Homebuyers often have a list of criteria for their home search – their must-haves and nice-to-haves. They need three bedrooms and at least two full baths. They’d like granite countertops and a fireplace. While those are important criteria, it’s easy to get caught up in deciding what you’d like inside your home and leave out an equally important consideration for outside your home: the neighborhood.

Many Texans will spend their summer vacation renting a house at the beach, near a lake or in the Hill Country. But instead of just renting a place for a few days, have you ever considered buying your own vacation home? If you are fortunate enough to be in the market for a second home, there are a few things to consider to ensure your plan to relax doesn’t stress you out. Why are you buying? Your reasons for purchasing a second home may be varied: for a family vacation spot, to rent out for ...

You’re only a couple of days away from closing on your new house, and everything is almost official. So why not take a walk? Sure you viewed the house, had an inspection, and maybe asked the seller to repair a few things. But it’s a good idea to inspect the property one more time to confirm the condition of the house prior to closing.

Have you heard the saying that what you don't know won't hurt you? Well, when it comes to buying real estate, that's not the case. You need to know if the house you're buying had a flooding issue in the past or has a defective roof. That's why full disclosure—a seller's obligation to disclose facts about properties for sale—is critical for a successful real estate transaction.

When the people in your life hear that you're house hunting, you can expect to get an earful of advice based on their experiences. However, you'll quickly find that everyone's buying experience is different because everyone has different needs. Good intentions don't always make for good advice The homebuying process can be overwhelming, especially for first-time homebuyers.

Making mistakes in life can be a great way to learn. However, making certain mistakes when selling your home can cost you time and money. Fortunately, many of these are avoidable if you follow the advice of your Texas REALTOR® and the experiences of other sellers. Here’s my advice on a few practices to avoid when your home is on the market. Setting the price too high When you list your home, you may think, “Why not ask for a lot?

Decks are great to have on a house. Whether they are on the front, back, or all around your home they are normally enjoyed by all. Personally, we love to sit on our deck and just look out at the beautiful hill country around us. Or have company over and eat out on the deck is another favorite.

Your home has a great value to you, but one time when you want your home to be worth less is when it’s time to pay your property taxes. Each year, local taxing entities collect these taxes for local governments to use to pay for public services such as schools, roads and emergency response services.

Most open houses are held to attract potential buyers. However, when your home is open to the public, anyone can stop by for a peek … even casual observers looking for decorating ideas. Your Texas Realtor can help you decide if an open house is right for you and can walk you through the process, but here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision. Why hold an open house? An open house is an opportunity for you to market your home directly to potential buyers.

Before you submit an offer on your dream home, get pre-approved or pre-qualified for a mortgage loan. Either one can make your offer more attractive to the seller, but they mean different things. What are your qualifications? To get pre-qualified for a mortgage loan, you provide a lender your approximate income, current debts and any important details from your credit history.

Several people will play roles in the homebuying process. Some of these professionals work on your behalf, some for the seller and some for the lender. Here’s a quick breakdown of the important players you may be working with and what they do. Setting the budget An ideal first step when you’ve decided to buy a home is to visit a mortgage broker or banker.

These days, many people consider the environment when making purchases. Just look at the popularity of hybrid vehicles, alternative fuels, locally grown produce and a host of other products designed to use fewer resources and reduce pollution and waste. Well, did you know that can add housing to the list of ways to be environmentally friendly? Which pollutes more, a car or a house?

Many people think about owning rental property. Some plan to buy a house and lease it, while others want a property they could live in with leasing potential such as a duplex or a house with a garage apartment. But being a landlord isn’t for everyone. Here are some things to consider before you put out a for rent sign. How is the rental market? Just as you perform due diligence on a property and its condition, you should do your homework on the area’s rental market.

Don’t go it alone Are you considering selling your home soon? Maybe you’re thinking you don’t need a realtor. You can just do it yourself … how hard could it be, right? Well, if you remember when you bought your home, you may recall how intense the process was. Certainly there is more to it than just putting a for sale by owner sign in your yard.

Some of a home’s features can’t be changed. Location and age first come to mind. Other features can be modified at great expense and hassle, like adding a second story or replacing the flooring. And then there are those little touches that don’t cost much—maybe nothing but a little time—that can improve the impression your home makes on potential buyers … whether they’re viewing the home in person or in photos online. Simplify to show off your home’s assets You know that when ...