Real Estate Blog - tips

Don't Make These Mistakes When Selling Your House

Are you thinking about selling your house? Some common mistakes today can make the process more stressful or even cost you money.

Fortunately, they’re easy to avoid, as long as you know what to watch for. Let’s break down the biggest seller slip-ups, and how an agent helps you steer clear of them.

1. Overpricing Your House

It’s completely natural to want top dollar for your house, especially if you’ve put a lot of work into it. But in today’s shifting market, pricing it too high can backfire. Investopedia explains:

And your house sitting on the market for a long time could lead to price cuts that raise red flags. That’s…

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Home Staging FAQ: What You Need To Know

You may have heard that staging your home properly can make a big difference when you sell your house, but what exactly is home staging, and is it really worth your time and effort?

Here are a few quick FAQs that can help you decide how much you should prioritize staging as you prep for your move.

What Is Home Staging?

Staging is the process of arranging and decorating your house to highlight its best features and make it as appealing as possible to potential buyers. It can range from simple touch-ups to more extensive setups, depending on your needs and budget.

How Does It Help Me Sell My House?

Studies show good staging does have an impact on your sale. Staging your house well can help you attract more attention from buyers,…

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Thinking About Selling Your Home in 2025? Here’s How to Prepare for Succe

If you’re considering selling your home in Brookings, South Dakota, or the surrounding area in 2025, you’ve probably wondered: What can I do to make my house stand out to buyers? The truth is, strategic upgrades and thoughtful preparation can make a huge difference when it comes to impressing potential buyers and securing the best offer. But before you start picking up a hammer or planning major renovations, let’s talk about what really works—and what’s not worth your time or money.

At the Brookings Home Team, we specialize in helping sellers make smart decisions to maximize their home’s appeal and value. Here’s a comprehensive guide to getting your home ready for a successful sale in 2025, packed with tips that’ll make your property shine.

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Avoid These Common Home-Buying Mistakes in Brookings, South Dakota

No one wants to stumble during one of the biggest investments of their life—buying a home. Yet, in today’s market, some common mistakes trip up even the most prepared buyers. The good news? With the right guidance, you can sidestep these pitfalls and make your home-buying journey smooth and rewarding.

Here’s a closer look at the missteps many buyers are making right now and how a trusted real estate professional, like Shane Andersen of the Brookings Home Team, can help you avoid them.

1. Trying to Time the Market

Many homebuyers play the waiting game, holding off for lower home prices or mortgage rates. While this might seem like a smart strategy, it’s risky and often backfires. Predicting market trends is notoriously challenging because…

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How Much Will Selling Your Home in Brookings, SD Cost? Here’s What to Expect

If you're considering selling your home, you're probably wondering, “What are the costs involved?” The answer depends on a mix of factors, from the offers you receive to possible repairs, closing costs, and agent commission. Here’s a closer look at the expenses you might expect when selling your home in Brookings, South Dakota.

1. Closing Costs and Agent Commission

When you close on the sale of your home, there are several costs that come with it. Closing costs cover various fees associated with the transaction, such as title insurance, transfer taxes, and attorney fees. Sellers often cover their own closing costs but sometimes offer to pay a portion of the buyer’s as a concession, which could help close the deal faster.

Another expense at…

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Why Isn’t Your Home Selling in Brookings? Here’s How to Speed Up the Process

Watching your home sit on the market with no offers coming in can be frustrating—especially when you’re ready to move on to your next chapter. You’re not alone in this. Many sellers in Brookings, South Dakota and surrounding areas are experiencing this challenge today.

According to data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the average time a house stays on the market has been increasing. This is a trend that’s becoming more common nationwide. As Realtor.com recently noted:

"During the week ending Sept. 14, homes stayed on the market eight days longer compared to last year. With more choices available and mortgage rates expected to fall, buyers are taking their time, which means sellers will need to be patient and flexible.”

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Tips to Making a Strong Offer

It’s a seller's marking this spring so you’re going to want to be prepared to put in a competitive offer to increase your chances of landing a new home. Watch this video to learn a few tips and give us a call at the Brookings Home Team – we’re here to serve YOU!

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Does Your Credit Score Matter?

When it comes to buying a home, your credit score matters. Here are 3 things you can focus on to help improve your score:

1.       Your payment history

2.       Your debt amount

3.       Credit applications

After cleaning up those things, you’ll be on your way to a better score and hopefully a better home!

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3 Tips if You Are Thinking of Selling Your Home This Year

Thinking of selling your home this year? Here are 3 things to keep in mind: Price your house right Keep your emotions in check Stage your house properly These things will get you started in the right direction. Check out the video for more info and give us a call to see how the Brookings Home Team can serve YOU!

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Tips for Making Your Best Offer on a Home

While the wild ride that was the ‘unicorn’ years of housing is behind us, today’s market is still competitive in many areas because the supply of homes for sale is still low. If you’re looking to buy a home this season, know that the peak frenzy of bidding wars is in the rearview mirror, but you may still come up against some multiple-offer scenarios.

Here are a few things to consider to help you put your best foot forward when making an offer on a home.

1. Lean on a Real Estate Professional

Rely on an agent who can support your goals and help you understand what’s happening in today’s housing market. Agents are experts in the local market and on the national trends too. They’ll use both of those areas of expertise to make sure you have…

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