Will Gardner Episode # 1 - Real Estate Education: What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know

In this episode of Open Range, host Gary Emineth introduces a new real estate education segment featuring Will Gardner, a broker associate with Century 21 in the Bismarck-Mandan area. This recurring segment aims to help viewers understand the evolving real estate landscape, from financing options to regulatory changes affecting buyers and sellers. Will Gardner brings over a decade of real estate experience, specializing in helping first-time homebuyers achieve financial security through property ownership. With seven kids and a background in software, Will transitioned to real estate after recognizing how homeownership built equity and stability for his own family. He now serves clients statewide, focusing on residential properties while also handling commercial and land transactions. The discussion covers several critical topics affecting today's real estate market. New federal regulations, including FinCEN requirements set to take effect March 1st, will require greater disclosure from buyers and sellers, particularly those using corporate entities. These changes aim to combat money laundering but will impact privacy and transaction complexity. Recent legal changes have also transformed how real estate commissions work. Contrary to popular belief, commissions have never been fixed, but new requirements now mandate buyer agency agreements before showing properties. Despite these changes, over 90% of transactions still see sellers paying buyer agent commissions. The conversation explores how tools like Zillow have changed buyer and seller expectations, the importance of working with experienced professionals, and various financing options available to buyers. Topics for future segments include first-time homebuyer programs, North Dakota Housing Finance Agency benefits, contract-for-deed arrangements, and seasonal market trends. Gary and Will emphasize that real estate transactions involve complex legal and financial considerations where professional guidance proves invaluable, often saving buyers and sellers tens of thousands of dollars through proper navigation of contracts, disclosures, and negotiations. #northdakota #realestate #homebuyers #sellinghomes