Should I pre-qualify before shopping for a home?

Should I pre-qualify before shopping for a home?

The price you pay for a home is only part of the financial information you will need when making a purchase. As a home buyer, you will want to obtain a pre-qualification before beginning the home buying process. 

Who do you call?

Many mortgage companies and banks can help you through this process.  The Grove Team can provided you with recommendations of lenders that can provide you with the most current mortgage interest rates, loan options and fees, and information about additional costs that are a part of home purchases.

What does all of it mean?

Getting a loan can be confusing enough without all the jargon to confuse you. It helps to know the most common terms and definitions so that you can make informed decisions regarding what kind of loan to get and the best way to afford your new home.  Visit the Grove Team's website for a complete list of terms that will help you navigate the process. 

How will the mortgage company calculate my approval?

Pre-qualifying is done by assessing your financial statement and your credit history.  Any sources of income are added together with assets you own. Debts you that are paid monthly are subtracted from your gross monthly income, which is your net income. Generally, the debt to income ratio should not exceed 25% to qualify for a conventional loan.  Every lending institution will have guidelines they use when working up a pre-qualification. 

Shopping for a home loan or mortgage will help you to get the best financing deal. Mortgage terms can often be negotiable.  Compare all the costs involved in obtaining a mortgage.  Shopping around for a home loan you thousands of dollars.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership.

Office (817) 337-0000

info@groveteam.com

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Homes Improvements to Consider Before You Sell Your Home

Homes Improvements to Consider Before You Sell Your Home

While it is true the cosmetic home improvements including a fresh coat of paint, staging and de-cluttering you home are important for any sale, upgrading vital home systems such as heating and cooling can really pay off.  Not only is that an upgrade that is enticing to a homebuyer, smart improvements can help you save money on utility bills now.

Heating and cooling is one of a home's biggest costs, sometime accounting for more than half the average home's utility costs, according to energy.gov, efficiency improvements can positively impact your budget every month. From a purchase perspective, potential buyers want assurance that basic home systems, including heating, cooling, plumbing and electrical, are in working order before they buy.

Contact the Grove Team, Keller Williams today for advice on improvements you can do today that will bring you the biggest impact tomorrow. 

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership.

Office (817) 337-0000

info@groveteam.com

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When is a good time to sell my house?

When is a good time to sell my house?

This is a question that plagues homeowners year after year.  As we cross over into spring, not only does the weather change, but the market often makes a shift as well. 

The most recent market statistics produced through the end of February show the real estate market in NE Tarrant County - including the Alliance Corridor, Keller, Southlake, North Richland Hills, Colleyville and Grapevine are all indicating a seller's market. 

What does that mean? 

These numbers indicate there is less than 5 months of inventory available for buyers.  How does your area look in this market?  Here is a quick breakdown to review:

Alliance Corridor - total of 275 sales with a 7% increase over last year, average sales price is $183,793, which is a 10% increase over last year.  Average days on market are 53 days which is 25% less than the average last year.  Are you looking for a home in the Alliance Corridor?  Search homes here through our website. 

Keller -  total of 85 sales with a 6% decrease over last year, average sales price is $364,406, which is a 16% increase over last year.  Average days on market are 55 days which is 29% less than the average last year.  Are you looking for a home in Keller?  Search homes here through our website. 

Southlake - total of 46 sales with a 13% decrease over last year, average sales price is $772,946, which is a 20% increase over last year.  Average days on market are 76 days which is 15% less than the average last year.  Are you looking for a home in Southlake?  Search homes here through our website. 

North Richland Hills - total of 103 sales with a 4% decrease over last year, average sales price is $170,627, which is a 1% increase over last year.  Average days on market are 57 days which is 19% less than the average last year.  Are you looking for a home in North Richland Hills?  Search homes here through our website. 

Colleyville - total of 36 sales with a 16% increase over last year, average sales price is $636,919, which is a 39% increase over last year.  Average days on market are 110 days which is 4% less than the average last year.  Are you looking for a home in Colleyville?  Search homes here through our website. 

Grapevine - total of 54 sales with a 18% decrease over last year, average sales price is $289,135, which is a 15% increase over last year.  Average days on market are 44 days which is 15% less than the average last year.  Are you looking for a home in Grapevine?  Search homes here through our website. 

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership.

Office (817) 337-0000

info@groveteam.com

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10 Reasons a Real Estate Closing Can Fall Apart

10 Reasons a Real Estate Closing Can Fall Apart

As we assist over 100 families a year in buying or selling real estate, members of the Grove Team see closing delayed more often than we would like.  Why?  These are the top ten reasons:
The buyer or seller encounters a serious life change such as  a job loss, illness, or divorce.

1. The buyer makes a last-minute major purchase--such as furniture for the new home--and no longer qualifies for a loan.
2. The appraised value of the property is less than the purchase price. 
3. The buyer does not deliver information as requested by the lender, and the file cannot move forward in the process.
4. At the last minute the title company finds a lien on the title, and the seller must clear the lien before the sale.
5. The lender misinforms the agents and their clients as to the true status of the file, and the closing is delayed while the lender completes their processes.
6. Unknown defects are discovered in the property.
7. The agent for the other side goes on vacation and does not leave anyone to handle the file.
8. The lender's underwriter requires additional documentation.
9. The lender requires a last minutes re-appraisal.

While the majority of Grove Team transactions close as planned, unforeseen circumstances can happen.  The Grove Team's trained and experienced closing specialists avert many closing delays with their proactive approach to transactions.  For the fewest possible issues at the closing table, contact the Grove Team when buying or selling real estate.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership.

Office (817) 337-0000

info@groveteam.com

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Ways to Prevent Unwanted Houseguests in Keller, Grapevine, and Southlake, Texas

Ways to Prevent Unwanted Houseguests in Keller, Grapevine, and Southlake, Texas 

Squirrels are often described as  "cute," "furry," or "playful."  However, when squirrels take up residence in an attic, those adjectives quickly turn negative into "annoying," "demonic," or "fiendish."  Other unpopular creatures like armadillos, raccoons, and possum can warrant those same disparaging adjectives.  These critters and other ones like them cause a variety of degrees and types of harm:

• At their worst, armadillos can burrow under foundations and cause structural damage.  Less major--but annoying--destruction can be inflicted on landscaping, sprinkler systems, and house trim.

 

Banded Armadillo

• By chewing electrical wire and structural insulation, squirrels harm utility lines, cars, and homes.  They are also well-known for destroying tree bark, landscaping, and trim and siding on homes.   

• Raccoons usually tip over trash cans, eat garden vegetables, and raid bird feeders.  Raccoons plug chimneys, destroy roof shingles, tear ductwork, cause roof leaks from inside the attic, and decimate lawns and gardens.

• All of these animals can create odor, unhealthy, and unsanitary conditions because of their droppings and nesting behavior.

While prevention methods are not foolproof, there are steps that can be taken to help deter unwelcome houseguests:

•  Inspect regularly to caulk and seal any openings, even the smallest ones.  Look closely at window and doorframes, pipe and cable wire entry and exit points, external dryer vents, and weep holes in brick.  Use silicone caulk to completely seal smaller or unnecessary entry points.  If an opening must remain unblocked, pack steel wool into the hole and/or attach wire mesh to the opening.  (Depending on the type, a squirrel can enter through a hole as small a golf ball.)
• Pet food should be accessible only during feeding times for your pet.  At other times--especially at night--bring it inside the house or into an impenetrable place in the garage.
• Remember that tree limbs are a prime entry vehicle.  When trimming limbs, bear in mind that squirrels have been known to jump as far as nine feet.
• Install a chimney cap or  wire over your chimney to prevent entry of raccoons and other pests.
• Regularly clean up seed droppings from bird feeders.
• When you hear noises, take action immediately to lessen the likelihood of substantial damage.  Identifying the kind of critter is essential to knowing the steps to evicting your houseguests.

Remember that the members of the Grove Team have years of experience in dealing with all kinds of problems encountered by home owners.  Please call to ask any question you may have about home ownership.

 

Office (817) 337-0000

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Thinking of Buying an Older Home in Keller, Southlake, or Grapevine Texas?

Thinking of Buying an Older Home in Keller, Southlake, or Grapevine Texas?

 

Home in Keller, built in 1974

 

In today's real estate market, the availability of  resale homes continues to be limited.  Buyers are stretching their parameters and looking at older homes as possibilities.  In our area of Northeast Tarrant County,  the term "older" usually refers to homes built in the 1960s and 1970s.  There are some homes from the 1940s and 1950s, but they represent only a fraction of the market.

While updating an older home can often be expensive and challenging, the process can also be rewarding, both financially and personally.

• Older homes were often designed with choppy floor plans.  In most updates, the owner removes at least one wall to create a more open design.  Additionally, this dramatic update can prove to be relatively inexpensive.
• Removing a wall to open the kitchen to a living area produces the greatest impact on lifestyle and desirability.
• Often the least expensive change involves replacing dated light and plumbing fixtures with more current ones and painting cabinets with dated finishes.
• A more expensive change--adding or expanding windows--creates more light and feeling of space. Not only does adding, expanding, or replacing windows  show up cosmetically, this step usually improves energy efficiency dramatically.
• Look at expanding bathrooms and creating en suite baths.  This change is probably the most cost prohibitive, but pays off in quality of life and in resale value.  One relatively inexpensive change in bathrooms involves replacing wall mirrors with those of an individual furniture type and replacing dated plumbing fixtures.
• While energy efficiency improvements may not be apparent cosmetically, they can add to an older home's appeal as they reduce the cost to operate.  Adding insulation won't show up visually, but this change can make an older home more comfortable and reduce expenses.

When evaluating changes to your home, contact the Grove Team for an educated opinion on possible updates and how they will affect your property value.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership.

Office (817) 337-0000

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Ways to Create Character in a New Home in Keller

Ways to Create Character in a New Home in Keller

Thinking of purchasing a new home since resale inventory in Keller, Southlake, Grapevine, and surrounding cities in NETC is so limited?  Builders are ramping up to fill the demand for housing in North Texas, and more and more buyers are considering purchasing a new home.  New construction offers advantages: sought-after amenities, open floor plans, the latest in trends and designs.  Additionally, most new home buyers anticipate a one to five year period of few repairs and maintenance issues.

However, buyers of new homes often sacrifice the character of an older home.  Builders--especially production builders--work to create a product that appeals to the highest number of consumers at the lowest possible cost.  As with all cost-cutting, mass marketing efforts, sacrifices must be made.  Most often eliminated are architectural details that add interest.

The good news is that character and interest can be added.  Of course, prices differ widely on various improvements, but consider these ideas:

• Look in antique and salvage stores to find architectural elements such as ceiling medallions, fireplace mantels, doorknobs, hinges, moldings, and doors. Check out this link for some great ideas.
• Add items such as shutters, trim, and decorative door pediments to the exterior in front and in back.  
• While families often spend a great deal of time in the back yard, builders often neglect to add decorative and functional features there.  A covered patio creates interest and relief from the brutal Texas sun while offering many options for adding character.
• While not utilized as much as a covered back patio, adding a porch or details such as rock or stone to the entry of a home can add personality and interest.
• If space allows, adding window seats and bookcases can create a look and feel of a more custom home.
• Add landscaping such as shrubs and trees very early in your ownership.  Over time landscaping adds to a settled, mature look.  However, start small and plant carefully.  Develop a plan and give your plants room to grow.  If your lot is small, plant a hedge--but not red tip photinias, please--to create privacy and add to the marketability of your home in the future.

By using these ideas you can transform a newer home with very few maintenance headaches into one that feels gracious and mature.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership.

Office (817) 337-0000

info@groveteam.com

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Do you need a home warranty?

Do you need a home warranty?

When buying a home in Texas, the contract allows for the seller to provide a home warranty of the buyer's choice up to a specified amount.  A common question from a buyer is, do I have to have one?

Although as a buyer you are under no obligation to request or select a one year home warranty the Grove Team highly recommends that you do.  Throughout the buying process we will coach you through general home inspections, HVAC inspections and more.  All of these services provide you, the buyer, with great insight on the functionality of the home you are purchasing, however, it is still no guarantee. 

How can you add additional piece of mind? Home warranty coverage.

Home warranty plans go a long way to alleviate some risks and concerns.  For a modest price, the seller can provide a one year warranty.  This warranty will cover specified heating, plumbing, electrical, water heater or appliance breakdowns. Coverage under most plans commences at closing and continue through the first year you are in the home. In all cases, there are important limitations and exclusions.

For more information, please visit our website to learn more or give us a call, (817) 337-0000.

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership.

Office (817) 337-0000

info@groveteam.com

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What makes the Grove Team Different?

What makes the Grove Team Different?

"A person doesn’t pay for a service, they pay for a result. If the result you are looking for is a professional team that will sell your home fast and provide you with professional customer service, look no further than the Grove Team."

B. Goodson

1) Depth of Experience
    With six licensed agents on the Grove Team, we bring a wealth of experience to our real estate practice.  Each Grove Team member possesses strengths and talents that define her primary role within the Team.  Working together it is easy to contribute our own unique viewpoint to a situation and assist with coming up with effective solutions. 

2) Staging Consultation
    You don't always have an opportunity for a second chance with buyers when selling your home.  The Grove Team provides a professional stager to our clients at no additional cost.  Each staging consultation is tailored to your needs - we also are happy to provide accessories to highlight the best features of your home. 

3) Proactive Communication
    Buying and selling a home is a daunting process - the Grove Team dynamic is designed to have a team member available to answer questions when you have them.  We are also proactive in our communication and explanation of the real estate process so you know what to expect each step of the way.  We strive to be quick in responses to emails and phone calls at all times. 

4) Multifaceted Marketing
    Keep up to date with the latest market inventory by visiting our website 24 hours a day.  Set up custom searches, monitor what trends are happening in your neighborhood with a click of a button on our website.  Interactive experiences through social media and YouTube are also available to you anytime. 

From top left - Angie Vickerman, Angela Hanthorn
Cathy Jo Hobbs, Diane Jones
Diane Grove and Lynn McClish

Whether it's selling your home or finding a new one, we have designed this site so that you can quickly and easily locate the information you are looking for. The Grove Team's client-centered approach results in the best possible outcome for you. Please contact us now to begin the process of achieving your dreams in home ownership.

Office (817) 337-0000

info@groveteam.com

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