Is a Fixer-Upper Worth It? Here are the Risks and Rewards

Fixer-uppers are getting more attention than ever.  Searches for homes in need of some TLC have tripled since 2021. And these homes now receive over 50% more online views than similar listings.  Lower price tags and the chance to customize a property both have strong appeal. But fixer-uppers also co

Selling Your Home in 2026? The Prep Starts Now.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in 2026, the best time to start preparing isn’t next year. It’s right now. The spring market has always been the busiest time for buyers, and while demand is expected to rise again as the weather warms, today’s market looks different than it did even a few

How Mortgage Rate Drops Boost Your Buying Power

Imagine saving $150 a month on the same home, just because rates dropped.  That’s exactly what’s happening now, thanks to mortgage rates dropping to their lowest point in 11 months. That drop means homebuyers in Cedar Rapids have more purchasing power today than they’ve had in nearly a year.  Let’s

How to Save for a Home Without Sacrificing Life’s Big Moments

Saving for a home doesn’t mean putting your entire life on pause.  You still want to celebrate your friends’ milestones, take the occasional vacation, and enjoy your weekends. But without a plan, those “one-off” expenses can quietly eat into your down payment fund. Take wedding season as an example: