Questions people ask before they call.

Yes, and honestly, that’s most of my business. You don’t have to be ready to have the conversation. Just curious is a perfect reason to call, and “I have no idea what I’m doing” is a perfect reason too.

The real answer comes from your whole picture: income, debt, savings, and what you’re comfortable paying each month. A lender’s pre-approval turns that into a concrete number. I’m happy to connect you with lenders I trust, and to help you understand what they tell you.

It depends on the loan type and your situation. Buyers in South Dakota use conventional loans, FHA, VA, and USDA, and each has different down payment expectations, including some with low or no down payment for those who qualify. We’ll talk through which paths fit you, with no push in any direction.

There’s no single magic number, and different programs look at credit differently. The useful step is a chat with a lender about your actual credit picture and which options exist for it. Credit is fixable, and sometimes the timing just needs to account for it.

You can call me before, during, or after, truly. Pre-approval helps you move quickly when the right home shows up and keeps you looking at homes that genuinely fit. If you haven’t done it, I’ll walk you through it.

The first step is the conversation, not the paperwork. We talk about your life, your timeline, and what you’re hoping for. Then we figure out the real first step for you, which is usually getting pre-approved.

For most people, the right time to buy is when it fits your life and your finances, not when the news says so. In today’s Sioux Falls market, prices are stable and homes are selling steadily. We’ll look at your situation and the math together.

Waiting makes sense sometimes, for saving, for a job change, for a chapter to settle. But waiting “for the market to crash” is usually waiting on something that isn’t coming. Let’s talk about what you’d actually be waiting for, and whether it exists.

Closing costs are the fees around your loan and the transfer of the home, like lender fees, title work, appraisal, and prepaid taxes and insurance. Your lender gives you an itemized estimate early on. I’ll help you read it so nothing surprises you at the table.

In a typical sale, the seller pays the commission that covers both the listing agent and the buyer’s agent, so buyer representation usually doesn’t come out of your pocket. On your specific deal, we’ll spell out exactly how it works before you sign anything.

For a buyer, representation is typically paid through the seller’s side of the transaction, so there’s usually no separate fee to you. For a seller, the commission comes out of the sale proceeds, and it’s agreed to up front, in writing, before you commit to anything.

A true number comes from a comparative market analysis: recent sales of similar homes nearby, what yours has that they don’t, and the current market’s appetite. I’ll build that for you free, and explain it in plain language.

Inventory has been tight and demand steady, which has favored sellers, but the honest answer depends on your situation, your timeline, and where you’re headed next. That’s a conversation about your goals first and the market second.

Start with what an inspection will flag and what photos will show: fresh paint where it matters, clean and clear spaces, and anything that looks broken even if it works. I’ll walk through your home and prioritize, because not every project pays for itself.

It depends on your timeline, your finances, and how much uncertainty you can stand. Selling first buys certainty but often a double move; buying first avoids that but usually means carrying two homes. There are middle paths too. That’s a real conversation, not a formula.

Homes in the Sioux Falls area have been averaging around 47 days on market recently. Your home’s timing depends on price, condition, and neighborhood. After we talk, I’ll give you a realistic range for your specific home.

Someone who listens more than they talk, who answers your calls, who explains the process in plain language, and who has no problem telling you when something isn’t right for you. Credentials matter. So does whether you actually like working with them.

Talk to more than one. Ask them the same questions and notice who answers directly and who dodges. Ask how they’ll communicate and how often. And look for someone who’s comfortable with where you are right now, not trying to move you faster.

“Best” depends on your week: what commute you can stand, which school district fits your kids, whether you want city energy or small-town pace. Sioux Falls, Brandon, Tea, and Harrisburg each have strong neighborhoods. Tell me what your life looks like and I’ll point you right.