Renting out your home vs selling it is a great way to build your real estate portfolio. But is it right for you? As you begin to plan, consider these points: How will you handle repairs? Will you be the direct contact or hire a third party? Will you do a background check? Do you [Read More]
Getting preapproved is an important step in your road to owning a home. It is an opportunity to meet with a lender, review your financial situation, and determine what home price works for you. The best lenders (we can provide our recommendations) will walk you through your monthly payments, how much money down you will [Read More]
As Winter knocks on our doors, it's time to ensure our homes are ready for the frosty season. One essential but often overlooked task is draining your outdoor faucets. Why is Draining Your Outdoor Faucet Important? When temperatures drop, water trapped in outdoor faucets and pipes can freeze. As water turns into ice, it expands, [Read More]
First, we wanted to say a huge Thank You! You voted us the best in not one but TWO categories: Best Real Estate Agents and Best Real Estate Office. We are humbled and do not take this for granted! This led us to reflect on what it is we do, who we help, why it [Read More]
It seems silly at first, I must admit. It started the day my microwave quit. No notice, just an act of clear defiance From a necessary, simple, daily appliance. I decided to replace it, sounds easy, right? Let’s see.. stainless steel, black, or white? No no, I won’t buy just this one. I’ll buy a [Read More]
Private Mortgage Insurance: What is it and Can I Get Rid of it? Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is typically required when you make a down payment of less than 20% on a home purchase. It is designed to protect the lender in case you default on your mortgage. The good news is, yes, in most [Read More]
You Have Equity in Your Home! Now What?! Take out a line of credit to buy an RV. Refinance a 30-year mortgage to 15-year. Enjoy a trip of a life-time with the family. Finance your child’s upcoming wedding. Move equity forward to your next home. Remodel the lower level and add a deck. None of [Read More]
This time of year is filled with transition. Our grocery lists go from easy BBQ menus and road trip snacks to packing lunches and meal planning. Even our shoes adjust from sandals to ‘real shoes’ as we head to school and full work schedules again. Similarly, the market faces transition this time of year, and [Read More]
Is it Up to Investors to Save Us? There is a new initiative calling for investors to sell their rentals in order to help bring inventory to the market. In the works is a call for a federal incentive that would offer temporary capital gains relief for investors who sell to a first-time buyer or [Read More]
Temperatures on the rise!? Let’s face it, when it gets this warm, it is hard to keep cool! And likely, doing your usual outdoor activities is ill-advised. What about a change of pace as we head into a hot weekend and the month of August! Here are some ideas to get you started! Check out [Read More]
We are thick into SUMMER! Time to soak in sun, splash around in the lake, beach or pool, sip cool lemonade....the list goes on! It also means time for Community Festivals! This weekend we celebrate Spirit of the Lakes Festival in Mound. What better way to take in the season?! Live Music, great vendors, crafts, [Read More]
Job. Schools. Family. These have been three of the top reasons to move for years. But what if your motivation had less to do with needs for the move and more about what you love to do?! That’s right. In today’s world of working from home and alternative schooling, where, when and why to buy [Read More]
We help our clients find a home that is, quite literally, the right fit! Sound funny? Think about it. There are so many features in a home that can be more or less suited for each of us. John and I pay attention to these details on behalf of our clients. There are times [Read More]
You have been thinking about moving for a long time and finally decided this is the year. Through the decision process, you have also determined that townhome living will be ideal. How nice to not have to worry about upkeep and overall exterior maintenance! But as you narrow down cities and bedrooms, don’t forget to [Read More]
Something magical happens when we move. We pack up our old home and unpack into our new one. Sounds simple. But what we are really doing in this process is leaving unnecessary clutter behind. As we unpack, we are allowing a fresh start. The storage spaces are empty, and the rooms are a blank canvas. [Read More]
When selling your home, you will be asked, “Are you aware of any work performed on the Property for which appropriate permits were not obtained?” You could be required to get back dated permits, some with a fine. Each city is different. If you hired a contractor, confirm that the necessary permits were pulled and [Read More]
It’s not your imagination! Many home-owners who purchased in the past few years are already moving on. For some, it is buyer remorse: They bought too quickly or didn’t realize the home needed so much work. For others, the move is due to lifestyle changes. Most purchased during the pandemic and a highly competitive market. [Read More]
More than once in recent weeks, I was told the market is in a downturn. “Haven’t you seen the headlines?” Of course, I keep up with current news, but wanted to see exactly what they were reading. I combed through the various articles and realized the issue: the data used was not current enough to [Read More]
I hate to brag, but I have the answer to everything you need in life. Okay, just one thing. But if you struggle with the month of March in Minnesota, this is the ONLY thing you ever need to know. Let’s face it, March is a tough month. Sure, we brave ‘brisk’ walks in subzero [Read More]
You have just taken some time off. Enjoyed sunshine, explored, ate amazing food, and feel perfectly energized. For some, this blissful feeling doesn’t last past the first load of laundry. But why? Why not keep that vacation feeling alive? Here’s how: Color. Do you close your eyes and see the vibrant color and scenery from [Read More]
