Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Canyon Crest Homes For Sale

Canyon Crest is a master-planned residential subdivision in Far North CentralSan Antonio, TX 78261. The Judson Independent School District operates area public schools. Canyon Crest homes are zoned to Veterans Memorial High School.


What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Sunday, January 26, 2020

First-Time Home Buyer? Need Down Payment Assistance?

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Are you ready to buy a home in San Antonio? Need down payment assistance? My San Antonio Home Resource can help. Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) provides fixed-rate mortgage financing, down payment assistance grants and second liens, as well as mortgage credit certificates for teachers, police officers, corrections officers, fire fighters, EMS personnel, veterans and low and moderate-income households. Their home buyer programs are open to first-time home buyers, as well as repeat home buyers and existing homeowners.

Ready to buy a home? You need a savvy REALTOR® who works for YOU that can protect your interests and guide you through the buying process - from negotiating a price to navigating home inspections. I'm here to serve you, not sell you. Contact me today!

What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our Blogger and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Saturday, January 25, 2020

For Homeowners: Checklist: For the New Owners

Before the property changes hands, consult this list to make sure these items are transferred with the house.

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Owner’s manuals and warranties for any appliances left in the house.

Garage door opener(s).

Extra set of house keys.

Other keys. Think beyond the front doors; do you have any cabinets or lockers built into the home that require keys?

A list of local service providers, such as the best dry cleaner, yard service, plumber, and so on. You’re not just helping the new owners, but also the local businesses you’re leaving behind.

Code to the security alarm and phone number of the monitoring service if not discontinued.

Smart home device access. Any devices listed as fixtures need to be reset for the new homeowner. Make sure your account information and usage data are wiped from the device so that they may use it. Check with your device’s manufacturer to find out how to do this.

Numbers to the local utility companies. This can be especially helpful to owners who may not yet have easy access to the Internet in the new home.


Contact info for the condo board or home ownership association, if applicable.

What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. 
Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our Blogger and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

This Month in Real Estate January 2020

This Month in Real Estate

Each month, This Month in Real Estate provides expert opinion and analysis on real estate trends across the nation.



What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Cross Mountain Ranch Homes For Sale

Cross Mountain Ranch is an acreage residential subdivision in Northwest Side, San Antonio, TX 78255. The Northside Independent School District operates area public schools. Cross Mountain Ranch homes are zoned to O’Connor High School.


What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Thursday, January 23, 2020

For Buyers: Questions to Ask a Home Inspector

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Do you belong to a professional association?

There are many associations for home inspectors, but some groups confer questionable credentials or certifications in return for nothing more than a fee. Make sure the association your home inspector names is a reputable, nonprofit trade organization.

Will your report meet all state requirements?

Also, make sure the organization complies with a well-recognized standard of practice and code of ethics, such as those adopted by the American Society of Home Inspectors or the National Association of Home Inspectors.

How experienced are you?

Ask inspectors how long they’ve been working in the field and how many inspections they’ve completed. Also ask for customer referrals. New inspectors may be highly qualified, but they should describe their training and indicate whether they work with a more experienced partner.

How do you keep your expertise up to date?

Inspectors’ commitment to continuing training is a good measure of their professionalism and service. Advanced knowledge is especially important with older homes or those with unique elements requiring additional or updated training.

Do you focus on residential inspection?

Home inspection is very different from inspecting commercial buildings or a construction site. Ask whether the inspector has experience with your type of property or feature. The inspector should be able to provide sample inspection reports for a similar property. If they recommend further evaluation from outside contractors on multiple issues, it may indicate they’re not comfortable with their own knowledge level.

Do you offer to do repairs or improvements?

Some state laws and trade associations allow the inspector to provide repair work on problems uncovered during the inspection. However, other states and associations forbid it as a conflict of interest.

How long will the inspection take?

On average, an inspector working alone inspects a typical single-family house in two to three hours; anything less may not be thorough.

How much?

Costs range from $300 to $500 but can vary dramatically depending on your region, the size and age of the house, and the scope of services. Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Will I be able to attend the inspection?

The answer should be yes. A home inspection is a valuable educational opportunity for the buyer and a refusal should raise a red flag.

Will I be able to attend the inspection?

The answer should be yes. A home inspection is a valuable educational opportunity for the buyer and a refusal should raise a red flag.

What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. 
Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our Blogger and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Painting Tips: How to Reduce Fumes | #DollarsandSense

HouseLogic

Little-known tip: An onion can help reduce fumes while painting.



What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Wednesday, January 22, 2020

For Sellers: Before Putting Your Home up for Sale

Here are a few items to take care of before listing your home. This can make the sale process quicker and easier in the long run.

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Consider a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.
Organize and clean. Pare down clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large blenders and other kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes, toys, and seasonal items. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house shine.
Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that will need to be replaced soon? Find out how much it will cost to repair an older roof or replace worn carpeting, even if you don’t plan to do so. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and they’ll be handy when negotiations begin.
http://www.mysahomeresource.idxbroker.com/idx/homevaluation
Locate warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer/dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house. It may seem like this task can be left until closing, but you don’t want lost paperwork or last-minute scrambling to cause the deal to fall through.
Spruce up the curb appeal. Walk out to the front of your home, close your eyes, and pretend you’re a prospective buyer seeing the property for the first time. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Is the address clearly visible? What do you see framing the entrance, if anything? Is the walkway free of cracks and impediments?
What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. 
Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our Blogger and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Coronado Homes For Sale

Coronado is a gated upscale residential subdivision in Far North Central, San Antonio, TX 78258. The North East Independent School District operates area public schools. Coronado homes are zoned to Johnson High School.


What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Should You Buy a Garden-Patio Home?

The charming feature of these homes is not the patio—it’s the price.

San Antonio Garden Homes For Sale
Garden-patio homes can be good options for buyers wanting an affordable, low-maintenance property, without the hassles and headaches that come with a traditional single-family home.

But they’re not right for everyone. As with any type of real estate, garden-patio homes have their own unique pros and cons, and weighing these is crucial before moving forward with a purchase.

What Is a Garden-Patio Home?

Garden-patio homes should not be confused properties that simply have a patio. The term “garden-patio home” speaks to a specific style of real estate, not any one exterior feature or amenity. The definition of a garden-patio home can vary greatly, but generally, a garden-patio home is a smaller, single-family home with a compact yard and lot size. Most of the time, they’re just one story, though in some cases, garden-patio homes may be larger. Usually they’re attached to other neighboring properties via a shared, fence less lot or yard.

Garden-patio homes are sometimes described by builders and planners as “zero-lot-line” homes, which are designed to reduce land use and better serve a high volume of homeowners by eliminating traditional backyards and separate lots between properties.

Garden-patio homes are typically part of larger garden-patio home communities. These often have homeowners associations in place, which require monthly or annual dues to cover maintenance of communal areas. They may also offer clubs, events, and other social opportunities for residents. They tend to be popular for empty nesters who want to reduce home maintenance tasks or first-time buyers working with a limited budget.

Garden-Patio Homes vs. Condos and Townhomes

Garden-patio homes are often confused with townhomes and condominiums, though the three differ slightly. Townhomes typically share walls with adjoining properties, either on one side or both sides of the property. They also usually have a front and backyard, as well as a driveway, that the owner is responsible for maintaining.

Condos also share walls with adjoining units, though they may have these on either side of the property or above or below it. Condo owners generally do not have yards to maintain nor are they responsible for any exterior repairs or maintenance.

In both cases, owners usually pay an association or community fee to help maintain the shared areas of the property. Condo dues are often higher due to the additional exterior maintenance provided.

Pros and Cons of Garden-Patio Homes

Garden-patio homes are designed with minimal maintenance in mind. Unlike traditional single-family homes, their small lots require little upkeep. Still, they offer a similar level of privacy and independence, unlike condos, townhomes, and other similar properties that are more communal. Because of their smaller size, garden-patio homes are typically more affordable than traditional homes.

On the downside, garden-patio home communities almost always have a homeowner’s association, which requires dues on a monthly or annual basis. Depending on the scope of maintenance required at the community, as well as any amenities offered, these can get costly.

Search - San Antonio Garden Homes - By Listing Price
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What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. 
Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our Blogger and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

Sorrento Homes For Sale

Sorrento is a gated desirable residential subdivision in Far North Central, San Antonio, TX 78259. The North East Independent School District operates area public schools. Sorrento homes are zoned to Johnson High School.


What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Saturday, January 18, 2020

Managing Rental Properties Doesn't Have to be Stressful

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If you’ve ever wondered if the headache of managing your own investment properties is worth it, you’re not alone. A recent survey of landlords by the home improvement company Porch found that 88% had experienced stress in renting out their properties. But the solution isn’t to divest or grin and bear it. Hiring a property manager can help alleviate the stress and potentially improve the financial health of your investment. Here are four examples of ways a property manager can make life as a landlord easier.

Property Managers are Experienced in Handling Tenant Disputes and Issues

Nonpaying tenants, evictions, and altercations between tenants are just some of the major headaches of being a landlord. A property manager will be able to handle those issues in a professional manner with as little stress to you as possible.

Property Managers are Versed in Real Estate-Related Regulations

Do you know how federal fair-housing laws apply to you and your property? Do you know if there are local anti-discrimination ordinances? And do you know what you can and can’t ask about requests for assistance animals? Property managers do. Hiring a property manager can help you reduce your legal risk and remove the need for you to stay on top of complicated regulations.

Property Managers are On Call so You Don’t Have to Be

Whether it’s a 3 a.m. plumbing emergency or a last-minute showing, you’ll be relieved to have a professional handling time-consuming or inconvenient tasks instead of them falling to you.

Property Managers Can Benefit Your Bottom Line

The fees associated with hiring a property manager can be offset by timely payments, competitive rents, low vacancy, and other benefits of professional management. Property managers often have case studies that show how they’ve helped other properties and what they may be able to do for yours.

Reduce your stress and boost your investment by contacting a Texas REALTOR® who specializes in property management.

What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our Blogger and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

Friday, January 17, 2020

Scenic Oaks Homes For Sale

Scenic Oaks is a guard-gated acreage residential subdivision in Far North CentralSan Antonio, TX 78255. The Northside Independent School District operates area public schools. Scenic Oaks homes are zoned to Clark High School.


What's Happening in Your Market?

Real estate is a local business and there are many factors that determine whether we're in a buyers' market, a sellers' market or an equally balanced market. Our experienced real estate professionals can help you determine the right move. Find a REALTOR®.

My San Antonio Home Resource is San Antonio's most comprehensive real estate resource. Veteran owned business. Subscribe to our YouTube channel and get more house selling and buying tips and stories.

My San Antonio Home Resource

Keller Williams City-View

Craig Blakeley

15510 Vance Jackson Rd, Ste 101

San Antonio, TX 78249