Preferred Properties of Texas

The Preferred way to buy & sell property for over 25 years

Mortgage Help for Homeowners During the Crisis

by Leave a Comment

During times of financial chaos and widespread unemployment, then you aren’t alone in the event that you end up worried about keeping up with your mortgage obligations. As per a U.S. Census Bureau poll earlier this season, a quarter of all Americans either missed a mortgage or lease payment, or had little to no assurance that they’d have the ability to make next month’s payment in time.

The great thing is you do have choices if you discover yourself coping with income reduction or struggling financially.

Exactly what the CARES Act Means For You
Lien backed by the national government might be eligible to suspend payments when a borrower is coping with financial hardship
Lenders Won’t charge late fees or report late payments to credit agencies during that period
Foreclosures and foreclosure-related evictions are suspended prior to the end of the year
If a mortgage Isn’t federally-backed, then contact your creditor and inquire about hardship strategies and alternatives

First Things First: Reach Out For Your Mortgage Bank
It’s essential that you don’t assume you’ll be addressed by your CARES Act and simply quit making your monthly obligations even if you’re not qualified for the CARES Act, you likely have more choices than you may realize. Speak to your creditor as soon as you can notify them of any fiscal conditions, and inquire what choices they have set up as a consequence of the present catastrophe. They will likely have a couple alternatives for forbearance or altered loan arrangements for you to think about, though you’ll normally have to submit some kind of documentation demonstrating your financial hardship.

Forbearance vs. Refinancing
Forbearance choices will defer your mortgage obligations to get everywhere from six-12 months, with the knowledge that payment will continue to be due in the conclusion of forbearance. Forbearance isn’t a forgiveness program, but this alternative does leave you with additional money flow during uncertain times. If you cannot settle your missed payments at one time, you could be qualified to generate higher payments for a time period to settle the sum past due. If it is possible to restart your monthly payments in any stage, you might qualify to reevaluate the sum past due until a later date.

Some mortgage lenders will also be offering loan arrangement modifications in that time, many in the kind of a longer-term loan period or a lower rate of interest. Loan modifications make an option that changes the conditions of your loan so as to think of a monthly payment you can spend.

Research Added Options Available to You
There are lots of national, local and state entities offering grants, loans and other assistance programs for homeowners fighting because of the pandemic. Federal and state funds are usually distributed to city and county departments and are frequently dispersed from there to local agencies or financial institutions to handle.

Added resources for homeowners throughout this time:

Gov Temporary Mortgage Relief
USDA Rural Development Programs
Housing and Urban Development Resources for Homeowners
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Mortgage and Housing Assistance

If you have received help with your mortgage payments throughout the ordeal, continue to carefully track and record your own accounts and statements to be certain they remain error-free. Cancel or fix any automated payments you’ve set up to make certain you stay away from any penalties or fees from your bank. The moment your earnings is revived or in a level in which you feel more comfy, get in touch with your mortgage lender and then resume your normal payment schedule.

Should you strike instances of financial hardship, do not worry –research which apps are available so that you may pick the choice which makes the best sense for you personally. Do not just stop making payments, or you could encounter consequences such as fees, overdue charge, as well as potential foreclosure. Bear in mind that during times of catastrophe, there’s an elevated probability of fraud and spam, so ask questions and read all materials supplied to you attentively.

Fix Up Your House Before Listing Or Sell It As A Fixer Upper?

by Leave a Comment

If you are thinking of selling your home, this is probably a question you have been asking yourself and your realtor. There is not any hard and fast answer; the path you go will depend on numerous factors, the most important of which are: the condition of your house, the potency of the market in your area, and the possible gain to be made with and without upgrades. These tips can help you decide whether to sell now or later.

Consider your buyer
The words”fixer upper” might actually be a selling point for some buyers who perceive they are getting a deal, who are especially looking for something they can put their postage, or who simply can not afford to purchase something turnkey. The marketing your agent does is key here so you don’t end up with nothing but unacceptable offers.

“In almost any marketing communications enclosing a fixer-upper, it’s important to remain focused on value,” stated ExtraSpace. “Prospective homebuyers are aware that a fixer-upper will market at a lower price point than more contemporary houses on the market. But that does not mean that you have to accept a lowball offer. Rather, highlight the home’s investment possible by reminding buyers of the future sale opportunities after the house was remodeled.”

If your home requires A LOT of work and also you can’t, or don’t want to, put the time, money, and effort into getting it in prime condition, targeting investors could get it sold quickly. “A couple of decades past, a previous customer called to say her next-door neighbors necessary to immediately sell their property. “The home appeared inhabitable. It had holes in the walls all the way to the outside and urine-soaked wood flooring; many of the electric did not work and the bathroom tub had dropped through the joists. Each of the faucets leaked and, in one bedroom, I found a pile of dead rats swept into a pile in the center of the ground. This was not a home that could be readily fixed up. Not even a coat of paint would have helped sell this location. We priced it low enough that it attracted multiple offers and sold with zero days on market.

Since flipping is much more popular than ever, a house that needs work – especially certain kinds of work – may be attractive enough to investors which you don’t have to do any job in any way. “A fantastic rule of thumb: If your home needs toilet or bath remodels, a new roof, or base repairs, there’s an 80%-plus chance your purchaser will be an investor,” Bruce Ailion, a broker and REALTOR® in Atlanta, said on Realtor.com.

Obtain an honest assessment – and be able to hear it
If you’ve lived in your home for quite a while and/or have not kept up with upgrades and fixes, your real estate broker’s assessment of its condition and the recommendations he or she makes to get it market-ready might be eye-opening. They might also make you mad. Try to listen to and keep an open mind, even in the event that you are feeling offended. In the long run, you share the same goal, which is to get your home sold for the best possible price.

Be sensible on pricing
“Finding out your home’s value is not as straightforward as subtracting the cost of repairs from your home. In addition, you have to factor in’annoyance expenses,’ said Ailion. “Quite simply, turnkey homes often sell at a premium to traditional buyers because they do not have to do some work. If your home requires some sprucing up, you’re likely going to get to incentivize buyers to dig in and get their hands dirty.”

It can be that fixing your home up makes the most sense because of the financial upside. In presenting you with comparables, your real estate agent should be able to show you other properties in your area in varying conditions (depending on the amount of active listings or recently sold homes around you). This will help advise the pricing for your house and give you some idea of how much you’d have to put into it to get high dollar.

Choose your updates wisely
A 30,000 kitchen renovation may not be in the budget and may not give you the return on investment you’re looking for, but there are smaller updates you can do to your own kitchen to make it appear fresh (and, you can use the same principles in other important places, like bathrooms). Better Homes and Gardens includes a great collection of upgrades you can make for under $2,000, including hanging a ring which”illuminates the sink region” and swapping out a tired sink for a”farmhouse sink (this ) adds personality to the space.” Also think about painting cabinets and installing new hardware, also, if you’re up to the task, including an eye catching backsplash.

Make necessary repairs
Investors aren’t expecting perfection, and their supplies will be dependent upon the state of your house and the potential profit they can make after it’s fixed up. Non-investor types searching for a deal may not necessarily be scared off by some cosmetic problems, but significant repairs which are required are yet another story. If you’re looking for the smartest place to set your pre-sale renovation dollars, this may be it.

Winterizing Your Home

by Leave a Comment

Winterizing your home is important and as all seasons impact your house, but maybe no other period affects it over just winter. The chilly temperatures, rain, snow and freezing rain combine to make it a year to not be dismissed.

Winterizing Your HomeTo make certain that you don’t have any unnecessary repair costs this winter, follow these seven easy steps while preparing for the winter. They’re short and sweet–and will help you save money in the long term.

How to Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

Preparing a house for the winter may seem overwhelming, but these hints can typically be achieved inside a weekend, and you’ll be more prepared for whatever weather comes your way.

 

 

1. Clean Your Gutters

You need to do this each season, but before winter may be the most crucial moment. If your area receives a whole lot of snow, then your residence might need to keep that extra weight. If your gutters have an excessive amount of weight on these, they are pulled out of your house.

But maybe the most significant explanation is that in case you do not clean your gutters, your house might get water damage. As ice and snow melts and refreeze immediately, the devastation inflicted on your house might cost tens of thousands of dollars. Be certain that the water has somewhere to go as it melts so it’s kept away from the residence.

2. Recaulk Your Windows and Doors

Recaulk your doors and windows annually to avoid water damage and heat reduction. A caulk gun and tubing outside caulk will cost you about $20, and it is easy to do it in a day.

To be clear, you must just caulk around the exterior perimeter of your doors and windows’ molding. Use outside silicone caulk since it is less influenced by extreme temperatures–meaning it will not shrink and enlarge as the seasons shift.

To caulk your windows and windows, cut on the exterior caulking tube in a small angle together with your caulk gun (many caulking guns have an inner blade for this). Insert the tube to the rifle and twist the handle before the round pad is pressed closely into the tube. Caulking should begin to come from this hole that you cut once enough power is used.

Then use a thin line of caulk throughout the door or window molding into your residence. Employing a latex-gloved finger, then gently press down on the caulk to spread it out so that it fills all the very small cracks and cracks until it’s smooth.

3. Get Your Roof Inspected

This measure is most likely the most ignored yet most crucial step when planning a home for winter. It is always best to have a roofing contractor inspect your roof for damage.

Any contractor you hire to perform a review should also be in a position to perform any minor repairs within a day (replacement shingles is usually a fast process). It may cost you more than you’d love to invest, but failing it for an whole winter might easily result in much more repair bills in the future.

Summer rainstorms are renowned for wreak havoc on a roof, so it is important you fix any damage prior to your roof receives its toughest test: snow.

4. Reverse Your Ceiling Fans

As you heard in high school, hot air rises. Reversing the management of every one of your buffs will produce an updraft, which then will push any heated atmosphere pressed from the area’s ceiling. By maintaining warm atmosphere, you’re use heat better, which should decrease electricity costs. Even in the event that you don’t have some rooms with high ceilings, then do this one when the weather turns.

To reverse your enthusiast’s management, ensure that the fan is off, then click on the switch over the blades. In case you’ve got a remote-controlled enthusiast, you need to see an option for reversing the fan’s management on the remote.

5. Inspect Your Chimney

To maintain a home safe, clean and inspect your chimney before a burning period –even when wood isn’t your principal source of warmth, and you simply use your fireplace for decorative motives.

If you burn wood, residue of creosote build up on the inside of the chimney. Creosote is cancerous and extremely flammable. When a lot of it builds up on your chimney, the smoke from a fire may make it to ignite, which then can lead to a chimney fire. Chimney’s are the cause of many house fires.

If you would like to go the excess mile, then look at installing a steel lining, to help safeguard your house in case of a chimney fire.Fireplace for Winter

6. Drain the Fuel Out Of The Little Gas-Powered Engines

Gasoline does not last forever; actually, it decomposes fast. When this occurs in an engine (for instance, a lawn mower or weed eater) it may get the engine’s carburetor to gunk up, so you might not have the ability to get it started again if winter is finished.

To protect against this, you may either put in a fuel stabilizer or allow the machine burn all the gas using it last time in late summer/early collapse and letting it run till it shuts off. Should you do that, your machinery will continue longer and begin considerably more readily in the spring.

7. Assess Your Insurance Coverage

before winter is a fantastic time to confirm your insurance policy coverage. In case you’ve completed any renovations on the summer that may add value to your house, make sure that the extra value is insured by your policy if anything happens in the winter. You also need to check what your supplier offers for items like ice and roof damage to find out whether you might choose to add extra protection.

The Main Point
Organizing a house for winter is not a marathon, however it will require a little bit of forethought. But should you just take the seven easy steps above, you will probably spend less on maintenance than you used to.

Important Factors for Buying Your Dream Home

by Leave a Comment

Purchasing a home provides you with a feeling of purpose and achievement. At this time you can often hear people say: “You do not choose a home. But, choosing the home of your dreams isn’t so easy”.

There are numerous aspects to consider when buying a house that is going to keep you happy from the long-run. Keep in mind that your preferred house does not exist in isolation. It is a part of a bigger community. Therefore, before purchasing your dream home, be sure to also enjoy your new locality.

Remember that every community has its own culture and charm, so select the one that appeals to you the most. By way of instance, if you prefer living in an energetic city center and experiencing something new around every corner, then proceed into a metro region. If you want to build a peaceful retreat for your family and, yet, have rapid access to several cultural amenities, you’d be amazed by new houses for sale in Scottsdale offering a blend of urban life and desert landscapes.

To choose the right neighborhood, creating a wish list and sharing it with your agent is an essential step for each homebuyer. Do you prefer homes in the bustling city centre or a quiet getaway from the hustle and bustle of urban life? Ask what kind of amenities you will find, such as child’s museums, libraries, family-friendly restaurants, recreation centers, etc..

Keep a look out for whatever you may dislike, such as the lack of parking space or too noisy neighbors. Map outside the proximity of your job, kids’ college, friends, loved ones, and local grocery shop.

Talk to your agent about your preferences in order that they can cherry-pick relevant properties for you.

Say you’re a lover of this mystic 19-century Gothic Revival design style. Such homes are often perceived as highly exceptional, better-built, and more valuable from a cultural perspective. But, remember most old homes have never been renovated for quite a while or adapted into modern-day technologies. Therefore, they may call for expensive upgrades.

When the mental picture of yourself wasting time renovating an older home sends shivers down your spine, then consider investing in a brand new property which requires minimum improvements. What makes new homes more appealing is that they are frequently found in updated neighborhoods that already satisfy your daily needs. Another benefit is greater energy efficiency, less labour, and, logically, lower initial investments.

With a lot of different home designs , it is frequently difficult to decide on the perfect one. No matter if you prefer a luxury attic apartment at a busy area or a comfy suburban house with a white picket fence, always select a style of house that reflects your personality and lifestyle.

By way of example, single homes are a perfect choice for families that want to become more separate and tailor their space to their particular tastes. If you’re planning to downsize your costs and distance, then condo living might be the ideal option for you. While it is excellent to share expenses and also have access to hotel-style advantages, remember that condominium living may affect your life on so many levels. Town homes are a combo of the two, letting you mix urban city experiences and, nevertheless, be a component of a larger community.

No matter how gorgeous your dream house is, it will always require a bit of customization and renovation. Whether or not you want to add a second level or refresh your home’s exterior, always check your new house’s potential for these projects.

Talk to your agent and determine how much work and money it will take to transform a property and to your dream house. Above all, always be truthful with yourself. Ask yourself whether you’ll be able to handle a job.

Finding the right house does not have to be tedious. Our Team at Preferred Properties of Texas can help make it easier for you to choose a dream home that meets your needs.

Have you already found and purchased your dream home? We are listening!

Contact our office today to speak with one of knowledgeable agents in Stephenville Texas when looking at homes for sale.

 

Exterior Upgrades to Refresh Your Home

by Leave a Comment

When it comes to owning property, it’s the tiny details which make all of the difference. There are small, easy, and cheap things you can do to make your house a more pleasant place to live in and consider. Or, if you choose to go large, some shrewd investments may make your house both look better and increase its value.

However big or small your budget is, this guide will provide you a few suggestions about the best exterior upgrades to refresh your home’s outside and make it appear nicer and more precious than before.

Get a brand new mailbox

When considering repainting the outside of your home, the mailbox is frequently overlooked. However, consider how much spice just a fresh coat of paint brings to a old rusty mailbox.

You can either repaint the existing mailbox or build a brand new one from scratch. If money is too tight, there’s absolutely no shame in buying a new one.

Paint the front door…

Another thing that can be freshened up by a new coat of paint is your front door. This is a very simple DIY project which may be finished within a single weekend.

Just remember that the style of your residence and the overall aesthetics you are going for, and you’re ready to go.

…Along with the deck, too

Now that you have the entire vision of how your home will look and the whole color palette in your mind, show your deck or porch some love, also.

As it’s totally open, a deck may benefit from a fresh coat of paint more than the usual porch. Additionally, if you like the weathered appearance and patterns, you could just go over it with some very clear color and maintain the look you’re used to.

Update your house numbers

Updating your home numbers is yet another way for you to rejuvenate your house’s exterior without costing too much. Head to your regional arts and crafts store and find beautiful wooden or metal numbers for a quick DIY project.

A brand new home number is a excellent way to maximize your home’s curb appeal.

Add some lights

This is an update that will be visible only during the nighttime , but a well-placed mild or 2 (or six) can make the appearance of your house pop.

Add soffit lights to highlight the house’s design, floor lights to accent trees or high bushes, and a few porch lighting to make a welcome glow near the front doorway. Look at adding light near your house’s number sign, too.

Make the place more flowery

Flowers make everyone happy and create your area prettier. A pleasant, well-maintained flower garden will make your home stand out from the remainder.

If you aren’t that into gardening, a few permanent planters at the front of the house can be enough to do the trick. Planters provide a four-season opportunity to decorate the outside with timely color and accents. Besides, those planters’ color can be exactly what you need to add some spark and personality to your home.

Upgrade and update the rainwater products

However, replacing the constant spouting, downpipes, and rainwater heads may bring a completely new look for your house’s exterior.

The one thing that you ought to pay extra attention to is the longevity of the materials that you select. Cast iron has a mean lifespan of 50 decades, PVC 30 decades, aluminum 40 decades, zinc 50 decades, and lumber, based on the species, will last on average for 40 years if it’s been maintained correctly.

Go green

Another investment which will bring you benefits for many years to come is spending money on a green addition to your home.

Update your outside home with eco friendly amenities like a green roof with vegetation or get solar panels and landscape lighting powered by solar energy and reclaimed materials for your home’s exterior. These add-ons may add value to your home.

Add a bird feeder

Here is another economical yet efficient way to make your area more lively. Add a bird feeder for the birds to visit near a kitchen or living area window, and it will brighten your day.

If you’re crafty, construct it by yourself, or think about buying a bird feeder. Should you search for one, hunt for an alternative that has anti-squirrel capabilities.

Install a leading door kick plate

A kick plate includes a wide strip of glistening metal positioned horizontally across the bottom edge of a front door to protect it from scratches, kicks, and puppy paws.

Replace your old kick plate using a fresh one, or put in a kick plate if you haven’t used one before. They are decorative as well as functional.

If it comes to choosing the material for your own kick plate, brass is the conventional choice, but nowadays pewter and antique bronze are popular choices.

Think about placing a log cabin into your backyard

If you’re interested in a way to add some critical value to your property, consider adding a small log cabin to your lawn.

Log cabins make for a wonderful home office or a home gym. They are also a wonderful way to add extra rooms to your place without creating a significant investment. On the other hand, when and if you choose to sell your house, it is going to boost its total value and marketability, even when prospective owners elect to use it like a tool shed or plain storage space.

If you are thinking of selling your home in Stephenville after these refreshers are done then check out this post about get your home ready for sale.  Then when your ready to sell contact Preferred Properties of Texas.

 

Preferred Properties of Texas

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