Response from Geoffrey Serdar on 3/3/2025

Thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure working with you and your family to find the right opportunity, and I’m thrilled we were able to secure such a great deal at Lakewinds. Finding off-market properties that offer instant equity is always exciting, and I’m glad the process was smooth and stress-free for you. Building strong relationships with my clients and their families is something I truly value, and I appreciate the trust you placed in me. If you ever need anything in the future—or know someone looking for a knowledgeable and results-driven Realtor near Lake Minnetonka or the west metro—I’d be happy to help. Wishing you all the best in your new place! - Geoffrey Serdar

Response from Geoffrey Serdar on 5/10/2024

Justin, Thanks for your feedback, and I appreciate the opportunity to address your concerns. Here's a detailed breakdown of our transaction and your review: Your Mom-in-law and I have known each-other, well, since September of 2018, and we’ve had many, many discussions - that is what led her to suggesting I work for you, because she knew I’d make sure you win. Competitive & multiple bidding was prevalent in the market at the time of your purchase (across every price point, not just entry level pricing, and not just in great neighborhoods). Let’s get technical with the data: Comparable sales data from your building, Lakewinds (in Mound, Minnesota) highlights the market trends: - 4387 Wilshire Blvd #204: Listed at $150,000, sold for $160,000. - 4397 Wilshire Blvd #303: Listed for $165,000, sold for $180,000. - 4407 Wilshire Blvd #104: Listed for $169,000, sold for $202,000. Regarding the characterization of our transaction as "sloppy," (because I of course take umbrage with this). I want to clarify that my aim was to find you a condo within your tight budget and needed geographical area, while ensuring your financial well-being. Let’s now get technical with how the offer process was suggested and made… You were not the only offer, you were competing with a quick close cash offer, I wanted you to win (you wanted to win), so we suggested giving over list price, but we initially negotiated a purchase price that was only $15,000 over the list price, and then further negotiated it down by another $5,000 after the appraisal yielded unfavorable results. (The competing cash offer continued to stay at the table the whole way through). While no one wants to pay over the list price, I don’t either, but have personally numerous times, it's worth noting the trend in your building/community where multiple buyers had paid over the list price for units similar to yours at the time of your purchase. Now, addressing the challenges you've encountered with reselling your condo (because you and every other listing in your building has high days on market presently), let's delve into the numbers: - In May/June of 2022, the average interest rate for buyers with strong credit, employment history, and reserved funds was 5.25%, rising to 7.19% by April/May 2024. - At the time of a $145,000 purchase, the typical monthly mortgage + HOA costs amounted to $1,326.75. - Today a $145,000 purchase, they stand at $1,556.17 per month, indicating an increase in expenses. Let’s also discuss many of the reasons your home has been on market so long (for anyone reading this, I am not representing this sales listing, but I do believe it’s pending to close - so congrats Justin!). I advised you against using a golden oak flooring color due to its obviously negative impact on resale value. Despite my recommendation (having a constant pulse on the real estate market aesthetic trends) to consider aesthetics that could enhance property value, your decision was made to proceed with golden oak. My intent was to guide you towards finishes that would maximize resale value. Looks like I was correct. If anyone out there reading this would like me to stop by and make suggestions for their home that will be of benefit, I’m a text away at 952-258-3100 or you can find me on YouTube, my channel is @RealTalkGeo Also, Justin, it’s fun to watch your career, you really have gotten great at your craft, and it looks like it will continue to get even more awesome! Enjoy the spring, it’s a beautiful day today.

Response from Geoffrey Serdar on 3/3/2025

Steffen, I can’t thank you enough for this incredible review! Your words truly mean a lot, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help you navigate the Minneapolis real estate market and beyond. Finding the right home—whether for a first-time buyer, an investor, or anyone in between—is more than just a transaction to me. It’s about discovering a place that fits your lifestyle, goals, and long-term vision. I take pride in uncovering hidden gems, securing off-market deals, and offering creative financing solutions to help my clients succeed, no matter the market conditions. But at the heart of it all, it’s about the relationships and trust built along the way. I truly appreciate yours. Thanks again for your kind words and for letting me be part of your real estate journey! - Geoffrey Serdar

Response from Geoffrey Serdar on 3/3/2025

John - I truly appreciate your kind words and trust! It’s been an absolute pleasure working with you on both your purchase and sale in Minneapolis, and I’m grateful that our initial connection through a mutual friend has grown into a great friendship. Helping clients navigate real estate transactions—whether buying, selling, or investing—goes beyond just the business side; it’s about building lasting relationships and offering guidance that makes a difference. - Geoffrey Serdar