Tim Ewing - Realtor/Veteran, Keller Williams Legacy Group

05/21/2026

This is a good thing but just to be clear, this only requires that a new home be constructed with a passive mitigation system, basically all the piping without the fan that actually creates the negative pressure under the foundation to remove the majority of the radon gas before it enters the home. If you have high levels of radon this passive system won’t move the needle much on lowering the level BUT “activating” the system with a fan installation is much easier and much less costly than having a full mitigation system installed. Bottom line, you should still test your home even if it has a passive system.

Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a bill Tuesday requiring radon mitigation systems in all newly built Iowa homes, a measure that passed with near-unanimous bipartisan support and takes effect July 1. Read more: https://www.kcrg.com/2026/05/19/gov-reynolds-signs-bill-requiring-radon-mitigation-all-new-iowa-homes/

03/26/2026

You can’t control mortgage rates. But you can control this.

Rates have been bouncing around lately. That’s normal. It happens anytime there’s uncertainty in the economy or world events.

Trying to “time the market” based on rates? Usually a losing game.

Here’s what actually matters 👇

1. Your credit score
Higher score = better rate. Period.
Even small improvements can save you real money monthly.

2. Your loan type
Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA… they’re not all created equal.
The right one can make a meaningful difference in your rate and terms.

3. Your loan term
15 vs 30 years isn’t just about payment, it impacts your rate and total interest paid.

Bottom line:
You don’t control the market.
You do control how prepared you are when you enter it.

If you’re thinking about buying, focus on the controllables and get with a solid lender early.

That’s how you win in this market.

01/01/2026

✨Weekly VA Loan Tip 2025 ✨

🎯 Week 52: Set Housing Goals for 2026

I hope these weekly VA loan tips throughout 2025 have been helpful, even if in just some very small way. As the year wraps up, now is the perfect time to look ahead and set your homeownership goals for 2026.

Ask yourself what’s next:
✔️ Purchase your first home
✔️ Upgrade or relocate
✔️ Reuse your VA loan entitlement
✔️ Refinance to lower payments or save on interest

Your VA benefits are powerful but they work best with a clear plan. Let’s map out a strategy that aligns with your goals and helps you get the most from what you’ve earned.

12/18/2025

✨Weekly VA Loan Tip 2025 ✨

❄️🔧 Week 51: Winter Home Maintenance for VA Buyers

Your home is one of your biggest investments so be sure to protect it during the cold months with a little proactive maintenance.

Key winter prep tips:
🔥 Service your furnace to avoid mid-winter breakdowns
💧 Insulate pipes to prevent freezing and costly water damage
🏠 Seal doors and windows to keep heat in and energy costs down
🏡 Clear gutters before snow and ice build up

Small, simple maintenance steps now can help preserve your home’s value and save you money long-term.

📲 DM, call, or text anytime—I'm here to help.

⚠️ Disclaimer: I’m a real estate agent and a proud Veteran. While I’ve had extensive training and experience with VA loans and know the product well, I’m not a lender. Always consult a qualified lender for specific financing advice.

12/11/2025

✨Weekly VA Loan Tip 2025 ✨

📝 Week 50: Tax Benefits for VA Homeowners

Owning a home with a VA loan doesn’t just build stability — it can also bring valuable tax advantages that help you keep more of your hard-earned money.

Here are a few deductions many VA homeowners may qualify for:
💰 Mortgage interest — often the biggest tax deduction for homeowners
💰 Property taxes — another major deduction that can reduce your taxable income
💰 Certain closing costs — some may be deductible depending on your situation

Your VA benefit helps you get into the home. Smart tax planning helps you maximize your savings once you're in it.

Want help understanding how these apply in your situation? I can point you to a trusted tax professional who works regularly with VA buyers.

📲 DM, call, or text anytime—I'm here to help.

⚠️ Disclaimer: I’m a real estate agent and a proud Veteran. While I’ve had extensive training and experience with VA loans and know the product well, I’m not a lender. Always consult a qualified lender for specific financing advice.

12/03/2025

✨Weekly VA Loan Tip 2025 ✨

🔍 Week 49: VA Loan Myths — BUSTED

There’s a LOT of misinformation floating around about VA loans — and it keeps Veterans from using the benefits they earned.
Let’s bust a few of the biggest myths:

❌ “You can only use it once.”
✅ FALSE — Your entitlement is reusable. Many Veterans use VA loans multiple times.

❌ “VA loans take longer to close.”
✅ FALSE — With the right lender + agent, VA loans often close as fast as conventional loans.

❌ “Sellers don’t like VA loans.”
✅ FALSE — VA loans are stable, low-risk, and appraisals follow clear guidelines. The stigma is outdated.

Knowledge = power when you’re buying.
If you want the truth about VA loans—not the myths—I’ve got your back.
📲 DM, call, or text anytime—I'm here to help.

⚠️ Disclaimer: I’m a real estate agent and a proud Veteran. While I’ve had extensive training and experience with VA loans and know the product well, I’m not a lender. Always consult a qualified lender for specific financing advice.

11/29/2025

✨Weekly VA Loan Tip 2025 ✨

🥇 Week 48: VA Loans Are a First-Time Buyer’s Superpower

You don’t have to be a first-time buyer to use a VA loan........but if you are buying for the first time, this benefit is hard to beat.

Here’s why first-time buyers love the VA loan:
✔️ No down payment required in most cases
✔️ Lower interest rates than many conventional loans
✔️ No PMI — ever
✔️ Flexible approval standards
✔️ Built-in consumer protections

Your service earned you this opportunity and for first-time homebuyers it can make homeownership possible sooner, smoother, and with less upfront cash required.

📲 If you’re thinking about buying your first home in 2026, let’s get your roadmap in motion. DM, call, or text anytime—I'm here to help.

⚠️ Disclaimer: I’m a real estate agent and a proud Veteran. While I’ve had extensive training and experience with VA loans and know the product well, I’m not a lender. Always consult a qualified lender for specific financing advice.

11/22/2025

Veterans helping Veterans 🇺🇸🇺🇸

Don’t get an opportunity to have a closing like this that often in this neck of the woods. Buyer, agent and lender all Veterans.

Navy ✅
Marines ✅
Air Force ✅

Congratulations to Nathan on his first home and welcome back to Cedar Rapids! Thanks to Trent Hekel and New American Funding - Cedar Rapids, IA for a smooth transaction.

11/20/2025

✨Weekly VA Loan Tip 2025 ✨

🎆 Week 47: Making Your Move in the New Year

Start the year in a new home! VA loans make it possible — whether you're upgrading, relocating, downsizing, or buying your very first place. With benefits like $0 down, no PMI, and competitive rates, there's no better time to plan your next move.

Let’s prepare now so you're ready to hit the ground running in the New Year.

📲 Want to explore your options before year-end? DM, call, or text anytime—I'm here to help.

⚠️ Disclaimer: I’m a real estate agent and a proud Veteran. While I’ve had extensive training and experience with VA loans and know the product well, I’m not a lender. Always consult a qualified lender for specific financing advice.

11/13/2025

✨Weekly VA Loan Tip 2025 ✨

🎄 Week 46: VA Loans and Holiday Homebuying

Shopping for a home during the holidays might sound stressful—but it can actually be one of the best times to buy, especially with a VA loan.

Here’s why the holiday season can work in your favor:
✅ Motivated sellers who want to close before year-end
✅ Less competition since fewer buyers shop during the holidays
✅ Faster processing with slower overall market activity
✅ VA loan speed + flexibility making it easier to close quickly

So whether you’re relocating, PCS’ing, or just ready for a fresh start in the new year, your VA loan can help make a holiday home purchase smoother than you’d think.

📲 Want to explore your options before year-end? DM, call, or text anytime—I'm here to help.

⚠️ Disclaimer: I’m a real estate agent and a proud Veteran. While I’ve had extensive training and experience with VA loans and know the product well, I’m not a lender. Always consult a qualified lender for specific financing advice.