• Pre-Approval Process for Home Buyers ,Antonio Gutierrez

    Pre-Approval Process for Home Buyers 

      Pre-Approval Process for Home Buyers  If you are preparing to purchase a home, one of the first steps is to get pre-approved for a loan. The pre-approval process involves submitting your financial information, such as your income, assets and liabilities, to a lender. A lender will then review the information and determine if you qualify for a loan and how much you can borrow. This can be an intimidating process but it does not have to be. Let's take a look at how long the pre-approval process takes and what you can do to speed up the process.  The Timeframe for Pre Approval  Most lenders can typically complete the pre-approval process within 24 hours or less. However, some lenders may take longer depending on their workload, procedures in place and other factors. Generally speaking, most lenders will provide an answer within 5 business days of submitting your application.  To ensure that your application is processed quickly and efficiently, it is important to make sure that all of your paperwork is accurate and up to date before submitting it. Make sure that all documents are signed properly and include any requested documentation such as pay stubs or bank statements. If you need help gathering these documents, ask your lender for assistance. They will be able to explain exactly what they need from you so that you can submit all of the necessary paperwork in a timely manner.  What You Can Do To Speed Up The Process  In addition to being prepared with all of the required documentation, there are several other things you can do to speed up the pre-approval process:  * Know Your Credit Score - Before applying for a loan, it is important to know what your credit score is so that you can better understand what type of loan you may qualify for and if there may be any issues with getting approved for financing. Knowing where your credit stands ahead of time will save time during the pre-approval phase as well as give you more time to address any potential issues before applying for a mortgage loan.   * Have Your Down Payment Ready - Having your down payment ready before applying will ensure that your application moves quickly through underwriting since this is one of the primary factors in determining loan approval. Preparing this ahead of time will also show lenders that you are financially responsible which could potentially increase your chances of being approved sooner rather than later!                                                                                               * Shop Around - Comparing different lenders’ rates and fees upfront allows you to make a more informed decision when selecting who should finance your home purchase. Take time to research different lenders’ terms so that when it comes time to apply, you know exactly who has the best deal available! I would suggest using a mortgage broker so that they can do the looking and comparing of rates for you.  The pre approval process does not have to be overwhelming or intimidating; with knowledge and preparation it can move forward quickly and smoothly! Be sure to keep track of all documentation needed and prepare ahead of time by knowing where your credit score stands as well as having enough money saved up for a down payment if necessary!  Following these tips should help streamline this part of home buying journey significantly! Good luck! To start the pre approval process visit www.buyorrefiwithbri.com  

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  •  What Conveys in a Home Sale in Texas?,Sonny Zahn

     What Conveys in a Home Sale in Texas?

      What Conveys in a Home Sale in Texas? Whether you are buying or selling a home in Texas, it is important to know what conveys with the property during the sale. In Texas, all fixtures and personal property that are attached to the home will generally convey unless otherwise noted in writing. Understanding what conveys with a home sale can help prevent misunderstandings between buyers and sellers. Let’s take a look at how this works.  What Is Considered Fixtures?  Fixtures are items that were originally attached to the home and stay with it when it is sold. Common examples of fixtures include light fixtures, ceiling fans, kitchen appliances, built-in bookcases and shelves, window treatments, and other similar items. Generally speaking, if something is bolted or screwed down to the wall or floor of the house and cannot easily be moved without damaging it or the house itself, then it is likely considered a fixture.  Personal Property That May Convey With a Home In addition to fixtures that necessarily convey with the home during a sale in Texas, personal property may also convey depending on its use or purpose. Personal property includes furniture, area rugs, electronic equipment such as TVs and speakers, tools stored in garages or sheds onsite (as long as they’re not permanently affixed), washers/dryers/refrigerators (as long as they’re not hardwired into existing plumbing), art pieces attached to walls using nails/screws (as long as there’s no damage caused by removing them) and other similar items. Personal property does not always convey; however, so buyers should always check for items that are specifically included in any written contracts prior to closing on a home sale. Any personal property items you are interested should either be added to a non realty item addendum or a bill of sale. What Does Not Convey With a Home?  It's important to note that certain items do not automatically convey with a home during a sale in Texas—even if they are fixtures— outdoor hot tubs/spas/pool equipment (unless listed explicitly on written contract), window air conditioning units (unless listed explicitly on written contract) and more. These types of items could require special arrangements before closing on the sale of the home.  All in all, understanding what conveys with your home during a sale is key when you are buying or selling real estate in Texas. Knowing which items do not necessarily come with the house helps both parties avoid confusion at closing time while ensuring everyone gets exactly what they expect out of their transactions. It’s advisable for both buyers and sellers alike to consult an experienced real estate agent who can provide additional guidance throughout every step of their respective processes. This will help ensure that everyone involved has peace of mind knowing exactly what comes along with their new homes! If you are ready to get started with your home search give me a call at 512-285-0272. 

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  • Attic Insulation 101: What You Need to Know ,Brian Weinzetl

    Attic Insulation 101: What You Need to Know

              Attic Insulation 101: What You Need to Know  Attic insulation is one of the most important aspects of home maintenance. While it can be easy to overlook, proper insulation can help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer, saving you money on energy costs. That’s why it’s essential that men understand how much insulation they need in their attic.          How Much Insulation Do I Need?  The amount of insulation your attic needs depends on several factors, including where you live and how old your home is. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends a minimum of R-38 for attics in areas with cold climates—which covers most of the United States—and R-49 for attics with cathedral ceilings. If you live in a particularly hot climate, such as parts of Texas and Arizona, then an R-30 or higher is recommended.  In terms of thickness, this translates to around 10-14 inches for R-38 and around 16-22 inches for R-49. The best way to determine how much insulation you actually need is to have a professional come out and assess your attic's current condition and recommend a course of action based on your location and other factors.  Types Of Insulation  When it comes to choosing the type of insulation for your attic, there are several options available. Fiberglass batts are the most common choice due to their affordability and ease of installation; however, they tend not to last as long as some other types of insulation like foam board or spray foam. Foam board tends to cost more but has better thermal performance than fiberglass batts and lasts longer than spray foam. Spray foam is typically pricier than the other two options but offers superior thermal performance while also providing additional structural support for your attic.                                                           No matter what type of insulation you choose for your attic, it’s best to get professional advice before making any purchases or attempting any DIY projects yourself. Professional contractors can help ensure that you get the right amount and type of insulation needed for optimal performance in all seasons so that you don’t waste time or money on unnecessary upgrades or repairs down the line! With this information in hand, men will now have a better idea about what kind and how much insulation they need when tackling their next home improvement project!

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