There are thousands of realtors in South Central Wisconsin, which means when it's time to hire someone to represent you in the home-buying process, you've got no shortage of candidates. That's a good problem to have — but it also raises an important question: how do you tell a good fit from just another name on a list?

Here are three traits worth looking for as you narrow your search for the right buyer agent. 

(Listing photo courtesy of Step Inside Media.) 

Is the buyer agent GENEROUS with their time? 

A good buyer agent treats your questions as worth answering fully, not just quickly. When you're trying to understand the buying process or make sense of the current market, do they anticipate what you're likely to ask and walk you through

Condo lending rules are changing. We recently covered the details, but here's the short version: to qualify for a conventional loan, most condo associations will need to set aside at least 15 percent of their monthly budget for reserves — up from the current 10 percent. 

 (Listing photo courtesy of Step Inside Media.)

This number has real consequences for both buyers and sellers. So whatever side of the transaction you're on, this should be the first question you ask when you sit down with a set of condo financials:

What percent of the monthly budget goes toward reserves?

If the answer is below 15 percent, it could mean the association isn't yet positioned to qualify for conventional financing — which matters differently depending on where

Acting as your buyer agent, we often uncover issues during showings and inspections that will require future repairs. For example: the roof that needs to be replaced, the chimney that needs to be rebuilt, or the electrical service that needs to be upgraded. 

(a fuse box and electrical panel we recently investigated during a buyer showing) 

When we do find issues, we quickly obtain ballpark repair estimates by consulting with trusted contractors. Sometimes we do this electronically, by sharing photos and/or inspection reports. Other times, we arrange for in-person contractor visits. Either way, we're here to help you gather the timely information you need before you write your offer, and as you negotiate your inspection. 

Here's a good

National data from Keeping Current Matters (KCM) recently reported that 63% of buyers consider a “good” interest rate to be less than 5%. So, what is a good interest rate from a realtor’s perspective?

One way to approach that question is to look at average rates over time. Mortgage interest rates have been between 5% and 10% nearly sixty percent of the time over the last 50 years (KCM). Current rates reflect a return to “normal” in a balanced real estate market. There’s definitely some “good” in that.

The other way to look at the question is what works for you and your family. Do current interest rates help you meet your goals, financial and otherwise? Do they work within your budget? “Good” may be a personal opinion, and in

If you've been planning to buy a home this year, but the news keeps giving you pause, you're not alone -- and you don't have to let fear make your decision for you.

(photo by Step Inside Media)  

Here are 3 buyer mindsets that will help you determine your next steps: 

1) A little reflection can help. Consider these three questions: 

• If you bought a home today, can you imagine yourself having peace of mind? 
• Would you have financial peace? 
• And would you be excited? 

If you can't honestly answer "yes" to all three questions, then maybe now isn't the right time for you to buy. But if you can answer yes to all three, the next two mindsets can help you move forward with confidence.

2) Remember, buying a home is a long-term

Did you know your interest rate can vary based on a variety of factors, including:

• Your down payment amount
• Your credit score
• Who is on the loan
• If you're buying an investment property or second home
• Your ideal cash-to-close amount

If you're looking to understand what your interest rate would be for your next purchase, reach out. We're happy to get you connected with a transparent & trusted lender that fits your needs.

We often hear this phrase when buyers are putting together an offer for a home. A buyer may choose to write an offer with their ideal terms, commenting that the "seller can always counter" their offer and negotiate with them. This is a reasonable strategy, and could save the buyer money or reduce risk. 

However, our team is always quick to point out that a seller is not obligated to counter a buyer's offer before accepting another. Some sellers are fatigued from the selling process by the time they begin reviewing offers, and decide to choose the best option they have on the table rather than negotiate terms with each buyer individually.

When competing with other buyers, it's prudent to put your best foot forward in your offer without overextending

Our office on Monroe Street is always open for buying or selling consultations. However, we often hold these consultations at our clients' favorite coffee shop or a nearby public venue, too. If having a meeting at a familiar spot feels more comfortable to you, or fits better into your schedule, we are happy to accommodate. 

Our consultations are never meant to feel stressful: we don't bring a contract, and we don't charge a fee. We are here to listen to your goals and give you our honest, professional advice on how to reach them. 

Reach out if you're ready to take this first step.

Would you have peace of mind?

Would you have financial peace? 

And would you be excited? 

We often ask our clients these 3 questions as they consider a big purchase. When they answer "yes" to all three, then that's a sign that they're about to make the right decision. 

These questions are a reminder to us that we all have important questions to address in every season of life. And there's no time like the present to reflect on the ones that help us choose a new and better direction.

You don’t want to find your perfect home, and then realize you can’t afford it. Likewise, you don’t want to underestimate what you can afford, and limit yourself to less than your dream. The first step to starting a real estate search is to talk with a lender. 

There was a time when a buyer needed 20% down to consider purchasing a home. Today, the market has changed, and the rules for qualifying have too. Buyers are finding they can afford more home than originally expected, or that qualifying is possible, even without a sizable down payment.  A variety of options exist to allow buyers to purchase with as little as 3% or possibly even 0% down.  Between gifted down payments, reductions in closing costs, or seller-assisted closing costs, there are many