Seller Paid Closing Costs: A Guide for Buyers

Are you looking to buy a new home, but don’t have enough funds to cover the closing costs? Don’t worry, there’s a solution to this. You can negotiate with the seller to pay for the closing costs. This option has become a popular point of conversation in the real estate market. However, it’s not always possible, and there are a few things to keep in mind.

First of all, the amount that the seller can contribute to your closing costs will vary depending on the loan type and down payment. So, it’s important to understand the terms and conditions of your loan agreement before negotiating.

Additionally, some sellers may not be willing to make any concessions on the price of their property, so it’s important to understand their perspective as well.

If you have any questions about seller paid closing costs, feel free to reach out to us. We’d be happy to help answer any questions you may have. So, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Houston Market Update As Of January 23, 2023

Good morning and happy Monday! As we head into the last part of the month, we are pleased to report that inventory is holding strong at 2.7 months. This is great news for buyers, as it means there are plenty of options to choose from.

One of the biggest factors influencing the real estate market right now is interest rates. They have ticked down from December numbers, making it more affordable for buyers to finance their purchases. However, it’s important to note that as interest rates decrease, demand for homes generally increases. This can lead to more offers and competition for buyers.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in 2023, now is a great time to start planning. Our team can help you navigate the market and make the most of the current opportunities. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you achieve your goals.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss how we can help you make your real estate dreams a reality in 2023. Have a great day and a productive week ahead!

The State of The Market

In November 2022, the real estate market saw some interesting trends. 26% of sales were completed with cash, 23% of properties sold above list price, and homes on the market averaged 2.3 offers.

While many predicted that the market may have shifted in 2023, it appears that these trends are still present. Cash offers, properties selling above list price, and multiple offers on properties are still common occurrences.

However, there is a slight increase in the “days on market,” or the time properties are on the market. This could potentially give buyers more leverage in negotiations, such as getting credit toward closing costs or a price reduction.

It is important to remember that every property is different and the real estate market varies depending on location. Therefore, it is important to research and understand the local market conditions before making any decisions to buy or sell.

Painting Your Property Before Selling

A fresh coat of paint is one of the simplest and most effective ways to update the look of your home and make a great first impression on potential buyers. Whether you’re looking to sell your home in the near future or just want to give it a fresh new look, a new coat of paint can make a big difference.

When it comes to selling your home, first impressions are everything. Potential buyers will form an opinion about your home based on the way it looks from the moment they walk through the door. If the interior is outdated or in need of repair, it can be difficult to overcome that initial negative impression and make a sale.

A fresh coat of paint is an easy and affordable way to update the look of your home and make it more attractive to buyers. By choosing a neutral color that appeals to a wide range of tastes, you can create a clean and inviting space that potential buyers will be drawn to.

Painting the walls is not the only thing you can do, you can also paint the doors, trim, and other architectural features to give your home a cohesive look. This can be particularly effective if your home has a lot of woodwork, as a fresh coat of paint can really make it stand out.

In addition to the aesthetic benefits, a fresh coat of paint can also help to cover up any imperfections or wear and tear on your walls. This can be especially important if your home is older and has been lived in for a long time.

When it comes time to sell your home, a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference. It can help to create a positive first impression, make your home more attractive to buyers, and even increase its value. So if you’re thinking about selling your home in the near future, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint to help it stand out from the competition.

Removing Mortgage Insurance

When it comes to buying a home, many people believe that they need to put down a large down payment in order to be approved for a mortgage. However, this is not always the case. The average down payment for all borrowers is 14%, and for first-time home buyers, it’s even lower at 6%.

This means that you can get into a home sooner and save money for other things. However, if you put down less than 20%, you will have to pay for “mortgage insurance” on the loan. This is because it’s slightly riskier for the lender when the borrower puts down a smaller amount.

But as time goes on and home values increase, plus you make payments on your mortgage, your equity in the property increases. This means that you have the opportunity to remove the mortgage insurance on your property.

If you have any questions about buying a home, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help you navigate the process and make it as smooth as possible. Happy house hunting!

Houston Market Update As of January 9, 2023

Happy Wednesday everyone!

It’s a new week and there’s been some good news in the real estate market in the Greater Houston area. We’ve seen a few more listings come on the market in the past week, which is always a positive sign. However, we’re still sitting at 2.7 months of inventory, which indicates that the market is still relatively tight.

One particularly interesting development is that we only saw 1,485 price reductions last week. This is a significant decrease from the end of last year, when we were seeing 3,000+ reductions a week. This suggests that the market may be starting to stabilize and that home sellers are becoming more confident in their pricing.

If you’re considering buying or selling a home in the Greater Houston area this year, we’d love to chat with you about a game plan and how our team can help. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or an experienced investor, we have the knowledge and resources to guide you through the process and ensure that you get the best possible outcome.

Let’s make it happen together. Reach out to us today and let’s talk about your real estate goals!

Seller Concessions at a High

As the housing market continues to evolve, we are seeing more and more sellers offering concessions to buyers. In the fourth quarter of 2022, the trend was especially prevalent, with 42% of homes sold including a seller concession, according to a new report from Redfin. This is a significant increase from the 30% of homes that included a seller concession in 2021.

For sellers, this may mean being open to repair requests from buyers or offering a credit to go towards buying down their interest rate. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t necessarily mean a significant reduction in the sales price. Instead, it may be a way for sellers to make their home more attractive to buyers in a market where competition is becoming increasingly fierce.

For buyers, the increase in seller concessions can be great news, as it may provide an opportunity for some financial help with the purchase of a home. However, it’s important to remember that not all sellers may be willing or able to offer concessions, so it’s important to be realistic when making an offer.

When it comes to buying or selling a home, market conditions are always a major consideration. That’s why it’s important to work with a real estate professional who can provide you with up-to-date market insights and help you make informed decisions. If you have any questions or are thinking about buying or selling a home in Texas, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Neighborhood Spotlight: Roma

Welcome to Roma, a cozy and welcoming Italian restaurant in the heart of Houston’s Rice Village. At Roma, tradition and authenticity are valued above all else. The chefs at Roma source local ingredients and use traditional methods to create savory dishes that transport diners to the heart of Italy.

But it’s not just the food that makes Roma such a special place. The emphasis on creating a homey atmosphere and treating customers like family sets Roma apart from other restaurants. When you dine at Roma, you can expect a warm and enjoyable experience that will leave you feeling satisfied and cared for.

So if you’re in the mood for delicious, authentic Italian cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere, be sure to visit Roma. And for the latest information on hours and availability, be sure to check out their website at https://www.romahouston.com/. Buon appetito!

Shopping for Homeowner’s Insurance

Shopping for homeowners insurance (or renters insurance if you rent) each year is an important step in managing your budget and staying on track with your monthly payments. While it may seem like a hassle, taking the time to shop around for the best deal can pay off in the long run.

One way to make the process easier is to work with an insurance broker, who can shop your policy around to multiple insurance companies and help you find the best coverage at the most competitive price. If you’re interested in getting a quote, don’t hesitate to reach out to my insurance brokers for assistance.

In addition to shopping around for the best deal, there are other things you can do to lower your insurance premiums. These include increasing your deductible, installing safety features in your home, and maintaining a good credit score.

By taking the time to shop for your homeowners insurance each year, you can ensure that you have the protection you need at a price that fits your budget.

Creating a Home File

Welcome to the world of homeownership! It’s an exciting time, but it also comes with its fair share of responsibilities. One of the best things you can do to stay organized and on top of things is to create a home file.

So, what exactly should you include in your home file? Here are a few ideas:

Appliance manuals: Keep all the manuals for your appliances in one place. This will come in handy if you ever need to troubleshoot a problem or need to refer to the instructions for maintenance.

Repair and renovation records: As you make repairs or updates to your home, it’s a good idea to keep a record of what was done, when it was done, and how much it cost. This information can be useful if you need to refer back to it in the future or if you go to sell your home.

Vendor contact information: Whether it’s your plumber, electrician, or handyman, it’s helpful to have a list of all the contractors and service providers you use. That way, you can easily get in touch with them if you need to.

Home insurance documents: It’s important to keep your home insurance documents in a safe, easily accessible place. This way, you’ll have them on hand in case of an emergency.

Property tax records: Keep your property tax records in your home file so you can easily refer to them if necessary.

Receipts for major purchases: If you make any big purchases for your home, such as appliances or furniture, keep the receipts in your home file. This can come in handy if you need to return something or if you go to sell your home and need to provide proof of purchase.

By keeping all this information in one central location, you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips when you need it. Plus, it’ll make it much easier for you to keep track of all the various aspects of homeownership.