Wednesday, June 5, 2024 / by Tanya Kerr
Learn how to make a competitive offer on new construction homes with expert advice from a seasoned Realtor. Discover tips on negotiation, timing, and leveraging incentives to get the best deal.
Realtor Secrets to Making a Winning Offer on New Construction
Making an offer on new construction can be a unique and complex process. As a Realtor in Georgetown, Texas, I've had my fair share of experiences with builders and new homes. Let me share some key insights to help you navigate this journey successfully.
Understanding the Negotiation Process
One important thing to know when making an offer on new construction is that the listed price isn't set in stone. In real estate, everything is negotiable. Let me share a funny story to illustrate this:
Once, I was negotiating a new construction deal and I sent over comparable sales (comps) from other homes to the sales rep to justify our offer because it was well under the asking price. He was amazed and told me no other agent had ever done ...
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Wednesday, May 29, 2024 / by Tanya Kerr
Discover what a Realtor can and can't do during a real estate transaction. Learn how they can assist with lenders, inspectors, and the buying process in Georgetown, Texas.
What a Realtor Can and Can’t Do
Buying or selling a home can be one of the most thrilling yet daunting experiences in life. Recently, I encountered a situation that perfectly illustrates the complexities and boundaries of a Realtor's role. Let me share what happened and, in the process, clarify what Realtors can and can't do for you.
Crazy Incident: A Learning Experience
Imagine this: a husband hires an inspector, not on my recommended list, who then misses several critical issues. Understandably, the client is furious. However, instead of holding the inspector accountable, he blames me. It’s a tough pill to swallow, but it's a reminder that, as Realtors, there are clear boundaries to our responsibilities.
What Realtors Can and Can't Do Regarding:
1. Lenders
What We Can Do:
Provide a List o ...
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Wednesday, May 22, 2024 / by Tanya Kerr
By Micaela Remmert
Seeing an Opportunity
Interest rates might have caused the real estate market to slow down, but this shift has opened up a wealth of opportunities. For us, it meant finding the chance to build a new house with more space, an opportunity significant enough to make us willing to give up our cozy 2.8% interest rate.
Yikes—Mold!
Most of the build process went smoothly, and we had a blast picking out our design finishes. However, things took a turn shortly before our scheduled closing date when I discovered mold on the ceiling.
The builders quickly removed that section, but I requested they leave the wall open for mold testing. Unfortunately, they ignored my request and covered the wall back up to stay on track for the city inspection. I informed them that I wouldn't move forward until mold testing was done. With the wall covered, cavity testing became essential alongside air samples. The tests revealed high moisture and mold levels. I escalated the ...
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real estate, buyer, market update, seller, economy, realtor, buying vs. selling, austin area real estate
Monday, May 20, 2024 / by Tanya Kerr
Discover why professional home estimates outperform online tools. Get accurate, detailed valuations that truly reflect your home’s worth.
Why You Need a Professional Home Estimate from a Real Estate Expert, Not an Algorithm
As a dedicated Realtor in Georgetown, Texas, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial a reliable home estimate can be. Whether you're thinking of selling or just curious about your home’s market value, a professional assessment far outweighs the convenience of online estimates. Let’s explore why.
What is a Home Estimate?
A home estimate is essentially your golden ticket to understanding the true market value of your cherished home. This critical evaluation considers everything from your neighborhood to the square footage, from its condition to any recent upgrades. It also evaluates how it stacks up against similar properties that have recently changed hands in your neighborhood.
Estimates are crucial for homeowners who are contemplating! ...
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real estate, buyer, seller, economy, realtor, buying vs. selling, austin area real estate
Thursday, May 9, 2024 / by Tanya Kerr
Unlock the secrets to a smooth home-buying journey with mortgage loan preapproval. Learn how it can fast-track your path to your dream home and why it’s essential!
Why You Need a Mortgage Loan Preapproval: The First Step in Buying a Home
Hi everyone, Tanya Kerr here with my (roughly) 1-mintue breakdown about why you “NEED” to get preapproval before home shopping. Check it out, then ready my article below for the full sloppy joe.
Introduction to Preapproval
Oh, the thrill of house hunting! You spend countless late-night hours swiping through Zillow in search of that gem in the rough, and now you’ve found it! But before you rush to the open house or fall in love any farther, there’s a crucial step you might be overlooking— mortgage loan preapproval.
Here’s why you can’t skip it:
During the bustling open house that I mentioned in the video above, we had over twenty visitors which resulted in multiple offers. The ...
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