Abbie Melom - Real Estate Agent at Bridge Realty

09/04/2026

A few favorite photos from a Spanish-inspired listing I toured! 🏡✨ The clay tile roof caught my eye—we don’t see too many of those around here! Love the unique character and charm!

09/04/2026

A few favorite photos from a Spanish-inspired listing I toured! 🏡✨ The clay tile roof caught my eye—we don’t see too many of those around here! Love the unique character and charm!

08/21/2026

A little slice of 1950s nostalgia, frozen in time. (In Columbia Heights, MN)

07/27/2026

Sometimes you just want a little privacy.

07/10/2026

Another memorable Lakeville showing this weekend! This property included a chicken coop with about 20 feathered residents. They were friendly initially, then quickly dispersed when they discovered I had absolutely no treats to offer. …🐓 🐓 🤷‍♀️ 🐓

07/10/2026

Am I the only one who loves these vintage tiled bathrooms?
I had an opportunity to show this cool mid-century rambler in Lakeville MN with colorful ceramic tile in almost pristine condition this weekend.
The iconic mint green, pink and gray mosaics, and built-in tile countertops were popular in the 1940s-1960’s and are getting harder and harder to come by.
I’d take a well-maintained vintage bathroom over a cookie-cutter gray remodel any day.
Sometimes original really is timeless. 💚🩷🏡

04/22/2026

Oh of course! We have mostly rambler style Ranch style houses around the Metro, how about where you live?

Evolution of Ranch House Styles

This illustration provides a visual taxonomy of diverse architectural variations within the "Ranch" house category, specifically highlighting styles prevalent in the Western and Southern United States. It demonstrates how a foundational single-story, horizontal floor plan can be adapted through different historical, regional, and aesthetic lenses—ranging from traditional European influences to sleek, contemporary minimalism.

Key Features & Elements

Spanish: Defined by white stucco walls, red clay tile roofing, and arched entryways or windows, drawing inspiration from Mediterranean and colonial heritage.

Rambler: A quintessential mid-century design featuring a long, low profile, simple rooflines, and a mix of horizontal siding and stone accents.

Colonial: Incorporates traditional East Coast elements like symmetrical window placements, decorative shutters, and classic white siding with a gabled roof.

Storybook: Characterized by whimsical, undulating rooflines, rustic stone masonry, and charming details that evoke a fairytale or cottage-like atmosphere.

French: Utilizes hipped roofs, dormer windows, and elegant proportions, often featuring a more formal facade and stone or brick finishes.

Prairie: Inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s philosophy, this style emphasizes horizontal lines, flat or low-pitched roofs with wide overhangs, and natural materials like wood and stacked stone.

Farmhouse: A modern take on rural living, typically featuring white board-and-batten siding, black metal roofing, and prominent porch areas.

Modern: Focused on geometric simplicity, this style uses dark monochromatic palettes, flat rooflines, large glass expanses, and industrial materials.

Design Summary

The graphic effectively illustrates the versatility of ranch-style architecture. While all eight models share the core "ranch" DNA—single-story living, an emphasis on the horizontal plane, and integrated garages—the facade treatments and roof structures completely transform the character of each home. This guide serves as a technical reference for identifying how specific architectural movements influence residential suburban design.

02/26/2026

Don’t underestimate the power of landscaping. It plays a huge role in curb appeal, overall visual aesthetics, and even environmental impact—and it can make a big difference when it comes time to sell. It’s also one of the top 3 most cost-effective ways to increase your home’s value.

Can you guess what the other two are? 🌿

Transform a Steep Hillside Into Layered Timber Terraces Filled With Color

A steep slope must be stabilized before it is beautified. Begin by mapping out gentle, sweeping terrace lines that follow the natural contour of the hill. Avoid straight horizontal cuts that fight the land.

Mark each level clearly and ensure runoff can move safely between tiers without concentrating in one area.

Build Strong Timber Retaining Walls

Use substantial, rot resistant timbers and anchor them with driven posts set well below grade. Each terrace should lean slightly back into the hill to resist soil pressure.

Compact soil firmly behind each wall as you build. Stability is not optional on a slope. It is the foundation of the entire design.

Create Proper Drainage Behind Each Tier

Install a gravel backfill zone directly behind the timber walls to prevent water buildup. On steeper grades, incorporate a perforated drain line to direct excess moisture away.

Good drainage protects the structure and prevents erosion during heavy rain.

Shape Planting Beds for Depth

Once terraces are secure, fill each level with a rich blend of topsoil and compost. Avoid shallow beds. Deep soil supports stronger root systems and more resilient plants.

Slightly crown the soil surface so water disperses evenly rather than pooling.

Layer Plants for Movement and Color

Place taller shrubs and structural perennials toward the back of each terrace. Mid height flowering plants fill the center, while low growers spill gently over the timber edges.

Use repetition in color and texture to create flow from one level to the next. Purples, yellows, and soft greens blend beautifully against warm wood.

Incorporate Ornamental Grasses for Stability

Grasses with fibrous root systems help anchor soil while adding motion and softness. Plant them strategically along terrace edges and corners.

Their texture contrasts beautifully with the strong horizontal lines of timber.

Define a Pathway Through the Levels

A compacted gravel or stone path that weaves between terraces makes the slope accessible and visually inviting. Curves feel natural and guide the eye upward.

A defined walkway also protects planting areas from foot traffic.

Maintain the Structure and Soil Health

Top dress beds with compost annually and mulch generously to retain moisture and suppress weeds naturally.

Inspect timber walls periodically to ensure posts remain secure and drainage remains clear.

Turn Challenge Into Character

A steep hillside can feel like an obstacle, but when carved into layered timber terraces, it becomes an architectural feature.

With solid construction, thoughtful drainage, and abundant planting, the slope transforms into a vibrant, multi level garden that controls erosion while showcasing rich, cascading color.

02/20/2026

The average 30-year fixed rate slid to 6.01% today, down from 6.09% a week earlier. A year ago, the 30-year fixed averaged 6.85%. Borrowing costs on 15-year mortgages, fell to 5.35% — the lowest since Oct. 2024. Definitively an improvement! However, housing forecasters expect the average 30-year fixed rate to hover in the low-6% range in 2026, suggesting further relief may be limited.

Keep in mind that lower rates tend to reignite competition and spike prices. So as they say, marry the mortgage but date the rate!