Your source for expert information on housing in South Dakota

What to Look for in a Rental House

Residential living isn't just about apartments and owned houses. In fact, you can find a happy medium—renting a house is a good alternative when you want to test-drive the experience of single-family-home living without taking the plunge on a mortgage.

Here are five things to look for when investigating your rental-house options.

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Topics: Renting

How to Make Your Home More Energy-Efficient

Energy-efficiency can seem like an impossible goal—not everyone has the ability to add solar panels to their roof or install a fleet of brand-new green appliances. But there's a lot you can do for your home without spending much upfront money—and they have real results when it comes your utility bills.

Here are a few easy ways to improve your house's energy efficiency.

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Topics: Homeownership

How to Sell Your Home as Quickly as Possible

It's time for you to be a repeat homebuyer—but there's still the pesky matter of selling your current home before you can enjoy your newly purchased one. So how can a homeowner make that sale happen as quickly as possible?

Here are a few tips for increasing the likelihood of a quick sale.

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Topics: Homeownership

The Renter's Guide to Rapid City

Looking to rent a place to live in the Rapid City area? South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) is a great resource for potential renters statewide. Before you begin the process, try out our guide to find the ideal place for your budgetary and space requirements.

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Topics: Renting

What's an FHA Loan and How Do I Qualify?

When navigating the world of homebuying, you've likely heard the term "FHA loan" before. But what exactly is an FHA loan, and what does it mean for your home purchase?

Here's an intro to this style of loan, what they offer and the criteria for qualification.

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Topics: Homeownership

What Are Property Taxes and How Are They Calculated?

Every homeowner has them—but what do they mean? Property taxes are a part of buying real estate. But how are they calculated? And what are they used for? The way property taxes are assessed varies state to state and county to county, but there are some basic parameters most fit into.

Here is a basic outline of how property taxes generally work for homeowners.

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Topics: Homeownership

4 Tenant Security Tips for New Property Managers

When you're a first-time property manager, it's important to know your options when it comes to security. In order to keep both you and your rental property safe and secure, there are certain basic measures you can take.

Here are four ways to give both you and your residents peace of mind.

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Topics: Property Management

6 Common Mistakes Most First-Time Homebuyers Make

There's a first time for everything—so when it comes to buying a home for the first time, you're bound to make a mistake or two. There's a learning curve to making purchases on this scale, but many homebuyers before you have made some mistakes so that you don't have to.

Here are six common first-time homebuyer mistakes you can avoid yourself.

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Topics: Homeownership

Do I Qualify for Rental Assistance in South Dakota?

Managing a monthly rent payment can sometimes seem like more than your paycheck can handle. But if you meet certain standards, you may be able to qualify for assistance in making those payments here in South Dakota. You have several options—from Project-Based Section 8 to vouchers.

Here are some of the most common requirements for rental-assistance programs.

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Topics: Renting

Homebuying with a Disability: Knowing Your Options

Purchasing a home can feel like a rite of passage for many individuals and families. It's an exciting time, but there are a lot of details to consider. When it comes to homebuying with a disability, however, there are even more added layers of options and key information that are critical to know.

Here are just a few things you should keep in mind as a homebuyer with a disability.

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Topics: Homeownership

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