Taylor Made Texas Hill Country Real Estate Blog

Live On The Golf Course in Tapatio Springs

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:37:35 -0600

A BRILLIANT 3BR/2.5BA HILL COUNTRY CUSTOM HOME SPARKLING LIKE A GEM IN TAPATIO SPRINGS.

THE GOURMET KITCHEN BOASTS CUSTOM CABINETS WITH GRANITE COUNTERS & STAINLESS BOSCH APPLIANCES. THE PRIVATE MASTER SUITE HAS A GARDEN WHIRLPOOL TUB, DOUBLE VANITY AND WALK-IN CLOSET. THE BRIGHT AND OPEN GATHERING AREAS INCLUDE A WARM FIREPLACE, SPACIOUS DINING ROOM, BREAKFAST AREA, & COVERED PATIO TUCKED AWAY BEHIND THE 5TH TEE BOX ON THE GOLF COURSE. GOLF, TENNIS & POOL AVAIL. W/MEMBERSHIP. LG BONUS RM & STUDY, TOO! Priced to sell at $499,000. Go to www.taylorhometeam.com for more info and photos of this fabulous home.

What Is Title Insurance, And Why Do I Need It?

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 15:12:53 -0600

Potential clients and first time buyers usually ask this question. It's not one of the easiest answers to give. Most of the time a mortgage is required, so the lender requires a title policy. In some types of ownership transfers, title insurance is not required, or necessary. A good title company can help you determine your needs.

Listed below are a few of the hidden risks that are covered under an owner's policy:

Documents executed under false, revoked or expired powers of attorney;
False impersonations of the true property owner;
Undisclosed heirs;
Improperly recorded legal documents;
Prescriptive rights in another not appearing of record and not disclosed by survey;
Defective acknowledgments due to improper or expired notarization;
Corporate franchise taxes as liens on corporate real estate assets;
Gaps in the chain of title;
Mistakes and omissions resulting in improper abstracting;
Forged deeds, mortgages, wills, releases of mortgages and other instruments;
Deeds by minors;
Deeds which appear absolute, but which are held to be equitable mortgages;
Inadequate legal descriptions;
Errors in tax records;
And many more.

Owners Policy-Homeowner

Just as lenders want security with their loan policy, you should want to protect your investment with an owner's title policy. For a low, one-time premium you can receive an owner's title insurance policy to protect your property against hidden risks or undiscovered interests.

The Owner's Policy Provides:

Protection From Financial Loss due to covered claims that may be asserted against the title to your property, up to the face amount of the title policy.
Payment Of Legal Cost if the title insurer has to defend your title against a covered claim.
Payment Of Successful Claims against the title to your property covered by the policy, up to the face amount of the policy.

Peace Of Mind

Title insurance adds security and peace of mind to your ownership. Remember that a policy issued by Kendall County Abstract Company can help you prevent the potential loss of your property due to these causes as well as many others. If you have any questions about title insurance, call your local title compnay. They will be happy to answer your questions.

Owning real estate is one of the most precious values of freedom enjoyed in this country. When you decide to buy any type of real property, you want to be sure the property will be yours and that no one else will have any liens, claims or encumbrances against your property other than those disclosed to you or arranged by you (such as a mortgage).

If you are buying or selling real property, having a title policy protect the transaction gives everyone involved peace of mind.

If you are considering buying or selling real estate in the Texas Hill Country, check out our website: www.taylorhometeam.com

It's Definitely a Buyer's Market...

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:56:48 -0600

The past few weeks we've experienced a significant rise in activity in the Real Estate market here in the Texas Hill Country. This is very good news for sellers. However, sellers must keep in mind that most of the qualified buyers that are out there shopping are looking for a bargain. And, consequently we are having to remind our buyers that although sellers are more willing to negotiate these days, they are not going to just "give it away." A new catch phrase we've found ourselves repeating to potential sellers is that they must have "the best house for the best price" meaning they need to study the competition in the market....of course, we help them with that....and make sure their property is positioned to stand up to the competition when the buyers come. If they have "the best house for the best price" it's likely that they will "win the buyer."

Visit our website at www.taylorhometeam.com for property listings, to search mls listings, or for many useful buying and selling tips. While your there, check out our testimonials!!

Budget Friendly Facts to Consider...

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:55:46 -0500

With energy costs on the rise and environmental concerns growing, consumers are searching for more ways to reduce their energy usage. Take a look at a few numbers relating to homes and energy costs.

$180 - Average annual amount a homeowner can save with a programmable thermostat (umm...but you need to program it and use it!)

$30 - Estimated lifetime energy savings of one Energy Star CFL light bulb

45% - Percentage of energy costs that go toward heating and cooling

20% - Energy-cost savings of an Energy Star new home compared to an average existing home

$8,000 - Maximum amount of energy improvements that can be financed through an energy-efficient mortgage

(Sources: EPA Energy Star, U.S. Department of Energy, HUD)

The Mortgage Loan Process....

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:29:00 -0500

If you've never bought a home, or maybe you did...but don't get deeply involved in all the details, the loan process for getting a mortgage might be a bit mysterious to you. With all the focus on the mortgage industry lately, we decided to simplify and demystify this process for the average person.

The Typical Mortgage Loan Process:

1. Get Prequalified! Call us and we will help you connect with highly reputable mortgage professionals. As we have seen in recent weeks, they are NOT all created EQUAL! A referral from your Realtor is your best bet.

2. Start shopping for homes....we will be happy to show you any available homes in your price range that will suit your needs & wants. Once a home is selected, we will help you negotiate the contract for purchase.

3. Make sure you provide all personal documentation requested by your Mortgage Professional and sign and return your typed loan package promptly. Delay in these steps can actually delay your closing, or possibly cause you to lose the contract on the home you are purchsing if not careful.

4. Your Mortgage Professional's Loan Processor will verify your employment, assets and income.

5. Your Realtor, Mortgage Professional, and Title Escrow Officer will see that the title commitment, tax certificates, wiring instructions, survey, and appraisal are ordered and on track to be ready for closing as required.

6. Your Mortgage Professional will submit your loan file to the underwriter.

7. Make sure you discuss interest rates with the Mortgage Professional throughout this process and be prepared to lock your rate 30 days in advance.

8. Once the underwriter has issued the Final Approval, your file will be submitted to the Loan Closer.

9. The Loan Closer will prepare closing documents for your final signature at closing.

10. Your Realtor or Mortgage Professional will contact you with your closing costs so you can prepare your certified funds for closing. You will then go to the specified title company (or Fed/Ex is sometimes used for out of town buyers) and sign your closing documents. As soon as funding occurs, you will get the keys to your new home!

Is It Priced to Sell???

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:53:56 -0500

Many folks are still having a hard time understanding the nature and natural process of the real estate market. We feel it's our job to help educate our clients, buyers & sellers, so they can make good decisions in their real estate pruchases and sales.

Now is a time to face facts. In the past four months, research suggests that housing inventory has climbed to an 11-month-plus supply. According to NAR, in fact, there was an 11.1-month supply of homes in June 2008.

Truth is, we have to price these properties correctly if we want to get some of this inventory reduced, so we can see an overall improvement of the real estate market.

Additionally, many sellers need to understand the nature of the "swing." Most sellers will need to somehow replace the home they are selling. Consequently, any dollars they may give up on the sale of their home, they will likely make up on what they buy. It's a moot point, so pricing the property right in the first place is a win-win situation.

Incidentally, if you are trying to sell your home, or just thinking about putting it on the market, we will be happy to discuss all this with you in relation to your property. You can visit our website: www.taylorhometeam.com for info about us and a few cool testimonials about the services we provide.

Fall is here!! Time to visit Comfort, TX!!

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 14:16:52 -0500

TOWN OF COMFORT WELCOMES THE FALL HARVEST SEASON

WITH SCARECROW INVASION AND ANNUAL ANTIQUES SHOW

Fun Fall Spectacle Draws Young and Old Alike to the Hill Country

COMFORT, TEXAS...Visitors to the Texas Hill Country know that fall has officially arrived when they see the smiling faces of scarecrows begin to appear in Comfort for the town's annual Scarecrow Invasion. The event celebrates the autumn beauty of the Texas Hill country and the harvest season.

This year visitors will spot scarecrows starting to appear around town October 1^st with prime viewing from October 15th through November 10th. The scarecrows traditionally make their appearance just in time to deter any feisty blackbirds from pestering visitors attending the Comfort Village Antiques Show on October 18th and 19th.

One of the most familiar figures of the rural landscape, these fun symbols of the harvest season become yard art in Comfort as residents and business owners compete in several categories. The many historic homes and buildings in Comfort provide an extra special setting for the scarecrows. Some creations capture the essence of fall, complete with hay bales, pumpkins and garden mums, while others display a humorous touch.

Mary and John Straley, owners of Holekamp House, won Best of Invasion in 2008 and have won other awards in the four years that they have competed. One of the most elegant and romantic bed-and-breakfasts in Comfort, Holekamp House featured a scarecrow man on bended knee proposing to his scarecrow sweetheart, complete with a ring on her finger. "We have had many marriage proposals at Holekamp House, as well as couples on their wedding night and honeymooners," said Mrs. Straley. "So this theme was very fitting."

Comfort resident Judi Youngers has participated in the Invasion for several years and also won awards for her creations. Her winning entry last year was an upside down fall gardening scarecrow. Her head was in a pot and her feet in the air. Colorful mums surrounded her. "The scarecrows are fun," said Youngers. "I like to bring a smile to someone's face with my creations." In planning her entry, she looks for accessories at garage and estate sales and then enlists the help of two friends to create her entry.

The Scarecrow Invasion provides a festive fall backdrop for the Comfort Village Antiques Show, directed by Tommy and Lori Titsworth and now in its 21^st year. It is known as the show that is "putting country back into country shows". Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission to the show, which is held in Comfort Park, is $5 per person with children under 12 admitted free. The booths are under cover, so the show goes on rain or shine.

After seeing the antiques show, visitors can shop stores in downtown Comfort and along Highway 27. Comfort is rich in architectural heritage and nearly the entire downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places. Many of these structures house antiques stores, specialty shops, restaurants and bed-and-breakfasts. Most of them participate in the Invasion.

Comfort also has accommodations to meet the needs of almost any traveler from cabins in the country, to lavishly decorated Victorian era mansions and picturesque creek side and river side lodging. The town is an easy drive from San Antonio and Austin for families who want to enjoy a fall weekend in the Hill Country.

Visit our website @ www.taylorhometeam.com/helpful-links.asp and you will find links to everything good in the Texas Hill Country!!

10 Acre Hill Country Recreational Ranch Property

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:46:28 -0500

10 acres plus a 2BR/1BA country style cottage with covered porch, fenced & cross fenced with stables & tack room, RV hook-up & seasonal pond, small storage building and greenhouse. Located in Pipe Creek, TX area.

Flat, usable land with a garden area and a variety of trees. Also great for recreational retreat or use the existing home as a guest house while building your dream home on the additional building site. MLS#745565. A rare find, priced to sell! Listed for only $199,000. Go to www.taylorhometeam.com for photos, visual tour, and more info!

FAQs About the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:50:37 -0500

Are you confused about the first-time home buyer tax credit? The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 authorizes a $7,500 tax credit for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing homes on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. This site-- http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/faq.php can help you by answering a myriad of questions regarding the credit, including the explanation in #12 that the tax credit operates like a no-interest loan that must be paid back within 15 years. Then, go to www.taylorhometeam.com to look at listings, search for homes & land, and much more!

A little humor...

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:46:24 -0500

It seems like times are tough all around, and we feel that it's important to keep a good sense of humor to ease the tension. With that in mind, we hope these jokes will make you laugh!!

~If you really want to know exactly where the property line is, just watch the neighbor mow his lawn!

~If you think nobody cares you're even alive, just try missing a few house payments!

~The trouble with owning a home is that no matter where you sit, you're looking at something you should be doing!

~By the time you pay off a home in the suburbs, it isn't!

Cheers!

Just Listed--A Distinctive Home for City Living.

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 10:53:06 -0500

Elegant Hill Country Style Covers Every Inch Of This Home...Inside & Out!

The chef in you will love the gourmet kitchen & granite countertops, in addition to the outdoor kitchen in the private courtyard.

The energy efficiency & low maintenance will allow more time and money for relaxing and entertaining. The home boasts an open floor plan with high ceilings, surround sound throughout home and courtyard, hand troweled wall treatments, universal design allowing full handicap accessibility & professional landscaping with pond. Truly a must see!! Go to www.taylorhometeam.com for more photos, visual tour, and info. Listed for $350,000. You will be sorry to miss out on this one!

What determines market value?

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:04:10 -0500

We have been putting in a lot of extra time helping our clients understand this important concept lately, especially sellers. Every material object has a "market value." There are many ways to consider what determines the value of anything, including real estate. The most common forms are appraisals. Although appraisals are a very valuable tool, utilizing comps, cost of construction, etc., they are not always the final answer.

Market value of anything is the price that an able buyer will pay for that object, period. If qualified and able buyers are looking at your home or land but are choosing not to make the purchase, it is important to reconsider the asking price. Market conditions are always fluctuating up and down. Just because you paid a certain price, or a CMA or appraisal suggests a certain price (even for an appreciable object) that doesn't always mean that you will be able to sell it for what your analysis SAYS the market value SHOULD be. You can appraise all day long, but if no buyers will purchase at that price, you have to ask "what is it REALLY worth?" And "am I willing to do whatever it takes, including price adjustments, to sell my _________?"

This Lot Is Just Waiting For a Builder to Snatch it Up!!!

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 15:47:18 -0500

Located in a convenient neighborhood in Selma, TX...

a very popular area north of San Antonio....close to Loop 1604 & IH-35

7902 Deerfield Blvd...Approx 12000 sq ft....0.2755 acres

All utilities...water, sewer, electric, natural gas, phone, cable...

Owner is anxious to sell and will consider all offers...MLS # 731730

Listed for $34,900 go to www.taylorhometeam.com for more photos, etc.

Have you ever asked "What is Pre-Paid Interest?"

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 11:38:13 -0500

Now... as you look at the chart; you will see house payment due July 1st: This means when you make that payment then you are paying the interest for June in that payment. The lender will collect upfront at closing the 16 days of interest in May because that was no included in your house payment... meaning you are paying 16 days of pre-paid interest.

Now remember this will vary depending on what day of the month you close. If you close toward the end of the month you will pay less pre-paid interest and more if you close at the beginning of the month.

I hope this helps

VIEWS, VIEWS, VIEWS!!

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 13:24:43 -0500

Privacy and spectacular panaramic views are waiting for you!

FABULOUS PANORAMIC VIEWS FROM THIS 10.03 ACRE PROPERTY. MINIMAL RESTRICTIONS, MULTIPLE BUILDING SITES, PRIVATE, END OF CUL-DE-SAC. HUNTING IS PERMITTED AND THERE IS PLENTY OF DEER AND WILDLIFE! STORAGE BUILDING PLUS LARGE METAL COVER FOR RV OR ? ELECTRICITY TO SITE. Listed for $119,000 For more info & photos visit our website at www.taylorhometeam.com

Do Unto Others.....Be Good to Your Buyers

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 10:09:52 -0500

It can be really hectic moving out of your old home, and into a new one. There are a few things most buyers actually WANT sellers to leave behind. A thoughtful seller can make it a lot nicer when they leave a few items for the new owners such as:

1. Owner's manuals for appliances

2. Warranty info for anything that is in the house and still under warranty

3. Contact info for service providers that the seller used, like pest contro, pool maintenance, cleaning services and yard work, even a good veterinarian referral if the sellers and buyers have pets

4.Schedules for trach and recycling pickup and mandatory watering conservation schedules

5. Info on neighborhood events, like block parties and annual parades & festivals.

For more community info, and links to Texas Hill Country resources, visit our website at www.taylorhometeam.com

SOLD!!--Another Happy Family...

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:39:13 -0500

...courtesy of the Taylor Team!

DREAMS DO COME TRUE!!

After 3 years of searching, Sally Taylor was able to find the Young family their dream home. The boys, Bennett & Sean, are happy because they now have 10 acres on which to run, play, raise animals, shoot b.b. guns & archery, and pursue their boy scout activities. Kelli is happy because she now has a walk-in pantry,walk-in closets & loads of storage. Ty (not pictured) is happy because his family is happy and The Taylor Team was able to secure this foreclosure property at agreat price!

Want to make your dreams come true? Call The Taylor Team!

830-816-5310 or visit our website at www.taylorhometeam.com

Everything you want...and affordable, too!!

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:21:40 -0500

If you are looking for loads of living space and tons of storage this neat & tidy home has it!!

If you are looking for a home that has his & her bathroom in a master suite that says "I'm home, it's time to relax" this home has it!! Just to make the picture more detailed this delightful house has a large island kitchen, separate dining room or family room, plus 200 sq ft craft/mud room not in KAD.

The approx. half-acre lot has a large workshop, 2 storage buildings & a covered front porch.

Listed for $150,000, this home near Boerne, TX is a great value.

For more photos, info, etc...visit our website @ www.taylorhometeam.com

Coming Sept 1, Inspections Will Be Required on New Construction...

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:18:50 -0500

...and Qualified Remodeling Projects in Unincorporated Areas of Texas that are Not Subject To Municipal Building Inspection Requirements. You can read the complete County Inspection Rules on the Texas Residential Construction Commission's website by clicking here:

http://www.trcc.state.tx.us/policy/resources/Chapter307Rules.pdf

Home, Home on the Range.....

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:33:17 -0500

This 39.3 acres on Old #9 between Comfort & Fredericksburg is just waiting for a new owner!

The main house with loft and separate cabana house with entertainment area are loaded with rustic charm.

Great for horses, hunting, or just retreating from busy city life....

Listed for $649,000...see more photos or request a showing at www.taylorhometeam.com

Enjoy your morning coffee!!

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:35:29 -0500

News reports for many years have off and on insinuated that coffee is a vice. Well, here's the truth--unless you're pregnant, there is almost never a health reason for adults giving up their joltin' joe. One study of over 85,000 nurses even suggested that enjoying 2 cups of coffee a day, regular or decaf, lowers the risk of women developing type 2 diabetes. Many other studies have shown beneficial effects from coffee, too. It's one of the most studied foods we ingest. So, drink a cup or two a day in peace!!

GUADALUPE RIVERFRONT PROPERTY FOR UNDER $100,000!!!

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 09:12:41 -0500

Fabulous Guadalupe River frontage and easy access.

Perfect recreational property, would make a great get-away! Almost 2 acres with Peaceful, Cypress-lined frontage-you can walk right into the river! Property has a well and electric in place. Located in 100 year flood plain. Listed for $99,500. To see more photos go to www.taylorhometeam.com Sellers say "Make us an offer!"

Your Time & Your Money....Don't Idle Them Away!!

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 15:44:36 -0500

Idle hands are the devil's workshop, and so are idling vehicles. If you idle an automobile for 10 minutes a day, you pollute the air and use up approximately a whole tank of gas per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Idling for periods as short as 30 seconds consumes more gasoline than turning off the engine and then starting it again. You can save even more if you park and go inside instead of using the drive-through. Additionally, excessive idling can cause a buildup of fuel residues on cylinder walls, spark plugs and other engine components, which eventually leads to even poorer efficiency and can increase your fuel consumption by 4 to 5 percent. Don't forget...to conserve gasoline while driving, accelerate and decelerate slowly and smoothly, and anticipate stops and coast to a stop gradually. Anticipate delays and take an alternate route to avoid stop-and-go or standstill traffic. If possible, travel earlier or later when roads are not as congested as the rush hours in your area.

Want to Live at Medina Lake??

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:58:59 -0500

How would you like to wake up every morning and see a view like this?

Could you find time to enjoy this pool?

How about the 6000 SF Clubhouse, Swimming Pool, Miniature Golf, Boat Launch, Multi-Use Courts, Fishing Pier, and MUCH MORE?? This lot has been cleared, the electricity is on site, as well as the driveway, and is ready for RV parking...or build your own lake-house. Not only are the views spectacular and the amenities fabulous, the price is only $110,000.... For more info and photos visit our website: www.taylorhometeam.com

JD Power Ranks Keller Williams #1 for Buyer Satisfaction

Sally Taylor (Keller Williams - Boerne Hill Country) — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 10:21:44 -0500

In accordance with the study, home buyers were shown an average of 13 homes before buying, and sellers estimated that their home was shown and average of 11 times before selling. If you are looking for properties in the Texas Hill Country, we want to help you! Visit our website at www.taylorhometeam.com for valuable information or to search for homes, land, or investment property. And, if you're in the market to buy, don't you want the company ranked #1 in buyer satisfaction on your side? Local knowledge with nationwide reach.