Trey McCallie's Blog

    Get Your Offer Accepted As the market shifts from a buyer's market, it's good to know how to improve your chances to have the seller accept your offer.   Once you decide on a home, don't waste time; write an offer and submit it as soon as possible. Competing with another buyer happens more fr...

  Let Your Tenants Send Your Kids to College Most people have lots of things to save for but not always enough discretionary income after the family essentials have been met.   A relatively small investment in a rental home can control a good home that will easily rent, generate positive cash flo...

  Record Improvements Now   There is a significant difference in how the money you spend on your home is treated for income tax purposes.  Repairs to maintain your home’s condition are not deductible unlike rental property owners who can deduct repairs as an operating expense.   On the other hand...

    Dripping Dollar$ Conserving water to be green while lowering your monthly bill to save green is a beneficial combination. Little things can contribute significantly to a large water bill. Leaky faucets can waste over 1,000 gallons a year Leaky toilets can waste 7,000 gallons a month A five-mi...

  Cut Your Housing Costs in Half   Serious shoppers wait for a 50% off sale to make the decision because of the bargain factor.  Renters who are serious about lowering their monthly cost of housing should consider buying with today’s low mortgage rates.  For an example, let’s assume a person buys...

  Who Saves the Commission?   One of the most common reasons buyers want to deal directly with the seller is because they feel they can save the commission.  It’s a valid consideration but interestingly, it’s the same reason the seller isn’t employing an agent; they feel they can save the commiss...

  Changing the Lock is Key There are times when you need to change the locks on your home to protect your family and possessions. It should always be considered when you move into a new home; when keys are lost, stolen or unreturned; or a cleaning or other service provider hasn't returned the key...

    What a Deal! A 30 year fixed-rate mortgage hasn't always been the standard. As part of FDR's New Deal in 1934, the Federal Housing Administration was created to help Americans purchase homes with affordable terms.   Prior to then, many loans had an amount due at the end of the term called a b...

    Consideration could be the key to your new home   Consideration associated with a contract is generally thought to be the price and terms but being sympathetic and courteous towards the seller could make a difference in getting the home you want.   Business people, like store owners, expect t...

  Rent or Buy? The question plaguing every tenant who wants a home of their own is whether they should continue to rent or is it the right time to buy?   The combination of good prices and low mortgage rates make it considerably cheaper to own than rent in most markets. Assuming a person is quali...