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Exploring 20-Year Mortgage Options

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20 year mortgage

Nearly 78% of all home mortgages created last year were for a 30-year term, according to the Urban Institute. But have you ever considered a 20-year term? A shorter term will save tons in interest payments, and you will build equity faster and be mortgage free sooner, even though you will pay a bit more monthly. New proposed legislation could help first-time homebuyers reduce the cost of a 20-year mortgage or provide down payment help.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering a 20-year mortgage:

Here are 5 Good Reasons to Sell Now

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Still on the fence about whether to sell your home now? Homes are selling quickly at premium prices. Knowing what to expect will help you decide if this is the right time capitalize on your sale during this seller’s market.

Remodeling Projects that are Best for Resale

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remodeling ROI

In today’s market, remodels that are planned with a return on investment in mind is essential. Properties are selling quickly, so only those projects with the best opportunity to increase value are worth the investment. For investment properties, you can then rent your units for more income while planning to sell. Or, you can add value to your home while enjoying living in it.

According to the 2018 Consumer Housing Trends report, nearly 80% of sellers made at least one improvement before selling with most sellers averaging 2.2 renovations or improvements before selling. Only 21% of the sellers in 2018 actually listed their home as-is. This article covers a range of the best improvements for return on investment across different budgets, plus those remodeling projects that do not pay off at resale.

10 Ways to Stretch Minnesota Summer Into Fall

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summer in Minnesota

It seems like we were just whining about hot weather. Soon, it will be Fall, with crisp days and golden leaves to rake up in the yard. September is typically a warm, sunny month, so get out and enjoy the natural vitamin D provided by our extended summer. Here are 10 fun ways to keep summer going all month long, while still keeping your cool.

How to Be Less Stressed When Moving Cross Country

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moving cross country

Moving to a totally different environment from what you are used to opens up a wealth of opportunities for new experiences and growth. But if the actual moving cross-country part has got you a little anxious, there is some smart preparation that will help the transition go smoothly.

Here are 5 things you can do to prepare for a big move so that the experience is uplifting, with perhaps a bit less heavy lifting.

Relocating to West Central Minnesota?

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Battle Lake House

We’re sharing one couple’s experience moving to rural West Central Minnesota. One was from here, one new to the area. Through their eyes, we are reminded of the many reasons we love our quaint small towns and beautiful, uncrowded lakes area brimming with natural resources.

Are Open Floor Plans Still Popular?

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open floor plan

Weighing the Pros and Cons of Open vs Closed Floor Plans before Building or Remodeling For the last two decades, open-concept floor plans have been a dominant architectural trend. This concept generally joins a kitchen, dining area and living room into a large open space without dividing walls.  Knocking down walls to an open, multipurpose … Continued