Minnesota Property Group | Real Estate Advice from Joe Houghton

10 Reasons to List Your Home with a Realtor Why Working with a Pro Makes a Difference When Selling Your Home in Minnesota Thinking about selling your home and wondering if you really need a Realtor? As someone who's been helping Twin Cities homeowners sell for top dollar since 2002, I can tell you from experience — having the right listing agent makes a massive difference in your bottom line and your peace of mind. Here are 10 reasons to partner with a professional when it’s time to sell: 1. Pricing Expertise A good Realtor doesn’t guess your home’s value — they analyze the market, compare similar sales, and identify buyer demand trends to price it right the first time. Overpricing can backfire. Underpricing leaves money on the table. I aim to hit the sweet spot that gets you results. 2. Professional Marketing It takes more than a "For Sale" sign and a smartphone photo. I invest in professional photography, videography, staging...

Homes for Sale in Wayzata, MN Explore Luxury, Lakeside Living Just Minutes from Minneapolis Looking for homes for sale in Wayzata, Minnesota? Whether you're drawn by its lakeside charm, luxury real estate, or vibrant downtown, Wayzata is one of the Twin Cities' most desirable places to live — and it’s easy to see why. As a long-time local real estate expert and current Wayzata resident, I know this market inside and out. I live just a half mile from Wayzata Bay and have helped countless buyers and sellers navigate this exceptional community with confidence. Why Wayzata? Wayzata combines the serenity of Lake Minnetonka living with the convenience of quick access to Minneapolis. It’s walkable, upscale, and full of life. Here are just a few reasons people are looking to call Wayzata home: Lakeside Living : Homes on or near Lake Minnetonka offer stunning views, docks, and summer boating at its best. Top-Rated Schools : Wayzata Public Schools are consistently ranked...

Homes for Sale in the Warehouse District – Minneapolis, MN Loft Living Meets Urban Energy in One of Minneapolis’ Most Distinctive Neighborhoods If you love exposed brick, soaring ceilings, open floorplans, and walkable urban living, the Warehouse District is calling your name. Nestled within the North Loop of Minneapolis, this historic neighborhood has transformed from an industrial hub into one of the Twin Cities’ most exciting residential and cultural hotspots. As a Realtor who’s worked with countless buyers in the North Loop, I’ve watched this area evolve into a thriving destination. Whether you're searching for a sleek loft, a luxury condo, or an investment property, the Warehouse District offers a unique blend of style and city energy. Why Buyers Love the Warehouse District Historic Loft Living : Original timber beams, exposed brick, and industrial-era architecture mixed with modern finishes. Walkability : Steps from Target Field, the Mississippi River, downtown...

How to Participate in City Planning – Golden Valley, MN Get Involved in Shaping Your Neighborhood Golden Valley residents have a strong sense of community — and one of the best ways to protect and enhance the future of your city is to get involved in the planning process. As a local Realtor and Golden Valley community advocate, I’ve seen firsthand how impactful citizen participation can be in shaping development, parks, infrastructure, and housing policies. If you’ve ever had ideas or concerns about the way our city grows, here’s how to have a voice in the process. 1. Attend Planning Commission Meetings Golden Valley’s Planning Commission meets regularly to discuss zoning changes, development proposals, and land use. These meetings are open to the public and usually include time for citizen input. Check the official city calendar for upcoming meeting times. 2. Review Public Proposals Before large developments are approved, plans are posted online and available for public r...

How to Run a Great Neighborhood Watch Keep Your Golden Valley Neighborhood Safe and Connected A strong neighborhood watch program is one of the best ways to build community and enhance safety. In cities like Golden Valley and other Twin Cities suburbs, neighbors looking out for one another can make a real difference — especially when the program is proactive, inclusive, and consistent. 1. Get Organized Start with a simple meeting. Invite neighbors, introduce the idea, and gather contact information. Assign roles if needed — a block leader, communications person, etc. 2. Connect with Local Law Enforcement Golden Valley Police Department supports neighborhood watch efforts and may assign a liaison officer to your group. They’ll provide safety tips, crime trends, and help coordinate responses if needed. 3. Set Up Communication Tools Use tools like Nextdoor, a private Facebook group, or an email list to keep neighbors informed. Share alerts, updates, and community events. 4. ...

Minnesota Home Ownership Center – What They Do Support for First-Time Buyers, Financial Education & Foreclosure Prevention Buying a home can be overwhelming — especially for first-time buyers. That’s where the Minnesota Home Ownership Center (MHOC) comes in. This organization has been a trusted resource in our state for decades, helping people understand the home buying process and supporting sustainable homeownership. What Is the Home Ownership Center? It’s a Minnesota-based nonprofit that connects people to education, one-on-one advising, and financial resources for homeownership. Their programs are especially helpful for first-time buyers, low-to-moderate income households, and those recovering from financial hardship. What Services Do They Offer? Homebuyer Education – Learn the process, from budgeting to closing. Credit + Budget Counseling – One-on-one support to improve your financial health. Foreclosure Prevention – Free help for homeowners at risk of lo...

Homes for Sale in Wayzata, MN Explore Luxury, Lakeside Living Just Minutes from Minneapolis Looking for homes for sale in Wayzata, Minnesota? Whether you're drawn by its lakeside charm, luxury real estate, or vibrant downtown, Wayzata is one of the Twin Cities' most desirable places to live — and it’s easy to see why. As a long-time local real estate expert and current Wayzata resident, I know this market inside and out. I live just a half mile from Wayzata Bay and have helped countless buyers and sellers navigate this exceptional community with confidence. Why Wayzata? Wayzata combines the serenity of Lake Minnetonka living with the convenience of quick access to Minneapolis. It’s walkable, upscale, and full of life. Here are just a few reasons people are looking to call Wayzata home: Lakeside Living : Homes on or near Lake Minnetonka offer stunning views, docks, and summer boating at its best. Top-Rated Schools : Wayzata Public Schools are consistently ranked...