Friday, September 30, 2011

On Demand Hot Water Heater

The installation of on demand hot water heaters in your new home is likely one of the most cost effective items to include. With just a small increase over the traditional tank water heaters you will have a great return on your investment in short time as well as reap the benefits of its increased efficiency, usability and safety.

The benefits
1. Increased efficiency – on demand heaters heat only when hot water is needed which leads to dramatic energy savings.



2. Provide a never ending source of hot water.


3. Precise water temperature set with digital thermostat.


4. The tanks can be located near the destination of the water to reduce the run for the water and in turn reducing the wait time for hot water. Visit www.foreverhotwater.com for more information.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Aledo Home Statistics

Aledo is a highly desirable area for families, with it's excellent school system, community feel and proximity to Fort Worth it's no wonder that is a first choice for many families.


Here are some real estate statistics for homes in the Aledo ISD within the last 6 months:

There are currently 210 homes active on the market in Aledo.

The average size is 3000 square feet on 2 acres.

The average list price is $375,446.

There have been 160 sold properties within the last 6 months.

The average size of the sold properties is 2931 on 1.5 acres

Average sold price is $293,8663.

Average days on the market is 137.

Summary. Aledo is not only a great place to live it's a great place to buy and sell real estate. Now is a great time to do so, with interest rates as low as they are the opportunity is there! Let me know if I can answer any additional questions about the school district, current market conditions or assist you with your move. I'd be happy to!






Thursday, August 25, 2011

Is your insurance policy up to date?


At least once a year you should revaluate your homeowner's insurance coverage. Here are some items to think about:

1. Can you rebuild all, not just part of, your house?
Make sure that your home owners insurance pays you for the full cost of rebuilding. Just because your home's value has gone down doesn't mean that the cost of materials & labor have gone down as well. In fact, over the last year building costs have gone up. Make sure your home owners insurance pays you for full rebuilding costs in the event of a disaster.

2. Check your flood insurance
Flood insurance is not usually part of a standard home owners policy. Home owners should check the FEMA maps frequently as they are constantly being revised. You can check your property by clicking

3. What's new in your life?
Did you add items to the property in the past year such as add a swimming pool, playground, trampoline. These things may change your liablity needs. Are you recently divorced, and you got the house, make sure your ex-spouse's name is off the policy. Talk to your agent and compare your life status this year with last year's to update your home owners insurance.

4. Maybe your valuables are worth more
Your art, jewelry, antiques, and other collectibles may have appreciated in value over the years. If your home owners insurance policy doesn't have accurate values on these items, your company may not reimburse you for the full value in the event of fire or other home disaster.

5. Tally up any home improvements
Have you made any renovations or additions to the home, such as an expanded garage, new bathroom, or home theater in the basement? Your house may now be worth more and your home owners insurance needs to reflect that. Create a home inventory video and keep it in a safe place outside the home.

6. Give your trees the once-over
Hire an arborist to look at the trees on your property, and check with your home owners insurance agent to see if your policy covers you if one of your trees falls on the neighbor's car. An arborist can tell you if your trees are healthy and advise whether they should be removed or trimmed.

7. Watch the nickels and dimes
Hunt for any special discounts that can reduce your home owners insurance premiums. For example, you may be eligible for a discount if you have an automobile or valuable articles policy with the same company has your home owners insurance policy.

These home features can also give you discounts on your home owners insurance--but only if your insurer knows you have them:

Burglar or fire alarms
Gated community patrol service
Storm shutters
Temperature monitoring system to protect against freezing, connected to a central station alarm
Permanently installed, electrical back-up generator


Referenced article from the National Association of Realtors, House Logic Richard J. Koreto

Friday, August 19, 2011

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Low, low, low RATES

Are at an all time LOW!! Now is the time to buy the house you've been dreaming of! Currently rates are 4% for a 30 year fixed conventional loan. The 20 year average rate is 6.93% To break it down simply, if you borrow $300,000 from the bank your montly payment including principal and interest only will be:
4% - $1432.25.
5% - $1610.46
6% - $1798.65
6 7/8 - $1970.79
If you buy now and lock in an interest rate of 4% you will save big time bucks over the life of the loan.
4% vs 5%- You save $178.21 each month, $2138.52 each year and $64,155 over the life of the loan!
4% vs 6%- You save $366.40 each month, $4396.80 each year and $131,904 over the life of the loan!
4% vs 6 7/8% (the average interest rate over the last 20 years)-
You save $538.54 each month, $6462.48 each year, and $193,874 over the life of the loan!
There has never been a better time to buy or refinance!

Friday, July 22, 2011

FHA vs Conventional Loans



The lending industry is continually changing, I thought it would be helpful to give a snapshot of FHA & Conventional loans and their requirements. Thanks to Eric Schroeder, my lender friend at Primelending for putting this together for me.


FHA
3.5% down with monthly mortgage insurance, typically a good way to go being a first time homebuyer. Has an excellent and typically easier to close when compared to a conventional loan that is needing mortgage insurance. FHA will allow properties with agriculture exemption and acreage. The 3.5% and closing cost can be in the form of a gift and the seller can pay up to 6% in closing cost. The mortgage lender can also help pay for some of the closing cost, this is called premium pricing. Minimal credit score of 600 with additional underwriting requirements, otherwise, a 640 is required.

Conventional
5% down with monthly mortgage insurance, conventional will allow a monthly payment without mortgage insurance as long as the borrower puts down 20%. The seller will have to come up with the down payment out of their own funds and the seller can pay up to 3% in closing cost assistance. A minimal score of 620 is required on a conventional loan.

If you have additional questions or want to see about getting pre-qualified for a loan feel free to give Eric a call at 817-596-7878 or visit Primelending's website by clicking
here

Thursday, July 14, 2011

114 Oakwood Creek Lane

Wow, this house is a complete knockout! It literally looks like something straight out of a Pottery Barn magazine inside & out. It's immaculate and has it all! 4 bedroom 3 full baths, 2 half baths, formal dining, study, media room, bonus room, Hardwood Floors and attention to detail throughout.
Awesome Kitchen with a water purification system (which is anywhere from $3-5k it completely purifies the water). Jenn Air Range, Oven & Warming Drawer, As well as an additional oven. Beautiful Unique Granite & Custom Cabinetry.


The patio is the perfect place for entertaining and enjoying the backyard oasis. One acre of fully sprinkled yard & lush landscaping.
Love this house! It's in Oakwood Creek Subdivision just off Mineral Wells Hwy & Bankhead. You've got to love Parker County Real Estate.....All this for $350,000