Sellers Archives - Page 2 of 4 - Hillwood Loves Realtor

Moving? You Don’t Have To Take Everything With You

Texas REALTORS Staff2023-06-06T01:15:20-05:00

If you’re like most people, you accumulate a lot of things over time. It happens gradually, just one chair, painting, bike, TV, board game, or mixing stand at a time. All those possessions add up, though, which is never more evident than when it comes time to move. A little thought and planning Make Your Decisions Now Why lug an old couch—or pay someone to do it for you—if you’re going to replace it shortly after you get to your new home? Not only can getting rid of things before the move save time and money, it will help you start fresh at your new residence without a lot of clutter Offer Good Items to the Next Person If you own your current home, you can consider adding certain items that convey with the sale, such as freestanding appliances, artwork, landscaping machines, and more. (Keep in mind that most permanently installed and built-in items are considered part of the sale unless specified in the contract as an exclusion.) Sell It Estate and garage sales are options to get rid of large amounts of possessions at once. Individual items can be sold online through Facebook, eBay, and other online platforms. You can also check with friends and neighbors who may have an interest in purchasing items you no longer want. Give It Away Some charities may pick up large items if they are on their wish list; others have drop-off locations. You can also post items to Buy Nothing groups and ask acquaintances if they know anyone looking for the things you no longer want. Pay Someone to Haul Off the Big Stuff For large items in disrepair, you may have to hire a company to take it away. The good news is that you won’t have to do the dirty work yourself before moving day will make your experience much more pleasant. Your REALTOR® can help you understand what items are included in the sale of a home you are moving from or to, and can assist if there are particular items you’d like to ensure stay with the property.

Moving? You Don’t Have To Take Everything With YouTexas REALTORS Staff2023-06-06T01:15:20-05:00

You Received an Offer, Now What?

Texas REALTORS Staff2023-04-18T00:16:47-05:00

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?Texas REALTORS Staff2023-04-18T00:16:47-05:00

Make Life Easier When You Sell Your Home

Texas REALTORS Staff2023-04-04T00:18:29-05:00

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 HomeTexas REALTORS Staff2023-04-04T00:18:29-05:00

Think You Know How to Sell Property? Read This

Texas REALTORS Staff2023-01-03T10:14:11-06:00

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 ThisTexas REALTORS Staff2023-01-03T10:14:11-06:00

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

There’s More Than One Way to Move

Texas REALTORS Staff2022-09-13T01:14:15-05:00

Moving doesn’t always mean that you have to hire your own truck or movers. There are other options to relocate your possessions. Share a Truck You may not need a moving truck all to yourself. If you aren’t moving a great deal of possessions, you might be able to share a moving truck with another moving company customer. Ask about this option for interstate moves. Ship By Freight FedEx says that any shipment over 150 pounds is considered freight. You can ship items in bulk by land, air, or sea or some combination. It could be cost effective depending on the circumstances of your move. Portable Storage Containers With portable storage containers, a company drops off a container at your current home. You fill it with your possessions. The company picks it up and ships it to your new home. Remember to ask if portable storage containers are allowed on the property or street of your current and future homes. Replace It Not everything you own is a treasure. Ask yourself if it is worth the cost and effort to move an item. If it isn’t, donate, sell, or dispose of the item and buy another one when you reach your destination. Anything you don’t have to take with you makes the move a little easier and more affordable.

There’s More Than One Way to MoveTexas REALTORS Staff2022-09-13T01:14:15-05:00

Sell or Stay After Retirement

Diana Carroll2022-08-02T01:15:31-05:00

Retirement isn’t just the end of your working days. It’s a time to recalibrate and consider what you’d like to do in your next chapter. You might be wondering: Should I sell my home now that I’m retired? Ask yourself these questions: Does your current home meet your present and future needs? Do you need as much space as you have? Do you need more now that you’ll spend more time at home? Do you think your home will meet your needs 10 years from now? Twenty? Can you afford your current home? For many people, retirement means earning significantly less income than during their careers. If you have a mortgage, will you be able to afford the payments? If you have paid off your home, are you able to afford your property taxes on a lower or fixed income? This is something to consider when deciding whether to move. Where would you go if you sold your home? Your home may be worth a lot more money than you paid for it, but so are the homes you may consider buying if you sold. Where would you like to live? Look at prices in that area. Do they work with your budget? Is your home even ready to sell? Are there any repairs you want to make before you would consider selling? Sometimes even small upgrades or cosmetic changes can make a big difference. Are you ready to move? Moving is a major undertaking. It may take you weeks or months to pack up your belongings, especially if you have lived in your home for several years. Hiring a REALTOR® is always smart when considering any real estate transaction. A REALTOR® can discuss considerations like these to help you make the best decisions. Some REALTORS® even have earned the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) designation to help buyers over 50 sort through their options. All REALTORS® pledge to abide by a code of ethics, so you know that you have a professional in your corner who puts your interests first.

Sell or Stay After RetirementDiana Carroll2022-08-02T01:15:31-05:00

Find the REALTOR® Who Matches Your Needs

Diana Carroll2022-06-21T08:25:54-05:00

Your real estate transaction isn’t the same as anyone else’s, and your REALTOR®’s services should match what you need. Lucky for you, REALTORS® offer many types of business models to guide you through your transaction. Here are three common examples. Traditional Brokerage With a traditional brokerage model, brokers and agents provide a full range of services in exchange for a commission. The commission is negotiable and covers the REALTOR®’s time and efforts on your behalf, whether it’s marketing your home for sale, finding a great space for your business, or locating the perfect home for you and your family. Flat-Fee Brokerage A flat-fee brokerage provides all the services of a traditional brokerage, such as advice on pricing, help with negotiation, and market analysis. But instead of charging a fee equal to a percentage of the sales price, the brokerage charges a negotiable flat fee for its help. A La Carte Brokerage With the a la carte model, clients choose what services they want the brokerage to provide—and only pay for those. For example, a seller may want a REALTOR® to include the home in the multiple listing service and to coordinate showings. However, the seller will handle contracts and negotiations on her own. While these examples are popular business models, they are far from the only ones. No matter what type of model your REALTOR® uses, you will get a professional who follows a strict Code of Ethics to achieve your real estate goals

Find the REALTOR® Who Matches Your NeedsDiana Carroll2022-06-21T08:25:54-05:00

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