Date Archives: April 2019

Student loan debt is a growing problem, and for many Americans thinking about buying their first home, the weight of that debt can be crushing. We believe that owning a home should be possible for anyone, and our real estate agents are here to help. 

According to a recent report by Forbes, student loan debt is at an all-time high in 2019, with 44.7 million U.S. borrowers collectively owing $1.56 trillion in student loan debt. If you're one of them, that debt can feel like an impenetrable barrier between you and your dream of becoming a homeowner. Here's why it's not. 

Getting a Mortgage With Student Loan Debt

Student debt is especially a problem for first-time home buyers, who tend to be younger and less experienced. Many student debt holders cite their debt as a major reason for putting off buying a home, despite today's historically low mortgage rates and the variety of low to no down payment mortgage options available. 

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There aren't too many major championship golf courses where the general public can get a tee time on any given day, but Harbor Shores is special. Covering a spectacular variety of beautiful terrain, the Harbor Shores Golf Course will thrill and challenge golfers of all skill levels. As far as our real estate agents are concerned, there's no better place to play a round of golf in the Benton Harbor area. 

A Course Like No Other

Harbor Shores Golf Course was designed by 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus, who attended the club's grand opening in 2010 alongside pros Johnny Miller, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Watson. If you've never seen Nicklaus' near-miraculous 102-foot putt on the 10th hole at Harbor Shores, check it out.

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If you're in the area looking at Saint Joseph homes for sale this spring, you'll definitely want to take a break to enjoy the annual Blossom Festival. This week-long event, which has been happening since the early 1900s, was created to celebrate Southern Michigan's thriving agriculture industry.  

With a wide variety of family-friendly events ranging from pageants and fashion shows to parades and a 5k run, there's truly something for everyone! Check out this guide so you don't miss a thing.  

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The house looks nice and the price is right. It's close to work and schools. But is the neighborhood where it's located safe? This is one of the most important considerations to make when buying a house. It's not only important for your own well being, but also for your home's potential resale value. So how can you tell if the neighborhood is safe? Here are a number of ways.

1. Walk the neighborhood at different times of day and night. Talk to neighbors to find out the history of the house and neighborhood. Chat up people in nearby businesses and other parts of town and ask opinions of the neighborhood. Exploring the neighborhood on foot allows you to notice things you wouldn't in a car, such as barking dog or neighbors playing drums.

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