Real Estate with Robbie - Robbie English, Broker

Friday, August 5, 2016

Do You Know the Impact Your Interest Rate Makes? [INFOGRAPHIC]

Some Highlights:

Interest rates have come a long way in the last 30 years.
The interest rate you secure directly impacts your monthly payment and the amount of house that you can afford if you plan to stay within a certain budget.
Interest rates are at their lowest in years… RIGHT NOW!
If buying your first home, or moving up to the home of your dreams is in your future, now may be the time to act!

Robbie English, Broker, Realtor®, CRB, GRI, PSA, RENE • Dewey Blanton Real Estate • 512-910-HOME - mobile • soldbyrobbie@gmail.com
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Thursday, August 4, 2016

Thinking of Selling Your House? Pick the Right Agent!

Today, more and more sellers are stepping back, taking a look at the advice real estate professionals give them, and asking themselves whether they can trust that advice. And that is exactly what they should do.

The most important question you can ask when you are choosing a real estate agent is whether you feel you can trust them. You must know that they’re giving you great advice, and that they’re going to be able to help you accomplish your family’s goals. You must trust your listing agent enough to allow them to:

Handle the liquidation of possibly the largest asset your family has
Help set the market value of that asset (get the price right)
Set the timetable for the liquidation of that asset
Set a fair fee for the services required to liquidate that asset

All four of these require a tremendous amount of trust. They’re going to sell your prized possession, set its value, set a time schedule as to when your family will be able to move, and determine the fee that you’re going to pay to get those three things accomplished.

You have to trust your agent enough to allow them to help you and your family reach your dreams.

Whether you’re a grandfather up North looking to move to Florida to spend your later years with your grandkids, or a young person who wants to take that job in San Francisco but first has to get your house sold in Chicago, you need an agent you can trust to help you move on with what’s important.

Wednesday, August 3, 2016

Permit? What-What?

New Home Sales Up 25.4% Last Month!

According to the latest Census Bureau Report, sales of newly constructed homes soared to new heights in June to a seasonally adjusted rate of 592,000. This marks the highest annual rate in 8 years.

Trulia’s Chief Economist, Ralph McLaughlin had this to say:

“New home sales jumped sharply in June, and marked the best month since February 2008. This is a continued sign that demand for homes remains solid and aptly reflects increasing homebuilder confidence.”

Sales have been climbing consistently over the last six months as shown in the graph below.

One of the many reasons why many homeowners turn to the new homes market to find their dream home is due to the lack of existing homes for sale. As we have mentioned before, buyer demand is outpacing the supply of homes for sale at record rates.

Bottom Line

If you are a homeowner who is debating listing your home for sale this year, now may be the time. Let’s get together to help you take advantage of the buyers that are ready, willing and able to buy in your area.

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Community Pool Information

It’s August and things are really heating up. And, I am not talking about the real estate market which of course is already hot! If you and your family are looking for a way to cool off before school starts, be sure and check out Community Impact’s Pool Guide.

And, if you want to take advantage of the real estate market, give me a call! Robbie English, Broker • Dewey Blanton Real Estate • 512-910-HOME mobile • soldbyrobbie@gmail.com

#DBRTX, #robbieenglish, #deweyblantonrealestate #austinrealestate #realtor #realtorslife #realestate #broker #realty #austinrealtor #realestateagent #austinrealtors #realestateagentaustin #realestateagentnewbraunfels #newbraunfelsrealestate #realestateaustin #realestatenewbraunfels #newbraunfelsrealtor #listingagent #salesagent #buyersagent #realestatecareer #realestateagentcareer #realestatebroker

What Does Home Mean to You?

No matter what shape or size your living space is, the concept and feeling of home can mean different things to different people. Whether it’s a certain scent or a favorite chair, the emotional reasons why we choose to buy our own home are, more often than not, the more powerful or compelling ones.

Every year, The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University conducts a survey to find driving factors behind why Americans decide to buy a home.

The top 4 reasons to own a home cited by participants of the survey were not financial.

1. It means having a good place to raise children & provide them with a good education

From the best neighborhoods to the best school districts, even those without children at the time of purchase may have this in the back of their mind as a major reason for choosing the location of the home that they purchase.

2. You have a physical structure where you & your family feel safe

It is no surprise that having a place to call home with the means for comfort and security is the number two reason.

3. It allows you to have more space for your family

Whether your family is expanding, or an older family member is moving in, having a home that fits your needs is a close third on the list.

4. It gives you control over what you do with your living space, like renovations and updates

Looking to actually try one of those complicated wall treatments that you saw on Pinterest? Tired of paying an additional pet deposit for your apartment building, or do you want to finally adopt that puppy or kitten you’ve seen online 100 times? Who’s to say that you can’t in your own home?

The 5th reason on the list, is the #1 financial reason to buy a home as seen by respondents:

5. Owning a home is a good way to build up wealth that can be passed along to my family

Either way you are paying a mortgage. Why not lock in your housing expense now with an investment that will build equity that you can borrow against in the future?

Bottom Line

Whether you are a first time homebuyer or a move-up buyer who wants to start a new chapter in your life, now is a great time to reflect on the intangible factors that make a house a home.

Monday, August 1, 2016

Your Home’s 10 Dating Deal Breakers

FHA Condo Bill Signed into Law: Next Steps

FHA Condo Relief Coming: President Signs Bill

President Obama has signed H.R. 3700 – the “Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act” into law. The National Association of REALTORS® hailed the development as a “significant step” in eliminating barriers to safe, affordable mortgage credit for condos.

The bill was approved unanimously by the U.S. House in February and the Senate two weeks ago. NAR has long been an advocate of the bill, testifying before Congress and lobbying for its passage. Additionally, nearly 140,000 REALTORS® across the country voiced their support for the legislation during the NAR call for action.

“REALTORS® have reason to celebrate today as legislation easing restrictions on FHA financing for condominiums is finally signed into law,” says NAR President Tom Salomone. “This is a long-awaited victory for NAR and for home buyers for whom condos are an important and affordable option.”

The bill will make Federal Housing Administration’s recertification process “substantially less burdensome” and will lower FHA’s owner-occupancy requirement from 50 percent to 35 percent, NAR has reported. The bill also requires the FHA to replace an existing policy on transfer fees with a less-restrictive model that has already been in place at the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

Read more: Win for REALTORS®: Senate OK’s Condo Legislation
This legislation will help offer to relief to well-qualified potential home buyers who have been facing tight housing inventories, rising home prices, and strict mortgage credit underwriting guidelines, Salomone has said.

“Condominiums often represent an affordable option that’s just right for first-time and low-to-moderate income home buyers,” Salomone said in a statement after the Senate approved the bill in July. “Overly burdensome restrictions on condo financing have for too long put that option out of reach for many creditworthy borrowers. This legislation meets those restrictions head on, putting the dream of home ownership back in reach for more Americans.”

Source: DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS

Why You Should Hire a Real Estate Professional When Buying a Home!

Many people wonder whether they should hire a real estate professional to assist them in buying their dream home or if they should first try to go it on their own. In today’s market: you need an experienced professional!

You Need an Expert Guide if You Are Traveling a Dangerous Path

The field of real estate is loaded with land mines. You need a true expert to guide you through the dangerous pitfalls that currently exist. Finding a home that is priced appropriately and ready for you to move in to can be tricky. An agent listens to your wants and needs, and can sift through the homes that do not fit within the parameters of your “dream home.”

A great agent will also have relationships with mortgage professionals and other experts that you will need in securing your dream home.

You Need a Skilled Negotiator

In today’s market, hiring a talented negotiator could save you thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of dollars. Each step of the way – from the original offer, to the possible renegotiation of that offer after a home inspection, to the possible cancellation of the deal based on a troubled appraisal – you need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.

Realize that when an agent is negotiating their commission with you, they are negotiating their own salary; the salary that keeps a roof over their family’s head; the salary that puts food on their family’s table. If they are quick to take less when negotiating for themselves and their families, what makes you think they will not act the same way when negotiating for you and your family?

If they were Clark Kent when negotiating with you, they will not turn into Superman when negotiating with the buyer or seller in your deal.

Bottom Line

Famous sayings become famous because they are true. You get what you pay for. Just like a good accountant or a good attorney, a good agent will save you money…not cost you money.

About Robbie

Robbie typically works by referral and has enjoyed a life-long career in the real estate industry. He started at age 15 working for his father’s law office and property management company. Robbie continues to offer his clients with the same incomparable mix of honest, down-to-earth guidance with thorough knowledge. Having worked extensively in commercial and residential real estate management, sales, and as a mortgage banker and mortgage broker, Robbie understands all the pieces of the puzzle required to put transactions together.

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