Welcome to Grand Forks!
First and foremost, we want to welcome you to this absolutely wonderful community that we love to call home. There are so many reasons to love Grand Forks, and even more reasons to buy a home here!
Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, buying a home is exciting... but it can also be overwhelming, especially if you're new to the area or to home buying (or both!). But we're here for you! So sit back, relax, and let us guide you to your new home.
Search Homes for Sale in Grand Forks
There’s an easier way to keep up with new listings in Grand Forks. Save your searches, save favorite properties, and sign up for new listing alerts by creating your personal Property Organizer account today.
Grand Forks Home Buying Tips and Resources
Work with an Expert
Choosing the Right real estate agent is the key to finding your perfect home, negotiating a price you can afford, and ensuring you unlock the door to your new home with a smile. Here's what RE/MAX Grand can do for you.
Meet RE/MAX Grand
More Than Just Agents
At RE/MAX Grand, we are more than just Realtors. We are a unified team of professionals who feel passionately about the clients we serve and the truly exceptional community that we call home. We are skilled in negotiation, communication, and customer service, and we know a thing or two about the Grand Forks area.
Diverse Property Expertise
We hail from diverse backgrounds and specialize in everything from residential to commercial and agricultural properties. We also help clients interested in waterfront and recreational living- check out our Lakefront Properties for beautiful homes on or near the water. So whether you're a first-time buyer, a brand-new transplant from a faraway city, or searching for your dream farmhouse (or all three!), then we have a Realtor who can directly meet YOUR unique needs and wants.
FAQs About Buying a Home in Grand Forks & the Red River Valley
1. Where Should I Start the Process?
- Organize and review your finances. Set a budget and figure out what you will be able to afford for a down payment. Use our handy mortgage calculator to see what a monthly mortgage payment might look like for you.
- Start exploring the many communities in and around Grand Forks to see which might be best for you.
- If you're a first-time buyer, you might want to get more information first!
2. How Do I Know What to Look for in a Home?
- This is up to you! Take some time to decide what’s important to you—proximity to amenities, school districts, yard sizes, noise, commute, highway access. This will help you find a neighborhood.
- Review home features you might want and those you’ll need, from size to style to overall condition. Having a good idea of what you’re looking for will save you time and tours of homes that don't meet your criteria.
- Browse our Grand Forks featured listings, or start searching homes by amenities and features.
3. Why Should I Use a Realtor?
- A good Realtor can guide you through the financial and legal complexities of the Grand Forks real estate process.
- A local Realtor will be a Grand Forks expert and can provide vital insight into its neighborhoods and communities.
- A Realtor can help you find the right price range for your income and finances and can explain the pros and cons of different types of mortgages.
- A Realtor will answer all your questions and guide you through the complicated paperwork.
4. Where and How Can I Get a Loan?
- Mortgage loans are typically available through banks, credit unions, private mortgage companies, and government state lenders.
- Your Realtor can help connect you with lenders. You can also shop for lenders on your own, making sure you take some time to search around and compare rates. Calling local government agencies can also be a good idea to find out more about programs that might be available to you.
5. What if I Have Bad Credit or No Down Payment?
- You might qualify for a federal mortgage program or local home buying assistance program.
- The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) helps home buyers by offering insured loans. This means that if the buyer defaults, the lender will still get their money. Insured loans encourage lenders to work with more buyers regardless of their credit or available down payment.
- Many state and local governments offer additional programs for buyers who meet various criteria or are buying within individual communities.
- The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also offers many assistance programs to home buyers.
6. Once I Find My Home, What Will I Have to Pay Up Front?
- Earnest money: This is the "security deposit" you pay when you submit your offer to prove to the seller that you are serious. After your offer is accepted, it is applied to your down payment or closing costs.
- Down Payment: This is a percentage of the cost of your home. The amount will depend on your loan; government programs can help you decrease this amount.
- Closing Costs: These are typically low for buyers and represent the fees associated with paperwork and lender charges.
7. What Other Costs Will I Pay?
- Other costs can include utilities, HOA or condo fees, and property taxes—which are typically included in your mortgage payment.
- Ask your Realtor about additional fees associated with your particular home, community, or neighborhood.