Wednesday, May 22, 2024 / by Tanya Kerr
By Micaela Remmert
Seeing an Opportunity
Interest rates might have caused the real estate market to slow down, but this shift has opened up a wealth of opportunities. For us, it meant finding the chance to build a new house with more space, an opportunity significant enough to make us willing to give up our cozy 2.8% interest rate.
Yikes—Mold!
Most of the build process went smoothly, and we had a blast picking out our design finishes. However, things took a turn shortly before our scheduled closing date when I discovered mold on the ceiling.
The builders quickly removed that section, but I requested they leave the wall open for mold testing. Unfortunately, they ignored my request and covered the wall back up to stay on track for the city inspection. I informed them that I wouldn't move forward until mold testing was done. With the wall covered, cavity testing became essential alongside air samples. The tests revealed high moisture and mold l; ...
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real estate, buyer, realtor, seller, market update, economy, austin area real estate, buying vs. selling
Monday, May 20, 2024 / by Tanya Kerr
Why You Need a Professional Home Estimate from a Real Estate Expert
Discover why professional home estimates outperform online tools. Get accurate, detailed valuations that truly reflect your home’s worth.
Why You Need a Professional Home Estimate from a Real Estate Expert, Not an Algorithm
As a dedicated Realtor in Georgetown, Texas, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial a reliable home estimate can be. Whether you're thinking of selling or just curious about your home’s market value, a professional assessment far outweighs the convenience of online estimates. Let’s explore why.
What is a Home Estimate?
A home estimate is essentially your golden ticket to understanding the true market value of your cherished home. This critical evaluation considers everything from your neighborhood to the square footage, from its condition to any recent upgrades. It also evaluates how it stacks up against similar properties that have recently changed hands in your ne ...
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real estate, buyer, realtor, seller, economy, austin area real estate, buying vs. selling
Thursday, March 14, 2024 / by Tanya Kerr
Open House Success: Ultimate Guide for Realtors and Sellers
Master the art of hosting successful open houses. The ultimate guide for Realtors and Sellers. Navigate trends, mitigate risks, and captivate buyers.
Introduction
Picture this: a bustling open house on a bright Saturday afternoon, where every visitor steps in with a dream of finding their perfect home. As most Realtors, the excitement of these moments never fades, but how we create them has certainly evolved. Today, I'm diving deep into the world of open houses, a realm where strategy, timing, and a sprinkle of charm can turn a simple visit into a lifelong memory.
Open Houses and Market Trends
What is an Open House?
An open house is a special event where a home for sale is opened to the public, allowing potential buyers to explore the property without an appointment. It's like hosting a welcome party for dreams of the future, where every room offers a new chapter in the story of 'what could be'—for in ...
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real estate, buyer, realtor, seller, economy, market update, t. kerr property goup, best realtor near me, buying vs. selling, austin area real estate, georgetown texas real estate, best realtor in austin, home buying guide texas, are open houses worth it, open house, open house for sale near me, open house meaning, open house near me today, what is an open house
Thursday, March 23, 2023 / by Kathryn Jones
Russ is here to check in with our community! Keep reading to get his rundown on the Silicon Valley Bank Failure, Interest Rates, and more:
I bought a horse last weekend. Even though I have 4 other ones already. More on that and how it relates to today's topics later.
So, I have begun to REALLY LIMIT my "news intake." Not because I want to be out of touch....but because I want to be out of touch with "agenda driven news." In fact, so much of it is not really news, it's op-ed, crafted to look like broadcast news. People in suits, behind desks, with endless talking points about how "that other side" is out to ruin the country. I think politics ruins EVERYTHING it touches.
That said, there are some news items that ARE important to watch and so I have limited myself to reading the WALL STREET JOURNAL and to a podcast I enjoy called "The World and Everything In it." I recommend both.
I also listen to people smarter than me in their fields of expertise. This blog is about some of what ...
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real estate, market update, economy
Thursday, June 2, 2022 / by Kathryn Jones
Did you know that first-time homebuyers make up 31% of the current market? June is National Homeownership Month so we wanted to take this time to help our first time home buyers out there! The home-buying process can be hard and perplexing, especially if this is your first time. If you're looking to buy a home in 2022, check out the following tips to remain on track and achieve your real estate goals.
1. Set A Budget
Examine your finances thoroughly, including your monthly income and obligations, to determine how much house you can afford.
Following are some general recommendations to keep in mind:
If you’re debt-free: You can consider houses that are up to 5x's your total household income.
If less than 20% of your income goes to pay down debt: You can shop for a home that is no more than 4x's your income.
If more than 20% of your monthly income goes to pay down debts: Shop for houses that are 3x's your income or less.
To make it easier to calculate how much yo ...
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real estate, buyer, economy
