by Ashley Hammons | Jun 7, 2021 | Uncategorized
Folks are worried about buying in this market. They fear a bubble or market crash. We do not believe it is coming. However, here are some things to help ease your mind.
According to market experts during the market crash moving the country from the roaring 20s into the great depression, inflation-adjusted home prices fell by only 7%. I know that number seems small. We are talking about the market average here. Of course, some homes at the very top of the market would have lost more and those at the bottom may have lost less. By 1940 those same homes had not only gained back that 7% but had gained an additional 8% of value.
We saw very similar things during the “Housing Bubble” rupture of 2008. Many homes in the hottest markets at that time lost significant value, like up to 75%! Those same homes by 2018 had not only gained back their losses but had put on over 10% increases over their previous high. Keep in mind that a great majority of homes in North Texas actually saw no loss during that time, rather their values seemed to hover steadily for a few years then began to build value once again.
To me, that shows tremendous stability in the housing market and its ability to rebound. The housing market is one of the heaviest regulated in the country because so many people have so much of their life’s earnings involved. If you are thinking about buying a home for your family but are fearful of what home values may do in the future we can look to the past with confidence knowing that if we do see a downturn we can expect to see a light at the end of the tunnel in just 10 years. This really doesn’t seem like that much risk given that Americans tend to stay in their homes for 7 years. It only means if there is a blip in the market some folks may have to stay in their homes an additional 3 years.
We don’t believe we are heading into a great market crash or the bursting of a housing bubble, but with inflation, on the rise, this may be the best time to make your move.
-Tracy Hammons, Associate Broker, AT Home Texas Real Estate
by Ashley Hammons | Nov 10, 2017 | Buying a Home
Do you have a budget? And do you know how to use it?
Owning your own place comes with a slew of new expenses. So good money-management skills are a must-have. If you don’t have a household budget right now, you need to start one. Remember as a renter any maintenance issues that arise are taken care of financially by the landlord. However, when you are a homeowner, on top of your mortgage, insurance, and taxes, are you have to be ready and prepared to take on that financial responsibility. Having a clear understanding of your finances is necessary when you’re considering buying a home. Prior to speaking with a real estate agent, you should make a budget to see how much you can reasonably afford to pay. If you simply cannot afford the increased expenses that come with a house, it’s never a good time to buy, no matter what’s going on in the real-estate market.
Have you been saving? Do you have a down payment?
When buying a home you will have to get a loan and with getting a loan you will have closing costs and the down payment. You will have to come up with money up front, unlike renting where the deposit is minimal. Down payment amounts vary based on the type of loan you’re offered but remember that the more you put down, the lower your mortgage payments will be!
Do you have a backup or emergency fund?
Before you devote all your savings to a down payment, closing fees, and home upkeep, you need to take a look at the bigger picture. You need to build up your savings in case of financial setbacks that could cost big, like unexpected unemployment or serious illness.
Always remember it’s not just money that should affect your decision to buy a home…..
Happy house hunting! Please feel free to comment any of your questions.
by Ashley Hammons | Apr 20, 2016 | Home buying & selling
NEW HOMES FOR SALE IN GREENVILLE, TX
If you are looking to purchase a new home or property in Greenville, TX, the skilled agents at, AT Home Texas Real Estate, can find whatever style of home or type of property you’re looking to buy. We’re a locally owned and operated agency that also sells new homes. We know the local market and will get the job done. We are experienced negotiation experts, and our real estate agents are fully licensed and insured.
COMMITMENT TO CLIENT SATISFACTION
Our friendly staff will make sure that we understand the goals of your new home search. We’ll make sure that we show you listings that have every item on your wish list. We strive to make sure that you see as many properties as necessary to ensure you have found your dream home or property.
Don’t hesitate to call us, at (903- 454-2824), if you’re searching for a new home. Our real estate agents will help you find property in the Greenville and Hunt County area. Our team will gladly provide a free phone consultation to discuss your needs. AT Home Texas Real Estate is the firm you can trust. We offer flexible appointment availability seven days a week, and we hope that you choose us for any real estate endeavor.
by Ashley Hammons | Feb 24, 2016 | Buying a Home
What is REO or Real Estate Owned?
REO or real estate owned is when a foreclosed home does not sell at auction, the property turns into a real estate owned property. Then it is placed back on the market for resale to the public. Real estate owned or REO is a term used to describe a class of property owned by a lender. Which is typically a bank, government agency, or government loan insurer.
Give REO Properties a Chance
For a number of reasons, real estate owned properties are a better option for homebuyers or investors than foreclosed homes. Just like foreclosed homes, REO properties are in poor condition. However, unlike foreclosures, REO properties are maintained until the sale of the home. Maintenance like basic yard-work, locking up the property, and repairing leaky roofs are common. Along with general maintenance, homebuyers are also allowed to tour the property. You also have the chance to hire a professional appraisal performed before making an offer. Taking advantage of the appraisal option will also help with the negotiation process between your real estate agent and the bank. If these benefits weren’t enough to persuade you to purchase an REO property, then consider this, they are often cheaper than market value because the banks want them off of their books as soon as possible.
If you think you might be interested in an REO property, contact the agents at, AT Home Texas Real Estate.
Real estate owned properties are priced to sell! Anyone can purchase an REO property. The difficulty comes when trying to contact the person at the bank who is responsible for selling the lender-owned home. The professionals at, AT Home Texas Real Estate, are eager to help you find the right home. If you are excited about the opportunity to take a home that is in rough shape and turn it into your dream home for a fraction of the price, call us today!
by Ashley Hammons | Nov 12, 2015 | Selling your home
Putting your home on the market can be extremely stressful. You are opening your home to strangers hoping one of them will love your home as much as you have. Preparing to sell your home is overwhelming and it is hard to know where to start, so we have created a list of 7 affordable steps to help you sell your home.
1. Replace Burnt out light bulbs
Maximize the lighting in your home. After location, good light is the one thing that every buyer says that they want in a home. Take down the dark, heavy drapes, clean the windows, increase the wattage of your light bulbs, replace light bulbs that have burned out and open the blinds. Replace any dated light fixtures ASAP. How can you tell if it has to go? If it’s over 15 years old and looks it vintage (yet it isn’t a vintage, 50-75 years old or antique piece), it should probably go. Local home improvement stores or even yard sales usually have cheap updated lighting fixtures. Do these necessary steps to make your house feel more bright and cheery; it will make a huge difference in your home’s ability to sell.
2. De-clutter
One of the most important things to do when selling your house is to de-personalize it. When a buyer sees your family pictures hanging on the wall, it is harder for them to imagine their family in your home. The more personal items in your house, the less potential buyers can see themselves living there. Get rid of at least one-third of your stuff, put it in storage if you must. De-personalizing includes family photos, memorabilia collections, and personal keepsakes.
3. Empty Your Closets
Storage is something every buyer has on their wish list. So they will be looking in closets and cabinets making sure their stuff will fit, be sure to keep them clean and tidy. Take half the stuff out of your closets then neatly organize what’s left in there. Pare your wardrobes down to what you’re actually wearing this season, pack away the rest or donate it to a local charity.
4. Display Important Documents
Buyers are always curious as to how much the utility bills are in a house, to better calculate their monthly expenses. A floor plan and house plan will also give buyers valuable information about your home and will set you apart from the competition. Place Manuals or information about any recent appliance purchases next to the items. For example: if you recently replaced your dishwasher, put that information right next to your dishwasher. For buyers, it’s comforting to know that it has a 5-year warranty and it was replaced only a few months ago.
5. Conceal the animals
You might think a cute cuddly dog would help warm the hearts of potential buyers, but you’d be wrong. Not everybody is an animal lover. Buyers don’t want to walk into your home and smell an animal or litter box. If they see a bowl full of dog food or have tufts of pet hair stuck to their clothes, it will give buyers the impression that your house is unclean. If you can’t take animals with you, be sure to put them outside or in kennels. Buyers don’t want animals jumping on them or rubbing up against them.
6. Always be ready to show
Don’t leave dishes in the sink or dirty clothes in a pile, keep the dishwasher cleaned out, the bathrooms sparkling and make sure there are no dust bunnies or cob-webs in the corners. Your house needs to be “show-ready” at all times – you never know when THAT buyer is going to walk through the door. You have to have the home available whenever a buyer wants to see the place, and it has to be in tip-top shape. Being prepared at all times is a little inconvenient, but it will get your house sold quicker.
7. Put up mirrors
Make small rooms appear bigger and dark rooms seem brighter by adding an attractive wall mirror. Mirrors give depth and make a room look bigger. They reflect natural and artificial light, making a room brighter during the day and night. Placing a mirror near a window to reflect the outdoors is especially useful, it will bring in the outside light.
