Now that temperatures are rising and spring has sprung, it's time to garden. Bring your home to a whole new level this summer with some incredible DIY gardening projects. With these projects, your creativity will come into play, so don't be afraid to jump in and get your hands dirty! Flowing Water Features One of our favorite ways to add beauty to an outdoor space is through water features....
There’s no denying that Austin is in a red-hot housing market right now. The question on everyone’s mind as rent and home prices continue to rise is: should I rent or buy? Here are some key things to consider as you proceed with this decision. Down Payments One of the biggest arguments we hear from people wanting to buy is that they just can’t find the money for a down payment. Down payments...
For many homeowners, their kitchen is their pride and joy. But it can be daunting to keep track of your kitchen maintenance. With this checklist, you don’t need to worry about missing tasks or neglecting the heart of your home. It’s all right here. Refrigerator Cleanliness Take time to wipe the inside and outside, sweep under and around the exterior, clean the coils, and check the door...
Maintaining a home can be a daunting task, especially when that home is one of your most significant investments. New challenges emerge with every change in season, often leaving homeowners scrambling to repair every leaky faucet before the next thing breaks. Get ahead of pesky costly repairs with these 25 maintenance tips you don't want to miss. Test Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors Check your...
Buying a home virtually is the new standard, thanks to the pandemic. Virtual and video tours replaced open houses, and buyers bought homes without viewing them in person. Here are two crucial tips to find your dream home virtually this year. Tip #1 to Finding Your Dream Home Virtually: Be Open-Minded Be realistic about your expectations for your future dream home and how it appears on a...
As a landlord and investor, you rely on your tenants to consistently pay you on time. It’s how you pay the bills, maintenance, repairs, etc. Creating a rule to implement late fees can be confusing regarding finer details like when the charge should take effect, how much to charge, and how long the grace period is. Keep reading because we’re going to answer those questions! What Are Late...
It's no secret that the Austin real estate market is more competitive than ever! If you’re in the market right now, you’ll need a few strategies to rise to the top of the pack when there are multiple offers. In a regular market, multiple offers sometimes happen, but in this market - it’s safe to call them all-out bidding wars! A bidding war occurs when potential buyers compete...
You’re a new homeowner now. Congratulations! It’s not always the easiest or cheapest path, but owning property is exciting! To save yourself time and money, don’t believe these five myths new homeowners receive: 1. Worry about maintenance later. Wrong! Your home budget should include a maintenance and repair fund. A majority of homes will require a little work before becoming move-in ready....
If buying a home is one of your goals this year, we’ll tell you how to go from renter to homeowner. We’ll cover the factors you should consider before saving for a down payment and buying a home. Factor #1: How Much to Save for a Down Payment? To buy a home and receive favorable financing, it’s best to put down a 20% down payment on the house you purchase. It helps reduce your loan...
The real estate market is changing as it adjusts to high demand with low levels of inventory. Here are the five real estate trends to expect this February. Hint: it’s not a slow season! Real Estate Trend #1. Decrease in housing affordability Mortgage rates are rising again and quicker than expected. According to Freddie Mac, 30-year mortgage rates are now at 3.56%, up from 3% just a few...