Evidence of Success: How DRG Sold a Sexton Lofts Condo Despite Financing Challenges

Posted by Joe Grunnet on Tuesday, September 9th, 2025  12:37pm.

Taking on a Unique Challenge

Even in a slow downtown market, we sold a Sexton Lofts condo in Minneapolis in under two months. How? By quickly making it market-ready (fresh paint, minor repairs, professional staging) and reviving a deal when the buyer’s financing hit a snag. Here’s proof that with the right team and strategy, your condo can sell, no matter the complexities.

  1. FROM LISTING TO CLOSING: THE TIMELINE THAT GOT IT DONE
  2. FAST, DATA-DRIVEN PREP: GETTING THE CONDO MARKET-READY
  3. FINDING THE PERFECT BUYER IN A COMPETITIVE CONDO MARKET
  4. OVERCOMING FINANCING CHALLENGES WITH CREATIVE LENDING SOLUTIONS
  5. CLOSING THE DEAL SUCCESSFULLY DESPITE MARKET HURDLES
  6. KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR SELLING A DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS CONDO IN 2025


From Listing to Closing: The Timeline That Got It Done

June 2023: Eric reached out to DRG about selling his Sexton Lofts condo after hearing downtown Minneapolis condos were tough to sell in 2025.

June–July 2023: Quick turnaround with fresh paint, handyman repairs, and professional staging to prep the unit for sale.

July 2023: Multiple buyers showed strong interest, and an offer was accepted.

Early August 2023: Financing hit a snag when the buyer's conventional loan stalled due to the condo's HOA insurance not meeting lender requirements, marking it as a non-warrantable condo. DRG quickly pivoted with a specialized lending solution.

August 20, 2023: The condo officially closed at full price after overcoming market and financing challenges, marking a successful sale in a competitive Minneapolis real estate market.


Fast, Data-Driven Prep: Getting the Condo Market-Ready

Eric knew that selling a downtown Minneapolis condo in 2025 wasn't easy, especially one with some financing hurdles. After Eric contacted DRG, I crafted a clear, data-driven game plan that focused on smart pricing and strategic condo preparation.

To attract today's discerning buyers, I mobilized a trusted network of local contractors and stagers to:

Within weeks, we transformed the condo from lived-in to market-ready. Eric appreciated the streamlined process.

"Joe had all the resources ready and handled everything. It made selling stress-free."

Finding the Perfect Buyer in a Competitive Condo Market

The Minneapolis condo market has faced shifts due to lifestyle changes and increasing buyer selectivity. Our approach was to reframe the narrative about the Sexton Lofts condo by highlighting its unique urban vibe and comfort.

By combining:

We attracted multiple interested buyers quickly, resulting in an accepted offer, which proves that even in tighter condo markets, effective marketing can be a winning strategy.

Overcoming Financing Challenges with Creative Lending Solutions

The biggest challenge arose when the buyer's bank flagged the condo as non-warrantable, indicating that the building didn't meet Fannie Mae's standards for conventional loans. Many Minneapolis lenders avoid financing non-warrantable condos, making sales complicated.

Instead of losing the buyer or restarting the process, we turned to our expertise and connections. I introduced the buyer to our preferred lender expert, our in-house lending partner who specializes in creative financing for non-warrantable condos. He already knew the building and understood the hurdles.

I also directly collaborated with the Sexton Lofts HOA president to expedite the process, smoothing the underwriting process. Although we needed to extend the closing date twice, constant communication kept all parties informed and confident.


Closing the Deal Successfully Despite Market Hurdles

On August 20, 2023, the buyer's financing was approved, and we closed on the condo at the full asking price. This successful sale in the more challenging downtown Minneapolis market demonstrates that, with the proper preparation, pricing, and financing expertise, even a challenging condo can be sold.

"If I'd gone with anyone else, this sale might not have happened. DRG's experience and the right lender made all the difference."

Key Takeaways for Selling a Downtown Minneapolis Condo in 2025

Median Days On Market 

 

Median Price Per Sq. Ft.

Eric's journey highlights essential strategies:

If you're considering selling a downtown Minneapolis condo or loft, especially one with financing complexities, don't let the "non-warrantable" label scare you. The market has buyers seeking well-presented units, and the right team can devise creative ways to sell your condo.

Whether relocating or downsizing, working with a Minneapolis real estate agent who knows the local market, financing pitfalls, and effective marketing strategies is key to navigating any hurdles and achieving a successful sale.

Joe Grunnet
Broker | DRG | Condo Expert
700 Washington Ave N, Ste 101

Joe@DRGMpls.com
612-244-6613

FAQs: Selling a Condo in Today’s Market

Q: Can I really sell my downtown Minneapolis condo in a slow market?
A: Yes, even if the market overall is slower, condos do sell when priced and presented correctly. In downtown areas, buyers are still looking but they have more choice. The key is to stand out with the right price (not overpricing) and a great first impression (decluttering, maybe a fresh coat of paint or staging). In this case study, our Sexton Lofts condo sold in under two months during a “tough” market because we hit the market with the right strategy. With a knowledgeable agent who understands the downtown market, you can absolutely sell your condo in a slower market.

Q: What if my buyer’s financing falls through at the last minute?
A: A dropped financing doesn’t have to mean the end of your sale. If a buyer’s loan falls through, a good agent will pivot quickly; sometimes that means finding a new buyer, but it can also mean finding a different financing solution for the same buyer. In our Sexton Lofts story, the buyer’s original loan was denied due to a technicality with the building, so we brought in a lender who specialized in condo loans to save the deal. Many buyers will stick with it if you can present a solution. The takeaway: don’t panic, and work with an agent who has connections to problem-solve mortgage issues.

Q: Should I fix up or stage my condo before listing it?
A: In most cases, a little prep goes a long way. You don’t necessarily need a full renovation, but addressing minor cosmetic issues can greatly improve your sale price and speed. Fresh paint in a neutral color, fixing obvious maintenance problems (leaky faucets, broken light fixtures), and professional staging or smart decorating can help buyers visualize themselves in the space. In our example, we repainted and staged the condo, and it made the loft look bright and move-in ready which definitely helped it sell quickly. Buyers often decide within minutes (or online photos!) if they’re interested, so you want your condo’s first impression to be the best it can be.

Q: How can I find out what my condo is worth right now?
A: The easiest step is to get a free home valuation. You can use our online Home Valuation tool to get an estimate based on recent downtown sales – it’s a great starting point. Of course, every condo is unique, especially in Minneapolis’s diverse loft and condo buildings. I’m happy to provide a personalized Comparative Market Analysis that factors in your unit’s specific features, updates, and the latest market trends. Knowing your condo’s likely selling price will help you plan your next move (and it’s information we’re happy to give, with no strings attached).

Q: I’m not in a rush to move – what are my options if I’m on the fence about selling?
A: If you’re unsure or not on a strict timeline, you have flexible options. One popular route is our Make Me Move program. It allows you to offer your condo off-market to select buyers. There’s no commitment to sell; you only agree if someone brings you the right price and terms. It’s a way to “test the market” without a formal listing or any pressure. This works great for empty nesters or anyone just feeling “I’d sell if I could get X price.” Alternatively, you can do a soft prep: get professional advice on small improvements and be ready to list when the time feels right. The key is, you stay in control of your timeline. When you’re ready (or if the perfect offer comes along), we’ll be here to make it easy.