Posts in category 'Twin Cities'

What could be better than a fresh, cool, flavorful scoop (or two!) of ice cream on a summer day in the Twin Cities? Whether you're searching for a scoop near Minneapolis homes for sale, planning a family outing close to St. Paul homes for sale, or trying to sample the best flavors in both cities, there's nothing like an ice cream tour of the Twin Cities. Start scouting out your favorite flavors and planning your next ice cream outing with our guide to 6 great places to grab a scoop around the Twin Cities.

• Milkjam Creamery – 2743 Lindale Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55408
  You never know what you might find when you visit Milkjam Creamery, and that's part of the fun. This popular Minneapolis ice cream shop is constantly experimenting with new flavors, and creating new things for you to try. Summer is a great time to enjoy some special, unique seasonal flavors at Milkjam Creamery, and there are a wide variety of gluten-free flavors available so that everyone can get in on the fun.

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With its abundance of lakes, river, and streams that have many different types of game fish, the Twin Cities has plenty of spots that are perfect for fly fishing. Whether you prefer walking a stream, wading in a river, or casting from a boat, pier, or the shore, you'll be able to do it at several area locations.
  
Try the following five fly fishing destinations around the Twin Cities and located near Minneapolis homes for sale or St. Paul homes for sale.  

1. Lake Calhoun – about 3 blocks west of Lake St. and Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis   
   Lake Calhoun is a prime spot to fish for bluegill, crappie, tiger muskie, Northern pike, largemouth bass, walleye, yellow perch, bullhead, and carp. The pier lets you cast into deep water, so you don't necessarily need a boat to reel in a big one. Recommended flies include the wooly bugger, bass popper, small nymphs, and minnow patterns. And as an added bonus, you'll be able to enjoy beautiful views of the Minneapolis skyline from the lake.

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Housing 

Despite elevated demand for housing, construction of new homes fell in April, with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau reporting a 9.5% decrease in housing starts from the previous month. Rising building costs continue to hinder affordability and inventory for many homebuyers, although shortages in labor, issues with the U.S. supply chain, and lasting impact from late winter storms have also contributed to the decline in new construction activity, putting some projects on pause for the time being.  

Provided by the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors.

Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are down below three percent, continuing to offer many homeowners the potential to refinance and increase their monthly cash flow. In fact, homeowners who refinanced their 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in 2020 saved more than $2,800 dollars annually. Substantial opportunity continues to exist today, as nearly $2 trillion in conforming mortgages have the ability to refinance and reduce their interest rate by at least half a percentage point.

~Provided by www.freddiemac.com 05-27-21

Want to enjoy a nice dinner out and also feel good about the food you're eating? Few things are as delicious as a fresh farm-to-table meal. Not only does eating farm-to-table cuisine have several health benefits, but it also helps support local farms and small businesses. 

With so many great farm-to-table restaurants in the Twin Cities, eating healthy doesn't have to be difficult. If you enjoy home-cooked meals with peak freshness, give some of these local restaurants a try:

• Holman's Table - 644 Bayfield St., St Paul, MN 55107
  How about a fresh farm-to-table meal served in an old air terminal? For a unique dining experience, Holman's Table is a must-try. With amazing entrees like Pork Porterhouse and Revier Farms Steak, you can enjoy fresh, sophisticated dishes accompanied by a large selection of wines. All food is locally-sourced, and the restaurant is conveniently located near some beautiful Saint Paul homes for sale.

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Housing Needs

A new analysis by housing giant Freddie Mac suggests that the U.S. housing market needs 3.8 million more single-family homes nationwide to meet demand. Sam Khater, Freddie Mac's chief economist, noted "we should have almost four million more housing units if we had kept up with demand the last few years." While new construction activity has increased in recent years, it has never fully recovered to its previous peak more than fifteen years ago.  

Provided by the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors.

Mortgage Rates

In light of the rising COVID caseloads globally, U.S. Treasury yields stopped moving up a month ago and have remained within a narrow range as the market digests incoming economic data. The good news is that with rates under three percent, refinancing continues to be attractive for many borrowers who financed before 2020. But, for eager buyers, especially first-time homebuyers, inventory continues to be extremely tight and competition for available homes to purchase remains high.

~Provided by www.freddiemac.com 04-29-21