Tuesday, March 3, 2026 / by Erica Quamme
Why Falling Interest Rates Matter: A Look at the Lowest Levels in 3 Years
After years of high borrowing costs, interest rates are finally falling to their lowest point in over three years — and that’s good news for many Americans. Whether you’re thinking about buying a home, refinancing a mortgage, or simply tracking the economy, today’s rate environment is worth paying attention to.
Mortgage Rates Fall Below Key Threshold
In late February 2026, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate dipped to 5.98%, marking the first time since September 2022 that rates have fallen below 6%. That’s a meaningful psychological benchmark for buyers who’ve been priced out of the market during years of 7%+ rates.
Why it matters:
A lower mortgage rate reduces monthly payments and long-term interest costs.
For example, someone taking out a $400,000 mortgage at 5.98% pays substantially less per month than they would at h ...
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interest rates
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 / by Erica Quamme
?? The Ultimate Guide for First-Time Home Buyers in 2025
Buying a home is one of the most exciting — and sometimes overwhelming — steps you’ll ever take. Whether you’re tired of renting, ready to start a family, or just looking to invest in your future, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know before making your move.
1. Understand Your Budget
Before you fall in love with a home, figure out what you can comfortably afford.
Get pre-approved for a mortgage to understand your borrowing power.
Don’t forget closing costs, property taxes, and maintenance expenses.
Aim to keep your monthly mortgage payment below 30% of your income.
2. Know What You Want (and What You Can Compromise On)
Create a must-have list and a nice-to-have list.
Must-haves: number of bedrooms, commute time, safety, school district.
Nice-to-haves: modern kitchen, large yard, home office space.
3. Research the Neighb; ...
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Wednesday, September 3, 2025 / by Erica Quamme
The 2 most important items to remember when selling is; Professional photos are a MUST and Staging is very important. You get one chance to make your house look outstanding on the internet. A buyers first "showing" is on the internet. We provide our sellers with a complementary staging session and staging items so we stand out on the internet. When I sold my home, I hired a professional staging company that cost ME $4000. At Legacy Home Group MN, we want to provide this service FREE of charge. You have enough to think about! Our staging session can take 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the home size. What does staging do for your on line presence?
1. Gets you more money for your listing
2. Sells your property faster
3. More online views
4. More showings, creating a fear of lose for buyers!
5. Better terms for seller, less issues during inspection
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Wednesday, January 17, 2024 / by Erica Quamme
Buying and selling a home can be stressful. Once you’re ready to move, the relief can leave you vulnerable to scams. Frankly, you’re so happy to be “done” that you can overlook red flags in your excitement. To protect your belongings and avoid extra costs or loss, learn the signs of scams when moving. The first step is to do your research. Always make sure the moving company comes to physically inspect your belongings and gives you a firm quote. Some companies may try to give you a quote based on the size of your home or number of bedrooms, then charge you more based on time or weight. Do not hire these companies. A reputable company will spend the time to come to your home. Next, it’s critical to check references. Ask for local references and call them. Online references and reviews can also be a good way to learn more about service and their response to problems. Ask about how they handle damage and check reviews for the insurance they offer. Ideally, yon ...
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