Happy Columbus Day from My San Antonio Home Resource!

You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore. Happy Columbus Day from My San Antonio Home Resource!

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.

Your Dream Come True

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.

For Buyers: What to Know About Home Hazards

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.

For Sellers: How to Hold a Successful Garage Sale

Garage sales can be a great way to get rid of clutter and earn a little extra cash before you move. But make sure you plan ahead; they can take on a life of their own.

Don’t wait until the last minute.

Depending on how long you’ve lived in your home and how much stuff you want to sell, planning a garage sale can take a lot of time and energy. And that’s on top of the effort of putting your home on the market!

Contact your local government.

Most municipalities will require you to obtain a permit in order to hold a garage sale. They’re often free or cheap, but the fines for neglecting to obtain one can be hefty.

See if neighbors want to join in.

You can turn your garage sale into a block-wide event and lure more shoppers. However, a permit may be necessary for each home owner, even if it’s a group event.

Schedule the sale.

Sales on Saturdays and Sundays will generate the most traffic, especially if the weather cooperates. Start the sale early — 8 or 9 a.m. is best — and be ready for early birds.

Advertise.

Place an ad in the newspaper, free classified papers, and websites, including the date(s), time, and address of the garage sale. Add information about what will be available, such as kids’ clothes, furniture, or special equipment. On the day of the sale, use balloons and signs with prominent arrows to grab attention.

Price your goods.

Clearly mark rounded prices (50 cents, 3 for $1, or $5, for example) with easily removable stickers.

If it’s junk, recycle or donate it.

If it’s truly garbage, throw it away or place it in a freebie bin. Don’t try to sell broken appliances, and have an electrical outlet nearby in case a customer wants to try plugging something in.

Display items nicely.

Organize by category, and don’t make customers dig through boxes.

Stock up on supplies.

Having a stock of old shopping bags that can be reused encourages people to buy more items. Newspapers are handy for wrapping fragile goods.

Manage your money.

Obtain ample change for your cashbox, and have a calculator on hand. Assign one person to man the “register,” keeping a tally of what was purchased and for how much.

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.

The Seller's Road Map

A Step By Step Look at Selling a House

Before selling your home, before you start making repairs or marking dates on your calendar for an open house, it's smart to prepare a home selling plan. Of course, you probably want the most you can get, but you could make costly home selling mistakes along the way if your enthusiasm for quickly selling causes you to run out and stick a for sale sign in the yard before you're fully prepared to sell. I've seen bad stuff happen to good people.

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.

Why an ‘Instant Offer’ May Not Be Best for You

Getting a cash bid for your home after going to a website and inputting basic information sounds easy and stress-free. But there can be downsides to “instant offer” services.

Instant Offers May Benefit Investors More Than You

Investors who would buy your property want to make a profit. Some even intend to find a buyer willing to pay more right away. Why sell to an investor for less money than you could get otherwise?

The Offers May Not Be Based on Accurate Data

These services sometimes use incomplete, misleading information. Texas REALTORS®, however, have access to true market comparisons and pricing data. Have you done any of the following?

• Replaced bathroom fixtures

• Installed new floors

• Installed new kitchen countertops

• Replaced HVAC systems

“Instant offers” may not take those improvements into account. You need a thorough, in-person estimate of your home’s value.

Get the Best Offer

Texas REALTORS® can help you get the best possible offer for your home. They can …

• Market your property to the right potential buyers

• Access accurate pricing data

• Negotiate on your behalf.

Use a Texas Realtor®

Get the best price and service from a professional who’s looking out for your interests.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Happy 4th of July from My San Antonio Home Resource!

We are the land of the free, we are the home of the brave. Let's pay tribute to our brave American Heroes on this special day and forever. Happy Independence Day from My San Antonio Home Resource!

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.

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.

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.

For Sellers: How To Hire a Remodeling Contractor

Shop around for the right company.

• Get at least three written estimates.

• Ask for and check references. If possible, look at jobs the contractor recently completed.

• Check with your local chamber of commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints.

• Be sure that the contractor has the necessary licenses and insurance, as well as the ability to obtain permits.

• Ask if the contractor’s workers will do the entire job or whether subcontractors will be involved.

Read the contract carefully.

• Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled.

• Check that the contract states when the work will be completed and what recourse you have if it isn’t.

• Make sure the contract indemnifies you if work does not meet building codes or regulations.

• Be sure that the contract specifies who will clean up after the job and be responsible for any damage.

• Ensure that the materials meet your specifications.

Seal the deal.

• Remember that you can often cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.

• Make a small down payment so you won’t lose much if the contractor fails to complete the job.

Don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the work.

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.

What Stays or Goes With a House?

Whether you’re representing buyers or sellers, there can sometimes be confusion over what goes with a house when it’s sold. The latest Texas REALTORS® legal explainer video covers common contract language and three factors courts often use for determining when an item goes with the sale.

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 Name Is BLAKELEY, CRAIG BLAKELEY. License to Sell!

It is no secret that you don’t need a gun to buy or sell real estate, but If you are looking for a great real estate agent with the intelligence, maturity, focus and attention to detail in the service of his clients, then you owe it to yourself to have me working for you – “I don’t stop when I’m tired. I stop when I’m done.” – James Bond

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.