Complete Guide to Buying Your First Condo

Buying your first condo downtown is easier when you know the steps. Set your budget, get a lender who knows condos, learn how HOAs work, tour with a sharp eye, and write a smart offer. I'll help you avoid rookie mistakes and make your move with confidence.

  1. PICTURE YOUR DOWNTOWN LIFE
  2. NAIL YOUR NUMBERS
  3. UNDERSTAND TODAY'S COMMISSION RULES
  4. CONDOS VS. LOFTS VS. TOWNHOMES
  5. LEARN THE HOA BASICS (AND THE BIG QUESTIONS TO ASK)
  6. SET UP A SMART SEARCH AND TOURS
  7. TOUR LIKE A PRO
  8. WRITE THE RIGHT OFFER
  9. INSPECTION AND HOA DOCUMENT REVIEW
  10. APPRAISAL AND FINANCING
  11. CLOSE AND GET YOUR KEYS
  12. SETTLE IN AND LOVE YOUR CITY
     
    13. …

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What the New Commission Rules Mean for You

The way real estate commissions work had its biggest shake-up in decades in 2024. What used to be a nearly automatic 6% split between agents is now up for negotiation. That change impacts both buyers and sellers here in Minneapolis, and it comes with pros and cons. On the plus side, the process is more transparent and gives you more control. On the flip side, you'll want to have clear conversations up front so there are no surprises later.

  1. WHAT CHANGED
  2. IF YOU’RE BUYING: KNOW BEFORE YOU TOUR
  3. IF YOU’RE SELLING: MORE FLEXIBILITY, MORE STRATEGY
  4. THE FINANCIAL SIDE
  5. WHAT IT MEANS FOR YOU IN MINNEAPOLIS
  6. Key Takeaways
  7. FAQS ABOUT THE NEW REAL ESTATE…

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If you’ve ever thought about buying a home or want to learn more about the process, this class is for you. We’re excited to partner with Guild Mortgage to bring you a FREE course! 

What You’ll Learn:

How and where to start the buying process
(Spoiler: it’s not Zillow. We’ll show you what steps really matter.)

Why mortgage pre-approval is essential
A lot of people skip this step, and it can cost them. We’ll explain why it’s your best first move.

How your credit score impacts your mortgage options
We’ll bust some myths and show you how to strengthen your score before you apply.

What affects your mortgage interest rate
It’s not just your credit score. We’ll walk through the full picture.

How to calculate your purchasing power
You’ll learn how…

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From Price Cuts to a Clean Plan That Sold

The sellers started with an agent who didn’t offer strong guidance on price or prep. After many months of no bites and 1-2 showing a month, they turned to DRG for a reset. A good home at River Station Condos in the North Loop was stuck in a bad plan. My job was to reset the strategy, meet the market where it was, and build real demand fast. 

  • Oct. 31, 2024: Listed at $440,000 with another agent.

  • Nov. 19, 2024: Dropped to $425,000.

  • Feb. 25, 2025: Relisted at $415,000.

  • Apr. 22, 2025: Dropped again to $400,000.

  • May 2025: One or two showings a month. No momentum.

  • May 14, 2025: Seller contacts DRG

  • May 30, 2025: We relaunch at $409,900.

  • Aug. 1,…

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5 Misconceptions About Buying a Condo in Downtown Minneapolis vs. a Single-Family Home

Buying your first place in Minneapolis is exciting, but it also comes with a big decision: condo downtown or single-family home elsewhere? Many people assume they have to give up the vibrant downtown lifestyle and move to a suburban house in order to own a home. 

In reality, a downtown condo can be a smart, comparable choice to a house. This article will walk you through common misconceptions about buying a condo in Downtown Minneapolis versus a single-family home, using real examples and research.

  1. SAFETY DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS 
  2. Condo Price Depreciation
  3. HOA FEES 
  4. Space, Comfort, and Privacy
  5. Ownership Means Life in the…

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Why We Show Up for the North Loop — Every Earth Day
By Joe Grunnet, Founder of DRG

For the past 15+ years, I've called the North Loop not just the home of my business, but a place that's given me so much more — community, connection, and a sense of purpose.

Every Earth Day, we pause. We step outside the hustle of real estate, put down the phones, and give back to this neighborhood that’s helped shape who we are, both as individuals and as a company. It’s become a tradition at DRG to roll our sleeves and participate in the North Loop Clean-Up Day. It’s not just about picking up trash — it’s about showing up, year after year, for something bigger than ourselves.

And I never show up alone. Many of our staff and Realtos, my wife and kids, have…

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If you are thinking about building your next home, start here!

As a seasoned residential Realtor celebrating unique opportunities in the industry today, I find great joy in sharing valuable insights with potential homeowners, especially when it comes to the thriving market of new construction single-family homes in the Minneapolis area, including Edina, and Minnetonka. In this comprehensive blog post, I'll outline the top ten reasons why partnering with a Realtor is beneficial and essential for a smooth and successful new construction home-buying experience.

1. Local Expertise and Trusted Builders:

One of the primary advantages of working with a realtor is their in-depth knowledge of the local market and neighborhood dynamics. Realtors often have…

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Affordability Matters More Than Interest Rates

When it comes to homeownership, many buyers tend to focus on the current interest rates as the primary factor influencing their decision. While interest rates do play a significant role in determining the overall cost of a mortgage, there are other crucial aspects to consider. One of the most important of these is affordability. Here are some questions to help you determine if you are truly ready to own a home.

Do you have a good job?

Your job and income level will greatly influence your ability to afford homeownership. It’s not just about the current salary you earn but also the stability of your job and the potential for career growth. Are you confident that your income will remain steady in the…

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ARE you open to homeownership, but don't know where to start?

Becoming a homeowner is a significant milestone, and for first-time homebuyers, it can be both exciting and intimidating. As a lender specializing in mortgages for first-time buyers, it's our mission to help you navigate this journey with confidence. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the top 10 things to consider when you're open to the possibilities of homeownership. By the end of this article, you'll be well-equipped to start your homeownership journey on the right foot.

1. Financial Preparedness:

The first and most crucial step is assessing your financial readiness. Consider your current income, savings, and monthly expenses. Review your credit score and history. A…

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DRG has partnered with THE best moving company in the Twin Cities!  From beginning to end, AAA Movers ensures that your move will be the least of your worries. Our movers are guaranteed pros and are full-time employees. You can rest easy knowing that your items will be protected by the best during your move.

We strive to earn your satisfaction with our services by making sure the job gets done right the first time. The AAA Movers team is here to assist with any issue that may arise before, during and after the move! AAA Movers will always take compassion in our careers; we are a brand that makes our customers and our community the priority. It is important that we make your last day in your old home as pleasant as your first in the new one.

Mention…

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