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 they…

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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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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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Helping You Buy a Home in MN Without Paying Interest

Many Muslim families in MN prefer Sharia-compliant financing, and the good news is that there are real, proven programs available today. My role as your realtor is to guide you through the entire process and connect you with lenders who offer true interest-free (halal) home-financing options, including:

• Guidance Residential – Declining-balance co-ownership (Musharaka)
• UIF – University Islamic Financial – Partnership and lease-to-own models (no interest)
• Devon Islamic Financing – Sharia-compliant home purchase programs

These are not conventional mortgages. They use structures like co-ownership, lease-to-own, or diminishing partnership, so you’re building equity without paying riba.

…

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If you're wondering whether downtown Minneapolis is safe in 2025, the short answer is yes. Downtown is safer today than it's been in years, and the data proves it.

Violent crime downtown dropped about 14 percent in 2023. Robberies and carjackings also fell by roughly one-third across the city heading into 2025 (Star Tribune). Gun-related incidents moved below pre-2020 levels for the first time in years (Star Tribune).

These aren't small improvements. They're signs of a steady, real turnaround.

But if the numbers look this good, why do so many people still believe downtown is unsafe? To understand that, we need to acknowledge the past and how Minneapolis is rewriting its story.

  1. WHY MINNEAPOLIS GOT A NEGATIVE REPUTATION
  2. WHAT THE…

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7 Reasons Locals Say Yes in 2025

  1. DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE IN 2025
  2. THE PROS OF LIVING IN DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS
  3. THE TRUTH ABOUT SAFETY AND CRIME IN DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS
  4. THE CONS OF DOWNTOWN LIVING (AND HOW TO WORK AROUND THEM)
  5. WHO’S MOVING DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS IN 2025
  6. BEST DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS NEIGHBORHOODS TO EXPLORE
  7. WHAT MAKES MINNEAPOLIS STAND OUT FROM OTHER MIDWEST CITIES
     

Thinking about moving to Minneapolis? You're not alone. More people are rediscovering downtown living for its mix of energy, convenience, and community. I've called this city home for over 20 years, and I can tell you when you find your spot downtown, there's nothing quite like it.

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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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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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I wanted to write this regarding the recent discussions and proposals surrounding rent control in Minneapolis. As an Mpls landlord, I believe it is crucial to share our thoughts and concerns about the potential negative effects of implementing strict rent control measures within the city.

First, let me acknowledge the importance of ensuring fair and affordable housing for all residents. We understand the need to address the rising cost of living and the challenges faced by renters in our community. However, it is vital to consider the potential drawbacks and unintended consequences of rent control policies before making any hasty decisions. 

One of the primary concerns I have with rent control is the negative impact it can have on the supply and…

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Investing in real estate can take many forms, ranging from active involvement in the purchase and management of properties to passive investments in real estate ventures managed by others. Each approach has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to understand the differences before deciding which strategy is right for you.

Active Investing:

Active real estate investing involves taking a hands-on approach to finding, purchasing, and managing properties. This can include buying a home, duplex, triplex, or quad and becoming a landlord, or purchasing commercial properties to rent out to businesses.

One of the primary advantages of active investing is that it provides a high level of control over the investment. As the owner…

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