Before You Fall in Love with a House, Do This First.

Be honest. Have you started looking at homes online yet? If you have, it’s already time to get pre-approved. Because here’s what not enough people know.

If buying a home is on your radar – even if it’s more of a someday plan than a right now plan – you don’t want to wait until later on in the process to tackle this step.

No matter what you’ve heard, pre-approval isn’t about commitment. It’s about clarity.

And here are the two big ways pre-approval sets you up for success. 

You Know Your Numbers Up Front 

During 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. And once you have that number, your search becomes a lot more focused.

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304 3rd St S, Brandt - Open House

304 3rd St S, Brandt, SD

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Step into timeless charm with this well maintained 1918 two story home offering the perfect blend of historic character and modern updates. You'll appreciate the beautiful hardwood floors, original woodwork, and inviting layout throughout. The recently updated kitchen provides functional space with today's conveniences while preserving the home's classic feel. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, main level laundry, and over 1,525 finished square feet, there is room for everyone. Situated on a large 118x140…

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Price Adjustment - 106 W South St, Badger

106 W South St, Badger, SD

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Enjoy small-town living in Badger, SD, with this large mobile home on its own lot, offering 1,758 sq ft, including multiple additions. The home features comfortable living areas filled with natural light, plus a charming solarium-perfect for relaxing year-round. Step outside to not one, but two decks ideal for entertaining or enjoying quiet mornings. A 2-stall garage provides ample storage and parking. This property blends indoor comfort with outdoor enjoyment,…

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Price Adjustment - 217 Hickory St, Brookings

217 Hickory St, Brookings, SD

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Welcome to 217 Hickory Street in Brookings, South Dakota, located in the desirable River Ridge Addition! This split-level walkout home built in 2005 offers over 3,000 finished sq ft with 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The kitchen is the heart of the home featuring an 8x8 island, double pantries, and tile backsplash. Enjoy vaulted ceilings, a gas fireplace, and a bow window that fills the living room with natural light. The primary suite includes dual sinks, a jetted tub, and separate shower. Step…

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Price Adjustment - 508 E Wye Mesa, Brookings

508 E Wye Mesa, Brookings, SD

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WYE not look at this mobile home? Located in the highly desirable Western Estates Mobile Home Park, 508 E Wye Mesa sits in a unique neighborhood layout that feels more like a traditional home development than a mobile home community. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath home offers over 1,200 sq. ft. of comfortable living space and a welcoming layout to enjoy. Residents appreciate the pet-friendly environment, neighborhood park area, and scenic pond nearby. You'll also love being just minutes from the bike trails, Dakota…

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Is Your Home Still a Good Fit for Your Life? A Brookings Perspective

At some point, almost every homeowner in Brookings, South Dakota has this thought:

“Is this home still right for us?”

Not because anything is wrong.
But because life changes.

At Home Team 605 pwrd by Krogman & Company Real Estate, we see this every day. And most of the time, it has nothing to do with the house… and everything to do with where you are in life.

???? Life Changes — And So Do Housing Needs

Think about where you were when you bought your home.

• Maybe it was your first home
• Maybe your kids were little
• Maybe you needed space for a growing family
• Maybe you just wanted to get into the market

Fast forward a few years, and things can look very different.

Now you might be:

• Wanting less maintenance
• …

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Affordability Has Improved in All 50 States

For the past few years, affordability has been what’s stopped a lot of buyers in their tracks. Maybe it stopped you, too.

At some point you probably did the math, looked at the monthly payment, and decided to pause your search and wait for things to get better. But here’s something you may have missed while you’ve been sitting on the sidelines.

Over the last year, housing affordability has improved in all 50 states. Yes, you read that right. It’s gotten better in every single state.

That’s based on new research coming out of First American. And while housing is still fairly expensive compared to historical standards, the pressure buyers felt over the last few years is finally starting to ease.

Some Areas Are Seeing Bigger Improvements…

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3 Must-Do’s for First-Time Home Buyers

Buying your first home is exciting, but it can also be a little nerve-wrecking because it’s something you’ve never done before. And trying to think of everything you need to do can feel like a lot. But here’s the key.

You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. And you don’t have to do it all at once. Just tackle it one thing at a time.

Here’s a simple list of 3 main things you should focus on to help you get started.

1. Assemble Your Team: Don’t Do This Alone

Buying a home is a team sport. And having the right professionals by your side can make a world of difference. Here’s who you need to find: 

• A local real estate agent is your guide from the first showing to closing day. They’ll make sure you understand all the…

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The #1 Reason Buyers Walk Away (And How To Get Ahead of It)

You may have seen headlines on social saying the number of buyers backing out of their contracts is on the rise – and has recently reached a high not seen since 2017. That can sound intimidating. But it varies a lot by market.

And here’s the key thing to understand if you want to sell. A lot of the time, there’s one common cause. And it’s something you can actually control.

Here’s what you can do to get ahead of the biggest dealbreaker before it ever becomes a problem.

The Top Dealbreaker: Issues That Pop Up During the Inspection

A Redfin survey shows over 70% of recently cancelled contracts happened because of issues during the home inspection (see graph below): 

And that makes sense. Because today’s buyers have something they…

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Mortgage Rates Dip Below 6% - What That Really Means for Brookings Home Buyers

Big headline this week:
Mortgage rates have dipped below 6% for the first time in a while.

Now before this turns into banker math and spreadsheets, let’s talk about what this actually means from a real estate agent’s perspective — especially here in Brookings, South Dakota.

At Home Team 605 pwrd by Krogman & Company Real Estate, we don’t just watch rate charts. We watch behavior. And when rates shift, buyer behavior shifts with it.

Why a Sub-6% Mortgage Rate Matters

Even a small drop in mortgage rates can change the tone of the market.

Here’s what we typically see when rates dip:

• Buyers who were “waiting” start scheduling showings

• Pre-approvals get updated

• Conversations turn from “maybe later” to “let’s…

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