Merle Watkins NMLS 2828947

10/16/2026

Renting in Sioux Falls and wondering how you’ll ever save enough for a down payment? This one’s for you. 👋

South Dakota Housing’s new Give Me Five program gives eligible first-time buyers 5% of their first mortgage amount in down payment assistance. It comes as a second mortgage with no monthly payments, and it’s forgiven after 5 years of living in the home as your primary residence and meeting all program requirements.

On a $300,000 loan, that’s $15,000 toward getting you into your first home.

To qualify, you’ll need to meet the First-Time Homebuyer Program income limits, buy a primary residence in South Dakota, not have owned a home in the past 3 years, and choose a home priced at $410,000 or less.

The program starts November 2 and is only available for a limited time. Whether you’re looking in Sioux Falls, Harrisburg, Tea, or Brandon, our team is ready to help you take the first step.

Comment “FIVE” or send us a message to set up your appointment.

Through “Give Me Five,” eligible first-time buyers can receive a 5% boost toward downpayment assistance for their first home, through a five-year forgivable loan.

10/16/2026

Not every refinance is a good deal, even when the payment drops.

Stretch a 25-year mortgage back out to a new 30-year loan and your monthly payment might look better while you end up paying interest for five extra years. That's not a reason to avoid refinancing. It just means the decision deserves more than a glance at the new rate.

If you're in Sioux Falls, Harrisburg, Tea, or Brandon and you're weighing this, send me a message and we'll run your numbers together.

10/13/2026

If your mortgage payment feels tighter than it used to, refinancing might be worth a look. But a lower payment isn't always the win it looks like on paper. In this week's post, Fairway Heartland breaks down what actually goes into that decision, including a real break-even example.

Find the link to read more in the comments below.

10/13/2026

The first-time buyers who feel calm on closing day usually have one thing in common: they started asking questions early.

Making sense of complicated information is what I do best, and the mortgage process is full of it. The buyers who do well aren't the ones who know everything. They're the ones who get pre-approved first, ask which loan fits them, look at the monthly payment instead of chasing a rate, and find out if down payment help is on the table.

And yes, they skip the new truck until after closing. 😉

If you're thinking about buying in Sioux Falls, Harrisburg, Tea, or Brandon, let's talk early so there are no surprises later. Link in bio.

Merle Watkins | NMLS # 2828947
Fairway Heartland, Sioux Falls, SD
Equal Housing Opportunity

10/12/2026

Call me whatever you want, but if you're a first-time homebuyer, just call me before you start house hunting!

Getting pre-approved before you call your realtor or walk through open houses will put you ahead of buyers who don't, and that could be the difference between getting your dream home and not. If you're thinking about buying your first home, call me today to get started.

Merle Watkins | NMLS #2828947
Mortgage Lender, Fairway Heartland, Sioux Falls, SD
📞320-761-7957 📨[email protected]

10/09/2026

New home. Lower rate. For a limited time.

Fairway's Home Budget Booster is back, and it takes .5% off your mortgage rate for the first year.

Here is what that means:
→ Lower payments for your first 12 months
→ Paid by the lender, not you
→ No payback later
→ Apply and lock between Oct 1 and Dec 31, 2026

Read the full article for details, link in comments.

DM us or tap the link in bio to see if you qualify.

10/09/2026

Something worth knowing before you house hunt: what a lender approves you for and what you can actually afford are two different numbers.

I've seen two people with the same income get approved for almost the same loan, and one of them was comfortable while the other was stretched thin. Debt, savings goals, and everyday expenses make the difference.

Know your real number before you fall in love with a listing.

10/07/2026

"How much mortgage can I afford?" is one of the most common questions we get, and the honest answer isn't just a multiple of your income. Fairway Heartland broke down what lenders look at, the 28/36 rule, and how to figure out a number that fits your real life, not just your approval letter.

Link in comments.

10/05/2026

Are you a first-time homebuyer and curious about what buying a home in the Sioux Empire could look like for you? Let's talk through your options.

Message me "READY" to set up a consultation.

Merle Watkins | NMLS #2828947
Fairway Heartland, Sioux Falls, SD
📞320-761-7957 📨[email protected]