I would love to know what goals you have in the New Year. For many, January 1 marks the starting line for the race ahead, and I know many people who have their sights set on homeownership or a larger space this year. If more living room is in your future, and you want to know how to make that possible, I'm your girl. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions you might have about the process, what you can afford, or how to go about getting a loan. You have questions, and I have the experience. Let's make 2017 … (1 comments)
buying a home: 4 Reasons to Buy a Home Before Spring!
- 12/09/16 01:15 PM
The holidays are upon us and there are a lot of things pulling for your attention. You may have put the home search on the backburner. However, here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today instead of waiting. 1. Prices Will Continue to Rise CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index reports that home prices have appreciated by 6.3% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at a rate of 5.2% over the next year. The bottom in home prices has come and gone. Home values will continue to appreciate for years. 2. Mortgage … (1 comments)
buying a home: 4 Warning Signs of 'Lipstick on a Pig'
- 11/03/16 08:41 AM
Over the years, I’ve seen my fair share of houses. From mansion to beat up condos, and everything in between. Years in the foreclosure business opened my eyes to property condition issues, and years of working with buyers through the home buying process have helped me to become the Realtor I am today. There are homes that are vacant, homes that are lived in, and homes that are flipped. And with the popularity of channels like HGTV, making home renovations look simple and quick, you might be surprised to see your work colleague or neighbor dipping into the “flip” business. But a … (6 comments)
buying a home: 12 Things You Should Stop Wasting Money on So You Can Save for a House
- 10/18/16 06:10 AM
Bernard Salt opened a can of whoop-ass on the “youth of today” in a piece called “Moralizers, We Need You!” in The Australian (very cool, very hip) about the evils of hipster cafes. With a heavy dose of satire, and probably a good pinch of long brewed frustration, he observes the parallels between the young that are in a renting fix, versus the older “middle-aged” sages that built wealth or financial stability little by little. Namely, by cutting out $22 avocado toast breakfasts. Whether it’s a generational thing or not, I can safely agree that I look back and realize the frivolous … (3 comments)
buying a home: Your 12 Month Timeline for Buying a Home
- 10/17/16 02:50 AM
You know that it makes sense to invest your money, and you acknowledge that part of that is not wasting money on monthly rent when you could be building equity in a home of your own. Decorating how you want… green thumbing in the backyard… avoiding rising rent prices year after year. It’s an exciting prospect! But you’re not ready to pull that trigger now… so how can you prepare for a purchase one year from now? 12 Months from Purchase Get your credit score! You can get a copy of your credit report at annualcreditreport.com. Each of the three credit bureaus are … (1 comments)
buying a home: What to Expect on Closing Day
- 06/13/16 05:01 AM
You are almost there! The most exciting day when purchasing a home is the day that you finally get to close on your home and receive the keys. Whether stressful or a breeze, this is the day that you have been working towards. Before you get to call that house your home, you will need to sign some very important papers to close the deal. Closing day is going to be a busy one with your mind moving in all different directions, but it is important to know what will happen so that you can be prepared. Generally, the closing will happen at … (3 comments)
buying a home: What Makes a House a Home?
- 04/27/15 05:12 AM
It's interesting to watch some of my clients go through the move-in process, and begin to personalize and accessorize, putting their touch on their new house. But what is it that makes a house a home? The home itself? The neighborhood? How do you really settle into your new digs to create a place of comfort? Getting to Know You... I think each story starts with the personality of the home itself. Maybe the home is clean and neat. Maybe a bit difficult and time-intensive. Maybe warm or cold, dark or bright. Getting a sense of the home and what works and … (9 comments)
buying a home: Either Way? You Pay to Have a Home
- 02/18/15 06:24 AM
I speak with so many people that are apprehensive about purchasing a home because they are uncomfortable taking on the (massive, very serious) obligation of a mortgage. But I think many forget to realize that, unless you are living with your parents without rent, you are paying for shelter - either your own house note or your landlord’s house note. Think about it. There are tax incentives to owning a home, which are great little perks when you file yearly. And, if you purchase with a 30-year fixed rate mortgage, your ‘housing budget’ is locked over the thirty years by and large … (2 comments)
buying a home: New Priorities - 2014 Housing Predictions in Dallas-Fort Worth
- 01/02/14 10:12 AM
Getting yourself in order for the New Year? Maybe that means reflecting on the year passed - what it brought to you, and what you brought in return. Losing weight, quitting that bad habit, picking up a good habit? Did you think about making it a resolution to get your finances and budget in order for homeownership? Or upgrading your homes condition, even moving-up into the home that you've had your eye on? With a new year comes new opportunity. There are many predictors and expectations, and if we base our activity for this year off of what we experienced in … (2 comments)
buying a home: Thou Shalt Not...
- 07/19/12 07:19 AM
Decided to take a break from the Moving Checklist today to share a little tip with you about your financial status and things to avoid when applying for a loan, for those under contract to buy a home.
Thou Shalt Not... Buy a New CarOpen a Credit CardHave your credit pulled for any reason (furniture, appliances, cell phone, etc)Dispute any liabilities on your credit reportAccept large deposits without a paper trail (gifts, cash on hand, etc) All of the above could affect your ability to qualify for a home loan, even on the day of closing. Don't learn the hard way! … (3 comments)
buying a home: Do I need a Real Estate Agent to Buy a House?
- 08/30/11 02:04 PM
Every so often, it's nice to send a reminder out about the importance of having proper representation when making large financial decisions. Just recently, I learned of two real estate transactions that did not proceed as planned because the Buyers did not have someone to advocate their needs. So, just in case you were hit by a large boulder and forgot the importance of having a guiding light in the largest monetary purchase you are likely to make in your lifetime, let me remind you. With a real estate agent, Buyer's will receive: Extensive Needs Analysis : Some form of communication … (51 comments)
buying a home: Do I need a Home Inspection?
- 06/01/10 04:18 AM
A home inspection will give you a comprehensive and thorough look at the overall condition of the home. Although an inspection cannot identify every problem, it can uncover problems that should be addressed before buying a house that needs a costly repair.
No, a home inspection is not always required. But at a cost of about $300-$450, it is a wise investment for anyone that is purchasing. A contract that is contingent on a home inspection from a qualified home inspector will benefit from:
Evaluation of the actual physical condition of the building, construction and mechanical systems of the home. … (2 comments)
buying a home: What's your Contract Pet Peeve?!
- 04/13/10 09:45 AM
Contracts, the promulgated forms, addenda and amendments adopted by entities such as the Texas Real Estate Commission, are worded and structured so that certain Buyer and Seller protections are made a part of a standard agreement and can be amended or updated according to case law and other changes in judicial rulings. Ironically enough, it's got a pretty good capture of most of the items that one might run into in your everyday, run-o-the-mill real estate transaction. That remains true here in the Dallas Metroplex as well. Within reason, I'm often called upon to be a little more understanding when our … (3 comments)
buying a home: Should I Buy a House Now?
- 04/13/10 05:37 AM
Low interest rates this year have lulled the majority of buyers (mainly first-timers) into believing that home loan rates in the 5.50% and lower range are "normal". This is not the case (see credit crisis of the 1980's) and if you are in the position where you need to refinance or are considering buying a home, complacency is not your friend. Government programs in the housing and interest rate realms are ending in the coming weeks and months. The time to take advantage of these programs is now, people! While there will always be those that believe differently, infinite stimulus for … (2 comments)
My job is challenging, full of opportunity and a daily joy. My aim is to offer a great homebuying experience for each and every client from start to finish.
Here, I write about real estate happenings, humorous stories, family and friends, and offer an honest voice in the Dallas-Fort Worth Real Estate market.
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