Central Texas Real Estate Podcast with Jean Shine: Recent Episodes
Jean Shine
A Video Blog about the Central Texas Real Estate Market for buyers and sellers by Central Texas' premiere Realtor Jean Shine.
Are you selling your home this year? If so, you’ve probably wondered what exactly you need to disclose to potential buyers. Seller disclosures are more important than ever in 2025, and understanding them is key to avoiding legal headaches and closing deals quickly. Transparency isn’t just a courtesy—it’s a necessity if you want to be legally protected. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about seller disclosures to ensure a smooth and successful home sale:
1. Material defects. As a seller, you’re required to disclose any known material defects that could impact your property’s value or safety. This includes issues like foundational cracks, roof leaks, or pest infestations. Even if you’ve repaired these problems, it’s essential to disclose them. Buyers need a full picture of the property’s history so they can make informed decisions. Transparency builds trust with buyers and helps prevent disputes later on. If they discover hidden issues after the sale, it could lead to legal challenges that no one wants.
2. Repairs and property condition. Whether it’s structural problems, plumbing repairs, or past flooding, sellers must document and disclose these issues even if they’ve already been resolved. Buyers have a right to know what they’re walking into. By being upfront about the property’s condition and repair history, you’re not just protecting yourself from future complications; you’re also showing buyers that you’ve taken proper care of the home. Honesty here can go a long way in building trust and confidence.
3. Environmental and neighborhood factors. Disclosures go beyond your home’s four walls. Sellers are also responsible for sharing information about the surrounding environment. This could include things like being in a flood zone, nearby industrial activity, or contaminated soil. It’s also a good idea to let buyers know about neighborhood-specific concerns. Providing this context allows buyers to make an informed decision and shows that you’re committed to transparency, which can set the tone for a positive and cooperative transaction.
The golden rule of seller disclosures is simple: when in doubt, disclose. Failing to do so could result in costly legal issues that are both time-consuming and stressful. If you’re unsure about what needs to be disclosed or have other questions about selling your home, I’m here to help. Feel free to reach out by phone or email to make your selling process smooth and stress-free. Transparency is the foundation of a successful sale, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
How you can prepare for the spring market by planning ahead, budgeting your time, and getting in early.As a real estate agent, one of the most common questions I get from potential home sellers is, “When is the best time of year to sell my home?” The truth is that the best time to sell is when you need to move; however, if you’re determined to try and time the market, the best time to sell is when you have the least amount of competition. In most markets, that means selling in late winter or early spring. Once spring hits, inventory increases rapidly, and you’ll have to compete with tons of other homeowners. If you truly want to hit the optimal selling window in late winter or early spring, here are three key things you need to consider:
1. Plan early. The more time you give yourself to plan out your home sale, the better. Getting your home ready for the market might involve a lot more work than you thought of beforehand, so don’t procrastinate. I recommend giving yourself a three to four months headstart before you list for things like pre-listing consultations, staging, repairs, and more. If you want to sell at the optimal time in late winter or early spring, that means you need to start these things as soon as possible.
“Get ahead of things by listing as early as you reasonably can.”
2. Budget your time. It can take 60 to 120 days to sell your home once you list it, but many homeowners still have a mentality leftover from the pandemic market, when homes would sell in as little as a week. That’s why I recommend working with your agent to plan out what you need to do to hit the optimal selling window. Once you have a schedule, it will be easier to budget your time and sell at the perfect moment.
3. Beat your competition to the market. If you have a choice between listing earlier or later, list earlier. Once the spring frenzy hits, supply increases exponentially each month. All those sellers are competition that will make it harder for you to get the best deal possible, so try your best to beat them to the market. It’s tempting to wait for prices to increase as demand picks up, but this isn’t a good strategy. By the time you enter the market, you’ll be chasing a wave of demand that has already passed. Instead, get ahead of things by listing as early as you reasonably can.
If you want to sell this spring and get the best deal possible, your first step should be to have a pre-listing meeting. Just call or email me, and we’ll go over your situation, your goals, the market, and more. It’s 100% free and no obligation. I look forward to hearing from you!
“How is the housing market right now?” I’ve been getting this question a lot recently, and I understand why. This is the time of year when people plan their moves for 2025, but it’s difficult to know what you should do without understanding where the market is at. The truth is that our market can be summed up in one word: Normalization. While the red-hot market of the pandemic is far behind us, the market isn’t heading for a crash anytime soon. Instead, things are balancing out. Here are three things you need to know about our normalizing housing market:
1. Competition is increasing. There are more homes for sale in the U.S. than there have been since before the pandemic. For buyers, this means more options For buyers, this means more options. If you’ve been frustrated by the lack of options, now might be the time to reenter the market. Meanwhile, sellers need to reset expectations about how long it will take to sell. You can still get a great deal in this market, but your home probably won’t fly off the market like it would have a few years ago.
2. Prices are increasing slowly but steadily. In most markets around the country, prices are still increasing, although it’s at a modest pace. Redfin expects prices to increase by 4% in 2025, which means sellers need to be careful about not overpricing their properties. Prices are increasing, but buyers are savvy enough to know when a property isn’t worth what you’re asking. Meanwhile, buyers can be confident that they will start building equity as soon as they close.
3. Condition matters. Right now, there is a large gap between homes that need a little work and homes that are in pristine condition. Good-quality homes still sell quickly and for top dollar; they might even create a bidding war among buyers. On the other hand, homes in need of repairs could sit on the market for a long time. Buyers don’t have a ton of extra cash on hand for repairs after closing, so small investments upfront could make it much easier to sell your house.
These points are broad strokes that are generally true for most markets across the country. However, you should know that real estate is hyper-local. What’s happening in your neighborhood might not be true for your area in general. If you want to learn more about your local market, call or email me for more details. I’d love to share more information with you.
Do you need to sell your home soon but are afraid no one will want to buy during the holidays? Conventional real estate wisdom says that no one is looking to purchase a house this time of year. After all, everyone’s kids are home from school, and they must be incredibly busy from the holidays, right?
The truth is that most people move when they need to, not when they want to. You can still get a great deal during the holiday season for your home sale; in fact, there are even a few key advantages. Here are three reasons why you should consider selling your home during the holidays:
1. People have more time off during the holidays. It’s true that people are busy on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, but you have to remember that those are only three days out of the year. For the rest of the holiday season, most people have extra time off to look at homes and plan out a move. A three-day weekend or extended break is just the excuse some buyers need to get out and look at your home.
2. Inventory is low. When you list your home, you want there to be the least amount of competition possible so that you’re in a stronger negotiating position with buyers. Fortunately, December and January are when homes for sale hit a year-long low. This means buyers don’t have as many choices, and you might be able to ask for more concessions during negotiations.
3. Buyers are highly motivated this time of year. You don’t have to worry about window shoppers this time of year. If a buyer is interested in your home during the holiday season, it probably means they need to move as soon as possible. This could be because they need to get a new job, they need to move soon for tax reasons, or anything else. Whatever their motivation is, you can be sure they’re more likely to be serious about buying your home and following through with the deal.
If you want to sell in Q1 next year, please call or email me for a free pre-listing consultation. It always pays to plan ahead, and I’ll go over everything you need to make sure you get the best deal possible. I look forward to hearing from you!
Right now, the No. 1 question I’m getting is, “What’s going to happen to the housing market in 2025?” I get it; a lot of people had plans to move this year but put things on hold due to higher mortgage rates and a slowing market. This begs the question: Will 2025 be any different? The short answer is yes, although there probably won’t be a dramatic shakeup that flips the market on its head. Today, I’m going over what the top experts are forecasting for mortgage interest rates, home prices, and buyer demand in 2025. Plus, I’ll share my insights on how you can get ready for these changes before the new year even starts:
1. Mortgage rates will ease slightly. It’s no secret that higher mortgage interest rates have hurt affordability for buyers and caused our market to slow down. U.S. existing home sales hit a 14-year low in September 2024, and one of the biggest reasons why is that would-be buyers are sitting on the sidelines waiting for rates to drop. While Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac aren’t predicting rates to crash to where they were a few years ago, most experts believe rates will fall below the 6% mark for the first time since Q2 of 2022. Since mortgage rates are a key factor in housing affordability, this is fantastic news for buyers sitting on the fence.
2. Home prices will increase slightly. While home prices have stagnated recently or even come down in some areas of the country, prices are projected to rise in 2025. Different institutions have varying forecasts, but prices are expected to rise 2.6% when you average their predictions. This is a modest increase compared to what we’ve seen over the last few years, but it projects stability for our market. Homeowners don’t have to worry about prices crashing, while things will stay relatively affordable for new buyers.
3. More buyers will enter the market. Lower interest rates and steady prices mean demand for homes will increase. According to the Senior Economist at Wells Fargo, “Lower financing costs will likely boost demand by pulling affordability-crunched buyers off of the sidelines.” As these buyers enter the market, the pace will speed up. Homes will sell faster, competition will increase, and supply will decrease as more buyers fight over fewer options.
So what does this all mean for you? If you want to sell, 2025 is looking to be a great year for the market, so I recommend you start planning your move now so you can get a head start. On the other hand, buyers need to act fast. There will be a very short window where rates are lower, but home prices haven’t increased yet. If you’d like to plan for 2025, whether you’re looking to sell or buy, please call or email me. I’d love to help you plan your next move!
Liens from financed solar panels, long-term security contracts, costly swimming pools, and misunderstood water softeners can hinder your home sale.
Ever thought you were all set to sell your home, only to find unexpected hurdles at the closing table?
I recently had a client ready to close on their home sale. Everything seemed perfect until we discovered they owed $7,761 on a water softener system they thought was leased, not purchased. Imagine finding out about that kind of bill right when you're about to close.
These kinds of issues aren't as uncommon as you might think. There are four significant additions—I call them the Four S's—that can trip you up when selling your home:
Solar Panels
* Security Systems
* Swimming Pools
* Water Softeners*
You might have added these to improve your home, but they can complicate things when it's time to sell.
When you sign agreements for these systems, they often come with fine print that can create liens on your property. Title companies will find these liens, which must be paid off or transferred to the buyer before you can close.
Let me break it down for you:
Solar panels: They're fantastic for energy savings, but if you're planning to move in the next few years, the financing agreements can become a headache.
* Security systems: Peace of mind is priceless, but long-term contracts might tie your hands when selling.
* Swimming pools: Great for summer fun, but they might not add as much value to your home as they cost to install.
* Water softeners:* As my client learned, not understanding the purchase agreement can lead to unexpected debts.
So, what's the solution? Before you add these features—or if you already have—look closely at your agreements. Read the fine print. Ask yourself:
* Is this a lien on my property?
* Can this agreement be transferred to a new owner?
* What happens if I sell before it's paid off?
By understanding these details now, you can avoid surprises later.
If you're thinking, "This sounds complicated," don't worry—I'm here to help. I aim to help you have a smooth, successful closing without any unexpected bumps. At Shine Team Realtors, we can walk you through your options and make sure you're fully informed. Ready to sell your home without the stress? Contact us at (254) 690-4321 or Shine@ShineTeam.com. Let's make your home sale a shining success together.
If you’re considering selling your home in the near future, how seriously are you thinking about staging? In the real estate industry, it’s widely accepted by experts across different fields that staging nets you more money for your sale, but I’ve spoken to a lot of homeowners who see it as a waste of time and money. If you’re on the fence about staging, here’s the truth: A few thousand dollars upfront can get you a two-to-one return on your investment and save you tons of time in the long run, which is why I always recommend sellers stage their properties. Here are the three most important benefits of staging you don’t want to throw away:
1. Staging minimizes issues and highlights features. No home is 100% perfect, but staging allows you to move the focus away from your flaws and toward your strengths. Small rooms, dated appliances, and old fixtures can all be mitigated by proper staging. Items that would normally be sticking points at negotiations might be looked over by buyers who are attracted to your property’s highlighted features, so if you want a smooth home sale, I highly recommend staging.
2. Staging turns your home into a shopping experience. Have you ever visited a model home? If you have, you know they have a clean, neutral feel that encourages you to look at the property as a product instead of as a messy place where life happens. Your home probably has some unique personality traits that could be a turn-off for certain buyers. By depersonalizing your home with staging, you can avoid these issues and present your home as a blank slate buyers can project their desires on to.
3. The data proves staging nets you a great return on investment. There’s a reason why all home experts recommend staging; according to one estimate, putting 1.3% of your sale price into staging can net you an extra 7.1% on your final offer. I know it’s tough to have extra cash lying around when you’re planning a move, but I highly recommend accounting a few extra thousand dollars for staging costs when you prepare to sell your house. Not only will you see a great return, but your home will sell faster and attract more buyers.
I feel so strongly about staging that I have a home stager who provides an initial consultation to every seller who lists a house with our team. If the house is vacant, the stager will also do some minor staging to make the house more attractive for the seller at no cost. All of this is at no cost to the seller!
Whether you’re planning on selling soon or years down the road, it pays to plan ahead. Call or email me for a free, no-obligation pre-sale consultation. I’ll go over your neighborhood, the market, staging, and more. I look forward to hearing from you!
Even though our market is slowing down, I’m explaining why we probably aren’t heading for a true buyers market.
Have you noticed a shift in our housing market lately? Homes are taking longer to sell, and prices are volatile nationwide. Depending on where you are, prices could start coming down for the first time in years. This has made many wonder, “Are we finally heading towards a buyer’s market?” My best answer is no; at least, not exactly. Instead, I’d say we’re more likely to head to a balanced market where both sellers and buyers have opportunities if they know what to look for. Here are three things you need to know about our market right now to make sure you get the best deal possible, whether you’re buying or selling:
1. Why is our market balancing out? Despite record-high home prices and shrinking demand, prices aren’t falling in most areas of the country. While these conditions might make it seem like we’re heading for a buyer’s market, the truth is that prices are being kept in check due to low supply. Inventory has increased nationwide, but this hasn’t been enough to offset the persistent lack of supply in most markets. If inventory continues to rise, the market could eventually favor buyers; however, low supply and low demand are offsetting each other.
“We have good reason to believe the market will shift soon.”
2. Condition matters. In the current market, there is a huge gap between homes in good condition and those that need work. Due to affordability issues, buyers don’t have extra cash to make repairs after closing. If you don’t make the proper repairs before listing, you could suffer from a lack of demand that makes it feel like you’re in a buyer’s market. On the other hand, if you work with your agent to get your house ready for the market, multiple offers could come in quickly. You might even create a bidding war! Work with your agent and consider a pre-listing inspection, and you can still get an amazing deal on your house.
3. The market may speed up again soon. While lower activity might make you think we’re heading for a buyers market, we have good reason to believe a shift is right around the corner. Due to worse job reports than expected, most experts believe the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates soon. This will make buying a home more affordable and spur new buyer demand. Tons of would-be buyers have been sitting out of the market waiting for rates to drop, so as soon as the news hits, we could see a fresh wave of demand.
There will be tons of competition when the Fed finally drops rates. If you want to avoid potential rate drops or are interested in a free pre-listing consultation, please call or email me. I am always willing to help!
Going over the key reasons it’s worth it to fix your home before selling.Recently, a lot of sellers have been asking me, “Should I make repairs before listing my home?” The short answer is yes. While we’re still in a seller’s market, the truth is that there aren’t as many buyers as there were during the peak a few years ago. The good news is that buyers still looking to purchase a home in this environment are very serious about moving. However, due to higher interest rates and home prices, your property needs to be in great condition to stand out. That’s why today, I’m sharing three things you can do to get your home in perfect market condition before selling: 1. Have a pre-listing meeting. Meet with your agent before you list to go over which repairs are really worth it. Not every fix is worth your hard-earned money, so invest in repairs that will improve your home’s condition and net you a higher return on your investment. It might be worth it to pay for a pre-inspection before you list. This way, you can find exactly what might turn buyers away and fix it before you hit the open market. 2. Choose between cosmetic and high-maintenance repairs. Most repairs fall into one of two categories: cosmetic repairs and high-maintenance repairs. Cosmetic repairs are usually optional and won’t be a sticking point in negotiations. However, they can net you a higher return on your investment. High-maintenance repairs take longer and require a larger investment, but they often fix major issues that need to be addressed if you want good offers from buyers. 3. Proper repairs expand your buyer pool. The condition of your home is the most important factor you can control when selling because it expands your buyer pool. In today’s market, there are fewer buyers due to interest rates and higher home prices; however, you can still attract a lot of demand with a property in good condition. If you do the proper repairs, you’ll have more offers coming in from better-qualified buyers. Work closely with your agent to create a strong marketing strategy, and you might even create a bidding war and naturally drive up your price. I always recommend sellers do repairs before listing, but it’s more important in this market than it ever has been before. If you’re wondering which repairs are worth doing or want to discuss a pre-listing strategy, just give me a call or send me an email. I’d love to hear from you!
Are you planning on selling your home in the near future? Now is a great time to sell; many homeowners have a ton of equity in their properties. However, you should know that selling your home isn’t all profit. There are costs you need to pay that you don’t want to be caught off guard by. That’s why today, I’m sharing a few of the most common costs associated with selling your home and a few things you can do to prepare for them.
1. Costs before the sale. These are all the things you should do before listing your home on the MLS including items like inspections, repairs, renovations, and cleaning. While most of these things aren’t 100% necessary, every agent will recommend you do them if you want to get the most money possible for your home. For example, a clean home with a few simple repairs and cosmetic upgrades will get way more attention from buyers than a home that’s listed as is. That’s why I always recommend having a pre-listing meeting with your agent to go over which pre-listing costs will improve your sale and fit your budget.
2. Costs of selling. These are the costs that come with a real estate transaction and include things like listing agent commission, buyer’s agent commission, marketing costs, and more. Depending on who your agent is and what they offer, the cost of their commission could range from 3% to 6%. Plus, many agents also offer different commission packages, so you can customize what type of service you get based on your budget.
3. Closing costs. These costs go towards transferring the ownership of a property from one person to another and include things like title fees, escrow fees, mortgage insurance, seller concessions, notary fees, and more. While seller concessions can be negotiated, and closing costs can vary based on the value of your property, you can generally expect to pay between 0.5% and 1% of the total sales price at closing.
Planning for a home sale is a lot of work, but we can help. Just call or email us today, and we’ll help you analyze and break down how much cash you need to sell your home. We look forward to hearing from you!
As we head further into the summer real estate market, tons of people have been asking me, “What’s going on in the market right now?” I get it; if you’re looking to move in the near future, you want to be informed about what’s happening with real estate. The truth is that home prices are still high in most areas; however, they’re starting to come down in a few places that were most affected by the pandemic boom market. While we don’t know for sure what this means for the country at large, it might be safer to make a move sooner rather than later. With that in mind, I’m sharing three key points about our housing market you need to know if you’re planning on making a move this summer:
1. There is a severe lack of inventory. Right now, a lot of people who would otherwise sell their homes are staying put because they have a low interest rate locked in with their current mortgage. As a result, inventory is incredibly low, and you’ll have way less competition than normal. Because of this, you can still sell quickly and at a good price as long as you work with your agent to build a strong marketing strategy.
2. Buyers are very motivated. Right now, buyers across the country are as serious about purchasing your home as any I’ve ever seen. Think about it: Interest rates are still high, and home prices haven’t come down to compensate. If someone is looking at purchasing a home right now, it’s because they really need to move. This means you won’t have to deal with window shoppers, and you won’t have to have as many showings before you find someone willing to offer you a great deal.
3. Pricing and condition are critical. Buyers are motivated right now, but that means they won’t put up with overpriced or poor-quality homes. On the other hand, they will be willing to pay a premium if your home is in good condition. Take the time to work with your agent and fix minor repairs before you put your home on the open market. Also, work together to find a price that fits your local market—one that isn’t too high or too low.
You can still get a good deal this summer, but the future of our market is uncertain. If you have questions about where things might be heading or are interested in selling your home, call or email me. I’d love to hear from you!
Three reasons why your home isn’t selling and what to do about it.
Are you struggling to sell your home this summer? As we transition from the spring to the summer housing market, inventory is increasing in our area. More people need to sell, so if you expect your house to fly off the market like it’s April, you might be in for a rude awakening. The good news is that you don’t have to settle for a drawn-out home sale. By taking the right steps, you can still receive top dollar and sell quickly in this market. Here are three things you can do if your home isn’t selling:
1. Make sure your price is right. Since more homes hit the market during the summer months, the market rate for your house might be changing. Double-check comparable properties, especially those that have hit the market recently, to see if you need to make an adjustment on price. Your real estate agent can also run a comprehensive market analysis, which will give you a more complete picture of where your home stands in the current market.
2. Address condition and accessibility. The two biggest issues buyers have with homes in this market are condition and accessibility. Right now, buyers want to put as much money down as possible so they can lower their monthly payments. This means they don’t have a ton of money for repairs, so make sure you’ve addressed major issues before getting to negotiations. Next, make sure your house is as available as possible for showings. The more showings you have, the more offers you’ll receive, and the better deal you’ll ultimately get.
3. Reexamine your marketing strategy. Depending on your real estate agent, your marketing strategy might be out of date. We are no longer in the red-hot pandemic market, and you need a more aggressive strategy to be successful. If your agent isn’t doing effective follow-up with buyers, advertising your property online, or guiding you through the market, it might be time to find another Realtor.
If your home is struggling to sell, please call or email me for a copy of my marketing plan. I can also run a comparative analysis on your house to check if it is priced correctly for your market. I look forward to hearing from you!
Learn how to prepare your home for buyers and the open market.
Are you looking to sell your home this summer? While we’re still in a strong seller’s market, there is a widening gap between homes that are ready for the market and those that aren’t. If you want your home to be a winner on the open market, you probably need to make your home as ready and attractive to buyers as possible. It’s proven that the more showings you have, the more likely you are to have a faster sale and net a higher price. That’s why today, I’m sharing three ways you can get your house ready for showings this summer:
1. Take care of minor repairs upfront. Right now, buyers’ number one concern is higher interest rates and affordability. As a result, they want to put as much money down as they can to lower their monthly payments. This means that if you take care of repairs upfront, buyers will be more interested in your house and might even be willing to pay a premium. Taking care of cosmetic repairs upfront is a good idea even in a normal market, but higher interest rates mean this step is more important than ever.
2. Do some staging. Think about a model home: It’s clean, standardized, and impersonal. Your goal should be to get as close to that image as possible. Your home likely has a lot of personalized touches, like odd furniture, family photos, or maybe even an off-colored wall. I recommend trying to depersonalize your home as much as possible so prospective buyers can picture themselves living in your property. Plus, by packing everything away, you’ll make moving easier once you sell your house.
3. Have a plan for children and pets. Your showings probably won’t go smoothly if your dog or young children are running around. Instead, work with your agent to create a showing schedule with blocks of time when your home is ready for buyers. This way, you and your buyers won’t be disrupted. I recommend putting dogs in kennels just for the short time when you’ll be having showings. While moving your pets around might be a little work, it’s worth it to keep your house in pristine condition when buyers are viewing it.
If you want a detailed showing plan or list of repairs to make before you list your home, please call or email me. I’d love to help you navigate this housing market!
Discussing the key benefits of offering competitive buyer agent rates.
A few steps you can take to negotiate a great deal with lowball offers.
If you’re planning on selling your home this spring, you need to be prepared to receive a lowball offer. Housing market activity has slowed since interest rates stagnated around 7%, but prices are still high in most markets due to low inventory. This has created a situation where a lot of homebuyers have warped expectations of what a “good” first offer on your home should look like, and you need to know how to respond. I know a low offer can be insulting, but you need to think strategically when selling your biggest asset. Today, I’ll go over how you should strategically react to a low offer to ultimately get the deal you wanted all along.1. Check the comps one more time. Before you deal with your lowball offer, double-check that it’s actually as low as you think it is. The housing market changes at a rapid pace, so make sure your home is still worth what you thought it was. You might even be pleasantly surprised—some experts predict home prices to increase by 5% this spring. Check comparable homes in your area to see where prices are trending. Also, ask your buyer’s agent if they reached their price based on their own comps. If you can prove home prices in your area are actually higher than they thought, they might be willing to increase their offer without much negotiating. Remember, the market ultimately decides the value of your home, not your asking price. 2. (Almost) Always counteroffer. So, you’ve checked the comps, your home is still as valuable as you thought, and your buyer isn’t moving. What now? In my opinion, it’s always worth it to counteroffer unless you suspect the buyer isn’t acting in good faith. If the buyer rejects your counteroffer immediately and insists on their lowball price, you can safely walk away knowing they were probably just fishing around for a deal from unprepared sellers. 3. Compromise on other terms. One of the reasons why your buyer may have offered a lowball price upfront is because they don’t have enough money to offer the full asking price. While many sellers see this as a dealbreaker, I highly recommend at least hearing your buyer out. Chances are, they’ll be willing to give you great terms on other negotiating items to make up for their lower price. For example, if you need a longer close, shorter inspection period, or other contingencies waived, you might be willing to budge on price. However, if price is the main sticking point, I recommend offering something like covering the buyer’s closing costs or buying down their interest rate to free up cash.Dealing with lowball offers isn’t fun, but it’s necessary if you want to get the best deal possible for your home. If you have any questions about our spring market, lowball offers, or something else, please call or email me. I am always willing to help!
Here’s what you need to know about the future of home prices.
With the recent substantial increase in mortgage interest rates, many homeowners have been asking, “Will this finally cause home prices to drop?” The answer isn’t cut and dry. In a market where rates are predicted to rise even further this year, buyer affordability could take a serious hit. To give you a better idea of whether your home is expected to lose value in the coming months, I’m going to address four key points that explain what’s happening to buyers in the real estate market and what you can expect in the future if you’re thinking about selling:1. More expensive mortgages. A higher interest rate means a more expensive loan payment, but the rate at which they’re rising is astounding. Rates are up 2% since the start of the year, which means the average homebuyer’s affordability has dropped by 20%. This has already priced some buyers out of the market, and if rates continue to rise as expected, it will price out even more of them. This is going to make the pool of potential buyers for your home much shallower, resulting in fewer offers.2. Increased rental rates. One often-overlooked factor in all of this is rental rates. As homeownership becomes more expensive and more out of reach for some buyers, rental demand is only going to increase, which means that rent prices will jump up as well. 3. Supply is still short. Although homes are more expensive, the demand for them is still high. The increased interest rates have also caused home sellers to stay in their homes longer, and our typical summer surge of inventory just isn’t happening right now. Low supply is good news for homeowners because it will keep your property values up.4. We’re not headed for a crash. Some buyers and sellers are rushing to the market in fear of an impending crash. However, there aren’t many parallels between this market and that of 2008 when the last crash occurred. That crisis was the result of irresponsible lending practices. Since then, underwriting standards have tightened significantly. The current frenzied market has been brought on by basic supply and demand, and any kind of market crash is pretty unlikely. According to Brandon Haefele, CEO of Catalyst Mortgage, “I think we’re now going to start seeing individual markets potentially have some slowdown…my reasoning is we still have extremely low inventory. But it’s not going to go the other way and crash.”Although rising rates are going to cause some buyers to leave the market entirely, all of the evidence we’ve seen on the ground points to home values continuing to appreciate as long as supply remains this low. This is good news for you if you’re thinking about selling. In the meantime, call or email for more information; we look forward to hearing from you.
Here’s what you need to know about preparing your home for sale.
Selling your home can be a significant undertaking, but with careful preparation, you can enhance its appeal and increase the likelihood of a successful sale. Whether you're a first-time seller or have experience in the real estate market, taking specific steps to prepare your home is crucial. Today, we'll explore three key points to help you get your home ready for the market.
1. Enhance curb appeal. When potential buyers arrive at your property, the first thing they notice is the exterior. A well-maintained and visually appealing exterior creates a positive first impression, setting the stage for a successful home tour. To enhance your home's curb appeal, invest time in landscaping to create an inviting atmosphere. Inspect your home's exterior for any needed repairs. Address issues such as peeling paint, cracked siding, or damaged roofing. Upgrade your front door and entryway to make a lasting impression. Consider a fresh coat of paint, a stylish welcome mat, and well-placed potted plants.
"With careful preparation, you can enhance your home’s appeal and increase the likelihood of a successful sale."
2. Declutter and depersonalize. Buyers want to envision themselves living in your home, and that's easier to do when they can see the space without distraction. Start by decluttering each room. Consider renting a storage unit for excess belongings or items that may distract potential buyers. Pack away personal items such as family photos and unique decor. Depersonalizing your space allows buyers to visualize their own belongings in the home, making it easier for them to imagine living there. Give your home a thorough cleaning. Pay attention to details like dusty corners, smudged windows, and scuffed baseboards.
3. Highlight key features. Consider professional staging to showcase the potential of each room. Stagers can arrange furniture and decor in a way that maximizes space and highlights key features, helping buyers see the full potential of your home. Make minor upgrades to key areas like the kitchen and bathrooms. Updated fixtures, a fresh coat of paint, or modern hardware can make a significant difference. These small investments can contribute to a higher perceived value of your home. Ensure your home is well-lit during showings. Natural light is particularly appealing, so open curtains and blinds to let it in. Consider adding ambient lighting in darker areas to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
By taking these three key steps, you'll not only enhance your home's appeal but also increase its market value. WE ALSO HAVE A LIST OF HANDY PERSONS, CLEANERS, WINDOW REPLACEMENT COMPANIES AND LAWN SERVICES. If you need them, just give us a call. I look forward to hearing from you!
Three important things to disclose before your home is sold.
When making an offer on a house, one of the first things buyers get from the seller is a property disclosure. This is also referred to as a property disclosure statement, a real estate disclosure form, or a home disclosure. The specifics vary by state, but most states, including ours, require some type of seller disclosure. The goal is to add transparency to the transaction.In this disclosure, a seller provides written information about known things that could impact the property's value. While there are many different things a seller must disclose, I’m going to highlight three of the most forgotten (and impactful) items:1. HOA information. If the home is located within a homeowners association, you should disclose that fact. Associations generally impose monthly fees on homeowners, and they can impose rules on their membership that a prospective buyer might or might not find acceptable. You also need to know about the HOA's financial health and provide this information to the buyer so they can make an informed purchasing decision.
"When in doubt, disclose."
2. Repairs. If your home has major structural issues, you have to disclose them to a potential seller. In addition to repairs that need to be made, you must also disclose repairs that have been completed. Buyers need to know the home's repair history so they can have their home inspectors pay extra attention to problem areas. You may also want to disclose electrical or plumbing repairs and any other problems you would want to know about if you were going to buy the home.3. Federal seller’s disclosure requirement. If your home was built before 1978, federal law requires that you disclose that the property may produce exposure to lead from lead-based paint. It was federally banned for consumer use during that year. Sellers of homes built before 1978 must also provide buyers with an EPA pamphlet titled, "Protect Your Family From Lead In Your Home.” Then they must give buyers 10 days to conduct a paint inspection or risk assessment for lead-based paint and include a "lead warning statement" in the contract.The key thing to remember about disclosures is that when in doubt, disclose. Failing to disclose something you were aware of beforehand could lead to a messy legal situation.If you have further questions about what you need to disclose when selling your home or anything else related to real estate, don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, the decision to buy a home is a significant milestone that requires careful consideration. While the market may seem unpredictable, there are compelling reasons why now might be the ideal time to take the plunge into homeownership. We'll explore the top three reasons why buying a home now instead of waiting could prove to be a wise investment:
1. Home values will always rise over time. One of the most compelling arguments in favor of buying a home now is the historical trend of home values consistently rising over time. Real estate has proven to be a solid long-term investment, with property values generally appreciating despite short-term fluctuations. By entering the market sooner rather than later, you position yourself to benefit from this upward trajectory.
The principle of supply and demand plays a crucial role in driving home values higher. As populations grow and urbanization expands, the demand for housing increases. Limited land availability and the cost of construction materials contribute to the scarcity of housing, further propelling property values upward. By purchasing a home now, you not only secure a place to call your own but also position yourself to reap the rewards of future appreciation.
2. Interest rates will take a long time to come down and may even rise again. Interest rates are a key factor influencing the affordability of homeownership. Currently, we find ourselves in a relatively high interest rate environment, and rates could stay this way for a while. No one knows exactly what will happen, and economic conditions can change. There's a general consensus among experts that interest rates are more likely to rise than fall in the foreseeable future.
Waiting for interest rates to drop further may seem like a strategic move, but the reality is that predicting market fluctuations is challenging. Take the initiative and secure a mortgage now. You can look into various aid programs like down payment assistance and 2-1 buydowns. Additionally, you can always refinance later.
3. Start building equity now for a greater return on investment. One of the most significant advantages of homeownership is the opportunity to build equity over time. By purchasing a home now, you initiate the wealth-building process sooner, allowing you to capitalize on the potential for increased property values. As you make mortgage payments, a portion goes towards reducing the principal, further boosting your equity. The longer you own your home, the more equity you accumulate, providing financial stability and the potential for a significant return on investment when it's time to sell.
While waiting for the "perfect" time to buy a home may seem tempting, the current market conditions present compelling reasons to act now. There’s a strong case for entering the real estate market sooner rather than later. Seize the opportunity and embark on the journey to homeownership—your future self may thank you for it. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us by phone or email.
Here’s what you need to know about selling fast and for a high price.Are you looking to sell your home quickly and for a high price? Of course, you are! The truth is that there are still plenty of great opportunities for sellers in this market; you just need to put in a little work. That’s why today, we’re sharing three of our best tips to help you find success on the open market. You can listen to our full explanation in the video above or skip to each topic using the timestamps provided:0:00 — Introduction 0:54 — Work with a trusted local agent 1:52 — Get your home in good condition 3:08 — Find the right price3:44 — Why comparing sales is important4:26 — Wrapping things upIf you have questions about this topic or anything else, please call or email us. We look forward to hearing from you!
Maximizing buyer benefits in the 2023 housing market.In today's real estate climate, the narrative often suggests that the rising interest rates make it a less-than-ideal time to buy a home. However, a closer look at real-world sales data tells a different story, revealing significant opportunities for homebuyers, particularly in 2023.Let's examine two sales of comparable homes in Harker Heights, located in the same neighborhood and on the same street, but with one transaction in 2021 and the other in 2023. This comparison will illustrate how the market dynamics have shifted in favor of buyers.In 2021, when interest rates hovered around 3%, one of the houses was listed at $274,800 and sold for $280,000 – a competitive $5,200 above the asking price. Notably, the seller offered no concessions, meaning the buyer shouldered the entire cost, approximately $8,000 in this case.Fast forward to 2023, a similar house in the same area was listed for $285,000 but sold for just $265,000, a significant $20,000 below the asking price. Furthermore, the seller contributed a substantial $4,500 towards closing costs, which were around $7,400, effectively covering 60% of the buyer's expenses.When we crunch these numbers, we find that the 2023 buyer paid about $13,200 less than the 2021 buyer. Even considering the higher interest rates of 2023, it would take over 27 months for the increased monthly payments to offset this financial advantage. Plus, the 2023 buyer has the option to refinance when interest rates drop, further enhancing their financial position.This example highlights that contrary to popular belief, there are indeed significant opportunities for homebuyers in today's market. The key takeaway is not to be swayed by fearmongering. Instead, it's crucial to analyze the market with a discerning eye.If you're contemplating buying a home in 2023, don't let the prevailing narrative deter you. There are advantageous deals to be found, and with the right strategy, you could be well-positioned to capitalize on the current market conditions. Reach out today, and let's work together to find your dream home in this dynamic market!
These are the three proven ways to get huge savings and slash your rates. When it comes to buying a home or financing a major purchase, one of the most critical factors to consider is the interest rate on your loan—it can significantly impact your mortgage and your monthly payments. Fortunately, there are several strategies that buyers can employ to lower their interest rates and save money in the long run. Here are the three best ways buyers can reduce their interest rates:
1. Improve your credit score. Your credit score is a key factor that lenders use to determine the interest rate on your loan. The higher your credit score, the lower the interest rate you're likely to secure. To improve your credit score, focus on paying your bills on time, reduce your debt, check your credit report for errors, and avoid unnecessary credit applications.
2. Shop around for lenders. Not all lenders offer the same interest rates, and their terms and conditions can vary widely. If you want to get the best deal, shop around and compare offers from different lenders. Gather multiple quotes, understand the different loan types, and don't hesitate to negotiate with lenders for a better rate or terms.
3. Make a larger down payment. Making a substantial down payment is another effective way to lower your interest rate. The more you can put down, the less risk the lender assumes, resulting in a lower interest rate. To achieve this, save aggressively, consider using gifts or windfalls, and explore down payment assistance programs that may be available to you.
Lowering your interest rate when purchasing a home or financing a significant purchase is a strategic way to save money over the life of your loan. If you need more help reducing your interest rates, call or email me. I’m always happy to help.
Sharing the three most important things you need to do when selling.Dear friends and clients,
If you’re thinking about selling your home anytime soon, you need to know how to get the most money out of it. Too many people fall into the trap of thinking they don’t need to put in any work or that they need to spend enormous amounts of money to increase the value of their homes. The truth is that effort is necessary, but a little bit can go a long way. Here are my three tips for how to increase the value of your home:
- Make a good first impression. The truth is that the first look can make or break your sale. Potential buyers have already judged your house before they walk in the door—and in today’s market, they’ve even made judgments before that when they saw photos online! Therefore, put in the work to get high-quality, professional photos, as well as improve your curb appeal. This can be as easy as mowing the lawn and putting in fresh flowers.
- Display the value of your space. Start by decluttering your home. Potential buyers don’t want to see your photos and knick-nacks, but they do want to see that there’s plenty of room to store their things. Therefore, clearing out some of your closets, for example, can make a big difference. Also, consider professional staging and high-quality lighting. These things will showcase the great parts of your home.
- Work with a trusted Realtor. Who you work with matters. Unfortunately, too many people just work with the first agent they talk to, who says they can get a good price, and then end up suffering because of that. You need to work with an experienced professional with a top-notch marketing plan who is great at negotiations and can help you understand the current market to get the most money possible.
There are many things you can work on to get top dollar for your property, but those are the three most important ones. If you have any questions, want advice on what else you can do, or want to work with this experienced professional, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can call or email me anytime, and I would love to help you.
Here are three essential tips homeowners need to know before selling.Are you looking to sell your home in the near future? If you are, you need a plan to get the most money possible for your home while ensuring a smooth sale. As a real estate agent, I help people buy and sell houses every single day, so I know what it takes to get top dollar for your property. Here are three things you absolutely need to know before you list your home:
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Find the perfect price. Pricing can make or break a deal. It's like finding the perfect balance between attracting potential buyers and maximizing your profits. To find the best price for your home, lean on your agent to find comparable homes that have sold recently, analyze the market, and factor in market trends. Remember, setting an inflated price can turn buyers away, while pricing too low might make you lose out on some well-deserved cash. It's all about finding that sweet spot.
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Master your curb appeal. First impressions matter, and when it comes to selling your house, curb appeal can make a world of difference. Think about it—when you're driving through a neighborhood, don't you gravitate towards homes that catch your eye? You want potential buyers to fall in love with your property from the moment they lay eyes on it. So, invest some time and effort in sprucing up the exterior. A fresh coat of paint, a well-maintained lawn, and some tasteful landscaping can work wonders. Remember, you want your house to stand out for all the right reasons and create a lasting impression.
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Be upfront about potential issues. Honesty is key when selling a house. You must disclose any known issues or defects to potential buyers. It’s tempting to hide certain things to make your house seem more appealing, but this can lead to serious legal troubles down the road. Be transparent about any past or current problems your property may have. It's better to address them upfront rather than dealing with unhappy buyers later on. Remember, a solid foundation of trust and transparency will help you close the deal smoothly and with a clear conscience.
Overall, the best course of action is to work with an experienced agent who knows these strategies and more. If you’d like more tips on how to ensure a smooth home sale, just call or email. Make it a great day!
Assuming a loan is a great option for buyers looking to save money.Over the past few years, we have seen record-breaking interest rates in the housing market. As a result,
assuming a loan has not been a popular option for most buyers. However, with the interest rates on the
rise, buyers are beginning to consider this option again. Here are four advantages of assuming a loan:
1. Lower interest rates. One of the primary advantages of assuming a loan is that you might be able
to take advantage of a lower interest rate. For example, if you assume a loan from someone who purchased
a home two years ago and was able to get a 3% interest rate, you can take over that interest rate as well.
This means you can save thousands of dollars in closing costs because you're not generating a new loan.
By working through the costs associated with transferring that loan over to you, you can enjoy a lower
interest rate.
2. Fewer closing costs. When you assume a loan, many of the costs associated with buying a home will
not exist. You're only working through the costs associated with transferring that loan over to you.
This means that you can save a significant amount of money on closing costs.
"Loan assumptions are becoming more popular again due to lower rates."3. Shorter long term. Another advantage of assuming a loan is that you will inherit the long term from the
seller, which can be significantly shorter than a new long term. This means that you can pay off
your loan faster and be debt-free sooner.
4. Lower monthly payments. Finally, assuming a loan can lead to significantly lower monthly payments.
A lower interest rate and a lower loan amount can help reduce your monthly payments. This can be a great
option for those who want to reduce their monthly expenses and save money.
If you're interested in assuming a loan, it's important to work with a professional who can guide you
through the process. If you have any questions or are ready to get started, call or email us right away.
Five things to consider before you buy a home with solar already installed.If you're in the market for a new home, you may come across a property that already has solar panels installed. This can be an attractive feature as it can potentially save you money on your energy bills while also reducing your carbon footprint. However, before you jump in, there are some important things to consider. Here are five key factors to keep in mind when purchasing a home with solar panels:1. Existing loan or lease on the solar panel system. The first thing to consider is whether there is a loan or lease on the solar panel system. This is important because these agreements can have a significant impact on your finances. In some cases, the loan or lease amount can be as high as $40,000, and if it's not paid off at the time of closing, you'll need to assume that loan. This means that you'll not only have to qualify for the financing for the house, but you'll also need to qualify for the cost and the assumption of the lease on the solar panel system. Be sure to carefully review the terms of any existing agreements before making an offer on the property.2. Manufacturer and installer of the solar panels. It's also important to find out who manufactured and installed the solar panels. You want to ensure that the company is still in business and can provide service and repairs if needed. You'll also want to check if parts are still available for the system. Knowing the manufacturer and installer of the solar panels can help you determine the level of support you can expect from them in the future."Purchasing a home with solar panels can be a great investment."3. Warranty on the solar panels. When it comes to solar panels, warranties are essential. You'll want to find out if there is a warranty on the panels and, if so, whether it's still valid. This goes back to the second question about the manufacturer and installer still being in business. You want to make sure that if you need service on the solar panels, you have a company that stands behind the product and can come and fix it. Additionally, make sure that the warranty is transferred to you at the time of closing; otherwise, it's essentially worthless.4. Average monthly electric bill with the solar panels. Another important consideration is the average monthly electric bill with the panels installed compared to what it was before the panels were installed. This will give you an idea of how efficiently the panels are working and whether they're providing a good return on investment. If you're investing $30,000 in solar panels, you want to make sure that you'll be able to recoup that investment over time.5. Insurance coverage for the solar panel system. Finally, you'll want to check with your insurance company to see if they cover the solar panel system. You're taking on a significant obligation when purchasing a home with solar panels, so you want to ensure that you're protected in case of damage caused by natural causes, such as hailstorms.Purchasing a home with solar panels can be a great investment, but it's important to do your research and ask the right questions. By taking these factors into account, you'll be able to make an informed decision and enjoy the benefits of solar power for years to come. If you need guidance through this process, don't hesitate to reach out to us by phone or email. We’d love to help you.
The market may have been volatile, but it’s now a phenomenal time to buy.Despite what you might be hearing on the news today, it is a great time to buy a house. Today, I’m here to tell you five reasons why today is a better time to buy a house than it was two or three years ago: 1. Inventory is up. There are more homes on the market today for you to choose from, which is a great position to be in. 2. Homes are staying on the market longer. That means you’ll be able to see the homes that are available and make an offer without being in as much of a rush. "Despite what you might be hearing on the news today, it is a great time to buy a house."3. There's less competition from other buyers. Two years ago, we were seeing 10 to 15 multiple offers on a single house. That’s not the same today, which gives you a better chance of winning the home that you want. 4. Interest rates are still remarkably low. When working with our preferred local lender, we’ve seen clients get down to 5.5% for their interest rate, which is phenomenal. Historically, this is extremely low. 5. Buyers have more negotiating power. You may be the only offer on a house that's been on the market for some time, which gives you more leverage in negotiations, and that's always a good thing. Don't wait—take advantage of these conditions today and go out and find the house of your dreams. If you have any questions about this topic or real estate in general, please reach out to me by phone call or email. I would be happy to help with all of your real estate needs.
Here’s my recent conversation with Molly from Home Warranty of America.Today I’m joined via Zoom by Molly Stewart of Home Warranty of America to remind us howtheycan help you out as a homebuyer or seller. Molly has been our preferred warranty representative
for years, and we can’t wait to hear from her.
When you ask us to help you sell your home, one way we add value is by providing a home warranty. We want our clients to maintain their homes inexpensively. If you want the HVAC fixed, for example, that’s a $50 fee, but it’s not due until closing. You can get up to $1,500 in damages covered for that issue.
"It’s a great thing to invest in."
If you're a seller, purchasing a home warranty for your buyer is a great idea. I know we’re in a seller’s market where homeowners are calling the shots, but it really is about mitigating post-sale issues. Molly works in claims every single day, and she says the bulk of their claims come in the 30 days after a buyer moves in. A home warranty gives buyers and sellers peace of mind during a transaction.
Many of us have moved into houses and had things go wrong right away. A home warranty like the ones from HWA help protect you, mitigate your costs, and give you peace of mind. If you show a buyer that your HWA warranty covers up to $15,000 for other claims, they’ll be much more excited about buying your home. A home warranty costs around $600, but our Shine Team clients saved $78,000 alone in 2021 by having a home warranty.
As you can see, a home warranty is an important thing to have whether you’re selling your home, buying a new one, or both. It’s also a great thing to invest in if you’re an investment property owner.
If you have any questions about home warranties, give Molly a call at 847-943-7117. If you have any other real estate-related questions for me, don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Here’s what buyers and sellers need to know about home warranties. Today we’re glad to be joined by Molly Stewart from Home Warranty of America. She’s saved us
a ton of money, so we couldn’t be happier to talk to her. We had a great conversation about
what she does and what she can do for you, so let’s get into it.
"If you have a warranty when you list, buyers will have peace of mind."
What do you do for Home Warranty of America, and what can you do for our buyers and sellers?
We have been around since 1996, and our main product offers buyers and sellers 13 months of coverage. For those 13 months, we cover plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, cooling, and heating. If you move into your home and things start to fail for whatever reason, you can put in a claim, and we’ll send a contractor to your house to diagnose the problem. Depending on what’s wrong, we’ll cover up to $5,000 for your HVAC and $15,000 for claims.
It’s clear why buyers should have a home warranty, but why should sellers get one?
We offer a product called Free Seller’s Coverage that covers sellers during the listing period for up to $1,500. When buyers tour your home, your Realtor can give out cards informing people that your house is covered. This will give your buyers the peace of mind they might need to make an offer.
We’d like to thank Molly once again for speaking with us today. We’re big believers in home warranties; they’ve saved us a ton of money over the years. Even on new construction homes, the inspection always reveals little issues. With a warranty, you don’t have to worry about any of them spiraling into something bigger.
If you want to reach out to Molly, give her a call at 847-943-7117. As always, if you have any questions related to real estate, please call or email us. We’re always willing to help.
Here’s what Kimberly has to say about insurance in Central Texas.
This market is so fast-paced and crazy that by the time you close your home, you may not have even
thought about insurance. Do you need it? How much does it cost? These are important questions,
so to help us answer them, we’re speaking with Kimberly Curb-Bridenstine, our favorite Allstate
Insurance representative.
How long have you been in the area?
I’m from Killeen; in fact, I’m a generational Killeenite. I’ve grown up here and had the opportunity to see the city change and grow.
How long have you been in the insurance business?
I’ve had my Allstate agency for 16 years, and it’s been a great opportunity. I love being able to serve our military.
So what are some common things people need to know about insurance?
Whether you’re looking at a forever home or an investment property, insurance is crucial. Rates can differ based on area, but Central Texas is in a pretty good spot. We don’t get the hailstorms that Dallas and Oklahoma do, and we don’t have to worry about hurricane season as much as the Houston area. No matter what your insurance needs are, talk to a trusted representative so that you’re sure to get the best rate possible and adequate coverage.
What are some things people need to beware of when it comes to insurance?
The biggest trend in insurance is online shopping and out-of-area quoting. These features are incredibly convenient, but they come with risk. Algorithms never truly see your home or understand where you live, so they can easily under- or over-insure you.
"A local representative will know your area like the back of their hand."
We’d like to thank Kimberly once again for speaking with us. If you want a quote or just have questions for her, you can reach her at 254-526-0426. As always, if you have any real estate needs, please call or email. We’d love to hear from you.
Speaking with Chuck Bell from Connect My New Home about his great service.
Today I’m pleased to be speaking with Chuck Bell from Connect My New Home. He’s a bonafide expert
when it comes to preparing properties, and he’ll share some of his advice with us in this conversation.
Chuck has educated my team on things that even we had no idea about, so I’m sure everyone
will learn something from what he has to say.
You can watch our full conversation in the video above, or you can skip to each
topic using the timestamps provided:
0:00 - Introducing Chuck and today’s topic
1:14 - How Chuck helps his clients and why his service is free
2:39 - Chuck helps you avoid the traps big companies create to get you to pay more
3:53 - How Chuck helped our team pick an electric company
4:28 - Our clients have been pleased with Chuck’s service
6:04 - How you can reach Chuck
6:52 - Wrapping up today’s topic
If you want Chuck to help save you money, just visit his website, www.connectmynewhome.com. As always, don’t be afraid to call or email my team with any questions. We’d love to help!
Cyd West, an interest rate expert, is here to discuss where they’re headed.Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for saleThroughout January, everyone has been asking what interest rates are going to do this year. So today I have Cyd West from First Community Mortgage with me, our local expert on interest rates. We’ll discuss what’s been going on with rates and where they’re headed. We want you to be informed about interest rates so that you can make the best real estate decisions for yourself and your family.
Feel free to watch the full message above, or use these timestamps that will direct you to various points in the video:
0:00 — Introduction to today’s topic
1:15 — Rates recently increased almost a full point in just one week
2:55 — The Federal Reserve will soon start tapering their bond purchases
4:05 — Look closely at how your rate will affect your payments
5:20 — An example of how a higher interest rate affects your monthly payments
6:15 — Wrapping up today’s topic
If you have more questions for Cyd, give her a call at (254) 690-3765. As always, if you are considering buying or selling or have any real estate questions, call or email me. We want to know what you’re thinking: Do you think it’s a good time to buy or sell? We look forward to hearing from you.
Let’s take a tour of another fantastic, local business: The Pixie Depot.
Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for saleToday we’re at The Pixie Depot, another fantastic local business in Salado. We’re taking you through the store today to show you the fantastic furniture, clothing, and more that they have to offer. Tanya Clifton, the owner of The Pixie Depot, joined us to talk about her journey, her business, and all the fantastic products they have to offer.
If you have any real estate-related questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via phone or email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Here’s our message of remembrance to all of our fallen troops at Fort Hood.
Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for saleToday we’re at Fort Hood at the remembrance display at Sadowski Field. We are here to recognize and remember each one of the 7,700 soldiers, airmen, and Marines that we have lost in the service to our nation in our current war. From 2001 to 2021, we have remembered every soldier every day. We will never forget the sacrifices they have made for our nation and our freedom.
If you have any real estate-related questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via phone or email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Here are the market trends that today’s homebuyers need to know.
Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for saleAs we move through this busy summer selling season, there are a few things you should know if you’re in the market to buy a home. We’ve noticed a trend with out-of-town lenders having issues finding appraisers to complete appraisal reports promptly. Many use appraisal management companies, which are charging a crazy rush fee on the appraisal. For them, a rush means you might get the appraisal in three instead of four weeks.
Our local lenders can typically get appraisals done within two weeks.Our local lenders can typically get appraisals done within two weeks. That’s one of the many reasons you should try to use a local lender for your home purchase if you can. New construction has been seeing some delays because of a shortage of lumber and labor. Homes are taking a little longer to be built, so prepare for delays if you have plans of buying a new construction home. If you have any real estate-related questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via phone or email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Here’s why you need to follow our reorganized Facebook page right away!
Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for saleWe’ve endured the snow and ice, and now the sun is shining through; spring has arrived in Central Texas. We don’t know whether people have been more active on Facebook due to COVID-19 or the ice storms, but we know they’ve been leaving a ton of comments on our page recently. They’re thanking us for sharing information about different things going on in the community and the latest trends in our marketplace. Considering how much value our Facebook posts provide to folks, we figured we’d organize them to make things a bit easier.
We’re excited to announce that we’ve created a general schedule for our posts! Now, don’t worry; those of you who know me know that I won’t sit around and wait to post important information if something happens. Assuming things are relatively normal, though, here’s what to expect every week:
- Market Update Monday: the latest news and notes from our Central Texas market
- Around Town Tuesday: local history or current events
- Midweek Makeover (Wednesday): decorating, staging, curb appeal, and buyer trends
- Green Thumb Thursday: landscaping, gardening, and trees
- Foodie Friday: recipes and restaurants
You are the community, and we want to hear from you!What’s the best tree to plant in Central Texas? What features are buyers paying a premium for in today’s market? Where’s the best tucked-away spot in town to grab a burger? All these things and more will be addressed in our coming posts.
We need your input. If you know of any hidden gems in the community, want to raise awareness about a great local cause, or know some landscaping or design tips, please reach out to us via email. We’re proud to be a resource for the community, but this is a two-way street; you are the community, and we want to hear from you!
If you missed our latest Market Monday Update (March 1), then here’s the gist: We shared some pretty powerful numbers that show our spring market is heating up. If you want to sell your home for more money, call the Shine Team—we’re here to help guide you through the craziness.
Don’t miss out on any more of our Facebook updates. Join our page today! As always, please reach out by phone or email if you have any specific market questions. It’s our pleasure to make the selling and buying processes as quick and easy as possible.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s Wreath for Vets event.
Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for saleIt’s a special time of year, with Veterans Day and Thanksgiving this month and Christmas just around the bend. Despite the strain and strangeness of 2020, there are still so many blessings to go around, and we here at the Shine Team have an upcoming project that we wanted to share with you. We support many charities, local foundations, schools, and community initiatives, but our favorite is Wreaths for Vets, which is put on by the Friends of Central Texas Veterans Cemetery. I was fortunate enough to found that association back in 2006 when we discovered a need for compassionate, patriotic members of the community to lay wreaths at as many gravesites in the cemetery as possible; no veteran’s sacrifices should ever go unrecognized. We started at 394 gravesites, and we’re now at 11,000. Our purpose is to always honor and remember our veterans, fallen soldiers, and their family members, and to teach our young people to do the same.
Help us lay wreaths on gravesites as a way to offer profound thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 28, for this year’s Wreath for Vets event, where we will lay over 11,000 wreaths. We invite you to join us because, as you can imagine, a memorial of this magnitude will take a lot of volunteers. Below is the updated timeline for the entire wreath-laying process this year (pending changes due to the current pandemic): Saturday, November 21: 1000 - Wreath Prep at Killeen Special Events Center on WS Young Saturday, November 28: 0730 - Escort departs Killeen Special Events Center with wreath trucks 0745 - Captain’s update 0800 - Wreath trucks arrive 0815 - Wreath download begins 1000 - Informal ceremony 1020 (approximately) - UTC volunteers lay wreaths 1200 (approximately) - Clean up cemetery KISD and Texas A&M Central Texas have provided bus service to the cemetery, so we welcome you, your family, and your friends to park at A&M and utilize this transportation. The police have asked that you do not park on the highway for this event, as doing so is extremely dangerous. Please wear your mask and social distance as much as possible; we’re very fortunate that the state of Texas is still allowing us to do this event, so we want to do our part by adhering to all the current rules and regulations regarding public safety. For the wreath preparation on November 21, please bring a folding table to use as a workspace if you have one to spare, as we will be in need of extras. Preparation could be as quick as 90 minutes or as long as three hours—it all depends on how many ready and willing volunteers show up. We’ll be prepping the wreaths and loading them into the trailers for delivery on that Saturday after Thanksgiving. We can promise you one thing: This event is far from sad. You’ll be deeply moved and filled with a sense of pride and hope when you see thousands of people coming together to express a gratitude deeper than words. In the past, some folks have asked how they can support this event and The Friends of Central Texas Veterans Cemetery financially. We do need your financial support, especially this year, with COVID slowing down donations a bit. Please visit www.wreathsforvets.org to make a donation and find more information. We truly hope you come out on Saturday, November 28, to help us lay wreaths on gravesites as a way to offer profound thanks to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Of course, if you have any questions about this event, please just give us a call or send an email. We’d love to help you. Have a wonderful holiday season!
Mortgage rates are low, which is great news for buyers in our market.
Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for saleThe COVID-19 pandemic has changed our lives in many ways, including how we view real estate. Many people are looking to buy different types of homes right now—perhaps they need more bedrooms, or a larger yard, or a room they can convert into a home office. In any case, the definition of ‘dream home’ has changed. The good news is that our Central Texas real estate market is doing very well. Our cost of living is low, as are interest rates. In fact, rates are so low that we’d all be well-advised to start buying rental properties along with our regular homes. To talk more about mortgage rates and their impact on the market, I’ve invited Cyd West of First Community Mortgage to join me in today’s video. Feel free to watch our discussion in its entirety in the video above or use these timestamps to skip around to various sections at your leisure: 2:10—Nearly any borrower can secure a rate between 2% and 3% 3:03—In addition to buying, now is a great time to make financial changes to your loan 3:22—How long does it take to close on a loan right now? 3:48—Can First Community Mortgage process loans in all states? 5:02—Why now is too good of an opportunity to pass up 6:04—Wrapping things up If you’d like to know more about our Central Texas real estate market or you’re thinking of buying or selling soon, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I’m here to help.
Whether you’re in the mood for some delicious food or you want to know how to make it, Let’s Cook Texas and Let’s Eat Texas are both places that you need to check out.
Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for sale For our very first post of 2020, we’re here at one of my latest and greatest food finds. I heard about this place initially in the newspaper, and I enjoyed it so much that I wanted to share it with you as well. Josie is a chef and cooking instructor who came to Killeen from Alaska and has renovated an old downtown facility into Let’s Eat Texas and Let’s Cook Texas. Josie needed some sunshine in her life and decided to move from Alaska, where she owned a cooking school and a bed and breakfast. She loves the community and what she has built here. The before and after pictures of the restaurant and cooking school are incredible! In addition to having some delicious, fresh, homemade food, they also host private groups and solo cooking events. They’re a lot of fun as well. To learn more about Let’s Eat Texas and Let’s Cook Texas, give them a call at 254 768-0106 or check them out online. If you have any real estate questions for me, don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Although the pandemic has caused things to slow down in our real estate market, there are still plenty of properties being bought and sold. Here are the latest numbers.
Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for sale Today we have a real estate market report for the first quarter of 2020. Like you, our lives have been inundated by the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic and the resulting business and school closures, as well as the stay-at-home order. Our hearts go out to all who have been impacted and we pray that our leaders and families make it through this crisis with as little long-term stress as possible. Even though it’s a hazardous time out there, we’re taking every precaution to ensure our agents can continue to serve while remaining safe. They’re using gloves, masks, and antibacterial wipes at every turn.
Our agents are using gloves, masks, and antibacterial wipes at every turn.Based on what I’m hearing from around the nation, our local market is doing surprisingly well. So far, we’ve closed 96 homes and have another 64 pending, for a total of 160 homes sold this year. In the broader local market, the supply has remained constant and demand has remained strong. How’s your market doing right now? It all depends on your price, location, and condition. To get a better idea, take a look one of the following reports, which has city-specific information about how each area of the market is doing. Copperas Cove Temple, Belton Harker Heights Killeen We’re going to continue to monitor all developments to ensure that we can help you with anything you need during this time. If you have any other questions or would like us to walk you through the data for your neck of the woods, don't hesitate to reach out via phone or email. We look forward to hearing from you.
Due to COVID-19, closing procedures may be different right now.
Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for sale Like many of you, I look forward to getting a haircut, eating out, seeing friends, and getting my kids back into school when this health crisis abates. Though we’re not quite there yet, we want you to know that our offices remain open, staffed, and ready to assist you with all your real estate needs. We continue to list, show, sell, and close properties for our clients. Today I’m discussing how closing procedures happen during this unusual time.
Most title companies are only allowing the signers to enter their buildings.When you reach the closing stage and are ready to sign the closing documents, the process right now is generally the same, but some of the procedures may be different due to social distancing guidelines. Most title companies are only allowing the signers to enter their buildings, meaning we real estate agents can’t attend closings with our clients. We hope this changes soon, as we enjoy being there to help celebrate your closing, but until then, we’re only a phone call away should you need us. Some title companies are utilizing other methods and taking all safety precautions such as gloves, plexiglass dividers on the closing tables, extended distancing between the closer and signer, and sanitization between closings. Other options may be possible due to a client’s circumstances, such as a mobile notary to meet the client or online notaries for certain documents. Regardless of the method of closing, you will need a valid, government-issued picture ID, and if you owe $1,500 or more at closing, you need to have the funds presented via cashier’s check, or you can wire the funds to the title company. If you have any further questions about closings or real estate in general, please feel free to contact us via phone or email. We would love to help you.
I recently took a trip to one of my favorite local restaurants, Palmeras Tex-Mex con Sabor, and I’d like to introduce you to it in a quick behind-the-scenes video, today.
Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for sale In addition to serving as your Central Texas real estate resource, something else I’m passionate about is supporting other local business owners, like my good friends Mike and Maha Palabi—the owners of Palmeras Tex-Mex con Sabor. If you haven’t already been to this incredible local restaurant, you definitely need to stop by soon. From the great ambiance to the delicious signature drinks and dishes they serve, the experience of dining at Palmeras Tex-Mex con Sabor is second to none. We at the Shine Team love coming here, ourselves—which is great because our new office is going to be right down the street. When we make this move, we hope you’ll all come out to say hello to us and to see what Palmeras Tex-Mex has to offer. You won’t regret it. For information about their hours, address, and menu, visit their website:https://palmerastexmex.com/.
As always, if you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Maude Wood Elementary will open its brand-new doors to just over 1,000 students in a few weeks. Here’s a first-hand look at this gorgeous school.
Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for sale There’s a brand-new elementary school in the area that we're excited to talk to you about today.
Maude Moore Wood Elementary is opening up in two weeks in the White Rock Estates area. We recently went out to the school to take a look at it for ourselves, and we’re excited to share some of what we saw with you today.
We have some beautiful homes for sale in this area.
Taxpayers committed $24.8 million to this school and it was well worth every penny. It will open up with a little over 1,000 students with the motto “Lead like a warrior,” which references the school’s mascot. In another few years, there will be a new high school in that area of town that will house about 2,500 students. We have some beautiful homes for sale right now out in the area of White Rock Estates. If you’re curious about them or if you have any questions about real estate or the new schools, don’t hesitate to reach out and give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
These mistakes will mess up your mortgage application. Here’s what to look out for.
Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for sale Before applying for a mortgage, there are a few things you need to be aware of and avoid. First, you shouldn’t make any big life changes during the application process, such as getting married, quitting your job, or starting a new business. In addition, you don’t want to open any new lines of credit. Don’t rack up credit card debt, buy a new car, new furniture, and so on—even if you can afford it!
Make sure you don’t miss any payments.
Finally, don’t lose control of your finances; moving can be hectic, but make sure you don’t miss any payments. If you have any questions or would like further information about mortgages, feel free to reach out to First Community Mortgage at 254-690-3765. If you’re ready to start the home buying process, call The Shine Team at 254-690-4321 or email shine@shineteam.com.
Here are some of my tips that will help ensure you have a smooth closing process.
Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for sale Here’s what you need to do in order to have a smooth close: 1. Use professionals to make the repairs. I’ve had many sellers try to do their own repairs, only to find out that it wasn’t up to a professional standard. In the long run, it delayed closing and cost them more money.
There may well be things that could possibly delay your closing—just try to focus on the fact that you will get to the finish line eventually, and keep your cool.
2. Make sure all utilities are on for the home inspection. Also, be sure that your property has been dewinterized so the inspector can turn everything on to inspect it. 3. Be patient during the closing process. There may well be things that could possibly delay your closing—just try to focus on the fact that you will get to the finish line eventually, and keep your cool. If you have any questions about this or about buying or selling a home, you’re more than welcome to reach out to us. The Shine Team Realtors are here to help with any of your real estate needs.
I’m happy to be joined today by the branch marketing director, Amanda Carlson, as she gives us a glimpse into a few of the wonderful programs Armed Services YMCA have to offer.
Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for sale Our exploration through Central Texas has taken us to our next stop: Harker Heights’ Armed Services YMCA. Not only is it a newer branch, but it’s one of the few that is open to service members and the civilian population alike. I’m happy to be joined today by the branch marketing director, Amanda Carlson, as she gives us a glimpse into a few of the wonderful programs they have to offer. When you think of classes you might take at the Armed Services YMCA, a cooking class isn’t the first that comes to mind, but the center holds weekly “little chefs” and “junior chefs” classes that teach kids how to cut vegetables, keep their areas clean, and prepare food.
Not only is it a newer branch, but it’s one of the few that is open to service members and the civilian population alike.
When it comes to their swimming programs, they offer the traditional classes and then some—partnered with Seaton, they provide therapeutic classes such as “Twinges in the Hinges” and others for those that are unable to exercise in the typical fashion. Beyond that, they have a good selection of exercise resources; they have a sizable gym along with a gorgeous track that encircles their basketball court below. Only rivaled by the yoga classes they hold, their spin classes are some of the most popular options available. If you have any questions about the Harker Heights’ Armed Services YMCA or for help with any and all of your real estate needs, please contact me. I’d love to speak with you!
I have discovered a little taste of Austin right here in Central Texas, courtesy of Cup of Joe. Today I want to introduce you to the owner to discuss his business and the delights he offers.
Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for sale Joseph Taylor is a local entrepreneur who graduated from Killeen High School in 2014. Not only is he the founder of Cup of Joe, but he also owns the beauty shop right next door! To him, Cup of Joe is an idea inspired by the fact that Texas has several chain coffee shops, but not as many small businesses. He’s from northern Minnesota, where they have mom-and-pop everything, so his goal was to bring that business model down here to Central Texas. Though his design incorporates urban street vibes and city elements, it’s still tailored for our community. It’s a place where people can come to “chill” and enjoy life in Texas—not to mention the coffee! The “2-5-4,” named for our local area code, is one of the most popular drinks served at the Cup of Joe. Mine was served with a little drizzle of caramel on top—delicious.
It’s a place where people can come to “chill” and enjoy life in Texas.
Cup of Joe is centrally located: You can get to Belton from here in about seven minutes, Copper’s Cove in about 15 minutes, and Fort Hood in about eight minutes. Depending on where you’re going, you can usually stop at Cup of Joe on your way there for a little cup of heaven. And, from Friday to Sunday, you can complement your coffee with donuts, cinnamon rolls, kolaches, and other tasty Round Rock brand treats. You can find the Cup of Joe coffee shop at 600 Indian Trail, Suite 101, Harker Heights, Texas 76548, and if you’d like to learn more about the shop and what they serve, visit www.CupofJoeCoffeeShop.com. I highly encourage you to stop in! Until then, if you have any questions about real estate, buying or selling homes, or our local businesses, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Hope to hear from you soon!
The holidays are here, and we have a special message to share with you.
Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for sale Today we want to take a break from real estate to share a holiday message with you. We at the Shine Team have had an amazing year in 2018, and we want to thank all of our friends, family, clients, and everyone else in our community who’s supported us. To show our gratitude, we have some special wishes to share with you. To find out what we wish you this holiday season, watch this short video.
Juicy Joy Deli & Coffee is one of the best new restaurants in Harker Heights. Check out what we got to taste when we went on a recent visit there. Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for sale It’s a great day in Harker Heights and I just discovered a brand-new restaurant in the area that you guys are going to love. Juicy Joy Deli & Coffee is operated by the Cruz family and they have some of the most delicious food I’ve had around here in months. Their menu includes nine different kinds of avocado toast, plenty of fresh juices, and much more. Juicy Joy Deli & Coffee is located at 110 Farm to Market 2410, Suite B in Harker Heights, right by our office. To learn more about this wonderful restaurant and why I’m such a fan, watch this short video.
Years ago, we started the Wreaths For Vets foundation in an effort to honor all veterans who serve our country. The foundation operates solely on donations, so we would be ecstatic if you could donate to the cause. Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for sale This is a very special season for us at the Shine Team; back in 2006, our community opened up our very first veteran state cemetery here outside the Killeen area—the Central Texas Veterans State Cemetery. Though it took a long time, we were so excited to complete the project. The very first Christmas after we’d finished, the national organization Wreaths Across America announced they were coming here to lay wreaths for our veteran cemetery. I was so excited to hear it that I rearranged my schedule so I could be there. It was a lovely ceremony with lots of speeches and pomp and circumstance, but they only brought six wreaths. I looked out on the field and saw many graves without decorations. At that moment, I thought to myself, “This cannot be.” This was December 15, and by that time, there were no more wreaths to be bought; they’d all been purchased for people’s homes or sent off to Iraq and Afghanistan to the troops overseas. However, I ran down to Austin and found a warehouse that still had them. After countless phone calls and research, I acquired almost 400 of them. The next year, I called again and found out they had almost 900. I couldn’t personally afford that many, which was why I started a tax-deductible foundation called Wreaths For Vets. It’s a wonderful way for our community to participate in the effort to lay wreaths on every gravesite ever, forever.
Wreaths For Vets is a wonderful way for our community to participate in the effort to lay wreaths on every gravesite ever, forever.
There are around 8,300 military service members and their families buried at the cemetery, and we’ll be continuing that tradition this year, as well. We’ll be preparing the wreaths on Saturday, November 17, the weekend before Thanksgiving. The weekend after Thanksgiving (November 24), we’ll go out and lay wreaths on every grave. It’ll take a lot of volunteers, so we need your help. Wreaths For Vets is 100% comprised of volunteers, and all proceeds are garnered through donations—there are no paid staff members in the organization. If you’re a supporter of the military and want to help us honor and remember our fallen heroes, we encourage you to make a donation, which you can do on our website, www.WreathsForVets.org, or by sending your donation marked “Wreaths For Vets” to the Shine Team at 100 East Central Texas Expressway, Suite 302, Harker Heights, TX, 76548. That money will be used to buy all the materials needed for the wreath-laying. One of the ways the Shine Team Realtors have chosen to participate in the program is we’ve started making donations for anyone who buys or sells a home with us. I’m proud to say that as of this month, we’ve had 400 buyers and sellers work with us, and we’ve made a donation in each of their honors. Also, every year, friends of the Central Texas Veterans State Cemetery design a new T-shirt for the cause, and this year’s is fabulous. You can purchase one of your own on Saturday, November 17 during the wreath preparation, and we’d be happy to put one on hold for you if you can’t make it out this year. Thank you for your continued support of the Shine Team, members of our armed forces, and our veterans all over the world. If you have any questions for us, you’re always encouraged to reach out to us. We’d be happy to hear from you.
To increase your odds of selling in this market, you might want to look at completing a few home improvement projects. These are the three that we recommend. Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for sale As we slowly shift to a buyer's market, it’s time to make some adjustments. For one thing, it's worth looking at some simple home improvement projects that can help ensure you sell your home quickly and at a top price. The thing is, when it comes to selling your home, not all home improvements are created equal. That's why I've collected the three top home improvement projects that homebuyers love, according to a report by the National Association of Home Builders: 1. A laundry room. More than anything, homebuyers currently want a separate room for washing, folding, and ironing clothes so they can keep the mess out of their living space. If you have an unused basement, it makes a lot of sense to put the laundry room there because all of the utility lines will be accessible and you probably won't have to demolish anything. A new laundry room could cost as little as $1,000 and could contribute a lot more than that when you look to sell your home.
90% of buyers want energy-efficient windows in their home.
2. Exterior lighting. Exterior lighting is the most desired outdoor feature by homebuyers, appearing on the wish list of 92% of them. Your options for exterior lighting include spotlights, walkway lights, and pendant lights. Fixtures range in price between $65 to $132. Exterior lighting will present your home in the best possible light, impressing these potential buyers and increasing overall interest in your home. 3. Energy-efficient windows. Most homebuyers today care about energy efficiency. Specifically, 90% of them want energy-efficient windows in their new home. A set of energy-efficient windows will drive down the costs for your utilities, improve comfort inside your home, and increase your home's curb appeal. That's why, whether you are planning on staying in your home for a while or are looking to sell quickly, energy efficient windows are worth considering. In fact, that's true for all of the above projects. If you have any questions about any of these projects or what else you can do to add value to your home before selling, don’t hesitate to reach out and give me a call or send me an email. I’d love to hear from you.
Take a tour of one of White Rock’s beautiful homes with me—I’ll show you all its wonderful special features that make it a truly outstanding home. Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for sale I was wandering over to the great little neighborhood of White Rock when I thought it would be a good idea to show off some of the special features homes in this area have. I have two friends who just moved in down the street, so I’ve gotten to see the homes up close and personal. Beginning at 0:30 in the video above, scroll through the video to check out this home’s amazing features, including:
* Monterey drag wall texture
* A stacked rock fireplace
* Two-inch, custom faux blinds
* Light plugs under the soffits
* An automatic, preset, full sprinkler system
The fall is a great time to make a move up.
* Turntable shelving (aka Lazy Susan)
* Kitchen island (with electrical outlets on either end and lots of storage)
* Spacious kitchen drawers
* Master bathroom (complete with privacy window and walk-in shower)
* Two master closets
Whoever gets this gorgeous home will enjoy lots of space and utility! If you have any questions about these homes or real estate in general, please feel free to reach out to me. I’d love to help you.
Fall is an underrated time for home sellers. Here are a few reasons why. Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for sale Sometimes it pays to go against the crowd. While the real estate market is definitely at a peak during the spring and summer, going against this trend and listing your home in the fall can have some great benefits. Now is a great time to sell a home. Here are three reasons why: 1. Buyers are more serious. Many have just been transferred here for work. Their new jobs are starting and they need to find a home. They aren’t going to be out looking for a month at a time. They’re going to be serious. 2. Some buyers have been looking all summer and still haven’t found anything. Your house might be the one that they are looking for, so don’t hesitate to get it listed!
The fall is a great time to make a move up.
3. There is a lot less competition in the fall. It's no secret that most homes are listed in the spring and summer. However, homes that are not sold by the end of the summer are often delisted or are turned into rental properties. Otherwise, they start to draw less interest because of the time they have spent on the market. If you list in the fall, you have the benefit of standing out, as well as facing less competition than during the "hotter" seasons. This opens the door for you to sell your home to these motivated fall buyers. In addition, we’ve had very high temperatures this summer and the grass has been struggling. Selling in the fall will allow you to spruce up your yard and have it look inviting. Curb appeal is important, and selling in the fall will help your curb appeal greatly. If you have any questions about why the fall is such an opportune time for you to sell or about the home selling process in general, don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
This winter is shaping up to be a huge moment for area homeowners who are looking to sell. Here are a few reasons why. Looking to sell your Central Texas area home? Get a free home value report Looking to buy a Central Texas area home? Click here to browse Central Texas Homes for sale This winter is likely to be a very important moment for many home sellers. That’s because three big trends are coming together to affect Lancaster County home prices right now: 1. Housing inventory remains extremely tight. The total number of homes on the market fell 10% year over year in the last quarter. This is the biggest drop since 2013, and it's part of a consistent pattern of very limited and decreasing housing supply. Of course, the fewer homes there are on the market, the easier it is to sell, and the higher the price you can expect to get. Home prices have increased almost 6.5% nationally since last year. 2. Buyers are increasingly optimistic. Despite the tight inventory, homebuyers are increasingly optimistic and continue to look for homes. Some of this has to do with the recent growth in income and job stability. Loosening lending standards are also making many home buyers eager to take advantage of current mortgage rates, which slipped under 4% recently.
It’s the perfect time to get in the real estate market.
3. The new tax reform bill will impact the market. The federal government recently passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which majorly overhauled our tax code. While it’s unclear how this will affect the real estate market as a whole, there are some changes that do not favor home sellers. As a result of the changes made to the tax code, the National Association of Realtors now projects slower growth for home prices in 2018, with an appreciation rate of 1% to 3%. By doubling the standard deduction, Congress has significantly reduced the value of mortgage interest and property deductions as tax incentives for homeownership. On the bright side, no changes were made in the rules surrounding capital gains for home sales, which is good news for home sellers. When you put all three of these trends together, two big conclusions emerge. First, now is a very favorable moment for home sellers, thanks to the shortage in the market, the many eager buyers, and the high and rising prices. On the other hand, higher cost, higher tax areas will likely see prices decline as the result of new restrictions on mortgage interest and state and local taxes. If you are looking to take advantage of the present moment to sell your home, please reach out by giving us a call or sending us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Home remodeling is as hot as it's ever been. Here are five projects that bring the best return on investment. Selling in the Central Texas area? Get a market analysis report Purchasing in the Central Texas area? Get full MLS access Home remodeling is hotter than ever. According to researchers at Harvard University, remodeling investment is up 6% over last year, and now makes up a $324 billion market. According to a survey of remodelers and real estate professionals, there are five remodeling projects that offer the best returns: 1. Your kitchen. Kitchen remodeling can be as simple or as elaborate as you like. However, to maximize your return, keep your investment to under 20% of the value of your home—as is recommended by surveyed real estate professionals. The outcome? A whopping 85% return on your investment. 2. Your bathroom. A thorough bath remodeling project can cost up to $20,000. However, not only will it pay for itself, it should give you an added 80% return. 3. Your deck. Replacing your deck can cost you anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the size. The expected benefit will be similar to a bathroom remodeling project—around an 80% return for a fresh, new deck.
Some will make more sense for your home than others.
4. Your siding. Fading or worn-out siding can turn off potential buyers before they even step foot in your home. Replacing old siding will make it much easier to sell your home, and in addition, it should give you an 80% return on an investment of around $10,000. 5. Your windows. New windows can mean greater energy efficiency, increased thermal and acoustic comfort, and a more modern look. Homebuyers are well aware of this, and they are willing to pay accordingly. That's why a typical window replacement should yield at least a 70% return on your investment. Clearly, some of them will make more sense for your home than others. If you're considering selling your home, then just one of these projects could add tens of thousands of dollars to the price you'll be able to get. If you have any questions or want additional advice about which remodeling projects make sense for you, give me a call or send me an email. We can discuss all the details and I can give you an accurate estimate of what these projects could be worth. I look forward to hearing from you!