Long Meadow Farms (Richmond, TX)
By Shayne Stone, "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor" RETIRED
(HomeSmart)
Should I Skip a Home Inspection?When buying a new home, there’s a lot more that goes into the process than just signing some forms and picking up the keys. One of the big steps that you’ll typically take is getting a home inspection to identify any potential issues with the property. While this is common, most of the time it’s not actually required; while lenders will generally insist on an appraisal of the home, this isn’t a full inspection. So does that mean you can skip getting an actual home inspection as a part of the home-buying process?Technically, yes. Unless you live in an area where home inspections are legally required, you don’t have to get a home inspection before purchase. Should you skip a home inspection? Absolutely not. Having your home inspected serves a much greater p...
Comments 7
By Shayne Stone, "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor" RETIRED
(HomeSmart)
A Key To Building Wealth Is HomeownershipThe link between financial security and homeownership is especially important today as inflation rises. But many people may not realize just how much owning a home contributes to your overall net worth. As Leslie Rouda Smith, President of the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says:“Homeownership is rewarding in so many ways and can serve as a vital component in achieving financial stability.” Here are just a few reasons why, if you're looking to increase your financial stability, homeownership is a worthwhile goal.Owning a Home Is a Building Block for Financial SuccessA recent NAR report details several homeownership trends and statistics, including the difference in net worth between homeowners and renters. It finds:. . . the net worth of ...
Comments 2
By Shayne Stone, "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor" RETIRED
(HomeSmart)
The Difference Between Renting and Owning Some Highlights If you're deciding whether to rent or buy, consider the many financial benefits that come with owning a home. As a renter, you build your landlords wealth and face rising costs. As a homeowner, you build your own net worth and can lock in your monthly payments for the length of your loan. If you're weighing your options, remember that owning a home is a decision that has considerable financial perks. If you want to learn more, lets connect to talk about the perks of homeownership.   
Comments 4
By Shayne Stone, "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor" RETIRED
(HomeSmart)
House Hacks to Keep Cold Air at BayAs summer slowly shifts to autumn, cooler days and chilly nights are just around the corner. While this can be a relief after the summer heat, it won’t be as much of a relief when your heating costs start stacking up. Fortunately, it’s possible to prepare in advance to avoid some of the extra costs of winter while still keeping your home comfortable throughout the season. Though there are countless ways to do so and the right options for you will largely depend on your specific home, here are some little things you can do now that will have a big impact on how well your home keeps out the cold air this winter.Prep for the Cold The first thing that you should do when trying to get ready for the coming cold is to make sure you’ve blocked off many of the ...
Comments 4
By Shayne Stone, "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor" RETIRED
(HomeSmart)
There's a common misconception that, as a homebuyer, you need to come up with 20% of the total sale price for your down payment. In fact, a recent survey by Lending Tree asks what is keeping consumers from purchasing a home. For over half of those surveyed, the ability to afford a down payment is the biggest hurdle.That may be because those individuals assume a 20% down payment is necessary. While putting more money down if you're able can benefit buyers, putting 20% down is not mandatory. As Freddie Mac puts it:The most damaging down payment myth since it stops the homebuying process before it can start is the belief that 20% is necessary.If saving that much money sounds overwhelming, you might be ready to give up on the dream of homeownership before you even begin but you don't have t...
Comments 2
By Shayne Stone, "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor" RETIRED
(HomeSmart)
Whether or not you've been following the real estate industry lately, there's a good chance you've heard were in a serious sellers market. But what does that really mean? And why are conditions today so good for people who want to list their house?It starts with the number of houses available for sale. The latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors(NAR) shows housing supply is still astonishingly low. Today, we have a 2.6-month supply of homes at the current sales pace. Historically, a 6-month supply is necessary for a normal or neutral market in which there are enough homes available for active buyers(see graph below):When the supply of houses for sale is as low as it is right now, its much harder for buyers to find homes to purchase. That creates incre...
Comments 5
By Shayne Stone, "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor" RETIRED
(HomeSmart)
You may have been told that its important to get pre-approved at the beginning of the homebuying process, but what does that really mean, and why is it so important? Especially in todays market, with rising home prices and high buyer competition, its crucial to have a clear understanding of your budget so you stand out to sellers as a serious homebuyer.Being intentional and competitive are musts when buying a home right now. Pre-approval from a lender is the only way to know your true price range and how much money you can borrow for your loan. Just as important, being able to present a pre-approval letter shows sellers you're a qualified buyer, something that can really help you land your dream home in an ultra-competitive market.With limited housing inventory, there are many more buye...
Comments 6
Richmond, TX Real Estate Professionals