Comfort Texas Tour of Homes – April 27, 2013
April 26th, 2013 categories: Places to Go & Things to Do
Comfort Heritage Foundation sponsors “Tour of Homes” from 11 am until 4 pm. Included are five lovely homes, some dating back to the late 1800s. Tickets are $20 each and may be purchased at the Comfort Chamber of Commerce, Comfort Library, and the Comfort Heritage Foundation in the old bank building at corner of 7th & High Streets.
Tickets may be purchased on the day of the tour at the Comfort Heritage Foundation or the Comfort Library. Maps are to be picked up at the Comfort Heritage Foundation the day of the tour.
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Greed + Bad Fed Policy Is Concerning
April 3rd, 2013 categories: Real Estate Stats & Issues
http://news.yahoo.com/special-report-fed-fueled-explosion-subprime-auto-loans-110501752.html
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Where to Eat in Comfort on Easter
March 29th, 2013 categories: Places to Go & Things to Do
Here are a few options for lunch on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013
814 A Texas Bistro Easter Brunch from 11:30am-2pm. Reservations recommended. 713 High Street 830-995-4990 www.814texasbistro.com
The Haven River Inn Easter Lunch from noon-2pm. Menu Easter Salad w/Papaya Citrus Vinaigrette, Chicken & Dumplings, Easter Eggs, Hummingbird Cake. $20 inclusive of tax & gratuity. Reservations by Friday, March 29. 830-995-3834. www.havenriverinn.com
The Terrace Grill at Riven Rock Ranch Easter Sunday Buffet from 11:30am to 3:30pm. $49.95 adults, $29.95 children under 10, 3 & under complimentary, plus beverages, tax & gratuity. Check website for menu. Reservations: 830-995-4045 390 Hermann Sons Road www.rivenrockranch.com
Welfare Café Easter Brunch from 11am-3pm. $36.95 per person. Four Courses. Limited seating. For reservations: 830-537-3700 223 Waring Welfare Road, Boerne www.welfarecafe.com
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Understanding the European Crisis – NY Times Article
March 23rd, 2013 categories: Real Estate Stats & Issues
With all the talk of Cyprus collapsing, here is a good primer on what is happening in the economies of the European nations and why.
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If you’re self-employed or own a small business, getting a mortgage will become a whole lot harder soon.
March 15th, 2013 categories: Real Estate Stats & Issues
Check out this interesting article:
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I WANT TO MAKE AN OFFER – WHAT DO I NEED?
February 5th, 2013 categories: About the Local Market, Assessing the Local Market, Real Estate Resourcing, Real Estate Stats & Issues
Today, I had someone call and want to make an offer on one of our listings. Exactly what we’re in business for! Here’s a non-exhaustive* list of what you’ll need to give me in order to get the process going:
1. How will you take title? In other words, I need your legal name.
2. What’s your mailing address, email, phone number, and fax number? This is primarily so that the title company can send you their title commitment and all the restrictions, easements, etc. that affect the property.
3. How much is the offer and how are you going to pay for it?
This is where people who have not been working with a buyer representative sometimes are surprised and can get a little offended. What you need to keep in mind is that, from the Seller’s point of view, he/she wants to know, “Can this buyer perform?” So …
If the intent is to buy with cash, you’ll need to give me either a copy of a recent bank statement that shows that you have an account balance that is equal to your offer price or you can ask your bank to provide a letter stating the same information. Most banks are more than willing to write a letter for you.
If the intent is to finance the transaction, you’ll need to contact your bank, mortgage company, or credit union, make application, have them run a credit check, and, if you meet the lender’s criteria, they will send me a “pre-qualification letter” that I can submit with the offer. Basically, what a pre-qualification letter says is that the lender is agreeing that they will lend you the money IF you substantiate all that you have told them about your finances (and continue in the same condition through closing – e.g., don’t go out and buy a car or furniture without making sure it won’t affect your ability to purchase the property) and IF the property conforms to their standards.
4. You’ll need to be ready to issue a check for the earnest money and option fee (if applicable – see below). Earnest money typically is $500, $1000, $1500 and up … depending upon the purchase price. It’s what shows that you are an “earnest” buyer. Generally speaking, it will NOT be refunded if the deal falls through unless there are title issues. The only exception to that is if you “opt out” during the option period (again – see below) of if your financing falls through during the financing period. The Financing period is the time period within which you must supply the lender with all of your financial information and get the final “OK” from the Lender.
5. Do you want to do inspections? If so, you’ll need to purchase the right to do so. Typically the right to do so costs $10 p/day and usually lasts from 7-14 days. This 7-14 day time period is what is generally referred to as the option period. It’s called the option period because, if you find something surprising during that time, you can “opt” out and all you lose is your option money. If there are no surprises and you want to move forward, the option fee typically is applied to the purchase price. Another alternative (if there are surprises found during inspections) is to go back to the Seller and ask for concessions or repairs.
Keep in mind that there are different kinds of inspections: A general home inspection, a well inspection, a septic inspection, etc. Also, if you are buying a raw piece of land, an inspection period usually does not apply. And … if you are asking for a REALLY great deal or buying AS IS, you may gain leverage in your negotiations by not asking for an option period. For example, my husband and I have gotten some REALLY REALLY good deals because we offered cash with no option period, and close in 2 weeks. You just have to weigh what you are trying to accomplish.
6. Are there any other conditions that apply? (e.g., Sale of current home, owner financing, etc.)
7. Last but not least, when do you want the closing to be? For a property that is financed, you are looking at between 4-6 weeks. It will vary depending upon the lender’s backlog. For an all cash deal, it just depends upon whether a survey is needed or if there are inspections. Typically, 2-4 weeks.
The best part of my job is drawing up contracts. It means we are doing are job … helping people buy and sell property.
There are a lot of things that can go wrong during the “closing process.” My job is to walk you through the entire process, anticipate the problems that can occur and then resolve them.
So … Are you ready to put an offer in? Call me and we’ll get the ball rolling.
*Obviously, I am just covering contract basics here. There are a lot of other legal issues covered in the standard TAR contract. If you want more information, just ask me and we can go over it in more detail.
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Fredericksburg Trade Days This Weekend: Oct 19-21, 2012
October 18th, 2012 categories: Places to Go & Things to Do
Thinking about Christmas yet? This weekend is Fredericksburg’s Trade Days weekend.
Hours:
9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Friday & Saturday
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday
You will find over 350 vendors, 6 barns & acres of:
“Antiques, collectibles, tools, crafts, shabby chic, primitives,ranch furniture, hunting accessories, candles, unique clothing, jewelry, food and so much more.”
7 miles East of Fredericksburg on Hwy 290 across from the Wildseed Farms.
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Scarecrow Invasion Comfort, Texas October 15-31
October 18th, 2012 categories: Places to Go & Things to Do
Come to Comfort to experience Comfort’s annual Scarecrow Invasion.
Stay tuned for more pictures.
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Will my house appraise with these issues?
October 18th, 2012 categories: Real Estate Stats & Issues
Here are some issues that will disqualify standard financing:
- Electrical – Electrical service will need to be upgraded/fixed if wiring is exposed, outdated (below 100 amp service) or a fire hazard (cloth wiring).
- Plumbing – Leaks, corrosion, outdated or inadequate plumbing systems.
- HVAC – Must be able to heat and cool the house to certain temperature standards.
- Lead paint and Asbestos- these materials must be disposed of properly and brought current.
- Exterior issues- Roofs, windows, and siding must be in working condition and leak free. Peeling paint must be scraped and repainted.
- Well and septic- Must be in working condition and conforming with safety standards.
- Foundation- Slabs can not be cracked and un-level. Pier & Beam must support the structure and be level.
- Unfinished areas- Missing railings, unfinished entries, exposed wiring, unfinished floors , missing insulation, drywall, etc. will not meet lending requirements.
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Singing Water Winery This Saturday 10/20/12: A Celebration of Life
October 18th, 2012 categories: Places to Go & Things to Do
Come join us this weekend at Singing Water Vineyards
They will be holding a Heroe’s Hoopla celebrating the lives of everyone who has experienced cancer first hand. 10% of the day’s proceeds will be donated to the DIVA organization in San Antonio whose mission is the development of community-based programs that directly enhance the quality of life for cancer patients and survivors.
Featured food truck this day will be Skinny Cat Catering, serving food noon-5p.
Location: 316 Mill Dam Road, Comfort, Tx
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