Texas real estate

In recent years, more and more people have been moving away from using real estate agents for selling their homes. There are many reasons for why private real estate sales are increasing. Let’s start by looking at a few:

Get More Money from the Sale

Probably the biggest reason that sellers go to For Sale by Owner is that they want to save money on commission fees. Average real estate commissions go from 3% on the low end to 6 to 7% on the high end. When you’re talking about, say, a $500,000 house, that is no small chunk of change. FSBO eliminates real estate agent commissions.

The price of commission to you is even higher since the percentage is based on the total price of the house. When looking only at your equity in the home, you will find that the agent’s commission is usually a much higher percentage than 5 or 7%. That alone is enough to convince many people to go For Sale by Owner.

Speed Up Sales

If speed is more important to you than money, you can also do something else with that commission savings: lower the asking price for your house. If you know how much you wanted to ask for with a real estate agent, deduct the commission from that and ask for that amount. A lower price will result in a quicker sale.

For motivated private real estate sellers, lowering the price might not even be necessary to sell your home quickly. After all, you know the house better than any real estate agent does, and you are committed to selling it. FSBO sellers often can sell more quickly or as quickly as any real estate agent.

Sell Your House on Your Terms

When you are doing a private real estate sale, you are in complete control. You decide on the price. You decide where and how it will be advertised. You decide what and if preconditions are required for potential buyers. Who gets to see the house and when they get to see it are performed on your schedule and the buyers’, not on the real estate agent’s.

Many people find it important to keep this control over the sale of their home. After all, it is your home and not the real estate agent’s: you should get to be the one who makes the important decisions for what you think best needs to be done to sell your home.

FSBO Challenges

Of course not everything is easy in private real estate. Because you are taking on much of the responsibilities yourself, it will take more time and effort on your part than it would if selling through an agent. Advertising and other expenses will need to come directly out of pocket, since it will not be coming out of the real estate agent’s commission. You’ll also need a real estate attorney who knows the ins and outs of private real estate law so as to ensure that everything goes by the book. If you are willing to overcome the challenges, however, you can find putting up a home For Sale by Owner can be very rewarding.

Copyright (c) 2009 Wes Fernley

By: Wes Fernley

In a soft real estate market, sellers who need to sell unfortunately pose a real danger for house hunters who need to buy. Before buying your dream home, do your due diligence.

With a little research, doctors, attorneys, teachers, pilots and plumbers — good people wanting their own homes through lease to own — do not have to become victims of scams and gimmicks.

1. Confirm ownership of property offered as rent-to-own. – Who really owns the home offered as rent to own. Be certain the person or company offering you a lease to own opportunity is legally able to make the offer. Some scammers who don’t have a legal right – that is an “assignment” clause – sublet their option. If the owner of record finds out and opposes, you may lose.

2. Don’t fall for the “We’re not Realtors” line. – Many knowledgeable and honest “non-licensed” real estate investors help families with home ownership. However, the unlicensed, honest investors are the exception, not the norm. Therefore, finding one is challenging at best.
Why is it that many real estate investors without a real estate license and without any accountability for misleading comments or actions think it’s okay to state, “We’re not Realtors?” Hmm. If contract problems arise, you may lack a legal foot on which to stand.

3. Beware of FSBOs (For Sale By Owners) Offering Rent-to-Own. – Unfortunately, some well-intentioned “For Sale By Owner” sellers don’t know the first thing about selling a house. They simply want to avoid paying a real estate commission. When their house sits empty with no buyers, desperate (and ignorant) sellers now decide to try renting to own…something about which they really know nothing.
They know nothing about selling a home the traditional way; now, they’re now considering leasing to own can cause you a legal nightmare…unintentionally perhaps. They don’t know what they’re doing.

4. Don’t fall for the “I’m a Realtor; I can help you” line. – On the other hand, Realtors want to get paid. Some Realtors will claim expertise in any type of real estate transaction just to get a commission. Does the Realtor specialize in lease to own home opportunities? Realtors do not take one second of training in putting together lease to own contracts. They’re licensed but ignorant of lease to own contracts. Dangerous indeed.

5. Get the future purchase price in writing. – This is BIG…don’t accept a contract with a “to be determined” future purchase price. Lock it in before signing anything. Many families have lost their dreams by not locking in such an important piece of information.

6. Read all paperwork very carefully before signing. – This is self explanatory. Pay a real estate attorney to review the contract and advise you. If it’s a great deal, it will be there in a couple days. Shocking but true, many people facing the biggest financial decision of their lives refuse to pay a couple hundred dollars for a real estate attorney.

7. Don’t Rush. – Again, this is self-explanatory. However, some professional sales people try to create urgency. Sign now. Give money now. Take your time…don’t rush.

8. Do the math. – Can you afford the home you desire? Many investors are setting people up for failure by advertising very low monthly payments, luring victims to failure. The investors know the low monthly payment advertised will get interest. They also know that the interested people probably won’t be able to afford the payment at the end of the lease term. Presto, they get the house back and keep the money. Nice racket, huh?

9. Separate the facts from the “BS”. – Ask lots of “What if…” questions. For instance, what happens if you’re not able to get financed at the end of the term? What happens if the house is worth more at the end of the lease term than the price on which you’ve agreed? What happens if the house doesn’t appraise for the agreed-upon sales price?

10. Don’t fall for the “rent credit” gimmick. – It’s a GIMMICK, if not a scam with some “rent to own” people. How? First, the monthly payment must be comparable to the monthly payment paid by a person with a mortgage or the underwriter will not accept it. Second, the $200 monthly rent credit x 12 months or $2,400 is simply added to the already inflated sales price. It’s a forced savings plan with money paid “upfront.”

Doctors, attorneys, teachers, pilots, laborers, nurses, and pastors know the benefits of leasing to own – they’re controlling a home with little money out of their pockets. Bad credit is not the only reason wise people choose to lease to own.

Do your due diligence (that is research) before pursuing your new lease to own home – avoid the scams and gimmicks.

By: Mike Payne

San Antonio is one of the most popular residential areas of the United States, being the second populous state in Texas and seventh in the United States. The population has doubled over 35 years. The city’s real estate market is one of the most active and San Antonio Foreclosure Homes are on the rise. The realty market trend in early 2010 is that buyers have an advantage over sellers.

San Antonio is famous for its River Walk, The Alamo, Tejano Culture and is home to Sea World. It is visited by 20 million tourists per year. This city has a strong military presence and it is home to four military bases.

Buying San Antonio Foreclosure homes is an attractive idea. With a population of more than 1.2 million people, this city is a massive foreclosure market. The gigantic area as well as the rush of people means huge foreclosure opportunities for investors. It offers investors and buyers the best of Southern hospitality and charm. It is also a vibrant city that draws tens of millions every year to its shores.

Spurred by an up to $8000 first time home buyer Federal tax credit program, San Antonio’s real estate market experienced a high buying and selling season in fall, 2009. But the market slowed down through December and January and picked up dramatically in February 2010.

Experts feel that the city’s Realty market is witnessing a brief home value depreciation cycle and will soon be followed by the region’s steady prices. Yet the city is sensitive to negative economic trends. Last year the market was flooded with San Antonio foreclosure homes. But there are positive signals too. The new federal cash incentive programs are expected to spur buying and selling activity.

Look at the figures for San Antonio single- family detached home listings as of March 2010. There are 11,476 active listings compared to 11, 958, a year ago. There is a rapidly rising inventory which is a good sign for home buyers.

The average sales price for recent closings is $169, 717 compared to $178, 320 last year. It is pointed out that the unusual decline in average sales price has been influenced mostly by the buying of a large number of cheap properties by home buyers making use of the home buyer Federal tax credit programs. It is certain is that the trend of decreasing sales price is a good omen for buyers.

Industry analysts sense these trends as those favoring buyers market over sellers. Thus San Antonio foreclosure homes market is favoring buyers this season and showing positive signs for them.

By: Iwona Filetti

Yup, its true folks! Austin is not buying that woebegone story that everyone else is reading. The latest reports show that the “Live Music Capital of the World” is proving that it still rates as a residential retreat and a bustling business center.

However, Austin is also ranked the #1 for Business among U.S. cities and the employment statistics can attest to that. Austin area job growth is holding steady with unemployment figures remaining at an all time low of 3%.

Austin has a lot to offer as a residential choice, but it also has a lot to offer in the business market, and with many new businesses moving in, the local economy is remaining strong.

Austin has been selected out of nearly 400 U.S. cities by Moody’s Economy and is rated #1 for the economic vitality index. Both commercial building and infrastructure construction continue at a rapid pace.

The local economy is remaining strong and last week analysts in the Austin American Statesman reminded residents that the housing market differs dramatically in various parts of the country, and that all real estate is local. The local real estate in Austin is holding steady and active listings are showing an increase over the same time last year.

Perhaps wisely, the newly-built home sector has been kept to a minimum and this has avoided an over-supply of homes. Consequently new homes are a smaller percentage of the Austin housing market.

In fact, four fifths of the listed properties for sale are re-sale homes. In spite of a slow down in sales which is normal for this time of the year, realty prices in the Central Texas area have continued to rise.

Interest rates remain low and to some extent, the recent changes in national lending requirements may have slowed things down, but Austin is still a sellers market. Some homes are still selling within days and still some homes receive multiple offers.

According to a study published by the First American Loan Performance, Austin prices are up by 8.6%; the average sale price is up from 2006 comparisons. The sold average sale price has increased compared to 2006 and the new listings average price is up by 5%.

This is all good news for any businesses that are planning their move to Austin, and it is also good news for real estate investors. There may not be many safe markets in the real estate world, but in the face of adversity Austin is still holding its head up high!

By: Jim Olenbush

Located approximately ten miles west of Nacogdoches, Texas, Lake Nacogdoches is continuing to provide beautiful real estate for Texans and Texas newcomers alike. Covering over two thousand acres, Lake Nacogdoches is known for its beautiful lakefront properties, as well as well as lakefront outdoor activities. In purchasing on or near the lake, there is much to see and do in the area, as well as in surrounding areas.

Lake Nacogdoches was initially impounded in the late nineteen seventies. Containing several species of fish, and being surrounded with a plethora of wildlife, the lake is a sight to see year-round.

Fishing is a favorite activity of those who live on the lake, or those that visit the area. From sunfish, to crappie, to trophy-sized largemouth or white bass, fishing has become quite the popular sport on Lake Nacogdoches.

Some travel to fish for the catfish alone, as some tall-tales rave of catfish that span half the length of most boats on the water. It is said that the largemouth bass is the most popular catch in Lake Nacogdoches.

It is also explained that homeowners on Lake Nacogdoches find the best fishing times to be in early morning in the spring months. So it is popular at this time each year, to see several other fishermen/women and families trying their hand at a catch on the lake.

Another favorite activity of Nacogdoches residents is water sports. Water skiing, wakeboarding, knee boarding, tubing and jet skis are some of the activities that occur on a daily basis during the warm summer months at Lake Nacogdoches.

The City of Nacogdoches provides visitors or real estate owners on Lake Nacogdoches with two parks. These parks are informally known as Eastside Park and Westside Park. Each of these parks holds a boat ramp for easy access to the lake. There are also public swimming areas and picnic areas provided. With such a beautiful location, and amazing weather in the spring and fall months this is a great place to come enjoy the beauty of the lake.

This location continues to be a favorite location for Stephen F. Austin State University students to visit in the fall. In the spring, anxious individuals or families may visit the area in search of the perfect piece of Nacogdoches real estate.

No matter if you are visiting the Lake to invest in your piece of Texas beauty, or if you are visiting the area for sport or leisure – the City of Nacogdoches and the lake itself, never fails to amaze and awe visitors with a bounty of memories to last a lifetime.

By: Michael Liebrum

Houston, Texas has one of the most vibrant real estate profiles in the country because of the huge demand for housing in the area. As a result, there are now a large number of real estate agents who want to get in on the action that the real estate market in Houston provides and evidence to this are the thousands of online leads that a person can get from various search engines. Such is the result of the recognition by real estate agents that advertising online can provide them access to a wider market. However, having a website nowadays does not ensure success in the real estate business given that there are thousands of real estate agents who also have websites. Given this, real estate agents, especially those based in cities like Houston where there is stiff competition among agents, need to make their websites stand out among other websites so that they would get the attention of investors and homebuyers.

One way to make websites stand out

One of the keys in having a high traffic website is being prioritized by search engines when they provide leads to Internet users. Given this, real estate agents that advertise online need to take the necessary steps to help increase their website’s search engine visibility. The good news is that there are a number of simple ways that can help real estate agents do so, which includes understanding and applying the concept of search engine optimization or SEO. This is very important because effectively applying SEO can help real estate agents become more visible to buyers and sellers of real estate. Basically, applying SEO involves building a website that is well organized and which has very relevant content. Examples of which include putting relevant phrases that buyers and sellers search for and optimizing titles, text hyperlinks, and headers.

Given the stiff competition among real estate agents in places like Houston, which has a very vibrant real estate profile, real estate agents need to take steps that can help them stand out among their competitors. One way they can do so is to build websites, which can help them gain access to a larger market of real estate sellers and buyers. However, real estate agents also need to make sure that their websites would also stand out among the thousands of websites of other real estate agents, which they can do by applying the concept of search engine optimization or SEO on their website.

By: Ken Marlborough

From a population standpoint, Austin, Texas has had its ups and downs. During the tech boom of the 1990′s, the population of Austin (previously a sleepy college town) swelled significantly. But when the tech boom went bust around 2000, many of those new jobs and people left the state capital once more.

Starting around 2004, however, things began to turn upward again in Austin. The tech sector rebounded, and many other industries began to open up shop in the city as well. Now that the dust has settled, let’s take a look at the numbers:

In the past ten years, Austin’s population has increased by 40 percent. That’s more than triple the average growth rate for cities across the United States.

Now, we are also seeing tremendous growth in the cities surrounding Austin. Excellent schools, great shopping opportunities and newly revitalized highways have spurred growth in such Central Texas cities as Round Rock, Cedar Park, Hutto and Leander.

So let’s take a quick look at these up-and-coming neighbors of Austin:

Round Rock, Texas – Home to Dell Computers headquarters, Round Rock is a tech-friendly city just up the road from Austin. Massive road-improvement projects have recently relieved the traffic problems that used to plague the city, greatly improving quality of life for people who live and work in Round Rock. Cedar Park, Texas – This city to the northwest of Austin has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last few years, growing from a mostly rural area to a medium-sized city with brand new healthcare and shopping options. Tremendous highway improvements, such as the 183 toll road, have made it a lot easier to commute from Cedar Park to Austin (and elsewhere). Hutto, Texas – As of this writing, Hutto is the fastest-growing city in Texas. Hutto is located about 25 miles to the northeast of Austin. It marks the eastern edge of what is considered Texas Hill Country. In 1990, Hutto had a population of around 630. Today, the city’s population has grown beyond 17,000 and is expected to reach 30,000 or more within the next decade. Leander, Texas – The city of 20,000+ boasts one of the best school districts in Central Texas, which is part of the reason for its rapid growth. A variety of new communities have sprung up to accommodate the growing population, and this includes some custom home communities in the Crystal Falls area of the city.

Central Texas is certainly growing by leaps and bounds. But when the media mentions this growth, they usually limit their coverage to Austin only. Austin is a great place to live and work, but there are also plenty of rapidly growing cities (with plenty of character) surrounding the state capital.

By: Brandon Cornett

Money is what makes the world go round. Some people have it others want it. But the question is for those people that are searching for wealth how do they get it? The good news is that there are literally millions of success stories out there. There is a multitude of ways to gain wealth.

Some have lived the American dream and pulled themselves up by their own boot straps. Others have been blessed into wealth by birthright. Still other people have been born physically gifted and have reaped financial windfalls.

But for ordinary people, what course of action can we take today that will change the rest of our lives for the better? Ask yourself this, “Am I willing to make a change in my life in order to achieve the financial security I have always dreamed about?” If you have an average or below average income now, clearly a change must be made to achieve financial security.

If you do not like the course your life is on then you must change paths! Are you willing to do it? Most people live in a comfort zone. Even when it may mean they are comfortable in POVERTY! Now is the time for change. Look you wouldn’t be reading this article if you were happy about your financial condition. So acknowledge that change is necessary.

If you are looking to get rich quick then I have no answers. Frankly if someone tells me they can help me get rich over night then I think of a four letter word, SCAM!

First establish a goal. When I say goal, I am talking about your destination. When I reach the end of the path where do I want to be? That is your true goal and destination. Now what is the vehicle I will use to achieve it? This is the job.

Many successful people will tell you in order to truly be good at what you do you must be passionate about it! Do what you love not what you think will make you a pile of money. You soon will find out that when you are passionate about what you are doing you will dedicate yourself to the job and success will follow.

First establish the destination (goal). Then identify the job (what you love to do). Once you have figured out the job you need to research the steps necessary to begin the job. For example, if I want to be a real estate mogul then I better find out what skills I need.

Identify a person who holds the job you desire then recognize what education and abilities they have then you can begin moving in that direction. Again we need to know our destination and understand that the stepping stones to get there may not all be pleasant. But if we will keep our eyes on the horizon while focusing on the next stone we will reach it.

What I am talking about is work ethic. But I don’t mean aimless hard work. Many Americans work their behinds off but never achieve wealth or happiness. They are subsistence workers rather than financial achievers. They work because they have to not because they want to. I am talking about passion! Work for what you want doing what you love! How great does that sound?

Another important part of the success equation is the ability to recognize our own personal strengths and weaknesses. Ask yourself, “What am I good at? What can I improve upon?” And sometimes we must understand that we may not have the talent to do what we desire. Listen to what I said! We are limited both mentally and physically but I believe most of us have unique abilities that often are not exploited.

Many people are fearful of the unknown. Don’t be afraid to fail but more importantly don’t be afraid to succeed! Today take a step forward for you and quit moving sideways or in reverse. Much of what I am talking about requires introspection. Look inside yourself and ask the key questions and evaluate your abilities.

Believe in yourself and the uniqueness with which your Creator blessed you. YOU CAN BE SUCCESSFUL!

The key is follow your passion. I promise you will not have long-term success at anything that you don’t believe in doing. Remember that in order to make a change in your life, you must change paths. The sooner you get started the sooner you will reach your goal and destination. Keep the Faith!

By: Daniel Shipman

Termite damage can devalue a home faster than raging crime rates, poor schools and a nearby freeway. No matter how seemingly small the damage may seem, if a home inspector finds evidence of termite damage, the value of the home decreases significantly and the sale of the house typically won’t go through to completion until the termite problem is solved.

If you’re dealing with a termite problem or worried about termites affecting your real estate sale, keep reading for answers to some frequently asked questions about the wood-eating machines and real estate.

Who has to pay for termite treatment?

Typically, the seller must pay to treat a termite problem. However, while the cost of extermination is relatively small compared to the destruction they can cause (typically $1000 to $2000), there is the possibility of extensive damage to the basic structure of the house.

How do I know if the structure has been damaged?

While some damage will be visible to an inspector’s naked eye, other more intensive and extensive inspection will need to be done. Depending on the focus of the termite damage, the home may need to be excavated and opened up. Inspectors typically look in underground and exterior spaces for evidence of termite damage.

How much does structural termite repair cost?

Depending on the extent of the damage, structural repairs can cost you anywhere from a few thousand dollars to the full value of the home. If a home is deemed unsound and structurally unfit because of termite carnage, it will have to be torn down and rebuilt.

How do I get a thorough termite investigation?

To determine the prevalence of termite damage, you’ll need a fully invasive testing to be done. This means walls will be taken out, flooring ripped out and the core of your home exposed for inspection. However, this is a costly venture.

How can I prevent a termite infestation?

Today, when a new home is built, a pest control technician visits the build site and sprays a pesticide or termiticide on the foundation plot before the foundation is actually poured.

For existing structures, homeowners can prevent future infestations by limiting the contact between earth and wood supports (for example, on a back deck), removing debris and wood from crawl spaces, improving drainage, and providing adequate ventilation in crawl spaces.

Will a typical home inspection look for termites?

No, most average home inspections won’t include a full termite inspection. However, many general home inspectors are certified to add on a basic, visual termite inspection for an additional cost. Don’t skimp here. It’s worth the added expense for the knowledge that your home is structurally sound.

By: Donovan Carter

Around the world, the real estate sector is experiencing an abundance of properties and in this case the US is no exception. Many US counties such as Dallas County, Rockwall County, Collin County Tarrant County, and Denton County are full of homes, houses, condominiums, and commercial properties that are put up on sale. In other words, real estate investment in the region of Dallas Fort Worth Texas can prove to be very beneficial. It is true that Dallas discount homes are widely available but if you seriously want to sell or buy such properties here, you will need to get hold of a good real estate agent or a company.

The advantages of hiring a professional, reputed, and experienced real estate agent are many. They will be able to guide you in locating the best Dallas discount homes available in Dallas Fort Worth Texas. They will also be able to prevent you from getting trapped in various kinds of real estate scams which have become very common in today’s times. Finally, they will be able to aid you in striking the best deals and generating substantial profits during the transactions of such properties. The only disadvantage of hiring such agents is the fees and commission that is expended in paying them that may be a considerable amount. However, if you can save on a substantial amount in your investment, this expenditure is sometimes worth it.

Due to the present crisis that has hit the global real estate market, the numbers of seized homes and houses, repossessed homes, and foreclosed properties in Dallas Fort Worth Texas is on the rise. Many Dallas discount homes are available for low income earners to afford homes for themselves and their families. The repossessed homes are a good option if you want to buy residential or commercial properties at the lowest possible prices in this region. You can buy them directly from the lenders or even by bidding at the public auctions.

After you buy or invest in Dallas discount homes, you can generate some profits. For instance, you can consider renting them out and earn a stable income on a monthly or annual basis or even put it up for resale and sell it at a higher price. Before you invest in such properties in Dallas Fort Worth Texas, it is essential for you to bear certain factors in mind. For instance, when you are selecting a home, ensure to find out all about its location and amenities. Ideally, buyers prefer their houses to have schools, restaurants, parks, stores, and shopping malls located nearby. If you do some research online, you will get the exact location of such discount homes.

On the other hand, there are some people who prefer their homes to be located away from the hustle and bustle of the daily city life and look for Dallas discount homes that are situated further from the heart of the city. In this way, you will be able to enjoy a more private environment. The latest and updated listings of such homes in Dallas Fort Worth Texas are widely available in magazines, newspapers, and in online real estate site.

By: Mathew Joseph