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Beyond the Bluffs:
Living in Southwest Wisconsin & Northeast Iowa
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Understanding Government Easements on Vacant Land: What Every Landowner Should Know
When buying or owning vacant land, it’s important to know what government easements exist on the property. Easements don’t mean the government owns your land they simply grant public agencies or utilities the right to use or access part of it for specific purposes. These easements can influence what you can build, where you can build, and how you use your land. Here’s a breakdown of the most common types of government easements you might encounter.
LeNae Schwickerath
Oct 163 min read


7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Vacant Land
Buying vacant land sounds simple — it’s just dirt, right? But ask anyone who’s gone through the process, and they’ll tell you: it’s not as straightforward as it seems.
LeNae Schwickerath
Oct 73 min read


What Real Estate Professionals Need to Know: FinCEN’s New Reporting Rules Hit December 2025
Big changes are on the horizon for the U.S. residential real estate industry. Starting December 1, 2025, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) will bring into force a sweeping new rule aimed at cracking down on money laundering via real estate transactions.
LeNae Schwickerath
Sep 235 min read


What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a Home or Land?
If you’re thinking about buying a home or land in Northeast Iowa or Southwest Wisconsin, one of the first questions that comes up is: “What credit score do I need?” As a local REALTOR®, I hear this all the time from both first-time buyers and experienced buyers looking to invest in property. Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense for today’s real estate market.
LeNae Schwickerath
Sep 72 min read


Economic Downturns Could Affect Mortgage Rates, Northeast Iowa Real Estate
Since starting my real estate investing journey in 2005, I’ve seen my fair share of market fluctuations. From boom times to full-blown crash
LeNae Schwickerath
Apr 63 min read


Things to do in Southwest Wisconsin
Explore things to do in Southwest Wisconsin in the Spring!
LeNae Schwickerath
Apr 45 min read


Is it a Good Time to Buy a Home?
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions many people will ever make, and timing plays a critical role
LeNae Schwickerath
Apr 15 min read


Budget Friendly Home Updates that Add Value!
Upgrading your home doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to refresh your space
LeNae Schwickerath
Feb 263 min read


The Rise of Multigenerational Living: Why More Families Are Moving in Together
The Rise of Multigenerational Living: Why More Families Are Moving in Together. In recent years, multigenerational living has surged
LeNae Schwickerath
Feb 203 min read


What is Escrow and Why Should it Matter to me?
Discover what is escrow in real estate and why it matters. Learn how escrow protects your investment in real estate transactions today.
LeNae Schwickerath
Feb 172 min read


How to Sell a Home or Cabin in a Flood Plain
Selling a home in a flood zone can be a complex process, but with the right
approach, you can navigate the challenges effectively.
LeNae Schwickerath
Jan 12 min read


Understanding the Basics of Reverse Mortgage
Reverse mortgages can provide financial flexibility for retirees, allowing them to access home equity to supplement income...
LeNae Schwickerath
Dec 27, 20242 min read


Zillow, or Should I Say Zestimate?
Oh, Zillow. Or should I call you by your alter ego, Zestimate?
LeNae Schwickerath
Dec 20, 20242 min read


Turn Your Home into a Smart Home to Sell Faster
Turning your home into a smart home can help it stand out from the competition and sell faster.
LeNae Schwickerath
Dec 11, 20242 min read
Content by LeNae Schwickerath Crawford County Realtor
I met LeNae at a listing of hers in Desoto about a year ago. While that wasn’t the right property, she listened to what I was looking for…and in spite of a very limited market found an ideal property for me. LeNae is hard working, knowledgeable and reliable.

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