Although a home’s structure is a very important part of purchasing a home, there are other factors beyond the home’s four walls that also play an important part when deciding whether a New Braunfels property is right for you:

• Yard – Even if a yard isn’t a very big deal to you in terms of your next home purchase, you will want to examine it to make sure it provides you with adequate privacy and personal space. For example, a home on a corner lot may seem like a great idea until you realize that your backyard is very small and is up against the neighbor’s backyard, thereby providing you with very little privacy. If you have small children, consider whether the yard’s location is safe and secured, and whether it is near a busy street or intersection.
• Location – The location of the home is another important consideration, as you will want to be in a home that is close to the things that are most important to you. Therefore, you may want to consider whether the home is close to your place of employment, your children’s school, the grocery store, public transportation, or even the shopping mall. In addition, consider how easy (or hard) it is to make your way out of your neighborhood and through your town.
• Neighborhood – Before considering a home in a particular neighborhood, it is important to consider the neighborhood itself. If you have children, you will want to pay close attention to the schools and amenities, such as playgrounds, in the neighborhood. You will also want to check on home values and whether they have increased or decreased in the last five years. Remember that location is crucial when purchasing a home, as it could determine the overall success of your investment.
• Amenities – Consider the amenities offered by the neighborhood. Do they have a neighborhood watch? A neighborhood swimming pool? A community park or playground? Are the streets lined with sidewalks? Do they have a strong police force? Paying close attention to the community and the services and amenities it provides its residents is an important factor when deciding if it is a neighborhood that will grow and flourish in the upcoming years or lose its luster and experience falling home values.

Shopping for your first home will likely be both an exciting and overwhelming endeavor. After all, making the biggest purchase you will likely ever make is bound to come with its share of worries!

However, if you break down the process of searching for your first home into manageable parts you can accomplish the goal of finding your first home without too much anxiety and stress. Here’s how to get started:

• Get pre-approved – The very first thing on every buyer’s list should be getting preapproved for a mortgage for a property. A preapproval for a mortgage is a very important first step, as it provides the buyer with the information necessary to move forward with the buying process. It allows the buyer to understand whether they have the credit to purchase a home and, it allows the buyer to understand how much home they can afford. In short, doing anything before getting preapproved for a mortgage would be a mistake.
• Get a great realtor – After you have a mortgage preapproval in hand from your lender, now is the time to shop for a realtor. A good realtor will have the knowledge and experience necessary to guide you toward your first New Braunfels home purchase and will also educate you about purchasing your first home.
• Make a list of wants and needs, and bring it with you – Your realtor will likely ask you many questions regarding the type of home for which you are looking, but it still pays to bring a list along with you; one that you can use when looking at homes. If you have a list in hand of wants and needs, you can better stay on task and focus when home searching.
• Don’t overdo it on any given day – It may seem like a good idea to view as many houses as possible on any given day, but the reality is that doing so will only create confusion and wear you out. Therefore, it is best to keep the number of homes you look at each day to a minimum – say, four or five – so you can really focus on the homes and decide which one is right for you.

This year may be the best year to purchase a home! If you are in the market for a new home, and you’ve been waiting for the best time to take action, wait no longer!

Why now may be the perfect time to buy a home:

• The interest rates are still very low – Interest rates continue to hover near historic lows, so you may be able to afford the home of your dreams. With low interest rates comes the ability for many home buyers to finally purchase the larger Terrell Hills home they’ve always wanted. In addition, for other home owners, this may mean their mortgage payment could be much lower than if they waited and bought when interest rates increased just a point or two.
• Good credit pays off – If you have good credit, lenders are likely seeking you out in today’s market. In fact, lenders are courting buyers with good credit with very attractive interest rates and home loan programs. Now may be the best time to contact your local lender so he or she can educate you about all the attractive home loans that are currently available to individuals with excellent credit.
• There is a great supply of homes – Although home sales across the country have picked up recently, it still pays to note that there is a great selection of homes on the market. Because of the sheer number of homes for sale, it is quite likely you can hold out for a Terrell Hills home you really love, and one that is dramatically lower in price than it may have been just a few years ago.
• Foreclosures and short sales are still in the system – Although you can’t automatically assume you will score the deal of all deals with a foreclosure or short sale, it is quite possible you can purchase a home in foreclosure or a short sale home for less than areas comparables. Purchasing a foreclosure or short sale does have its share of challenges, but if you’re up for a challenge, you could end up with a fantastic home for less than you thought possible!

Buying in today’s market has many advantages, and a few challenges. Because of this, now may be a great time for you to consider either purchasing your first home or your next  home. And here’s why:

• There is a large selection of available homes – Keeping in line with a traditional buyer’s market, there is a nice selection of available homes on the market. Because of this, you can expect to see any number of homes that fit in your price range. Of course, this makes shopping for a new home much easier, and better ensures you will find exactly what you are looking for.
• Home prices are still very affordable – Although the recent trends show that home prices are once again gaining steam, they are still incredibly affordable, thereby allowing home buyers to buy more than they were able to just a few years ago. And, because of their affordability, first-time home buyers are now able to more easily enter the market.
• Only the best credit will do – Because lenders are now only interested in individuals with great credit, those home buyers who come to the table with a strong credit score can be assured of obtaining an attractive interest rate and a great home loan program. In fact, there are a number of fantastic home loan programs out there, both for first-time home buyers and existing home buyers.

Because there are so many advantages to buying a property in today’s market, it is important to understand that you have to bring a few things to the table:

• A nice down payment – Today’s lenders are requiring down payments, so it is important to have at least 10 to 20 percent of the cost of the home in the form of down payment cash. There are virtually no longer home loan programs that offer no-money-down options, but there are still attractive home loan programs nonetheless.
• Excellent credit – A solid credit score with an extensive credit history is required for today’s home buyers. Therefore, it is best to check your credit score before applying for a home loan to make sure there are no errors or discrepancies.
• A solid employment history – If you are thinking about purchasing a home, don’t make any job changes, as this could affect your ability to secure a loan.

There are plenty of fantastic San Antonio gated communities from which to choose. Many of us, when buying a home in San Antonio, hear plenty about the perks of living in San Antonio gated communities, but what are they really and what can they offer?

If security and a sense of community are what you’re looking for, then San Antonio gated communities should definitely be on your list when searching for a home. Here’s why:

• San Antonio gated communities, because they are often revered for their added degree of safety, and therefore typically have lower crime rates than other communities, often help the homes found here better retain their value.
• San Antonio gated communities may differ when it comes to security. Some communities will have controlled access, via a gate, while others will also have a guard or security staff that monitors the activity at the gate. Most times, residents will need to open the gate with a remote control or key card.
• Because the safety aspect of a gated community is very important, most gated communities control the through traffic; therefore, the only traffic within the community consists of residents and visitors. This often makes the community appealing to many buyers who don’t want a constant flow of traffic in and out of their community.
• Many families appreciate the traffic restrictions of a gated community, as it makes it safer for families and small children to walk the streets. In addition, residents in gated communities often remark that traffic incidences are greatly reduced.
• Vandalism in gated communities is also much lower than typical communities, as access is restricted to only those individuals living there or visiting residents. Homeowners in gated communities may feel more at ease when it comes to crimes and burglaries, as well.
• San Antonio gated communities are often sought after because the resident amenities, including parks, playgrounds and swimming pools, are enjoyed only by the residents and the residents’ guests. In other words, residents don’t have to worry that individuals from other communities are using their facilities and amenities.

There are many Terrell Hills new homes from which to choose, which is why this suburb of San Antonio has become such a family friendly hotspot. Moving to one of Terrell Hills new homes can be quite exciting, but along the way, if you’re not organized and prepared, you could run into some bumps in the road.

With that said, if you are one of the lucky homeowners of one of Terrell Hills new homes, there are a number of things you can do to make sure your move is a successful one:

• As soon as you begin the house-hunting process for Terrell Hills new homes, start taking an inventory of your current belongings. Now is a great time to sell, donate or simply toss things you no longer need or want. If you’re downsizing, get the measurements to your new home and determine which furniture can stay and which must go. Remember: a move is made much easier when you don’t have so much to move!
• Ask a close friend or family member to hold anything of value you for you during your move. Such items that you will certainly want to safeguard during a move include: jewelry, valuable artwork, china, crystal and any type of personal documents or paperwork. You may also want to handle moving those things of personal value yourself, as you can be sure of its safety.
• Hire a moving company as soon as you secure a closing date for your Terrell Hills new home. Get your reservation secured, so you’re not in a panic at the last minute because you can’t find a mover. In addition, if you need anything large or valuable moved, such as a piano or antiques, you will want to hire a specialty mover to handle this important job.
• Prepare your paperwork for closing day. Again, it is never too early to begin the organization process when it comes to preparing for closing. Your real estate agent or closing company will likely supply you with the documentation necessary for closing, so don’t put this task off until the last minute or you could find yourself short on important paperwork and unable to close.

If you want to enter the Terrell Hills new home market, and you have dreams of building your own Terrell Hills new home, then you will likely need to begin the process by finding a great home builder.

Luckily, there are plenty of fantastic San Antonio home builders from which to choose; however, you may be quite overwhelmed by which home builder in the Terrell Hills new home market is right for you.

Here is our list of tips for entering the Terrell Hills new home market and finding the perfect home builder for you:

• Start the process early so you can use a home builder to help you with all the confusing details that often accompany building a home, such as site selection, home design and written specifications.
• Instead of basing your decision on cost when choosing a home builder, you may want to instead base your decision on the builder’s reputation, professionalism, warranty coverage and experience. Don’t be afraid to go into a neighborhood that the builder has homes in and ask the homeowners about their home buying experience.
• Ask the builder for a list of clients that you can contact for referrals. Any reputable builder will have an extensive client list.
• Choose a builder who has experience building in your area, as they will have the important information regarding residential building, including building codes, subcontractor prices, weather patterns, and so on.
• Choose a builder who has experience building the type of home you want to build. This will enable the builder to give you a better idea of the costs involved and the general design you will want to achieve.
• Although you will definitely want to choose the builder based upon their credentials, reputation and experience, make sure you have a good rapport with them, as well, as the home building process is a long one; too long to work with someone you don’t like or don’t agree with.
• Ask about the builder’s warranty. Any reputable builder should be able to provide you with a comprehensive, written warranty regarding their homes.
• Look into the builder’s finances to make sure the builder you choose is financially stable. The bottom line is that some builders will run their businesses better than others.

There is a great selection of San Antonio new home communities, as this dynamic city continues to buck national trends and grow at an impressive rate. If you are looking at purchasing land in one of the San Antonio new home communities so that you can build your home, then there are a few factors you may want to take into consideration.

Building a home in one of the San Antonio new home communities can be quite an exciting and fruitful experience, but it also has its share of challenges over purchasing a new home that is already built.

If you’re still unsure about whether building a home in one of the San Antonio new home communities is right for you, it is important to consider a number of factors. In the end, the decision whether to build a new home in one of the San Antonio new home communities is a personal one, and one that is quite different from one person to the next.

The Advantages of Building a New Home:

• Building your home allows you to customize and personalize the home to your exact preferences, needs, wants and demands.
• Everything in the home is brand new, thereby decreasing the likelihood of problems popping up and things breaking or needing replaced.
• You will able to include the latest designs and materials when building your new home.
• Taking an active role in building your own home can be a satisfying and memorable experience.

The Disadvantages of Building a Home:

• You can expect to pay more to build a home than to purchase a new one through a builder.
• It may take significantly longer to complete a custom home than it would be to purchase a new construction.
• The costs of completing the home – e.g., landscaping, decorating, etc. – can all add up quickly in terms of cost.
• Home building requires constant communication with the builder, and decisions must be made on a regular basis, which can prove to be quite stressful for many individuals.
• The process of choosing a builder, securing financing and choosing a home design can be a long and frustrating experience.

The Alamo Heights real estate market is healthy and active, and it seems as if the worst of the housing slump is behind us. Interest rates are low, home choices are plentiful and real estate prices remain low. So, what are you waiting for? Isn’t it time you found yourself a little piece of the Alamo Heights real estate market?

Many renters grapple with the decision to buy; and, let’s face it, buying isn’t for everyone.  However, for many renters, it just makes good sense to purchase a home in the Alamo Heights real estate market. And here’s why:

1. A home offers you pride in homeownership – Many homeowners state that they purchased their first home so that they can enjoy a better quality of life. Along with a better quality of life comes pride in homeownership. In short, there’s something inherently satisfying about purchasing your own home. The pride and enjoyment many people get out of owning a home is a large factor when choosing to purchase instead of rent.
2. A home is an investment – Sure, we’ve all heard our share of horror stories from the near collapse of the national housing market, but the reality is that a home is still one of the best investments you can make. If you purchase a home now in Alamo Heights and stay put for a few years, you will likely see an excellent return on your investment.
3. A home can provide you with tax savings – Many people don’t realize just how much you can save on taxes from mortgage interest alone. If you purchase a home with a mortgage payment of $1,000 a month and you fall into the standard 28 percent tax bracket, you can look forward to saving over $3,000 on your annual income taxes.
4. A home can provide you with freedom and privacy – The privacy you can enjoy owning a home is often a big determining factor for many renters. In addition, your home is unlike any leased property, as you enjoy the freedom to make any changes you want, without asking for anyone’s approval.

Carolyn Capalbo, Shows us how to Ease the Stress of Buying a Home

Buying a new home can be an exciting and exhilarating time, but let’s face it, it can be quite stressful, too. Most individuals find that buying a property ranks high on their list of stressful events, mainly due to the fact that there is a lot at stake financially when you buy a home.

For many home buyers, however, the act of purchasing a new home is minimized because they stay in control of the process. In other words, there are things that every home buyer can do to minimize their stress and ensure that their home buying experience is a positive one.

Carolyn Capalbo 4 Rules

1. Hire a great real estate agent – Sure, you can go it alone when you purchase a new home, but in reality a qualified real estate agent will make the entire process run a lot more smoothly. A great real estate agent ( like Carolyn Capalbo) will educate you on the process, will walk you through the complicated process of closing on a home, and will be your best advocate when it comes to negotiating. Before you hire a real estate agent, interview several agents and find the one that best fits your needs. Make sure your real estate agent has plenty of experience with the local real estate market, and make sure you have a good rapport with him or her.
2. Spell out your expectations clearly to your real estate agent from the beginning – Let your real estate agent understand what you expect from him or her before the process begins. Make sure you receive regular updates and that you are involved in every facet of the transaction. In short, let your agent know that you want to be kept in the loop during the entire process.
3. Understand that the home buying process can take a long time and plan accordingly – The process of buying a new home can be quite long and quite tedious. Therefore, plan ahead and set enough time aside before you begin the home buying process. For example, don’t begin planning during your busiest season at work or during your child’s tournament sports league.
4. Make a commitment to stay informed and educated throughout the entire process – Don’t just assume that because you have a good real estate agent that you don’t need to learn about the process as well. There is no excuse for not educating yourself on the home buying process; buy books, search the Internet and ask your Realtor plenty of questions so that you will stay informed – and therefore make the best decisions – during the entire process.

VIP Realty San Antonio would like to thank Carolyn Capalbo for her great insight!