David Duchene at Counselor Realty

06/12/2026

Questions Buyers Should Ask About Utility Costs
Before you fall in love with a home, it's worth asking a question that often gets overlooked: What does it actually cost to live here? The purchase price is just the beginning. Monthly utility bills can vary wildly from one property to the next, and they can significantly affect how comfortable that...

Visit The Miller Group's agent profile on Counselor Realty. The Miller Group works out of the C**n Rapids office and can be contacted at (763) 286-2900.

06/12/2026

How to Make Your Home Look Move-In Ready
Most sellers focus on price, but buyers are making a different calculation when they walk through your door. They're asking whether the home feels like somewhere they could actually live. That answer forms fast, often before they've made it past the entryway. So the question worth asking before you list...

Visit The Miller Group's agent profile on Counselor Realty. The Miller Group works out of the C**n Rapids office and can be contacted at (763) 286-2900.

06/11/2026

How to Maintain Decks and Patios for Long-Term Use
Your outdoor living space is worth protecting. Whether you have a wood deck, a composite platform, or a poured concrete patio, neglect tends to compound quickly. A small crack ignored now can become a serious repair bill later. The good news? Most of what keeps these spaces in good shape is straightforward...

Visit The Miller Group's agent profile on Counselor Realty. The Miller Group works out of the C**n Rapids office and can be contacted at (763) 286-2900.

06/04/2026

How to Evaluate Offers Beyond the Purchase Price
The number at the top gets your attention. It always does. But sellers who anchor to the purchase price and stop there often find themselves caught off guard when a deal starts to wobble — or falls apart entirely — weeks after they thought they'd made the right call.
Here's the thing: A high offer...

Visit The Miller Group's agent profile on Counselor Realty. The Miller Group works out of the C**n Rapids office and can be contacted at (763) 286-2900.

06/04/2026

Outdoor Shade Ideas for Comfortable Summer Living
Most backyards have a window — maybe an hour, maybe two — where they're genuinely pleasant to be in. After that, the sun takes over, and everyone retreats inside. If that sounds familiar, the fix probably isn't a bigger fan.
Use What's Already There First
Before you buy anything, walk the yard...

Visit The Miller Group's agent profile on Counselor Realty. The Miller Group works out of the C**n Rapids office and can be contacted at (763) 286-2900.

06/04/2026

How to Decide Between a Starter Home and a Forever Home
Starter home or forever home? Here's the thing — most buyers approach this question backward. They start by browsing listings and then try to figure out what they're actually looking for. But the starter-versus-forever decision really needs to come first, because it shapes everything: your budget,...

Visit The Miller Group's agent profile on Counselor Realty. The Miller Group works out of the C**n Rapids office and can be contacted at (763) 286-2900.

05/22/2026

What Sellers Should Know About Pre-Listing Inspections
Most sellers spend weeks preparing their home for the market: decluttering, touching up paint, maybe tackling a few overdue repairs. What some sellers overlook is hiring a home inspector before the listing goes live. It's not a requirement, but for many sellers, it's a smart move.
How It Works
A pre-listing...

Visit The Miller Group's agent profile on Counselor Realty. The Miller Group works out of the C**n Rapids office and can be contacted at (763) 286-2900.

05/01/2026

What Buyers Should Know About Flood Risk and Insurance
Flooding isn't usually top of mind when you're touring open houses. You're focused on countertops, closet space, and whether the backyard is big enough. Flood risk tends to sit near the bottom of the list—until it suddenly doesn't. Buyers who overlook it can face insurance costs they didn't anticipate,...

04/16/2026

What First-Time Buyers Should Know About Property Surveys
Buying your first home comes with a long list of steps, and a property survey is one you do not want to overlook. While it may not get as much attention as the home inspection or the closing disclosure, a property survey plays an important role in protecting your investment.
What Is a Property Survey?
A...

Visit The Miller Group's agent profile on Counselor Realty. The Miller Group works out of the C**n Rapids office and can be contacted at (763) 286-2900.

02/27/2026

What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
For many home buyers — especially first-time buyers — saving for a down payment can feel like the biggest hurdle to home ownership. That's why gifted funds from a family member can be such a powerful tool. Whether it's parents, grandparents, or another eligible relative offering financial support,...

Visit The Miller Group's agent profile on Counselor Realty. The Miller Group works out of the C**n Rapids office and can be contacted at (763) 286-2900.