Everything you need to learn the Twin Cities real estate market.

The Minneapolis Association of Realtors website offers a very unique tool to help people learn about the real estate market of the twin cities. This tool is great for everyone from home buyers and home sellers, to real estate investors, to individuals who just want to learn more about the market. This tool is appropriately called, "The Thing".

"The Thing" lets you search for information on any part of the metro area you wish. It really has every metric you could think of. Click here to learn more about the real estate market using "The Thing"

NYE South of the River

Don't want to drink in the new year? Have no fear. For New Year's 2013, Burnsville, Apple Valley and other south metro cities will have plenty for you to do.

•  Big Baby Boomer with Louie Anderson: The gap-toothed comedian is back by popular demand. Anderson will perform two shows back-to-back at the Burnsville Performing Arts Center on NYE. The first show begins at 7:30 p.m. followed by an encore at 10. Prices range from $31.95 to $71.95 per ticket. Reserved VIP tickets are also available for $101.95.

•  A Wicked-Cool NYE at Buck Hill: Party-goers at Buck Hill will be able to ski, ride, or tube until midnight, enjoy Kevin Hall's Amazing Magic Show, listen to music from the Rythym Junkies with Dean Weisser & Leslee Mckee, and feast in the Whittier Room. The event will be capped off by a fireworks display at midnight. Free "Glitter Glam Hair-Dos" and tarot card readings will also be available. Regular prices apply to many of the activities. There are no additional charges for the extra perks on NYE. to reserve seating for dinner in the Whittier Room, contact Diane at 952-432-6566 x3 or email diane@crystallakegolfcourse.com.

• Enjoy! a Sumptuous Dinner: Enjoy! in Apple Valley will be offering a special menu full of classy confections like Lobster Bisque, Oyster Rockefeller and half-roasted duck.

• Ring in 2013 at Lebanon Hills Regional Park's seventh annual family New Year's Eve Party.
  The party, scheduled from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lebanon Hills Visitor Center in Eagan, is $10 per person at the door or $8 per person in advance. Children ages 5 and under are free.
  
  Activities include snowshoeing and hiking by candlelight; sledding on the lit sledding hill; s’mores at the bonfire; and readings by storyteller Roy Edward Power, magician Matt Dunn and live animals from Dakota Wild Animals.
  
  Participants can also welcome the New Year with a countdown and ball drop at 7:59 p.m. Hot concessions will be for sale and the snowshoe rental open. Bring your own sleds and ice skates. All ages are welcome.