Apple Valley · First-Time Buyers
Your First Home in Apple Valley
Learn how buying works before you shop, explained in plain words, so you know what you're signing.
Buying your first home in Apple Valley
Apple Valley neighborhoods have been built from 1955 on, so first-time buyers can look at homes from many decades. I'm Lesley, a REALTOR® with Bridge Realty, and we help you compare them with real numbers.
Can a first-time buyer afford Apple Valley? It depends on the home's age, size, and street. The Census survey for 2020 to 2024 put the median owner-occupied home value at $370,400. That is a survey figure, not today's sale prices, so we pull recent sales for the homes you are considering.
Ask Us Your First Question
What first-time buyers should check in Apple Valley
- Property taxes. Dakota County keeps the records. Its free Property Information Search shows the tax on any Apple Valley home.
- Trash and recycling. You choose a city-licensed hauler. The city is divided into hauling zones, each with its own collection day, and recycling is required.
- The home's age. An older home may need updates soon. Your inspection tells you what to budget for.
- Getting around. The Red Line runs along Cedar Avenue, and MVTA runs express buses to Minneapolis and St. Paul from Apple Valley Transit Station, Palomino Hills Park and Ride, and 157th St. Station.
What it costs, and the help available
Plan for four costs: earnest money with your offer, the inspection, your down payment, and closing costs. Down payments are often far less than 20 percent, and assistance may be available if you qualify. If your credit needs work, a lender can give you a plan. Our first-time buyer page explains each cost, and getting ready covers pre-approval. Comparing with a neighboring city? See Eagan.
Ask us your first question about Apple Valley
You do not have to be ready to buy. Bring your questions, and you will leave with a plan. More on the community is on our Apple Valley page, and the steps are on how we help buyers.
Send us a message or call (651) 661-4770.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do I need for a down payment in Apple Valley?
Often less than 20 percent, and assistance may be available if you qualify. A lender's Loan Estimate shows your expected cash to close.
How does trash pickup work in Apple Valley?
You choose any city-licensed hauler. Your collection day is set by the hauling zone your home is in, and recycling is required.
Is there parking at the Apple Valley Transit Station?
Yes. Apple Valley Transit Station has more than 1,200 parking spaces and serves both the Red Line and MVTA express buses.
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Tell Us About The Home You Want
Homes For Sale In Apple Valley
See every home on the market in Apple Valley right now, updated from the MLS.
Apple Valley
What first-time buyers looks like in Apple Valley
Apple Valley is a Dakota County city along Cedar Avenue, home to the Minnesota Zoo, over 50 neighborhood parks, and three METRO Red Line stations.
Apple Valley is one of the south metro communities where we help buyers and sellers, and we know how its neighborhoods differ in age and setting.
- The homes
- Neighborhoods built from 1955 on. Builder Orrin Thompson, who started here in 1963, planted an apple tree at each home in some of his developments.
- Schools people ask about
- Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan Schools (ISD 196) serves most of the city, and Burnsville-Eagan-Savage (ISD 191) serves a small northwestern corner. Confirm the district for any address.
- Getting around
- The METRO Red Line runs along Cedar Avenue to the Mall of America, with three stations in Apple Valley, and MVTA runs express buses to Minneapolis and St. Paul.
- Nearby
- Over 50 neighborhood parks, Valleywood Golf Course, Splash Valley Water Park, and the Minnesota Zoo.
- The trade-off
- Two school districts serve the city and trash pickup days are set by hauling zone, so details change from one address to the next.
The method
How we do it in Apple Valley
First-Time Buyers: keep exploring
Ready to make your move with Lesley The Realtor?