Friday, May 15, 2015

8 Tips for Winning Multiple Offer Situations

 According to a new report by Realror.com the Dallas - Fort Worth area has the hottest housing market in the country right now.

With home inventory levels being significantly low coupled with the interest rates being historically low, newly listed homes are being sold within a few days or even hours of being listed!  These newly listed homes are often receiving multiple purchase offers, which is excellent news for sellers.

FOR HOME BUYERS, 8 Tips for Winning Multiple Offer Situations, buying a house in the hot marketHaving multiple offers, on the other hand, is not excellent news for buyers.  It is paramount for a buyer that is getting involved in a multiple offer situation, that they have a great real estate agent representing them that has experience with multiple offer situations.  Losing out on a house can be heartbreaking and frustrating for a buyer, so make sure when hiring the “right” agent to work with, find out what they do to help their clients win in multiple offer situations!

Get Pre-Approved, Not Pre-Qualified
Then get a bank’s pre-approval. It will show sellers that a lender has verified your income and credit score and determined you can afford payments on a mortgage for a certain amount.
Have all your paperwork in order – When submitting your offer, be prepared to show your proof of funds and where your cash is coming from, along with that all important pre-approval letter.

Have Fewer Contingencies
Keep contingencies reasonable and short. Offset a financing contingency with pre-approval and a strong earnest money deposit. Include a home inspection contingency, but tell sellers you will get it done within 7 – 10 days at the most.  That way, if the price tag on those repairs gets out of hand, you can back out of the deal but not tie up the property for too long.

Be flexible
Understanding what the sellers plans are is important in a multiple offer situation.  A great real estate agent should first find out either from the seller directly or from the sellers real estate agent, what the sellers plan is.  Selling a home can be a whirlwind. Any flexibility a buyer can offer a seller has the potential to reward them. Being lenient on closing or possession dates might make an offer more palatable to a seller in the midst of one of life’s most stressful times; moving.

Make a Large Deposit
A buyer who is buying a home must provide with an accepted purchase offer a deposit, known as an earnest money deposit or good faith deposit.  The amount of the deposit is variable.  In a multiple offer situation, the larger the deposit can indicate to a seller the serious intent of the buyer to purchase their home.

Make a Large Down Payment
Investors have been snapping up homes to flip or rent, and they usually come to the table with cash. Sellers love all-cash offers because they’re less likely to fall through before the sale closes. Bring as much cash to the table as makes sense for your personal financial situation.  A larger down payment also can help things move along quicker at the buyers lender and increase the likelihood of a mortgage commitment being issued.

 Be prepared to pay the list price... or more
If you’re looking for a home in a sought-after neighborhood, be aware that a winning offer will likely be at or above asking price. This knowledge will help you construct a competitive offer at the outset that is still within your comfort zone. If a buyer is in love with a home and there are multiple offers, the buyer needs to know, they will have one chance and one chance only at getting that home.  You may only have one shot to get it right, so make your best offer!

 Escalator clause 
This is a newer,  yet old technique, with which you agree to increase your offer if there’s a higher bid from another buyer.  Thus you can write into the contract that you will offer $1,000 or $5,000 more than the highest offer submitted.  Caution: Make sure you have a cap on that total amount – or you could be in for sticker shock.

Personal touch

Though it isn't standard practice in every market, personal notes from potential buyers can humanize a transaction and tip the scales in your favor. I’ve seen several instances where offers were accepted based on the letter, even though they weren’t the highest. This works particularly well if the sellers are attached to their home, but not always so well for estates, where family members may have competing priorities and be less emotionally attached to the home.

 Trust your Realtor to help you beat out the competition and remember to appeal to the home seller's emotional side, especially if they have lived in the house a long time. It can't hurt to try! 

CLICK HERE to search for best deals on homes! 

Catalyst Real Estate Experts 
469-500-4663



Tuesday, March 31, 2015

10 Ways to Increase Your Home's Value

Buyers as well as sellers can benefit. That’s because purchasing a home is comparatively cheap right now, thanks to still-low interest rates (they recently dipped below 4 percent for a 30-year fixed mortgage).  And although home prices will continue to climb in 2015, they’re expected to do so at a slower rate than in 2014.
Your real estate professional is advising you to declutter, stage your home, plant new flowers, and make repairs and updates. You may be reluctant because of the costs, but your real estate agent is giving you sound investment advice that can actually make you more money when you sell your home.
There are 10 home improvements under $1,500 that add the most to home sellers' bottom line, as recommended by real estate professionals across the nation.
Home improvements are listed by the greatest return on investment (ROI):
Cleaning and decluttering: Nothing drives away would-be buyers faster than clutter, grime, and the weird smells that accompany a messy home. Bruce Irving, a renovation consultant and real estate agent based in Cambridge, Mass., tells clients to imagine their boss is coming to dinner with his or her spouse. “Your home should be at least that nice on the day of any open house,” he says. 
Remove personal items; wash and clean all areas inside and outside of house; freshen air; remove clutter from furniture, counters and all areas of the home; organize closets; polish woodwork and mirrors, etc.
Home staging: Add fresh flowers; remove personal items; reduce clutter; rearrange furniture; hide old furniture in the storage; add new props or furniture to enhance rooms; play soft music; hang artwork on walls, and more.
Lightening and brightening: Open windows; clean windows and skylights inside and outside; replace old curtains; remove other obstacles from windows that block out light; repair lighting fixtures; make sure windows open easily, among other suggestions.
Kitchen and Bathroom: Buyers want to see that a home is clean and well-maintained, especially in the bathrooms. “Simple improvements like caulking the tub or re-grouting the tile floor will go a long way in the mind of a buyer.
Paint Interior: A fresh coat of paint is the quickest way to transform a room. But it probably doesn't make sense to have your entire house repainted prior to putting it on the market.  (Sixteen percent of real estate professionals said interior painting is an important element in fostering the sale of a home.)
Enhance the Exterior: You wouldn't go to a job interview without brushing your hair and putting on a crisp, clean outfit. Nor should you try to sell your home without sprucing up its exterior. Start with basic maintenance: mowing the lawn, trimming overgrown shrubs, applying a fresh layer of mulch to garden beds.
As with your home’s interior, it’s also important to make minor repairs, such as replacing cracked siding boards or repainting brick walls.

CLICK HERE to search for best deals on homes! 

Catalyst Real Estate Experts 
469-500-4663


Source: Consumer Report Magazine 

Monday, March 2, 2015

Tips for Home Buying in Sellers Market

Any time the market changes, it's time to change strategies. During a buyer's market, buyers have the upper hand and can make more demands to sellers over their homes' price and condition. During a sellers' market, buyers concede the upper hand to sellers and are more willing to accept higher prices and terms.
Don't be that buyer who wants to wait until the weekend to view a home in a seller's market. By the weekend, that home could be sold. Try to be one of the first showings. Sellers usually don't enjoy having buyers come through their homes at all hours of the day, so most would like to see their home sold quickly.
If you write a good offer, a fast offer and a clean offer, your chances of acceptance are far better than those of a buyer who is unprepared. It may astonish you to know how many buyers are often unprepared.

Most Important: 

  • Make a Good First Impression
  • Get Pre-approved by a Lender
  • Shop within your price range
  • Be flexible
  • Be ready to make an offer



FOR HOME BUYERS, home buying strategies in Dallas Fort Forth during this spring, home buying strategies in Mckinney and Plano during this spring, best tips before home buying process in Texas, how to make sure your offer is accepted, multiple offer situation strategies, catalyst real estate experts



































Looking to buy home in Mckinney, Plano or Frisco area? Trust the professionals!
CLICK HERE to search for best deals on homes! 

Catalyst Real Estate Experts 
469-500-4663

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Gorgeous Home for sale in Village at Panther Creek Community - 12058 Ashaway Ln, Frisco TX 75035


 E vening S’mores or Relax by the fire in this Custom Built Executive Home filled with upgrades. Stunning elevation, covered front porch, open entry and stone accents. This home features 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, den, game room, media room, hand scraped wood floors, 7" trim crown molding, solid core doors and upgraded vanities. Signature kitchen boasts granite counter tops, travertine backsplash, crown molding and built ins galore. Small low maintenance  backyard is set for entertaining with porcelain grill and gas fire pit. Enjoy your weekends with the family instead of cutting grass.
 http://ourdallashome.com/details.php?mls=37&mlsid=12176201


This Beautiful home has been the location of many wonderful and memorable times for its residents. From relaxing on a cool, crisp night by a crackling fire making s'mores with the family, or  family game & movie nights in the gorgeous upgraded theater media room and game room. It is hard to say goodbye to a home that housed such great memories for a family, but now this beautiful fully upgraded home can be yours for you and your family to make such great memories as before!
Sellers are very motivated to sell this home and will review all reasonable offers.
12058 Ashaway ln Frisco TX 75035, panther creek estates frisco homes for sale12058 Ashaway ln Frisco TX 75035, panther creek estates frisco homes for sale

12058 Ashaway ln Frisco TX 75035, panther creek estates frisco homes for sale
 12058 Ashaway ln Frisco TX 75035, panther creek estates frisco homes for sale

Listed at $454,000
5 Bedrooms 
4.5 Baths
4,296 Sq Ft
3 Car Garage
Built in 2005
For more details on this listing and to request a showing click here or call  Catalyst Real Estate Experts at
 469-500-4663


About Village at Panther Creek Community


There are currently 13 Homes for sale in this Subdivision.
According to a recent survey conducted by The Dallas Morning News, the portion of land north of Eldorado Parkway was rated the top area for families with children in Allen, Frisco and McKinney.
In The News’ analysis, scores were based on factors that families with children reported as most important. Safety was the most heavily weighted, followed by schools and affordability.

Community Amenities:
           
·         Pool
·         Cabana
·         Lake with fountain
·         Greenbelts
·         Hike and bike trails
·         Future park site
·         Future school site

Schools: Frisco ISD *
           
·         Polly Tadlock Elementary * Exemplary
·         Maus Middle School * Exemplary
·         Heritage High School

Parks/Recreation:

·         City of Frisco rec/park facilities offer golf, fishing, baseball, tennis, basketball, volleyball, soccer leagues and swimming.
·         The Alumni Fitness Center, on the Collin County Community College Preston Ridge Campus is available for use by Frisco residents.
·         Bi-Centennial Park
·         Central Park
·         Community Park
·         Duncan Park
·         First Street Park
·         Friendship Park
·         McKinnney Road Park
·         Oakbrook Park
·         Preston Lakes Linear Park
·         Preston North Park
·         Preston Ridge Park
·         Shawnee Trail Sports Complex
·         Starwood Park
·         Warren Sports Complex
·         Youth Center Park
·         Frisco Superdome
·         Lakes Tennis
·          
Golf Courses:

·         Gentle Creek Golf Club
·         Plantation Golf Club
·         Stonebriar Country Club
·         Trails of Frisco - American Golf Corp.
·         The Westin Stonebriar Resort
·         WestRidge Golf Course
·          
Entertainment/Culture:
           
·         Dr. Pepper/Seven-Up Ballpark: home of Frisco RoughRiders Double-A Baseball
·         Dr. Pepper Star Center: training facility for the Dallas Stars hockey team and home of the Texas Legends of the NBA D-League
·         FC Dallas: major league soccer team at Toyota Stadium
·         The Ice at Stonebriar: an NHL - sized ice rink located in Stonebriar Centre, offers classes and public skating
·         Frisco Chorale
·         Frisco Association for the Arts
·         Heard Natural Science Museum
·         Frisco Community Center

Medical:

·         Centennial Medical Center
·         Baylor Medical Center at Frisco
·         Children's Medical Center Legacy
·         Medical Center of Plano
·         Presbyterian Hospital of Plano

Shopping:
           
·         Stonebriar Mall
·         Grapevine Mills Mall
·         The Shops at Willow Bend
·         Dallas Galleria
·         Allen Premium Outlets

Places of Worship:

·         Central Christian
·         Cornerstone Community
·         First Baptist
·         First Pentecostal
·         Frisco Presbyterian
·         Religious Catholic
·         Rejoice Lutheran Church ELCA
·         Stonebrook Church of Christ
·         B'nai Israel Synagogue

Nearby Freeways:

·         FM 720
·         Dallas North Tollway
·         Hwy 75
·         Hwy 121
·         Preston Road

Frisco Facts

  • Median age:
34 years
   
  • Housing Units:
51,000
(as of Sept. 1, 2014)
  • Households:
48,740
(as of Sept. 1, 2014)
  • Median Household Income:
$111,690
   
    Median Family Income:
$120,940
   
    Per Capita Income:
$42,750
   
 • Frisco ISD Students:
 
49,545
 
(as of Sept. 8, 2014)
 
 • Educational Attainment:
   (adults 25 years and older)
96.5%
58.7%
high school graduates or GED
bachelor's degree or higher
 * Estimates listed above are rounded





http://www.ci.frisco.tx.us/newsite/Pages/default.aspx
Collin County MLS

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Exquisite home for sale in Kings Crossing! – 6702 Havenhurst Ct, Parker TX 75002



Exquisite home for sale in Kings Crossing! – A wonderful Community in Parker Texas
This exquisite home is set in a landscape of rare natural beauty and surrounded by an impressive array of lifestyle amenities. A place where you can enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
Located at 6702 Havenhurst Ct, Parker TX 75002 , this home offers 5 bedrooms with 5.5 bathrooms. This impeccably appointed home features transitional color palate with wood floors, custom cabinetry and granite counters. You will definitely love the spacious master bath in this house and also the large covered patio with a fireplace, the pool-powder bath & so much more.
For more details on this gorgeous home click here





King’s Crossing offers 1-2 acre home sites and features a winding creek through the community.
This area offers the perfect blend of a family friendly neighborhood while exploring nature’s beauty.







Parks/Recreation:
» Bethany Lakes Park
» Allen Station Park
» Celebration Park
» Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve
» Hydrous Wake Park
Bethany Lakes Park







Golf Courses:
» The Courses at Watters Creek
» Chase Oaks
» Firewheel Golf Park
» Pecan Hollow Golf

Whether you choose to relax by the pool, take an invigorating jog or walk by the lake, this community offers a scenic escape from the outside world. Definitely a country living at its best but with a twist of city convenience right to your doorstep.
Entertainment/Culture:
» Allen Civic Ballet
» Allen Philharmonic
» City of Allen Public Art
» Allen Community Theatre
» Eisemann Center
Shopping:
» The Village at Allen
» The Village at Fairview
» Allen Premium Outlets
» Firewheel Town Center

Every detail – from the picturesque lakeside setting to the twelve distinctive floor plans – is designed to enhance your lifestyle. Select from a variety of interior arrangements that are rich in space and full of amenities, such as extra large closets, outside storage areas, and roomy kitchens. So what are you waiting for, come out and see this wonderful community.
Contact us about this home  469-500-4663

Exquisite home for sale in Kings Crossing! – 6702 Havenhurst Ct, Parker TX 75002