home buying: Home Sweet First Home
- 04/03/23 04:31 PM
I am excited about this new April Challenge about our first home-buying experiences. For me, this was many years ago and just thinking about it, brings back many memories. And, I do recall that the interest rates back then were very steep.
Back in the mid-80s, I was out of college, newly married, and working in my first career which was the healthcare/fitness industry. I had no concept about the home-buying process whatsoever! But, we knew buying was the right option.
We lived in a suburb of Dallas and in an area that was rapidly developing. New businesses, neighborhoods, restaurants, and shopping was … (16 comments)
|
home buying: It's Fall Y'all ~ Let's Deck the Halls
- 10/16/22 07:17 PM
Fall is certainly in the air and lots of Fall decor is popping up everywhere. When we think about "decking the halls", we typically think about Christmas decor. However, we can certainly bring the Fall decor to our doorsteps and into our homes for a cozy, seasonal change.
Here are some excellent Fall decor tips:
Front Door & Porch - arrange pumpkins, baskets of mums, bales of hay, and Fall-themed wreaths to create an instant, "Welcome Fall" look. Create a corner that appears natural and free-flowing. The more natural materials the better to avoid a too "crafty" appearance.
Fall Scents - Nothing says Fall … (11 comments)
|
home buying: Lipstick on a Pig ~ Remodeling Woes
- 11/04/19 07:20 PM
Lipstick on a Pig ~ Remodeling Woes
In this remodeling and HGTV awakening era, as real estate agents, we've all seen the great updates as well as the examples of what NOT to do! Recently, I was showing my son who is hoping to be a first time home buyer some remodeled homes in the Houston area. Due to the flooding Houston has experienced, currently there are hundreds of remodeled and updated homes on the market.
In viewing homes all over the Houston area, it became obvious very quickly the differences in quality, versus lipstick on a pig jobs. While most of these homes had crisp, new colors on … (24 comments)
|
home buying: Before You Show, Get Your Ducks in a Row
- 02/14/18 02:02 PM
Before You Show, Get Your Ducks in a Row
Many times, real estate agents are so eager to show a prospective buyer homes they don't take the necessary steps to have the client qualified and prepared to make an offer. In this day and age of impostors, scammers, and sometimes just uniformed buyers, Seller's more than ever are savvy when they are accepting offers. Therefore, it is imperative that real estate agents educate their buyers BEFORE showing property.
If you are a prospective buyer, please do not be offended when your agent asks you for your Pre-Qualification letter, proof of funds, etc. In order … (16 comments)
|
home buying: Bluff Dale, Texas ~ Farmhouse Living!
- 09/14/17 12:23 PM
Bluff Dale, Texas ~ Farmhouse Living!
Wonder why it's called Bluff Dale? All it takes is a quick trip out southwest of Granbury, Texas to see that Bluff Dale is exactly what the name says, bluffs! The views and the topography of this area are simply breathtaking!
This tiny Texas town is truly a breath of fresh air. Just between Granbury and Stephenville, provides a perfect location for those who wish to travel to either town for work or pleasure. However, when you retreat back to Bluff Dale, you leave the cities behind and can enjoy the peaceful, serene environment.
We just listed a fantastic … (2 comments)
|
home buying: Granbury Magnolia Realty Welcomes Debbie Blackburn
- 03/23/17 04:13 PM
Granbury Magnolia Realty Welcomes Debbie Blackburn
We are over the moon thrilled to announce Debbie Blackburn as our first official member to the Granbury Magnolia Realty Team! Debbie joined about a month ago when we were first making waves about coming to town! It has been one crazy ride this month so we are a bit behind on getting these announcements out!
Let me tell you a bit about Debbie! She is a native of Granbury so she knows the people and the area very well! We actually went to high school together and were cheerleaders. 2-4-6-8! Oh boy, don't get me started!
Anyway, … (5 comments)
|
home buying: Granbury, Texas Single Family Lake Living
- 02/15/17 04:54 AM
Granbury, Texas Single Family Lake Living
Granbury, Texas is a wonderful community about 35 miles southwest of Fort Worth, Texas. This is a great place to call home. There are many single family homes in all price ranges throughout the greater Granbury area.
Lake Granbury is the damed up portion of the Brazos River creating a winding and beautiful topography. The many wonderful neighborhoods around the area provide home owners with a wide variety of single family home choices. Waterfront homes, subdivision neighborhoods, high vistas and more offer many different styles and amenities.
If living on the water is what you are looking for, … (2 comments)
|
home buying: Cypress, Texas ~ Single Story Home
- 12/05/16 06:25 PM
Cypress, Texas ~ Single Story Home
In the fantastic sub-division of Longwood Village in Cypress, Texas, you can find homes of all types, sizes, and price ranges. With the excellent schools, fantastic location and access to major freeways, this is a great choice. This master planned community just north of Houston, Texas offers homeowners many wonderful amenities:
Miles of hike and bike trails Numerous parks and community swimming pools Cypress ISD schools Nearby shopping and restaurants Quick access to SH 249 and the Grand Parkway
This single story home is now under contract! A perfect 3 bedroom floor plan, wood floors, huge … (2 comments)
|
home buying: Why Using a Buyer's Agent for New Home Construction is Important!
- 10/21/14 11:27 AM
Many people mistakenly believe that if they simply walk into a builder’s sales office, they will
be represented properly. Of course there are some very good new home sales personnel
however, they do work and are paid by the builder. Your new home purchase is most likely
your biggest financial asset. It is important that you have your own representation!
§ A buyer’s agent will be able to provide you with the latest market data regarding
other new home sales comparables. Knowing the market is extremely important.
… (8 comments)
|
home buying: 20 Important Questions to Ask a New Home Builder
- 10/20/14 10:54 AM
Are you thinking about building a new home? Knowing the right information to obtain from any Builder is very important. Take this list along with you when interviewing a home builder. Always check their licensing and references as well.
1. How long has your company been in business?
2. Who is the owner or parent company? Do some research on them.
3. In what areas have you been building?
4. What sets you apart from other builders?
5. What type of warranty program do you offer? Ask to review a hard copy.
6. What … (6 comments)
|
home buying: A Dream Home Closing!
- 09/12/14 08:54 AM
Wow can you believe that you are reading this? Yes, there is such a thing as a Dream Closing! What is a Dream Closing you ask? One that goes off without a hitch!
We all prepare our clients to not celebrate or pop the cork until the money has been wired! We have seen way too many things creep up and upset the closing apple cart! The nightmare stories are there!
Today the stars aligned just right and our closing went without a hitch! These days I am finding this to be more and more rare! Therefore, … (6 comments)
|
home buying: WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN TOURING HOMES FOR SALE
- 09/12/14 01:12 AM
This subject may seem like no-brainer however, expectations vary from person to person and therefore need to be examined up front. Touring homes for sale doesn't have to be drudgery but knowing what to expect can certainly assist a buyer with what they should expect. Several tips for home buyers can help ease the home touring process!
Make sure that you have hired an Agent that knows the area you are looking in! Your agent needs to be competent with the market values, neighborhood distinctions, HOA information, area amenities, schools, etc. Discuss clearly with your agent what your needs … (8 comments)
|
home buying: WHY I CAN'T TELL YOU WHAT TO OFFER!
- 10/14/11 01:01 AM
WHY I CAN'T TELL YOU WHAT TO OFFER!
Dear Buyer,
We have been working together for awhile now. I have provided you with the latest market data, shown you numerous home and have spent numerous hours discussing the process of home buying to you. You have found the perfect home and you are now faced with the inevitable task of making an offer!
Many times when buyers get to the "Making an offer stage", they want me their Real Estate Agent to tell them what they should offer. When I won't give them this information, some Buyers get upset or … (163 comments)
|
|
|
|
I am excited about this new April Challenge about our first home-buying experiences. For me, this was many years ago and just thinking about it, brings back many memories. And, I do recall that the interest rates back then were very steep. 
;)
;)
;)
