investment: Better to Rent or Buy a House - 03/19/24 06:15 AM
Before buying a house there are several considerations a person must consider before deciding. Here I am going to review some of those considerations:
Financial – When you buy a home the buyer will have higher upfront costs that includes the down payment and closing costs. The closing costs will include such costs as application, inspection, and attorney fees, etc. Mortgage rates will have an impact on your ability to buy and monthly payments. Currently, mortgage rates are showing some signs of easing and allowing buyers the ability to buy.  In addition, a homeowner is responsible for all maintenance to the property, … (4 comments)

investment: Parents Buying Houses in College Towns - 09/28/21 11:35 AM
Parents of many colleges’ students have realized this is a great time to purchase investment property.  Advantages include cutting housing college cost, some expenses are tax deductible, college student can learn how to become manager, and an investment that will appreciate.  By purchasing a home for the college student, they can rent out additional rooms to other students, therefore making their board and room less expensive versus what the college would charge.  In this instance, a student who needs a student loan probably will not need to finance their living.  As a parent they can have the student to be the … (1 comments)

investment: Home IBuyer Programs Provide to Real Estate - 10/30/19 06:17 AM
Homeowners who wish to sell their home has a choice to take an instant offer (usually must make a decision in mere days) or sell their home the traditional way.  Selling the traditional way using a real estate agent may result in greater return on your investment.  More companies are investing in technology; therefore, this is playing larger role in helping buyers and sellers satisfy their real estate needs and desires.  As time passes there probably will be fewer realtors; therefore, people will need to develop new skills that will be of value to the consumer.  The IBuyer programs offer greater … (0 comments)

investment: Learn About Neighborhood Before Buying - 07/05/18 08:09 AM
Before buying a new home investigate each neighborhood and determine if it reflects the lifestyle you desire.  Drive the neighborhood at different times of the day and visit with people who live in the neighborhood.   Performing these exercises, will give a buyer greater comfort level that they are making the right decision.  Following list contains things that you should be evaluating prior to making your decision:
Favorite spots – Identify your shopping likes, activities for family, school, church, and work requirements, etc.   Then determine how much travel time you will need to participate in these activities.
Safety – Contact police department to get … (1 comments)

investment: Pros and Cons for Home Remodeling - 11/29/16 05:50 AM
Remodeling or adding a home addition can be a great idea and good investment.  Some things that affect the effectiveness of such a project are interest rates, property values and length of time you will enjoy the completed project.  Before moving forward with such a project, you may want to consider the following items before making your final decision:
Additional expense – The cost of the project is probably first major consideration prior to beginning the project.  Need to estimate the cost of the project and be prepared to accept some cost overruns when unexpected things occur.  If you are making an … (2 comments)

investment: Considerations When Buying a Smart Home - 10/23/16 11:33 PM
In today’s home market many home buyers are building new homes using smart technology.  This allows the homeowner to enjoy more security, convenience, and peace of mind.  If a home buyer shops wisely they can build a home that suits their needs and desires.  This can all be done without spending a fortune.  Following are a few suggestions on how to achieve the above goals:
Make it cost effective – Today’s energy-efficient features help make the investment more cost-effective and affordable to a larger number of home buyers.  Intelligent features help to improve the use of solar energy through the use of … (0 comments)

investment: Consider Curb Appeal When Remodeling - 11/16/15 09:24 PM
When doing exterior remodeling to your home always think about what home buyers may desire if you were to sell your home.  If you are not sure, recommend talking to friends and professionals about your remodeling ideas.  With home prices rising in some areas, you want to get the best return on your investment when you need or decide to sell.  Sometimes small remodeling changes will improve the resale value of your home.  Another consideration a seller needs to understand and be realistic about, is whether their property is located in a rapidly inflating area.  Being aware of this fact, allows … (4 comments)

investment: Simultaneously Becoming A Home Buyer and Investor - 03/11/15 11:46 PM
Sometimes home buyers either want to own a home and use a portion of building as rental property, or purchase separate property for investment.  For first time home buyers, this may be challenging, but possible.  First time home buyers may find this too be expensive.  When entering into either arrangement there are some important factors to consider:
·      If purchasing property for an investment, you will be required to take out an investment loan.  These loans normally have higher credit requirements, down payments, and interest rates.  If you live on the property, normally you can get better interest rates.
·  … (1 comments)

investment: Second Home Hidden Costs - 03/31/14 01:14 AM
Many people dream about owning a second home in affordable area so they can enjoy the beaches and play golf, etc.  In addition, homeowners feel they can rent the property a sufficient number of weeks within the year to cover their monthly mortgage payments.  Some of these owners forget or are not aware of some expenses associated with rental properties.  Following is a list of things second homeowners need to be aware of, and have in place when renting their property:
·      First of all, you must be nice to your renters, and have nice furnishings in the house.  Renters … (3 comments)

investment: Combined Grand Entrance with Curb Appeal - 01/24/14 03:17 AM
Curb appeal is buyers’ first impression of a property follow by an equally important grand entrance to the home.  Potential buyer’s senses should be equally pleased with the entryway of the home. Passing this test will leave a lasting impression on the mind of the buyer.  At this point, the buyer will be eager to tour the house for all the other features.  Entrance should add quality and make people think of the home as a rich property, therefore, encouraging them to make a higher offer.  The flooring at the entrance of the home should vary from the rest of the … (0 comments)

investment: Why You Need a Home Inspection - 11/20/13 12:31 AM
When buying a resale home a number of the homes will have at least one major defect.  All previous owned homes probably will need repairs and improvements.  Prior to making a major investment into your new home, need to be aware of possible problems, and what it will take to correct the problems prior to closing on the house.  As a home buyer, you need to be aware of potential problems that may exist in a house, and how to identify those problems.  Following are some potential problems that can be found in a house:
·  The furnace may have a … (18 comments)

investment: How To Prepare To Buy First Home - 10/08/13 11:11 PM
Preparing to buy your first home usually includes setting aside money for a down payment, reviewing listings for several months, and touring homes on weekends.  Many first-time home buyers fear the thought of purchasing a house and are unsure what steps they must take to own a home.  Some of the concerns may be due to the fear of buying too much house, cash poor, and/or losing their job.  Potential home buyers need to discuss the buying process family members, friends, and with a realtor that they are conformable working with.  Proceeding to purchase a home without having professional guidance is … (0 comments)

investment: Updated Kitchen Finds Buyers - 10/03/12 10:32 PM
Sellers wishing to sell their home may want to consider updating their kitchen.  This project has the possibility of generating the greatest return on your investment over any other major project in the house.  An updated kitchen will help the seller compete better in a tight market.  Prior to remodeling, plan wisely by upgrading to a professional-style kitchen which will attract more potential buyers and achieve a top return on your investment.  Following are remodeling ideas that may help sell your home:
·      An island with granite counter-top.  This creates addition working space, and is attractive and popular to chefs in the … (1 comments)

investment: Home Considerations When Deciding Between Two Houses - 01/06/12 01:50 AM
During your house hunting experience it is possible you will find 2 houses that you like equally well.  You and your spouse may be split on which house is best for your family.  If you are in this situation and needing to make a decision on which house to make an offer, do not take this obligation lightly.  In your thinking process you need to be rational and not guided by emotion.  Many times in this situation you do not have the luxury of available extra time.  The houses maybe located in a hot market area and/or priced to sell quickly.  … (1 comments)

 
John Watts (Keller Williams Realty)

John Watts

Austin, TX

More about me…

Keller Williams Realty

Address: 12515-8 Research Blvd, Ste. 100 , Austin, TX, 78759

Office: (512) 751-3359

Mobile: (512) 751-3359



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