Real Estate Blog

Do You Need to Know More about Forbearance and Mortgage Relief Options?

Earlier this year when the nation pressed pause on the economy and unemployment rates jumped up significantly, many homeowners were immediately concerned about being able to pay their mortgages, and understandably so. To assist in this challenging time, two protection plans were put into place to help support those in need.

First, there was a pause placed on initiating foreclosures for government-backed loans. This plan started on March 18, 2020, and it extends at least through December 31, 2020. Second, homeowners were able to obtain forbearance for up to 180 days, followed by a potential extension for up to another 180 days. This way, there is a relief period in which homeowners have the opportunity to halt payments on their mortgages for up…

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Halloween Pumpkin Decorating Kids Contest 2020 by Brookings Home Team

     We had a great turn out of contestants for our Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Over 25 Restaurant Themed Pumpkins were submitted ranging from a Cheese Burger Pumpkin with the essence of a cartoon patty to a Pheasant Pumpkin decorated with feathers with a real life feel.   Pictures, Videos and Winners were announced on the Brookings Home Team Facebook Page (Look for our Link Below). Winners were selected by their creativity in two age categories 0 to 6 and 7 to 12.  Judges made their selections on Oct. 29, 2020.

     Our Sponsors were selected as judges.  Mark Waterman with Great Western Bank was the 1st place Prize Gift Sponsor and greatly appreciated by us all at the BHT, gifting both First Place Winner in each age category with a $50.00…

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For Sale in Iroquois South Dakota

421 S Quapaw St, Iroquois, SD

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4 BEDROOMS | 1 full, 1 half, 1 ¾ baths BATHROOMS | 2631 SqFt

A perfect place to call home with this 4 bedroom ranch style home. It features main level laundry, 3 bedrooms on the main level with a master bath and walk-in closet. The dining room has French doors to a two-tiered deck and very spacious yard. The basement has lots of space for family gatherings in the family room and rec room. Property has a 56 x 46 storage building that is fully insulated, heated, has a floor drain, 3/4 bathroom, storage and a separate wood shop. There are…

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The #1 Reason Not to Wait to List Your House for Sale

Many industries have been devastated by the economic shutdown caused by the COVID-19 virus. Real estate is not one of them.

Mark Fleming, Chief Economist for First American, just reported:

“Since hitting a low point during the initial stages of the pandemic, the only major industry to display immunity to the economic impacts of the coronavirus is the housing market. Housing has experienced a strong V-shaped recovery and is now exceeding pre-pandemic levels.”

Buyer demand is still strong heading into the fall. ShowingTime, which tracks the average number of buyer showings on residential properties, just announced that buyer showings are up 61.9% compared to the same time last year. They went on to say:

“Normally,…

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6 Reasons You'll Win by Selling with a Real Estate Agent This Fall

There are many benefits to working with a real estate professional when selling your house. During challenging times, like what we face today, it becomes even more important to have an expert you trust to help guide you through the process. If you’re considering selling on your own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO), it’s critical to consider the following:

1. Your Safety Is a Priority

Your family’s safety should always come first, and that’s more crucial than ever given the current health situation in our country. When you FSBO, it is incredibly difficult to control entry into your home. A real estate professional will have the proper protocols in place to protect not only your belongings but your family’s health…

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Do You Have Enough Money Saved for a Down Payment?

One of the biggest misconceptions for first-time homebuyers is how much you’ll need to save for a down payment. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t always have to put 20% down to buy a house. Here’s how it breaks down.

A recent survey by Point2Homes mentions that 74% of millennials (ages 25-40) say they’re interested in purchasing a home over the next 12 months. The study notes, “88% say they have significantly less savings than the average national down payment amount, which is $62,600.”

Thankfully, $62,600 is not the amount every buyer needs for a down payment in the United States. There are many different options available, especially for first-time homebuyers (millennial or not). That amount can also be significantly less,…

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Should You Buy a Retirement Home Sooner Rather than Later?

Every day in the U.S., roughly 10,000 people turn 65. Prior to the health crisis that swept the nation in 2020, most people had to wait until they retired to make a move to the beach, the golf course, or the senior living community they were looking to settle into for their later years in life. This year, however, the game changed.

Many of today’s workers who are nearing the end of their professional careers, but maybe aren’t quite ready to retire, have a new choice to make: should I move before I retire? If the sand and sun are calling your name and you have the opportunity to work remotely for the foreseeable future, now may be a great time to purchase that beach bungalow you’ve always dreamed of or the single-story home in the sprawling…

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1303 Westminster Dr-For SALE

1303 Westminster Dr, Brookings, SD

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5 BEDROOMS | 1 full, 1 ¾ baths BATHROOMS | 1880 SqFt

ON THE STREETS OF WESTMINSTER...This split level home is not in London and Abbey is no where near, but it is very close to a park and 3 schools. Feel like Chef Gordon Ramsay in the beautiful kitchen full of cabinets and counter space. The 16x16 deck will be a great place to entertain or just enjoy the evening stars. This home flaunts 2 updated bathrooms and 5 bedrooms. But the best, and most enjoyable room will be the indoor Swim Spa/Whirlpool room. It won't matter the weather outside, as you can…

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Is it Time to Move into a Single-Story Home?

Once the kids have left the nest, you may be wondering what to do with all of the extra space in your home. Chances are, you don’t need four bedrooms anymore, and it may be a great time to sell your house and downsize, maybe even into a single-story home. You’ve likely gained significant equity if you’ve lived in your home for a while, so making a move while demand for your current house is high could be your best step forward toward the retirement goals you set out to achieve several years ago.

The dilemma, though, is where to go next. A big concern for many homeowners who are ready to sell is finding a home to move into, given today’s lack of houses available for sale. There is, however, some good news: the number of single-family 1-story…

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Why Pricing Your House Right Is Essential

In today’s real estate market, setting the right price for your house is one of the most valuable things you can do.

According to the U.S. Economic Outlook by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), existing home prices nationwide are forecasted to increase 4.7% in 2020 and 4.1% in 2021. This means experts anticipate home values will continue climbing into next year. Today, low inventory is largely keeping prices from depreciating. Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, notes:

“Looking at the sheer number of buyers, low mortgage rates, and limited sellers, the strength of home prices–which are now growing at the highest pace since January 2018–makes sense.”

When it comes to pricing your home, the goal is to increase…

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