Housing 

Despite elevated demand for housing, construction of new homes fell in April, with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau reporting a 9.5% decrease in housing starts from the previous month. Rising building costs continue to hinder affordability and inventory for many homebuyers, although shortages in labor, issues with the U.S. supply chain, and lasting impact from late winter storms have also contributed to the decline in new construction activity, putting some projects on pause for the time being.  

Provided by the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors.

Mortgage Rates

Mortgage rates are down below three percent, continuing to offer many homeowners the potential to refinance and increase their monthly cash flow. In fact, homeowners who refinanced their 30-year fixed-rate mortgage in 2020 saved more than $2,800 dollars annually. Substantial opportunity continues to exist today, as nearly $2 trillion in conforming mortgages have the ability to refinance and reduce their interest rate by at least half a percentage point.

~Provided by www.freddiemac.com 05-27-21

Anything that doesn't serve you shouldn't have a place in your home and your life. If you just bought one of Glenwood homes for sale, decluttering will make your move easier and less costly. But one of the obstacles you'll face is deciding what to do with the unloved, unused stuff you want to get rid of. Well, donating your items is a really great way to make a difference in someone's life and keep your home clutter-free. Some items, however, are better off recycled or thrown away. As a general rule of thumb, only allocate something to the "Donate" pile if it's in working condition, looks appealing, and is of decent quality. Items that won't be doing anyone any good should be tossed. Read on to get an idea of what to and what not to drop off at your local donation center.

• Unwanted Clothing
  If you haven't won the clothes in the back of your closet for over a year, it's time to make room for new love. Sort through your closet and donate old clothing, shoes, and accessories that you never wear but are still in good condition. The chances of that sock being reunited with its partner are slim, so you're better off tossing orphaned socks or repurposing them as dust rags. Anything in your closet that has holes or stains should be tossed.

Want to enjoy a nice dinner out and also feel good about the food you're eating? Few things are as delicious as a fresh farm-to-table meal. Not only does eating farm-to-table cuisine have several health benefits, but it also helps support local farms and small businesses. 

With so many great farm-to-table restaurants in the Twin Cities, eating healthy doesn't have to be difficult. If you enjoy home-cooked meals with peak freshness, give some of these local restaurants a try:

• Holman's Table - 644 Bayfield St., St Paul, MN 55107
  How about a fresh farm-to-table meal served in an old air terminal? For a unique dining experience, Holman's Table is a must-try. With amazing entrees like Pork Porterhouse and Revier Farms Steak, you can enjoy fresh, sophisticated dishes accompanied by a large selection of wines. All food is locally-sourced, and the restaurant is conveniently located near some beautiful Saint Paul homes for sale.

You go to the paint store, pick out a nice hue of your favorite color from a tiny paint strip, and order a few gallons of paint. You set aside a weekend, prep your room, and get the job done. But something's wrong, the color looks different from what you picked out, and it doesn't even compliment your sofa and rug. Now you have to start the process all over again to turn the results around. We get it; choosing a paint color can be surprisingly tricky, but learning the basic rules of color selection is the best way to avoid painter's remorse. The right paint color is especially critical if you're planning to list your home among Victoria homes for sale or White Bear homes for sale. Follow these tips for painting success.

• Create a Color Scheme
  Mapping out the room before you head to the hardware store is a great place to start. Consider what will be in each room in terms of furniture, fabrics, flooring, décor accessories, and finishes. You can then get a color wheel to see how colors might relate to each other and how you can mix them to create a balanced color scheme.