Things to Know Before You Buy a Home: Introduction to the 2026 Buyer’s Guide Series

Buying a home in today’s Minneapolis Saint Paul metro area market—especially in the south metro (Lakeville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Bloomington, and surrounding communities)—is competitive. Multiple buyers often compete for the same property across a wide range of price points. To put yourself in the best position to win the home you want, you need to do the work upfront and avoid common pitfalls that cause buyers to lose out. Why This Series Matters The buyers who struggle or miss out usually work with:

• Inexperienced agents who don’t understand current market dynamics.
• Agents who are slow or disorganized — delayed follow-up, incomplete paperwork, missed deadlines, or poor communication.

Who you hire as your real estate agent directly impacts your success. The right agent saves you time, money, and stress while helping you navigate a fast-moving market. The wrong one can cost you your dream home. Over the next 10 articles in this series, I’ll walk you through every key step of the home-buying process in Minnesota in 2026:

• Credit scores and mortgage pre-approval
• Finding the right home and searching effectively
• Making a strong, strategic offer
• Negotiating and handling contingencies
• Home inspections and what to watch for
• Appraisal, financing, and closing details
• Final walkthrough and move-in preparation

This isn’t generic advice. It’s based on over 20 years of hands-on experience helping buyers and sellers in the south metro area. My goal is to give you clear, practical steps so you’re prepared, confident, and ready to act when the right home appears. How to Get the Most Out of This Series

• Read each part as it’s released.
• Reach out with questions at any time—no obligation. Text or call me, Tom Sommers with Coldwell Banker Realty.
• Use this knowledge to evaluate agents and make sure the one you choose is proactive, detail-oriented, and truly working for you.

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Lakeville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Bloomington, or anywhere in the south metro, let’s talk. I’ll help you get pre-approved, find the right property, and position you to win in today’s market. Ready to start your home-buying journey in 2026? Contact me today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Text or call—Tom Sommers, Coldwell Banker Realty.