#1 Rated Real Estate Agent in Lakeville MN | 23 Years | 200+ Five-Star Reviews

Lakeville's #1 Rated Real Estate Agent — Serving Bloomington & the South Metro

23 years of experience. 200+ five-star Google reviews. Ranked #1 on Google for Lakeville MN real estate.

Most agents list your home on the MLS and wait. I bring something no one else in this market has — a following of over 60,000 people on social media, real estate videos averaging 5,000+ views, and a content-driven marketing system built to put your home in front of buyers who are actively looking in Lakeville and Bloomington right now.

If you are selling, I will price it right, prepare it properly, and market it in a way that creates real demand — not just exposure. If you are buying, I will help you move fast, compete smart, and avoid the mistakes that cost people money in this market. You will always know exactly where you stand and what to do next.

Thinking about buying or selling? Text Tom, call, or get your free home valuation below.

How do you determine my home's value?
I determine your home's value the old-fashioned way. I study the most similar sold homes near you, usually within about a 2-mile radius. I also review the MLS AVM and a third valuation metric I use to cross-check the numbers. When those three pieces line up, we get a much clearer picture of your value and the best pricing strategy.

Should I sell my home now or wait?
Waiting always comes with uncertainty. The market is constantly shifting between buyer and seller conditions. I can tell you exactly what is happening right now, but no one can predict the future. If you need or want to sell, the best move is to work within today's market and build a strategy that puts you in the strongest position.

What do I need to do to prepare my home for sale?
Focus on the basics that make the biggest impact. Declutter, clean, and handle small repairs. Inside, remove excess furniture and clear off countertops so every room feels bigger and more open. Outside, clean everything up and boost curb appeal. First impressions get buyers through the door, condition is what gets you the offer.

How do I choose the right listing agent?
You should talk to a few agents and understand how they actually work. Ask them to explain their strategy, not just their results. What separates me is a detailed marketing plan that combines video, social media, and proven real estate methods to put your home in front of more buyers. I focus on the details, from how your home is presented to how showings are scheduled, so nothing gets missed.

How long will it take to sell my home?
Every home is different. It comes down to condition, price, and what you are offering for the money. If your home is priced right and shows well, it can sell quickly. If it is overpriced, it will sit and often sell for less once it becomes stale. You only get one chance to make a first impression. I use aggressive marketing, including video and social media, to grab buyers' attention fast and keep your home in front of the right audience.

Most sellers leave money on the table by pricing wrong or missing key prep steps.
Before you list your home, text me at 952-994-7204. I'll show you what it's worth and how to position it to sell fast and for top dollar.

How much home can I afford?
It depends on your budget, not just what a lender approves you for. Most buyers get approved for more than they should spend. The key is finding a monthly payment you're comfortable with so you don't feel stretched. That includes taxes and insurance, not just the loan. Sitting down with a solid loan officer is the first step. If you don't have one, I can connect you with a few good options.

Do I need 20 percent down to buy a home?
No. That's a myth. You can buy with as little as 3 percent down on a conventional loan or 3.5 percent with FHA. If you're a veteran, you may qualify for 0 down with a VA loan. Putting 20 percent down avoids PMI, but that cost is much more manageable today than it used to be. The right move depends on your situation, and a good loan officer will help you break down your options. If you need one, I can connect you.

Should I buy a home now or wait?
No one can predict the market. Not me, not anyone. The market shifts every year, just like the stock market. Trying to time the lowest rate and the best price rarely works. When rates drop, more buyers jump in and prices go up. In many cases, you don't actually save money. The better move is to buy when it makes sense for you and build a strategy around today's market.

What is the first step in buying a home?
The first step is building your team. That means a trusted real estate agent, a solid loan officer, and a reliable title company. Too many buyers find a home first and try to figure it out after, and that's where problems happen. When you have the right team in place, you can move fast and make smart decisions. You also need someone representing your best interests. The agent at an open house works for the seller, not you. If you want to buy with confidence and avoid costly mistakes, start with the right representation.

How long does it take to buy a home?
It depends on how strong you are as a buyer. If you have solid credit, a good down payment, and you're fully pre-approved, the process moves much faster. Strong, clean offers get accepted quicker. If you need assistance or seller-paid costs, it can take longer to compete and get under contract. The more prepared and organized you are, the smoother and faster the process will be.

Most buyers make mistakes early that cost them time, money, or the home they really want.
Text me at 952-994-7204 and I'll connect you with a lender, show you what you can afford, and help you compete with stronger buyers. I'll help you build a plan so you don't make a costly mistake.

Watch 85 Quick Video Answers

Real questions from real Lakeville and Bloomington buyers and sellers, answered in 60 seconds or less — pricing, HOA issues, financing, home systems, and more.

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Watch the Home School Podcast

Tom Sommers and Liz Sandwick answer real questions about buying, selling, pricing, and negotiating in the Twin Cities — five episodes and counting.

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