When you’re ready to shop for a new home, securing a mortgage is often a primary piece of the puzzle. To do that, you’ll want to have a handle on your credit score. Your credit score can determine not only whether you are able to get approved for a mortgage loan, but also potentially the limit of that loan and what your interest rate will be. Have a lagging credit score, and you could wind up paying more for the same money as someone down the street with a sterling score.    Understanding you... read more

When it comes to making one of the biggest financial transactions of a lifetime, you want to know someone has your back. And not just anyone: you want a knowledgeable professional you can fully trust. That’s why it makes sense to do a little homework when choosing a Realtor.    If you don’t have someone you’ve hired before and already trust, these tips can help you find the Realtor that’s right for you.   #1 Confirm licensing. Licensing is required for agents in Wisconsin. Y... read more

I have $500 to spend on my home before I put it on the market. Where should I invest it? Homeowners are often surprised at what some minor improvements can do to increase appeal as well as value to prospective buyers. Even $500 can go a long way. But the best way to invest it will vary from home to home. The best advice is to take a critical look at your home and ask yourself where does it show the most wear? Is it outside or inside? Is it underneath or overhead? The majority of homeowners usually find that $500 is... read more

When it’s time to take out a mortgage loan for your new home or property, your lender is likely to add the insurance premium and property taxes to your mortgage payment. In the process, the lender sets that money aside to make sure both are paid in a timely fashion. It’s in the lender’s interest to provide this service, as it protects them from uninsured losses you incur if you can’t cover them, as well as tax liens that may crop up. As time goes on, your mortgage lender may cover any cost d... read more

For years now, would-be homebuyers in our region have been hunting for the perfect property, only to find limited options for sale. For many, it’s been a discouraging stretch—the super-competitive housing market has left countless eager buyers unable to get an offer accepted, particularly in their targeted price range.   Good news for potential homebuyers, depending on market But there’s good news on the horizon for potential homebuyers in Minnesota and Wisconsin: it looks as if what industr... read more