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Preferred Properties of Texas

The Preferred way to buy & sell real estate for you

4 Sources for Down Payment and Closing Cost Cash

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The majority of loan programs require some form of down payment. Some programs require as little as 3% of the purchase price, while others do not. The VA home loan program, and the USDA rural area program are two of the most popular programs.

VA loans are only available to veterans and a few other borrowers. The USDA program is designed to help populate rural communities by providing financing in areas that conventional programs will not touch.

There are also closing fees associated with obtaining a home loan. At the settlement table, there are certain costs that must be paid. These include an appraisal and credit report. Other charges, also known as recurring charges, are repeated over and over. Interest and homeowners insurance are examples of charges. Where does one get these funds from? Where do you get your funds?

Bank Account

These accounts will be checked by your lender, to ensure that you have the money you claim to have. Lenders will also want to know that these funds are ‘seasoned’, meaning they cannot just appear. A seemingly random deposit is not eligible for use.

Retirement Account

Many retirement accounts let you borrow money from them. Ask your employer if you can borrow from your 401(k). If you are eligible, the lender may have set repayment terms which will be deducted from your paycheck at each payment period. There are no universal 401(k), loan terms. Instead, lenders set their own. The lender sets the terms.

Financial Gift

You may be the lucky recipient of a financial donation from a qualified source or a member of your family. There are non-profit organizations that provide home buying assistance. Donors will need to provide proof that they are making a financial contribution. These funds are typically wired to settlement agent at the closing date. A signed letter from a donor may be required.

Asset Sales

You may also be able sell an appraisal asset in order to raise funds for your down payment or closing costs. Appraisable assets are those whose value can be documented by third parties. You might be able to sell an automobile loan because third parties can provide a current market valuation for the property. It is important to document the sale and the value. The proceeds from the sale must be matched with a deposit into an account that you own.

You can tap into any of these sources. Talk to your loan officer if you have any questions and work out all the details before.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/mortgage-advices/item/1047550-4-sources-for-down-payment-and-closing-cost-cash?rtmpage=null

5 Things That Can Do Double Duty When Cleaning Your House

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You don’t need to spend a lot of money on cleaning products and potions. You may be able to get your home cleaner with the products you already have.

Here are some of our products that can do double duty (or triple duty or more!) products:

Mr. Clean Magic Erasers

Baseboards that are dirty. Scuff marks on sneakers. Paint with a crayon or pen. Shower scum. What do they have in common? You can clean them with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Buy them in bulk if you need them and to add to your regular cleaning routine.

Dryer Sheets

The sheet that prevents static cling from your clothes as they dry can be used in other areas of your house. Swiffer Dusters are out and you have guests coming over. Instead, use that Bounce to clean your surfaces. Bonus: If you use scented dryer sheets, the sheets will leave behind a fresh scent. You can also use these sheets to clean window casings and baseboards.

Sponges and Dishwashing gloves

Forget those pots and pans. Sponges and dishwashing glove can be used to remove dog hair from upholstered surfaces. This tip is great for a quick cleanup when you have no time to vacuum. Try a dog brush to remove dog hair from a rug or other surface that is difficult to clean. The short, stiff bristles are ideal for catching the hair.

White Vinegar

Vinegar is not just for salads! Vinegar can be used for a variety of cleaning purposes, and one you can feel good about if you’re looking to stay away from harsh chemicals and commercial cleaners.

The Spruce reported that “if you could invent an eco-cleaning wonder’ product it would probably be similar to white vinegar.” “Vinegar is a cheap, easy-to-find product that has hundreds of uses. It’s also safe and readily available. You can use vinegar in your automatic dishwashing machine for at least two reasons. It can be used to clean dishes, glasses, and plates with a cheap, efficient rinsing solution. Second, it helps clean the dishwasher: Pour a cup of vinegar into an empty dishwashing machine, then run a short cycle. This will remove the soap and lime build-up which can cause your dishwasher to not work at its best.

White vinegar can also be used to clean tile, caulk, windows, hardwood floors and carpet stains. It is also good for cleaning upholstery, mattresses, wood furnishings (when combined olive oil) and glassware. You can probably clean anything in your home with vinegar.”

Lemon

You can use them for more than just a simple squeeze of lemon in your water. Lemon juice, which is high in citric acid and has antibacterial properties, is a natural cleaner that’s great for cleaning.

Here are a few ways to use lemon for cleaning your home:

  • Spray on chrome faucets
  • Rub on cutting boards
  • Squeeze on an old toothbrush to scrub grout
  • Add two tablespoons of vinegar to a bowl filled with water to clean your microwave
  • Place a half-lemon on a saucer for a fresh refrigerator scent
  • Spray a lemon juice and water mixture on windows to make them streak-free.

Use a half-cut lemon to remove hard-water stains from shower doors

Lemon can also breathe life into tarnished metal. Good Housekeeping said that citrus fruits are one of the best cleaners for stains and odors. But they can also remove tarnish from brass. “Sprinkle the problem areas with salt, then use a lemon-juice-soaked sponge to wipe it off.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/consumeradvice/homeownersadvice/item/1026872-5-things-that-can-do-double-duty-when-cleaning-your-house?rtmpage=

How to Restore Land After a Flood

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All land owners are exposed to the risk of damage from natural disasters. A post-flooding plan is important for all land owners, especially if you live in a coastal area.

Your plan of action after a flood depends on the extent of flooding and the damage done. Your land type will also be a factor, as certain properties such as agricultural or timberland are more likely to suffer serious, long-term flooding complications.

Here’s what you can do in either case to help your land recover from the damage caused by flooding.

Step One: Assess the Damage

Do a thorough walkthrough of your property as soon as it is safe to do so. This will help you determine the extent of damage. Did the flood drown crops? Are there any large structures, such as trees, that have fallen? Take pictures and get a good overview of the damage.

Step two: Contact the appropriate parties

You can get help from a variety of professional parties. State and federal agencies can provide assistance in the event of a natural disaster, as well as cleaning agencies that are able to help with things such as salvage and debris removal. You should also call your flood insurance provider to begin the claim process.

Step Three: Get Rid of Standing Water 

The longer water remains on your land, you are more likely to experience long-term problems like soil contamination and erosion. Sump pumps below ground can be installed in some areas to aid in water removal. However, they may not be suitable for all areas. If you are unsure, call a water removal specialist to help remove standing water and, if necessary, provide drainage options for affected areas.

Step Four: Test Soil

The post-flood cleanup doesn’t stop when your land is dried up. Flooding can have a big impact on soil. You’ll need test the soil and possibly rehabilitate it to get things back to the way they were. It’s best to test your soil after it has dried completely, as this will give you a clearer idea of what you are working with. You should pay attention to moisture levels, decreased Nitrogen, and below-ground debris. These are all things that you need to resolve if you want to see successful regrowth.

Step Five: Leveling the Land

Your post-flood plan should include a final step of leveling any areas affected by soil eroding or deposits. You should be strategic in your leveling efforts. This will not only fix the problem areas, but also prevent them from happening again in the future. Digging new channels or sloping some areas of your property could make a huge difference in the way water flows through your property.

It takes time to recover from a flood, especially if there is a lot of work involved in rebuilding and replanting. Accept help, be patient, and take steps to flood-proof your land in the future. This will ease stress and allow you to get back on track sooner.

Original Blog: https://www.landhub.com/land-news/how-to-restore-land-after-a-flood?inf_contact_key=43946cc45ad9393111304afb1723d8a7680f8914173f9191b1c0223e68310bb1

5 Things to Understand About Parcel Boundaries

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You probably haven’t thought much about the boundaries of your land since you bought it, unless you are in a dispute over a fence or an overgrown garden. There are no lines on the ground that show where your property ends and begins your neighbor’s.

The importance of parcel boundaries is not limited to neighborly disputes. They are also important in thousands of business, legal and government decisions made every day. Here are five things you might not know about parcel boundaries.

What is the difference between parcel boundary and parcel data?

A parcel is land that has a parcel boundary. The parcel boundary is a perimeter that determines how the parcel will look.

A parcel can be defined either as a point or a shape. A boundary can be translated onto a map as a polygon. No matter how many angles or curves there are, the shape allows for a complete definition. A parcel can be defined by a point located on a map using latitude andlongitude. Sometimes only one point is defined per parcel. This point can have different levels of precision. It could be the rooftop or centroid (the point in the middle of a parcel), or even a zip code. It is important to keep in mind that no matter how precise the latitude/longitude point, it does not tell the entire boundary story.

Why is it important to have parcel boundaries?

There are many reasons why parcel boundaries matter. Here are just a few of them:

  • Boundaries give perspective, such as distances from landmarks or points-of-interest.
  • Visualizing the geographic data helps the user understand.
  • They allow for more complex analysis to create greater insight.
  • Changes in boundaries can help tell the time.

What are the boundaries used for?

Different industries require parcel boundaries for different reasons.

In land records management parcel maps are used to show the exact location of each parcel boundary. These maps, also known as assessor maps, allow anyone to see the boundaries of their property. These maps are used by county assessors to determine the size of land, which impacts value and tax amounts. They use shape to track the ownership of each piece.

Utility companies like gas and electricity may need to identify properties which could be affected by a power outage, or find the best place to lay new cables, wires, or pipe.

Lenders might want to know which properties in their portfolio have been affected by a disaster. Title companies may also need to calculate the distance from a potential danger, such as a gas station, industrial area, or a landfill.

Evolution from Paper to Digital

Parcels used to be drawn on large-format paper maps. Assessors would write on each parcel a unique identifier (sometimes called an Assessor Parcel Number, or APN), which was used to track the parcels for tax purposes. Most counties now have a Geospatial Information System (GIS) department that uses mapping software instead of paper to create and maintain parcel borders. Digital maps not only make it easier to manage changes but also make them available online.

Coverage, Completeness, & Currency

First American Data & Analytics holds nearly 2.5 million Assessor map in more than 1,100 counties. These maps cover 70% the U.S. populace, but we have 148 million parcel boundaries in almost every county. As with all First American Data & Analytics data from public records, we link these parcel boundaries to taxable areas defined by the Assessor. Some parcels are not taxed. Federal land, state park, tribal land protected forests, bodies water, streets, railways, and government building are some of the types that don’t get taxed.

Parcel boundaries can be updated through sales. This is important for tracking changes in parcel boundaries. It is important to keep track of these changes by having the most recent parcel boundaries. First American Data & Analytics updates parcel boundaries every quarter and is working to implement solutions that will allow this to happen more often. The fact that the county department responsible for recording documents does not maintain the boundaries is one of the challenges in managing a database. It is therefore possible that changes in parcels and owners due to sales are not in sync the actual parcel boundaries found on the county GIS website. First American Data & Analytics corrects the issue by using Public Record Data. This ensures that the correct owner is associated with a shape and points of a parcel.

The First American Difference

First American Data & Analytics simplifies your job by focusing on accuracy and completeness when collecting and curating parcel information. Since decades, we have collected Assessor maps and Public Record Data and have focused on parcel boundaries and specifically linked them to the right properties because we know their importance to our customers. First American Data & Analytics, with its parcel boundaries and public records data linked together, offers a one stop shop for all the best tabular and spatial property data.

Original Blog: https://dna.firstam.com/insights-blog/5-things-to-understand-about-parcel-boundaries

The New Real Estate Trend: What Makes Barndominiums Unique

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People who are in the market to buy a home have specific needs and expectations. The differences in the personalities and decorating preferences of homeowners makes things even more diverse. Real estate is constantly changing due to all of this. Pole barn houses have been making waves in the real estate market and offer a lot to potential homeowners.

What makes pole barn houses stand out?

Pole barn houses are relatively new to the real estate market. They’re also called Barndominiums. Pole barns are converted into living quarters. They can be constructed as homes or combined with other structures and workshops. This makes them a truly unique option for potential homeowners. Check out some of the reasons why pole barn houses are the latest trend in real estate.

Customization Options

Barndominiums are popular because of their many customization options. They are one of the most versatile housing solutions available today. They are available in a variety of sizes and shapes, and their designs can be tailored to suit almost anyone’s needs. They can have an open floor plan or be divided into separate rooms like traditional homes. There are also endless compromises that can be made between the two extremes.

Pole barn houses allow for customizations that go beyond the interior and exterior space. The exterior and surroundings of the house can also be customized. Pole barn houses can be customized with different colors and siding options. Also, they can add wraparound porches and patios. These options can extend to outdoor kitchens, entertainment areas, and other features. The design options for outdoor areas with pole barns are endless.

Cost-Effectiveness

Pole barn houses are also becoming more popular because of their cost-effectiveness. They are much more affordable than traditional houses. They require less resources and don’t require as much site preparation. They can also be built quickly. Barndominiums are cheaper to build because of this, as well as other factors. Pole barn houses are affordable, making it easier for many people to become homeowners.

Sustainability

Pole barn houses are also attractive because of their sustainability. They don’t use as many materials and therefore have a smaller footprint than traditional houses. Many of these materials are more sustainable than the ones used to build traditional houses. Pole barn houses can also incorporate a number of energy efficient and sustainable features, such as solar energy, environmentally friendly materials, and energy saving layouts. These are some of the most sustainable housing options available.

Faster construction

Barndominiums are often built faster than other types of homes. Barndominiums can be built in a few short months, depending on their layout and other factors. After site preparation and other factors are taken into consideration, it can take a long time to build a conventional house. This is a very attractive feature for many potential homebuyers.

A Different Route to Homeownership

Although there are many housing options available, they may not meet everyone’s requirements. Pole barns offer a range of unique features that make them a great solution for potential home owners. Pole barn houses are a viable alternative because they offer a range of customization options, as well as greater affordability and sustainability. Barndominiums are the newest trend in real estate.

Original Blog: https://realtytimes.com/headlines/item/1047566-the-new-real-estate-trend-what-makes-barndominiums-unique?rtmpage=wishes

Explore Our Unique Barndominium Listing: Your Dream Combination of Barn and Home https://www.preferredpropertiestx.com/listings/just-listed-3219-lakeside-drive-in-granbury-tx/

How to Leverage Color Science in Real Estate

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Color can influence the human brain in a number of ways. Pay closer attention to the colors in your marketing and listings.

Most stagers recommend neutral colors such as beige or grey to attract more buyers. This advice isn’t always accurate.

Scientists have proven that color can influence up to 90% of homebuying decision. This has a greater impact than previously thought on people’s moods. The brain organizes and processes color signals in just a fraction of a second. Color is a universal language, and you can help clients use color science to sell their home.

You may have heard, for example, that exterior paint colors are best limited to only two or three options or that warm neutrals are the best choice if you’re looking to make your interiors look larger. This is usually true. Exteriors and interiors that are highly stylized and specific can be off-putting to buyers, especially if they do not match their tastes.

The right colors can be used inside and outside of a home to help buyers make a purchase decision faster. (Spoiler Alert: White does not always give the impression of more space.)

It is scientifically proven that color has a profound impact on our brains. Color science can be used to choose colors that will match desired outcomes. This could make or break sales on the highly competitive real-estate market.

Consider the following scientific findings.

  1. The color green has a calming and soothing effect. However, it can be a bit sickening when used on walls. This is why you shouldn’t use it in medical facilities. Instead, use biophilic design–incorporating greenery from plants–which will support a healthier living environment.
  2. Red stimulates the heart, increases metabolism and creates excitement. Too much red can cause anxiety. This is why it’s used selectively in retail signage and product labels. Consider Coca-Cola and Target. Use red sparingly as an accent.
  3. Blue is a symbol of trust and stability. Women tend to prefer blue over men. Note: Many financial organizations use it as their primary hue, probably because of the subconscious message it sends.
  4. Some lifestyle brands associate black with luxury. Some studies have shown that a black front door may even lead to a higher sale price and listing. ( Get ideas on how to use black.).
  5. A calm hallway can make buyers feel more comfortable. Remember that the type and intensity of lighting can alter the color effects in a space. Warm tones, daylight or LED bulbs will have a huge impact on the color and shading of your space.

Visualize other colors

High tech tools such as virtual reality are able to take this a step further. They allow agents, brokers, and developers to customize properties according to the tastes and imaginative visions of home buyers. You can also use lower-tech versions to visualize the possibilities. You can find these tools by searching online for “paint visualization mobile apps”.

Consider obtaining painting estimates from contractors, or displaying paint chips at listings to allow prospective buyers to visualize how they could personalize the walls according their tastes.

Color can be used to drive sales in a variety of ways. You can help clients understand how they react to certain colors by incorporating a fun quiz into your sales process. This can also help clients see beyond the current colors or wallpaper of a property.

Add Color to Your Personal Brand

Color can be used by real estate professionals in their logos and marketing materials to create trust and excitement with clients and prospects. A signature color will help you stand out amongst a sea other brokers and agents. Ryan Serhant is a reality TV personality and the founder of his brokerage. He even invested in a car painted in “Serhant Blue.”

Try simple touches, such as colorful eyeglasses frames, jewelry or hats in your signature colors. These can be less costly and still memorable.

Color science is applied to multifamily communities, senior and student housing, commercial spaces and schools, as well as other structures. As researchers continue to learn about the functions of the brain, professionals will learn more about color and how it can affect our actions and reactions. This includes when it comes to real-estate.

Original Blog: https://www.nar.realtor/blogs/styled-staged-sold/how-to-leverage-color-science-in-real-estate

Preferred Properties of Texas

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