Matt Layman
Buying a Home in Austin, Texas – Step One: Get Pre-Approved for Mortgage Financing
Buying a Home in Austin, Texas – Step One:
Get Pre-Approved for Mortgage Financing
This is the first post in a series designed to get you prepared for what to expect when you are considering buying a home in the Austin area. I intend to link to the other parts as soon as they have been written.
When you are ready to begin shopping for a home to buy, it is best to start by determining how much you can afford, so that you don’t waste time with properties that are out of your price range. I realize that this is not the glamorous or exciting part to buying a home in Austin, but it is a necessity and not as painful as you may think.
Mortgage
But how do you begin?
Our team works with a trusted network of mortgage professionals who can assist you in getting pre-approved for a loan so that you can comfortably begin looking at homes with the assurance that you can obtain the proper financing. Give us a call anytime and we can provide some names to get you started. But the fact of the matter is I have ONE trusted mortgage professional that I send all of my business to because I have complete trust and confidence in his services. He has proven himself to be on top of the ball, detailed, operates out of honesty and integrity, under promises and over delivers, and always beats deadlines. His name is: Chad Mullenix an Executive Mortgage banker with LeaderOne Financial.
Chad Mullenix’s Contact Information:
Mobile: 512.657.8017
Office: 512.356.9436
Email: Chadmullenix@leader1.com
Feel free to speak to any mortgage professional that you would like to – I just happen to recommend Chad since he does such an outstanding job and operates out of the same motto as me: Service based! Like I said I have a network of trusted mortgage professionals if you desire to compare apples to oranges in regards to the fees.
Pre-Approval vs. Pre-Qualification
Generally, our mortgage contacts can help you with a pre-qualification by getting some basic information (address, social security numbers, etc.) over the phone or internet. This only takes a few minutes, including pulling your credit report.
In order to get fully pre-approved, you will be required to provide all of the normal documentation required, which would include:
* Full loan application
* 2 years of tax returns, W-2 forms
* Year-to-date pay stubs
* A couple of months’ worth of bank statements
* List of monthly debt, account numbers, minimum payments, and balance
* Address of mortgage company or landlord for past 2 years
* Driver’s license
* If VA financing is wanted, you will need your VA Certificate of Eligibility (DD214)
In Austin, most lenders will require you to pay for your credit report and property appraisal upfront. This would run $400 or thereabouts. The appraisal is a third-party assessment of the value of the home you choose.
Comparing Lenders
If you choose to purchase a new home, many builders have mortgage companies that will offer large incentives to use them. Sometimes, the offer is too good to pass up. We can help you to compare “apples to apples” by looking at the estimates provided by lenders that you speak with. A GFE (good faith estimate) is the only way to easily compare quotes. Sometimes, you might get a lower interest rate from one place, but they charge exorbitant fees. We can help you to avoid potential pitfalls.
I always require that my clients begin the loan process before we begin looking actively at homes together, in order to best spend my time and yours. Believe me, it is much more productive this way. As I have said many times to potential buyers, you would hate to find “the perfect home”, only to later realize that you won’t be able to get a mortgage for it.
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to call me anytime at 512-771-0754 (cell) or email: mlatxrealestate@gmail.com
Next step – Selecting an Area of Town, including factors to consider – post coming soon!
Keep Austin Rockin’
Matthew C. Layman
Austin’s Rock’in REALTOR®
Austin Texas Homes, LLC.
Cell: 512-771-0754
mlatxrealestate@gmail.com
http://austinsrockinrealestateblog.com/
https://twitter.com/matthewclayman
Glen McComb Testimonial using Austin’s Rockin’ Realtor® Matthew Layman Professional Real Estate Services
Austin’s Rock’in Real Estate Agent Testimonial
Matthew Layman REALTOR®
Glen McComb shares his EXPERIENCE using Austin’s Rock’in REALTOR® Matthew Layman’s Professional Real Estate Services to sell his Downtown Austin Condo.
What do ALL Buyers and Sellers want? They want an agent that will FIGHT for the clients BEST INTERESTS and create the BEST DEAL! With Austin’s Rock’in REALTOR® Matthew Layman you get just that – a FIGHTER! An agent who’s SERVICE driven not commission driven.
Buyers want to save the most amount of money on the purchasing side and sellers want to pocket the most amount of money on the sells side. The sad reality is “most” agents not all only represent their own best interests and not the interests of the client because they want to make a bigger commission. When you work with Austin’s Rock’in REALTOR® Matthew Layman you will get a new and refreshing look into Real Estate. An actual agent that has a long term VISION of customer service where he looks out after the best interest of his clients through a service based work which promotes HAPPINESS amongst all of his clients.
Matthew Layman Austin’s Rock’in REALTOR® List your home for sale or lease with Matthew Layman. Downtown Austin Real Estate Agent Testimonial Matthew Layman. When you select your REALTOR® make sure you pick the best and an EXPERT in the local downtown and urban market. You deserve to work with Downtown Austins Rock’in Real Estate Expert and REALTOR® Matthew Layman with Austin Texas Homes, LLC. I’m never too busy for you or your referrals. I’m looking forward to serving you and your real estate needs. Feel free to email me any questions, or to schedule a showing call now: 512.771.0754
Keep Austin Rockin’
Matthew C. Layman
Austin’s Rock’in REALTOR®
Austin Texas Homes, LLC.
Cell: 512-771-0754
mlatxrealestate@gmail.com
http://austinsrockinrealestateblog.com/
https://twitter.com/matthewclayman
Downtown Austin Real Estate Agent
Some positive News for Austin & Texas: Texas Poised to Outpace Nation (Again)
Some POSITIVE “News” for Austin and Texas in the article below. Basically the outlook is positive based on several key factors:
- Texas is a business friendly state with tax friendly policies and incentives which are enticing nation wide companies to relocate to Austin as well as the rest of Texas
- Low cost of living for the employees of the companies that are relocating to Texas
- Job growth in several key sectors in Texas
I’m so lucky to live in Texas and especially Austin. If you don’t live in Texas you should 
TEXAS POSTED TO OUTPACE NATION (AGAIN)
COLLEGE STATION (Real Estate Center) – Texas’ economic outlook for 2012 is positive. Job growth is occurring in several sectors, and a low cost of living is enticing businesses to move to the Lone Star State.
It will be tougher going for the nation, however, because of several factors. The housing market needs to clear a high number of foreclosures. Consumers need to pay off their debt. The banking system needs to write off bad debt. Small businesses need to start hiring again.
Writing for the January issue of Tierra Grande magazine, Real Estate Center Chief Economist Dr. Mark Dotzour says, “Fortunately, Texas is poised to outperform the U.S. averages. Home sales volume in Texas should show modest improvement over 2011, and prices should be stable throughout 2012.” Dotzour’s economic outlook is titled “Texas Sails On: Nation Battles Headwinds.”
If your thinking about visiting Austin and taking a closer look into to the local real estate market and considering a move I encourage you to reach out to me and give me a ring: 512.771.0754 or drop me an email: mlatxrealestate@gmail.com
It would be my pleasure being your personal Tour Guide & Ambassador to this great place we call Austin, Texas.
The only way to get a closer look is to come visit and explore this Rock ‘in town we call Austin. The term that I’m sure you have heard: “Keep Austin Weird” is a marketing slogan but it’s also who we are – were weird because we are special and different. Unlike any other city in the world. Trust me but don’t take my word for it.. come explore and find out for yourself. That’s what I did back in 1999…. I came down for a long three day weekend and three months later my bags were packed and I was officially moved in just in time to celebrate New Years in my new city! Now that I’ve lived in Austin for over 12 years I get to claim the title Austinite – it’s a title I wear proudly and so can you …. so let me help.
It would be my pleasure to serve you and your real estate needs regardless of if you are all ready living in Austin or considering the move.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Keep Austin Rock’in,
Matthew C. Layman
Austin’s Rock’in Realtor®
http://austinsrockinrealestateblog.com/
cell: 512.771.0754
https://twitter.com/#!/matthewclayman
The Changing Face of Austin Demographics
Top Demographic Trends for Austin, TX
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Total growth and population increase during the decade:
Austin’s total growth increased incrementally over the past 50 years. During the 1960s, the total growth in Austin totaled 90,000. The numbers rose to 190,000 during the 70s and 250,000 in the 80s. By the 90s, the total growth number was almost 400,000 and in 2010, hit 466,000. The total population for the Austin-Metropolitan Area was 1,720,000 in 2010. The metropolitan area is often referred to as the Austin MSA, or the Metropolitan Statistical Area. The Austin MSA ranked third in a list of top 30 metropolitan areas ranked by percentage growth. In 2010, the City of Austin ranked 14th, just under San Francisco, for Top 30 largest cities in the country.
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A decidedly suburban tilt to the decade’s population growth:
From 2000-2010, almost 72 percent of all population growth came from the suburbs. This is a significant shift from the 1990s when the growth coming from the suburbs was only 52 percent.
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A lumpy landscape of population growth and decline within the central city:
There are various attributions to these changes, including many middle-class families fleeing from the central city to the suburbs; a big overall drop in household size; a steep increase in the cost of central-city housing, large-scale changes in the racial and ethnic makeup of many central neighborhoods; and unequal tear-downs and rebuilds in terms of total units.
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Deep urban pooling and suburban sprawling of working-class households:
The total population growth of whites was 176,000 compared to almost 200,000 Hispanics from 2000-2010.
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Significant suburbanization of African-American households:
From 2000-2010, Austin was one of the top cities where African-Americans moved to its suburbs. Other cities that made the list include Atlanta, New York, Dallas, Denver, San Jose, and Los Angeles.
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Substantial increase in international immigration:
Immigrants played a part in population growth, with 65 percent domestic migration, 28 percent natural immigration and eight percent international immigration. The domestic percentage slowed to 41 percent domestic migration, growing to 36 percent for natural immigration and 23 percent for international immigration.
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New growth numbers for the very young, baby boomers and seniors:
In 2010, the under-five age group was 122,000; there were 60,000 boomers and 19,000 seniors. Austin was one of the metro areas with the fastest growing pre-senior (age 55-64) and senior (65 and older) population from 2000-2010. Other cities on the list are Raleigh, Madison, Salt Lake City and Portland.
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The Asian boom:
From 1970 to 2010, the total Asian population grew to 82,000. Asians make up over six percent of the total Austin population, with Houston’s Asian population at 5.8 percent. The total Asian population includes 29.9 percent Indian; 23.1 percent Chinese, 15.2 percent Vietnamese, 13.0 percent other, 11.0 percent Korean, 5.4 percent Filipino; and 2.4 percent Japanese.
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Hispanics now dominating the younger cohorts:
Compared to other races under age 18, Hispanics make up 50 percent; Anglos are 31.8 percent; African-Americans are 8.3 percent; Asians 5.7 percent; and 3.3 percent are other.
Austin and its suburban cities continue to boom, with an increase in African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, as well as the baby-boomers and seniors. It will be interesting to see how Central Texas and its populations evolve over the next decade.
This data came from City of Austin Demographer Ryan Robinson, who studies data mapping and interpretation, population change, and the rise of socioeconomic inequality.
If your thinking about visiting Austin because you are attracted to one of the many different reasons people fall in LOVE with AUSTIN - and interested in getting a closer look at the local real estate market because you seriously considering a move or relocating- I would love to be your Tour Guide & Ambassador to this special place on earth we call Austin!
The only way to get a closer look is to come visit and explore this Rock ‘in town we call Austin. The term that I’m sure you have heard: “Keep Austin Weird” is a marketing slogan but it’s also who we are – were weird because we are special and different. Unlike any other city in the world. Trust me but don’t take my word for it.. come explore and find out for yourself. That’s what I did back in 1999 I came down for a long three day weekend and three months later my bags were packed and I was officially moved in just in time to celebrate New Years in my new city! Now that I’ve lived in Austin for over 10 years I get to claim the title Austinite – it’s a title I wear proudly and so can you …. so let me help.
Just call me Cell: (512) 771.0754 or email: mlatxrealestate@gmail.com Come plant your roots in Austin …we would love to have you!
If you are all ready living in this Rock ‘in town we call Austin and looking to move-up or become a first time home buyer please give me a call. I enjoy working with locals as much as I do new folks relocating to our beloved city. I would love to assist in helping you find your next dream home or condo.
Keep Austin Rock ‘in,
Matthew C. Layman
Austin’s Rock ‘in Realtor®
http://austinsrockinrealestateblog.com/
cell: 512.771.0754
https://twitter.com/#!/matthewclayman
New List Price for 12612 Tierra Grande TRL in Steiner Ranch
Austin’s Rock’in Realtor Matthew Layman presents another new listing at 12612 Tierra Grande TRL Austin TX 78732. This lovely home sits in the prestigious subdivision of River Dance which is a small neighborhood within master plan community of Steiner Ranch.
This unique home has lots of defining touches through some very nice upgrades and you will want add this charming home to your list to see if you are looking in the Steiner Ranch area.
- 12612 Tierra Grande TRL Austin, TX 78732 MLS # 5296150
- 2,045 sq ft / $144 per sq ft a “bargain” price in this area / listed at: $294,500
- List Price: $294,500 – priced below sold comps on the same street, same floor plan, but this home has more upgrades
- 3 bed
- 2 bath
- 1 Story ranch style home
- Built in 2009 by Taylor Morrison Homes
- South West facing
- Greenbelt lot for added privacy
- Exquisite hand scraped dark rich wood floors throughout, including study
- Carpet in all 3 bedrooms
- Gorgeous granite counter tops in kitchen
- Dark rich wood cabinets, along with glass cabinetry to show off your lovely china
- Extended bar top – great for serving and entertaining guests
- Recessed lights throughout
- Stainless steal appliance package
- Fireplace
- Window Seat
- Extended master bedroom with sitting area – great area to read or space for a new born crib
- Walk your children to an exemplary elementary school
- Located in the lovely master plan community of Steiner Ranch
- A short 3 minute drive to Lake Austin where you can enjoy boating, fishing, wake boarding, water skiing, canoeing, stand up paddle boarding, and many other lovely out door activities
- Close to one of America’s top 10 Resort Luxury Spas: Lake Austin Spa – pamper yourself with massages and facials
- Enjoy fine dining and a great brunch at the Steiner Ranch steak house
- Leander ISD
12612 Tierra Grande
View from entry way
Beautiful hand scraped dark wood floors & fireplace
Glass cabinetry
Gorgeous Granite Counter Tops in the Kitchen
Family Room
View of Family Room looking back towards the Kitchen
Master bedroom features extended sitting area
Master Bath
view from the backyard - 4 sides stone
If you have any questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment to view this lovely home that is listed at 12612 Tierra Grande TRL Austin Tx 78732 MLS # 5296150 or any others in the Steiner Ranch area, please give me a call anytime at 512.771.0754 or email me at: mlatxrealestate@gmail.com Matthew is your local Neighborhood Expert for the Steiner Ranch subdivision.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Keep Austin Rock’in,
Matthew C. Layman
Austin’s Rock ‘in Realtor®
http://austinsrockinrealestateblog.com/
cell: 512.771.0754
https://twitter.com/#!/matthewclayman
12612 Tierra Grande
12612 TIERRA GRANDE TRL, AUSTIN, TX 78732
MLS #: 5296150
$319,900 – Active – 18 Days on Market
House for Sale in River Dance Ph 04, Steiner Ranch, in Austin, Texas
Bedrooms:3Bathrooms:2Square Ft:2045Acres:0.203Garages:2Year Built:2009
For a more detailed listing of this property, please visit:
http://www.realtyaustin.com/idx/homes/texas/austin/78732/12612-tierra-grande-trl/5296150.html
6213 TASAJILLO TRAIL AUSTIN, TX 78739
$279,900 – Active – 62 Days on Market
House for Sale in Park West At Circle C Ph 01, in Austin, Texas
Bedrooms:3Bathrooms:2Square Ft:1985Acres:0.157Garages:2Year Built:1999
MLS #: 5879047
Extraordinary & Exquisite! Most “Distinct” home in ParkWest. UPGRADES GALORE $89k Worth, Beautiful Brazilian Hard Wood Floors throughout including Master, beds: 2 & 3, upgraded Travertin Tile Kitchen & wet areas, Gorgeous Granite Countertops, Tile backsplash, Under Cabinet Windows kitchen, Recessed Lights, Custom Built out Fireplace w/ Stone, Custom Stone Bar in kitchen, NEW water heater, Gated Community, Covered porch w/ tile. Minutes to pool school & shopping. Looking in Circle C Best Buy under $300k!
West 6th St. Living at it’s Best – 606 West Lynn St #5
Austins Rock’in Realtor Matthew Layman presents another new listing at 606 West Lynn St #5 Austin TX 78703. At the corner of West Lynn and West 6th Street. Downtown Austin living at it’s finest:
This Special Loft has lots of character and is a must see if your looking for a downtown or urban Condo in the 78703 area.
- 606 West Lynn St #5 Austin, TX 78703 MLS # 5185433
- 946 Sq Ft Priced at $244,900
- Charming 1 Bed
- 1.5 Baths
- Beautiful Wood Floors throughout downstairs
- Imported Italian Tile in the Kitchen and Bathrooms
- Pounded Pewter Sink in the hall bath downstairs
- Fire-Place
- 2-story Plantation Shutters ($8,000)
- 2 huge Walk-in Closets
- 2 Patios on the main level. One is covered providing nice shade
- Downtown Views from Loft space upstairs
- Zilker Park views facing out the South Windows – Amazing views of the Christmas lights on the Zilker tree during the Holiday Season
- Plenty of Storage in the attic and closets
- Pool on Property
- Walk to everything: Enjoy the convenience of all the West Lynn Treats such as: Galaxy Cafe, Caffe Medici, Zocalo Cafe, Dry Cleaners, Pharmacy, and Also West 6th St: Third Base Bar and Grill, Whole-Foods, Z-Tejas, Donn’s Depot, Amy’s Ice Cream, Yoga, West 6th Bar District and many other fine Austin establishments.
- Built in 1979 – West End Condos
- Austin ISD
606 West Lynn St #5 Austin TX 78703 MLS # 5185433
606 West Lynn #5 Austin TX
606 West Lynn #5 Austin, TX - Matthew C. Layman Austin's Rock 'in Realtor ®
606 West Lynn #5 Austin, TX - Matthew C. Layman Austin's Rock 'in Realtor ®
606 West Lynn #5 Austin, TX - Matthew C. Layman Austin's Rock 'in Realtor ®
606 West Lynn #5 Austin, TX - Matthew C. Layman Austin's Rock 'in Realtor ®
606 West Lynn #5 Austin, TX - Matthew C. Layman Austin's Rock 'in Realtor ®
606 West Lynn #5 Austin, TX - Matthew C. Layman Austin's Rock 'in Realtor ®
606 West Lynn #5 Austin, TX - Matthew C. Layman Austin's Rock 'in Realtor ®
Beautiful views of Downtown Austin Skyline...
If you have any questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment to tour this lovely condo that is listed at 606 West Lynn St #5 Austin, TX 78703 MLS # 5185433 or any others in the downtown Austin and surrounding areas, please give me a call anytime at 512.771.0754 or email me at: mlatxrealestate@gmail.com Matthew is your local Neighborhood Expert for the West Lynn & West 6th Street downtown Condo market.
If you are looking to relocate to the Austin downtown Condo scene, Austin, Lakeway, Cedar Park, Round Rock, or Pflugerville areas ask me for the Austin Texas relocation package and I will gladly email you a copy and greater Austin newcomer guide magazine for free.
I look forward to hearing from you soon. Feel free to call me today to schedule a tour of this “Rock ‘in downtown Austin Condo” within the West End Condos at the corner of West 6th Street and West Lynn. This beautiful 1 Bed/2bath LOFT has everything that you would ever want or need . If you would like more information or pictures regarding this unique Condo– I’m just a phone call away. Call now to schedule a private showing….
Keep Austin Rock ‘in,
Matthew C. Layman
Austin’s Rock ‘in Realtor®
http://austinsrockinrealestateblog.com/
cell: 512.771.0754
https://twitter.com/#!/matthewclayman
The new Formula 1 race track in Austin Texas has a name: Circuit of the Americas
The pinnacle of racing championships: Formula 1 and MotoGP are global events held in the worlds premiere designations. Creating week long festivals where ever they go. Now they will go FULL THROTTLE in Austin, TX.
At a new facility designed to provide one of the greatest fan experiences in the world called:
Circuit of the Americas
At 3.4 miles long and an elevation change of 133 feet it will be one of the most challenging courses in the world for drivers and one of the most exciting for spectators. This course has been designed for any and all classes or racing from motor power to human power but it’s much more than a race track.
It’s a world class destination for:
- Performance
- Education
- Business
And it’s poised to have a major impact on the local economy and the entire region:
- Estimated annual impact over $400,000,000 Million
- 1,110 new construction jobs created
With features that extend well beyond the pit lane:
- Conference Facilities
- Executive Meeting Suites
- Trauma Center and EMS Training Facility
- Law Enforcement Training Areas
- University and School Partnership Programs
- Expansive Live Music Space
Austin Texas is perfectly situation by both American coasts along with Canada and Central America. Austin is home to thinkers, innovators, entertainers, philanthropists, to one of the countries most vital technology hubs, and to the friendliest and most welcoming folks in the state of Texas.
Austin has been recognized for being:
- Voted top 2 “Best Cities” in the U.S. (Money Magazine)
- Voted Top 3 “Hippest Cities” in the U.S. (Forbes)
- Known as “The Live Music Capital of the World”
- Voted #1 “Best City for the Next Decade” (Kiplingers)
Formula 1 is the world’s most watched sport on television annually — boasting 600,000,000 million viewers and over 180 countries.
Circuit of the Americas is the United States new home for the World Champions bringing the World to Austin and Austin to the World!
Watch this awesome video: Circuit of the Americas
If you are a Formula 1 or MotoGP racing fan thinking about visiting Austin to attend the race when it opens up – drop me a line or give me a call. Let me know how I can assist with your visit to Austin. Id be glad to point you in the right direction on where to stay, what cool places to explore, and what wonderful restaurants and local dives to eat at.
If your thinking about visiting Austin because you are attracted to one of the many different reasons people fall in LOVE with AUSTIN - and interested in getting a closer look at the local real estate market because you seriously considering a move or relocating- I would love to be your Tour Guide & Ambassador to this special place on earth we call Austin!
The only way to get a closer look is to come visit and explore this Rock ‘in town we call Austin. The term that I’m sure you have heard: “Keep Austin Weird” is a marketing slogan but it’s also who we are – were weird because we are special and different. Unlike any other city in the world. Trust me but don’t take my word for it.. come explore and find out for yourself. That’s what I did back in 1999 I came down for a long three day weekend and three months later my bags were packed and I was officially moved in just in time to celebrate New Years in my new city! Now that I’ve lived in Austin for over 10 years I get to claim the title Austinite – it’s a title I wear proudly and so can you …. so let me help.
Just call me Cell: (512) 771.0754 or email: mlatxrealestate@gmail.com Come plant your roots in Austin …we would love to have you!
If you are all ready living in this Rock ‘in town we call Austin and looking to move-up or become a first time home buyer please give me a call. I enjoy working with locals as much as I do new folks relocating to our beloved city. I would love to assist in helping you find your next dream home.
Keep Austin Rock ‘in,
Matthew C. Layman
Austin’s Rock ‘in Realtor®
http://austinsrockinrealestateblog.com/
cell: 512.771.0754
https://twitter.com/#!/matthewclayman
Attention Sellers! Buyers Bypass ‘Fixer-Upper,’ Want Move-in Ready
Attention Sellers!!
Please read this article below that I found on Realtor.Org. It’s so important to follow these basic guidelines. A lot of times the selling of your home happens to be your largest asset or at least one of the top three if you have built up enough equity. I’m first going to share my “thoughts and feelings” on this subject and share a list of important bullet points to review before the article so enjoy
Warning: Do NOT be penny smart and dollar stupid!
Example: If your selling a $200,000k house and you don’t spend $500 to $2,000 to fix up your home you are doing just that. In this “buyers” market you must make your home stand out. You can’t ignore cosmetic or structural issues or it will cost you buyers and good offers. If you are selling your house for $200,000k and let’s say you owe $140,000. Note: Make sure you get some HUD estimates from a title company before you list your home so you know how much you will “net” on your house when you go to sell it. So you decide to spend some money to get your house “Move-In Ready” you are then dollar smart! Congratulations your putting yourself and your listing in a #winning position. In this current market a house in Austin or surrounding areas that’s in great shape, move-in/show ready, and priced right will most likely receive offers and a contract within 5 to 10% below list price. That’s a conservative number … if your in a rock ‘in neighborhood in central Austin or south central Austin like Tarrytown, Travis Heights, So-Co, Hyde Park, and other hot trendy neighborhoods you might receive full-list offers. The further out you live typically those numbers begin to change and against you. Back to my story so you list your house for $200k, you owe $140k, it’s “Move-In” ready so you receive an offer in the $180’s and you finally reach an agreement at $190,000. So sales price of: $190,000 – (minus) closing costs of 7.5% $14,250 will = (equals) $175,750 — So $175,750 – (minus) $140,000 (remaining debt balance from what you owe the bank) = (equals) $35,750. Id say your #winning Keep in mind “closing costs” will very from listing contract to listing contract… sometimes its 6.5% sometimes it could be high as 8% or more… a number of scenarios and situations come in play.
Example #2: Let’s say you decided to be “Penny Smart and Dollar Stupid” (sorry if this isn’t politically correct – I’m very Open & Direct and you deserve a Realtor ® who will be – the last thing you need is a shy, timid Realtor ® who is afraid to really tell you like it is) and you don’t fix up your house. You don’t take care of the list of items below and your house goes on the market “just as” …. your house will most likely sit for longer than 120-150 days, you will receive little showings, little interest, and most likely LOW Ball offers!! #losing Because you decided against spending $500 to $1,000/$2,000 in fixing up your place. It now cost you $10,000, $20,000, $30,000k or more in losses!!! That could have been money that went in your pocket on the back end but you were to cheap to on the front end. Yes I just said it cheap. I hope I made you smile and laugh during this process…. I’ve injected my personality and humor into this so please loosen up if you were offended.
Note: Lot’s of different scenarios come into play when selling your home like Location, Age, Unique Features, Size, School Districts, Neighborhood, Amenities, and most importantly PRICE! At the end of the day – Price will be your best friend or worst enemy. A market will not lie, if your “priced right” in any market your home will sell. But that will also depend on how much equity you have in your home and the other scenarios involved like are you moving-up, cashing out, etc.
When getting your house ready to put on the market here is your To Do List:
- Painting: Either touch-up or repainting of the walls
- De-Clutter: If you don’t use it every single day it’s got to go. Put it in storage or throw it away.
- If your house is several years old the outside might be in need of a power washing to remove water stains, mud daubers, bee hives, mold and mildew, the driveway to remove oil and gas stains, decks and patios to give it a fresh new look. I would recommend 512 Power Washing for professional service and affordable pricing: http://www.facebook.com/512powerwashingandhomeservices or 512powerwashing@gmail.com (mention this blog and my name to receive a 15% discount off services, I know the owners and will hook you up!)
- fix any holes, scrapes or damaged walls
- make sure all your windows and doors work correctly, open and close smoothly
- clean your windows
- If your front door looks weathered – paint or reseal it
- Fix any leaking toilets
- Replace all your burnt out light bulbs
- Replace any cracked or broken windows
- Seal all counter-tops, shower windows, doors, etc.
- Remove any mold or mildew in the bathrooms and showers
- Fix any uneven surfaces or counter-tops
- If your dog, cat, mountain lion, or cougar ate, ripped, or destroyed something – fix it.
- Don’t forget curb appeal – clean your landscape beds, pull weeds, remove leaves, trim bushes, edge your beds, trim your trees, put down fresh mulch, plant some flowers, water your grass – make sure it’s green, if your house doesn’t win “Best in Show” on the outside against all the other homes in the neighborhood … make it because your turning away potential buyers
- Hire a licensed Inspector and get your home Pre-Inspected! This is a 50/50% option half of my sellers take advantage of. It’s an added expense, because typically this is a buyers expense that they incur during the ‘option-period’ but having your home pre-inspected and having all those small or big items addressed will give you an upper hand and a marketing advantage. I use and recommend to all my clients: Austin Home Inspection Team – ask for Michael 512.773.2773 or Michael@austinhomeinspectionteam.com
In this market you need every “advantage” you can get …… remember even the littlest of things can scare away buyers like bugs… spiders, ants, scorpions, dead or alive this will scare away potential buyers. Also make sure your home stays clean and show ready at all times. Hire a professional maid service once or twice a month to make sure your home shows the best if you and or your partner can’t manage the upkeep.
One sellers tip I like to give is make sure your house “sounds and smells” nice … if you happen to be home and you get a call from a Realtor ® who wants to show your property make sure you turn on the radio or house music system before you….. something soft and relaxing. No heavy metal or rap now…. haha cause then you might scare them away. But music can be a powerful advantage to selling your home along with nice warm inviting smells. Candles and air fresheners work wonders. But nothing over the top – a simple inviting smell like lavender, lemons, or cinnamon should do the trick. Also take down those family photos and religious symbols as you want your client “envisioning” themselves living inside your home … not pushing them away. Family Photos and religious symbols might detour your potential buyer.
Last but not least…. a home staging company might be what the Doctor ordered. Sometimes that’s the missing piece or element – call The Stage Coach 512.670.8295 or online at www.stagecoachtexas.com “Austin’s Home Staging Handyman!”
Here is the article from Realtor.Org
Buyers Bypass ‘Fixer-Upper,’ Want Move-in Ready
“More buyers are shunning “as-is” properties in favor of homes that are in move-in condition, according to real estate professionals and recent surveys.
For example, a Coldwell Banker survey recently found that 87 percent of first-time buyers say they desire a “move-in” ready home.
“This is absolutely the story of this market. It seems buyers will pay a premium, engage in a bidding war, and even overpay just to avoid buying a ‘project’ house,” says Beth Freed of Terrie O’Connor REALTORS® in Ridgewood, N.J.
As such, real estate pros are advising their sellers to fix up their homes for quicker sales. “There is no question homes that have been spruced up for the market sell quicker,” says Kate Conover with RE/MAX in Saddle River, N.J.
That doesn’t mean major, costly renovations that sellers won’t likely get back on the sale price either, she says. Instead of a major kitchen or bath renovation, just repainting the home or removing the clutter can go a long way in freshening up a home. Also, don’t forget about curb appeal: Freshen up the flowerpots, trim the bushes, and paint the front door, if it’s starting to show wear and tear.
Also with buyers wanting “move-in” ready homes, real estate pros say it’s crucial that sellers address any major maintenance and safety issues—such as leaky roofs—before the home even goes on the market.” —- End of Article —-
Right now it’s a “buyers” market even in Austin which has one of the strongest markets in the country. Attention Buyers: Depending on the area, the neighborhood, the size of square feet, and condition of the home will depend on the percentage discount you will receive off the list price. Each neighborhood in Austin is different. Give me a call let me do some searches and run some comps (Competitive Market Analysis) to see what the prices are going for with the homes and neighborhoods that catch your attention. If you are living in Austin and looking to either purchase as a first time home buyer or looking to move-up give me a call at 512.771.0754. I would love to help you find your next dream home. And as a seasoned negotiating expert I have the background, experience, and skill level to deliver you the best sales price possible. In this market you can’t have a timid Realtor or you will get crushed and pay way too much … you need a seasoned expert that can put the hammer down!
Have a Rock ‘in Day,
Matthew C. Layman
Austins Rock ‘in Realtor ®
Cell: 512.771.0754
http://austinsrockinrealestateblog.com/
https://twitter.com/#!/matthewclayman
Austin Texas Homes, LLC
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