Katie Fears

Buying a home in the Twin Cities area can feel overwhelming, especially with changing market conditions. Katie Fears, a trusted Twin Cities REALTOR® with Edina Realty, advises buyers to get pre-approved early so they understand their budget and can act quickly when the right home appears. She encourages clients to look beyond what they see today—many homes have untapped potential that can be unlocked with smart renovations. Katie helps buyers identify hidden value, envision updates, and make confident choices. With expert guidance and strong local insight, finding the right home becomes a smooth, exciting experience.

Selling a home in the Twin Cities area requires strategy and preparation. Katie Fears, a Twin Cities REALTOR® with Edina Realty, advises sellers to start by understanding their local market—each neighborhood, from Eden Prairie and Minnetonka to Edina and Chanhassen, attracts different types of buyers. She encourages homeowners to invest in small, high-impact updates before listing, like fresh paint, lighting, and minor repairs that make a strong first impression. With Katie’s background in home design and renovations, she helps clients decide which improvements truly add value and how to stage the home for maximum appeal. The key is pricing strategically, marketing creatively, and presenting the home so buyers can imagine their own future there. With the right guidance and thoughtful preparation, sellers can achieve a smooth sale and the best possible return.

Katie Fears, a trusted Twin Cities REALTOR® with Edina Realty, works with a diverse range of clients throughout Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Edina, Chanhassen, and the greater Minneapolis metro area. She represents first-time homebuyers, move-up buyers, investors, and homeowners preparing to sell, as well as clients seeking or selling luxury properties priced over $1 million. Many of Katie’s clients value her renovation and design expertise, which helps buyers see potential in homes that need updates and helps sellers make smart improvements before listing. She’s also worked with relocation clients moving to or from Minnesota who rely on her local insight and clear communication. Whether it’s a starter home, an investment property, or a high-end estate, Katie’s goal is to make every client feel confident, informed, and supported from the first meeting through closing—and to be their REALTOR® for life.

One of my favorite recent transactions was helping a client purchase a luxury home in Edina valued at just over $1 million. The property had incredible potential but needed thoughtful updates to reflect the buyer’s style. As their Twin Cities REALTOR® with Edina Realty, I guided them through pricing analysis, renovation planning, and strategic negotiations to secure the home below list price. Drawing on my design and renovation expertise, I helped the buyers prioritize improvements that would maximize long-term value and transform the space into their dream home. We connected with trusted local contractors and oversaw the updates together, creating a stunning result that blended comfort, elegance, and equity growth. Seeing my clients fall in love with their new home—and knowing we made a smart financial move—was incredibly rewarding. It’s the perfect example of how thoughtful guidance and local expertise can turn a vision into reality.

My path to real estate began over 16 years ago through buying, renovating, and investing in homes across the Twin Cities. I quickly fell in love with the process of transforming spaces and creating long-term value. Before becoming a REALTOR®, I built a successful international business in visual media, which required sharp marketing, branding, and client-relations expertise—skills that now help me market properties with a creative edge. While I was actively investing and managing rental properties, my REALTOR®—now my business partner, Jim Leicht—encouraged me to get licensed so I could help others achieve their real estate goals. Today, I combine my renovation experience, investment knowledge, and global marketing background to help clients make confident, informed decisions in the Twin Cities market.

Yes — I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, which built a strong foundation in communication, business, and marketing strategy. Beyond formal education, I’ve spent years gaining hands-on experience in real estate, renovation, and new construction, including work with luxury home builders throughout the Twin Cities area. This background gives me a unique advantage in helping clients identify quality craftsmanship, understand home design potential, and navigate the buying or selling process with confidence. My combination of education, dedication, and local expertise ensures every client receives thoughtful guidance tailored to their goals and lifestyle.