First-time homebuyers in Excelsior, MN

Excelsior's walkable downtown and lake setting attract a lot of first-time buyers, and the competition for smaller homes can be stiff. Taylor Doolittle of Team Steady at RE/MAX Results lives in neighboring Deephaven and helps first-time buyers get ready to win in Excelsior.

Starter homes here are often older, smaller houses near Water Street and the Commons, plus the occasional condo or townhome. They don't stay on the market long. First-time buyers need to be pre-approved, clear on their budget, and ready to make a decision within days, while still understanding what they're buying.

Taylor builds that readiness before the search. He connects buyers with lenders, explains what they can comfortably afford, and covers first-time buyer programs and seller-paid rate buydowns. He shows what comparable homes actually sold for so buyers know a fair price, and writes offers that compete on terms as well as price. On older homes, he walks buyers through the inspection and what is worth negotiating.

Every step gets explained in plain language, from the first showing to closing day.

Taylor has closed more than 550 transactions since 2017, holds a couple hundred 5-star reviews, and was RE/MAX Rookie of the Year in 2018. For first-time buyers who want Excelsior, he brings preparation and patience.

Related: Who is the best Realtor for first-time homebuyers in Minnetonka?