Real Estate Blog

What’s Your House Worth Now? The Answer May Surprise You

Let’s talk about something you might not check nearly as often as your bank account – and that’s how much your home is worth. But when it comes to your financial situation, it’s an important thing to remember. When’s the last time you had a professional show you the value of your home?

Think about it. For most people, your house is probably the biggest asset you have. And if you’ve owned your home for a few years (or longer), chances are it’s been quietly building wealth for you in the background. And honestly? You might be surprised by just how much. 

What Is Home Equity?

This wealth you may not even realize you have comes in the form of home equity. Home equity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you still owe…

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New Listing 712 6th St-Brookings

712 6th St, Brookings, SD

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If walls could talk, this charming 2-story beauty from 1900 would have stories for days! With 3 beds, 3 baths, and over 2,400 finished sq. ft., this classic home blends old-school character with plenty of room to spread out. You've got a large lot, a 2-stall detached garage with alley access, and you're just a few short blocks to downtown Brookings, parks, and SDSU. Inside, you'll find all kinds of cozy corners, and plenty of space for everything for ALL the gatherings. Whether you're into front porch…

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Don’t Miss This Prime Spring Window To Sell Your House

According to Realtor.com, the best week to list your house this year was April 13–19. And since that week has come and gone, you might be wondering: did I miss my chance? Not at all – and here’s why.

That’s just one source’s take, based on their own research. Other organizations run similar studies. And since different places use different methodologies for their research, sometimes the results vary too – and that’s actually good news for you. According to Zillow, the best time to list your house is still ahead.

The latest research from Zillow says sellers who list their homes in late May tend to see higher sale prices based on home sales from last year. The study explains why:

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Open House-48159 186th St-Brandt

48159 186th St, Brandt, SD

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Right smack in the middle--between Brookings and Watertown--down a private driveway, with a beautiful tree belt you'll find a nicely built 2007 ranch home on 5.81 acres. This 2-bed, 2-bath home has over 1,400 finished sq ft and sits in a private, picturesque setting. There are five outbuildings, including a 36x48 shop built in 2023. The shop is insulated, heated, and features water and floor drains—perfect for projects year-round! There's room for a few cows or horses, and yes, it even comes with your…

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106 Wagon Wheel Circle-Brookings SD-Just Listed

106 Wagon Wheel Cir, Brookings, SD

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You can't go wrong with over 1,700 square feet of living space in this spacious and well-kept double wide mobile home! With 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and fresh paint in the large living room and two of the bedrooms, this place is move-in ready. The seller just installed a brand-new dishwasher and a SMART thermostat. Step outside to a big backyard perfect for BBQs, relaxing on the deck, or letting your furry friends run around. Oh yea this pet-friendly mobile home park is ready to welcome your four-legged family…

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What You Can Do When Mortgage Rates Are a Moving Target

Have you seen where mortgage rates have been lately? One day they go down a little. The next day, they go back up again. It can feel confusing and even frustrating if you’re trying to decide whether now’s a good time to buy a home.

Take a look at the graph below. It uses data from Mortgage News Daily to show that after a relatively stable month of March, mortgage rates have been on a bit of a roller coaster ride in April:

This kind of up-and-down volatility is expected when economic changes are happening.

And that’s one of the reasons why trying to time the market isn’t your best move. You can’t control what happens with mortgage rates. But you’re not powerless. Even with all the economic uncertainty right now, there are things you can…

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Pre-Approval Isn’t Commitment – It’s Clarity

If buying a home is on your radar – even if it’s more of a someday plan than a right now plan – getting pre-approved early is still one of the smartest moves you can make. Why? Because, like anything in life, the right prep work makes things clearer.

The best time to get serious about buying is before you’re ready to buy. Here’s why.

Pre-Approval Helps You Understand Your Numbers

One of the biggest benefits of pre-approval is how it helps you understand your buying power. As part of the pre-approval process, a lender will walk through your finances and tell you what you can borrow based on your income, debts, credit score, and more. That number is power.

Once you have that clarity, you’re no longer guessing. You know what you’re…

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Do You Think the Housing Market’s About To Crash? Read This First

Lately, it feels like a lot of people have been asking the same question: “Is the housing market about to crash?”

If you’ve been scrolling through social media or watching the news, you might have seen some pretty scary headlines yourself. That’s why it’s no surprise that, according to data from Clever Real Estate, 70% of Americans are worried about a housing crash in 2025.

But before you hit pause on your plans to buy or sell a home, take a deep breath. The truth is: the housing market isn’t about to crash – it’s just shifting. And that shift actually works in your favor.

Today’s Inventory Keeps the Housing Market from Crashing

Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says:

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Are You Saving Up To Buy a Home? Your Tax Refund Can Help

You’ve been working on your savings and dreaming of that moment when you finally have keys to a place that’s truly yours. What you might not realize is that your tax return could give you a little extra cash to help you get there sooner. As Freddie Mac notes:

So, if you’re getting a tax refund this year, you can use it to help you pay for some of the upfront costs that come with buying a home, like the down payment and closing costs. And here’s the best part.

On average, people are getting even more money back in their refunds than they did last year. While it’s not a big increase, the visual below uses data from the Internal Revenue Service…

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4 Ways To Make an Offer That Stands Out This Spring

Now that spring is here, more and more buyers are jumping back into the market, and competition is heating up.

If you’re serious about landing a home you’ll love, you need more than just a wish list. You need a smart strategy – and that starts with working with a great agent who can help you put together a strong offer.

Here are some top tips your agent will share with you that are helping buyers stand out (and win) in today’s market.

1. Don’t Lowball on Price

It’s tempting to start with a super low offer in an attempt to save money. But in a competitive spring market, that could backfire. If the price isn’t reasonable, you could offend the seller and lose out to a better bid. As NerdWallet says:

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