Buying a home is a significant financial undertaking, and while it’s difficult for buyers to fathom paying additional out-of-pocket expenses, closing costs in Texas can run an additional 2-6% of the home’s purchase price. Buyers must understand the added fees before it’s time for the keys to exchange hands. Here's a breakdown of the most common closing costs when purchasing a...
If you're unsure about the market right now, you're not alone. It's hard to know what's happening while the housing market emits so many mixed signals. As supply begins to mirror pre-pandemic levels, we need to recognize that it's the result of rising interest rates. Is our market at a stalemate? Are sellers choosing to sit tight with their locked-in low interest while buyers stand by to 'wait and...
“Happy Valentine’s Day!” Today is February 14th, and that simple phrase will echo through households, workplaces, and schools across the US. Folks will exchange candy, flowers, and gifts, and the chances of eating out without a reservation this evening are slim to none! But why? St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains remnants of both Christian and ancient Roman...
While home staging is primarily designed to highlight a home's best features, it can also hide potential problems. A quality REALTOR® will not allow clients to hide significant issues that a home inspector will ultimately find. Here are some common home staging tricks that buyers should know. Curtains Stagers can use curtains or curtain rods to hide small, cracked, or damaged windows. They...
In a competitive housing market, buyers are pulling out all the stops. While you may have saved enough money to purchase a house with cash, there are several things to consider. Here are the pros & cons of a cash offer. PROS Interest Rates Paying cash will save money on the overall cost of a new home. The amount paid in interest over a 30-year mortgage will most...
The newest figures from Redfin.com show that the typical home buyer could save more money per month with an adjustable-rate mortgage over a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. While the interest rates may be lower for an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), they are guaranteed to change! The current interest hikes for fixed-rate mortgages have put several would-be buyers out of the game due to unaffordable monthly...