Buying a house is a big deal no matter what. When it’s a first home, it can be overwhelming and even scary. We are here to help calm the anxiety and demystify the process.

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Standards of luxury change with the times. Fifty years ago, a two-car garage, a double-sink vanity, or a bar in the rec-room would have seemed pretty special in some houses. Today, those features are common, and one would be hard-pressed to find a new-build without things like walk-in closets, a security system, or a master ensuite. Heated floors, outdoor living space, swimming pools, and spas have become so mainstream that they are no longer the signatures of luxury homes.

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Originally published Friday, October 26th, 2018; Updated February 1st, 2022

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Relocating can come with a wave of emotion, beyond the general stress of getting your finances in order and taking the time to find the right home. The stresses of moving may hit in different stages based on your needs and current situation, and a lot of that stress can come specifically from buying.

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Some people in the United States think of the Midwest as little more than “fly over country,” while the coasts are where the action is. While there is generally less hustle and bustle in the midsection of the country than in New York or L.A., there is plenty of appeal, even outside of big midwestern cities like Chicago. 

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One thing that many people like about this part of the Midwest is the change of seasons. But those moving from warmer climates might wonder what there is to do all winter besides hibernate and wait for spring. Even those who have lived in Missouri or Illinois for a long time might be looking for something new to do in the cold, dreary months following the holidays. 

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According to the National Association of Realtors, FSBO (For Sale By Owner) accounted for only 7% of home sales in 2020. That means that about 93% of sellers, along with most buyers, relied on a real estate professional. 

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There’s a lot on the line when figuring out what a home is worth. Setting the asking price too high might limit the number of offers and leave the house on the market a long time. Asking too little could mean leaving money on the table. 

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Foreclosed homes can be appealing to house flippers, investors, and ordinary homebuyers looking for a bargain. Once a lender takes possession of a foreclosed home, they will seek to sell it quickly. They are less concerned about making a profit and simply want to break even on the amount they lost due to non-payment of the mortgage. 

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There are several things that determine how much house someone can afford. Salary, savings, and credit history paint part of the picture. Add to that the buyer’s wish list for a house, the neighborhood, and the real estate market, and the answer comes further into focus. 

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