According to MSN Real Estate and Bert Sperling the Twin Cities is one of the countries 10 most liveable spots!  The study evaluated the nation’s most affordable markets in the 100 largest U.S. metro areas and pinpointed the 10 most livable spots: places where unemployment is lower than the national average, commute times are mercifully short and there’s enough interesting entertainment or recreation to keep most people busy. We defined affordability by the ratio of median income to median home price in the first quarter of 2012. The result is the MSN Real Estate Most Livable Bargain Markets list.  Click here to see the list.

This weekly market activity report from the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors shows that the tempo in residential housing has remained upbeat through the first five months of 2012. Year-to-date figures begin to sing a compelling tune at this time of year, and the song thus far is that markets are moving back toward balance and home prices are beginning to reflect that stabilization. For the most recent week, buyer activity was higher than year-ago levels while listing activity registered lower. Keep an eye on months supply, seller concessions, market times and foreclosure rates. Multiple offers are back and tentative owners looking to move should take note. It’s okay to sing in public again. (more…)