A Tribute to The Rolling Stones, Excelsior’s Mr. Jimmy, and the Homes That Move Us

Welcome to Gimme Shelter—your insider’s look at what’s happening right now across the Lake Minnetonka area and the western suburbs real estate market. Inspired by the day Mick Jagger wandered into Bacon’s Drugstore in Excelsior and met a man named Mr. Jimmy (true story, look it up), this weekly post is where music meets market momentum.

Spring is in the air, and with it comes a surge of fresh listings, motivated buyers, and off-market chatter. Whether you’re lakeside in Wayzata, acreage-bound in Independence, or condo-curious in Maple Grove, this week’s real estate mix has something for everyone.

Let’s take a look at what’s heating up:

New & Upcoming Listings

  • Hugo – End-unit townhome, 2BR/3BA with a 2-car garage. $300's
  • Chanhassen – Wooded lot, 2-story home, 3,000 sq ft. Available mid-April. $600's
  • Ham Lake – Custom-built on 1.3 acres with a pond and gazebo. 3BR/3BA, 2,900 sq ft. $600's
  • Wayzata – Townhome. Approx. 3,000 sq ft. $900's
  • Chanhassen – Lake views, beach access, deeded dock rights (waitlist). 1+ acre lot. $875's
  • Maple Grove – 2BR/2BA condo. $200's
  • Minneapolis (South) – 2007-built two-story, 3BR/2BA. $500's
  • Wayzata – To-be-built Swanson Homes masterpiece on Bushaway Road. 6,400 sq ft of luxury. Package around $5,000,000
  • Automotorplex Medina - property with living quarters above. $600's

Non-MLS Opportunities  

  • Maple Grove – Executive home with sport court
  • Independence - Lake Sarah Lakeshore
  • Medina (Orono Schools) – 5BR/4BA, 5,000+ sq ft. $900Ks
  • Eden Prairie (The Preserve) – 4BR/3BA, approx. 3,000 sq ft
  • St. Paul (St. Anthony Park) – Charming 5BR/2BA, over 2,200 sq ft
  • Excelsior (Minnetonka Schools) – 3BR/2BA near 2,200 sq ft
  • Wayzata Area – Upper bracket single family home

Buyer Needs: Who’s Looking, and What For

  • Character Home with Privacy – Cash buyer up to $1M
  • Distressed Properties – Open budget, flexible timeline
  • URGENT – 4BR+ in Chanhassen, Carver, EP, or Minnetonka. Up to $430K
  • Western Suburbs – Single-family up to $650K with flexible closing
  • One-Level Townhome – $300K–$500K. Ready to buy this Saturday
  • Main Floor Primary Suite – Mtka/Orono/Wayzata. Up to $2M
  • First-Time Buyer – $240K range. Shakopee, Chaska, Chan, Hopkins
  • Minnetonka Schools (East Side) – Two-story w/ 4BR up. Urgent need. Up to $1.2M
  • 10+ Acre Property (Western Suburbs) – Seeking land and privacy. Budget up to $1.3 million
  • South Plymouth / Wayzata – Rambler wanted in the $1.6–$1.7 million range

Rental Needs

  • Wayzata Rental – 1-year lease. Budget $7K–$10K/month
  • Lake Minnetonka Area – Rental up to $5K–$6K/month, starting late April or May 1. Flexible term

Final Notes from the Lake

As always, the best deals are often the quietest. If you’re a buyer frustrated by the lack of inventory on the MLS, it may be time for a more strategic (and better-connected) approach. And if you’re thinking of selling this spring or summer, now’s the time to prep—buyers are lining up for the right homes at the right price.

Whether you’re looking for a lake escape, a downsized delight, or your first step into the market, I’ve got the knowledge, network, and experience to guide you home.

Stay tuned every week for Gimme Shelter. Until then—call me if you're ready to talk real estate... or rock 'n' roll.

“I went down to the Chelsea drugstore… to get your prescription filled…”  

— The Rolling Stones, You Can’t Always Get What You Want  

(Shoutout to Mr. Jimmy, always.)