February News, Events & Announcements!
Welcome to our February 2026 News 🗞️ and Events Announcements!
Happy February! We’re excited to share updates from Team Sean & Blanca, from recent closings and exciting opportunities in Minnesota real estate to events, listings, and market insights!
February is bringing fresh momentum and a lot to be excited about! While the start of the year felt a bit slower across the Minnesota market, we’re already seeing things pick up, more activity, more showings, and buyers stepping back into the market with confidence. As we move closer to spring, the energy is shifting, and opportunities are opening up.
We’re also celebrating a successful closing today here in Minnesota, there’s nothing better than helping our clients reach the finish line and start their next chapter. In addition, we currently have four beautiful listings on the market, each offering unique opportunities for buyers looking to make a move this year.
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, there’s so much excitement happening throughout the Twin Cities, from romantic dinners and local markets to fun family-friendly events. It’s a great reminder of why we love serving this community and helping people find a place to call home right here in Minnesota.
We’re looking forward to what the rest of this month brings and can’t wait to continue helping our clients win in 2026.
💘 Things to Do for Valentine’s Day Weekend at the Twin Cities
Institute of Hearts at the Minneapolis Institute of Art
🗓 Feb 10–15
📍 Minneapolis Institute of Art
❤️ A beloved seasonal tradition where visitors can place red paper hearts by their favorite artworks.
💸 Free admission, a romantic and artsy way to celebrate love
Old St. Anthony Valentine’s Night Market
🗓 Feb 13 • 6–10 PM
📍 Machine Shop — Minneapolis
🛍️ Browse local makers, find unique handcrafted gifts, enjoy the indoor market vibe, perfect for early Valentine’s shopping or a date night stroll.
💸 Free entry (ticket required).
Valentine’s Weekend Dinner Experiences
Here are a couple of great date-night dinner options on Feb 13 & 14:
🍝 Valentine’s Dinner at Giulia: Special five-course prix fixe menu; seasonal romantic flavors.
🥃 Valentine’s Sensory Prix Fixe at Norseman Distillery: Themed cocktails + three-course meal.
💸 Prices vary (special menus typically à la carte / prix fixe).
Candlelit Walk & Live Music at Lowry Nature Center
🗓 Feb 14 • 6 PM–9 PM
📍 Lowry Nature Center — Victoria, MN
🌲 Take a romantic candlelit trail walk through nature and enjoy live music, charcuterie, and dessert options, great for couples wanting something outdoorsy and intimate.
💸 Pricing varies based on food/activities.
Minnesota Market Update
Current inventory trends
Inventory in the Twin Cities and broader Minnesota market remains relatively tight compared to historical norms, but we are seeing modest improvements as more homes begin to enter the market — especially in suburban areas. Analysts are expecting a modest increase in available homes this winter, particularly as we transition toward spring. These added choices mean more opportunities for buyers who are ready to act.
Buyer opportunities
Even with inventory improving slightly, buyer activity has been more measured this year — giving serious homebuyers an advantage. With mortgage rates generally expected to stay in the 6–7% range this season, buyers benefit from less intense competition than in recent years, more time to make thoughtful decisions, and increased negotiating power. This creates a strong opportunity for those looking to secure a home before spring competition spikes.
New construction incentives
New construction in the Twin Cities continues to be a compelling option for many buyers. Builders are actively offering incentives such as rate buydowns, closing cost credits, and energy-efficient upgrades to help make new homes more affordable and attractive. Plus, hundreds of new communities and floorplans across the metro mean more choice in price ranges and styles.
Upcoming spring market predictions
Looking ahead, many local experts predict a classic spring market surge — with more sellers listing homes, buyers becoming more active, and sales picking up momentum as temperatures warm. Historically, spring and early summer have been the busiest periods for real estate in Minnesota, and many analysts believe 2026 will follow suit, especially if mortgage rates moderate further or stay stable. A healthy spring market can mean increased showings, quicker sales, and more balanced negotiations between buyers and sellers.
January & February Closing Spotlights!
On January 6th, we celebrated Kara & Ellison’s successful closing in Minnesota, and what a strategic win it was.
After more than a decade of friendship with Victoria, their journey began with simple conversations about timing and possibilities. When the right home appeared in the Eagan / Inver Grove Heights area, they were ready. With a deliberate plan in place, we secured their new home nearly $30,000 under asking price in a highly desirable neighborhood. From creative offer strategy to negotiated inspections and an extended closing timeline, every step was executed with precision. Now they’re settling into the perfect space for their next chapter — with a smart plan to list their previous home this spring when market conditions are strongest.
✨ A thoughtful move, perfectly timed.
Read more about their journey in Buyer’s Chronicles — here!
Today, February 11th, we handed the keys to Elizabeth and celebrated her very first home.
For Elizabeth, this wasn’t just a purchase. It was independence. After years of renting, she was ready for a place fully her own, where every decision, every wall color, and every future plan belonged to her.
We secured her offer on January 13th in a competitive multiple-offer situation, and thanks to her preparation (including completing a pre-inspection before submitting the offer), we were able to move forward confidently and close in less than a month. No surprises. No delays. Just a smooth, strategic transaction from start to finish.
Today marks the end of renting and the beginning of equity, ownership, and a brand-new chapter.
✨ For Elizabeth, “someday” officially became today.
Read more about her journey in Buyer’s Chronicles — here!
Take a Look at our Current Listings!
Quick Tips for Buyers & Seller💡
❄️ Winter Staging Tips (For Sellers)
Maximize light. Minnesota winters can feel darker, open blinds fully, add warm lighting, and use soft white bulbs to create a cozy glow.
Create warmth visually. Think textured throws, neutral rugs, and subtle seasonal décor (nothing holiday-specific).
Keep walkways spotless. Snow removal and salted paths matter, first impressions start before buyers walk in.
Highlight efficiency. Showcase newer windows, insulation upgrades, smart thermostats, and heating systems, buyers care about winter performance.
📝 How to Position Offers in February (For Buyers)
Be fully pre-approved, not just pre-qualified. In a tightening market, strong financing matters.
Consider a pre-inspection. Like Elizabeth did, this can make your offer stronger without waiving protection blindly.
Stay flexible when possible. Sellers appreciate adaptable closing dates or rent-back options.
Think strategically, not emotionally. February buyers often have less competition — which can mean better negotiation leverage before spring heats up.
🏗️ Why New Construction Can Still Be a Smart Buy
Builder incentives are still active. Many builders are offering rate buydowns, closing cost credits, or upgrade packages.
Energy efficiency = long-term savings. New homes often come with better insulation, HVAC systems, and lower utility costs.
Less immediate maintenance. New roof, new mechanicals, new appliances — fewer surprise repairs.
More inventory options than resale in some price points. Especially in suburban Minnesota markets.
Let’s Lift Each Other Up! Why Collaboration Matters More Than Ever ✨
For over 20 years, our business has been fueled by the incredible support of our clients, friends, and community. Every referral you send, every review you write, and every time you speak our names with confidence, it all matters. It shapes our business, our reputation, and the level of impact we’re able to create. And we never take that for granted. 💛
At Team Sean & Blanca, we believe wholeheartedly in lifting others as we climb. Our growth didn’t happen in isolation, it happened because a community wrapped around us, trusted us, and shared their experiences with others. That’s why we’re committed not only to acknowledging that support but giving it right back.
When You Support Us, We Support You
Whenever someone takes the time to refer us or leave a heartfelt review, our team rolls out the red carpet. Those gestures fuel our business and allow us to continue serving families across Minnesota, Dallas, and beyond, and now, it’s our turn to shine a light on YOU.
If you’re one of our incredible clients, business partners, or loyal supporters who shares our name in your circles, we’d love to return the favor. Whether you own a business, offer a service, or run a local side hustle, we want to spotlight your work, recommend you when opportunities arise, and help you grow, just like you’ve helped us.
Because success is not a solo journey. It’s a community effort. And we’re proud to stand with the people who stand with us. 🤝
Want Us to Feature Your Business? Let’s Collaborate! 📣
We’re creating a referral network designed to amplify local businesses, trusted partners, and the clients we love. If you'd like your business to be considered for upcoming features, shoutouts, or referrals, all you need to do is reach out. Blanca will send you a quick form to share your details, and our team will take it from there.
Whether you’re in real estate–adjacent industries like contracting, finance, insurance, design, cleaning, or something completely different, we want to highlight you. Let’s build a network where everyone wins.
Connect With Blanca 📲
Interested in being featured or collaborating? Reach out anytime, we’d love to support your business!
Blanca Schellsmidt
📞 651-503-1302
📧 blanca@seanandblanca.com
New Construction Homes
We have connections with great builders who are offering interest rates in the 5%’s and up to $25,000 in builder paid closing costs.
Never Pay Retail Again!
Remember 💡, as our past client or referring partner, you get access to our LLC where we can purchase high ticket items for dealer cost. Plus you get access to our network of trusted partners to get your projects done on time and on budget.
Would a Strategy call be helpful?
If you have future plans for real estate or relocating or exploring Mexico, don’t be shy! Book a zoom with us and let’s talk about it.
