of Homes

For 75 years, the Parade of Homes has been a community-driven event centered on showcasing modern housing trends and providing housing opportunities for Twin Cities homeowners.

Home Tours
September 26, 2023

2023 Fall Parade of Homes In the News

The 2023 Fall Parade of Homes Twin Cities is your chance to see the latest in new home construction from builders across Minnesota. Here are all the places the fall tour has been covered in the press.

Home Tours