What 2 Myths Hold Buyers in San Antonio

There are two major Myths Holding Back Home Buyers. One is you do NOT need 20% down (and if you wait to accumulate that much you could be hurting the cause, not helping to get you into homeownership)! And the other is you do NOT need a real high FICO score - you really don't! Because this message is SO important, I am posting two pictures related to today's article. I am really hoping to get your attention because these myths ARE holding some folks back from getting a home of their own. Buying a home is a big step - of course. That is why you do it with a professional by your side. Just call me - Al. And, especially today - please share this message and help someone you know

Do you know about renting vs buying?

The Cost of Renting vs. Buying in the US. There is a belief that renting cost less than owning a home. Once upon a time that was true. But, this is a new time. It is a great time to be an owner. Scroll through this blog - we have said time and time again, now is the time to take that step. Whether it is your first step toward owning your own home or a time to step up to a new home. One day, folks will look back to now and say how great it must have been. The choice is up to you - and you will never know if you do not give it a try. Today! For more details, check out today's article

Trails at Westpointe

Another new community - matter of fact, a brand NEW community by Meritage Homes. So new, the guys are working on the entrance and looking to the grand opening this weekend. This one is just outside 1604 off Wiseman Blvd (not far from SeaWorld). If you do not have an agent and would like someone to represent you, call me - Al

Home Equity and Retirement

The Importance of Home Equity in Retirement Planning... If you have been following us for a while, you have seen our posts about how a home increases your wealth - and how your "investment" grows while providing a place to live. As you start planning retirement most can look forward to social security, investment plan distributions and, if lucky, career related retirement benefits. No matter what your situation, if you have equity in your home you can count on that too. It could mean using the equity for a reverse mortgage, selling your home and moving on - or even aging in place with mortgages that are paid off if you started early enough - or mortgages payments that will continue to increase your equity and one day be paid off. There are so many options and possibilities. Owning is a great option! No matter how you look at it - paying rent will leave you with receipts and a payment due next month. Are you in? For more, have a look at today's article

Problem Plaguing New Construction

The Supply & Demand Problem Plaguing New Construction... We have discussed the law of supply and demand in previous posts. Those posts examined the housing market by looking at completed homes available to purchase - or previously owned homes. Today we will examine the law of supply and demand on new construction. There are 4 L's involved - let's look at the 3 specific to new construction. Lots - to build on. Labor to build. And, finally, Lumber to use in construction. Builders are wrestling with all three of those issues. As solutions are found more homes can be built and become available for purchase. How long will it take to balance supply and demand - uncertain. That shortage influences prices on existing homes. The 4th L is lending. It is no secret that following the crash many restraints were placed upon lending. It was very difficult to get a mortgage. We see that lightening up somewhat now and opportunities are increasing. For more information, have a look at today's article. If you would like to talk about opportunities for you, cal me - Al

Valley Ranch San Antonio

Visited a great community today on Culebra just outside 1604 a few miles. What a growing area! The rec center has to be seen - it is enormous. Here are a few photos of the recreation center and model homes from DR Horton. If you are looking for a home and don't already have a real estate agent working on your behalf, call me - Al

Are you one of the one million?

Do You Know How Much Equity You Have in Your Home? Frank Nothaft, CoreLogic’s Chief Economist, explains: “One million borrowers achieved positive equity over the last year, which means risk continues to steadily decline as a result of increasing home prices.” That is a huge number of folks who have benefited from owning their home while prices have increased. And, that means their "wealth" has increased as well. Not a bad investment - and one you can live in! For more, have a look at today's article. Then call me - Al

Real Estate Agent Websites

Today we had the honor of being published on the GoDaddy Blog. If you have not checked it out yet, it is really interesting, diversified and informative. Our article looks at WordPress as a platform for a real estate site. GoDaddy Article

For our new followers, we specialize in real estate agent websites. You will find us at Agent Branded Websites and Basic Business Solutions

Call if you would like to discuss website options

Buying Is Now 33.1% Cheaper

Buying IS Now 33.1% Cheaper Than Renting in the US. Isn't that a shocking number? To keep perspective, the range is 3.5% all the way up to 50.1%. So, same old question - which one is for you? Pay your own mortgage - or pay your landlords mortgage. For more, have a look at today's article. Not sure where to start? Best is to pick up the phone and call me. Even if you are not San Antonio - call, I will do my best to help you in some way

Home Renovations for Maximum ROI

Top Home Renovations for Maximum ROI is today's subject. There are investments that you can make in your home that will have great payback - and others which can have zero payback. Today's article elaborates on that and if you are looking for a return on investment there are important points to consider. On the other hand, if you plan to be in your home for sometime and there are some changes that just seem to fit your lifestyle, you may want to do them anyway and enjoy your home a little more. Lets assume you do a project at a cost of $5000 that has little expected return when you sell your house. In this example, suppose you keep your house for 10 years following that project. That means your cost of that personal enjoyment is $500 per year. It is simply a cost-benefit decision and only you can decide. I have friends that have done it - with no regrets - and I have as well. There is a link in today's article which takes you to an expanded list of top home renovations that will net you the most. Be sure to check it out

Love Is In The Air

Do you believe in love at first sight? I visited Cavender Cadillac today and right there, waiting for me (I wish) was this gorgeous car. It is not just a car, it is a marvel in engineering and design. And, yes - the car had me! So all I need now is a winning lotto ticket becasue this little sweetheart lists for $103,000..... maybe I should buy 2 lotto tickets this week

San Antonio Housing Bubble

Are Home Prices Approaching Bubble Territory? No. After the experience a decade ago, it is understandable that some folks look at prices today with trepidation. A more in depth look at the numbers brings a different conclusion. Housing prices are pretty much where they should be. Have a look at today's article - and in particular the graphs. It is all looking good. And low interest rates make it look even better. We appreciate your sharing this article

TRUTH - RENT vs. BUY San Antonio

The TRUTH Behind the RENT vs. BUY Debate. The debate never seems to end even though recent studies show owning is the clear way to go. In today's article there is a paragraph on "Beer and Cookies". Let's focus on that. If the analysts crunch all the numbers and make an assumption that you will invest the "savings" (cost of renting vs buying) into stocks, bonds or other investments then it is possible the the "net" would favor renting. The question is maintaining the discipline to invest that "savings" (difference between rental and ownership cost) because, if not, then ownership is the clear winner. Of course, it is up to each family to make that decision. A house may be an investment, but it is also a home

San Antonio Homeowner Investment

Homeownership Is a Good Financial Investment! That has been proven time and time again. Homeownership is a way to improve your financial wealth and security. And, besides - it is a lot more fun living in a home that is your own! Did you know that in 100 metro areas tested, OWNING a home is cheaper than RENTING! Did you know it is an average of 33% CHEAPER! That should be shocking - it was to me. There is an opportunity today to improve your wealth and your future. Find out how. Check out today's article for starters - then call me

Moving On in San Antonio

4 Reasons to Buy This Summer! Moving on with your life is just one of the reasons. Either way, you are paying a mortgage - why not your own? If you cannot pay rent, you get tossed out. So, worst case - if you cannot pay your mortgage you may get tossed out as well. But if you get to that point - and you are the owner - there are other options on the table. And, if you never get into that financial situation and all goes well - one day the home is yours. It is a way to increased wealth and proven time and time again. There is some urgency to this. Buying now gets you ahead of rising prices (your wealth improves as prices rise - IF you are the owner). Buying now also gets you ahead of the projected rise in interest rates. You have nothing to lose by trying to buy a home - and everything to gain. What are you holding back for? Have a look at today's article - and then call me

San Antonio - Interest Rates Matter

The Impact Your Interest Rate Makes [INFOGRAPHIC]. Actually, interest rates matter a lot! If you can afford a payment of "X", then you can borrow up to an amount that creates that payment. As interest rates move up, the amount you can borrow goes down if you need to keep the payment "X". That means, unless you have more money to put down you will be looking at buying a lower priced home. Buying while interest rates are low gets you the most house for the payment "X". So why are you waiting? Going to "save more" before buying? That is absolutely the wrong move. Home prices go up - and interest rates eventually will to. Don't lose out. For more, read today's article

KB Home New Community in Bulverde

We visited the brand new KB Home Edgebrook community in Bulverde today - and - wow! Three models available for you to see - all bright and spacious with great floor plans. I am going to share some pictures here and if you are not already working with a real estate agent, I would be very happy to show you these homes. It is a great area - very low property taxes. Call me at 210-757-0211 today

Lowest rates of the year!

Mortgage Interest Rates Reverse Course in 2017. Nobody knows where rates will be at the end of the year. It is almost absurd that mortgage rates are as low as they are right now - but "get it while it lasts" applies! Seriously, going in to 2017, we thought rates would rise significantly - and we are happy to be wrong about that! The good news is that more folks can get into a home of their own or upgrade to something newer at an affordable cost. Will rates remain throughout the year or into 2018 - unknown! it is probably not worth the gamble. For more on about rates, check today's article

Are you one of 69% in San Antonio

69% of Buyers are Wrong About Down Payment Needs! Imagine all the folks out there paying rent because of information that is outdated. We really need to work hard to get the message out there. Buying a home of your own does NOT require a down payment of 20%. As a matter of fact, the required down payment is nowhere near that amount. It is not just real estate agents that need to get this message out there. If you have family paying rent - or know some friends or co-workers who are paying rent, why not let them know that maybe they can join the ranks of homeowners in the USA. It is the American Dream. It is the road to increased wealth. It is the way to enjoy a better standard of living. Why not do what you can to make that happen for someone? For more, have a look at today's article

Pricing Your San Antonio Home Right

If Your Home Hasn’t Sold Yet… Definitely Check the Price! Actually, there are many factors that can delay the sale of your home - pricing is one of them. We do our best to price right the first time. If we are too high, either we will get few or no showings or the feedback from agents showing the home will indicate that there is a problem. If there is, corrective action is recommended as soon as possible. But there are other issues besides price - issue such as appearances inside and out and how "dated" the home may look. And, the location matters. Location can be a prime factor. Your real estate professional can guide you long these lines. For more on pricing, read today's article

5 Reasons to Sell in San Antonio

5 Reasons You Should Sell This Summer. Remember the movie called "Perfect Storm?" We may have that right now in the real estate market. And, just like a perfect storm is not a common occurrence neither is what we are seeing today in real estate. Market demand is strong and supply is low. As a home seller, that means a good price for your current home - but like any other buyer, you will be up against a limited supply of homes to choose from and higher prices on the home you will buy. BUT - waiting will not likely see lower prices on the home you will buy, yet you will probably see higher interest rates down the road. Higher interest means higher payments - or buy less house than you can buy today for the same money. The economics make sense. If you are in the perfect home and you do not need or desire a different home, by all means - stay put! You may even want to check your mortgage rates to make sure you have the best possible financing and repayment opportunity. But, if you are at all considering a move - for whatever your personal reasons - now in a good time to jump into the storm. For more, have a look at today's article

What Would You Sacrifice for a Home in San Antonio?

What Would You Sacrifice to Save For Your Next Home? We make many sacrifices in life - at all different levels. Remember as a child there was something you really wanted. Maybe something your parents could not afford - or maybe something they used to teach you the value of sacrifice and saving. Perhaps in later years you wanted a car or truck. You made sacrifices along the way to get the money saved to buy it.The lesson of giving up some things for a bigger goal is certainly important as it translates well into adult life. When you are ready and have made the decision to buy your first home, you will need money to do that. The more you can put down, the lower your monthly payment. So what sacrifices are you willing to make to get your first home? For more, read today's article

Questions for a San Antonio Real Estate Agent

Can Your Real Estate Agent Answer These Important Questions? I was actually surprised when I read today's article. Perhaps, I take some things for granted but these "important questions" are really pretty basic. A real estate professional needs to have an understanding of the market and the impact of outside elements affecting the market. The other big one is the agent must understand marketing concepts and how to bring you the most value for your home if selling and the best negotiated price when buying. A real estate agent with experience, a good reputation, and ongoing current education would serve you well. Fortunately, today the internet is a great resource for finding one