Lisa Carter,

If you’re looking to buy a home in Minnesota, especially in competitive areas like Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Maple Grove, or the Twin Cities, my biggest advice is to get pre-approved with a trusted local lender before you start house hunting. This not only shows sellers you’re a serious buyer but also helps you understand exactly what you can afford in today’s Minnesota housing market. I also recommend exploring Minnesota Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs and first-time home buyer grants—many buyers are surprised to learn they can purchase a home with far less than 20% down, and in some cases as little as $1,000 out of pocket. Working with an experienced Minnesota Realtor® who knows the market inside and out is key to finding the right home, negotiating the best price, and avoiding costly mistakes. In a fast-moving real estate market, it’s important to be ready to make strong, competitive offers when the right home comes along. That means understanding the local market trends, knowing your “must-haves” vs. “nice-to-haves,” and having a clear plan for inspections, financing, and closing

My Advice for Minnesota Home Sellers: If you’re planning to sell your home in Minnesota, especially in areas like Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Maple Grove, or the Twin Cities, the key to success is strategic preparation, pricing, and marketing. In today’s Minnesota housing market, buyers are looking for homes that stand out—both online and in person. First, focus on presentation. Simple updates like fresh paint, decluttering, and curb appeal improvements can dramatically increase your home’s perceived value. I always recommend professional photography and, when possible, home staging—both of which help your property capture attention in online searches. Second, pricing is critical. Overpricing can cause your listing to sit on the market, while strategic, competitive pricing can generate more showings, stronger offers, and sometimes even multiple bids. I provide an in-depth Minnesota market analysis to help you price your home right from the start. Finally, marketing matters. Your home should be showcased everywhere buyers are looking—MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, social media, and targeted local advertising. My aggressive marketing plan combines online exposure, professional staging advice, and networking with other top Minnesota Realtors® to attract the right buyers quickly.

Over my 22+ years as a Minnesota Realtor®, I’ve had the privilege of helping a wide variety of clients achieve their real estate goals across the Twin Cities housing market. My experience includes: First-Time Home Buyers – Guiding them through the process step-by-step, explaining each stage clearly, and connecting them with Minnesota Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs, grants, and loan options to make homeownership more affordable. Move-Up Buyers & Growing Families – Helping clients sell their current home and purchase a larger property that fits their evolving needs, often in Brooklyn Park, Champlin, Maple Grove, and surrounding communities. Home Sellers – From preparing and staging homes to creating aggressive marketing strategies that generate maximum exposure and top-dollar offers in the Minnesota housing market. Relocation Clients – Assisting buyers and sellers moving in or out of Minnesota, ensuring a smooth transition and coordinating with trusted agents nationwide. Military Families & Veterans – Helping active-duty service members, veterans, and their families navigate PCS moves, VA loan options, and the unique timelines and requirements that come with military life—while making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Investors – Helping buyers find income-producing properties, negotiate favorable deals, and connect with local property management resources. Seniors & Downsizers – Providing patient, compassionate guidance to those selling a long-time home and transitioning into something more manageable.

One of my favorite transactions was helping a first-generation home buyer in Minnesota achieve her dream of homeownership. When she came to me, she was unsure of the process and had limited options based on her pre-approval. Because I work extensively with first-time buyers, I recognized she qualified for the Minnesota First-Generation Down Payment Assistance Program. Once approved, her buying power expanded, and we found the perfect home. It was a multiple-offer situation, and when I got the call that her offer was accepted, telling her was one of my greatest professional joys—she broke down in happy tears. Today, she is officially a first-generation, first-time homeowner, and I’m honored to have been part of her journey.

Like many, my journey into real estate began when I purchased my first home. The process opened my eyes to so many fascinating aspects of the industry—I loved touring homes, learning about neighborhoods, and understanding how the buying process worked. My own Minnesota Realtor® was fantastic, and she may not know it, but she was one of the main reasons I decided to pursue a career in real estate. I have a genuine desire to help people, and I understand how intimidating the home buying and selling process can feel—especially for first-time home buyers. That’s why my passion is guiding clients through every step, answering questions, and making their real estate goals a reality. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling your current one, or exploring investment opportunities, I’m committed to making the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Yes—continuing education and professional development are a big part of how I serve my clients at the highest level. I hold my GRI (Graduate, REALTOR® Institute) designation, which is one of the most respected credentials in the real estate industry and demonstrates advanced knowledge in contracts, negotiations, and marketing. I also take ongoing real estate classes to sharpen my skills and stay ahead of trends in the Minnesota housing market. In addition, I attend several real estate conferences throughout the year to stay current on market conditions, mortgage rate changes, buyer and seller strategies, and innovative tools that can help my clients succeed. By constantly learning and adapting, I’m able to provide my clients—whether they are first-time buyers, seasoned sellers, relocation clients, or investors—with up-to-date guidance, strategic advice, and a higher level of service that elevates their real estate experience.