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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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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Congratulations on your upcoming home to lease! We at DRG are thrilled for you and appreciate your trust in us to help you find this home. Our priority is to ensure you have the best experience during this exciting time. To further assist you, we have partnered with Paragon Insurance Group, an exceptional insurance company that shares our commitment to exceeding expectations.

Paragon Insurance Group offers a unique advantage with access to rates from over 20 different companies. This enables them to provide you with the most comprehensive coverage at a competitive price for your renter's insurance. 

To help you get started, email Debby Berg d.berg@paragongoc.com  our designated representative from Paragon Insurance Group.  Use code in the subject…

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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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As the real estate market continues to be competitive in Minneapolis, homeowners may wonder whether it's better to sell their property or rent it out. While selling your home can provide a lump sum of cash, renting out your property can also be a lucrative option. Here are the top 10 reasons to rent out your home and not sell it in today's real estate market in Minneapolis:

  1. Cash Flow: Renting out your home can provide you with a steady source of income. You can use this cash flow to pay off your mortgage or use it for other expenses.

  2. Long-Term Investment: Your property can be a long-term investment that provides you with financial stability. Over time, the value of your property may appreciate, providing you with even more equity.

  3. …

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