On the hunt for your first place in Brookings? South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) has plenty of options available for first-time homebuyers in South Dakota's fourth-largest city. The SDHDA First-Time Homebuyer program is an ideal starting point for the process.

Read on for our tips on first-time homebuying in Brookings the right way.

Participating Lenders

One of the first things you can do to get started on securing a First-Time Homebuyer Loan is to find a lender who's participating in the program. Brookings includes several options in the area, including these choices:

Agent Options

There's nothing like the ideal real estate agent to make the homebuying process even smoother. An experienced, trustworthy agent can offer you even more knowledge and tools for finding the best home for the best price. To top it off, active agents statewide are required to have a Department of Labor and Regulation license. If you want to check if your agent of choice has his or her licensure, check their status in the state database.

Neighborhood Choices

So you've chosen to live in Brookings—but have you given much thought to where in Brookings you'd most like to lay down your welcome mat? Choosing a neighborhood can include a variety of factors—from school or place-of-work closeness, to street busyness, to walking distance, to restaurants or favorite stores. Which portion of the Brookings community makes the most sense for you? Take a look at these options:

• Central Region
• Median Home Price: $168,904
• Area Schools: Medary Elementary
• Area Amenities: Children's Museum of South Dakota, Brookings Regional Airport, Veterans Memorial Park
• Northeastern Region
• Median Home Price: $167,451
• Area Schools: South Dakota State University
• Area Amenities: McCrory Gardens, Village Square Mall, Larson Park
• Southwestern Region
• Median Home Price: $220,939
• Area Schools: Dakota Prairie Elementary
• Area Amenities: Indian Hills Park, Arrowhead Park
• Southeastern Region
• Median Home Price: $196,468
• Area Schools: Brookings High, Mickelson Middle
• Area Amenities: Edgebrook Golf Course, Fishback Soccer Complex, Dakota Nature Park 

However you prioritize your search, there are many options to consider in Brookings. Do your homework and when you have questions, reach out to SDHDA. We're here to help you get that house key in your hand!

Source: NeighborhoodScout.com