
A Majority of Consumers Say It’s a Good Time To Sell Your House
If you’re a homeowner thinking about selling your house, you’re probably looking for the best time to make your move. That means you’re likely balancing a number of factors, like your changing needs, where you’ll go when you sell, and…

A Key To Building Wealth Is Homeownership
The link between financial security and homeownership is especially important today as inflation rises. But many people may not realize just how much owning a home contributes to your overall net worth. As Leslie Rouda Smith, President…

7 Secrets No One Tells You That’ll Help You Buy a House Right Now (and other helpful hints!)
Once upon a time, wannabe homebuyers could leisurely peruse a variety of properties in their price range, mull over their choices, put in an offer, and presume they’ll be moving in soon enough. But how things have changed!
In today’s…

7 Reasons to Own A Home
While some people are content in renting, most have that lifelong dream of owning a home. It does come with responsibility of course, but it also has benefits that people might not realize.
Tax benefits. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct…

7 Reasons to Work With a REALTOR®
REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict Code of Ethics. When you're buying a home, here's what an agent who's a REALTOR® can do for you.
Act as an expert guide. Buying a home typically…

7 Tax Benefits of Owning a Home
What are the tax benefits of owning a home? Plenty of homeowners are asking themselves this right around now as they prepare to file their taxes.
You may recall the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—the most substantial overhaul to the U.S. tax code…

The Difference Between Renting and Owning
If you have any questions about this, please don't hesitate to call our office at 307-655-5555! Our knowledgable and friendly agents will be happy to answer any questions you might have. Even if you are looking at a "down the road" purchase,…

Down Payment Misperceptions Persist
January 10, 2022
The majority of home buyers—87%—finance their home purchase. But some aspiring buyers may delay their purchase due to persistent myths over down payment requirements.
Thirty-five percent of…

January Tasks to Tackle for the New Year
Home maintenance tasks aren’t going to be any easier at the start of a new year than they were during the holiday bustle of December. You’ve buttoned up the house against the cold, and you’re in the dead of winter without even a glimpse…

PANTONE’S NEW COLOR OF 2022
We’re just going to say it: It’s been a year. In fact, it’s been a couple of years, which means we truly deserve a respite in the form of something pretty to gaze at for a change.
Fortunately, the global color experts at Pantone…

Has the Housing Market Peaked? That May Depend on Where You Live
After more than a year of staggering increases in home prices, the party appears to be coming to an end.
The growth in prices, which rose more than 30% this year in some of the nation’s hottest real estate markets, appears to have peaked…

Retirement May Be Changing What You Need in a Home
The past year and a half brought about significant life changes for many of us. For some, it meant entering retirement earlier than expected. Recent data shows more people retired this year than anticipated. According to the Schwartz Center…

The Biggest Risk in Today’s Crazy Market? Buying a House You Regret!
My 23-year-old niece Megan is house hunting, and as anyone who’s dipped a toe in this crazy market would understand, she’s feeling desperate.
Hoping to pass along some comfort and advice, I told my niece that I knew that desperation…

5 Emerging Home Design Trends to Watch
August 18, 2021
With more time spent on activities in the home, flexible design is becoming increasingly important to homeowners. Also, they want to bring more outdoor elements inside. These are among the latest home trends, according to Houzz,…


What Are Experts Saying About the Current Mortgage Rates?
Mortgage rates are hovering near record lows, and that’s good news for today’s homebuyers. The graph below shows mortgage rates dating back to 2016 and where today falls by comparison.
Generally speaking, when rates are low, you…

Important Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying a Home
Sometimes it can feel like everyone has advice when it comes to buying a home. While your friends and loved ones may have your best interests in mind, they may also be missing crucial information about today’s housing market that you need…

The Best Use of Time (and Money) When It Comes to Renovations
In the current sellers’ market, many homeowners wonder what, if anything, needs to be remodeled before they list their house. That’s where a trusted real estate professional comes in. They can help you think through today’s market conditions…

BEFORE YOU BUY, ASK YOURSELF THESE QUESTIONS….
Sometimes it can feel like everyone has advice when it comes to buying a home. While your friends and loved ones may have your best interests in mind, they may also be missing crucial information about today’s housing market that you need…

What Does it Mean for You When the Housing Supply Is Rising?
An important factor in today’s market is the number of homes for sale. While inventory levels continue to sit near historic lows, there are indications we may have hit the lowest point we’ll see. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First…

Selling Your House? Make Sure You Price It Right.
There’s no denying we’re in a sellers’ market. With low inventory and high buyer demand, homes today are selling above the asking price at a record rate. According to the latest Realtors Confidence Index Survey from the National Association…

HOW TO KEEP YOUR YARD MOSQUITO-FREE THIS SUMMER
Warm days bring some of the best moments of summer, and after a long year away from family and friends, we’re all looking forward to evenings spent around the fire pit, patio swing, or outdoor kitchen. But all too often, mosquitoes will crash…

Choose The Right Expert To Guide You Through This Unprecedented Market
In a normal market, it’s good to have an experienced guide coaching you through the process of buying or selling a home. That person can advise you on important things like pricing your home correctly or the first steps to take when you’re…

Yes, You SHOULD Sell Your House Now, According To These Graphs!
There’s no doubt that 2021 is the year of the seller when it comes to the housing market. If you’re a homeowner thinking of moving to better suit your changing needs, now is the perfect time to do so. Low mortgage rates are in your favor…

Patience Is the Key to Buying a Home This Year!
The question many homebuyers are facing this year is, “Why is it so hard to find a house?” We’re in the ultimate sellers’ market, which means real estate is ultra-competitive for buyers right now. The National Association of Realtors (NAR)…

5 MOST PROFITABLE HOME IMPROVEMENTS YOU SHOULD MAKE BEFORE SELLING YOUR HOME
Getting ready to sell your house? You may want to consider these five home improvements to ensure a bigger price tag at closing time.
Unless you’re Joanna Gaines, the prospect of updating and prepping your home for sale can seem daunting.…

A Home Is a Better Investment Than Stocks, 93% of Americans Believe
A recent Survey of Consumer Finances study released by the Federal Reserve reveals the net worth of homeowners is forty times greater than that of renters. If you’re wondering if homeownership is a good investment, the study clearly answers…

Just Because It’s a Sellers’ Market, Doesn’t Mean You Should Sell on Your Own
In a sellers’ market, some homeowners might be tempted to try to sell their house on their own (known as For Sale By Owner, or FSBO) instead of working with a trusted real estate professional. When the inventory of homes for sale is as low as…

How Mortgage Rate Changes Can Impact Your Homebuying Budget
Mortgage rates are on the rise this year, but they’re still incredibly low compared to the historic average. However, anytime there’s a change in the mortgage rate, it affects what you can afford to borrow when you’re buying a home.…

To Renovate, or Not, Prior to Selling…….
When thinking about selling, homeowners often feel they need to get their house ready with some remodeling to make it more appealing to buyers. However, with so many buyers competing for available homes right now, renovations may not be as…

Top 5 Reasons to Sell Your House This Spring
When selling a house, most homeowners hope for a quick and profitable transaction that puts them in a position to make a great move. If you’re waiting for the best time to win as a seller, the market is calling your name this spring. Here…

7 Tax Benefits of Owning a Home: A Complete Guide for Filing This Year
What are the tax benefits of owning a home? Plenty of homeowners are asking themselves this right around now as they prepare to file their taxes.
You may recall the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—the most substantial overhaul to the U.S. tax code…

Where Did All the Houses Go?
In today’s housing market, it seems harder than ever to find a home to buy. Before the health crisis hit us a year ago, there was already a shortage of homes for sale. When many homeowners delayed their plans to sell at the same time that…

3 Ways You’ll Win When You Buy a Home This Year
There are so many great reasons to purchase a home, and over the past year, we’ve realized more of them than we ever thought possible. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, having a home of your own can give you a greater sense of security and…

Millennials: Is It Time to Buy a Bigger Home?
In today’s housing market, all eyes are on millennials. Not only are millennials the largest generation, but they’re also currently between 25 and 40 years old. These are often considered prime homebuying years when many people begin to…

Thinking about Building a New Home? Your Agent Is Critical!
Some Highlights
A real estate professional is an expert who can advocate on your behalf throughout the process when building a home.
Agents help you understand key steps, like choosing upgrades and managing negotiations, while staying…

Do you know the Difference between an Appraisal and a Home Inspection?
If you’re planning to buy a home, an appraisal is an important step in the process. It’s a professional evaluation of the market value of the home you’d like to buy. In most cases, an appraisal is ordered by the lender to confirm or…

What Record-Low Housing Inventory Means for You
The real estate market is expected to do very well in 2021, with mortgage rates that are hovering at historic lows and forecasted by experts to remain favorable throughout the year. One challenge to the housing industry, however, is the…

Financial Fundamentals for Homebuyers
When you’re thinking about buying a home, there are a few key steps to take before you even start to look at houses.
From saving for your down payment to getting pre-approved for a mortgage, you’ll want to make sure you keep your financial…

8 Dumb Reasons People Can’t Buy a Home
Buying a home—especially if it’s your first—can be a lot like losing weight in the sense that people end up doing, well, some pretty dumb stuff in the process. But while desperate dieters might waste money on “magical” weight-loss…

4 Expert Views on the 2021 Housing Market
The housing market was a shining star in 2020, fueling the economic turnaround throughout the country. As we look forward to 2021, can we expect real estate to continue showing such promise? Here’s what four experts have to say about the year…

3 Trends Driving Hyperactivity in the Real Estate Market
December 11, 2020
Melissa Dittmann Tracey
Ali Wolf
Lawrence Yun
Despite the economic uncertainties continuing to surround the pandemic, one fact has become crystal clear:…

SO, WHAT’S THE “CONCEPT” WITH CONCEPT Z?
The End is Where We Begin…. Call it slogan. A catch phrase. Tag line. For us, it’s a way of life. How we do business. A mindset we approach every day with. Our Polaris that guides our moral compass. A habit? Definitely!
In…

Knowledge Is Power on the Path to Homeownership
Homeownership is on the goal list for many young adults, but sometimes it’s hard to know exactly how to get there. From understanding the homebuying process to pre-approval and down payment assistance options, uncertainty along the way can…


SELL YOUR HOME FASTER WITH A FEW IMPROVEMENTS!
Having a home on the market means your house always needs to be kept in show condition. That is not an easy feat. Keeping your property spotless is hard enough but going the extra mile to make it stand out— that takes some creative planning.…

Mortgage Rates Hit Record Lows. Could They Fall Even Further?
One of the few bright spots for home buyers and owners in 2020—a year marred by a pandemic, economic recession, social unrest, wildfires, hurricanes, and a highly polarized presidential election—has been rock-bottom mortgage interest…

TRAFFIC FROM HOMEBUYERS IS ON THE RISE
One of the biggest surprises of 2020 is the resilience of the residential real estate market. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), is now forecasting that more homes will sell this year than last year.…

Should I buy, or should I rent…….
The percentage of income needed to afford a median-priced home today is declining, while that for renting is on the rise.
This is making buying a home an increasingly attractive option for many people, especially with low mortgage…

Perks for Both Buyers and Sellers in Today’s Housing Market
Today’s housing market is making a truly impressive turnaround, and it’s also setting up some outstanding opportunities for buyers and sellers. Whether you’re thinking of buying or selling a home this year, there are perks today that…

Most Buyers Today Are Very Serious About Purchasing a Home.
Today’s homebuyers are not just talking about their plans, they’re actively engaged in the buying process – and they’re serious about it. A recent report by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) indicates:
“…. Of American…

Experts Weigh-In on the Remarkable Strength of the Housing Market
America has faced its share of challenges in 2020. A once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, a financial crisis leaving millions still unemployed, and an upcoming presidential election that may prove to be one of the most contentious in our nation’s…

Best Time to Sell? When Competition Is at an All-Time Low
In a recent survey of home sellers by Qualtrics, 87% of respondents said they were concerned their home won’t sell because of the pandemic and resulting economic recession. Of the respondents, 51% said they are “seriously worried.” That…

What Are the Experts Saying About Future Home Prices?
A worldwide pandemic and an economic recession have had a tremendous effect on the nation. The uncertainty brought about by both has made predicting consumer behavior nearly impossible. For that reason, forecasting home prices has become extremely…

Three Reasons Homebuyers Are Ready to Purchase This Year
A recent survey by Lending Tree tapped into behaviors of over 1,000 prospective buyers. The results indicated 53% of all homebuyers are more likely to buy a home in the next year, even amid the current health crisis. The survey further…

The Benefits of Homeownership May Reach Further Than You Think
More than ever, our homes have become an integral part of our lives. Today they are much more than the houses we live in. They’re evolving into our workplaces, schools for our children, and safe havens that provide shelter, stability, and…

Buying or Selling a Home? You Need an Expert Kind of Guide
In a normal housing market, whether you’re buying or selling a home, you need an experienced guide to help you navigate through the process. You need someone you can turn to who will tell you how to price your home correctly right from the…

Baking During Quarantine? 11 Things Your Kitchen Needs
Does it seem like every post in your feed showcases a crusty sourdough boule? Or a focaccia garden? (See photo below, and you'll get the idea.) With so many Americans quarantining at home due to the coronaviruspandemic, it seems like everyone's…

6 Easy DIY Projects To Give Your Laundry Room Some Love
Laundry rooms are notoriously cheerless spaces, but with all the extra laundry you’re doing in this era of COVID-19? Chances are you’re spending more time in the laundry room than ever before.
We wanted to help you make your laundry room…

How To Grow Your Own Herbs—Even If You Don’t Have a Green Thumb
Victory gardens are all the rage right now, but is there a tasty alternative for those of us with black thumbs? I’m talking about the people who kill every plant that ever comes into their lives. Those of us who apologize to plants at the…

7 Types of Home Improvement Projects You Should Avoid During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Quarantine means spending way more time at home—and for some people, that also means noticing everything you want to change about your space. But is now a good time to take on a major renovation project?
Probably not, experts say.
“If…

Home-Buying FAQ: Your Top Questions About Purchasing Property During the Coronavirus Pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has thrown millions of people's financial plans off the rails, and that certainly includes home buying. If you were hoping to purchase a property soon, you no doubt have a lot of questions—about whether it's possible…

The Pain of Unemployment: It Will Be Deep, But Not for Long
There are two crises in this country right now: a health crisis that has forced everyone into their homes and a financial crisis caused by our inability to move around as we normally would. Over 20 million people in the U.S. became instantly…

Mortgage FAQ: Essential Answers to All Your Questions About Home Loans in the Coronavirus Era
With the economy in unprecedented territory and the phrase "housing crash" on the lips of economists, mortgage holders have questions. And current homeowners aren't alone: First-time home buyers in search of a new mortgage also have questions…

Buying a Home Right Now: Easy? No. Smart? Yes.
Through all the volatility in the economy right now, some have put their search for a home on hold, yet others have not. According to ShowingTime, the real estate industry’s leading showing management technology provider, buyers have started…

7 Easy DIY Kitchen Projects You Can Tackle While You’re Self-Isolating
There’s nothing like spending an extended period of time at home to realize how badly your place needs a makeover.
So if you're one of the millions of people starting to feel stir-crazy during all this social distancing, we've got the…

Should I Sell My House Now? The Essential Guide To Selling in the Age of Coronavirus
Spring is usually prime home-selling season—but this spring is a whole different ballgame.
With the coronavirus crisis intensifying and the economy in a tailspin, some homeowners may be asking themselves: Should I sell my home during…

How To Negotiate an Offer on a Home Right Now
The real estate market—and daily life—has been completely upended in just a few weeks. Yet maybe in spite of it all, you've managed to find a home you love and are ready to make an offer. Congratulations! But as you hover on the brink…

How Technology Is Enabling the Real Estate Process
Today’s everyday reality is pretty different than it looked just a few weeks ago. We’re learning how to do a lot of things in new ways, from how we work remotely to how we engage with our friends and neighbors. Almost everything right now…

7 Easy DIY Living Room Projects You Can Tackle While You’re Social Distancing
Cooped up inside because of the coronavirus? In this unsettling time, doing your part to maintain social distance means you've been spending a lot of time indoors. And while movie marathons and board games can occupy part of your day, they might…

Don’t Let Frightening Headlines Scare You
There’s a lot of anxiety right now regarding the coronavirus pandemic. The health situation must be addressed quickly, and many are concerned about the impact on the economy as well.
Amidst all this anxiety, anyone with a megaphone –…

Yes, You Can Still Afford a Home
The residential real estate market has come roaring out of the gates in 2020. Compared to this time last year, the number of buyers looking for a home is up 20%, and the number of home sales is up almost 10%. The increase in purchasing activity…

Buying a Home: Do You Know the Lingo?
Some Highlights:
Buying a home can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with the terms used throughout the process.
To point you in the right direction, here’s a list of some of the most common language you’ll hear along the way.
The…

Confidence Is the Key to Success for Young Homebuyers
Buying your first home can seem overwhelming. Thankfully, there’s a lot of great information out there to help you feel more confident as you learn about the process. For those in younger generations who aspire to buy, here are three things…

Thinking of Selling? Now May Be the Time.
The housing market has started off much stronger this year than it did last year. Lower mortgage interest rates have been a driving factor in that change. The average 30-year rate in 2019, according to Freddie Mac, was 3.94%. Today that rate…

Entry-Level Homeowners Are in the Driver’s Seat
Entry-Level Homeowners Are in the Driver’s Seat
One thing helping homeowners right now is price appreciation, especially in the entry-level market. In the latest Home Price Insights report, CoreLogic reveals how home prices increased…

How to Navigate New Color Trends
Bold, saturated colors are back after years of calm beiges, soothing grays, and varied whites dominating the interior design scene. What’s a homeowner to do?
February 6, 2020
by Barbara Ballinger
©…

How Trusted Professionals Make Homebuying Easier to Understand
In the spring, many excited buyers get ready to enter the housing market. Others continue dreaming about the homes they’d like to buy. The truth is, many potential buyers continue to dream longer than they need to, simply because they’re…

12 Things Most First-Time Homeowners Don’t Know
© Provided by The Family Handyman
1. Locate Your Gas and Water Shutoffs.
It's troubling when a pipe bursts or when you smell gas in your house. Not knowing how to shut off your water and gas will only compound your stress. (It…

Great News for Renters Who Want to Buy a Home
Rents in the United States have been skyrocketing since 2012. This has caused many renters to face a tremendous burden when juggling their housing expenses and the desire to save for a down payment at the same time. The recent stabilization…

Strength of the Economy Is Surprising the Experts
We’re currently in the longest economic recovery in U.S. history. That has caused some to ask experts to project when the next economic slowdown (recession) could occur. Two years ago, 67% of the economists surveyed by the Wall Street…

13 Cutting-Edge Updates for the Smart Home
The 2020 Consumer Electronics Show introduced a slew of new and improved technology that will make the everyday experience of living in a home much easier and efficient.
January 17, 2020
by Melissa Dittmann…

2020 Homebuying Checklist
Some Highlights:
If you’re thinking of buying a home, plan ahead and stay on the right track, starting with pre-approval.
Being proactive about the homebuying process will help set you up for success in each step.
Make sure…

Housing Inventory Vanishing: What Is the Impact on You?
The real estate market is expected to do very well this year as mortgage rates remain at historic lows. One challenge to the housing industry is the lack of homes available for sale. Last week, move.com released a report showing that…

“A Good Name is Better than Great Riches”
By Zack Cummins
One of our Core Concepts at Concept Z is this idea that a good name is better than great riches.
That is a guiding principle that helps us evaluate situations, or as Stephen Covey would say, find “True North” on our…

What is the Real Estate Commission?
By Matt Westkott.
Real Estate Commission is on the Table! That’s right. Let’s open up the discussion! What is the real estate commission? How much should you pay? And what are you getting for the money?!
These are really…

5 Steps to Prepare Your Home to SELL (Indoor Edition)
Brrr! Has all this cold weather frozen you on your "Honey-Do" list? No need to stress or to wait until Spring to begin preparing your home to sell. We're here to help you! Jump start the process with these 5 steps to make life…

OUR NEW YEAR RESOLUTION
Happy 2018! We hope your New Year is off to a great start and you’re getting back into the swing of things after the holiday season. Everyone is buzzing about their New Year resolutions, and of course we are too.
Our New Year Resolution…

Restaurants in Sheridan, Wyoming
If you're thinking of buying real estate in Sheridan, Wyoming, congratulations! You've made a great choice for your new home town. When you close on the new house, you may want to celebrate by going out. The first few days in your new home,…

Schools in Sheridan, Wyoming
If you're parents looking for real estate in Sheridan, Wyoming, then you want to know about the local schools before you decide which house is right for your family.
SHERIDAN COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT #2
Sheridan County School District…

Real Estate in Sheridan, Wyoming: Interesting Attractions
If you're considering buying real estate in Sheridan, Wyoming, you may be wondering what this great city has to offer in the way of historic sites, nature, and dining.
Bighorn National Forest
This scenic national forest spans over 1.1 million…

Tips for Choosing Art with Flair When Selling Real Estate in Sheridan, Wyoming
Choosing art and décor items often baffles home sellers. When listing your real estate in Sheridan, Wyoming, work with a reputable Realtor who knows what appeals to today’s buyers. Some sellers tour new home models to find out how professional…

Popular Home Styles and Features that Sell Real Estate in Sheridan, Wyoming
When selling your real estate in Sheridan, Wyoming, there are some features you can add to shoot the value up without spending a fortune. However, if you own a home with an unpopular home style or façade, it’s not typically worth the money…

Why Selling your Home in the Summer is Best in a Hot Market
If you are wondering why selling your home in the summer is best, consider not only the fact that it’s a hot seller’s market but also the best time of the year for moving. While moving in hot weather is not as pleasant, school is out in…

Deciding if You’re Ready to Buy Real Estate in Sheridan, Wyoming
A lot of millennials in their 20s dream of buying a home. But are you ready to look for your first piece of real estate in Sheridan, Wyoming? Here are some things to do and consider as you begin your hunt for your first home, sweet home.
First,…

Concept Z Offers Advice on Pricing Your Home
When it comes to choosing listing price, your real estate agent in Sheridan WY will help you stay realistic. According to a recent article by realtor.com, it is common for home sellers to over price their homes. Before listing your Wyoming…

Tips for Bidding Wars
Bidding Wars
With home values going up in Sheridan County and limited inventory, buyers should gear up for bidding wars. By having an experienced realty team who knows the housing inventory in the area, giving you the necessary edge to compete…

Investment Property for Sale in the Big Horns to Cater to Boomers
A growing number of baby boomers rent instead of own in their retirement, according to a recent report by the Chicago Tribune. Even though they rent, many boomers still gravitate to beautiful states such as Wyoming. By investing in real estate…

What a Real Estate Agent in Sheridan, WY Can Do for Your Home Buying Experience
Although you may have had positive experiences with renting homes, you may eventually want to put an end to the limitations that come with renting over owning your own property. While you will find home buyers and home sellers that take on the…

How a Real Estate Agent in Sheridan, WY Can Turn Time into an Advantage
When you want to buy a new home or become a homeowner for the first time, you should understand the importance of being in the right situation for making your purchase. For instance, feeling like you need to rush through the home buying process…

Why Do You Need a Real Estate Agent?: Show Your Home When You Couldn’t Otherwise
If you are in the process of selling your home, you might be thinking about doing it yourself. It might not seem too complicated to advertise your home and show it to prospective buyers, but it really is best to hire a realtor to assist you…