South Dakota Real Estate

How can I afford to buy a home in South Dakota?

If you are searching for South Dakota new homes or pre-existing South Dakota homes for sale, make a point of reviewing these real estate resources to learn more about potential low-interest loans, down payment assistance and other programs.

• The South Dakota Housing Development Authority provides first-time home buyers loan assistance programs to help low-income households afford the purchase of South Dakota real estate. For more information visit http://www.sdhda.org/Homebuyer/ho.htm.
• The United States Department of Agriculture helps rural South Dakota buyers with the purchase of a single-family home or farm property. To apply or find the nearest office visit http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/sd/.
• The Home Ownership Assistance Program provides grants to help with closing costs or down payments toward the purchase of a home. HOAP can also provide funding to help with repairs or improvements to an existing home. Visit http://www.hoap.info/ for more information.
• The Governor's House provides new homes starting as low as $33,000 to elderly, disabled and low income families. Find out if you qualify by visiting http://www.sdhda.org/Homebuyer/gh_home.htm.

More Real Estate Tips.

Who do I contact if I have a problem buying or selling SD real estate?

When it comes to buying or selling property in South Dakota, it's a good idea to take time to verify the credentials and qualifications of those you are doing business with by using these quick tips and resources:

1. Contact the South Dakota Real Estate Commission at www.state.sd.us/sdrec/ to verify the credentials of the real estate agent or broker before signing a contract to list your home or work with a buyers agent. The department of real estate also provides important access to disciplinary actions, consumer complaints and other valuable information.

2. Contact the South Dakota Department of Revenue and Regulation to verify credentials and qualifications related to real estate appraisers at http://www.state.sd.us/drr2/reg/appraisers/appraiser.html.

More Real Estate Tips.

How to Research the Pollution Level in Your Community

Before buying South Dakota new homes or other South Dakota real estate, it is a good idea to research the pollution levels in your community or surrounding area. Unlike many areas of the nation where air quality concerns are quite visible, the pristine surroundings in South Dakota can hide pollution concerns that could cause health risks for you and your family. Learn how to stay safe and protect the investment in your South Dakota real estate by researching pollution levels with these quick tips:

1. Find out how your county and neighborhood scores compared to surrounding areas and the nation as a whole by visiting www.scorecard.org. Find out the top chemicals you could be exposed to and the percentage of homes with lead paint in the area.

2. Locate SuperFund sites as listed by the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Priorities List for South Dakota by visiting http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/sd.htm.

3. Obtain water quality information about prospective properties by submitting samples to the South Dakota Water Resources Institute at http://wri.sdstate.edu/.

More Real Estate Tips.

How to Locate South Dakota Foreclosures

Searching for real estate foreclosures doesn't need to cost a lot if you know where to look. Learn how to locate the best South Dakota government real estate foreclosures with these free resources.

• South Dakota Veterans Administration foreclosure auctions can be searched for free by visiting http://www.ocwen.com/reo/residential/res_reofindbystate.cfm?proptype=VA. OCWEN is the managing entity that processes the bids for South Dakota VA foreclosures.
• Visit http://www.homesales.gov/homesales/mainAction.do to perform a general search for South Dakota foreclosure sales offered by HUD and the USDA.
• Search foreclosed property listings underwritten by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation by visiting http://www4.fdic.gov/DRRORE/.
• The United States Department of Agriculture has small farms and rural single-family homes for sale. To search South Dakota listings visit http://www.resales.usda.gov/.

More Real Estate Tips.

What should I look for in a sustainable community?

When searching for South Dakota new homes the biggest new trend is the shift away from excess and conspicuous consumption and the move toward sustainable living. Learn to how find a home that will provide your family with the shelter, safety and satisfaction of living in a truly sustainable home and community with this quick checklist.

1. Work with a green real estate agent, broker and builder. This new designation assures the home is built to specifications recognized by the leading green builders and brokers in the nation.

2. Xeriscaping and wildlife habitat. Manicured lawns filled with toxic pesticides that require excessive time and cost to maintain are rapidly becoming a liability. Search for low-maintenance lawns and natural backyard preserves designed to reduce the time and cost of keeping up the yard while allowing you to live in harmony with nature.

3. Non-toxic materials and building supplies ranging from bamboo flooring to non-toxic paints are a must-have resource for ever new home. Don't risk the health of your family by exposing them to lead paint, asbestos and other health hazards commonly encountered on older homes.

4. Air, water and soil pollutants. Take time to investigate the pollution level in the surrounding area to assure your home has access to safe water and healthy air quality.

5. Suburbs are out. Time and gasoline are two commodities in short supply, so either look for a quick and convenient commute or find a rural area able to support an independent lifestyle. Either one will save time and money by allowing you to reduce commute time, grow your own food or otherwise engage in a sustainable lifestyle.

More Real Estate Tips.

What to Watch for When Buying a Real Estate Foreclosure

Not all real estate foreclosure programs are the same. They can range from variations in eligibility requirements to offering elusive information on potential problems. Use these quick tips to keep your eyes open when buying a real estate foreclosure.

1. Eligibility Requirements. Each program has different eligibility requirements and funding programs, so do your homework in advance. Some are geared toward owner occupants while others are investor-friendly.

2. Unpaid Problems. From paving assessments to back taxes, there can be a lot of pending liens associated with a foreclosure. Always understand what level of risk and financial responsibility you are assuming before putting a bid on a property.

3. Hidden Damages. While most government and private foreclosure sales attempt to provide an up-to-date itemization of required repairs, don't assume it is complete. Many repairs are difficult to ascertain until the home is in use.

More Real Estate Tips.

What should I look for when conducting a Real Estate Search?

When it comes to creating a real estate search checklist, many potential home buyers have a "wish list." While a few extras are great, in the long run, practical considerations usually mean more. Learn how to create your own reality-checklist by answering these simple questions.

1. How far do you need to drive to reach work? South Dakota real estate can involve long distances and bad weather, so save time and money by keeping the commute to a minimum. Not only will you avoid $4-a-gallon gas, but having more time to spend with the family is hard to put a price on!

2. How much space do you really need? Bigger isn't always better -- but it does cost more to insure, plus property taxes will be higher. Consider lower-cost out-buildings, barns and other storage sheds to house tools, shops and playrooms. They cost less to insure and help keep taxes low.

3. Room to grow. Plan ahead by taking expansion or consolidation into account. If you are a young couple considering adding children to the family, then buying a house with a little more space might be a good investment. On the other hand, couples approaching retirement or seeing the children go off to college might find it financially more feasible to cut-back now instead of later.

More Real Estate Tips.