Sunday, July 13, 2014

July 2014 Newsletter ~ Austin, Lake Travis & the Highland Lakes

July 2014 Newsletter ~ Austin, Lake Travis & the Highland Lakes



Get out and enjoy all there is in the Central Texas Hill Country this July - News, Events and Information.



July Newsletter~Austin/Lake Travis/Highland Lakes
GENERAL NEWS & INFORMATION/PARAGON PROPERTY GROUP TEAM
Ah, the lazy days of summer......And, the Central Texas Hill Country is a great place to spend them!  
Lake LBJ at sunrise beach sunset Summer fun is here and there is no better place than on our Highland Lakes.  The 7 lakes in the chain span from Lake Buchanan down to Lady Bird Johnson Lake with Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, Lake Travis and Lake Austin in between.  If you enjoy boating, jet skiing, fishing, swimming, wakeboarding, waterskiing or just lazing in a hammock and enjoying the breeze with a tall, cool glass of iced tea, there is a lot to love about our area.  
Each lake has it's own character and beauty and it's fun to visit them all.  Or visit some of the nearby attractions that each lake has to offer.  On Lake Travis, check out the Oasis for a sunset cocktail, a lunch date or stroll through the shops.   Lake Austin has the hike and bike trail, a super way to spend an morning or an evening.  People watching is part of the fun!   
Remember, that if we can help you with any of your real estate needs, whether buying or selling, give us a call.  Referrals are one of the greatest compliments we can receive and we'd love to assist your friends, family or colleagues and offer them care, service and attention while they buy or sell their home or other property.  In areas outside of the Central Texas Hill Country, we have an awesome network and can refer them to a professional agent just about anywhere on the globe!  
“it's a smile, it's a kiss, it's a sip of wine ... it's summertime!” 
― Kenny Chesney
“it's a smile, it's a kiss, it's a sip of wine ... it's summertime!” ― Kenny Chesney
Travel safely and enjoy! 
Sue, Brooke, Stacey, Nattlie, Karen and Brooke
HIGHLAND LAKES AREA NEWS ~ MARBLE FALLS, HORSESHOE BAY, BURNET, MEADOWLAKES & MORE
  • Marble Falls Rodeo - July 18-19 8pm-11pm. Charlie Taylor Arena
  • Burnet Farmers Market - July 19 9am-1pm.  Burnet County Courthouse Square
  • Marble Falls - LakeFest 2014, August 8-10, marks the 23rd year that the Marble Falls/Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce transforms Lake Marble Falls into a liquid quarter-mile “racetrack” and the banks of the lake into a wild three-day boat race party. It was named Lucas Oil’s Event of the Year in 2012, for both a well put on event but also for the highest boat registration next to World Finals!
  • Marble Falls Lakeside Pool - Spring/Summer 2014 Hours of Operation, Regular Season hours of operation will run from June 6 to August 24, 2014.
  • Mackenzie White, a 2012 Marble Falls High graduate, is the 2014-2015 Texas Tech Masked Rider. After a lengthy process, she was chosen as the 53rd Masked Rider and on April 18 took the reigns where she made her first run as the Masked Rider.
          AUSTIN, LAKE TRAVIS, LAKEWAY AND MORE ~ IN THE NEWS
          • July 14-20th, Megaphone Marathons, Austin. The comedy event of the summer! Hosted by The New Movement, this week-long event features improve groups, stand up, workshops, intensives, and shows.
          • July 19th, Burbz Fest, Austin. Held at Little Woodrow’s, this music festival features local bands and artists. Food trailers, games and a craft beer garden are all on site.
          • July 19th, Chili and Chillin’, Fredericksburg. Several wineries along the Hill Country’s “Wine Road 290” collaborate with area restaurants. No overall event fee, but the individual venues may charge their standard wine-tasting fees.
          • August 9th, Austin Ice Cream Festival, Austin. This annual event is held at Fiesta Gardens and is fun for the entire family. Games, activities, contests, and of course, ice cream!
          • Now Open – Austin’s Pizza, Austin. Opened a new location at 705 N. Cuernavaca Drive, and features pizza, salads, Mediterranean cuisine and craft beer.
          • Now Open – Frozy’s Shaved Ice, Austin. Opened a new seasonal shaved ice trailer adjacent to the Kolache Factory at 6901 North RR 620. The company has two other trailers in the Westlake and Bee Cave areas.
          • Now Open – Sundancer Grill, Austin. Located at the Sail & Ski Yacht Club at 16410 Stewart Road, this restaurant features salads, burgers and sandwiches.
          • Now Open – Learn and Laugh Preschool, Bee Cave. This school accepts children from birth to age 8 and is located at 11715 Bee Caves Road, Suite 100.
          • Coming Soon – Delaware Sub Shop, Austin. Restaurant that features Philly cheesesteaks and Italian sub sandwiches will open this month at 7212 West Hwy 71.
          • Moving – La Barbecue, Austin. This upscale barbecue restaurant is moving from East Sixth Street to the “upscale” food trailer park at 900 East Cesar Chavez. The old location will close on August 3rd and the new location will open on August 6th.
          • South Austin restaurant is named one of the top neighborhood gems in the U.S. , from Culture Digest
          • After cancellations, Fun Fun Fun Fest adds two headliners, from Culture Digest

                  Saturday, July 5, 2014

                  First Time Homebuyer in Texas? Get a free booklet to help you through the process.

                  Now, first time Texas Homebuyers have a resource to help them through the process of buying their first home!


                  • Credit Information 
                  • Lending Information 
                  • Searching for a Home
                  • Making an Offer
                  • Getting Inspections 
                  • Closing on the Home
                  • Moving In!
                  Contact us today for your FREE booklet and get started on buying your first home in the Austin and Central Texas Hill Country today! 


                  Contact us at Paragon Property Group 

                  Tuesday, March 4, 2014

                  VA Loan Compromise Sale - Short-Sale, VA-style

                  VA Loan Compromise Sale - Short-Sale, VA-style



                  VA homeonwers who are underwater - there may be an option for you to "short-sale" your homeUS Flagwithin VA guidelines.  There are specific rules and processes, but it can be done.   We all know that "stuff" happens and the VA knows it too.   Here in theAustin and Highland Lakes areas of Central Texas, our home sales are very active in many areas and in many price points, but if you purchased your home at a market high, you may still be in a negative equity position.   
                  Contact us for more information about your home's market analysis - you may not need a VA Compromise Sale, but if you do, here are some guidelines: 
                  VA Compromise Sale Conditions
                  1.  Seller has financial hardship
                  2.  Property must be sold at fair market value (offers lower than the appraised value may not be considered) 
                  3.  Closing costs must be reasonable 
                  4.  Must be less costly for the government than a foreclosure 
                  5.  Lender must be willing to write off debt above maximum VA loan guaranty
                  6.  There can be no second liens or other liens on the property. 
                  7.  There is an offer/sales contract on the property.  
                  Possible Qualifying hardships
                  1  Employlment changes
                  2. Permananet Change of Station (PCS) (this is the most common issue)
                  3. Decrease in Income
                  4.  Major Medical Expenses
                  5.  Death in the Family
                  Non-Qualifying Situations
                  1.  A decision to move to a different neighborhood or area or to move-up or downsize.
                  2.  Reduction in property values in an area without a qualifying hardship 
                  3.  If you have adequate assets to cover the gap  
                  Prior to lisitng your home for sale, if you know that you may need to use a VA Compromise Sale, you shoudl contact your mortgage servicer to find out their process.    
                  This may impact your VA loan entitlement.  The benefit may still be availalbe but may reduce the amount of your VA loan entitlemet.
                  Application Requirements   
                  1.  Contact signed by all parties with the following language "Offer contingent on approval of a VA Compromise Sale"  
                  2.  Good Faith Estimate from a Title Company relating to this sale
                  3.  Letter of Request to the Loan Servicer
                  4.  Financial Data and Supporting Documentation (this includes a signed Financial Statement)
                  5.  VA Compromose Sale Agreement Applicaiton 
                  Additional Requirements will include a current appraisal and a full title review.
                  A VA Compromise Sale will generally take longer than a typical home sale.   The VA cannot pay any more than the original loan guaranty. 
                  Let us know how we can help with your Central Texas Home Sale - Contact us for a free Market Analysis to determine your Austin or Highland Lakes are home's value. 
                  Special Note:   Loans originated on or before December 31, 1989, the servicer is required to write off any amount over the maximum guarantee. 

                  Sunday, March 2, 2014

                  The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Home Buyers

                  The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Home Buyers



                  This is a re-post of an article written with some great information for Home Buyers.

                  Tuesday, February 4, 2014

                  February 2014 Calendar of Events~Austin & Central Texas Things to Do!

                  February 2014 Calendar of Events~Austin & Central Texas Things to Do!



                  It's February in Central Texas!  It's amazing how many great events and things to do we have here in our area - so get out and enjoy all that Austin and the Central Texas Hill Country have to offer.   Festivals, Expos, Hockey, the Austin Maraton, Concerts and, of course, Valentines Day, so fall is love with Austin all over again... !   
                  The Central Texas Hill Country is an amazing place to live, work, play and invest! 
                  Enjoy!
                  february 2014 things to do/calendar of events austin and central texas
                  FEBRUARY 2014 calendar of events things to do austin and central texas

                  Saturday, February 1, 2014

                  Texas Teacher Home Buyer & Seller Cash Back Rebates, Down Payment Assistance & Home Loans

                  Helping Texas Teachers and Education Personnel to Buy or Sell a home in the greater Austin orTeacher books, pencilsHighland Lakes areas of Central Texas has a special place in our hearts.  We are committed to helping those who are in the education profession to have an opportunity to own their own homes using available programs and cash rebates.  

                  Did you know that Texas offers their Teachers Downpayment Assistance Grants for up to 5% of the purchase price of a home, along with special loan packages?   What a great opportunity to be able to purchase your own home and not have the burden of saving a big chunk of money to do so!!  It's Texas' way of thanking their many teachers, who may not be able to otherwise purchase a home, by placing it more easily within their reach.  

                  In addition, we offer Teachers a Home Buying or Selling CASH BACK Rebate, paid after closing when they Buy or Sell a home (And, Education Personnel qualify too - you don't have to be a teacher for this program!)  It's our way of helping our Educators when they are purchasing or selling here in the greater Austin and Highland Lakes areas.  

                  Contact us for more information about how you, or someone you know, as a Texas Teacher, Classroom Aide, Administrator or other Educator may qualify for a Cash Back Rebate when you buy or sell a home here in the greater Austin area, or may be eligible for special Loan Programs or Downpayment Assistance to purchase your own home.  

                  Thank you, Texas Teachers & Education Personnel for the job you do every day in your service to us all! 


                  photo by Kozzi 

                  - See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4316584/texas-teacher-home-loans-downpayment-assistance-rebates-buy-a-home#sthash.urxZchlI.dpuf

                  Wednesday, February 15, 2012

                  Why is Austin’s Apartment Occupancy at 95 Percent?

                  Why is Austin’s Apartment Occupancy at 95 Percent?

                  It may be a better time to buy in the Austin area. Contact us for more information on available properties and getting pre-qualified to buy a home. 1st Time Homebuyer? Ask for a FREE First Time Home Buyers Guide. TSAHC currently has downpayment assistance funds. Do you qualify??

                  Cash Back Rebates for Educators, First Responders and Healthcare professionals. Ask us how you can get your rebate when buying or selling a home in the Austin area.

                  Sunday, February 5, 2012

                  FREE! First Time Home Buyer Guide for Central Texas - Paragon Property Group

                  FREE! First Time Home Buyer Guide for Central Texas - Paragon Property Group

                  Thinking of buying your first home in Texas?

                  We have created a First Time Homebuyer Booklet, full of useful information about the home buying process.
                  Get yours FREEFirst Time Homebuyer Guide for Texas First Time Home Buyers by completing a Contact form. Or, give us a call to get started on the process of buying a home in the Austin or Highland Lakes areas of Central Texas right away.
                  Buying your first home should be a fun and exciting experience. By reading this guide, you'll have the inside scoop on what you need to do to make buying your new home an easier and more enjoyable process. We talk about credit reports, getting pre-qualified with a lender, choosing a REALTOR, making an offer and closing on your new home.
                  Interest rates are at their lowest levels so your buying power is at the highest - you can afford more with a lower mortgage rate. So, don't wait, now may be the best time to buy a home in the Austin or Highland Lakes areas.
                  Did you know that rental rates are rising in Central Texas? It may be cheaper to own your own home than pay rent on an apartment.
                  Get your FREE First Time Homebuyer Guide Today!
                  Sue Ellett, Broker-Associate
                  USAA MoversAdvantage® Preferred Agent
                  Coldwell Banker United REALTORS®
                  Paragon Property Group Team
                  www.PPGTx.com
                  866-693-7741
                  Austin/Lake Travis & the Highland Lakes
                  Residential~Investment~Ranch~Commercial~Waterfront
                  Search Highland Lakes Area Listings Search Austin Area Listings

                  FREE! First Time Home Buyer Guide for Central Texas - Paragon Property Group

                  FREE! First Time Home Buyer Guide for Central Texas - Paragon Property Group

                  Thinking of buying your first home in Texas?

                  We have created a First Time Homebuyer Booklet, full of useful information about the home buying process.
                  Get yours FREEFirst Time Homebuyer Guide for Texas First Time Home Buyers by completing a Contact form. Or, give us a call to get started on the process of buying a home in the Austin or Highland Lakes areas of Central Texas right away.
                  Buying your first home should be a fun and exciting experience. By reading this guide, you'll have the inside scoop on what you need to do to make buying your new home an easier and more enjoyable process. We talk about credit reports, getting pre-qualified with a lender, choosing a REALTOR, making an offer and closing on your new home.
                  Interest rates are at their lowest levels so your buying power is at the highest - you can afford more with a lower mortgage rate. So, don't wait, now may be the best time to buy a home in the Austin or Highland Lakes areas.
                  Did you know that rental rates are rising in Central Texas? It may be cheaper to own your own home than pay rent on an apartment.
                  Get your FREE First Time Homebuyer Guide Today!
                  Sue Ellett, Broker-Associate
                  USAA MoversAdvantage® Preferred Agent
                  Coldwell Banker United REALTORS®
                  Paragon Property Group Team
                  www.PPGTx.com
                  866-693-7741
                  Austin/Lake Travis & the Highland Lakes
                  Residential~Investment~Ranch~Commercial~Waterfront
                  Search Highland Lakes Area Listings Search Austin Area Listings

                  Sunday, May 22, 2011

                  Homebuyer Incentives from HomeSteps

                  What a great offer if you’re considering homeownership as a first time home buyer or if you are simply trading up or down.  

                  This particular program is from May 16, 2011 – July 31, 2011 with escrow closed on or before September 30, 2011.

                  Freddie Mac will offer homebuyers and select non-profits an exclusive opportunity to purchase HomeSteps homes prior to competition from investors through the Freddie Mac First Look Initiative.  This on-going initiative offers owner occupant homebuyers, Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) grantees and non-profits engaged in community stabilization efforts the ability to purchase HomeSteps homes during their initial 15 days of listing, without competition from investors.  The purchaser does not need to be a first time homebuyer to be eligible provided, however, that they are buying the home as their primary residence.

                  HomeSteps SmartBuySM is a home purchase program that offers:
                  *Certain restrictions, limitations, terms and conditions apply. See HomeSteps SmartBuy Terms and Conditions for further details. 

                  Homebuyer Incentive**
                  • Up to 3.5% actual buyer's closing cost
                  • 2-Year HomeProtect Limited Home Warranty***
                  **HomeSteps homebuyer incentives are available to owner-occupants only.
                  ***Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Not all homes or borrowers will qualify. See http://www.homesteps.com/smartbuy for details.

                  Of course this involves lending and there are many terms, conditions and limitations.  Be sure to check those out.  If you’re interested and we can help in the greater Austin or Highland Lakes areas, give us a call.

                  Sunday, April 17, 2011

                  First Time Home Buyers - A Great Experience for the Realtor, too!

                  Wow, how easy it is to forget how exciting it can be to work with someone who is a first time home buyer. I have worked with several over the last couple of weeks and it is truly re-energizing for me.   I have worked with several both in the Austin and the Highland Lakes areas.

                  How rewarding to see the joy, excitement (and a little apprehension!) from a first time home buyer! It reminds me of how we should all be every day - intrigued, energized, excited, open to new feelings and ideas, yet aware of all aspects of everyday life.

                  I am grateful to have worked with these clients lately, it helps to keep me grounded and reminds me why I do what I do. Real Estate is a time consuming business. It is often hard to balance your own family life with helping other families. I am very fortunate to have a very supportive husband and son who make it possible for me to do what I love.

                  It can be a wonderful and rewarding experience to help people buy a home they love, to help them through the process, to educate them about our market and get them the best possible deal in the process. How exciting is that??!!

                  Awesome job!

                  Let me know if my Team and I can send you a FREE First Time Home Buyers Booklet with lots of great information about the process.  Thinking of buying your first home in the Austin area?  Thinking of buying your first home in the Highland Lakes area?   Give us a call or send us an email.

                  Thursday, February 3, 2011

                  Texas offers $45M in First Time Home Buyer Assistance

                  The Austin Business Journal reports that the State of Texas has released $45 Million in a first-time homebuyer assistance program.   Don't forget, also, there are still funds in the Bond 77 Program for downpayment assistance.

                  It's a great time to buy and there are some great deals out there.   Rental rates are rising, so there may never be a better time to buy in Austin, TX. 

                  Call or email us for more information or a free list of properties.   Visit our website at www.ppgtx.com 

                  Visit our website for free foreclosure/short sale information:   www.ppgtx.com/foreclosures

                  Friday, January 14, 2011

                  Austin Rental Rates Likely to Rise in the next two years

                  I attended the 2011 Austin Housing Forecast yesterday.   

                  If you are currently renting, here is something that might be of interest:    

                  Austin usually has about 5000-6000 apartment units come on line every year.  In 2011, they are only expecting 800 which may pressure rental rates upward and increase occupancy rates.  

                  What does that mean for you, a first time home buyer?   Interest rates are currently low, low, low.    Housing pricing in Austin is very affordable.   Increased rental rates and increased occupancy may mean that it will make more sense to look at buying your own home rather than renting.    


                  Thinking about it?   Plan ahead.  Get your credit in great shape - pay ON TIME!    Don't max out credit cards.   Save money.   You will generally need at least 3.5% down for a home mortgage plus money to pay for closing costs.    


                  Call us for a copy of the Buy versus Rent brochure and a copy of the First Time Homebuyers Guide.    info@paragonpropertygroup.com      Visit our website at www.PPGTx.com for more information.  

                  Monday, January 10, 2011

                  What did interest rates do last week? 1/10/11

                  Thinking of buying your first home in Austin Texas or the surround Texas Hill Country/Highland Lakes areas?      Rates are still super low, so now is a great time to buy.

                  Get a First Time Homebuyer booklet or a booklet on Buying versus Renting.  Email:  sue@paragonpropertygroup.com

                  Visit our website for more information www.PPGTx.com

                  What Did Interest Rates Do Last Week?
                  ** based on Freddie Mac weekly average survey **
                   

                  30-yr Fixed – Slightly Lower
                  Last Week: 4.77%
                  Previous Week: 4.86%
                  1yr Ago: 5.09%

                  15-yr Fixed – Slightly Lower
                  Last Week: 4.13%
                  Previous Week: 4.20%
                  1yr Ago: 4.50%

                  Jumbo Fixed (Average 30-yr Fixed) – 5.125%

                  Saturday, December 4, 2010

                  First Time Buyer? Thinking of Buying? Should I Buy or Rent?

                  To Buy or Not to Buy – Should I Buy or Rent a Home?

                  Buying a home is not for everyone in every area nor is renting. Obviously consideration needs to be made on both a personal and market location basis.

                  The National Association of Realtors recently published results from it’s 8th Annual Housing Opportunity Pulse Survey which indicates that nearly 8 our of 10 Americans still believe that buying a home is a good financial decision. 77 percent believe strongly or not so strongly, 68 percent strongly so. More than 68% believe that now is a good time to buy a home.

                  Here in Austin, we have fared better than in many regions of the country. A recent article in Newsweek ranked Austin as one of four Texas cities in its list of the 10 cities best situated for economic recovery. It described Texas as the “Number 1 destination for job-seeking Americans, thanks to a hearty energy sector and a strong spirit of entrepreneurism.”

                  With respect to housing, projections are that the Austin area will have increasing rental rates over the next year(s), which will make homeownership more attractive to many. Marcus & Milchap reported in November that area apartment vacancies are expected to fall with relatively few projects coming online. Developers report bringing about 2900 new units on line this year versus an annual average of about 4300 per year for the last five years. Rising demand and reduced supply is expected to push rental rates up about 3% in the near future.

                  In addition, the number of spec homes being built has decreased dramatically over previous years. The combination of these two reductions in conjunction with new job creation will likely create some reduction in housing availability. So far, we have had about 23,000 new jobs created this year and it is anticipated that we will continue to have net job increases over the next several years. The Milken Institute’s October 2010 Report – Best Performing Cities-2010: Where America’s Jobs are Created & Sustained lists Austin as #2

                  Fiserv Inc forecasts average single-family home prices to fall another 7.1 percent during the next 12 months in the US, though less than 1 percent in Austin. Continued home price declines are expected in markets that have been hurt most by the housing crisis. In Austin, however, we are fortunate to have many popular areas or popular price points that have remained fairly stable or had recent increases in values, not decreases.

                  Very low interest rates, tax deductions and even a small or neutral average appreciation, combined with relative market stability, potential increased rental rates and decreased rental availability and current home affordability mean that home ownership may make sense particularly for those planning to stay in a home for 3-5 years, at least in the greater Austin area.

                  For those who stay in their home and pay it off, there are obvious benefits since they will no longer be making mortgage payments - just taxes, insurance and maintenance. For those looking toward their future retirement, continued home ownership can be the right thing.

                  For many, there are psychological advantages to owning - personally I just prefer to be my own landlord, so to speak. I have the flexibility to do what I like and no matter what, I have to have a place to live. If I have to pay for a place to live anyway, I'd rather have the control myself and not rely upon a landlord to maintain the property properly and in a timely fashion or to keep a fair rental rate indefinitely.

                  Most investment advisors will tell you that you need to hold your investments in stocks or bonds over a longer time period. There will be ups and downs in the market, but over time, their goal is to make you money over that time period. Selling at any given time during that period may net you a loss or a profit. If your investment goes up 20%, have you really “made” money? I say “no”, unless you actually sell the investment. You could own that investment for 10 years and it could go up and down over time, but you really only “make” that gain (or loss) when it is sold.

                  The same could be said for owning a home or other real estate. Many markets have experienced substantial ups and now substantial downs. Over time, if you view your home in the same way as you might view your stocks and bonds, chances are you will experience a positive gain over time. The difficulty for many right now is how long that time period is and can you wait it out. One positive in the Austin area is that we generally have experienced a less dramatic downward market swing and are now trending positively in many categories.

                  If you know that you are going to have to move again in 2 years or think you may lose your job in the near future, it may not be prudent to buy, but if you plan on staying in your home 5 years or more, particularly if buying now while prices are affordable, it may well be the right thing for you to do.

                  To buy or rent - it’s a very personal decision, largely based on your own circumstances and locale. For some, renting is the way to go for now. For others, now may be the best time to buy and take advantage of low interest rates and affordable home prices, particularly here in the Austin area.


                  Here in Texas, we are fortunate to be able to offer a Downpayment Assistance Program to make it easier for people to buy a home. And, if you are military, former Military, an Educator, Medical Personnel or a First Responder, we have a CASH BACK Bonus whether you are buying or selling.


                  Give us a call, email to suemellett@yahoo.com or visit our website at www.ParagonPropertyGroup.Com


                  Sue Ellett

                  Broker-Associate

                  Paragon Property Group

                  Coldwell Banker United Realtors

                  866-693-7741

                  Thursday, November 4, 2010

                  Great News - 1st Time Home Buyer Interest Rates Dropped! (Texas)

                  From the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs:

                  Effective Nov. 1, 2010, the Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs reduced its interest rate on mortgage loans offered through its Texas First Time Homebuyer Program to its lowest levels ever, further opening the door to safe and responsible homeownership for qualifying low- to moderate-income Texans.

                  Interest rates on these 30-year, fixed rate mortgage loans have been set at either 4.20% (unassisted) or 4.95% (assisted), depending on which of two types of loans the borrower selects. Assisted loans offer downpayment and closing-cost assistance up to 5% of the mortgage amount.

                  To learn more about the program and eligibility requirements, please visit www.myfirsttexashome.com.

                  Thinking of buying your first home? Contact Brooke LeMond at 512-284-0799 for a free Home Buyer's Book or to get home listings. Or email at brooke@brookelemond.com

                  Saturday, October 23, 2010

                  Don't Make these Mistakes When Buying a Home!

                  Here are a few things, particularly as first time buyers, that you want to consider in order to make good decisions....

                  1. Get prequalified before starting your search. There is nothing worse than falling in love with a home or an area that you can't afford. Take into consideration your comfort level with your monthly payment and adjust from there. Remember to add in insurance, taxes, homeowners association dues.
                  2. Once you are under contract, be sure to get a home inspection. It's worth the money you will spend many times over and could keep you from buying a "lemon" of a home.
                  3. Use a Real Estate agent who will work for YOU. A Buyer's agent is your best bet. In Texas, for instance, all agents work for the seller unless you form a buyers relationship with them. If you call a listing agent for information about a property or to show you a property, they do not have your best interests at heart- they work for the seller!
                  4. Choosing a Real Estate agent who is not committed to forming a strong business
                  5. Be flexible in your home search options/location. You could miss out some great homes if you aren't a little flexible. Trust your Real Estate Agent to assist you in the process.
                  6. Think about long-term goals. Will you be staying in this house for a long time? Planning a family? Will you have a family member come and live with you at some point? Do you want this to be your last home? Consider a one story or a home where the master is on the first floor - it's much easier to stay in a home with no stairs.
                  8. Get a home protection plan. Most of time it can be added to the purchase contract and the Seller will pay for it. Ask for it! This will at least give you some peace of mind regarding potential repairs for the first year you own your home, all for a small service call charge per incident.
                  9. If Schools are important to you, do your homework. Your agent can help point you in the right direction.
                  10. Relax and enjoy the process. Trust your instincts and make use of your Real Estate agent's experience and knowledge.

                  Go to our website at www.ParagonPropertyGroup.com to search for homes and to get more are and real estate information for the Austin, Lake Travis and Highland Lakes area.




                  Tuesday, October 19, 2010

                  Get Your Credit Score in Order before Applying for a Loan

                  This is a great article and may help you have an easier time of getting a home loan.

                  For Your Clients: Get Credit Score in Order Before Applying for Credit

                  Thinking of buying or selling a home? Give us a call or send us an email.

                  Brooke LeMond - 512-284-0799 brooke@brookelemond.com

                  Check Out Our Website for more great information about home buying or selling.

                  Sue Ellett, Broker-Associate
                  Paragon Property Group
                  Coldwell Banker United Realtors

                  Austin/Lake Travis and the Highland Lakes