Q: Is it normal for an asphalt driveway to sink right in front of the garage door?  Many homes we see in MN have this issue.

A: With Minnesota’s severe weather conditions, it is normal for an asphalt driveway to sink a bit over time.  But when the driveway has sunk 4 or 5 inches lower than the garage floor, it is time to fix it.  Asphalt companies charge about $1,000 to dig out the old portion and install a new apron.  Concrete contractors charge even more.  You can rebuild your asphalt driveway apron yourself.  The entire job takes a full day and it’s hard work!   The materials and tools cost approximately $250.  If you are a do-it-yourself type of person, the cost savings may be worth it.

Q: I’m recently retired and thinking of selling my home which I’ve lived in for over 30 
years. What’s the first step?
A: The first step is de-clutter, purge and donate. There are many free of charge pick-up services in 
the 6 county metro. Your donation assists charity’s fulfill their promises to Minnesotan’s in need. It 
is easy to schedule your front door pick-up online. Listed are three of our favorite charities. 
http://donatedavmn.org, http://www.epilepsyfoundationmn.org, http://minneapolis.satruck.org. You 
can also contact the Auction Sisters by visiting http://auctionsisters.com/ for a quick alternative to 
selling your personal items. The second step is obtain a professional market analysis. Chances are 
that you’ve not followed the market closely in recent years and since your home is most likely your 
biggest asset it is important to update yourself on the local market. 

Q: How is the Farmington housing market for single family homes?
A: The 2014 Farmington single family housing market has been experiencing heavy sales volume, 
low inventory and slight year-over-year price gains. Minnesota’s improving economy, low 
unemployment and the release of pent-up demand from the last three year’s “fiscal cliff”, low 
mortgage rates and the concern that they will continue to rise, pushed many into the market this year 
but were faced with limited supply. The lack of inventory is expected to be a constant problem 
through the remainder of the year and next year (2015). If you’d like more detailed statistical nformation on the Farmington housing market, we can send you the first and second quarter reports 
for Farmington and Dakota County. 
-Shannon Earle, President & Broker Fresh Start Realty LLC

Q: Shannon, please tell us about dated colors, new colors and the worst colors. Connie
A: Safe colors like gray, cream and beige are still popular. However homeowners are starting to add 
a pop of color to social areas like the living room with more lively colors like sage green and light 
coral. You can’t go wrong with a color scheme if you start by pulling colors from the largest pattern 
piece in the room, whether it be artwork or a rug. Whichever colors you choose, don’t go overboard 
with offensively bright colors like lemon yellow and bring in elements of glass, metal and mirrors to 
enhance the colors of a room. Any shade of red is outdated. Sage green paint colors are in.