We are assisting an increasing number of people in locating residential lease property. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind.
All owners/landlords look at different things so there is no surefire method for submitting a "the place is mind' application.
1 .Before you get to me (Realtor) pull your free credit report and determine if there are any issues that need to be addressed. Such as; these are not my charges, I never lived there, I paid that off, I was never evicted.... Come to the meeting with your report.
2. You must complete a Lease Agreement Application for all occupants over the age of 18, no exceptions.
3. Application fees are ranging from approximately $25 to $75, so have money available in cash. The fee amount can be per person or a combination for married couples.
4. You will need clear copies of your driver's license and/or social security card. ( Many properties run a background check in addition to credit.)
5. Any proof of income you are claiming, ie. Child support, disability, SSI,VA, etc
6. Proof of rental history (some owners perfer to have their representative obtain this information. Just be aware and make sure your landlord know they maybe contacted.)
7. Information on your pet: breed, weight, a picture would be helpful.
8. If your credit is seriously challenged you may be asked to pay a double deposit, be prepared..
9. Look at homes you can afford. Some landlords require that your income is 3-5x the rental amount.
Do not expect a discount on the rent, as this is the exception and not the rule right now. The Buyer market they speak of on the news are for home purchases and even then varies by area.
Most important, if you have situations you know are going to come up, let your agent know. Things like broken leases, owing a prior landlord money, foreclosure, pet issue, etc. Don't visit a propety without your agent or give money to just anyone who asks, thinking you are going to work out some kind of deal. Remember the agent is your advocate.
All success to you
Saturday, January 28th, there is an e-cycling event in Harvvest Plaza in downtown Katy. The full address is 5701 3rd street. They will accept:
computers, notebooks, monitors/LCDS, servers, printers, copiers, projectors, consumer electronics, hard drives, hubs/routers/switches, cables/cords, memory, chips/ram,circuit boards, peripherals, rechargeable, batteries, storage devices, fax machines, cell, phones/PDAS, phone equipment, small kitchen, appliances, tvs (under 27")
Not accepted
vacuum cleaners, refrigerators, washing machines, weed eaters, televisions over 27"
Spring cleaners starts early. See you there.
All success to you
I just saw an ad on CNBC for Century 21 and a short interview with their marketing director. The title of this entry is my paraphrase of something she said. It struck a cord with me as I seriously think we are in a transitional period. Some will make wise decisions and increase or begin a wealth cycle for their heirs. Others will sit back and wait to pick up the crumbs. Which one will you be?
If you are seeking professional advise and assistance, we are here to Consult, Negotiate, and Organize the details, to allow you to purchase the property that is right for you.
All success to you
Over the last few years, changes in the market changed who buy homes, sells homes, and financing of the home.
Typically home sales have been at their highest from June to August. Primarily due to families with school age children moving to get settled in before the school year begins, Sellers who put their homes on the market in the colder months are serious about selling but so are the buyers about buying. Prices will vary depending on the availablilty of homes in the warmer or colder months. Usually there is less of an inventory in the colder months but don't confuse this with drastic drops in home prices. Sellers want to sell their home, not give it away. Buyers want to get a good deal and not feel they have overpaid. Therein lies the value of using an agent.
With tighter lending guidelines, it is more important than ever that you pull your credit report and start a dialog with your chosen lender before you start looking at homes.
When people ask me if this is a good time to buy a home, I say " It is a good time to buy a home, for smart people."
See you at the closing table.
.
www.KatyDreamHomes.com
Lighbulb moment! Not everyone is interested in leasing, buying, or selling a home. We now have something for you as well. Go to;
www.KatyDreamHomes.com
cllick on the apartment tab at the top left hand of the screen
Information, pictures, requirements for finding an apartment that meets your needs.
Tell a friend.
When you ask an agent to show a home, who do they represent?
Before working with a real estate agent, you should know that our duties depend on whom we represent. If you hire an agent to list your property as a seller or landlord, the agent works for the seller or landlord. An agent showing the property without a written agreement between them and perspective buyer or tenant is considered a subagent and represents the seller or perspective landlord in cooperation with the listing agent. If a buyer or perspective tenant enter into a written agreement then the agent works for them.
Since the broker owns the listing, if the agent listing the property is under the broker and the agent bringing the buyer are under the same broker, the broker may act as intermediary (overseer) between both sides to insure fairness. Both parties must agree in writing for this to happen.
An agent may assist you in locating a property, preparing a contract or lease, or obtaining financing without representing you. The agent is also obligated to treat you fairly. It is always wise to have someone in the deal looking out for your best interest. So back to the questions who does the agent work for? It depends on who you have hired.
It was a perfect day and I was out previewing for a perspective client in the cinco ranch area. Not wanting to be inside, I remembered seeing a sign for a new neighborhood and decided to continue my previewing tour.
Cardiff Ranch is nestled between Firethorpe and Westheimer Lakes North on the west side of Katy. It is a small community with about 380 homes to be constructed. It is located between the the Westpark Tollway and I-10. The entryway is pleasant and welcoming with construction still in progress. Phase Two will include the club house and recreation facility and there will also be walking trails around the lake.
Internet access, pre-wire for solar and security are in place.. The homes start at the $200's and go up to the $500's. Energy efficiency is a concern of most of us and the 3 Builders in this neighborhood have incorporated this into their designs. Homes sizes range from the 2000 to over 4000, and lake lots are still available.
After a stressful day,we all need to be able to go someplace that is relaxing and this is how I felt in this community. The homes varied enough in layout and design to appeal to many needs. So if you looking for a place to retreat to at the end of a hectic day or a place you would be proud to invite guests, Cardiff Ranch may just be a great alternative. Of course, make a list of what you want in a home ,a neighborhood, and also include the practical. (taxes, commuting distance, etc.and bring your Realtor)
We welcome observations or information , especially from those who acutally live in this new community.
As your head stop spinning and the sick feeling starts to fade, we will add one more thing to the loan process. Take the time to read and ask questions. In 2009 we had the Truth in Lending Act introduced regarding initial and final disclosures to borrowers. the timinig of when fees can be charged and when closings may occur. I'm sure there have been changes since then but thiis is another reason to have your Lender explain the loan and the procedures through closing.
Before you call me, the Realtor, sit down and make a list of the things you want in your new home and rate them from 1 through.... Now armed with your pre-approval letter and your list, call the agent you have selected. Sit down with them and map out a plan for locating the home.
Be realistic: you want everything perfect but remember there is no perfect house
Don't have all your relatives and friends give their opinion: This will confuse you and after all, you will be living here and you must be the one that likes it.
How soon do you want to move: Do you have to wait until a lease is up? Want to move just before school start? etc
Think long term: If this is your first home you'll probably not live their for the rest of your life. Let's say you'll be there from 5-7 years. Taste change, Jobs may change, Children grow older. So what can you live with.
Get a Home Inspection: I can't stress this enough. You need to know what you are buying and the condition it is it.
There are lots of steps in between the various stages of buying but your Realtor will guide you through them.
Ok it is now time for a little HGTV! Remember do your homework, ask questions, let me know how things are going, and happy hunting.
I know you are all excted now that the decision has been made to buy a home but before you start driving the streets (gas is high) and attending open houses ( homes you can't afford) let's find out where you stand financially.
1. Credit-What do you look like on paper? You are entitled to free copies of your credit reports annually from the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion). Order your reports and go over them. You should be reviewing them for accuracy and if you find errors, request corrections. Pay attention to paying your bills on time and pay down high credit cards. There are some Lenders accepting a 580 scores but most will want a 620 or above. Remember your credit score will determine your loan and your interest rate.
2. Savings: Do you have money set aside for a down payment, closing costs, inspections,etc. There are still some financing available that will offer 100% loans but they will come with requirements and certainly limitations
3. Ok so you look pretty good credit wise, you have funds for a downpayment so what do you do next? Contact a Lender to get pre-approved for a loan. The lender will advise you of what documents to bring with you to complete the process. (W-2 forms, verificiation of employment and income, copies of pay stubs, banking statements, etc)
We will pause here to allow you to line up your finances.
If you are at the starting point when looking to purchase your first home or move up contact Sanford & Seretha Sellers. Sanford & Seretha is better known as The Sellers Team.
Ok I confess, I like to watch HGTV & Say Yes to the Dress. I have heard and watched people, buying a home, moving to a lease property or an apartment while planning the wedding. You must have some wild stories are at least good advise for those wanting to do the same thing. So dish! Is it possible to get it all done?
Also when you looking to move or relocate (to Katy-West Houston area) you can get professional real estate help from Sanford & Seretha Sellers. There are homes for sale, lease and investment.
If you watch the news, things are looking up one day and down the next. If you talk to neighbors or friends, you may hear stories of bad experiences with getting a loan. All of this is water cooler talk and will vary according to what part of the country you are in, etc...... I want to know what you think. Why are you not looking to upgrade, cash in on deals from Builders or tracking down a foreclosure?
Sometime all you need is access to a resource to consult with to provide additional information. Explain some of the terms involved in the process of find, deciding on, buying a home. There are many questions to be answered such as should you talk with a lender. Which lender? Should you just start looking for a house and find a lender when needed?
The questions seem to go on for ever. Sanford & Seretha Sellers is a resource with 10+ years in assisting home buyer and sellers to accomplish the Dream of buying, selling or investing real estate. In addition, Sanford & Seretha has team of experts in other areas such as home inspection, lender, heating\AC, etc...
Recently I took my car in for maintenance. As I read my book in the waiting room, someone pushed a booklet in my face and proceeded to try to convince me of my need for their product. Trying to be polite, I mumbled something about my familiarity with the product. This person continued to go on about my knowing someone else that might need it and wanting to put me on their mailing list. They didn't introduce themself nor seem interested in my needs. I was so turned off, until even if I used the product, I would certainly not buy from them and no way will I introduce them to friends or acquaintances.
Since I sell, this was a reminder of why I take a different approach to telling others about my services. No one likes to be sold and neither do I.
What are your thoughts on how you want to be approached to buy anything?
www.katydreamhomes.com
seretha@katydreamhomes.com
Sanford & Seretha Sellers would like to hear what you think...
When you find something that works, you want to share it. Join us in saving on your electric bill. We have been satisfied with the service and pleased with the cost.
www.A2181450.joinambit.com
www.KatyDreamHomes.com
Cinco Ranch will continue to expand now that a deal for additional land has been completed. There are so many different neighborhoods nestled in this master plan community until you are bound to find just the right fit for you.
Today we visited with Trendmaker Homes for the unveiling of an improved model of one of their popular existing plans in the new Cinco subdivision of Rollingwood. The home was a two story, 4 bedroom, two and a half bath with a stone elevation, wrought iron railis on the staircase, cast stone fireplance in the family room, and of course granite in the kitchen..
The prices are subject to change, but here is a hint, ........ghostly deals are afoot. You get the quality the builder is known for, in a master plan community annd great schools and shopping in the area.
So if you are ready to make that move, call us. Let's talk about your options.
Foreclosures just won't go away! Due to continued inquiries for foreclosure property in Katy, we are preparing a site to group them all in one place. Until the site is up and running, email us for a listing and continue to watch
www.KatyDreamHomes.com
for the announcement.
Good hunting