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

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

Factors To Consider With Multiple Offers

2021-09-28T02:21:22-05:00

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 Offers2021-09-28T02:21:22-05:00

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

Show You’re Proud to Call Texas Home

2021-07-06T02:18:18-05:00

A new real estate-themed license plate available to all Texas drivers proclaims that “Texas is Home.” Not only does it express your Texas pride, it also supports affordable housing—$22 of the $30 fee for the plate supports the Texas REALTORS® Housing Opportunity Foundation.  The Texas REALTORS® Housing Opportunity Foundation is a 501c(3) charity that provides financial support to individuals and organizations that encourage homeownership opportunities across the state. The foundation is funded through charitable donations and proceeds from the sale of these specialty license plates. Get your “Texas Is Home” plate today through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. 

Show You’re Proud to Call Texas Home2021-07-06T02:18:18-05:00

What to Know About Property Taxes

2021-06-22T02:21:11-05:00

No one wants to think about property taxes. But understanding your rights and responsibilities can ensure you pay no more than your fair share. Here are some aspects of property taxes to keep in mind: Your Tax Bill May Differ From Previous Owners’ and Current Neighbors’ Tax Bills You might try to gauge your future tax bill on what previous owners or current neighbors paid, but your bill could be significantly higher. Those others may qualify for exemptions you don’t meet, such as ones for homeowners aged 65 or older or homeowners who are disabled. Also, their property taxes may have been kept in check with a homestead exemption that provides a 10%-per-year cap on increases in the appraised value. Once ownership changes on the home, though, the assessed value may jump substantially. Make Sure You Apply for Exemptions and Special Uses Exemptions lower your taxable value. A lower taxable value means your tax bill will be lower than if you don’t have exemptions. But you have to apply for them. A house you use as your principal residence qualifies for a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable value of your property and caps the amount your taxable value can go up each year. There are exemptions for homeowners 65 or older, homeowners who are disabled, homeowners who are disabled veterans, and others. Some farm and ranch properties qualify to be appraised based on agricultural uses, which often is lower than the market value of the land. Think Your Appraisal is not Accurate? If you believe the appraisal district appraised your home incorrectly, you can protest. Many districts have an option to try to settle a protest informally prior to a formal hearing. If the formal hearing with the appraisal review board does not go your way, you may be able to appeal the decision to state district court, an independent arbitrator, or to the State Office of Administrative Hearings. Information about the property tax process, exemptions, and protests can be found on the Texas Comptroller’s website and on many county appraisal district websites. Texas REALTORS® works to fight for laws that make property taxes fairer and more transparent. To learn more about property taxes, visit knowyourtaxes.org.

What to Know About Property Taxes2021-06-22T02:21:11-05:00

The Pre-Listing Plan You May Be Neglecting

2021-06-08T01:16:49-05:00

If you’re selling your home, you’ve probably thought about the work that needs to be done before listing—painting, a deep clean, or yard work, for example. But have you put any thought into what you’ll need to do once the house sells? What if it Sells Fast? In the hottest markets in Texas, some homes are selling within hours of being listed. That’s great for sellers who know their next move. Do you? If you got an offer on your home the same day you listed it, would you be ready to accept it and find a new place to live? Consider Your Options If you aren’t ready to buy again, you could rent for a few months. But that means potentially moving everything you own twice. Maybe you could make arrangements with the new owner to temporarily lease the property, or you may be able to counter the buyer’s offer with a longer closing period to allow yourself time to find a new place. However, both options can mean more paperwork and a tight timeline for you to buy. Work With an Expert If you’re thinking of selling your home, first talk to a REALTOR®. He or she will help you prepare for your next step before you have to make a rushed decision. A little planning may help you avoid having to leave your home sooner than expected.

The Pre-Listing Plan You May Be Neglecting2021-06-08T01:16:49-05:00

Thinking of Selling Your Home Yourself?

2021-05-25T05:19:21-05:00

Most people hire a real estate agent to sell their home. In fact, 91% of Texans did so in 2020, according to research by the National Association of REALTORS®. If you are considering selling your home on your own, make sure you know what you are in for. The process can be complicated and the stakes high. Here are just a few of the many reasons a REALTOR® is the best choice to help you sell your home: Nobody Knows the Market Better Than a REALTOR® REALTORS® are engaged every day in buying and selling real estate. They know what factors help a property sell quickly and for the highest price. They also understand what causes homes to languish on the market. A REALTOR® will help you make the best decisions to realize your goals. A REALTOR® Can Help You Get Ready to Sell Wondering what updates to tackle before putting your home on the market? Unsure how to price your property? What you decide could lead to tens of thousands of dollars in gains or losses. A REALTOR® brings a wealth of experience to help you optimize your sale in these and many other areas. You won’t have to figure out on your own what disclosures are required, which forms to use, and other important considerations. REALTORS® Make the Whole Process Smoother It’s exciting when your home goes under contract. But there’s a long road from accepting an offer to successfully closing a sale. A REALTOR® is your trusted resource to guide you the rest of way. A REALTOR® can also help you deal with surprises that pop up with appraisals, inspections, insurance, your loan, and dozens of other steps required to successfully sell your home. Not All Agents are REALTORS® Only REALTORS® pledge to follow a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a high level of real estate knowledge. When you are thinking of selling your home, talk to a REALTOR®.

Thinking of Selling Your Home Yourself?2021-05-25T05:19:21-05:00

What’s that Remodel Worth?

2021-05-11T01:01:51-05:00

It’s exciting to update a kitchen, remodel a bathroom, add a master suite, convert a garage to a workout room, or add skylights. However, homeowners are sometimes surprised to learn how remodeling projects affect a home’s price when it comes time to sell. Consider the Personal Value You Get If you plan to live in your house for some time before you sell, don’t overlook the enjoyment or utility you will get from a remodeling job. Regardless of the eventual sales price, that may reason enough to embark upon the project. Appraised Value Matters, Too When a homebuyer applies for a loan, the lender usually requires an independent appraisal to determine if the value of the home is in line with the purchase price. That can be when the seller ultimately finds out the return on the project. For example, a pool that cost $85,000 to install could add only $30,000 to the appraised value of a home compared to a similar home nearby without a pool. Remodels May Improve Marketability Some improvements don’t raise the eventual sales price of a home but may still make the home more attractive to buyers. A remodel may even be the difference between not receiving any offers and getting multiple offers on a property a short time after it goes on the market. Don’t Assume a Dollar-for-Dollar Return Some projects add more value to a home than others—a new front door often tops the list—but a host of factors can influence how much any specific remodel pays off. Variables include the quality and appeal of the finished project as well as how it compares with similar features of other homes in the neighborhood. In many cases, a home’s sales price will increase but not by as much as the actual cost of the project. Your REALTOR® can help you understand how remodeling projects can affect marketability and sales prices of homes, and can offer guidance on all your options when considering buying or selling a home.

What’s that Remodel Worth?2021-05-11T01:01:51-05:00
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