real estate,buy,sell,house,home,realtor,agent,san antonio,market,relocating

WHY USE A REALTOR?

 This Spring has certainly brought out not only flowers, but also a lot of lookers into the real estate market.  Never before have so many questions been asked regarding the economy, the housing market and re-sale values, etc. 

Over and over, there is talk about real estate being "local" – national numbers don’t seem to make sense for a person who is buying or selling in a specific local market.  So what can you do?

 If you're thinking of selling, call your local professional REALTOR who is knowledgeable about the subdivision that you are interested in early in the thinking process.  REALTORS know what’s happening in your specific area and can tell you the real story on numbers of sales and days on the market. REALTORS can even give you specific advice on upgrading or staging your house to sell.  Pricing is the major element in a speedy sale and your REALTOR is the person who can help guide you.

Buyers also need to know the lay of the land.  While the national news might be screaming that it’s a “buyers’ market” – that’s not ALWAYS true.  Again, your local REALTOR can help you get the information you need in order to decide when and where you want to buy. There is a lot more to finalizing a successful purchase than just searching the internet and finding a home that looks good online. So, make sure you talk to a REALTOR who can help you complete the purchase and move right in! 

We are ALWAYS ready to help Buyers and Sellers achieve their dreams.  Contact us at: skye@txhomesearch.com. or go to www.txhomesearch.com 

Source: Combs/Skye        

real estate,buy,sell,house,home,realtor,agent,san antonio,market,relocating

Here is some timely advice we would like to pass on from Kate Leonard, Senior Loan Officer with SWBC.  We enjoy working with Kate as she provides professional and efficient service to our buyers:

It's that time again...time to start gathering all of that dreaded documentation to send to good old Uncle Sam! Recent stats say the IRS audited 1 out of every 97 returns last year, so it pays to be careful. And even though this may seem like a very painful process, taking just a few simple steps right now will make your tax filing far easier and more accurate.

Keep it together. Make a quick list of all the documents or statements that were needed to complete your return last year--or call your tax planning professional for a checklist. Use this as a checklist to make sure you have a good start on the documents you may need this year. As you receive tax documents in the mail, grab your checklist, and mark the item as received. Then, keep all of the tax documents together in a large file or envelope marked "2007 TAXES."

Do the math. According to the IRS, the most common mistake on tax returns is bad math--from transposed numbers to downright incorrect data. And with one document leading to the other, those errors can make a huge impact. And even if you use tax software, you're not off the hook--since they only add the info YOU put in. Double-check entries carefully.

Every last cent. The IRS receives copies of your Form 1099 earnings each tax season. So, they know how much you make in interest and dividend income, and they will use that info to double-check your filing information. Make sure you collect all your earnings statements and document them on your return.

Sign on the line. It sounds almost silly, but forgetting to sign a return is actually a fairly common oversight. And the IRS won't process a return that doesn't have a signature. So, make sure you sign to avoid resubmitting your paperwork and possibly paying late-filing fees.

Remember, there isn't a lot of room for error when you're dealing with the IRS. A slight miscalculation could mean the difference between getting a return and writing a check--or worse, paying a penalty. It pays to work with a tax professional. If you need a referral, contact us—we’ll be happy to help!

Source:  SWBC/Leonard/Skye

Here is some timely advice we would like to pass on from Kate Leonard, Senior Loan Officer with SWBC.  We enjoy working with Kate as she provides professional and efficient service to our buyers:

It's that time again...time to start gathering all of that dreaded documentation to send to good old Uncle Sam! Recent stats say the IRS audited 1 out of every 97 returns last year, so it pays to be careful. And even though this may seem like a very painful process, taking just a few simple steps right now will make your tax filing far easier and more accurate.

Keep it together. Make a quick list of all the documents or statements that were needed to complete your return last year--or call your tax planning professional for a checklist. Use this as a checklist to make sure you have a good start on the documents you may need this year. As you receive tax documents in the mail, grab your checklist, and mark the item as received. Then, keep all of the tax documents together in a large file or envelope marked "2007 TAXES."

Do the math. According to the IRS, the most common mistake on tax returns is bad math--from transposed numbers to downright incorrect data. And with one document leading to the other, those errors can make a huge impact. And even if you use tax software, you're not off the hook--since they only add the info YOU put in. Double-check entries carefully.

Every last cent. The IRS receives copies of your Form 1099 earnings each tax season. So, they know how much you make in interest and dividend income, and they will use that info to double-check your filing information. Make sure you collect all your earnings statements and document them on your return.

Sign on the line. It sounds almost silly, but forgetting to sign a return is actually a fairly common oversight. And the IRS won't process a return that doesn't have a signature. So, make sure you sign to avoid resubmitting your paperwork and possibly paying late-filing fees.

Remember, there isn't a lot of room for error when you're dealing with the IRS. A slight miscalculation could mean the difference between getting a return and writing a check--or worse, paying a penalty. It pays to work with a tax professional. If you need a referral, contact us—we’ll be happy to help!

Source:  SWBC/Leonard/Skye

Why Do Some Homes Sell Quicker Than Others?

They are priced right.  Pricing is usually the number one determinant as to how long a home will be on the market.  Obviously, the property has to be priced competitively, but do not set the price based upon what you heard a neighbor received for their home. Adjacent homes can be radically different. They both may have the same floor plans, but improvements, a more desirable location in the neighborhood and other seemingly small variations can make a significant difference when it comes to price. Also, how a home is staged for the market carries a great deal of weight in the ultimate price received.

 In considering the right price, one of the most important traits you need is objectivity.  Homeowners, naturally, have an emotional attachment to their home, and because of their feelings they oftentimes overestimate what their home is worth.  Despite the attachment, try to be practical and logical. Make a competitive study of recent sales that are comparable to your home. Evaluate price per square foot, age, condition and location.  Also functional obsolescence and major updating could have a great impact upon pricing. 

Remember, that the value of your home can be impacted by developments that are not yet in place.  Is there vacant land nearby? If so, what businesses or structures will be erected there in the future? Is it a desirable addition to the neighborhood? If there is vacant land, visit the local planning and zoning commission to see what might be built. You can always call a local real estate professional who knows your neighborhood to explain the elements that go into pricing and why.  Ask that person about a CMA (comparative market analysis) and what it means. 

Source:  Mitchener/Skye