juliewoodw@coldwellbanker.com
Call Me Today: 361-563-7788

Archive for the ‘Blog’ Category:

Do Sellers Have to Fix Issues From a Home Inspection?

do sellers have to fix things from a home inspection - port aransas texas real estate
When you’re buying a home, whether it’s a Port Royal condo or a house in El Pescador—or anything else, your real estate purchase contract likely contains a contingency that lets you walk away from the deal if there’s a major problem with the home inspection.
But what should you do about problems if you don’t want to walk away?

Do Sellers Have to Fix Things That Pop Up on the Inspection?

Sellers don’t have to do anything—but in many cases, they are willing to make repairs so you’ll still buy the home.
If you’d prefer to hire your own contractor (and be able to supervise repairs), you can do that too—just ask the seller to take what it would cost you off the selling price and go from there.

What if You Don’t Have a Home Inspection Contingency?

If there’s no home inspection contingency in your real estate purchase contract, you’re between a rock and a hard place. You can’t force the seller to fix the issue, and you can’t back out of the deal. That’s why it’s so important to ensure your purchase contract has all the protections you need built into it from the beginning.

Are You Buying a Home in Port Aransas?

If you’re looking for a home in the beautiful city of Port Aransas, we’d love to help you.
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 begin searching right away.
While you’re here, check out our:

You can also check out:

 
 
 

Filed under: Blog, Buying by Julie Woodward
No Comments »

What if Your Home Inspection Turns Up Something Big?

What if the home inspection shows major problems - Port A homes for sale
Whether you’re looking for a beachfront condo in Port Aransas or a $300,000 home on North Padre Island, you’ll want to have the home inspected by an independent professional.
But what happens when the inspection exposes big trouble?

What if Your Home Inspection Turns Up Major Problems With the Home?

If your home inspector finds big problems (or small problems, which are also typically included in the home inspection contingency in your real estate purchase contract), you have a couple of options.
You can ask the seller to fix the issues, ask them to accept a lower offer because you’ll have to pay for the fixes, or walk away from the deal.

What Are “Major” Problems With a Home?

The bottom line is that if a problem makes you question your decision to buy a home, it’s a major problem.
You can accompany your home inspector through the home, and you can ask questions along the way. You can also keep an eye out for issues that you might be able to spot on your own, like:

  • Sagging floors
  • Cracks in the walls
  • Roof issues
  • Drainage problems
  • Structural problems, which you may be able to notice when windows or doors don’t shut quite right
  • Bad plumbing

Are You Buying a Home in Port Aransas?

If you’re looking for a home in the beautiful city of Port Aransas, we’d love to help you.
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 begin searching right away.
While you’re here, check out our:

You can also check out:

 
 

Filed under: Blog, Buying by Julie Woodward
No Comments »

Should You Buy a Truly Unique Home?

Should You Buy a Truly Unique Home - Port Aransas Homes for Sale
There’s something to be said about a unique home—one with a spacious, open floor plan that doesn’t look like every other house in the neighborhood.
But a truly unique home is another story… at least when you’re buying or selling real estate in Port Aransas.
Whether you’re looking for a beachfront condo in Port Aransas or a $300,000 home on North Padre Island, it’s a good idea to proceed with caution when you find a unique home. That is, unless you immediately fall in love with it and know you’ll never have to turn around and sell it.

Too-Unique Homes: Why They’re Not Always a Good Idea to Buy

The fact is that you may one day have to sell your home—and when that day comes, it’s best to appeal to the widest range of buyers possible. That means if you’re buying a highly customized home now, it may not be the “in” thing when you need to sell.
That doesn’t mean you need to buy an average house; it just means that you need to be careful about buying a home that’s so unique that it only appeals to you.

Are You Buying a Home in Port Aransas?

If you’re looking for a home in the beautiful city of Port Aransas, we’d love to help you.
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 begin searching right away.
While you’re here, check out our:

You can also check out:

 
 

Filed under: Blog, Buying by Julie Woodward
No Comments »

3 Great Restaurants in Port Aransas

3 great restaurants in port aransas - port a homes for sale
Port Aransas, located in Nueces County, is known for its many beaches and excellent seafood. This waterside town may be small it size, but its close proximity to fish filled waterways make Port Aransas one of the top destinations in Texas for fine seafood dining.
Venetian Hot Plate
The Venetian Hot Plate offers a unique fusion of Italian and seafood. Their menu includes a variety pasta entrees, salads, sides and appetizers, as well as an extensive list of fine wines to pair with your meal. If you’re having trouble selecting an entree, a favorite amongst guests is the pasta with mussels, scallops, and shrimp tossed with red pepper.
Liberty Hall
The Liberty Hall is known for its exquisite selection of seafood and vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant serves a rotating menu of fresh, locally foraged fish. Examples of previous menu items include the citrus crusted snapper and the red snapper drizzled with a tomato and garlic reduction.
Roosevelt’s at the Tarpon Inn
Roosevelt’s at the Tarpon Inn serves an eclectic menu of seafood and meat based entrees. For a fun and unique dining experience, bring in your prepared fillet and Roosevelt’s at the Tarpon Inn will cook your fresh catch for you. This restaurant also offers gluten free entrees.

Are You Buying a Home in Port Aransas?

Use these links to find your next home in a Port A subdivision:

Filed under: Blog, Restaurants by Julie Woodward
No Comments »

Expenses of Home Ownership

expenses of home ownership - port aransas real estate listings
Whether you’re buying a Port Royal condo or a house in El Pescador, you’re going to have expenses associated with home ownership that you may not have had as a renter—and if you’re a first-time homebuyer, you’ll need to account for them so you don’t get in over your head.

Common Expenses Associated With Home Ownership

Most people look at what their monthly mortage payment will be and figure that owning is cheaper than renting—and in many cases, it truly is.
But there are a few other things you need to account for, including:

  • Higher utility bills
  • Homeowners association dues
  • Maintenance
  • Mortgage insurance premiums
  • Property insurance
  • Repairs
  • Taxes

“Keep in mind property taxes and insurance have a tendency of going up every year,” says attorney Rafael Castellanos, president of Expert Title Insurance in New York. “Even if you can afford it now, ask yourself if you’ll be able to afford the increased costs later.”

Are You Buying a Home in Port Aransas?

If you’re looking for a home in the beautiful city of Port Aransas, we’d love to help you.
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 begin searching right away.
While you’re here, check out our:

You can also check out:

 

Filed under: Blog, Buying by Julie Woodward
No Comments »

How to Keep Track of Homes You See While You're House-Hunting

how to rate homes you see while house hunting - port aransas real estate
When you’re home-shopping with your Port Aransas Realtor®, whether you’re looking at Port Royal condos or houses for sale in El Pescador, you’re most likely going to view several (or at least a few) before you find one that’s just right for your needs.
But how are you supposed to keep track of the homes you see and which ones are your favorites? It can get really confusing, really quickly—unless you follow these tips.

How to Rate the Homes You See When You’re House-Hunting With Your Port A Realtor

Bring a printout for each home you’re going to view while you’re out and about with your Port A Realtor. When you arrive at each home, start scrawling notes on the appropriate printout. Write down:

  • What strikes you as you approach the house?
  • Are there unusual features?
  • How do you feel inside the house?
  • What’s near the home (like parks, a tire manufacturing plant, or a beautiful waterway)?
  • Is the home surrounded by larger, nicer homes or smaller, run-down homes?

Before you leave, rate each house on a scale of 1 to 10 and circle your rating. That way, you can file the printouts in order when you get home—it’ll help you prioritize which homes to see again and which to send to the recycle bin.

Are You Buying a Home in Port Aransas?

If you’re looking for a home in the beautiful city of Port Aransas, we’d love to help you.
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 begin searching right away.
While you’re here, check out our:

You can also check out:

Filed under: Blog, Buying by Julie Woodward
No Comments »

What is Seller Financing?

What is Seller Financing
Often overlooked because few people know what it is, seller financing is an alternate way to borrow money to buy a home. It’s not very common, but it can be an excellent way to buy (or sell) your home.

What is Seller Financing?

Seller financing is a method some sellers use to sell to a buyer without involving big banks and lenders.
The terms of the agreement are completely between the buyer and seller; there’s nobody underwriting or anything like that. The two parties negotiate a down payment, monthly payments, and determine the length of a loan.
Calling it a loan is a little misleading, though. The seller doesn’t actually give the buyer any money; instead, they count on the buyer (and establish a contract with the buyer) to make monthly payments.

Why Do Some Sellers Offer This Type of Financing?

Sometimes sellers who don’t need the full proceeds from the sale of a home can offer seller financing, but it works well in other situations, too.
Many sellers offer this type of financing because:

  • It can help them sell faster
  • They want to minimize carrying costs while they’re waiting for a buyer
  • They want to get closer to the full asking price
  • They want to collect enough money for a down payment on their next home
  • They want to pay down their debts
  • They want to avoid the monthly expenses associated with owning a home

Are You Buying a Home in Port Aransas?

If you’re looking for a home in the beautiful city of Port Aransas, we’d love to help you.
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 begin searching right away.
While you’re here, check out our:

You can also check out:

Filed under: Blog, Buying by Julie Woodward
No Comments »

How to Improve Your Credit to Buy a House

How-to-Improve-Your-Credit-to-Buy-a-House
When you’re buying a home, whether it’s a beachfront condo in Port Aransas, a newly built home near the beach, or a $300,000 home on North Padre Island, you’ll want your credit score to be as high as possible—and that’s because you’ll be eligible for more competitive interest rates.
Even if you have bad credit, buying a home isn’t out of reach. However, there are a few steps you can take to boost your credit score in a relatively short period of time.

How to Improve Your Credit to Buy a Home

Improving your credit doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen in a vacuum. You have to handle a few things to get yourself on the right path, including:

  • Getting a major credit card. Many credit cards offer “secured” financing, which means if you give the card company a certain amount of money, they’ll give you a credit card with an equal limit; eventually, you’ll get your money back (and if you don’t pay your bills, they’ll keep your original deposit).
  • Show steady employment by keeping the same job for at least a year.
  • Hang on to your check stubs.
  • Save up 10 percent—or more—of a home’s purchase price to use as a down payment.
  • Never pay a bill late. Ever.

Are You Buying a Home in Port Aransas?

If you’re looking for a home in the beautiful city of Port Aransas, we’d love to help you.
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 begin searching right away.
While you’re here, check out our:

You can also check out:

Filed under: Blog, Buying by Julie Woodward
No Comments »

Can You Buy a Home With a Bankruptcy in Your Past?

Can you buy a home with a bankruptcy in your past - Port A Realtor
There’s good news if your credit is less-than-perfect: You can still buy a home with bad credit from a bankruptcy.

Can You Buy a Home After a Bankruptcy?

You can absolutely purchase a home if you’ve had a bankruptcy in your past. The farther back it is, the better your chances of securing a better interest rate, but a bankruptcy does stay on your credit report for about 10 years.
You might be surprised to learn that if you wait just four years after filing bankruptcy, you can begin to get better interest rates on a conforming loan.

How Long Must You Wait After Bankruptcy to Buy a Home?

The period of time you have to wait after a bankruptcy varies based on the amount of money you need to borrow and the type of lender you use.
Some hard money lenders will give you a loan to buy a house after just 6 months have passed—but there’s a catch. They’ll typically require a 20 to 35 percent down payment, and the interest rate is likely to be fairly high.
Other lenders have different requirements, so it’s a good idea to get in touch with your bank and a few lenders to see what they have to say.

Are You Buying a Home in Port Aransas?

If you’re looking for a home in the beautiful city of Port Aransas, we’d love to help you.
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 begin searching right away.
While you’re here, check out our:

You can also check out:

Filed under: Blog, Buying by Julie Woodward
No Comments »

What Are Contingencies in a Real Estate Purchase Contract?

What Are Contingencies in a Real Estate Purchase Contract - Port A Homes for Sale
Whether you’re buying a beachfront condo in Port Aransas, a newly built home near the beach, or a $300,000 home on North Padre Island, you’ll end up having a real estate purchase contract. Your Port A Realtor® will draw it up for you, and as long as you don’t waive them, there will be contingencies built into it.

What Are Contingencies?

A contingency is a type of “if this, then that” scenario. They’re built into real estate contracts to ensure that you have an “out” if something goes wrong with the deal.

General Real Estate Contingencies

Your agent can build any kind of contingency into your purchase agreement, but the general contingencies include those involving appraisals, home inspections, financing, and selling your current home.

Appraisal Contingency

If the appraised value of the home is lower than your purchase offer, this contingency can allow you to back out of the deal and get your earnest money deposit back.

Home Inspection Contingency

If the inspection reveals a big problem, you might be entitled to walk away from the deal.

Financing Contingency

You wouldn’t want to be stuck buying a home that you can’t pay for, so it’s customary to include a financing contingency that lets you leave the deal if you can’t secure financing.

Selling Your Current Home

Your agent can make your real estate deal contingent on selling your current home to prevent you from taking on two mortgage payments. If you don’t sell your home, you don’t have to buy the new one.

Are You Buying a Home in Port Aransas?

If you’re looking for a home in the beautiful city of Port Aransas, we’d love to help you.
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 begin searching right away.
While you’re here, check out our:

You can also check out:

 
 

Filed under: Blog, Buying by Julie Woodward
No Comments »

« Previous Page — Next Page »

  • Quick Property Search