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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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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The Cost of Renting Vs. Buying a Home

Some Highlights

• The percentage of income needed to afford a median-priced home today is declining, while that for renting is on the rise.
• This is making buying a home an increasingly attractive option for many people, especially with low mortgage rates driving purchasing power.
• Let’s connect if you’d like expert guidance on exploring your homebuying options while affordability is high.

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Buying or Selling a Home? You Need an Expert Kind of Guide

In a normal housing market, whether you’re buying or selling a home, you need an experienced guide to help you navigate through the process. You need someone you can turn to who will tell you how to price your home correctly right from the start. You need someone who can help you determine what to offer on your dream home without paying too much or offending the seller with a low-ball offer.

We are, however, in anything but a normal market right now. We are amid one of the greatest health crises our nation has ever seen. The pandemic has had a dramatic impact on the journey consumers take to purchase or sell a home. To successfully navigate the landscape today, you need more than an experienced guide. You need a ‘Real Estate Sherpa.’

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DEBUNKED: Rumors and Myths of Rent vs. Buy

To rent or to own; that is the question. Well, let’s break it down, shall we?

Renting

Sure, renting can have its benefits. Maybe you’re not responsible for the yard upkeep or shoveling in the bitter cold, or in-home fixes and repairs. And you have to answer to a landlord, on their terms and their time. Some repairs or problems can’t wait. So, what’s the price you pay? There’s a reason people say, “You’re just throwing money away! Don’t you want your money to go towards something? Something you own?!” Yet, maybe you’re not the settling-down type of person. In that case, renting may be for you.

Owning

Sure, there are challenges like being responsible for home repairs, yard upkeep and sidewalk maintenance. But remember you can also do what…

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