3 REASONS YOU SHOULD LIST YOUR HOME THIS SPRING

While it’s true, there’s really no ‘wrong’ time to sell a home, spring is king when it comes to real estate. Here are three reasons why you may want to consider listing your home this spring:

1. School year: For most families, their year revolves around the start and end of the academic year. For families looking to buy a home, they tend to prefer house-hunting during the spring months so they can have time to close and move in the summer and be settled before the start of the next school year.

2. Weather: With the harsh winter conditions gone, spring brings more sunshine, longer days and promotes dreaming of a new home. People are more inspired to go out and look for new homes when the weather is nice. As a plus for sellers, spring is usually when your yard looks its best with thick, green grass and beautiful blooms – so your curb appeal will be at its peak.

3. More buyers: More people looking for homes means you are more likely to have multiple offers and bidding wars. Selling your home for its highest possible price and in the shortest possible time is a major perk of putting your home on the market in the spring.

Ready to take advantage of the hot spring market? Or still on the fence?

Give me a call – I’d love to chat and see if this is the right time for your home!

For all your real estate needs, contact expert DFW realtor, Stacey Perry with Keller Williams Realty, today!

Phone: 817.313.1833
Email: staceyperry@kw.com
Website: Stacey Perry Team
Facebook: Stacey Perry Team-Keller Williams Realty
Twitter: Stacey_kwrealty
Instagram: StaceyPerry_kwrealty
Blog: Stacey Perry Team

5 Trends to Avoid When Updating Your Home

We all have great home improvement ideas we think would be perfect for our house! But when considering your home’s value, some ideas are best left unrealized. Or if your home currently has these features, considering removing them. Here are some trends to avoid when updating your home:

• Inconsistent Architecture: Having your home contain a hodge-podge of architectural styles can be off-putting to a potential homebuyer. For a ranch-style home, featuring columns on the front porch can be as jarring as a log-cabin-styled home with art deco accents. Try to keep the architecture consistent throughout
  your home.

  

• Fake “Old World” Design: When people try to decorate in an old European style – like Tuscany, for example – unless you’re sourcing all the materials from Italy, and perhaps have a vineyard, there will be something inauthentic about channeling Europe in another region of the world. In addition, this type of decor immediately downsizes the amount of people who would interested in buying your home.

  

• Wallpaper: Wallpaper tastes are very specific and chances are, most potential home-buyers will not love the design or color of wallpaper you chose. Removing wallpaper is extremely labor-intensive and the process can even leave the walls damaged. In addition, wallpaper can be a source of undetected mold. If you feel the desire to be bold with your walls, choose paint, instead.

  

• Tiled Countertops: Kitchens and Bathrooms play a large role in selling a home. Tiled-countertops are no longer in favor as consumers have realized the upkeep is extremely time-consuming. Always consider removing your tiled-countertops.

  

• Gold Fixtures and Hardware: Gold tends to give off a flashy and gaudy air, not to mention making your home feel very 1980s. Opt for fixtures with warmer metals, like polished brass or brushed nickel.

  For all your real estate needs, contact expert DFW realtor, Stacey Perry with Keller Williams Realty, today!
  

  
  Phone: 817.313.1833
  Email: staceyperry@kw.com
  Website: Stacey Perry Team
  Facebook: Stacey Perry Team-Keller Williams Realty
  Twitter: Stacey_kwrealty
  Instagram: StaceyPerry_kwrealty
  Blog: Stacey Perry Team

How to help others in DFW this holiday season

 

Christmas is a time for giving.  We have some wonderful organizations that collect holiday donations for children and families, here in North Texas.  See the list below for ways you can make someone’s Christmas extra special this year.

The Salvation Army:

DFW Salvation Army Angel Tree

 

Toys for Tots:

DFW Toys for Tots

 

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children:

Toy Drive Benefiting Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children

 

Ronald McDonald House of Dallas:

The Trains at NorthPark

 

SafeHaven of Tarrant County:

Santa’s Sack Program

 

For all your real estate needs, contact expert DFW realtor, Stacey Perry with Keller Williams Realty, today!

Phone: 817.313.1833
Email: staceyperry@kw.com
Website: Stacey Perry Team
Facebook: Stacey Perry Team-Keller Williams Realty
Twitter: Stacey_kwrealty
Instagram: StaceyPerry_kwrealty
Blog: Stacey Perry Team

 

Just Listed: Stunning 4Bed/2.1Bath Home in the Beautiful Eden Glen Estates Neighborhood, Arlington, TX 76001

ADDRESS:

5004 Armadale Drive
Arlington, TX 76001

LISTING INFO:

• Price: $300,000
• Bedrooms: 4
• Total Baths: 2.1
• Full Baths: 2
• Half Baths: 1
• Year Built: 2014
• Sq. Feet: 2,995
• Neighborhood: Eden Glen Estates
• HOA Dues: $425/yr

SCHOOL INFO:

• Kennedale ISD
• Elementary School: Patterson
• Intermediate School: Arthur
• Jr. High School: Kennedale
• High School: Kennedale

FEATURES:

Located on the border of Arlington and Mansfield, with easy access to highways 287, 20 and 820, this gorgeous home in Eden Glen Estates is such a gem! Built in 2014, this gently lived in home, with tasteful neutral paint colors and decorative niches and archways, is completely move-in ready. The open, flexible floor plan, high ceilings and large bedrooms (each with its own walk-in closet) make the home feel so much large than 2,995 sq.ft. The first floor master bedroom and bath boasts double sinks, garden tub, and separate shower. The large and beautiful kitchen is perfect for entertaining with stainless steel appliances, extra-large granite island, and tons of beautiful dark cabinets. The breakfast nook is large enough to fit a full-size dining room table, in case you prefer to use the traditional dining room space as a formal office.  Perfectly designed, the home has tiled flooring in wet areas, wood floors in family room and office, and carpet in bedrooms and game room. The backyard is very low maintenance, with a covered patio and lovely pergola that can be easily removed if more space is needed for children or pets to play. Other special home features include: a downstairs laundry room, downstairs half bathroom, a family room with vaulted ceilings and a gas burning fireplace, upstairs game/media room, study nook loft with built-in desk, 3 large bedrooms upstairs (one of which is spacious enough to use as a second master bedroom), 2 car-garage and so much more. With additional perks like a community playground, pool, walking trails and priced at only $300,000, this home is an amazing buy!

Don’t miss out on this wonderful property! Contact Stacey Perry for a showing today!

For all your real estate needs, contact expert DFW realtor, Stacey Perry with Keller Williams Realty, today!

Phone: 817.313.1833
Email: staceyperry@kw.com
Website: Stacey Perry Team
Facebook: Stacey Perry Team-Keller Williams Realty
Twitter: Stacey_kwrealty
Instagram: StaceyPerry_kwrealty
Blog: Stacey Perry Team

 

5 Mistakes First-Time Homebuyers Make

Buying your first home can be a long and sometimes frustrating experience. Avoid these 5 common mistakes to help make your home-buying journey one you can enjoy!

1. Not budgeting for a home loan. It is imperative that you determine if or how much you can afford to pay for your monthly mortgage payments.
2. Ignoring your credit score. Bad credit history can prevent you from getting a home loan. Applying for a mortgage loan without checking your credit score could cause you to pay a large amount in interest.
3. Overlooking home resale value. If for some reason you will need to sell the house, you want to be sure you don’t lose money in the process. Ask yourself: Will buyers be interested in it; Is it in a desirable neighborhood?; Will it be easy to sell this house?
4. Following your ‘love-at-first-sight’ gut. A house may appear like everything you ever dreamed of at first glance, but don’t overlook the important components that will determine if your home is perfect for you or turns out to be a money pit of problems. No matter how much you love a home, try not to get your hopes up too high until you receive the inspection report.
5. Not hiring a great realtor. An unprepared realtor can cost you money and set the deal back. Make sure your realtor comes highly recommended and knows the area well where you are searching.

For all your real estate needs, contact expert DFW realtor, Stacey Perry with Keller Williams Realty, today!

Phone: 817.313.1833
Email: staceyperry@kw.com
Website: Stacey Perry Team
Facebook: Stacey Perry Team-Keller Williams Realty
Twitter: Stacey_kwrealty
Instagram: StaceyPerry_kwrealty
Blog: Stacey Perry Team

What to do in August in DFW

 

For all your real estate needs, contact expert DFW realtor, Stacey Perry with Keller Williams Realty, today!

Phone: 817.313.1833
Email: staceyperry@kw.com
Website: Stacey Perry Team
Facebook: Stacey Perry Team-Keller Williams Realty
Twitter: Stacey_kwrealty
Instagram: StaceyPerry_kwrealty
Blog: Stacey Perry Team

4th of July Events in DFW

 

For all your real estate needs, contact expert DFW realtor, Stacey Perry with Keller Williams Realty, today!

Phone: 817.313.1833
Email: staceyperry@kw.com
Website: Stacey Perry Team
Facebook: Stacey Perry Team-Keller Williams Realty
Twitter: Stacey_kwrealty
Instagram: StaceyPerry_kwrealty
Blog: Stacey Perry Team

Important Information About Closing On Your Home

Closing Day is the pinnacle of buying or selling a home. To ensure everything goes smoothly, as-planned and on-time, make sure your title company has this important information prior to the date of closing.

Buyers:

• Your Lender’s name and contact info.
• Your Homeowner’s insurance company and contract info.
• Who you chose for your home warranty.

 

Sellers:

• Social Security number.
• Loan number and contract info for existing mortgage company. What was the date of your most recent mortgage payment? Do you plan on making any additional payments before closing day?
• Marital and homestead status.
• Are you a widow/widower? Is there a will? If yes, has the will been probated? If no will, are there any heirs, and if so, are they minors?
• Has a divorce occurred? And if yes, has it been finalized?
• Is there an HOA (Home Owners’ Association)? If so, what is the management company’s name and contact info?
• Your forwarding address.
• Preferred method of receiving money. Provide your banking information if wire desired. If you owe any money at closing, any amount over $1,499 will need to be in the form of a certified or cashier’s check.
• Is there another closing contingent on this closing?
• Will you be attending the closing?

 

What To Bring To Closing Day:

• Government issued photo ID.
• Certified or cashier’s check for any money over $1,499.
• Repair receipts.
• Wiring Info (if necessary): Bank name, ABA number, name on account, account number.
• All keys and garage door openers to the property.

For all your real estate needs, contact expert DFW realtor, Stacey Perry with Keller Williams Realty, today!

Phone: 817.313.1833
Email: staceyperry@kw.com
Website: Stacey Perry Team
Facebook: Stacey Perry Team-Keller Williams Realty
Twitter: Stacey_kwrealty
Instagram: StaceyPerry_kwrealty
Blog: Stacey Perry Team

What is Title Insurance?

Feeling a little confused about certain aspects of your upcoming real estate transaction?

Here’s what you need to know about Title Insurance…

• WHAT?
  A title is a legal right to the possession of property. Title insurance protects you from claims of ownership, outstanding debts of previous owners, and other title problems that you may not have known about before you purchased the property.
• WHY?
  It’s important to have title insurance because you want to be protected from issues or problems with the title that could pop up months or years after you buy the property, such as:
  • forged deeds, releases, wills, or other legal documents;
  • failure of spouses to join in conveyances;
  • undisclosed or missing heirs;
  • deeds from defunct corporations;
  • mistakes in recording legal documents;
  • liens for unpaid taxes including estate, inheritance, income or gift taxes
• HOW MUCH?
  It’s a one-time only expense that is directly related to the value of your home (usually a little less than your annual car insurance). It is paid at the time you buy your home but provides complete coverage for as long as you own the property.
• WHO?
  If you are a buyer, seller, lender, real estate broker, attorney or home builder – chances are you need title insurance.
• WHAT TYPE?
  Here are the two most common types of policies that protect buyers:
  
  • Lender Policy: If you want to borrow money to buy your home, the lender will require that you purchase a lender’s policy. It covers up to the amount of principal on your loan. This kind of title insurance will repay the balance of your mortgage if a claim against your property voids your title.
  • Owner Policy: Unless you specifically reject it in writing, a title company will automatically issue you an owner policy when you buy a home and get a lender’s policy. This kind of title insurance protects you from the risks listed in the policy and covers up to the value of the property at time of purchase. If you want it to cover any increases in your home’s value in the future, you must buy an ‘increased value endorsement’.

For all your real estate needs, contact expert DFW realtor, Stacey Perry with Keller Williams Realty, today!

Phone: 817.313.1833
Email: staceyperry@kw.com
Website: Stacey Perry Team
Facebook: Stacey Perry Team-Keller Williams Realty
Twitter: Stacey_kwrealty
Instagram: StaceyPerry_kwrealty
Blog: Stacey Perry Team

Home Improvement Tips To Help You Sell Your Home: Fix Your Outdoor Lighting

Although most home buyers will tour your home during the day, having a well-lit home at night is an attractive feature that many buyers look for. Before putting your home on the market, make sure the outside of your home is properly lit…and here’s why:

1. Adding lights to your garden and yard landscaping accents and highlights your well-kept lawn, trees, shrubs, home’s structure and other exterior features that enhance your home’s curb appeal.
   Others also read: List Now Before the Spring Rush

2. A well-lit walkway, front porch, driveway, etc. helps prevent tripping or falling when walking in the dark.
3. Lights are one of the top deterrents for home intruders. A well-lit home exterior serves as a type of security system and protects the home.

   See also: How Solar Energy Can Help You Sell Your Home

4. A beautiful light fixture over the front or back porch adds a beautiful decorative element that adds character and value to the home.

Take a second look at your home tonight and see if you are missing a few areas of your home exterior that should be shown off or protected by lighting. Adding a few extra light fixtures to the outside of your home could be just what your home needs to stand out!

You may also enjoy: Why condition matters when selling a home

For all your real estate needs, contact expert DFW realtor, Stacey Perry with Keller Williams Realty, today!

Phone: 817.313.1833
Email: staceyperry@kw.com
Website: Stacey Perry Team
Facebook: Stacey Perry Team-Keller Williams Realty
Twitter: Stacey_kwrealty
Instagram: StaceyPerry_kwrealty
Blog: Stacey Perry Team