Austin home buyers sometimes ask if they are able to do repairs on a home before closing. This usually comes up with houses that don’t qualify for financing (homes with no stove, no heater, missing toilets, etc). For the purposes of the question allow me to greatly oversimplify. The answer is “No” even if the […]
Why Do Buyers Need a New Survey?
Those of you relocating from other parts of the country – particularly from California like we did – are generally unfamiliar with the idea of getting a survey before purchasing a home in Austin. Buyers often ask: Why do buyers need a new survey? Well, here’s why. What is the Purpose of a Survey? A […]
Buying REOs (Foreclosures) – Fact vs Fiction
Foreclosures have presented a lure of a deal for years as the real estate market has had its ups and downs. Over the past few months, we’ve been hearing a lot of buyers with some incorrect ideas about how buying foreclosures in Austin works. Here are some foreclosure buying facts and fiction to help set […]
7 Tips for Preparing Your Home to Sell this Spring
Are you thinking of selling your home this Spring? Here are a few ideas you can start implementing now before your home goes on the market to preserve as much of your home’s equity as you can control. Follow these 7 tips for preparing your home to sell this Spring and you will get more […]
What is a MUD and What Do Buyers Need to Know About Them?
A Municipal Utility District commonly referred to as a MUD is a special purpose political subdivision of the State of Texas authorized by the Texas Water Code (TWC) to provide water, sewage and drainage. A MUD can levy taxes, charge for services and issue debt for infrastructure within a well defined geographical area. MUD’s are […]
Does the Seller Have to Give a Buyer a Counter Offer
Does the seller have to give a buyer a counter offer? The short answer is no. The seller is under no obligation to respond in any shape, manner or form. Is it smart for a home seller not to respond even if the offer was very low? No. But is it in their right to […]
Advantages of Buying a Home During the Holidays
The next 6 weeks presents a golden opportunity for those serious Austin home buyers looking for an advantage. While most people are busy planning, preparing and coping with the demands of the Holiday Season, determined home buyers can take advantage of other people’s pre-occupation. What are some of the advantages of buying a home during […]
Top 5 Things to Remember When Selling Your Home
Over the past 3 decades, I’ve bought and sold a fair amount of real estate both as an investor for my own account and as an agent representing clients. Along the way I’ve learned the hard way – through experience – several simple truths about real estate. I wish I had learned these truisms earlier […]
7 Good Reasons to Sell Your Home During the Holidays
There is a wrong-headed notion out there that homes don’t sell during the Holiday season. If you buy that idea, you may miss a great opportunity to sell your home for top dollar, quickly. If you’re thinking of selling your home soon, but are hesitant because of the Holidays, here are 7 good reasons to […]
Ego Alert: 8 Mistakes Home Sellers Make
Ego can play a huge role in the home sales process and is something we coach our sellers to keep in check when they decide to sell their home. Unbridled ego kills more deals and takes money out of the seller’s pocket. 8 Mistakes Home Sellers Make Let’s take a look at some of the […]