Current Topics Archives - Page 6 of 9 - Hillwood Loves Realtor

5 Low-Cost Ways To Get Your Home Ready To Sell

Diana Carroll2022-05-24T01:21:29-05:00

Staging is a great way to emphasize your home’s best features. But before you stage, there are a handful of low-cost ways you can make updates on your home to help maximize the salability. Go Beyond Dusting Many homebuyers pay special attention to cabinets, walls, closets, and floors when touring a home, so it’s essential to do a deep clean. And don’t forget about washing the windows—letting natural light into the house will make it feel warm and inviting. Freshen With Paint Over time, the walls can start to look dull and dingy. A fresh coat of paint will brighten a room and make it look new. Adding a lighter color to the ceiling will make it appear higher. Repair or Replace Noticeable flaws turn off buyers. Take the time to repair issues such as sticking doors, leaky faucets, or damaged baseboards. Other small ways to make a big transformation are updating the hardware on your cabinets and upgrading light switch covers. Don’t Overwhelm the Senses Homebuyers are looking for a place they can see themselves living, so this is not the time to show off your style or keepsakes. Declutter and move excess decorations into storage. Spruce Up the Yard Since curb appeal is the first impression of the home, don’t underestimate the power of a freshly trimmed lawn and pruned bushes. Go the extra step and rake up leaves, remove weeds, and add a splash of color by planting blooming flowers. Don’t let inexpensive, easy tasks hold you back from getting the best possible offer. A REALTOR® can advise you on other ways to best prepare your home to sell.

5 Low-Cost Ways To Get Your Home Ready To SellDiana Carroll2022-05-24T01:21:29-05:00

3 Tips for Showing Your Home With Existing Tenants

Diana Carroll2022-05-10T00:14:59-05:00

Your tenant’s lease is up soon, and you’ve decided to sell. While it makes things more challenging if you show the home while the tenant is still living on the property, it can be done with good communication and planning. Respect Tenant’s Schedule Find out ahead of time if there are times that the property cannot be shown due to the tenant’s schedule. Have your REALTOR® coordinate any timing constraints with agents and prospective buyers wanting to view the property. Make Show Times Clear Communication is key. A misunderstanding or scheduling error could result in the house being occupied or not ready to be viewed. Take Responsibility for the Property’s Condition Make it easy for the tenant to keep the property looking show-ready. For example, offer to hire a cleaning or lawn service while the property is on the market. Take advantage of your REALTOR®’s expertise to help you sell the property while minimizing the tenant’s inconvenience.

3 Tips for Showing Your Home With Existing TenantsDiana Carroll2022-05-10T00:14:59-05:00

REALTORS® Want You To Know: Fair Housing Is Your Right

Joe Fisher2022-04-26T01:15:00-05:00

Whether you are buying, selling, or renting property, know that there are laws and ordinances in place to protect you from discrimination. The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing providers, lenders, and real estate professionals from discriminating against you based on your race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, familial status, or disability. Discrimination Takes Many Forms It might not be an offensive comment said to your face. You may not even know it is happening. For example, sellers and landlords cannot set different terms, conditions, or privileges for sales or rentals based on the protected classes. They also cannot impose different sale prices or rental charges. Agents cannot steer you toward or away from a neighborhood based on the protected classes as well. You can find a list of many more prohibited actions online by searching the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website for examples of housing discrimination. Your REALTOR® Is Committed to Promoting and Upholding Fair Housing REALTORS® adhere to the highest professional standards—beyond what the law requires. When agreeing to abide by the REALTOR® Code of Ethics, your REALTOR® has also pledged to not use harassing speech, hate speech, epithets, or slurs based on the protected classes. The Code of Ethics also prohibits discriminatory employment practices. REALTORS® also may not refuse to cooperate with another real estate broker based on the protected classes. Rest assured that your REALTOR® is with you every step of the way to explain, support, and guide you through your sale, purchase, or rental. Your REALTOR® can help you find a place to call home—an essential part of the American Dream. By hiring a REALTOR® , you will get the help you need and the professional, unbiased treatment to which you are entitled. Learn more about fair housing, including how to file complaints.

REALTORS® Want You To Know: Fair Housing Is Your RightJoe Fisher2022-04-26T01:15:00-05:00

Thinking of Refinancing? Consider These 3 Things

Diana Carroll2022-04-12T11:20:37-05:00

Refinancing your mortgage loan can save you money. However, here are factors to consider to make sure it’s the right choice for you. Interest Rates Lower interest rates are a leading cause for homeowners who want to refinance. The goal, of course, is to lower your monthly payment. But lowering a monthly payment alone won’t always save you money. Understand the new loan’s term and any fees associated with refinancing to make sure you’re seeing the whole picture. Credit Score Your credit score played a large part in the interest rate on your existing mortgage, and it has similar influence over any refinanced loan. If your credit score has dropped and you can’t qualify for a lower rate, refinancing may not help you financially. Mortgage History Where are you on your current mortgage? If you’re towards the end of your loan term, refinancing may have not make sense. If you’re thinking about refinancing, make sure you first identify your financial goals. Then talk to a lender about how to make those goals happen.

Thinking of Refinancing? Consider These 3 ThingsDiana Carroll2022-04-12T11:20:37-05:00

Don’t Let Myths Steer Your Home Sale

Diana Carroll2022-03-29T01:16:12-05:00

Selling a property can be just as stressful as buying one. Your home is where your treasured memories—and probably your largest financial investment—reside. You want every part of the sale to go smoothly. So don’t let incorrect or outdated ideas influence your transaction! Avoid these myths when you put your house on the market: MYTH: Remodeling Projects Always Yield Dividends When You Sell. Your renovation could pay off when it’s time to sell, but many don’t. Some updates may make your property more attractive to buyers, and others do raise appraisal values and sale prices, but don’t count on getting back dollar-for-dollar what you spent. MYTH: Your House is Worth What Your Friend’s or Neighbor’s House Sold For. Many factors determine your home’s value, including property condition and nearby comparable sales. Appraisals aren’t the same as sale prices, either. Just because your neighbor sold her home for $50,000 over asking price doesn’t mean yours will. Every situation is different. MYTH: You’ll Save Money by Selling the Home Yourself. A REALTOR® is a trusted professional who can guide you through each step of the transaction, including pricing your home and assessing offers. A REALTOR® can help you avoid missing important deadlines or making costly mistakes that could threaten the entire sale. Your REALTOR® also may be able to help you attract more and better offers. MYTH: The Highest Offer is Always the Best. Money is important but other factors matter, too. The best offer also works with your timetable and terms. Your REALTOR® can help you navigate multiple offers. MYTH: Don’t Accept the First Offer. Sometimes the first offer is the best offer. Don’t disregard it just because it arrived first. Consider whether it meets your goals and what might happen if you reject it without having other offers in hand. Your REALTOR® can help you separate fact from fiction and guide you to make the best decisions for you.

Don’t Let Myths Steer Your Home SaleDiana Carroll2022-03-29T01:16:12-05:00

Buyers: Don’t Let Real Estate Myths Limit Your Search

Diana Carroll2022-03-15T00:17:40-05:00

With a decision as big as a real estate transaction, you’ll want good advice from people you can trust. Your friends and family may not have all the answers—in fact, they may give you outdated or incorrect information. Your REALTOR® s a trusted professional who deals with real estate issues every day. REALTORS® can help dispel myths that could limit your search or unduly influence one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. Beware of the following myths: Myth: You Need a 20% Down Payment. Reality: Though many buyers do put down 20% or more, Texas homebuyers paid a median 14% down payment in 2020, according to the Profile of Texas Homebuyers and Sellers report. First-time homebuyers paid a median 6%. There are many types of loans and programs you may qualify for to help you buy a home even if you don’t have a 20% down payment. Myth: You Must Have Spotless Credit. Reality: You may be able to secure a loan even with a low credit score. There are also steps you can take to improve your credit score to boost your chances of getting a loan. Myth: Don’t Buy the Biggest or Most Expensive House in the Neighborhood. Reality: This myth suggests that you may have difficulty finding a buyer when it comes time to sell or that your property value won’t rise in proportion to other homes in the neighborhood. But that is an overgeneralization. Many factors come into play for how much a home is worth. You should buy the house that best meets your needs and lifestyle. Myth: You Need to Time the Market. Reality: Don’t wait to buy a home because you think the price will go down. What if it doesn’t? It’s a bad idea to try to time your home purchase to avoid a seller’s market or join a buyer’s market. Those market conditions may not apply to the house or neighborhood you’re considering. You should buy when it makes sense for you. Don’t rely on bad information when it comes to your home. Your REALTOR® can dispel the myths and make the real estate transaction as smooth as possible.

Buyers: Don’t Let Real Estate Myths Limit Your SearchDiana Carroll2022-03-15T00:17:40-05:00

Your REALTOR® Gives You Resources You Can Trust

Diana Carroll2022-03-01T00:21:19-06:00

You know that REALTORS® are knowledgeable, trusted professionals who can help you buy or sell a home, lease a property, or assist with other real estate transactions. You may be tempted to ask your REALTOR® subjective questions, such as “How are the schools around here?” “Do you know if there are many families with young children in this neighborhood?” or “Is this a high-crime area?” You may be surprised to learn that REALTORS® are prohibited from offering their opinions in these areas. Instead, they are required to point you toward unbiased, third-party resources on these matters. Why? As a member of the local, state, and national REALTOR® organization, your REALTOR® has promised to uphold a Code of Ethics to maintain the highest standards of professionalism. That means your REALTOR® avoids exaggeration, misrepresentation, or concealment of pertinent facts related to the property and transaction. That means your REALTOR® will not discriminate against anyone on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity, which includes volunteering information about the composition of a neighborhood. That means REALTORS® are prohibited from providing any specialized professional service outside of their area of expertise. For example, they cannot tell you if that water heater will last a few more years or whether the foundation is a problem. What your REALTOR® will do is guide you through the steps of a complex transaction, share with you the best market data available, explain your options, and help you achieve your goals. Your REALTOR® will also recommend you contact a lawyer if some aspect of the transaction requires it. Your REALTOR® brings industry know-how and professional connections you can’t get anywhere else. Your REALTOR® can help you with negotiations, pricing, and advice—and will always do so with the highest level of integrity. When you hire a REALTOR®, you are hiring a trusted professional. You can count on the information you receive from a REALTOR® as you make one of the biggest financial decisions of your and your family’s life.

Your REALTOR® Gives You Resources You Can TrustDiana Carroll2022-03-01T00:21:19-06:00

What to Avoid as a First-Time Homebuyer

Diana Carroll2022-02-15T11:24:27-06:00

Buying a home is a thrilling experience—and one that’s educational. Here are tips to avoid being overwhelmed as a first-time homebuyer. Don’t Rush the Home Search Some homeowners wish they spent more time searching for their perfect home. It’s important to weigh your options so you find the place that fits your needs. It’s also essential to find a REALTOR® who understands your needs, and patiently guides you to your dream home. Don’t Overlook Home Inspections It can be tempting go all in when you find the property that looks right. But always get a home inspection to avoid major problems. If you brush this off to the side, you risk major headaches that could cost you far more than the price of an inspection. Don’t Overreach You have criteria that limit your search, whether it’s location, budget, time, or something else specific to your situation. Ignore these limitations at your peril. For example, blowing your budget will cause financial stress, and putting aside location limitations could make your commute untenable. Your REALTOR® can help you identify and prioritize your limitations.

What to Avoid as a First-Time HomebuyerDiana Carroll2022-02-15T11:24:27-06:00

5 Ways to Avoid Buyer’s Remorse

Diana Carroll2022-02-01T08:19:00-06:00

When finding what you think is the perfect house, your first instinct may be to act fast. However, it can be helpful to take a moment to ensure your offer isn’t a result of adrenalin. Here are five things to do before getting caught up in the hot market: Get In Your Car Have you considered the traffic? Take a practice drive during rush hour to see what your commute might be. Take a Walk Spend time in the neighborhood to check if there is a lot of road or construction noise nearby. Look Beyond the Staging A well-staged house can make small closets appear larger or lure you into buying a bigger space than you need. Ask yourself if the size of the house and the usable space is ideal for your situation. Double Check the Property Condition Can you afford the maintenance? While you might be open to minor repairs, you don’t want to be surprised with a fixer-upper. Have a Firm Budget Know ahead of time what your maximum price is and stick with it. It can be easy to pay much more than initially planned in a bidding war. Don’t forget to ask your REALTOR® to keep you on track with your goals and budget. Having your offer accepted is a time for celebration, not regret.

5 Ways to Avoid Buyer’s RemorseDiana Carroll2022-02-01T08:19:00-06:00

Questions to Ask Before You Buy in an HOA

Texas REALTORS Staff2021-12-21T01:15:40-06:00

Homeowners associations are intended to help protect property values and maintain a pleasant living environment. To accomplish those goals, they impose certain rules on residents. Here are four questions to ask before buying property in an HOA: Can You Afford It? HOAs are funded by member dues paid monthly, quarterly, or annually. It’s important that you know the cost of the dues and when they’re assessed so you can factor that amount into your budget. Also, note the rules and process regarding changing the dues. What are the Rules? All members of an association must adhere to a set of rules known as the covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). These rules regulate many facets of homeownership, such as lawn maintenance, architectural design, and where you can park vehicles. Review a copy of these documents—you don’t want to find out after closing that you can’t store your boat in your driveway. Which Amenities are Included? HOA dues are often used to maintain common areas and amenities, such as swimming pools and trails. These features may be selling points for you or you may not expect to take advantage of them. Understand what you’ll be paying for and note that even if you don’t use all the features, they could add to the property’s future resale value. Do You Want to Get Involved? Many homeowners associations welcome new volunteers for committees or their boards of directors. These can be great ways to meet your neighbors and keep on top of issues affecting your neighborhood. For more help learning about HOAs and deciding if a home is right for you, talk with your REALTOR®.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy in an HOATexas REALTORS Staff2021-12-21T01:15:40-06:00

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