Top 10 Questions to Ask a Homeowners Association During Your 10-Day CIC Review Period Buying a home in a homeowners association (HOA) can offer many benefits, including reduced maintenance responsibilities, shared amenities, and a sense of community. But it also comes with rules, fees, and financial

What Are the Top 3 Mistakes Sellers Make When Selling a Home? If you're thinking about selling your home in today's market, you may be wondering what separates the homes that sell quickly and for top dollar from those that sit on the market. After more than 23 years in real estate, I've found that m

What Should You Really Look for in a REALTOR®? Whether you're buying your first home, selling a home you've lived in for 30 years, or trying to coordinate both at the same time, choosing the right REALTOR® can make all the difference. Many people think a REALTOR® is simply there to unlock doors, put

What Is the Cost of Having a Buyer's Agent? One of the most common questions we hear from homebuyers is: "What does it cost to have a buyer's agent represent me?" It’s a smart question, and the answer often surprises people. In Many Cases, the Cost Is Minimal Having your own buyer representation oft

Why Should I Use a Buyer’s Agent? It’s a common question—and a good one. With so much information online, it’s easy to wonder if you really need a buyer’s agent when purchasing a home. The short answer? Having the right representation can make a meaningful difference in your experience, your outcome

Stay or Sell? How To Make the Right Call as You Get Older At some point, this question tends to come up—sometimes quietly: “Can I stay here long-term… or would it make more sense to move?” It’s usually not urgent. It shows up in everyday moments—walking up the stairs, keeping up with yardwork, or ju

What Are All the Costs of Buying a Home? If you’re thinking about buying a home, one of the most common questions we get is: what does it actually cost? Most people immediately think about the down payment—but that’s just one piece of the puzzle. There are a few other costs to plan for so you can mo

Getting a Tax Refund? Here’s How It Can Help You Buy a Home If you’re getting a tax refund this year, it might be worth looking at it a little differently. Instead of treating it as extra spending money, it could actually help move you closer to buying a home. A lot of buyers don’t factor their refu

How Much Does It Cost to Sell a Home? One of the first questions most homeowners ask when they start thinking about selling is simple: What is this actually going to cost me? It’s a great question—and one that’s important to understand upfront so there are no surprises later. Understanding Commissio

Spring Home Maintenance Checklist: What to Do Inside and Outside Your Home This Season What should you include in a spring home maintenance checklist?A complete spring home maintenance checklist should cover both exterior and interior tasks—focusing on routine upkeep, system checks, and small repair

How to Sell Your Home Faster and For More Money When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are everything. Imagine a buyer pulling up to your house for the first time—the lawn is neatly trimmed, the front door is freshly painted, and the entryway feels warm and inviting. This instant “wow

Are Online Home Estimates Actually Accurate? A Twin Cities perspective on Zillow, Redfin, and your real home value If you’ve ever looked up your home on Zillow or another site, you’ve probably had the same thought: “Is that really what my home is worth?” It’s one of the most common questions we hear

Are Investors Really Taking Over the Housing Market? We’ve had quite a few conversations lately where people are concerned about investors buying up all the homes. And we get it. The headlines make it sound like big companies are out there scooping up everything… which can feel frustrating if you’re

When Should You NOT Refinance Your Mortgage? Refinancing gets talked about a lot when rates move—but it’s not always the right move for everyone. Last week we covered when refinancing can make sense. Today, let’s look at the other side—because sometimes the better decision is to stay right where you

The Best Time To List Your Home This Spring Is Almost Here If selling has been on your mind this year, timing matters—and there’s a window coming up that tends to give sellers a bit of an edge. Based on historical data, the week of April 12–18 stands out as one of the strongest weeks to list. Now, t

When Does It Make Sense to Refinance Your Mortgage? Refinancing is something most homeowners think about at some point. And if you’ve owned a home for a while, chances are you’ve at least wondered if it could benefit you. It’s Not Just About the Interest Rate A lot of people think they should only r

Common Homebuyer Questions (Answered Simply) If you’re thinking about buying a home, it’s normal to have a lot of questions—especially at the beginning. Here are some of the most common things buyers ask, along with simple, straight answers to help you feel more confident moving forward. How much ea

Should You Accept an Offer Contingent on the Buyer Selling Their Home? When selling your home, one of the most common questions that comes up during negotiations is whether to accept an offer that is contingent on the buyer selling their current home. For many sellers, this type of offer can feel un

When Is the Best Time to Sell a House? Timing can make all the difference when it comes to selling your home. Whether you’re looking to upgrade, downsize, or relocate, knowing the best time to put your house on the market can help you get the best price and a quicker sale. But is there really a “per

Top Mistakes Homeowners Are Making in 2026 (And How To Avoid Them) Let me start with this: homes are absolutely still selling. In fact, thousands sell every single day across the country. But the sellers who are successful right now have one thing in common — they’ve adjusted to today’s market inste