Showhomes Minneapolis has a sweet deal for you
Enjoy The Sense of Taste Series with ShowhomesGirl: Cindy Montgomery as she invites you into one of her Showhomes to learn how to make Sticky Toffee Pudding.
STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING
PUDDING:
In saucepan cook to a full boil:
1 C water
1 C date pieces (coated with oat flour preferred)
then cool while preparing the below ingredients
Mix and set aside:
1 C plus 2T unbleached all purpose flour
1 t baking powder
1 t baking soda
½ t salt
cream together:
4 T soft unsalted butter
¾ C Bakers fine sugar
then add 2 eggs
1 t vanilla extract
then add the date mixture and flour mixture – until just blended. Pour into a steam pan (or loaf pan) bake 35 minutes at 350 degrees. Gently touch cake; it should feel firm. Reduce heat to 250 degrees and pour ¾ C of warm toffee sauce over the top of cake and back another 25 minutes.
TOFFEE SAUCE
Cook the below with low heat
3 C heavy cream
2 t molasses and 1 T whiskey
2 ¼ C brown sugar
Simmer uncovered for at least 30 minutes (sauce will reduce slightly)
To serve – slice, pour some warm toffee sauce over the top and then pour a bit of heavy cream over that.
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ANOTHER ONE GONE! According to this report from the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS®, with all things remaining constant, it would have taken 40.1 months to sell a property in this price range of $995,000. Just under 2 months after it was designed by Showhomes, an offer was accepted on this home. We are off and running to a fast closing on February 3rd, 2010!
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October Designed, November offer, December closed. (For the second time!) The first time we designed the property, it sold in just 2 days and the second time in just over 2 months! The moral of the story? Staged homes sell faster, and staging works!
This beautiful home (remodeled by Andy Schrader of Schrader Homes) went on the market again and in September 2009, it had been on for over 180 days. The homeowners knew their property faced significant challenges as a vacant home in the upper price bracket, so they contacted Showhomes.
When they initially fell in love with their home, the homeowners remembered that they made their offer just 2 days after it had been staged by Showhomes. Motivated to sell their home, they contacted Showhomes Minneapolis, who designed the home on October 1, 2009. (Offer received in November, sale had closed by the first week in December).
In September 2009, there were 47.2 homes on the market per buyer in this price range (according to data from the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS®). Designs by Showhomes allowed the home to show above the overwhelming number of options in this buyer’s market.
When a property is vacant and empty, it is nearly impossible for potential buyers to envision themselves living their life within its bare walls. This particular home had large open spaces and six empty bedrooms.
To invoke feelings of home and to help buyers to envision themselves actually LIVING and enjoying their family here, we set up livable, enjoyable spaces in every room of the house (i.e. family rooms with ample seating, game areas with pieces out on the tables, a boys room full of toys… you get the idea).
It’s all about the design and presentation! Even though this home was in the upper price ranges, it sold quickly– because it showed above the rest!!
Showhomes Solution for a Successful New Year
Our management strategy gives your home a cared for, well designed space which offers an advantage over a vacant listing. We create a visual impact to attract buyers who are often known to linger in our Showhomes. When you stage with a home manager, utilities are paid, lawn care and snow removal is done and the home remains in a show to sell condition 7 days a week and 12 hours a day.
What’s Your Showhomes Story? | Volume 1
Resort Lifestyle | Just 13 miles from the city
This property is located in a lakeside town and is nestled a mere 13 miles from downtown Minneapolis. The condo also has windows overlooking the beautiful scenery of Lake Minnetonka. The proximity to a bustling city combined with the resort-town feel of Wayzata and the scenic lake view inspire this “Resort Lifestyle” design.
When working with earth tones, don’t be afraid to use some color! Think of the elements that comprise the beauty of nature: Sunsets, lakes, oceans, rivers, trees, flowers, mountains…. Many of these things display vibrant, rich COLOR!
Earth tones tend to be harmonious, invoking feelings of calmness, permanence and comfort.
Wayzata, MN has a vast sailing community. Sailboats have been included throughout the home to depict this peaceful pastime of luxury, reinforcing the resort lifestyle theme.
Selecting coordinating furnishings is a fun task. I love to mix and match stripes, florals and solids–just remember to use complementary colors in the same family.
Play with varying patterns to achieve an interesting balance!
For a dramatic look, choose opposite colors on color color wheel–lavender and lime, red and green, white and black, etc…
The possibilities are endless!
