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...
As a child, I would eagerly await the 4th of July parade, as do most children in Seguin. My father always took us to the Texaco gas station at 501 N Austin Street to sit and watch the colors and music float by. Over the years, that building has become a special place for me. I’ve taken my children there to watch the parade and now my grandchildren. Going there every year has preserved 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...
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...
Getting multiple offers on your home can be exciting, and there's a good chance you'll get more than one offer if you list your house in today’s market. There are more factors to consider with multiple offers than the money being offered. It is essential to pay attention to all parts of each offer. Things to be aware of include contingencies, the ability to pay close, and how much money the buyer puts...
Buying a house in Seguin is super exciting and a huge accomplishment (hi neighbor!), so congratulations on making this decision! But there are some effects to your finances after you buy a house. Be prepared for the hit your finances will take after you buy a house. Finances Change Your Credit Score During the homebuying process, you’ve probably kept an eye on your credit score to help you...