Stieg Strand's Blog Posts

The 2024 CPKC Holiday Train will tour Canada and the U.S. Nov. 21 through Dec. 20, raising money, food and awareness to support food banks across our network. Professional musicians play free

Open select evenings Nov. 21, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025Featuring more than one million lights, the Arboretum’s annual Winter Lights walking tour transforms the gardens into an illuminated wonderland

Get this week's "A Brilliant Tribe" email with local events and real estate updates. Click here for the GUIDEhttps://tinyurl.com

The TOP 7 ways to hit an off ramp & miss-fire on your home's actual market value. https://bit.ly

There is nothing that screams “It’s Fall!” more than visiting local orchards.As fall paints the west metro of the Twin Cities in vibrant hues, the local orchards invite apple

Have you ever wanted to be a cop? Or have you ever wondered what it’s like behind the scenes at the EPPD? Well, here’s your chance to find out! The EPPD is offering a Senior Citizens

The SKY is the LIMIT - Girls in Aviation Day is this coming Saturday the 21st to Flying Cloud Airport.....! Get your info here - https://bit.ly

This is a brief summary of the "changes" in FHA and VA mortgage loan underwriting since the NAR Settlement changes (National and MN Realtor)

Muttin Bustin'...that is a thing? Yes! & It will be tonight at the Carver County Fair (It started today) in Waconia if you are looking for something out of the ordinary to do.At the West Arena

BloomingtonFarmers MarketSaturday's 8am-1pmWednesday's(w/Live Music)5-8pm-----------       -----------       -----------ChanhassenFarmers Market Saturday

Here is a list (yes, just my opinion).... However...... mine is an informed opinion of the top 7 west metro nostalgic ice cream.

 (Click on the picture details)Schooner Days at Round Lake Park in Eden Prairie has been delighting young peoples, burning up parents cash, and giving BINGO and BEER fans a place to

(Click on the picture details)Mainstreet Day FairDowntown Hopkins250+ VendorsChaska Family Learning CenterFood Truck Festival (Several Food Trucks & Tents)Scheels Grill FestFREE

This is absolutely NOT a scientific or exhaustive list. This is truly a work of love. Stieg Strand loves Ice Cream. He also loves history and therefore loves nostalgia. Ice Cream is one of the

Mothers Day weekend takes on a lot of different shapes and sizes. One thing I have always enjoyed for most people is it is usually relaxed. Which is a great way to honor your mom or the memory of.

Minnesota truly is filled with nice and happy people..... and we have statistics to boot! MN passed Idaho this year to be the 4th best state to live in the United States of America!!! https://www

Hey..... In case you are near a Culver's today, May 2nd only you can get a scoop of any kind of Custard for a donation of $1 to FFA (Future Farmers of America) (That is about 75% off!!!!) More info

I think it is important to put things into perspective.  Since March 15th, and even before with all the speculating, it has made Realtor's look either incompetent, crooked, or simply greedy and

The TOP 2 easiest home prep tipsSearch for PropertySubscribe to my YouTube Channel Spring is a great time in Minnesota. The hardest part is the weather is simply not very predictable.

Search for PropertySubscribe to my YouTube Channel As we come up to Earth Day weekend, the area buzzes with so much fun stuff to do for all ages, whether it is the Eco Expo at the EP Mall,

2 BIG Food Truck Events this Saturday!Prior Lake at Tractor SupplyRosemount at Cub FoodsChaska/Carver Cub Scout Pack 301"All you can eat" Pancake FundraiserAmerican Legion - ChaskaSaturday 8am

Ever wonder why everyone looks so sullen and even crabby in the old pictures from 100+ years ago? Well, there are a few reasons, and I have an article on it linked right here...https://bit.ly

A fact filled 60 seconds on the media hyped "buyers market"Search for PropertySubscribe to my YouTube Channel  Saint Patrick's Day is coming this Sunday March 17th.There are a number

Understanding a Zestimate of your home's value on Zillow.comSearch for PropertySubscribe to my YouTube Channel      A weekly format change is here. You can think of it

There are a number of things to do, especially if you are looking for low cost entertainment!& Yes, there is football game on Sunday as well.https://bit.ly

Zestimates are a computerized "opinion of value" of a home that you can see on Zillow.comIn the end, there are some Zestimates that make far more sense than others. Other times, these value

One more way to reduce stress! When AAA, AMAC, Readers Digest, and your personal financial planner all agree on the importance of something.... I think it would be a good idea to know more about

There is such a potent nostalgia that train's pull out of me. I fondly remember going to the Canadian Pacific Holiday train to downtown St. Paul with my wife Marilyn, and our three kids 20ish

It was nearly 250 years ago in 1789 when George Washington called for a "Day of Thanksgiving" officially in the United States. It was already a "non-official" celebrated holiday since the early

Tomorrow Nov 11th) is Veterans Day. I am so very thankful for veterans. Military service is at the core of who we are as a nation. We are a nation that was birthed on the ideals of individual and

Honoring our Veteran'sTHANK YOU!Gratitude is more than a word,it is also a way you choose to live your life.I am so very thankful for veterans.  Military service is at the core of who we

Fall is most certainly here.Well, more accurately the COLD part of Fall is here now. I truly love snow, but the couple inches of snow the other day was a depressing! I have a number of projects

The fall colors around Minnesoooocold are ahead of previous years says the DNR (You gotta trust the DNR!) ..... Maybe time to get your trip "up north" planned or on the way!? Live color

  ALL FAMILY FALL FUN It is September 14th, and I can definitely feel fall in the air.  I have to admit, I am ready.  We are already seeing a few yellow leaves, it is chilly

THE GREAT MINNESOTASWEAT TOGETHER For nearly 170 years the Minnesota Fair has been exciting and exhausting about two million visitors. It was even running for 3 years as a "territory fair"

Stieg Strand, Realtor in Eden Prairie, MN. Explains about how much is your home worth? There are actually 3 different methods and values to each home. This 60 second video will!

7 Practical Home Updates Before Selling Your Home                If you are thinking about selling your home sometime this year, or next... NOW is the

AUDIO, ARTS, AERONAUTICS, AND AMPITHEATERS!This weekend is full of a variety of activities in the area: The Flying Cloud Air Exposition, Crazy Days in Excelsior and Two FREE concerts at

MINI GOLF IS FAMILY FRIENDLY AND ALL WEATHEROUTDOOR Mini GolfCentennial Lakes Mini Golf NOTE: They have two courses - "Scottish Links"and "Putting Course" style Mini Golf) 

THE ANNUAL"TASTE OF CHASKA" May 10th4:00pm-8:00pmLive Music, Beer Tent, Food Trucks, Kids' Corner, and much more @ Firemen's Park3210 Chaska BlvdBONUS!: SouthWest Transit will be

The STAY LOCAL area Ice Cream "scene" is impressive, inexpensive, and super popular all family favorite!This is the first full week of having all my favorite Ice Cream places open. They

REAL ESTATE UPDATEAs more sellers are testing the waters, they are seeing the buyers are looking more for opportunity than kicking the tires. This affirms if not exceeds the speculation for a

Minnesotans pay their bills! The latest reports show our foreclosure rate in Minnesota are VERY low. We are at about 0.15% of all mortgages are currently in foreclosure! Wow... That is low. See the

Your Friend In the Real Estate BusinessFamily Friendly Maple Syruping As the daytime weather warms above 32 degrees, it is prime time for tapping maple trees and making syrup, or at least have

                     There are a number of methods to measure the health and strength of the real estate market. A statistic that reflects on

7 Practical home tasks to freshen up for spring!February 24, 2023  If you are thinking about selling your home sometime this year, now is the time to start preparing your home for a quick

GIVE THIS FRESH SNOW THE ATTENTION IT DESERVES! WINTER PLAY DAY has FREE EQUIPMENT RENTALS at Three Rivers Parks THIS Saturday, February 25 10:00am-3:00pmOne highlight to&

Chik-fil-A Open's its 21st Twin Cities restaurant in Eden Prairie! The new store is at the SW corner of Prairie Center and Flying Cloud near the EP Mall is scheduled to open Thursday, Jan

It is 2023, and we are sledding downhill just as fast as gravity will let us!There is and will continue to be so much to cloud the mind as we look into the coming year for the real estate market.

Your Friend In the Real Estate BusinessFree Christmas Light Tours  For over 30 years with a variety of people, like out of town guests, my kids, and of course friends, a common

The Canadian PacificChristmas Train is coming!The 1000 foot Canadian Pacific Christmas Train will bringing live entertainment "in exchange" for donations to our local food banks. It will be in

Your Friend In the Real Estate Business Merry Making Christmas Events!As we head into the first weekend in December, I thought it would be fun to highlight a few different things coming up, or

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLECONDO IN EDEN PRAIRIESELLER HIGHLY MOTIVATED AND WANTS TO SELL NOW!NO MORE GOING UP AND DOWN STAIRS IN YOUR HOME! & NO LAWN WORK, & NO SNOW SHOVELING. 2 Large

Your Friend In the Real Estate BusinessThe U of M Arboretum is full of its Christmas Lights Glory! The beautiful Award Winning family friendly light tour opens tonight. (Wednesday - Sunday

The Asia Mall opens!The Asia Mall has been anxiously awaited and it is open on November 10!In the Asia Mall there are currently 6 Restaurants, a "Japenese" Donut Bakery called Mochi Dough, and

10/6/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportFall Colors in SW Metro...Read Full Blog Post 

10/20/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportJack-O-Lanterns at MN Zoo...Read Full Blog Post 

10/13/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportLocal Pumpkin Patches To Explore...Read Full Blog Post 

9/22/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportSever's Fall Festival Open...Read Full Blog Post 

9/29/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportApple Season in the SW Metro...Read Full Blog Post 

9/15/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportAPPLE DAY FUN in Excelsior...Read Full Blog Post 

9/8/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportJames J. Hill Days This Weekend...Read Full Blog Post 

8/18/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportThe Great Minnesota Get Together...Read Full Blog Post 

8/25/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportMassive Amphitheatre Approved...Read Full Blog Post 

9/1/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportPopular Bike Trails in SW Metro...Read Full Blog Post 

8/4/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportOutdoor Patios in Eden Prairie...Read Full Blog Post 

8/11/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportDouble Demolition Derby Events...Read Full Blog Post 

7/28/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportFamily Fun All Weekend at Chaska River City Days...Read Full Blog Post 

7/14/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportFire and Ice Festival in Chaska...Read Full Blog Post 

7/21/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportSpirit of the Lakes Festival This Weekend at Surfside Park...Read Full Blog Post 

7/7/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportNew Restaurants To Try This Summer...Read Full Blog Post 

6/30/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market Report4TH of July FIREWORKS GUIDE...Read Full Blog Post 

6/16/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportBig Taste of Fun in Shakopee on Saturday...Read Full Blog Post 

6/23/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportFamily Fun at Dan Patch Days in Savage...Read Full Blog Post 

6/9/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportFREE Beaches and Splashpads for Summertime Fun...Read Full Blog Post 

5/26/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportHappy Memorial Day Weekend...Read Full Blog Post 

6/2/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportClassic Car Night Starts Wednesday...Read Full Blog Post 

5/19/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportValleyfair Opening Weekend Begins on Friday...Read Full Blog Post 

5/12/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportMini-Golf FUN in the SW Metro...Read Full Blog Post 

5/5/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportLive Music and Food Trucks at Annual Taste of Chaska on Wednesday...Read Full Blog Post 

4/28/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportCars and Caves Opening Weekend on Saturday...Read Full Blog Post 

4/14/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportHappy Easter & Local Ice CreamShops Now Open...Read Full Blog Post 

4/21/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportChick-Fil-A Plans For Eden Prairie Site Nearing Completion...Read Full Blog Post 

4/7/22 Southwest Twin Cites Market ReportTwins Baseball Home Opener Tomorrow...Read Full Blog Post 

2/24/22 Southwest Twin Cities Market ReportFREE RENTALS on winter gear at Three Rivers Parks Locations This Saturday, Feb 26"Free Play Snow Day" is returning to Three Rivers Park Locations on