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
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.
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.
Natural Look Is In For Home Decor
February 12, 2008
By JESSIE MILLIGAN
FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM
What’s in store for home decor in 2008? Expect to see a lot of anything that looks “natural.” Slubby undyed linen upholstery. Neutral-colored natural-fiber rugs. Tables made to look like logs.
“Anything that looks like something that helps save the environment will be big,” says Amy Larrabee, spokeswoman for the Color Marketing Group in Annapolis, Md. “It does not necessarily have to be better for the environment, but it will look that way.”
We’ll see textured neutral backdrops-sofas and tables-punctuated with bright and bold color-saturated accessories, the non-profit color-marketing group predicts.
Average HOA Costs In San Antonio
February 11, 2008
Annual homeowners association fees can include a transfer fee, reserve or capital improvement fee as well as monthly, quarterly or annual dues.
They differ by size, the number of homes in an association, and the amenities provided.
Transfer fee for single-family home
$100 to $150 one time
Annual dues for single-family homes
0-99 units: $250-$400 without a gate or other amenities and $500-$700 with an entrance gate Pools
100-299 units: $250-$400 without a pool; $350-$500 with a pool 300-699 units with a pool: $450-$600 700+ units with a pool: $350-$500
Condos and Townhomes
$150-$250 per month, which usually includes waste disposal and water service
Source: Spectrum Association Management and Glenn Clarke
3 Smart Reasons to Schedule a Home Inspection
February 6, 2008
Whether your in the market buying a new home or maybe an older home, the door should always be open to a home inspection–before buying. Home inspections help you spot potential problems with a house–ranging from dry rot to termites, and from faulty wiring to bad plumbing. That information not only saves you future headaches, but it can also be used as leverage when negotiating the price of a home.
Here’s a look at the top three ways home inspections can help buyers:
