The right support system will help you on your way to your new home. Contact Preferred Properties of Texas today to start your real estate journey!
For listings in Stephenville text HOMES to 877-965-7775
5 Home Maintenance Tasks for First-Time Buyers to Complete After Moving In
It’s exciting to move into a new house. The urge to decorate is strong, and you may want to nest. Will Palmer, owner and broker at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Historic, says that being a first-time buyer can be overwhelming. Many buyers are exhausted when they reach closing day. They have spent hours looking at homes, learning about financing and negotiating the sale.
There’s still one more thing you should do as you settle in to your new home. Start with the mundane tasks like forwarding your mail, updating your driver’s licence, and enrolling your children in a new class. Here are some things you should do as soon as possible after moving in to make sure your home is in good condition and safe.
1. Change the Locks
changing locks is a priority for all new homeowners, whether they do it themselves or hire a professional. This service costs between $50 and $200 depending on where you are located and how many locks need to be replaced.
Lisa Lundt is a Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Universal agent. She says that if you purchase a home warranty they will provide you with a lock change at a reduced cost or for free.
By changing the locks, you ensure that the previous owner or anyone who shared their keys cannot enter your home after you move in. This is a security measure that gives you peace of mind, and allows you to customize your locks. You may want to have all your keys match or upgrade to smart locks or keypads.
2. Do a Deep Clean
It’s likely that the previous owner cleaned up quickly before moving out. In most cases, moving in to a house will reveal all the cobwebs and dust that were overlooked. Palmer suggests a deep clean of the house, including cleaning the air vents. A deep cleaning gives you a new canvas to work with as you move into your new home. This service can range from $200 to $400, depending on the size and condition of your home.
3. Hire Pest Control
You may not see any insects, but they are most likely there. Palmer recommends hiring a pest-control company from the beginning to ensure your home’s long-term maintenance. In some cases, your previous owner may have paid for services that kept the property in good condition. However, you should not go too long between visits if you want to keep ants and termites away.
This is an affordable monthly service that ranges in price from $30-$100, depending on your location, the extent and size of the problem you are experiencing, and your home.
4. Address Your Home Inspection Report
You probably had a house inspection performed before you closed on your home. This report is a great tool to use when buying a home. It lets you know exactly what you are getting into. Don’t throw it away once you’ve moved in.
A home inspection report will highlight any issues you need to fix before and after moving in. smoke detectors are a common concern. Lundt says that your report will show you which rooms are equipped with smoke alarms and which ones need their batteries changed.
Then, you can start addressing the larger issues in your house. Palmer advises homeowners to check the age of their roof and ensure it is in good condition. If not, you may want to consider replacing it in order to enjoy carefree living for many years.
The same goes for your water heating. Palmer recommends replacing the water heater if it is older than ten years. “You’ll get better efficiency and have fewer leaks etc.”
Palmer suggests that you check your home’s window seals and make sure they are tight. “I bought a 1920s home and, although the windows were charming and original, I decided to replace them all with new energy-efficient windows covered in vinyl,” he said. This will keep your heating and cooling costs low.
Review Your Home Warranty
The majority of buyers choose to pay for home warranties for at least the first year they live in their new home. However, many buyers do not read the fine print. “People don’t really understand home warranties. We always recommend that they contact the company prior to making repairs,” Lundt says.
Many home warranties include coverage for your HVAC system, appliances, and other major problems, such as roof or pipe leaks. Contact your home warranty provider to find out what is covered before you hire a handyman. You could save a ton of money.
Original Blog: https://www.bhg.com/home-maintenance-tasks-for-first-time-buyers-8599406
Just Listed!! Stunning Home on 40 Acres – Located in Tolar, Texas!
Beautiful home with 40 acres. A gate made of wrought iron with rock accents and a grand entrance. This two-story house has a huge living room with a fireplace made of rock and large windows. The large formal dining area has plenty of counterspace and is filled with natural light from its large windows. Downstairs, you’ll find two half bathrooms as well as a kitchen and butlers pantry. This is the perfect place to host family events or entertain guests. The entire downstairs has hardwood. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an office or study are all carpeted on the upper level. Both the covered porch and the covered balcony are great places to watch the sunsets. The detached 40 x 30 garage has plenty of storage space and a sink. The house is divided into two parcels, and it’s situated to allow you to enjoy the view. The second parcel has its own well and power. There is enough room for both livestock and hiking in the mixture of open and heavily treed pastures. The property has two water wells, is cross-fenced and fully fenced. Visit this beautiful property today.
Contact Preferred Properties of Texas today to schedule a showing.
For listings in Stephenville text HOMES to 877-965-7775
Marjorie Nuckols- Real Estate Agent
I was raised in a very small town .My family owned the only feed store and my dad was a deputy sheriff. We showed and bred Quarter horses, hunted deer and bear. I have one daughter that graduated with honors from OU and is a Naval officer, she was deployed 3 times and she just made Lieutenant Commander for the Navy.
Moved to the Texas Hill Country in 2002, I have been a Texas realtor since 2004, at the time I lived in Harper, Tx just outside of Fredericksburg. We raised Quarter horses and exotics, mouflon sheep and blackbuck antelope. I concentrated my sales on game ranches, equestrian properties, and dream homes. I am excited to be here for the last 2 1/2 years in North Texas and look forward to being a part of the family at Preferred Properties of Texas here in Stephenville.
Buying or Selling? Let me help you find that perfect property!
Patio Appeal May Add Value To Your Home
A patio may not be something you consider during the winter, especially if it is cold and snowy. Many people love a patio on a warm sunny afternoon. Sipping iced lemonade or tea outside is a great way to relax. Your real estate agent will want to capture this picture when you list your home for sale.
Patios can be appealing because they create a feeling of openness, freedom and peace. They can also seem to increase the amount of living space when it is nice out.
When you list your house, you can set out some simple yet comfortable patio furniture on your patio. You might be surprised to find that potential buyers will sit down and consider your home. Good! Allow them to soak up the energy in your home. It’s the way it feels. It allows them to relax. Place some brochures on the side table. You could even offer a book. You would be surprised at what these buyers choose. You’ve likely piqued the interest of your potential buyers if they are enjoying themselves on your patio.
What if you already have a patio but don’t have one in your backyard? Is it still worth investing money into one? It depends on your budget, but having a deck or patio – an outdoor space to relax in – is definitely a plus.
Here are some tips on how to create that patio area.
Avoid a concrete jungle
You don’t want to fill up your entire backyard with a concrete slab if you have a smaller yard. Why? Also, greenery is appealing. You want the patio to be proportional to your yard. You don’t want a large yard with a tiny patio, nor vice versa.
Easy Access
It is best to place your patio near an entrance to the house, usually the kitchen. It is important to have the patio close to the entryway of the home, usually the kitchen. This will allow people who are grilling outside or eating outdoors easy access to the kitchen without having them walk through another room.
Patios should also be placed in areas with some privacy. Patios are most attractive when you can relax, enjoy a meal, a book or a conversation without feeling watched. The backyard is the most common location.
Maintain it well
A well-maintained patio is often a plus for buyers and can increase the value of your home.
Cover or not to cover? When homeowners install patios, many wonder if adding a cover will increase the value of their house. This depends on a number of factors, such as whether the patio is built and maintained well, if it is aesthetically pleasing and does not block views, etc. When it is well-crafted and maintained, the patio’s covering and construction can add to the appeal of the home. This could lead to a quicker sale and a higher price.
Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/sellersadvice/item/37371-patio-appeal-may-add-value-to-your-home?rtmpage=null
7 Good Signs Your House Will Sell on the Market
Selling a home can be an important undertaking. Various factors can affect its marketability.
If your home is located in an area with top-rated schools and amenities, as well as convenient transportation, it could be a good sign that you’ll sell your house quickly and at a fair price.
This guide is for you if you’re selling your home. This guide will explain the seven good signs that your home will sell.
1. Your house is in a desirable location
When looking for a home, location is a key factor. It’s important that your home is close to good schools, shopping and public transport. Your house will stand out if it is convenient and attractive.
2. You have the right price for your property
The right price for your home is one of the best indicators that it will sell quickly. People may not even look at your house if it costs too much. If it is priced reasonably, then more people will be interested.
The buyers are smart and will do their homework. Your house will be more attractive to buyers if it is priced competitively.
3. Low inventory of comparable properties
It’s more likely that if there are fewer houses on the market with similar features, sizes, locations or prices, yours will be noticed quickly. By making buyers move quickly, the laws of supply-and-demand work in your favor.
4. Your home’s curb appeal is high
When it comes to selling a home, first impressions are important. A home with high curb attraction attracts potential buyers from the first moment they see it. It’s all about creating an inviting and appealing first impression that will make people want to see more.
5. The house is move-in ready
A single-family house for sale that is move-in-ready will have a big advantage. It means that buyers will be able to move in immediately after receiving the keys. They won’t have to make any repairs or changes first. This saves the buyer money, time and stress.
6. Positive Market Conditions
When the economy is doing well, many people are more willing to spend money on anything, including houses. There could be many people looking to purchase a house like yours when the market is doing well, particularly when interest rates are low and there are plenty of jobs. In times of prosperity, may provide more options and help to sell your home quickly.
7. There’s a lot of interest in your home
You will see a spike in the number of inquiries and foot traffic at open houses after listing your property. This is a good sign that your home will sell quickly.
This indicates that there are certain factors in your property that buyers find appealing, such as the price, location or other unique features.
Recognizing the Good Signs Your House Will Sell
These signs can make you feel relieved and excited. You’re on track. Market trends and buyer reactions are important.
Your house is likely to sell quickly if it meets these criteria. Stay positive and proactive. These signs will show that you are moving in the right directions. Selling a home is a huge step. Call Preferred Properties of Texas today to get started!!
Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/ask-the-expert/item/1048647-7-good-signs-your-house-will-sell-on-the-market?rtmpage=wishes
3 Types of Roads You Can Have on Your Property
Landowners should consider the importance of roads. They’re not only important for accessing your property but also to facilitate the transportation of machinery and trucks. Many landowners also rely on private roads strategically placed for drainage and food sourcing.
You have several options for the type of road you want on your property, depending on what you need it for. If you are ready to do some land improvements that involve roads, it’s important to know the basics about road types, their purposes, as well as building and maintenance requirements.
Three types of roads on private land
You’ll see the following types of roads on land:
- Primary Roads
- Secondary Roads
- External Roads
Primary Roads
It is the main route for you to navigate around your property. It should be able to withstand all weather conditions and receive the majority of traffic.
The primary road is continuous. This means you can go from A to B without having to take a side street. You may only have one primary route, depending on the size and shape of your property. This serves as an entry point connecting your land with a public road. You may also have several primary routes that you use to allow year-round access around your main property areas.
Secondary Roads
Secondary roads are usually branches off primary roads and lead to places you need to access regularly but don’t. For example, timber stores or repair supplies. Secondary roads do not need to be as strong as primary roads and they don’t have to require as much maintenance. Plan secondary roads by considering the type of vehicle you will be using, as well as if the road is intended for humans or wildlife.
External Roads
External roads are public and serve as the link between your property and its surrounding town or city. You may have to extend an external road to reach your property when purchasing land or create a primary road from an existing external corridor. You want to make sure that your land won’t be divided by an external road in your area, as this could have a significant impact on privacy and land use.
Who maintains roads on private property?
In general, the municipality is responsible for maintaining external roads. The landowner is responsible for the maintenance of internal roads. In some unincorporated or rural townships, it is up to the landowner to maintain the external roads that lead to their property.
Roads may not be the most glamorous part of a property but they are essential to its value and use. When buying land, you should do your research to determine what type of roads exist, which types you might need to build yourself, and what you plan to do to maintain them.
