In a recent article, First American shared how millennials are not really any different from previous generations when it comes to the goal of homeownership; it's still a huge part of their American Dream. The piece, however, also reveals,
 “Saving for a down payment is one of the biggest obstacles faced by first-time home buyers. Dispelling the 20 percent down payment myth could open the path to homeownership for many more.”
 Myth #1: “I Need a 20% Down Payment”
Buyers often overestimate how much they need to qualify for a home loan. According to the same article:
“Americans still overestimate the qualifications needed to get a mortgage, resulting in qualified potential buyers not even considering homeownership. Indeed, the Urban Institute report revealed that 16 percent of consumers believed that the minimum down payment required by lenders is 20 percent or more, and another 40 percent didn’t know at all.”
While many p! ...

Home Hazards 101
Keep yourself and your family safe by ensuring the home is free of these 5 hazards every home owner - or prospective buyer - should be aware of.

1. Radon
A colorless, odorless gas that can seep into your home from the ground, radon is often referred to as the second most common cause of lung cancer behind smoking.
What to look for: Basements or any area with protrusions into the ground offer entry points for radon. The Environmental Protection Agency publishes a map of high-prevalence areas.  A radon test can determine if high levels are present.

2. Asbestos
A fibrous material once popular as fire-resistant insulation, asbestos was banned in 1985.  However, it's often been found in the building materials, floor tiles, roof covering, and siding of older structures. If disturbed or damaged, it can enter the air and cause severe illness.
What to look for: Homes built prior to 1985 are at risk of having asbestos in their construction materials.   ...

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Today, we have a wonderful roasted butternut squash soup recipe that offers everything you're looking for in a cozy, autumn-flavored bowl of warm goodness!  PRG's front office administrator Teri Wood shares this easy soup that's deliciously creamy and just perfect for fall.   

Teri's Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Ingredients
2 small whole butternut squash, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
3 tablespoons butter, divided
2 medium apples, divided
1/2 medium onion, chopped
8 fresh sage leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup apple cider (can substitute apple juice)
2 cups water
1/2 tablespoon brown sugar
Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
Pinch cayenne pepper
1/2 cup heavy cream
Yogurt for topping, if desired

Directions
Preheat oven to 425.  Place the halved squash on an aluminum foil lined baking sheet. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and brush over the cut sides of the squash.  Season with 1/2 teaspoon of ! ...

Our annual Santa Bus event is on the calendar again, set for Friday, December 6, 2019! Last year's event brought in over THREE TIMES the attendees from the previous year. By far the largest (and coldest) Santa Bus event to date. And the best part is we raised $2,500 for families connected with the ‘Parenting Children with Special Needs’ charitable organization!
Parenting Children with Special Needs, Inc. (PCWSN Charity) is a Missouri 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of families who have a child with challenges associated with a medical diagnosis.  The holiday season can be especially difficult for these families, so our Santa Bus event was created to raise money in an effort to help lighten their burden.
We invite you and your family to come enjoy this FREE event and help us raise money for these precious families! We'll have plenty of great raffle items and a donation bucket. If you can't attend but want to make a differ! ...

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If you love apples, there's a good chance you love apple crisp. The question is, do you like it with vanilla ice cream or without?
This week, Premium Realty Group agent Jennifer Popalisky is sharing her delicious yet simple apple crisp recipe!  It's an autumn staple 'round here. Thanks for sharing, Jennifer!

Jennifer's Apple Crisp
Ingredients
4 cups sliced cooking apples
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup flour
1 cup oats, uncooked
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon 
1/3 cup melted butter

Directions
Preheat oven to 375.
Place apples in greased baking dish and sprinkle lemon juice over apples. Combine dry ingredients and melted butter, mixing until crumbly. Pour mixture over apples and bake for 30 minutes at 375.  
Serve with ice cream if desired.
Follow Jennifer Popalisky on Facebook and Twitter! ...