4235 13th Avenue S
Minneapolis, MN 55407

Q & A with the Sellers

1.  What compelled you to buy THIS house?

We had looked a tons of homes during the real estate rush of 1999. This one simply felt like home. It was on a quiet street with wonderful elm trees and showed so much potential. The person who had lived here before wasn’t really interested in the yard or even much inside. The house seemed like an underdog - we’ve poured in lots of tender loving care to make it a wonderful home.  The neighbor lady across the street (now deceased) used to exclaim that this house was just waiting for a family like us to show it some love.  It’s become a bit of a hobby house - we’ve added the patio and gardens, changed the trim color from blue to dark grey (and added the Leafguard gutters). There is a miniature cherry tree, two miniature apple trees, rhubarb, grapes, and raspberries that are fun to bake with.  It was also just the right size - good space upstairs and down, without being the kind of house that you’d have to spend all weekend cleaning. So it was the perfect blend of home ownership without the house owning us.

2.  What is it about this house that makes it better than other homes?  What can other homes not match?

It’s got great “bones” - it is a well-crafted, solid house. We took advantage of some of the potential and know that the house still has more potential for someone to “make it their own.” We’ve made periodic updates - the furnace (December 2015), added central air (2000), new roof (1999), new front walkway  & entry doors (2004). It’s a classic city house without being overstated or stuffy. There’s also great sunshine in the morning in the bedrooms, the mid-day in the kitchen. We’ve enjoyed some great city sunsets from the living room or the front steps.

3.  What unique activities did you do in this house?

For fun, we set up a kid’s plastic bowling set in the hall on Saturday nights and would “bowl” - which was great, silly fun. The downstairs space has some wonderful creative spaces that we’ve used for a sewing studio/craft room as well as a work bench. We’ve made lots of projects - including a small engine display that helps illustrate how engines work. We also baked loads of Christmas cookies that we package and deliver to the neighbors on Christmas eve. Our close proximity to the downtowns and the Mall of America make it easy and natural to host gatherings before or after community events.

4.  What have been your favorite activities to do / places to visit in the neighborhood and surrounding areas?

We like to stroll down to Minnehaha Creek and also stop by McRae Park. The 48th and Chicago business district has grown up while we’ve lived here, but has not gotten so big and pretentious that it’s intimidating. Pepito’s and Town Hall Tap are favorite places to visit. We also like just sitting in the backyard during quiet summer mornings and lazy summer evenings. The Farmer’s Markets are close and wonderful to shop. We often come home with a delicious assortment of fruits and veggies to prepare and devour.

5.  What do people say when they come here to visit you?

People feel very welcome here. The house and yard are comfortable and pleasant.