The Kraus Real Estate Team

09/25/2026

🏡 Come see 641 8th Ave N in South St. Paul!

Fresh paint and new carpet give this home a welcoming feel. Cozy up by either of the two fireplaces, enjoy coffee on the screened porch, and make the most of the spacious detached garage. The seller is also willing to offer a closing cost credit toward new appliances.

🎥 Take the virtual tour: https://www.virtuance.com/listing/641-8th-ave-n-south-saint-paul-minnesota

Message me to schedule a showing!

07/19/2026

Selling soon? Worried about how much you'll make in today's market? An agent can help your house sell for as much as possible. Homes sold with an agent sell for $65,000 more than homes sold without one. Because a pro has the right network, marketing, and pricing strategy to draw stronger offers. So, when you're ready to make top dollar for your house, let's connect.



Message me today to chat about your options for Buying, Selling or Investment Opportunities!

07/18/2026

For 14 years straight, Americans have called real estate the best long-term investment, and confidence in owning a home is on the rise. If you've been weighing whether buying is worth it, let's connect and talk through what that first step could look like for you.



Message me today to chat about your options for Buying, Selling or Investment Opportunities!

Quick gut reaction. Which investment do Americans trust more than stocks, gold, savings accounts, and bonds? The answer hasn't changed in 14 years.

07/16/2026

One of the biggest seller myths floating around right now is that buyers have disappeared.
The headlines certainly make it feel that way.

But here's what the data actually says.

More homes are going under contract right now than they were at this point the last two years.

And here's how that's possible. Life doesn't wait for perfect mortgage rates. People still get married. Families grow. Jobs change.

At some point, waiting becomes harder than moving. So serious buyers still take the plunge.

So, if you've been wondering whether there are still buyers out there...

There are.

The key is knowing how to position your house to stand out in today's market. Send me a message if you want some advice on what it would take to get your house sold right now.



Message me today to chat about your options for Buying, Selling or Investment Opportunities!

07/15/2026

Worried about making the most from your sale in today’s market? Here's what to know.

Homes sold with an agent go for $65,000 more, on average, than homes sold without one.

Because maximizing the profit from your sale takes insight into what buyers are willing to pay right now, how much competition you have in your area, and more.

So, let’s connect. We’ll come up with a strategy to get you top dollar.



Message me today to chat about your options for Buying, Selling or Investment Opportunities!

07/13/2026

Whether you’re buying or selling, deals are looking different at the moment.

Almost half of sellers gave buyers a concession recently – the highest share on record for this time of year. Builders are also compromising, with over 60% offering incentives like upgrades or discounts.

That says one thing: negotiations are back on the table.

For buyers, that means more chances to ask for a better deal – and maybe get it.

For sellers, it means buyers will expect you to meet them partway. Digging in your heels could mean a longer wait or a lost sale.

The magic words right now? Wiggle room.

Let's connect to talk about what's realistic to ask for, or offer, in our market.



Message me today to chat about your options for Buying, Selling or Investment Opportunities!

07/12/2026

If the first half of this year has left you feeling stuck, you're definitely not the only one.

Mortgage rates stayed higher than people hoped. Affordability was still tough. And every time it felt like things might improve, something else got in the way. But here's the good news.

A lot of housing experts think the second half of the year could start heading in a better direction. Not because everything magically gets fixed overnight...

But because if inflation cools off and things settle down overseas, mortgage rates could ease, more buyers could jump back in, and the market could finally start feeling a little less stuck.

Will everything suddenly be easy? Probably not. But after the first half we've had, "better" is a pretty good place to start.

If you're wondering what that could mean for your plans (or for our local market), send me a message...



Message me today to chat about your options for Buying, Selling or Investment Opportunities!

07/11/2026

The second half of the year probably won't be perfect. But it could be better.
Mortgage rates may ease. Home sales could pick up. And prices are expected to continue rising at a healthier, more sustainable pace. If you've been waiting for signs of progress, this is it.
If you want to understand what these forecasts mean for your plans and what’s happening in our local market, let’s connect.



Message me today to chat about your options for Buying, Selling or Investment Opportunities!

If the first half of this year has left you feeling stuck, you're not the only one.

07/09/2026

Think first-time buyers are getting shut out of the market? Think again. They just made up 35% of all buyers – the highest share of the market since 2020. And that’s up from just 30% a year ago. As more homes hit the market, more first-timers are finding their way in. So don’t give up. Let’s connect to see if buying is possible for you too.



Message me today to chat about your options for Buying, Selling or Investment Opportunities!

07/08/2026

If your student loans have you wondering whether buying a home is even possible, keep reading.

33% of first-time homebuyers have student loan debt. That's roughly a third. And if they're making it happen, maybe you can too. Here’s why.

Lenders look at your whole financial picture – your income, your credit, your overall debt – not just your loans. So, if your finances are in decent shape, you might be a lot closer to owning than you think.

Don't count yourself out before you even try. Connect with a lender and talk about your options.



Message me today to chat about your options for Buying, Selling or Investment Opportunities!