The University of St. Thomas surveyed industry leaders about their expectations for vacancy rates, rents, and other conditions. Compared to six months ago, the responses were downgraded from “slightly optimistic” to neutral.

Minnesota-based Home Services of America Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate and owner of Edina Realty, is teaming up with Brookfield Asset Management to create Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, the Star Tribune reports. The new real estate firm will launch next year and be based in California. Terms of the deal were not released.

Peek inside the most expensive homes for sale in the metro. These posh properties range from a well-known $24 million landmark to modern homes for less than $7 million. And here's one for bargain hunters: a foreclosure priced for less than $6 million.