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9 Reasons to Gather at the Cabin this Holiday Season

9 November 2023
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Vacation Property

Believe it or not, Christmas is coming soon. While it is often held as the “most wonderful time of the year,” hosting a family gathering can be a high-stress experience. Our solution? Have everyone out to the family cabin! Gathering at the cabin is a wonderful and memorable experience and it can save you some hassle, too.

Benefits of Having Christmas at the Cabin this Year

  1. Scenic Setting: A cozy cabin in the woods is primed for a picturesque holiday gathering. Snow-covered landscapes, wood-burning fireplaces, and the serenity of the great outdoors provide a beautiful backdrop for your family celebrations.
  2. Cozy Atmosphere: Cabins offer features like wood-burning fireplaces, hot tubs, and rustic decorations, which create a warm and inviting aesthetic, sure to enhance your holiday spirit.
  3. Bonding and Togetherness: With limited access to technology, cabins easily facilitate family bonding time through board games, cooking together, and sitting around a fire. Give yourself the gift of treasured memories in this community-oriented environment.
  4. Escape from Routine: Hosting Christmas at a cabin allows a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It’s an opportunity to disconnect, get away from the city noise, and create a space for family time and relaxation.
  5. Privacy: Cabinsalso offer great privacy compared to a traditional home setting. Let yourself escape from the traffic, noise, and nosy neighbors and enjoy a sense of seclusion.
  6. Outdoor Activities: Here in the northland, we take full advantage of our outdoor winter activities, such as skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking. These experiences add an extra layer to the mood and help you really lean into the seasonal celebrations.
  7. Unique Traditions: A cabin Christmas is a great opportunity to establish new traditions. Whether it’s a special outdoor activity or a goofy way of exchanging gifts, these traditions become cherished parts of your family’s holiday celebrations, moving forward.
  8. Reduced Stress: Hosting at home involves a lot of cleaning, decorating, and preparation. Cabins are lower-maintenance, and the workload is shared amongst families, allowing you to focus on time together instead of the stress of hosting.
  9. Reconnecting with Nature: Christmas at the cabin is a chance to reconnect with the natural world. With fresh air and an organic atmosphere, you can take in the beauty of the season and explore the wilderness around you.

Overall, hosting family Christmas at the cabin is sure to create a unique and memorable experience, fostering togetherness, relaxation, and a break from everyday life. This collective ambiance encourages folks to embrace the spirit of the season and relish the time you spend together. Lean into the magical and atmosphere of the cabin this year, as it’s hard to replicate at home, and make the most of this unparalleled opportunity.

The Challenge of Charm: Risks and Rewards of Buying a Cabin with Character

1 November 2023
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life, Lake Property, Northern Minnesota Real Estate, Vacation Property

Old cabins have an understandable allure, with their architectural charm and unique character. The experience of being inside an old home, with all its lived-in quirks, is one of warmth and rich history. However, while picturesque and cozy, these cabins come with a host of potential issues that can turn your dream getaway into a costly and time-consuming project. Here are some of the primary issues to consider when purchasing an older property.

Hazardous Building Materials:

Many properties constructed before 1970 are laden with dangerous construction materials. Two of the most common are lead paint and asbestos. Lead paint, once used very widely, poses serious health risks, particularly to children. Asbestos, found in insulation and other building materials, can lead to lung diseases. Identifying and properly removing these materials is usually expensive and labor-intensive.

Outdated Mechanical Systems:

Older cabins are often hiding out-of-code systems that can pose significant risks. Knob and tube wiring is a common electrical system in older homes, and it poses a notable fire hazard. Plumbing pipes made from outdated materials can deteriorate over time, leading to costly water damage. Upgrading these systems to modern standards requires a substantial investment.

Maintenance & Upkeep:

Older cabins can hide a host of basic maintenance concerns as well, with varying degrees of risk. Foundation and structural problems, roofing and water damage, and poorly executed contractor or DIY updates are some serious concerns that can be difficult to identify. Lower risk maintenance issues include drafty windows, inefficient heating and plumbing systems, and ongoing management of old trees, roots, and shoreline.

Lifestyle Adjustments:

Older cabins lack many of the everyday accommodations we’re used to in our modern homes. Often this is desirable when one is getting away but for long-term lodging, these everyday comforts should be considered. Storage space is extremely limited in old properties, temperature control is often non-existent, and access to basic technology and entertainment may be cut off completely.

While the appeal of older cabin properties is undeniable, it’s essential to be aware of the risks and potential drawbacks. Before purchasing, be sure to conduct thorough inspections, budget for updates and repairs, and assess whether you’re ready to adapt your lifestyle to fit the limitations of an aging property. With careful planning and realistic expectations, owning an older cabin can be rewarding and fulfilling, but it’s crucial to go in fully informed and prepared.

A Comprehensive Guide to the Short Sale: What, Why, and How?

10 October 2023
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Categories: Blog, Minnesota Cabin Real Estate, Minnesota Real Estate, Northern Minnesota Real Estate

In the complex world of real estate, a short sale is a term that often comes up, leaving many buyers and sellers puzzled. What exactly is a short sale, and how does one navigate through the process? In this blog post, we’ll break down the fundamental components of a short sale and provide a step-by-step guide to help you navigate this unique real estate transaction.

What is a Short Sale?

A short sale in real estate occurs when a homeowner sells their property for less than the amount they owe on their mortgage. This situation typically arises when the homeowner is facing financial distress and cannot afford to continue making mortgage payments. Instead of going through foreclosure (when the lender seizes the property,) both the homeowner and the lender agree to a short sale to mitigate losses.

What is Required to Pursue a Short Sale?

  • Financial Hardship: The homeowner must demonstrate a legitimate financial hardship, such as job loss, medical bills, divorce, or other circumstances that prove it is impossible to meet their mortgage obligations.
  • Lender Approval: The homeowner also needs the lender’s approval to proceed with a short sale, since the lender will be receiving less money than what’s owed on the mortgage.
  • Market Value: The property’s market value should be less than the outstanding mortgage balance. This is determined through a professional appraisal or comparative market analysis.

What Steps Make Up the Short Sale Process?

Navigating a short sale can be overwhelming, but with proper guidance, this challenging process can be more manageable. Here is a step-by-step overview to guide you through the experience:

  1. Consult a Real Estate Professional: Start by seeking the assistance of a real estate agent experienced in short sales. They can help to assess your situation, estimate a property’s market value, and guide you through the following steps.
  2. Gather Required Documentation: Prepare a hardship letter, financial statements, tax returns, and other documents that prove your financial difficulties, to submit to the lender.
  3. List the Property: Work with your real estate agent to list the property on the market at an appropriate price, which is based on the appraisal or market analysis.
  4. Receive Offers: As potential buyers make offers, submit them to your lender for approval. The lender will evaluate each offer to determine whether it meets their criteria.
  5. Negotiate with the Lender: Be prepared for negotiations with the lender regarding the sale price, terms, and conditions. Your real estate agent can play a crucial role in this phase.
  6. Finalize the Sale: Once the lender accepts an offer, you can move forward with closing the sale. Be aware that the short sale process can take several months, so patience is essential.
  7. Closing the Deal: Close the sale and transfer ownership to the buyer. The lender often forgives the remaining mortgage balance as part of the agreement.

Navigating a short sale in real estate can be a challenging journey, but with the right team of professionals and a thorough understanding of the process, you can successfully sell your property and avoid foreclosure. If you’re facing financial hardship and believe a short sale may be the right option for you, consult with a real estate agent and lender to explore the possibilities and find a solution that best fits your situation.

A Twist on Tasty Traditional Treats: 17 New Holiday Recipes to Try at the Cabin this Year

29 September 2023
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life

Thanksgiving is a classic holiday where we gather together with family and friends to cook and eat delicious food. When it comes to the specifics of that food, everyone has a slightly different take. Some of us have recipes we’ve used for decades. Some people love the classics. Others are tired of the same old thing and looking for new takes on the traditional menu options. In this blog, we’re bringing you over a dozen new recipes to try at the cabin this holiday season!

New Holiday Appetizer Recipes

Some may wonder, why does such an enormous meal even need appetizers. We don’t have an answer to that question, but we do have 3 fresh and updated ideas for you to try this year!

Something Different: Thanksgiving Vegetables

While many people love vegetables, others believe they are the most in need of an update. Not to say there’s anything wrong with Aunt Susie’s green bean casserole, there’s just a lot of untapped potential in the world of holiday veggies.

You Can Keep Your Turkey

Another risky area to push the boundaries. Turkey is held by many as the one and only “classic” Thanksgiving dish. There are many methods but just one traditional flavor profile – we’re here to offer you a few alternatives.

Different but Delicious Desserts

Some of us love pumpkin, some may think it’s over-rated. Regardless of where you are, we’ve got a new recipe for you.

Something a Little Over the Top

For those of you who are a bit more adventurous, we’ve included a few “honorable mentions” that may push you a bit outside your comfort zone.

We all have things that matter to us when it comes to classic or traditional holiday meals. And that’s what makes Thanksgiving great, right? A little bit of everything comes to the table and you get to build your own plate with whatever it is you love.

Say Goodbye to Summer with Live Music, Family Fun, and Breathtaking Scenery

6 September 2023
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life, Northern Minnesota Things to Do

Fall is a time when the Northland’s natural beauty takes center stage, and our communities come alive for one last hoorah before winter settles in. In this blog, we’ll take you on a tour through the heart of Northern Minnesota, to explore some local fall festivals and celebrations. Join us as we uncover the essence of autumn in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

Harvest Moon Beer & Wine Tasting Festival – September 16th (Walker, MN)

As highlighted previously, the Harvest Moon Festival is a local favorite, offering craft beverage tastings from over 150 local vendors. This event has camping, lodging, and transportation options for attendees over the span of the weekend. Activities include games, contests, guided DIY art with the Traveling Art Pub, live music and dancing!

Nisswa Fall Festival – September 16th (Nisswa, MN)

If you’re looking for something a little further south, the 18th annual Smokin’ Hot BBQ Challenge is happening on the same day. There will be tons of food including a pancake breakfast from the Nisswa Fire Department and competition ribs for tasting after judging. The festival will also have a medallion hunt, bean bag tournament, Kidzone, craft market, music and more!

Longville Oktoberfest – September 16th (Longville, MN)

Believe it or not, a third local festival is happening on Saturday, September 16th over in Longville. Come on by Oktoberfest for a celebration of German heritage consisting of beer, crafts, antiques, book sale, scavenger hunt, music, and tons of food!

Carters’ Fall Festival – September 23 through October 29 (Park Rapids, MN)

Come experience fall at the farm, starting September 23rd and running through all of October. Visit Carters’ Farm’s giant Folklore & Fairy Tales corn maze, as well as wagon rides, live music and magic performances, and loads of games and activities. They offer season passes  and discounted tickets on their website.

Crosslake Days – September 28th, 29th, 30th (Crosslake, MN)

The weekend of Thursday September 28th through Saturday September 30th is full of family fun in Crosslake. Come experience a chili cook off, arts & craft fair, scavenger hunt, corn-hole tournament, trivia, live music, meat raffle, and loads of kids activities and inflatables.

These gatherings not only celebrate the changing of the seasons but also the rich community, culture, and tradition of our picturesque region. As the air begins to chill and the smell of bonfires surrounds us, join us in saying goodbye to summer with lively music, craft beverages, and family fun, all backed by the breathtaking scenery of this spectacular season.

Preserve and Protect: How to Winterize your Home for Vacancy

1 September 2023
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Property, Northern Minnesota Things to Do, Vacation Property

When leaving your home for the long and bitter winter months, it’s critical to thoroughly prepare. The winter cold presents some unique challenges and in a long-vacant home, small problems can quickly escalate. Here is a brief guide for winterizing your home before leaving it behind until spring.

Utilities, Fireplaces, and Plumbing: Reduce Your Risk

One of the largest risks to a home during the winter is a burst pipe, so be sure to shut off the water supply before leaving. Open all faucets and drain all pipes (including toilets, dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters.) This will ensure there is no freezing or burst pipes while you’re away.

Unplug all major appliances and turn the thermostat down, though you’ll want to keep the internal temperature above freezing. If there is a fireplace, clean it thoroughly, removing any ash, coals, or other debris. Sweep or vacuum the fireplace and be sure to close any flues or dampers.

The Kitchen: Remove All Food

Another risk of vacating your home for the winter is animals. Removing all food from your kitchen will help to avoid attracting unwanted critters. Clean out the fridge and freezer completely; drain any water lines, empty the ice maker, clean and sanitize all surfaces. Leave the doors of your fridge and freezer propped open or consider using activated charcoal or baking soda to help avoid musty smells in the spring.

Remove all food from the pantry. Anything left behind should be secured in hard, sealed containers. Wash all dishes, clean your trash and recycling containers, and sanitize your sink when finished. Remove anything that should not freeze (like cans of carbonated beverages) and take out the trash.

Other Basics: Tidy, Clean, and Seal

You will want to do a basic clean of all other areas of the home including bedrooms, bathrooms, and common rooms. Wash, dry, and put away all linens. Vacuum carpets, sweep and mop floors, wipe down all surfaces. You may also consider additional weather proofing such as weather strips for doors and windows, plastic sheeting for windows, and caulking in any exterior gaps.

Outdoor Items: Secure and Store

Clean out gutters and be sure your roof is clear of debris. Arrange to have outdoor maintenance managed while you are away, such as shoveling snow or removing ice dams. Be sure to secure and store any outdoor items such as grills, fire pits, and furniture.

Overall Security: Locking Up

When leaving for an extended time, you want to ensure as much security as possible. Lock all doors and windows and remove any valuables before leaving your home for the winter. Consider purchasing automatic timers for a few lights. You may also want to arrange to have someone check on the house occasionally, throughout the winter.

Your home is a financial and emotional investment and it’s imperative that you protect it, even when you are away. By following this guide, you will limit the risks of leaving your home for the winter. From securing utilities to tending to your kitchen, these steps will help preserve your sanctuary while you are away. Remember, a well-prepared home not only shields against the cold but also grants you peace of mind throughout your winter hiatus.

Celebrate the Changing Seasons with These Can’t-Miss Gatherings and Community Events

7 August 2023
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Categories: Blog, Northern Minnesota Things to Do

Fall is a beautiful season here in Northern, MN, famous for its display of changing colors. Folks flock to visit our vibrant region as the cool weather settles in, for camping, bonfires, beer, and special events. There are plenty of celebrations throughout this change of seasons, and this post will overview some of our favorites here at Bill Hansen Realty.

Ethnic Fest

Since winter can start at any time here in the Great North, we start celebrating autumn early. This year, Ethnic Fest is September 9th. This event is a celebration of the diverse culture of not only the Leech Lake area, but all of Minnesota! The weekend is overflowing with amazing foods, arts and crafts, and dozens of unique performances. Join us for a weekend full of family fun, amazing music and a rich celebration of our unique culture.

Muskie Tournament

Another popular local activity for the fall is muskie fishing. Muskie’s, Inc. will host its longest-running tournament, The Frank Schneider Memorial Muskie Tournament, this September 8th through the 10th. This event is held across 20+ lakes in the Bemidji/Cass Lake, Walker/Leech Lake area of northern Minnesota. Everyone who registers is entered to win one of several grand prizes, awarded at the end of the weekend.

Harvest Moon Festival

The Moondance Harvest Moon Festival is scheduled for September 16th, 2023. The festival is a huge beer and wine tasting festival, with over 150 craft beers, wines, and spirits to try. There’s also tons of food, entertainment, and activities including yard games, axe throwing, karaoke, music, and dancing. Over 3,000 people attended last year so make your plans early and consider booking a hotel or camping reservation in advance!

Oktoberfest & Fall Fest

Last on the list for this fall are two of our favorite local breweries: Portage Brewing and Rendezvous Brewing. Both have hosted special fall events in the past and we’re looking forward to celebrating with them again this year. Portage Brewing’s Seasons Change Oktoberfest Celebration is set for September 23rd and in the past, they’ve hosted live music and have launched their fall beer releases and food menu. Rendezvous Brewing hosts a Fall Fest that’s scheduled for October 7th this year. Last year they had tons of local food and special beer releases, as well as sales and specials from some favorite local shops! Keep an eye on these two and their social media accounts for information about this year’s celebration, as we head into fall!

The change of the seasons is a special time here in the Walker/Hackensack area. We know that winter is coming, and we are determined to soak up every second we can before that time comes. It’s an especially important moment to celebrate our wonderful region, our local and family businesses, and all that this great community has to offer. We hope to see you doing the same!

Second Mortgage Success: 5 Hurdles to Avoid, So Your Application Is Approved

7 August 2023
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Categories: Blog, Minnesota Cabin Real Estate, Minnesota Real Estate

If you’re preparing for major home upgrades or paying off major debt, you may be considering refinancing your home with a second mortgage. This means letting lenders poke around in your finances again, inquiring about other assets, savings, and investments. While refinancing can be an exciting financial move, it’s important to be aware of potential roadblocks that could lead to your application being declined. Here are five critical reasons why your second mortgage could face a setback:

Detrimental Debt

Lenders will always look closely at your Debt-to-Income (DTI) ratio, which compares your monthly debt payments to your income. If your debt load is already substantial, it could be a red flag. Lenders prefer a DTI below 43%, so exceeding this limit will likely decrease your chances. Tackle existing debt before applying for a second mortgage, to significantly improve your approval odds.

Credit Concerns

Your credit history speaks volumes to lenders, and a poor track record can raise concerns. Beware of actions lenders interpret as red flags, such as recent credit inquiries, high outstanding debt, or new large purchases. Personal loans and poor payment habits can also catch negative attention. Take the time to address these issues and enhance your creditworthiness before submitting your second mortgage application.

Not Enough Equity

A declining real estate market can impact the value of your home and affect the equity you’ve built up so far. Lenders usually require a minimum amount of equity to approve a second mortgage. If your property’s value has decreased, you might not meet this baseline. Stay on top of your home’s value, as well as local real estate trends, to be sure you are making moves at the right time.

Constant Closing Costs

While you are understandably focused on the loan itself, don’t forget that you are responsible for closing costs on a second mortgage, too. If you can’t afford these expenses, it can lead to a denied application. Research and budget for these costs in advance, to ensure you have an adequate financial plan that covers all of the expenses involved.

Income Instability

Lenders seek stable and consistent income when evaluating mortgage applications. If you’ve recently changed jobs or your income has been inconsistent, it could create doubts about your ability to repay. Demonstrating a steady income history and a reliable employment record assures lenders that you can pay back the loan with consistency.

Securing a second mortgage involves careful planning and preparation. Addressing these potential stumbling blocks will help increase your chances of a successful application. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, consider consulting a financial advisor or real estate professional to guide you through the process.

Preparing to Sell Your Home? Plan for These Four High-Impact Improvements

12 July 2023
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Categories: Blog, Lake Property, Minnesota Cabin Real Estate, Minnesota Real Estate, Northern Minnesota Real Estate

There are countless things to do in preparation for selling your home. After the major improvements are completed, there are a variety of smaller updates and changes that can boost your home’s appeal to buyers, as well as increase its value prior to listing. These four improvements are accessible, affordable, and have a great impact.

Value-Add Improvements

Some repairs and replacements have a higher return-on-investment than others. Focus your time and money on those that will improve the final sale price. First and foremost, repair any basic damages, like a leaky faucet or broken blinds. Next, target high-ROI improvements, like updates in the kitchen and bathrooms. Any effort to refresh and update these rooms will have a positive impact. Think about small updates to fixtures and hardware, fresh paint, resurfaced cabinets, and modernized décor.

Painting & Carpet Cleaning

Painting is one of the most popular updates made before listing a home for sale. Carpet cleaning is another accessible task. Both require a bit of time but are relatively inexpensive and items you can do by yourself. In combination, they are an excellent facelift for your whole interior. It’s best to tackle these tasks 20 to 30 days prior to listing your home. This allows you to cover the mess of packing and moving, while still giving the space time to settle in. Your home will be looking fresh and bright just in time for prospective buyers!

Creating Curb Appeal

The exterior of your home is an important detail, as it will be the first impression for visitors. Make sure your yard is tidy, freshly mowed, and free of debris. Store outdoor items in a garage or shed to clear the space. Do some fresh landscaping, such as planting flower beds and mulching trees and shrubs. Finally, touch ups and simple projects can add extra impact and make guests feel welcome. Consider repainting your front door, updating your mailbox, or replacing old hardware and lighting appliances.

Decluttering and Staging

The last step in preparing your home for sale is to stage it. The goal of staging is for your home to appeal to as many buyers as possible. You want to make your home feel comfortable and tidy, while showcasing its strongest assets. Work on packing, purging, and storing unnecessary items in the months leading up to listing your home but hold onto items and décor that will be used for staging. You can find online staging guides or consider hiring help to get your home staged for sale.

There are a lot of considerations when it comes to listing your home for sale. It can be hard to focus your efforts, amidst seemingly endless recommendations and checklists. If you’re preparing to list your home, consider these four high-value improvements, and reach out to an agent today.

7 Ways to Save Money When Buying Your Next Home

7 July 2023
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Categories: Blog, Minnesota Cabin Real Estate, Minnesota Real Estate, Northern Minnesota Real Estate

Buying a new home is a major expense, often the biggest in someone’s lifetime. It comes with many layers of financial responsibility. The expense isn’t just the big number you see on a listing – it’s also closing costs, inspections, insurance, taxes, etc. The good news is every expense is another opportunity for thinking strategically. With a good agent, and these 7 tips, we’ll help you save some money along the way.

Savings tip #1: Prepare Your Credit

The savings journey starts before the shopping. Most buyers will need a loan and that loan will be influenced by your financial situation. Finding the best loan option will save you money in the long run. For the year or two preceding your purchase, nurture your credit. Pay everything on time, every time. Consider increasing your credit limits. Decrease your debt, increase your income. Healthy credit will expand lending options and help you to secure the best loan possible.

Savings tip #2: Shop Around for Lenders

Speaking of loans, you can save money by shopping around for lenders. Don’t settle for the first loan you’re offered. Understand your priorities, compare rates, and even negotiate with lenders to find the right fit!

Savings tip #3: Leverage the Market

You can save a lot by shopping during a “buyer’s” market – when demand is low and inventory is high. In this kind of market, a buyer has more power and can leverage their interest to get the best deal for themselves. Having a good agent will also be helpful in this process.

Savings tip #4: The Value of an Excellent Agent

While we’re on the topic of agents, the right agent will make a world of difference. Real estate agents are industry experts, and they understand everyone’s motivations. They can advise you on lenders, give you insight into the current market, and make or break a negotiation. Be sure to connect with an agent you trust, who will advocate for you every step of the way.

Savings tip #5: First-Time Homebuyer Programs, Grants, and Down Payments

There are several ways for first-time home buyers to save money in the short term or long term, depending on their needs. There are grants, special programs, and specific loan options for first-time home buyers, that will help lower the cost of a downpayment. But be aware, saving money now by putting less down can cost more in the long run. An alternative approach would be to put more money down up front; this will help you avoid private mortgage insurance payments which increase your monthly costs.

Savings tip #6: How to Save on Closing Costs

Closing costs are an often-overlooked expense. They cover things like agent fees, paperwork processing, taxes, and plenty more. One section of closing costs is “services you can shop for”, which offers another saving opportunity. These are things like inspections, document services, attorney services, appraisals, etc. and you can shop around for them.

Savings tip #7: Don’t Skip Inspections

Lastly, you may be tempted to save a few bucks by skipping your home inspection. However, the risk often outweighs the reward. Inspections cost money up front but can uncover major expenses down the road and help you get coverage for repairs in your future. You can also bundle add-ons like radon, pest, and mold inspections.

It’s easy to understand why buying a home is overwhelming. The expenses are numerous, and the journey can be intimidating. But with an expert agent and a savings mindset, you can both survive the journey and walk away with a great investment.