By Tucker Henderson

Reporter

In lakes country, there are many things taken for granted, one of which is a safe and reliable home. Centennial Realty of New York Mills doesn’t take that for granted, however, and wants to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to buy a safe and affordable home or to sell their beloved home to its next owners.

Although the housing market can be a bit challenging at the moment, Vanessa Huwe, an agent for Centennial Realty, said that there is still a lot of movement on land and homes right now. Though buyers and sellers may have to work with each other a bit more than during other points in the market, that simply means that both parties are able to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.

“Buyers need to make sure you get pre-approved,” explained Huwe, “When things are coming up that are really affordable, they are going quickly and you want your pre-approval or your proof of funds before you start looking so you are prepared to put in your best offer.

“Sellers are going to have to strap in and get ready to do a little bit more negotiating,” she continued, “it’s a bit more challenging than the last couple years and we’re starting to get to that point where sometimes buyers ask for things, and they’re coming in to a position where they can. But nine times out of ten, if they’re really willing, then they’re happy to do that.”

One of the biggest factors present in the housing market is the high interest rates, which can dissuade buyers from making the move to purchase their dream home. Huwe said that everyone is hopeful they will start to go down and then sellers will see a bit more movement in properties across the region.

“We’re seeing a lot of land moving, but I think there’s still a lot of buyers waiting for interest rates to come down,” said Huwe. “I would love that. Everybody’s happier then: buyers are happier, sellers are happier, everybody feels like they’re winning.

“We’re coming to the end of summer, so I think we’re going to see some lakeshore pushing here towards the end,” she counted. “That way lake properties don’t have to be winterized again.”

With three agents in house, including owner and broker Bonnie Dykhoff, and agents Vanessa Huwe and Jerni Holweg, Centennial Realty has just the right knowledge to find your next home or sell your current one.

“We’re local, we know the area, we know what sells and we’re in the community,” said Huwe. “You want a local realtor. I think a lot of times people think the right thing to do is find a realtor from Fargo or the Twin Cities to sell their home, but they don’t know what your property is worth like we do.

“We have access to all the same people in Fargo and the Twin Cities as a Fargo listing agent, but we know the specifics of this area,” she continued. “You can come to us and say, ‘I’m looking to do this, this, and this on a lake’ and I’m going to say, ‘this lake, this lake, and this lake are good for you,’ or I’m going to let you know what happens on this lake. If you’re looking for a quiet lake, it’s not Otter Tail or Big Pine, so let’s not look there, right?”

Huwe emphasized the importance of knowing the local region and getting to know the community as well. All three agents are local and are in the community throughout the week, they know the area and can find the perfect fit for your home.

“That’s the biggest thing,” she said, “is we bring the local and we know exactly this area.”