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 perfect location
?? The best condition
?? The lowest pri ...
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real estate, buyer, realtor, economy
Monday, February 3, 2025 / by Chala Strimple
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.
As a buyer, you’ll likely pay:
Loan origination fee ...
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real estate, buyer, market update, property taxes
Thursday, January 30, 2025 / by Tanya Kerr
How Much Does It Really Cost to Sell Your House?
Selling your home is a major financial decision, and you deserve to know exactly where your hard-earned dollars are going. As part of the #1 Real Estate team in Georgetown, TX, we’re here to shed light on home-selling costs so you can plan smarter, avoid surprises, and keep more money in your pocket.
From repairs that make buyers swoon to how Realtors get compensated, we’ll walk you through every detail in this guide.
Table of Contents
Make-Ready Magic: Setting the Stage for Buyers
Agency Costs: What Are You Really Paying For?
Buyer’s Agent Compensation: What Sellers Should Know
Closing Costs & The Appraisal: The Final Chapter
Stay Informed with a Net Sheet
The Bottom Line: The Three Key Phases of Selling
TL;DR: Key Takeaways
FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered
Make-Ready Magic: Setting the Stage for Buyers
First impressions are everything! Befor ...
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real estate, buyer, realtor, seller, best realtor near me, t. kerr property goup, selling a property in austin, texas real estate advice
Wednesday, December 11, 2024 / by Tanya Kerr
When you’re diving into the exciting world of brand-new homes, it might be tempting to skip hiring a Realtor. But trust me—a skilled advocate by your side is worth their weight in gold. From avoiding construction disasters to saving you thousands, I’ve got the stories to prove it.
Blueprint Blunders: The Hidden Challenges of New Construction
“Oops, We Did That Wrong” – Catching Construction Mistakes
One of my clients had a builder tile the bathroom with grout lines that were wildly inconsistent—paper-thin in one area and over half an inch in another. When the building superintendent shrugged it off, I stepped in. By persistently advocating for my client, I negotiated $50,000 toward closing costs so they could redo that tile and any other tile in the home.
Another client’s walkthrough with a highly reputable semi-custom builder revealed even more surprises. The builder had assured us that everything on the inspection list had been co ...
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real estate, buyer, realtor, new construction, tanya kerr realtor
Friday, November 29, 2024 / by Tanya Kerr
Can a Home Buyer Walk Away at the Signing Table?
What happens if a home buyer walks away at the signing table? Learn the consequences, how sellers can protect themselves, and what options exist for legal disputes.
Tanya’s Take: When the Deal Falls Apart
Selling a home is personal. After all, you’ve built memories there, and when the finish line is in sight, it’s easy to start dreaming of your next chapter. But when a buyer backs out at the last minute, it feels like the rug has been yanked out from under you. The frustration and sense of betrayal are real, but it’s important to know that this is more common than you might think—and there are ways to protect yourself.
In this post, Russ and I will break it down step by step. We’ll discuss the emotional and psychological ways to protect yourself and deal with the frustration of a buyer walking away at the signing table, as well as get into the nitty-gritty legal and financial details. ...
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real estate, buyer, realtor, t. kerr property goup
