While I’m bummed that the lovely Arden HIlls (where we call home) didn’t make the list, I’m glad to see that so many of our local cities made the cut. Frequently cited reasons for Minnesota city popularity include schools, safe/quiet streets, access to outdoors and quaint community centers.

While many in the housing business have been feeling negative in the past few years, there are a lot of things to be grateful for here in Minnesota. For us, while new home-building has really fallen off, we’re meeting lots of families who are deciding to stay put in their homes and upgrade or add on to their existing home. As we’ve said before, there are a lot of benefits to remodeling, including being greener than new home building, saving money through not incurring costly realtor fees, and taking advantage of the super low home equity loans available now.

Check out their July 12 story “The Best Places to Live 2010″ for CNN Money’s full scoop on the Best Places to Live 2010.

Remodeling saves money

While the Minneapolis housing market may be improving, many homeowners would have to slash their prices in order to unload their homes. Instead of selling to move to a bigger and better home, remodeling activities are a practical option to get a bigger kitchen, an extra bedroom, new basement usable square footage or just nicer spaces overall.

It’s a great time to remodel in the Minneapolis-area, especially if you can handle a little bit of turbulence while staying put in your current home. Construction companies are getting busier, but you’ll still have ample companies willing to bid to renovate your home, and you’ll likely find some good deals (though price should never be the sole factor when you pick a contractor partner).

Check out the CNNMoney article above, and contact us if you’re interested in seeing how to invest more in the home you already love rather than deal with the hassles of selling.

Here’s what this means for you, a consumer considering anything from a new custom home to a small remodel project or addition:

• More willing bidders- this is especially good for you related to smaller projects like a new deck, a pergola, a small bathroom remodel, kitchen refresh, etc., because when companies are busy your small project is less of a priority. More willing bidders means there’s more competition to give you a good price.
• Faster project completion- Construction companies in Boulder County aren’t as busy as they once were (though we’re definately seeing signs of things picking up). This means that you won’t have to wait as long for your project to start, or suffer as many potential delays due to other projects interfering with yours. While good contractors (like us) will always make your job a priority, this is especially true now.
• Lower construction materials costs- A few years ago, prices on building materials were through the roof. Now, due to decreased demand worldwide the materials needed for a new home have come down in price.

Plus, since the housing market is a bit sketchy these days, it may make a lot more sense to add on to  or remodel your current home. This way, you have a more live able space while you wait for the market to recover, and can then sell your house for a premium.

Contact Constructive Builders for estimates on any upcoming new construction or remodel projects in the Lafayette, Louisville, Boulder, Longmont, Denver, etc. areas.

The article notes that lower end homes are going faster, but that the high end is unthawing, too, something that we haven’t seen for six months or more.

It seems to be a great time for home buyers to buy before prices go back up.