You Received an Offer, Now What?

2023-04-18T00:16:47-05:00

Congratulations! You have received an offer—or maybe more than one—to purchase your home. Before you say yes, review the terms. Remember: while price is certainly important, an offer is more than just a number. Consider these factors when working with your REALTOR® to decide what to do. Does the Timing Work for You? You need to move to your next address. You might be buying another home yourself. An offer that works with your timetable will be more appealing than one with a quick turnaround or that is otherwise inconvenient. Buyers may even be willing to temporarily rent your home back to you after the transaction closes. Has a Buyer Offered To Pick Up Some of Your Costs? Buyers may sweeten the deal by offering to pay for some of the sellers’ closing costs. Though that amount is not part of the purchase offer, it increases your bottom line. How Much Will They Put in Earnest Money and the Termination Option Fee? Some buyers will show their interest with a large earnest money payment. They may also include a large option fee, which you can keep if the buyer chooses to terminate the contract. Are There Other Factors at Play? There are many aspects of an offer that can make a deal more or less appealing to you, such as factors related to appraisals, surveys, financing, termination options, and more. Your REALTOR® can help you sort through the criteria that matter most to you and can help you find the best offer for your home. When you hire a REALTOR®, you have an advocate for closing the best deal possible

You Received an Offer, Now What?2023-04-18T00:16:47-05:00

Make Life Easier When You Sell Your Home

2023-04-04T00:18:29-05:00

Sure, you could try to sell your own home. You could gather as much market data as possible and try to determine the best asking price. You could decide what else you might do—paint or landscape or remodel?—to maximize the property’s appeal and value. You could get the word out to as many people as possible that your home is for sale. You could field all calls from buyers and their agents, schedule showings, and answer people’s questions. You could assess offers and make counteroffers. You could figure out how to respond to the buyer’s requests and questions, and keep on top of deadlines. You could research how to avoid missteps that would lose you money, put the transaction at risk, or lead to a lawsuit. Yes, you could do all that and eventually close the deal … or you could hire someone to make your life easier. By hiring a REALTOR®, you get a trustworthy, qualified professional helping you with your home sale. Your REALTOR® knows the ins and outs of your local market and can guide you to a successful closing. With exclusive access to the most accurate market data and more than 150 real estate forms, your REALTOR® will ensure you have the information and tools you need to accomplish your goal. Your REALTOR® also has professional contacts in the industry who can help you with every aspect of the transaction. You won’t have to wonder what is happening or what comes next. Explaining what’s going on is all part of the job. Selling your home is not only the largest financial transaction you’ll ever do—it can be one of the most stressful and complex ones as well. Why go it alone when you can have an advocate on your team? Your REALTOR® is here to help and bring you peace of mind.

Make Life Easier When You Sell Your Home2023-04-04T00:18:29-05:00

Can I Trim That Tree?

2023-03-21T01:30:15-05:00

If your neighbor’s tree encroaches on the property you are renting, do you have the legal right to trim the branches? According to Texas law, overhanging branches may be removed up to the property line; however, that doesn’t mean you should immediately get your saw. First, speak with your landlord. The landlord may attempt to negotiate an agreement with the neighbor regarding tree trimming, or such an agreement may already exist. Next, check your lease to see whether the landlord or the tenant has the responsibility for maintaining the yard, which includes tree trimming. Last, visit the Texas State Law Library to learn more about local codes and ordinances. If the tree is damaged or a local ordinance is violated, you could be liable for damages or fines.

Can I Trim That Tree?2023-03-21T01:30:15-05:00

Let a REALTOR® Help Find Your Dream Home

2023-02-14T01:14:59-06:00

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 Home2023-02-14T01:14:59-06:00

Think You Know How to Sell Property? Read This

2023-01-03T10:14:11-06:00

It’s easy to assume that because you’ve sold property in the past that you know what you are doing. Maybe you had a tricky transaction or think you secured a great price for your house. Before you go it alone again, here are a few question to consider. Do You Have the Time? Especially if you are selling your property while buying a new one, you’ll need to make sure you’ve allowed yourself the appropriate timeline to accomplish your goals. For instance, if you need to renovate before selling, ensure you know how long it will take to make repairs. And don’t forget juggling showings to potential buyers while working and doing everything else you need to accomplish in your life.  Will You Get Your Price? When markets are hot, it might seem easy to make a big profit by selling your property. Do research to find out if that’s perception or actually the truth. Remember to factor all the costs associated with selling and moving. You may need to invest in repairs before you can put your place on the market. If you’re looking for a bigger place, consider the new furniture and higher utility costs. Will the Past Repeat Itself? Every transaction is different—different potential buyers, different property, different market conditions. You may learn from your previous sale, but that experience is not likely to repeat itself. A REALTOR® can help you understand the current market and keep you informed on the newest forms, contracts, and laws that affect the sale of your property.

Think You Know How to Sell Property? Read This2023-01-03T10:14:11-06:00

Location is More Than a Neighborhood

2022-12-20T01:28:05-06:00

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 Neighborhood2022-12-20T01:28:05-06:00

REALTORS® Work to Protect You From Fraud

2022-12-06T01:30:48-06:00

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 Fraud2022-12-06T01:30:48-06:00

Hire a REALTOR®, Gain a Resource

2022-11-22T08:16:03-06:00

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 Resource2022-11-22T08:16:03-06:00

How to Avoid Fake Rental Listings

2022-11-08T01:15:21-06:00

Looking for a rental home? Beware of real estate scams. Here are four tips to avoid being a victim. Google the Landlord or Property Manager If you contacted the owner of the property, check to see if that person’s name is on the county tax records. If you spoke with a property manager or real estate agent, Google the name to see if that person shows up on a company’s website. Search the Address Scammers often skim legitimate listings and post them on a site they control. If you’re looking at a place for rent and see it listed for sale, that could be a sign of a scam. If you search for the address and find it listed on other real estate sites, see if the person you talked to is listed anywhere.   See it Yourself Ask to meet the person you’re talking to at the property and see it in person. Even a scammer who is bold enough to appear in person won’t have access to the property.  Take Your Time Don’t let anyone pressure you to pay a deposit or do anything else until you’re sure that the listing is real. You risk losing a legitimately popular rental, but you avoid losing money or being a victim of identity theft. The rental market can be competitive, but that doesn’t mean you take unnecessary risks. A member of Texas REALTORS® can help you find a place to rent.

How to Avoid Fake Rental Listings2022-11-08T01:15:21-06:00

How Interest Rates Affect Your Home Purchase

2022-10-26T19:14:33-05:00

Your monthly house payment depends on many factors, including the interest rate on your mortgage. Here are some things to keep in mind about interest rates when you’re planning to buy a home. Rates Change Over Time The rate you can get on a loan today will likely vary slightly from yesterday’s or tomorrow’s rate. Over longer periods, rates can fluctuate dramatically. Interest on a 30-year mortgage topped 18% in 1981 and dipped below 3% in 2020. People will predict which direction rates are heading, but no one knows for sure. If you’re concerned rates will rise while you’re looking for a home, some lenders give you the option to lock in a rate for a period of time. Different Loans Charge Different Rates The interest on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is typically higher than the rate on a 15-year fixed-rate loan. Interest rates on adjustable-rate mortgages are usually even lower; however, as the name suggests, those rates can change over time. How Much Will a Loan Payment Change? The difference in a monthly payment depends not only on the loan’s interest rate but also the amount of money borrowed. A buyer who borrows $250,000 at 5% will pay $148 more per month than if the rate was 4%. On a $400,000 loan, though, the difference would be $237 each month. Interest rates are just one aspect of a mortgage, and a mortgage is one of dozens of considerations when you purchase a home. Working with a REALTOR® ensures that you have a professional at your side to guide you through the entire process.

How Interest Rates Affect Your Home Purchase2022-10-26T19:14:33-05:00
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