Home Buying Tips

Do I need a 20% down payment to purchase a home? No, it’s a myth that you need a 20% down payment to purchase a home. There are numerous loans available with much smaller minimum down payment requirements.    Stacey Gross answers questions on minimum down payments amounts in #RealEstateTalk episode 20. She has […]

Why is CASH considered KING in real estate? Because it comes with less contingencies and offers the seller a quicker close.    The advantages a cash buyer has over a financed buyer are:  Quicker close: A cash buyer can closer quicker on a house than a financed buyer thus reducing the sellers holding costs. A […]

Can you put in an offer on a house that’s under contract? Yes, you can submit a backup offer.  What do you do if the house that you have fallen in LOVE with suddenly goes under contract?  You submit a backup offer and hope the first buyer terminates the contract. You will then be […]

What are common problems that show up on a home inspection?  Repairs negotiations between buyers and sellers are a lot smoother when both sides understand common issues that show up on home inspections.  As a buyer, you don’t want to terminate your contract because of issues on the home inspection just to find them […]

How can I lower my property taxes? Compared to other states, real estate taxes in Spring Texas are high. The ways to lower your property taxes are by confirming the accuracy of your tax account, applying for exemptions, and by protesting the tax assessed value of your Spring TX home.    Here are some […]

What happens on closing day?  Closing day details:  The what, when, and where. You are ready know the why.  What happens on closing day? On closing day, you will perform a final walk thru of the house. You will confirm the house is in the same condition as it was on the day you went […]

Who handles repairs? Does the buyer or the seller handle the repairs? When do the repairs have to be completed?  Who handles repairs? Repairs can be handled in three ways:  1. The seller can do the repairs. 2. The buyer can do the repairs. 3. The buyer and seller can both do some of the […]

What is the option period in Texas? How long is the option period? How much is the option fee? Is the option fee refundable?  What is the option period? The option period is a defined length of time in which the buyer has the unrestricted right to terminate the contract. What occurs during the […]

Should you get an inspection on a new construction house?    The builder said the house was inspected several times during the construction process. Plus the builder says he made all of the repairs that were identified. In addition, you don’t want to waste your money on any unnecessary inspections. All of this gets us […]