We Tell it Like It Is

Since I've become a Realtor, I've avoided showing homes in North Minneapolis like the plague. Funny saying that, because its an area that I know like the back of my hand and can actually give people a lot of history on.

However, a few weeks ago, some newer buyers of mine (thanks Dan & Trish!)requested to venture into the Camden area -- a place that is famous right now for having nice, refurbished homes for cheap in order to attract young buyers in the hopes of changing the demographics of the neighborhoods there. I was a bit nervous, but bit the bullet and set up the appointments for a weekday afternoon. After seeing a few houses that day, we felt as if we had hit a goldmine and I was enlightened. We looked up more listings and went back another day. After seeing about 15-20 homes under $100,000 that were clean, polished, spacious, and up to code, we had just barely cracked the surface of the list that were for sale. And I was astonished at how quiet and well-maintained the houses were on the entire blocks. It was so impressive to see homeowners outside mowing their lawns, planting flowers, and chatting with each other. Pleasantville in North Mpls???

As my buyers & I continued on with their home search, we became braver & braver; slowly sneaking closer in as home prices dropped further. How far could we go before Pleasantville disappeared? And how many times could we visit that cookie jar until our hands got slapped? Have we uncovered a secret that the ghetto as we've known it has disappeared or did we sail through the uncharted waters and find sharks? Stay tuned :)