Real Estate Amarillo

The Process of Buying a Home

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:07:00 +0000

The process of buying a home is a big undertaking. However is can be a very enjoyable experience if you are well prepared and follow the right steps.

Understanding the process will help you be prepared and know what to expect.

The Short Version

1) Select a Buyer’s Agent

2) Get Pre-Approved

3) Find a House

4) Make the Offer

5) Negotiations and Counter Offers

6) Get the Due Diligence Done

7) Get your Insurance in Place

8) Prepare for Closing

9) Closing the Transaction

Click HERE for the Detailed Version of the Process.

Each step in this process has additional information that accompanies it. Your agent can explain each step in detail and let you know how to work though them. A buyer’s agent will typically handle the majority of the steps and keep the communication flowing between you, your lender, the tile company and the seller or seller’s agent.

Good luck with your purchase and please let me know if you have additional questions or would like for me to be your agent!

Original Content by Dirk van Reenen © 2012

A New Future for the Falcon Club in Amarillo, The Other Side of the Story.

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:40:00 +0000

What is going on with the Falcon Club in Amarillo?

Over the Weekend I received some comments on my Blog and Email from concerned current residents of the Falcon Club in Amarillo. I had posted some information that was passed to me three weeks ago from a current resident of the Falcon Club and it seems that there are two versions of what is going on.

So in order to be fair, I am posting the newly released information about What is going on with the Falcon Club in Amarillo.

Here is the direct quote from another current resident of the Falcon Club concerning the current lawsuit, HOA covenants, Paul Gillette, and the water for the development

"Paul Gillette still owns half of the water system and Sherri's estate owns the other half. So, he isn't completely out. This lawsuit doesn't change that. The water system has always been managed by TCEQ. It is a public water system. The manager is a temporary manager assigned by the court several months ago. The attorneys aren't writing new covenants, they are only omitting Paul and changing the fencing, water well and homeowners association. This (original blog post information) obviously came from a plaintiff because they only included what they requested in mediation, and left out the fact that a homeowners association will be the only entity making further changes to the existing covenants. I was reviewing this again for accuracy and found something that I want to offer additional clarification to. The water system has always been under the authority and regulation of the TCEQ (quality, etc.). When Paul was removed from the picture for the second time, the utility went into receivership and, as a result of that process, was assigned a temporary manager by the courts and is now "managed" by the TCEQ. Also, Paul's removal from the development has been an incremental process that started with Terrance Beebe's first lawsuit, then the rest of his holdings in Phase 1 were sold off to satisfy judgments against the estate, also the remainder of the section that was intended to be phases 2, 3, and more was sold by Sherri's estate, finally As a result of this lawsuit, all references to 'developer' are in the process of being removed from the covenants. Hence, Paul has been removed from everything except for, perhaps, half ownership of the utility."

So the two sets of information differ and time will tell how the lawsuit will settle. As new information surfaces I will update the Blog.

Here is the Original Blog Post that Stirred up the Comments and Surfaced the New Information.

http://www.reamarillo.com/2012/02/new-future-for-falcon-club-in-amarillo.html?utm_source=BP_recent

Any and all comments welcomed!

Five Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Home to Sell

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:59:00 +0000

Spring is here and for those selling their home or getting ready to put their house on the market, there’s nothing quite as beneficial as doing a great “spring cleaning” job to not only make your home look great, but to get rid of some of that clutter that could distract someone coming to see your home.

Here are five spring cleaning tips that will help you sell your home.

1: Curb appeal becomes as important as ever when the weather turns nicer and buyers are more likely to spend time outside looking at the exterior of the house and the property. Make sure to have a well-maintained lawn with all the leaves gone, the grass mowed and the hedges trimmed. Spruce things upby buying some inexpensive, yet colorful flowers and spread fresh mulch in flowerbeds. Fill in any bare spots on your lawn with sod or seed. Make sure to also clean your gutters, wash your welcome mat and put away any rakes or winter shovels that clutter the yard.

2: The phrase “I don’t do windows” should never apply when selling a home. While a REALTOR^® may tell you that homes show better with the blinds or curtains up, this will not be true if the windows are dirty. A clean window brings more light into a room and allows buyers the chance to see what the view will be when they look out of their potential new home. It’s important to clean both the inside and outside of all windows until they are streak free and spotless. This includes all sliding glass doors, garage windows and outside doors.

3: Pay close attention to the “little” things that might draw the eye of a prospective homebuyer. Go around your home with a pad and pencil and inspect each room for things such as small holes in the wall where a painting used to hang, outlets that are missing a cover or doorknobs that are loose and squeaky. Also, be sure to check all of the caulking around sinks, faucets and tubs, as well as any grout in tile counters or bathtubs. As you take the time and the small amount of money to fix these items you reduce the reasons for someone not liking your home.

4: Power wash your driveway, walkway, siding and deck. You don’t need to invest in the money of buying a new power washer as they are easy to rent from stores such as Lowe’s. Power washing removes layers and years of dirt and grime from stone and cement, including mildew stains from the winter. Power washing the porch, a fence or deck clears away all the dirt and debris and makes the home instantly seem cleaner. If the outside of your home looks dingy, you may be setting the impression that you didn’t keep up the home itself well, so make sure to have everything looking top notch.

5: One of the first pieces of advice you will get from your real estate agent is to reduce clutter in your home. Spring cleaning is the perfect excuse to get rid of things you don’t really need. Go through all your closets and bag up all the clothes that don’t fit, are out of style or you simply don’t wear anymore and donate them to a charity. Take your old books, the kids’ toys they no longer play with and those kitchen knickknacks and hold a garage sale. A de-cluttered home is always more attractive to the homebuyer.

Avoid These 8 Staging Mistakes

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:07:00 +0000

You may love your home, but that doesn’t mean that everyone coming through the door will feel the same way. What may be “charming” to the seller may seem off-putting to a prospective buyer.

Here are some of the biggest staging mistakes, according to professional home stagers.

1. Getting too personal: Home staging is meant to create a neutral canvas that will appeal to the majority of buyers. Staging is all about de-personalizing the space, and creating more of a luxury hotel or a model home look that will appeal to most everyone. This is not the time to bring in your unique style and create a look that appeals to just you.

2. Using dark colors: If painting, you should choose a nice, neutral and warm color, such as beige tones, grey tones, or light blue or pale greens. You’ll be amazed at the transformation a few coats of fresh paint will make on your home.

3. Not taking advantage of natural light: People love natural light, so blocking off any light with heavy curtains or furniture can hurt your sale, especially if the home has attractive views. Anything dated in a home is a turn-off to a potential buyer and window treatments are one of them.

4. Thinking more is better: Scale down your furniture. The size of the furniture needs to be in balance with the scale of the room and the other furniture in it. Remember that the purpose of furniture when selling a home is to define the purpose of the room and to show what will fit where. It is not meant to show that you can provide seating for 15 in your living room and every seat has a side table to rest drinks on.

5. Leaving pets at home: You need to remove all traces of animals from the house and make sure “Fido” or “Sunshine” is away during showings. Having a pet could kill a sale before someone even steps into a house.

6. Neglecting the outside: People care about the outside space just as much as the inside, so add flowers, make sure the lawn is mowed, the yard is tidy and add a few backyard accessories for the kids.

7. Only dealing with “main” rooms: People are quick to stage living rooms, kitchens and bedrooms, but don’t forget to spruce up the garage, basement and closets as well.

8. Forgetting fixtures: When staging a home, it’s important to ensure all lights are burning with fresh bulbs, and that all fixtures are working.

Remember, staging a home means showcasing the property’s many features, not concealing its flaws. Make sure your house is in good condition and use staging to cast the home in the best light.

For more tips on Staging a home please feel free to contact me

Dirk van Reenen 806 654 3842 dir@pru-ada.com

Dirk van Reenen Realtor Amarillo Texas

A New Future for the Falcon Club in Amarillo?

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:34:00 +0000

You may or may not know about the Falcon Club in Amarillo, at one time (around 2005) it was rumored to become one of the new premier neighborhoods in the Amarillo Area. There were to be between 600 and 700 homes built in the full development. It was going to be a private membership club with its own water park and other amenities... a private oasis in West Texas. There was a lot of flash in the presentation of development and it seemed like this might just become a new iconic area for Amarillo.

The Falcon Club is located about 7 miles Southwest of Amarillo on 655 acres

Then the troubles began, the developer, Paul Gillette was charged with fraud, tax evasion and other money related charges, the development began having water issues (the water park was never built), and it seemed that all you ever heard about the development was negative news. Only 23 homes occupy the initial phase of the development that was platted out for 54 lots. The development was put on hold and nothing much has progressed in the last 6 years in the Falcon Club. The existing property values softened and the real estate activity slowed dramatically. Last year (2011) the developer Paul Gillette was charge with the first degree murder of his wife and has now been completely removed from the development.

A new breath of hope for the Falcon Club.

A source revealed yesterday that the lawsuit in Falcon Club was now settled, with the help of a mediator. New covenants are currently being written by the attorneys and should be a matter of public record within a couple weeks. Residents of Falcon Club will have some new options, which will certainly bring the skepticism down and reputation of the subdivision back up and hopefully increase their property values.

Some of the new covenants will include;

Residents will be able to build a 6' Cedar privacy fence
Residents will either be able to stay on the water system, if they choose or drill their own wells.
The water system is now regulated by the TCEQ of TX. They have hired someone to keep it maintained and collect the $65.00/month charge and he is paid based on the gals of water usage used.
Should a resident choose to drill their own water well, they will have to agree to continue to pay the $65.00/month for a total of 18 months, at which time they will be released from that obligation.
Gillette is OUT!

Hopefully this will encourage development to start back and the more real estate activity to start in the Falcon Club

New Texas fund for First Time Home Buyers

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:17:00 +0000

Out of Pocket,

TO BUY A HOUSE!

From our friend Debbie Bigelow at Amarillo National Bank

This is a new Texas Fund program that will allow first time home buyers (or someone who has not owned a home for 3 years) to buy a home in Texas for $0 out of pocket down payment and $0 out of pocket closing costs. WOW

Here is the initial information

For Potter and Randall counties the 80% of median income will be around $47,000 for combined family income. You will have to be under that amount to qualify. Also lower credit scores (even around 580) may be able to qualify. It is estimated that the program will kick off around middle of February to the first part of March, however there is only limited funds for this program so call me to get started right away! 806 654 3842 - Dirk

Homes for Sale in Southwest Amarillo

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 20:23:00 +0000

In this Picture: The Clock Tower Circle Drive in the Colonies

As of today there are 351 homes for sale in Southwest Amarillo ranging from $28,000 to $2,750,000. Southwest Amarillo is by far the most widely desired area in Amarillo. Small pockets of other nice areas exist in Amarillo, however Southwest Amarillo offers the most consistency in layout, best shopping, most restaurants, parks and other conveniences.

Here is a list of how many homes in what price ranges are available in some popular Southwest Amarillo Neighborhoods

Map of Southwest Amarillo and some Popular Newer Neighborhoods (New Construction -20 Years Old)

Neighborhood # of Homes for Sale Range

Colonies -   33 Homes for Sale $199,000 to $1,650,000
Located Between 45th St and Hillside and Soncy and Coulter

City Park - 8 Homes for Sale $127,000 to $184,900
Located Between 45th St and Hillside and Coulter and Bell

Greenways -   31 Homes for Sale $187,000 to &799,000
Located Between Hillside Rd and Arden Rd and Between Soncy and Coulter

Windsor - 15 Homes for Sale $159,750 to $399,000
Located Between Hillside and Bayswater and Coulter and Bell

Estacado -   15 Homes for Sale $109,900 to $199,900
Located Between Bayswater and Arden Rd and Coulter and Bell

Westover - 15 Homes for Sale $140,000 to $290,000
Located Between Arden Rd and S. Loop 335 and Coulter and Bell

Westover Village - 14 Homes for Sale $189,900 to $399,000
Located Between 81st and S Loop 335 and Soncy and Coulter

Hillside Terrace - 41 Homes for Sale $132,900 to $203,500
Located S. of Hillside and West of W. Loop 335

There are many other great neighborhoods in Amarillo that have beautiful homes for sale also, If you would like any information about these or other neighborhoods please let me know.

In this Picture: The Greenway Trail in the Greenways

With interest rates around 3.8-4.5%, it's a great time to buy a home and I'm a call away to help you!

Disclaimer: I did not count Wolflin and Oliver Eakle in the total number of homes for sale in Southwest Amarillo

Amarillo Ranks 2nd Lowest Unemployment Rate in Texas

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:44:00 +0000

Texas Metropolitan Areas Ranked by Unemployment Rate, November 2011

Rank Metro Area Unemployment Rate, Percent

1 Midland 4.1
2 Amarillo 5.1
3 Odessa 5.3
4 Lubbock 5.5
5 San Angelo 5.7
6 College Station-Bryan 5.8
7 Abilene 6.2
8 Longview 6.4
8 Victoria 6.4
10 Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos 6.6
11 Wichita Falls 6.7
12 Texarkana 6.9
13 San Antonio-New Braunfels 7.0
14 Corpus Christi 7.1
14 Waco 7.1
16 Laredo 7.2
17 Fort Worth-Arlington 7.3
Texas 7.5
18 Dallas-Plano-Irving 7.5
19 Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown 7.6
20 Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood 7.9

Source: Texas Workforce Commission

Amarillo Real Estate vs other Texas Cities: November Numbers

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:22:00 +0000

How did Amarillo Real Estate stacking up in Texas for November?

The following are numbers from Texas cities via the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University

	Sales	Change from Last Year	Median Price	Change from Last Year	Months' Inventory
Abilene	113	down 2%	$129,200	up 47%	5.6
Amarillo	196	up 45%	$128,100	down 2%	5.9
Arlington	272	up 5%	$131,600	up 4%	4.8
Austin	1,481	up 12%	$186,400	up 3%	4.6
Bryan- College Station	124	up 23%	$156,200	down 2%	8.7
Dallas	3,254	up 16%	$151,100	down 2%	5.3
Fort Worth	574	down 1%	$107,900	no change	5.8
Houston	4,343	up 11%	$153,800	up 2%	6.4
Laredo	55	down 30%	$121,400	down 8%	7.1
Longview- Marshall	129	down 9%	$139,500	up 14%	9.8
Lubbock	178	up 5%	$123,500	up 4%	7.2
McAllen	137	down 9%	$115,300	up 9%	15.3
Odessa	81	up 69%	$125,000	down 19%	3.5
San Antonio	1,265	down 3%	$145,400	down 5%	7.2
Texarkana	75	up 36%	$92,500	down 10%	9.4
Texas	15,059	up 9%	$147,600	up 1%	6.6

Some interesting numbers to note:

Amarillo was up 36% in in sales in November vs Texas as a whole however our sales prices are reflecting a 2% drop in value. To put that is simple perspective:

a $200,000 house in November 2010 was worth $196,000 in November of 2012

For more information about the Amarillo real estate market or for a consultation to buy or sell a home please feel free to contact me.

Randall County HUD foreclosures that qualify for the $100 down payment

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:50:00 +0000

Randall County HUD Foreclosures

If you are interested in viewing any of these listings please let me know

5006 HILLSIDE AMARILLO, TX 79109 RANDALL COUNTY	$89,100	3	2.00
1135 PAGODA DR AMARILLO, TX 79110 RANDALL COUNTY	$123,500	3	2.00
5010 TRANQUILITY CIRCLE AMARILLO, TX 79118 RANDALL COUNTY	$32,758	3	2.00
7450 OUTLOOK AVE CANYON, TX 79015 RANDALL COUNTY	$160,000	3	2.00
11808 LAZY B RD AMARILLO, TX 79118 RANDALL COUNTY	$70,000	3	1.00

Potter County HUD foreclosures that qualify for the $100 down payment

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 15:36:00 +0000

Potter County HUD Foreclosures

4245 SW 13TH AVE AMARILLO, TX 79106 POTTER COUNTY	$63,100	3	2.00
7501 COYOTE TRL AMARILLO, TX 79124 POTTER COUNTY	$47,700	4	2.00
1426 N BIVINS STREET AMARILLO, TX 79107 POTTER COUNTY	$55,000	3	2.00
904 PITTSBURG ST AMARILLO, TX 79104 POTTER COUNTY	$35,000	4	2.00
2307 ATKINSEN STREET AMARILLO, TX 79106 POTTER COUNTY	$117,000	4	2.50
7700 DUMAS DR AMARILLO, TX 79108 POTTER COUNTY	$51,920	3	2.00
3400 WESTLAWN ST AMARILLO, TX 79102 POTTER COUNTY	$71,100	2	1.00
602 SUNSET TERRACE AMARILLO, TX 79106 POTTER COUNTY If you or someone you know are interested in viewing any of these properties please let me know!	$72,000	3	1.50

$100 down gets you in a home!

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 14:48:00 +0000

HUD Offers REO Homes for $100 Down in Select States

10/24/2011 HUD has approved a program aimed at putting foreclosed homes back into the hands of owner-occupant buyers.

In select states, from now into October of next year, buyers need a down payment of only $100 to purchase a HUD-owned REO home.
The buyer must be an owner-occupant, utilizing financing insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Standard FHA underwriting guidelines apply, and the sale must be for the full amount of the current list price.
The $100 down payment incentive program has been approved for two of HUD’s four national regions – the regions managed by the Denver Homeownership Center and the Atlanta Homeownership Center. HUD homes in the states listed, as well as the Caribbean are currently eligible for the program.
Denver Homeownership Center’s Jurisdiction:

Arkansas
Colorado
Iowa
Kansas
Louisiana
Missouri
Minnesota
Montana
Nebraska
New Mexico
North Dakota

Oklahoma
South Dakota
Texas
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Utah

Atlanta Homeownership Center’s Jurisdiction:

Alabama
Florida
Georgia
Kentucky
Illinois
Indiana
Mississippi
North Carolina
South Carolina
Tennessee
Caribbean

HUD’s $100 down payment incentive program can also be applied to an FHA 203k loan, which can be used to fund repairs and renovations on the home. The 203k program allows buyers to finance both the mortgage and additional money for rehabilitation needs with a single government-insured loan.
Matt Martin, CEO of Matt Martin Real Estate Management (MMREM), says this is one of the most exciting features of the new incentive program and should drive a lot of exposure to FHA’s 203k offering.
MMREM is under contract with HUD to assist with disposition sales of its repossessed homes. MMREM handles properties throughout 16 states, or about a third of HUD’s REO portfolio.
With an FHA 203k loan, “buyers can find a property that needs some TLC, fix it up however they want to, and finance the whole thing for $100,” Martin explained.
“MMREM is excited to work with this recent initiative, in a way that it supports putting HUD homes back into the hands of homeowners,” Martin said.
In addition to $100 down instead of FHA’s typical 3.5 percent down payment, HUD says it will also cover up to 3 percent of the closing costs in most cases

Contact me to find out what HUD homes are available in Amarillo or Canyon for this type of purchase!

5 Easy Tips for Going Green in Your Home

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:18:00 +0000

Eco-friendly. Carbon footprint. Global warming. Energy-efficient. These catch phrases have become part of our lexicon as we’ve become more aware of our impact on the environment and our role in protecting it. As a homeowner, there are some simple, inexpensive steps you can take to make your home energy-efficient. Get started on the road to being “green” with these five tips:

1. Change Your Light Bulbs

By replacing just five incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, you can save $100 per year on electric bills while using up to 75 percent less energy and removing greenhouse gases from the environment.

2. Buy ENERGY STAR® Appliances

ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances, such as refrigerators, washers and air conditioners, meet a higher level of energy efficiency set by the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Department of Energy than standard models. According to ENERGY STAR, if just one in 10 homes used ENERGY STAR-qualified appliances, the impact could be compared to planting 1.7 million new acres of trees. And, switching to these appliances is not only good for the environment, but easy on your pocketbook. Although these appliances may costs more, you can reduce your energy bill by $80 per year.

3. Seal Up

Cracks and air leaks represent cash seeping from your doors and windows. Get rid of air leaks in doors, windows and other areas by caulking gaps and cracks. This will help decrease your heating and air conditioning bill. But make sure you use silicone sealants. Acrylic caulk tends to shrink, while silicone sealants are waterproof and won’t shrink or crack, creating less waste.

4. Use Less Water

Did you know that roughly 60 percent of a home's water consumption takes place in the bathroom, according to the California Urban Water Conservation Council? The largest culprit is the toilet, which accounts for 27 percent of your household supply every year. By installing low-flow toilets, showerheads and faucets, you can save thousands of gallons of water each year. In addition, replace leaky fixtures. That slow-dripping faucet can waste as much as 2,400 gallons of water per year.

5. Adjust the Thermostat

When adjusting your home’s thermostat, the rule of thumb should be: turn up the dial in the summer and down in the winter. Lowering the temperature by just one degree will reduce your electrical costs. And if you use a programmable thermostat, you can program your air-conditioning and heating systems to reduce output while no one is at home or at night while you sleep. Ceiling fans are also helpful in circulating the air to keep the room cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Going green doesn’t have to be overwhelming or costly. By making just a few small changes within your home, you can help decrease energy consumption and help make the world a “greener” place.

For more tips on going green visit http://www.greenlivingtips.com/

6000 Quail Springs Bushland TX

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 19:49:00 +0000

Online Auction June 28th - July 14th
Starting Bid $250,000

Bid now at www.auctionama.com

Bidding Closes at 6:00 PM on July 14th

Open Houses June 26th and July 10th from 2-4 PM

Private Showings also Available - Call 806 6654 3842

Seller Offering a FULL 2 Year Waranty on the Home

click to enlarge pictures

4000 SF High Grade Metal Shop

Efficiency Apartment

Indoor heated pool and spa

Water treatment system and variable speed pump

The Top 5 Buying and Selling Tips for Amarillo

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 16:28:00 +0000

This morning a group of 11 Real Estate Agents came together at Prudential Ada Realtors to discuss the top 5 buying and selling tips for Amarillo. Working in a collaborative setting we discussed and brain stormed these tips to benefit our buyers and seller. So......

Here we go Buyers!

#1 Timing- Know when you want to buy

Seems like a simple though but when you really dig down most buyer are not sure of the time line they want things to happen. This becomes even more complicated if you have a house to sell before you are able to buy. Start by writing out your timeline and then plan and manage to follow that time line.

#2 Working with a Professional Real Estate

The biggest misconception about working with a Buyers agent is that it will cost you something, in fact it is the complete opposite. Typically in a real estate transaction the sellers offers a commission to the selling agent and the selling agent agrees to split that commission with a buyers agent if they bring a willing and able buyer. So it will not cost you anything for they buyers agent to represent you.

Here are a few advantages of working with an agent

They are able to prepare you for the process
They will work on your behalf while your busy with your daily life
They can coordinate showings, inspections, appraisals, communication with financial institutions and sellers all on your behalf to stream line the process and save you a lot of time and money
They can negotiate on your behalf and have the most up to date information be be able to better serve you
They can better your chances for a smooth and successful transaction

#3 Financing

It is very important to know your financial situation. Getting pre-approved for a certain amount to buy before you ever look at a single house will save you time and heartache. Once you know what amount you are able to spend you will be ready to look at specif homes that for your range.

#4 Knowing what you want

When you are thinking about buying, start to look at what is important to you in a home. Such as size, location, school districts, large or small yard, new or older home etc. Knowing these things will save you time in searching for homes and will lead you to a home that is right for you instead of making a quick emotional decision.

#5 Knowing the Process

Understanding the full process from start to finish will prepare better you and keep unexpected surprises from popping up. This will keep the emotions down and help you to make better business decisions when buying.Ask a real estate professional to explain the full process to you before starting.

Now For the Sellers!

#1 Know your Situation

Having a clear grasp of your situation gives you the best possible start to selling your home. By this I mean knowing things such as;

How much you owe on your home
Are there any other leans on your home besides a mortgage
Exactly why are you selling
Is getting the right price more important or is moving more important
Are there any immediate factors that could change your mind about selling

#2 Find a Professional Agent

Once you are clear about your situation enlist the help of a professional. A professional agent can explain the process of selling, line out and implement a solid marketing plan and work on your behalf while you are taking care of your life.

I meet people regularly that say "I'll just sell my house myself and save the commission". Statistically you will net more money using a good agent than selling yourself when you take into consideration that on average Realtors sell homes for a higher price than FSBO's (For Sale By Owners) and when you consider holding costs while on market you will save money working with a professional. Not to mention all the opportunity cost of your time dealing with everything aspect of selling a home while you could have been focusing on something else.

#3 Know the Local market and be realistic

Knowing how your local market is performing is very important when selling your home. Even though it is a very emotional decision and process you really have to take the emotion out of the transaction to make smart business decisions. Even though you have (or think you have) the nicest house in the neighborhood, it is very seldom that a buyer will not pay a premium for your house. Typically a buyer will have their agent looking at comparable homes and seeing what those homes are selling for and based on that information they will make an offer to buy your home. Even more a bank will NOT loan anything over appraisal, so make sure you know what your area is doing and how the numbers stack up for you before you put it on the market.

#4 Process and Communication

Just like the buying side, the selling side has a certain process that the transaction typically follows, knowing and understanding the process will keep the stress level and emotion down through the transaction. Communication is also key! Let your agent know that communication is essential and don't hold anything back, it is smart to talk about all concerns and scenarios with your agent so that there a no or fewer surprises.

#5 Appearance and Condition of Home

Here we go... deal maker or deal breaker! When selling a home you have 30 seconds to make to make an impression for the outside of your house and 30 seconds for the inside of your house. So it is vital that your curb appeal and home are in the best possible showing condition. When selling a home less is more, I know you love all your decor and "stuff" but trust me, buyers don't. They are there to look at the house not enjoy your decorating.

So here are a few tips;

Pre Pack- If it does not absolutely have to be out, pack it into storage. This includes items on , shelves, counter tops, dressers etc.
Remove unnecessary furniture. Every time you take out a chair, dresser, end table etc you are adding usable square footage to your home. Shows better and looks cleaner.
Depersonalize you home. The 50 pictures of your kids and pets are cute but once again buyers are there to look at your home, not your "stuff" remove pictures and anything else on your walls to make the house more neutral.
Get a home inspection done, I promise you a buyer will get the same thing done but this way you get a jump start on repairs and any issues that may surface.

So there you have it. 5 great tips for buying and selling a home!

For more information or to find a Professional agent click here

Thanks to the Prudential Ada Realtors that participated in this blog post, you guys are AWESOME!

No Reserve Online Auction- 3 bed, 2 bath 1,582 SF in Panhandle TX

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 18:37:00 +0000

Absolute Auction in Panhandle TX
Starting Bid $1000.00
TX AUC # 16655
10 % Buyers Premium

Open House June 26th from 2-4 PM Auction Closes July 28th at 6:00 PM

This is a 3 bedroom 2 bathroom home with 1,582 square feet built in 1938. The home features utility room, large living room, detached 2 car garage, large underground storm shelter, all located on a large corner lot. The home located close to the elementary school in Panhandle.

Large mature trees on the property and plenty of space for addition construction.

Property will sell to the highest bidder regardless of price. Home is sold "AS IS, WHERE IS" in present conditions with no contingencies.
High Bidder will deposit $2,500 Earnest Money at the conclusion of the auction and sign purchase agreement. Closing within 30 Days.

Please call Dirk at 806 654 3842 with any questions.
Carson County Tax Appraisal is $40,110

Click here to bid online

Very Nice Home in the Woodlands

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Thu, 19 May 2011 03:11:00 +0000

Woodlands Schools - Check

Super Clean House - Check

Fully Updated - Check

Great Area - Check

Absolutely clean home with wide open floor plan. Everything built to perfection with high end materials and very nice layout. Secluded master suite and tons of storage throughout. Dream kitchen outfitted beautifully. 3/2/2 with office, utility and so much more. Come take a look at this home, you will LOVE IT! Flat Screen TV and all Wireless Subcomponents stay!

3 Bedroom
2 Bathroom
2 Car Garage
1,846 SF
Office
Utility

Asking $189,900

See virtual Tour here

http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-711108.html

Very Nice Curb Appeal

No wasted space in the design and layout

Awesome Kitchen

TV and all Subcomponents Sell with house

Very Open Floor Plan

Master Suite

Office

Please call or email me to set up your own Private Showing!

The Fabulous Historic Waymouth House Amarillo on the Market!!

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Thu, 19 May 2011 02:05:00 +0000

1700 S Harrison Amarillo TX

Elections are over and downtown development is moving forward!

The fabulous Historic Waymouth house at 1700 S Harrison is on the market, available and heading for high values with the development of Downtown Amarillo. Built in 1920 this home features large square footage with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, formal dining, breakfast area, HUGE basement, detached 1 bedroom efficiency apartment and located on 2 full downtown Amarillo lots.

You wont find a an opportunity such as this any time soon!

Offered at $229,900

See Virtual Tour here http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-711072.html

Absolutely Beautiful Curb Appeal

Historic Designation

So much great landscaping

Located on 1/4 City Block

Many Large Trees and Very Private

Original hardwoods and so much beautiful craftsmanship

Basement

Tons of storage in the basement

Detached 1 bedroom efficiency apartment

Please contact me for your private showing of this Historic Home

Home Sellers: A Deck May Make the Difference

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Tue, 17 May 2011 14:52:00 +0000

A Deck May Make the Difference

With spring in the air, the exterior of a home becomes even more important when putting your house on the market because buyers now will spend more time outside looking at your property and envisioning what their summer barbeques and family playtime will look like.

The addition of any amount of usable real estate to a property increases value. Customized decks and personalized outdoor living areas are a hot trend in home improvement upgrades, and a great-looking deck may entice more people to come see your home.

Building or updating an existing deck isn’t simply a great investment; it also provides opportunities to personalize your backyard and customize the look to your taste. And with many families staying home this summer to save money, why not think about creating the perfect location for entertaining?

Deck experts agree that multi-level decks are the most popular now. These are a series of decks connected by stairways or walkways, which are aesthetically pleasing and can be used for different purposes. One level can be used to catch the sun, one level can be positioned for shade and another can be set close to the house for entertaining and barbecuing.

By designing your deck with accents, lights and unique accessories, you can transform your backyard into an outdoor retreat one will never want to leave. Whether you’re catching up with friends over a grilled dinner in the evening or are curled up with a book in a lounge chair on a sunny afternoon, a deck is the perfect place to be.

Good luck on selling your home this Spring/ Summer!

Great Home in Nice Area Close to Medical District

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 23:20:00 +0000

Very clean and well kept home on a quiet street close to the medical district. Great layout with lots of updates, large open kitchen/ dining area, secluded master suite and nice covered patio. Stained concrete floors in a kitchen, dining and utility areas. Spacious rooms throughout and home has great curb appeal.

Come take a look at this lovely home in Quail Creek

Asking $174,900

3 Bedroom

2 Bathroom

Large Living Area

Open Kitchen Dining Area

Utility Room

Covered Back Patio

Close to Medical District

Woodlands Elementary School

See Virtual Tour Here

http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-686313.html

For your private showing please contact me at 806 654 3842! Have a great day!

Fantastic Wolflin Home loaded with STYLE

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 01:54:00 +0000

Ever wanted a home loaded with style? Here is your chance

Over 6,300 Square Foot of Living Area
6 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms
Formal Dining Area
3 Living Areas
Media Room
Sun Room
Library
Bar
and Much More

Asking $440,000

This magnificent home was built in 1941 in the heart of prestigious Wolflin. The home was completely remodeled in 2009 and was featured in Amarillo Style Magazine for a reason.

The attention to detail is very impressive and the style is truly elegant.

See the Full Video Tour right here

Click on image to enlarge pictures

Please call for your Private Showing or if you would like to talk about marketing your home.

Beautiful Private Country Home on 1.8 Acres

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 02:56:00 +0000

Great Country Property!

Beautiful country home on 1.8 acres located in the private retreat of the Eagle Tree canyons. This home features 2 living areas, formal dining, utility room and office along with the 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The canyon views are fantastic and the West Texas Sunsets are unbelievable. Enjoy wildlife and privacy on this property.

Asking $205,000

2,142 Square Foot

4 Bedroom

3 Bathroom

Over-sized 2 car Garage

2 Living Areas

Office

Utility Room

Cellar

Shop

Call to schedule your private showing 806 654 3842

Click here for the virtual tour

Home Staging + Male Perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 20:40:00 +0000

Home Staging Should Include the Male Perspective

    Professional home stagers consult with homeowners on ways to sell their homes quickly and for the most money possible, but often lost in the design process is the fact that men are involved in buying decisions as well.

    When having your home staged, it’s important to remember to appeal to both sexes and do some things that will pique a man’s interest just as much as a woman’s.

    Professional stagers take into account buyer demographics, buying psychology, and utilize design elements in planning out the rooms and space and the use of lighting and its effect on the space. Don’t be afraid to let them know if the home is leaning too far on the woman’s side.

    Women tend to look for cozier settings or rooms that facilitate intimate conversations, while males gravitate toward rooms with gadgets, televisions and electronics.

    Open spaces and higher ceilings are also a draw for men as psychologically they have a larger sense of personal space. Professional stagers with men in mind try to create rooms where a man can feel as if he can walk through the house easily without stepping around all sorts of furniture.

    When it comes to men, the garage and yard tend to be high up on the priority list, so it’s important to get these areas as perfect as possible.

    Garages that have painted walls, clean floors and enough storage for various male-oriented hobbies will impress. Shelf space is almost always looked at as a good thing here and a place to hang tools or a workbench would make a fine addition to attract male buyers. And remember, an empty garage looks much bigger than one with a car parked in it.

    With the yard, showcasing a well-maintained lawn will help sell the male. Thick, healthy grass, minimal bushes to trim and easy to clean garden beds will meet the landscaping criterion the male buyer looks for.

    Appealing to both sexes when staging and selling a home requires an emotional investment that will pay off in the end for all parties, just don’t forget that men need a connection, too.

If you need a consultation on Staging your home to appeal to multiple buyers, give me a call!

Have a great day home owners and buyers!

Real Estate Market Looking UP !

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:28:00 +0000

Good News Amarillo!

The Real Estate Market shows a better start in 2011 than we saw in 2010.

Homes sold for the month were up 15 from a year ago at 122, new listings were also up 31 units from a year ago at 477 new listings leaving the inventory level at 13.5 months. This inventory level is lower that what we saw a year ago and that is great news especially considering that we have 31 more new listings than in January 2010.

Interest Rates continue to be very low but are on the rise. Right now 30 year Conventional money is coming in around 4.9% with a 1 point discount and FHA is running about the same.

Great time to buy that next house and here's why!

1) Low Interest Rates

2) House Market is at the bottom climbing up

3) February and March are still in the Natural Slow Season of the year....better deals to be made

4) Real Estate is the strongest hedge against Inflation, and Inflation is expected to start climbing soon.

If you have any questions about buying a new home or selling your current home please call me for a free consultation.

Dirk - 806 654 3842 dirk@pru-ada.com

I want to be your Realtor!

noreply@blogger.com (Dirk) — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 01:07:00 +0000

Buying or selling a home?

It is big process to buy or sell a home and having a professional on your side can make the difference between having a good and successful transaction or having a bad experience that looses you money.

Not going to lie... I WANT YOUR BUSINESS!

And here is why you want me to work for you...

2010 Top Producer Prudential Ada Realtors
2010 Top 50 under 30 - National Association of Realtors
2010 Amarillo Chamber of Commerce "Top 20 under40" Business Professionals semifinalist
2010 Small Business Administration "Young Entrepreneur Champion" district winner for Texas

But more importantly...

My clients success is my success and
I love to have fun with my clients

If you are ready to buy or sell call me for a free consultation!

806 654 3842 or dirk@pru-ada.com