Relocating To San Antonio: Top 10 Things Not To Do When Moving
May 18, 2008
1. Don’t rely exclusively on the Internet.
2. Don’t get the price over the phone. Movers can’t see everything through the phone.
3. Don’t take the mover’s word on it. Your estimate should be in writing.
4. Don’t put a deposit down on the move. But do confirm what methods of payment are accepted.
5. Don’t overlook the small print and read all the legal documents called your “Rights and Responsibilities.”
6. Don’t wait to pack. Packing takes the typical homeowner two weeks.
7. Don’t wait to make your moving reservation, especially during the summer.
8. Don’t assume. The American Moving and Storage Association suggests having three surveys performed to give you a good perspective on your move.
9. Don’t try to do it all the last week before you close on your home.
10. Don’t expect exclusive use of a truck. If you’re moving far, you might share a moving truck with another family.
San Antonio Relocating Tips Provided by: Scobey Moving and Storage
Top 25 Biggest Real Estate Mistakes
April 18, 2008
For those buying or selling a home, these helpful tips could help you avoid costly mistakes on one of the biggest investments of your life. The list was compiled by some of the top real estate experts in the field, including brokers; investors; contractors; market experts; buyers; and sellers. You can catch the special episode on the “25 Biggest Real Estate Mistakes” on HGTV.
25. Buying a House for its Decor
Remember that you are buying the house, not the stuff inside of it, so make sure you see beyond the decorations and look at the bones of the home. Focus on the floor plan and the square footage. You also might want to measure the dimensions and graph out how that’s going to work with your current belongings.
Tips for San Antonio Homeowners to Avoid Home Improvement Scams
April 9, 2008
May is National Home Improvement Month. During times of a softer economy paired with the approach of warmer weather, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) wants to remind San Antonio homeowners to beware of unscrupulous people posing as remodelers.
One common issue exploited homeowners have run into is having to pay both the contractor and the subcontractors. The homeowner’s financial obligations should only be to the contractor. Some dishonorable contractors are collecting large, upfront payments from residents. When the work has been completed, instead of paying the subcontractors, the dishonest business owner instead pays the interest on properties they have already purchased and can only re-sell below cost. This predictably leaves subcontractors without paychecks and forces them to establish mechanics’ or materialmens’ liens on their customers’ properties.
10 Things New Homeowner’s Should Know
April 1, 2008
Act now, save later
1. Pull out the home-inspection report and reread it. Use the report as a handy maintenance checklist.
Most inspections take place during a stressful time when the buyer’s main concern is closing the deal, Davis says.
“A lot of small problems tend to be overlooked and dismissed,” he says. “But in time they grow to bigger problems that can max out your credit card.”
One of Davis’ real-estate clients watched for three months as a water stain crept across his ceiling. Then one night while the man was eating dinner, the entire ceiling collapsed. The lesson: Be proactive. Take care of issues as soon as or before they arise.
Your Guide To The Home Buying Process
March 8, 2008
The Home Buying Process can become time-consuming and complicated. Don’t make bad decisions that may cost you thousands. By working with Trend Setter Realty we have your best interests in mind while making the home buying process an enjoyable experience. Contact us today to begin the process.
10 Home Buyers Tips
March 7, 2008
TIP #1 Buying A home Is One Of The Best Investments You Can Make! Home equity remains the largest single savings vehicle for most Americans. In addition to the tax incentives of home ownership, and the ability to tap into your home equity if the need arises, buying a home is a wise and prudent investment for most people.
What San Antonio Mortgage Lenders Look For
March 3, 2008
Written by Erica Barton over at AmericanConsumerNews.com
Obviously, potential mortgage lenders look at your income for the last two years and your credit score when determining if you are “mortgage-worthy.” However, income can now be “stated,” and bad credit does not mean you will be unworthy in getting a loan. Bad Credit is just as attractive to many lenders as good credit since it means a lender can charge you a higher interest rate and get you to pay more points and fees to get a better rate. In fact, since there are so many “secret” factors that go into lending you money, by simply making a few tweaks before applying, you can get approved for the best of the best loans. Here are some other factors Potential Mortgage Lenders look at when deciding if they should lend to you or not.
Kitchens and Baths Continue as Focus of Design Activity in Homes
February 29, 2008
Renewable materials and energy-efficient products for kitchens and baths have risen in popularity, while economic concerns among homeowners has resulted in a decline in demand for high-end appliances and features. To accommodate an aging and less mobile population, there is also a greater emphasis on accessibility and adaptability throughout the home. These findings are from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Home Design Trends Survey focused specifically on kitchen and bathrooms in the fourth quarter of 2007. Residential architects have reported the weakest business conditions in the three-year history of this survey, indicating that the housing market is not poised for a recovery in the near term.
Click here for link to the full report
Don’t Skip On Title Insurance
February 24, 2008
TYPICAL TITLE PROBLEMS
To close on a house, the buyer usually must have title insurance guaranteeing that he or she will be the sole owner.
Insurance companies refuse to provide that insurance in some cases. Here are common examples of why title insurance would be denied:
•Grandparents die without leaving wills, and one child keeps the home without proper legal documents. It’s not found until two generations later.
•The property description differs from the sales contract.
•The previous owner forged mortgage documents to show that he or she had paid off a previous mortgage. But the former mortgage company still owns the property.
Source: Alamo Title Co.
Shorten Your Mortgage And Save Thousands
February 20, 2008
A 15-year fixed-rate mortgage lasts half as long as a 30-year fixed-rate loan. You don’t have to work in the lending industry to know that. But if you guessed that monthly payments on a 15-year loan cost twice as much as on a 30-year loan, you’re in for a surprise.
