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

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 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

What Are Those Letters After an Agent’s Name?

2022-09-27T05:15:40-05:00

Finding the right REALTOR® for your needs is an important part of a successful real estate transaction. Some REALTORS® earn designations or certifications that show they’ve had additional training with certain types of clients or transactions. Those certifications or designations are indicated by letters after an agent’s name, and you can see a list of the ones available in Texas.  But those letters are only one of many ways to determine if a REALTOR® is right for you. Consider how much experience someone has, where the REALTOR® works, what types of transactions the REALTOR® usually handles, and any testimonials from past clients. Find a REALTOR® whose background and expertise match your needs with the REALTOR® search at texasrealestate.com.

What Are Those Letters After an Agent’s Name?2022-09-27T05:15:40-05:00

There’s More Than One Way to Move

2022-09-13T01:14:15-05:00

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 Move2022-09-13T01:14:15-05:00

What to Consider When Buying a Multigenerational Home

2022-08-30T00:21:54-05:00

Rising real estate costs can make buying a home with extended family a convenient and practical choice. Here are some questions to consider while searching for a multigenerational home. What Floor Plan Works Best? Besides deciding how many bedrooms and bathrooms are needed, determine what layout suits your family’s lifestyle. For example, is mobility a concern for aging parents? That might affect the location of the bedrooms or whether you choose a one-story house. Will There be Enough Privacy? While gathering is part of the draw of a multigenerational home, open floor plans and bigger shared areas—like the kitchen or family room—may result in fewer or smaller bedrooms. Are you open to some remodeling to create additional private spaces? Where Will Everything Go? More family members mean more stuff. Determine if you will need a storage unit or to use your garage. Depending on the number of cars, you may need to look for a home with a long driveway. Keep in mind that some homeowners associations do not allow street parking. One Buyer or Two? Every family needs to discuss ahead of time how to finance the home, the arrangement of the mortgage, and how other expenses will be handled. Don’t let the challenge of trying to accommodate everyone’s needs overwhelm you. Reach out to a REALTOR® to help you find the home that best fits your family.

What to Consider When Buying a Multigenerational Home2022-08-30T00:21:54-05:00

Buying a Home—It’s About More Than Features

2022-07-19T06:16:32-05:00

You love the wood floors, chef’s kitchen, and spa-like bathroom. But remember that there’s more to a property than features and looks. Here are additional items to consider before you make an offer. Will It Be Loud? That idyllic street you saw on a Sunday open house might turn into a commuters’ cut-through during the week. Or a nearby grade crossing might prompt frequent train horns in the middle of the night. Visit the home at different times on different days to get a sense for what the noise level is like, and consider asking current neighbors about sources of significant noise and traffic. How Old Is That Really Expensive Thing To Replace? The seller’s disclosure notice may alert you to known issues with major appliances and systems, but those sources won’t tell you that the HVAC or roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. Knowing the age of certain items can help estimate when they need to be replaced. A home inspector can likely give you information about whether certain systems are deficient, but don’t count on an inspection to reveal how much life is left in a component. In some cases, the installation date may be available or visible. Can I Do It My Way? Homeowners associations can benefit property owners but they come with rules and regulations that must be followed. Be sure to review all documents from an HOA before you commit to a purchase. Likewise, city codes and ordinances restrict what you can do with your property. You don’t want to find out after you close that you can’t park your boat trailer in the driveway or paint your house your favorite shade of red. Will the View Change? That view of the hills or lake or city skyline can be a huge selling point. But will that feature remain? If you’re buying in a master planned community, check with the builder to see if there are plans to develop something that may obstruct the view. Otherwise, you can look into the area’s zoning to understand whether that scenic view might be jeopardized. Keep in mind that development plans and zoning are subject to change in the future.

Buying a Home—It’s About More Than Features2022-07-19T06:16:32-05:00

Help Your Pets Adapt to Your New Home

2022-07-05T06:18:38-05:00

Moving into a new home can be equally exciting and disruptive—not just for you and your family but for your animals as well. Since pets are creatures of habit, changing the environment can cause anxiety. Here are four ways to make the transition to the new setting easier. Restrict Access In the beginning, limit access to certain rooms so that it isn’t so overwhelming. Take your pets on a tour of the available rooms and let them roll around to incorporate their own scent. Make it Familiar There may be a temptation to buy new things for the new space. However, it’s best to incorporate recognizable scents. Keep their bed, toys, cat tree, blanket, or other favorite items around. It can also help if you stay home as much as possible the first few days to make them feel more comfortable. Don’t Mess with Routines This isn’t the time to stop letting them sleep on the bed or change the type of food they eat. The key is to create consistency and stability. If your dog is used to walks at six in the morning and again at five, stick to it. The same goes for feeding time. Have Patience During the orientation period there may be bathroom accidents, excessive barking, or frequent hiding. Give your pets space and time to get acclimated. If needed, contact a veterinarian for additional coping strategies. Need a recommendation for a vet in the area? Check with your REALTOR®.

Help Your Pets Adapt to Your New Home2022-07-05T06:18:38-05:00
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