Preferred Properties of Texas

The Preferred way to buy & sell real estate for you

(254) 965-7775
  • Home
  • Search
    • Search All Listings
    • Featured Listings
    • Active Exclusive Listings
    • Sold Exclusive Listings
    • Texas Farm Lands & Ranch Real Estate For Sale
    • Market Reports
    • Login / Register
  • Cities
  • Blog
  • Selling
  • About
    • About Us
    • Testimonials
    • Our Google Reviews
  • Contact

Homeowners Can Benefit Financially and Emotionally by Remodeling Outdoor Features

March 22, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

Most Realtors (92%) recommend that sellers improve curb appeal before selling their home. The largest percentage of Realtors (r), suggested that sellers improve the curb appeal of their home before listing it for sale. These were also the most popular projects for which landscape professionals have seen increased demand in the past year. These and other findings are based on a report by the National Association of Realtors and National Association of Landscape Professionals.

Many homeowners have made their backyards their own, creating oases filled with plants, trees, and pools. If the homeowner wants to sell, these outdoor features can be embraced by him or her.

Landscape professionals were most in demand for outdoor projects such as an overall landscape update (61%), maintenance (58%), and a new patio (55%). They saw less demand for a wood deck (15%) or an in-ground swimming pool (25%) as well as tree care (29%).

It is not surprising that most Realtors (r/) and homeowners place high importance on a yard’s curb appeal. Green spaces and healthy outdoor living can improve the quality of life, enhance home value, make communities more attractive, and help people’s mental as well as physical health.

 

Read More On How Improving Curb Appeal Can Benefit You when Selling: https://realtytimes.com/real-industry-news-articles/item/1046660-most-realtors-recommend-improving-curb-appeal-and-homeowners-can-benefit-financially-and-emotionally-by-remodeling-outdoor-features-nar-nalp-report-finds?rtmpage=

Filed Under: Blog, Home Improvements, Selling Your Home Tagged With: Blog, erath county, home improvement, investing, landscaping, Preferred Properties of Texas, preparation to selling, real estate, selling, selling a home, selling homes, stephenville tx

To-Do List For Selling Your House This Spring

March 17, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

 

Make It Inviting

  • Open blinds or curtains to let the light in
  • Check light bulbs and replace as needed
  • Take down personal photos or items
  • Fix anything that’s broken
  • Give every room a clear purpose

Show It’s Cared For

  • Clean your vents and baseboards
  • Vacuum, mop and sweep floors
  • Declutter throughout
  • Organize countertops, cabinets and closets
  • Touchup any scuffs on the wall

Boost Curb Appeal

  • Power wash outdoor surfaces
  • Clean the windows (inside and out)
  • Tidy up the landscaping
  • freshen up your entry
  • sweep patios, decks and walkways

Connect with one of our real estate agents at Preferred Properties of Texas so you have advice on what you may want to do to get your house ready to sell this season.

Original Blog:https://www.mountainroserealty.co/blog/checklist-for-selling-your-house-this-spring/

Filed Under: Blog, Homes for Sale, Selling Your Home Tagged With: Blog, erath county, home improvement, Homes for sale Stephenville TX, Preferred Properties of Texas, preparation to selling, real estate, selling, selling a home, selling homes, spring, stephenville tx, tips

Living In A Show Ready Home

March 14, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

Your home looks amazing. You have cleaned, decluttered, cleaned again, and followed professional staging advice. How can you and your family live there without destroying it?

A place for your keys, mail, toothpaste, makeup and other items that often litter the horizontal surfaces of the house are essential. Place a Tupperware or basket in areas where clutter might re-emerge. You can either store the containers in a cabinet, or bring them along with you when you leave the home.

Are you a parent? Pets? You should designate a space that can be used as a normal living room. This is where the children can play with Legos and the cats can use the litter box. The mess will not be spread throughout the house when it’s time to show.

Make your beds. Good towels should be put out. The litter box should be empty. Place the litter boxes in the closet. To bring your property back to its original condition, write down the details every morning.

Our realtors here at Preferred Properties of Texas have experience listing houses for sale, so don’t hesitate to ask us for other suggestions to help your property keep looking its best.

Original Blog: https://www.texasrealestate.com/members/posts/how-to-live-in-a-show-ready-house/

Filed Under: Blog, Selling Your Home Tagged With: Blog, erath county, homeowner tips, Preferred Properties of Texas, preparation to selling, real estate, selling, selling a home, selling homes, stephenville tx

Consider A Few Things Before Buying Something AS-IS

March 9, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

You might come across listings that advertise a property as-is if you are looking for a new house. It’s an option for sellers who want to sell quickly.

The homes are often less expensive than comparable properties for buyers.

There are many benefits to buying a home in its current condition, especially in this competitive housing market. However, it is important to fully understand the implications.

Sellers list their house as-is and will not make repairs or modifications before they close on the property. Sellers cannot guarantee that everything will be in good condition or working order. A Seller’s Disclosure is not required.

It’s your responsibility to repair any problems that you find after you purchase a property advertised as “as-is”.

A seller selling as-is must still meet minimum disclosure standards in each state and federal. These standards will inform you about lead paint conditions.

A home being listed as-is does not necessarily mean that it is inoperable. A home can still be listed as-is, even if it has minor or major problems.

This could happen when a seller is in financial distress or if they are in a hurry and don’t have time to wait for contractors to complete even minor cosmetic work.

It’s possible that the home is no longer livable in its current condition. Your lender might not be happy with you making the necessary repairs.

Certain livability requirements are required for many types of loans. These minimum property requirements are also known as MPRs. These MPRs will be assessed by appraisers.

Conventional loans are not guaranteed or insured by the federal government. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and many other conventional loans conform to these criteria. Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac homes can be bought if they have minor problems. The house must be safe and any structural problems should be normal wear and tear.

You might still be eligible for a conforming loan for as-is property if you have plumbing leaks, interior damage, or missing light fixtures.

The MPRs for government-backed loans like VA loans are more stringent than other types.

An inspection is required if you are interested in purchasing a home as it stands. An inspector will help you to understand the problems and let you know how much it might cost to fix them.

A inspection is not required for an appraisal.

A lender will usually require an appraisal to determine the property’s value. You might choose to have a home inspection.

Sellers can refuse to inspect a property as-is. This is a red flag.

A home being sold “as-is” does not necessarily mean that it is complete. A seller could list a property as is but refer to only certain parts. Broken pools and sheds are often partial features that can be added as-is.

Ask the seller what they mean by “as-is.”

You don’t have to waive your right for disclosures when buying an “as-is” home. You must be aware that the sellers are bound by federal and state regulations regarding disclosures about any issues in the house.

Each state has its own disclosure laws. Some states, for example, have water damage disclosure regulations.

You may be able sue a seller if they fail to inform you about a problem in your state.

Lead paint is the only federal disclosure requirement. The seller must disclose if the home was built prior to 1978.

If you are considering buying a home as is, a good agent can help. An agent who is knowledgeable about disclosure laws can help you understand what the implications are for buying as-is.

These can make you more confident about your purchase decision, or help you decide when it’s best to not buy.

 

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/buyersadvice/item/1044463-what-does-as-is-mean-for-buyers?rtmpage=

Filed Under: Blog, Buying a home, Homes for Sale, Real Estate Advice Tagged With: as-is home, Blog, buying a home, buying homes, erath county, first time home buyer, Homes for sale Stephenville TX, loans, mortgage, Preferred Properties of Texas, real estate, selling, selling a home, selling homes, stephenville tx

Preparing Your Home To Sell

February 24, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

Are you ready to sell your home? To make your home more appealing to potential buyers, you’ll need to first do some things.

There is no way to predict how quickly your home will sell or how much it will fetch. You can increase your chances that everything will go smoothly, quickly and profitably by taking certain steps.

You can trust a professional real estate agent to guide you through the steps to prepare your home for sale. The sooner you get started, the better. You can also speed up the process by starting the process on your own. These are the top things you can do for your home to be ready to sell.

Before they can be put on the market, some homes will require more work than others. However, there are some things that homeowners need to remember when preparing for a sale. These are the most important.

Buyers should be able to envision themselves living there. This can be difficult if your stuff is everywhere. While you don’t have to empty the entire house, it is a good idea to go through each room and get rid of any clutter.

Keep a small box with everyday items that you will need to access while you house is up for sale. You can store items in a box so they are out of your way and not have to go into storage.

The exterior of your home is what buyers first see. It should be beautiful. Get out your mowing axes and start trimming bushes and grass. It’s a great time to clean your siding, the outside of your windows, and other less obvious features such as your front door and garage door.

A home that is clean and tidy will be more attractive to potential buyers. This shows buyers that you value the property and have taken care of it. Make sure to clean every room, as well as all the major features (walls, floors, appliances, fixtures). You can also tackle the little things that might be overlooked but are important to potential buyers, such as chipped paint and scuff marks.

Are you constantly running the toilet? Are the hinges of your kitchen cabinet falling off? These small issues can turn off buyers so make sure to address them before you sell. For larger repairs, consult your agent to determine if it is worth the effort to fix them now or waiting until after you have accepted an offer.

One final tip to make your home sale efficient: try to list in the spring , as that’s when there is the most demand. To maximize your listing and approach, you should keep up-to-date with market updates.

 

Original Blog: https://www.landhub.com/land-news/how-to-prepare-your-home-to-sell/

Filed Under: Blog, Home Improvements, Selling Your Home Tagged With: Blog, erath county, home for sale, Homes for sale Stephenville TX, Preferred Properties of Texas, preparation to selling, real estate, realtor, selling, selling a home, selling homes, stephenville tx

Know The Hidden Costs And Fees Involved In Selling Your Home

February 3, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

Your home is most likely the biggest and most profitable investment you will ever make. It takes money to make it, as the old saying goes. Maximizing your investment’s value will require you to put some sweat equity as well as literal cash equity into it before it hits market.

Surcharges, fees and taxes can also be a surprise to home sellers. The average selling price of a house is , which is just above $15,000. It can make the difference between a stress-free, satisfying selling experience and one that is frustratingly draining.

When people hear the term “costs to sell your home”, the first thing they think of is the real estate agent commission. A real estate commission is typically 6% of the final sales price. What is the practical value of that commission? According to Zillow, the median home value in America is $229,000. The commission for selling a home at this price would be $13,740. This is a significant amount.

What happens to the 6% seller payout and where does it go? The commission is split between the buyer’s agent and the listing agent, with each taking home 3%. You want to incentivize them to sell the house for the highest possible price by fixing your agent’s compensation to that final sale price. They will make more if you pay them more.

Is it possible? In general, yes. Agent-assisted home sales sell faster and for more money than non-agent-assisted. NAR’s analysis shows that the median home sale value for agent-assisted sales is $250,000. However, the median home sale value for FSBO listings (for sale by owners) is only $190,000. While the real estate commission is one the largest costs in selling your home, it can also bring you the most value.

Closing costs can be described as a broad term that covers many smaller costs. They include the owner’s title fee, half the escrow fee (the buyer splits it), prorated utility costs and document preparation fees.

What is their value? They can vary from one state to the next and from one city to another. It is difficult to know. Closing costs are generally 1% to 2% of the home’s selling price.

You might think that you can just put all your stuff in boxes that you get at the grocery store and then drive it to your new home in your car. You’ll likely find yourself in a difficult situation when you have to sell your house.

There are many options for hiring movers. You can choose from one truck or a full-service interstate shipping firm. You can expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand depending on the level of service you choose.

Let’s face it, few sellers will be surprised by moving costs or real estate commissions. The expenses below are less obvious, which can make it more difficult to cover.

Your home is probably where you’ve lived for many years. You may even find its imperfections endearing, just like a beloved t-shirt or your significant other over the years. Strangers will probably not see this. If your house is put up for sale, the shabby hardwood floors and oddly-painted walls will be liabilities. Any experienced real estate professional will tell you to make renovations before you go on your first showing.

It will cost you based on whether your house needs a new coat of paint or a new roof. You can expect to spend several hundred dollars on pre-sale renovations, but almost every house would benefit from a makeover.

Curb appeal refers to how potential buyers see your home as soon as they step out of their cars or drive up your driveway. The curb appeal of your house is as important as the home itself. Your property should be meticulously landscaped before it is listed. This includes trimming the lawn, trimming hedges, pruning trees and even planting flowers.

The size and maintenance requirements of your lawn will determine how much it costs. A manicured lawn is as good as a new kitchen for a home’s sale.

Staging is all about how your home looks inside and out. Landscape is about how your property is presented to the outside world. Staging can be anything from clearing out your shelves to purchasing a new dining table set.

Staging is, at its core, about presenting your home in the best possible light. Sometimes literally. It is important to let as much natural light as possible into your home. This means that you should remove heavy drapes and other window coverings. Visual clutter can be distracting and even cause anxiety. Therefore, you will need to remove all family photos and collectible plates and store them. You may have to dispose of any old or damaged furniture and buy new ones.

An agent can help you with staging. You can also hire professional home stagers to prepare your home for open house. Sellers should expect to spend between $100 and $400 on staging their homes. Professional home stagers will charge a fee around the four-figure range. In 2018, the median staging cost was $400.

It’s a fact that prospective buyers have already seen photos online before they set foot in your home. It is therefore important to include high-quality photos in your home listing. It is not easy to take a flattering, good-looking photo, as any Instagram user will tell you.

Unambiguous means listings with high-quality photos sell quicker than listings with poor photos. Listings with more photos are also more popular. Although professional photographers are not cheap, they can be a great investment.

Capital gains taxes may be due to the federal government if your home sells at a higher price than what you paid for it. This can be a significant amount of money. A 20% cut of capital gains profits wouldn’t cause a tax professional to raise eyebrows.

Many home sellers can exempt profits up to 25% (or half million for married couples filing jointly) and from tax liability. This exemption is subject to two conditions. The home must have been your primary residence for at least two of the five previous years. You also cannot have used capital gains exempt on any other home sale within the past two years.

This list shows that not all expenses can be reduced.

Taxes are not easy to lower. The following taxes are non-negotiable: property taxes, title fees, transfer taxes. Capital gains taxes are exempted from tax, but restrictions apply to how often this exemption can be used. Sellers who are facing a large capital gain tax bill might consider delaying the sale of their home to take advantage this exemption.

However, there are some expenses that can be reduced. You can save money on staging, landscaping, or renovations, especially if your family and friends are willing to paint, mow and buff. Even moving can be affordable if you don’t consider sweat and time.

This brings us to the real-estate commission. Although there are many low-cost agents, sellers need to remember that they often get less service for the same amount of money. You may save $13,000 by not using an agency, but your home will sell for $40,000 less if you use an agent.

There are increasing numbers of companies that offer a complete service selling experience for a flat rate. Full disclosure: We are one of them. These companies enable sellers to work with top agents in their market and receive all the benefits of their expertise for a fraction of the normal price. You might wonder why a top agent would sell a house for a flat fee when they could make 6% on another property? The agent is getting high-quality referral leads, which means that they spend less time hustling. It’s a win-win situation. Flat-fee realty companies are the best option for home sellers looking to reduce their costs, as the 6% commission is often the biggest single cost in selling a house.

 

Original Blog:  https://realtytimes.com/archives/item/1032282-understanding-the-hidden-fees-and-costs-of-selling-your-home?rtmpage=

 

Filed Under: Blog, Buying a home, Selling Your Home Tagged With: Blog, buying a home, buying homes, equity, erath county, first time home buyer, investing, mortgage rates, Preferred Properties of Texas, preparation to selling, real estate, realtor, selling, selling a home, selling homes, taxes

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 5
  • Next Page »
Preferred Properties of Texas

Preferred Properties of Texas

The Preferred Way to Buy and Sell Property
for Over 25 Years
(254) 965-7775 Office
Contact Preferred Properties of Texas
Listing Alerts Market Reports Your Home's Worth

Search our Blog

  • Blog
  • Buying a home
  • Commercial Properties for Sale
  • Events
  • Foreclosure
  • Home Improvements
  • Homes for Sale
  • Investing
  • Land for Sale
  • lots for sale
  • Ranches for Sale
  • Real Estate Advice
  • Selling Your Home
  • Uncategorized

Preferred Properties of Texas

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

TREC Consumer Protection Notice  •  TREC Information About Brokerage Services
Privacy Policy  •  sitemap   •   admin   •   ©2023 All Rights Reserved  •  Real Estate Website Design by IDXCentral.com