How we helped Amanda find a home by figuring out her wants and needs

" The Shine Team did an amazing job! They really put us at ease since we’re first time home buyers. They made it as comfortable as possible and really just went above and beyond. Definitely work with them! "

Title Insurance Helps Protect Your Financial Interests and Gives You Peace of Mind

Looking to buy or sell a home in Central Texas? Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call us at (254) 690-4321 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions.

Today I'm with Dianna Brown from Monteith Abstract and Title and she's going to talk to us about title policy. In my line of work, many of my clients ask me about title policies and how they function.

So, what is a title policy? And why do I need one?

A title policy protects a buyer from any previous defects (liens, judgements, or fraud) in the title of a home. So, if there are any previous unpaid mortgage liens or property taxes (or anything that happened in the past that can affect you negatively), you can claim against that policy and your underwriter would protect you from any damages.

So, for an example, if there was an heir to a property that could not be tracked down, and then showed up one day claiming an interest on the property, your policy would cover you up to face value. You would have to make a claim, and then the insurance company would help to defend that and pay out the policy coverage amount if necessary. All you really have to do when this situation or one like it arises is to pick up your phone and call the title company.

It is critically important to get a title policy, and it is actually required for FHA, VA, and conventional loans. However, you will also want one for a cash transaction because the title policy only protects you up until the time you purchased it. So if you fail to pay property taxes or make payments, you will not be covered for those items.

Title Policies also do not protect you against flood, fire, theft, etc. Those things will be covered under your property insurance, which is a whole different ball game.

Understanding your title policy is important because it can give you peace of mind, and assure you that there is nothing to worry about because you are covered.

So, if you have any more questions about title policy or if you have any ideas about other topics to explore, please contact me because I would be very glad to help you out. You can call me at (254) 690-4321 or email me at Jean@ShineTeam.com

Consider me your #1 resource for Central Texas real estate.

Homemaking Tips to Save You Time & Money

Looking to buy or sell a home in Central Texas? Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call us at (254) 690-4321 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions.

People don't have as much time as they used to. I can remember my mother never wanting to go to the grocery store because we lived so far out in the country, but nowadays it's time that is keeping me from getting to the store.

I learned some useful tips the other day that will save you time & money.

Wherever you're storing your potatoes, place a few apples nearby to prevent them from sprouting.

If you've bought berries wash them in a mixture of 1/10 vinegar to 9/10 water and let them dry. This should help them to last longer in the refrigerator.

If you've bought a bunch of bananas, be sure to detach all of them from the main stem. Doing this will help to keep each individual fruit ripe because the chemical that ripens & spoils them is spread throughout the stem.

For more tips visit here: http://blog.foodnetwork.com/healthyeats/2013/12/13/time-saving-kitchen-hacks/

Hopefully these tips can help your family save time and money because at the Shine Team we want to help you out in any way possible. Also, if you're looking to buy, sell or invest in Belton, Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Kempner, Killeen, Lampasas, Nolanville, Salado, or Temple, then please let me know and I would be more than glad to help you.

As always, feel free to contact me. I can be reached at (254) 690-4321 or you can email me at Jean@ShineTeam.com

Congratulations to Justin Murphy!

Looking to buy or sell a home in Central Texas? Click here to perform a full home search, or if you're thinking of selling your home, click here for a FREE Home Price Evaluation so you know what buyers will pay for your home in today's market. You may also call us at (254) 690-4321 for a FREE home buying or selling consultation to answer any of your real estate questions.

We are proud to announce that one of our client's sons, Justin Murphy, has decided to sign with Texas Tech. Out of Belton High School, he is a 6"7 275-pound Offensive Tackle that never wavered in his commitment to the Red Raiders, even as he was sought after by Central Arkansas, Houston, New Mexico, North Texas, Rice, SMU and Texas State.

As Texas Tech fans ourselves, we couldn't be more happy to announce this achievement to this outstanding young man.

Justin is a sterling example of hard work and dedication, which are two things we prize very highly here at Shine Team Realtors of Central Texas.

We wish you a great week, and want you to feel free to contact us with any inquiries. Call (254) 690-4321 or email Jean@ShineTeam.com

What's happening with the Military Housing Allowance?

Click here to find out what your home is worth or to search all area homes for sale.

Welcome back the The Shine Team's video blog! A couple months ago I got a call asking whether the military housing allowance was being lowered. I hadn't heard anything, but it scared me a bit because in the 90s there was a bill proposed that lowered the housing allowance.

Well, we got on the phone and talked to senators and congressmen and we got it stopped! When I got that call, the same process happened again and I have some great news. The military housing allowance is not being lowered, in fact, it has actually gone up.

Military Allowance Increases in Fort Hood

O6 - $56
O5 - $57
O4 - $69
O3 - $100

E9 - $84
E8 - $92
E7 - $141
E6 - $168
E4 - $150

That's great news! Recent reports also show we have 41,800 soldiers and airmen. About 75% of families live off post and there are 5,450 civilian employees.

This is all great news for Fort Hood. What about the real estate market? Interest rates are still incredibly low at 4.5% and it is a great time to invest. Please give me a call at 254.690.4321 and if you have any questions that we could feature on our video blog, email me at Jean@ShineTeam.com

What to Look for in a Roofing Contractor

Welcome back! Today I have Royse Cockrell from Quality Real Estate Inspections with us. We often take our roof for granted, but when a storm comes or it just needs some repairs, who do you call? Royse is going to give us some tips on how to find a quality roofer.

One of the first things you need to do is find out if they are reputable. In times of storms, often roofers come out of the woodwork; it's important that you protect yourself.

Check out their website. Verify if they have a permanent address. Also, ask if they have any references, that way you can find out from others the quality of work, whether they completed the project on time or overcharged. You can also find out a lot about the company through the Better Business Bureau.

Another important factor to check is whether they are insured. If damages happen to your home while they are working on it, who is going to pay for it?

If you have any questions you can call either one of us! Thanks for watching!