Archives for April 2023

What Is a Verified Approval Letter – and How It Helps in a Competitive Market

April 29, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

“Congratulations, your offer has been accepted!”

There is no doubt that those words are a cause for celebration to any prospective homebuyer, but they are especially true when competing with other buyers in a hot market. There are many factors that you cannot control when competing against other buyers, but there is one thing that can give you the edge. Get a verified approval letter (VAL), a written offer that proves to sellers that your financing has been confirmed.

The process to get a VAL can be relatively simple, even at a time when purchasing a home is a daunting task. It’s easy to connect with an expert who will perform a thorough analysis of your credit score, debt, income, and employment status. You’ll then receive a Verified Loan Approval letter so you can shop in confidence. It’s also helpful to have a conversation with a Home Loan Expert.

I have personal experience of buying a house in a hot market for 2020. In a seller’s marketplace, we had to prepare more than when my husband and I bought our first home in a buyer market several years ago. She made it clear from our first meeting that being pre-approved might not be enough. She stressed that we should take extra steps to demonstrate to sellers that we are serious about buying a home, even before touring any homes. A VAL is a step above a preapproval letter. It shows that we are serious and ready to buy, even before touring a single home.

Unlike with a pre-qualification, getting a VAL requires pulling credit scores. However, we knew we’d have to take this step in our home buying process eventually, so the slight ding to our scores was a non-issue when compared to the benefits of the VAL. In a market where moving quickly is key, having these steps done ahead of time meant that there was no down time once we were ready to make an offer. With this pre-approval, we could show sellers, yes, we could afford homes up to a certain amount and, no, our financing wasn’t going to be an issue for closing.

I am grateful we took our agent’s advice to check this task off the list before looking at houses. We soon realized that houses would come and go in a single day in our market. If we found one we wanted, the last thing we needed to do was scramble to get a pre-approval letter. By getting a VAL in advance that is valid for 90 days, buyers can be confident they can be competitive when ready to make an offer.

At the same time, going through the pre-approval process helped us get a clearer picture of what we could afford. Although we couldn’t control the ever-changing mortgage rates and how that would affect our ultimate payments when we purchased a new home, we knew how much we would be approved to spend on a home. It also gave us a chance to assess our real comfort level with our budget, which led us to set our personal “max” below the pre-approval figure.

All the while, we were also preparing to sell our home—which, let me tell you, was a very different experience! In this position, we knew we could confidently expect a handful of competitive offers within days of listing our home. Again, our Realtor counseled us to take into account whether a potential buyer had a pre-approval letter. We knew that if we were looking at two side-by-side offers for the same amount, the buyer who came with a locked-and-loaded VAL would win out.

After practicing patience and having a bit of luck, we were able to confidently make an offer on a home that checked all of our boxes. Even in a hot market, that one offer was all it took: Our bid backed by a pre-approval was accepted!

Although our lender still needed to consider the home’s appraisal value, condition and title before giving us the official approval, we were glad to know our finances weren’t going to hold up the process. When we turned around to list our first house, we were thrilled to get a number of offers within the first few days—and ultimately went with a buyer who had a pre-approval letter.

I can say from experience that buying a house in a competitive real estate market is an exercise in coping with a lot of unknowns. From waiting for the right house to hoping the seller will accept your offer, learning how to take deep, calming breaths is a helpful skill to have. With a Verified Approval Letter, though, you don’t just have to cross your fingers and hope for the best—you can actually give yourself an advantage.

– Emily Glover

Are you thinking of buying? Our agents at Preferred Properties of Texas are here to help!

Original Blog: https://www.realtor.com/sponsored/verified-approval-letter/

The Spring Cleaning Checklist For Your Home

April 27, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

It’s spring, so it’s the perfect time to get your house in order and give it a deep clean before allergy season. The spring cleaning season is the best time to organize your home and get rid of all the junk that accumulated over the winter.

However, this isn’t the only time your home should get a good scrub. “The parallel is to bathing and showering. Clean your home as often as you wash your hands and body,” says Allen Rathey, director at Indoor Health Council, an organization that connects cleaning with public health. “How often do you wash hands, bathe or shower? What level of detail? It’s really ‘spring cleaning’ time all year round depending on how dirty your body or home gets.”

Here is a checklist of spring cleaning tips and tricks from professionals to help make your spring cleaning easier.

Regular cleaning is important.
Clean your house with new cleaning products
Declutter.
Deep clean indoors.
Do not overlook the safety and security features of your appliances, systems, and home.
Refresh your outdoor area.

The importance of regular cleaning

Cleaning is an important part of maintaining healthy, happy and comfortable living spaces. Cleaning can remove allergens, dirt and other pollutants which can accumulate with time. It can also improve your mental health.

Rathey says that a regularly cleaned home will last longer, be healthier and smell better. Less dirt and moisture reduces bacteria that cause disease and odors. Hard and soft flooring wear less when there is less grit. “Resettling and airborne dust reduces respiratory exposure, HVAC maintenance and air purifier clogging.

Renew Your Cleaning Supplies

It’s time to restock your cleaning essentials and give them a thorough overhaul before you begin cleaning. Courtney Klosterman is a home insights expert with insurance company Hippo. She says that you should ditch toxic cleaning supplies for a healthier, cleaner and safer home. Klosterman suggests replacing them with cleaners that comply with the Safer Choose standards of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Before you begin your spring cleaning, make sure that you have the following items:

Microfiber cloths.
Rubber gloves.
Duster.
Vacuum cleaners with attachments.
Brooms and dustpans
Mop.
Carpet cleaner
Scrub brush.
Garbage bags.
Castile soap or dish soap
All-purpose cleaner.
Window and Glass Cleaner
Baking soda.

Declutter

When you do your spring cleaning, you can also declutter and remove items that you no longer need or use. Cleaning expert Armeka Townsend is a senior consumer relations representative for Zep. She says clutter can make your house feel disorganized and chaotic.

By implementing the one year rule, you will be able to evaluate an item more objectively. You probably don’t want or need something if you haven’t used it in the last year. Townsend suggests that you donate, sell or recycle the items in order to make your home more functional and streamlined.

Deep Clean Indoors

Open your windows and start cleaning from the top.

Dust. Dust, debris, and other particles usually fall from higher surfaces. According to Townsend it is important to clean these first. She says to start by dusting the ceiling fans, shelves and light fixtures, and then move onto furniture and countertops. “Finally clean your floors. Make sure you mop or vacuum them thoroughly in order to remove all dirt.”
Glass. Clean glass with old T-shirts or socks, or newspaper. These items will help you clean glass without streaks. Klosterman suggests that you can make your own DIY glass cleaner by mixing equal parts of white vinegar with water, shaking it and wiping the surface. You can use a mild soap, water, and a microfiber towel.
Walls. Scuff marks on walls can be removed with soap and water. For tougher spots, use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser.
Floors. Even on carpets, mold can grow quickly and unnoticed in the winter months. Klosterman suggests using a carpet cleaning product to remove excess moisture and thoroughly clean your carpet.
Furniture. Furniture is a magnet for heat, sweat and dirt. Klosterman recommends using a steamer designed for furniture and upholstery to deep clean.
Grout. Try an extendable scrubber to reach those germy areas without straining or overworking your back.
Mattresses and bedding. Vacuum the mattress. All bedding . “Vacuum both the top and side of the mattress using the upholstery attachment. Klosterman recommends that if your mattress has an odor or is stained, sprinkle baking soda on top and let it rest for 30 minutes. Then vacuum it up. To extend the life of your mattress, turn it 180 degrees around or flip it.

Do not forget areas which are usually neglected. Townsend states that some areas of your house may not be regularly cleaned, but dirt and grime still accumulate. Be sure to clean the baseboards and air vents as well as window tracks, and spaces beneath and behind appliances. To remove dust and allergens, you may want to clean your carpets, upholstery and curtains. “Don’t forget to clean the doorknobs and handle as well.”

Do not overlook your home’s critical systems, appliances and safety features

Spring cleaning is the ideal time to inspect your major appliances and systems.

Plumbing. Klosterman suggests checking for signs of issues, and water damage in areas such as under sinks and the basement. He also recommends pouring white vinegar distilled down drains twice a month and into dishwashers to prevent clogs. Check and drain the water heater for any sediment build-up.
Appliances. Vacuum dust and dirt off your refrigerator coils. Do not forget to clean your dryer and washer. Klosterman explains that the leading cause of fires in homes involving washing machines and dryers is dust, fibers or lint accumulation inside the dryer exhaust vent. Hippo’s Housepower Report 2022 revealed that homeowners are hesitant to clean the dryer exhaust vent.
HVAC. Replace the air filter in your HVAC, or schedule your biannual service with a technician.
Safety. Check to make sure that smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers are working properly. Have a professional clean and inspect your fireplace every year.

Refresh your outdoor space

You cannot forget about the outside as warmer weather approaches. It’s time to prepare your garden for spring.

Townsend says, “Clean your patio furniture thoroughly. Remove any debris on your deck or balcony. Check for any repairs or maintenance that may be needed.” You may want to also add new plants or decor to create an inviting atmosphere.

Gutters. Leaves and other debris should be removed from your gutters. Klosterman advises: “Use a ladder to reach those hard-to-reach places and check for any possible points where clogging may occur. Then, using gloves, remove visible debris.”
Siding. Consider painting your home. Klosterman says that painting and sealing siding will keep out pests and stop leaks and mold. Make repairs to your home as soon as possible if you notice any signs of damage.
Trim the trees. Storms and high winds can knock down entire trees or limbs, causing damage to your property. Klosterman recommends a quick walkthrough in order to remove any branches that are touching or hanging over your roof. Trim trees that are overhanging or encroaching near gutters and rooflines to prevent damage.
“Lawn Equipment Maintenance”: “ Clean up your lawn machinery, and remove any debris from last year,” Klosterman advises. Check your lawnmower’s oil level and whether or not the blades have become dull. If necessary, replace any worn or dull components.
Grilling season is almost here. Grab the grill. Give your grill a good scrub. Klosterman recommends using a grill brush to clean the grill plate. A damp rag can be used to clean the outside.

Original Blog: https://realestate.usnews.com/real-estate/articles/spring-cleaning-checklist-for-your-home

Earnest Money – What is it and how much is enough?

April 25, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

It is crucial to make your home offer stand out in today’s market. You can let the seller know that you are serious about purchasing a house by obtaining a preapproval. You can also put down a deposit as a sign of your seriousness.

This article provides an overview of earnest money, including how you can use it in your favor when purchasing a home as well as how to protect yourself after depositing it.

What is Earnest Money in Real Estate?

To show that you are serious about buying a home, earnest money is paid before the closing. This is also called a good-faith deposit.

If a buyer enters into a agreement of purchase with a seller, the seller removes the property from the market and the transaction proceeds to the closing. The seller will have to start over if the deal fails.

The seller is protected if a buyer cancels. The amount is usually between 1 and 3% of the total sale price, which is kept in an escrow until the transaction is completed. It depends on the customs in your area. If everything goes well, the earnest cash is applied towards the down payment or the closing costs.

The buyer will get their earnest money refunded if the deal fails due to a failed inspection or other contingencies in the contract. Earnest money deposits can reduce the chances of a buyer walking away from multiple offers after the seller has taken the house off the market.

Why should you pay earnest money?

It’s not always necessary to pay earnest money, but you may need it if the real estate market is competitive. These good faith deposits are preferred by sellers who want to make sure that the deal will not fall through. Earnest money is a form of insurance that both parties can use.

Earnest money can also reduce the amount needed at closing, as it is applied directly to down payment and closing costs. You’re essentially putting some money down earlier in the process.

Verified Approval: How it Could Help

If a seller is evaluating multiple offers, they are more likely to favor a buyer who has approved funding. Having earnest money on top can also make your offer standout.

How much earnest money is enough?

How much earnest money to offer will depend on which real estate market you are interested in. If a real estate listing is languishing in a slow-moving market, you may not require as much earnest cash as if there are multiple buyers vying to buy the property. A higher deposit may be necessary if you are planning to buy in an area where bid wars and cash offer are frequent.

You should consult your agent to determine how much earnest cash you should offer. It’s best to not undercut other offers for the same home if you are competing with them. You could lose out to someone who makes a better offer. Your agent will be able to tell you whether a standard good faith deposit is sufficient if the market is slow or moderate.

Is Earnest Money Refundable?

Earnest money is protected by contingencies for both buyer and seller in certain situations.

If you submit an offer to buy a house and the seller accepts it, the sale will only be finalized if certain conditions are met. These are usually listed in the contract and include items such as the appraisal, mortgage approval and inspection.

Home Inspection Contingency

Home Inspection can be a major reason for potential buyers to back out of a deal. A home inspection contingency allows you to cancel the deal if your prospective home has been inspected by professionals and certain elements need repair. You can also negotiate with the seller for the repairs to be made, or to lower the price of the home so that you can make the repairs yourself.

Appraisal Contingency

Appraisal Contingency is also important. It protects the buyer in the event that the property is valued too high. The lender will hire a third party appraiser to assess the value of a home, and compare it with similar properties that are for sale. If the appraised value of the home is less than the purchase price, the buyer can opt to not proceed with the transaction and receive their earnest money. You can also use the appraisal as a tool to negotiate a price increase.

Financing Contingency

Mortgage contingency protects you if your mortgage application is denied. If this contingency is listed in the contract, you can walk away from the deal and receive your earnest deposit back.

Contingency For Selling An Existing Home

Some contracts include a contingency to sell your current home. This contingency allows you to back out of a deal if you cannot sell your current home before closing on a new home.

When To Waive A Contingency

Some buyers may feel pressured to waive contingencies in hot real estate markets. For example, they might do this if are absolutely sure they will qualify for a loan. It’s not a good thing to waive appraisal or inspection conditions. These contingencies exist to protect you.

How to protect your Earnest Deposit

You can protect your earnest cash by taking a few simple steps:

Step One. Use an Escrow Account

Fraud is not a rare occurrence in the real estate industry. You should not give earnest money to a seller or real estate broker. You should instead use a third-party, such as a title or Escrow , to hold your earnest funds.

You can pay with a certified check, a wire transfer or if you’re paying by personal check. You can request and keep a receipt and a copy. Your check must be payable to the third-party. These funds will be held on the escrow until it closes.

Step Two. Know Your Contingencies

You should be aware of all contingencies that protect the buyer and seller. Make sure that you understand the contingencies, and you are comfortable taking any action.

Step Three. Keep Your Responsibilities in Check

The purchase agreement usually includes a schedule of when each aspect must be completed, for example, when you have to get an inspection or the approval date for the mortgage.

The seller may withdraw the offer if you fail to meet the deadlines. The seller will not rescind a contract if they miss the deadline. However, if the delay is too great, this could prove to be a deal-breaker.

Step 4. The Fourth Step is to Put Everything In Writing

Many of us are going to make a large purchase. You should always protect your investment, so you must put all the details in writing. Included in this are any timeline changes and the buyer’s responsibilities. The purchase contract should clearly state who receives the earnest deposit if the agreement is cancelled.

In the event that the inspection is a failure and the buyer gets to keep their earnest money then state this in the contract. So, if the buyer changes his mind and wants to keep the earnest cash from the seller, you should also state that in the contract. The contract should explain everything in full detail.

Bottom line

Earnest money is a way to protect both the buyer and the seller in the event of a problem with the property. A Verified Approval, or earnest money can show a seller you are serious and make your offer standout from others.

Original Blog: https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/earnest-money

Five Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring A Land Realtor

April 25, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

When buying land, it’s a great idea to work with a professional. No one has more knowledge or experience than a Accredited Land Consult (ALC), otherwise known as a land Realtor.

ALCs, unlike other real estate agents are land experts. They have taken a course load that is rigorous through the Realtor Land Institute’s Land University program. They can help you to navigate the process easily, and their support is crucial in getting the best property for the best price.

It’s important to choose an ALC who understands your communication style and goals. How do you find these people? Here are the five most important questions you should ask a Realtor, before beginning your land search.

1. What Kind of Land Deals Are You Specialized In?

Even experts have certain areas in which their expertise is more valuable than others. It’s important to know which land deals a Realtor is best suited to help with. This is especially true if your transaction requires a little extra expertise.

2. How well do you know the local zoning laws?

A good land Realtor will do extensive research to make sure that a property meets your requirements. The best land Realtor will have this information and be able to walk you through the guidelines and restrictions while you are searching and touring various land options.

3. Do you have any other specialists that you can refer me to?

Land buying is not an easy process. You may need to hire a lawyer and an inspector in addition to other specialists, such as a soil tester, engineer, contractor, etc. It is best to work with someone who has a list of trusted names.

4. What is the level of involvement I can expect?

A land Realtor, who is worth his salt, will do more than just send over carefully curated land listings. This means that comprehensive support includes hands-on assistance with every aspect of buying land, such as financing, planning and transaction paperwork. You can also use this question to learn more about the communication style of your Realtor, and how responsive they will be on a daily basis.

5. What is your fee structure?

You may have to pay additional fees for the services that your ALC provides. Find out upfront what the cost will be to avoid any unpleasant surprises. While you might end up paying more for a land Realtor to represent you than a regular real estate agent it will almost always be worth it.

Are you ready to find the land Realtor, who checks all of the boxes? Our agents at Preferred Properties of Texas are here to help!

Original Blog: https://www.landhub.com/land-news/5-questions-to-ask-before-hiring-a-land-realtor/?inf_contact_key=5f3ff557e651ed852c64735d5a497097680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1

You Received an Offer, Now What?

April 21, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

Congratulations! Congratulations! Review the terms before you agree. While price is important, a good offer is much more than a simple number. When working with your realtor, consider these factors to help you decide what to do.

Do you have the right timing?

Your next address is required. It’s possible that you are buying a new home. A flexible offer will appeal to you more than one that has a short turnaround time or is inconvenient. You may find that buyers are willing to rent back your home to you temporarily after the sale.

Has a buyer offered to cover some of your costs?

The buyer can sweeten the deal if they offer to pay some of the closing costs. Although this amount is not included in the purchase offer, you will still benefit from it.

What is the amount of earnest money and termination option fee?

Some buyers show their interest by paying a large earnest payment. You may receive a large option payment, which is yours if you choose to cancel the contract.

What other factors are at play?

Many aspects of an offer can make it more or less attractive to you. These include factors such as appraisals, surveys and financing options.

Are you thinking of selling? Our agents at Preferred Properties of Texas are here to help!

Original Blog: https://www.texasrealestate.com/members/posts/you-received-an-offer-now-what/?utm_medium=email&_hsmi=254852030&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_lo3yvB9BotDw1RY876Q2nDXT-y9lnGGuedPfmvobYvmZLt1yAYXa0uSw-14grwaw7pP1oiqFPmjY8Ntw20z-XJfELbw&utm_content=254852030&utm_source=hs_email

The Pros and Cons to Buying a Fixer-Upper

April 18, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

The purchase of a fixer upper is becoming a more common choice, as sales of this type of home have risen 13,4% from 2020 to 2021. Despite what you may see on HGTV or social media, buying a fixer upper and bringing it to a livable condition is not an easy task.

The risk involved in buying real estate is something that all buyers must consider. How much risk you are willing to take depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle and short- and longer-term financial goals. There’s more to consider than the price of a fixer upper when you decide to invest in it.

This article will give you a quick overview of the pros and cons to choosing a fixer upper. Keep these in mind as you decide whether or not to make an investment.

The Pros of Fixer-Uppers

With enough money, imagination and work, you can make any property your dream home. Fixer-uppers offer a lot of potential to those looking for long-term gain.

The following are some of the most important pros to buying a fixer upper property:

Lower prices– If you search in the right places, the price of a fixer upper could be much lower than a home that is ready to move into. This could result in you getting more space for your money, and a lower deposit.

Less Competition – Fixer-uppers aren’t for everyone so there won’t be as much competition in your search. As an added bonus, the seller may be more willing to negotiate on price because their pool of buyers is smaller.

More possibilities– A fixer-upper offers an incredible amount of customization. When you are down to the studs you have a lot of options.

The Cons of Fixer-Uppers

It’s important to weigh the above advantages against some harsh realities of investing in a fixer upper. There’s a good reason why so many buyers are willing to pay more for a turnkey house.

Cons to be aware of include:

Renovation costs are higher up front– You may pay more in renovation costs for the money you saved on purchase price or down payment. A mid-level kitchen renovation alone cost between $15,000 AND $29,000, and that’s only one room out of many.
Unanticipated Issues– A home purchase can be a surprise. This is particularly true for fixer-uppers. Costly problems could be lurking behind each wall and floorboard.
Expect a longer timeline– Your fixer-upper may take months or years to become a suitable and safe place to live. Be realistic with your timeline and, if you are in a rush to move, get a thorough inspection as soon as you can to find any problems that may hinder you. It takes a lot to buy a fixer upper, whether it’s with or without land. Working with an experienced agent and financial advisor to decide if this is a good investment, and consider the pros and the cons before you sign on the dotted lines. Are you thinking of Buying? Our agents at Preferred Properties of Texas are here to help!

Original Blog: https://www.landhub.com/land-news/pros-and-cons-of-buying-a-fixer-upper/?inf_contact_key=9c3f17f8ec456476d7ca9cad4e58e1ac680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1