Lewiston Michigan Real Estate and Community News

In todays #TipTuesday, Shawn explains what a buyers and a sellers market are, gives examples of those, and explains who dictates the market.

Today on #TipTuesday, Shawn explains what is the best time to put your home on the market and why.

Today on #TipTuesday, Shawn goes back out to the boat and talks registration!!

Can't wait to see you all out on the water!

Today on #TipTuesday, Shawn dives into what causes time on the market, and how quickly you can expect to sell your home.

Today on #TipTuesday, Shawn discusses credit when looking to purchase your new home! 

Introducing a new segment to our content schedule, called "Living Lewiston". Where we've complied video for our local clubs & activity centers to highlight what there is do to do, in and around Lewiston!

For our first episode, we have an inside look at the Lewiston Curling Club. They shared some tips for new curlers (like Shawn), how to score, where the stones are made, and some history of the club.

For more on becoming a member, rental availability, or general contact information please visit their website 

Without a doubt you should do that. Of course, there may be exceptions that would negate the use of a home inspection. But I think, even if it was new construction, having an inspection makes sense. There are just too many moving parts in a home that can go bad. Electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling; they all have numerous working parts to it and a good home inspector can help you do a very through investigation of the home. These guys will be there for hours, checking every plug, every socket, the heating, any toxic gas, etc.. 

If you ask me, there is no way that it’s not a good idea. You’re spending a tremendous amount of money, on the largest asset you’ll ever own. Why not start out knowing everything about the home?

The next question this brings up “What inspector do you recommend?”  I don’t recommend going with the cheapest, it doesn’t mean it has to be the most expensive. But again, by using Huston Real Estate, we can recommend inspectors that our clients have worked with in the past and have felt that the inspection has added value to the sale for them.

This is a question we get more than most markets because of the amount of second homes we sell.That answer is yes and no. It all depends on what your financial situation is. A lot of people are hesitant not just financially, but also because they don’t want to be without their cottage up north. In that case, there are ways we can write a purchase agreement, subject to you selling the other home. Or put the home on the market and once you’ve found a buyer and you’re in the process of selling, Then we write that offer. That may be more solid for some sellers and in some markets.

 So, “Do we have too?” No you don’t.

“But Is it the best financial move for me?” Well, that’s something that between Huston Real Estate, Your financial advisers, mortgage officers, and yourself; we can come to answer that makes sense for you.

That’s a great question and a relative answer. It’s relative as to how you’re buying.

If you’re a cash buyer, with no need for financing it would only be 3-4 weeks max. If you’re using a conventional mortgage, then it’s a bit longer because you’ll need an appraisal. Going through the banks process, which can take 30-45 days.

A lot of buyers today use Low money down, you may have heard of them as RD loans (Rural Development) or VA loans (Veterans Administrations). These are state and federally backed and can be in the 45 day to about 6 week time frame.

In general, think you’ll take from 1-2 months, to purchase a house, based off how you’ll be financing. 

Over the years, we’ve been asked numerous questions on a consistent basis. We thought we’d enlighten the public, give you a little extra into the market so that you’re more prepared as you start the buying process. One question we get a lot is, “How do I start the home buying process?”


Of course, I would recommend you find a realtor you like and trust, that you know will represent you. But more importantly you should start by finding out what you can afford in the form of a pre-approval. We often recommended local bankers. They’re used to the area you're working in, the agents you’ll work with, and you’ll have a much more enjoyable experience working with someone local.