How do outsiders see Minneapolis? It's all about perspective ...by Joe Grunnet


It was one of those perfect Minneapolis summer afternoons. A Wednesday, about 80 degrees, sun out.

I had a 4:30 showing at The Ivy Residences downtown. I got there early, valeted my car at The Ivy and walked down Nicollet Mall for a quick bite.

When I got back, I sat down at the lobby bar for a glass of water before the showing. An older couple was sitting near me, talking about their trip.

"What a great city."

As I got up to leave, I asked where they were from.

"New Jersey."

They asked where I was from. I told them, "Right here."

Then they said, "What a great city."

I laughed. "I know. It's not burning down, right?"

They chuckled, but then…

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If you saw the headline about an 11.3% property tax increase and your stomach dropped, you are not alone. I have been getting a lot of questions about it.

Let me give you the real numbers, the reason behind them, and the part nobody in the news coverage is talking about: what your actual options are.

  • WHAT WAS ACTUALLY PROPOSED
  • WHY THIS IS HAPPENING
  • THE HONEST MATH ON YOUR BILL
  • NONE OF THIS IS FINAL YET
  • WHAT YOU CAN ACTUALLY DO ABOUT IT

What Was Actually Proposed

On August 12, Mayor Jacob Frey unveiled a $2.3 billion budget for 2027. It includes an 11.3% increase to the city property tax levy. For the owner of a median-value Minneapolis home, currently $351,400, that works out to about $409 more per year, or $34 a month.

…

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Why do some condos sit on the market for months while others attract the right buyers and the right offers? This report outlines the key strategies that give condo sellers a decisive advantage in today's market.

Economic times are changing. The real estate marketplace is changing too — and so must your home-selling strategy. With conflicting housing reports and ongoing uncertainty, it's easy to feel stuck. But with the right information, you can avoid the pitfalls most sellers fall into and get your home sold at the best price in the timeframe you need.

1. The Biggest Blunder That Keeps Condos "For Sale" Too Long

The most critical decision you'll make as a seller is where to set your asking price. Sellers have three choices: below market value,…

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We’re expanding our open house team and looking for 2–3 driven, professional individuals who enjoy meeting people and creating great experiences—without the pressure of becoming a full-time Realtor.

This role focuses on hosting open houses for downtown condos, lofts, and townhomes from March through November. You’ll be the face of the property during open houses, welcoming buyers, sharing details, and helping create a strong first impression.

You’ll be paid $25 per hour, and if you’re a licensed Realtor, you’ll also earn a referral fee on buyer deals that close from your open house leads. Non-licensed hosts are welcome and paid hourly.

We provide training, signage, tools, and support and you bring professionalism, reliability, great people…

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Navigating the Minneapolis Real Estate Market in 2026

Every new year brings questions about the Minneapolis real estate market. Is now a good time to buy? Should you sell? What’s actually happening out there? As we move through 2026, one thing is clear: the market isn’t chaotic, frozen, or falling apart. It’s more thoughtful. And strategy matters more than ever.

Here’s what we’re seeing on the ground.

Market overview

Minneapolis has always been a neighborhood-driven market, and that hasn’t changed. What has changed is how buyers and sellers approach decisions.

We’re no longer in a rush-everything, bid-over-asking environment. But we’re also not in a wait-and-see standstill. Well-priced homes in strong locations still move. Others don’t.

…

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These are hard days in Minneapolis.  #HEARTMPLS

There’s a lot happening in our city right now, fear, uncertainty, tension and many of our residents, neighbors, clients, and local business owners do not feel safe in their own homes or communities. That weighs on us.

As a company rooted here since 2007,  we want to be clear about where we stand.

At the most basic level, every person deserves to feel safe in their home, in their neighborhood, and while going about daily life. Right now, that sense of safety is missing for many people around us.

We may not all see things the same way, but we can agree on this: our city needs empathy, calm leadership, and people willing to stand with their community, not turn away from it.

This is a moment to…

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Buyer Process

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones of your life, and being prepared can make all the difference. Knowing what to expect at each stage helps reduce stress and allows you to enjoy the journey. This step-by-step first-time buyer’s guide is designed to walk you through the process with confidence. For a more in-depth, personalized plan tailored to your goals, contact Isaac to schedule a buyer consultation.

1. Initial Consultation

We’ll start by sitting down to talk through your goals, the features you’re looking for in a home, your budget, and your ideal timeline. I’ll guide you step-by-step through the buying process so you know exactly what to expect from start to finish. By the end of our…

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DRG focuses entirely on the Minneapolis real estate market. Unlike firms that operate in multiple cities, DRG dedicates all resources to this area, including The North Loop, Downtown West, Northeast, Loring Park, and more. This focus allows the team to understand each neighborhood, building, and rental trend in real time, providing clients with accurate information and access to units.

Local Expertise

Founded in 2007 by Joe Grunnet, DRG has more than 15 years of experience helping clients seamlessly navigate the Minneapolis rental market. The team combines local knowledge with expertise in leasing, property management, and client services. Over the years, DRG has built strong trust with clients and local realtors. Agents provide guidance on…

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What if the Netflix characters Emily Cooper, Chuck Bass, and Cassie Howard all moved to Minneapolis? Where do you think these personalities would live, and why? We see Emily Cooper thriving in North Loop cafés and walkable streets as she searches for her next romance. Chuck Bass would dominate downtown luxury, where prestige and drama meet every corner. Meanwhile, Cassie Howard from Euphoria would shine in a DRG Tower Loft, mixing style, energy, and sophistication in the perfect modern space. What other characters or celebs do you see moving to our city?  Comment below!

1. Emily Cooper (Emily in Paris) → North Loop Loft

Walkable streets, trendy cafés, and boutique shops give Emily plenty of insta-worthy spots to explore—and maybe meet a cute…

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Winter in Minneapolis is pure magic and what better way to celebrate it than with our own original spiked eggnog recipe? To make the season even sweeter, we whipped up our very own DRG Eggnog, crafted with dairy, rum, and ground cinnamon—DRG! The perfect drink to sip on in your new cozy condo! Think of it as a little cup of holiday cheer, perfect for sipping by the fire, sharing at a festive gathering, or toasting to your next cozy home adventure. View our recipe below, and send us your own favorite Christmas recipes to joe@drgmpls.com.

Ingredients

  • 12 eggs, separated

  • 3 cups white sugar, divided

  • 16 fluid ounces dark rum (such as Captain Morgan® Spiced Rum)

  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 2 teaspoon ground…

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