3 Twin Cities millennials on must-haves and dealbreakers in a house

July 26, 2019 at 9:48PM
Robin Viele and her husband Nick Aspholm are photographed in their living room. ] NICOLE NERI • nicole.neri@startribune.com BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Robin Viele and her husband Nick Aspholm (with a baby on the way) along with their dogs Leo and Willow in their home Saturday, July 6, 2019.
- (Nicole Hvidsten — Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Robin Viele and Nick Aspholm

What they bought: 1908 updated two-story in northeast Minneapolis.

Why they bought it? Move-in ready, semi-open floor plan, walkable neighborhood.

Must-haves: In the city, close to grocery store and restaurants, fenced yard for dog.

Deal-breakers: Too expensive. "We weren't willing to feel broke ... even if we technically could afford it," Viele said.

Michael and Lily Shenkenberg

What they bought: Renovated 1960s split-level in Edina.

Why they bought it? Location, move-in ready, open floor plan.

Must-haves: Proximity to downtown. All bedrooms on one level.

Deal-breakers: Homes in need of major updates or repairs. Too much brown woodwork.

Jake and Kristen O'Toole

What they bought: 1921 bungalow in Minneapolis.

Why they bought it? Bike-friendly, walkable location, access to public transit.

Must-haves: At least two bedrooms, a garage, lots of windows, "workable condition" — not a fixer-upper.

Deal-breakers: Bad location, shoddy updates.

Mike and Lily Schenkenberg, with dog Gio, bought this smartly updated Edina home that was the perfect size for the couple, who was looking to upsize from a condo.
- (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Kristen and Jake, with Penny, in their light-filled living room.
- (Star Tribune/The Minnesota Star Tribune)
about the writer

about the writer

Kim Palmer

Reporter, Editor

Kim Palmer is editor/reporter for the Homes section of the Star Tribune. Previous coverage areas include city government, real estate and arts and entertainment 

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