The BRIX Report: The Best Friends of BRIX

VOLUME X

PETS CAN BE ART, TOO

How two local artists turn pets into portraits you keep forever.

Meet the BRIX pets who made this year unforgettable.

By celebrating and refining the craft of real estate, participating in the betterment of our local community, and taking great pride in the relationships we build, we work tirelessly to provide an exceptional experience and an elegant, streamlined approach to every aspect of our service.

1390 7th Street West St. Paul, MN 55102

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter from BRIX

6

A personal reflection on heartbreak, healing, and how our pets become the family that holds us together.

It’s a LUXE Life (for pets)

True Love Pet Stories

26 (the BRIX pet yearbook)

Dozens of BRIX families share the quirks, habits, and heart of the animals who make their houses feel like home.

Where the Twin Cities’ most pampered pets eat, groom, and get dressed to the nines.

Pets Can Be Art, Too

8 12

Two Twin Cities artists turn beloved pets into paintings and portraits filled with color, character, and heart.

Who Wants a Snake?

Not all pets like to cuddle — some can kill you. We explore the exotic pet stores of the Twin Cities.

Best Dog Parks (and Cat Cafes)

From espresso with cats to off-leash river trails, these are the Twin Cities’ best hangouts for pets and people.

Home is Where the Horses Are

18 20 22

A family escapes suburban HOA life to find community, joy, and a horse-filled life up north.

Tales of Rescue

31

A love story that begins with an EMERGENCY text and leads to two cats, two adoptions, and a forever family — and profiles on the local organizations that turn those emergency texts into forever homes.

SPOOKTACULAR

36

We recap the annual BRIX party — this time a Very Scary Party with Bina’s!

BRIX Market Report

38

What’s driving home prices, inventory shifts, and buyer behavior? Our annual market analysis breaks down key trends, helping you make sense of the data and what it means for your next move.

BRIX Market Guidance

48

“The dog days are over!” Why falling rates are bringing buyers back — and when Twin Cities sellers should list to catch the spring market upswing.

Letter from BRIX written by Adam Duckwall

“True Family”

It was the end of September, 2022. Three days earlier, I left my relationship of five years. Broken, lost between anger and heartache — I headed to the barn. An hour later, as I was brushing Falcon before my ride, I felt my anxiety melt away — a thousand cuts starting to heal — my mind and body filling once again with presence and intention. I will not forget that moment; a true gift and the best therapy I’ve ever known — all because of a horse.

Loss has taught me that “family” are those who always stand by you. Some family are chosen. My children recently told me that although our pets are not people, they are family — they were right.

Pets are emotional anchors, grounding us as life and relationships take one form, and soon another. They provide us stability in an unpredictable world. They give us strength and purpose when we are lost. They greet us each day with all of their being, bringing light and love, even on our darkest days. They task us to slow down and see the world around, and within, us — their kindness and fragility always reminding us that we are human.

This year’s BRIX Report is dedicated to your pets. Please sit down and enjoy some great stories that you shared, and also learn about some amazing pet-centered local businesses. We hope you enjoy.

— BRIX Real Estate

WHERE THE LUXE PETS OF THE TWIN CITIES HANG OUT

by Luke Finsaas

Some folks need to rent out the entire city of Venice to feel fancy. Luckily, the pets of the Twin Cities have Total Luxury much closer at hand. Whether your little bud has a palate to rival a sommelier or needs to sport the hottest designer fits, it’s never been easier to pamper your pup (or cat).

TreaT FurselF

We all know that looking HOT means eating right — pets are no different. Luckily, the cities are stocked with food boutiques that cater to our hairy beloveds.

Woody’s Pet Deli serves up fresh, ‘biologicallyappropriate, real living food’ for dogs and cats. Real food will give your furry friend clear eyes, toned muscles, and a shiny coat, says their website. Expanding from a farmer’s market booth to three locations across the metro (Minneapolis, Eagan, Woodbury), they’re quickly becoming a go-to for A-List pets.

Rather have delicious pet food delivered? DoorDash for Pets doesn’t exist (yet) but dial up the modem and head to Pets Want Minneapolis (petwantsminneapolis.com) to load up your cart. Owners Tim and Carrie Chapman launched the company in 2016 and they deliver a variety of locally-produced, small batch, slow-cooked food and treats for cats and dogs.

On Lyndale and 26th, you can find more raw, holistic food for cats and dogs at Urban Tails Pet Supply. If you have questions on what your pet should be eating, their team can walk you through pros and cons of various diets and products. These pet purveyors also source a variety of seasonal, shelf-stable ‘desserts’ and ‘birthday cakes’ from dog bakeries on the East Coast and Canada — perfect for cheat day.

Dapper Dogs anD Cool CaTs

As Tom Hanks in Castaway will tell you, eating organic won’t shave your beard. To look their best, pets need some time in the salon getting their hair and nails done. Here are some of the locally-owned standouts:

When dog mom Jodel moved back to Minnesota from San Diego with Oliver and Lulu, a pair of big dogs, she went searching for a self-serve dog wash and came up empty-handed. They were everywhere in California — but up in the cold north? Not so much. So began Ollu Dog Wash & Grooming Salon, a place where Minnesotans can roll up their sleeves and help Buddy get that shine themselves. Not interested in the splashing? Ollu has grown to provide washing and grooming services, with optional add-ons like dremel nail trimming, spa packages, or a Blueberry Facial.

In addition to plenty of national and regional grooming chains, there are plenty of local groomers hiding in the Twin Cities neighborhoods. In Robbinsdale, you have TruNorth Pet Styling led by experienced groomer, Olivia. Cats and other small animals are welcome at K-9 & Kitty Kutters, with locations in both South Minneapolis and Andover. In Woodbury, Posh Pooch Pet Salon and Boutique can posh up your pooch while you browse their curated selection of dog accessories and clothes — look no further for that tiara your hound’s been begging for.

The Groom Crew in South Minneapolis also offers full service pet grooming. Book with one of their three cofounders (Erin McGrath, John Largaespada, Joe Lewandowski) and enjoy the stylish outcomes that can only come from decades of pet-grooming experience. Got an untameable hound? “There is no dog that John can’t groom,” their website proclaims.

DoorDash for Pet Barbers also doesn’t exist (yet) but that isn’t stopping mobile groomers. For nervous furry friends in the Twin Cities Southwest metro, you can call up Vanity Furs Mobile Pet Spa and they’ll come to your door in their climate-controlled mobile spa — no freezing baths for Snowy! In Plymouth, call Nanci’s Mobile Dog Grooming — they’ll spruce up dogs under 40 pounds (sorry cats).

DresseD up From heaD To Tail

Once you’ve got the diet and the look locked in, it’s time to get that fit looking sharp.

Good Thomas might be the Prince (or the artist formerly known as Prince, I should say) of MN Dog Fashion — a local brand stepping out into the Global Pet Fashion spotlight. This local company shined on Shark Tank, taking an investment from Sir Mark Cuban. What’s their secret ingredient? Matching outfits. Good Thomas makes sure you look just as fly as that LUXE hound on the end of the lead.

An Inside Look at Tangerine House of Design: Lisa Asp, (Pet)

Photographer

When people see one of Lisa Asp’s pet portraits for the first time, they often pause before asking: “Are these photos or are these paintings?”

Spoiler — they’re photos.

But it’s easy to imagine how folks could get confused. Lisa’s photos are so striking, they feel like they’re from another century. The stark contrast in lighting and details, the posturing of the animals — Lisa’s style is regal, honed over the years.

Long before opening her own studio in Loring Park, Minneapolis, she worked in a Sears photography department where she got plenty of experience working with people and portraits. But, as she says, there was zero room for creativity. Later, she started working at an independent photography studio. It was there that she really began to experiment with her style. Her goal was to get out of her comfort zone and try something different every day.

Her transition into pet photography was inspired by a single dog: a retired racing greyhound she adopted in 2001. Not only did that dog inspire her photography, it

by Kristy Hanson

also opened her eyes to shelter needs. What followed was decades of fundraising for shelters and other organizations dedicated for the benefit of animals.

Her dedication to using her art to raise funds continues on to this day. Lisa is currently working on a photography project to raise money for MACC Pack, the nonprofit partner of Minneapolis Animal Care and Control.

Lisa’s studio is intentionally simple — controlled light, minimal distractions, and a calm atmosphere. Bringing the pet in for a short consultation helps them get comfortable in the space while giving Lisa a chance to understand their temperament and personality. Lisa approaches each session as a collaboration. If a client wants to dress their dog in an outfit, she’s happy to run with it; if the moment, the lighting, or the dog itself calls for something more timeless, she’ll guide the session in that direction instead. And if the studio, for whatever reason, proves too distracting, Loring Park is just outside the door.

While dogs are 95% of her subject matter, Lisa’s been known to photograph birds, cats, horses, pot-bellied pigs, and more. Once, she even photographed a donkey on the Stone Arch Bridge at sunrise.

Lisa’s next project is an animal portrait coffee-table book project titled Tails of Loring Park. Focused on the Loring Park neighborhood, the project invites any animal to participate, whether or not they live in the area. While scouting locations, Lisa found herself discovering hidden pockets of the neighborhood she’d never noticed before. The kind of small, character-filled spaces you only encounter when you’re moving slowly — walking a dog, exploring with intention, seeing the city from a pet’s pace. The book aims to capture that sense of discovery, offering a portrait not just of pets, but of the neighborhood itself.

The same insight that shapes all of Lisa’s portraits emerges from these intimate wanderings through Loring Park: a devotion to the inner lives of animals.

Lisa’s portraits reveal what happens when craft meets empathy, when a photographer understands that animals, like people, have interior lives, personalities, and — she would say — a soul. That they are, in fact, dearly loved members of our families.

more of

Jennifer Davis: Painting The Ones We Love

The BRIX Report sits down with Jennifer Davis to discuss art, how to not get stuck, and the best pet nicknames.

KRISTY HANSON: You’ve been an active artist in the Twin Cities for quite some time! I read in a previous interview that you didn’t intend to be an artist while enrolled at the UofM. That it was a drawing class that drew you in and made you fall in love with art school. What was it about that drawing class that made you rethink your educational trajectory?

JENNIFER DAVIS: The thing is, I didn’t really have much of an educational trajectory. I was almost finished completing all of my required courses, but I still didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up. I took the drawing class with a friend as an elective, and I LOVED IT! After that, I took almost every art class offered at the University of Minnesota — painting, ceramics, photography, sculpture, printmaking…

It seems like you’ve done a lot of types of art, but specialize in painting — is this still the case? What is

it about painting that calls to you and do you have a preferred platform? For example, you do a lot of small custom paintings, but also huge murals!

Painting is my favorite medium. Discovering new color combinations, finding satisfying solutions for complex compositions, expressing ideas that resonate with other people —- it is just so fun. I can’t get enough. I enjoy sharing my work, so I like to make tiny things that are accessible to more people. Murals are great because they belong to everyone in a community.

When did you start painting commissioned pet portraits?

I think I started around 2011. Somebody asked me to paint one, then I made another for a friend who lost her beloved dog, and so on.

How do you approach the art of capturing a beloved pet’s personality?

People usually provide me with their absolute favorite photo of their pet, and I try to paint exactly what I see, to the best of my ability. I work to get their expressions and poses just right so it feels like them. I also need to know the pet’s name. I don’t know why I just do —- ha!

What can people expect when they commission a pet portrait from you? Like, what’s the process, from start to finish?

I take custom orders via my website at https://www.jenniferdavisart.com/custom-pet-portraits. Then folks can email me their favorite photos. Together we’ll decide if I should include the background shown in the photo or drop it out and use colors, patterns, etc. I am open to creative input (but I think I do my best work under fewer constraints.) When the painting is finished, I’ll send over a scan for final approval. Depending on my workload, the painting can usually be done and shipped within 5-7 days.

How would you describe your artistic process now?

I always cringe at my attempts to describe my work and process. I am not good at writing about or describing my own practice. I’m a dabbler, so I’m kind of all over the place with different processes for different projects. These days, I’d say most of my work is bold, colorful, and silly. Pet portraits are a little different because I am trying to strike a balance between enough realism to make the animal recognizable, but also show a little extra whimsy.

You’ve built such a distinctive style over the years — do you feel like it’s something that evolved naturally, or did you make conscious choices along the way to refine how your work looks and feels?

I’ve been painting for almost 30 years, so it’s only natural that my style would change and evolve over the years. I started out making tiny, delicate, pastel colored collages, and there is almost no evidence of that in my current work. I suppose I have made an effort to experiment and try new mediums, so that supports making new creative breakthroughs and keeps me interested.

Follow-up: if someone wants to commission a portrait in the style of, say, Van Gogh, is that something you try your hand at?

Maybe —- if they catch me on the right day. I’ve tried some interesting things —- but I also decline when something is out of my wheelhouse (such as custom baby portraits. I’ve tried and it didn’t go well.) If I can’t do it, I always try to recommend a fellow artist who might.

When you’re in a creative rut (if that ever happens!), what helps you get unstuck or reconnected to your practice?

For me, the secret is to try to stay OUT of the rut in the first place by keeping up a regular working practice. The longer I stay away from the studio, the harder it is to get back into the flow. I work in my studio every day, and I remind myself to just MAKE SOMETHING —anything. If it’s terrible, nobody ever has to see it. Make a lot of stuff and try, try again. Keep making.

Did you grow up with pets? If yes, how have pets been a part of your family?

Growing up, my family had a few pets, but my heart is forever with my beloved, Nudge, who passed in 2016 at age 23. My partner and I were there when he was born (to a roommate’s cat), and we still miss him. I’m crying as I type this. He was The Greatest.

In your professional opinion, what makes for a good pet name?

Whatever floats your boat. It’s all about the nicknames anyway, right? I’ve painted a bunch that gave me a chuckle. Shoutouts to: Dill E. Pickles, Mrs. Phylidia Featherbottom, Foo Foo McButtersby, Chopstick, Salvador Dagi, Daniel of Hollywood, Tiddlywinks, Lil’ Bub…

by Luke Finsaas

Twin Cities Reptile

You know, a name can tell you a lot. Twin Cities Reptiles is home to all sorts of slitherers — pythons, boas, colubrids — and crawlers — geckos, lizards, monitors — as well as invertebrates like Mexican Flame Leg Tarantulas. It’s been around for awhile, since 1978. They’ve earned and kept a reputation for expert care, ethical standards, and high quality.

Beyond the animals themselves, Twin Cities Reptiles can outfit your entire setup, from enclosures to heat lamps, and stock you up on nutritious snacks for your cold-blooded pals.

The Twin Cities is teeming with exotic and aquatic pet stores.

Soft, silky fur is great and all... but sometimes it’s nice to spend your life with something that might kill you. Like a python. A tarantula. A school of strange, brightly colored fish. Maybe even a miniature dragon.

You won’t see these pets bounding across a US Bank advertisement anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean these critters aren’t some of the most amazing pets.

While self-service dog washes and boutique pet food stores are popping up around the Twin Cities, there are other species of pet stores that live a little below the surface, dedicated to creatures that slither, crawl, molt, and swim.

Rivershore Aquariums

Founded in 2022 by former staff from the beloved (and now closed) A World of Fish, Rivershore Aquariums has quickly taken center stage in the Twin Cities aquarium scene. The shop curates tropical fish, aquatic and terrestrial plants, and high-end aquarium equipment.

Feeling like your underwater paradise is looking a little… Motel 6-y? Go try Rivershore’s Tank Design Studio where you can plan the perfect acquascape. They’re big proponents of natural acquascaping — you won’t find many plastic plants on their shelves — and the general vibe of space. The shop is well-lit, spacious, and oh right — has a disco ball.

One Love Tarantula

This name tells you a lot, too. One Love Tarantulas was founded by Tom and Angel Stifter to share their love of all things arachnid. They help both new and experienced hobbyists learn the ropes — and keep the hobby accessible and affordable.

Want a jumping spider? Look no further. Spice up your life with a scorpion? Done — plus, you can pick up a pre-made environment for your new invertebrate roommate. They breed and source only captive-bred specimens — crucial to keep the hobby sustainable — and feed them local crickets sourced from Twin Cities Crickets, another passionate small business. Most weekends, you’ll find them posted up at an exotic pet expo somewhere in the Midwest.

Other spots that might satisfy your more exotic tastes…

• ReefCo in New Brighton is revered for their saltwater aquariums.

• Love shrimp, as a pet? Head to Joe’s Shrimp Shack in Plymouth and check out a hundred tanks filled with freshwater shrimp, snails, moss, and plants.

• Premier Aquarium Services specializes in custom, luxury aquarium installations and ongoing managed care — they have pretty spectacular examples on their website for you to check out!

Cuddly Cats & Rambunctious Dogs

Now, some people might think that if you’ve seen one cat cafe, you’ve seen them all. And, maybe that’s true — but we’d counter: is there such a thing as too much cat?+*

*According to most state governments, actually, there is such a thing as too much cat (Minneapolis statutes, for example, state you need a license if you have 5 or more cats living with you.)

Catzen

Nestled on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul, Catzen Coffee is a specialty coffee shop with a unique feline twist that quickly became a local favorite since its opening. More than just a place for expertly brewed espresso, drip coffee, tea, and local pastries, Catzen offers visitors the chance to unwind alongside resident cats in its cozy “Cat Den” — a separate room where cats roam freely while you sip and relax. While you might not see every cat on every visit (they come and go as they please), the experience blends the comfort of a neighborhood coffeehouse with the joy of casual feline companionship.

The cafe also hosts community-friendly events and classes, from artist-led workshops to themed TV nights in the den, and places a strong emphasis on neighborhood connections and supporting local vendors. Reservations are encouraged for time in the Cat Den, and patrons are required to make a purchase at the café to enjoy that space. Whether you’re a coffee lover, a cat enthusiast, or just looking for a relaxed, welcoming spot to hang out, Catzen Coffee offers a warm and whimsical retreat with plenty of charm.

Cafe Meow

The Cafe Meow has locations in Roseville and New Hope. Both spaces are comprised of two parts: a full-service coffee bar and a dedicated cat lounge filled with adoptable rescue cats. Known for its cozy atmosphere and friendly vibe, the cafe serves organic, Fair Trade Certified espresso drinks, teas, and house-special beverages like the caramel-spiced Calico and hazelnut-cinnamon Siamese. Sweet treats such as cat cupcakes, scones, and meowcarons from local bakers round out the menu.

The adjacent lounge features up to ~30 cats from local partner rescues like No Kitten Left Behind and New Leash Rescue. Guests can spend time with these felines — playing, petting, or simply relaxing — by paying an hourly cover fee that helps support the cats’ care and adoption efforts. With reservations recommended to secure time in the cat area, The Cafe Meow is a destination for both coffee aficionados and animal lovers looking to unwind or potentially find a new furry companion.

While there may not be many dog cafes around (or any, per this author’s research, hopes, and dreams), there are dog parks aplenty in the greater Twin Cities area. On or off-leash, water-side or forest-deep, there’s a place for you to bring your furry friends.

Minnehaha Dog Park

Located within Minnehaha Regional Park in Minneapolis, Minnehaha Dog Park is a popular off-leash recreation area where dogs and their owners can enjoy several acres of natural space near the Mississippi River. The park’s mix of shady wooded trails, open fields, and spots along the riverbank offers dogs plenty of room to run, explore, and even splash in the water on warm days, making it a favorite among active pups and social owners alike.

Dogs must have a valid off-leash permit to use the space, and rules require handlers to keep dogs under voice control and clean up after them. While not fully fenced, the area’s scenic setting and proximity to other park amenities make it a great choice for a longer outing — a perfect way for dog lovers to combine a nature walk with playtime.

Battle Creek Dog Park

Battle Creek Dog Park in Maplewood is one of the Twin Cities’ largest and most highly regarded off-leash dog parks, sprawling across roughly 35 acres of fully fenced terrain. Designed with both fun and safety in mind, the park includes separate areas for small dogs, miles of wooded paths, open grassy fields, and several ponds.

With plenty of benches and shaded spots for owners to relax, this park is as much a social hub for dog lovers as it is a playground for pets. The walking trails loop through diverse landscapes — making every visit feel like an adventure — and the thoughtful layout accommodates dogs of all sizes and energy levels.

HOT TIP: Did you know you need an off-leash permit in the grand state of Minnesota?

Home is where the horses are

by Kristy Hanson

WhenAlisha Brun talks about home, she doesn’t start with square footage, bedroom counts, or recently updated appliances. She starts with the horses — three of them now, though that wasn’t the plan.

She talks about pasture acreage and recent barn updates, about the freedom to grow plants and the simple joy of seeing her animals through the kitchen window. Over time, the view has gotten a bit busier.

What began as a modest mix of two dogs, a cat, and a horse has “accidentally” grown into an additional cat, twelve chickens, two more horses — and a rooster who has yet to figure out the difference between day and night.

Prior to the Brun family’s 2023 move from Lake Elmo to a rural township near Stacy, the family felt a little… micromanaged. They lived in a nice, new suburban development with an incredibly strict — and active — Home Owner’s Association. Alisha found herself growing a small vegetable garden in the backyard, worrying that a neighbor might report her to the HOA president. When Alisha started getting fines for the dead grass in her front lawn — grass that the builder incorrectly planted — it was the last straw. Alisha grew up riding and caring for horses. While living in Lake Elmo, she boarded her horse in Stillwater. When she and her husband, Lucas, decided it was time

to move, escaping their HOA was certainly a perk, but it wasn’t enough to guide them in the direction of their next home. The Brun family wanted a place where not only could they plant tomatoes with reckless abandon, but could also walk out the door and enjoy the peace and excitement of being chased by chickens in pursuit of treats.

WithBRIX agent Adam leading the way, the Brun family looked to the north. The search wasn’t very romantic or overwrought — there were few listings that allowed for a comfortable commute to Maplewood for Alisha and Plymouth for Lucas while also meeting all their needs. One property could have worked, but Alisha was concerned by the sheer number of defunct cars and pieces of hardware scattered across the acreage. The place would have required a lot of elbow grease. Another bid, on a property that would have included goats and chickens, fell through when their Lake Elmo house didn’t sell in time.

Alisha began to guard her heart and approach new bids with caution. When they viewed what would eventually become their home, she looked at it with a detached eye. The previous owner was a professional barrel racer, and the property was exceptionally horsefriendly: stables, a full outdoor arena with lighting, and high-quality imported plush sand. Beyond horses, there

was room for chickens and a garden, if they wanted. Alisha could see the potential. Their bid was accepted, and they began the move.

One horse became three in a way no one could have predicted, yet feels inevitable in retrospect. Horses are herd animals — deeply social creatures — and Alisha never imagined her horse living alone in the barn. At first, they boarded a friend’s horse but the commute turned out to be too long. Then there was the unbroken pony Alisha thought would be perfect for her kids. After a few training rounds, however, it became clear the horse wasn’t a good fit. Kicking, biting, bucking — definitely not kid-friendly. They sold the pony soon after.

That’s when Alisha decided it was time for Lucas to learn how to ride. She jokes that “he had no choice in the matter.” He scoured Craigslist and online horse markets, searching for his perfect equine match.

AndLucas found one — a wonky-looking yearling rescue from a Texas slaughterhouse. Not long after, they took in a half-blind Amish horse, another rescue, who arrived with his own set of needs for comfort and safety. He had scarring along his side when they adopted him, as well as eye damage and several broken ribs.

Alisha says the horses have bonded and have a strong ‘Bromance.’ They move together through the pasture, settling into a quiet rhythm — one leading, one lingering, one always watching the others.

When asked what a typical morning looks like for the Brun family, Alisha says that if she isn’t working, the day starts with the chickens. Her two children, four and six, help feed the twelve birds and hunt down eggs. From there, they make sure everyone is fed and watered — laying out hay, checking fences, and tending to the animals. These mornings have become routine, but they remain a stark contrast to life in Lake Elmo.

Another difference that Alisha didn’t fully anticipate? Community. Her next-door neighbor, a retired jack-ofall-trades, has become a quiet constant — fixing things, changing oil, watching the kids in an emergency, and helping troubleshoot broken arena lights mounted two stories in the air. The difference, Alisha notes, is stark: neighbors who show up to help, not to hand out HOA fines.

That sense of support has transformed how home feels. Despite the physical distance between houses, Alisha feels safer and more at ease here than she ever did in the suburbs. She can open the door and let her kids run outside without hesitation — a freedom that surprised her, given how close they once lived to parks and sidewalks. Or how, despite insisting she doesn’t know carpentry, Alisha built a story-and-a-half playhouse for her kids using leftover fencing materials. “We spend a lot more time together now,” she says, noting that the small — and

sometimes big — surprises that come with maintaining the property often pull them away from screens.

The garden was another surprise, albeit a delightful one. At first, they approached it casually, with Lucas planting a few vegetables and flowers. But over time, the garden became more than just a hobby; it turned into a family project. No longer is the Brun family hiding a couple of tomato pots out back. This past fall, Alisha laughs, they must have harvested more than fifty pumpkins. The property continues to reveal itself beyond the garden: strawberry patches the previous owners never mentioned, fruit trees no one remembered planting.

Some

of their home projects haven’t turned out to be as successful. When they first moved in and Alisha realized there were an incredible amount of ticks, she brought in some guineafowl to help reduce the population. But the birds kept escaping, no matter what she did. Some of them, she notes, joined the local turkey flocks. When she sees the turkeys roaming, there’s often a guinea fowl or two hiding in the group.

Living with abundant acreage can come with many challenges. Like troubleshooting a septic tank alarm (a gopher chewed through the power line), figuring out how to change the lightbulbs on those arena lightpoles (they’re LED, so it’s a total housing replacement), and trying to keep the chickens alive and healthy (some have more sense than others). It feels like the Brun family has something new to learn everyday, but on their own property, there’s a sense of satisfaction and capability. They have the freedom and flexibility to find solutions, to work with their neighbors.

Themove north required recalibration: hard work, new knowledge, larger commitments. But it also simplified something important. Their home finally reflects the way they want to live. The horses are outside the window instead of miles away. And the Brun family, who once hid tomatoes and worried about grass fines, now repairs barns, manages pastures, and navigates a life that feels entirely, unmistakably theirs.

In the end, it was the horse that led them to greener pastures — and a land full of possibility.

CLASS OF 2025

This year we asked BRIX customers to share images and a little bit about their family’s best friends — i.e., their pets. For each submission, BRIX donated $5 to both Animal Humane Society and Underdog Rescue. Our favorite graces the cover of this year’s BRIX Report — meet Violet!

Meet Violet, Dogue de Bordeaux

Can you tell us the age and names of all members of your family?

Marissa (Mom), Jonathan (Dad), Senna (Daughter / They / Them - 9), Ronan (Son / He / Him - 7)

What made you decide that a Dogue de Bordeaux was the right fit for you?

We love sturdy dogs with big blocky heads. Jonathan has always wanted a mastiff breed and for us, a Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff), fit the bill. Violet is great with kids, super patient and tolerant to young ones trying to hang on her, she’s super lazy, which means a walk is more than enough exercise for her, she’s protective and always keeps an eye out, especially around the kiddos, her drooly jowls can be hysterically disgusting, and she’s beautiful.

Be honest—what was your very first thought when you met Violet? She was so tiny and soft. We drove halfway to Chicago to pick her up. She slept the entire way back on our laps.

Was Violet always Violet, or did you rename her? What’s the story behind it?

We renamed her. The children liked the name Violet (we can’t recall why). Dad wanted an elvish name from Lord of the Rings. Mom was the deciding vote. Dad didn’t stand a chance.

How would you describe Violet’s personality?

Confident, lazy, hungry, sleepy, protective, cuddle bug, overgrown lapdog.

What breed-specific trait do they lean into the hardest?

Super affectionate and loyal. Protective — her breed was developed to guard the vineyards in the Bordeaux region of France. They were so loyal to their owners and protective of their property during WWII, that Hitler was said to have ordered them to be destroyed on sight. The breed almost went extinct. Decades later, the breed was revived to its original state. A bit of history that I (Dad) like to share. She makes us feel safe and loved. However, very smart? I read that too. Unless she’s smart enough to play dumb, she’s a bit of a block head. Still barks at herself in the mirror. She’s 5 years old.

What is one habit or quirk of Violet’s that makes you laugh on a regular basis?

While she starts every night asleep on her dog bed, she sneaks into our bed during the night to sleep with us and somehow always ends up with her head on the pillows.

She’s so big, how does she do it without waking us up? Also, when she gets off a bed, she slinks off, dragging her back legs behind her.

What’s the most impressive (or ridiculous) thing they’ve learned? She lets herself in the house when she really wants to get in from the yard. She pulls the handle on the storm door and then back door.

What’s been the biggest challenge?

Honestly, it’s the incessant drool and fur, especially on our couches. We are washing our couches regularly. That and we have a typical South Minneapolis postage stamp size backyard, which means you better clean up after her quickly, or the yard is going to be a mess!

If Violet could give advice to someone thinking about adopting this breed, what would they say?

Be prepared to go through a lot of food. I’m always hungry. I’m stubborn. Be ready to hold your ground because I will test you. I hope you like drool.

Is there a favorite moment, story, or fun fact about Violet that we should absolutely include?

Every holiday season, our neighboring block, Dupont, has a house that puts out one of those old school plastic Santas with the light bulb in it. Big, tough Violet is petrified of it. It’s on our walking route and every time Violet pulls her leash far away as she can and Santa gets whale-eyed the entire time he’s in sight.

AGE 2

BREED Chinese Shar Pei

FAV SPOT He loves sitting on the arm of the couch, looking out the back picture window, or curled up napping on a sofa.

FAV WORD Treat!!

FUN THING After we moved into our new home, one of the first projects was to install a fence. Bella gallops like a gazelle in our backyard; she absolutely loves being off-leash and able to run!

ABOUT Moju is our 5yr old Doggy. Vader is our 3yr old black cat. Last, we have Agate and Marble, brother and sister cats. They are 1 years old, and we got them from a family friend’s farm. We went there to get ONE and left with TWO.

FAV WORD treat/hungry/kitty-kitty/meow-meow

FUN THING Moju is the sweetest girl and so good to our kitties and kids. She even lets the cats eat out of her bowl with her.

Cokester

AGE 4

BREED Bearded Dragon

FAV SPOT Sitting on the bookshelf and looking out the window.

FAV WORD Worms!

FUN THING Our daughter wrote a persuasive essay at school that convinced us to let her get a bearded dragon. Coco was adopted from someone who could no longer care for her.

AGE 13

BREED Pitbull - Shepherd mix

FAV SPOT Laying on the couch in our living room looking out the window or laying in the backyard in any spot where the sun is shining.

FAV WORD Ready or walk.

FUN THING Cal is very snuggly and independent all at the same time. She loves everybody, especially kids. She sleeps most of the day and demands a walk around 5pm everyday by coming over to us and doing her famous chomp chomp with her mouth.

Sir Licks-a-lot

Grover

AGE 9

BREED Good Boy (mix)

FAV SPOT The raised bay window on his bed behind our couch. From sun bathing, to people watching, to sneaking his head over your shoulder for some chin scratches, he has it all.

FAV WORD Hungry

FUN THING Grover was in attendance on the first date I had with his mom (now my fiance)! Thanks to his approval early on, I now get the honor of living with both Grover and my fiance.

4

BREED Mixed - part Maine Coon

FAV SPOT The deck next to the lake, for sure.

THE STORY We had just lost our previous cat Benny to illness. Dakota came from a foster parent, his name was Mr. Monkey at the time. We felt incomplete without a pet and Dakota was just the answer.

FUN THING He is a goofball and loves to be out on the deck next to the lake watching (harassing?) the ducks/birds. He is a very good snuggler too - always lying on Jane or between my legs. AGE

AGE 8

BREED Unknown but looks like a Turkish Van

FAV SPOT Laying on the top of the back of a chair in front of a window that gets full sun. During thunderstorms (terrified), they have a storm shelter under my desk.

FUN THING If I’m hurt, she positions her body over or around the soreness and the warmth of her body is healing. I was totally isolated during the pandemic and would never have mentally survived without my “girls”.

AGE 1.5

BREED Bernedoodle

FAV SPOT Curled up on the bricks in front of our fireplace

FAV WORD Park

Maple

AGE 1.5

BREED Golden Retriever

MEET I heard about Maple from a friend! She’s a tripod and needed a home and I was looking for a dog to hopefully train to be a school therapy dog.

FAV WORD You ready?

FUN THING Maple loves rope toys. You have to watch your ankles around her though because she will whip her head around and those knots in the ropes turn into little weapons.

Frank/ Frankie

AGE 13

BREED Painted turtle + more!

AGE 12

BREED Mini Poodle with a little mutt

FAV SPOT The back of the couch, which is the perfect perch to watch over the neighborhood and put a smile on the faces of the people walking by.

FAV WORD Cookie

FUN THING He’ll tell you what he wants with a happy dance or a sassy puff, the biggest begging eyes or a toy dropped at your feet, or just a funny face. We couldn’t imagine anyone else!

FUN THING Teddy loves to adventure as much as we do. He will hike, chase after mountain bikes, and take long walks. He can sense when you are happy, sick or hurt and will not leave your side. He loves to play and is most happy once he has woken every person in the house up with his bedside nudges. 11

FUN THING My painted turtle has turned out to be an amazing pet, especially with my work travel. Despite his low-maintenance lifestyle, he’s always eager to greet me the moment I walk through the door, swimming up excitedly as if he’s been waiting all day. When he gets the chance to explore outside the tank, he loves crawling around the living room and meeting friends — a surprisingly social little guy who brings a lot of personality into my home.

BREED Farm cat

FAV SPOT She has a mini white couch next to a heater in our office that she loves to sleep on.

FAV WORD Bedtime!

FUN THING She loves to cuddle and is missing a tooth so her tongue sticks out. She is also a little cross-eyed and she likes to get haircuts so she looks like a lion.

Clover and Magnus

AGE 8

BREED American Shorthair

FAV SPOT Any comfy chair or blanket!

FUN THING Even at 8 years old they still love silly antics. Clover loves stealing bags of bread!!

We have a toy hot dog ‘wiener-phone’ that we also gave to one of my friends cats- they love talking to each other on it :)

AGE 14

BREED Green Cheek Conure

FAV SPOT Wherever we are :)

FAV WORD “Head scratch”

FAV TOY Despite all of the bird toys, the metal teaspoon set are his favorite. He goes wild for them.

FUN THING I chose him! But he returned the love quickly in his desire to be out of PetSmart.

He goes to bed at 9 pm and sleeps through the night!

Remmie

AGE 14

BREED Australian Cattle Dog

FAV SPOT He loves his spot on the couch! Always playing neighborhood watch and barking at the mailman.

FAV WORD Go for a walk/ride?

FUN THING We adopted Remmie from a farm in Jordan, MN, when he was 12 weeks old. He will be 15 in March!

AGE 6

BREED Golden Retriever

FAV SPOT The couch

FAV WORD Food

THE STORY We chose each other through Helping Paws which is a nonprofit that pairs service dogs with disabled veterans. He is at my side all day everyday to provide comfort and assistance.

Meowzart

AGE 10

BREED Domestic shorthair (Siamese and Russian Blue mix)

FAV SPOT Living room couch (napping in sunbeams); our bed (deep sleep under the covers); and the downstairs rec room sofa (get away from the humans).

FUN THING Meowzart is a shining example of how wonderful it can be to adopt a shelter pet - an example I hope that many people will see and consider shelter adoption for themselves! She is not only a beautiful cat, but one that is affectionate, smart, chatty and playful. I could not wish for a better companion.

13

BREED Unknown! We call her a lovechild.

FAV SPOT Her dog bed next to the fireplace :)

FAV WORD WALK

FUN THING Lucy is the sweetest, softest dog you’ll ever meet. Despite her questionable orthodontics, her cute (some say “ugly-cute”) factor will override. She stands on two legs and literally HUGS anyone who enters her home.

Gingerbread Pearl

AGE 5

BREED Cavachon

FAV SPOT On a pile of Squishmallows and blankets cuddled right next to us. Second favorite, under the table at dinner.

FUN THING She is the sweetest. The cutest. She is aggressively friendly. She thinks that animals on TV are real and has tried looking for them behind the TV. She loves all snacks. She’s a good “contact napper”. One of the best cuddle buddies around. And she will keep all your secrets.

Wiggy, Wig, Chubba

Serafima

AGE 9.5

BREED Lop-eared rabbit

FAV WORD Our bunny is “nuts” for peanuts and will come running the moment you say “peanuts.”

FUN THING Our son did not like vegetables. But Fima loves vegetables, especially veggie peels! Now all our meals have plenty of veggies and fruits. There was a time our son was afraid of “monsters”. No problem anymore. Did you know that all bunnies are related? Fima is Easter’s bunny cousin!

Jackie Chan

AGE 2

BREED Cavapoochon

FAV SPOT On top of the couch “guarding” out the window.

FAV WORD Ride

AGE 18

BREED Tuxedo Cat

FAV SPOT Anywhere that is sunny and warm.

FAV WORD Churu

FAV TOY Catnip mouse

THE STORY He previously belonged to a friend of a friend who needed to rehome him due to a boyfriend who was allergic to cats. My sister was going to take him but they did not get along so I took him to my house and we’ve been besties since.

Juniper

AGE 4

BREED Cat

FAV SPOT His favorite place is on the couch or chair curled up on a fleece blanket.

FUN THING His information sheet said he was not good with kids, but he took to the kids immediately and we adopted him the same day. We did have to come back for him the next day because he was recovering from surgery and he has been a loving, playful member of our family since.

AGE

MEET My brother’s friend had a dog from this breeder and I fell in love! I convinced my husband we needed one of these little guys. When we got a video of the litter, he picked the shyest guy in the back of the group which turned out to be the best choice. 10

BREED Husky lab

MEET We found Ramona on a Facebook post. She was the smallest of the litter and the only girl

FAV SPOT Anywhere it’s cool — under the bed usually.

FAV WORD Treat

FUN THING She is fluffy and loves to talk

AGE 4

BREED Mini Australian shepherd

MEET We found bear on a facebook post. He kind of chose us

FAV TOYS Any ropes

FAV SPOT Usually laying on the couch or outside

FAV WORD Outside

FUN THING Bear is very animated and full of energy

AGE 8

BREED Black Cat

MEET He reached out to me—both literally and through the force—and wouldn’t let go.

FAV SPOT Cat tree by the window watching birds

FAV WORD Not a word, but his favorite sound is the butter container being opened.

FUN THING When I’m anxious, he’ll climb into my lap, start purring, and suddenly everything feels a lot lighter.

AGE 5

BREED Cat

MEET Holly came to us after someone found her on the side of the road. She was so tiny!! My nephew brought her over and she never left after that.

FAV TOYS Scratch pad with a ball that goes around the outside.

FAV SPOT Favorite place is any place you are or behind the tv on my dresser

FUN THING Holly loves to snuggle! She loves to “talk” to you whenever you aren’t paying attention to her.

AGE 5

BREED Husky, Pit, GSD mix!

FAV SPOT We saw her photo on petfinder, and saw that she had been surrendered to the rescue with her puppies. After raising her litter, she needed to be spoiled herself and get to enjoy being a young dog! We met her and she was so sweet, mellow, and adorable. Since then, her wild side has definitely come out! She was a big motivator for us to buy a house (thanks Jessica!).

FUN THING She is kind of dorky and goofy, but also can wrestle and run and is super athletic.

Tails of Rescue

by Kristy Hanson

OnDecember 5, 2017, I texted my then-boyfriend, now-husband in all caps: EMERGENCY.

I tend to textually express myself strongly and loudly and passionately (aka ALL CAPS), and while my then-boyfriend, now-husband knew (and loved) this about me, he still very much thought the worst when he saw that message.

I don’t remember exactly what he texted back, only that it was some version of:

omg what’s wrong?

But nothing was wrong. Nothing at all. Something was so right that I had to shout it:

KITTENS.

Just weeks earlier, Luke and I had survived a major milestone in our relationship: our first IKEA visit.

We’d recently moved in together and needed a fern, among other household things. We were also navigating other relational milestones like holidays with families, planning vacations far in the future, and divvying up household chores. We were deciding, together, what we wanted to do with our collective lives.

Not long after our successful IKEA visit, our discussions of the future turned to the subject of furbabies. Or — you could say — I consistently brought up the idea of introducing a lovable, fuzzy creature into our lives.

“We should adopt a cat,” I said.

“Why would you ever love something that’s just going to die?” He responded.

“Well, I’m going to die too, you know.”

We were at an impasse.

Luke’s

icy heart thawed after our 2017 annual Thanksgiving trip to visit his sister in New York City.

His sister had a velvety smooth black cat named Ira. Ira was an independent gentleman, friendly and playful, who brought joy to anyone who ever met him. After the holiday season of interacting and playing with her sweet Ira, Luke realized that our lives could be similarly enriched.

Soon after returning to our own sad empty catless loft in downtown St. Paul, Luke turned to me and said, “Hey. Let’s get a cat.”

So we made profiles at Secondhand Hounds, patrolled the Animal Humane Society’s website, put out feelers to friends, and made the Universe generally aware of our desire. We searched, a bit obsessively, scouring the rescue sites every morning, afternoon, and — well, I’ll just be honest — on the hour, every hour.

We did this for what felt like years, even though it was less than two weeks. During one of my hourly scans of the rescue sites, I saw something that stopped me in my tracks: a whole crew of kittens and young cats at the Animal Humane Society. Fingers flying, I fired off those two texts that would forever change our lives.

EMERGENCY KITTENS

We were ushered into a visiting room with a glass door and a bench. We played with kittens and cuddled elderly cats. While I fell head over heels for nearly all of them, it wasn’t until we were about to leave that we locked eyes with the teeniest, tiniest kitten in the room. His name placard read: Piglet.

His eyes filled 95% of his striped face. He was so fluffy I wanted to die. He was only eight weeks old and alone in a kennel. We couldn’t leave without saying hello.

Luke and I carried Piglet into a visitation room, where he immediately began to murder every available toy. He shimmied up Luke’s denim pant leg and —later — curled up in my lap to nap. His purring was staccato and booming, his clumsy paws too big for his body.

A few moments later, as Piglet jerked awake, toppled sideways, and tried to eat my hair, Luke and I locked eyes and came to an unspoken understanding.

This was our buddy. Our furchild.

On the drive home, we renamed him Üni.

Igrew up in a household of animal lovers. My father and his brothers hunted pheasants, so we always had at least one dog. My mother was a stereotypical cat lover. I grew up alongside a high-energy bird dog my sisters and I appropriately named Muffin — a floppy-eared Brittany Spaniel with a stub tail. While I like to think she loved us all equally, my dad was her favorite.

At one point, we had four cats and two dogs. While we all shared responsibility, it was clear the dogs were my dad’s and the cats were my mom’s.

Üni was the first cat that Luke and I shared sole responsibility for. Little did we know that raising a kitten isn’t all cuddles and rainbows.

After a couple of years, we realized Üni would benefit from a buddy — not a kitten, but a young adult cat who was friendly, playful, and well-socialized. As creative as Luke and I were, we simply could not emulate full cat-hood.

We activated our profile at Secondhand Hounds and I went back to my daily, hourly scouring of adoption sites.

Soon, we came across a sherbet orange tiger-striped cutie with big green eyes — just like Üni’s. Once we saw his name, it felt like kismet. This orange ball of delight? His name was Pigpen. He and Üni both had the same M-shaped stripes above their green eyes.

We met Pigpen at his foster mom’s home north of St. Paul. She had been fostering for Secondhand Hounds for years. One of her bedrooms had been entirely retrofitted into a cat paradise: the whole room was a jungle gym, with cats and kittens of all ages, getting along. Pigpen was wild — running in circles around the room, so excited to play. It was nearly a transcendent experience. To sit on the floor and then immediately be surrounded by purring, warm bodies jumping all over you was a heaven I didn’t know existed. Once Pigpen tired himself out, I picked him up. He spread himself out in my arms, purring heavily and resting his adorable little face on my arm.

This guy — he’d be a great buddy for Üni and a delightful addition to our humble home.

Our original plan was to keep the cats separated for at least a night in their new shared home. But our loft only had one door and it was for the bathroom. It wasn’t entirely possible to keep them separate for long. Eventually Üni escaped and made a beeline to Pigpen. Where we thought there’d be hissing and swatting and smelling of butts, there were sniffs, purrs, and — while Üni was definitely suspicious — they were friendly with each other.

Pigpen became Otto.

Since then, they’ve been mostly BFFs, wrestling and snuggling with each other nearly daily. But what a delight, that our unruly Piglet found his Pigpen, and they together became our Üni & Otto.

Read on for a brief look at just some of the Twin Cities organizations that help make these small miracles happen — the ones who turn EMERGENCY texts into lifelong friendships.

Twin Cities Organizations Turning “Emergency” Texts Into Forever Homes

While each rescue organization has its own process, their shared mission is simple: help animals find homes where they’re safe, loved, and deeply wanted. The Twin Cities is lucky to have a network of rescues doing exactly that — quietly, consistently, and with enormous heart.

Twin Cities Pet Rescue

Twin Cities Pet Rescue (TCPR) is a foster-based, volunteerrun nonprofit serving the Twin Cities metro. Founded in 2009, TCPR has helped thousands of cats and dogs find permanent homes through its extensive foster network.

Animals in TCPR’s care receive veterinary treatment, basic training, and quality nutrition before adoption. The organization also partners with Cafe Meow in New Hope and hosts a quarterly low-cost community wellness clinic at its Maplewood office — making care more accessible for pets and people alike.

The Bond Between

Formerly known as Secondhand Hounds, The Bond Between has rescued more than 34,000 animals since 2009. Beyond foster-to-adopt programs, the organization takes a holistic approach to animal welfare — operating an affordable veterinary clinic, coordinating pet-food shelf distributions, and offering a Respite Foster Program for families navigating temporary crises. Their work centers not just on saving animals, but on strengthening the bond between pets and the people who love them.

MN Pocket Pet Rescue

MN Pocket Pet Rescue focuses on animals often overlooked in traditional rescue efforts — rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, chinchillas, ferrets, sugar gliders, and other small “pocket pets.”

This volunteer-run, foster-based organization provides medical care, education, and safe housing for pocket pets at risk of neglect, surrender, or euthanasia. Their work ensures that even the smallest animals are given the chance at a safe, loved life.

Safe Hands Rescue

Safe Hands Rescue is a Minnesota-based nonprofit focused on saving cats and dogs from overcrowded shelters, abandonment, and surrender. Much of their work supports high-intake, low-adoption regions, addressing the problem at its source through affordable spay and neuter programs.

Their reach extends beyond Minnesota, supporting rescue efforts in multiple states as well as Mexico and Korea. One of their more recent initiatives, Safe House, is based in Kentucky and works to rescue animals before transporting them to the Midwest for adoption.

In 2025, we held our annual friend and family party — this time a Halloween party with Bina’s! It was a blast. Friends enjoyed delicious food and tasty drinks from Centro (per usual), facepainting, ZoltAR!, video games, a Magic mirror, live music, and our mascot, BRIXIE.

Want to come next year? Talk to your BRIX agent — they’ll have your invite!

The BRIX Market Report

by

When we analyze a market, we want to understand why home prices are going up or down, how fast a home will likely sell, and what homebuyers are snapping up or skipping over.

Consumers today are awash in data on the housing market, and that data is often inexplicable and even contradictory. We’re in the business of giving advice to our clients and we want that advice to be based on all the facts in our arsenal.

The Market Snapshots in the BRIX Report compare the data from 2024 to 2025 and use four key market indicators to give you a sense of trends.

What Do the Numbers Mean?

Days on Market

This is the median number of days from the listing date to the day that the listing broker reports in the MLS that the seller has accepted a contract for purchase. We show Median Days on Market, which represents the point at which half the homes went under contract in fewer days and half went under contract in more days. When the total number of Days on Market decreases from one year to the next, this indicates that it is a “seller’s market,” because buyers are quickly going under contract on homes. Homes at the upper end of the price range in nearly all communities have longer Days on Market, simply because there are fewer buyers of more expensive homes.

Median Sales Price

Median represents the point at which half of the homes that sold in a given year were priced higher and half were priced lower. Calculations are based on Sold data and the prices do not account for seller concessions (e.g. a closing cost credit). We don’t use Average Sales Price because even just a small number of very high or very low priced transactions can distort our understanding of the market. A year-to-year decrease or increase in Median Sales Price needs to be carefully analyzed. In a market with a relatively small number of sales, it may mean that a number of much lower or much higher-priced homes were sold in this year compared to the previous year.

Month’s Inventory

We show this as the active inventory of homes for sale versus the previous twelve months of homes reported as Under Contract. Think of it this way: if the Month’s Inventory is two, this means that the available number of houses would be sold out in two months. This is based on the rate of sales in the past year. A low Month’s Inventory shows that houses are selling quickly. There are fewer buyers for higher-priced homes, so the higher-end market usually has a greater Month’s Inventory.

Total Sales

This is a count of the actual sales that have closed in a given year. Calculations are based on Sold data from the Northstar Multiple Listing Service and do not include off-market transactions. A decrease in Total Sales doesn’t necessarily mean that the market is declining, because if the Inventory is low there may simply not be enough houses to meet buyer demand. An increase in Total Sales from one year to the next may reflect a variety of conditions, such as the opening of a major new subdivision or condo building, or a dramatic change in interest rates.

13 COUNTY METRO AREA

23 days 4.5% ON MARKET

$393,000 3.4% SALES PRICE

2.5 months 4.2% INVENTORY

45,381 2.0% # SOLD

by Josh

Are The Dog Days Over?

by Kirk Duckwall

The market has kind of gone to the dogs the last few years with the lowest number of total sales since 2012 and home prices that have been relatively flat.

This is due to higher than average interest rates combined with all time high values putting pressure on affordability. Couple that with a whole bunch of existing home owners not wanting to part with their low rates they locked in during covid in the 3-4% range.

If we look back over the last 25 years, interest rates averaged closer to 5% than the 7-8% we’ve seen in recent years. This has kept many first-time home buyers on the sidelines and additionally, it’s kept existing home owners in their current homes longer, as they want to hang onto their rate.

However, there are some signs things are going to change. As I am writing this in early December, we have seen interest rates closer to 6.25% the last few months. Even though we have continued to see home prices rise slightly, the lower rates have made homes on average more affordable by about 2.5% over last year. This has driven the mortgage purchase index, a gauge of the mortgage application rate, to its highest point all year in just the last few weeks.

Like a dog stuck inside all winter, the buyers are ready to come out and play, too. The existing home owners that have been holding on to their low rates are also ready as many are out growing their homes.

That said, this could lead to a game of fetch where there is one ball and 2 dogs.

That said, we are not going to see competition anywhere close to where it was in 2021 and 2022 — but it could be the best market for sellers since.

The National Association of Realtors is predicting sales rising nationally by 14%, if rates go below 6%. With that said, our BRIX Market Meter projections has the market 13% stronger for sellers here in the Twin Cities this spring over the spring of 2025, even with rates where they currently are.

We are currently projecting the week beginning March 22nd to be the peak week for showing activity per listing.

However, we are likely to be in a seller’s market by late January and staying there until late May. If you are looking to sell, I would recommend you hit the market on the uphill trend rather than potentially chasing the market down.

You don’t want to be like a dog chasing its tail. We suggest that you target hitting the market in February or March versus April or May.

WHAT REALLY MATTERS?

Some realtors boast about how many homes they’ve sold. Others talk about how fast they can sell a house or how low their commission is. But are you getting top dollar?

Our Sellers get 5% over our competition.*

Whether you’re selling a home in the city or a home in the country, BRIX Real Estate will get you the most.