how to: Can I use the restroom?
- 01/05/17 01:15 PM
There is no right or wrong when it comes to showing etiquette. No book has been published with the laws of Seller and Buyer 'norms'. Many of my clients, though, have questions regarding what is customary during showings. And to me, it’s all about the basics of courtesy. Aside from the assumed request for appointments to be on time, the home to be left locked the way it was found, as well as lights turned off and the thermostat left untouched, there can be some other recommendations to heed from Sellers to Buyers: Try not to park in the driveway - especially … (45 comments)
how to: Mistakes of a Rookie Landlord
- 12/12/16 12:00 PM
We’re all rookies at many points in our lives - new school, new job, new team. Perhaps you’re a rookie landlord. Being a rookie isn’t a bad thing, necessarily. It just means that you aren’t experienced, and often translates to mistakes. My job is to advocate for Buyer, Seller, Tenant and sometimes, Landlord. I get quite a few questions from people interested in renting out their homes, as well as many questions that are the result of a problem or sticky situation. The most common are a result of: Rookies suck at screening tenants - the most important steps in a proper business … (1 comments)
how to: 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)
how to: 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)
how to: Lose the Gutter Gunk!
- 10/12/15 03:28 AM
Fall foliage is a glorious time to be outdoors - taking in the changing colors and crunch beneath your feet. But it can wreak havoc on your gutters. Tackle the build-up with some of these tips. Start in the Corners Using gloves, clear tight spots first, like corners and downspouts. Toss the gunk into a work bucket (opposed to on the ground) so that you have less mess later and no slipping hazards. Clear straightaways Make a plast scoop easily with a plastic milk jug or 20 ounce bottle of soda. Use a utility knife to slice off the bottom at a slight angle and … (3 comments)
how to: Increase Your Resale Value - Top 5 Renovations
- 10/04/15 03:02 AM
If you're considering putting your home on the market, there are a plethora of improvements you can make that will attract buyers to your home. But chatting with your neighbor or watching HGTV won't necessarily tell you which of those improvements to put money into. The trick is to spend on improvements what you will recoup (or, mostly) when you decide to sell. Here are the Top 5 Ways to Increase Your Resale Value that agents almost universally agree are HOT. Kitchen -- The heart of the home, it's the room that also gets the most ooh's and aah's from visitors and … (2 comments)
how to: Renting? How to Add Personality to a Temporary Space
- 06/12/15 07:59 AM
So you want to decorate your rental place. I’ve moved more in the last four years than I care to admit. Thankfully, I’m done for a while, and have a space that I can fully flex my muscles on to hang, plant and “own” the crud out of. I’ve lived in spaces between 674 sq ft and 2,320 sq ft, and all different construction styles - WWII wood-sided to brick modern with oriental flair. It’s taught me a lot about making the most of a space, especially when I’m only there temporarily. 1. Change your light You’d be surprised what bright new bulbs … (3 comments)
how to: How to Protest Your Taxes.
- 05/06/15 07:59 AM
Growing up is fun. Bills and taxes are not. There’s a mega vinyl-screeching sound heard throughout the Metroplex when thousands of property owners received their tax bills this year, from their County Appraisal District. The market is ‘good’ and prices have risen, we are out of a recession… so it would only make sense that taxes are increasing as well. And even though we don’t pay income taxes like other states, County Appraisal Districts have the right to assess your homes taxable value. Even though the tax rate might stay the same, the taxes you pay increase when this happens. If you are … (1 comments)
how to: How to Meet the Neighbors
- 04/09/15 01:00 AM
Do you find yourself as the new kid on the block? Hopefully, you found an opportunity to speak with your potential neighbors before purchasing your new home, but now that you’re moved in it’s time to branch out and meet people. Even extroverts might find this unappealing, but it’s not as overwhelming as it may seem. Here are some tips for getting to know your neighbors with ease: Say HelloSeems obvious, I know, but a simple hello could open the door to some great conversation. Introduce yourself then maybe ask for advice or recommendations on nearby needs like dinner delivery, grocery stores or dry … (6 comments)
how to: How to Plan for a Big Move!
- 04/01/15 07:32 AM
Moving. A word that still invokes dread in me. You don't realize how much stuff you have amassed until it's time to pack it all up and hit the road to your new space. But if you’ve moved a time or two, you get your systems down, and once you know how to handle each portion of the moving process, it becomes a lot less traumatizing. I thought I’d share a few tips I’ve picked up on how to plan a move.
1. BEGIN THE great PURGE AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOU’ll BE MOVING Because who wants to pay someone to move stuff you … (3 comments)
how to: 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)
how to: Prepare: 8 Questions your Lender will Ask
- 01/14/15 06:36 AM
Over the last couple of weeks, I have had the opportunity to work with many clients, referrals and friends in their search for a new rental property. Many people don’t even think about the possibility of owning, rather than renting, because they’re apprehensive about the loan process. If you’re on the fence, or even just curious about what to expect when speaking with a lender, here is a helpful lowdown on what you might face. I even have a list of just about every type of document you might need to send over for approval - want it? Email me! These … (1 comments)
how to: Is Real Estate Superficial? Are Realtors Materialistic?
- 09/17/14 09:23 AM
There's an old adage about real estate, applicable to many professions - that it takes money to make money. But does this mean that real estate is a materialistic profession? Maybe the wrong question to ask I sit in the middle of the glitz of a Dallas skyline… nonetheless, it may be interesting to reflect on the resources at daily use of a Realtor, if you're thinking about joining the industry or maybe observing from an outsiders perspective. The Car As with many big city slickers, Dallas Realtors are notorious for their vehicle. And while I don't care to expose … (3 comments)
how to: Why Should I Work With a Real Estate Agent?
- 09/16/14 08:36 AM
Did you know that the large majority of Buyers last year utilized the services of a Real Estate Agent or Broker? Since today's real estate consumers have more access than ever and up-to-date search tools, it would seem the contrary. Still, more and more buyers are deciding to hire a contract with an agent. Why? Local Taxi drivers know geography. Police officers are versed in local culture, laws and politics. The best real estate agents are knowledgeable in all of this and more. Business and attractions, architectural styles, appliances, finishings, heating, cooling, etc. Most importantly, agents know the local market. What … (3 comments)
how to: Surefire Ways to Ruffle Realtor Feathers...
- 09/05/14 03:38 AM
Or, more aptly named, 'Surefire Ways to Piss Off Your Agent.' Agents make money, yes. If they're successful and diligent at what they do, it's a great career for the right person. But they are your representative, and working on your behalf. They think and act for you. They negotiate for you. So cut a little slack, eh? Please don't become a know-it-all expert because you have the Internet… This is the most common thing we get. "All" of the information is online. Well, maybe the listing is online - but much of the pertinent information you need is likely hidden, … (5 comments)
how to: 5 Reasons to Hire a Realtor
- 03/06/14 05:24 AM
Focus on your life and your next chapter, leave the work up to a working real estate professional! Need even MORE reasons to hire a Realtor? I'm happy to send some over... … (1 comments)
how to: What to Splurge on? What to Save on?
- 02/21/14 01:47 AM
In my career, I've accumulated great references for many servicers, techs and handymen. This comes in great hand, when the inevitable question comes from a Client - "What should I save on, and what should I splurge on?". While the answer would certainly vary, depending on the scenario, why not have some fun with the simplest of suggestions. Splurge and Save have very different definitions, depending on who's asking, so this likely won't be unilateral for all. Custom build vs. thrift find is up to you, but here are some suggestions and things to consider when updating your current home or … (2 comments)
how to: Selling Your Home - Stage for Success!
- 09/11/13 02:42 PM
Of all of the things that homeowners can impact, the appearance and condition of your home is one of the most important. Here, we continue our look at things you need to consider to Sell Your Home Faster and For More Money. Ever walk in to a friends home that has you tripping over knick-knacks, oddly placed furniture or belongings strewn about? Or greeted by a stress-inducing wall color or wallpaper pattern? While you might dismiss the mishap on your friends behalf, Buyers will by and large use these 'feelers' as determining factors about whether your home is the right one … (1 comments)
how to: Moving Checklist - What to do Before Moving (Part 2/4)
- 07/16/12 09:14 AM
Congratulations, new Homeowner! You've reached an exciting part of your life and have come a long way. While it may seem that the majority of the work in getting to this position is over (signing that ream of paper, where you tired out your John Hancock at the closing table), the work's not done. There are many things that go into moving and some things you should be aware of now that you own a home and are no longer renting! See Moving Checklist - What to do Before Moving (Part 1/4) Take Care of the Messiest Things while it's Empty!
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.
There is no right or wrong when it comes to showing etiquette. No book has been published with the laws of Seller and Buyer 'norms'. Many of my clients, though, have questions regarding what is customary during showings. And to me, it’s all about the basics of courtesy.
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