South Dakota is a state located in the Midwestern region of the United States of America. It is named after the Lakota and Dakota Sioux American Indian tribes. The former territory was admitted to the Union on November 2, 1889. Centrally-located Pierre, is the state capital and Sioux Falls is the state's largest city.

South Dakota is bisected by the Missouri River, dividing the state into two socioeconomically distinct halves, known to residents as "West River" and "East River".[5] Fertile soil in the eastern part of the state is used to grow a variety of crops, while ranching is the predominant agricultural activity in the west. The Black Hills, a group of low pine-covered mountains, is located in the southwest part of the state. The area is of great religious importance to local American Indian tribes. Mount Rushmore is a major state tourist destination in the Black Hills.

Historically dominated by an agricultural economy and a rural lifestyle, South Dakota has recently sought to diversify its economy to attract and retain residents. However, it is still largely rural and has the fifth-lowest population density among U.S. states.[6] While several Democratic senators have represented South Dakota for multiple terms at the federal level, the state government is largely dominated by the Republican Party, which has carried South Dakota in the last eleven presidential elections.

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Buying your first home is exhilarating, but also a little frightening. We focus so much on finding the right home and the right lender, but we also need to ask ourselves if the right time is now?

Before you buy your first home, you should be asking yourself that very question. Here are six indicators you can use to find out if now really is the best time to be buying your first home.

1. You Have Stable Employment

Before jumping in feet first with the purchase of a home, you should have a steady source of income. Your cash flow should be stable and you should have a solid employment history that shows at least two years of steady employment and income. If you’re planning on a major career change or going back to school in the near future, you should give serious consideration to waiting on the house.

2. Your Savings are In Order

Most lenders want to see that you have at least three to five months of savings in case you lose your job, fall ill or hit a financial crisis. By having a reserve fund, you’ll be able to weather the rough patches without going into debt or possibly losing your home.

3. Your Debt Is Limited

Before you buy your first house, make sure your debt is under control. Any debt that has double-digit interest, like credit cards, should be paid off in full. Ideally, your monthly debt payments - and that includes your mortgage - will be less than 38% of your gross income.

4. Your Credit Score is Healthy

Lenders want to see a buyer with a good credit score. With healthy credit, you’ll not only increase your likelihood of obtaining a mortgage from a quality lender, but also qualify for lower interest rates. In the long run, this will save you thousands of dollars. If you’re worried about your credit rating, work on repaying your debts on time for at least 12-24 months to improve your score.

5. You Have a Down Payment

Having a good down payment of at least 10-20 percent of the house price will show lenders that you’re a serious buyer capable of saving and willing to invest in a home. With a sufficient down payment, you’ll also be in a better position to negotiate a more favorable interest rate.

6. Your Family Needs It

Whether you’re expecting a new baby, running out of room or just ready for the freedom of home ownership, you should have a reason for wanting to own a home. Before jumping into any major purchase, especially a home, make sure your family is ready for the responsibility.

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