Buying a Home

First Steps to Homeownership: A Guide for Minnesota's First-Time Buyers

First-Time Home Buyer Tips in Minnesota

First-Time Home Buyer Tips in Minnesota

Buying a home for the first time is an exciting journey, one filled with opportunities and challenges. Whether you're eyeing a cozy bungalow in Minneapolis, a spacious family home in the Western Suburbs, or a charming townhouse in St. Paul, these insights will help you navigate the Twin Cities' real estate market with confidence.

1. Start with Financial Planning

Before diving into property listings, get a clear picture of your financial health. Calculate your budget, considering not just the purchase price but also closing costs, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses. A robust financial plan will guide you through your home-buying journey without stretching your finances too thin.

2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Mortgage pre-approval is a crucial step for first-time home buyers in Minnesota. It not only clarifies your budget but also strengthens your position when making an offer on a house. Sellers are more likely to take your offer seriously if they know you have secure financing.

3. Understand the Minnesota Market

The real estate market in Minnesota, especially in areas like the Twin Cities, Hennepin County, and the Western Suburbs, can be competitive. Stay informed about market trends, including average home prices and how long homes stay on the market. This knowledge will help you make informed decisions quickly.

4. Prioritize Your Wants and Needs

Make a list of what you're looking for in a home, distinguishing between must-haves and nice-to-haves. This will help you focus your search on properties that truly meet your needs, saving time and preventing decision fatigue.

5. Work with an Experienced Realtor®

Partnering with a real estate agent who...

3 Dos and 3 Don’ts for Home Buyers

How Is the Twin Cities Real Estate Market in February 2024?

As the Twin Cities Metro transitions from winter to the early signs of spring, the real estate market is witnessing remarkable activity. The chill in the air is giving way to optimism among homebuyers, evident from the increased foot traffic at Minnesota Property Group Open Houses. A diverse group of buyers, including first-timers, those looking to upgrade, and boomerang buyers making a return, are actively searching for homes, signaling a vibrant market.

Market Insights

Recent data from The Minneapolis Association of REALTORS© highlights a robust market with pending sales up by 30% from the previous year, marking the highest activity for February since 2005. New listings have also seen a significant increase, yet the demand from buyers keeps the market tilted in favor of sellers. With properties being snapped up quickly, it underscores a "snooze and you lose" market dynamic.

Mortgage Interest Rates

Mortgage interest rates remain attractively low, presenting an excellent opportunity for buyers to make their move. However, the competition is fierce, and being prepared is key to securing your dream home in today’s competitive Twin Cities real estate market.

Top 3 Do's and Dont's for Homebuyers

  1. Do Check Your Credit

    Begin your home-buying journey by understanding your credit. Obtain a free annual credit report to check for accuracy and know your FICO score, as lenders will use this to assess creditworthiness and interest rates.

  2. Work with an Agent

    Don't navigate the complex market alone. Partner with an experienced real estate professional who knows the Twin Cities inside out, can guide you through the process, and help smooth out potential obstacles.

  3. Talk to a Mortgage Professional and Get Pre-approved

    ...

Your Dream Home Awaits: Discovering Real Estate Gems Near You

Your Dream Home Awaits: Discovering Real Estate Gems Near You

Introduction

Looking for your dream home? The journey to finding a place that resonates with your heart and meets your needs can be thrilling yet daunting. But fear not! With the right approach and guidance, discovering the real estate gems near you can be a smooth and enjoyable process. Whether you're captivated by the charm of historical houses or drawn to the sleek, modern aesthetics of luxurious apartments, this guide is your first step towards finding the perfect abode. Imagine waking up to breathtaking views, hosting memorable gatherings, and creating a cozy haven that reflects your personal style. Let's embark on this journey together, armed with expert insights and a strategic plan to navigate the local real estate market and make your dream home a reality.

Understanding the Real Estate Market

The quest for your dream home begins with a deep dive into the real estate market of your desired area. Understanding market trends, prices, and conditions is pivotal. Since these factors vary widely across different regions, gaining a localized insight will empower you with the knowledge to identify promising opportunities. Dive into research, analyze recent sales data, and keep an eye on market forecasts. This foundational step will help you pinpoint areas with high growth potential and properties that promise a good return on investment, aligning with your lifestyle and financial goals.

Researching the Best Neighborhoods

The essence of a home extends beyond its walls to the neighborhood...

Difference Between Condos, Townhouses and Single Family Homes in MN

Navigating Your First Home Purchase in the Twin Cities, 2024

As a first-time homebuyer in 2024, navigating the Twin Cities real estate market has never been more exciting or complex. Armed with a lender's preapproval, you understand exactly what you can afford, encompassing everything from your mortgage amount to down payment, and even approximate closing costs. This financial clarity propels you with confidence through a market that currently favors sellers, where competition is fierce within your budget range. But fear not, for your preparedness ensures you're ready to act swiftly when you find "the one."

With a trusted real estate professional by your side, you're equipped with expertise and insight to navigate each critical step towards homeownership. This partnership is designed to find and secure a home that not only meets your needs but does so within the best possible terms in today's market.

Deciding on the Ideal Home Type

The journey now leads to a crucial decision: what type of home to purchase. The Twin Cities offer a variety of options, each catering to different lifestyles and preferences. Whether you have a clear vision or find yourself oscillating between choices, it's essential to consider how each option aligns with your current and future lifestyle.

Condominium Living: A Slice of Vacation

Opting for a condo in Minnesota might feel like embracing a resort-like lifestyle, where leisure and amenities are a priority. However, it's crucial to weigh the monthly association fees against the benefits received. These fees cover amenities like pools, fitness centers, and more, which are fantastic unless they go unused. Moreover, condos come with certain restrictions, especially concerning pet ownership and rental possibilities. Consider your preference for neighbor proximity and communal living when contemplating a condo.

Townhomes: The...

First Time Home Buyers in the Twin Cities

Real Estate Agent Advice for First-Time Homebuyers in the Twin Cities

Real Estate Agent Advice for First-Time Homebuyers in the Twin Cities

Spring in The Twin Cities metro is about temperatures rising, flowers blooming, green lawns, and residents hitting the biking and walking trails in large numbers—with the real estate market in full swing. There are plenty of buyers out there, and if you've decided to take the plunge and buy a home, we applaud you for beginning the journey towards homeownership.

The First Step to Homebuying in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN

Please consider the following questions to help determine if you are emotionally, financially, and realistically prepared to begin the journey of buying a home:

  • Are You Emotionally Ready to Own a Home in MN?
  • Homeownership imparts a feeling of permanence, stability, and security. If your heart is set on owning a home, you may be emotionally ready.

  • Are You Financially Ready to Own a Twin Cities Home?
  • Understanding your debt-to-income ratio, credit score, and having savings for a down payment and closing costs are crucial first steps.

  • Are You Ready to Embrace the Responsibilities of MN Home Ownership?
  • Accepting the responsibilities of maintenance and emergency repairs...

    Avoid These Homebuyer Mistakes and Live Happily Ever After

    Homebuying in the Twin Cities - Avoid these Mistakes

    A particular excitement surrounds buying a home that makes other major life purchases pale in comparison. Expect to be excited and joyful about the prospect. If, by chance, you are lucky enough to find a home that feels perfect as soon as you step through the door, it can be magical.

    Don't Overlook Important Considerations

    Remember that magic can also be an illusion, and reality may be around the corner, waiting to tap you on the shoulder. Don’t let the euphoria of the moment keep you from delving deeper when you are purchasing a home.

    Your relationship with your home is not a superficial one, and neither should your hunt for it be either. Here are mistakes you can easily avoid when buying a home. It will be a small investment in balancing your time with how long you may live there.  

    Failing to Research the Location

    It’s not enough to look at the properties surrounding the home you want to buy; you want to dig into the details. Start by doing a practice run on your commute to work and determine if it is doable or so far away that you will be sure to experience regret from making the drive twice a day.

    Scope out the neighborhood at different times of the day and week. Be sure to check it out in the evening as well. Is it reasonably quiet, or does a potential neighbor host band practice in his garage every Saturday night?

    Google Maps is a great tool to get a drone view of the neighborhood. Are parks and green spaces in the area or within walking distance of the home you want to buy? Is there a grocery store conveniently at hand? Is highway access nearby but not so close that you will hear eighteen-wheelers rumbling along in the wee hours?

    Not Making Safety a Priority

    AreaVibes is my favorite website for obtaining crime data on a city or neighborhood. It is a virtual wealth of information on crime, as well as...

    Buying a Home In The Winter

    Buying a House in the Winter

    Real estate is not a seasonable business. People are relocating for jobs every month of the year. People are moving out of state and into the state. Others may be moving to another city, across town, or down the street. In the process, they are buying and selling homes.

    Without a doubt, spring is the prime season for real estate. Buyers come out of hibernation when the first signs cold-weather spring appear. “For Sale” signs pop up on front lawns like mushrooms after a rain shower. That doesn’t mean that because spring is most popular, that you shouldn’t consider the other alternative of buying a home in the colder months.

    Winter is the time that many potential buyers would rather hunker down with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate than spend an afternoon sloshing through the wet and cold. You probably prefer to spend a frosty Sunday watching sports or a movie munching your favorite snack. I get that. But I have some solid reasons why you might want to slip into your favorite cold-weather gear and check out some homes for sale.

    Winter Sellers Are Serious Sellers

    Often people who sell their homes in the winter are responding to job relocation, financial woes, divorce, estate settlement, or various other compelling circumstances. Because they have a strong motivation to close a deal they may be more flexible on asking price and terms.

    There Is Less Competition for Homes in the Winter

    In the spirit of full disclosure, there are generally fewer homes for sale in the winter. However, it’s a fact there are fewer buyers than the other seasons of the year as well. You know, those that are not inspired enough to face the cold and are waiting for the spring. So for the spunky folk that will not be deterred by a little inconvenience like single-digit temperatures and a bit of snow will not be bumping into other buyers at open houses. They may see the home of their dreams appear...

    My Best Advice For First-Time Home Buyers

    My Best Advice For First-Time Home Buyers

    Joy. Joy is the first word I think of when I hear the term first-time home buyer. It’s what my wife and I felt moving into our first house. It’s what I always hope my clients feel at closing because buyer remorse has never been on anyone’s bucket list.

    The process of buying a house has a lot of moving parts and involves many people. It can be stressful and intimidating even when it’s going well. When the pieces do not fall into place as you expect, it will be frustrating and even overwhelming on occasion.

    Over the years, I have shared all those emotions with my clients on their journey to home-ownership. No two experiences are ever the same. However, it becomes glaringly evident that buyers who have the best outcomes are those that are most prepared. Knowledge is power. Here is some of my primo advice if you are buying your first home or even your last.

    Make an Appointment with a Mortgage Broker

    Before you get serious at looking for a home, you need to know if you qualify for a mortgage and how much the bank will lend you. You will also discuss what type of mortgage will best suit your financial circumstances and how you can receive the best interest rate. Shopping lenders is wise. Some offer better deals and options. A half-point or even a quarter-point less on your rate can generate significant savings over the life of your loan.

    Decide How Much You Can Afford

    The amount your mortgage lender is willing to finance may be more than you can comfortably afford. Make sure your mortgage payment and other monthly expenses associated...

    How to Write a Winning Offer in a Seller's Market

    How to Write a Winning Offer in a Seller's Market

    Forget the spin. Take off the rose-colored glasses too. Let's be honest. Most buyers are hoping to score a home at the current real estate market's lower pricing tiers and face fierce competition, creating a process fraught with disappointment.

    That's the bad news. But I am by nature a confident guy, a problem solver, and a believer in the philosophy that winners never quit. So here is the good news. A buyer with a savvy agent can write an offer that a seller will find hard to refuse.

    Be Ready to Act Fast

    Desirable properties often have multiple offers a couple of days after hitting the market. There is no margin of error for indecisiveness or being unprepared to offer a hot property as quickly as possible. That means you should not even consider offering a home if you do not have a preapproval letter from an accredited lender.  

    Don't Be Coy

    In this market, you can feel reasonably confident that if you have fallen in love with a home, so have other buyers. The occasion calls for an assertive approach, not a timid one. Open with your best offer, which should equal the asking price or higher. Your real estate professional will provide insights based on competitive properties also for sale in the neighborhood and homes that have already sold.

    Go Above and Beyond

    Let the sellers know your degree of commitment by upping the earnest money to 3% of the sale price. Doing so will instill seller confidence that you will not be likely to walk away from the deal since you have more money at risk. Another enticement is to make the earnest money offer non-refundable should you as the buyer cause the value to fall apart for any reason.

    However, let me insert a caveat here. Consider the option carefully and talk it over with your agent and lender. You would need to prepare to forgo other contingencies to make this work.

    It Isn't Only About Money.

    Another way to sweeten...

    7 Steps To Buy A Home

    7 Steps To Buy A Home

    Seven steps to buying a home in the Twin Cities. Buying a home in Minnesota is an adventure; however, you need a plan before you dive into the housing market. Buying real estate is a journey, and the road to homeownership is rarely a straight line from point A to point B. Often the route is a winding mountain road with hills and valleys, twists and turns but worth the effort to reach the top. Having your path mapped out from start to finish will help you avoid obstacles and delays. Completing each portion of the journey before proceeding to the next will build confidence in the process. Here are my 7 Steps for a successful home buying experience.

    Shop For a Mortgage 

    Now it’s time to find a lender. Of course, your first instinct is to secure a mortgage at the lowest possible rate. Don’t get me wrong that is extremely important. But customer service also matters. The variety of programs offered will make finding a loan that meets your particular financial situation easier.

    Obtain a Pre-Approval

    A mortgage banker will review your financial documents and run your credit. Then she can tell you how much you can borrow, the rate, terms, and estimate of closing costs. You are going to gather two years of tax returns, 1-2 months of pay stubs, 1-3 months of bank statements, other asset documentation, debt statements, a copy of your driver’s license, proof of residence of the last two years for your appointment. Hopefully, you will walk out with a preapproval so you can start shopping for a home.

    Choose the Best Real Estate, Professional

    There is no good reason for a buyer not to work with a professional when buying a home. Find one with experience, ...

    Comparison of New Home Options

    Overview and Comparison of New Home Options

    For most of us, homeownership remains an essential element of the American dream. For some, that dream is for a newly constructed home. It’s not difficult to see why some people aspire to live in a new home instead of a pre-owned property.

    Buying a new home means not having to live with and correct other people’s choices in décor and style. It means having “smart” home features built-in and building materials that meet the safety standards of today’s regulations. It means all new and clean appliances and fixtures, HVAC systems, roofs, and siding, which keeps the cost of maintaining the home low.

    There are three options for those who dream of owning a new home: tract homes, spec homes, and custom homes. They range in price from the starter home level to the “sky’s the limit” luxury housing. So even if your budget is limited, it doesn’t mean you can’t afford a new house.

    Tract Homes

    The largest category of new homes for sale is tract homes. They are generally built by large residential home construction companies with a regional, state, or national footprint. The contractor buys a large tract of land, makes streets, puts in utilities, separates the area into buildable house lots, and begins building homes.

    Generally, a buyer of a tract home will have a few models available to choose from, each with a set floor plan. Custom choices will include paint colors, flooring, cabinets, and fixtures, but selections will often be limited to those in the builder’s design center.

    Tract builders will often have a staged model home in each subdivision. They also will build homes before they have buyers and generally have houses you can see in various stages of construction.

    Tract homes are available at lower pricing tiers up to the high end of the market, depending on the...

    The First Time Home Buyers Journey

    How to Buy a Home in the Twin Cities - A Guide for First-Time Homebuyers

    How to Buy a Home in the Twin Cities - A Guide for First-Time Homebuyers

    Embarking on the journey to purchase your first home in the Twin Cities can be both exhilarating and daunting. As you navigate through this exciting process, it's crucial to arm yourself with knowledge and the right strategies to make your home-buying experience seamless and successful.

    Understanding the Twin Cities Metro Housing Market

    The Twin Cities housing market presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges for first-time home buyers. Interest rates are at a historic low, offering an opportune time to secure a mortgage. However, the competitive market with limited inventory means buyers must be well-prepared.

    Step 1: Get Preapproved for a Mortgage

    Securing a mortgage preapproval is a critical first step in your home-buying journey. This not only sets a clear budget but also positions you as a serious buyer in the eyes of sellers.

    Step 2: Find a Knowledgeable Local Real Estate Professional

    Partnering with a seasoned Real Estate professional who understands the Twin Cities market can significantly enhance your chances of securing your desired home.

    Step 3: Embark on Your Home Search with Confidence

    With financial preapproval and a trusted Real Estate professional by your side, you're well-equipped to begin your search for the perfect home in the Twin Cities.

    Conclusion: Your Dream Home Awaits in the Twin Cities

    By understanding market dynamics, securing financial preapproval, and working with an experienced Real Estate agent, you're on your way to finding your dream home in this dynamic region. Happy house hunting in the Twin Cities!

    For personalized assistance or to start your home search, consider using advanced search...

    Here's How to Determine Offer Price When Buying a Home

    How to Determine an Offer Price When Buying a House in MN

    The moment you have been waiting for has arrived. The home you want to buy has come on the market. You feel like Goldilocks when she lays in the baby bear’s bed. That felt just right.  Unlike Goldy, who proceeded to take a nap, you are ready to rock and roll. It’s time to write an offer, also known as writing a purchase agreement.

    The central theme of the offer is the amount you agree to pay to the seller for the property. Your goal is to reach that magical place where deals come together. It’s that sweet price point where the seller receives the amount he wants, and the buyer knows she is not paying too much.

    The starting point is the seller’s asking price. Your real estate agent’s job is to help you decide if it is reasonable or too high. Several factors to consider affecting your offer price include a comparable market analysis of homes that have recently sold, market conditions, property conditions and updates, length of time on the market, and seller motivation.

    The Comparative Market Analysis or CMA

    Your buyers’ agent will pull several months of data on homes that have sold in the exact general location to help you determine a range where your offer price should fall.  Comparison factors will include the number of bedrooms and baths, price per square foot, age of the home, and condition.

    When you find comparable properties, you want to compare the sold price to the listing price. Did most homes sell above, below, or at the listing price?

    While...

    Buying a Home in the Twin Cities

    Buying a Home in the Twin Cities MN

    The logistics of buying a home in the Twin Cities can be complicated for most of us. There is a lot of paperwork and steps we take before we arrive at the closing table and are given the keys to our new kingdom. What many buyers are not aware of is the battle between logic and emotion that is part of the homebuying process.

    For most of us here in the Twin Cities, the purchase of real estate is the most substantial monetary investment we will make in our life. Given that, we should consider the pros and cons of buying a home logically and make sure the numbers work before offering any property. However, buying a home is more than values on a spreadsheet, and emotion must play a part in the process.

    Important things to Consider When Buying a Home in MN

    A home is a place we celebrate our lives. It’s where we display family heirlooms and treasured mementos. It’s the place we rock our babies, dry their tears, share their laughter, and help them realize their dreams. It’s where memories are born of family gatherings, where we break bread with friends, toast success, and mourn a loss. When considering a home’s potential, if our heart is not singing a little song, it may be wise to take a pass.

    Every buyer wants to avoid remorse over the long term, and there are ways to achieve that tricky balance between logic and emotion. Working with a professional whose advice you trust is the first step, but as a buyer, you need to set some ground rules for yourself from the beginning of the home buying process. You need to know when to listen to the little voice of reason in your head and when to follow your heart. 

    The Pros of Emotional Home Buying Decisions

    Memories of childhood homes often generate a sense of safety and well-being. Often it may be a particular home feature that inspires a buyer. For an artist, it...

    Buying a Home in MN

    Buying a Home in MN Takes a Team

    If you have decided to transition from renter to homeowner, you are probably feeling excited and nervous at the same time. That is perfectly normal because it’s a big decision. Some think it is the litmus test for adulthood. While I’m not sure that is true, I will admit that it means taking on a whole new set of responsibilities. Heck, by the time I bought my first house, I was already working in real estate but still had the jitters.

    While you may find the home buying journey intimidating, thankfully, it’s not a solo adventure. You will have lots of real estate professionals helping you along the way. Some of them you’ll interact with regularly and others you will never meet. Yet, they will all be doing their part to get you across the finish line. Let me introduce them to you.

    The Real Estate Agent

    Your agent will scout out homes for you, pointing out the positives and negatives of each one. Once you have found the property you want to buy, he will do a comparative market analysis to decide on your offer. He will prepare the purchase agreement and help with the negotiations between you and the seller.

    In a nutshell, your licensed real estate professional will answer your questions, provide guidance, make recommendations, advocate in your best interests, provide emotional support, and help keep the whole process of buying your first MN home on the track. Your Realtor is a valuable resource in assembling the other professionals you need to complete your home buying journey. Since you will be communicating regularly with your Realtor, work with one you trust and who makes you feel comfortable. Also, be aware that a buyer’s agent represents the buyer's interests exclusively while other agents own their fiduciary to the seller. As a buyer, it’s to your advantage to have a buyer’s agent agreement with...

    Do this before buying a home

    Before you Buy A Home in the Twin Cities

    Before you buy a home in the Twin Cities, do your homework. When purchasing a home, it's a given that you will establish criteria regarding the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, size, condition, school ratings, and location.

    Do not buy a home in without assessing the neighborhood

    When you evaluate an area, there are many considerations to consider. Is it an old or new neighborhood? Does it have easy highway access but is situated so that you do not hear the rumble of trucks in the night? Are there any zoning changes going into effect soon? Is shopping conveniently close? How are the schools rated?

    Feel comfortable with neighborhood safety measurements

    Analyzing the location of any home you are buying is essential. Do not forget to check your potential new neighborhood's crime statistics. Before you make a long-term commitment to a new home, there should be no doubt in your mind as to what types of crime happen on the streets and how often. With an internet connection and a small investment of your time, you can have a wealth of data at your disposal.

    How to check  Twin Cities crime statistics online

    There are several applications on the internet that compile crime statistics nationwide. Here is my list of some of the best.

    Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website

    You will want to know if there are any known sex offenders in the neighborhood you are considering. The Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) creates the United States Department of Justice as a resource of sex offender registries in all 50 states. When you enter an address, the website responds with a map, names, photos, and locations of known sex offenders.

    Family Watchdog

    What I like about this site is that it shows you who the sex offenders are in the neighborhood and designates them as child offenders or rapists. You can also search by name or school. You'll also access a wealth of information...

    Homebuyers Take a Closer Look Before Making an Offer

    Look Past the Pretty Package

    When a buyer looks at a beautifully staged home that fits their criteria, emotions rule. Fall in love with a particular house, and almost immediately, the heart works against our own best interest by suppressing our better judgment. You know what I mean, that little voice inside your head saying, "but what about those battered floors?"

    Consider the facts first.

    The more you know about a home before making an offer, the better. The condition of the house should be a significant consideration. Hopefully, unless expensive, unforeseen repairs are part of your plan, you will have a professional home inspection as a contingency in the offer. But, before you even make that offer, you can do your preliminary evaluation of the home's condition yourself. 

    Don't set the stage today for financial regrets later.

    There is no way to say that refinishing floors, painting, or other minor repairs should be dealbreakers. But if too many items fall on the fix list, added altogether, they may prove to be a tipping point on the no-sale side or affect the dollar amount of your offer. Even when a home checks off all the needs boxes and many of the nice-to-haves, costly repairs can quickly lead to regret.

    Look before you leap.

    Here is a suggested list of items you can check before you take that first step by offering to purchase. A second visit to the property is preferred. Still, given the competitiveness of the housing market at the lower price brackets, this is also something you can do on the initial tour of the property.

    Warning signs to look for inside the home.

    • Floors – squeaks or sponginess, or worn-out carpet or wood that needs refinishing.
    • Walls –water stains, cracks,  bulging areas
    • Ceilings – water stains, damages, or sagging
    • Windows – open and close all the windows. Look for cracked panes, condition, and age of storm windows, torn or ill-fitting screens, broken...

    5 Ways You Should Never Compromise When Buying a Home

    Buying a Home in Today's Market is a Challenge

    You are rooted in the trenches in your quest for homeownership. The last property you toured had the kitchen of your dreams, but it is too close to the highway. The retirement condo you saw on the internet has everything on your wish list, but the building doesn't have an elevator.

    A warning to buyers, especially first-timers, in this market, finding everything you want is rare when there are not many homes to choose from, and properties rarely last a week without an accepted offer. Although you agree that compromise is a given, it's wise to remember that some factors cannot be changed if you discover the deal you made is not working. You don't get an opportunity to test drive a home.

    In a recent survey by Trulia, 51 percent of homeowners have regrets about some aspect of their home. It is a given with the lack of inventory and the stiff competition for homes. Circumstances may call for more compromise than you may want from your sacred wish list. There is nothing wrong with being adaptable. However, there are certain things you should never concede if you're going to be among the 49% without buyer's remorse. 

    1. Location

    The place is one characteristic of a home you can't change or adapt to. You should make sure that the area meets your family's needs now and for the amount of time, you expect to own your home. There are a few factors about the location you should consider. So when you evaluate a street address, ask yourself these questions.

    • How is the school system rated?
    • What is the crime level?
    • Is this a high-traffic street?
    • ...

    Get Ready to Buy A House MN

    Get Ready to Buy A House MN

    The decision to buy your first home is a major, life-changing event and should never be taken lightly or made quickly. Not only is it the most significant financial purchase you will likely ever make, but it’s also a commitment to your lifestyle and personal sense of well-being.

    Indeed, a home is a valuable asset, but it is much more than a number we see on a financial spreadsheet. It’s our haven. It’s where we plan to raise our children. It’s where we will dream about our future. It’s where we will celebrate our victories and cope with life's setbacks. There is the whole story of homeownership.

    Yes, buying real estate is a big deal, and I won’t lie to you; it can be a stressful and intimidating process, especially for a first-time buyer. However, it isn’t written in stone that it will be this way for everyone. It can and should be an exciting and joy-filled process. Being financially ready is critical in making it work in your favor.

    Let’s look at five positive signs that say you may be in the financial position to become a homeowner.  

    1. Your Finances Are Solid

    One of the critical factors to ensure a positive homeownership experience is stable finances. A reliable source of income that can cover your mortgage, property taxes, and homeowners insurance should not be more than 30% of your gross monthly income.

    Also, consider that debt will feel when you apply for a mortgage. If you carry a high amount of credit card debt and other consumer loans, you might want to pay that down before buying a home.

    If you are currently living paycheck to paycheck and not putting anything towards savings, you are probably not ready to buy as yet. Work out a plan to cut back on expenses or increase your income. Setting up a budget might help you achieve your financial goals.


    2. You Have a Down Payment

    Although it is most desirable to have 20% of...

    Home Buying Advice MSP

    Home Buying Advice MSP

    One thing I know for sure is the passage of time always brings a change in its wake. Fashion, food, hairstyles, home décor, and lifestyles have become extremely sensitive to trends. Some embrace change, and others fight it.  Whichever the case, a constant we can depend on is that trends will come and go regardless.

    Sifting Through  Home Buyers Advice

    Along with style changes, there is an incredible amount of advice about what we should hold on to and what goes off. Real estate is no different, and we must weed through all the bits and pieces of information and discover what is still meaningful and what no longer serves us when we decide to put a roof over our heads.

    Purchasing a house is the most expensive buy of a lifetime for most of us. It is predominately a joyful experience, but a certain amount of stress is inherent in the process, especially for first-time homebuyers. We want to make the right choices, so we seek advice from family, friends, and the internet. But with so many tips out there, how do we know which keepers we should ignore? Here are several pieces of home buying advice that have not met the test of time.

    You Will Always Be Better Off Owning Than Renting

    Bad Advice. There are occasions when renting is a far better option than buying. If you plan to move in less than five years, you may not recoup what it will cost you to buy and sell your home. Renting may be a better fit for someone who would resent doing home chores like mowing the lawn and seasonal maintenance. Perhaps you travel a great deal for business, and renting a small apartment makes more sense personally and financially.

    Good advice: One size does not fit all when it comes to the question of should you rent or buy. Evaluate your situation, personal preferences, and work-life balance, and make a decision based on what will work for you now.

    Never Buy a House in Winter

    Sorry but this one is complete nonsense! I’m...