Real Estate as an Investment
Among its many impacts, COVID-19 has had a pronounced effect on the housing market. Low home inventory and high buyer demand have driven home prices to an all-time high.1 This has given an unexpected financial boost to many homeowners during a challenging time. However, for some renters, rising home prices are making dreams of homeownership […]
Finding the Right Home for Right Now
Imagine the first place you lived as a young adult. Now imagine trying to fit your life today into that space. Not pretty, right? For most of us, our housing needs are cyclical.1 A newly independent adult can find freedom and flexibility in even a tiny apartment. That same space, to a growing family, would […]
Everything You Need to Know about iBuyers and the “Instant Cash Offer”
Technology is changing the way we do almost everything, and real estate transactions are no exception. In fact, a new crop of tech companies wants to revolutionize the way we buy and sell homes. iBuyer startups like Opendoor, Offerpad, and Properly are rapidly expanding into new territories, and now established players, like Zillow, are starting […]
Can I buy or sell a home without a real estate agent?
Today’s real estate market is one of the fastest-moving in recent memory. With record-low inventory in many market segments, we’re seeing multiple offers—and sometimes even bidding wars—for homes in the most sought-after neighborhoods. This has led some sellers to question the need for an agent. After all, why spend money on a listing agent when […]
As the spring market approaches, will the good times continue?
While many areas of the economy have contracted, the housing market has stayed remarkably strong. But can the good news last? When COVID-related shutdowns began in March, real estate brokers and clients scrambled to respond to the shift. Record-low interest rates caused some lenders to call a halt to new underwriting, and homeowners debated whether […]
HOMEBUYING 101: WHAT’S THE POINT OF MORTGAGE POINTS?
If you’re thinking about financing a property purchase, you’ve probably come across the term points or discount points. Although there are other meanings, most often these terms refer to prepaid interest, with one point equal to 1% of your mortgage loan. Lenders offer borrowers the opportunity to purchase points on their mortgage, which means you’re […]
Home Buying 101: 7 Ways to Boost Your Credit Score
If you are planning to apply for a mortgage loan, it is time to give your credit score some serious attention.
Who doesn’t want to save money on their property taxes?
If you own a home, and haven’t yet filed for your homestead tax exemption, now is the time. WHAT IS A HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION? The homestead exemption reduces a homeowner’s property tax by removing part of the home’s value from taxation. All Texas homeowners may apply for and receive a General Residence Homestead Exemption of $25,000 […]
Add These to Your List of New Year’s Resolutions….
The start of a new year always compels people to take a fresh look at their goals, from health and career to relationships and finance. But with historically low mortgage rates, increased home sales and price growth, and a tight housing inventory, the time is right to also make some homeownership resolutions for 2021. Home […]
Investing in Residential Real Estate
Investing in real estate is one of the most talked about subjects online, at the coffee shop, and in the breakroom. With the onslaught of DIY and HGTV series glamorizing the world of real estate investing, it’s no wonder many people are trying their hand at it. If you are curious about jumping into this […]
