New Braunfels Real Estate News

Thinking of buying a home but have the jitters? It is probably the biggest purchase you have ever made so being anxious is reasonable. But there are ways to reduce your risk and, likewise, your jitters. Click HERE to read a great Inman News story by Tara-Nicholle Nelson. You will learn four great things to lessen your anxiety!

Team No Limits has launched www.NewBraunfelsForeclosures.com, a website that puts the latest information about foreclosed properties and potential short sales. This website makes it easy to find these properties in Comal, Guadalupe, and Hays counties. If you are looking for good deal on a foreclosed property, remember that the best properties move fast!

Here is a revealing chart of 30-Year fixed rates from 1972 to present. With rates this low, why would anyone wait to buy a home?

UPDATE: This Brickfish campaign was cancelled — don’t know why.

This has nothing to do with New Braunfels Real Estate but yesterday I nominated my daughter Bethany as an Eco-Champion in a contest sponsored by The North Face and by Polartec! Why? Because she really is. She lives her vision at home and at work. Bettering the environment in the rapidly-growing Mobile, Alabama area is what she does — full time. She strives to teach people that environmental protection and growth are not mutually exclusive. If you would like to read more about Bethany and see some cool pictures, click VOTE FOR BETHANY to be transferred to the Brickfish social networking site. If you like what you read, please vote for her entry and post a review.

There are some big changes on the tax credit for FIRST TIME BUYERS that recently passed. In 2008, the $7,500 “credit” was really a loan that was paid back over 15 years. The revised plan is really an $8,000 tax credit that does not have to be paid back. There are some income limits that apply. The chart below, provided by Starkey Mortgage, details the new plan and compares it to last years plan.

Kathy and I, along with many other volunteers from Keller Williams Realty had an opportunity to help build a Habitat for Humanity home here in New Braunfels. This home, sponsored by the New Braunfels/Canyon Lake Association of Realtors was completed in time for the Morales family to enjoy Christmas in their new home. This home-build was especially good for everyone involved. All of the volunteers agree that we have all been blessed in many ways by our participation! 

Read all about it in the December 19, 2008 New Braunfels Herald Zeitung. Family Gets Early Christmas Present was written by Scott Sticker. Click HERE for a photo of Gricelda Morales. Scroll down for some pictures of Kathy and me on our work day.

With many New Braunfels homes for sale, our real estate market remains stronger than most because homes are selling. If you are moving to our area or are looking to upsize or downsize, you owe it to yourself to try the premier home search site dedicated to New Braunfels and the surrounding area. Click HomeSearchNewBraunfels.com  for the best and easiest home search for both new and resale homes.

Wow! I received an email from Shannon Collier with W.R. Starkey Mortgage that had great news for Buyers (and Sellers)! Yesterday, 30-year fixed conventional mortgage rates were as low as 4.875%. FHA loans can get 5.5%. Rates change daily, and sometimes more often than that. Call me and I will get the the latest rate quote for you! 830-708-8389.

In a “Buyer’s Market” like we are experiencing in New Braunfels, three things sell a home: location, price and condition. Since the location of your home is fixed, that leaves price and condition in your control. They are equally important in getting your home sold for the highest price possible. The trick is balancing that against the Buyer’s desire to find a bargain - more value for their money. Let’s first take a look at price.

What is the right price? Simply put, it is competitive enough against all the other comparable homes for sale in the area so that potential Buyers see and understand the value of your home. Will this price be high enough to suit you? Hopefully. However, there are ways to maximize the perceived value of your home and achieve the highest price possible.

The best way to improve how a potential Buyer sees your property is by improving its condition. We’re not talking a lot of money here. It is all about first impressions. Many Buyers form firm impressions about a house within the first 60 seconds. This is why curb appeal is critical. Spruce up your home’s exterior. Mow the lawn. Rake leaves. Wash the windows. Pay particular attention the the area surrounding the front door. Make sure its clean and neat. Its not a bad idea to put a fresh coat of paint on the front door. If the door knob is looking a little dingy, replace it! Make sure the lock works smoothly. Oil it if necessary.

Inside, make your home look as appealing a possible to the widest range of prosepective Buyers. This can be a tough one. You’ve spent a great deal of time and effort making this house your home. Now you must switch hats and make it easy for a stranger to see your house as their next home. Paint in neutral colors. Burnt orange might be your favorite color, but a fair number of Texans will disagree. De-clutter. Rooms with too much furniture appear cramped and cause potential Buyers to feel like their own furniture will never fit. Consider having your home professionally staged. Above all, keep your home clean and ready to show. This isn’t a difficult as it sounds. 15 minutes in the morning to make the beds, wipe out the sinks, take out the trash, and quickly vacuum the traffic areas will ensure that you stay on top of it all. If you have children, let them help!

There is a great article in the December 13, 2008 San Antonio Express News that will give you some other ideas. You can read the article, written by Chreighton A. Welch, click Selling your HOME .

Team No Limits offers a very good guide, “29 Essential Tips That Get Homes Sold Fast (And For Top Dollar!). Call Kathy at 830-708-2235. She will be happy to send you a FREE copy. Call today!

D.R. Horton is offering huge incentives and/or price reductions to buyers of inventory homes in all of their New Braunfels area subdivisions through the end of 2008. Call Team No Limits’ Kathy (830-708-2235) or Mike (830-708-8389)to find out how they can help you realize your new-home dream!