buying a home: 10 Myths From First-time Homebuyers - 11/06/08 06:50 PM
This is a list intended to set first-time homebuyers straight about myths circulating about the real estate industry.
Myth 1. All real estate agents are the same. Of course not. Some agents have more experience than others and some are Accredited Buyer's Representatives who have demonstrated a special interest in helping
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buying a home: TIPS FOR FINDING THE RIGHT HOME - 11/05/08 08:56 AM
House hunting can be a big project so here are some tips to make it easier:
1. Get pre-approved through a lender. This will enable you to search for a home and neighborhood within your financial means. You don't need to commit to a lender at this point but it's
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buying a home: Do You wonder why You would Need a Realtor When You Are Purchasing New Construction? - 10/25/08 06:06 PM
Oh, let me count the ways.
First of all, it's important to remember that the friendly salesman in the model home represents the builder not YOU.
Then, perhaps you think that the builder will give you a better deal if they don't have to pay the Realtors commission but did it
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buying a home: Which Home Did They Pick? Home #4 - 10/25/08 05:20 PM
Yes, they first picted home #2 but it had gone under contract the evening before we called, then to home #3 but the builder wouldn't negotiate with us (can you believe it?) so we found house #4.
House #4, built by Gehan, a local builder, who met all of our
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buying a home: MILWOOD MARKET STATISTICS - September - 10/07/08 04:48 PM
The Milwood area can easily be divided by Mcneil Rd as those properties south or north of McNeil so I've divided the market statistics as such. This information is compiled from Austin Board of Realtors MLS. It is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
MILWOOD - south of McNeil Rd.
Currently Active
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buying a home: AVERY RANCH - New Home Builders - 09/23/08 10:03 AM
Avery Ranch, Austin, Texas builders include: DR Horton, Dress, Gehan, Meritage, Morrison, Partners in Building, Pulte, Ryland and Wilshire. Prices range from the $150,000 to $800,000. There are single family homes as well as condominiums and garden homes.
Remember, the friendly sales person in the model home office represents the builder,
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buying a home: LIVING IN AVERY RANCH - 09/08/08 12:47 PM
What a great area of Austin. Avery Ranch. If you're not familiar with Avery Ranch and you are looking for a place to buy a home in Austin, this is a neighborhood you may want to consider. It's up Parmer Lane between 620 and 1431 with quick an easy access to
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buying a home: REASONS TO OWN YOU HOME - 09/02/08 10:15 AM
1. Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes, and some of the costs involved in buying your home.2. Appreciation. Real estate has long-term, stable growth in value. While year-to-year fluctuations are normal, median existing-home sale prices have increased on
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buying a home: THE AUSTIN ECONOMY - BUYING A HOME IN AUSTIN - 08/25/08 09:58 AM
This is a compilation of gather statistics.
In 2007 the average Austin wage was $46,800 up 1% from 2006.
There are 29 publicly traded companies including Dell, Inc and Whole Foods Market which are in the Fortune 500.
There were 25,151 existing homes sold in 2007 which is the second best
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buying a home: Bugs in Austin - What to Know - 08/22/08 09:28 AM
When I relocate buyers from other parts of the country, I'm often asked about the bugs. Yes, we have them. Lots. Some are good, like Lady Bugs, some are annoying, like Flys and Mosquitoes. Here is the breakdown, in my opinion, of what homeowners need to know about:
1. Termites. Yes.
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buying a home: REALTOR REPRESENTATION ON NEW CONSTRUCTION - 08/12/08 11:30 AM
Most home buyers don't realize it but buyers are entitled to representation when you purchase new construction. The friendly sales person in the model home represents the builder, not you the buyer. In Austin, the Austin Board of Realtors has worked out an agreement of cooperation with builders. In fact, builders
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buying a home: AUSTIN CONSUMER RESOURCE - 08/12/08 10:45 AM
If you are relocating to the Austin area or are a current resident but need resources for doctors, dentists, accountants, painters and more, visit http://www.austinsmartconsumer.com/ which is a great resource for services and I'm a featured business this week. Look for my photo on the left side. Click and read my
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buying a home: YOUR HOME SEARCH TIPS - 08/09/08 02:25 PM
1. Decide what you want. Narrow down the top determining factors. What neighborhood, features and price range are most important to you.2. Research areas of interest. Since everything is online, it's easy to get an idea of what features in what price ranges can be found in the neighborhoods of interest.
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buying a home: YOU'VE CLOSED ON A HOME PURCHASE. WHAT DO YOU KEEP? - 07/30/08 10:50 AM
Often when I meet with a home seller and ask for specific documents, I find they threw some or all out after closing. I personally have kept the paperwork on every house I've purchased even if I don't own it anymore. Below is a list of what the home buyer should
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buying a home: AGENT EDUCATION - 07/25/08 08:04 AM
Continuing education is a requirement for being an agent and I go the extra mile by taking more classes then are required. Today, I'm attending a seminar on real estate investing and Monday and Tuesday I'll be in classes to acquire a designation for Seller Representation Specialist. Advanced education enables me
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buying a home: Do I Need A Home Inspection? - 07/18/08 09:50 AM
ABSOLUTELY! In Texas, home inspectors are licensed and all have the same checklist form to fill out. You may want to ask your REALTOR® for names of home inspectors they like or check online with Texas Real Estate Commission who licenses inspectors or or if from another state try Google for
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buying a home: Abstract of Title or Title Policy? - 07/16/08 04:28 PM
In some states, closings happen in an attorneys office but in Texas they most often happen at the title company.Either way, the home buyer will want to be sure that there aren't any liens or encumbrances on the property like unpaid fines, bills, taxes or another's property extending onto your property
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buying a home: When Buying or Selling a Home, What's the Survey? - 07/15/08 04:39 PM
The survey is the document that defines the property and shows the parameters of the lot, where the house sits on the lot, where the building setback lines are, the utility easements and fences. A survey is created by a licensed surveyor and is very precise. The title company uses it
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