What to Avoid as a First-Time Homebuyer

2022-02-15T11:24:27-06:00

Buying a home is a thrilling experience—and one that’s educational. Here are tips to avoid being overwhelmed as a first-time homebuyer.   Don’t Rush the Home Search Some homeowners wish they spent more time searching for their perfect home. It’s important to weigh your options so you find the place that fits your needs. It’s also essential to find a REALTOR® who understands your needs, and patiently guides you to your dream home. Don’t Overlook Home Inspections It can be tempting go all in when you find the property that looks right. But always get a home inspection to avoid major problems. If you brush this off to the side, you risk major headaches that could cost you far more than the price of an inspection. Don’t Overreach You have criteria that limit your search, whether it’s location, budget, time, or something else specific to your situation. Ignore these limitations at your peril. For example, blowing your budget will cause financial stress, and putting aside location limitations could make your commute untenable. Your REALTOR® can help you identify and prioritize your limitations. 

What to Avoid as a First-Time Homebuyer2022-02-15T11:24:27-06:00

5 Ways to Avoid Buyer’s Remorse

2022-02-01T08:19:00-06:00

When finding what you think is the perfect house, your first instinct may be to act fast. However, it can be helpful to take a moment to ensure your offer isn’t a result of adrenalin. Here are five things to do before getting caught up in the hot market: Get In Your Car Have you considered the traffic? Take a practice drive during rush hour to see what your commute might be. Take a Walk Spend time in the neighborhood to check if there is a lot of road or construction noise nearby. Look Beyond the Staging A well-staged house can make small closets appear larger or lure you into buying a bigger space than you need. Ask yourself if the size of the house and the usable space is ideal for your situation. Double Check the Property Condition Can you afford the maintenance? While you might be open to minor repairs, you don’t want to be surprised with a fixer-upper. Have a Firm Budget Know ahead of time what your maximum price is and stick with it. It can be easy to pay much more than initially planned in a bidding war. Don’t forget to ask your REALTOR® to keep you on track with your goals and budget. Having your offer accepted is a time for celebration, not regret.

5 Ways to Avoid Buyer’s Remorse2022-02-01T08:19:00-06:00

Questions to Ask Before You Buy in an HOA

2021-12-21T01:15:40-06:00

Homeowners associations are intended to help protect property values and maintain a pleasant living environment. To accomplish those goals, they impose certain rules on residents. Here are four questions to ask before buying property in an HOA: Can You Afford It? HOAs are funded by member dues paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. It’s important that you know the cost of the dues and when they’re assessed so you can factor that amount into your budget. Also, note the rules and process regarding changing the dues. What are the Rules? All members of an association must adhere to a set of rules known as the covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). These rules regulate many facets of homeownership, such as lawn maintenance, architectural design, and where you can park vehicles. Review a copy of these documents—you don’t want to find out after closing that you can’t store your boat in your driveway. Which Amenities are Included? HOA dues are often used to maintain common areas and amenities, such as swimming pools and trails. These features may be selling points for you or you may not expect to take advantage of them. Understand what you’ll be paying for and note that even if you don’t use all the features, they could add to the property’s future resale value. Do You Want to Get Involved? Many homeowners associations welcome new volunteers for committees or their boards of directors. These can be great ways to meet your neighbors and keep on top of issues affecting your neighborhood. For more help learning about HOAs and deciding if a home is right for you, talk with your REALTOR®.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy in an HOA2021-12-21T01:15:40-06:00

How to Protect Your Home While You’re Away

2021-12-07T15:16:23-06:00

It’s the holiday season, which for many means vacationing and traveling. However, traveling can leave your home vulnerable to burglaries. Here are some ways to protect your home while you’re gone. Securely Lock Everything You know to lock the doors, but it’s also important to secure the windows, garage, and sheds or other structures. Many burglaries occur because these things are unlocked or poorly secured, so this simple step can go a long way in protecting your home. Ask the Neighbors Another way to protect your home is to have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail and packages while you’re gone. They can also put out and retrieve trash barrels and check the inside of the house. It will appear like your family is home—or at least that someone is watching. Remove the Spare Key It’s convenient to stash a spare key or garage door opener outside. But those fake rocks and similar hiding places won’t fool criminals. Instead, install an exterior door lock or garage door opener with a keypad entry. Don’t Post Although you want to document your vacation by posting photos on social media, it is safer to wait until you return home to post. Posting that you’re away alerts potential burglars that your home is empty and a good target for a robbery. Install Smart Home Devices Everything from HVAC systems to lights to music can be controlled remotely. Whether according to a schedule or via your phone, you can make it look and sound as if you’re home. You don’t even have to make a big investment—a few old-school timers can create similar effects.

How to Protect Your Home While You’re Away2021-12-07T15:16:23-06:00

Is That Estimated Home Value Worth Anything?

2021-11-09T09:18:34-06:00

A simple internet search will tell you what a home is worth. Or will it? Just because a website shows you an estimate of a home’s value doesn’t mean that’s what you can buy or sell the house for. In fact, many home-valuation websites include disclaimers about how inaccurate their information may be. The internet also has plentiful data on median home prices in an area, the number of properties sold, days on market, housing inventory, etc. But even if that data is accurate and up to date (is it?), you may not know how those numbers translate into home values for the property you’re selling or buying. And how do you take into account the differences from one neighborhood to the next or one home to others nearby? Thankfully, your REALTOR® can show you accurate, comprehensive data relevant to your situation and provide the context to help you make sound real estate decisions. REALTORS® have the training and experience to explain what the latest market data mean for your situation. So before you get too excited or distressed about the real estate data you found online, talk to your REALTOR®.   

Is That Estimated Home Value Worth Anything?2021-11-09T09:18:34-06:00

Tips on Moving From the City to the Suburbs

2021-10-26T09:22:33-05:00

Moving can be difficult in any circumstance, but transitioning from the city to the suburbs can be particularly challenging. Here are tips to help you transition between the two living environments. Take Time to Adjust Cities have a lot to offer, such as an abundance of jobs and entertainment. There’s also a certain culture in urban areas that make them special places. While suburbs have positive aspects that cities don’t, it’s normal to miss where you moved from. It may take time to adjust to the new environment, but don’t be too hard on yourself for missing your old stomping grounds. Get Involved and be Social Some argue it’s more difficult to meet people in the suburbs versus the city, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. There are plenty of ways to get involved in your new community and meet friends. Getting to know your neighbors is a great way to meet people and build new connections. You could also try going to local coffee shops, sitting at the bar at restaurants, and going to local events to mingle with the community. Another useful tool could also be joining social media groups in your area, such as your new neighborhood’s Facebook Group. Personalize Your Home Some say the home becomes a more central part of life in the suburbs compared to cities, so it’s important to make that space one you love. Spend time thinking about what décor, furniture, and personal touches you can add to make yourself comfortable in your new place. Pillows and pictures can add a lot more to a home than you may think—especially if it’s a place you’ll be spending a lot of time at. Get Used to Driving Because most cities offer public transportation and many conveniences within walking distance, having to drive places can be a big adjustment to suburban life. Be prepared to pay for gas and vehicle upkeep in your suburban lifestyle.

Tips on Moving From the City to the Suburbs2021-10-26T09:22:33-05:00

Why You Should Use a REALTOR®

2021-10-12T00:46:28-05:00

Although there are online options to utilize when buying and selling properties, REALTORS® offer services that you can’t get from a website. Human Connection REALTORS® offer a genuine, in-person connection. They will guide you through the process of buying, selling, or renting all manner of properties and be there for any questions or concerns you may have along the way.  Expert Guide Most people don’t buy or sell property often. The process comes with numerous financial and legal documents that can be hard to understand and frequent changes. REALTORS® have the experience and up-to-date knowledge to steer you clear of mistakes and avoid delays. Online platforms can’t always provide that type of help. Ethical Advocate REALTORS® follow a code of ethics that mandates professionalism and puts the clients’ interests first. They want to help you succeed in your real estate transaction and will work to the best of their abilities to make sure you’re satisfied with your experience and result of the transaction. Websites can be a useful tool for real estate, but they are no match for the level of service a REALTOR® can offer. Find your REALTOR® at texasrealestate.com.

Why You Should Use a REALTOR®2021-10-12T00:46:28-05:00

3 Ways to Prepare for Homeownership While Renting

2021-09-14T01:18:13-05:00

You may not be ready to buy your first home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t prepare now. Here are three actions you can do while renting that will put you in a better position when you’re ready to buy. Test the Budget  While you can’t predict all homeownership costs to the last penny, you can come up with a rough estimate of how owning a home will affect your budget. A REALTOR® can help you figure out how much you can afford, the potential mortgage payment you’d make, your local property taxes, and repair costs you might want to consider as a homeowner. Check your Credit Before you apply for a loan, request a free credit report to find out what a lender would see. If your report has errors, you can correct them before they affect your ability to qualify for a mortgage loan. And you might be able to take steps to improve your credit before purchasing a property.  Create a Wish List There’s probably not a home that will offer every single amenity you desire, but you should have a general idea of what you’re looking for. So while a home with fewer than two bathrooms may be non-negotiable, perhaps you’d see the potential in one with a smaller kitchen or a not-so-appealing exterior paint job. It’s never too early to talk to a REALTOR® when you know you’re going to buy a home. A REALTOR® can answer your questions about the homebuying process and help you avoid surprises along the way.

3 Ways to Prepare for Homeownership While Renting2021-09-14T01:18:13-05:00

Make Moving Less Stressful for Your Pets

2021-08-31T01:15:55-05:00

Moving is stressful—and not just for humans. Not only can animals sense your anxiety, they also dislike unpredictability. Here are suggestions to help your beloved companions have a smoother experience: Have a Travel Plan Coordinate how you will transport your pets ahead of time and give them a chance to get acclimated to the travel crate or carrier. Have treats, bathroom supplies, and a leash or harness ready for the trip. Also, reach out to your vet if you think they will need calming medication. Reduce Food Intake Prevent car sickness by not feeding your pet right before traveling. Instead, either feed them a few hours before or wait until you have reached your destination. Separate Your Pets from the Chaos Board your pets or put them into a closed room while your stuff is being moved out or into the new home. Keeping them confined will also protect them from accidentally getting out of the house. Reestablish Routine Ensure there are smells they recognize in the new home, so that your pets don’t feel completely out of place. For example, have their toys, favorite blanket, food, crate, or litter box nearby. Also, take your dog on walks with a leash around the neighborhood, and let your cats slowly explore the house to help them adapt to their new surroundings. And don’t forget, whether it’s finding a new vet, animal daycare, or different dog parks in the area, your REALTOR® can be an excellent resource.

Make Moving Less Stressful for Your Pets2021-08-31T01:15:55-05:00

3 Tips to Help Your Kids Cope With A Move

2021-08-03T01:17:13-05:00

There are more than just logistical challenges when you move with children. Many kids feel emotional about leaving their friends or old home behind. Here are some common challenges kids face when moving and ways to help them feel more comfortable in their new place. When Your Child is Nervous About a New School … Coordinate a tour of the school before her first day so she can get familiar with the building. Introduce her to teachers and a few classmates so she’ll have connections on her first day. When Your Child is Upset About Leaving Friends Behind … Put together treats your child can use to remember her far-away friends. Include a photo album, frames, and other mementos from your child’s hometown. When Your Child is Worried the New City Won’t Have Familiar Activities … Get your REALTOR® to help you find out where your child can participate in the hobbies she enjoys. Whether she likes to play soccer or take art classes, Texas REALTOR® should be able to point you in the right direction for similar activities in your new location.

3 Tips to Help Your Kids Cope With A Move2021-08-03T01:17:13-05:00
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