Your source for expert information on housing in South Dakota

6 Ingenious Uses for an Extra Bedroom

Having extra space is one of the many benefits that come along with homeownership. But what happens when you have a bedroom to spare? How you fill it depends upon your hobbies, your lifestyle and your priorities. We know that deciding what to do with your extra space can seem overwhelming, so we put together a list of some of our favorite bonus room designations.

As you're reading, consider your space and how each option might work for you.

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Topics: Homeownership

The Biggest Pain Points of Property Management—and How to Resolve Them

No matter how many properties you manage, all property managers tend to deal with a similar set of pain points. From evictions, to vacancies, to turnover, these pain points are nearly universal—but they don't have to be. For most, the path to avoiding common stressors is one of trial and error, but we have a few key tricks that can help save you time and money.

Take a look at these common property-management headaches—and how to avoid them.

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Topics: Property Management

Low-Cost Improvements You Can Make to a Starter Home

Buying your first house is an exciting time, but it can be difficult to decide just how to begin making the house your own—especially when you're on a tight budget. When it comes to home improvement, a little effort goes a long way in transforming your starter home into the one you always imagined.

Read on for room-by-room tips on how to get started making improvements on your first home.

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Topics: Homeownership

What to Look for in a Loft Apartment

When seeking the perfect rental for a more urban lifestyle, many people turn to the desirable nature of a loft that offers the work-play atmosphere that is increasing in popularity. With more and more households in search of the walkability of a bustling neighborhood, lofts can offer a lot in terms of aesthetic and convenience.

Here are a few things we recommend keeping in mind when going on the hunt for a loft apartment.

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Topics: Renting

Beyond Rates: What Borrowers Are Looking for in a Home Loan

When it comes to home loans, interest rates are usually the first thing that people look for. However, there are a number of other factors to consider before locking in on a particular home loan option. What should borrowers be looking for in their mortgages?

Read on to learn which home loan elements to look for when buying a house.

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Topics: Homeownership

The First-Time Homebuyer's Guide to Mitchell

Considering a move to Mitchell, South Dakota? South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) is here to assist you in your first-time homebuying journey to the state's sixth-largest city. Whether it's downpayment and closing-cost assistance or competitive rates, there's a lot to love as a first-time homebuyer.

Check out our first-time homebuying guide to Mitchell.

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Topics: Homeownership

The Guide to Address-Changing After a Move

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or a repeat homebuyer, there's a lot to think about when you're buying a new house. With so much to remember, it can be easy to let the simple things slip through the cracks, which is why a surprising number of people fail to properly update their address after moving. We want to help you with the process, so we put together a guide on what you need to do to effectively transition to your new home.

Read on to learn what you need to do to change your address after a move.

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Topics: Homeownership

4 Yard Maintenance Tasks Your City May Require of Homeowners

Being a new homeowner comes with a lot of new lessons to learn about maintaining a property. While many internal decorating and maintenance decisions are left up to your discretion, your yard likely has to meet certain standards set by the city in which you live.

Here are four such standards that may be imposed upon your property.

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Topics: Homeownership

4 Things Renters Should Keep in Mind When Street Parking

You did it! You found the coolest apartment in town, and you couldn't be happier. There's just one thing—the property manager doesn't provide parking spaces or lot parking for residents. When it comes to street parking, no two neighborhoods are built alike, but there are some surefire tips you can keep in mind to get the best experience.

Here are four things to keep in mind when approaching a street-parking routine.

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Topics: Renting

What Qualifies You to Have a Service/Assistance Animal in Your Rental Property?

Being honest on your rental paperwork is crucially important. In fact, as of July 1, 2018, South Dakota laws allow landlords to evict or fine tenants who misrepresent their need for a service animal when renting. That's why you should only attempt to qualify for a service animal in your rental unit if you meet the state's ascribed criteria.

So what qualifies a person to have a service/assistance animal in a rental property in South Dakota?

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Topics: Renting

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