It’s a popular question -  are final walk-through’s really necessary before closing on your new home? Oftentimes, those final moments before signing on the home are rushed with moving, stopping at the bank to get that cashier’s check, or last minute errands. We really try to encourage Buyers to be as prepared as possible and leave ample time for that final walk-through. If buyers are coming in from out of town, we encourage them to either leave early enough to give us time to fully inspect the home or stay in the town of the property the night before. We know, we know, it is a stressful time.

Final walk-throughs are highly recommended by our team before closing on a property. Once that deed is signed and recorded, the property is yours. There is no…

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Just like with January, home sales are happening at great numbers (up 14%) leading us to believe our spring market has started and will continue into summer ☀️ Larger numbers of inventory have done a couple things - pushed our days on market out a bit, as well as pushed our median sales price down. Our market would still argue inventory is a need and affordability is still a concern.

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To get prepared to buy a home, there are several steps you can take to ensure a smooth and successful home buying process. Here are some of our tips to help you get started!

1. Determine your budget: Calculate how much you can afford to spend on a home by considering your income, expenses, and savings. This will help you determine your price range and avoid looking at homes that are outside of your budget. Your lender can also help in this process.

2. Check your credit score: Your credit score plays a significant role in the mortgage approval process. Check your credit score and take steps to improve it if necessary, such as paying off debts or correcting any errors on your credit report.

3. Save for a down payment: Start saving for a down payment on…

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The settlement statement is a document used in real estate transactions to outline all the fees and charges associated with the purchase of a property. It includes details such as the purchase price, loan amount, closing costs, and any other expenses related to the transaction. The statement helps both buyers and sellers understand the financial aspects of the deal and ensures transparency in the closing process.

Some items you may find on your settlement statement are -

1. Purchase price: The agreed-upon price for the property being purchased.
2. Loan amount: The amount of money borrowed from a lender to finance the purchase, if applicable.
3. Closing costs: Fees associated with the closing of the transaction, such as title insurance, appraisal…

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After the purchase agreement and appropriate disclosures and addendums are signed and the earnest money deposit has been made, we move into a phase of the transaction called the due diligence phase. This is the time when everyone updates their insurance company and post office of the upcoming move, the final packing and touch-ups around the home happen, etc etc., and ultimately, all contingencies need to be addressed.

Contingencies in a real estate transaction refer to specific conditions that must be met in order for the sale to proceed. If any of these contingencies are not met during the contingency period defined in the purchase agreement, the buyer may have the option to back out of the sale without penalty and take back their earnest money…

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When it comes to selling a property, understanding the various costs involved is crucial. One significant aspect to consider is the real estate seller commission. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of what seller commission is, how it works, and what factors influence it. So, let's get started!


What is Real Estate Seller Commission?

Real estate seller commission refers to the fee paid to the real estate agent or broker who assists in selling a property. It is typically a percentage of the final sale price and is negotiated between the seller and the agent.


Factors Influencing Seller Commission:

  1. Marketing and Resources:  Every Agent is an Independent Contractor and, thus, owns their own business providing various services.…

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January numbers are out and to say that they've surprised us is an understatement. We have still been bullish on the 2024 housing market, but a bit less bullish than we have been the last couple years due to the recession some believe we are in and the upcoming election. Interest rates should be pretty stable leading up to the election, which is one of the top discussion points buyers have when looking to buy. What the stats showed was new listings are up nearly 42%, while median sales price is up 17.3%. Those are the surprising numbers. These are all compared to Jan 2023.


In summary, it looks like an early start to the spring market, which is not hard to believe with this beautiful, mild winter we are having in Central MN. If you have…

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A home valuation, also known sometimes as a comparable market analysis (CMA) takes into account various factors to determine the estimated value of a property. Some key elements that typically contribute to a home valuation include:

1. Location: The location of a property plays a significant role in its value. Factors such as proximity to amenities, the lake it’s on, schools, transportation, and desirable neighborhoods can impact the valuation.

2. Size and layout: The size of the property, including the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and overall square footage, is considered in the valuation. The layout and functionality of the home also play a role.

3. Condition: The condition of the property, including the age of the home, any renovations or…

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Once you’ve decided to sell, it’s crucial to get your home in the condition to sell it for top dollar. Here are some easy steps we recommend to display your home in the best light!

1. Declutter and depersonalize: Remove any unnecessary items and personal belongings to create a clean and neutral space that potential buyers can envision themselves in. We also recommend removing any items or photos that you do not want in the photos of your listing.

2. Deep clean: Give your home a thorough cleaning, including floors, windows, walls, and appliances. Pay attention to details like grout, fixtures, and carpets. Hint: When your home is clean, it also gives buyers the perception that you take care of the details and don’t leave deferred maintenance.

3.…

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