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Ask George and Chuck
Whose duty is it to disclose a bug problem?
Do the math ... affordability of homes depends on many factors
I did some math this morning when I saw 30-year mortgage rates still under 4%. That's unbelievably low.
Ask George and Chuck
Should I buy a home with my boyfriend? Can I take over my neighbor's mortgage?
Ask George and Chuck
How can I get out of my listing agreement? Why has my bank cancelled my home's foreclosure?
Demystifying exchanged-property timelines
The start of 2012 has many investors looking for bargain properties, sometimes in bunches. The ways of funding the purchases also have become more creative as buyers rethink the role of real estate not only for their portfolios but also for their residences.
Selling this spring? Start cleaning now
Spring is the busiest time of the year for selling a home. The trees are budding, the grass is green, the songbirds return, and homebuyers feel the urge to begin their home-buying search.
Ask George and Chuck
Why do I need to fill out a form to see property? Can a seller accept another offer during our negotiations?
Don't take anyone's word for it
Negotiations were tense when I bought a used backyard play house for my two-year-old. The seller wanted $60. I countered with $50. We consulted our attorneys, faxed amended offers back and forth ? include the plastic fireplace logs or no deal ? but finally settled on $52.75.
Tell it like it is ... or else
If you're selling your house, why would you tell potential buyers about the stuff that's wrong with it? Caveat emptor, right? Not so fast.
Ask George and Chuck
Can I evict my tenants?
Ask George and Chuck
How many homestead exemptions can we claim?
Return of once-popular investor loan makes sense
Two years ago, the National Association of REALTORS (NAR), one of the largest professional membership associations in the world with more than a million members, floated its idea of a housing solution to attendees at its annual convention.
Ask George and Chuck
Doesn't water damage have to be disclosed? Why won't my lender call me back?
Texas economy still best; 2012 looks to mirror 2011
On New Year's Eve, many bid farewell to the old year by singing "Auld Lang Syne" lyrics that include, "Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind."
Got a complaint against a mortgage company?
As of Dec. 1, 2011, consumers can file complaints against mortgage companies with the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) through the agency's home page.
Ask George and Chuck
How do I gain access to my neighbor's townhouse? Can I run a business from my apartment?
Could you save more money when buying? It doesn't hurt to ask
I think I lost some money. How? My wife and I probably would have qualified for assistance when we bought our first home. I'm not positive about that since we didn't even explore the idea.
Ask George and Chuck
Does my significant other have to be on the deed?
Ask George and Chuck
Who certifies inspectors? How do I get a property's mineral rights?
Ask George and Chuck
Can the county make me pay taxes from before I owned a property? What constitutes normal wear and tear?
Why pricing your home from a Web site could cost you thousands of dollars
Home valuation Web sites are great ... except when they're wrong ... which is most of the time.
New tools to help manage your vacation rentals
An old friend of mine who owns and operates a small development company showed up in town for a weekend event. We blocked out some time to revisit the old days and what's in store next. Like me, his four children had grown and gone.
Opportunity's knocking ... answer the door, buy a home
The national media still reports on the collapse of the housing market and the downturn in the economy. While I agree unemployment is still too high and housing is not appreciating the way it did from 2000 to 2006, I believe opportunity's knocking. Now is the time to buy a home.
Ask George and Chuck
If I die first, does my second husband get the house?
Why has this great house been on the market for so long?
If I told you a house had been on the market for the average amount of time for its neighborhood, would that affect your decision to make an offer? How about if I told you that it had been on the market for 13 months?
Ask George and Chuck
How long do I have to keep tenant records?
Lone Star Livin'
Unfortunately, the drought in Texas continues and, according to most reports I read, it's not likely to let up for another year. For me, that means it's time to scale back on our lawn watering.
Ask George and Chuck
Shouldn't my neighbor share the cost of a new fence? What constitutes "adverse possession"?
Texas home sales up nearly 18% compared to Q3-2010
Texas homes continued to hold their value as sales jumped up sharply in the third quarter of 2011, according to the new Texas Quarterly Housing Report released by the Texas Association of REALTORS.
Proposition can help Texas meet its water needs
If there's a lesson from this terrible drought, it's that nothing is more important to Texas than a clean, reliable water supply. And on Nov. 8, you'll have the chance to protect it.
What does buying a home have to do with a visa?
A recent bill introduced in the Senate would offer visas to foreigners who make a cash investment of at least $500,000 in residential real estate. Foreign investors could spend at least $500,000 on one residence or spend at least $250,000 on a residence and invest the remaining $250,000 in other residential property, such as rental property.
Lone Star Livin'
In our first year as homeowners, I was excited about Halloween. Trick-or-treaters don't frequent many second-floor apartments, so for the first time, I would get to open my own door to a front porch full of giggling witches, ghosts, and princesses. Sadly, I was in for a lesson.
Ask George and Chuck
Should I tell buyers that the county has my house's square footage wrong? Why did that foreclosed house sell for less than my bid?
Voters can help solve Texas water problems
Like cowboys, oil derricks and football, droughts are native to Texas. Now an extraordinary drought has gripped our state, capturing national headlines as it decimates crops, kills trees and cracks home foundations.
Let's do this the right way - support Proposition 2
I support Proposition 2 because I think the availability of a clean, reliable water source is one of the biggest long-term priorities facing this state ... on par with education and healthcare.
Give your house that un-lived-in look
How many family photos are in your living room? Go ahead, count them. You need to know how big a box you'll need to pack them up.
Proposition 2 saves taxpayers money
Proposition 2 may be the most important item on ballot this November 8. It's all about giving local communities a cost-effective way to improve their water- and wastewater-delivery systems.
Lone Star Livin'
The Texas wildfires have really been on my mind lately. For some living in neighborhoods at risk, residents had as few as five minutes to evacuate their homes. That got me thinking ... am I prepared to evacuate my home in five minutes?
Ask George and Chuck
What does no smoking mean? Should the house be in both our names?
Lone Star Livin'
Our family has big plans this weekend: we're carving our first jack-o-lantern together. Though this isn't our son's first Halloween, it is the first one in which he'll do more than coo, cry, and fill diapers ... and it all begins with carving the perfect jack-o-lantern for our doorstep.
Ask George and Chuck
Should I let a builder use my property? Are bonuses to selling agents legal?
It's not going to fix itself ... really
About six months ago, I heard a knocking noise coming from a bedroom in my house. I discovered that it wasn't coming from the room, but outside it - a woodpecker was having quite a time on a trim board near the roof.
Invited to the foreclosure table, finally ... investors
Lenders have always viewed real estate investors with a wary eye. It seems all investors are grouped into flip-and-run speculators with little skin in the game, no plan for maintenance and repair, yet huge expectations for short-term profits.
Biggest expense? Not the price of the horse ... uh, house
Typically, when people decide to buy a home, they don't start their search with a certain-priced house in mind. They start with a list of features they want and need.
Lone Star Livin'
If you live anywhere near Texas, you already know that devastating wildfires have been ravaging our state. In fact, an official of the American Red Cross recently told me that we've had a wildfire burning every day somewhere in Texas since December 2010. Ouch.
Ask George and Chuck
How can we terminate our listing agreement? Is my verbal lease enforceable?
Ask George and Chuck
Can I get my neighbors away from my bedroom window? Is it unethical for a real estate agent to serve on an HOA's board where she sells homes?
Affected by wildfires or want to help others who were?
For those of us who haven't been through it, it's hard to imagine what it's like to leave your house as a wildfire approaches. Many Texans have faced that situation this year. Thousands have returned to find their property and belongings damaged or destroyed.
An easy way to lower your property-tax bill
What has four pages and can knock $15,000 off the taxable value of the home you purchase? The application for a residence homestead exemption.
Ask George and Chuck
Can we change the contract at closing? Is my listing invalid? Can I cut tree roots?
Two ways to beat other buyers to the home of your dreams
Before you even find a house you'd like to buy, you may want to sit down with your Texas REALTOR and talk about the contract. That way, when you do come across your dream home, you'll be able to craft an offer that will leave other buyers shaking their heads at "the one that got away."
Ask George and Chuck
What happens when three people own land and two of them want to sell it? Can my neighbor block my easement?
Ask George and Chuck
Who can make my neighbor move his fence off my property?
Ask George and Chuck
How can I prevent my neighbor from planting on his side of my fence? Can potential buyers control how I use my air conditioner?
What will you do when your home purchase gets derailed?
Something will go wrong when you try to buy a home. There are too many pieces ... too many people ... to expect a real estate deal to glide to a successful result without a single hitch.
Ask George and Chuck
Where do I get my deed now that I've paid off my mortgage?
Ask George and Chuck
Who has to pay for a wheelchair ramp?
Ask George and Chuck
Verbal offers, terminating listing agreements
Price fixes a lot of ugly
One of the most discussed issues at our house is ... our house. Not the house we just bought, mind you, but the one my wife owned before we got married. We made the decision to hang on to it and give property management a shot.
Second-home owners look to alternative financing
Many second-home owners, especially those in the full-time vacation rental business, are looking to purchase another property but are facing stringent financing guidelines.
Should you hire an agent if you already found a buyer?
We could have sold our home without an agent.
Have you ever fried real property?
I have come to the realization that everything edible tastes better fried.
What's round and green and could derail a real estate transaction?
Perhaps the most important DVD that my mom owns was created by her plumber. No, he's not an aspiring director of feature films. It's a video of the inside of her home's wastewater pipe.
Ask George and Chuck
Verbal offers, security deposits in foreclosure, and terminating listing agreements
Lone Star Livin'
Any day now, something very exciting is going to happen in our house: our 13-month-old son will take his first steps. My husband and I have been eagerly anticipating the event, holding our breath each time we set him on his wobbly feet. We're ready for the big moment and know we need to get our house ready, too.
Ask George and Chuck
Does my wife have to sign the listing agreement?
Are you ready to buy?
As I was watching TV the other day, I saw a commercial that said, "It's a great time to buy a house."
Prevent your house from languishing on the market
There's a house in my neighborhood that's been on the market since last year. It now has a "New price!"
Lone Star Livin'
Last week, a visit with my insurance agent prompted me to write a post on having the right insurance policy for your home. While I was updating my family's current policy, another question occurred to me - what about what's in my home? Am I certain I would receive proper compensation for my valuables if they were destroyed or stolen?
Ask George and Chuck
What happens when contract negotiations outlast the term of our listing agreement?
Make a list, check it more than twice
Have you made The List? You know ... that collection of must-haves, nice-to-haves, and better-not-haves for your new home. If you haven't made yours, you should.
Ask George and Chuck
What happens when contract negotiations outlast the term of our listing agreement?
Lone Star Livin'
Like most Americans, my husband and I have been following the string of natural disasters that have affected the U.S. in the last several months ... wildfires in the West, tornadoes in the Mideast and, most recently, massive flooding throughout the South. In each case, thousands of families have lost their homes and our hearts go out to them.
I think I'm going to renew
As hard as it is for me to believe, my wife and I have been in our new house for six months already. Like many recent homebuyers, we were given a home warranty on our purchase.
Ask George and Chuck
Can an agent force me to use her services?
Lone Star Livin'
For a household with two working parents, a one-year-old, and three pets, "busy" is hardly an adequate description of our lifestyle. While it has been a work in progress, I am proud that most days things don't completely fall apart, and every now and then I'm even able to do things like organize closets or do a little yard work.
Even the perfect house may have some problems
You're not likely to find a perfect house. You might find the perfect house for you, but it almost certainly will have some flaws.
Confusion over 3.8% tax on future real estate sales
During the recent spring break, we visited with family and friends who were considering real estate purchases and sales.
Texas REALTORS ... Working for you!
Usually, people only think of REALTORS when they are about to make a decision on buying or selling a home. But did you know that Texas REALTORS work for you all year long? Members of the Texas Association of REALTORS work with our local, county, and state lawmakers to ensure Texas remains a "homeowner friendly" state.
Ask George and Chuck
Can the seller just change his mind after we make an offer?
Before putting your home on the market, make it bigger
Alright, I'm not really proposing that you put an addition on your house before you sell it. But I do recommend making the rooms in your home look bigger, because you'll never hear a buyer say, "I was really hoping for something more cramped."
Lone Star Livin'
Yep, we're those parents. The ones who jump up and down like fools when our son learns how to clap and who throw big parties for his first birthday. On our journey to becoming those parents, we discovered something handy: our neighborhood has a clubhouse.
Ask George and Chuck
Can the neighbors make me move a fence that's been in place for 50 years?
Considering homeownership? Set goals first ... please.
I bought my first house in 2004 and, looking back, I realize how hard I made it on myself - and others in the transaction - because I wasn't working from a clearly defined plan. And that's really the first step.
Ask George and Chuck
Why did my neighbor's house cost a lot less than mine?
Why I think you need professional help
Why haven't real estate agents gone the way of travel agents? I've heard that question many times. To me, the answer is simple: Buying a house ... or commercial or investment property ... is nothing like booking a trip.
What to ask the sellers after closing
I can't believe they left me a pile of trash, I thought. My wife and I had just closed on our first home and walked into our new kitchen to find papers, booklets, cans of paint, and other items stacked on the counter.
Ask George and Chuck
Can the buyer sue me even though he knew the house had termites?
Ask George and Chuck
Is my former listing agent entitled to a fee?
Pick the right projects - avoid diminishing returns
My wife and I sold our house in December of 2010 after about four months on the market - but the process started a long time before that.
Ask George and Chuck
Can we rent out of state and maintain a homestead exemption in Texas?
How I won't negotiate my next home purchase
Have you heard the term mental accounting? It's the notion that people make financial decisions based on perceptions and emotions rather than more-objective criteria.
Lone Star Livin'
I'm so excited, I can hardly stand it: my husband and I are going on vacation!!! A real vacation! No sleeping on family members' fold-outs and no work. Just beaches, water views and food enough for an army for seven glorious days. I can smell the sea water already...
Ask George and Chuck
Does someone have to pay the rest of my dead brother's lease?
Lone Star Livin'
My husband and I are fortunate to have a large, tight-knit family. Between us, we have 19 wonderful nieces and nephews who live just three hours away and this weekend, six of them came to visit.
How splitting the difference can cost you
Let's say I want to buy your house. You're selling it for $200,000, but I offer $160,000. You're not selling it for that amount, so you counter with $190,000. I then propose that we split the difference, at $175,000. Do you think that's a fair price?
Legislature working to eliminate private-transfer-fee scam on Texas homebuyers
Lawmakers are considering legislation to prohibit private transfer fees on real estate transactions. These fees require a buyer to pay a percentage of the sales price of the home to a private entity each time the property is sold for a designated period of time, frequently 99 years.
One rotten apple doesn't ruin whole market
If I buy a house today, will it be cheaper tomorrow? In other words, if I buy now, what is the likelihood my property's value will decline, and I won't be able to sell it for what I paid for it? Put yet another way, have we hit bottom on home prices?
Ask George and Chuck
Does the listing broker owe us money for the home inspection?
Please spend your money
Like my colleague, I watch a lot of HGTV. Not only are they relevant to my profession, but having just remodeled one house and bought another one, I find the shows interesting.
Ask George and Chuck
Can separated spouses claim more than one homestead exemption?
How mortgage rates should affect your buying decision
If you're thinking of buying a home, you probably want to know what's going to happen with mortgage rates. I can help you with that.
When house hunting, watch your Ls and Cs
When buying a house, a good Texas REALTOR will assist you with the "Ps and Qs" of the contract, inspection, and closing process. They will help ensure the "Ts" are crossed and the "I's" are dotted.
Think twice before restarting your mortgage clock
There used to be a big push by lenders to secure "customers for life." Not only did banks promote attractive mortgage programs, but they also targeted the same customers for checking and savings accounts, individual retirement accounts, credit cards, auto loans, wealth management advice, and insurance services.
Ask George and Chuck
Can a homeowners association sue me for a violation that occurred in 1976?
Don't let little flaws scare away buyers
I watch more Home and Garden TV than I care to admit, especially the show "House Hunters." On it, people looking to buy a home are paired with a local Realtor and shown three properties. At the end of the show, the homebuyers make an offer on one of the three places.
Lone Star Livin'
I'm a huge fan of cooking shows. Ina Garten, Rachael Ray, Giada de Laurentiis ... you'd think they were all long-lost friends based on the space they command on my DVR. That being the case, a reasonable person would assume I'm also a fan of cooking ... not exactly.
If you don't hang onto your money, someone else will ...
My wife and I bought a house in December and since then, I've had two scams come through my mailbox. And I want to warn you about them.
This law is made in New York City? Texans say, "git a rope!"
A Manhattan court diminishes a 334-year-old legal precedent meant to ensure that all legal binding contracts for the sale of real estate be in writing and signed by the parties.
The future of Fannie and Freddie
After $140 billion in taxpayer losses, the Obama Administration is seeking ways to wind down mortgage reinsurers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Ask George and Chuck
What's the seller's duty to disclose a roof leak?
Lone Star Livin'
If you've read my biography, you know that part of my day job is serving as Public Relations Counsel for the Texas Association of REALTORS. Normally, you won't find this blog crossing over with that role ... except when it does.
Give yourself an option
Whoever invented the undo function in computer software is one of my heroes. Think about it: If something doesn't turn out the way you intended, hit Control + Z and - poof - it never happened. There aren't many places in life where you get to undo your actions like that, but the option period in a real estate contract is one of them.
Lone Star Livin'
"Winter" and "Texas" usually only go together when you're talking about Winter Texans - those smart folks who escape to our state to avoid frigid temperatures in hometowns of Chicago or Fargo. Last weekend, however, "winter" and "Texas" collided in a big way. Was your house ready?
How to choose your agent
My wife and I are not the FSBO type. She's too practical and I'm too worried about messing up some seemingly insignificant business detail, only to have it come back and bite me on the backside.
Ask George and Chuck
I'm about to buy a house. The seller states in the Special Provisions section of the contract that he's selling the house "as is." I have an inspection scheduled during my option period. If the inspector finds a major problem, can I still opt out of this contract before the end of my option period just losing the option money?
Sellers: Would you respond to an insult?
If a potential homebuyer made you a low offer ... and I mean really low ... would you be offended?
Lone Star Livin'
My husband came home with this adorable puppy. A mix of Labrador and hound, she was about five pounds with floppy ears and a sweet little face. Despite all that cuteness, I still had hesitations.
Ask George and Chuck
My father owns a condo that's been on the market for a year. He installed new carpet, repainted all the rooms, and updated all the light fixtures. The problem is the outside. We've gotten a lot of feedback from showings that the condo's exterior is scaring away potential buyers.
A real (estate) enemy at the gates
I have never been a fan of using a bogeyman to make a point. It takes away from intelligent and thoughtful discourse and often leaves a wake of irrational fear.
You're buying the neighborhood, too
Just remember ... when you purchase a home, a neighborhood comes with it.
Resolving to buy a home in 2011? Resolve now to do it right
Many people start the new year with resolutions about losing weight, starting a new physical fitness routine, or getting their financial house in order.
Second homes under mortgage interest microscope
The possibility of eliminating the mortgage interest deduction on primary residences continues to draw interest in the nation's capital.
Ask George and Chuck
Dear George: Two property owners in our homeowners association say that they want to opt out of the HOA. How can they do this?
Sellers ... let go (while taking control)
As a seller, you have no control over some things that homebuyers factor into their purchase decisions. Location comes to mind.
Ask George and Chuck
Dear George: My husband and I submitted a signed offer, earnest money, and option fee to a listing broker's "broker associate" for a piece of property.
Ask George and Chuck
Dear George: I need to lease a home where a man murdered his wife before committing suicide. I've know it's a good idea to disclose such an event to a potential buyer, but what about a potential tenant?
Homebuyers ... look at costs beyond purchase price
I read an article today about people who live in super-small homes ... some not even 100 square feet.
New option frees up funds for investment-retirement home
A new jumbo reverse mortgage option has finally surfaced for seniors with higher-valued homes.
Ask George and Chuck
Dear George: My ex-husband and I have a contract to sell our former home. However, the closing agent says that a creditor placed a judgment against our home due to credit problems my ex-husband had after we separated.
Employment growth helps Texas economy outpace nation's
Employment in the Texas private sector is keeping the state's job growth headed in the right direction.
Ask George and Chuck
Dear George: We gave three months' notice of our intent not to renew the lease of the single-family home we've been renting for two years.
The forms, they are a changin'
The Texas Real Estate Commission has adopted a slew of changes to the contract used by the vast majority of homebuyers and sellers.
Ask George and Chuck
Dear George: My wife and I bought an incomplete home from a builder.
Why I'm jealous of today's homebuyers
When I bought my current home, nobody was talking about real-estate-market woes or foreclosure troubles or a struggling national economy.
Ask George and Chuck
Dear George: We recently paid an option fee and earnest money to enter into a binding contract for a distressed home that has sat vacant for five years.
Yes, it's still your house ... now get out!
You know you should make yourself scarce when prospective buyers look at your house, right?
Sales volume of Texas homes down in third quarter, flat year-to-date
According to the Texas Quarterly Housing Report released today, the volume of real estate sales in Texas decreased in the third quarter of 2010, but was essentially flat year-to-date.
Weak home sales don't tell whole story
Home sales statistics are likely to paint a picture of a weakening market through the end of 2010 and the first half of 2011. That doesn't tell the whole story.
College towns no longer just a lure for students
National surveys attempting to determine the best places to live continue to include several college towns.
What the foreclosure mess means for buyers
The foreclosure mess has certainly gotten messier. What does it all mean for buyers?
Ask George and Chuck
Dear George: We live in an apartment complex where I fear for my family's safety. There are large dogs with muzzles. My car has been broken into. Are these valid reasons to break my lease?
Ask George and Chuck
Dear George: My husband died. How do I put our house's title in my name?
Ask George and Chuck
Dear George: If I sell my home in a few years, do I have to disclose long-repaired pest damage?
Ready to jump into homeownership but need a little push?
Maybe you've been taking steps toward buying a home and now you're frozen.
Inside Texas Real Estate - audio podcast
Analysis of the Texas Quarterly Housing Report; a new site for Texas homebuyers
Closing deadline extended for tax credit
Thousands of Texas homebuyers in jeopardy of losing their federal homebuyer tax credit have received a reprieve.
Ask George and Chuck
Dear George: What are some pitfalls to avoid with my short sale?
You might qualify for homebuyer assistance
I wish there had been a Web site like TxHomePrograms.org when I was buying my first house.
Ask George and Chuck
Dear George: Should I disclose that I'm selling a haunted house?
Rules of thumb for judging investment home, cash flow
If you bought an investment home now and rented out, is there any way of knowing if it will appreciate?
Was the homebuyer tax credit a bad deal? Hardly
Things are often more complicated than they seem.
Ask George and Chuck
Dear George: I just found out that the seller "forgot" to disclose a water claim. What can I do?
Light rail ... urban transformers?
Its worth considering that the benefits of light rail may go beyond how many vehicles it removes from the road.
Ask George and Chuck
Dear George: How can I lend someone money and use his property as collateral?
Not quite an open and shut case
If you're wondering whether you should you hold an open house.....
Ask George and Chuck
Dear George: The contract to sell my house expires this week. How much longer am I obligated to my agent?.....
Even past the deadline, homebuyer assistance is available
The federal homebuyer tax credit has received a lot of coverage over the past several months, but one thing not widely publicized is that the April 30 deadline doesn't apply to everyone.....
Texans pay less of our income on shelter
Texas' lower-than-national-average housing cost is one reason for the state's higher-than-national-average growth rate.....
I've heard of a Trojan horse, but a Trojan house?
How much do you know about private transfer fees in Texas? Gabe Lopez discusses a disturbing new trend.....
Get moving to qualify for the federal homebuyer tax credit
It's coming down to the wire. You have only until the end of April to get a house under contract if you want to take advantage of the federal homebuyer tax credit.....
Ask George and Chuck
Dear George: Does a seller have to provide a disclosure notice for a short sale?.....
The best way to know what you're getting into
If you're buying or selling real estate, I have a must-read for you .....
Ask George and Chuck
Dear George: A seller accepted my offer via e-mail. Is that legally binding?.....
How to know if estimated loan fees will stick
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has revised some home-loan rules that attempt to give us what we want......
Using a real estate IRA to acquire property in Mexico
Like second-home sales in the U.S., the sales of Mexican homes have been limping along.....
A tale of Texas taxes
Here is one assertion I bet all Texans will agree with - property taxes in our state have a peculiar way of increasing.....
Prepare yourself for a good closing
Closing is a process that begins weeks before the actual closing date, and follows an outline dictated largely by the buyer's original offer.....
Understanding the lingo - comps
So, you're selling your home and everyone you interviewed to list your home has mentioned "pulling comps"......
Forget the forecast; look out the window
Hanging on through difficult economic times means different things to different people......
Some luxury developers await quality investors, buyers
Hanging on through difficult economic times means different things to different people......
All real estate is local
Is it a seller's market or a buyer's market? Be careful where you get your information......
The secret's out
It's one of the worst-kept secrets out there: Texas is a great place to live......
Keep copies
It's important to keep the paperwork.....
Homestead exemption scams
You must apply for the exemption, but there is no fee associated with applying for a homestead exemption.....
Some lenders too picky on foreclosure financing
Remember when lenders were content to sell foreclosed homes to any qualified buyer?.....
If the last tree in the forest falls...
If governmental entities had full discretion on what was a public good, all private real property would be at risk of being appropriated for the public good.....
Overpriced or under-analyzed?
A look at Forbes list of cities where homes are most overpriced......
Buy a home, get a tax credit
If you were thinking of buying your first home but just couldn't get it together in time to take advantage of the $8,000 federal tax credit, you have an extension. Congress gave you about five more months......
Ask George and Chuck
Dear George: Where can I find someone who will insure my home?.....
Letters of distinction
One certification, available only to Texas REALTORS, is called Texas Affordable Housing Specialist.....
The tax credit isn't the only help for homebuyers
It looks like Congress is going to extend the homebuyer tax credit......
Why must they lie?
If you could hook up a lie detector to an e-mail, the needle would be jumping on this one.....
Even wooly-headed profs have good ideas
A pair of researchers at CERGE-EI, a Czech university, examined evidence about the origins of the housing bubble and whether it ever existed at all.....
No fun being number 1
Texas ranks 14th in the amount residents pay in property taxes. Our state is also first in how much we pay in property taxes. How can that be?.....
Primary owners now in the seasonal rental game
Approximately 15% of vacation rental owners have rented their primary residence to travelers, and the practice is becoming more common.....
Lost in translation
On Nov. 3, 2009, the voters of Texas will once again have an opportunity to take a stand against the burdensome and uneven taxation of residential property.....
Expect the unexpected (and the expected)
The cost of home maintenance and repairs is usually one of the biggest surprises for new homeowners.....
Time is ticking on $8,000 credit
I hope homebuyers understand the deadline for the $8,000 federal tax credit. Getting it wrong could cost someone a lot.....
Market versus appraised value
Don't confuse the appraisal with market value. The appraised value is a certified appraiser's opinion of the worth of a home at a given point in time......
Pre-approval or pre-qualification?
While both may put you in a potentially stronger buying position, getting pre-approved by the lender carries a bit more weight.....
My house won't sell
There are a variety of factors that contribute to a home languishing on the market, including price, condition, and location.....
Get your credit in shape first
If you are considering purchasing a home, you might want to begin by taking a look at your credit.....
A $68,000 credit on a home? Seriously?
No, it's no joke. As a first-time homebuyer with a moderate income, you may be able to save $68,000 on a home. That's $8,000 on the purchase and $60,000 over the life of a 30-year loan.....
Finding the right neighborhood
Picking a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and desires is an important part of the homebuying process......
Safety tips for home sellers
If you're selling your house, there are some safety tips you should be aware of to keep yourself and others safe during the process.....
All real estate is local
Is it a seller's market or a buyer's market? Be careful where you get your information to answer that question .....
Texas has 5 of country's top 10 metros
Five of the nation's top 10 metropolitan areas are in Texas.....
Economic press bullish on Lone Star State
Forbes named Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, and McAllen in its Best 10 Cities for Economic Recovery......
Texas REALTORS push pro-homeowner agenda through 81st session
When the gavel fell June 1 on the 81st Texas Legislature, Texas homeowners were better off.....
Landlord in the making?
Are you considering buying an investment home as a rental property? This may be a good time to start .....
You can help market your home
Most REALTORS will tell you that marketing is one of the keys to a successful home sale. .....
Truly affordable housing
Many buyers make a common mistake when purchasing a home by trying to buy too much house.....
Eight thousand reasons to buy your first home
If you've been paying attention to the recent "stimulus" activities in Washington, you already get the reference to 8,000 reasons in the headline above. It's really only one reason, but it could be worth $8,000 to you.....
Twelve tips to sell your home
There are few things more frustrating to a seller than a home that sits on the market. It's stressful to keep a house in showing condition, and not selling can cost you lots of money.....
Closing costs
Everyone knows that in most cases you'll need at least a small down payment to purchase a home.....
Home warranties
After you buy an existing home, let's face it - the last thing you want to worry about is a broken big-ticket item like the air conditioner or oven.....
The next level of clean
Aside from the necessary intrusions, the most inconvenient aspect of having your house on the market may well be keeping the house in showing condition.....
Be ready to buy
If you find what you're looking for in a home, you should be prepared to make an offer quickly.....
Can this be fixed?
You've heard it 1000 times; don't ever buy a home without getting a home inspection.....
What does the recently passed housing bill mean for you?
This month on our "Inside Texas Real Estate" podcast you can learn how the Housing and Economic Recovery Act helps first-time homebuyers and homeowners struggling to afford their mortgages.....
Don't be deceived by numbers
There's a common statistic in the real estate world called Days on Market, or DOM. Some people believe a property that has been on the market for a while must have serious problems, but this is not necessarily the case.....
Restricted access
If you're selling your home and you require advanced notice, ask your agent to put the restriction and reason in the private remarks section of MLS.....
Disappear
When your house is on the market, it's important to be flexible with your showing times. Part of that flexibility is having the capacity to .....
Understanding the lingo - points
Points is a common word you'll hear when you're in the process of buying a home or acquiring financing. But what does it mean? .....
Don't outsmart yourself
Are you one of the people who is trying to "time the market" and wait for home prices to go down before you make a purchase? Doing so may not be as wise as you think......
Any time's a good time
"Now's not the best time ... can we set something up for later?" These are words that a buyer and his agent do not want to hear when they're out looking for a property.....
What not to do
You'll be given all kinds of advice and pointers about what you should do and how you should do it, but there are things you shouldn't do that are equally important......
Selling a vacant house
So you've accepted your new job and have moved on to your new life in a different city.....
Not just the house
After you've made the decision to buy a home, it pays to prioritize your needs and wants.....
Dealing with lowball offers
When your home is on the market, a prospective buyer may come at you with a lowball offer.....
Maximizing your exposure
Exposure is the key to selling fast and getting top dollar. The more people who see your home, the sooner you will find a willing buyer.....
Different kinds of real estate Web sites
From the way consumers acquire information about properties and neighborhoods to the way agents market themselves and their listings, real estate, like so many other industries, has been fundamentally altered by the Internet......
Como pagar su préstamo más rápidamente
Una respuesta inmediata seria reestructurar su préstamo de un plazo de 30 años a uno de 15.....
Fresh paint can make a difference
There are many factors that can affect the sale of your home. Many of these, like interest rates, number of buyers, and amount of competing inventory, are simply out of your control. There are, however, things that you.....
After the inspection
You're serious about buying this house; in fact, you've already put down earnest money, the option fee, and even gotten an inspection.....
Think about the future
Is this a starter house or one that you plan to stay in.....
Internet presence
There's so much information on the Internet. Literally thousands of real estate sites are out there.....
Beware of informed buyers
If you are looking to sell your home, it is not in your best interest to pick a price slightly higher than your house is worth.....
Final walk-through
Closing is just days away! You're about to make a huge investment and you've been running around town taking care of business......
Casa o Apartamento. ¿Qué es mejor para usted?
Muchas personas cuando deciden comprar una vivienda, la primera imagen que les viene a la mente es una casa, con un bello jardín, tal vez bordeado de una linda cerca de madera y con un bonito patio.....
Protéjase al vender su casa
A partir del primero de enero del 2008, toda persona interesada en solicitar una licencia de agente de bienes raíces en Texas, como vendedor o como corredor, ahora debe proveer sus huellas digitales para un chequeo del FBI sobre antecedentes criminales.....
Myths about homeownership
Many consumers believe that they can't qualify for a home loan because of a variety of reasons, including spotty credit and no money for a downpayment.....
Entice buyers with extras
If you're putting your home on the market, or if it has been on the market for a while without solid offers, you may consider including some appliances, furniture, or other extras in the asking price.....
El mes de la igualdad en la vivienda
Anualmente Texas se une a al resto de la nación para celebrar el mes de la igualdad en la vivienda.....
Don't forget the trees
It's common to consider the kitchen, bathroom, living space, and other indoor amenities, but don't forget the outside, especially the trees.....
The tax factor
You might consider consulting with a tax adviser regarding the sale's impact on your federal tax return.....
Are discount points right for me?
Many decisions go into that final mortgage contract, and one involves purchasing discount points.....
Landscaping counts
When you're selling your house, you obviously want it to stand out.....
Understanding the lingo - option fee and option period
Many times, when an offer is made on a residential property in Texas, the prospective buyer will cut two checks: one for the option fee, another for the earnest money.....
Coming to your senses
The more you do to prepare your home for market, the more money you can expect to pocket at the closing table.....
Get your free credit report
If you are thinking about buying a home, it is a good idea to find out what your credit report says before applying for the loan.....
Spend some time in your kitchen
The kitchen could be the most important room in a house......
Learn about loans
There are many kinds of loans; the one that makes the most sense for you depends on your current situation and your plans for the future.....
Moving out
If you are selling your home, create a moving checklist to ensure a smooth transition from one property to the next......
You may need to stay put
Changing jobs in the midst of the process may not have a significant affect on your ability to qualify for a mortgage loan.....
From seller to buyer
Although your property could sell in a couple of days, the real dilemma you may face is finding your next home......
Understanding the lingo - escrow
During the process of buying your home, you'll hear the word escrow thrown around. It's easy to get confused because the term can refer to different things that occur at different times.....
Protect yourself
While it's certainly not common, there are reports of sellers' possessions disappearing during a showing.....
Take an impromptu visit
When you begin narrowing your selection or you find that you've fallen head-over-heels in love with a certain house.....
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