If you’re buying a new home in Port Aransas or North Padre Island, it’s exciting… but don’t become so excited that you overlook these five important must-check items.

5 Things You Must Check Before Buying a House in Port Aransas

You’ll save yourself time, money, and stress if you check on everything possible before you sign that dotted line.

#1: How Are the Windows?

New windows can be extremely expensive (sometimes costing more than $10,000), so it’s a good idea to pay special attention to whether they close properly, drafts come in, or they’re cracked. Check double-paned windows for signs of condensation, too, which indicates that there’s a crack in them.

#2: Are There Pests?

Open the cupboards, look behind the refrigerator, and peek under the sink. If you see any signs of pests, you’ll probably need to budget for a pest-control plan—but remember that some pests, such as termites, can damage a home’s entire structure.

#3: Where Does the Water Flow?

We get our fair share of rain in Port Aransas and North Padre Island, so you’ll want to make sure that water flows away from the house. Even if the home is at the top of a hill, you’ll need to ensure that water flows in a way that won’t cause erosion on the property.

#4: What Are the Neighbors Like?

How do you know if a neighborhood is right for you? You check on it at various times of day, get to know some of the people who live there, and look at the environment. The last thing you want is to buy a home in a subdivision or community where you don’t feel at-home.

#5: Will You Need to Upgrade the House?

Upgrades take more money—and more time—than most people think. If a house is too dated, you might be in for a wild (and expensive) ride. Know what you’re signing up for before you fall in love with any house!

Are You Buying a Home in Port Aransas?

Whether you’re looking for a home for sale in Port Aransas or North Padre Island, we’d love to help you find the perfect place to live.
Call us at 361-563-7788 or get in touch with us online to tell us what you want from your next home. We’ll start searching right away.
In the meantime, check out our:

• All-in-one mortgage calculator
• Free homebuyer handbook
• Free eBooks about buying a home (and more)

Filed under: Blog, Buying by Julie Woodward
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When North Padre Island homeowners get ready to list, advice will often come from all corners of their personal and social network — what within the home to upgrade; what to repair; what to replace.

And, although some advice remains valuable, much of it can be ignored.

The costs of an expensive upgrade are rarely recouped at the time of sale and studies show that smaller, simpler actions can yield a bigger return on your investment of time and money.

Here are four inexpensive, yet highly effective, ways to prepare your home for sale.

Improve the curb appeal
It’s not just the inside of your home which should be inviting to buyers — the outside of your home should be, too. Trim hedges, maintain the lawn, power wash the walls and try to inject some color, where possible. Your yard is your home’s first impression on buyers. Make it a great one.

Lighten up the place
Extra sunlight lends an airy feeling to your home, and interior lights provide cozy glow. Therefore, wash your windows, pullback your drapes, replace burnt-out bulbs, and add outdoor lighting to your landscaping, if possible. Also, keep your home lit in the evenings in the event that potential buyers drive by after-hours. With the lights on, your home will look cheery instead of dark and gloomy.

Store unnecessary furniture and personal objects
Less can be more when it comes to showing your home so put your knick-knacks, your stacks of books and your fridge-covering artwork in storage. Be sure to avoid stashing personal items in closets because buyers expect closets to be clutter-free as well.

Paint a pretty home
A new coat of paint will freshen up any room so paint where needed. However, stick to neutrals such as grays and tans. Also, consider repainting rooms bathed in bright, fun colors — this can divert a buyer’s attention away from the home and toward money-costing “projects” that would come with buying the home.

With the help of your REALTOR® and a little hard work, these tips should help you increase your home’s appeal to a wide variety of buyers without breaking the bank. It may even help you sell your home more quickly.

Filed under: Around The Home by Julie Woodward
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