Preferred Properties of Texas

The Preferred way to buy & sell real estate for you

How To Deal With Bad Neighbors

by Leave a Comment

It can be difficult to figure out how to deal effectively with your neighbors. It’s not easy to buy a house only to find out that you have terrible neighbors. You don’t have to just accept the bad behavior of your neighbors or live with them. You can use it as an opportunity to build positive relationships and create a better environment for your neighbors.

One in two Americans don’t know their neighbors’ names, which can make it difficult to resolve conflicts peacefully. To build a solid relationship, introduce yourself as soon as possible. If you are friendly, it will be much harder for your neighbor not to cause you pain.

You can establish a good relationship by notifying your neighbor before you have a party or are doing any other activity that might cause noise or commotion.

When you approach your neighbor about something that bothers you, don’t be frenzied. You can approach your neighbor in a friendly manner and ask them to meet you for coffee. This will show that you care about the subject.

It’s common for neighbors to not realize they are creating problems. Avoid accusing them. Try to imagine yourself in their shoes and assume that your neighbor’s problems are not due to any ill will.

It’s important to raise problems with your neighbor in a constructive manner, but it’s equally important to be considerate and cooperative when you are the one being accused of bad behavior. You may not understand the complaint, such as leaves falling from a tree on your land into your neighbor’s backyard. It’s important to be friendly and accommodating, not to be right. Respond to all complaints or requests in the same way that you would like them to. They will be more inclined to help you if you are willing to make their life better.

You will never need to involve a third party when dealing with neighbors who are not good for you. However, it is possible. It’s important to do everything possible to resolve a problem peacefully and willingly. However, it is also important to keep track of every step. In the event that you have to involve a homeowner association, a neighborhood group or the city’s building department, keep a log of all relevant dates, times and emails. You can also take photos so you can access them if necessary.

Make sure you understand the issue before you file a formal complaint or take legal action. Talk to your HOA or local housing department to find out what the rules and law are about your situation. Before you make a big deal, it’s important to be on the right side. You can then let your neighbor know, again in a friendly and gentle way, that you are following the law.

Even if you are in the right, friendly conversations won’t always solve everything. If your neighbors are still causing problems and you have tried all other options, it might be time to call the authorities. Make sure to consult the appropriate authority regarding the issue and make the police your last stop. A problem with trash on someone’s lawn, for example, can usually be solved by the city’s code enforcement division. A noisy dog or a loose dog could warrant a call to the HOA.

Certain situations can lead to conflict between neighbors, such as buying a house next to one that is a hoarder or has a shared driveway. These situations can cause tension regardless of how friendly your neighbors are. It’s best not to get in touch with your neighbor unless you are very familiar with him.

 

Original Blog: https://www.trulia.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-bad-neighbors/

What To Look For In An Open House

by Leave a Comment

Although open houses can be staged to appear like a home decor vision, don’t let it distract from the main reason you are there: to possibly buy a house. You need to look beyond the beautifully arranged furniture and think only about whether the house is a good fit. Here’s a checklist for home buyers that might help you see things you missed.

Windows– Check to see if they face the sun, or if they look directly at a neighbor’s window.

Under-the-Sink Cabinets – Check for signs of water damage caused by leaking plumbing.

Electrical Outlets Make sure you have enough outlets to power your appliances and other electronic devices. You can then decide if you want to renovate.

Storage Space Don’t look just to determine if you have enough space. Also, consider the placement of your closets. You should also ensure that storage is located in a convenient place.

Appliances If they are part of the house, ensure they’re in good shape. You should have them on and running while you’re there.

Under the Rugs Lift any rugs off the floor to inspect the condition.

Floor Level Check to make sure the floors are level. You can test this by placing a small round object, such as a marble, on the floor. It will show if it moves in one direction.

Attic– Make sure it is well insulated if you have one.

Water Spouts Runoff from gutters should not be directed towards the house. Take a walk outside to check if it is.

Talk to a Preferred Properties of Texas agent  to see what else should be looked at.

 

Original Blog: https://www.century21.com/real-estate-blog/home-buyer-checklist-what-to-look-for-in-an-open-house/

Homeowners Insurance in Fire-Prone Areas

by Leave a Comment

Home insurance is required to protect your home from unexpected events. Your homeowner’s policy usually covers repairs in the event that your home is damaged by a fire. You may need separate wildfire insurance if you live in an area at high risk for fire damage.

Your homeowner’s insurance policy generally covers fire damage, including wildfires. If your home is damaged by a wildfire, your policy will typically cover the cost of rebuilding or repairing it. Insurance policies may also cover temporary housing costs, the replacement of your belongings and restoration of landscaping. The policy you choose and the risk of wildfires in your area can affect the extent and cost of coverage.

To find out your deductible, coverage details and other details regarding wildfire damage to your home, personal property and landscaping, such as trees and shrubs, check your policy.

The three main types of homeowner’s insurance coverage are dwelling coverage, personal property coverage, and coverage for other structures. Here are the possible coverages for fire damage if your policy covers dwelling coverage, coverage for other buildings, and personal property coverage.

Additional living expenses coverage may be available for those who are unable to live in their home because of wildfire damage. This coverage may cover expenses like a hotel stay or pet boarding, as well as restaurant bills and laundry services, depending on the policy. This coverage might also be applicable if you are required to evacuate by local authorities.

The coverage for additional living expenses is usually a percentage of your dwelling coverage. If your dwelling coverage is 25% and your living expenses coverage is $350,000, then you could have $87,500 to cover your living expenses due to loss of use. To understand the details of your policy regarding fire damage to your home or belongings, it is a good idea to review your policy.

Renters insurance protects against wildfires even if you live in high-risk areas. Your existing rental insurance will cover your personal possessions, living expenses, loss, and additional insurance.

Condo insurance will cover wildfire damage, just like renters insurance. Condo insurance does not cover damage to your condo’s “inside walls”. This is the main difference between condo insurance and a standard homeowners policy. Your exterior walls and property should be covered by the homeowners association’s insurance policy. It’s a good idea, however, to check what your HOA’s insurance policy covers, especially for those who live in an area that is prone to fire.

Although many homeowner’s policies provide coverage for fire damage and other damages, it may depend on the fire danger in your locality. Some insurance companies will increase deductibles or cap payouts for homes located in high-risk areas.

If your insurance company refuses to cover fire damage, you will need to buy a separate wildfire insurance plan. You may be able purchase wildfire insurance policies through a surplus carrier, premier carrier or the FAIR plan.

It’s crucial to know what your homeowner’s policy covers and if you will need wildfire insurance. This will ensure that you are adequately covered if you live in an area prone to fire. Preventing a fire is the best way to minimize any damage. You can fireproof your house by taking steps beyond purchasing the right insurance policy. You can prepare for this fire season in many ways, regardless of whether you live in an area with high fire danger or a dry climate.

 

Original Blog: https://www.redfin.com/blog/homeowners-insurance-in-fire-prone-areas/

There’s More To A Property Than Features And Looks

by Leave a Comment

The wood floors, gourmet kitchen, and spa-like bathrooms are all things you love. Remember that there is more to a property then just its looks. These are some additional things to think about before you submit an offer.

The idyllic street that you saw at a Sunday open house could become a commuter’s cut-through during the work week. A nearby grade crossing could cause frequent train horns to sound in the middle of the night. To get an idea of the noise level, visit the house at different times and on different days. Also, ask your neighbors about noise sources.

Although the seller’s disclosure notice might alert you to potential problems with major appliances or systems, it won’t inform you that your HVAC or roof are nearing the end. It is possible to estimate the time it will take for certain items to age properly. While a home inspector may be able to tell you if certain systems are in poor condition, it is not possible to determine how long a component has left. Sometimes, the date of installation may be visible or available in some cases.

Although homeowners associations are beneficial for property owners, they also have rules and regulations that must all be adhered to. Before you make a commitment to purchase, be sure to read all documentation from the HOA. You can’t do anything with your property if you don’t comply with city ordinances or codes. It’s not a good idea to discover after closing that your property isn’t allowed to park your boat trailer on the driveway, or that your house can’t be painted your preferred shade of red.

A view of the city skyline or hills can be a big selling point. Will that view be retained? You should check with your builder if any plans are being made to block the view if you buy in a master-planned community. To determine if the scenic view is at risk, check out the area’s planning. Remember that development plans and zoning can change at any time.

Looking to Buy or Sell your home, contact our office and speak to one of our knowledgeable agents.

We Are Here For All Your Real Estate Needs!

For new listings in Stephenville text HOMES to 877-965-7775

 

Original Blog:  https://www.texasrealestate.com/members/posts/buying-a-home-its-about-more-than-features

Concerned If Rising Interest Rates Will Affect Land Prices?

by Leave a Comment

The last couple of years have been interesting in the land market. Low-interest rates and high buyer demand have created serious competition and made it more difficult for buyers to get a great deal. It is reasonable to ask how prices will change with record-breaking inflation, rising interest rates and a growing market for land.

We will only know what the future holds for prices. But, it’s possible to believe that rising interest rate may be a win-win situation for frustrated buyers.

In February, the Federal Reserve declared that it would raise interest rates multiple times this year. March saw the Federal Reserve announce a 25-basis point increase. This was the first federal interest rate increase since 2018.

These increases are in direct response to inflation. They are designed to help the economy recover by slowing down economic growth and decreasing consumer spending. The interest rates on everything, from auto loans to credit cards, are expected to continue rising. These rates will affect personal and mortgage loans, which could be used to finance land purchases.

Although we have enjoyed low interest rates for quite some time, if you are trying to purchase land, you will know that there is a downside to higher spending power.

Due to low interest rates and growing interest in land investment, there has been intense competition for properties. The REALTORS Land Market Survey shows that land prices increased by 6% between 2021 and 2021. This is second to single-family rental unit price growth. This is a steep incline, and not great news for land buyers without the capital to invest.

Higher interest rates could be a boon in this situation. Rising interest rates can help level the playing field and hopefully bring down prices by increasing borrowing costs to purchase land. Sellers don’t have the luxury of spending more money, so they can’t overvalue their property in the knowledge that someone will pay it. Higher interest rates will also help to reduce the likelihood of buyers driving price escalations or over-bidding.

While higher interest rates do not necessarily mean that you cannot afford to purchase land, they do indicate that you will need to be realistic about how much you can spend on it. Start your land search by determining how you will finance it. This includes where and how much you can borrow. Remember that interest rates are likely to rise through the end of 2022. So give yourself some leeway and don’t expect rates to stay high for too long.

If you have been on the market for a while and are having a difficult time because of high buyer demand, rising rates will help to bring things under control. If you are interested in seeing how prices react, wait a while and keep your eyes open for the perfect property with a great price.

 

Thinking of Selling your property, finding out its value is the place to start! Contact Preferred Properties of Texas and get a free evaluation.

 

Original blog: https://www.landhub.com/land-news/will-rising-interest-rates-affect-land-prices/?inf_contact_key=675bc58ad527699b5d8abbad233a50c9680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1

Is A Barndominium Right For You?

by Leave a Comment

Before building a barndominium, here are some things to remember

Many people are now trying to do their own DIY remodels or builds, thanks to the popularity of farmhouses and shows like Fixer Upper and Home Town. Barndos require special planning and are just as important as any other type of project.

Check paint to see if it is in good condition.

It is important to inspect any previous paint jobs before you start renovating an old barn. This is because barns often use exterior paint, which can make it dangerous for living spaces.

Be prepared for unexpected costs.

Barndos can be cheaper and more quickly constructed than traditional homes, but you’ll still need some features if your barndominium will be used as a home. It is easy to overlook things like plumbing, HVAC, siding, permits, and so on.

Employ licensed professionals.

Although it may appear that a barndo project is something you can do yourself, there are many critical elements that require professional intervention. Barndominiums, which are non-living spaces that are being converted, often require complex electrical work. A good selection of windows and doors is another important element that many people don’t consider. You will need to choose the best windows and doors to make your space comfortable.

You can check the laws and permits in your area.

Each place has its own rules. However, any construction project or remodel will need a permit to ensure that everything meets code. Realtor.com recommends that you budget $400-$2,000 for permit costs. These permits are not enough. Most barns will require a sprinkler system. Make sure you factor this in to your budget and timeline.

Consider losing certain creature comforts.

Although barndominiums are beautiful and functional spaces, they can also be stunning and inspiring. However, if you spend more time looking at the lifestyle of barndos on Pinterest than browsing decor ideas, you might be surprised. Barndominiums can be one-story units and feel louder than traditional homes. They are also more suitable for rural areas. You can accept all these characteristics and proceed with the barndominium process.

Barndominiums can make a great living space for those who have some land, or an existing barn that can easily be renovated. Don’t rush to build a barndominium. It is not as large as traditional homes, and there are many things you need to take into consideration.

 

Original Blog: https://www.landhub.com/land-news/building-a-barndominium/

Preferred Properties of Texas

(254) 965-7775|Contact Preferred Properties of Texas