Most of us have watched HGTV shows where a couple has a certain budget for buying a house. They look at three houses that fit within that budget and choose the one they like best. While programs like this are considered reality TV, the budget that the buyers have is often not realistic. Sometimes they say they have $200,000 to buy a house plus another $100,000 for renovations, when in reality the producers are picking up part of the rehab bill. Or, the buyers on TV have millions to spend on a home on the West Coast — which is just not possible for the average viewer. Not only that, it’s a much different housing market here in the Midwest, where a modest budget can go much further. 

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With today’s high rent prices, it makes sense to wonder if purchasing a home is a better option. However, it’s not always easy to save a big chunk of money to put down upfront — especially if you’re a first-time home buyer. The good thing is that there are lending programs designed for buyers with very little savings, and some even make buying a house without a down payment possible.

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It’s no surprise that buying a house is the American Dream. It means not having to hear neighbors above you, being able to paint the walls whatever color you choose, and having a yard for entertaining. But buying a home is a big investment, and many wonder if it is a good investment. 

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It’s no secret that letting go of the family home is hard for aging parents. With so many memories of kids running up and down the steps and tossing footballs in the yard, many seniors remain in a house that has more room than they need—and more maintenance than they can handle. What’s more, moving in the golden years can be overwhelming. Decluttering and packing is a huge job, and securing a mortgage after retirement is intimidating on a fixed income. 

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It is commonly known that a lot of debt can stand in the way of getting a good mortgage rate. And owing too much could prevent someone from getting a home loan at all. But what if you’re in the process of trying to reduce your debt payments? For example, does debt consolidation affect buying a home? 

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For many, owning a home is a big part of the American Dream. It means not having to ask a landlord for permission to paint cabinets; not having to pay extra to have a pet; and having a backyard to entertain friends. It also means an end to rental payments that don’t build equity. 

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The world of real estate has a language all its own…which can make it difficult for first-time buyers to understand the status of a listing when searching for a home. While a real estate agent can shed light on the differences between pending, under contract, contingent, and other terms encountered during the home buying process, it helps to know a little about them before beginning your search. 

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Unless you are a first time homebuyer or opting to give up homeownership and rent instead, you will likely be trying to navigate buying and selling a home at the same time. Doing both at once might seem way too stressful, and it can be a bumpy ride. But people manage to get through it all the time.

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The current housing market is so hot that it is breaking just about every real estate record that exists: Lowest inventory, highest prices, and shortest time on the market, to name a few.

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Figuring out where to live in St. Louis can be complicated, especially for newcomers. It is hard for some to wrap their head around the fact that the city itself is small (with a population of about 300,000) but has 79 distinct neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and name. Just outside the city limits, more than 2 million people live in 100 different municipalities spanning several counties and 2 states—all of which are sometimes referred to as the Greater St. Louis region. 

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