5 NEGOTIATING TACTICS THAT KILL A SALE

Negotiation is a subtle art in real estate, but skilled negotiators can usually find some common ground that satisfies all parties. On the other hand, using the wrong negotiation tactics can sink a deal pretty quickly. Here are some negotiation tactics buyers (and real estate professionals) should avoid: -- Lowball offers: Going far below marketContinue reading "5 NEGOTIATING TACTICS THAT KILL A SALE"

5 CRITERIA FOR PRICING A HOME

When you put your home up for sale, one of the best ways to determine the asking price is to look at comparable sales. There’s rarely a perfect apples-to-apples comparison, so a pricing decision often relies on comparisons to several recent sales in the area. Here are five criteria to look for in a salesContinue reading "5 CRITERIA FOR PRICING A HOME"

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HOME INSPECTIONS

A Home inspection is an important part of the home sale process, both for buyers and sellers. When it’s time for you to hire an inspector, here are five things you should be thinking about:  1. It’s your choice: You are not bound or obligated to use any particular inspector (including a Builder's inspector). Your realContinue reading "FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT HOME INSPECTIONS"

DON’T BE A VICTIM: TRIM THOSE SHRUBS

It can be easy to forget our surroundings or to lose focus on our safety when we're trying to enjoy the spirit of the Holiday Season. Our homes should be a safe place, and when our Christmas trees go up and wrapped presents begin to pile up under the tree, we should be especially cautious ofContinue reading "DON’T BE A VICTIM: TRIM THOSE SHRUBS"

FIVE THINGS THAT MAKE US HAPPY WITH OUR HOMES

According to a recent survey conducted by houzz.com, here are five things that consistently make people happy with their homes. 1. Big windows and comfortable furniture: Nearly 75 percent of respondents listed these two items as major difference-makers. It’s a no-brainer—people like lots of light and a good place to relax. 2. A big-screen TV:Continue reading "FIVE THINGS THAT MAKE US HAPPY WITH OUR HOMES"

Phrases home buyers should avoid when touring a home with the listing agent or owner present

Phrases home buyers should avoid when touring a home with the listing agent or owner present

FIVE TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR CREDIT

The year is wrapping up pretty quickly, and for most of us, we're thinking about our goals for next year. Is buying a home on your bucket list for 2018? If so, now is the time to get your finances and credit in order. With early preparation, you can set your sights on touring newContinue reading "FIVE TIPS FOR IMPROVING YOUR CREDIT"

HIDDEN HOMEOWNER COSTS

Budgeting for buying a home can be difficult enough when you're just weighing mortgage options and a purchase price. But there are many other factors that go into the cost of home ownership. Some of them are one-time expenses that you'll pay during the home buying process, while others will be recurring costs for asContinue reading "HIDDEN HOMEOWNER COSTS"

How to Buy a New Construction Home in San Antonio, TX

Invite a REALTOR® to accompany you on your tours to new construction sites and model homes. Why? Because believe it or not, we will represent YOU and ONLY YOU... AT NO COST TO YOU! WHAT ABOUT THE ONSITE SALES PEOPLE AT THE MODEL HOMES? Great question! They represent the BUILDER ONLY. (Like a car salesman).Continue reading "How to Buy a New Construction Home in San Antonio, TX"

WHAT AFFECTS PROPERTY VALUES?

Some of the features that increase property values are obvious-like a remodeled bathroom, a modern kitchen, or a sought-after neighborhood. But here are a few features and circumstances you may not have realized can affect property values. The neighbors: Not every neighborhood or community has an HOA that can keep the neighbors from going overboard withContinue reading "WHAT AFFECTS PROPERTY VALUES?"