FAQ
A practical, plain‑spoken FAQ for buyers and sellers in Wayzata, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Orono, Long Lake, Medina, Deephaven, Excelsior, and surrounding West Metro communities. If you don’t see your question here, use the contact form on carissakemnitz.com and we’ll add it.
Buying
In Minneapolis look at neighborhoods like the Whittier Neighborhood, Kingfield, and Linden Hills for homes that combine convenience, character and access to transit. In St. Paul check the Macalester‑Groveland, Highland Park, and Frogtown areas. Inventory can be tight, so having alerts set up is a big plus.
We lean into strategy: being ready with financing, being flexible on things like closing date or possession, offering clean contracts, and writing about your vision (especially in character-home neighborhoods). We never push you to waive protections you’re not comfortable with. The game is making your offer the easiest to say yes to, not just the highest dollar.
Yes absolutely. Cities like Edina, Minnetonka, Woodbury and Maple Grove are still drawing interest because of school systems, amenities and newer construction. We’ll pull in stats on price trends and days-on-market to find the sweet spots that fit your budget.
If you prioritise walkability, transit, minimal maintenance and being close to city amenities, yes. We’ll show you the trade-offs (HOA fees, rules, parking, resale) and walk you through how condo values compare in the Twin Cities.
Long Lake and Medina have some surprisingly peaceful pockets with bigger lots and great value. Deephaven, Greenwood, and Tonka Bay offer that dreamy small-town vibes while keeping you close to the lake. Shorewood and Orono also offer quiet luxury without the busyness of the main corridors.
I prepare buyers to move fast by setting clear expectations, securing strong pre-approval, and identifying the best opportunities early. When the right home hits, I guide clients through a clean, compelling offer that aligns with market conditions. My goal is to make it feel seamless and doable, not stressful.
I love working with relocators. I’ll walk you through each community’s personality from Plymouth’s trail systems to Wayzata’s lakeside lifestyle to Medina’s peaceful acreage and help you find what fits your life best. We’ll narrow the choices quickly so you feel grounded and excited.
Selling
For urban/inner-ring homes: fresh paint in light tones, modern light fixtures, decluttering built-ins, and making sure the exterior has curb appeal (even in a city street). For suburban homes: update landscaping, stage outdoor living space and highlight any recent updates. We’ll provide a tailored room-by-room plan and budget so you pick the highest return items.
It depends a lot on price point and location. Entry to mid-range homes in sought-after neighborhoods are still moving fast if they’re well-priced and show well. Luxury and niche homes (custom, large lots, unique styles) may take longer. We’ll pull current days-on-market data for your specific neighborhood so you know what to expect.
Typical costs include title / escrow fees, transfer taxes, possible home staging or repair credits, and your agreed commissions. If in a condo there may be HOA transfer fees or special assessments. We provide a custom net-sheet so you see your bottom-line before listing.
Prep and presentation matter. Even in a hot market, homes that shine get more attention and stronger offers. I help sellers with pricing strategy, staging guidance, professional listing prep, and local market timing. Small improvements can make a big difference in this area.
Neighborhood & City-Specific Questions
Uptown is highly desirable for its vibrancy, lake access (near Lake of the Isles / Bde Maka Ska), restaurants and nightlife, so prices can carry a premium. South Minneapolis neighborhoods like Kingfield and Seward offer strong value, character homes, and proximity to amenities but slightly more relaxed pricing. Your best fit depends on commute, lifestyle and how much you prioritise walkability vs. quieter.
Highland Park is one of the largest neighborhoods in St. Paul and offers great parks (including Highland Park itself), good schools and convenient access to major roads. Macalester-Groveland offers historic homes, a strong community feel, walkable shopping along Grand Ave and proximity to downtown St. Paul. Pricing can differ and we’ll pull comps for both when you’re ready.
Cities like Woodbury, Maple Grove, Plymouth, Minnetonka and Edina continue to draw families because of quality schools, parks, access to highways and an abundance of newer construction. If you consider commuting, we’ll map employer access and future growth corridors.
Financing & Timeline
Uptown is highly desirable for its vibrancy, lake access (near Lake of the Isles / Bde Maka Ska), restaurants and nightlife, so prices can carry a premium. South Minneapolis neighborhoods like Kingfield and Seward offer strong value, character homes, and proximity to amenities but slightly more relaxed pricing. Your best fit depends on commute, lifestyle and how much you prioritise walkability vs. quieter.
Highland Park is one of the largest neighborhoods in St. Paul and offers great parks (including Highland Park itself), good schools and convenient access to major roads. Macalester-Groveland offers historic homes, a strong community feel, walkable shopping along Grand Ave and proximity to downtown St. Paul. Pricing can differ and we’ll pull comps for both when you’re ready.
Cities like Woodbury, Maple Grove, Plymouth, Minnetonka and Edina continue to draw families because of quality schools, parks, access to highways and an abundance of newer construction. If you consider commuting, we’ll map employer access and future growth corridors.
Coldwell Banker - Wayzata
© 2024 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC
© Coldwell Banker 2023 – 2024. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.
