FREE Annual Credit Report

Knowing what is in your credit report is important - it can avoid unexpected and unpleasant surprises. You can check your credit without impacting your credit scores and you can check at no cost.

For more information and the link to get your FREE annual credit report, visit (and bookmark), our page: https://www.sanantoniorealestate.blog/p/mortgages-and-credit.html - and find out how you can get a report every 4 months!

Millennials eZine

Millennials - this one is for you http://millennials.sanantonio.one

We have over 30 subjects in eZine format at San Antonio ONE. Check it out - ours is an eclectic collection - hopefully with a topic or two you may like!

PS: Don't forget to share this with 1000 of your closest friends! Thank you.

5 Powerful Reasons to Own

At the crossroad - rent or own?

If you are a regular reader, you know I tend to be very transparent. So I'll share this with you today - I was an "owner" from my very early 20's. Right now, for a number of reasons. I am a "renter". So, again, I have the experience of both. I get it. My recommendation for "OWNERSHIP" still stands. If you can, just do it. If you think you cannot - and you want to explore that - reach out to me. Does not matter where you live - or if you are my client - just reach out.

Here is the short list on ownership (for details, check out today's report)

1. Housing is typically the one leveraged investment available
2. You’re paying for housing whether you own or rent
3. Owning is usually a form of “forced savings”
4. Owning is a hedge against inflation
5. There are still substantial tax benefits to owning

You can also use the search feature on this blog for other articles on renting vs owning. My spiel is consistent. BUY - OWN - INCREASE YOUR WEALTH. Yeap, that is me!

Places

Places is probably our most popular eZine - you can jump direct: http://places.sanantonio.one

Places is also our most fun eZine. There are many places for adventure and exploration on planet earth. Whether ancient history, the rarely explored wilds, the most populated cities or countries of all sizes around the world - if travel and adventure is for you, visit Places. I have been fortunate to visit about 38 countries so far - check out the list. If you have a recommendation to add to the Places eZine, let me know.

We have over 30 subjects in the San Antonio ONE eZine collection. Be sure to check it out and find out if there is one for you!

What Documents Are Needed

When you apply for a mortgage certain documentation will be required. Our friends at Zillow have created a comprehensive list of documents most often requested at the time of your application.

This list will give you a head start in knowing what to expect, and your mortgage professional will go over what your lender requires specific to your loan request. It is all likely to go very smooth if you are prepared!

Texas Tulips San Antonio

We really do have tulips growing in South Texas soil - acres of them!

Went to visit Texas-Tulips in La Vernia today. They have another location near Dallas in Pilot Point.

The folks at Texas-Tulips worked their magic and created a field that you can walk through and flowers that you can pick and bring home. Yellows, whites, reds, mixed and more.

They say the field should last into early March but if you want to see this, I would not waste any time.

As you will see in some of these photos, it was not terribly crowded - on a week day - no idea what the weekend will be like. The drive down to La Vernia was enjoyable on this very sunny and warm day. Enjoy!

5 Tips for Buying New Construction

Buying a home involves personal choices and personal preferences. And, that is a good thing - imagine if everyone wanted exactly the same! So, if you prefer older homes - or historical homes, this page may not be of interest. If you like the idea of a brand new home - a home that no one has ever lived in - read on.

I have done both. The experts say our tastes change as we go through life. I have heard changes can take place every 7 years! But, honestly, I am glad to have the experience of both and, I think it helps me to empathize with the unique issues of the two.

The adventure of "new construction" appeals to me. The idea of "all new" appeals to me. The "energy efficiencies" - even the fresh smell of a new home - all very exciting. And the options for some or all customization puts new over the top. Over the years, I have helped clients who never thought they would get "new" make that move. Not all REALTORS do this, but I took courses in new home construction and earned the credentials to better serve my new home clients. Be sure to check out today's report for more about New Construction and check out my credentials to see how I can help you.

Ground Hog Day 2020

I would like to ask - "who do you trust more about the timing on selling your home" - but the answer scares me! Your trusted real estate professional knows the answer, but sometimes folks may elect to go the ground hog:-)

Seriously, there is such a shortage of available homes for sale that now is a great time to get ahead of the competition. You can list your home before more homes go on the market for sale. You will also be ready to move on before the others too! If you would like to chat about that, call me AL. If you need to browse for your next dream home, check this out: https://www.sanantonio.homes

Starting the Search for a Home

Buying a first home or a new home can be a lot of fun. It can be an adventure. But, it can also cause stress. In today's market, with a shortage of available homes for sale - the search is also very competitive. So you need a plan (and a really good real estate agent)!

Here are the basics - with expanded explanation in today's report):

1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage Before You Start Your Search
2. Know the Difference Between Your ‘Must-Haves’ and ‘Would-Like-To-Haves’
3. Research and Choose a Neighborhood You Want to Live In
4. Pick a House Style You Love and Stick to It
5. Document Your Home Visits

A good agent will guide you through the process - it is what we are trained for and licensed to do. Our fees are typically paid for by the seller so our services to you as a buyer are at no extra cost.

If you are shopping outside San Antonio and need an agent, reach out to us - we are connected to many agents around the country. If you are looking in the San Antonio area, of course reach out to us to help you find your dream home. You can browse here:  San Antonio Homes.