Buyers Archives - Hillwood Loves Realtor

5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Vacation Home

Texas REALTORS Staff2023-09-19T11:14:13-05:00

Is there a spot that you visit so often you’d like to purchase property? Or are you thinking of buying a vacation home that you will rent out when you’re not staying there? Whatever your motivation, there are a few considerations to make when you’re purchasing a second property. Be Realistic About its Use Does your dream of second-home ownership match the reality of the time and investment you’ll make? If the second property is primarily for your vacation use, factor in the costs of traveling to the location and how often you’ll be able to take advantage of it. Think About Maintenance Who will take care of issues with your second home when you’re away? If it’s a rental property, you might want to hire a property management company, so be sure to add those costs to your second-home budget. Visit More Often Before You Buy If you only visit the beach every year from Memorial Day to Labor Day, do you have a good sense for what your second-home city is like during slower months? Make sure you visit the location throughout the year and get to know everything from the weather to local activities. If you are purchasing property with the intention of renting it out, be sure you know the seasons travelers are more likely to come and that you won’t be missing out on key moneymaking times when you plan to stay there. Talk to a Local REALTOR® Find a REALTOR® who serves the community in which you’re searching for property. Local REALTORS® have knowledge about the area, local property values, market trends, and more. They can also connect you with professionals who know specifics about local taxes or restrictions related to rental properties. You can filter the results based on people who specialize in vacation and second-home properties or who hold the Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS) designation.

5 Things to Consider Before Buying a Vacation HomeTexas REALTORS Staff2023-09-19T11:14:13-05:00

The Value of Home Inspections

Texas REALTORS Staff2023-08-22T00:19:50-05:00

Good news: A seller has accepted your offer, and you’re one step closer to owning your dream home. You’ve now entered the option period, your time to scrutinize the property—and cancel the transaction if you choose. This is the time to consider hiring an inspector to take a closer look at what you’re buying. Here’s why: Inspectors Are Thorough Inspectors must take extensive training to be licensed in Texas. They follow strict rules and are required to use the Property Inspection Report Form promulgated by the Texas Real Estate Commission. Though there are some limitations to what inspectors can evaluate, they will assess the home’s structure, electrical systems, AC and heating, plumbing, appliances, and many other aspects. Inspectors Find Things You Might Overlook Inspectors will always find issues, even in brand-new construction. But at least you know about the problems and can choose how you want to deal with them. For certain deficiencies an inspector discovers, you may want to hire a specialist such as a structural engineer, plumber, or electrician to further evaluate the condition. Inspections Help You Make Decisions If the inspection uncovers big surprises, you may want to ask the seller to make repairs or lower the sales price. The seller may agree or refuse—or continue to negotiate. If things aren’t going the way you want, you could decide to walk away—if the option period hasn’t expired. There’s Something Worse Than Finding Problems No one likes it when an inspector finds deficiencies in a home. As a buyer, you want a home in the best condition possible. Sellers also don’t like news of problems with the home. But everyone benefits from this knowledge. An inspection reduces the likelihood of surprises down the road. A happy and informed buyer is less likely to complain or sue the seller after the sale. Ask your REALTOR® if you have questions about home inspections, the termination option, or other parts of your real estate transaction. Your REALTOR® can help you sort through your options so you can achieve your real estate dreams.

The Value of Home InspectionsTexas REALTORS Staff2023-08-22T00:19:50-05:00

Stress Less When Buying or Selling a Home

Texas REALTORS Staff2023-08-08T00:15:15-05:00

Real estate transactions often involve large sums of money and emotional decisions, so it’s no wonder people get stressed. Consider these strategies to help you move through the process with ease. Clarify Your Goals What is your main motivation for buying or selling? Clarity helps you avoid anxieties brought on by distractions. For example, if your top reason to move is more space for your family, you won’t face a difficult decision when you tour a house with beautiful features but no more space than your current home. Get Time On Your Side When possible, build in enough time to avoid spur-of-the-moment decisions or unrealistic deadlines. Yes, external factors like a job relocation or a hot market can necessitate quick responses, but there’s a difference between being prepared to act and setting arbitrarily short time frames. Remember, a successful transaction requires coordination with the other party and providers such as title companies, inspectors, surveyors, and others. Just because you can move quickly doesn’t mean everyone else can meet that timeline. Focus On Positives You may experience a few bumps on the path toward your home purchase or sale. Simply being aware that surprises may pop up can relieve some pressure when they do. When challenges do arise, balance out those concerns by remembering the positives of moving, such as fresh opportunities, a beneficial transaction, and new friends. The best way to avoid stress when buying or selling a home is to work with a REALTOR®. Your REALTOR® is the professional who can guide you through the steps to achieve your real estate dreams.

Stress Less When Buying or Selling a HomeTexas REALTORS Staff2023-08-08T00:15:15-05:00

Is the Price Right?

Texas REALTORS Staff2023-07-25T01:19:28-05:00

Whether you’re selling your home or making an offer to buy one, setting a price is an important decision. How do you choose a number to attract the highest offers or get your offer accepted without overpaying? Consider the following: Where Is It? You know location matters, but keep in mind that even small differences can increase or decrease the desirability and price of a home. One side of a street may have a better view, the next block over can be zoned for a different school district, or a tranquil setting can be only a short distance away from noise and traffic. Be Careful With Comparisons Just because two homes are similar in size doesn’t mean their prices will be similar, too. Variations in age, quality of materials, condition, features, layout, lot size, and other factors can have a significant effect on what a home is worth. The Market Can Change Quickly The market may shift as the number of people selling and buying homes changes. Mortgage rates and local economic conditions also affect home prices. Just because a home sold for a certain amount a little while ago doesn’t mean that home is worth the same today. Motivation Might Matter If you need to move quickly, you may want to factor that into your pricing decision. It’s possible that being more flexible on your price can save you the costs and hassles that come with moving twice or paying two mortgages at once. Your REALTOR® can discuss current market data and your real estate goals to help you come up with a winning pricing strategy.

Is the Price Right?Texas REALTORS Staff2023-07-25T01:19:28-05:00

How to Avoid Moving Company Scams

Texas REALTORS Staff2023-06-20T01:33:52-05:00

Whether you’re relocating across the country or across town, you’ll need help moving your possessions. Moving companies can be a great resource, but stay alert for scams that could ruin your move. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration offers tips for a successful move—including red flags that might indicate you’re being scammed: The mover or broker doesn’t perform an on-site inspection of your household items and gives an estimate over the telephone or online. The mover or broker doesn’t provide a written estimate or says they will determine the cost after loading. The moving company demands cash or a large deposit before the move. The mover asks you to sign blank documents. The mover or broker doesn’t provide you with a copy of the Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move booklet and a copy of FMCSA’s Ready to Move brochure, which movers are required by federal regulations to supply to their customers. The company’s website has no local address and no information about their registration or insurance. The mover claims all goods are covered by their insurance. On moving day, a rental truck arrives rather than a company-owned or marked fleet truck. The mover claims that you have more belongings than estimated. Get more resources to ensure a successful move.

How to Avoid Moving Company ScamsTexas REALTORS Staff2023-06-20T01:33:52-05:00

10 Maintenance Tips for First-Time Homeowners

Texas REALTORS Staff2023-05-09T11:20:25-05:00

You’ll probably experience some trial and error as you learn to properly care for your new place. Here’s a basic home-maintenance checklist to help you get started. Check gutters regularly to make sure they’re properly attached and clear of sticks and leaves. Also, confirm the flow of water from your gutters is away from your home to avoid damage to your foundation. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly. Experts also recommend changing the batteries in these items as part of your routine when you change the clocks in the fall and spring. Change HVAC filters in your home at intervals recommended by the system manufacturer, especially if you have allergies or pets. A dirty filter means an inefficient system. Inspect trees on your property. A tree-service company can give you advice on how to care for your trees and identify weak limbs that should be cut. Look for running toilets and dripping faucets. These small nuisances can add up to a large waste of water. You can often fix a toilet or faucet yourself. Check the supply hose to your washing machine, which can leak and cause expensive damage. Clean your dryer vent regularly. Note the dryer vent is not the lint trap (which should be cleaned often, too). Dryer vents push air outside the property through a duct, but can get filled with lint and become a fire hazard. Clean around your refrigerator. Keeping the vents and coils underneath and behind your refrigerator free of dust helps its efficiency. Mind the gaps. Do you have gaps or cracks around doors, windows, or where pipes and wires enter the structure? Replace weather stripping that’s missing or in disrepair and add caulk where needed. This will help you keep the house insulated and keep bugs and small creatures out. Have a pest-control expert inspect your home, even if you don’t suspect signs of infestation. As you can see, a lot of effort goes into maintaining your home, and these tips just scratch the surface. Ask your REALTOR® about other resources that can help you keep your home safe, efficient, and well-maintained.

10 Maintenance Tips for First-Time HomeownersTexas REALTORS Staff2023-05-09T11:20:25-05:00

Let a REALTOR® Help Find Your Dream Home

Texas REALTORS Staff2023-02-14T01:14:59-06:00

You and your REALTOR® can make a great team. But your REALTOR® can’t read your mind. Help your REALTOR® find the best options for you by sharing what you’re looking for and offering feedback. State Your Priorities Tell your trusted real estate professional about your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and dealbreakers. Your REALTOR® can find available homes with the features that matter to you. You and your REALTOR® can also discuss the best ways to meet your goals. If privacy is important to you, your REALTOR® could search for larger lot sizes, properties near undeveloped land, or even homes with tall fences or fewer neighbors. If you have plans for a growing family or multi-generational household, your REALTOR® can find homes with more space or remodeling potential. Discuss Your Budgetary Guidelines Your REALTOR® is an expert in the local real estate market and can show you options in your price range. Your REALTOR® may also provide you information about assistance programs that could help you. You Don’t Need To Have All The Answers That’s why you hired a REALTOR®! Ask your REALTOR® about any aspect of your home search or purchase that you don’t understand. But remember: your REALTOR® adheres to a strict Code of Ethics and may not be able to answer some questions, especially ones that involve opinions instead of facts, ones that deal with legal issues, or ones that involve areas outside the expertise of your REALTOR®. In those cases, your REALTOR® can often suggest impartial sources for you to explore. By hiring a REALTOR®, you have a professional on your side dedicated to helping you succeed in your transaction. Your vision and your REALTOR® ’s expertise are a winning combination to help you find a home you’ll love for years to come.

Let a REALTOR® Help Find Your Dream HomeTexas REALTORS Staff2023-02-14T01:14:59-06:00

Location is More Than a Neighborhood

Texas REALTORS Staff2022-12-20T01:28:05-06:00

You know the right location is key to making a good real estate decision. But there’s more to it than simply selecting a neighborhood where you want to live or locate your business. Here are some factors to consider. Small Distances Can Mean Big Differences Two homes only steps away from each other could belong to different school districts. Property taxes on one side of a street may be higher than the other side. You may also find differences in views, homeowners associations, noise, zoning, traffic, and other factors that will affect your enjoyment of your property. These differences not only affect whether the property is a good choice; they may also affect the purchase price or ongoing costs. Conveniences and Amenities Matter, Too While you must narrow your choices by price and general location, don’t forget to consider other characteristics of an area. How convenient is it to get from your home to stores, schools, work, entertainment, and recreation? For a commercial property, what will traffic be like for customers or employees? Each Property Is Unique Even condos in the same complex that seem similar may have differences, like which side of the building they are on, the condition they are in, or the finishes and customizations previous owners made. These distinctions can affect value and your enjoyment of a property Your REALTOR® can guide you through your real estate transaction and help you achieve your goals, in whatever location you choose.

Location is More Than a NeighborhoodTexas REALTORS Staff2022-12-20T01:28:05-06:00

REALTORS® Work to Protect You From Fraud

Texas REALTORS Staff2022-12-06T01:30:48-06:00

With such large amounts of money involved, real estate transactions are prime targets for scammers. One fraud involves criminals who trick homebuyers into wiring their down payment money to the criminals’ bank account. Once the money is deposited into the wrong account, it’s quickly lost in a labyrinth of bank transfers. The buyers’ funds are difficult to recover. Professionals Looking Out For Your Interests REALTORS®—those real estate agents who join the national, state, and local associations of REALTORS®—work together to make real estate transactions as safe as they can be. Your REALTOR® may talk with you about steps you can take to avoid scams. Texas REALTORS® even provides a flier its members can share with clients to help you learn how to prevent real estate wire fraud. A Century of Protecting Real Estate Buyers and Sellers REALTORS® in Texas have been setting the highest standards for professionalism for more than 100 years. In fact, one reason the association was formed in 1920 was in response to unscrupulous businesspeople. These “curbstoners,” as they were called, were cheating honest Texans in real estate scams, so ethical real estate brokers came together to do something about it. These professionals formed an association that worked tirelessly to require real estate licenses in Texas. REALTORS® also were the driving force to create the Texas Real Estate Commission, the state entity that regulates real estate license holders and safeguards consumers in matters of real property transactions. You can count on Texas REALTORS® to continue to fight on behalf of high standards and consumer protection in the future. Working With a REALTOR® Gives You Peace of Mind A real estate transaction can be a complex and big financial decision. It’s nice to know that someone is on your side, looking out for your best interests. Your REALTOR® puts your interests first, and REALTORS® in Texas work collectively to make real estate transactions and ownership better for everyone.

REALTORS® Work to Protect You From FraudTexas REALTORS Staff2022-12-06T01:30:48-06:00

Hire a REALTOR®, Gain a Resource

Texas REALTORS Staff2022-11-22T08:16:03-06:00

Your relationship with your REALTOR® doesn’t have to end at the closing. By hiring a REALTOR®, you’ve connected with a trusted resource for all things real estate. There are several ways to keep in touch with your REALTOR® after the sale. Followers Welcome You can follow your REALTOR®’s professional social media channels. REALTORS® will often post new listings, market information, and fun content to their platforms. Be sure to leave a review telling others about the great service you received. Just a Message Away Your REALTOR® may also reach out to you to see how you are doing in your new home. Some REALTORS® enjoy checking in periodically to share information and recognize milestones. Other REALTORS® send out email newsletters or postal mail about recent home sales and market conditions. Looking For Answers You may have questions about real estate from time to time that your REALTOR® can answer. Reach out and see if your REALTOR® can point you in the right direction. Recommend a Friend You can also refer your friends and family to your REALTOR®. Introduce them to your expert in the field. They’ll appreciate connecting with a professional you know and trust, and your REALTOR® will love the referral. Teaming Up Again Who knows what the future holds? If you decide to move from your current address, reach out to your REALTOR®. Many REALTORS® rely on repeat business from happy clients like you. Hiring a REALTOR® doesn’t have to be a one-time transaction. The sale could be the first of many future interactions with your dedicated real estate professional.

Hire a REALTOR®, Gain a ResourceTexas REALTORS Staff2022-11-22T08:16:03-06:00

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