Preferred Properties of Texas

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Difference Between A Real Estate Broker, Agent & Realtor

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It is a huge financial investment to buy or sell a house. Having the right real estate professional can make all the difference. It can help you to choose the right real estate professional for you, regardless of whether you are looking to sell or buy.

Brokers and real estate agents share many similarities. Both can help you sell or buy property. Pre-licensing training is required and you must pass a written licensing exam. Additional education is required for brokers to become licensed real estate agents . Brokers must also pass a broker license exam.

Agents are licensed salespeople who assist clients in buying or selling homes. Agents are considered independent contractors but must be licensed and work under the supervision of a real estate broker. They are usually compensated via commissions that are shared with the broker.

Real estate agents have to take classes and pass the licensing exam in their state before they can begin working. Agents must practice with or start working alongside someone who has a broker’s license when they first obtain their license. There are two types of real-estate agents: listing agents and buyer’s agents.

People who are looking to buy a home can use a buyer’s agent. It involves helping buyers to find homes in their local area, taking them on tours of the house and helping them to prepare submit offers to buy a home .

Listing agents are also known as sellers agents. They help people sell their homes. The agent will price the property appropriately to the market, list it on the local MLS, a directory of homes for sale, market it to potential buyers, and even stage the house for open houses .

Agents are real estate brokers who manage and own real estate brokerages. These companies work together with a Title Company and other entities to facilitate real estate transactions, and manage real estate agents. Many brokers also have licenses as agents.

Real estate brokers, like real estate agents must pass an exam and take classes to obtain a license. The broker exam is typically more difficult than that for agents, and requires additional coursework. There are several types of real-estate brokers.

Broker associates, licensed brokers, are real estate agents who have been trained and licensed to broker real estate transactions. Brokering their own transactions is often the first step real estate agents take to improve their career.

Designated brokers are usually managers or owners of real estate companies and can hire agents to help clients buy and sell property and resolve client problems. They can also offer training materials that will help their agents improve their skills and make more sales.

Although the responsibilities of brokers-of-record can vary from one state to the next, they typically oversee activities by agents and employees of the firm. This includes ensuring that all employees adhere to real estate law, maintaining accurate records, managing trust accounts and escrow accounts and reviewing paperwork before distributing commissions.

As brokers of record, managing brokers oversee the day to day operations of a realty firm. They are often responsible for training and mentoring agents, as well as overseeing the listing and marketing of homes. The firm must also ensure that all client transactions and interactions are documented.

Realtor is a trademarked name for real estate brokers or agents who are members of NAR, an industry trade association. While all Realtors are brokers or agents, not all brokers or agents are Realtors.

Realtors are required to adhere to the NAR code of ethics as members of the trade group. Brokers and agents who work outside NAR’s code of ethics are not considered unethical. However, every broker and agent licensed must follow state standards.

There are many professional services that a realtor, real estate agent, and broker can provide. It all depends on what you want and how much experience you have. A real estate agent, broker associate, or broker will be your best friend if you are buying or selling a house.

However, don’t assume that you have experience. While some agents may have many years of experience, others might not be ready to become brokers. Some brokers may only have a few years of experience. To gauge the track record of past clients, testimonials can be useful when deciding on a broker to work with. It all boils down to who you are most comfortable working with.

 

Original Blog: https://www.bankrate.com/real-estate/real-estate-broker-vs-agent/

Tips About Home Warranties

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Homeowners may be surprised by unexpected repairs or appliance replacements. A home warranty can help your clients reduce their out-of pocket expenses and help them save money.

Home warranties, also known as residential service agreements, are used to pay for repairs or replacements of home systems and appliances that fail due to normal wear and tear.

Agents and consumers believe home warranties are worthless and won’t cover anything. The specific facts of each case will determine the amount of a home warranty payout.

If they file a successful claim, homeowners may be surprised to learn that a $500 policy could cover a few thousand dollars. While some people are hesitant to pay hundreds of dollars for extended warranties on refrigerators, a home warranty would cover all their appliances and systems.

Low-income and first-time homebuyers can benefit the most from home warranties. If an unexpected expense occurs, not having a warranty can be a major financial burden.

Home warranties don’t apply only to first-time homebuyers. Existing homeowners can also add a policy. Policies can be purchased by property managers and landlords. Sellers can add policies to their homes while they are listing them as an incentive or to give buyers more security.

Agents should talk to clients about home warranties early, preferably during the first consultation.

Original Blog: https://www.texasrealestate.com/members/posts/quick-tips-about-home-warranties/

A Kitchen Clean Up Pays Off When Selling Your Home

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A kitchen remodel is a great way to sell a house. To make your kitchen more appealing to potential buyers, you don’t need to remodel it. You can make a few small changes to your kitchen and get it sold for more money if you have a great space.

While some people prefer to throw out every appliance they have used in the past week, others will need to clean their counters. Selling a home or kitchen that is not used every day is a major mistake. It is important to remember that the way you sell or show a house will not reflect how you live there. It may seem like an inconvenience, but it can make your home more valuable.

The more empty your counter top is, the better. A few subtle touches can bring your kitchen to life. You should leave enough space for potential buyers to place their belongings in your kitchen.

Consider removing any pots or pans that hang low from ceilings or walls and patching the holes. If the rack isn’t necessary, or if it is decorative that doesn’t block view or hangs too low, you can remove it and create more space.

It sounds so obvious and simple. Many sellers fail to notice this and their counter tops end up sticky or stained. It takes a little effort to remove wine stains or watermarks and make your kitchen look cleaner.

A rolling butcher block island is a great option for those who don’t have enough space to install an island in their kitchen. It will give your kitchen a more sophisticated look and provide additional work space. You may also want to offer some freshly baked cookies along with your flyers for open house.

You might consider adding some pendant lights to your recessed lighting. These lights can give your space a totally different look that can be very attractive.

You can update your home by installing affordable flooring. It doesn’t cost a lot to get the best flooring. However, it is important that your home does not look outdated.

Fresh herbs in simple containers are a beautiful way to add beauty and charm to your home.

The appliances can be sold “as-is“, but a dishwasher that is not working is an issue. Buyers will likely want to pay more or have the appliance replaced.

Even if buyers don’t like cooking, the kitchen is a key area of a home. It is important to make your home stand out by improving it before you sell your home.

 

 

Original Blog:  https://realtytimes.com/archives/item/1015362-20180223-selling-your-home-a-kitchen-clean-pays-off?rtmpage=

Scents That Could Sell Your Home Faster

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It is important to stage your home inside if you want to sell your house quickly. In an increasingly competitive market, the first impression a potential buyer has when they walk through your door is crucial.

The curb appeal will determine whether someone steps over the threshold. But, could it be that the first thing they see as they enter is undoing all the hard work they have put in?

While we don’t doubt that you love scented candles it is worth looking into which scents might make your home more appealing if you’re trying to sell. It’s a good place to put those popular and impactful scents in the entryway of your property.

Fresh laundry is a wonderful smell. Freshly washed linen is second in the list of scents that can help you sell your house. 36% of participants said it would win their hearts.

According to the survey, 27% of respondents rated this scent as a winner. You can also leave a French Press or a timer on your best espresso maker so that people feel at home.

There are certain scents or smells that you don’t want to have lingering in your home during house viewings.

It’s not surprising that 68% said moldy or damp smells would make them turn down a property. It is in your best interests to remove mold as soon as possible, regardless of whether you are selling.

Close behind were 64% of survey participants who said the smells of vomit and cannabis would turn them off. 55% of potential buyers also stated that this smell would cause them to reconsider putting in an offer.

Short suggests that you use a steamer or pet vacuum to remove any smells from your pets. Grapefruit, orange, and lemon scents are excellent at neutralizing the musky animal smells of pets. Citrus-scented candles are very popular and can add a pleasant, fresh-smelling fragrance to your home, no matter where they’re placed.

Rose, jasmine, and lavender are all good options for selling a home.

If you choose to light candles before house viewings, it is important to keep them out of reach of anything flammable, such as furniture, curtains, bedding, or decorations. To prevent an accidental fire from starting in your house, this is important. Also, don’t place lighted candles in areas where they could be damaged by animals, children, wind, or wind. Avoid lighting scented candles in rooms without windows or poor ventilation. This can make the room stuffy and overpowering.

Although the light of a candle can be enchanting, reed diffusers are safer and less fragrant than essential oil diffusers.

It’s an easy task to keep your home clean when you invite potential buyers in.

 

Original Blog: https://www.realhomes.com/news/best-scents-to-sell-your-home-fast?utm_source=SmartBrief&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=3BFA9068-DFBC-477B-BC94-C168B9A999F1&utm_content=9361F4BF-0919-4461-86E4-074E169E8CA3&utm_term=23ef8e9a-359a-444f-9fb8-e57c0efe2aba

Bedroom Improvements That’ll Help Sell Your Home Faster—and for More Money

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Are your outdated bedrooms making it difficult to sell your house? Buyers today are more interested in luxurious master suites which double as relaxing retreats.

Before the pandemic, no one really cared much about their bedroom. People now are looking for somewhere to escape. Bedrooms are really becoming a place of refuge for Mom and Dad, because when kids are stuck at home, and they’re working from home, they need a place to escape.

Lighting upgrades. New bulbs and light fixtures are the best way to brighten any room, even your bedroom.

The bedrooms should be switched to LED lightbulbs. LEDs are brighter and more efficient than standard bulbs. Bright white light can make the space seem larger than it was before. Smart lighting can be a cost-effective option if you have the budget. People love convenience and don’t have to get up to switch off the lights or fan. You can also let more natural light in through windows. A transom window can be installed over a door if you have 12 foot ceilings.

Clear out your closets. A closet system or organizer is the best thing anyone can do to their bedroom. You can find many options and they will instantly add value to your house. A closet organizer is a great way to help buyers envision how their clothes will be organized.

Sell bedrooms by staging them. Although it may seem counterintuitive, if you have been eyeing a bedroom set for a while, you might consider spending before you sell your house. New furniture can make a big difference when staging. Old furniture can make a space look tired. A focal wall behind the headboard of your bed can be a cost-effective alternative to buying new furniture. Every bedroom’s focal point is the bed. A coordinated set of bedding and pillows can make a big difference in the first impression. You can remove any personal touches that might make it difficult for buyers to understand the space.

You can tone down bright colors. In children’s rooms, make sure you neutralize any paint before it is sold. Parents often let their children choose the color of the room’s paint. It ends up looking like bubble gum pink or jungle green. This is great for children, but it can be very harmful if you are selling. You can paint over it.

You can create a work space that is functional from your home. Multiple home offices are becoming more popular. Two people sharing a single room can be problematic if you are tied to your computer. To show buyers how they can optimize the space for work at home, stage spare bedrooms, dens or other unoccupied spaces as home office. A small home gym can be set up to attract buyers.

Make sure to upgrade the bathroom. A master bathroom is an important selling point for any home. Make sure that your master bathroom is neutral and clean. Don’t be afraid to add expensive touches like jetted tubs. It’s worth spending on quality showers in your master bathroom. You should get rid of the cheap glass showers. Although fiberglass shower enclosure kits can be inexpensive and simple to install, they do not have the WOW factor that homebuyers want.

 

Original Blog: https://www.realtor.com/advice/sell/bedroom-improvements-to-help-sell-your-home-for-more-money/

Top Trends in Selling Ranches or Land in Texas

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Top Trends in Selling Ranches or Land in Texas

This is the golden opportunity for selling ranches or land in Texas. Before the global COVID-19 pandemic, there was already an increased demand for land in the Lone Star State. The pandemic did not dampen this trend; instead, it boosted the search and sale of real estate.

Profile of New Buyers

Two major driving forces of buyers are heading for lands and ranches are: first, the necessity for a change of lifestyle, and second, as an investment due to the uncertainty of other portfolios. The year 2020 proved to be just a sneak peek into the future of real estate in Texas. The spread of the COVID-19 in urban and densely populated cities was a game-changer in terms of lifestyle and investment.

People are now looking at properties in less populated areas, no matter what amenities are available. Investors, in real estate and other portfolios, are pivoting towards open lands than high-rise apartments, stocks, or bonds. In other words, you are looking at a new breed of buyers – first-time homebuyers, millennials, and city folks.

Property buyers are looking for their piece of paradise, whether this means organic farming, ranches to keep wild game animals for hunting, and other leisure and alternative income-earning pursuits. These buyers, for the most part, are very much aware of the environmental impacts of these endeavors.  Thus, the preservation of the land is a priority. In other words, they do not want to mess up the beauty of the wide-open space Texas has to offer.

Trending as One of the Best States to Live in

Pre-pandemic, Texas had already been hailed as one of the best states to live in. It has a balance of good schools, job opportunities, and leisure activities that many are looking for in communities. The urban areas and surrounding suburbs have all the right amenities and elements, while in keeping with a lower cost of living compared to other states such as California and New York.

Now, because of this, those who own properties near urban centers or within the vicinities pre-pandemic and the natives, of course, can sell at the most optimal rates to buyers. They can buy outskirt lands, ranches, or in more rural areas. Other land buyers are out of state, even from foreign countries, who want a piece of the American lifestyle at its best. They may be investors who want a secondary or tertiary residence.  Investment to nest their eggs while other portfolios are still uncertain.

Land has always been the most stable investment that can turn into easy cash or passive income in the future. Land properties still offer more possibilities and opportunities than other investments. More people are realizing this as the wave of the pandemic has hit the country. Texas, with its hills, meadows, and prairies, is ideal while still enjoying the benefits of better healthcare and lifestyle options.

Social Unrest in Big Cities Resulted to in the Big Move

Uncertainty was not only felt in the financial districts in big cities but also in the streets. 2020 has been a year of unpredictability, where unrest and violence ruled some city streets. Families saw how more dangerous and potentially life-threatening urban living could be. This became the deal-breaking decision for some to move to the country, which would be more peaceful and more conducive to health and wellbeing.

Now The Numbers

Ranch lots were the first to go in the second half of 2020, as buyers bought at about 552,707 acres in rural areas of Texas. That is equal to $1.69 billion. The total value of sales in 2020 is 28.9% higher than the same time in 2019. These are sales and increases in prices across seven regions that include Austin/Waco/Hill Country. Sale and price averages have doubled for the past six years.

Now is the right time if you have land that you want to sell, while everything is still sunny and looking bright and clear like the big Texas sky.

Preferred Properties of Texas

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