Monday, August 25, 2025 / by Chala Strimple
Why School Ratings Matter in Real Estate
When it comes to buying or selling a home, schools are one of the most common factors clients ask me about. And for good reason.
According to Realtor.com, homes near schools rated 9 or 10 on GreatSchools carry a 78.6% price premium compared to nearby properties. Homes in those districts also:
Receive 26% more online views
Sell 4–8 days faster
Attract buyers who are willing to spend 6–10% more
The National Association of Realtors found that 26% of buyers factored school quality into their search. And Brookings research shows that for every $1 spent on public schools, home values increased by $20.
As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for NAR, put it: “Quality schools provide a foundation not only for children’s education but for the value and desirability of entire neighborhoods.”
New TEA Ratings Finally Released
On August 15, 2025, the Texas Education Agency released its long-delayed 2024 and 2025 A–F . ...
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real estate, buyer, realtor, t. kerr property goup, tanya kerr
Friday, August 1, 2025 / by Chala Strimple
Let Me Tell You a Quick Story…
Not that long ago, one of my buyers went under contract on what was marketed as a single, spacious property—two lots, bundled together. Everything was smooth sailing… until the title company called with news that stopped us in our tracks.
Turns out, the seller didn’t actually own part of the land.
Years ago, when they bought the property, the paperwork wasn’t properly filled out. One portion was never recorded—meaning legally, it still belonged to someone else. The seller had no idea. Neither did the listing agent. My client was just a week from closing.
We could’ve lost the whole deal.
But we didn’t. With a sharp-eyed escrow officer, a committed team, and a whole lot of follow-through, we got the documents corrected, transferred, and filed. A decade-long error—fixed. My buyer got their dream home, fully theirs.
And this? This is why I never let c. ...
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real estate, seller, t. kerr property goup, georgetown texas real estate, selling a property in austin
Thursday, May 29, 2025 / by Chala Strimple
Hi, it’s Tanya. Let’s break this down in a clear, no-nonsense way.
So… what’s this “pool cancer” everyone’s talking about? Is it a big deal? Yep. But don’t freak out – I’ll break it down for you. If you’re buying a home in Georgetown or anywhere in Central Texas, or you already have a pool, this is something you wanna know about.
Let’s dive in (but not into a leaky pool, okay).
[Link to instagram reel]
What Is “Pool Cancer”? (aka ASR)
“Pool cancer” is just a nickname for a big concrete problem called Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR). Think of it like your pool’s concrete having a sneaky chemical fight inside it. When the cement in the concrete mixes with certain sands and water, it makes a gel that swells up. This swelling causes cracks.
The cracks can look like:
Spiderwebs
Weird white goop oozing out
Tiles popping off
Water leaking . ...
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best realtor in austin, buying a home in austin, tanya kerr, asr, pool cancer
Friday, April 4, 2025 / by Chala Strimple
Stop! Read This Before You Make a Home-Buying Mistake You’ll Regret
You’re about to buy a home—exciting, right? Maybe you’ve been scrolling Zillow until 2 AM, daydreaming about your perfect house. You know exactly what you want: a gorgeous kitchen, a big backyard, and a brand-new home that smells like fresh paint.
But before you fall head over heels for a house that could drain your bank account or be impossible to sell later, let’s talk.
Because I’ve seen it too many times—buyers getting caught up in shiny finishes and forgetting the one thing that actually matters: making a smart investment.
I won’t let that happen to you.
The Harsh Truth About Home Buying
Most buyers, especially first-time buyers, come in with a wish list a mile long. An unlimited budget can get you anything you want, but if you don’t have one, you really need to pick 2 out of 3 to focus on:
The perfe. ...
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real estate, buyer, realtor, economy
Monday, February 3, 2025 / by Chala Strimple
10 Hidden Costs to Watch for When Buying a Home
You’ve Saved for the Down Payment—But What About the Rest?
You finally found the perfect home. You’ve got your down payment ready, your loan pre-approval in hand, and you’re dreaming about furniture placement.
But here’s what surprises many first-time buyers: the down payment is just the beginning. When you buy a home, there are hidden costs that can sneak up on you—and eat into your budget fast.
As a real estate agent, I’ve walked hundreds of buyers through this process. I always make sure my clients aren’t just prepared to buy the house, but to own it with confidence.
Let’s break down the top 10 hidden costs of buying a home, so you can budget wisely and avoid that “wait, I owe how much?” moment at closing.
1. Closing Costs (They're Not Just for Sellers)
Many buyers think only the seller pays closing costs—but that’s not the full picture ...
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real estate, buyer, market update, property taxes
