Showing posts with label Buyer Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Buyer Tips. Show all posts

Sunday, August 2, 2020

Your Dream Come True

paper-cut-family-with-home

A dream written down with a date becomes a goal. A goal broken down into steps becomes a plan. A plan backed by action makes your dreams come true.

Thinking about finding your dream home? Whether you are moving down the street or relocating across town, I have the expertise and sophisticated real estate tools to help you buy a home. I will ensure that every detail is attended to, that all your questions are answered, that all your needs are met and, most importantly, that you achieve the best possible value from the transaction.

Fall in love with where you live, because home should be a dream come true.

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.

Tuesday, July 28, 2020

For Buyers: What to Know About Home Hazards

my-san-antonio-home-resource
Radon

A colorless, odorless gas that can seep into your home from the ground, radon is often referred to as the second most common cause of lung cancer behind smoking. What to look for: Basements or any area with protrusions into the ground offer entry points for radon. The Environmental Protection Agency publishes a map of high-prevalence areas. A radon test can determine if high levels are present.

Asbestos

A fibrous material once popular as fire-resistant insulation, asbestos was banned in 1985. However, it’s often found in the building materials, floor tiles, roof coverings, and siding of older. If disturbed or damaged, it can enter the air and cause severe illness. What to look for: Homes built prior to 1985 are at risk of having asbestos in their construction materials. Home owners should be careful when remodeling because disturbing insulation and other materials may cause the asbestos to become airborne.

Lead

This toxic metal used in home products for decades can contribute to several health problems, especially among children. Exposure can occur from deteriorating lead-based paint, pipes, or lead-contaminated dust or soil. What to look for: Homes built prior to 1978 may have lead present. Look for peeling paint and check old pipes. To get a HUD-insured loan, buyers must show a certificate that their older home is lead-safe.

Other hazardous products

Stockpiles of hazardous household items — such as paint solvents, pesticides, fertilizers, or motor oils — can create a dangerous situation if not properly stored. They can easily spark fires and can cause illness or even death if ingested, even in small amounts. What to look for: Check all the corners, crawl spaces, garages, or garden sheds in the home. If these products are found, make sure you ask for their removal and get a disposal certificate prior to closing.

Groundwater contamination

When hazardous chemicals are disposed of improperly, they can seep through the soil and enter water supplies. A leaking underground oil tank or septic system can contribute to this. What to look for: Homes near light industrial areas or facilities may be at risk, as are areas once used for industry that are now residential.

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, July 19, 2020

Dig Through Our Listings for Doggie Dream Palaces...And More

jack-russell-terrier-sitting-near-dog-house-and-"for-sale"-sign

Contemplating a move? I want to help you discover the home that's “pawfect” for you – and the whole (pack) family. Whether looking for more space or less, a first home or fifth, a move across town or to the country, I’ll meet your needs (and wants) for the money you have. I’ll take the guesswork out of house hunting and help you find your way home.

Contact me today to find out why hiring me as your REALTOR® is the best “treat” “fur” real. Because finding the right agent can be “ruff”!

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, July 12, 2020

First-Time Homebuyer? You're Closer Than You Think

family-unpacking-boxes-in-new-home

Congratulations, you are on your way to owning your first home!

If you are a first-time home buyer, you understand the excitement and the trepidation of looking for a house. I know what that is like and want to help you by showing the different first-time home buyer programs that are available to you. You are taking this significant step towards owning your own home, and I want to help you get the best deal you can.

There are many programs that most first-time homebuyers are unaware of. Be sure to contact me to learn how I can save you even more on your home buying process.

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.

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

For Buyers: Vocabulary: Green Home Terms

Whether you’re building the home of your dreams or looking for an existing unit, there’s a lot of data involved in finding the right environmentally friendly dwelling. Here’s a breakdown of the different certification systems for energy-efficient homes.

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RESNET

The Residential Energy Services Network is a not-for-profit corporation that develops industry-wide standards and rules for energy efficiency ratings and certification systems for buildings. In addition to overseeing the HERS index (see below), RESNET certifies contractors of all types, including builders, roofing and siding professionals, and remodeling contractors.

HERS index

The Home Energy Rating System is an index measuring a home’s energy efficiency. An average home built to current industry standards for energy efficiency will have an index of 100. A lower score indicates higher levels of efficiency (for example, a home with a score of 70 is using 30 percent less energy than the average home). The opposite is true with homes that score higher than 100. This index is overseen by RESNET.

LEED

The United States Green Building Council is the agency that bestows Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certifications on environmentally friendly buildings and projects. The highest certification a building can earn is “LEED platinum.” Projects earn points based on numerous categories such as indoor air quality and water efficiency. More points add up to a higher certification level.

Energy Star

The Energy Star program is overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Products such as refrigerators, light bulbs, and furnaces can earn Energy Star certifications. Separately, homes can be Energy Star–certified through an independent inspection.

Indoor airPLUS:

This program is also administered by the EPA. Homes that go above and beyond the Energy Star requirements by incorporating additional features to combat moisture, mold, pests, and pollutants can earn this label.

National Green Building Certification

Overseen by the National Association of Home Builders, this program helps residential building professionals develop and build sustainable projects. Buildings can earn bronze, silver, gold, or emerald certifications. At the Emerald level — which is the highest certification a project can earn — a building “must incorporate energy savings of 60 percent or more.”

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, June 14, 2020

Let Your VA Benefits Get You Home

girl-standing-on-feet-of-her-military-father-at-home

The VA Loan program is the most powerful home loan program on the market for many veterans, service members and military families. These flexible, government-backed loans come with significant benefits that open the doors of homeownership to veterans who might otherwise struggle to obtain financing.

VA loans require no down payment or private mortgage insurance. They feature competitive rates and terms and allow qualified borrowers to purchase a home with little to no money out of pocket.

Ready to take advantage of your VA home loan benefit?

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, June 7, 2020

We've Only Just Begun

newlyweds-buying-a-home

So you’re getting married. Congratulations!

I’m not a salesperson, I’m a matchmaker. I introduce people to homes, until they fall in love with one. Then I’m a wedding planner.

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, May 24, 2020

Looking for a new home? 55+ Active-Adult Community?

55-plus-community

Living in a 55+ Active-Adult Community gives you the best of all worlds. A beautiful, newly constructed home in an intimate neighborhood, located where you want to be. A community near great restaurants, hike and bike trails, medical facilities, and major thoroughfares. Large, open-living floor plans and spacious gourmet kitchens make for truly memorable visits with family and friends. Each active-adult home is thoughtfully designed with your life in mind. Plus, low fee alternative to traditional 55+ communities, along with low or no maintenance options, make life even easier.

There is no shortage of things to do or great people to do it all with. New friends, old friends, indoors or out, whatever you love to do, there’s no better place to enjoy it.

Interested in living in a 55+ Active-Adult Community? The active lifestyle you envision is waiting for you. Tell me how to reach you, and I’ll be in touch. I look forward to answering any questions you may have about building or buying an existing home in a 55+ Active-Adult Community.

Simplify living and love life to the fullest by learning more!

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, May 22, 2020

For Buyers: Questions to Ask When Considering a Condo

Condominiums, townhomes, and properties located within a homeowner association offer certain perks, but it’s important to consider them in your decision process.

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How much storage is available?

Some properties include storage lockers, but there may not be attics or basements to hold extra belongings.

How’s the outdoor space?

Your yard may be smaller than you’d find in a traditional single-family home, so if you like to garden or entertain outdoors, this may not be a good fit. But if you dread yard work, it may be the perfect option.

Are amenities important?

Many properties offer swimming pools, fitness centers, and other facilities that would cost much more in a single-family setting.

Who handles maintenance and security?

Property managers often hire professionals to care for common areas and perform in-unit repairs. Keyed entries and doormen may regulate access to your home when you’re not there (good news if you travel).

Are there required reserve funds and association fees? How much are they?

Although fees generally help pay for amenities and provide savings for future repairs, the HOA or condo board determines these fees, and you’ll have to pay them even if you’re not in favor of the improvements.

What are the association rules?

Although you have a vote on future changes, association rules can dictate how you use your property. Some condos prohibit home-based businesses; others prohibit pets or don’t allow owners to rent out their units. Read the covenants, restrictions, and bylaws carefully before you make an offer.

What’s the average vacancy rate?

It’s never too early to be thinking about resale. The ease of selling your unit may depend on what else is for sale in your building, since units are similar. 

How many units are owned by investors?

Some lenders require a certain percentage of the building to be owner-occupied and may not be able to offer you financing if the ratio is too low.

Can I meet other residents before making an offer?

You will share space and decision-making duties with your neighbors when part of a homeowner association, so it’s important to make sure you can work together. If possible, try to meet your closest prospective neighbors before you decide on a place.

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, May 16, 2020

Dreaming of a New Home?

puppy-sleeping-with-stuffed-animal

If you are thinking about buying your dream home, you’ve come to the right place…

Starting the home-buying process is one of the most exciting adventures of your life, yet, without the help of an experienced professional, this process can consume a lot of your time and ultimately money. If you don’t have a thorough understanding of the real estate process, not to mention access to the information and resources you need, you won’t be able to make informed decisions. That is why it is important to bring in a professional who not only understands the real estate market, but also gets to know you and understands your needs.

I’ve helped hundreds of San Antonioian’s get into their dream home. I specialize in helping all levels of home buyers through every step of the process. I even have programs available for those who have been declined by another agent or for a home loan before. My goal is to represent you and your best interests by utilizing my many years of experience in the real estate market and my vast knowledge in truly understanding the complete home buying process. Let’s face it, a home is one of the biggest investments you will make in a lifetime. Whether you’re a first time buyer, moving up, downsizing or looking for an investment property, my expertise can help you get into the home of your dreams.

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, May 10, 2020

Love That House? Chances Are Someone Else Does Too!

quote-by-Koki

Most REALTORS® have worked with clients who just seemed to work a little slower than the speed of which the real estate market was going. They were not quite tire kickers, but they couldn’t make a decision quicker than the next couple that was also in love with the same home.

Call it fear or caution, or maybe even cold feet, but there are some markets where you need to decide quickly and act when opportunity presents itself. A good real estate agent can help you with this – and that goes both ways. They can recommend that you make a faster decision and slow you down if they see some red flags that they feel you haven’t quite considered. The world of real estate can be fast paced and that’s why I appreciated this quote by Koki, as it highlights this point exactly. He’s a great agent with a lot of experience.

If you’d like to connect to a great agent like Koki, just click below!

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, April 26, 2020

For Buyers: Questions to Ask the Condo Board

Before you purchase a condo, you should have an attorney review property documents for you. However, you should contact the board yourself ahead of time. You’ll learn how responsive and organized its members are and be alerted to potential problems.

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How many units are owner-occupied?

Generally, the higher the percentage of owner-occupied units, the easier the condo will be to resell.

What covenants, bylaws, and restrictions govern the property?

Carefully read the bylaws to determine if you can abide by them. Also, find out if there are grandfather provisions that allow current owners more rights than you would have as a new owner, such as the ability to rent out your unit.

How much does the association keep in reserve?

Ask how the money is being invested.

Are association assessments keeping pace with the annual rate of inflation?

Smart boards raise assessments a reasonable percentage each year to build reserves for funding future repairs.

What does the assessment cover?

Ask specifically about common-area maintenance, recreational facilities, trash collection, and snow removal (if applicable).

What special assessments have been mandated in the past five years, and how much of that was the responsibility of individual owners?

Some special assessments are unavoidable. But repeated, expensive assessments could be a red flag about building conditions or fiscal policy.

What’s the turnover rate?

This will tell you if residents are generally happy with the building.

Is the condo building in litigation?

Obviously, this is never a good sign. If the builders or owners are involved in a lawsuit, reserves can be depleted quickly to pay legal fees.

What other projects has the developer built?

Try to visit one, and ask residents about their perceptions. Also, request an engineer’s report if the building has been converted from another use.

Are multiple associations involved in the property?

In very large developments, umbrella associations also may require separate assessments.

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.

My San Antonio Home Resource

Keller Williams City-View

Craig Blakeley

15510 Vance Jackson Rd, Ste 101

San Antonio, TX 78249