Ted Bougie - Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS #678329

05/01/2026

06/07/2025

🏡 Minnesotans Under 35 Are Making Bold Moves — And I’m Here for It

After a little posting break, I had to jump back in to share something I’m seeing every day — and now, the data backs it up:

👉 Over half of Minnesotans under 35 are homeowners. That’s nearly double the rate of many high-cost coastal markets.
👉 Our state’s overall homeownership rate? 74.6%
👉 Average MN home price? $323,436
(Source: KARE11 – Evernest Housing Study)

https://www.kare11.com/article/news/local/study-minnesota-homeowners-under-35/89-6abb5ada-95b3-4d9e-8881-b96abc51f5a3

I’m once again in awe of the smart, determined, and forward-thinking Minnesotans I get to work with — many of them under 35 and buying their first homes.

They’re prioritizing stability over status, space over square footage, and lifestyle over location snobbery. And yes — remote work, savvy planning, and a whole lot of grit are making it possible.

💬 Thinking about getting in the game, or just want to know what your options might look like? Let's talk. I’m always happy to run numbers, explain the process, or help you build a plan — no pressure, just real info.

📲 Call or text me anytime. Or message me here and I’ll get right back to you.

Minnesota stands out as the top state for young homeowners, with over half under 35 owning homes, according to a new study.

05/23/2025

Just some quick tips for new and first year homeowners.

Owning a home comes with more than just a mortgage. Regular upkeep is key to protecting your investment. 🏡 Here are a few essential maintenance tasks every homeowner should keep on their radar year-round.

05/17/2025

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Hey there—Ted Bougie here with Best Advantage Mortgage.
👋🏼🏡

This weekend in the Twin Cities, we’ve got two big events going on:
🎨 Art-A-Whirl in Northeast and
🚪 Doors Open Minneapolis across the city.

These are all about exploring what’s out there—peeking behind the curtain, getting inspired, seeing the possibilities.

And honestly?
That’s exactly how I think about mortgage pre-approval.

It’s your chance to explore what’s really possible—before you're standing at an open house wondering,
“Can I afford this place?”
Or worse—
“Am I even ready to write an offer?”

Pre-approval doesn’t lock you in.
It opens doors.
It shows you what you’re working with.
It sets the stage for real options—and real confidence.

So if you're one of the many casually browsing Zillow, driving by “For Sale” signs, or just daydreaming about your next move…

Let’s turn that curiosity into clarity.

Reach out—
I’ll help you get pre-approved,
and from there, we can even match you with a great local realtor that fits your vibe and your budget.

Because when the right place does pop up—
You’ll be ready.

05/13/2025

🌿💰 SELL FASTER WITH CURB APPEAL: 11 Plants That Wow Buyers 💰🌿

🏡 Before your clients plant that “For Sale” sign, let’s talk about what they should be planting. This quick read breaks down 11 plants that boost curb appeal and can make a property stand out from the very first glance 👀

👉 Boxwoods, Knock-Out Roses, Hydrangeas, and even Mailbox Magic? Yes, please.

A well-staged yard = a quicker sale = happier clients = more referrals for you. Boom.

📲 And while you’re working that curb appeal, I’m here to work the pre-approvals, quick closes, and rock-solid buyer financing.

Let’s team up and keep your deals smooth and stress-free!

🔗 https://www.cnn.com/wbd/11-plants-to-add-instant-curb-appeal-when-selling-your-home

Looking to sell your home soon? Good curb appeal creates a strong first impression for buyers, setting a promising tone for the rest of their home tour. Upgrading your landscaping with new plants for the front of the house and flowers is a cost-effective way to improve the looks of your property and...

05/02/2025

Spring sunshine hits different when you're secretly house hunting ☀️

You’re scrolling Zillow, slowing down past “For Sale” signs 🏡, maybe even stepping into an open house “just to look” 👀

But here’s the problem:
When the one shows up ❤️, you're not pre-approved.
You're scrambling. Rushed. Behind the competition ⏳

Let’s fix that ✅

If you’re even thinking about buying this spring, let’s connect now and get you pre-approved — so you're ready when it counts 💪

I’m Ted Bougie with Best Advantage Mortgage, and I help buyers skip the scramble and start strong 🚀

Contact me today!

04/22/2025

🛑 "There’s a hold on your credit file..."
Heard that before? One of my past clients did—after getting denied for a car loan refinance. She called me up, confused and stressed:
“Ted, is there a credit freeze? A lock? What does that even mean?”

👀 And let me tell you—she’s not alone. Credit terms can sound like alphabet soup, even for the savviest folks. So here’s your quick, no-B.S. guide to what those “holds” might actually mean:

🔐 Credit Lock
✔️ Super flexible.
✔️ Managed through credit bureau apps (TransUnion, Experian, Equifax).
✔️ Easy to toggle on/off for everyday protection.

🧊 Credit Freeze
✔️ Full lockdown.
✔️ No new credit can be opened—not even by you—until it’s unfrozen.
✔️ Best for serious ID theft victims.

🚨 Fraud Alert
✔️ A red flag you request on your credit profile.
✔️ Lenders have to verify it’s really you.
✔️ Smart move after potential fraud or data breaches.

❓ Credit Hold
✔️ Not an official bureau term.
✔️ Could mean a flagged account, dispute, or security issue.
✔️ In business, often used when payments are past due.
✔️ Bottom line: it’s vague—and deserves a deeper look.

💡 Moral of the story?
If your credit feels confusing or your score seems stuck, don’t guess. Ask someone who lives in this world every day.

(👋 Hi, that’s me.)

🏡 Whether you're prepping to buy a home, refinance, or just trying to understand what’s going on with your credit—I’ve got your back.

📲 Message me anytime or tag a friend who might need a mortgage + credit whisperer in their corner.

🔖

04/19/2025

https://www.instagram.com/stories/bam_nmls_1990426/3613793196602215884?igsh=ZzZ0bjNkcnJpbmE=

176 Followers, 174 Following, 42 Posts

04/15/2025

🌸💥 Spring Into Action—The Market Is Blooming! 💥🌸

POW! Homes are popping up like tulips.
BAM! Buyers are back in action.
ZAP! Rates are still competitive!

At Best Advantage Mortgage, we help you land your dream home with superhero speed and strategy. Whether you’re buying, refinancing, or just exploring your options—we’ve got your back. 💪🏡

📲 Ready to make your move? Let’s talk before someone else snags your perfect place!