In our previous post, we discussed the truth about selling short sales. Now, let’s take a look at the challenges facing the short sale buyer. Buy a Short Sale for Instant Equity? There’s a common misconception that a person can buy a short sale using the “ELF” formula. That is, make money the “Easy, Lucrative […]
10 Reasons Why Your Home Is Not Selling
Recently a couple contacted me because they were considering making a change of REALTORS to sell their home. Their listing was about to expire and their home had not sold. They didn’t get one offer during the listing period and they were frustrated and confused. Their REALTOR told them the price per square foot was […]
What Do the Letters After a Realtor’s Name Mean?
Letters, we got letters. In its ongoing effort to foster professionalization within the real estate brokerage industry, the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) has developed a series of specialized training programs for its members. Members successfully completing a specific program may then use an acronym designation to identify their specialized training. NAR offers training programs […]
5 Advantages & Disadvantages of Buying New Construction
Prospective home buyers in the Austin area have the choice whether to buy new construction or a resale. This post addresses the advantages and disadvantages of buying a newly constructed home from builder/developer. First, however, let me offer what I know is the soundest piece of advice about buying into a new sub-division: Discover the […]
Why Hire a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS)?
Buying or selling a home is one of life’s most crucial decisions. In what can be a confusing, overwhelming and sometimes difficult process, it pays to use a professionally trained, residential specialist to help you get the most out of your investment. Someone who understands the complexities of the Austin housing market, how to best […]
What Incentive Does a Buyer’s Agent Have to Negotiate a Lower Price for a Buyer?
Since the Buyer’s Agent is paid a percentage of the sales price – a higher selling price means more commission for the agent – why would the agent work to get a buyer the lowest price possible? What incentive does a buyer’s agent have to negotiate a lower price? Good Buyer’s Agents Don’t Focus on […]
6 Unbreakable Rules of Buying a Home You Might Need to Sell Soon
As compared to other asset categories, real estate is an illiquid, long term asset. It will generally take a longer period of time to convert the value of real estate into cash than, for example, gold, silver, stocks, bonds, or fine art. Buying a home when you first relocate to Austin, or when you might […]
What Can a Buyer Expect to Learn from Seller Disclosure
Disclosure is the law in most residential real estate transactions, but there are nuances that every informed Austin home buyer should know. In Texas, the Seller’s Disclosure Notice applies only to sellers of property comprising “not more than one dwelling unit.” Prudent home buyers should not expect every matter of personal importance to be made […]
Understanding HOAs in Austin
About 25% of the home owners in the Austin, Texas metro area live in property governed by a Home Owner’s Association (HOA). HOAs are created by developers at the time the project or subdivision was designed as a means to define the community standards for the purpose of protecting property values of the community. They’re […]
6 Ways to Get Your Offer Accepted in a Competitive Market
Even in this holiday season, Austin’s housing market is still very active. A spiking increase in population coupled with a strong job market and low interest rates is making home buying very, very competitive. The best homes sell quickly and sometimes with multiple offers. So, just how does a serious home buyer stand out from […]