Phil Droogsma

07/04/2026

06/01/2026

It’s the perfect time to ensure your home is ready for all the sunshine and fun. Whether you need advice on home maintenance or tips to enhance your outdoor space, I’m here to help!

Feel free to contact me, Phil Droogsma, at 612-741-0645 for personalized tips and guidance.

02/07/2026

If buying in 2026 is on your radar, now is the perfect time to start gathering information, getting pre-approved, and building your strategy.
Want help creating your game plan? Message me, I’ll walk you through it step-by-step.

01/17/2026

They say the early bird gets the worm, but in real estate, the early buyer gets the keys!
While the spring market officially kicks off in a few months, the work actually starts now! If you’re dreaming of a new backyard by summer, January is your “pre-game” month to get everything in order so you can move with confidence when the perfect house hits the market. Message, text or call me if I can help.

01/10/2026

How much home can actually afford? The truth is, it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer! It is a personalized equation based on your lifestyle, comfort zone, and long-term goals.
Here’s what matters most:
Your monthly debts + income.
Lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to determine what you can realistically and comfortably take on. In 2026, DT guidelines are more transparent than ever, which helps buyers plan with confidence.
Your credit score. Even a small jump in your credit score can lower your rate and your monthly payment. It’s one of the most underrated tools buyers have to increase affordability.
Taxes and insurance. Many buyers focus only on purchase price, but your true monthly payment includes taxes + insurance - and those numbers vary by area. The goal should NOT to max out your approval amount, it’s to find a payment that fits your life today and your goals tomorrow.

01/07/2026

Tax season is around the corner, and if you’re a homeowner, there are several deductions and credits you may qualify for - but most people don’t realize how much they can actually save.
Here are a few homeowner-related items to review:
1. Mortgage interest
This is often one of the largest deductions for homeowners.
2. Property taxes
Depending on your filing status and location, these may also be deductible.
3. Energy-efficient upgrades
If you made improvements like new windows, insulation, or energy-efficient appliances, you may qualify for federal or state credits.
4. Home office deduction
If you operate a business from home, you might be eligible - even if your workspace isn’t a full room.
5. Moving expenses
In specific relocation situations, certain moving costs may qualify (ask a tax professional).
* The goal isn’t to become a tax expert - it’s to know what questions to ask so you don’t leave money on the table.

01/06/2026

If I had to choose one word to define the 2026 real estate market, it would be strategy - because this is not a year where rushing pays off. It’s a year where thoughtful decisions create the biggest wins!
For buyers:
This is a year to be intentional. You have more negotiating power, more time to evaluate homes, and more flexibility
- but the buyers who win will be the ones who prepare early, understand their numbers, and make decisions from confidence, not urgency.
For sellers:
Presentation, pricing, and timing matter again. Homes that are marketed well and priced strategically stand out in a balanced market. It’s no longer about speed - it’s about setting the stage for the right buyer.
For homeowners overal:
This is the year to understand your equity, revisit your long-term plans, and make choices that support your financial goals. The theme of 2026 isn’t chaos - it’s clarity. Clarity leads to smart moves, whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or staying put.