Becoming financially secure is an important goal for many people today, but some don't realize just how much homeownership can help them achieve that dream. A recent report, The Journey Toward Financial Freedom, surveys Americans about their perspective on financial wellness and their goals. It shows there may be a significant misconception about the role owning a home plays in building wealth:Home ownership is one of the indicators Americans say is least connected to financial health.”Two major personal wealth goals homeownership and net worth work hand-in-hand. Below are just a few reasons why, if you're looking for financial security, homeownership should be a top priority.Homeownership Is an Important Cornerstone of Building WealthEvery three years, the Federal Reserve releases the ... 09/10/2021

If you're thinking of buying a home, there really is no time like the present. With todays low mortgage rates, you have a great opportunity to get more home for your money. The challenge is inventory. Like you, many buyers want to capitalize on these market conditions, and its leading to more buyer competition and bidding wars.If you're having a hard time finding a home to buy, it may be time to talk to your trusted real estate advisor about a newly built home. Early indicators show new-home construction is beginning to ramp up. While new homes alone wont be able to fix all of the inventory challenges, this does mean you'll soon have more options as you search for a home. As a buyer, a newly built home may be exactly what you're looking for its brand new, and with builder customization ... 07/16/2021

In todays real estate market, low inventory and high demand are driving up home prices. As many as 54% of homes are getting offers over the listing price, based on the latest Realtors Confidence Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Shawn Telford, Chief Appraiser at CoreLogic, elaborates:The frequency of buyers being willing to pay more than the market data supports is increasing.While this is great news for todays sellers, it can be tricky to navigate if the price of your contract doesn't match up with the appraisal for the house. Its called an appraisal gap, and its happening more in todays market than the norm.According to recent data from CoreLogic, 19% of homes had their appraised value come in below the contract price in April of this year. That's more than double... 07/05/2021

The pandemic created a tremendous interest in vacation homes across the country. Throughout the last year, many people purchased second homes as a safe getaway from the challenges of the health crisis. With many professionals working from home and many students taking classes remotely, it made sense to see a migration away from cities and into counties with more vacation destinations.The 2021 Vacation Home Counties Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that this increase in vacation home sales continues in 2021. The report examines sales in counties where vacant seasonal, occasional, or recreational use housing account for at least 20% of the housing stock and compares that data to the overall residential market.Their findings show: Vacation home sales rose by 16.... 06/28/2021

 Some Highlights Todays sellers market provides unique challenges and benefits for buyers. Current low interest rates wont last forever, and home prices are forecast to rise. If you're a homebuyer, hang in there. Homeownership improves your quality of life, and the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term challenges.   06/25/2021

The laundry room can be one of the busiest rooms in the house. The problem with this is that many laundry rooms aren’t actually designed with all of the functions of a laundry room in mind. In many homes, the room is just the place where clothes are cleaned, and various detergents and other laundry aids are stored. Your laundry room can be so much more, though!One great way to take an ordinary laundry room and make it serve a greater purpose is to install custom cabinets. This won’t just help you to keep all your laundry supplies organized, either. Custom cabinets can add more functions to the room, completely changing up the way you do the laundry. Here are a few ideas that can help. Hanging and Folding For many people, doing the laundry involves bringing clothes into the laundry room,... 06/19/2021

Some Highlights When you rent, you build your landlords wealth, your monthly payment depends on ever-rising rents, and you don't benefit from home price appreciation. On the other hand, when you own your home, you build your own wealth, your monthly payment is locked in, and you benefit directly from home price appreciation. If you're feeling the challenges of a competitive market, remember that homeownership is a long-term game. Persevering today will lead to financial rewards in the future.    06/18/2021

Paint, paint, glorious paint! It’s one of the least expensive materials you can buy for your house that delivers one of the biggest visual punches. It also fixes a myriad of problems. Got a tired exterior? Paint. The interior of your home feels like it’s closing in on you? Paint. Bought a couch that you love, but clashes with everything else? PAINT.In all seriousness, paint is a great way to brighten, enliven, and give your home a serious face lift – inside and out. But once you’ve picked a color, what comes next? How do you choose the right paint and actually buy the right amount for your project?Choosing Your Perfect Paint Choosing paint can be overwhelming. There are always a variety of grades and characteristics to choose among, leaving a lot of people very confused and frustrated. ... 06/09/2021

The benefits of a preapproval (not prequalification) for Mortgages in Katy Texas. Many consumers are not informed on the proper way for buying a home. No question, this is a big decision, and one that can be either immensely stressful- or immensely enjoyable- depending on how you go about the home buying process of Mortgages in Katy Texas and the surrounding areas. The key is to take the proper steps to educate yourself on your buying power, initial investment, and taking some time to think about your lifestyle choices. This article will cover all of these.   Education    The steps necessary to purchasing a home in Katy, Texas starts with getting pre-approved for your home loan. Notice we did not say get prequalified- in today’s world a prequalification is not meaningful. You should cho... 04/15/2021

Being a Katy Texas First Time Homebuyer makes you have to consider your options before you buy. The first thing you will need to consider is what your long-term goals are with being a home owner and how your goals fit in with that plan. One goal could be to stop paying rent that just increases after every lease you renew.Buying your own home first is one of the happiest times of your life! However, a lot of paperwork and time goes into it and finding a lender with great reviews will ease much of the stress. But, the satisfaction you get from your first home closing is something you will never forget! The benefits of being a Katy Texas First Time Homebuyer greatly outweighs renting for the following reasons:          Greater privacy.          Homes typically increase in value the older t... 04/13/2021

We are excited to let you know that we have invested in a new technology called Homebot to be your free personal guide through your home-buying journey.Homebot is a monthly financial dashboard that enables you to maximize the most of your home-buying search.When you sign up you will receive a regular email called the “Homebot Market Report”- a customized interactive guide with critical information to help you buy smart. Homebot offers buyers the ability to search for homes in your area at no cost to you.What will the Homebot Market Report do for you? Explore neighborhoods and cities nationwide to find the best market to match your goals Use current market temperatures to guide your buying strategy Estimate how much home you can afford at today's interest rates See how much your new home... 03/16/2021

Veterans now have access to a new VA renovation loan to refurbish or remodel their homes.  This loan program is available for new home purchases as well as for remodeling homes currently owned by the veteran.  It is estimated that over 50% of homes nationally are 40 years or older, and in the current housing market many homes are in need of updating, addressing deferred maintenance, or improving the energy efficiency of homes to lower utility costs.VA loan benefits include the following unique advantages:  a.  up to 100% financing, b.  no mortgage insurance, c.  up to $ 35,000 in renovation funds escrowed, d.  all renovations must be completed within 60 days of closing, e.  you can close on a purchase or refinance in the “as is” condition, f. you can borrow against the future value of t... 03/12/2021

The benefits of a preapproval (not prequalification) for Mortgage Loans in Katy Texas. Many consumers are not informed on the proper way for buying a home. No question, this is a big decision, and one that can be either immensely stressful- or immensely enjoyable- depending on how you go about the home buying process of Mortgage Loans in Katy Texas and the surrounding areas. The key is to take the proper steps to educate yourself on your buying power, initial investment, and taking some time to think about your lifestyle choices. This article will cover all of these.   Education    The steps necessary to purchasing a home in Katy, Texas starts with getting pre-approved for your home loan. Notice we did not say get prequalified- in today’s world a prequalification is not meaningful. You ... 02/22/2021

We are excited to let you know that we have invested in a new technology called Homebot to be your free personal guide through your home-buying journey.Homebot is a monthly financial dashboard that enables you to maximize the most of your home-buying search.When you sign up you will receive a regular email called the “Homebot Market Report”- a customized interactive guide with critical information to help you buy smart. Homebot offers buyers the ability to search for homes in your area at no cost to you.What will the Homebot Market Report do for you?     Explore neighborhoods and cities nationwide to find the best market to match your goals     Use current market temperatures to guide your buying strategy     Estimate how much home you can afford at today's interest rates     See how mu... 02/10/2021

Wyndehaven Lake Estates Real Estate Homes For Sale, Rent & Price TrendsShayne Stone "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor" that helps Home Sellers make a Profit and Home Buyers Equity in Wyndehaven Lake Estates neighborhood / subdivision / community which is located in Katy Texas 77494 zip code in Fort Bend County. Wyndehaven Lake Estates has 78 single family properties with a median build year of 2011 and a median size of 4,249 Sqft., these home values range between $440 - $603 K. The sqft. price change data is available through 1998. The median sold price/sqft is $111.69 while the median appraised value is $ 123.06/ sqft. View homes for sale or rent in Wyndehaven Lake Estates and see new homes, trending properties, Foreclosures and much more.Sometimes there's nothing listed For Sale in Wynd... 12/31/2020

Woodlake Estates Real Estate Homes For Sale, Rent & Price TrendsShayne Stone "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor" that helps Home Sellers make a Profit and Home Buyers Equity in Woodlake Estates neighborhood / subdivision / community which is located in Katy Texas 77494 zip code in Fort Bend County. Woodlake Estates has 16 single family properties with a median build year of 2004 and a median size of 5,003 Sqft., these home values range between $637 - $1431 K. The sqft. price change data is available through 1998. The median appraised value is $ 189.63/ sqft. View homes for sale or rent in Woodlake Estates and see new homes, trending properties, Foreclosures and much more.Sometimes there's nothing listed For Sale in Woodlake Estates - Bookmark the page and check back often or create your ow... 12/31/2020

Woodcreek Reserve Real Estate Homes For Sale, Rent & Price TrendsShayne Stone "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor" that helps Home Sellers make a Profit and Home Buyers Equity in Woodcreek Reserve neighborhood / subdivision / community which is located in Katy Texas 77494 in Fort Bend County. Woodcreek Reserve has 453 single family properties with a median build year of 2011 and a median size of 3,644 Sqft., these home values range between $335 - $593 K. The sqft. price change data is available through 1998. The median sold price/sqft is $116.18 while the median appraised value is $ 105.42/ sqft. View homes for sale or rent in Woodcreek Reserve and see new homes, trending properties, Foreclosures and much more.Sometimes there's nothing listed For Sale in Woodcreek Reserve - Bookmark the pag... 12/30/2020

Westheimer Lakes North Homes For Sale, Rent & Price TrendsShayne Stone "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor" that helps Home Sellers make a Profit and Home Buyers Equity in Westheimer Lakes North neighborhood / subdivision / community which is located in Katy Texas 77494 zip code in Fort Bend County. Westheimer Lakes North has 1,094 single family properties with a median build year of 2009 and a median size of 2,509 Sqft., these home values range between $185 - $344 K. The sqft. price change data is available through 1998. The median sold price/sqft is $103.43 while the median appraised value is $ 97.11/ sqft. View homes for sale or rent in Westheimer Lakes North and see new homes, trending properties, Foreclosures and much more.Sometimes there's nothing listed For Sale in Westheimer Lakes N... 12/28/2020

Victoria Lakes Real Estate Homes For Sale, Rent & Price TrendsShayne Stone "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor" that helps Home Sellers make a Profit and Home Buyers Equity in Victoria Lakes neighborhood / subdivision / community which is located in Katy Texas 77493 in Fort Bend County. Victoria Lakes has 33 single family properties with a median build year of 2003 and a median size of 2,406 Sq Ft., these home values range between $178 - $294 K. The sqft. price change data is available through 1998. The median appraised value is $ 100.21/ sqft. View homes for sale or rent in Victoria Lakes and see new homes, trending properties, Foreclosures and much more.Sometimes there's nothing listed For Sale in Victoria Lakes - Bookmark the page and check back often or create your own Listing Alert Sys... 12/28/2020

Trails of Katy Real Estate Homes For Sale, Rent & Price TrendsShayne Stone "Your Rock Solid Choice Realtor" that helps Home Sellers make a Profit and Home Buyers Equity in Trails Of Katy neighborhood / subdivision / community which is located in Katy Texas 77494 in Fort Bend County. Trails Of Katy has 216 single family properties with a median build year of 2016 and a median size of 3,659 Sq Ft., these home values range between $302 - $459 K. The sqft. price change data is available through 1998. The median sold price/sqft is $107.13 while the median appraised value is $ 97.50/ sqft. View homes for sale or rent in Trails Of Katy and see new homes, trending properties, Foreclosures and much more.Sometimes there's nothing listed For Sale in Trails Of Katy - Bookmark the page and check bac... 12/26/2020