July Delusions

Friends,

Every window unit in this city has been overpromising since the beginning of the month. Mine and I have reached an understanding: it tries, I forgive it, we move on.

This week I found myself scrolling straight past the heat index and into a house on Long Island Sound with nearly 2,000 square feet of patios built for exactly this kind of weather — sunrise on one side, sunset on the other, not a portable fan in sight.

This charismatic 6,852-square-foot home in a coveted private waterfront community offers a rare opportunity to live amid a picture-perfect coastal tableau, with some 2,000 square feet of patios and balconies encouraging appreciation of sunsets, sunrises, and views of Long Island Sound.

Full feature on the Sotheby's International Realty blog, for anyone who wants to daydream along with me.

I'm not moving to Connecticut. But July has fried whatever sanity I had left, and I'm allowing myself the fantasy — because at this point, escapism is basically a public service.

The Market: What I'm Seeing

End-of-month market updates have a reputation for being dull. I do my best to make them interesting — and this month, "absorption rate" meant something completely different.

The data tells one story. Experience tells another.

If you're buying: More homes are available than at any point in seven years. Inventory is up 5.1% in the metro, pending sales jumped 9.7% — the strongest showing in months. The average price sits at $492,008, up just 0.8%. The frenzy has lifted. The opportunity hasn't.

If you're selling: Buyers are back and they mean it. Closed sales are up over 10% from last year. Well-priced homes are still receiving 99.6% of list price. Days on market crept up slightly to 42 — which means preparation matters more than ever. The sellers moving right now priced with intention and showed up ready.

What I'm actually seeing: This market does not reward wishful thinking. It rewards clarity. The homes that are priced right, presented beautifully, and marketed with purpose are still moving.

A note on timing: real estate data is always fashionably late — we're reporting June because July is still in the oven, and this July, that's not just an expression. We'll have the full picture next month. Good things take time.

And speaking of things worth waiting for: a home is coming soon in one of Saint Paul's most coveted pockets — Macalester-Groveland, where tree-lined streets, top-tier schools, and walkable charm make it one of the most requested addresses in the city. Timing couldn't be better, with back-to-school season right around the corner. More on that below.

Coming Soon: 1776 Wellesley Avenue

Built in 1923 in the heart of Macalester-Groveland, this Colonial Revival blends timeless character with thoughtful updates. A treetop primary suite, beautiful woodwork, flexible living spaces that can accommodate up to five bedrooms, and a private backyard make this one as practical as it is charming. With a new roof, furnace, and heat pump already in place, the big-ticket updates are done — just in time for the back-to-school season.

1776 Wellesley Avenue | Saint Paul $525,000

💌 A Note From Me...

If you're also surviving July by pretending you live somewhere with a sea breeze, I support your coping mechanisms. And if your daydreams happen to turn into real estate questions — or a move that's closer than you think — you know where to find me.

— Natasha

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FAQ

What neighborhoods does Natasha Cejudo serve? Natasha Cejudo focuses on the Saint Paul neighborhoods of Macalester Groveland, Highland Park, Summit Hill, and Summit University, along with select listings across the Twin Cities.

What is WOW? WOW is Natasha Cejudo's weekly newsletter covering Twin Cities life, home and design, and real estate — blending personal essays, market insights, and featured listings.

What is the current Twin Cities real estate market like? As of June 2026, the Twin Cities metro saw inventory reach a seven-year high, with the average sales price at $492,008 (up 0.8% year-over-year) and pending sales up 9.7%. Reach out to Natasha Cejudo directly for the most current market read.

Who is Natasha Cejudo? Natasha Cejudo is a real estate advisor with Sotheby's International Realty in the Twin Cities, specializing in Saint Paul's Macalester Groveland, Highland Park, Summit Hill, and Summit University neighborhoods.