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

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

Waiting For 3% Mortgage Rate Might Just Be A Mistake

January 27, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

The Federal Reserve took steps last year to reduce inflation. The mortgage rates rose rapidly after the 2021 record lows and reached a peak of just over 7% in October. Some buyers felt a decrease in their purchasing power and decided to halt their plans.

The rate of inflation is beginning to fall today. As a result, mortgage rates are now lower than last year’s peak. Although mortgage activity has declined significantly over the past year, inflationary forces are decreasing and should result in lower mortgage rates for 2023.

This is great news for buyers who are looking to get back in the housing market. A drop in mortgage rates can help boost your buying power and lower your monthly mortgage payment. The lower mortgage rates experts predicted this fiscal year may be what you need in order to rekindle your passion for homebuying.

This opens up opportunities for you but don’t expect rates dropping to records lows, as we saw in 2021.

It is important to have an accurate vision of what you can expect for the next year. Expert real estate advisors are critical. A slight drop in mortgage rates can have a significant impact on your budget. You can purchase a home today if you are ready. Today’s market offers the chance to get a lower mortgage rate, find your dream house, and face less competition.

Although the recent decrease in mortgage rates is good news, it is not a wise decision to wait for 3% if you are ready to purchase now.

Let’s talk about how rates today can impact your goals and discuss your options in this area. Contact Preferred Properties of Texas today to speak to one of our knowledgeable agents.

Original Blog: https://www.keepingcurrentmatters.com/2023/01/17/think-twice-before-waiting-for-3-mortgage-rates/

Filed Under: Blog, Buying a home Tagged With: Blog, buying a home, buying homes, equity, erath county, Homes for sale Stephenville TX, inflation, mortgage, mortgage rates, Preferred Properties of Texas, real estate, stephenville tx, taxes

Hybrid Loan

January 26, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

I will be the first person to admit that the mortgage and real estate industries have their own word salad. Different words and terms can mean different things depending on their context. This is true for the mortgage industry as well. The term hybrid is still very much in use, but it can cause confusion for some as it relates specifically to getting a mortgage.

I will be the first person to admit that the mortgage and real estate industries have their own word salad. Different words and terms can mean different things depending on their context. This is true for the mortgage industry as well. The term hybrid is still very much in use, but it can cause confusion for some as it relates specifically to getting a mortgage.

What is a hybrid? A hybrid is an amalgamation of several characteristics into one entity. Hybrids are found in automobiles. Food and agriculture also have hybrids. Any industry can boast a hybrid. Hybrids are also common in the mortgage industry.

As we have said in the column, home loan terms can be divided into two categories: adjustable and fixed. Fixed loans have an interest rate that is fixed and does not change over the term of the loan. A variable loan allows the monthly payment to be adjusted based on previously agreed terms. A variable rate mortgage or ARM is one where the monthly payment can be adjusted based on previously established terms.

An ARM must adhere to certain rules. Paying attention to the basic index within which the ARM is tied is important. Then there’s also the margin. The margin determines the amount of adjustment time that the new rate is allowed to change. There are also rate caps that limit the rate’s ability to change when adjustments are due. Hybrids weren’t mentioned, however. If hybrids are a “thing”, where does that leave the mortgage business?

An ARM is a hybrid that has its base in a hybrid. Why the hybrid label? When rates were relatively high, hybrids were a popular option. The hybrid rate starts at slightly less than similar ARMs.

A hybrid loan has an initial period during which the loan is locked for a set period. The rate for a 5/1 hybrid is five-year fixed, and the one indicates when adjustment can be made after that initial period of five years. The rate could change after five years, but only once every year. These loans often use caps to limit how much the rate may change after each adjustment, which is usually five years.

Why would someone choose a hybrid? The initial rate will be lower than current market fixed rates. Many people may be aware that they will likely move before the five-year term ends. Personally, I prefer stability and security from a fixed. However, hybrids can be useful in certain niche situations.

 

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/archives/item/1046345-here-s-one-for-ya-hybrid-loan?rtmpage=

Filed Under: Blog, Buying a home Tagged With: Blog, buying a home, buying homes, erath county, first time home buyer, Homes for sale Stephenville TX, loans, mortgage, mortgage programs, mortgage rates, Preferred Properties of Texas, property taxes, real estate, stephenville tx, taxes

Starter Home… What Does That Mean?

January 17, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

It is common to hear the term “starter home” quite often. But, as a buyer, you might wonder what that actually means.

You need to understand the basics of buying a home, as well as whether you should invest in your forever home.

You can choose to buy a starter home as a single-family or multi-family home, or even a condo. The average buyer will be able to afford a starter home, but they are likely to outgrow it. The cost of a starter home will be lower relative to the local market.

These homes can be small or large, and may also be older. These homes can also be brand new, but they are still designed to satisfy the needs of entry-level buyers.

While there aren’t all the features that you might want, you can see how a starter home would suit your needs in the short-term.

It is possible that you will stay in your starter house for life. On the other hand you might decide to move on to a better home or a more expensive one.

A forever home can be larger than a regular home, but it may also have more outside space or be updated. Some of the most desirable features in a forever home are those that make it attractive and competitive. For example, it might have a large, private yard or be located in a great school area.

However, the definition of a forever home can be subjective. Some people may find that the home is where they can imagine raising a family. Others might prefer a fixer-upper in a great location that is in need of some TLC, but is still a permanent home.

While a forever home does not have to be extravagant, it is more spacious than a starter house.

There are pros and cons to both a starter or forever home if you are at the point of deciding whether it is worth your time.

A starter home is typically less expensive so that you can save more money for your down payment. This will allow you to start building equity faster. You’ll spend more time renting than you do investing in equity if you wait until you can afford a forever house. Once you are ready to purchase your forever home, the equity that you have will be able to use it as a financing source.

A starter home has the downside that it will likely be outgrown as you move on to a new phase of your life. A starter home may not be sufficient for your needs if you get married or have children.

You can either rent or sell your starter home if you decide to move. You will need to find a new home, apply for a mortgage and pay the closing costs.

There are many benefits to moving from the starter home to your forever home. You can feel secure knowing that you will be able to live in your home for the long-term without worrying about moving or selling.

It is possible to take your time and adjust slowly.

A forever home is more expensive. This means that you will need to save more money and delay building equity.

It is important to only spend what you can afford when buying a house. It is a good rule of thumb to not spend more than 28% on housing costs. Not only should you not pay 36% for debt, but also other loans and credit card debt.

It can be a wise move to buy a home that will last forever. If you sell your home too quickly after purchasing it, you might have to pay capital gains tax if its value increases. If you file your taxes separately, you can get a $250,000 exclusion and $500,000 if you are married filing jointly to capital gains on real property. If you have owned the property for less than 2 years, this exclusion is removed.

Before you purchase a home, consider the long-term potential value. It is important to find properties that are well-respected and have a high potential for resale, regardless of their price. You have to realize that sometimes what seems forever now may not be forever.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/archives/item/1043899-what-should-you-know-about-buying-a-starter-home?rtmpage=

Filed Under: Blog, Buying a home, Investing Tagged With: Blog, buying a home, buying homes, equity, erath county, first time home buyer, investing, loans, mortgage, mortgage rates, Preferred Properties of Texas, real estate, stephenville tx, taxes

Cash Out Refinance or Home Equity Loan

January 12, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

You may be able to get cash if you have substantial home equity.

A cash-out refinance or a home equity loan let you borrow against the equity in your home, with your home as collateral. A cash out refinance replaces your current mortgage with a new one. A home equity loans are additional loans that you take out over your mortgage. Consider the pros and cons of each option before deciding which home equity product is best for you.

Both a home equity loan or a cash-out refinance mortgage can be used to fund similar projects, such as home improvements and paying off high-interest debt. Both loans use your property as collateral. If you default on one of them, it could be foreclosed.

Although cash-out mortgage refinances serve the same purpose as home equity loans, there are important differences. Cash-out refinance refers to taking out a loan in order to pay off your remaining mortgage balance. This will effectively replace your mortgage with a new loan. A home equity loan, which is a second mortgage, comes with its own terms and interest rate.

A cash out refinance repays the principal balance of your first mortgage loan and provides a new loan to pay for it. The amount of the newly refinanced loan is the balance due on your first mortgage and the amount that you are “cashing out” with the equity.

The interest rate for cash-out refinancing might be higher than the current one. The loan term can generally last up to 30 year.

Certain lenders and federal programs might have lower requirements for cash-out refinancing . In the event of default, the refinancing lender will assume the first mortgage in a cash-out refi. Lenders might offer lower rates than what you would get with a home equity loan because they have easier access to your house as collateral.

Home equity loans are often used to finance large-ticket items, home improvements or consolidate high-interest debt.

This is a second mortgage against your house that has its own terms and interest rates. It’s separate from your original mortgage. Refinance using a home equity loan means you borrow against your home’s equity, which is the difference between your home’s market value and your mortgage debt. You can borrow up to 85 per cent of the equity in your home. Your income, credit history, and other financial factors will also affect your loan amount.

Home equity loan rates might be higher than other options for refinancing. However, the differences can vary from one bank to another and over time. The repayment term for home equity loans can be up to 30 year.

Lenders may not charge origination fees. This results in closing costs that are lower or even zero. In contrast to some cash-out refinance loans, home equity loans don’t require mortgage insurance.

This scenario is where refinancing with cash-out refinance loans can be cheaper, despite the higher loan amount and closing costs. Because the cash-out refinance rate is much lower than that of a home equity loan, this is why.

Home equity loans have a higher interest rate than cash-out refinancing. While home equity loans are generally cheaper than home equity loans due to lower closing costs, their interest rates can be more costly over time.

A home equity loan is a good option if you have excellent credit and can find a loan with low interest rates or waive closing costs. The cash-out refinance offers a significant advantage, with lower interest rates.

It’s ultimately a personal decision. This will depend on how much equity you have in the home and your credit rating. To determine which option you are most likely to be approved for, it is equally important to review the qualifications for each option.

If you have strong credit and want to draw out large amounts of equity, a home equity loan may be an option. If you are looking to lower your mortgage payments and withdraw funds from your equity, a cash out refinance might be a better option.

Cash-out refinances and home equity loans are two strategic options to access the equity in your home. To determine which approach is best for you, consider your financial situation and goals. To determine which option you are most likely to be approved for, it is equally important to review the qualifications for each option.

If you have good credit and want to draw out large amounts of equity, a home equity loan may be a viable option. A cash out refinance might be a better option if your goal is to lower your mortgage payment and withdraw funds from your equity with one loan product.

Compare offers from different lenders, regardless of the path you choose. You can also request an itemized list of the lending fees from your chosen lender to estimate how much the loan will cost.

 

Original Blog: https://www.bankrate.com/home-equity/refinance-vs-home-equity-loans/ 

Filed Under: Blog, Buying a home, Selling Your Home Tagged With: Blog, buying a home, buying homes, equity, erath county, first time home buyer, Homes for sale Stephenville TX, investing, loans, mortgage, mortgage programs, mortgage rates, Preferred Properties of Texas, property taxes, real estate, selling homes, stephenville tx, taxes

DEBT-TO-INCOME RATIO- HOW TO CALCULATE YOURS

January 9, 2023 by chorton Leave a Comment

The home-buying process is complex, especially for first-time buyers. The debt to-income ratio is one of the criteria mortgage lenders use when assessing your mortgage application. Your debt-to income ratio is a comparison between how much debt you have (your debt) and how much income you make (your earnings). This number is calculated using your gross income, which is the income before taxes.

Lenders will be more impressed by a lower ratio of debt to income if you have a healthy mix of debt and income. A higher ratio of debt to income means that you have too much debt. This could lead to lenders deeming you a risky borrower. Although the DTI is not the only factor that determines how much you can borrow it is important to understand this before you start the home loan process.

A debt-to income ratio of 20% means that 20% is going towards debt payments. This includes cumulative debt payments. Think credit card payments and car payments.

A The Mortgage reports breakdown shows that a good ratio of debt to income is at least 43%. According to LendingTree, many lenders might want to see a DTI closer to 35%. Depending on which loan you are applying for, a ratio closer to 45% may be acceptable. However, a ratio of 50% or more can cause concern.

Simply put, too much debt relative the income of your household will make it more difficult to get a loan. Many common forms of debt, such as student loans and credit cards, can make it difficult to qualify for home loans.

Lenders want to ensure that borrowers aren’t taking on too much debt. Lenders may decline mortgage applications if you have a high DTI.

It is easy to calculate your DTI. Simply add up your monthly total debt payments and divide that by your gross monthly income.

Let’s suppose you have $1,000 monthly student loan payments, a car payment, and a credit card payment. Your gross monthly income is $5,000. Divide 1,000 (your total debt) by 5,000 (your income), and you get 0.2. This is 20%. In this example, your DTI would be 20%.

You can lower your DTI before you apply for a mortgage if you are concerned that it may stop you from getting the home loan you want. This usually means increasing your income or paying down debt.

A debt consolidation personal loans will help consolidate credit card debt from multiple cards. You can also use this loan to organize all your payments into one monthly payment with a lower interest rate. You can pay off the balance quicker by reducing interest. You might also consider a balance-transfer credit card to transfer your balance to a new card offering a 0% intro rate. You can get a longer period of time without being charged interest and pay off your principal faster.

You should consider all costs associated with buying a home when applying for a mortgage. This includes private mortgage Insurance (PMI) (if your down payment is less than 20%), property taxes, mortgage interest, inspections, appraisals and closing costs.

It’s expensive, no doubt. You can make it more affordable by finding a lender that helps you save.  This will help you save money on the initial process.

Lenders want to ensure that you don’t take on too much debt. To calculate how much of your income goes towards debt payments, they use a ratio called the debt-to-income ratio.

The DTI is not the only thing a lender will consider. Don’t be discouraged if your DTI exceeds what most lenders prefer. It is best to calculate your DTI sooner than you think. This will give you enough time to reduce your debt and increase your income, so that you can lower your DTI.

 

Original Blog: https://www.cnbc.com/select/how-to-calculate-debt-to-income-ratio-for-mortgage/

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

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 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