Welcome
Sioux City Real Estate Expert
Your trusted realtor for Iowa and Nebraska (South Dakota coming soon!) and local content creator for all things Siouxland!
About All things siouxland-and my journey
My Real Estate Journey
Hey there! I’m Ashley Lewis—a Realtor with Keller Williams, licensed in Iowa and Nebraska (and South Dakota is loading).
If I look familiar, it’s probably because you’ve seen me running the aisles at your favorite hardware store—I spent 14 years managing places like Menards and Lowe’s. So yes, I know my way around a paint roller and a power tool.
After that, I traded lumber for live reads and spent 7 years in local radio and digital advertising. Now I use that marketing know-how (and Siouxland connections) to help people buy and sell homes like a pro.
I’m driven, a little competitive (okay, a lot), and totally committed to helping you crush your real estate goals—with a few laughs along the way.
Let’s make it happen. And yes, I’ll totally help you pick paint colors.
Homebuyer and seller tips and tricks
🏡 How to Budget for a Home Purchase: A Step-by-Step Guide
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make—and having a solid budget in place is key to making it successful and stress-free. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, here’s how to plan your home-buying budget like a pro.
1. Know What You Can Actually Afford
Before browsing listings, get real about your finances. A general rule of thumb is the 28/36 rule:
- Spend no more than 28% of your gross monthly income on housing costs
- Keep your total debt (including housing) under 36%
💡 Example: If your gross income is $5,000/month, aim to keep housing costs under $1,400/month.
2. Check Your Credit Score
Your credit score affects your mortgage rate—and even your ability to qualify for a loan. A better score = lower interest rate = lower monthly payments.
✔️ Tip: Aim for a score of 620+ for conventional loans, but 740+ often gets the best rates.
3. Save for a Down Payment
Depending on the type of loan, you may need anywhere from 3% to 20% of the home price upfront:
- FHA Loans: as low as 3.5%
- Conventional Loans: 3%–20%
- VA/USDA Loans: sometimes 0%
🏡 For a $250,000 home:
- 3% = $7,500
- 20% = $50,000
4. Don’t Forget the Closing Costs
Closing costs are the extra fees due at signing—typically 2%–5% of the home's price. This includes:
- Appraisals
- Title insurance
- Lender fees
- Taxes
🧾 Budget an extra $5,000–$12,500 on a $250,000 home.
5. Budget for Moving & Set-Up Costs
Moving trucks, new furniture, utility deposits—it adds up fast.
📦 Plan for:
- $1,000–$3,000 for moving
- $500–$2,000 for furniture or appliances
- Utility setup or deposits ($200+)
6. Know Your Monthly Housing Costs
Your mortgage payment isn’t just the loan. Most monthly payments include:
- Principal & Interest
- Property Taxes
- Homeowners Insurance
- Mortgage Insurance (if <20% down)
- HOA Fees (if applicable)
💡 Ask your lender or real estate agent for an estimate on all of these.
7. Build a Buffer
Homeownership comes with surprises—repairs, maintenance, life events.
🛠️ Create a home emergency fund:
- 1–3% of the home value annually
- Start with at least $1,000–$2,000 if you’re buying an older home
8. Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified
Pre-approval gives you a much clearer picture of what a lender is actually willing to loan you. It also makes you a more serious buyer in competitive markets.
📄 You'll need:
- Pay stubs
- Tax returns
- Bank statements
- Credit history
Final Thoughts
Buying a home is exciting, but don’t let emotions override your financial reality. A well-thought-out budget gives you the confidence to shop smart—and sleep well at night in your new home.
💬 Need help navigating your home budget?
Let’s connect! Whether you're buying this year or just starting to plan, I’d love to help you get prepared.
