HAT A TRULY AMAZING PROPERTY THAT DOES NOT COME ALONG VERY OFTEN ~ SITUATED IN “THE ESTATES” SECTION OF WEST RANCH ON OVER AN ACRE OF LAND WITH NO IMMEDIATE BACK NEIGHBORS MAKES THIS TRENDMAKER HOME A MUST SEE! AN OPEN CONCEPT, TWO STAIRCASES, FLOWING FLOOR PLAN, LARGE FAMILY ROOM WITH HIGH CEILINGS & STONE FIREPLACE, SPACIOUS GRANITE ISLAND KITCHEN, GRACIOUS MASTER SUITE WITH HUGE SITTING AREA & FIREPLACE, MASTER BATH SUITE FIT FOR A QUEEN/KING ~ LARGE JACUZZI TUB + OVERSIZED CUSTOM CLOSET WITH BUILT INS, LARGE GAME ROOM UP, EXCELLENT CURB APPEAL FEATURING TWO COVERED PORCH SPACES, LARGE BACK PATIO WITH INVITING POOL/HOT TUB & AMAZING WATERFALL + EXTENSIVE STAMPED CONCRETE WALKWAYS ~ THE BONUS HERE IS THE BACKYARD SETTING THAT IS SPECTACULAR ON THE EYES ~ THIS PROPERTY IS PERFECT FOR YOUR FAMILIES NEEDS SO MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY 281-482-9444.
Selling Your Home During the Holidays
Wondering if you should to sell your home during the holidays? While putting your home on the market between holiday celebrations, school vacations, forced family fun, baking, shopping, gift giving might seem like miserable timing, since many buyers may not want to move their furniture and belongs during the holidays, but sellers could actually benefit by using this time strategically to show and possibly even sell their house.
Many home sellers take a holiday hiatus until the New Year—and that could mean that your house may suddenly become a hot commodity. Plus, if buyers are truly squeezing in home showings between shopping trips and holiday activities, you know they must be serious.
So if you’re ready to put up a “For Sale” sign under the cheery glow of your holiday lights, go right ahead! Here’s some advice on how to sell your home during the holidays.
- Deck Your Halls
Buyers want to picture themselves living in your home, so evoking some holiday spirit as you stage your house for showing is a great way to do that. A little mistletoe will likely help than hurt. You should be festive and decorate AFTER listing photos have been taken. The holidays are a time your home looks the best, so it will show better and likely net more. But don’t go overboard. You may normally have Buddy the Elf help you decorate, but less is more when your home is on the market during the holiday season.
- Throw a Holiday Party
You may have a to-do list a mile long, but consider making time to host a holiday party such as cookie decorating, tacky sweater party or Christmas cheer wine tasting. This can be a great way to showcase your home to family, friends and neighbors. Chances are at least one person at your party may be looking for a new home, or know someone who is in the market to buy.
- Give The Gift of Time
Give a bit more time than you might if you were selling at a different, less frantic time of year. It’s best you be prepared to be flexible with showings even when it’s not convenient for you, as not everyone celebrates the same holidays as you.
- Price It To Sell
Don’t overshoot with your asking price. Buyers who have the luxury of waiting until Spring to purchase will over look your home if the price seems too high. You need to be realistic about current market expectations. A Realtor can help you set a price that’s fair for you home and your neighborhood based on comps. Which leads to our final tip…
- Don’t DIY Your Home Sale
The “for sale by owner” route may be your strategy to save money, but a trusted real estate agent can take the stress of finding a focused buyer with a similar deadline you have in mind. Many people house hunting during the holiday are doing so because they’re on a tight deadline. An agent can target buyers who are eager to move ASAP, like those moving for a job or investors looking to buy a property before the tax year ends.
Craig Carver and his team can help you decide if putting your house on the market this holiday season is the right time. Call 281-482-9444 for your free home evaluation.
Content by Amber Miessner, Accredited Staging Professional and Stephanie Booth- Realtor.
Selling your house can be SCARY! Should you hire a Realtor?
Selling your house can be scary! What should you do? Should you try and sell it yourself? Or should you hire a Realtor. If you do…
1. They have loads of expertise
Want to check the MLS for a 4B/2B with an EIK and a W/D? Real estate has its own language, full of acronyms and semi-arcane jargon, and your Realtor is trained to speak that language fluently.
Plus, buying or selling a home usually requires dozens of forms, reports, disclosures, and other technical documents. Realtors have the expertise to help you prepare a killer deal—while avoiding delays or costly mistakes that can seriously mess you up.
2. They have turbocharged searching power
The Internet is awesome. You can find almost anything—anything! And with online real estate listing sites such as yours truly, you can find up-to-date home listings on your own, any time you want. But guess what? Realtors have access to even more listings. Sometimes properties are available but not actively advertised. A Realtor can help you find those hidden gems.
Plus, a good local Realtor is going to know the search area way better than you ever could. Have your eye on a particular neighborhood, but it’s just out of your price range? Your Realtor is equipped to know the ins and outs of every neighborhood, so she can direct you toward a home in your price range that you may have overlooked.
3. They have bullish negotiating chops
Any time you buy or sell a home, you’re going to encounter negotiations—and as today’s housing market heats up, those negotiations are more likely than ever to get a little heated.
You can expect lots of competition, cutthroat tactics, all-cash offers, and bidding wars. Don’t you want a savvy and professional negotiator on your side to seal the best deal for you?
And it’s not just about how much money you end up spending or netting. A Realtor will help draw up a purchase agreement that allows enough time for inspections, contingencies, and anything else that’s crucial to your particular needs.
4. They’re connected to everyone
Realtors might not know everything, but they make it their mission to know just about everyone who can possibly help in the process of buying or selling a home. Mortgage brokers, real estate attorneys, home inspectors, Home Stagers, interior designers—the list goes on—and they’re all in your Realtor’s network. Use them.
5. They adhere to a strict code of ethics
Not every real estate agent is a Realtor, who is a licensed real estate salesperson who belongs to the National Association of Realtors®, the largest trade group in the country.
What difference does it make? Realtors are held to a higher ethical standard than licensed agents and must adhere to a Code of Ethics.
6. They’re your sage parent/data analyst/therapist—all rolled into one
The thing about Realtors: They wear a lot of different hats. Sure, they’re salespeople, but they actually do a whole heck of a lot to earn their commission. They’re constantly driving around, checking out listings for you. They spend their own money on marketing your home (if you’re selling). They’re researching comps to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
And, of course, they’re working for you at nearly all hours of the day and night—whether you need more info on a home or just someone to talk to in order to feel at ease with the offer you just put in. This is the biggest financial (and possibly emotional) decision of your life, and guiding you through it isn’t a responsibility Realtors take lightly.
7. Choosing the right agent
How do you know who to choose? Do they have experience? Do they know the local market? Will they put you and your interests first? Look no further. Craig Carver has been selling real estate since 1994 and is a Top Producing agent for RE/MAX. Whether buying or selling, Craig and his team are committed to make the process as stress free as possible to ensure you have the best experience possible buying and/or selling your home.
Friendswood Community Blood Drive
Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center supplies the majority of local hospitals in the Houston metro area. Fall is tough for the community’s blood supply, because donor turnout can be low due to school activities and holidays. Blood products are used daily in hospitals to support patients who are in trauma, actively bleeding, undergoing surgeries, cancer treatment, and a variety of other medical reasons.
About 1,000 donations of blood are needed every day to meet the community’s needs. In less than an hour, a donor may save 3 lives!
Since blood is transfused anytime — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center has set up a Friendswood Community Blood Drive at the Craig Carver Group located at 3800. East FM 528, Friendswood, TX 77546 on October 17, 2018 from 1:30-5pm. Their goal is to collect as much blood as possible to boost the community’s blood supply to support the patients in our hospitals who depend on blood transfusions to heal.
October is also Breast Cancer Awareness. Please come out and learn more about the cause and ways to support local Breast Cancer Thrivers and Survivors.
For more information, call 281-482-9444 or register at GiveBlood.org, Click Digital Donor, Code L528.
What to Expect From a Home Inspection
A home inspection is a lot like a test-driving a new car, only better. Instead of just punching the accelerator and a few dash buttons to see what they do, during a home inspection you’ll have a knowledgeable professional along with you, pointing out details and potential problems you might not notice otherwise.
A thorough home inspection when you’re buying a house can save you thousands of dollars in unexpected repairs — or from unwittingly buying a money pit.
What a home inspector does
A home inspector will take two to three hours or more completing a detailed walk-through of the home you’re looking to buy. It’s a top-to-bottom review of the physical structure, as well as its mechanical and electrical systems — including roof, ceilings, walls, floors, windows and doors. The inspector will check that major appliances are functional, scrutinize the heating and air-conditioning system, examine the plumbing and electrical systems and crawl up into the attic and down into the basement.
All the while, the inspector will be taking notes and pictures and, if you’re tagging along, commenting on what he sees. Most importantly, the inspector will provide an objective opinion on the home’s condition, detached from the emotional roller coaster you’ve been on during the entire homebuying process.
What a home inspector doesn’t do
A home inspection is a general checkup, not an X-ray exam. Although inspectors should have a keen eye for detail, they won’t be able to detect the unseen. That means hidden pests, asbestos, and mold or other potentially hazardous substances might go unnoticed. Those sort of issues can require specialized evaluations, perhaps even a geologist or structural engineer.
An inspector might have a thought or two on child safety issues found in the home, but again, that depends on the inspector’s experience and competencies. And a home inspector doesn’t necessarily determine whether your home is compliant with local building codes.
The goal of the inspection is to uncover issues with the home itself. Inspectors won’t tell you if you’re getting a good deal on the home or offer an opinion on the sale price.
An inspection is not a pass/fail exam. But you’ll learn much about your potential new home and gain confidence in the decision to move into your new address — or find out enough to pass on the purchase.
The home inspection report
A good home inspection report is extensive, containing checklists, summaries, photographs and notes. It will estimate the remaining useful life of major systems and equipment, as well as that of the roof, structure, paint and finishes. The critical information you will gain will include recommended repairs and replacements, too.
Ask any potential inspector for samples of prior reports and note whether they’re simply completed checklists or extensive reviews. That way you’ll know whether you’re paying for a stapled 10-page report or for a three-ring binder of detailed information. Home inspections can cost $300 to $500 or more, so you want to be sure you’re getting what you pay for.
How to find a home inspector
Your experienced Real Estate Agent, can help provide a list of inspectors. TREC, Texas Real Estate Commission also issues three levels of inspector licenses: Apprentice Inspector, Real Estate Inspector , and Professional Real Estate Inspector.
You can also get references from prior clients, especially homeowners who have been in their home for at least six months. That way you can determine whether any issues popped up that were unreported in their inspection.
Be a part of the process
It’s a good idea to join the inspector on his home tour. You don’t have to climb into the attic with him or crawl under the porch, but follow along where you can and take notes. He may make some great home improvement suggestions along the way — as well as point out peculiarities and unique features.
Although inspections can turn up serious defects, every house will have its imperfections. You might choose to think of many of these as simply endearing beauty marks.
How can Craig Carver and his team help?
Craig’s 24+ years experience in helping clients buying and selling homes, he had built relationships with inspectors such as RedFish Inspections, Bryan and Bryan Inspections and Tim Jones Inspections. Can can also recommend many more.
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Partial content courtesy of HAL M. BUNDRICK
Getting Pre-Approved Should Always Be Your First Step
In many markets across the country, the number of buyers searching for their dream homes greatly outnumbers the number of homes for sale. This has led to a competitive marketplace where buyers often need to stand out. One way to show you are serious about buying your dream home is to get pre-qualified or pre-approved for a mortgage before starting your search.
Even if you are in a market that is not as competitive, understanding your budget will give you the confidence of knowing if your dream home is within your reach.
Freddie Mac lays out the advantages of pre-approval in the ‘My Home’ section of their website:
“It’s highly recommended that you work with your lender to get pre-approved before you begin house hunting. Pre-approval will tell you how much home you can afford and can help you move faster, and with greater confidence, in competitive markets.”
One of the many advantages of working with a local real estate professional is that many have relationships with lenders who will be able to help you with this process. Once you have selected a lender, you will need to fill out their loan application and provide them with important information regarding “your credit, debt, work history, down payment and residential history.”
Freddie Mac describes the ‘4 Cs’ that help determine the amount you will be qualified to borrow:
- Capacity: Your current and future ability to make your payments
- Capital or cash reserves: The money, savings, and investments you have that can be sold quickly for cash
- Collateral: The home, or type of home, that you would like to purchase
- Credit: Your history of paying bills and other debts on time
Getting pre-approved is one of many steps that will show home sellers that you are serious about buying, and it often helps speed up the process once your offer has been accepted.
Bottom Line
Many potential home buyers overestimate the down payment and credit scores needed to qualify for a mortgage today. If you are ready and willing to buy, you may be pleasantly surprised at your ability to do so.
How can The Craig Carver Group Help?
Craig and has many connections in the lending industry and can point you in the right direction. Give him at call at 281-482-9444
- Content courtesy keepingcurrentmatters.com
Home Staging for Sale Preparation
There was a time, not so long ago, when people thought Home Staging was only for high end sellers. Those who hoped to attract wealthy buyers. In today’s real estate world, home staging and sale preparation has gone from luxury to necessity. In fact, Home Staging is important for every price point.
Further, when a buyer walks into a house, Home Staging is what helps them imagine it as their own. For the purposes of maximizing sale price, most traces of the existing owner are removed. Sellers need to remember, their home is now a product for sale.
Is Home Staging worth it?
Whether it’s a starter home or a mansion, buyers have trouble attaching themselves to a space that still looks like it belongs to the current owner. Buyers can’t see past clutter, personal pictures, an over abundance of furniture, obtrusive paint colors and pets.
Does Home Staging Work To Add Value?
Not only does Home Staging help sell a home faster, but when done right, Home Staging also raises the market value of a house. In fact, a 2017 survey by the National Association of Realtors found that real estate professionals believe Home Staging increases the price of a home anywhere from 1 to 15 percent.
Do Staged Home Sell Better?
Home Staging is an investment that’s likely to yield high returns for any seller. Buyers want to walk into a property and feel like the home is move-in-ready with little to no projects. By simply de-cluttering, de-personalizing, touching up paint, having neutral paint colors, a manicured yard and other small efforts can help the property sell faster.
Is Staging like what I see on TV?
With the popularity of HGTV shows such as Fixer Upper, Property Brothers and Flip or Flop, viewers see unoccupied homes filled with all new furniture and accessories. Yes, that is one form or Staging, but working with what seller already has, a little elbow grease and willingness to pre-pack away personal items is also Staging your home to sell.
How can the Craig Carver Group Help?
When listing with Craig Carver, a complimentary Home Staging Report is provided to sellers. The on staff Accredited Staging Professional® will visit the property and write a detailed room by room report of things the sellers can do themselves to Stage their house to get ready to put on the market.
Welcome Amber!
Please join the Craig Carver Group and RE/MAX Top Realty in welcoming Amber Miessner to the Craig Carver Team!
Amber is Accredited Staging Professional® and has been working behind the scenes at the Craig Carver Group for the past few years as our Home Stager. She has a background in marketing, office management and graphic design. We are excited Amber has joined us full time in our office. She will be involved with all community outreach and marketing efforts and will be the friendly face to greet you in our office and on the phone. She is dedicated to making all buyers, sellers, agents and partners feel at home with the Craig Carver Group.
Amber is a Friendswood native and a graduate of Texas State University. She is also a Breast Cancer survivor!
Welcome aboard to the Craig Carver Group!
2018 HURRICANE SEASON IS IN FULL SWING!
After the devastation from Hurricane Harvey, most of us know what to expect and how to prepare. But many wonderful families have moved to the Bay Area this year and we would like to give a few tips on how to prepare your home and family for a hurricane. Please feel free to share any tips you’ve learned from past storms.
Talk with your insurance broker about what you need to do to prepare for a hurricane in order for your policy to cover damage caused by a hurricane or flood.
Make a complete list of all your possessions or take pictures inside and outside your home.
Collect outdoor items from the yard and bring them inside when you hear a hurricane advisory. These will become flying projectiles in the high winds, and can get swept away by floodwaters if your house is near the coast.
Fill Your tank with gas in case you decide to evacuate.
Have cash on hand to purchase items when credit/debit cards cannot be electronically processed.
Purchase: water, non-perishable food, batteries, flashlights, battery operated fans, and first aid kit.
Store extra sets of clothes in a waterproof container for each family member.
Move all valuables: family pictures, electronics, and paperwork into waterproof storage containers to the upper floors of your home.
Have prescription medications on hand if by chance your pharmacy is closed.
Games to entertain if the electricity goes out: board games, cards, and books.
Prepare to need: garbage bags, work gloves, tools, masks, and rain boots.
Blue Santa \ Santa In The Park 2017
Winter Coat, Jacket, and Sweatshirt/Hoodie Drive
For those affected by Hurricane Harvey
As the colder temperatures approach, our Harvey friends will
be in need of new/gently used winter coats, jackets,
and sweatshirts for both the adults and children.
Blue Santa helps needy families by providing new, unwrapped toys for children and infants to 12 years old, who are referred and accepted into the program. This event is in collaboration with the Friendswood Police Department.
Santa In The Park:
Friendswood suffered tremendous losses during Harvey. We were shaken to our core with the amount of flooding that occurred in homes, businesses, and public facilities. But we rallied and came together as a community to do what needed to be done to get us back to a somewhat state of “normalcy”. The City of Friendswood and Keep Friendswood Beautiful completely understand that replacement resources have been heavily tapped and available funds are needed to help people recover. So asking for donations and sponsorship money for Santa in the Park 2017 is an extremely difficult task for us this year. However, the event has brought so much joy to citizens in years past that we are moving forward with the event. On December 9, 2017, Santa in the Park will again provide a wonderful holiday experience for Friendswood. We are celebrating our 10th Anniversary of the event and, as in previous years, your donations and sponsorships are integral components of our success. Please do what you can to help with making Santa in the Park a reality this year. Our community needs this event as we move forward with rebuilding our community and providing the best possible holiday festival for a suffering community.
The City of Friendswood and the Keep Friendswood Beautiful Board are soliciting donations for 10th Annual Santa in the Park Christmas Celebration. This year the event will offer heart-pounding entertainment, photos with Santa, Concert in the Park, action packed carnival rides, a Holiday Market and ending the evening with the lighting of a 20 foot tall decorated Christmas tree provided by our title sponsor, HomeTown Bank followed by a state of the art Fireworks extravaganza. The 10th annual Santa in the Park promises to be the most spectacular event of the year bringing in thousands in attendance.
