What you need to know about fire pits

One of the questions we hear from homebuyers is, "Can I build a fire pit in my backyard?"

The answer is generally yes, but the City of Bismarck has rules designed to keep outdoor fires safe. The follow information applies to one-and two-family dwellings.

Fire Pit Requirements

For recreational fires, the fire should be at least 25 feet from structures and combustible materials. Any conditions that could allow the fire to spread should be removed before lighting the fire.

Portable outdoor fireplaces and fire pits must be used according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Burn Restrictions

Outdoor fires, fire pits, and grills may not be used when fire conditions become hazardous. In Bismarck, fire pits and recreational fires are prohibited during Red Flag Warnings and when the fire danger index reaches very high or extreme levels.

Never Leave a Fire Unattended

The International Fire Code requires recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces to be attended at all times. A garden hose, fire extinguisher, water source, sand, or similar fire-suppression equipment should be readily available.

What Can You Burn?

Bismarck prohibits the burning of garbage, leaves, grass, brush, construction debris, and other waste materials within city limits. Only appropriate firewood and approved fuels should be used.

Before You Build

If you're considering installing a permanent fire pit, it's a good idea to contact the City of Bismarck Planning Department and the Bismarck Fire Department to verify current requirements, setbacks, easements, and any restrictions that may apply to your property.

Bismarck Fire Department
701-355-1400

Bismarck Community Development (Planning & Zoning)
701-355-1840

Bismarck Home Buying Guide

Many homebuyers focus on the purchase price of a home, but even small changes in mortgage rates can have a significant impact on both monthly payments and buying power.

Using national data and a typical U.S. home price, Zillow recently compared how changes in mortgage rates affect affordability.

A 1% Rate Difference Adds Up

For a typical home purchase with 20% down and a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage:

• At a 7% interest rate, the monthly principal and interest payment would be about $1,962.

• At 6%, that payment drops to about $1,768.

• That's a savings of roughly $194 per month.

Over the life of a 30-year loan, that difference could mean nearly $70,000 less in interest paid.

Even Half a Percent Matters

A drop from 7% to 6.5% would reduce the payment by about $98 per month and save approximately $35,000 in interest over 30 years.

Quarter-Point Changes Matter Too

A reduction from 7% to 6.75% lowers the payment by about $49 per month. While that may seem small, it can add up to nearly $18,000 in interest savings over the life of the loan.

Lower Rates Increase Buying Power

When rates fall, buyers can often qualify for more home without increasing their monthly payment.

According to Zillow's analysis:

• A 1% rate drop could increase buying power by more than $32,000.

• A 0.5% drop could increase buying power by roughly $19,000.

• A 0.25% drop could increase buying power by nearly $9,500.

Should You Wait for Rates to Drop?

The challenge is that nobody knows exactly where mortgage rates are headed. Lower rates can also bring more buyers into the market, which may increase competition and home prices.

For many buyers, the better strategy is to focus on finding the right home and a payment that fits their budget. If rates decline later, refinancing may be an option.

If you're curious how current mortgage rates affect your buying power in the Bismarck-Mandan market, we'd be happy to connect you with a trusted local lender and help you explore your options.

Source: Zillow mortgage affordability analysis, May 2026. Figures are based on national averages, assume a 20% down payment and a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, and exclude taxes and insurance. Actual payments and savings will vary.

The BisMan Parade of Homes is a great way to tour newly built homes across the Bismarck-Mandan area and see the latest in design, layout, and construction. Whether you're house hunting or looking for inspiration, this event offers a firsthand look at what local builders have to offer.

May 14 - 17, 2026

• Weekdays: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Thursday: 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
• Saturday: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Friday: 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Tickets:
Tickets are required and can be purchased online or at select locations.

Get full details, locations, and tickets here:
👉 BisMan Parade of Homes

Avoid Real Estate Scams 

Buying or selling a home involves large sums of money and fast-moving decisions—making it a prime target for scammers. Fraud attempts are becoming more sophisticated, often blending seamlessly into real transactions and catching even careful buyers and sellers off guard. Understanding how these scams work and knowing what steps to take can help protect your investment and keep your transaction on track.

Real estate scammers trick people because they:

• Mimic trusted professionals (agents, lenders, title companies)
• Arrive at critical moments in the transaction
• Use urgency to pressure quick action
• Include realistic-looking details and signatures

By the time buyers are wiring funds, they’re already juggling deadlines, paperwork, and emotions—making it easier to overlook subtle warning signs.

How to Protect Yourself

The good news is that a few simple habits can dramatically reduce your risk:

Always verify wiring instructions by phone
Use a known, trusted phone number—never one provided in the email.

Be cautious of last-minute changes
A sudden update to payment instructions is a major red flag.

Avoid relying on email alone
Email accounts can be hacked or spoofed without obvious signs.

Confirm everything with your real estate team
Your agent and title company expect these checks and should encourage them.

Slow down when money is involved
Urgency is often a tactic used by scammers.

The Industry Is Responding—But Awareness Is Key

Real estate professionals across the country are increasing security measures and educating clients about fraud risks. Still, the most important line of defense is an informed buyer or seller. Even when everything looks legitimate, it’s worth taking an extra step to verify.

Final Thoughts

Real estate transactions move quickly, but that doesn’t mean you should rush critical decisions—especially when it comes to sending money.

Staying cautious, asking questions, and verifying details can make the difference between a smooth closing and a devastating loss. In today’s market, protecting your investment starts with keeping your guard up.

Selling a home can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also become expensive if the wrong decisions are made early on. According to a recent article from Zillow, many sellers unintentionally reduce their home’s value or delay their sale by making avoidable mistakes.

If you’re thinking about selling your home, here are the most common pitfalls to avoid.

1. Overpricing the Home

One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is pricing too high. Buyers are well-informed and price-sensitive. Homes that start overpriced often sit longer and eventually sell for less after multiple price reductions.

2. Limiting Exposure to Buyers

Selling off-market or privately may seem appealing, but it limits visibility. Listing on the MLS ensures your home reaches buyers searching on Zillow, Realtor.com, and other major platforms.

3. Skipping Professional Representation

Selling without a real estate agent means handling pricing, marketing, negotiations, contracts, disclosures, and inspections on your own. Some sellers underestimate how complex this process can be.

4. Choosing the Wrong Time to Sell

Seasonality matters. Listing at the wrong time of year or without understanding current market trends can impact buyer demand and final sale price.

5. Ignoring Repairs and Maintenance

Small issues can raise big concerns for buyers. Unaddressed repairs often show up during inspections and lead to price reductions or stalled negotiations.

6. Letting Emotions Take Over

Your home holds memories, but buyers see it as an investment. Emotional reactions during negotiations can push buyers away or derail strong offers.

7. Not Preparing or Staging the Home

Cluttered or overly personalized spaces make it harder for buyers to picture themselves living there. Clean, neutral, and well-staged homes consistently perform better.

8. Skipping High-quality Photography

Most buyers begin their search online. High-quality photos, video tours, and drone footage can dramatically increase showings.

9. Forgetting About Curb Appeal

First impressions start at the curb. Simple improvements like trimming landscaping, cleaning siding, or adding fresh mulch can boost buyer interest instantly.

10. Overlooking Seller Closing Costs

Many sellers forget to budget for commissions, title fees, taxes, and other closing costs. Planning ahead helps avoid surprises at the closing table.

Final Thoughts

Selling a home doesn’t have to be stressful. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you sell faster, attract stronger offers, and maximize your return. Working with an experienced local agent who understands the housing market can make all the difference. 

Homes 701 Team - 701-471-5351

Source & Credit:
Content inspired by “Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home”
© Zillow.com

(Based on NAR’s Consumer Guide)

What Is a Home Inspection?

• A professional evaluation of a home’s condition and safety before closing.

• Covers structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, and more.

• Can include tests for mold, radon, lead paint, and asbestos.

Are Inspections Required?

• Not mandatory, but buyers often add inspections as a contingency in their purchase contract.

• Helps flag hidden issues before moving in.

• Some buyers waive inspections in hot markets — but it comes with risk.

Who Does the Inspection?

• Qualified home inspectors are often certified through groups like ASHI or InterNACHI.

• REALTOR® agents can help buyers find reputable inspectors.

Who Pays?

• Typically, buyers pay for the inspection.

• Sellers may choose to inspect their home before listing or offer concessions based on findings.

Should the Buyer Attend?

• Yes! Buyers can (and often should) attend the inspection.

• It’s a chance to learn about home systems and ask questions directly.

How Long Does It Take?

• A full home inspection usually lasts 2–3 hours or more depending on size and condition.

Common Problems Found

Inspectors may note issues such as:

• Structural or foundation concerns

• Poor drainage

• Faulty wiring or HVAC issues

• Safety items like inadequate smoke/carbon monoxide detectors

What “As-Is” Means

• Selling a home “as-is” means the seller won’t make repairs after an inspection.

• Buyers should work with their agent to understand risks and options.

Bottom Line: A home inspection is a powerful tool for buyers to understand the condition of a property — and for sellers to proactively address issues before listing. 

Bismarck Road Projects: What Homeowners, Buyers & Sellers Should Know

• Bismarck continues to invest in road and transportation improvements, supporting long-term property values, better neighborhood connectivity, and smoother daily commutes. Ongoing and upcoming projects focus on arterial, collector, and local streets across the city.
• Voters will decide on a half-cent sales tax extension in 2026, which has funded major roadway improvements since 2018 and would allow projects to continue beyond 2029.
• A proposed street utility fee may appear on the 2026 ballot, designed to help fund street maintenance and potentially reduce reliance on traditional special assessments.
• Major highlighted projects include:
• Tyler Parkway Extension (planned for 2026) to improve connectivity and emergency response
• Reconstruction of E. Century Avenue, Ottawa Street, and South Washington Street
• I-94 Exit 161 interchange upgrade to reduce congestion and support growth in northeast Bismarck
• Why this matters for buyers and sellers: Improved infrastructure boosts accessibility, supports neighborhood growth, and can positively impact home values. If approved, the sales tax extension and street utility fee could also mean fewer or more predictable special assessments, helping homeowners better plan for future costs and making properties more attractive to buyers.

Learn more and track current projects (City of Bismarck):
https://www.bismarcknd.gov/engineering

North Dakota homeowners can receive up to $1,600 off their property taxes each year with the Primary Residence Credit (PRC) — a state tax benefit for qualifying primary residences. 

To apply:

1. Make sure your home (house, condo, mobile home, etc.) is your primary residence in ND. 

2. Visit the official application page and submit your PRC application online during the annual window (open January 1 – April 1, 2026). 

3. Once approved, the credit will be applied directly to your property tax bill. 

There are no age or income limits, and only one credit is allowed per household. 

👉 Apply or learn more here: https://www.tax.nd.gov/prc

Apply online - January 1- April 1, 2026 - TAX.ND.GOV/PRC

* No age or income restrictions

* Property must be resident's primary home

* Applications must be submitted January 1 - April 1, 2026.