Current Topics Archives - Hillwood Loves Realtor

5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Attending Open Houses

Texas REALTORS Staff2025-10-28T00:14:09-05:00

If you’re looking for a new home, open houses can assist in your search—even if you don’t like the properties you visit. Here are five steps to take so that you benefit from your time spent. Visit Different Kinds of Properties Do you like the layouts of ranch homes or townhouses better? Will an open floor plan fit with your lifestyle? Seeing a home’s style and features in person can inform what you want in your next property. Take Notes Whether you visit three or fifteen houses, the details of those properies will blur together. Take notes about what you like and don’t like about a home, and be sure to grab the listing sheet provided by the agent hosting the open house. That will usually feature photos and basic information for easy reference. Ask Questions The real estate agent is there to help you learn about and love the house. Ask the host about the neighborhood, HVAC system, roof, plumbing—anything that will help you understand what you get at that price point. Remember: You’re doing research to determine what you want to buy. Review Your Findings Soon Don’t wait two weeks to revisit your notes. Carve out time after your tours or the following day to go over every property and its listing sheet. You will start to form an idea of what you want your property to be like. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help Open houses can expose you to many different properties and narrow your home search. When you’re ready to find the property that meets your newly created requirements, talk to a REALTOR®. A REALTOR® knows your local market and will match you with the perfect property. Find one here.

5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Attending Open HousesTexas REALTORS Staff2025-10-28T00:14:09-05:00

REALTORS® Help You Bring It Home

Texas REALTORS Staff2025-06-03T00:20:44-05:00

REALTORS® are your trusted partner in a real estate transaction. Here are a few of the countless ways that members of Texas REALTORS® support you when you buy, sell, or lease real estate. REALTORS® offer expert guidance: They bring unmatched knowledge and experience to every step, helping you make informed decisions while managing details that could feel overwhelming. REALTORS® have reliable data: With up-to-date market analysis, REALTORS® help buyers pay the right price and sellers make competitive listings. REALTORS® streamline your search: From showings to paperwork, REALTORS® simplify your journey and save you time and energy. REALTORS® are skilled negotiators: They prioritize your best interests, leveraging their expertise to secure favorable terms. REALTORS® expand your opportunities: Whether it’s connecting you to trusted lenders or uncovering downpayment-assistance programs, REALTORS® have the resources to support you. Visit texasrealestate.com/bringithome for more information about how valuable REALTORS® are no matter your real estate needs.

REALTORS® Help You Bring It HomeTexas REALTORS Staff2025-06-03T00:20:44-05:00

Better Understand Your Listing Options When You Sell

Texas REALTORS Staff2025-04-15T01:15:51-05:00

Did you know there are alternative ways to market your home, and you can control where and how your property is shown online? The National Association of REALTORS® published a guide to these listing options to help sellers like you understand all the ways you can display your home in the multiple listing service. Don’t worry: A REALTOR® can assist you developing the marketing strategy that’s right for you. Find one here.

Better Understand Your Listing Options When You SellTexas REALTORS Staff2025-04-15T01:15:51-05:00

Is Your Home Priced Too High?

Texas REALTORS Staff2025-03-04T01:15:01-06:00

Even if your house is staged and well-maintained, it is only worth what the market will bear. To increase your chance of a quick sale, consider these signs that it may be time to adjust your selling price. Low Traffic Are you limiting your exposure? Since most buyers sort listings by price and location, your home might not be showing up in search results when compared to other properties in the area. Long Time on Market A recently renovated kitchen or bathroom often increases the home’s value. However, if your home has been on the market for a while with no viable offers, that could be an indication that the upgrades don’t match the buyer’s expectations. Homes Nearby Selling Faster Buyers often compare several listings to find the best value before making a decision. Have you done a comparative market analysis to make sure you are remaining competitive? Receiving Negative Feedback Sentimental value can often be a driving force in setting the price of the home. To get a more realistic view of your home’s worth, learn how potential buyers perceive your property by paying attention to the feedback from showings. Ensuring that your home is competitively priced is a crucial step in the selling process. Ask your REALTOR® to assess the current market and help you set the highest realistic price for your home.

Is Your Home Priced Too High?Texas REALTORS Staff2025-03-04T01:15:01-06:00

How Fair Housing Applies to You

Texas REALTORS Staff2025-01-14T01:21:26-06:00

Buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals all have rights and responsibilities when it comes to discrimination-free property transactions. The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing and housing-related transactions based on race, color, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, religion, disability, or familial status. Learn more about how fair housing affects you in your transactions with this consumer guide from the National Association of REALTORS®.

How Fair Housing Applies to YouTexas REALTORS Staff2025-01-14T01:21:26-06:00

This Real Estate Scam Could Cost You Thousands of Dollars

Texas REALTORS Staff2024-12-10T00:16:31-06:00

You’re smart. You’re careful. But even savvy buyers and homeowners fall victim to real estate fraud. Criminals are impersonating sellers and title companies, resulting in swindles that can take months of legal hassle to repair and cost you thousands of dollars. Do You Know the Targets? It starts with a scammer posting a property for sale without the knowledge of the actual owner. These properties are often unoccupied or vacant—land, lots, second homes—where it’s easier to put up a fake for-sale sign and owners or residents won’t wonder about people stopping by to look at the property. What’s the Setup? The criminal, posing as a seller or listing agent, communicates primarily by email. Often, there is urgency on the seller’s side of the transaction—the seller needs cash quick or wants a fast closing. The property may be priced below market value. The criminals want you to ignore warning signs and focus on the great deal. What Are the Red Flags? Once you have a purchase agreement, the criminal then directs you or your agent to use the “seller’s” preferred title company for the closing. The introductions and wiring instructions are all provided via email. Usually, the title company isn’t local to the property being purchased. Once you send your funds to the bogus title company, the money is gone. How Can You Avoid Being a Victim? Pay attention to detail and validate what you’re told. Ask the seller for identification. Does he provide it or stall? Does it match the owner’s information on the appraisal district website? Independently verify the title company’s information. Does the title company’s website use the same email address conventions and URL that you’re getting in emails from the seller? Are the messages and links secure? A real title company would not send wiring instructions by email without additional precautions. Your REALTOR® can help you with this and the many other steps required for a successful transaction.

This Real Estate Scam Could Cost You Thousands of DollarsTexas REALTORS Staff2024-12-10T00:16:31-06:00

What To Know When Hiring a REALTOR®

Texas REALTORS Staff2024-11-05T00:19:45-06:00

No one is better at guiding you through a real estate transaction than a REALTOR®. Your REALTOR® is a trusted professional who can help you understand local conditions, find and market properties, negotiate, and keep your transaction on track through closing. Here are a few things to know when hiring a REALTOR®: There Is No Standard Compensation There are no rules that set the amount brokers charge. Each brokerage independently decides what to charge and what services to provide. Some brokers charge a commission, while others charge a flat fee, hourly fee, or fees for specific tasks. Just like when you hire a lawyer, car mechanic, or architect, you get to shop around for the real estate brokerage that best suits you—the one that provides the services you want for a price you are willing to pay. Some brokers may choose to negotiate fees and services with clients, while others may decide not to. It is an independent business decision up to each broker. Expect a Written Agreement (Even if Just Looking) Business relationships work best when all parties are on the same page. Whether you’re buying or selling, you and your REALTOR® will sign a written agreement that spells out what services the broker will provide and how you will be charged. Even if you’re just looking and a broker agrees to show you homes for no charge, you should expect a written agreement noting those details. Cooperative Compensation Is an Option Selling brokers are not required to share their compensation with the buyer’s broker (a process referred to as cooperative compensation). However, many homesellers and listing brokers do offer cooperative compensation to help market the home. Why? Most mortgage lenders don’t allow broker compensation to be added to home loans, and many buyers do not have the financial ability to pay their buyer’s broker out of pocket on top of the other costs of buying a home. Cooperative compensation can make a home more affordable to a greater number of buyers. Your REALTOR® is the professional who can make your next move as smooth as possible. REALTORS® have the knowledge and skills to help you make informed decisions and reach your real estate goals.

What To Know When Hiring a REALTOR®Texas REALTORS Staff2024-11-05T00:19:45-06:00

Get the Data You Need To Reach Your Real Estate Goals

Texas REALTORS Staff2024-10-08T01:23:42-05:00

Data is king when making big financial decisions. That’s why it’s essential to know recent prices, current market trends, and related data when you’re buying, selling, or renting property. Who has access to that type of information? Your REALTOR®. Just as important, your REALTOR® can help you understand what the numbers and trends mean for you. Relevant Data For Your Transaction REALTORS® can pull the most recent sales in a neighborhood to help buyers and sellers know market conditions. They can show you what prices and rents have been doing over time to inform your decisions. REALTORS® can show you the big picture—is it a buyer’s market in your area?—and the hyperlocal picture—what are properties on that street selling for? Accurate And Reliable An internet search will give you plenty of sites claiming to provide home prices in an area, the number of properties sold, days on market, housing inventory, etc. But how do you know if those numbers are accurate or recent? Thankfully, your REALTOR® has access to the most accurate, reliable data. Plus, your REALTOR® will filter out the noise, showing only what matters to you and your goal. Interpreted For Your Situation Not only can REALTORS® provide the data, but they can also explain how it affects your transaction. It doesn’t do any good to know what a property sold for if you don’t know if that should affect the price of your listing or your offer for that house. Factors such as precise location, home features, and condition all affect what a home is worth. Work with a REALTOR® so you understand your market and avoid big mistakes when you buy, sell, or lease property.

Get the Data You Need To Reach Your Real Estate GoalsTexas REALTORS Staff2024-10-08T01:23:42-05:00

Should You Fix That Before You Sell?

Texas REALTORS Staff2024-09-10T01:27:18-05:00

Making repairs before you list your home can positively affect the selling price and how quickly you attract a buyer. But do you need to fix everything before you put it on the market? Not all projects will be worth the time and money. Here are a few questions to consider to make your property more appealing. Does your home make a good first impression? A broken fence, overgrown yard, or rusted porch railing can make your home appear run down. Spend time removing clutter, fixing eye sores, cleaning the windows, or replacing damaged screens to make the home more inviting. Do you need to replace the flooring? Adding new carpet or wood flooring can provide a good return on investment if there is a lot of wear and tear. However, if it’s in decent shape, replacing flooring to put in something that the new owner may switch out might not be cost-effective. If needed, refinish the hardwood or professionally clean the carpet to give it new life. Is it necessary to paint? Fixing faded, scuffed, or peeling paint can make the house’s exterior look newer. It’s also a good idea to paint over bright colors that may turn off buyers. Choose a standard, neutral color to lighten up the space. Are renovations worth it? Depending on the age and design, you may not need a complete kitchen or bath remodel. But if you started a project, you should finish it. An unfinished project can affect the home’s selling price and may limit potential buyers to someone looking for a fixer-upper. Contact a REALTOR® for advice on improving your property value and getting the most out of your home sale.

Should You Fix That Before You Sell?Texas REALTORS Staff2024-09-10T01:27:18-05:00

5 Ways a REALTOR® Can Help With Your Rental Property

Texas REALTORS Staff2024-07-23T00:20:02-05:00

Many REALTORS® help people buy and sell houses, but some also specialize in property management. Whether you already own investment property or are thinking of buying a rental, a REALTOR® experienced in property management can handle all aspects of managing your asset—and reduce your stress. A REALTOR® can … Help You Find Good Tenants A property manager knows how to legally screen applicants to lessen the chances you’ll have tenants who don’t pay rent or cause other headaches. Handle Tenant Hassles If problems like nonpaying tenants and evictions do occur, a property manager will deal with them in a professional manner. Reduce Your Risk A property manager knows when you’re required to change locks, what you can deduct from a security deposit, how to navigate fair housing laws, the rules about assistance animals, and much more. Keep Your Nights and Weekends Interruption-Free Whether it’s a plumbing emergency or a last-minute request to see a unit by a prospective tenant, a property manager will take care of these inconvenient tasks. Save You Money and Time Hiring a REALTOR® puts a professional in charge of timely rent payments, competitive rents, low vacancy rates, and other details that boost your investment’s return. Enjoy all the benefits of professional property management: Hire a REALTOR®.

5 Ways a REALTOR® Can Help With Your Rental PropertyTexas REALTORS Staff2024-07-23T00:20:02-05:00

About My Work

Recent Works

Recent Posts