Realtor Jurisdictions
July 7, 2022
Tip Thursday!
Do you know what an MLS is?
There are lots of multiple list serves in the great state of Texas!
Yes, I am licensed in Tx.
Yes, I can write up an offer for anywhere in Tx!
But do I always like doing that? Not when I don’t think I am serving your best interest backed with data/facts and comps.
Yes I can refer you to other agents in other states and areas too!
June Market Update
June 30, 2022
June Market Update: Tips for my Sellers:
It’s true, the market is finally cooling a tad. The days of 30 offers are over (for now).
Now it is super important to do the following:
-Price smart
-Take care of the small items/pre-inspection
-Leave the buyer with no objections (stage and prep work)
-Hire someone with experience and market pulse
-Adjust expectations from what you heard in previous months
Different Types Of Equity Options
June 7, 2022
Tip Tuesday: Tapping into Equity
Now there are all sorts of varying loan types, (and qualifying credentials) but I am touching on how to tap into your home equity today.
There’s way too much to cover in a small video, so if you’d like to know more–message me and we can schedule a call or I can put you in touch with someone I think can help. Traditional lenders do not typically service HELOCs….so depends on what you are looking for and what fits your goals and needs.
What is the cost of waiting
May 25, 2022
The cost of waiting.
As you may have heard, the market is shifting a tad. This isn’t “good”news, or “bad news” it is simply a shift to take into consideration. We are shifting from a HOT seller’s market to a seller’s market.
Buyers: Do your offers still have to be competitive? Yes.
Sellers: Will you likely still see multiple offers if priced correctly? Yes.
As interest rates rise (let me remind you we have been at a historical low for years and in the 80s people were buying homes at 16% interest) your buying power lessens. So what you were pre-approved for at 3.5% a year ago has now shifted as rates go above 5%. Prices have also had a dramatic jump in the last two years. As always, we recommend getting approved with a local lender first and if you are considering buying–you may want to do so sooner than later, because as you save, the cost of the home or rate is also increasing. As I have stated previously my favorite time to purchase is October through February but you may want to start shopping now as rates will continuously be adjusted and our robust market will still remain strong, but not as strong as we have seen in the past.
What is an Appraisal Packet
May 18, 2022
We have reviewed an appraisal. An appraiser. Appraisal waivers. But do you know what an appraisal packet is?
An appraisal packet is what we (agents) provide to appraisers before they visit the property. Many times an appraisal packet will include:
-Off Market comparables
-Comparables we want the appraiser to consider that they normally perhaps wouldn’t
-An upgrade list (ages of systems and added features that provide value)
-Offer recap (in a high demand market it is important for the appraiser to see how much demand was for a home)
Protesting Property Taxes 2022
April 22, 2022
If you’re following along on my social media (@ihearttheatx) I have been posting videos about Property Tax Time (and how to protest)!
The downside of owning a home in a very desired real estate market is obviously our property tax increase.
You may protest your taxes online yourself or hire someone to do it for you. Personally, I have used FiveStone the last three years and been very happy (but it does take a bit to get the results).
If you prefer to protest your taxes on your own, you can use our Home Valuation Tool to get a rough estimate of your home’s current market value and recent nearby sales by searching your neighborhood, turning on the “sold” toggle and researching a year back (as values are rapidly increasing). Look at homes similar in size and age for comparison.
Professionals you can hire to protest for you: Texas Protax, Five Stone Tax or O’Connor Associates. They only charge a percentage of the money you save and are experts at dealing with the County Tax Assessors.
For more information visit my blog here or Instagram highlights-I have some great Real Estate tips as well (@ihearttheatx) and some other YouTube videos as well! I am always trying to be of value even after your closing and if you have any other questions–you know where to find me and the team (BrinkmanTeam@realtyaustin.com) THANKS! Feel free to forward to any friends who may find this info valuable.
Homestead Exemption 2022
April 22, 2022
I hope your 2022 is off to a great start and you have been enjoying your home, but this is a friendly reminder you have some business to attend to!
First, I want to thank you again for trusting in the team and I for your real estate needs. We had a record breaking 2021 and appreciate your business and referrals!!
Secondly, You are probably aware that as a homeowner you are entitled to a discount on your annual property taxes for your primary residence called a ‘Homestead Exemption.’ (This has to be your primary residence, however).
*As an FYI, if you have not changed your address on your driver’s license, you need to do that first (because the county will ask for a photocopy when you send in your form (or file online)*
3 No’s for Home Buying
March 11, 2022
You know that you are supposed to get pre-approved to get started in the home buying adventure, but here’s a few more No-Nos for you to keep in mind:
1. Don’t start looking at houses and getting invested without knowing your budget.
2. Don’t just hire the first agent ya meet, make sure it’s a good fit first.
3. Don’t skip over important parts of your option period. Inspection, running numbers, reading through HOA documents, meeting neighbors and taking measurements for changes should all be done in the time you have to make your outs.
Homeward
March 7, 2022
1. Do you want to buy a home with ca$h?
2. Do you have a home to sell, but don’t want to list until you find a home to buy first?
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If you answered yes to either of these questions, then Homeward may be a good option for you. Yes, you have to be pre-approved but cash on the spot vs long close times and financing contingencies may work to your favor!
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We have been utilizing this tool in the competitive market and if you want to hear more–reach out, we can get ya started! Let’s get ya a home!
Cheers,
The Brinkman Team
