Jim Buchta
Reporter
Residential real estateBuchta has taken breaks from those beats to edit the Star Tribune's Real Estate sections and Travel, and to ghost write a book about getaway homes. He also has an intense interest in architecture, agriculture and the environment. He lives part-time on a tree farm and has a particular expertise in building science and food.
Latest from Jim Buchta
As new apartments in downtown Minneapolis dry up, rent increases appear likely
Apartment construction is hitting the skids at a time when demand is on the rise.
June 26, 2025
Minnesota lake houses getting more expensive as rest of market stalls
Many would-be homebuyers are hesitant amid high mortgage rates and economic volatility. But property on any of Minnesota’s 10,000-plus lakes is selling fast and for a premium.
June 19, 2025
The 10 essential questions to ask before buying a Minnesota lake home
For many Minnesotans, purchasing a lakeside home is a dream. Make sure it doesn’t become a nightmare by asking for the right information.
June 15, 2025
![For business story on Lakefront Property. ] Cabin, Cottage, Lakes, Minnesota, Fishing, boating. (THESE PICS ARE NOT FOR RE-SALE.) BRIAN PETERSON • brianp@startribune.com Canyon, MN - 05/17/2013 ORG XMIT: MIN1305220935300778](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/G6FPNPJHQ26GX57ESE2F2XBKYY.jpg?&w=252&ar=3:2&fit=crop)
Ryan Cos. CEO wants to destigmatize mental health struggles
Ryan Cos. lifted co-pay for counseling and other efforts to support mental health.
June 11, 2025
Lake Minnetonka mansion, Minnesota’s most expensive, lists at $55M
The 8-acre, 28,000-square-foot complex went privately for sale last August at $68 million. Luxury homes are the hottest segment in the Twin Cities market.
May 30, 2025
‘Brady Bunch’-style split-level homes enjoying a revival in Minnesota — with a twist
President Donald Trump’s trade war is compounding an expensive environment for homebuilders and buyers, driving some to reconsider the retro, but affordable, home design.
May 24, 2025
Tariff jitters trigger price cuts for some new houses in the Twin Cities
Homebuilders offering steep discounts or other incentives helped boost spring sales despite anticipation President Donald Trump’s trade war could increase construction costs.
May 12, 2025
Keys to a successful, not stressful spring housing hunt in the Twin Cities
This season is often the most competitive for prospective homebuyers and most lucrative for sellers. Here’s how to beat the opposition without busting your budget.
May 4, 2025
Lake Minnetonka mansion, Minnesota’s most expensive, lists at $55M
The 8-acre, 28,000-square-foot complex went privately for sale last August at $68 million. Luxury homes are the hottest segment in the Twin Cities market.
May 30, 2025
‘Brady Bunch’-style split-level homes enjoying a revival in Minnesota — with a twist
President Donald Trump’s trade war is compounding an expensive environment for homebuilders and buyers, driving some to reconsider the retro, but affordable, home design.
May 24, 2025
Tariff jitters trigger price cuts for some new houses in the Twin Cities
Homebuilders offering steep discounts or other incentives helped boost spring sales despite anticipation President Donald Trump’s trade war could increase construction costs.
May 12, 2025
Keys to a successful, not stressful spring housing hunt in the Twin Cities
This season is often the most competitive for prospective homebuyers and most lucrative for sellers. Here’s how to beat the opposition without busting your budget.
May 4, 2025