South Dakota is truly a great place to live. It’s one of the most taxpayer-friendly states in the country, and its residents can enjoy comparatively low local taxes and no individual income tax. The “Mount Rushmore State” ranks high in affordability due to its strong economy, low cost of living and economical housing.

There are no ifs, ands or buts about it…buying your first home is a big deal! There are a lot of moving parts when dealing with your first home, but there’s no need to stress out. Luckily, right now is a great time to buy and mortgage rates are expected to remain solid for the near future. If you’re looking to buy your first home and have some questions… you’ve come to the right place.

So, you’re looking for a new place? Buying a new home can be a lot of fun; all those years of hard work, saving and research are finally coming to fruition. You know that you’re going to buy a house soon, but do you know how much of a house? It’s easy to get wrapped up in the thrill of purchasing a new house…but be sure to stop and think about this important question.

House hunting isn’t your everyday shopping experience. While it’s more exciting than window shopping or trying on new clothes, finding the right home takes a lot more research and commitment.

Owning a home has always been a big part of the American Dream, and that dream is still very much alive today. There are plenty of benefits to owning a home including: increased freedom, stability and privacy. It’s important to make the most of homes, and after you’ve secured a home of your own, you’ll want to be sure you do everything you can to maximize that ownership.

Quality and price have a unique relationship, and they don’t always correlate. Sometimes, especially when searching for a home, it’s difficult to determine what’s worth it and what isn’t. A cheap home doesn’t necessarily mean it’s affordable. If a house is cheap, it’s generally for a reason. There may be serious renovations that need to be dealt with or a history of damage or crime that you may not know about. Do your research and shop smart before you put down that downpayment.

When it comes to being a homeowner, there are lots of feelings you may experience over the years. Homeownership is part of the American dream to many, but with that comes certain responsibilities—especially in the wintertime. Winters in South Dakota are all too familiar for some of us, but it's always a good reminder that winter requires some extra attention. Preparing for the long winter months can help you avoid costly problems. 

Get your house winter-ready with these handy tips!

There are few better feelings than curling up under a blanket on the couch while the snow and wind whip outside. To be carefree of the weather is a not-so-small luxury everyone should enjoy. No one likes living in a cold house during the winter. Winter is gloomy as it is, but sometimes high heating bills can make you second-guess turning up the thermostat.

Follow these three steps, and keep your heating bill low this winter.

For some people, seeing a blank canvas is exciting. There are so many creative opportunities to take, and the possibilities are endless. When real estate agents and homeowners show houses, they typically want to make it look as homey and inviting as possible. When you leave a house bare, there’s no opportunity to show all its capabilities and possibilities. That’s where home staging comes in.

Porches and decks are ingrained into American culture, and they’ve been a huge part of our pastimes. Decks bring up memories of the summertime and grilling. They’re a sociable home addition, not only offering a purpose, but also increasing your house’s outside appeal. Decks and porches can add a touch of personality to any front or backyard.

Consider these guidelines if you're planning to add a deck or porch to your home.