Rockwall Keller Williams

5 Ways to Make Your Home Safer

2012-02-01T08:03:00.001-06:00

Provided By Yahoo! Real EstateFor anyone who has seen those World's Dumbest Criminals clip shows on late-night TV, it may come as no surprise that burglars aren't always the smartest tools in the shed. But sometimes they don't even have to be.Burglars most often enter a place through an unlocked door, says Craig L'Esperance, a detective for a Midwest law enforcement agency. Other times the home

Why Buy a Home?

2012-01-30T07:45:00.000-06:00

Provided By Realty TimesYou’ve probably heard it all over media outlets. "Affordability is at an all-time high." "Interest rates are below 4.0 percent!" The question remains, however, why buy a home? What do these proclamations actually mean for you?Let’s look at these claims. Affordability is at an all-time high. This is calculated by a ratio of median household income to median home prices for

Sell Your Home With The Right Images

2012-01-27T07:45:00.000-06:00

Provided By Realty TimesListing your home for sale is the start of a journey that can go smoothly, if you take some necessary steps to make your home appealing to the right audience. Of course, it can also be a lesson in frustration.These days much of the shopping for homes, like many items, is done online. That means that images (both photos and video) are rapidly becoming popular marketing

Five Questions to Ask Yourself Before Deciding to Buy

2012-01-25T07:43:00.000-06:00

Provided By ZillowPerhaps you’ve found a house, or maybe you’ve just started the house hunt, but regardless of where you are in the home-buying process, you need to consider some key questions before you even think about making an offer. Buying a home is a big commitment — financial and otherwise — so take the time to weigh pros and cons.Here are five questions every home buyer should ask

Winter Home Maintenance

2012-01-23T08:07:00.000-06:00

Provided By Realty TimesIt may be cold outside, but it's no time hibernate when it comes to home maintenance. Have you ever wondered how some friends or neighbors live in older homes that are still in good working order? This isn't just a lucky coincidence.Houses require careful attention, especially in the Winter, in order to keep in good working order. If you take the extra time each season to

Top 10 Tips for Sellers

2012-01-20T07:58:00.000-06:00

Provided By Realty TimesToday’s sellers may face challenging conditions in many markets, but that doesn’t mean choosing to sell is a bad idea. There are many reasons to sell and most are good ones.Here are ten tips to get you on your way to getting your home sold.1. Hire a Professional. This is no time to be navigating the rough waters of the real estate market on your own. You want someone who

Tips to Cut Clutter

2012-01-18T08:02:00.000-06:00

Provided By ZillowWhether you’re prepping your home for sale or have decided that getting organized is one of your New Year’s home improvement resolutions, here are some tips to help curb the clutter in your home.Start SlowEven if you’re packing up to move and need to get rid of things ASAP, diving in too quickly can leave you overwhelmed and at risk of making choices that you will regret later.

Sellers of Distressed Homes

2012-01-16T07:45:00.000-06:00

Provided By Realty TimesWith the beginning of 2012, there are several issues that will remain at the center of discussion for real estate professionals. Starting with distressed homes, sellers must confront a series of challenges (and opportunities), which demand the attention of experts who can address these matters effectively. Remember: as the economy struggles to recover, and as more

10 Selling incentives to motivate buyers in a down economy

2012-01-13T07:59:00.001-06:00

Provided By TruliaEveryone likes a bargain, a sale, or a giveaway. What's not to like? In real estate sales incentives can be a great way to motivate a reluctant buyer to take the plunge and consider making an offer on your home despite the current economic downturn. So as a seller what are some ways you can use sales incentives to drive up interest in your property?Let's take a look at 10

Pending Sales Rise

2012-01-11T08:00:00.000-06:00

Provided By Realty TimesAccording to the latest report from the National Association of Realtors Pending Homes Sales Index, pending home sales are at the highest level in 19 months.What has precipitated this rise? Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the gains may result partially from delayed transactions. "Housing affordability conditions are at a record high and there is a pent-up demand

Mortgage Rates Finish 2011 Near Historic Lows

2012-01-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

Provided by Realty TimesIn Freddie Freddie Mac's results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey®, the average fixed mortgage rates finishing the year near their all-time historic lows helping to keep homebuyer affordability high.Averaging 3.95 percent, the 30-year fixed has been at or below 4.00 percent for the past nine consecutive weeks and only twice in 2011 did it average above 5.00

Which Home Improvement Projects Offer the Best Returns?

2012-01-06T08:00:00.000-06:00

Provided By Realty TimesWhen it comes to remodeling, exterior replacement projects have routinely rewarded home owners with more bang for their buck. This year is no different: REALTORS® recently rated many exterior improvements as among the most valuable home investment projects as part of the 2011-12 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report. "This year's Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report shows the value

Happy New Year!!

2011-12-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

Builder Confidence Rises in December

2011-12-28T08:00:00.001-06:00

Provided by Realty TimesBuilder confidence rose in December according to the National Association of Home Builders. This is the third straight month of improved confidence.The National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) indicates this is the highest level the market has seen since May 2010."This is the first time that builder confidence has improved for three

Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T06:30:00.001-06:00

Home is a memory that we carry in our hearts, a comfort that we keep from year to year.The joy of smiling faces, family, friends and fun, a gift that warms our lives with Christmas Cheer.Wishing you a warm and cozy holiday season, surrounded by those you love.MERRY CHRISTMAS!-Keller Williams Rockwall(Click on the picture to have a laugh, take a look at our KW Family Christmas video!)

The Mistaken Commercial Move

2011-12-21T07:58:00.000-06:00

Provided By Realty TimesMandarin Enterprise was an import/export company located in Montecito, OR. The owner of the company, Patrick Cook, was extremely busy traveling the world,looking for opportunities to expand his business. Since Mandarin Enterprise was expanding, Patrick thought he should hire a reliable person to help him manage the business and take care of it in his absence. Hence, before

Choosing to Sell

2011-12-19T08:01:00.000-06:00

Provided By Realty TimesToday’s market presents a difficult mix of conditions for many sellers. The housing market dipped in recent years in response to recession conditions and continues to struggle.Accessing credit is challenging. Many of today’s lenders require hefty downpayments of at least 20 percent along with excellent credit scores for the best rates. Many homeowners with “good” credit

Home Inspections

2011-12-16T07:32:00.001-06:00

Provided By Realty TimesBuying a home is a big decision that includes more than falling in love with the style and decor of a home. A home needs to be in good working order. This is where an home inspector comes in.A home inspector does a physical inspection of the structure and systems of your prospective home. This means while may love how beautiful the living room’s wood floors are, your

A Simple Guide to Selling Your Home On The Holidays

2011-12-14T08:03:00.000-06:00

Provided By Shopkenthomes' Blog on Trulia.comThe holidays are fast approaching and it can be a hard time to organize your house when you are planning to sell it. However, if you wish to put your property for sale on the market at some point, you have to keep doing the items you must do, especially if you wish to hit the ‘spring’ market (which starts soon after the very first of the season). How

Coats, Coats, Coats

2011-12-13T08:01:00.000-06:00

Dear Rockwall Community,Keller Williams on behalf of Rockwall Cares is currently accepting coat donations. You can find the donation boxes in the foyer of our office located at:2951 Ridge Road, Suite 101Rockwall, TX 75032(inside the Kroger shopping center)For more information please contact us at 972-772-7000 or email us at frontdesk552@kw.com."Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and

Decorating on a Dime

2011-12-12T08:01:00.000-06:00

Provided By Realty TimesA tight budget doesn’t have to mean a lack of style! Your home can still be an up-to-date showpiece. You just have to know where to shop!The first trick is to shop the sales! Retailers are fighting hard these days to gain your business. They have one-day sales, weekly clearance, and lots of coupons offered online. Be sure to do a little research before heading out to the

Pending Sales Rise

2011-12-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

Provided By Realty TimesPent-up demand could finally be working its way through the market. Pending home sales rose sharply in October according to the National Association of Realtors®.The latest statistics reveal that contract signings rose 10.4 percent for the month and are now 9.4 percent above 2010 levels.Regionally, results were mixed but overall still positive. The Midwest led the way

Increasing Seller's Property Value

2011-12-02T07:58:00.000-06:00

Provided Yahoo!Understand first of all that there IS a difference between price and value. Price is the amount you are asking for the property. Value is buyer perceived, and this perception of value is influenced by many factors such as location, features, condition, comparison to other purchase option, etc. By attending to details that can have a positive impact on the value, sellers can

All about home inspections

2011-11-30T07:58:00.000-06:00

Provided By TruliaWhen you are looking to purchase a home, it's a good idea to get it inspected first. Think of it as a test drive before you plunk down your life savings and most likely, commit yourself to lengthy mortgage. You want to make sure you're getting a quality home. Below is everything you need to know about getting a home inspection.Why get an inspection?A home inspection is the

Ask the HOA Expert

2011-11-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

Provided By Realty TimesQuestion: Our annual meeting was held yesterday and a motion was approved to distribute meeting minutes and other communications via e-mail. We are a small HOA and 3/4ths of the people do email and the rest don’t. Is this a problem? Answer: Distributing HOA information by email makes perfect sense labor and budget-wise. But since HOA websites are very cheap, it would be

Garage Organization

2011-11-25T07:45:00.000-06:00

Provided By Southern Living MagazineFor many homeowners, the words "garage" and "storage space" are synonymous, but that assumption wears thin when parking the car inside requires divine intervention. So the next time you're forced to squeeze past a barrier of boxes and various yard items to get in the house, take advantage of the following tips--along with warm summer days--for a better, more

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T08:01:00.000-06:00

Learn from the Mistakes of Others & Avoid Your Own

2011-11-21T07:56:00.000-06:00

Provided By Realty TimesThe same financial mistakes that are playing out on a global scale can undermine us as individuals, families, and small businesses. Would you rather make the same financial errors yourself, or simply avoid the mistakes of others? When you watch, read, or listen to news of the European financial crisis, don’t just shake your head because the billions involved seem so

Ciabatta Stuffing with Chestnuts and Pancetta

2011-11-18T08:01:00.000-06:00

Provided By FoodNetwork: Giada De Laurentiis, Everyday ItalianIngredients6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) butter 8 ounces pancetta, cut into 1/4-inch dice 2 large onions, finely chopped 2 carrots, peeled and finely chopped 3 celery stalks, finely chopped 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary leaves 3 garlic cloves, chopped 2 (7.4-ounce) jars roasted peeled whole chestnuts, coarsely broken 1/4 cup chopped

Rockwall Stats

2011-11-16T08:03:00.000-06:00

Provided By ZwillowAre you interested in learning what the stats are in your neighborhood? Contact us at 972.772.7000 or email us at frontdesk552@kw.com.

More Markets Show Signs of Improving-Texas is Dominating!

2011-11-14T07:57:00.000-06:00

Provided By Realty TimesThe last few months have shown marked improvement in certain key markets across the country. This report comes fro the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI). According to the NAHB, "The index identifies metropolitan areas that have shown improvement for at least six months in housing permits, employment and housing prices."

The moving parts of an ARM

2011-11-11T08:05:00.000-06:00

Provided By Trulia.comAdjustable Rate Mortgages, or ARMs, got a bad name in the housing crisis that culminated around 2005. Inherently, an ARM is neither a good nor a bad thing—just a legitimate financial instrument that can be used or abused, like a bottle of wine or a sportsmans rifle.With an ARM, the interest rate changes periodically, usually in some relation to an index such as COFI, the

Five Great Things about Homeownership

2011-11-09T08:01:00.000-06:00

Provided By Realty TimesIf you've been on the fence about homeownership, now is the time to take a leap! Don't let the negative press deter you from one of life's greatest joys. Take a look at five short and sweet reasons that homeownership is great! 1. Equity. When you pay rent, you never see that money again. It is lining the landlord's pocket. Yes, buying a home may come with some hefty

Sharing our Table

2011-11-07T07:58:00.002-06:00

Dear Rockwall Community,We are now accepting non perishable food donations for families in need in. Help us stuff the Rockwall Food Pantry...because no one should go hungry!*Chili*Soups*Canned Goods*Boxed Items (containing meats)*Cereals*Packaged FruitsDrop off box is located inside the entrance of Keller Williams Realty. For more information please contact us at 972.772.7000 or email us at

You Can't Keep A Good Homebuyer Down

2011-11-04T07:58:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesAn estimated 2 million home buyers are poised to take the plunge just as soon as the economy returns from the deep. That's because Americans still place a high value on homeownership, but qualifying for a mortgage and raising a down payment in an economy that won't produce jobs, keeps many of them sitting on the fence. Eighty-nine percent of owners and 59 percent of

Is a Smaller Home for You?

2011-11-02T08:01:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesStudies over the past few years have shown a solid trend regarding home sizes. Buyers today want smaller homes with smaller price tags. During the boom era in the mid-2000's, homeownership was about McMansions and spacious sprawls. The recent recession and continued ailing recovery have made many families rethink their budgets and lifestyles. A 9.1 percent unemployment

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T08:00:00.003-05:00

Happy Halloween from everyone at Keller Williams Rockwall!

1st Annual Chili Cook-Off

2011-10-26T08:00:00.003-05:00

Keeping Up The Yard Through The Winter

2011-10-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesThis is the time when people start to want to stay indoors a bit more, especially when the temperatures significantly drop.But you can't neglect your outdoor patios and decks, especially if you plan to sell soon. Buyers won't want to see broken-wood decks or corroded wrought iron patio sets in your backyard.The good news is that if you prepare ahead, you can save yourself

Tips for Saving

2011-10-14T07:58:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesSaving money for a downpayment is a very worthy goal. Homeownership has been shown to be a good long-term investment that creates family and community stability. The National Association of Realtors' 2010 Social Benefits of Homeownership and Stable Housing study found some delightful upsides of becoming a homeowner, such as it making "a significant positive impact on

Fannie, Freddie expand allowable foreclosure assistance for military

2011-10-12T08:01:00.000-05:00

Provided By Housing WireFannie Mae and Freddie Mac will allow military members to claim a permanent change of station order as a hardship to be evaluated for foreclosure assistance.In September, the Treasury Department clarified that rule for veterans looking for help through the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives program after many called in requesting a change.According to Fannie guidance

Time to Move up?

2011-10-10T08:01:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesThe market if fraught with scary headlines and ominous news reports. Could the economy slip once more into a recession? Will home prices fall even further? It's enough to make even the bravest buyer a little squeamish. The truth of the matter is that now is a fantastic time to buy. Interest rates are wonderfully low and affordabilty rates are at record highs. Not only

Fixed-Rate Mortgages Lowest on Record

2011-10-07T07:59:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesMCLEAN, Va., -- Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), coming on the heels of the Federal Reserve's recent announcements. The conventional 30-year fixed averaged an all-time record low at 4.01 percent; likewise the 15-year fixed averaged an all-time record low at 3.28 percent for the week. Of the five regions

What to do before making an offer

2011-10-05T08:02:00.000-05:00

Provided By Trulia Research the marketIn a hot market -- where homes sell rapidly and buyers clamor to purchase homes (a "seller's market") -- you have less pull as a buyer than you have in a cool housing market, where there's a large inventory of homes for sale (a "buyer's market).So, you'll want to know whether the local market you're looking to buy in is a cool or a hot one.You can research

Autumn Landscaping

2011-10-03T08:01:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesFall is the perfect time to add new life to your yard. The heat of the summer has passed and cold, hard frosts are still weeks or months away. This second chance planting season allows you to amp up your curb appeal. Here are some lovely ideas for autumn planting! Selecting the right plants, trees, and shrubs can be overwhelming. Many nurseries are full of colors, sizes,

Don't Misjudge a Property by Its Street Face

2011-09-30T07:58:00.002-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesFor real estate buyers, the process of purchasing a home, or cottage, can be overwhelming. Many purchasers, particularly first-time or first-time-in-a-long-time buyers, are relieved that at least part of the process is easy—viewing properties. That's where they make a big mistake.It seems easy.Look at a house from the street, and you either like it or you don't.Walk

Choosing The Best Lender

2011-09-28T08:02:00.000-05:00

Provided By Yahoo! You're shopping for a mortgage and you've received four offers from four lenders. How do you choose? The first factor most people consider is the interest rate and other costs, but that's only the beginning. You'll also want to think about the lenders themselves, not simply the numbers they're tossing your way.Here are five steps to follow when determining which lender is right

Considerations for Today's First-Time Buyers

2011-09-26T08:01:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesFirst-time buyers are naturally very nervous about entering the market. This was true during sky-high interest rates in the 1980s. It was true when the real estate market was booming in 2005. It is still true today.Newbies to the market worry about the cost of buying, the process itself, and of course what it will mean for them to be a homeowner. Owning a home is typically

HOA Board Transparency

2011-09-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesGovernments have problems. The leadership of city, state, and federal governments is populated with people that are largely untrained in the broad variety of topics put before them. HOAs are a form of government but like no other. The entire membership has a direct interest in the outcome of how well, or how poorly, the HOA business is run. This isn't the case in the other

Give Where You Live!

2011-09-21T08:01:00.001-05:00

“All The Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas Layin' In The Sun, Talkin' 'Bout The Things They Woulda-Coulda-Shoulda Done... But All Those Woulda-Coulda-Shouldas All Ran Away And Hid From One Little Did.” ― Shel Silverstein Remember that the manner of giving is worth more than the gift. To learn more on how you can make a difference in the Rockwall community through Rockwall Cares call us at 972.772.7000 or

This Month in Real Estate

2011-09-20T07:53:00.000-05:00

Provided By KW

Homeowners Expect Prices to Fall

2011-09-19T07:54:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesHas renewed concerns over the job market affected the way agents and homeowners feel about the market? HomeGain's nationwide third quarter 2011 home values survey found that forty-seven percent of surveyed real estate professionals nationwide expect home values to decrease over the next six months. Additionally, an overwhelming majority of buyers feel that homes on the

Foreclosure Definitions and Terms

2011-09-16T08:01:00.000-05:00

Provided By Trulia.comLearn more about common definitions and terms used throughout the foreclosure process by mortgage lenders, investors, and real estate professionals.Notice of Default (NOD): The initial document (non-judicial) filed by a trustee that starts the foreclosure process, usually after the occurrence of a default under the deed of trust, or mortgage. Both LIS and NOD are part of the

Tips to Increase Home Appeal

2011-09-14T07:58:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesWhat sells a home? Is it the price, location, or condition? The truth is that it takes a combination of all of these factors to make a sale in today's market. Unlike boom era transactions, the seller is now in the passenger seat. Buyers today have a great advantage. A glut of homes in many markets means that supply far outweighs demand. Buyers are able to be choosy and to

Thank you!

2011-09-13T08:01:00.000-05:00

We would like to send a BIG thank you to all our Rockwall KW agents that have donated and will donate to our KW Cares and Rockwall Cares organizations, you are making the difference! -Rockwall Cares Committee

Calcucalating Closing Costs

2011-09-12T08:00:00.000-05:00

Provided By Trulia.com One of the most confusing things about the process of closing on a home is the variety of closing costs. The costs can include points, financing costs, title insurance and taxes.These costs can vary across the U.S., can vary by lender, and can also be higher if a buyer's credit rating is low. But, as a rule of thumb, estimate that your costs will be anywhere between 3% and

The Origin of Labor Day

2011-09-05T08:00:00.001-05:00

Provided By HUB Pages The first Labor Day was organized by Peter J McGuire in 1882. McGuire was a carpenter and one of the leaders of the American union movement. Over 10,000 workers marched from New York's City Hall to Union Square. After the parade they enjoyed a picnic, concert, and speeches at Reservoir Park with their families. In many cities across America, Labor Day continues to

Use Paint To Manipulate Mood

2011-09-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

Provided By Realty Times Painting your home is a great way to enhance the appearance of your home, especially when it's time to sell. But don't just slather on a fresh coat for the sake of upgrading. Choose colors that will enhance your mood. When it's time to sell, anything that you can do to improve the mood of today's buyers also will help you sell your home. "Repainting is a low-cost

How to hire the right real estate agent for you

2011-08-31T08:01:00.000-05:00

Provided By Trulia Looking for a real estate agent to help you with your search for a new home? Trulia offers these tips for finding an agent who'll best suit your needs. Get recommendations Family and friends who've recently purchased a home can be great sources of referrals of quality real estate agents. Folks you know can give you the scoop on what it's like to really work with a particular

Foreclosures Slow but Delinquencies Rise

2011-08-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty Times A new report indicates that the number of delinquent mortgage borrowers climbed in the second quarter. That's people who have missed at least one payment, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). There has been a steady improvement in the past couple of years, but this slight increase of 0.12 percentage points in the delinquency rate to bring the seasonally

The Basics of Homeowners Insurance

2011-08-26T08:02:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty Times Buying a home is likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make. It's important to protect this investment. This is where homeowners insurance comes in. As a renter you may have been required to carry "renter's insurance," which was likely a basic plan that covered property losses and damages in case of an accident at which you were at fault, such as fire. A

All about home inspections

2011-08-24T08:01:00.000-05:00

Provided By Trulia When you are looking to purchase a home, it's a good idea to get it inspected first. Think of it as a test drive before you plunk down your life savings and most likely, commit yourself to lengthy mortgage. You want to make sure you're getting a quality home. Below is everything you need to know about getting a home inspection. Why get an inspection? A home inspection is the

Stop Renting and Buy While Homes are Most Affordable

2011-08-22T08:01:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty Times If you're currently renting and have dreamed of owning a home, now may be the perfect time. Trulia.com is reporting that during the month of July, buying was cheaper than renting in 74% of the country's 50 largest cities. However, in 12% of the cities, such as New York, Seattle, and San Francisco, you could rent a place for less than you could buy one. And in the rest

Green Living: Water Conservation

2011-08-19T08:00:00.000-05:00

Provided By: Realty Times Regions across the United States are in need of rain. Ninety-nine percent of the state of Texas is experiencing drought conditions. Wildfires rage on the West coast while grassfires pervade the Heartland. In order to help prevent water shortages, each person must take responsibility in conserving water. Take a moment to look over these simple, but effective

The Basics of Homeowners Insurance

2011-08-17T08:00:00.001-05:00

Provided by Realty Times Buying a home is likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make. It's important to protect this investment. This is where homeowners insurance comes in. As a renter you may have been required to carry "renter's insurance," which was likely a basic plan that covered property losses and damages in case of an accident at which you were at fault, such as fire. A

Relocation Tips to Help You Make Your Move Stress-Free

2011-08-15T11:00:00.001-05:00

Provided By: Realty Times Relocating for a job or personal reason is not easy. Relocating these days can be even more difficult especially if you have to sell your home first. According to USA Today, "The leap is especially big for the nearly 25 percent of U.S. mortgage holders who owe more than their homes are worth–or will likely bring at sale." However, the housing slump may not

Green Living: Low-Impact Summer

2011-08-12T08:00:00.001-05:00

Provided by Realty Times It gets so busy during the summertime. Sometimes it feels as though time has literally sped up. Softball games, family reunions, and camps mean running from point A to point B in a hurry. It's easy to lose sight of the small things. Little changes are how we make a big difference with the environment. From taking shorter showers to upgrading our appliances, there are

There's Still Value in Homeownership

2011-08-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Provided by Realty TimesIt may be a down market, but the majority of Americans still see value in homeownership. According to a recent survey, conducted on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), "An overwhelming 75 percent of the people who were polled said that owning a home is worth the risk of the fluctuations in the market, and 95 percent of the home owners said they are

Heat Safety Tips

2011-08-08T08:00:00.006-05:00

Provided BY Realty TimesThis has been a record setting year for temperatures across much of the country. Weeks on end of 100+ degree temperatures have left landscapes scorched and have resulted in numerous fatalities, namely among the elderly. Just last year there were 138 total heat related deaths and this year's number could be much higher.Active families don't let the heat stop them from

Foreclosure Market Yields Mixed Figures

2011-08-05T07:58:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesThere was a significant decline in foreclosure filings for the firhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifst half of 2011, down 25 percent from the previous six months. Foreclosure activity has also slowed 29 percent from the first half of quarters 2010. June, however, posted a 4 percent gain. The latest RealtyTrac data now indicated that "0.90 percent of all U.S. housing

10 Tips to find the perfect home

2011-08-03T08:02:00.000-05:00

Provided By TruliaGo for the long haulWhen looking for a home, search for one that you could see yourself living in for several years -- at least five to seven years is ideal. Buying -- and moving -- to a new home takes a lot of time and effort, and can add up significantly in closing and moving costs, etc. Staying in place longer will help you avoid those added expenses. Plus, the extra time

Foresight vs Hindsight: Sell Now or Later?

2011-08-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesMost property owners intend to enjoy their real estate as long as they want to, and then sell it for the greatest possible profit—ideally tax free—with the minimum amount of hassle, in the shortest possible time. Sometimes this works out. Sometimes it doesn't. How can owners stack the deck in their favor?Just before a real estate market shifts, make an informed decision to

Mortgages: 7 Things You Don't Want to Learn the Hard Way

2011-07-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesExperience is a good teacher, but when it comes to mortgages—whether you're arranging a new one or renewing—learning by experience can be expensive. The more you understand about mortgages and home equity lines of credit (HELOC) before you sign a mortgage contract, the more you can save in interest charges, lender fees, and other borrowing costs. 1. Consider the Source:

Design Tips for Homeowners on a Budget

2011-07-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesHaving your home look like a million bucks doesn't have to cost you big. Following a few simple design tips and researching the latest styles can help you can transform your dull space into divine living. The first rule of budget design is to have a clear focus. Work on one room and one design at a time. The reasoning behind this is simple. It's too easy to go over budget

State foreclosure procedures

2011-07-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Provided By TruliaThe foreclosure process varies somewhat from state to state, and depends primarily on whether the state uses mortgages or deeds of trust for the purchase of real property. Generally, states that use mortgages conduct judicial foreclosures, using the court system to execute the foreclosure. States that use deeds of trust conduct non-judicial foreclosures, using an out-of-court

How Much Down Payment Is Enough to Buy A Home?

2011-07-15T07:59:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesMost people agree that buying a home without a down payment is a risky decision and soon it might not be an option. As the crippled housing market is beginning to see signs of improvement, lawmakers and key housing industry agencies are debating exactly how much down payment should be required. Congress and a group of federal regulatory agencies are attempting to create

Re-negotiating the sale: how and when sales are renegotiated

2011-07-13T08:01:00.000-05:00

Provided By TruliaStanding on your lawn three days ago you shook hands with the buyer. Everyone was smiling and laughing and you thought you had a deal. But now suddenly the buyer wants to re-negotiate the sale. Should you tell the buyer to go fly a kite or is it better to bite your tongue and try to still make a deal happen? As most veteran real estate brokers will tell you - it depends.Even the

Blood Drive a HUGE Success!

2011-07-11T08:00:00.001-05:00

Keller Williams/Carter BloodCare Annual Blood Drive last Thursday was a HUGE success!Last year we had a total of 39 units of blood actually donated...This year we had an AMAZING 41 UNITS of blood donated!!!Congratulations for setting a NEW record.Thank you to everyone for all you did to make it happen!WAY TO GO KW ROCKWALL!!-Rockwall Cares

Houses Tell All With BuildFax Report

2011-07-08T08:00:00.001-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesIf a home could talk, what would it tell you? An Asheville, NC, company is acting as the tell-all for homes across the country. The firm created a database that contains building and permitting information from U.S. cities and counties. The information is sold to appraisers, inspectors, and banks. Fees range from a single report ($39.99) to report services costing between

Everything you need to know about deeds

2011-07-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Provided By TruliaFor the home buyer, the deed is the heart of the real estate transaction. Your real estate contract will specify the terms of the sale, but it's actually the signed deed that will transfer ownership -- called "title" -- of the home from the home seller to you, the buyer.This legal document must be in writing and must be signed by the seller, and in many cases, by the buyer too.

Happy Independence Day!

2011-07-04T08:00:00.001-05:00

From our KW family to yours, we wish you a Happy Indepence Day! May you have a fun and safe holiday!-Keller Williams Rockwall

Top Five Mistakes Sellers Make

2011-07-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesIt can be a tough market for selling a home, but those conditions can get even worse if sellers aren't careful. While a seller doesn't control the real estate market, their actions can significantly contribute to how long and how much their home is sold for. Underestimating Cleaning Up: It may seem obvious, but I can tell you real estate agents everywhere are nodding their

Tips for contacting the trustee

2011-06-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

Calling the trustee is an important step in pursuing any pre-foreclosure or auction property, but it's not always the easiest or most enjoyable step because many trustees are not geared toward providing information to the general public.A phone call to the trustee is important because it will help you confirm a property's status before you spend time and effort contacting the owner in

Renting your Property without Discriminating

2011-06-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesRenting out a secondary suite in your home is a great way to help pay your housing expenses if you have more room in the house than you need. But many small landlords don't realize they are running discriminatory housing advertisements for their units. The Ontario Human Rights Commission recently studied 28 websites that offer rental housing ads and found that up to 20 per

Choosing the Right Exterior Paint

2011-06-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

Provided By Trulia.comThe type of paint you'll use depends on the kind of surface to be painted - wood, aluminum, vinyl, stucco or masonry - and the type of finish you want. Exterior paint is specifically formulated to provide:•Color and gloss retention•Flexibility to withstand expansion and contraction due to weather•Mildew resistanceLatex or OilExterior house paints fall into one of two

Summertime Selling Tips

2011-06-22T08:00:00.001-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesSummertime can be a great season to sell your house. Why? During these hot months, your landscaping and outdoor spaces come alive. Today's buyers are looking for extended living areas and love usable outdoor space. According to HGTV, outdoor spaces can bring in big bucks. Jon Seppala, president of Action Builders, notes, "Backyards and outdoor patios have to be much more

Neither a borrower - explaining annual percentage rates

2011-06-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Provided By Trulia.comHumans have a natural tendency to portray themselves in the best possible light. When the neighborhood kid who mows the lawn wants more money, he says his rate is lower than what the other kids are charging. When he gets together with the other kids, he brags about getting paid 20 percent more for the same amount of work.Consumer credit companies, including mortgage lenders,

Why Own a Home?

2011-06-17T08:00:00.002-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesA soft real estate market that is ripe with all the conditions that should entice people to purchase a home still has some renters asking, "Why own my own home?" Low interest rates, lower home prices and an improving job market still have some buyers sitting on the fence fearful of an uncertain real estate market. Real estate agents and even sellers are finding that

Foreclosure Definitions and Terms

2011-06-15T08:00:00.001-05:00

Joplin Fundraiser Grand Total

2011-06-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

A BIG thanks to everyone for helping us with the fundraiser!"Helping to Heal the Hearts and Lives of Joplin."Not only did we make our goal of $500, but.......we went over the top to $765!!!!!With the anonymous donor kicking in the additional $500 we made a GRAND TOTAL of $1,265!!!!!!On behalf of the KW Cares Committee,Thank you very much for coming through again!

Buying bank-owned properties

2011-06-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Provided By Trulia If a lender takes ownership of a property, either through an agreement with the owner during pre-foreclosure or at public auction, the lender will usually want to re-sell the property to recover the unpaid loan amount. Check out the tips below to find out how you can navigate a bank-owned purchase.•Find and file properties•Research potential bargain•Contact the bank•Negotiate a

Moving Advice: Happy Pets

2011-06-08T08:00:00.002-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesTransitioning to a new home and routine can be difficult for many pets. The stress and worry can cause out of character behavior, as well as lowered immune responses. In order to ease your pets into a move, it's important to consider what makes them feel safe, secure, and stable. First, if you are moving out of the area, be sure that your pet is current on all of their

10 Questions to ask your next listing agent

2011-06-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Provided By TruliaSo you have decided to hire a listing agent to assist you in marketing your home. But who should you hire - your brother-in-law, your neighbor two doors down, or the lady who sends you a calendar in the mail every December?Amazingly, according to the latest National Association of REALTORS® Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 67% of sellers interview only one agent before making

Creative Ways to Curb Spending

2011-06-03T08:00:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesNow is a great time to buy. Homes are affordable and interest rates are at historical lows. Lending is tight, however. You need a stellar credit score and a clean credit report to even get your foot in the door. And long gone are the days of zero-down down payments. You need money down to venture into the housing market. Some financial experts recommend at least a 20

Smart moves for home buyers

2011-06-01T08:00:00.000-05:00

Provided By TruliaBuying a home is a big step -- it's possible that it'll be the largest purchase you'll ever make. You want to get it right. Use these tips to guide you through the process:Save for a down paymentUsually, the more money you can put down on a home, the better. That's because the more you borrow for a home, the more you'll pay in interest on your mortgage down the road. It's easier

Memorial Day Recipes

2011-05-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesMemorial Day is the day we join together as nation to remember all those who gave their lives defending our nation. It’s also a day that many families travel from far and wide to get together and enjoy good company and good food. Here are some tried and true Memorial Day recipes that are sure to please the crew. For starters, serve a festive blue punch! Blue Punch 1

Memorial Day

2011-05-27T08:00:00.003-05:00

Provided By History.comMemorial Day, which falls on the last Monday of May, honors the men and women who died while serving in the American military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and

Choosing Your Neighborhood

2011-05-23T08:00:00.022-05:00

Choosing Your Neighborhoodby Carla HillProvided By Realty TimesChoosing a home is about more than just selecting a house. Every neighborhood offers its own unique set of people, activities, and amenities. Which neighborhood is the right fit?Take a moment to review the following factors that can influence your decision on where to live.The first consideration of many home buyers is the education

Green Living: Summer Energy Savings

2011-05-20T08:00:00.000-05:00

Provided By Realty TimesSummer heat is a mastermind at emptying our wallets. In today's economy, many families cannot afford large rises in their monthly bills. How can you keep energy costs low this Summer? Implement these simple tips into your daily routine and you'll find big savings First, substitute traditional incandescent bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lights(CFLs). The initial cost may be

Conventional versus government mortgages

2011-05-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Provided By Trulia.comIt is the most feared phrase in the English language, Ronald Reagan famously said:"We're from the government, and we're here to help."If government aid is evil, there are certainly some exceptions. Home mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration have helped put more than 34 million Americans into their own homes since the since the 1930s. Millions more have