Once Upon a Midsummer... the Data Wore Flowers
"Now, until the break of day, through this house each fairy stray... And the owner of it blest, ever shall in safety rest."
— Oberon, A Midsummer Night's Dream 🧚
It is midsummer. The longest days, the warmest nights, the season when everything feels possible — including, buying or selling a home in the Twin Cities.
This is W.O.W. — Weekly on Wednesday — the newsletter where real estate meets real life, published every week by Natasha Cejudo, luxury real estate advisor at Lakes Sotheby's International Realty. Natasha specializes in St. Paul's most storied neighborhoods: Macalester-Groveland, Highland Park, Summit Hill, and Summit University.
The Market: What I'm Seeing
The data tells one story. Experience tells another.
If you're buying: More homes are available than at any point since June 2022. Inventory is up 4% in the metro, pending sales jumped 10.6% — the strongest showing since last fall. The median price in the Twin Cities sits at $399,000, essentially flat. The frenzy has lifted. The opportunity hasn't.
If you're selling: Buyers are back and they mean it. Signed contracts are up over 10% from last May. Well-priced homes are still receiving 99.3% of list price. Days on market crept up slightly — 2.3% — 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 May because June is still in the oven. We'll have the full picture next month. Good things take time.
From the Sotheby's International Realty Extraordinary Living Blog
This week I'm sharing a beautiful read from the brand: 6 Magical Spots to Enjoy Midsummer Around the World by Elizabeth Fazzare Provo. Waterside living, lush landscapes, and plenty of room to entertain — the best seasonal retreats for summer's longest days. It is exactly the kind of wanderlust that reminds you why home matters so much when you finally return to it.
Once Upon a Midsummer...
Three opening chapters to begin your story.
Three active listings at approachable price points — a single family home in Blaine at 8630 Goodhue Street NE, and two downtown St. Paul studios under $200K at 500 Robert Street #608 and 523 Jackson Street #302, where the option to purchase fully furnished makes the first chapter even easier to begin. Whether you are planting roots or planting a flag, there is a home here with your name on it.
A Note From Me
Midsummer makes everything feel possible — and even Shakespeare knew a blessed house doesn't happen by accident. If you've been quietly wondering what yours is worth, wonder no more. The fairies are on your side this season. I answer my phone.
— Natasha
FAQ
What neighborhoods does Natasha Cejudo specialize in?
Natasha Cejudo is a luxury real estate advisor at Lakes Sotheby's International Realty specializing in St. Paul's Macalester-Groveland, Highland Park, Summit Hill, and Summit University neighborhoods. She also leads Enamórate, a real estate campaign focused on properties in Mexico.
What is Weekly on Wednesday (W.O.W.)?
Weekly on Wednesday — W.O.W. — is Natasha Cejudo's personal newsletter, published every Wednesday. It covers the Twin Cities real estate market, curated lifestyle content, and Natasha's perspective on buying and selling in St. Paul's most sought-after neighborhoods. Subscribe at active.social/social-share/ghf7w
What is the current Twin Cities real estate market doing?
As of May 2026, the Twin Cities metro is seeing inventory up 4%, pending sales up 10.6%, and a median sales price of $399,000 — essentially flat year over year. Well-priced homes in good condition are still receiving 99.3% of list price. The market rewards preparation and intentional pricing.
Who is Natasha Cejudo?
Natasha Cejudo is a luxury real estate advisor at Lakes Sotheby's International Realty in the Twin Cities. She publishes Weekly on Wednesday, a personal newsletter that has become a trusted resource for buyers, sellers, and anyone who loves beautifully considered homes. She is known for her editorial voice, deep neighborhood expertise in St. Paul, and her international real estate campaign, Enamórate.
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Natasha prides herself on an honest, transparent, and comprehensive approach based on mutual understanding and clear communication. She is patient, insightful, attentive, and responsive; her professionalism, humor, and candid approach make her a joy to work with. If you are considering a move this year or next, she would welcome a conversation with you!