Can Avonlea townhomes still sell well with new construction nearby? Yes, with the right preparation and pricing. 18364 Glasswort Drive in Lakeville's Avonlea neighborhood sold in 18 days for $389,900, its full list price, through a VA loan assumption that let the buyer take over the seller's 2.75% interest rate.
The results
| Sold price | $389,900 (100% of list price) |
|---|---|
| Days on market | 18 |
| Financing | VA loan assumption at a 2.75% interest rate |
| Neighborhood | Avonlea, Lakeville, MN |
The story: a fresh start and a clear plan
Leo came to me after losing confidence in his previous brokerage. We met at his home the same evening he called, talked through what had and had not worked, and built a new plan together.
We relaunched the home with a Coming Soon campaign in May 2026, set a list price grounded in current local data, and prepared the home to stand out against both resale competition and new construction. Every step of the way, Leo had the latest Avonlea numbers in front of him so he could make confident decisions.
What is a VA loan assumption?
This sale had a special advantage: Leo's VA loan was assumable, at a 2.75% interest rate. In a VA loan assumption, a qualified buyer takes over the seller's existing VA mortgage, including its interest rate, instead of getting a brand new loan at today's rates. When the existing rate is well below current rates, that can mean a noticeably lower monthly payment for the buyer.
Assumptions take more steps than a typical sale. The loan servicer must approve the buyer, and when the buyer is also a qualified veteran, they can substitute their own VA entitlement so the seller's entitlement is restored for future use. That entitlement substitution is exactly what happened here.
These transactions involve extra paperwork, extra coordination, and more moving parts, and this one needed steady hands to keep everything on track through closing. For sellers with an assumable loan, it can be a powerful selling point, as long as your agent knows how to market it and manage the process.
In Leo's words
"Smart and savvy realtor with deep industry knowledge."
"Liz has been great from day 1! We found ourselves in need of a realtor after we dropped our previous brokerage for lack of confidence. We contacted Liz in the afternoon, explained our situation, and she was in our home that evening to speak with us about moving forward. She set a high bar for service and never let up.
We've sold a home before but it was years ago and laws and the industry change. She was gracious and knowledgeable in answering all of our questions, ensuring that we were fully comfortable in every situation.
Additionally, when it came to decision making, Liz always provided the latest and local data relevant to us with her recommendations so that we could have confidence in our decisions at every critical juncture.
Having Liz in our corner was having a trusted expert to help you navigate an area in which most people have little to no experience. Unfortunately, we are moving out of state, otherwise we would love to use Liz again for any future home and property transactions!"
Leo, Glasswort Drive seller, via Google
Thinking about selling your Avonlea townhome? Read this first.
Avonlea sellers are competing with new construction right now. Buyers have plenty of options, and many are waiting for the next new home to hit the market. Here is what I tell every Avonlea owner thinking about selling:
Make it show ready
Your home needs to feel move-in ready, because buyers are comparing it to brand new homes. Often that means a fresh coat of paint and a hard look at the flooring. If the carpet or floors are worn, buyers notice.
Make it sparkle
A spotless home photographs better, shows better, and signals to buyers that it has been cared for.
Price it right from the start
The first few weeks bring your most motivated buyers. A home priced correctly on day one gets their attention. A home priced too high sits, and buyers move on to the next option.
Consider a pre-listing inspection
A seller's home inspection before listing lets you address issues on your terms and gives buyers confidence in what they are buying.
Don't wait for the next new build
Every new construction home that comes online is more competition. Selling before the next one hits the market can make a real difference.
Why buyers choose Avonlea: Grand Prairie Park next door
One of Avonlea's biggest draws is its neighbor, Lakeville's new Grand Prairie Park. The park includes a minor league baseball stadium, a splash pad, pickleball courts, playgrounds, walking trails, and more, giving Avonlea residents a major amenity just steps from home.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to sell a townhome in Avonlea?
It depends on price, condition, and competition. 18364 Glasswort Drive sold in 18 days at full list price after a relaunch with updated pricing and preparation. With new construction nearby, show-ready condition and accurate pricing matter more than ever.
What is a VA loan assumption?
A VA loan assumption lets a qualified buyer take over a seller's existing VA mortgage, including its interest rate. It requires approval from the loan servicer and more steps than a typical sale, but it can make a home much more affordable when the existing rate is below current rates.
Can a seller get their VA entitlement back after an assumption?
Yes, when the buyer is a qualified veteran who substitutes their own VA entitlement. That restores the seller's entitlement for future use. Without substitution, the seller's entitlement can stay tied to the loan.
How do Avonlea resale townhomes compete with new construction?
By being move-in ready, spotless, and priced right from the start. Fresh paint, good flooring, and a pre-listing inspection help resale homes stand out, along with Avonlea's established setting next to Grand Prairie Park.
What amenities are near Avonlea in Lakeville?
Avonlea sits next to Lakeville's new Grand Prairie Park, which includes a minor league baseball stadium, a splash pad, pickleball courts, playgrounds, and walking trails.
Looking to buy in Avonlea? See my current Avonlea listings: 18147 Glassfern Lane and 18384 Glastonbury Drive.
Thinking about selling in Avonlea?
I will show you what your home could sell for today, how it stacks up against new construction, and exactly what to do before you list.
Get my home valueCall 952-491-3685
Liz Sandwick, REALTOR®, Coldwell Banker Realty
952-491-3685 | Liz@CBRealty.com
Equal Housing Opportunity. Sale information from NorthstarMLS, deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Review shared with the seller's permission.