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Let’s Make It Happen Together
Buying your first home doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right guide (that’s us), the right knowledge, and a little bit of planning, you’ll be holding the keys to your dream home before you know it.
At Stephens Real Estate, we specialize in helping first-time buyers across Wisconsin and Michigan feel confident, informed, and excited. Ready to get started? Here’s a simple guide to show you the way.
Your Step-by-Step Homebuying Guide
Step 1
Talk to a Real Estate Expert
Start your journey by connecting with an experienced local agent. We’ll walk you through the process, help you understand your options, and set realistic expectations for timing and budget.
Meet Our Experts
Step 2
Get Pre-Approved
Before house hunting, get pre-approved by a trusted lender. This helps you understand what you can afford and shows sellers you’re serious. Need a lender recommendation? We’ve got trusted partners we’d be happy to introduce.
Step 3
Find Your Home
Now for the fun part — shopping! We’ll help you narrow down your options based on location, lifestyle, must-haves, and budget. Tour homes, take notes, and trust your instincts.
Step 4
Make a Strong Offer
Found “the one”? We’ll help you make a competitive offer, backed by local market insights. We’ll also guide you through what to expect in terms of earnest money, negotiation, and next steps.
Step 5
Inspect and Prepare to Close
A home inspection gives you peace of mind and the chance to request repairs if needed. Once things check out, we’ll work with your lender and the seller to finalize everything and prepare for closing.
Step 6
Close and Celebrate
It’s time to sign, pay, and pick up your keys! We’ll be there at closing to make sure everything goes smoothly — and we’ll be cheering you on when you officially become a homeowner.
Helpful Resources for First-Time Buyers
Once you understand the process, it’s time to dig into the details. Here’s what you need to know to feel confident in your decisions:
Understanding Mortgage Options
Most buyers need a mortgage — but not all loans are created equal. Here are three common types you’ll want to explore:
Conventional Loan
Perfect for buyers with strong credit and more down payment flexibility
FHA Loan
Designed for those with lower credit or limited down payment. A great option for first-time buyers.
VA Loan
Available to veterans and active military members. Offers low interest and minimal upfront costs.
What Goes Into a Mortgage Payment?
Mortgage payments are made up of four key parts (commonly called PITI):
Principal – The amount borrowed
Interest – What the lender charges you to borrow
Taxes – Annual property taxes, spread over monthly payments
Insurance – Your homeowner’s policy, included in your payment
Fixed or Adjustable Rate — What’s the Difference?s
Understanding interest rates helps you choose the right loan:s
Fixed-Rate Mortgage
Same monthly payment for the life of the loan. Great
for stability.
for stability.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)
Lower starting rate, but it can change over time. Good
for short-term ownership or specific situations.
for short-term ownership or specific situations.
Compare at least two lenders before locking in your loan — even small differences in rates can save you thousands over time.s
Helpful Resources for First-Time Buyers
Earnest Money
A deposit that shows you’re serious. It’s applied toward your purchase later.
Down Payment
This varies by loan type but is typically a percentage of the home price.
Closing Costs
These cover things like lender fees, title services, and inspections. Expect to pay around 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price.
We’re Here Every Step of the Way
From choosing the right neighborhood to negotiating repairs and signing your final paperwork, the Stephens Real Estate team is by your side. We believe first-time buyers deserve patience, clarity, and a partner they can count on.
Start Your Home Search
testimonials
Array
"Betsy was proactive; making sure the contract included items that benefited me, sending reminders of steps I needed to take, etc. without being pushy or causing stress."
- Audrey Smith (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Gary went above and beyond to stay within my price point and needs!"
- Cinda-Lou Davies (buyer in Crystal Falls)
"Ryan is motivated to make deals happen. Everything was excellent."
- Carter Strand (buyer in Gladstone)
"Jeff has always been friendly, intelligent, and an excellent listener. He knew what we were looking for in a home and crushed it!"
- Kevin & Lisa Campbell (buyers in Iron Mountain)
"I was doing this long distance and it went very smoothly. Troy was so helpful and patient! He made me feel at ease."
- Jacqualine Maul (buyer in Amasa)
"Cindi and I were in constant contact to stay updated. She looked out for my best interests."
- Phil Reyes (buyer in Crandon)
"Jeff was very patient with me! What did I like best? His honesty and that he walked me through everything."
- Hiedie Milan (buyer in Dunbar)
"Todd was personable and easy to work with. He was very knowledgeable about the specific house and neighborhood I was investigating."
- Kevin Botkin (buyer in Iron River)
"We had an amazing experience working with Kami. She truly went above and beyond at every step, always easy to talk to, and responded quickly whenever we had questions (which was often). She helped make the entire process smooth and stress-free. We couldn't have asked for a better experience and wou...
- Warren Webster & Courtney Swanson (buyers in Kingsford)
"Todd was great to work with! I had an all around great experience."
- Nickolas Gretz (buyer in Crystal Falls)
"Jeff was incredible to work with! Very responsive and a very kind and personable guy."
- Brett & Elizabeth Michaud (buyers in Iron Mountain)
"I found Betsy to be very friendly and knowledgeable. I had an excellent experience!"
- Barbara Kent (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"We absolutely loved how Gary let us take our time until the right property came along. We never felt pressured. Gary was so friendly and great to work with."
- Lindsey Blaser (buyer in Iron River)
"Stephen Remondini was very knowledgeable. All is good!"
- Candi Nielsen (buyer in Iron River)
"Craig was very responsive to my questions. Overall, he was excellent."
- Shawn Minerick (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Craig was easy to contact, and he worked very well with our schedule. He was very helpful for this first-time buyer!"
- Buyer in Florence, WI
"Cindi was so kind and also very fast in answering our calls, texts, and emails."
- Megan Ruokolainen (buyer in Norway)
"Ryan was excellent! He was very clear and honest, and always responded."
- Robert Kohl (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Stephen Remondini was friendly and everything went great. I would recommend him and Stephens Real Estate."
- Ronald Woodworth (buyer in Iron River)
"We enjoyed every second with Ryan. He is very personable, understanding, kind, caring - and just an all around wonderful man. If fact, all of you at Stephens are fantastic!"
- Dale & Marin Rademann (buyers in Kingsford)
"Taylor understood my needs in a home and made my dream come true. She is easy to talk to and very good with communication. Thank you, Taylor!"
- Anonymous buyer in Norway
"The entire process was excellent. Any paperwork that I needed to sign, Bob walked me through it and answered all the questions I had. I would recommend Bob and Stephens Real Estate!"
- Homer Campbell (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Craig always answered my calls right away and was very knowledgeable and helpful."
- Seth Hansen (buyer in Channing)
"Dawn was the best! She was honest and I liked how personable she made herself."
- Serena Luckett (buyer in Caspian)
"Jeff was very organized!"
- Debra Flannery (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Betsy worked well to find us a home we would like, and she delivered."
- Tanner Walsh (buyer in Kingsford)
"Bob worked extremely hard to complete the purchase of my home, even when difficulties occurred. He worked far beyond to get paperwork and communicated anything I needed to close on the home. I highly recommend him - he's a trusted Realtor."
- Tyler Quiroga (buyer in Vulcan)
"Gary was an above-and-beyond Realtor. He made finding a home and moving a smooth and organized process. It's been a blessing to work with him."
- M.B. Painter (buyer in Kingsford)
"Ryan was very to the point but not pushy. He was also very knowledgeable and helpful with any questions."
- Jacob Tucker (buyer in Kingsford)
"Ryan took the time to help us with concerns about the easement. We appreciated that."
- Mitzi Metzler (buyer in Norway)
"Chase was wonderful to work with and did everything he could to make sure we were happy! Laura was also awesome to work with and extremely helpful in all facets of the transaction. Thank you!"
- Jon & Mary Pier (buyers in Florence)
"Chase was a delight to work with!"
- Jullie Lopez (buyer in Fence)
"Betsy paid attention to our wish list and our budget. She was very professional - as was the whole staff! Thank you so very much for helping us find our retirement home."
- Tim Hyland (buyer in Hardwood)
"Would I recommend Cindi? Absolutely!! She gets things done quickly, efficiently, and with a smile!"
- Marthalynn McElhaney (buyer in Kingsford)
"Cindi was very knowledgeable, friendly, easy to contact, and she returned my texts and calls quickly. I think Cindi and Stephens Real Estate are great!"
- Ruth Ann Achatz (buyer in Kingsford)
"Jeff is amazing! I truly appreciate his understanding of my health issues and his persistence in finding me a house I can regain my health in."
- Michele Soeltner (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Betsy was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. We had lived in our previous home for 30 years, and were therefore completely 'new' to the home-buying experience. She explained every step to us thoroughly, recommended local contacts for banking and inspections (a HUGE help since we were in Florida),...
- Suzanne Markham (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Chase worked hard to close the deal - and sent us a nice Kringle after the closing!"
- Charles Bechthold (buyer in Florence)
"Chase's response was awesome and he wasn't overbearing."
- Michael Baumann, Jr. (buyer in Florence)
"Ryan got me a fantastic deal, way better than I would have tried for without his guidance."
- Carter Strand (buyer in Gladstone)
"We loved that Jeff broke everything down for us so it was easy to understand. He kept in contact with us and gave us updates. We think he and Stephens Real Estate are great!"
- Taylor Liebergen (buyer in Aurora)
"We loved everything about our experience with Gary! There is not one thing we would have wished was different. We are so thankful for him. He communicates timely, fights for his clients, and is in the business to serve his clients. We can't recommend him enough."
- Amber Brownson (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"We found Jeff to be upfront, easygoing, friendly, and down to earth."
- Robert & Annette Danielson (buyers in Norway)
"Kami is professional, very helpful, always replies to my questions and concerns, and is also reliable."
- Robin Rose (buyer in Norway)
"OMG! Betsy went above and beyond helping us find our home for our retirement. She always returned our calls, kept in contact, and was there every step of the way."
- Greg & Kim Anderson (buyers in Amberg, WI)
"Betsy is extremely knowledgeable about the regional market and area homes. She was friendly, prompt, and kept us well-informed throughout the process. Thank you, Betsy!"
- Chuck Mangold (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Jeff is the absolute best! We are new to the area and he helped us find the perfect home. We highly recommend him."
- Janette Warren (buyer in Norway)
"Cindi followed up on all of our questions. She was patient when showing us multiple houses until we found the one that was right for us."
- Kay McLain (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Taylor was friendly, knowledgeable, and got back to us promptly. If she wasn't sure about a question we had, she found out ASAP. She was available when we needed her! Everything went smoothly as possible and our Realtor worked very hard for us. We recommend Taylor to everyone in need of a new home."
- Darlene Romitti (buyer in Kingsford)
"Everything about Betsy is AMAZING. She is always very friendly, extremely knowledgeable, and passionate about what she does. Would we recommend Stephens Real Estate and Betsy Sawicky? Absolutely!"
- Keaton & Lauren Parent (buyers in Iron Mountain)
"Troy is the MAN!"
- Terry Smith (buyer in Crystal Falls)
"Ryan has been extremely honest with us. We feel that he is able to give us excellent advice due to his knowledge of the area and experience in real estate."
- Carla Perea (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"We appreciated Cindi's patience! It took a few months to find a decent property, yet Cindi supported us throughout the trials and tribulations of the whole process. She's got a witty sense of humor, too!"
- Kristine Cronhelm (buyer in Kingsford)
"With Troy, there was no hassle, no procrastination, straight down to business. He was flexible, aggressively meticulous, and willing to do what it takes to get it done."
- Spencer Burns (buyer in Crystal Falls)
"Jeff was awesome! He knew what we wanted, what we could go without, and was just an all-around awesome guy! He answered calls and texts, even on the weekend! You guys are doing great!"
- Sierra Gard (buyer in Kingsford)
"Chase provided great communication!"
- Eric Lamberg (buyer in Florence)
"Jeff is professional, honest, and patient. He was exceptional to work with - both when selling and purchasing property. He always went above and beyond and we recommend him as a Realtor to everyone we know."
- Ben & Makhayla Mainville (buyers in Vulcan)
"Kami was excellent. She listens!"
- Kathleen Loos (buyer in Norway)
“Gary was truly the best Realtor we could have asked for. I didn’t realize how crucial a great Realtor could be until we met him. His ability to explain the process and share his own experience of buying property outside city limits made us feel informed and confident every step of the way. He w...
- Ivan Espejo Hernandez (buyer in Hermansville)
"Betsy always responds immediately to our inquiries."
- Tony Alessandrini (buyer in Kingsford)
"Craig listened to our expectations and desires, and made himself available on short notice with a tight time frame."
- Katara Hause (buyer in Kingsford)
"What I liked best about working with Cindi was her open communication and that she was persistent in getting my questions answered."
- Phil Reyes (buyer in Dunbar, WI)
"Jeff was easy to talk to, straightforward, and pushed things along."
- Nathan Giard (buyer in Quinnesec)
"Peggy was absolutely amazing and we can't thank her enough! She was available whenever we had questions, wanted to set up a showing, etc. She was there for us during the complex sale we went through and fought for us when needed. She kept us really informed and updated."
- Shawn Michaud & Leah Doepke (buyers in Niagara, WI)
"Jeff knew what we wanted and found us a nice home near our brother."
- Robert Seever (buyer in Felch)
"Dawn was friendly and helped greatly with supplying suggestions for insurance."
- Crystal Krewal (buyer in Crystal Falls)
"What did we like best about working with Jeff? Everything! Plus he was great at communicating and able to answer any questions we had."
- Marissa Cevigney & Nick MewBourn (buyers in Kingsford)
"Craig was friendly, knowledgeable, and quick."
- Tom & Terie Jacko (buyers in Iron Mountain)
"Craig was very honest and upfront. He was also very helpful in terms of letting us know what options were available to us during the bidding process."
- Steve Werner (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Dawn was very responsive to all questions asked and very pleasant."
- Scott & Peggy Cureton (buyers in Daggett)
"I loved how Cindi helped me throughout the whole experience! Especially during every hardship and disappointments, she helped me move on and look for the better option. I was very satisfied with my experience."
- Heather Harris (buyer in Kingsford)
"Jill was very professional and on top of everything. I am very pleased with the whole transaction."
- John Jackson (buyer in Iron River)
"Craig was very honest and made us feel like he had our best interests in mind."
- Erin Alquist (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Peggy is very friendly. She was never too busy to answer my calls and texts or show me properties. Everything went smoothly. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!"
- Janet Rago (buyer in Kingsford)
"Betsy was friendly, well-informed, and available."
- Darcy Stanley (buyer in Kingsford)
“I appreciated Chase’s timeliness, friendliness, and accessibility. Keep doing what you’re doing! I highly recommend Chase and Stephens Real Estate.”
- Michael Rice (buyer in Florence)
"Dawn was on top of all aspects, easy to contact, and gave quick replies. She was AWESOME!"
- Derek & Gloria Rae (buyers in Kingsford)
"Jeff was easy to communicate with, knowledgeable, hardworking, and overall a great guy and professional."
- Noah Wilcox (buyer in Norway)
"Cindi put us under zero pressure to make an offer. She was super patient with us and understood our needs and wants."
- Jessica Mindok (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Jeff was friendly, knows his real estate, was reassuring when issues arose, and offered availability for issues after the sale."
- Buyer in Iron Mountain
"Gary was polite and did his job well."
- Robbe Provenzale (buyer in Crystal Falls)
"Stephen Remondini was very personable and accessible."
- Holly Gholston (buyer in Iron River)
"What I liked best about Dawn was that she kept me informed of the process."
- Mark Bal (buyer in Crystal Falls)
"Nikki was very knowledgeable, professional, and easy to work with. Her communication was excellent and she always got back to us in a timely manner. All the details for the closing, she made the transition smooth for us."
- Robert & Gail Spaniol (buyers in Florence)
"Sarah helped me understand everything, as I was a first-time buyer."
- Heather Forgette (buyer in Kingsford)
"Betsy was friendly, polite, understanding, and prompt."
- Miguel Machado (buyer in Vulcan)
"Taylor was very personable, very helpful, listened to our needs and wants, and was quick with her responses."
- Daniel & Jessica Schulze (buyers in Norway)
"Craig worked tirelessly for us in searching for a camp that met our criteria, in a climate that was challenging. We hit lots of little road bumps, and Craig went above and beyond to make sure our deal happened - always with a smile and positive attitude. Thanks, Craig!"
- Rick & Dawn Smith (buyers in Sagola)
"Nikki kept me well-informed on the process and always got back to me."
- Karen Thompson (buyer in Norway)
"Cindi was so great! Answered every question, easily available, and helped me every step of the way. I couldn't have had better."
- Ashley Harris (buyer in Kingsford)
"Nikki was very motivated to find us a house we love."
- Anjie Armbrust (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Betsy was always available, even on short notice. She pointed out issues that we had not noticed. We appreciated her honest approach."
- Paula Fox (buyer in Kingsford)
"Betsy answered ALL communication promptly, had knowledge of the area, shared information openly, and went the extra mile in all steps of the process. She was willing to have fun along the way, too."
- Mary Maruszak (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Troy got back to us quickly and answered all our questions."
- Ted & Shirley Borcek (buyers in Felch)
"Jeff was down to earth and easy to talk to. He LISTENED."
- Alex Corio (buyer in Kingsford)
"Troy was very easy to contact and very knowledgeable about the area and market. He made the process as smooth as it could be and I will definitely recommend him and Stephens Real Estate to anyone who asks me."
- Sara Schiavo (buyer in Quinnesec)
"Peg knew what we wanted. She kept us informed throughout the buying process and was persistent when dealing with the challenges of this sale. We are so appreciative and happy this sale finally closed!"
- Alicia Canavera (buyer in Norway)
"From the moment I reached out to Craig, he was there from beginning to end - knowing I wanted to move fast. Thank you, Craig, with all your help with my first home, within my budget."
- Daniel Hill (buyer in Norway)
"Troy was very nice to work with!"
- Steve Bowick (buyer in Norway)
"Peggy was knowledgeable and professional. She made the buying process go smoothly."
- Marjorie Funtanilla (buyer in Kingsford)
"Every time we called, if he was not available, Jeff got back with us right away. He knew our needs and it happened. We appreciate all his hard work helping us find our home."
- Michael & Mary Geronimi (buyers)
"Jeff went above and beyond my expectations for an agent who I was not paying. I was the buyer in this case, and not his selling client. He did everything possible to help with the purchase and even gave up personal time on a holiday (and then again on a day off!) to help solidify the fine details i...
- Jake Smith (buyer)
"Jeff helped us find the house and camp we were looking for and made it a pleasant experience. He prepared all documents and appointments, and worked hard with our bank to make it a relatively smooth and painless process. Thank you, Jeff, for all of your hard work."
- Ken Pfister (buyer)
"Betsy is diligent, engaged, and a good listener. She is well-informed and communicates well. She has our trust!"
- Tom & Karen Anderson (buyers in Gladstone)
"Craig had endless patience with us on what felt like a never ending search! He always listened to our changing wants and needs and was always in support of what WE wanted. Thanks, Craig!"
- Bethany Fehr (buyer in Kingsford)
"Ryan did an excellent job of finding a house that fit our needs. He is very knowledgeable and provided advice on how to close the deal."
- Danny & Paulette Polzien (buyers in Kingsford)
"Professional, knowledgeable, and experienced... all the traits we were seeking in a Realtor. Dawn was outstanding!"
- Jeff Simons (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Ryan was fantastic! Understood what I was looking for, and super knowledgeable. Any questions I had, I was able to call or text, and if he didn't know the answer, he would get me in touch with the people who did. 10/10 experience!"
- Justin LaVarnway (buyer in Kingsford)
"Ryan was excellent in helping us through the whole process of buying our home. His knowledge and experience helped us make our dream a reality. We would never want to work with anyone else! Thanks, Spike!"
- Katherine Dziewicki (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Dawn was professional and patient; an excellent buyer's agent! She was on top of everything! We appreciate her knowledge and experience. She worked diligently with our selling agent to create seamless, coordinated closings on both homes."
- Roxanne Bassett (buyer in L’Anse)
"Ryan was easy to get a hold of and every question I had was answered, even if I phoned in the evening."
- Peter Swanson (buyer in Niagara)
"Troy did a very good job and answered all of our questions. He was easy to work with and we would highly recommend him."
- Betty Fabri (buyer in Crystal Falls)
"Betsy was so knowledgeable and helpful! She was a great listener and worked to guide us positively through the process of buying our home. She pays attention to details, which was appreciated."
- Shelly Danielson (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"There is only one #1 Real Estate company in the area and the team at Stephens is the reason! Professional, timely, and knowledgeable are the best words I can use to describe my experience. I will continue to use them for all my real estate needs!"
- Beau Anderson (buyer in Stephenson)
"Betsy Sawicky is a very down to earth agent. I appreciated her honesty about homes I was interested in that wouldn't have been a good fit for our family. She helped us find our forever home and we'll forever be thankful."
- Terri McKinney (buyer in Iron River)
"I've worked with Ryan and the Stephens team on several occasions. I always know that I'm getting the best representation and feel well informed throughout the entire process. Stephens is a professional outfit, and it shows in everything they do."
- Daniel Okerlund (buyer in Kingsford)
"Betsy did an amazing job and understood our needs. We recommend her to anyone we know buying or selling."
- Ryan Napientek (buyer in Kingsford)
"Betsy was so amazing through a tough dealing. She went above and beyond our expectations! We referred our daughter to her for her pending sale."
- Wade Lehto (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Betsy was very helpful and efficient!"
- Daniel Delgado (buyer in Crystal Falls)
"Nikki made this process an absolute pleasure. I will absolutely recommend her and Stephens Real Estate to anyone searching for a home!"
- Staci Cousineau (buyer in Kingsford)
"Dawn was awesome!! Responsive, responsible, pleasant, approachable, honest, and just great to work with. Would insist to deal with her alone on any future real estate needs."
- Keith & Sandra Wiendlandt (buyers in Vulcan)
"We love our new home. Thank you, Nikki, for everything! We would go through Stephens Real Estate again."
- Raymond & Noelle Straub (buyers in Kingsford)
"Thank you for everything! You guys are very professional."
- John Pettibone (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Betsy was very helpful with this transaction. Thank you!!"
- Tracy Daun (buyer in Niagara)
"You are all wonderful professionals!"
- John & Rose Kinney (buyers)
"Overall, Troy was excellent to work with, knowledgeable, honest, and very delightful."
- William & Theresa Palmer (buyers in Iron River)
"Troy was always helpful and extremely easy to reach by text or phone, no matter time of day. It felt like a true family company."
- Adam Johnson (buyer in Iron River)
"Dawn was patient with us while hunting for our home. She mentioned properties for sale, one on the market but not listed. Dawn knew the owner - that helped so much! Thank you, Dawn!"
- Rebecca Rutten (buyer in Crystal Falls)
"Dawn was so professional, answered all questions, and helped with the home-buying process. I would recommend her to anyone!"
- Kelly Collar (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Ryan and Katie are great to work with. Very quick responses to any questions we had, making the buying/selling process a breeze!"
- Paul DeMay (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Nikki made my first time purchasing a home stress-free, and was always available to answer any questions or concerns. She was patient during the entire process and reassured me that the perfect house would come along. Choose Nikki to be your Realtor: You will not be disappointed one bit!"
- Cailyn Branback (buyer in Kingsford)
"Peg was so responsive, caring, and helpful. Communication was superb. I highly recommend her to everyone!"
- Kelley Cavicchioni (buyer)
"Cindi was amazing and I would and will recommend her to everyone!"
- Garrett Thoresen (buyer in Crystal Falls)
"Very satisfied! Welcoming staff, timely responses, and excellent hustle out of Ryan."
- Justin Havinga (buyer in Sagola)
"I enjoyed working with Dawn. She was very cool and professional under pressure!"
- Lynne Anderson (buyer in Crystal Falls)
"I have to thank Betsy... even though our recent attempt to purchase a home didn't pan out, her exceptional professionalism and dedication was above and beyond. She works outside normal business hours and stays in constant contact. She is a real asset to anyone working with her. There isn't enough c...
- Kelly Eldridge (buyer)
"Officially and for the record, a big thanks to Betsy Sawicky for helping me find this house! She made what is a fairly insane and utterly annoying process go about as smoothly and efficiently as one could hope for, while politely calming me down whenever my panic attack mode kicked in. She played l...
- Larry Walker (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Troy is an excellent Realtor. He got us top dollar when we sold our cabin and continues to help us consistently."
- Eric & Rachel Johnson (buyers in Crystal Falls)
"Cindi was super helpful and was always on top of everything. She got back to us quickly and always had an answer."
- Kelby Chrivia (buyer in Kingsford)
"Great experience!"
- Elvin Hixon (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Betsy knew what we were most interested in and sent many opportunities. We found this place only because she was on the ball! Thanks, Betsy, we found our dream home because of you."
- Scott Sidwell (buyer in Commonwealth)
"Ryan and the team did a wonderful job with not just the purchase of our new home, but the sale of our former home. They are professional and know what it takes to close the deal. Thank you!"
- Bob & Brianne Knox (buyers in Spread Eagle)
"Cindi was an exceptional agent - professional and patient. Her heart is in her job and one can see she loves people and helping them move forward in this season of getting a home."
- Amber Hansen (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Hands down, I am totally impressed and satisfied with the service and client care I received."
- Sweets McCarthy (buyer in Niagara)
"Nikki did fantastic - answered calls immediately, took her time showing us the property, offered to go look again before we committed - excellent job."
- Karl & Marie Romanowicz (buyers in Florence)
"I believe Betsy to be the area's top Realtor! She is passionate about her work and very knowledgeable of the local market."
- Michael Richards (buyer in Kingsford)
"Betsy was a pleasure to work with - would definitely recommend her to others."
- Todd & Lisa Comp (buyers in Niagara)
"Cindi was friendly, knowledgeable, helpful, and professional throughout our house-buying process! I would highly recommend her as a Realtor for my own family and friends."
- Chris Cavalieri (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"I love working with Dawn. She is awesome."
- Nadiya Pavlenko (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"The team at Stephens is so patient, helpful, and knowledgeable, especially in today's market!"
- Jessica Maxson (buyer in Aurora)
"Betsy was awesome!"
- Neil Larson (buyer in Florence)
"Troy was extremely knowledgeable about the Crystal Falls area and knew exactly what we were looking for. He was always on our side and was very patient and understanding. Thanks, Troy!"
- Luke & Rae Jones (buyers in Crystal Falls)
"Troy really worked hard to find us the best house!"
- Debra Deuter (buyer in Crystal Falls)
"Cindi is excellent! We enjoy working with her and would recommend her to anyone."
- Christine Stec (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"I enjoyed working with Dawn. Should we sell our property, we will reach out to her again."
- Don Kuelbs (buyer in Crystal Falls)
"This is our second purchase with Stephens Real Estate - our home in 2018 and a camp in 2021. Bob sold us both and he is very good to work with. We highly recommend Bob for all real estate needs."
- Kevin & Lisa Anderson (buyers in Amasa)
"Cindi made COVID house-hunting easy and worked hard to make sure we were able to view what was available, even though we were in Grand Rapids. She worked not only with our schedule but with my parents' for virtual viewings. Kind, honest, professional, hard-working. Five stars!"
- Kirsten Martin (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"From the first call to Ryan, everything went in motion. Great job!"
- Gordon Jacobson (buyer in Kingsford)
"I believe Dawn went above and beyond to achieve favorable results for both me and the seller. I would highly recommend Dawn to other buyers and sellers."
- Rick Fritschka (buyer in Crystal Falls)
"Dawn did a wonderful job!"
- Amanda Sparks (buyer in Ewen)
"Betsy was professional, helpful, and personable. We are highly satisfied."
- Ann DeLong (buyer in Norway)
"Ryan was great to deal with. I would look at using him again for any realty needs."
- Scott Blomquist (buyer in Norway)
"Dawn was very knowledgeable of the local area and services. She was a great help in navigating a new area."
- William & April Pearson (buyers in Crystal Falls)
"Troy went above and beyond to help us out. We were out of state and he was very helpful with every need."
- Marcia Brattrud (buyer in Iron River)
"Thanks again, Betsy! You showed us quite a few houses until we found the right one."
- Scott & Cindy Schmidt (buyers in Iron Mountain)
"Thank you, Ryan, for all the help and making this process easy."
- Lauren Roell (buyer in Kingsford)
"I went into this with ZERO idea of what I was doing. Ryan made sure to help me completely understand everything and made this entire process go smoothly."
- Rachel Waliczek (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"After reading several online horror stories about Realtors, Betsy dispelled those fears with her knowledge and work ethic."
- Sarah Anderson (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Others sell houses. Stephens Real Estate sold us our HOME."
- Rob Langsford (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"We loved working with Dawn. She was very helpful and understood all of our needs and wants. We would DEFINITELY recommend her to anyone!"
- Stephanie Day (buyer in Hardwood)
"Betsy did an excellent job showing us homes that met our needs and gave us options. She was available in good time."
- Jessica Melius (buyer in Kingsford)
"Katie is the best! People like her are hard to find."
- Paul Swoyer (buyer in Arnold)
"Ryan and Katie were very easy to work with. I know I had a lot of questions and they were always there to answer them. They made the whole house-buying experience bearable, since I lived out of state."
- Karen Friske (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Ryan was fantastic! Tough to deal with buying a house from across the country during a pandemic, but we didn't have any problems. Emails were timely and professional and showings were scheduled consecutively when we were in the area so we could do the most with the time we had available. I'm one of...
- Sean & Tracy See (buyers in Iron Mountain)
"I highly recommend Ryan. He made everything easy, quick, and seamless. Very professional, honest, and great communication. Thank you for everything!"
- Brian Winters (buyer in Norway)
"Ryan invested a lot of time and talent into finding us the perfect home. Throughout the process he was patient, knowledgeable, and honest. He was absolutely the best Realtor we could have worked with. We will continue to refer our family and friends to Ryan and Stephens Real Estate!"
- Meghan Olson (buyer in Kingsford)
"Ryan was very patient with me during this experience."
- Jeff Stevenson (buyer in Quinnesec)
"We've been very happy with all services. Thank you so much, Betsy!"
- Lisa Jo Halfman (buyer in Kingsford)
"Betsy was very professional and knowledgeable. She did a great job!"
- Brian Kass (buyer in Iron Mountain)
"Betsy is a wonderful Realtor. Her knowledge and professionalism is admirable."
- Bruce Treiber (buyer in Kingsford)
"They say long-distance relationships don't work... I was in south Texas and dealt with Dawn in Michigan. She made it work and it was easy."
- Clifford Outten (buyer in Bessemer)
"Thank you to your friendly and helpful staff!"
- Tracie Runcie (buyer in Iron River)
"I have purchased multiple properties in the Upper Peninsula with Troy's assistance. He responds promptly, follows through, and doesn't let things fall through the cracks. His knowledge of multiple counties in the UP and forthright manner means that his knowledge adds to yours when selecting a prope...
- Todd Peters (buyer)
"Troy was a dream to work with and I recommend him to anyone looking for a home. After working with a few other Realtors who were not helpful, finding someone who would help us with the ins and outs and buying a house was a relief. Troy was there to help us from making serious mistakes and went the ...
- Joel Grimmer (buyer)
"Troy works very hard for his clients and makes them a priority! He knew our interests and respected what we wanted. Good sense of humor and easy to be around, which made our experience even more enjoyable! Thanks, Troy!"
- Sam Zima (buyer)
"From day one Troy treated us more like friends than clients. He sat down with us to get to know us first in order to find the perfect home for us. He was extremely knowledgeable of both Iron and Dickinson Counties. He walked us through every step of the process until we landed the home we were drea...
- Marcus Smithsom (buyer)
"Troy was wonderful to work with. He found us a house we loved at the price we wanted to pay. He was always available by phone and kept us informed throughout the process. I would recommend Troy to anyone!"
- Mary Keil (buyer)
"Troy is easily accessible and willing to set up showings as soon as possible. He is very informative, helpful, and will work to find you something you like. Hold no reservations when working with him."
- Brad Zima (buyer)
"Troy was absolutely fantastic to work with. He knows the area well, is extremely prompt in his response time, and was very fair in working between both us and the seller. We would recommend him to anyone!"
- Stacy Gasperich (buyer)
"Great Realtor, a real bulldog who worked selflessly to find us just what we were looking for. I highly recommend Troy!"
- Dr. Eric Johnson (buyer)
"Keep up the good work!"
- Mike Oberdorfer (buyer)
"Buying our first home was straightforward and a wonderful experience with Stephens!"
- Trisha Bain (buyer)
"We are very happy with our experience. Thank you, Betsy!"
- Lisa Halfmann (buyer)
"I highly recommend Betsy!"
- Lawrence Hoya (buyer)
"Ryan was courteous, knowledgeable, and very helpful. We would definitely use him again for our real estate business."
- Larry Partanen (buyer)
"Working with Peggy via phone, email, and fax was quite an experience. Because I live in Washington state, I couldn't see first-hand the properties that I was interested in - ones I could afford - she was my eyes and ears, and very upfront and honest describing the condition of properties. An excell...
- Carmen Woolford (buyer)
"Ryan was honest and helpful throughout the whole process."
- Hannah Wagner (buyer)
"My husband and I were buying a home while out of state - a challenging and unique situation - Ryan was beyond helpful and honest, and helped us to find a home that we truly love."
- Caitlin Winters (buyer)
"You're doing great, Ryan!"
- Beau Anderson (buyer)
"This was the first house my husband and I have purchased. Maddy helped to ease the uncomfortable feeling of not knowing what to expect. She was quick to respond whenever we called her or if we had questions and was flexible in working around our schedules, as we both work full-time. Also, the front...
- Jessa Everman (buyer)
"Ryan was very well informed, always returned calls - answered all questions. He never put pressure on me for anything. I was able to think about all of my decisions, never rushed. I would recommend Ryan to anyone - top notch agent! It was a pleasure to work with him."
- Jane Doerner (buyer)
"Stephens was highly recommended to me. Betsy is a great agent! She understands the local market and easily matches available listings to the client's needs. She is a true professional who delivers a premier real estate experience! I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a home in the area."
- Virginia Johnson (buyer)
"Ryan understood our needs and desires; every step was explained so we knew what to expect. We have used Stephens Real Estate for four separate real estate transactions over the years, have always gone back, and have always been very satisfied."
- Joe & Marilu Floriano (buyers)
"I would recommend Ryan to anybody for all the work he did for us. He was always willing to meet us whenever we wanted."
- Barbara Gribble & Danny McKay (buyers)
"I liked working with Betsy! She's very outgoing, funny, and nice."
- Michelle Short (buyer)
"Betsy was very knowledgeable and made it easy to work around my work schedule."
- Derek Collar (buyer)
"Super happy! Betsy found us the perfect home!"
- Jesse & Kendra Gribble (buyers)
"Betsy was extremely helpful in our process! We are very pleased and will recommend her when we can. Happy customers!"
- Gregory & Kathryn Nakkula (buyers)
"The services offered were all equally good. Betsy did a good job."
- John Opolka (buyer)
"Working with Ryan was a pleasure. He did a great job with timely follow-up."
- Andrew & Sara Jaap (buyers)
"Peggy answered every call and every text within minutes! She was with us 100% on this purchase. She did a fantastic job getting the seller to the price we wanted to pay. Thanks for everything!"
- Leila Canavera (buyer)
"We chose Stephens because they are known throughout the community. We worked with Ryan Gordon, and everything was fast and easy. They are a great company to work with."
- Jake Zeugner (buyer)
"As a first-time home buyer and a young woman, buying a house can be intimidating! Betsy really went out of her way and was very patient with me and my many questions. Her cheerful and caring spirit was comforting. She most definitely made my first time buying a home a great experience."
- Lindsey Bargo (buyer)
"Maddy was honest and helpful."
- Gerald Gianunzio (buyer)
"Betsy was knowledgeable about my loan and listened to me. She was a true pleasure to work with, in contrast to my former Realtor who was not helpful at all."
- Gregory Gustin (buyer)
"Maddy was very helpful throughout the entire process. She was wonderful to work with! Stephens Real Estate offers wonderful customer service and they are kind, helpful, and professional."
- Very Happy Client (buyer)
"Ryan Gordon was very professional, knowledgeable, trustworthy, and a pleasure to work with. We would highly recommend him to others!"
- Joseph & Marilu Floriano (buyers)
"I was a Realtor for 25 years and saw a lot of great qualities in Betsy. She is energetic, honest, and says it like it is. Our deal was not an easy one with four parties involved in different cities. Thank goodness for her technological expertise! I highly recommend her."
- Lee Baril (buyer)
"This is the second time we've bought a house, and both times Betsy was so helpful, answered all questions, and was always available. Thank you, Stephens Real Estate and thank you, Betsy Sawicky!"
- Michael Sydmark (buyer)
"Betsy is great!"
- Jarryl & Lamecca Jenkins (buyers)
"Sally was always easy to reach and very helpful with answering our questions. We appreciate all the work she did for us!"
- Justin & Sarah Cowen (buyers)
"Bob helped with details - no pressure - my needs always met - available 24/7 by text."
- Karen Erickson (buyer)
"I was treated like family - everyone was so friendly!"
- Arlene Eggener (buyer)
"Ryan is a great Realtor; friendly, easily contacted, available at most times! He is very knowledgeable and was always looking out for our best interests. We definitely would recommend Ryan and Stephens Real Estate to others!"
- Breanne Stroud (buyer)
"We appreciated Betsy's knowledge and flexibility. She was very helpful in making sure our move to the area went smoothly. Thank you, Betsy!"
- Julia Kiser (buyer)
"Peggy was our saving grace through our whole process. Friendly, fair, thorough, knowledgeable, stayed on top of things, organized! Will recommend her to anyone that we hear of who is in need of her services."
- Nick & Kelly Buckland (buyers)
"I chose Stephens Real Estate because they were recommended to me. What I liked best about working with Betsy was her availability and flexible schedule to work around my time off."
- Lucas Poisson (buyer)
"Betsy is dedicated; she helped me get into a house quickly. She would contact me on Saturdays, even. If you want a great Realtor, I suggest Betsy to help you find a home you'll love!"
- Kevin Rocco (buyer)
"When I needed help, Ryan was there!"
- Ethel Chamberlain (buyer)
"Ryan was great to work with and available when needed."
- Brian & Ruth Herrala (buyers)
"Betsy is straight to the point, honest, dependable. Betsy is the only one who could have handled the situation we were in. Thankfully, her honesty, direct nature, and bulldog Realtor ways came out on top. We honestly wouldn't have our home without her! You can't beat her determination."
- Kate Pearson (buyer)
"Smooth transaction - Betsy was great! No stone unturned. Made life easy."
- John Lauscher (buyer)
"Bob is a good Realtor! He was courteous, kept his appointments with us, returned calls/texts promptly, and did a great job keeping us informed of the proceedings."
- Melissa Gazza (buyer in Kingsford)
"Ryan was wonderful! With his help, I was able to purchase all of the land I really wanted."
- Autumn Burby (buyer)
"We were concerned about what seemed to be a limited market, but Maddy was able to insightfully find possibilities which resulted in our home that we are going to love!"
- Murtha & Michelle Kellrooney (buyers)
"Bob Norton was always available!"
- Kris Gauthier (buyer)
"Ryan was easy to work with, honest about pros/cons of houses and specific areas. He had our best interests and desires in mind. Good job of marketing the home we were selling and showing options for our new house. Friendly agent!"
- Scott Trevillian (buyer)
"Bob bent over backwards to help me out! I'm very happy with my new home. The cats are quite pleased as well. Thank you!"
- Lisa Monaco (buyer)
"Great job, Sally!"
- Ruth Halben (buyer)
"We loved that Ryan always told us the facts about properties, good and bad. Other Realtors we talked to only talked about the good. Ryan was always fair, was very responsive, and understood what we wanted in our first home."
- Matthew & Angela Schlueter (buyers)
"Betsy was always available and easy to reach. She made buying a home a smooth and stress-free process."
- Sara Short (buyer)
"Peg has helped me with the purchase of two properties. She has also helped two of my friends purchase property. I live out of state and she made purchasing the property easy!"
- Matt Nailer (buyer)
"Maddy was friendly and a good communicator. Stephens is a very trustworthy organization that I will recommend to friends and colleagues in the future."
- Trevor St. John (buyer)
"Maddy was very thorough - she is so kind! Thank you for such a great experience."
- Bobbi Jo Peterson (buyer)
"My husband and I were looking for a home 3 years ago with Betsy. We liked her so much that we came back to her as we did not find a place then. I couldn't be any more satisfied with her service to us. She has gone above and beyond to help us achieve our dream home. Thank you, Betsy!"
- Laura Starnes (buyer)
"Bob was honest, and anytime I had a question he made sure to find an answer quickly. I could call him any time and he either answered or called me back within an hour. He made the closing run smoothly!"
- James & Andrea Giliberto (buyers)
"Great experience with Bob - thanks!"
- Stephen Gabriel (buyer)
"Bob was willing to work outside of normal business hours to help me and my family buy a home!"
- Paul & Kate Velder (buyers)
"We would recommend Ryan to anyone. He was great and a wonderful representative of Stephens Real Estate."
- Allan & Sharon Strauss (buyers)
"Ryan was out of town and still was in contact with us on any of our needs!"
- Tony & Crystal McCarthy (buyers)
"Ryan's personal knowledge of the rental market and its requirements was a huge plus for us! As we invest in more properties, we will continue to lean on his experience. Ryan was always personable and professional. He made our first investment easy!"
- Grace Woolley (buyer)
"We wanted to be in Amasa - not a lot of options. Ryan made it happen and stayed in contact with us throughout the process so we were kept in the loop. Very personable. We appreciate all his hard work!"
- Donald & Lisa Mitchell (buyers in Amasa)
"Ryan was exceptional. He was knowledgeable, easy to reach, and always followed up with any questions we had."
- Gretchen Trebnick (buyer)
"I'll continue to recommend Ryan Gordon and do business with him!"
- Megan Easterling (buyer)
"Ryan was great to work with. As a first-time buyer, he listened to what I was looking for and kept me informed of listings matching my needs. He was available to answer all my questions and concerns at all hours. I will definitely recommend him to friends and family!"
- Alyssa Pontti (buyer)
"Betsy did a great job with helping us communicate with the sellers; all went quickly with no problems. She was so helpful and we really appreciate it!"
- Brian & Christine Diel (buyers)
"I would like to thank Betsy. It was hard coming from out of state and she made it an easy transition to find a house, answered questions, and helped with utilities' numbers. Thank you, Betsy, and Stephens Real Estate!"
- Betsy Shampo & Michael Sydmark (buyers)
"The people at Stephens Real Estate treated us with respect and were ready to get the job done. It was an awesome experience working to find a place to call home. Betsy is a walking resource of information about Iron Mountain; best ever service!"
- Daniel & Mary Starck (buyers)
"When the opportunity arises to sell my house, I will definitely go to Stephens Real Estate! I can see why they have a high satisfaction rating!"
- Diane Schabo (buyer)
"I continue to be impressed with Peg Gingrass and her knowledge of the area. I trust her and would recommend her! Thank you!"
- Karissa Boser (buyer)
"Maddy really got me a great deal on the home. I'm a first-time buyer; I hope all my experiences will be as good as this one when I buy my next home!"
- Thomas Oravec (buyer)
"Thanks, Maddy! I appreciate all the support."
- Dena Brewer (buyer)
"Stephens is friendly, when compared to the other real estate offices in town."
- Joshua Gudwer (buyer)
"Sally made our first homebuying experience very pleasant. She was always easy to reach, prompt, and trustworthy."
- Patrick Gasperich & Haley Lucier (buyers)