Whether it’s your first house or your forever home, I’ll help you find the perfect fit
Buy an old home with all of the charm — and none of the challenge
It’s no secret: old homes can be rife with red flags. But not everyone knows where to look to find those red flags.
As an old home aficionado, I do. I’m able to help you avoid the common pitfalls that come with historic homes, so we find the best fit for you!
I can help you navigate all the ins and outs (literally) of buying a vintage home.
You'll Love Working With Me If...
You’re obsessed with vintage homes that have tons of character and potential.
You aren’t afraid of a little “sweat equity” to preserve a home’s historic appeal.
You’re a first-time homebuyer who wants expert guidance every step of the way.
You’re ready to “right-size” your home to match your current lifestyle and budget.
You’d like to explore financing options to make buying or renovating a vintage home more affordable.
You’d love to finally find your forever home, without overpaying or getting stuck with two mortgages.
You want to work with an experienced agent who’s kind, patient, and quick to act on your behalf.
Hi there! I’m Abby, a three-time vintage home buyer and Old Home Certified real estate agent in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and western Wisconsin.
Yes, that’s a real certification. ;) Essentially, it means I have completed extensive, ongoing training to help you buy and sell a historic home with as few hiccups (and as much happiness!) as possible.
Plus, my personal experience of owning and renovating old homes in the Twin Cities means I know firsthand what red flags to watch out for, so you can avoid the exhausting, expensive errors I made.
If you’re looking for a St. Paul realtor who knows not only the local market, but also the old-home local market, you’ve found her.
Learn More About Abby
Get To Know abby willaert
Colonial
Mediterranean
Craftsman
Tudor
Italianate
Victorian
Colonial
Craftsman
Italianate
Mediterranean
Tudor
Victorian
Whatever Your Style, Chances Are I’ve Owned or Sold An Old Home
Like It…
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Vintage Home
Grab my free guide to learn what NOT to do when buying an old house, so you don’t face major frustration (and major expenses) down the road.
client words
client words
“She has a wealth of knowledge about old houses, which has been incredibly valuable to us while searching for a home in the Twin Cities. During showings, she identified potential issues that we would never have noticed ourselves and was able to throw out estimates on the fly for every kind of fix or upgrade with great accuracy.
Most importantly, she really worked hard to help us get the perfect home, in the perfect location, at the perfect time (even when our emotions were running high)!!!
Homes bought & sold through 2024
Median days on market for my listings
Average list-price-to-sold ratio
Here’s how working with me works…
We’ll start by meeting to discuss your home-buying goals, how I can help, and the next steps to take. Ideally, this would be at your home so that I can provide an accurate assessment (if you’re looking to sell it), but we can also meet at a coffee shop or via Zoom. There’s no commitment to work together — just a natural conversation between two old-home-loving friends!
Start With a Free Consult
01. meet for a free consultation
If we decide to work together, I’ll have you contact a lender to determine your home-buying budget, whether it’s best to buy or sell your house first, and your loan preapproval. (Need a lender recommendation? Just ask!) As we create your financial plan, I’ll help you pinpoint the best down and monthly payments for you, including exploring loans, grants, and other creative options.
02. Get the financial plan in place
Found your dream home? Let’s make it a reality! I’ll help you decide a fair yet competitive price to offer the sellers. If needed, I’ll use my negotiating tactics to get you the home you want at a price you’re happy with. Once your offer is accepted, I’ll assist you with locking in your mortgage, getting your home appraised, and completing the all-important inspection(s). As a bonus, I offer all vintage home buyers a specialty inspection free of charge!
04. Facilitate a fair sale
Finally, it’s closing time! I’ll help you arrange your homeowner’s insurance, switch your utilities, and get your check ready for settlement. (Don’t worry, I’ve got a checklist for the whole process, so you won’t forget a thing.) On the big day, we’ll do a final walk-through before officially signing the paperwork and handing over the keys (and a special closing gift). Congratulations — you’re home!
05. Move in to your forever home
Here’s the fun part! While you get back to your regular routine, I’ll be on the hunt for homes that fit your specified criteria. You’ll be automatically emailed new listings that match, but I’ll personally send you the top options — including off-market homes that haven’t hit the MLS. When you see one you like, I’ll arrange a timely tour, where I’ll point out the home’s best (and maybe not-so-great) qualities for consideration.
03. Find your dream home
While I now know the Twin Cities like the back of my hand, I didn’t always. I moved to St. Paul from Wisconsin in 2007, so I remember what it was like to move to the city, learn the different neighborhoods, and discover my favorite local hangouts.
Fast-forward to today. After helping a dozen clients move to and from the Twin Cities, I am now a certified Qualified Relocation Agent, which means I have taken additional training to learn how to help you relocate to or from Minnesota.
Relocating To or From Minnesota?
Reach Out About Relocating
I offer virtual home tours and will also attend home inspections virtually on your behalf. Using programs like Zoom and FaceTime, we’ll make sure you feel like you’re in the space, even if you’re miles or states away.
Want to get a feel for what it’s like to work with me? Let’s hop on a complimentary Zoom consultation to discuss your relocating goals!
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“We were first-time home buyers who were living out of state…”
“Abby was so knowledgeable about the market and walked us through the whole process. She truly listened to what was important to us in a new home. She was always super responsive and we felt like her full attention was on finding us a perfect home.
FAQ
Home Buyers Often Ask Me…
While my rates are comparable to many real estate agents in Minneapolis–St. Paul, I include more than most — meaning you get more bang for your buck. Along with personal assistance throughout the process (searching, staging, showing, and selling), I provide a thoughtful closing gift that is customized to your new home. For first-time home buyers who purchase a vintage home, I also pay for one of the specialty inspections (radon, chimney, or sewer) to help offset the cost. My goal is always to make the experience as affordable and easy for you as possible.
Yes, you will work with me! As an individual agent, I do not work with a team or assistant — which means you always get my full attention. The only exception is for last-minute showings. While I do my best to make same-day showings work, with three kids in school and various activities, I sometimes have a scheduling conflict. In that case, I enlist one of my trustworthy backup agents to show the house for you, and I follow up personally as soon as possible.
That’s what I’m here for! You might find the answer to your question on my blog, but if not, just send me an email. I’m sure I can point you in the right direction.
The tree is sparkling in the corner, next to the stained-glass window. Your children (and maybe grandchildren?) are gathered around it, opening the gifts you’ve so carefully wrapped, as you sip a glass of wine and smile…
You’re home. You’re all home.
That’s the picture I want for your life. I want to help you find your “Christmas house” — the place that gives new meaning to home for the holidays, the place you can’t imagine being anywhere but.
Are you ready to make the next, and hopefully last, move of your life?
Ready to Find Your Forever Home?
Yes, I"m Ready!
