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Minnesota is the state of (many more than) 10,000 lakes. The natural beauty, affordable living, and job opportunities draw in buyers, but when's the best time to buy? And how do you get the best deal? It all comes down to your priorities.
In recent years, listing prices for homes in Minnesota were lowest in January. On average, homes were $21,257 less expensive. While in August — the month with the highest prices — the listing prices were $7,937 more than the annual average.
Mortgage rates, on the other hand, were lowest in December. But with interest rates on the rise, it pays to explore your options with a trusted mortgage provider to make sure you get the best rate possible.
Read on to find out what's the best time to buy a house in Minnesota.
Getting started
If you're interested in buying a home in Minnesota, the first step is to connect with an experienced realtor. Economic conditions in Minnesota can change quickly, and the right agent can give you up-to-date information on when and where to start your home search.
To find a realtor, we recommend working with a free service like Clever Real Estate. Clever matches you with top agents from trusted brands like RE/MAX and Keller Williams.
Interview as many agents as you'd like until you find the perfect fit, or walk away at any time with no obligation. Add your zip code below to request hand-picked agent matches today!
If you're ready to buy a home, Clever can connect you with an agent who knows the market!
✅ Get expert help to negotiate your purchase price
✅ Work with a full-service realtor from a top broker
✅ Clever is 100% free, with zero obligation
The best time of year to buy in Minnesota
In general, the best time to buy a house in Minnesota is in the late summer and early fall. You'll have plenty of homes to choose from, and you'll have far less competition from other buyers. That's because the market slows down after the busy spring season.
If you want to shop when the most homes are available, start your search in the spring. April, May, and June are the busiest months for real estate in Minnesota, and you're more likely to find a move-in ready home that fits your needs. However, you may have to pay above market price due to competition from other buyers.
Buying in the winter is rarely ideal, since Minnesota sees such harsh weather. However, if you find a home on the market in December, January, or February, you could get a great deal. Sellers will likely be extremely motivated to sell and willing to negotiate.
While these are general rules of thumb, it's important to remember that price trends can vary from city to city — and there may even be anomalies within certain neighborhoods. The best way to find a home in your target market is to connect with a local realtor. They'll help you navigate the ins and outs of your market and find the best time to buy a house in Minnesota.
💰 Find a top buyer's agent near me today!
The best places to buy a home in Minnesota
Curious where the best places to live in Minnesota are? Take a look at these five cities, which rank highly in terms of housing, job opportunities, culture, and more.
Rochester
Rochester, MN, is ranked #4 on Niche.com’s "Best Cities to Buy a House" and is home to the Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota Rochester. With access to arts, culture, and a thriving food scene, you’ll find plenty to do in this affordable city. The median home price is only $219,400.
Minneapolis
Minneapolis and its many suburbs are great places to live. Residents enjoy a strong job market, a diverse population, and high-quality schools. The area is more expensive, as you might expect of a larger city, but it's much more affordable than other major cities.
St. Paul
St. Paul and Minneapolis are the Twin Cities, with Minneapolis being more urban and St. Paul more suburban. In St. Paul, you’ll find less expensive housing than in Minneapolis, as well as good schools and an above-average job market.
St. Cloud
St. Cloud offers a variety of job options, above-average schools, and a historic downtown. With a population of 67,093, the area is relatively diverse in terms of age and education. This affordable town has a median home value of only $158,500.
Northfield
Northfield has excellent schools and caters to a mix of college students, young families, and retirees. The median home value is slightly above the national average, but the employment options are top-notch.
Four ways to get a great deal on a home in Minnesota
1. Find a great Minnesota real estate agent
When you buy a home in Minnesota, you don’t want to do it alone. A local real estate agent will help you find great deals and move quickly on a home you like.
2. Determine what you need and want in a house
Work with your agent to determine what you’re looking for in a house. What are your must-haves? What features can you compromise on? Once you prioritize, your agent can help you find options that fit your needs and your budget.
3. Find a lender and secure financing
Unless you plan to buy your home with cash, you'll need to apply for a mortgage. For most home buyers in Minnesota, interest rate is one of the biggest factors when choosing a lender. Doing some upfront research and comparing options to find the best rate could save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
For example, in Minnesota a typical house is worth $275,000. Assuming a 20% down payment, if you took out a 30-year mortgage for 3.5%, your monthly payment would be $981. But if you shopped around and found a 3% mortgage, your monthly payment would drop to about $928.
4. Negotiate for the best possible price
Once you find a suitable home, it’s time to make an offer. Your agent will help you determine how much to offer to win the property without overpaying. They'll also guide you through negotiations after the home inspection.
If you're looking for a realtor, Clever can connect you with the top buyer's agents in your area for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Fill out our online form, and a Clever representative will reach out to get the process started and answer any questions.
Finding a great local realtor is the first step in making your home buying dreams a reality. Our free service matches you with top agents from trusted brands like Keller Williams and RE/MAX.
Enter your zip code to request hand-picked agent matches in minutes. Compare your options until you find the perfect fit, or walk away with no obligation. Try Clever's free service today!
