Air Force Veteran John Reuter Named Ambassador for the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce
Dane County, WI – 12/13/2024 – Integrity Homes is proud to announce that John Reuter, an Air Force veteran and highly accomplished Realtor, has been named an Ambassador for the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce (WVCC). With a proven track record of excellence in real estate and a deep commitment to supporting veterans and military-connected families, John’s new role as an Ambassador further solidifies his dedication to both his profession and his community. As a trusted Realtor serving Dane County and the surrounding areas, John Reuter has built a stellar reputation for his meticulous attention to detail, organizational expertise, and clear communication. Drawing from his military background, John’s disciplined and methodical approach ensures exceptional results for his clients. A recognized leader in Wisconsin’s real estate industry, John is also a proud participant in the "Homes for Heroes" program, where he helps veterans, first responders, and community heroes achieve their real estate goals. “I am honored to join the WVCC Ambassador Program and continue my mission of bridging the gap between business and community,” said John Reuter. “As an Air Force veteran, I understand the unique challenges that veterans face. This role allows me to advocate for and support initiatives that empower small businesses, corporate leaders, and veteran families.” The Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce brings together small business owners, corporate executives, and community leaders to empower and support veterans. WVCC serves as a critical bridge between the business world and military-connected communities, fostering connections and accelerating business growth through networking, strategic partnerships, and educational workshops. The organization is inclusive of all businesses, from veteran-owned enterprises to military-friendly corporations across every industry. John’s commitment to community service extends beyond real estate. As an active volunteer and supporter of local initiatives, he embodies the WVCC mission of collaboration and community growth. With this new role, John is excited to continue fostering opportunities for veterans and businesses to thrive in Dane County and beyond. For more information about John Reuter or Integrity Homes, please contact:Email: john@integrityhomeswi.comPhone: 608.669.4226 For more information about the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce, visit wisconsinveteranchamber.org. About Integrity Homes:Integrity Homes is a leading real estate agency specializing in helping clients buy, sell, and invest in properties in Wisconsin. Led by John Reuter, an Air Force veteran and military housing specialist, Integrity Homes is committed to delivering exceptional results with professionalism, precision, and a community-focused approach. About the Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce:The Wisconsin Veterans Chamber of Commerce unites businesses, organizations, and community leaders to empower veterans and military families. Through strategic networking, collaboration, and educational resources, WVCC creates opportunities for business growth and community development, fostering an environment where veterans and businesses can succeed together.
How Much Can You Afford When Buying a Home in Dane County?
Hi everyone, John Reuter here with Integrity Homes. As someone who has worked with many homebuyers throughout Dane County, I know that one of the first and most critical questions people ask is: How much can I afford? To help answer this question, I recently sat down with Tony Burns from Fairway Mortgage in Madison, a military veteran and one of the best mortgage professionals I know. Together, we broke down the key steps to figuring out what you can comfortably spend on a home, especially in today’s market. Let’s dive in. 1. Start With Your Finances Determining what you can afford starts with understanding your financial picture. You need to look at three main areas: Your Income: What’s your monthly gross income? Your Debts: This includes car loans, credit cards, or student loans. Your Savings: Do you have enough for a down payment, closing costs, and an emergency fund? Tony had some great advice on this: “It’s not just about the numbers on paper; it’s about making sure the payments are comfortable for you long-term. Look at what your budget can handle, not just what you’re pre-approved for.” As your real estate agent, I always recommend starting this process early—about a year before you’re ready to buy. That way, we can address any issues and create a realistic timeline. 2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Once you have a solid understanding of your finances, the next step is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This not only helps you understand your price range but also strengthens your offer when it’s time to buy. Tony explained the benefits of starting with a soft credit pull: “Fairway Mortgage in Madison now offers soft credit pulls, which give buyers a live look at their mortgage credit score without impacting their credit. It’s a great way to start the process without triggering unwanted calls or hitting your score with a hard inquiry.” (What's the Difference Between a Hard Credit Pull and Soft? Check watch our YouTube video HERE to find out) A pre-approval also helps us work backward from your target move-in date. For example, if you want to buy in 9 months, we can map out exactly when to start looking at homes, saving for costs, and locking in your financing. 3. What’s the Dane County Market Like? Dane County’s housing market has homes ranging from $300,000 to over $800,000, depending on the neighborhood and property type. Tony and I often hear concerns about down payments, especially from first-time buyers. Many people think you need 20% down to buy a home, but that’s no longer the case. As Tony explained: “You can buy a home with as little as 3-5% down on a conventional loan. VA loans, for veterans, even allow for 0% down. Programs like FHA and USDA loans also provide great options for buyers who qualify.” For first-time buyers, we often explore programs like WHEDA (Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority), which offers down payment assistance. As Tony described: “WHEDA is a fantastic program in Wisconsin. It’s income-based, and for Dane County, a household earning up to $125,000 can qualify as long as they meet other criteria, like credit score and debt-to-income ratio.” 4. What’s Happening With Interest Rates? Interest rates have been a big topic of discussion this year. Rates have been higher than in recent years, but there’s hope they’ll start to come down in 2024 and 2025 as inflation eases. Tony shared some valuable insight on this: “Rates are tied to Federal Reserve policies. Right now, rates hover around 7%, but we’ve seen predictions that they could drop as low as 5% or even 4.75% by the end of next year. While we don’t know for sure, this could create more opportunities for buyers to refinance down the road.” I also shared my take on this: “For sellers, 5-5.5% is the magic number where many feel comfortable listing their homes. If rates hit that range, we could see more inventory coming to the market, which would be a win for buyers as well.” 5. Don’t Forget About Additional Costs When budgeting for your home purchase in Madison and surrounding areas it’s important to remember there are costs beyond the purchase price, including: Closing Costs: These typically range from 2-5% of the home’s price. Property Taxes: In Dane County, taxes average 1.76% of the home’s assessed value. Homeowner’s Insurance: This varies by provider and property type. Tony and I always stress the importance of understanding these costs upfront when buying a home in Madison, Wisconsin. As Tony put it: “It’s not just about qualifying for a loan—it’s about making sure all the other costs fit into your financial plan.” 6. Work With a Trusted Team Buying a home is a big decision, and having the right people in your corner makes all the difference. As your real estate agent, I’ll guide you through every step of the process—from understanding your budget to negotiating the best deal. Partnering with a knowledgeable lender like Tony ensures you’re set up for success financially. Tony summed it up perfectly: “The process starts with a real estate agent to help you explore your options. Then, a lender steps in to provide pre-approval and financing options tailored to your needs.” Conclusion Figuring out how much you can afford when buying a home in Dane County doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By starting early, getting pre-approved, and working with trusted professionals, you’ll be well-prepared to make a confident purchase. If you’re ready to start your homebuying journey, let’s chat! I’d love to help you find the perfect home. 📞 Call/Text: 608.669.4226📧 Email: john@integrityhomeswi.com And if you’re looking for expert mortgage advice, reach out to Tony Burns at Fairway Mortgage for personalized guidance. Together, we’ll make your homeownership dreams a reality! John Reuter Integrity Homes 608-669-4226 john@integrityhomeswi.com www.integrityhomeswi.com
Who Pays Closing Costs When Selling a Home in Dane County?
When selling a home in Dane County, Wisconsin, closing costs are an important part of the transaction to understand. These fees cover the administrative and legal expenses required to finalize the sale. A common question from both buyers and sellers is: "Who pays for the closing costs?" The answer depends on the details of the negotiation and local practices. What Are Closing Costs? Closing costs include a variety of fees and expenses that must be settled before the property ownership is transferred. For home sellers, these may include: Title insurance Transfer taxes Prorated property taxes Attorney fees (if applicable) Real estate agent commission (though this is technically separate from "closing costs") Who Typically Pays Closing Costs in Dane County? 1. Seller Responsibilities In Dane County, sellers typically cover certain closing costs, including: Title Insurance: Protects the buyer from title-related issues. Transfer Taxes: A state-mandated fee based on the sale price of the property. Prorated Property Taxes: Sellers pay taxes up until the closing date, and buyers take over from there. 2. Buyer Responsibilities Buyers are usually responsible for: Loan Origination Fees: Costs for obtaining a mortgage. Appraisal Fees: Payment for assessing the home's value. Inspection Costs: Fees for professional inspections. While these divisions are typical, negotiations between the buyer and seller can shift who pays for specific items. Can Sellers Negotiate Closing Costs? Yes! In many cases, sellers may agree to cover some of the buyer’s closing costs as an incentive, especially in a buyer's market. This is known as a “seller concession” and can help attract more buyers or close a deal quickly. How Much Should Sellers Budget for Closing Costs? Sellers in Dane County should plan to pay around 1-3% of the sale price in closing costs, in addition to the real estate agent commission. For example: On a $300,000 home, you might pay $3,000–$9,000 in closing costs. Tips for Reducing Closing Costs Shop Around: Compare service providers, such as title companies, to find competitive rates. Negotiate with the Buyer: Agree on a closing cost split that benefits both parties. Work with a Professional: An experienced real estate agent like John Reuter of Integrity Homes can guide you through negotiations and help minimize your expenses. In Dane County, closing costs are typically shared between the buyer and seller, with each party handling specific fees. However, the exact split often depends on negotiations. Understanding these costs and planning ahead can ensure a smoother transaction and reduce surprises. If you’re selling a home in Dane County and want expert guidance, contact John Reuter of Integrity Homes, Brokered by Real Broker, LLC for personalized advice and support. 📞 Call/Text: 608.669.4226📧 Email: john@integrityhomeswi.com Real Broker, LLC
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