"Not a Kayak-By"

Do You Canoe?

"Not a drive-by" is one of the most over-used cliches in real estate.

So how about "not a kayak-by" instead?

On a kayak is how I encountered 2550 Burnham Blvd. yesterday, on the north side of the channel between Cedar Lake and Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis.

Hey, Barry! You're welcome for the plug.

P.S.: Minneapolis real estate trivia: what do Barry Berg and I have in common?

Not brokers (we work literally across the street from each other, at Coldwell Banker Burnet and Edina Realty, respectively).

Not alma mater (Harvard and Stanford, respectively).

Not credentials (he's an MBA; I'm a (former) Attorney/CPA).

Give up?

We both ran -- unsuccessfully -- for the same seat in the state legislature (59B as I recall, representing Kenwood and Bryn Mawr).

He ran about a decade before I did, and lost to the same opponent, Dee Long.

"Location, Location, Condition"

"Not a Drive-By"

Quick, test your knowledge of Twin Cities real estate, and guess how much the single family home pictured above is listed for:

A. $149,000
B. $249,000
C. $419,900
D. $599,900

Give up?

Here are three more, very significant clues: 1) the home has been completely remodeled; 2) it's located in Minneapolis' tony Kenwood neighborhood (just east of Lake of the Isles, and close to downtown; 3) appearances to the contrary, it's over 3,000 FSF.

Correct answer: D

As they say, "the curb appeal is deceptive" (also commonly billed as "not a drive-by").

P.S.: and yes, curb appeal matters: the home has been on the market for over one year.

Where's the House? Behind the Garage

"Not a Drive-By," Illustrated

In contrast to the Hopkins home discussed in the next post ("It's Listed for HOW MUCH??"), there's no hiding the garage on this Linden Hills home.

Which would explain the lead shot on MLS -- a pretty, azalea-framed shot of Lake Harriet -- combined with this comment in both the Public and Agent Remarks fields: 'To fully appreciate this one, you must come inside!'

Psst!! Want a Short Commute?

Open This Sunday 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Where: 1340 Fairlawn Way in Golden Valley's South Tyrol Hills

What: 4 BR/3BA '50's split level with almost 3,600 FSF; rock-solid, nicely updated!

Who: listed (and hosted) by . . . yours truly

When: 3 p.m to 4:30 p.m. this Sunday (4/11)

How much: list price -- $434,900

This is a lot of house, in a great neighborhood. And for anyone stuck in the maw of the Crosstown Project's daily gridlock -- a blissfully short commute to downtown Minneapolis (about 7 minutes, tops).

I hate to use the term, "not a drive by," but . . . it isn't. (Realtors use the term when the curb appeal doesn't do the interior justice.)

In particular, the almost-600 square foot Great Room features a Fireplace with granite surround, skylights, and a vaulted ceiling.

Hope to see you Sunday!

South Tyrol Open House -- Stop By!

Where: 1340 Fairlawn Way in Golden Valley's South Tyrol Hills
What: 4 BR/3BA mid-century split level with almost 3,600 FSF
Who: listed (and hosted) by . . . yours truly
When: 1 p.m to 3 p.m today
How much: list price -- $444,900

This is a lot of house, in a great neighborhood.

I hate to use the term, "not a drive by," but . . . it isn't.

(Realtors use the term when the curb appeal doesn't do the interior justice.)