For most of the last sixty years, investing in a home has been considered a sure way to get started on preparing for retirement. Thousands of Minneapolis homes for sale and Saint Paul homes for sale have sold as safe vehicles for working professionals to accrue value in the form of home equity. It's a reliable and effective strategy.

But today's financial picture is a lot more complex in many ways. Paying off a mortgage before retirement is no longer a sure thing. At the same time, those who have substantial home equity have more ways to access it, even if they decide not to sell. How close you are to a full mortgage payoff also makes a difference.

The practicalities of selling your home and downsizing before retirement are easy to understand. Many people want a smaller home that's easier to clean and navigate. Smaller homes also cost less in heating, cooling, and lighting. But the financial impact of deciding to sell before retirement isn't always as obvious.

November 9th is National Go to an Art Museum Day, and it's a perfect time to discover the fascinating works around the Twin Cities. From classical works to modern masterpieces, there are plenty of museums to explore around Minnesota. If you're in town touring Saint Paul or Minneapolis homes for sale, stop by these six interesting museums.

1. Museum of Russian Art – 5500 Stevens Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55419
   The Museum of Russian Art is one of the most unique art galleries in the Twin Cities. TMORA is the only museum on the continent dedicated to Russia's extensive history's culture and art. With more than 5,000 pieces, you can purchase a $50 annual membership to receive free admission to all exhibits and exclusive discounts for all programs and events at TMORA.

Have you been busy exploring Minneapolis homes for sale? One of the great things about finding your dream home is knowing that you'll have a place of your own to celebrate all of your future special occasions. 

Whether you're enjoying a birthday, anniversary, or another important event, a great cake will make everything better. There are many excellent bakeries conveniently located near some of the best Saint Paul homes for sale. Each one creates expertly decorated confections that will blow your mind! You can also be sure that their cakes taste as good as they look. Next time you want to make a day memorable, we suggest pre-ordering a cake from one of these great bakeries.

Home remodeling improves your living environment and enhances your home's resale value, both while you're living in it and when you decide to sell it down the road. But many home improvement projects are incredibly expensive. Because of this, you'll probably wonder whether to do it yourself or hire a professional. Of course, there are so many resources that you can use for your DIY project, and in the end, you can save money on labor costs and get a sense of accomplishment.

Still, some projects are best left to the professionals, especially if you're planning to add your home to the list of Minneapolis homes for sale or Saint Paul homes for sale. Whether you're remodeling one part of a room or planning to spruce up the entire home, here are tips to help you decide whether you should DIY or call in the pros for your next remodeling project.