Blog
The Chad Schwendeman Real Estate Group is your source for Crow Wing County insider real estate information, as well as the latest MLS listings of houses, townhomes and land for sale in Brainerd, Baxter, and throughout Minnesota.
The 20% Down Payment Myth, Debunked
Saving up to buy a home can feel a little intimidating, especially right now. And for many first-time buyers, the idea that you have to put 20% down can feel like a major roadblock.But that’s actually a common misconception. Here’s the truth.Do You Really Have To Put...
A Tale of Two Housing Markets
For a long time, the housing market was all sunshine for sellers. Homes were flying off the shelves, and buyers had to compete like crazy. But lately, things are starting to shift. Some areas are still super competitive for buyers, while others are seeing more homes...
You Finally Have More Options for Your Move
Some HighlightsIf you put your home search on hold because you couldn’t find anything you liked in your budget, it’s time to try again. There’s a much wider selection of homes for sale, with more fresh listings hitting the market each month.With more options come...
What You Can Do When Mortgage Rates Are a Moving Target
Have you seen where mortgage rates have been lately? One day they go down a little. The next day, they go back up again. It can feel confusing and even frustrating if you’re trying to decide whether now’s a good time to buy a home.Take a look at the graph below. It...
Your Home Equity Could Make Moving Possible
Some HighlightsThanks to recent home price appreciation, homeowners have near record amounts of equity – and you may too. On average, homeowners have $311K worth of equity.Once you sell, you can use it to fund your down payment on your next home or maybe even to buy a...
Why Today’s Foreclosure Numbers Aren’t a Warning Sign
When it feels like the cost of just about everything is rising, it’s only natural to wonder what that means for the housing market. Some people are even questioning whether more homeowners will struggle to make their mortgage payments, ultimately leading to a wave of...
Should I Buy a Home Now or Wait?
At some point, you’ve probably heard the saying: “Yesterday was the best time to buy a home, but the next best time is today.”That’s because homeownership is about the long game – and home prices typically rise over time. So, while you may be holding out for prices to...
Don’t Miss This Prime Spring Window To Sell Your House
According to Realtor.com, the best week to list your house this year was April 13–19. And since that week has come and gone, you might be wondering: did I miss my chance? Not at all – and here’s why.That’s just one source’s take, based on their own research. Other...
What an Economic Slowdown Could Mean for the Housing Market
Talk about the economy is all over the news, and the odds of a recession are rising this year. That’s leaving a lot of people wondering what it means for the value of their home – and their buying power.Let’s take a look at some historical data to show what’s happened...
Paused Your Moving Plans? Here’s Why It’s Time To Hit Play Again
It’s not really a surprise that 70% of buyers paused their home search last year. Maybe you were one of them. And if so, no judgment. Conditions just weren’t great.Inventory was too low, prices were too high, and mortgage rates were bouncing all over. That made it...
What’s Your House Worth Now? The Answer May Surprise You
Let’s talk about something you might not check nearly as often as your bank account – and that’s how much your home is worth. But when it comes to your financial situation, it’s an important thing to remember. When’s the last time you had a professional show you the...
If the Asking Price Isn’t Compelling, It’s Not Selling
Some HighlightsUnfortunately, a lot of sellers today are setting their asking price too high. That’s leading to an uptick in price cuts.Some of the most common reasons this is happening are that they’re not paying attention to current market conditions or they’re...