What to Expect Buying a Home, From First Call to Closing Day

Deciding to buy a home is the first step. Of many.  Then there’s knowing where to begin or what to expect throughout the process, not to mention the pitfalls when you’re navigating a home purchase for the first time.  Just recently, I came across a breakdown from Sharran Srivatsaa, a real estate str

Americans Say Real Estate Is Still the Best Long-Term Investment in 2026

Every year, Gallup asks Americans a simple question:  What's the best long-term investment?  Real estate won again in 2026, for the 14th year running. I get why people ask if that's still true. Crypto has its true believers, and while the stock market has had a rough stretch lately, it’s a popular o

6 Costs Renters Should Budget for Before Buying a Home

Most renters who are preparing to buy their first home know they'll need a down payment and closing costs. They research mortgage payments, compare interest rates, and carefully calculate what they can afford each month. But that's only part of the picture. The move from renting to homeownership com

The Median Foreclosed Home Sells for 27% Less. Should You Consider One in Cedar Rapids?

In the first half of 2026, buyers saved about 27% on foreclosed homes listed for sale.  And as of April, foreclosure listings made up 1.3% of total for-sale listings, the highest level in six years.  New data from Realtor.com also shows foreclosed property listings, also called REO listings, are get