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Tips for Making Your Best Offer on a Home While the wild ride that was the ‘unicorn’ years of housing is behind us, today’s market is still competitive in many areas because the supply of homes for sale is still low. If you’re looking to buy a home this season, know that the peak frenzy of bidding wars is in the rearview mirror, but you may still come up against some multiple-offer scenarios. Here are a few things to consider to help you put your best foot forward when making an offer on a home. Tips for Making Your Best Offer on a Home 1. Lean on a Real Estate Professional Rely on an agent who can support your goals and help you understand what’s happening in today’s housing market. Agents are experts in the local market and on national trends too. They’ll use both of those areas of expertise to make sure you have all the information you need to move with confidence. Plus, they know what’s worked for other buyers in your area and what sellers may be looking for in an offer. It may seem simple, but catering to what a seller needs can help your offer stand out. As an article from Forbes says: "Getting to know a local realtor where you’re hoping to buy can also potentially give you a crucial edge in a tight housing market." 2. Get Pre-Approved for a Home Loan Having a clear budget in mind is especially important right now given the current affordability challenges. The best way to get a clear picture of what you can borrow is to work with a lender so you can get pre-approved for a home loan. That’ll help you be more financially confident because you’ll have a better understanding of your numbers. It shows sellers you’re serious, too. And that can give you a competitive edge if you do get into a multiple-offer scenario. 3. Make a Fair Offer It’s only natural to want the best deal you can get on a home. However, submitting an offer that’s too low does have some risks. You don’t want to make an offer that will be tossed out as soon as it’s received just to see if it sticks. As Realtor.com explains: “. . . an offer price that’s significantly lower than the listing price, is often rejected by sellers who feel insulted . . . Most listing agents try to get their sellers to at least enter negotiations with buyers, to counteroffer with a number a little closer to the list price. However, if a seller is offended by a buyer or isn’t taking the buyer seriously, there’s not much you, or the real estate agent, can do.” The expertise your agent brings to this part of the process will help you stay competitive and find a price that’s fair to you and the seller. 4. Trust Your Agent’s Expertise Throughout Negotiations During the ‘unicorn’ years of housing, some buyers skipped home inspections or didn’t ask for concessions from the seller in order to submit the winning bid on a home. An article from Bankrate explains this isn’t happening as often today, and that’s good news: “While the market has largely calmed down since then, sellers are still very much in the driver’s seat in this era of scarce housing inventory. It’s not as common for buyers to waive inspections anymore, but it does still happen. . . . It’s in the buyer’s best interest to have a home inspected . . . Inspections alert you to existing or potential problems with the home, giving you not just an early heads up but also a useful negotiating tactic.” Fortunately, today’s market is different, and you may have more negotiating power than before. When putting together an offer, your trusted real estate advisor will help you think through what levers to pull and which ones you may not want to compromise on. Bottom Line When you buy a home this summer, let’s connect so you have an expert on your side who can help you make your best offer.

ARE HOMES SELLING RIGHT NOW? If you're asking if homes selling right now, You should see this InfographicIf you're asking if homes selling right now, You should see this Infographic Some Highlights According to a recent Gallup poll, real estate has been voted the best long-term investment for 11 years in a row, beating gold, stocks, bonds, and more. Owning real estate means more than just having a home—it’s an investment in your future. That’s because it’s typically a stable and secure asset that tends to increase in value as time goes on. Let’s connect if you’re ready to buy a home and invest in your future.

Can a Home Buyer Back Out of Their Contract? Can a Home Buyer Back Out of Their Contract? Are you having second thoughts about your real estate contract? Don't worry, we've got you covered. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the basics of real estate contracts and contingencies, and what legal remedies and liabilities to expect if you decide to back out. The Contract - Understanding the Basics Oh, contracts. The backbone of the civilized world. Without them, chaos would ensue, and we'd all be living in a state of anarchy. So, what exactly is a real estate contract? It's an agreement between a buyer and seller outlining the terms and conditions under which a property is transferred. The key elements include the purchase price, financing, deposit amount, closing date, and contingencies (more on those later). Now, breaking a contract? Not a great idea. The consequences can include losing your deposit, being sued for damages, or even being forced to complete the purchase. Yikes. Contingencies - Can They Be Used to Back Out? Contingencies provide the buyer with an escape hatch if they find something undesirable with the property or complex issues with the sale, making it an important part of the contract. The clauses outline issues, such as the failure to obtain financing or other property-related inspections. There are clauses that protect buyers in case a property title doesn’t come out clean or if there are zoning regulation issues. In most cases, a contract can be null and void if any contingencies mentioned are not met. However, buyers have to communicate with the seller ahead of the deadline to extend it. Legal Remedies and Liabilities If a buyer decides to back out of a real estate contract, legal remedies are available for the seller, including retaining the buyer's deposit or suing for specific performance. However, the seller may also be liable for damages if they fail to fulfill their obligations under the contract. It's important to consult with a real estate attorney to understand your options. Conclusion Now that you've made it to the end of this blog, it's important to remember the main takeaways. A real estate contract is a legally binding agreement that outlines the terms of the sale. Breaking a contract can have serious consequences, including legal remedies and potential liabilities. Contingencies can provide some protection for home buyers, but it's important to understand the specifics of each contingency before relying on them. Ultimately, it's crucial for both buyers and sellers to have a clear understanding of the contract and any contingencies before entering into an agreement. Thanks for reading, and we hope this information helps you navigate the home-buying process with confidence (and maybe even a little bit of humor).

Have you ever asked yourself what sites are beyond Zillow? Is there a site like Zillow for commercial real estate? Simple answer? YES There are several websites that specialize in listing and providing information about commercial real estate properties, similar to Zillow for residential real estate. Here are some popular websites you can use to search for commercial real estate: LoopNet ( www.loopnet.com ) : LoopNet is one of the largest online marketplaces for commercial properties. It offers many listings, including office buildings, retail spaces, industrial properties, and more. CommercialSearch ( www.commercialsearch.com ): CommercialSearch is another comprehensive platform for commercial real estate listings. It provides a user-friendly interface and a variety of search filters to help you find commercial properties that meet your requirements. CoStar ( www.costar.com ): CoStar is a widely used platform providing access to an extensive commercial real estate database. It offers detailed property information, market analytics, and research reports. Crexi ( www.crexi.com ): Crexi is an online commercial real estate marketplace that connects buyers, sellers, and brokers. It covers various property types: office, retail, industrial, multifamily, and land. Showcase ( www.showcase.com ): Showcase is a platform that specializes in commercial real estate listings. It allows you to search for properties across different categories, such as office, retail, industrial, and land. These websites typically provide details about available properties, including location, size, amenities, pricing, and contact information for brokers or agents. You can use their search filters to narrow down your options based on specific criteria, such as property type, location, price range, and size.

What Would Be a Better Move: Renting or Selling Your Home? Have you ever asked yourself What Would Be a Better Move: Renting or Selling Your Home? If you're a homeowner getting ready to relocate, you might consider renting out your present home instead of selling it. A short-term rental (STR) is often provided as an alternative to a hotel and has grown in popularity recently as a form of investment. Even though owning a short-term rental may seem like a good idea, you can find it challenging to handle the responsibilities that come with it. Here are some difficulties you can encounter renting out your home rather than selling it. A Short-Term Rental Comes with Responsibilities It takes a lot of time and work to manage your home as a short-term rental successfully. You'll need to balance chores including handling reservations, planning check-ins, and taking care of cleaning, landscaping, and maintenance responsibilities. Each of those things alone might feel difficult, but taken all at once, it's a lot to manage. Due to the frequent check-in and check-out of new tenants, short-term rentals have significant turnover rates. This additional wear and tear on your property due to greater house traffic may necessitate more frequent repairs or replacement of your appliances, fixtures, and furnishings. If you want to utilize a site that advertises your rental listing, consider if you can make that level of commitment. The majority of them have standards that hosts must fulfill. According to a Bankrate article: "Managing a rental property can be time-consuming and challenging. Are you handy and able to make some repairs yourself? If not, do you have a network of affordable contractors you can reach out to in a pinch? Consider whether you want to take on the added responsibility of being a landlord, which means screening tenants and fielding issues, among other responsibilities, or paying for a third party to take care of things instead." Before making the decision to turn your home into a vacation rental, there are several factors to take into account. It can be a better idea to sell if you aren't prepared for the labor involved. Short-Term Rental Regulations There are more rules now as the short-term rental market expands. Common legal constraints include caps on the number of holiday rentals in a specific area. This is particularly true in bigger cities and tourist hotspots where there could be worries about congestion or a lack of housing for long-term inhabitants. The kind of property that can be utilized for short-term rentals may also be subject to restrictions. Before renting out their houses, landowners are also required by many localities to get a license or permission. Deckard Technologies' CEO, Nick Del Pego, explains: “Renting short-term rentals is considered a business by most local governments, and owners must comply with specific workplace regulations and business licensing rules established in their local communities.” Before even considering renting out your house, it is crucial to carefully investigate if short-term rentals are governed by the local government and your homeowner's association (HOA) or are outright forbidden. BOTTOMLINE You shouldn't make the choice to turn your house into a short-term rental without completing your homework beforehand. Let's talk now to see if selling your home is a better option. Thank you! CHECK OUT OUR LATEST UPLOAD! It's a property for Lease perfect for your family!

Momentum Is Building for New Home Construction Momentum Is Building for New Home Construction If you’re in the process of looking for a home today, you know the supply of homes for sale is low because you’re feeling the impact of having a limited pool of options. And, if your biggest hurdle right now is that you’re having trouble finding something you like, don’t forget that a newly built home is a great option. As a recent article from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) says: “Home buyers continue to be met with limited housing options during what’s typically the real estate market’s busiest season. . . . The current supply of existing homes is about half the level it was in 2019 . . . Meanwhile, the market for new construction is a bright spot.” Here’s a look at a key metric that shows just how much new home construction is ramping up nationwide. It’s called new residential completions. Basically, completions are newly built homes that are finished and ready to move into. The graph below uses data from the Census to show the trend of new-home completions over time, including the long-term average for the number of finished housing units (shown in black on the graph): As you can see on the left (shown in orange), leading up to the housing crash, builders exceeded that average. The result was an oversupply of homes on the market, so home values declined. That was one of the factors that led to the housing crash back in 2008. Since then, the level of new home construction has fallen off, and builders haven’t built enough homes to meet the historical average (shown in red). That underbuilding left the housing market with a multi-year inventory deficit. And, that deficit is part of what makes inventory so low right now. But, here’s the good news. The green on the right shows that according to the latest report from the Census, builders are matching the long-term average right now. And that means they’re bringing more newly built homes to the market than they have in recent memory. And residential starts and permits are also gaining momentum. Starts are homes where the construction has officially kicked off. Permits are homes where builders are planning to break ground soon. Since both are up, it’s a sign there are even more newly built homes coming soon. What This Means for You More newly built homes in various stages of the construction process means your pool of options just got bigger. If you’re looking to move right now and timing is important to you, reach out to a local real estate professional to explore the homes that were recently completed in your area. If construction is done on those homes, you should be able to move in quickly. But, if you can wait a bit and the idea of customizing a home from the ground up appeals to you, ask that same agent about the homes in your area that are in the process of being built. If you buy a home that’s still in the works, you can help pick the features and finishings along the way. And when none of the homes you’ve looked at so far are to your liking, being able to tailor one to your taste may be your best option. Either way, a trusted real estate agent is a crucial part of the process. They’ll know exactly what’s available in your area and can base their recommendations on your unique needs, desired neighborhoods, and more. Bottom Line So, if you're having trouble finding a home you like while inventory is so low, it may be time to consider looking into new-home construction. If you'd like to start that conversation, let’s connect so you’re working with an expert on what’s available in our area.

Today’s Housing Inventory Is a Sweet Spot for Sellers One of the biggest challenges in the housing market right now is how few homes there are for sale compared to the number of people who want to buy them. To help emphasize just how limited housing inventory still is, let’s take a look at the latest information on active listings, or homes for sale in a given month, as it compares to more normal levels. According to a recent report from Realtor.com: “On average, active inventory in June was 50.6% below pre-pandemic 2017–2019 levels.” The graph below helps illustrate this point. It uses historical data to provide a more concrete look at how much the numbers are still lagging behind the level of inventory typical of a more normal market (see graph below): It’s worth noting that 2020-2022 are not included in this graph. That’s because they were truly abnormal years for the housing market. To make the comparison fair, those have been omitted so they don’t distort the data. When you compare the orange bars for 2023 with the last normal years for the housing market (2017-2019), you can see the count of active listings is still far below the norm. What Does This Mean for You? If you’re thinking about selling your house, that low inventory is why this is a great time to do so. Buyers have fewer choices now than they did in more normal years, and that’s continuing to impact some key statistics in the housing market. For example, sellers will be happy to see the following data from the latest Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR): The percent of homes that sold in less than a month ticked up slightly to 74%. The median days on the market went down to 18 days, showing homes are still selling fast when priced right. The average number of offers on recently sold homes went up to 3.3 offers. Bottom Line When supply is so low, your house is going to be in the spotlight. That’s why sellers are seeing their homes sell a little faster and get more offers right now. If you’ve thought about selling, now’s the time to make a move. Let’s connect to get the process started.

Finding Your Dream Home: Why Evaluating Wants and Needs is Crucial Today When it comes to buying a home, especially with today's affordability challenges, you'll want to be strategic. Mortgage rates impact how much it costs to borrow money for your home loan. And, to help offset the higher borrowing costs today, some homebuyers are taking a close look at their wish list and re-evaluating what features they really need in their next home to avoid overextending. As a recent NerdWallet article says: "A pool, for example, may be nice to have, but it may not provide as much day-to-day value as a garage or a space for a home office . . ." While that pool may be appealing, think twice about whether or not it's really something you must have to be happy in your next home. Is getting that pool the main reason you're moving? Probably not. It's more likely a need for more space, a home office, or proximity to loved ones, friends, or work that's motivating you to make a change. So, if you're looking to buy a home, take some time to consider what's truly essential for you in your next house. Make a list of all the features you'll want to see, and from there, work to break those features into categories. Here's a great way to organize your list: Must-Haves – If a house doesn't have these features, it won't work for you and your lifestyle (examples: distance from work or loved ones, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, etc.). Nice-To-Haves – These are features you'd love to have but can live without. Nice-to-haves aren't dealbreakers, but if you find a home that hits all the must-haves and some of these, it's a contender (examples: a second home office, a garage, etc.). Dream State – This is where you can really think big. Again, these aren't features you'll need, but if you find a home in your budget that has all the must-haves, most of the nice-to-haves, and any of these, it's a clear winner (examples: a pool, multiple walk-in closets, etc.). Once you've categorized it in a way that works for you, discuss your top priorities with your real estate agent. Remember to think carefully about what's a non-negotiable for your lifestyle and what's a nice-to-have that's more of an added bonus. Be sure to discuss where each feature falls with your agent. They'll be able to help you refine the list further, coach you through the best way to stick to it, and find a home in your area that meets your top needs. Bottom Line Putting together your list of necessary features for your next home might seem like a small task, but it's a crucial planning step on your home-buying journey today. If you're ready to find a home that fits your needs, let's connect.

Selling your house is no simple task. Even while some homeowners want to sell their properties themselves, or "for sale by owner," they frequently run into a number of difficulties without the assistance of a real estate professional. Here are some things to consider if you're thinking of selling your property on your own. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) most recent Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers study questioned homeowners who had just recently sold their own homes and what challenges they encountered. The biggest hurdles, according to those sellers, included getting their house ready for sale, setting the correct price, and handling the necessary paperwork, to mention a few. Think about the crucial assistance a real estate agent may offer while selling your most prized possession. You may confidently manage the complexity of the selling process by working with an agent. Here are just a handful of the numerous reasons an agent will be crucial to selling your house: 1. Marketing and Exposure (selling your home on your own) A vital component of luring suitable purchasers to your home is effective marketing. MLS listings, expert photography, virtual tours, and vast professional networks are just a few of the marketing resources and platforms available to real estate brokers. They can produce an appealing listing that draws attention to your home's greatest qualities and appeals to a larger audience. Selling on your own may make it difficult for you to match the agents' reach, which will restrict your visibility and, eventually, reduce the number of possible purchasers. 2. Managing Liability and Legal Considerations (selling your home on your own) Today, more disclosures and regulations are mandatory when selling a house. And all that paperwork and all the legal aspects of selling a home can be a lot to manage. Selling a house without professional guidance exposes homeowners to potential liability risks and legal complications. Real estate agents are well-versed in the contracts, disclosures, and regulations necessary during a sale. Their expertise helps minimize the risk of errors or omissions that could lead to legal disputes or delays. 3. Negotiations and Contracts (selling your home on your own) It may be difficult to negotiate the conditions of a property sale, especially when feelings are involved. It can be too much for you to handle these discussions by yourself. Without an agent, you are responsible for fulfilling this obligation. This implies that you will be entirely responsible for communicating and negotiating with: The buyer wants the best deal possible. The buyer’s agent, who will use their expertise to advocate for the buyer. The home inspection company works for the buyer. The home appraiser assesses the property’s value to protect the lender. Lean on a professional rather than battling all of these parties by yourself. Real estate brokers operate as middlemen, bargaining deftly on your behalf and seeing to it that your best interests are safeguarded. They have dealt with difficult negotiations, counteroffers, and unforeseen events. You must be equipped to handle these suppliers on your own when selling your home on your own. 4. Pricing and Housing Market Knowledge Setting the appropriate asking price for your home is very important. It necessitates in-depth familiarity with the regional real estate market, including current property demand, neighborhood patterns, and recent sales statistics. Real estate agents have access to detailed market information and are qualified to appropriately interpret it. Without this thorough knowledge, selling your property alone runs the danger of pricing it too high or too low. As a consequence, your home may be on the market for a longer period of time and you may run the danger of losing money, which may reduce your ability to purchase in the future. A crucial component of the price problem is an agent. Bottom Line While selling a home on your own might seem appealing at first, the challenges that come with it can quickly become overwhelming. The expertise that a real estate agent brings to the table is vital for a successful sale. Instead of tackling it alone, let’s connect to make sure you have an expert on your side.

Independence Day is a time when communities come alive with patriotic spirit, commemorating the birth of the United States of America. From coast to coast, cities and towns host a range of events to mark this historic occasion. Whether you're looking for fireworks, parades, live music, or family-friendly activities, there's something for everyone. Check out these 5 Free Go-to-Events to Celebrate the 4th of July in San Antonio Texas 1. H-E-B Fourth of July Celebration at Woodlawn Lake Park Every year, families from San Antonio gather at Woodlawn Lake Park for the official municipal festival known as "Make Freedom Green" to grill burgers and carnitas all day long before the 12-minute fireworks show at nine o'clock in the evening. There will be a variety of foods available from local food trucks and merchants, including chicken on a stick, gorditas, hot dogs, and many more! Where: Woodlawn Lake Park, 1103 Cincinnati Ave, San Antonio, TX 78201 When: Tuesday, July 4, 2023 | 11:00 am – 9:30 pm ​ 2. Independence Day at the Alamo Celebrate at the Alamo with a variety of performances and activities all day long where you may go back in time. Soldiers from the Spanish Colonial period in the 1700s will be discussed, along with weaving, missionary work, weaponry, leathercraft, artillery and black powder shooting displays. Where: The Alamo, 300 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205 When: Tuesday, July 4, 2023, | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm 3. GNW annual Fourth of July Parade At ten in the morning, the Great Northwest Community procession begins. Down Timber Path from Zachry Middle School to Timberwilde Elementary. Visitors are encouraged to set up chairs and blankets along Timber Path and watch the action. The barbecue and hot dogs will be distributed by the organizers at Silver Creek Pool at noon. Where: 8809 Timberwilde Dr. When: Tuesday, July 4, 2023, | 10:00 am – 4:00 pm 4. STARS, STRIPES & LIGHTS This long Fourth of July weekend, the River Walk will be decorated with patriotic décor! On the River Walk, the typical good times are being had despite the red, white, and blue-themed city bridges and trees. the ideal setting for pictures! Where: 300 River Walk, San Antonio, TX 78205 When: June 30 – July 4, 2023 5. FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS SHOW & LIVE @ LANDA CONCERT SERIES As we bring back one of the most eagerly awaited events of the summer, come out and enjoy live music, kid's activities, food trucks, and more at the Landa Park Dance Slab! Where: Landa Park, 110 Golf Course Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130 When: Tuesday, July 4, 2023 | 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm As the sun sets on the 4th of July, the air is filled with the echoes of celebration and the spirit of unity. It's a day to reflect on the ideals that this great nation was founded upon and to honor the countless sacrifices made for freedom. Whether you choose to attend parades, marvel at fireworks, enjoy outdoor festivals, or simply spend quality time with loved ones, the 4th of July is a reminder of the strength and resilience of the American spirit. As we bid farewell to this day of remembrance and revelry, let us carry the values of liberty, equality, and justice in our hearts throughout the year. May the bonds that bind us as a nation grow stronger, and may the spirit of independence continue to guide us toward a brighter future. Until next year, happy 4th of July!

Purchasing a home is a big milestone as well as an important financial choice. However, many people find it difficult to navigate the financial aspects of buying a property. In this blog article, we will walk you through the main elements that will help you choose your dream house. First and foremost, you must evaluate your financial preparedness. Examine your income, savings, and credit score carefully. Understanding your financial condition can provide a clear picture of what you can afford and the sort of mortgage you may be eligible for. It is critical to create a budget that includes the down payment, monthly mortgage payments, and additional expenditures like property taxes and maintenance. Next, become acquainted with the various mortgage alternatives accessible. Conventional mortgages typically need a down payment of more than 3%, however, there are government-backed loans that allow for greater flexibility. Investigate the interest rates, loan lengths, and costs connected with each mortgage type to find the best fit for your requirements. Another critical step is to get pre-approved for a loan. This entails sending your financial information to a lender, who will evaluate your creditworthiness and decide the loan amount you are eligible for. Pre-approval not only clarifies your purchasing capacity, but it also provides you an edge when making an offer on a home. When looking for a home, it's critical to keep within your budget and prioritize your demands. Falling in love with a property that is out of your price range might lead to financial difficulties later on. Consider criteria such as the property's location, size, and condition. Hiring a professional home inspector can assist in identifying any problems that may necessitate costly repairs Finally, thoroughly analyze the provisions of the purchase agreement and account for closing charges. These charges, which include appraisal fees, title search fees, attorney fees, and loan origination fees, may quickly mount up, so it's critical to plan ahead of time.. Understanding the financial elements of purchasing a home is critical to paving the way to your dream home. Examine your financial situation, look at mortgage possibilities, get pre-approved, and stick to your budget. You'll be well on your way to making your goal of house ownership a reality. WATCH AS DENISE EXPLAINS "THE MONEY NEEDED FOR HOME BUYING"

Real Estate Is Still Considered the Best Long-Term Investment With all the headlines circulating about home prices and rising mortgage rates, you may wonder if it still makes sense to invest in homeownership right now. A recent poll from Gallup shows the answer is yes. In-fact, real estate was voted the best long-term investment for the 11th consecutive year, consistently beating other investment types like gold, stocks, and bonds (see graph below): If you’re thinking about purchasing a home, let this poll reassure you. Even with everything happening today, Americans recognize owning a home is a powerful financial decision. Why Do Americans Still Feel So Positive About the Value of Investing in a Home? Purchasing real estate has typically been a solid long-term strategy for building wealth in America. As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), notes: “. . . homeownership is a catalyst for building wealth for people from all walks of life. A monthly mortgage payment is often considered a forced savings account that helps homeowners build a net worth about 40 times higher than that of a renter.” That’s because owning a home grows your net worth over time as your home appreciates in value and as you pay down your mortgage. And, since building that wealth takes time, it may make sense to start as soon as you can. If you wait to buy and keep renting, you’ll miss out on those monthly housing payments going toward your home equity. Bottom Line Buying a home is a powerful decision. So, it’s no wonder so many people view real estate as the best long-term investment. If you’re ready to start on your own journey toward homeownership, let’s connect today.