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, 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
Thursday, February 20, 2025 / by Tanya Kerr
Learn how to make a competitive offer on new construction homes with expert advice from a seasoned Realtor. Discover tips on negotiation, timing, and leveraging incentives to get the best deal.
Making an offer on new construction can be a unique and complex process. As a Realtor in Georgetown, Texas, I've had my fair share of experiences with builders and new homes. Let me share some key insights to help you navigate this journey successfully.
Understanding the Negotiation Process
One important thing to know when making an offer on new construction is that the listed price isn't set in stone. In real estate, everything is negotiable. Let me share a funny story to illustrate this:
Once, I was negotiating a new construction deal and I sent over comparable sales (comps) from other homes to the sales rep to justify our offer because it was well under the asking price. He was amazed and told me no other agent had ever done that before. To me, this is a logical common practice ...
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real estate, buyer, realtor, t. kerr property goup, best realtor near me, georgetown texas real estate, austin area real estate, tanya kerr
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
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. ...
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real estate, buyer, realtor, seller, t. kerr property goup, best realtor near me, selling a property in austin, texas real estate advice
