Key Insights

• Attracting multiple offers on your home can help you sell it for top dollar.
• A REALTOR can work with you to optimize the timing and list price of your property.
• There are steps you can take to make your home more appealing to potential buyers.

Getting an offer on your home can be exhilarating, and attracting multiple offers increases your chances of selling it at or above your asking price. Here are six things to shoot for if you’re hoping to encourage competitive buyer interest in your home.

1. Turn-key homes sell best

If you want to attract buyers, give them what they want: a home that’s in good condition and staged to perfection. If someone can imagine themselves living in your house, they are more likely to buy it. And with so many home design shows and influencers, there’s no shortage of inspiration when it comes to making your home attractive to buyers by taking basic steps like decluttering, neutralizing your space and putting fresh paint on the walls.

You should also make necessary repairs and identify some of the top things buyers are looking for, including projects with the best ROI, like garage doors, stone veneers and more.

2. Curb appeal for the win

While your first showing often happens online, your second happens at the curb. Maximize your home’s curb appeal with landscaping, upgraded exterior lighting and fixes to trim, fences, decks and porches. Pay close attention to exterior fixtures like doorbells, house numbers, mailboxes and light fixtures to ensure they complement one another and look intentional. If you’re looking to add a finishing touch, consider a vibrant paint color for the front door!

During the warmer months, a focus on landscaping, a well-manicured lawn and trees, fresh mulch, flowers and even outdoor seating can invite buyers in.

3. Share home updates

Making apparent what you did to show your home love through improvements, renovations and more can be a great way to entice buyers. While a newish roof or fresh attic insulation may not be readily apparent from the roadside, they will go a long way towards selling the value of your home when a buyer takes a closer look.

Pro tip: Have a record or log available to showcase the home improvements you’ve made, which might include room renovations, HVAC system upgrades, new appliances, regular preventative maintenance and more.

4. Price it right from the start

Many sellers believe that pricing their home high as a starting point will attract buyers who will negotiate the price down, but the opposite is true. The first two weeks or so after your home is listed for sale are the most critical for exposure and interest (online and in-person showings), and if buyers see something outside their price range, they will exclude it from their list of options.

Similarly, if you price it too low or end up dropping your price, buyers will wonder what’s wrong with the property, and they may be less likely to bring their highest and best offer to the table. Having a REALTOR^Ⓡ perform a comparative market analysis on your home is the key to finding the optimal price — and attracting multiple offers.

5. Consider getting a seller's pre-listing home inspection

Getting a pre-listing home inspection done as a seller can uncover any potential issues for you to address before you list, so you can avoid surprises during a buyer’s inspection or a buyer negotiating a lower price based on issues uncovered. Plus, having a clean inspection report — or demonstrating that flagged items have already been addressed — can offer peace of mind to cash-strapped buyers who know your home is well-maintained and ready to go! This will automatically make your home more attractive compared to others on the market!

6. Partner with an expert

When it comes to selling your home and positioning it for success, having the right partner can make all the difference. When you hire a professional REALTOR, you’re getting someone who:

• Understands market dynamics in your area
• Can do a comparative market analysis on your home to increase the likelihood of strong offers to attract top dollar
• Has a large network of agents and potential buyers
• Understands how to attract buyers and effectively market your property
• Can make recommendations about what appeals to buyers and what home improvements you should consider making
• Can help you through the process — from listing to closing — to protect your interests
• Can expertly negotiate on your behalf, including whether to accept or reject an incoming offer, and what to counter
• Is there for you after the sale as an ongoing resource

Ready to sell?

Spring market is here, and buyers are eager for high-quality listings! Connect today and learn how you can attract multiple offers and a higher closing price.

Key insights:

• Many first-time homebuyers have student loan debt when purchasing a house.
• When buying a home, your debt-to-income ratio is more important than the total amount you owe.
• A variety of mortgage options exist for homebuyers with student loan debt.

If you’re ready to plant roots in a community or your dream home is on the market, student loans don’t have to hold you back. Here’s how to move forward and responsibly purchase a home, even with existing debt.

I want to buy a house, but I have debt…

If you’re wondering whether you can own a home despite debt, the answer is… yes — you can, with some careful planning! According to the 2025 Profile of Buyers and Sellers report from the National Association of REALTORS®*, 36% of buyers said that student loan debt made it difficult to save for a down payment. If you have student loan debt, you may want to take a closer look at your finances before buying.

Homebuyers spend a median of four years paying down debt before they purchase a property. During this time, potential buyers also save up for these two home-related costs:

• Down payment
• Monthly mortgage payments

One of the first costs associated with buying a home is the down payment, which is the cost paid upfront toward the total price of the home. Down payments vary widely and can range up to 20% (or more) of the home sale price, depending on the loan program and lender requirements.

Because this payment is paid as a lump sum, some buyers find saving for a down payment to be challenging. Of the homebuyers who reported difficulties saving for a down payment, 36% said that student loan debt delayed their ability to save.

Keep in mind that after you make a down payment and purchase your house, you’ll have to begin sending in monthly mortgage payments as a homeowner. So when determining how much you can afford when buying a home, you’ll want to take a look at your debt-to-income ratio.

Why your debt-to-income ratio matters

If your goal is to own a house but you have student loan debt, know that nearly 25% of all homeowners and 37% of first-time buyers are making mortgage payments while also paying off their student debt. So, buying a home with debt is possible — and it can be done responsibly. One of the most important factors to consider is your debt-to-income ratio. Lenders often look at debt-to-income ratios when evaluating mortgage applications.

The percentage of your income that you pay to debt each month equals your debt-to-income ratio. This number, rather than the total amount of debt you owe, is what lenders will primarily pay attention to when determining your loan eligibility.

That’s because when lenders assess your debt-to-income ratio, they’re making sure that your potential housing costs and other financial responsibilities won’t cost you too much of your overall income.

Lenders typically take these factors into account when gauging your debt-to-income ratio:

• Student loan debt
• Credit card payments
• Housing costs
• Car loans
• Child support
• standard monthly bills

If possible, you’ll want to minimize your debt-to-income ratio by:

• Minimizing unnecessary expenses
• Paying down credit card debt
• Increasing your monthly payments toward your debt

How to get a home mortgage—even with student loan debt

If you have student loan debt contributing to your debt-to-income ratio, you can still apply for a mortgage. Here are three common mortgage options for buyers with student loan debt:

• FHA loans
• Mortgage gift funds
• Down payment assistance programs

1. FHA Loans
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures loans that are designed to meet the needs of first-time homebuyers; these are called FHA Loans. This type of loan could be a smart decision for someone with a less-than-perfect credit score or for a buyer with a down payment budget under the 20% mark. For this reason, FHA loans are commonly referred to as “helper loans.”

2. Mortgage gift funds
Gift funds are another way for buyers to get help when applying for a mortgage. Close family or friends may offer to contribute to the down payment on your home through a mortgage gift fund. If you are fortunate enough to receive this type of assistance, be sure to go through the necessary steps to document the gift.

3. Down payment assistance programs
Down payment assistance may be another option to help homebuyers with down payments and closing costs on home purchases. These programs have specific qualification requirements depending on:

• Income
• Assets
• Credit
• Occupancy
• Location
• Availability
• Lender participation

Each down payment assistance program will have different eligibility requirements. Be sure to take a look at assistance programs in Minnesota and Wisconsin if you’re hoping to get extra support toward your home purchase. Keep in mind that not all lenders accept these programs. Check with your mortgage consultant to see what options are currently available.

Next steps to buy a home

Don’t let student loans hold you back from purchasing your dream home. Whether you want a space to raise a family or are ready to make monthly payments toward a home that you can call yours (instead of your landlord’s), it’s possible! Reach out and move forward with your home search and purchase.

Key Insights

• Estate planning protects your heirs from unexpected hassles.
• There are things you can do now to avoid the time and expenses of probate.
• The Transfer on Death Deed could be a useful tool in your estate planning.

Dear Edina Realty Legal,
I am a homeowner. As I get older, I start to worry about what will happen to my home when I die. Is there anything I should be thinking about in that regard?

Edina Realty Legal:
It can be hard to plan for what happens when you die. But it is important to prevent your heirs from some unexpected hassles in dealing with your real property (your home and other land). We see issues arise all the time when there isn’t proper planning.

In Minnesota, Wisconsin and many other states, if your estate (which is all the property and items you own when you die) contains real property, the estate will have to go through probate. Probate is a process that occurs in the courts where your heirs ask for court approval to deal with your estate.

Normally, people who inherit a home don’t intend to live there, but rather end up selling it. We often see delays and complications in getting a home sold when it needs to go through probate.

There are a number of ways to avoid probate, including:

• Joint tenancy: If you hold property in what’s called joint tenancy with someone else, the property passes to them immediately upon your death. It is common for a married couple to own their home as joint tenants.
• A trust: Sometimes, people create a trust to hold their real estate. That way, their estate never owns the property.
• Life estate: In the past, a technique to avoid probate was to deed your property — maybe to your children — and then retain what is called a life estate, giving the holder a right to the property until death.

It’s important to note: Naming an heir of the property in your will DOES NOT avoid probate when real estate is involved.

Because some of these ways to avoid probate caused problems or perhaps were complicated, some legislatures have created a method of documentation that allows an estate to bypass probate when it comes to real estate. The method is called a Transfer on Death Deed, and it’s available in many states, including Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Here’s how the Transfer on Death Deed works:

1. You sign and record a deed of your property to a person or persons of your choosing.
2. The deed has no effect on, and the recipient has no interest in, your property until you die.
3. Upon death, the deed becomes effective, and the property passes to the recipient. To finalize the process, the recipient will just need to file some simple paperwork with the county.
4. You can change your mind and revoke the deed at any time prior to your death.

The Transfer on Death Deed could be a useful tool to help in your estate planning – and it may protect your heirs or property recipients from a complex probate process. If this sounds like something you are interested in, you should contact a local attorney.

The Edina Realty Legal Department serves as in-house counsel for Edina Realty and does not represent private clients. The insights included here are not intended to provide legal advice.

Key insights

• When selling, it’s important not to burden the new owners by leaving behind items they didn’t ask for.
• Some items, like manuals, warranties and spare parts, can be left behind as a convenience to the new owners.
• When in doubt about what to leave behind, consult your REALTOR® for their expert opinion.

Your home’s headed off the market and you’re headed to the closing table. As you pack up your belongings, you may wonder how tidy you should leave the property — and what you can leave behind as you pack up for good.

Here are tips to ensure a no-drama handoff to your home’s new owners.

Don’t leave anything behind without asking

After years in one place, some items can feel like they belong in a certain room or space — but they really just belong to you. Consider the fabric laundry room cubbies that fit just so on the shelves, the stand-up toilet paper dispenser in the basement bathroom, the twinkly lights you hung in the backyard a few summers ago.

If you haven’t specifically received notice that the buyers want to keep those items, you should take special care to remove them. In Minnesota and Wisconsin real estate contracts, you are typically required to remove all debris and personal property. When you aren’t sure if an item counts as a fixture to the property or should be removed, ask your REALTOR for their opinion.

To ensure you don’t miss anything, as a best practice:

• Look through cabinets, drawers and closets in every room.
• Remember to check the attic, basement and overhead garage storage.
• Have 2-3 people check each room before it’s given the final signoff.

Leave behind device- and repair-specific extras

Unless you have explicit instructions from the buyer, you can usually leave behind device- or repair-specific items, including:

• Manuals and warranties for appliances and systems
• Extra filters for your furnace or central air system
• Leftover bathroom, kitchen or roofing tiles
• Light bulbs that fit certain light fixtures
• Extra cabinet hardware

The idea behind leaving these items is that they will be a help, not a burden, to the new buyer. While a few spare paver stones are a nice offering to a buyer who may someday need to repair a cracking patio, a pile of 200 paver stones you didn’t want to dispose of is not. Use your best judgment when you are leaving any items behind.

What to do with extra paint cans

It’s hard to know if a homebuyer is planning to keep the paint color that you used for the home’s exterior or interior. But because paint samples often must be properly disposed of, you don’t want to burden the new owner with paint samples they don’t plan to use.

If you have extra paint cans, ask in advance (via their agent) if they’d like them to remain in the house. If you don’t have extra paint, but you do have a reference of the brands and colors used throughout your home, it can be kind to leave behind that guide so the new owner can touch up certain rooms or areas.

The final cleanup and lawn etiquette

Most purchase agreements — and generally all of them in the state of Wisconsin — require that the home be left in “broom-clean condition.” This phrase can have varying interpretations, but in general, it’s considered best to pass on a home that doesn’t need to be cleaned from top to bottom upon move-in.

Minimally, you’ll want to:

• Sweep and vacuum all floors, including inside closets and smaller storage spaces.
• Wipe down all cabinets and counters, inside and out.
• Clean kitchen appliances, including the tops and inside of the refrigerator, freezer, oven and microwave.
• Clean the bathrooms, including the shower, bathtub, toilet, sink and vanity.
• Remove any signs of pets — including fur, stains and odors.
• Sweep the garage floor to remove all debris.

In the winter, consider plowing the driveway and sidewalks one final time before closing. In warmer months, mow your lawn in the days before closing so the new owner doesn’t have to trudge through tall grass during move-in.

Ready to move on?

If you’re hoping to sell your home, get you on your way by reaching out for assistance on selling, moving and finding what’s next.

Key insights:

• Homebuyers and sellers need to fill out specific forms for their taxes.
• When in doubt, don’t throw it out! Keep a file of receipts from your home transaction.
• Your REALTOR® can help you locate tax documents.

Buying or selling a home is likely one of the largest financial transactions you’ll make in your lifetime. While it’s easy to get swept up in the emotions and excitement of a move, you’ll also want to consider the logistical components of your purchase. The paperwork you sign will become especially important around tax time.

If you bought or sold a home last year, you’ll need specific documents for tax preparation. Here are some details of each of these home-related tax documents:

• Form 1098
• Form 1040
• Form 1099-S
• Closing Disclosure

Keep in mind that this is general advice, and you should work with a tax or accounting expert to ensure you accurately fill out any tax forms and otherwise prepare your taxes.

What tax documents do homebuyers need?

If you’re a new homebuyer, look out for Form 1098. This document, also called the Mortgage Interest Statement, will be sent to you if you’ve paid mortgage interest totaling $600 or more in the last tax year.

This form helps new homeowners identify the total amount of interest they’ve paid over the course of the year, which can then be used to calculate potential mortgage interest deductions. Keep in mind that there are requirements to qualify for mortgage interest deductions on your annual tax return. If the following applies to you, you may be eligible for the deduction, and we encourage you to speak with a tax professional to determine whether you qualify.

• You’ve paid mortgage interest totaling $600 or more in the last year.
• You are actively contributing payments to the loan.

If, however, you’ve contributed less than $600 to home mortgage interest, you will not get Form 1098 in the mail from your lender. Either way, you may need to fill out the optional Schedule A attachment accompanying Form 1040 to claim any itemized deductions, including a mortgage interest deduction.

What tax documents do home sellers need?

If you’ve sold a piece of real estate for a sale price of at least $250,000, you should receive and report Form 1099-S, also known as the Proceeds from Real Estate Transactions form. This document indicates that you’ve sold a home and is used to calculate whether you need to pay capital gains tax.

If you’re required to report your sale, the 1099-S document will be provided to you at the time you sign your closing documents. The 1099-S is used to report the gross proceeds from the sale of real estate. Receipt of a 1099-S does not automatically mean tax is owed. You should talk to a tax advisor for tax advice.

Everyone should save these papers for taxes

At the time of closing, buyers and sellers will each receive a Closing Disclosure form or an ALTA Settlement Statement, which documents the closing costs associated with the home transaction. It’s important to keep track of this form because it is useful for preparing your taxes. Here is an example of what the form will look like and include.

In general, whether you’re buying or selling a home, it’s best to save all documents related to your homeownership. These will come in handy should you need them for tax purposes or if you ever happen to be audited.

Here are some papers you’ll want to keep track of:

1. Records from your home sale
2. Any mortgage or insurance documents
3. Documents proving your home is your primary residence (voter registration, tax returns, bank statements, utility bills, etc.)
4. Receipts from home improvement projects

Moving forward with your taxes

Taxes can feel daunting, especially the year after you’ve bought or sold a home. While you may want to hire someone to prep your taxes this year, you can also reach out to your agent for assistance in obtaining some of the above documents.

And for more information on tax documents, or to download these forms, check out the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) website and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) webpage.

Key insights

• Provide shoe covers or a boot drying rack to ensure snow and mud aren’t tracked through your home.
• Institute a new routine to quickly dry out coats, mittens and other items after you return from school and work.
• Pay close attention to your driveway and sidewalks to ensure they are free from snow and ice; add salt or sand to every walkway to ensure no one gets injured.

Selling your home any time of year can be stressful, but when you add snow and ice to the mix, everything gets a bit more complicated. Here are some tips and tricks to help you keep your home show-ready during these harsh winter months.

Focus on your floors

Whether you added lush new carpet or restored 90-year-old hardwood floors, you likely put a lot of work into your home’s flooring before you listed. Don’t waste your efforts by allowing your family members or incoming buyers to track in snow, ice or dirt. Protect your home by:

• Request that your family and friends enter the home through the garage when your home is up for sale.
• Adding a boot rack or boot drying tray to your mudroom or your entrance from the garage.
• Asking that all potential buyers to take their shoes off upon entering your home (add another boot rack inside the front entrance).

If you have a dog, be sure to wipe their paws off every time you let them in from outside.

Create an outerwear plan

Our next tip focuses more on your family than potential buyers. Most families tend to rotate coats, mittens, jackets and scarves, but when you’re selling your home, you have to be more aware of potential clutter. While your home is on the market, make sure that every member of your family sticks to just one heavy jacket, one hat, one scarf, one set of mittens or gloves and one pair of boots.

Then, institute this after-school or after-work routine:

• Put all wet items (except boots and shoes) into the dryer immediately.
• Set a timer for 30 minutes.
• When the timer goes off, remove outerwear from the dryer and hang it in the mudroom or coat closet.

This may seem like overkill, but if a last-minute showing pops up, you’ll have warm and dry outerwear to put on — and buyers won’t be turned off by a musty smell or a wet entryway or mudroom.

Last, add a coat rack to your front entryway so buyers can take off their outerwear before entering the house for a showing.

Clear and light your walkways

Buyers who slip and trip up your driveway will be less likely to appreciate what your home has to offer, so be sure to shovel or plow your driveway and sidewalks every time it snows. If swinging temperatures have created icy walkways, be sure to salt or sand them before every showing. You may also want to salt or sand before you leave home each morning, in case of last-minute showing requests that pop up during the day.

Next, consider lighting. If you didn’t install path lighting before the ground froze, talk with your REALTOR® about your options. At a minimum, keep your front door and garage lights on all night, rather than relying on motion-sensor lights.

Keep a lookout for external issues

Homebuyers are going to be taking a close look at every nook and cranny of your home to see if it meets their needs and if there are any potential pitfalls. In the winter, this can include your roof and gutters to see if there are any indicators of ice dams or other signs of external damage.

There are ways to help prevent and fix ice dams, starting with cleaning your gutters properly. Still, it’s a good idea to watch the weather and keep your eyes peeled for melting snow and snow accumulations. That way, you can address issues as they arise and prevent them from becoming problems.

Prepping to sell?

Buyers are out there, and they’re eager for new homes to go on the market. To discuss your options and the price you may be able to get at closing, get in touch today.

Key insights

• After several slower years, home sales are expected to increase in 2026 as more buyers and sellers re-enter the market.
• Inventory is improving in many areas, but most markets in Minnesota and western Wisconsin are still not truly balanced and tilt in favor of sellers.
• Mortgage interest rates are projected to hover at around or slightly below 6% by the end of 2026.
• Home prices will likely see modest, steady growth (low- to mid-single digits).
• The “lock-in effect” should slowly ease as life changes and slightly lower rates motivate more homeowners to list, creating new opportunities on both the buy and sell sides.

Sharry Schmid, president & CEO, Edina Realty Home Services

As president & CEO of Edina Realty Home Services, Sharry Schmid leads the top brokerage in the market and guides over 2,000 REALTORS® throughout Minnesota, western Wisconsin and southwestern Florida.

One question I hear frequently is: “Will 2026 finally be a better time to move?”

Behind that are a lot of personal questions:

• Can I afford to buy my first home if rates are still around 6%?
• Is it worth giving up my 3% mortgage if I need more space or want to downsize?
• Will I have more choices, or will I still be competing with multiple offers?

My answer, as always, is that it depends on your goals and your situation – but 2026 is expected to offer more opportunities than we’ve seen in recent years.

Let’s take a look at what we’ve just lived through and then look ahead to 2026.

Looking back at 2025

In 2025, the housing market continued to recalibrate after the extremes of the pandemic era and ultra-low interest rates. We saw a mix of challenges and progress, and real estate continued to be, as always, hyper-local and segmented by location and price point.

Minnesota*

• The inventory (supply) of homes for sale increased 1.7% over 2024, but still did not keep pace with buyer demand.
• Prices rose slightly, with median sales prices up 0.9% to $351,000.
• Closed sales activity was up 2.2% over Oct. 2024.
• Average days on market increased 7.1% to 45 days.
• Months supply remained flat at 3.1 months, remaining a seller’s market.

According to US Census data, Minnesota has the highest homeownership rate in the nation (50.80%) for people under 35, and an impressive 71% of households own their homes, which bodes well for wealth building and community stability.

Wisconsin**>/un>

• The inventory (supply) of homes for sale did not keep pace with buyer demand, but it did increase 1.7% over 2024.
• Prices rose, with median sales prices up 6.9% to $331,500.
• YTD home sales were up 3.4% over 2024.
• Average days on market increased 4.4% to 71 days.
• Months supply decreased 2.5% to 3.9 months, remaining a seller’s market.

What will happen in real estate in 2026?

No one has a crystal ball to predict the future, but economists and housing experts are more aligned about 2026 than they’ve been in a while, agreeing that it will likely be a year of increased opportunities.

• The National Association of REALTORS forecasts that existing home sales could rise as much as 14% as mortgage rates ease and pent-up demand is released.
• Fannie Mae’s Economic and Strategic Research Group is slightly less bullish with a forecasted 7.3% increase in sales.

Housing is highly dependent on jobs and interest rates.

• Minnesota’s economy is strong with an unemployment rate of 4.1% (Sept. 2025).
• Wisconsin also has a low unemployment rate at 3.7% (Sept. 2025).
• Many predict that interest rates will hover around 6% for a 30-year fixed-rate conventional loan.

A seller’s market that is slowly moving toward balance

Most of Minnesota and western Wisconsin will likely remain seller-leaning in 2026, but not at the frenzied levels we saw a few years ago.

• Inventory has been ticking up, with more homes for sale than a year ago in both states.
• Months’ supply is gradually growing, but in many areas, it still falls short of the four- to five-month benchmark that signals a balanced market.

For sellers, that means:

• Well-priced, well-prepared homes should still sell – often quickly – especially in popular neighborhoods and price ranges
• Multiple offer scenarios may be less common
• The time a home spends on the market before sale may increase slightly
• Strong equity will continue to offer opportunities to move

For buyers, that means:

• Slightly more inventory and a bit more time to make decisions.
• Competitive offers that include home inspections and fewer contingencies

Mortgage interest rates are easing

After reaching nearly 7% in recent years, average 30-year mortgage rates have been trending down toward the low-6% range heading into 2026.

As I mentioned earlier, forecasters like Fannie Mae are predicting:

• Average 30-year fixed rates will be around 6.2% in early 2026
• The possibility of 5.9% by the end of 2026

Lower rates offer greater purchasing power and give buyers the ability to start building equity and personal wealth. And when you also factor in shelter and the ability to make home improvements without a landlord’s permission, the benefits go well beyond just financial ones.

It’s important to understand that the low rates of recent years (3-4%) were the exception if you look at historical trends. Remember, even when you buy at a higher rate, there are financing opportunities, including the option to buy down interest rate points or to refinance in the future. Talking to a mortgage consultant can help determine what might be right for you.

The lock-in effect loosens its grip

For several years, homeowners with a ~3% interest rate have been reluctant to move because their next loan would come at a higher rate. As we’ve moved further away from the pandemic era, the lock-in effect has softened.

• Life events — what we often refer to as the “Ds” (degrees, diamonds, diapers, divorces, downsizing and deaths) — will continue to drive moves, regardless of rates.
• As time passes and more people buy or refinance at higher rates, a growing share of homeowners will no longer be locked into ultra-low mortgages. In fact, according to data from Fannie Mae Mortgage Database, about 20.4% of current mortgage holders still have a sub-3% rate, while 19.7% have a 6%+ rate. This gap continues to close as more and more sellers and buyers enter the market.
• With rates easing slightly, the payment difference between “staying put” and “moving up or down” will narrow for some owners, making a move more feasible.

The result? We’re likely to see more new listings in 2026 than in recent years, which should help create additional opportunities for buyers while still supporting solid prices for sellers.

Moving forward: Your 2026 outlook

Ultimately, whether 2026 is the “right time” to buy or sell depends less on headlines and more on your goals, your finances and what you need from your home in the next stage of your life.

What I can say with confidence is this:

• The market is healthier and more balanced than it has been in several years, even if we’re not fully back to “normal.”
• We expect more opportunities for both buyers and sellers as inventory improves and rates ease slightly.
• Real estate remains a powerful long-term tool for building wealth and stability.
• Real estate is local, and getting the advice of a professional is always in your best interest.

Edina Realty agents have the deepest local network across Minnesota, western Wisconsin and southwest Florida. They know the subtleties of each neighborhood, understand current pricing and inventory, and have access to homes that may not yet be on the open market.

If you’re wondering whether 2026 is your year to make a move, reach out to your Edina Realty agent today.

*Based on October 2025 data from the multiple listing services for the state of Minnesota, published by the Minnesota Association of Realtors. All percentages are year-over-year.

**Based on the October 2025 Wisconsin Real Estate Report published by the Wisconsin REALTORS Association. All percentages are year-over-year unless otherwise noted.

Key insights

• Even if you aren’t planning on selling until spring, there are still plenty of tasks you can accomplish to get your home ready for listing.
• Spend your indoor time deep cleaning and decluttering your space.
• Whether it’s a DIY project or a professional remodel, use the next few months to do some home updates so you can space out your payments and timelines.
• Start assembling all your important home documents, like owner’s manuals and tax documents.
• Find a REALTOR® who can help you on your home-selling journey.

Selling during the winter in the Midwest isn’t always appealing. Between chilling temps, snowstorms and holiday gatherings, there’s plenty going on to keep you indoors and busy. And while it’s totally possible to celebrate the season, schedule showings, sell and move, it’s understandable if you’d rather wait for warmer temps.

Whether you’re thinking of downsizing or planning a move up into a home that better fits your family, there are certain goals you’ll need to meet before you sell and steps you’ll need to take to start the selling process.

If you’ve decided to sell, but are waiting for the spring to avoid the holiday hustle and winter mayhem, there are still plenty of things you can do to get listing ready. Here are a few projects to consider taking on while you’re hunkered down at home.

Clean and declutter

Cleaning now might seem like a waste — after all, your space isn’t going to stay clean for months — but there are plenty of places that you might ignore or that could use a deep cleaning now. Then, come spring, you’ll only have to touch them up. Cleaning now also allows you to get a fuller picture of what you own, so you can start the decluttering and organizing process.

Decluttering your home not only makes it feel more spacious but will help ensure that you’re not bringing things you don’t want or need into your new home. Doing this early will help you feel less panicked (plus, it gives you the extra time to say goodbye to the more sentimental parts of your home).

While you’re cleaning things up and putting them away, it’s a good time to reevaluate your storage. (Remember that having ample storage space is a key essential that buyers look for.) If you’re finding items that you want to keep but are taking up valuable space, you might consider packing them up and moving to a storage unit. This process will also help with staging when the time comes for showings.

You’ll still have to do a good spring cleaning before listing, and you’ll have to keep your space nice and tidy during showings, but getting a head-start on deep cleaning and decluttering will save you a lot of time later.

Make repairs and improvements

Chances are, your home probably needs a few quick fixes. Since you’re probably unable to work on your curb appeal, start with some small indoor projects. Painting a room a neutral color, unclogging slow-moving drains or fixing a creaky stair are some quick fixes that can help you build momentum in getting your home in order.

Larger projects, like remodeling a room or updating a kitchen, are bigger financial projects that could involve contractors and longer timelines. Starting now allows you to space out your purchases and costs and ensure you have plenty of time built in for setbacks and finding the right specialist or product.

As you’re going through your home and making updates, you’ll also want to note any issues you’re not fixing for your disclosures — something your REALTOR can help you with.

Get your papers in order

While in the midst of decluttering and making updates, keep your eye out for owner's manuals, paint colors, manufacturer information and other documentation that the next homeowner may want.

It’s also helpful to assemble some of your insurance documents, as insurance coverage and rates have become a larger concern for buyers. Your future potential buyers may have questions about your policy and premiums, or about certain factors about the home that could impact insurance coverage.

You can also start to consider what papers and forms you’ll need down the road when you’re at the closing table, like property tax receipts and proof of repairs.

Find a REALTOR

Having an expert REALTOR in your corner can be crucial to your success. A REALTOR will help you determine how to price your home, how to effectively market it and make sure all the “I”s are dotted and “T”s are crossed, just to name a few of the advantages. The selling process can be complicated, and a licensed REALTOR has the training and experience needed to help pave the way for a quick sale at the highest price with the least amount of stress.

Get in touch

If you’re ready to get started on your selling journey, reach out. I can provide recommendations and do a property analysis to help you determine your home’s value.

Key insights

• Most experts recommend spending a maximum of 28-35% of your pre-tax income on your housing expenses.
• It’s important to keep in mind that other debt obligations — like student loans, car payments and credit card minimum payments — will also be factored in when you apply for a loan.
• While expenses like groceries, gym memberships and cell phone plans won’t be considered by a lender, it’s important to minimize this spending so you can easily meet your monthly debt obligations.

Understanding your housing expenses

When a lender reviews your loan application, their main job is to verify that you are a low-risk candidate who will be able to cover your monthly housing expenses for the full life of the loan. To do this, they will first calculate your monthly PITI:

• Principal of the loan
• Interest on the loan
• Taxes (estimated from annual payment)
• Insurance (estimated from annual payment)

While every lender is different, and every loan application is reviewed independently, the general rule of thumb is that your monthly PITI should be between 28-35% of your monthly income before taxes. This number is known as your front-end debt-to-income ratio.

Understanding your debt obligations

Of course, you may have other long-term loans or debt obligations that you pay each month. Lenders will also take these debts into consideration as they review your loan application.

The easiest way to think of a debt obligation is to consider who you are paying back. Common debt obligations include:

• Student loans
• Car payments
• Child support payments
• Credit card minimum payments (if you have a long-term balance you are trying to pay off)
• Medical or hospital bills

To calculate your back-end debt-to-income ratio, the lender will add up your monthly debt obligations, including your hypothetical monthly PITI. They will divide that by your total monthly income before taxes.

Typically, lenders are looking for a back-end debt-to-income ratio of 35-45%. But again, every lender varies and your personal financial history and income history will also be factored in.

What about other expenses?

You have daily, weekly and monthly expenses that won’t necessarily be taken into account by a lender — but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think about them as you begin the path to homeownership.

Before you apply for a mortgage, take stock of your monthly expenses, including:

• Groceries
• Gas or transportation costs
• Restaurants, coffee shops and gas station pit-stops
• Mobile phone plans, cable television plans and streaming services
• Shopping and gifts

No one is perfect, and it’s likely that you could tighten up one or two of your spending categories without too much effort. Your lender may not notice, but you’ll find it easier to afford your monthly PITI and debt obligations when you minimize your other expenses.

For more information as you begin your homebuying journey, reach out today.

Key Insights

• You don’t have to spend a lot to secure your home while you’re away
• A few proactive steps can go a long way towards preventing unwanted visitors
• Building community with neighbors can be a great way to detect suspicious activity

Whether you’ve got a week-long vacay on the books or just a weekend getaway, you’ll want to take precautions to make sure your home is safe and secure while you’re out and about. Here are some practical and affordable ways to protect your property while you’re away.

1. Fake being home

Making it look like you’re home is the best way to deter burglars. With smart plugs, timers and lights, it’s easier than ever to make your home appear occupied by turning lights and TVs on at different times throughout the day and night. Consider leaving your blinds or curtains at least partially open (your plants will also thank you) to give a natural, lived-in look. Better yet, ask a neighbor to park in your driveway and move your garbage bins.

2. Lock all the entries

While it may seem obvious, make sure to double-check every possible point of entry to your home before you head out. This includes front and side doors, sliding doors, garage doors and windows. Engage locks and deadbolts, and consider reinforcing door frames with heavy-duty deadbolts and strike plates for added security. If you have a smart lock, you can often set alerts for any unusual activity.

3. Light up the exterior

Making it difficult for unwanted visitors to lurk in the shadows is one of the simplest ways to protect your home. By installing motion-activated floodlights or solar lights near entryways and walkways, you’ll not only create greater personal convenience and safety, but you’ll also protect your home. Make sure to trim bushes and trees near windows, too.

4. Put in a home security system

Whether you choose to install a professionally-monitored security system or go the DIY smart-home route, home security is more accessible and affordable than ever. Many DIY options send alerts directly to your phone and come with cameras that monitor and record activity. Visible cameras and “protected by…” yard signs can also act as deterrents.

5. Keep your adventures private

While you might be tempted to share photos and details about your adventures with friends and followers online, it’s best if you save them until you get home. You don’t want to inadvertently advertise an empty house. Similarly, don’t advertise your location in real time.

6. Make arrangements for packages and mail

Packages piling up in the mailbox or on the front steps are a sure signal nobody’s home. Make sure to use the USPS Hold Mail Service, reschedule or reroute expected deliveries, or ask a neighbor to collect your mail and bring packages inside.

7. Safely store your valuables

Always store passports, jewelry, cash and documents in a fireproof, bolted safe to keep them safe from environmental exposure and burglary. In the unfortunate event that someone gains entry into your home, keeping your most valuable belongings out of predictable locations like closets and drawers is important.

8. Ask a neighbor for help

If you have trusted neighbors, request that they look in on your property while you’re away. Ask them to keep an eye out for unusual activity, water plants, bring in trash bins and packages, and monitor the home for any issues with your HVAC or water while you’re gone. Then offer to return the favor the next time they travel!

9. Keep your codes close

Discourage your family members from sharing your door and garage codes with others, and change them often. If you have somebody taking care of things while you’re away, give them a temporary code. Never share codes with service people, and change locks if keys go missing.

10. Don’t overshare when it comes to purchases

Try to keep announcements of big purchases and vacations off social media. If that proves impossible, adjust your privacy settings to include only trusted friends and family. Remember not to post on pages that could advertise your absence, like pet-sitting agencies, hotel chains or airline and cruise line pages.

Hoping to make a move?

Reach out today to determine your home’s value or start your search for a new abode, complete with smart lighting and home security.