Selling San Antonio

Helotes has my HEART y'all!!!  This is the perfect home to update and make your own!  With two acres just off scenic loop the possibilities are endless! Jean K Realtor Director of Development AE Realty www.jeankrealestate.com jeankrealestate@gmail.com

Great! You've purchased a new home! You’re probably daydreaming about decor and paint schemes and new furniture. BUT WAIT!  There's more! Switch the Utilities I can't tell you how many times my new buyers move in then call me three days later to say their gas isn't working... Be sure you schedule the transfer of utilities for the day you move in!  The previous owners will turn it off.  Do you want light?  Water? Air conditioning? Ask your realtor who the providers are for your new home.  Often they can get phone numbers and names of all of the companies you need to contact. Change the locks Who has the keys to your new home?  Who knows.  Neighbors?  Friends? Cleaning ladies? Tenants?This is always the first step- even before you move your belongings in.  If you negotiated a home warranty into your contract SOME companies include this in their packages, so check there first! Mail Keys No mailbox in your yard means you need to bring your c

It's hard to believe this is actually a thing, but yes, the National Government is closed.  Everyone has a different opinion on why, so I am not going to get into that. I will say they've got things a little backwards.  They should be making sure that our troops and their families are getting paid, not Congress...  But what do I know?  I am just a Realtor.  Here's hoping they get this all figured out by February 1st. But- back to the topic I am supposed to be talking about.... How is this government shutdown going to affect buyers and sellers? The IRS- During a real estate transaction, tax returns and tax certificates are needed.  The employees who are still lucky enough to be working will have a million other essential obligations they are trying to tackle, and processing mortgage documents will not likely be near the top of the list.  That would mean that a transaction would essentially need to be put on hold until the documents can be obtaine

What is the difference between renting and buying?  Lets lay out the important factors and differences in Renting VS Buying, as well as the cost/return associated with each. We will start with the important stuff!   Dolla Bills y'all. Renting a Home Deposit-       $1,200 Rent-           $1,200 1 Year Cost- $15,600 Return-            0$ You might get back your deposit if you're lucky. How many years have you been renting? 5?  $72,000.00 That's if the rent doesn't go up every year. That's not a lot of this.                                           But probably more of this.                       Buying a Home With First Time Buyer Program/0$ Down Program Home Price-                $160,000 Earnest money-           $1,600 Option Money-             $100 Inspections/appraisals- $700 Down Payment-           $0 (In addition- if you have a great realtor who can get you         

Between 77% and 99% of home buyers start their search online, depending mostly on their generation.  That means the first glimpse they get of your home will be through photographs and a short message about your home.  This might be through social media, a home website, email, advertisement, the list goes on...  The fact is that the listing, the pictures, the information out there need to be accurate and actually GOOD. Number one is photography.  These pictures are going to be what draws someone to buy your home.  Something as simple as the lighting being off can turn people away.  People like pretty things.  Shiny things.  Nice things.  So make that first impression the best that you can. First off- Start with a professional photographer. The cost is minimal in comparison to the return. After all, the more exposure you get for your home, the more buyers looking, and the more people sending you offers.  When offers are competitive, you can be more selective.  Sell your home

It's that time of year again!      Time to file for your tax exemptions.  The fun stuff right?  Well, at least it will save you a little money.  It could even lower your monthly mortgage payments! It's not too difficult.  Just make sure you have a copy of your ID with your home address on it, and fill out an application with the county you live in.  The applications are available at your local tax office, or on the websites here: Bexar County 210.224.8511 www.bcad.org Comal County 830.625.8597 www.comalad.org Guadalupe County 830.303.3313 www.guadalupead.org Medina County 830.741.3035 www.medinacountytx.org Bandera County 830.796.3039 www.banderaproptax.org Kendall County 830.249.8012 www.kendallad.org Hays County 512.268.2522 www.hascad.org How much money can you save?  How does it work? The current homestead exemption in Texas is $15k.  This means that if your home is appraised at $100k, you will be taxed less the $15k.  Or, $85k.   The