We're inspired by the thorough research of the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M.
VIDEO HERE.

Ok, and now for the 4th tip that's a fun (could be quite beneficial) move!

We know the process can be all kinds of overwhelming. And even if projects might be fun, where do you start? Ok, so Lisa Elliott compiled these summer tip suggestions to keep up your home or to put the finishing touches on getting it ready to list. What can we help you decide to do first? Which vendors do you need getting connected to? Reach out!
​(and, get to work.) We'll work with you!

Very cool recent article from Porch.com displaying their research on why Americans move (these days). 
For instance, we know so much of the DFW housing growth and changes is tied to so many jobs moving into our area.

So, take your guess --> what percent of moves, according to this survey, were for job/transfer ....

Ok, it's 11%. Hmm... might have thought even higher than that.

Here's another:

 what percent of moves, according to this survey, were for getting closer to family ....

(see, the OHT has kids and grandkids in Reno, NV and Waco, TX. This is an important question!)

Ok, it's 5%. Did you guess it??! Be honest.

Well, the super helpful part of this survey report is also what people are thinking as they look to move, what activates them to do it, and what puts them off during the process. Maybe it'll help you list and sell your house. Or just get informed about what American's are thinking as they make these big life changes.
Check it out!:
Moving Matters: Exploring What Americans Look for In a New Home and Neighborhood

News for this HOT July:
Homes in our market are fast moving, but slower than last years. That's ok! Last year's frenzy is over. 
It's a good, calm time to look around and see what moves might be right for you. Here's how we listed it in our July newsletter:

Repaint walls.
Giving your home a fresh coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to spruce it up, and generally, it can be a do-it-yourself project. Make sure cover any walls with scratches and chips and consider updating any accent walls with a more neutral coat.
Repair floors.
Hardwood floors are a very desirable feature in a home, so you want to ensure they look their best by fixing scratches or dull areas. If your carpet is worn or stained, consider replacing them. And don't forget the tile in your kitchen or bathrooms. Re-grouting can go a long way in making dingy tile work look brand new!
Refresh the landscaping.
Show buyers your home is the full package by dressing up the outside as well as the in. Clean walkways and driveways, plant seasonal flowers and plants, trim hedges and trees, install outdoor décor pieces and fill in mulch and gravel.
Fix your fixtures.
Leaky faucet? Rusted drains? Loose drawer handle? Making these small fixes can make a big difference to potential buyers with detailed-orientated minds. Improve your kitchen. An outdated kitchen can be a real eyesore in a home. Updating cabinetry, repairing or replacing countertops, and installing new faucets and sinks may be worth the investment.
We have a list of vendors to help get your home ready!  Call us today!
Texas Law requires me to provide copies of the Texas Real Estate Commission Consumer Protection Notice and the Texas Real Estate Commission Information About Brokerage Services
 
 
Lisa Elliott, REALTOR®, GRI
Member of the O’Reilly Home Team

Let's look into the market together. What are you looking for? It's a great time to buy. 

Our Team as of summer 2019! What can we help you with??

We recently sat and talked with Alice Mueller about her gifts and passions too. Check it out!

Do you really need a Realtor when you are purchasing new construction?

​I mean, there are people at the model home that can help and answer questions. What do you need a Realtor for??

Ok, here it is: in general, builders model homes are staffed by sales people who work directly for the builder. Their allegiance is to the builder. They have the Builders interest at heart. They don't have allegiance to you. They do not represent or protect you. 

Honestly, preowned contracts are hard enough to understand. And Builder Contracts are larger and more intimidating. Knowledge of these contracts turns out to be very important, and guess what?? We know contracts and builder’s contracts. We can represent and protect you.

Here are some needs we resource for you:
You need a home inspector on any home you purchase. Old or brand new. Builders miss things. On one transaction the builder missed insulating an area of the house. The resourced Inspector caught this and it was corrected before closing. A good home inspection is vital. The builders' sales person won't suggest this thoroughly. But we represent and protect you.

A Realtor can refer you to competent lenders. The Builders companies usually have an in house lender they want you to use. Depending on the incentives that they offer that could be the best route, but the best idea is to use us to resource your activity of shopping around. We represent and protect you.

A Realtor has a fiduciary duty to work in YOUR interest. They are licensed in the State Of Texas and can lose their license if they do not represent and protect you well. Your Realtor is in your corner!
A salesperson does not represent you; they have no duty to work in your best interest as they represent the builder. 
We represent and protect you.

And why go it alone?? It cost you nothing.
New-home buyers are mistaken if they think that the builder will reduce the price of the home by the amount of the commission if they go forward without an agent. The truth is that builders really, really don't want to reduce their prices because it sets up as a comparison price for future home sales in that neighborhood. Instead, builders add the commissions paid to a buyer’s agent into the marketing budgets of the homes. If a buyer goes to a new-home builder without a real estate agent, either the builder’s agent or the builder will pocket that money.
But we represent and protect you.

Ok, so here are some thoughts about what you can do. And you can reach out to us for more info!
Tips to Save Big $$

1. Buy at the end of a quarter. A lot of builders are publicly traded companies. They have to hit sales goals.
2. Buy in December. Most people are out shopping and visiting family. New home sales tend to slow and builders may give good incentives to buy.
3. Look for builder inventory homes that have been on the market for 45 days or more. These are the homes in which a buyer might be able to get a good deal. Every day a builder has a home that is sitting for sale on the market, they are losing money. 
4. Buy at the close out of the community. Builder is ready to move on. 
5. Buy the model home. They have the most updates! Usually when the model home is on the market the community is almost sold out and the builder is ready to move to the next project. 
6. Know that the builder does not want to reduce the price. Builders don’t like to reduce their prices. If they do, it sets a precedence for future home sales. Builders are more likely to pay for closing costs or offer design center incentives than to drop their prices. Make sure you get all the incentives they are willing to give. 

Good luck out there, and always contact us first to see how our resources, knowledge and connection can work for you!
​That's what we're here to do. 

Recently, porch.com published an interesting review of homeowners’ reporting on their at-home projects in the past year. 

The article has tips/tricks on how to budget for your projects and a fascinating look at some typical trends in the past year:

• That 60% of those surveyed had hired a professional to do jobs in their home improvements.
• That 25% of those surveyed had    spent between $2,500-5,000 on the work in their homes

And, taking into account improvements and NO improvements, on average, homeowners believed their homes are worth nearly $15,000 more today than a year ago    -That’s a 6% increase!

It’s interesting—and helpful—to note these trends, and here's the FULL article link. 

In the Newsletter we mention this CNBC report on Low, Low mortgage rates:
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/03/28/mortgage-rates-see-biggest-weekly-drop-in-a-decade.html