Pre qualification for a home loan is a lenders best guess at what you can afford but it’s not a guarantee. Pre-Approval on the other hand is a firm commitment from your lender based on your actual finances. If you know what you want Pre Approval can insure you get the home that you want. If you are thinking about purchasing a home in the Austin or Bastrop, TX areas and you don’t have the cash in the bank to out right purchase the home, then we need to get you Pre- Approved. If you don’t have a lender that’s ok too because I have several very reputable lenders that I work with extensively with that can help you get approved usually over the phone by asking a few questions about your current income and employment status. Its a very quick and painless process that can be done over the phone and without you ever having to take time off work to drive to their office. If you want to know more about the Pre- Approval process or about purchasing your next home be sure to give me a call.
My name is David Board and I’m a real estate agent representing clients in Bastrop and Austin, TX. I just returned from the Keller Williams Realty Family Reunion in Phoenix, AZ. This conference is one of the largest real estate conferences in the world and I heard from some of the best in the business. Keller Williams gathered over 10,000 of its top real estate agent professionals to share the best strategies and technology for helping buy or sell your home. If your thinking of moving please contact me today at 512-629-6107
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.
This beautiful home will be on the market soon in Lago Vista and believe me when I say its a fabulous home with quality touches. This home has travertine and slate floors, granite countertop, stainless steel appliances, crown molding energy star appliances and many other custom features. This home comes with a privacy backyard with an additional lot suitable for a second home site. Don’t miss this opportunity to be one of the first to make an offer, contact me today.
Home for the holidays? It really has special meaning when you find the perfect home for you and your family. As you unpack your lives, dreams, and settle in the wonderful and historic community of Bastrop, Texas bringing with you old family traditions and starting new ones as you begin your new adventure in Bastrop.
Bastrop’s River of Lights Walking Trail
One of the most treasured Bastrop traditions that take place each year is the River of Lights Walking Trail. The trail takes place in Fisherman’s Park which is along the Colorado River. It continues for half a mile to Ferry Park. It has been popular since its inception, with over 100 sponsors in the first year. Each year, area merchants, businesses, churches, community groups and individuals decorate trees with lights, garland and all of the trimmings and set up lighted Christmas and Holiday displays. There are many individuals who sponsor a memorial for loved ones or simply want to decorate one of the trees in the park. There are about 20 various school groups, Band Boosters, PTA, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, 4H Clubs and other community groups set up stands along the trail selling cookies, hot chocolate and coffee to raise money for their projects. This is a great healthy tradition to enjoy a stroll along the River of Lights after your holiday meals. The half mile trail is open from the Friday after Thanksgiving evening until New Years Eve.
Bastrop. Texas is located on Highway 71, a short ride from the Austin Bergstrom International Airport and Austin, the States Capital. If you’re interested in a personalized tour or real estate consulting in the Bastrop area, set up an appointment with me. I have the resources to guide you through the sometimes complex home buying process and I will do my very best to ensure a smooth transition for you and your family.
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:
Are you a Veteran who is home at last and looking to put down roots for yourself and your family? Are you a city or country family? Farm or low maintenance lawn family. Whatever your needs are I can find the right home for you and within your budget.
I can help you find the dream home to raise your family and to make roots in a community of your choice. There are many new options, programs and low cost or very little cost depending on the financing method you choose. I have the resources to guide military veteran buyers throughout the entire purchasing process and I will ensure a smooth transition whether you choose to buy or sell.
Bastrop County is very friendly and supportive of our veterans old and new, which makes this community the ideal place. We hold an annual Memorial Day Celebration and tribute, Veteran’s Day Parade, Veteran’s Holiday Weekend Festivities and our Annual Red, White and Blue Ball, as well as many other family oriented events and festivals. Many of Bastrop’s business establishments offer discounts for veterans.
Bastrop Supports Veterans
On Fridays you will see many residents decked out in RED. Bastrop, Texas is home to Soldiers Angels “May No Soldier Go Unloved” which has a variety of resources for Veterans at home, abroad and their families. Bastrop also supports the “Wounded Warrior Project” and has aided in fundraising for Smithville, Texas Veterans Memorial Park. We also have the Bastrop County Veterans Services Office located conveniently in downtown Bastrop. Our local Texas Workforce Commission Office has trained counselors to help you in your job search or job re-location if needed.
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 and serve you.
If you lived in Bastrop, Texas right now you might be enjoying the much cooler weather that the rains brought to us last week. That feeling of the Fall season when leaves crunch under your feet and rustle in the winds. When the pecans start to fall and it’s time to rake. You might be decorating your Bastrop yard with scarecrows, cornstalks and Halloween decorations like your neighbors and businesses around town. On October 31, the Bastrop, Texas Downtown Business Alliance transforms the downtown area for their annual Halloween Fest into a spooktacular family fun filled evening for people of all ages.
If you lived in the Historic Bastrop downtown area you could walk the tree-lined streets, see historic Victorian, older or modern homes decked out in Fall finery. Or drive to designated parking areas and take a shuttle bus to the festivities. If you lived here you would see your neighbors in costumes volunteering at the game booths, as street crossing guards, vendors and manning the lost & found booth. You might see your County Judges in their robes with the Mayor at the viewing and judging stand for the best costume contest. You might see your City Council Members hard at work judging the Lip–Syncing contest. The ghosts, goblins, monsters and creatures you might see will truly amaze you. Bastrop, TX has a very vibrant arts community with many talented artists in residence and you never know what they will come up with. The Haunted House gets better and spookier each year as more people volunteer their talents. The Fire Department runs a wonderful hay ride. This is just one of the festivals that Bastrop, TX puts on each year. The sense of family, camaraderie and commitment to the residents of Bastrop County by the residents of the county is what makes Bastrop a special place to live.
If you or maybe someone you know are looking to purchase a home I have the resources to guide you through the entire process to ensure a smooth process. I will work with you to sell your property and to find the perfect home for you and your family that meets your work/life balance needs and your budget. Give me a call today to discuss what options are available and to schedule an appointment to see what I can do for you. I look forward to earning your business.
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.
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