Interest Rates in Central Texas

 

What’s happening with interest rates in Central Texas?

Hi everyone! The market is on the move. We predicted it; those interest rates rose from 3.25% to 4.75% in as little as just a month! Sadly, yesterday we had a client who didn’t qualify for the home she wanted because of that increase. It is important for buyers to move now before rates get any higher.

Now, I bought my home 35 years ago when interest rates were 8.75%. I late became a realtor when rates were 10% and during my career I saw as high as 22%! I begged my clients not to buy a home with a new loan with that rate!

The point I am trying to make is interest rates are still historically low; they are super fantastic! So, I encourage you to buy now! Don’t pay rent somewhere and give your money away. Buy your home!

How is the July Housing Market in Central Texas?

Hello from the Shine Team!

We’ve had great sales in May! In fact, this May was higher than both those in 2011 and 2012. The entire market has been moving forward.

What used to be a buyers’ market is now a normal market in our area. Sales have increased across the board, which is great news for sellers in central Texas!

The average-days-on market is 141. Now, keep in mind that is market-wide, meaning it groups together all price ranges and all neighborhoods. That number is dropping! We are expecting a great summer!

Give me a call at 254-690-4321 and the Shine Team can help you buy or sell your home!

5 Things to Do Before You Move In

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Moving into a new home can be an extremely exciting time in a person’s life.  However, it can also be incredibly hectic.  There are some things that can be placed on the back burner during the move in process.  With these five easy tips on moving into a new home, you can be sure to have your home as safe and cost efficient as possible.

Spray for Bugs
Right when you get your keys, before you start moving in furniture, have an exterminator come out to your property and spray for bugs. A thorough spray before you move in will save you the hassle of clearing everything out for the exterminator at a later time. Make sure you are the only tenants of your new property and that there are no pesky pests sticking around!

Change the Locks
At closing time, the seller of a house turns over the keys to the new owners.  Many times, though, the previous owner will have given a spare key to a friend or neighbor in case of emergency.  Enlist a locksmith to come to the house and change all of the locks and get new keys made.  This final transition from one owner to the next will give the new homeowner peace of mind. 

Reprogram Your Garage Door Remote
Along with changing the locks of your home, reprograming your garage door remote will ensure the safety of your house.  Depending on the brand of remote, steps in reprograming it may differ, but the process is simple for nearly all brands.  Most remotes have a “Learn” button, which you must hold until the indicator light blinks.  While the indicator light blinks, press the button on your remote.  This should reprogram your garage door opener remote.  If this does not work, contact your remote manufacturer or local hardware store for assistance. 

Change Your Home’s Air Filters
Most air filter manufacturers recommend that you change the HVAC air filters once every month. Due to the increased amount of activity of moving furniture in and out of the house, a larger concentration of dust will collect in the ventilation system.   In order to improve the air quality in your home and increase heating and cooling efficiency, make sure you change your air filters right when you move in.

Install New Batteries in Smoke Alarms
When a person is selling their home, there are many different procedures they must do to ensure that it is ready for sale.  Often times, during the stress of the home selling process, the smoke alarms are forgotten about.  Ensure the safety of your home and family by changing the batteries in the smoke detectors when you move into a new house.  This cheap and quick home improvement has the potential to save your family’s life.