Tell me a little bit about yourself. How long have you been a realtor?

My name is Scott Weld, and the brokerage I work with is Keller Williams Realty. I have been in real estate for ten years here in the Minneapolis / St. Paul area known as the Twin Cities

How long have you been focusing on mid-century properties?

Since the very beginning of my career, I chose to focus on modern/contemporary/mid-century architecture.

What made you decide to specialize in mid-century homes?

I've always had an interest in modern architecture. Even before I became a licensed agent, I was collecting a huge library of books about the architecture, the architects themselves and the differentiating styles of modern design throughout the different decades. Another reason I decided to specialize was that I realized early on that very few agents were tapping into this very lucrative market. I immediately launched my website TCModern.com once I became a Realtor.

Do you only specialize in this style of home, or do you also work with other clients?

I work with clients interested in all styles of residential architecture. My goal is to build my business to the point where all I have time for are clients needing help buying and selling modern and mid-century properties.

Do you work with commercial mid-century real estate or only residential?

I primarily concentrate on residential properties.

What range of ages do you consider mid-century in your work?

The years I consider to be mid-century vintage are from 1945-1965.

What’s the mid-century home climate where you are?

The climate here in the Twin Cities is very strong for mid-centuries. However, because of the severity of our winters, we do not exactly have what one would consider a great deal of inventory.

Do you see the desire for mid-century properties in your area growing or shrinking? What does the future hold as mid-century becomes even more “antique”?

The desire for these properties in our area is continually growing.

I believe the age range for mid-century will stay where it is. As time goes on so does the style of modern architecture. For instance, I live in a modern home from the mid-seventies. There are five different floor levels in my home because as land became more expensive and our communities became denser, we started building up instead of spreading out like many mid-century homes are built.

Are there mid-century details of homes that are specific to your area of the country?

Yes. Most of our mid-centuries have basement levels because that's what mid-westerners like. Also, we have a great deal without flat roofs because they are problematic here with all of the snow that we get during our fall and winter months.

What is the typical price range for mid-century homes in your area?

$500,000-$800,000.

What is the demographic of your typical mid-century buyer?

Usually, it's the second or third home for most buyers due to the price ranges. The typical owner is design-oriented, an architect, someone involved in the arts or a creative entrepreneur. Ralph Rapson taught architecture here at the University of Minnesota and influenced a great deal of mid-century enthusiasts throughout the area.

What type of mid-century details are your clients looking for in a home?

The usual. Ample windows and open floor plans, with the intention of opening up interior spaces and bringing the outdoors in.

Would you sell to someone who is looking to tear down a mid-century home, or do you draw the line at working with that type of client?

That is a very tough question. I have not run into that scenario personally yet, so I'm not entirely sure, but I usually do as my clients say. If my client decides not to accept an offer from someone that wants to tear it down than so be it.

What do you do when you see a house that’s been “remuddled”?

It's unfortunate, but this does occur. However, it happens less and less now that mid-century design is much more in the mainstream vernacular. I can refer contractors and architects to my clients that may need to deal with a house that had some unfortunate work done to it.

Do you have a favorite story from working as a realtor specializing in mid-century properties?

My favorite story is one that continues to happen over and over again. I often get contacted by mid-century homeowners who have already tried getting their home sold by agents who do not have any experience in this market. They are usually quite frustrated due to their house lingering on the market too long. I love applying the proper marketing strategies for these special properties and getting their home sold in a timely fashion and at the right price. These clients are extremely happy to finally be able to move on. Here in Minnesota, only about 5% of the population is into modern architecture, so it is terribly important that you use an agent that knows how to market to the correct audience for this architecture.

Anything more you’d like us to know about you and your “relationship” with mid-century?

My favorite mid-century architects include Richard Neutra, Marcel Breuer, John Lautner, Pierre Koenig, A. Quincy Jones and Rudolph Schindler.

Last question that I have to ask. Do you live in a mid-century home?

Not quite. I live in an architect designed, multi-level modern home built in 1975.