Are you thinking about selling your home in Excelsior, Minnetonka, Wayzata, or one of the beautiful lakeside communities around Lake Minnetonka? Whether you’re relocating, upsizing, or downsizing, this step-by-step guide from Excelsior Real Estate gives you everything you need to sell with confidence.
We bring deep local knowledge, luxury-level marketing, and a passion for the lake lifestyle that sets your listing apart in today’s market.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide:
- When and why to sell
- How to prepare your home
- What it takes to get top dollar
- The full home selling process
- Common seller mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Tools to estimate your sale proceeds
- Why local expertise matters on the lake
Before You Sell
Is Now a Good Time to Sell in Lake Minnetonka?
If you’re wondering “Should I sell my home now or wait?” the answer depends on your personal goals and the current market. Lake Minnetonka inventory remains historically low, which means sellers have an advantage, especially for properties with lake access, views, or lifestyle upgrades.
Data Point: Homes on Lake Minnetonka averaged 102.6% of list price in Spring 2025.
Should I Sell or Rent My Property?
For homeowners deciding between selling vs. renting, we help compare:
- Current rental demand in Excelsior, Minnetonka, and Wayzata
- Long-term equity growth through selling
- Cash flow vs. market timing
A strategic consultation with our team will help clarify what’s best for your situation.
What Are the Costs of Selling My Home?
Understanding the costs involved in selling is key to avoiding surprises. Here’s what to budget for:
- Home prep and staging
- Realtor commission (5–6% standard in MN)
- Minor repairs or upgrades
- Seller-paid closing costs
Excelsior Tip: Homes that are professionally staged sell 20% faster and often for more money.
Preparing Your Home for the Market
Should I Get a Pre-Listing Inspection?
Yes, especially for older lake homes or properties with unique features. A pre-listing inspection helps:
- Uncover issues before buyers do
Prevent deal-breakers later - Increase buyer confidence
We’ll recommend trusted local inspectors who know what to look for in lakeside homes.
How Do You Determine My Home's Value?
We use a comparative market analysis (CMA) that considers:
- Lake frontage or deeded access
- Lot size and location
- Renovations and upgrades
- Comparable recent sales in your area
Did you know? Homes with private docks sell for up to 35% more than similar homes without one.
What’s in a Listing Agreement?
Our listing agreement is designed for clarity and trust. It outlines:
- Marketing and pricing strategy
- Services included
- Timeline for listing and showings
- Seller responsibilities
No hidden fees. Just transparency from day one.
The Selling Process — What to Expect
Your 10-Step Selling Roadmap
The Lake Minnetonka Home Selling Experience — Tailored, Transparent, and Trusted
1. Initial Consultation & In-Depth Market Review
Your journey begins with a no-pressure consultation. We take the time to understand your “why”, whether you’re downsizing, relocating, or simply ready for your next chapter. Then we provide a hyperlocal market snapshot, showing exactly how homes are performing in your neighborhood, from Excelsior to Wayzata, Deephaven to Minnetrista. We’ll map out your timeline, clarify your goals, and set the stage for a strategic sale.
2. Precision Home Valuation & Pricing Strategy
We don’t rely on generic online estimates. Using real-time comps, buyer behavior trends, and seasonal demand patterns, we provide a pricing strategy designed to capture buyer attention fast. The goal? Get top dollar, attract serious buyers, and avoid sitting on the market. Our Lake Minnetonka expertise ensures your list price reflects both data and desirability.
3. Preparing the Home: Repairs, Enhancements & Staging
Buyers shop with their eyes first. We help you make smart, cost-effective updates, whether that’s a fresh coat of paint, minor repairs, decluttering, or full-scale staging. We can coordinate trusted local vendors and stagers who know what lake buyers look for , from walkout basements to screened porches with sunset views.
4. Professional Photography, Drone & Lifestyle Imaging
We bring your home to life through visual storytelling. Our photographers and drone team capture sweeping aerial views, sparkling lake vistas, golden-hour lighting, and warm interior shots that make your home stand out. We also include lifestyle imagery that highlights the Lake Minnetonka lifestyle, boating, biking, lakeside dining, and walkability to Excelsior village.
5. MLS Listing & Full Online Syndication
Once your listing is polished and approved, we push it live on NorthstarMLS and syndicate it to top real estate sites: Zillow, Redfin, Realtor.com, Homes.com, and more. We optimize your listing with keywords, engaging copy, and clear calls to action, ensuring your home reaches buyers near and far.
6. Custom Marketing Campaign Designed for Your Home
Your home deserves more than a “For Sale” sign. We create a tailored campaign that may include:
- Facebook & Instagram ads targeting lake buyers
- Email campaigns to our exclusive buyer database
- Featured spots on ExcelsiorRealEstate.com
- Print brochures, postcards, and local exposure in Excelsior and surrounding towns
We position your property not just as a home, but a lifestyle investment.
7. Open Houses & Private Showings (With Concierge Care)
Whether it’s a buzz-worthy weekend open house or quiet weekday showing, we coordinate everything, candles lit, lights on, and feedback gathered. We treat your home with respect and ensure every showing is an experience, not just a walkthrough.
8. Offer Review, Strategy & Expert Negotiation
When offers come in, we help you assess not just price, but terms, contingencies, and buyer strength. We aim for more than just “good enough.” Our experienced negotiators advocate for your best interests, ensuring you’re protected, informed, and confident every step of the way.
9. Buyer Inspections, Appraisal & Deal Management
This is where deals can wobble, but we’re here to keep things steady. We handle buyer inspections with diplomacy, manage repair negotiations, and support a smooth appraisal process to ensure your sale keeps moving forward without unnecessary stress.
10. Closing Day & Your New Chapter
We coordinate all closing details, from paperwork to key handoff. Whether you’re staying in the Twin Cities or moving cross-country, we’re there to make your transition seamless. And of course, we celebrate the sale with you. Because at Excelsior Real Estate, your success is our story.
Buyer’s Market vs. Seller’s Market, What It Means
In a seller’s market (like Spring 2025), multiple offers and bidding wars are more common. In a buyer’s market, strategy matters even more. We analyze micro-trends from Excelsior to Orono to price and time your sale smartly.
How Much Will I Pay in Commission?
In Minnesota, seller commission typically ranges from 5% to 6%, split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents. At Excelsior Real Estate, we offer luxury-level marketing and premium service, all at competitive, transparent rates.
Can I Sell and Buy at the Same Time?
Yes, and we specialize in it. Our team helps you:
- Navigate buying and selling simultaneously
- Avoid double mortgage payments
- Coordinate move-out and move-in timelines
- Secure temporary housing if needed
Seller Tools & Local Insights
Try Our Home Sale Proceeds Calculator
See what you could walk away with after commissions, fees, and mortgage payoff.
Features That Increase Your Home’s Value
Buyers in 2025 are looking for:
- Lake views or access
- Updated kitchens and bathrooms
- Outdoor living spaces (fire pits, decks, patios)
- Smart home features
- Finished basements for guests or offices
Pro Tip: Homes with decks and fire pits saw 12% higher offers in 2024.
Seller’s Disclosure Tips
In Minnesota, sellers are required to disclose known defects. We’ll walk you through:
- What to disclose (and what’s optional)
- When to make fixes vs. leave as-is
- How to handle buyer inspections and repair requests
Open House Prep Checklist
Want to make a lasting impression at your open house?
- Declutter & depersonalize
- Add light landscaping touches
- Deep clean interior spaces
- Stage key areas (kitchen, entry, primary bedroom)
- Highlight lake views, docks, and outdoor living
Why Sellers Choose Excelsior Real Estate
Selling a home in Lake Minnetonka isn’t just a transaction — it’s telling the story of lake living. We bring:
- Hyperlocal market expertise
- Strategic pricing and marketing
- Knowledge of waterfront buyer behavior
- Trusted negotiation and deal management
- Deep community connections
From Excelsior to Wayzata, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners sell smarter and move confidently.
Ready to Sell?
Whether you’re just exploring the idea or ready to list, we’re here to support your journey from start to SOLD.
(952) 474-2999
hello@excelsiorrealty.com
386 Oak St, Excelsior, MN 55331
Mon–Fri: 9 AM – 4 PM
Communities We Serve:
- Excelsior
- Minnetonka
- Wayzata
- Orono
- Chanhassen
- Eden Prairie
- Victoria
- Mound
- Minnetrista
- St. Louis Park
Buying a
House
Call us for a free Home Buyer Guide! It covers every detail from looking for a home to closing on a home!