How To Find A Mortgage Pro?

We can help you find a solid lender or broker. You might also ask friends, family members and colleagues for references as well.

When interviewing lenders and mortgage brokers, consider asking the following questions:


• What fees are involved?
• What types of mortgages might I qualify for?
• What interest rates are available for different types of mortgages?
• Can I lock in an interest rate? Will it cost me anything to do that?
• What are the closing costs? Can I wrap these costs into the mortgage?
• How much cash will I have to bring to closing?
• How long will it take to process my loan?
• Are there special programs I might be eligible for?
• Can I get references of customers you've worked with in the last two years?
• How many lenders do you work with? (For mortgage brokers only.)
• How are you paid? How do you make money on my loan? (For mortgage brokers only.)

Get In Touch

Local Expert Updates

Matt Lippon

Cell: 712.330.0604

Brooke Jones

Cell: 641.420.2172

Janie Eick

Cell: 712.339.0574

Community Updates

Sanford Home Medical Equipment

Sanford Home Medical Equipment in Spirit Lake

Let the experts at Sanford Home Medical Equipment help you find the medical equipment you need. Their services focus on your safety and comfort. Sanford is here to help you find the products and services that are the perfect fit for your health needs, physical characteristics, environment and lifestyle.

Real Estate and MLS Homes For Sale in Spirit Lake

Cheap vs high end quality. A buyer's perspective.

Cheap vs high end quality.  A buyer's perspective. in The

Here's the scenario. You are building a house or remodeling your house. Material costs are up. Labor costs are up. You ask yourself, where can I save a buck? Before answering this question, you must be careful, especially if your home is located in an area where other quality homes are built, whether on the lake, off the lake, or in higher valued developments such as golf course developments, etc. Growing up in construction and with a plethora of new construction and remodels under my belt, let me share with you some of the easy things that your future buyers will recognize when they are looking for quality.
1. One of the first things buyers of higher end homes will look for is to determine if the owner used hollow core doors. It's an immediate sign that the seller was looking for ways to save money (where else then did they cut back that I can't see???)
2. The second most obvious is the counter tops. Did the sellers spend for a quality granite, quartz, or other hard surface, or was formica used?
3. The third item that might stick out is the cabinetry. Do the drawers have dovetail construction with hardwoods? Did they use "soft close" drawers? Are there pull outs for the pots and pans?
4. Flooring is an easy one also. Was laminate used, or is it engineered or hardwoods? Does the carpet convey a quality feel and plushness? Is there a nice thick pad underneath the carpet?
5. Though there are many other items to look at, cheap vs quality lighting and plumbing fixtures are probably the next major focus.

There is nothing wrong with with using lower cost materials, especially when trying to keep a project within budget, especially when trying to build more house for less money. Just be aware that most buyers looking to spend in excess of $300k for off lake homes and $500+ for East Lake chain homes, and $1M+ for West and Big Spirit will expect the very best materials and finishes.

Disc Golf in Lake Park

Disc Golf in Lake Park in Lake Park

In 2012, thanks to many local sponsors the city of Lake Park was able to build and design a 9 hole disc golf course. Nestled around the city park, pool, campground, and football field, the disc golf course offers some great challenging holes. The course was designed by Lake Park disc golf enthusiasts Nicholas Hemphill and Tristam Nebelsick. Disc Golfing offers a family friendly opportunity get out and enjoy the outdoors.

Real Estate and MLS Homes For Sale in Lake Park

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