Frontier Mortgage

Deciding Between Two Great Des Moines Homes

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 10:20:00 -0500

Deciding on a home to buy in Des Moines can be hard to do, as there are so many great homes to choose from. But what if you’ve found two homes that you love, and can’t decide between them? As you are probably aware, there’s a great deal of competition among buyers these days, so you’ll need to make a decision fairly fast. Here are a few ideas to help you make the right decision:

Your Must-Haves

What do you absolutely require from your new home? Do you need a large kitchen, storage space or an open floor plan? Do you need a sizable yard and a garage? Once you determine what you need, making a decision should be a bit easier. Think about your day-to-day lifestyle and how each house would accommodate it. If you are someone who takes work home with you, or works remotely, will there be a quiet space for a home-office? If you love to entertain, will the floor plan flow well enough so you can interact with your guests while preparing a meal? These are some considerations to make sure you make the best decision.

Value

If you set aside everything else, and look at both homes as investments, which would be the wiser choice should you decide to sell in the future? Does one house require more work and upkeep than the other? Are there additional fees for one, like a Homeowners Association, and what is that going to cost? Will you need to do any renovation work on one of them, and what are the estimated costs for that? When you build your list of pros and cons, your choice may begin to be clearer.

Which Home Fits Better with Your Budget?

When you factor purchase price, closing costs, HOA fees, taxes and insurance for both homes, you may find that one home will impact your wallet more than the other. Once all of the monthly costs are added up and compared with your budget, you’ll better understand whether or not both homes are equally affordable. If one is out of budget, then your choice will be easier.

Location

Location is important when determining the value of a home, but it’s also important in the context of your lifestyle. Compare the commute and traffic to and from work. Compare the upkeep of the neighboring houses. Do you have amenities nearby that will improve your quality of life? Can you walk to a restaurant, grocery store, or cafe? How are the schools in the area? Location can be big factor in your final decision. The homes can be upgraded to suit your needs, but the neighborhood will be a little harder to upgrade.

Des Moines has countless attractive homes to choose from, and choosing the one that suits you and your lifestyle best is key.

If you’d like a recommendation for an experienced, local Realtor, or if we can help you get preapproved for a mortgage, please reach out.

The Best Ways to Get Top Dollar for Your Chicago Home

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 10:14:00 -0500

If you’re considering selling your Chicago home, I’m sure you’d like to get the maximum amount possible. There are some strategies that can improve your chances of getting top dollar for your house. Here are a few to keep in mind:

Curb Appeal

Making prospective buyers feel welcomed is the first step in getting them to want to see the rest of the home. Spend some time getting the yard in place — mow, trim and edge the grass, cut back the shrubs and any branches that may be blocking the windows or the view of the home from the street, and sweep the walkways to remove any debris. Garden beds and potted plants are always a nice touch. If it’s in the budget, and the house needs it, a new coat of paint on the exterior can really brighten everything up. You want your house to stand out as a must-see, so put in some work to make it as inviting as possible.

Declutter

Once you get the potential buyers through the door, you want to make it easy for them to imagine themselves living in the space. Remove as many personal effects as you can without making the home look empty. This could include collectibles, photos, figurines, trophies, etc. Put away any small appliances in the kitchen to highlight your counter space. Remove any unnecessary, bulky furniture that might make the space look smaller than it is. Clean and organize your closets so they don’t appear crowded and small. If a buyer is able to picture themselves living there, they’re more likely to put in an offer.

Deep Clean

Buyers are discerning, and they’ll notice every instance of dirt, dust, and odor. Clean everything — from baseboards to ceiling fan blades. Any odors of pets, smoke, or mold are an instant turnoff, so you’ll want to address any should they exist. Some simple fixes are to shampoo your carpets and furniture, swap out the old shower curtains for new, clean and bleach the grout in your kitchen and bathrooms, and paint the walls if they need it.

Work With an Experienced Listing Agent

You may not be convinced that you need to partner with a Realtor, but they can be extraordinarily helpful. Experienced listing agents can increase your chances for selling at top dollar, and they will also increase your chances of getting multiple offers. Realtors have access to an assortment of tools to market your home. A listing agent will also act as your guide through the home-selling process, screening potential buyers to ensure they’re qualified, and ll helping you price your home accordingly to catch buyers’ attention.

The key to selling your home for its maximum value is to make it stand out from all the other homes for sale.

If you’d like a recommendation for an experienced, local Realtor, or if you’d like to get preapproved for a mortgage, please get in touch. We’re always happy to help.

Which Upgrades Will Help You Sell Your St. Louis Property?

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 10:03:00 -0500

If you’re looking to make a few investments in your property before putting it on the market, you’ll want to make sure that you only put your money in the places where you’ll most likely get a return. Here are some of the best areas to upgrade before you put your St. Louis home on the market:

The Kitchen

The kitchen is a place of utility, but it should also be a place of comfort. It’s arguably the heart of the home. Houses with state-of-the-art kitchens not only attract attention, but also increase the value of your home. If you have the budget and the time, a complete kitchen remodel will frequently bring a full return on the investment. However, if your budget won’t allow for an extensive overhaul, upgrading to granite counters, stainless steel appliances, or adding a kitchen island will add value and be very appealing to prospective buyers. At the very least, a new coat of fresh, neutral-colored paint and some new cabinet hardware will help freshen up the space.

The Flooring

Hardwood floors are always popular with buyers. They go with almost any decor, they keep a room feeling open and light, and they’re easy to clean. If you already have hardwood flooring, but it’s looking a bit worn, you can have them sanded and resealed. You’ll also want to fix any boards that are loose or squeaky. If the property doesn’t currently have hardwood floors, removing the carpeting or tile and replacing it with hardwood is a smart upgrade that will appeal to potential buyers.

The Bathrooms

Like the kitchen, the bathrooms should be comfortable. Making sure the bathrooms are sufficiently updated before you list the property is another worthwhile investment. For upgrading on a budget, remove rust stains, apply fresh caulking, and update the doorknobs and cabinet pulls. If you’re working with a larger budget, making upgrades to the master bathroom (or adding a master bathroom) with luxury amenities, like heated floors or a whirlpool tub, can add significant value to the property.

The Landscaping

When you’re spending so much time focused on the interior of the house, it can be easy to forget about the exterior. However, a messy front lawn and haphazard shrubbery and trees can block views, darken interiors, and dampen the house’s curb appeal. Making sure that your trees and hedges are trimmed neatly, and flowerbeds are free of debris and weeds can give the property an impressive aesthetic boost. A semi-recent HomeGain survey found that investing between $400 and $500 in landscaping can bring a return of four times that investment, so it’s smart to give the outside of your property some attention as well.

The Lighting

The house needs to feel welcoming and bright. Update any old or worn-out lighting fixtures. Consider installing dimmers in the living room, dining room, and master bedroom so you can add ambiance with the lighting. Also, the type of bulbs you choose make a difference. High wattage bulbs make small spaces feel larger and soft lighting warms up empty spaces.

Investing thousands of dollars (or even hundreds) into upgrades may seem unnecessary, but that investment may just be the thing that motivates a prospective buyer to make an offer.

If you’d like to get pre-approved for a mortgage, you can do that here. We would also be happy to recommend some experienced, local Realtors to help you in the homebuying process. Just reach out to us — you can find all of our contact information at https://www.frontierhomemortgage.com/contact-us/

Enhancing Your Credit Score to Buy a Des Moines Home

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 09:58:00 -0500

Do you have dreams of settling into your perfect home in Des Moines? Before you can embark on your homeownership journey, it's crucial to understand the significance of building and maintaining a healthy credit profile. This article will help guide you through the process of improving your creditworthiness. Let’s explore four key strategies that can help you enhance your credit score and increase your chances of securing a mortgage for your Des Moines home.

Pay Bills on Time, Every Time

Consistently paying your bills on time is a crucial factor in maintaining a healthy credit profile. Late payments on your bills can significantly impact your credit score and create red flags for mortgage lenders. You may find it helpful to set up automatic payments or reminders on your calendar to ensure you never miss a payment. Remember, even a single late payment can put a long-lasting negative impact on your credit history.

Establish a Solid Credit History

One of the fundamental aspects of building your credit is establishing a solid credit history. Lenders evaluate your creditworthiness based on your past borrowing and repayment behavior. To begin, consider applying for a credit card if you don't have one already. It would be a good idea to start with a secured credit card; these require a deposit as collateral. Be sure to make timely payments to demonstrate responsible credit management. Over time, this will help you establish a positive credit history and bolster your credit score.

Manage Your Credit Utilization

Credit utilization is a term that refers to the amount of credit you use, compared to your available credit limits. It's advisable to keep your credit utilization ratio low to demonstrate responsible credit management. Ideally, aim to keep your balances below 30% of your credit limit. If your credit card has a cap of $5,000, for example, then try to keep your outstanding balance below $1,500. By managing your credit utilization well, you showcase your ability to handle credit responsibly, which will positively impact your credit score.

Avoid Opening a New Line of Credit Before Applying for a Mortgage

When you're preparing to buy your dream home in Des Moines, it's important to be cautious about opening new lines of credit. While it may be tempting to take advantage of retail store discounts or promotional offers, doing so can negatively impact your credit. Each time you open a new line of credit, it triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, and this can make your credit score dip. To maintain a stable credit profile, it's best to wait until after securing your mortgage before considering new credit opportunities.

Building good credit takes time and discipline, but the rewards are worth it when you're ready to purchase your dream home. By paying your bills on time, establishing a solid credit history, managing your credit utilization, and being cautious with new lines of credit, you can improve your creditworthiness and enhance your chances of securing a favorable mortgage when you’re ready to embark on your homeownership journey in Des Moines.

Do You Have to Be Wealthy to Invest in Chicago Real Estate?

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 09:52:00 -0500

It’s a common misconception that we’ve heard many times, that only people who are packed with cash for down payment are able to make serious money by investing in real estate. And when you say it that way, then no, it really is not true. What is true, however, is that you do need money to invest in real estate. But who says it has to be your money? Here are some of the ways you can get involved in real estate investing without having any significant financial resources at your disposal:

A Bartering Deal

Like in the good old times — offering another piece of property or a service you can provide as the down payment of the property you’d like to purchase. That way you won’t have to come up with any actual money, but the value stays balanced. I highly recommend calling an appraiser and getting an official document stating the actual value of the bartered property. Just for the peace of mind.

Taking Over the Mortgage

There are many people who may no longer be satisfied with the property they got a mortgage on for many different reasons (relocation for a job, divorce, etc.). These people can’t sell the property the classical way, they can however sell the mortgage debt on the property (or any other related debts), and here’s your chance. This solves the down-payment issue - no immediate payment of a bigger amount of money is needed.

Leasing

My personal favorite, this is a sensitive and step-by-step way towards owning a property. Signing a contract with the subtenant that specifically says the property’s worth and the portion of your monthly payments that will go towards the purchase price is a safe bet. The paying off of the property happens gradually and it gives you time to gain the necessary resources for the property purchase.

Find an Investor

If you’re the engine of the business but lack the fuel, find someone who’ll do the part. There are plenty of wealthy investors to be found who are looking for good deals for investment. If you have a good deal and you managed to find yourself an investor (ads in the media, local real estate clubs, investor groups), grab the chance. Pitch it with grace, and you’ll surely catch someone’s interest. Once that happens, make sure that everyone knows what their role in the business is to avoid clashes in the responsibility division. So are you networking yet?

Borrow Money

Internet micro lending, borrowing money from family or friends, or taking a home equity loan from a bank (in case you already own a property) - these are some of the options for borrowing money. Make sure you’re always well informed about the loan terms and conditions, and even if borrowing from a friend or a family member, sign a contract establishing the amount, the payments and the share of the lender in the property (if there’s any). Money in the family and its closest surroundings may often be a sensitive subject. Always consider if the relationship you have with the potential lender is ready to withstand this kind of transaction.

Creativity, resourcefulness and a dash of an adventurous spirit is all it really takes to be successful at real estate investing. Doing some research, I’m sure you’ll be able to come up with other ways to invest, or with effective combinations of the above. It is very important, and I can’t stress this enough, to have an attorney by your side who’s overseeing all contracts and transactions, making sure that all the parties are protected.

If you’d like to talk more about real estate investing, or if you’d like to see which loans you qualify for, please get in touch. I’m always happy to help.

Adjustable-Rate Mortgages (ARMs) — What St. Louis Homebuyers Need to Know

Sun, 09 Aug 2026 09:43:00 -0500

Purchasing a new home is an exciting milestone in life, but it also requires careful weighing of complex financial decisions. One of the biggest choices that home buyers face is whether or not to take out an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). Let’s analyze the potential pros and cons for St. Louis home buyers so that you can make an informed decision about whether this type of loan is a wise choice for you in today’s real estate market.

What is an Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)?

With a fixed rate mortgage, the interest rate remains constant over the entire loan term, which is usually 15 or 30 years. In contrast, an adjustable-rate mortgage has an interest rate that can fluctuate up or down over the life of the loan. ARMs begin with an introductory period where a (usually) lower interest rate stays fixed for a set number of years. But once this intro period ends, the interest rate begins periodically adjusting based on current market conditions and a pre-defined index. There are caps in place to limit rate hikes, but there is still considerable uncertainty over what your actual rate and monthly payment will be in the future.

Potential Pros of an ARM

Adjustable-rate mortgages can offer some advantages for buyers to consider. Most notably, the lower initial interest rate results in a lower monthly payment at the beginning of the loan, compared to a fixed rate mortgage. This improved affordability can allow buyers to purchase a more expensive home than they may qualify for with a higher fixed rate. Additionally, if mortgage interest rates in general decrease after your intro period, an ARM gives you the option to refinance at a lower fixed rate. This scenario can result in long-term savings over the life of your loan.

Potential Cons of an ARM

On the other hand, ARMs also come with considerable risks that St. Louis home buyers must carefully weigh before moving forward. Most significantly, while the lower initial interest rate and monthly payment may seem attractive, there is absolutely no guarantee of what your actual rate and payment amount will be once the intro period ends. This makes budgeting very difficult. If rates increase substantially, you could end up paying far more in interest over the full loan term, compared to getting a fixed rate mortgage initially at a slightly higher rate. For buyers looking for stability and payment security, adjustable-rate mortgages are less than ideal.

Should St. Louis Home Buyers Consider an ARM in Today's Real Estate Market?

In the current interest rate environment, ARM rates are not necessarily much lower than fixed mortgage rates. The cost predictability of a fixed rate mortgage is very appealing for most St. Louis home buyers; however, an adjustable-rate loan could be worth considering if you are fairly certain you will sell or refinance within the intro period, before any major rate adjustments hit. Even in this scenario, though, you will need to budget carefully, as payments may still rise at some point depending on market conditions. It’s a good idea to connect with a knowledgeable local mortgage professional who can help you review your specific home buying timeline, budget, and financial goals to determine if an adjustable-rate mortgage is a wise choice in your particular situation.

If you’d like to get pre-approved for a mortgage, you can do that here. We would also be happy to recommend some experienced, local Realtors to help you in the homebuying process. Just reach out to us — you can find all of our contact information at https://www.frontierhomemortgage.com/contact-us/

Maintaining a Vacant Des Moines Property

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:43:00 -0500

Vacant properties have to be maintained. If they aren’t, they rapidly decrease in appeal and value and pose a higher risk to you as the owner. When you’re holding a vacant property, you want to make sure it remains in good condition while finding a buyer. Vacant property maintenance requires some commitment, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are some simple tips for maintaining a vacant property:

Maintain the outside

Curb appeal is just as important, if not more important, with vacant properties as with any other type of property. Keep the grass mowed, have the gutters cleaned, keep walkways clear, and remove any clutter. The property should look taken care of at all times. This is essential if you want to move the property. Vacant properties that feel neglected and abandoned are not intriguing to prospective buyers.

Keep up with repairs

Reduce the risk of damage, vandalism, and theft by keeping all areas of the home in good condition. Repairing parts of the home that require attention and updating areas that need it will make the home look better, keep it sale-ready, and lessen the likelihood of someone being able to break in. It will also be important when potential buyers come to view the property that they see that everything is up-to-date and working.

Install a security system

On top of things looking tidy and up-to-date, you’ll also want a security system. A good security system is invaluable when maintaining a vacant property. A vacant property is at a higher risk for break-ins and other sources of damage. A security system will contact officials if anything goes wrong and ensure the issue is resolved as quickly as possible. To protect you and your vacant property, a security system is a must-have.

Make It Look Lived In

A basic aspect of maintenance for a vacant property is making sure it doesn’t scream ‘vacant’. Automatic lights and other automated systems can be incredibly helpful in reducing the likelihood of a break-in. You can also have the mail sent elsewhere or kept at the post office. Keeping the outside appealing to potential buyers is important; and even if you don’t decide to stage the inside, it should still be kept clean and tidy to appeal to buyers.

Maintaining a vacant property isn’t all that different from maintaining any other property. The goal is to make it attractive to buyers and to keep it secure from potential threats like break-ins. The real challenge with a vacant property is removing the vacant feeling and making the property feel lived in and valuable. Staying organized with a list of maintenance tasks and checking in on the property regularly can help make the maintenance go smoothly.

If you’d like to talk more about maintaining a vacant property, or if there’s something else I can be of assistance with, please get in touch. We’re always happy to help.

Making a Successful Offer on a Chicago Home

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 07:32:00 -0500

Buying a new home is an exciting process, but it can also be intimidating. There are so many moving parts to keep in mind; and making an offer can be one of the most daunting steps, as it requires research, preparation, and strategy. No matter whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced investor, having the right information can help ensure that your offer stands out in a competitive market. This week, we’ll discuss some tips on making an offer on a Chicago home.

Find a Reputable Real Estate Agent

Having an experienced real estate agent by your side during the purchase process will make all the difference. An agent will be able to help you assess market conditions, come up with a fair price for your offer, and guide you through the negotiation process. They will also be able to walk you through each step of buying a home and provide valuable advice along the way.

Research the Market

It may sound obvious, but doing your research before you make an offer on a home is essential. Take time to look at what similar homes are selling for in Chicago and compare them with the current listing price of the house you’re interested in. Review recent sales data on comparable properties in the area, in order to ensure that your offer is reasonable given the home’s location and features. It’s important to remember that sellers are usually looking for top dollar, so make sure your research is thorough and detailed before submitting your bid.

Negotiate Strategically

When making your offer on a home, it’s important to remember that negotiation is key. When negotiating with sellers, always keep their best interests in mind while ensuring that you’re getting everything you want out of the deal as well. Be prepared to counteroffer if necessary, but don’t get too hung up on small details; instead, focus on finding common ground between both parties so that everyone can walk away feeling satisfied with the outcome.

Set Up Escrow Services

Once your initial offer has been accepted, setting up escrow services will protect both parties involved in the transaction. An escrow company holds the money or property until contractual obligations have been met by both parties involved in the sale. This ensures that everyone gets what they were promised without any potential issues arising later.

It can be a challenge to make an offer on a new home, but understanding how this process works can help streamline things for both buyers and sellers alike. Find a knowledgeable real estate agent who can guide you through each step of buying a house, research the market ahead of time to gain insight into fair offers based on current trends, and negotiate strategically so that both parties are satisfied with the end result. And don’t forget to set up escrow services once your initial offer has been accepted.

With these tips in mind, buyers should have no trouble making a successful offer on their Chicago dream home.