The Mortgage Murder

“You did WHAT before closing day?!?” Here’s a list of things that can KILL YOUR MORTGAGE LOAN APPROVAL: 1)  Car shopping- “BIG NO-NO!” Once you have a mortgage pre-approval, it’s not a good idea to shop for a sports car. The credit check alone can “ding” your credit score.  Let’s say you need a 620 FICOContinue reading “The Mortgage Murder”

THE INTERVIEW – A true story

The other day, I received a call from Mr. Seller.  Mr. Seller was referred to me by an acquaintance.  Mr. Seller started the “phone interview” by saying he was looking to sell his house and he had ONE very important question for me.  Assuming his question was going to be about commission, I sat straight upContinue reading “THE INTERVIEW – A true story”

HOUSE-HUNTERS

HGTV is my MTV and “House-Hunters” is one of my favorite “music videos!” HGTV has been airing “House-Hunters” over and over and over again.  The scenarios with each couple are also repetitive.  On each episode, there are two people buying a home for the first time. They have THREE categories to seriously consider… 1. Price 2.Continue reading “HOUSE-HUNTERS”

HEY! RASPA GUY!

What a weekend I’m having so far!  Last night, I tried a new eatery (151 Bar & Grill), today I was out showing properties all afternoon and I ended the day with a sweet and sour “Mangonada” created by one of my best buddies, Steve Casas.  I took my client and her sister to meetContinue reading “HEY! RASPA GUY!”

Can You Trust a REALTOR®?

When a new client chooses to work with me, I am presented with a new challenge.  Whether they are friends, family or complete strangers, I have a goal to earn their total trust and loyalty.  I know I have a level of trust and loyalty with friends and family, but when they are first-time homeContinue reading “Can You Trust a REALTOR®?”

LOCAL REAL ESTATE NEWS: A Bigger, Better Deal

[SUNDAY NEWS- San Antonio Real Estate as seen by Val J Aranda, REALTOR® – Metro Realty] REAL ESTATE HIGHLIGHT:  I had a pretty interesting encounter with a Builder this past week.  For the first time, in a long time, a Builder’s Sales Counselor could not wave enough “incentives” in front of my client to entice himContinue reading “LOCAL REAL ESTATE NEWS: A Bigger, Better Deal”

BOTHER A REALTOR®

Today, I was researching Real Estate Apps from my phone. On one of the applications, I saw a user’s comment that read, “I want to find information on a house (online) before I bother a REALTOR®.” I’m sure I speak for many of us when I say, “PLEASE, BOTHER US!” For one, it’s not aContinue reading “BOTHER A REALTOR®”

LOCAL REAL ESTATE NEWS (Curb Appeal)

[Express News, San Antonio, TX – SUNDAY, 11 March 2012 Edition – referenced article; “SELLING A HOME:  Nailing the Curb Appeal.”] MY THOUGHTS:  For many home sellers, January can be a rough month.  Their properties might have been listed for six to twelve months, and never got a SOLD sign.  When February comes around, someContinue reading “LOCAL REAL ESTATE NEWS (Curb Appeal)”

Between Friends (Newsletter) 2012

BETWEEN FRIENDS is a monthly newsletter filled with household tips, a monthly recipe and general real estate news.  Get your copy today! “Between Friends” – Jul 2012In this Month’s Issue:Health & Safety:  Sharpen Your MemoryHelpful Hints:  Beating ProcrastinationSavor the Flavor-Recipe:  Greek Grilled CheeseBrain Teasers:  Olympic TriviaHousehold Tips:  Ideas for Creative Reuse BetweenFriends-Jun2012In this Month’s Issue:Health & Safety:  Guidelines for Child SafetyContinue reading “Between Friends (Newsletter) 2012”

REALTORS® are Secret Weapons

Chances are, if you’re thinking about buying a home, you are wanting to research as much information as possible before speaking with a “salesperson.” I don’t blame you. When I’m shopping for a car, I do the EXACT same thing. I want to be armed with information so I feel like I have more control.Continue reading “REALTORS® are Secret Weapons”