Summer is peak season for the housing market, which means competition will be sizzling. If you're selling this season, strike while the iron (like the weather) is hot by getting your home into tip-top shape before you even list it. How? Follow these tips and make your house the stand-out property of the season.

The thermometer may still be showing winter, but spring will be here before you know it! Get a jump on these home maintenance tasks now (or as soon as weather allows), and you'll be ready to relax and enjoy the return of sunshine and warm breezes when Mother Nature sends them our way.

Saving the planet is a good reason to make your home more environmentally friendly, and so is lowering your energy and water bills. Now you can add a third benefit: A faster home sale and higher asking price when it's time to move on.

Succeeding in business is like playing a game of chess. You've always got to think several moves ahead if you want to win.

Inflation may be pinching your budget, but it doesn't need to derail your long-term financial plans. Instead of waiting and worrying about economic factors beyond your control, feel more empowered by focusing on these fundamental tips for managing your money.

Inflation is surging at its highest level in 40 years, and mortgage rates have already risen by roughly 2% since the beginning of this year. The Federal Reserve recently hiked interest rates by a whopping 75 basis points, and more increases are on the way. Combined with record-high home prices, many homebuyers are starting to feel like their dream home is out of reach.

There's an old (and very rude) saying that guests, like fish, begin to smell after three days. But what if the guests are paying, and you don't have to be around them? For most people, that suggests the sweet, sweet smell of success. But is renting out your home to vacationers really that easy? And is it right for you?

Are you ready to make a move in 2022? Understanding what's happening in the housing market can help you avoid surprises as you embark on your homebuying journey.

Spring is known as the housing market's busy season, but if you followed the trends last year, “busy” doesn't even begin to describe how things went down. In 2021, intense bidding wars, record-high home prices, and rock-bottom inventory levels made for one of the most competitive homebuying seasons in history. Is a similar climate in the forecast for 2022? Here's what to expect for this year's spring homebuying season.

Having a social media presence is essential to capturing the attention of today's consumers.

Northwest Bank is named a Top Mortgage Lender in 2021. The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) recently announced its 2021 top mortgage lenders. The awards were given to the lending institutions and loan originators who assisted the most homebuyers through IFA programs in 2021.

John Taets, Regional Bank President of Northwest Bank is pleased to announce Matt Dutcher has accepted the position as Bank President in Fort Dodge. Matt's responsibilities will include business development and bank leadership, providing career development for our team and coordinating community involvement.

John Taets, Regional Bank President of Northwest Bank is pleased to announce John Ueltschy has accepted the position as Business Banking Manager in Fort Dodge. John's responsibilities include providing enhanced guidance and support to commercial bankers in the Fort Dodge region as well as, maintaining his portfolio as a commercial lender.

Dan DeBoest, President of Northwest Bank in Sioux City is pleased to announce Melissa Moody as Mortgage Loan Originator. Melissa specializes in assisting individuals with their home mortgage purchase, mortgage refinance, and new home construction loan financing.

Jody Schroeder, Retail Manager at Northwest Bank in Estherville is pleased to announce Stephanie Andrews as Personal Banker. Her responsibilities include assisting customers with their personal banking and consumer lending needs.

Jody Schroeder, Retail Manager at Northwest Bank in Estherville is pleased to announce that Yas Mata, Personal Banker with Northwest Bank has recently expanded her role to include mortgage lending.

Doug Benjamin, Regional President at Northwest Bank, is pleased to announce that Nicole Evans has accepted the position as Bank President overseeing Arnolds Park and Milford locations. Nicole's new role includes Commercial Banking where she will develop and service commercial businesses with their banking needs and support their business growth. Nicole's additional responsibilities include team development and coordinating bank involvement within the community.

Two of Northwest Bank Mortgage Loan Originators were recently recognized by the Nebraska Mortgage Association (NMA) as a qualifying member of the organization's Champions Circle. The award winners were honored at the NMA's Fall Conference held September 17 via webinar this year, due to Covid-19.

Northwest Bank continues to invest in the newest systems and technology available to provide the best security for our online banking customers, and will soon be changing our website from a .com to a .bank domain.

Neal Conover and Dwight Conover of Northwest Financial Corp. have announced that Greg Post has been named President and CEO of the holding company, Northwest Financial Corp. in Arnolds Park, IA.