Wise Investments: Home Improvements That Boost Your Home’s Value

By |2023-11-18T12:41:53-06:00November 16, 2023|Real Estate|

  As a homeowner, you're constantly seeking ways to enhance your living space and maximize the value of your investment. While not every home improvement project yields a significant return on investment (ROI), certain upgrades can make a substantial difference in your property's appraisal value and appeal to potential buyers. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has compiled data on home improvements that consistently deliver impressive ROIs. Here are some of the top performers: 1. New Roof: Average Investment $7,500, Average ROI 107% A new roof is a sound investment that protects your home from the elements and enhances its [...]

Thinking About Using Your 401(k) To Buy a Home?

By |2023-11-10T12:38:34-06:00November 10, 2023|Real Estate|

Are you dreaming of buying your own home and wondering about how you’ll save for a down payment? You're not alone. Some people think about tapping into their 401(k) savings to make it happen. But before you decide to dip into your retirement to buy a home, be sure to consider all possible alternatives and talk with a financial expert. Here’s why. The Numbers May Make It Tempting The data shows many Americans have saved a considerable amount for retirement (see chart below): It can be really tempting when you have a lot of money saved up in your 401(k) and you see your dream home on the horizon. [...]

The Real Reasons You Want To Move Right Now!

By |2023-10-18T09:11:51-05:00October 18, 2023|Real Estate|

If you're considering selling your house right now, it's likely because something in your life has changed. And while things like mortgage rates play a big role in your decision, you don’t want that to overshadow why you thought about making a move in the first place. It’s true mortgage rates are higher right now, and that has an impact on affordability. As a result, some homeowners are deciding they’ll wait to sell because they don’t want to move and have a higher mortgage rate on their next home. But your lifestyle and your changing needs matter, too. As a recent article from Realtor.com says: “No matter what [...]

Best Questions to Ask at an Open House

By |2023-10-18T09:13:06-05:00October 17, 2023|Real Estate|

Open houses are a valuable tool for home buyers. You can view a property in a low-pressure environment, and you can usually take as much time as you need. One of the biggest perks is talking to the listing agent and going through your questions to ask at an open house. You can find out about the sellers and their motivations for moving and get vital information about the property that might not be on the listing. #1: Why is the house for sale? Knowing the reasons why the homeowner is selling can give you a lot of information. It [...]

Cool Season Grass Growth Tips & Advice

By |2023-10-18T10:47:29-05:00October 16, 2023|Real Estate|

As temperatures drop in late summer and early fall, cool season grasses peak in growth. Warm days and cool nights make fall the perfect time for establishing new grass and strengthening existing lawns here in Central Texas. The following fall tasks help cool-season lawns flourish:

Questions to Ask a Potential Contractor

By |2023-09-14T20:52:00-05:00September 12, 2023|Real Estate|

When you're hiring a contractor, it's important to ask the right questions to make sure you get the best possible service. Here are some questions you should ask: What is your experience with this type of project? How long have you been in business? Are you licensed and insured? Can you provide me with references? What is your estimated timeline for completing the project? What is your estimated cost for the project? What is your payment schedule? What is your warranty policy? Ask yourself "what am I looking for and what is important to me?" when hiring the right contractor. [...]

How to Store Paint Properly

By |2023-09-14T18:43:33-05:00September 9, 2023|Real Estate|

When storing paint, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions. However, there are some general tips that can help you extend the shelf life of your paint. Store paint in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing paint in direct sunlight or near heat sources. Keep the paint can tightly sealed. If the paint starts to thicken, you can thin it with a paint thinner. Do not store paint in a garage or other area that is prone to freezing. It's important to store paint properly for a few reasons. First, it can help to extend the shelf life of the [...]

Ways to Update a Builder Grade Home

By |2023-09-14T18:28:30-05:00September 7, 2023|Real Estate|

Are you looking to upgrade your builder grade home without breaking the bank? There are a few simple things you can do to make your home look and feel more luxurious, all without spending a lot of money. Here are four ideas: Swap out the hardware. New doorknobs, cabinet hardware, and light fixtures can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your home. You can find affordable options at most home improvement stores. Update the faucets. Stainless steel faucets are a popular choice for modern homes. They're also relatively inexpensive and easy to install. Install new [...]

Equity Is a Game Changer for Homeowners Looking To Sell

By |2023-08-17T12:00:42-05:00August 15, 2023|Real Estate|

If you’re a homeowner, you might be torn on whether or not to sell your house right now. Maybe that’s because you don’t want to take on a higher mortgage rate on your next home. If that’s your biggest hurdle, understanding your equity may be exactly what you need to help you feel more comfortable making your move. What Equity Is and How It Works Equity is the current value of your home minus what you owe on the loan. And recently, that equity has been growing far faster than you may expect. Over the last few years, home prices rose dramatically, and that gave your equity [...]

Mildew vs. Mold: What’s the Difference?

By |2023-08-17T14:49:43-05:00August 12, 2023|Real Estate|

Mildew and mold are two types of fungi that can grow in your home. They can both cause health problems, so it is important to know how to identify and prevent them. Mildew: Mildew is a type of fungus that grows on the surface of moist, warm areas. It is typically white, gray, or yellow and has a powdery appearance. Mildew can grow on a variety of surfaces, including walls, ceilings, furniture, and clothing. Mold: Mold is a type of fungus that can grow on both wet and dry surfaces. It is typically green, black, or brown and has a fuzzy [...]

Go to Top