Current Topics Archives - Page 7 of 9 - Hillwood Loves Realtor

How to Protect Your Home While You’re Away

Texas REALTORS Staff2021-12-07T15:16:23-06:00

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 AwayTexas REALTORS Staff2021-12-07T15:16:23-06:00

Can You Get Festive With Your Staging?

Texas REALTORS Staff2021-11-23T01:15:32-06:00

Cleaning out the clutter and staging your home help make a great first impression. But does that mean you should forego the decorations if you are selling during the holidays? You don’t have to. However, here are four things to keep in mind to not inadvertently turn off buyers. Emphasize the Positives Use holiday décor to draw attention to, not overshadow, your home’s best features. For example, add garland on your mantel to highlight your fireplace, or showcase the entertaining qualities of the large dining room by setting the table for a holiday meal. Avoid Clashing Colors Bold is not better. Choose decorations with colors that complement your current design palette. Use Scents Sparingly Evoking the seasonal spirit with sprigs of spruce or simmering a pot of apples and cinnamon is fine, but don’t go overboard. Too many strong scents can be off-putting. Create Curb Appeal The less-is-more rule applies outside as well. Swap out flashy lights and inflatable décor with a simple string of white lights and a fresh wreath on the front door for an inviting welcome feel. When in doubt, ask your REALTOR® for staging suggestions or a recommendation of a professional home stager in your area.

Can You Get Festive With Your Staging?Texas REALTORS Staff2021-11-23T01:15:32-06:00

Is That Estimated Home Value Worth Anything?

Texas REALTORS Staff2021-11-09T09:18:34-06:00

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?Texas REALTORS Staff2021-11-09T09:18:34-06:00

Tips on Moving From the City to the Suburbs

Texas REALTORS Staff2021-10-26T09:22:33-05:00

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 SuburbsTexas REALTORS Staff2021-10-26T09:22:33-05:00

Why You Should Use a REALTOR®

Texas REALTORS Staff2021-10-12T00:46:28-05:00

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®Texas REALTORS Staff2021-10-12T00:46:28-05:00

Factors To Consider With Multiple Offers

Texas REALTORS Staff2021-09-28T02:21:22-05:00

It’s a hot market, and you’ve received multiple offers for your house. The highest bid wins, right? Sometimes, but not always. A high-dollar offer might come with a lot of stipulations and other complications. Consider these questions when making your decision: What Are the Buyer’s Conditions? Buyers can put all kinds of things in an offer. They can request an option to terminate, ask for repairs, see if you’ll leave the appliances, and make the offer contingent upon the sale of their current home. Your REALTOR® can help you decide what is reasonable. How is the Buyer Paying? Without cash or a letter from a lender, your buyer may not be able to afford the price he’s proposing. Your REALTOR® can help you tremendously by making sure that anyone who places an offer on your home is qualified. Does Their Closing Date Line Up With Yours? If not, this leads to more questions: How flexible can you be? If your next home isn’t ready, are the buyers open to renting the house back to you? If so, how much would they charge for rent? How Much Earnest Money is Included? Earnest money is an amount a potential buyer will put towards the sale in advance of the closing to show he’s entering into this transaction in good faith. A high amount of earnest money usually indicates a serious buyer. If the transaction closes, the money counts toward the down payment; if it doesn’t close, the seller in some circumstances gets to keep the earnest money. Don’t forget to talk to your REALTOR® when reviewing offers to get additional insights on choosing the best offer.

Factors To Consider With Multiple OffersTexas REALTORS Staff2021-09-28T02:21:22-05:00

3 Ways to Prepare for Homeownership While Renting

TAR Staff2021-09-14T01:18:13-05:00

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 RentingTAR Staff2021-09-14T01:18:13-05:00

Make Moving Less Stressful for Your Pets

Texas REALTORS Staff2021-08-31T01:15:55-05:00

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 PetsTexas REALTORS Staff2021-08-31T01:15:55-05:00

3 Tips to Help Your Kids Cope With A Move

Texas REALTORS Staff2021-08-03T01:17:13-05:00

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 MoveTexas REALTORS Staff2021-08-03T01:17:13-05:00

Which Mortgage is Right for You?

Texas REALTORS Staff2021-07-20T01:17:36-05:00

When shopping for a mortgage loan, one size does not fit all. It’s important to understand your options and how they will affect your budget. Adjustable vs. Fixed One key decision is whether to select a fixed- or adjustable-rate loan. A fixed-rate mortgage keeps the same interest rate for the life of the loan; your monthly payments of principal and interest will not change. Because of this stability, fixed-rate mortgages can help you plan your finances far into the future. They also can be attractive when you’re able to lock in a low rate in a volatile market. An adjustable-rate mortgage typically offers an introductory period—for example, five years—with a rate lower than you could get with a fixed-rate loan. After this period, the rate adjusts annually based on the financial markets. Adjustable-rate mortgages can be a less expensive option if you don’t plan on living in a house for very long. You can also take advantage of falling rates without refinancing. Of course, if rates climb, you could owe more in later years. How Long? You may think that a 30-year mortgage is your only option, but 15-year mortgages are also available to many borrowers. The overall cost of a mortgage will be less over 15 years than 30 years—the shorter term means less total interest—but the monthly payments are higher. If you can afford to pay off the mortgage sooner, a 15-year loan might be a better choice. However, the lower monthly payments of a 30-year loan could let you use money to pursue other financial goals. Finding Your Loan These are just a few of the options available to finance your home purchase. The mortgage that’s right for one buyer might not be right for another. Be sure to talk to your lender about your life and plans to make sure you get the loan that is best for your situation.

Which Mortgage is Right for You?Texas REALTORS Staff2021-07-20T01:17:36-05:00

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