KEYE TV Interview-What should Home Owners Disclose?

Posted on February 11, 2014
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KEYE TV INTERVIEW W/Alex Boyer

As a real estate professional specializing in residential sales in the Austin and Bastrop communities I had the pleasure of doing an interview with KEYE News Reporter Alex Boyer about when should a home owner who’s selling a home disclose a death to potential buyers. Texas Property code requires that sellers of a home disclose a death that occurred on property other than a death caused by: natural causes, suicide, or accident unrelated to the Property’s condition. Section 5.008 of the Texas Property code is available here. So basically what the code is saying  is that if a murder or a death caused by the property condition occurs on the property, the home owner is bound by law to disclose that information to any potential buyer. Surprising the are some exceptions to this law that applies to foreclosures, bank owned homes, homes that are under the control of a trustee or rental properties. These individuals do not have to disclose murders that occurred on the property in fact they are exempt for disclosing anything.

Let me ask you this. Would you purchase a home knowing a murder occurred on the property?

I actually represented some awesome client’s several months ago that were looking to purchase a nice two story home in the Del Valle area and the property owner as required by law disclosed that a murder/suicide occurred in the home.  My client’s didn’t want to know the details of the murder but decided to move forward with the purchase anyways.   Unfortunately the home was appraised way below the market value and the seller refused to negotiate with my client’s on the sale price and the deal fell through. But the good new I found them another home in Del Valle, TX and they are some happy clients.

If you would like additional information about what you are required to disclose as a home owner or if your looking to purchase a home and want to know what should be disclosed give me a call. I would love to earn your real estate business.

Northeast Austin Home For Sale $189,000

Posted on December 30, 2013

img_0026This 3-bedroon, 2-bath, 1,68 +/- SF home is a great buy in the up and coming area of North East Austin is by far the best deal in the neighborhood an is offered at on;y $195,000. This Austin home has a beautiful private backyard with outdoor shop (man cave) fully functioning above ground hot tube, playscape for the kids, BBQ patio and large trees offering plenty of shade. If your a first time home buyer or looking for a home with easy access to downtown Austin, UT campus,  Bergstrom International airport,  Formula One or the Mueller Community this is the perfect home for you. The owner will convey refrigerator, wash, dyer and backyard swings.  Hurry this home will not last long.

US Grand Prix Formula 1 Austin, TX

Posted on November 15, 2013
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Cedar Creek, Texas a small community within Bastrop County. What natives like to call “their little wide spot in the road”. Picturesque farms, ranches, single and 2 story homes dot this beautiful countryside. Cedar Creek has recently made its mark in Central Texas as a hot spot to live, work and play in the not quite so racy fast lane of Austin, Texas, thanks to the addition of the new Circuit of the Americas F1 Racing Track.
An ideal location if you are looking to purchase investment property, or start a new business in a growing community. Are you a racing enthusiast that just wants to be close to the Formula 1 Facility? As your real estate agent David Board Properties can assist you with purchasing land for business or investing, and homes for living.

Cedar Creek, Bastrop County is the perfect location for all of these ventures. With worldwide visitors flocking to the circuit for the F1 United States Grand Prix, mega concert events like Sting and the Austin Fan Fest, these events can only benefit your business.
If you are looking to purchase a home within close proximity to Austin, then Cedar Creek is a great choice for a location. Located just off of Highway 71, a short ride to Austin Bergstrom International Airport and Austin. With the new state of the art Cedar Creek High School-(which was awarded Academic Distinction by the Texas Education Agency), up and coming sports teams (Go Eagles), elementary, middle and intermediate schools and community programs. Cedar Creek is great choice if you have children. The small town feeling welcomes you as you visit local restaurants and shops many off the beaten path but well worth the trip.

Allow me, David L. Board to earn your business and represent all of your real estate needs in the Austin/Bastrop communities. I have lived and worked in Bastrop County for over 25 years and know the area like I know my own backyard. I represent buyers, sellers and those interested in leasing their home or commercial business. I also provide a referral service and assist with relocating to different cities or states. I can provide you with a custom guided tour of hundreds homes or land parcels available in the area based on your individual taste and family needs. Give me a call today to discuss what options are available to you and to schedule an appointment to see what I can do for you. I would be honored earn your business.

Bastrop Mortgage Tips

Posted on November 7, 2013

Here’s a little Austin and Bastrop Real Estate Update for all my central Texas folks. According to Freddie Mac the interest rates for a 15 year fix rate mortgage are holding steady at 3.2% while a 30-fixed rate mortgage are at 4.1%. The interest has ripped a bit over the last few months but has actually gone down for the second week in a row. The Fed’s have done a good job keeping the interest rates down so you still have a nice window of opportunity to take advantage of the low interests rate. If you are seriously considering purchasing a new home I would not recommend waiting long. The Bastrop mortgage interest rates and home price will continue to rise. If you’re considering buying a new home please give me a call or complete the form below. I look forward to seeing you in the Bastrop, TX or Austin, TX soon.

Austin and Bastrop Mortgage Tips

Multiple Quotes

In order to maximize your investment, you need to shop around for the lowest rate possible. Getting multiple quotes is an important first step for getting an optimal rate. When you’re shopping around for quotes, make sure you get a Good Faith Estimate for each offer. This will enable you to compare offers more accurately.

Fixed Rate or Adjustable?

While adjustable rates may start lower to begin, they can ultimately lead to more interest paid over time. If you anticipate a rise in interest rates, a fixed rate may be more appropriate. This can be hard to predict over long periods of time. Fixed rates remain the same for the life of the loan, while adjustable rates fluxuate as the interest rates change. Another important consideration is the margin and index of your Bastrop mortgage. While the margin will stay fixed after closing, the index will fluxuate. The margin is the lenders profit on your loan. This has room for negotiation. The index cannot be changed.

Other Considerations

Some other things to pay attention to when seeking out a Bastrop mortgage:

  • Locking in your rate
  • Prepayment Penalties
  • Discount Points

Austin’s Housing Market Sept 2013

Posted on October 23, 2013
  • New Austin Listings increased 14.5 percent to 2,809.
  • Pending Sales were up 19.9 percent to 2,356.
  • Inventory levels shrank 20.3 percent to 7,107 units.
  • Median Sales Price increased 12.8 percent to $219,875.
  • Days on Market was down 31.1 percent to 42 days.
  • Months Supply of Inventory was down 34.3 percent to 2.8 monthImage

FHA Loans and Low Down Payments

Posted on October 17, 2013

If you think you need a 20% down payment to purchase a home think again. According to a recent survey nearly 2/3 of all home buyers put down 5% or less and with the interest rates at an historic low there has never been a better time to buy. If you’re thinking about buying your first home in the Austin or Bastrop, TX area, contact me today, I would love to earn your business. There are many options available for those who need assistance with down payments, including a FHA loan.

FHA Loans

An FHA loans is a US Federal Housing Administration backed mortgage which is lent to you by a FHA-approved lender. Federal Housing Administration loans are offered in conjunction with the U.S. Government. These loans are designed to assist home buyers overcome many of the obstacles to buying homes of their own. FHA loans are a loan that affords buyers the following benefits:

  • Low down payments
  • Closing costs can be covered by grants or even gifts
  • No cash reserves needed
  • Co-borrowers that are non-occupying are permitted
  • Depending on the program, loans may be fully assumable

FHA loans are recommended for first time home buyers, people lacking a down payment, those who plan to use gifts or grant money, individuals lacking credit history, and those who are concerned about qualifying income. These loans are also limited to single family homes, townhomes, condos, and manufactured homes on permanent foundations. While there are underwriting requirements on these types of loans, the FHA can allow home buyers to get down payments as low as 3.5 percent. The underwriting requirements tend to be less stringent than conventional loans. While these loans may be a good option for those who cannot come up with the minimum 5 percent down payment of traditional loans, most people would benefit from exploring all of the options available to them, including down payment assistance programs. Check out some starter tips for getting an Austin or Bastrop mortgage.