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Seller | Real Estate Blog

Friday, August 1, 2025   /   by Chala Strimple

Owner Title Policy: The One Document That Can Save—or Sink—Your Home Sale

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. ...

  real estate, seller, t. kerr property goup, georgetown texas real estate, selling a property in austin

Thursday, January 30, 2025   /   by Tanya Kerr

How Much Does It Really Cost to Sell Your House?

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. ...

  real estate, buyer, realtor, seller, t. kerr property goup, best realtor near me, selling a property in austin, texas real estate advice

Thursday, January 9, 2025   /   by Tanya Kerr

Open House Success Story: Turning Showings into Sales

Discover the secrets to a successful open house with tailored events that attract buyers. From family-friendly fun to elegant parties, learn how to turn showings into sales.
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Hello, everyone! I'm thrilled to share one of my favorite open house success stories with you. Hosting an open house can be an art form, and when done right, it can turn a simple showing into a memorable event that captivates potential buyers. Let me take you through two of my most exciting and successful open houses, showing how creativity and understanding your audience can make all the difference.
A Fun-Filled Family Open House
I recently held an open house in a neighborhood I knew very well. This community is bustling with families and kids, and often, the residents share listings with friends and family to keep their community close-knit. Knowing this, I decided to create an event that would attract the whole family.
Creating a Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Balloon Artist: To make the event special,; ...

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Friday, November 22, 2024   /   by Tanya Kerr

Home Appraisals – How One Appraisal Almost Cost Our Client $200,000

Home Appraisals – How One Appraisal Almost Cost Our Client $200,000




by Tanya Kerr and Russ Phillips

Tanya: Alright, let’s talk about appraisals. I know, it’s not the most glamorous topic in real estate, but I promise you—it’s where deals can make it or break it. I learned this lesson in a big way with one of my clients, and trust me, it’s a story you’ll want to hear. Imagine being $200,000 short on your dream home’s contract price because of a low appraisal—and to close the deal, you’d have to bring an extra $200,000 to the table. Sounds scary, right? Well, this happened, but with some grit, teamwork, and a bit of luck, we turned it around




What Is a Home Appraisal and Why Does It Matter So Much?

Russ: So, first off, what’s a home appraisal? Think of it as a professional opinion on how much a home is worth at that exact moment. Lenders require them before they issue a mortgage because they don&. ...

  real estate, buyer, seller, t. kerr property goup, best realtor near me, georgetown texas real estate

Friday, July 19, 2024   /   by Tanya Kerr

Building Home Equity: A Path to Financial Growth

Discover how to build and leverage home equity to grow your wealth. Learn about appreciation, mortgage payments, and smart investments in our latest article. #HomeEquity

Building Home Equity: A Path to Financial Growth

Building home equity is a journey that can transform your financial landscape, providing flexibility and opportunities to grow wealth. As a seasoned Realtor in Central, Texas, I've seen firsthand the magic of home equity and how it can be a game-changer for homeowners. In this article, I'll walk you through what home equity is, how it's built, and the myriad ways you can leverage it to achieve your financial goals.

Understanding Home Equity

Home equity is essentially the difference between the market value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage. It's built over time as you pay down your mortgage and as your home's value appreciates. For example, if you purchase a home for $300,000 and owe $200,000 on your mortgage, you have $100,000 in equity.
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