Buying a Home: Do You Know the Lingo? Some Highlights: Buying a home can be intimidating if you’re not familiar with the terms used throughout the process. To point you in the right direction, here’s a list of some of the most common language you’ll hear when buying a home. The best way to ensure your home-buying process is a positive one is to find a real estate professional who Continue Reading
5 Reasons to Sell this Fall
As a Realtor® in Collin County, I’ve always said “I work all year round” and that’s true. People buy and sell homes every day of the year. It’s also true that the market reacts to events, holidays, school, and of course the economy. If you’re wondering if this is a good time to put your house on the market, below are 5 compelling reasons listing your home for sale this fall makes sense. 1. Continue Reading
Experts Say Strong Ending for 2019 Housing Market
We’re in the back half of the year, and with a decline in interest rates as well as home price and wage appreciation, many are wondering what the predictions are for the remainder of 2019. Here’s what some of the experts have to say: Ralph McLaughlin, Deputy Chief Economist for CoreLogic “We see the cooldown flattening or even reversing course in the coming months and expect the Continue Reading
American Confidence in Housing at an All-Time High
Fannie Mae just released the July edition of their Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI). The HPSI takes information regarding consumers’ confidence in the real estate market from Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey and condenses it into a single number. Therefore, the HPSI reflects consumers’ current views and forward-looking expectations of housing Continue Reading
Right to Cancel on Refinancing
As part of the federal Truth-in-Lending Act, refinancing homeowners are granted a 3-day “cooling off” period post-closing during which they retain the right to rescind, or “cancel”, their recent refinance without penalty or cost. The Right To Cancel is protection against surprises at closing and/or a change of heart. It’s also a safety valve for homeowners signing paperwork under duress. With 3 Continue Reading
9 Pricing Mistakes – Price to Sell, Not to Keep!
Picking the wrong asking price for your home can cost you a lot of money. Here are nine don’ts when coming up with your number: DON’T ASSUME YOUR HOUSE IS WORTH THE SAME AS YOUR NEIGHBOR’S Your neighbor’s home sold recently, but it has a pool, an updated kitchen, and a cracked foundation. Your house doesn’t have a pool, doesn’t have a cracked foundation, and has an extra floor. Continue Reading
Hooray for Homeowners!
The Benefits of Growing Equity in Your Home Over the last couple of years, we’ve heard quite a bit about rising home prices. Today, expert projections still forecast continued growth, just at a slower pace. One of the often-overlooked benefits of rising home prices is the positive impact they have on home equity. Let’s break down three ways this is a win for homeowners. 1. Move-Up Continue Reading
Are Older Generations Really Not Selling?
Many studies suggest one of the main reasons for the inventory shortage in today’s market of homes for sale is that older generations have chosen to “age in place” over moving. The 2019 Home Buyers & Sellers Generational Trend Report by NAR clarifies this point! NAR’s findings show that Baby Boomers (43%) and the Silent Generation (12%) made up 56% of Continue Reading
Keep Your Home Cooler Without Turning Down The Thermosta
Tips To Keep Your Home Cooler The typical U.S. household “loses” up to 30% of its annual heating and a cooling bill to energy inefficiencies, according to ENERGY STAR®. The good news is that there are dozens of ways to help your home perform better. As the calendar turns to June, and as temperatures warm in Texas and nationwide, implement even one of the following cost-saving moves and you Continue Reading
Think Safety
What’s the First Thing You Should Do After A Home Purchase? Think Safety! Getting the keys to your new home should be a reminder: IT’S TIME TO CHANGE THE LOCKS! Remember to handle the most basic safety precaution for your new home. When people buy homes, there’s a tendency to think “Big Picture” on home improvements. Flooring, painting, and furniture are common “just-moved-in” Continue Reading
