Housing needs change overtime...maybe you need to downsize in retirement, upsize to grow your family, or just shift the maintenance requirements of your home. No matter what property niche you fall in, the Claus Team can help you find it the perfect home to meet all of your needs!
Schertz - Cibolo - Garden Ridge- Universal City - New Braunfels
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Financing options are out there...even in imperfect situations
Lots of potential buyers want to take advantage of historic interest rate lows but are concerned about financing challenges standing in their way of home ownership. The truth is, there are actually a plethora of financing options and opportunities available to open financial doors.
Being upfront about your situation means we can explore realistic choices you may have. So bring your questions to the Claus Team, and lets talk about what our mortgage service partners can do for you.
Being upfront about your situation means we can explore realistic choices you may have. So bring your questions to the Claus Team, and lets talk about what our mortgage service partners can do for you.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Friday, November 2, 2012
U.S. Census Bureau has good news for the U.S. housing market
The Daily Mortgage Advisor this week had good news to share about the overall picture of the close of the U.S. housing market in 2012. In fact, it was so good, we decided to re-blog the news. Check out the article in full below...
The U.S. housing market
appears headed for a strong close to 2012
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of new homes sold jumped to
389,000 units in September 2012 on a seasonally-adjusted,
annualized basis. Not since the expiration of the $8,000 federal home buyer tax credit in
April 2010 have new homes sold at such volumes.
September’s tally marks a 5.7 percent increase from the month prior,
and a 27 percent increase from September 2011. There are now just 145,000 new
homes for sale nationwide and, according to the National Association of
Homebuilders, buyer demand continues
to grow.
At today’s pace of home sales, the entire U.S. inventory of new homes
for sale would sell out in 4.5 months. By way of comparison, in January 2009,
new home supply was 12.1 months.
When home supplies dip below 6.0 months, analysts say, it signifies a
“seller’s market”; one in which sellers tend to benefit from negotiation
leverage over buyers. The national New Home Supply has been below 6.0 months
since October 2011.
Perhaps that’s one reason why the average new home sale price has
climbed 14.5 percent over the past 12 months to $292,400; and why median new
home sales prices have made a similar jump.
With builders reporting prospective buyer foot traffic at its highest
level since 2006,
home supplies are shrinking at a time when buyer demand is rising. Low mortgage
rates and affordable housing choices contribute, too. 30-year fixed rate mortgage rates have been under 4 percent for all of
2012, and are now under 3.50% nationwide. Low rates make for low monthly
payments but, like home prices, conditions can’t remain buyer-friendly forever.
For today’s home buyers of new construction, the outlook for finding
“great deals” in 2013 may be grim. New home prices are expected to rise and
supplies will continue to get scarce. The best homes in the new construction
market, therefore, may be the ones you buy today.
By early-next year, low home prices may be gone, and low mortgage rates
may be, too.
Thanks so much to the Sigman Team for sharing this fantastic news for sellers and excellent advice for buyers!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Construction on I-35 aims to reduce congestion
If you're driving the I-35 corridor between San Antonio's Forum Shopping Center and the City of Schertz this week, you'll notice that a field of barriers and construction zone warning signs has sprouted and put down roots. Construction official began on a $24 Million Texas Department of Transportation project on Monday, Oct. 15.
The project aims to relieve congestion on the six-mile stretch of I-35 between Loop 1604 and FM 3009 without adding actual traffic lanes to the roadway. The segment was identified earlier this year by the Texas Transportation Institute as the most congested stretch of highway in the San Antonio metro area and the 31st most congested segment in the state. The long-term goal of the project will be the creation of a 14-lane facility through Schertz Parkway, but that effort isn't expected to start until 2017.
This project will create a short-term solutions by adding long acceleration and deceleration lanes, realigning exit and entrance ramps, and building turnaround bridges on both sides of FM 3009 and other cross streets.
The work is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete. Lane closures over the course of the project should be limited to off-peak traffic hours not permitted to begin before 3 a.m. on Friday nights. Regular updates, including lane closures, will be posted online at www.txdot.gov. To find them, search for key word "I-35 Selma."
While this project will not completely alleviate the I-35 traffic congestion problem, as real estate experts in the Schertz area, we can appreciate the importance of working proactively to address the issue. And TxDOT spokesman Josh Donat agrees.
"We're dedicated to the future of this vital corridor," said Donat. "However, the long-term fix for the area won't be ready to build for a few more years. We need to get something done now to maintain the safety of drivers out there while addressing congestion."
The project aims to relieve congestion on the six-mile stretch of I-35 between Loop 1604 and FM 3009 without adding actual traffic lanes to the roadway. The segment was identified earlier this year by the Texas Transportation Institute as the most congested stretch of highway in the San Antonio metro area and the 31st most congested segment in the state. The long-term goal of the project will be the creation of a 14-lane facility through Schertz Parkway, but that effort isn't expected to start until 2017.
This project will create a short-term solutions by adding long acceleration and deceleration lanes, realigning exit and entrance ramps, and building turnaround bridges on both sides of FM 3009 and other cross streets.
The work is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete. Lane closures over the course of the project should be limited to off-peak traffic hours not permitted to begin before 3 a.m. on Friday nights. Regular updates, including lane closures, will be posted online at www.txdot.gov. To find them, search for key word "I-35 Selma."
While this project will not completely alleviate the I-35 traffic congestion problem, as real estate experts in the Schertz area, we can appreciate the importance of working proactively to address the issue. And TxDOT spokesman Josh Donat agrees.
"We're dedicated to the future of this vital corridor," said Donat. "However, the long-term fix for the area won't be ready to build for a few more years. We need to get something done now to maintain the safety of drivers out there while addressing congestion."
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Home Staging Is a Vital Part of Marketing Your Property
Recently we've been getting lots of questions about home staging from sellers interested in placing their homes on the market. When you list with the Claus Team, our listing specialist Jeanine Claus will visit your home and give you a list of suggestion to improve the "showability" of your property.
Take a look at this flyer to see what you can expect we'll recommend before you start welcoming potential buyers to your home.
Take a look at this flyer to see what you can expect we'll recommend before you start welcoming potential buyers to your home.
If you're interested in more information about getting your home ready to place on the market, contact the Claus Team TODAY at 210.566.6355 or e-mail us at info@theclausteam.com
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Schertz Considering Property Tax Increase
The city of Schertz this month is a considering a potential property tax increase. The increase, if adopted, would raise the tax rate in Schertz from last year's $0.4843 per $100 of taxable value to either $.04781 or $0.5095 per $100 of taxable value.
During the first of two public hearings to discuss the proposal, several people came out to share their opinions on the pros and cons. The question is an important one. One of the draws of the Schertz-Cibolo area is its comparatively low property tax rate, and residents are concerned not only about the affect of the increase on their tax bills, but also on how it will affect their ability to sell their homes.
As the number one real estate office in Schertz by volume, the Claus Team has a unique level of insight into the workings of the city's sales market. And even though the prospect of increased taxes is never an easy one, the Claus Team supports the increase.
In the past decade, the City of Schertz has grown exponentially. Revenue generated from the increase will significantly impact Schertz's ability to not only continue offering the amenities its residents have come to expect, but also to expand and enhance quality of living in the city. The benefits from the tax increase will more than make up for the hike, which on a personal level, well be slight.
For example, if the increase is passed in its highest form, the effective increase in cost will only be about $75 per year on average.This breaks down to about $6.25 per month. Per person, that is a very small amount that stands to have a great impact on the future of Schertz as a whole.
A second public hearing to consider the proposal will be held at 6 p.m., August 28, 2012 at Council Chambers, City Hall, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building No. 4, Schertz, Texas. Final voting will be September 11, 2012.
What's you opinion on the increase? We'd love to know your thoughts.
During the first of two public hearings to discuss the proposal, several people came out to share their opinions on the pros and cons. The question is an important one. One of the draws of the Schertz-Cibolo area is its comparatively low property tax rate, and residents are concerned not only about the affect of the increase on their tax bills, but also on how it will affect their ability to sell their homes.
As the number one real estate office in Schertz by volume, the Claus Team has a unique level of insight into the workings of the city's sales market. And even though the prospect of increased taxes is never an easy one, the Claus Team supports the increase.
In the past decade, the City of Schertz has grown exponentially. Revenue generated from the increase will significantly impact Schertz's ability to not only continue offering the amenities its residents have come to expect, but also to expand and enhance quality of living in the city. The benefits from the tax increase will more than make up for the hike, which on a personal level, well be slight.
For example, if the increase is passed in its highest form, the effective increase in cost will only be about $75 per year on average.This breaks down to about $6.25 per month. Per person, that is a very small amount that stands to have a great impact on the future of Schertz as a whole.
A second public hearing to consider the proposal will be held at 6 p.m., August 28, 2012 at Council Chambers, City Hall, 1400 Schertz Parkway, Building No. 4, Schertz, Texas. Final voting will be September 11, 2012.
What's you opinion on the increase? We'd love to know your thoughts.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Buyer Quiz: How much do you really know about buying a home?
We were exploring buyer's resources today and stumbled upon this Kiplinger quiz to test real estate buyers and see how much they know about the purchasing process. It asked some really excellent questions and brought up many of the issues buyers' agents can help negotiate and clarify for their clients.
From assistance facilitating mortgage pre-approval to help with making an offer that includes provision for closing cost expenses, the buying process is complex, and bringing a buyer's agent to the table to represent your interests means that you have an expert on your side who understands all the ins and outs of the purchasing process.
Take the a moment and take the QUIZ. And if it sparks any questions, consider calling one of the Claus Team's buyers' agents at 210.566.6474 TODAY!
Pssst...there are also lots of educational resources available for buyers on our website, www.theclausteam.com
From assistance facilitating mortgage pre-approval to help with making an offer that includes provision for closing cost expenses, the buying process is complex, and bringing a buyer's agent to the table to represent your interests means that you have an expert on your side who understands all the ins and outs of the purchasing process.
Take the a moment and take the QUIZ. And if it sparks any questions, consider calling one of the Claus Team's buyers' agents at 210.566.6474 TODAY!
Pssst...there are also lots of educational resources available for buyers on our website, www.theclausteam.com
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Household Debt a Key Factor in Texas Mortgages
According to the Texas A&M Real Estate Center, a Texas real estate buyer making $37,351 annually today can qualify for a 30-year, 80 percent loan in the amount of $150,000.
Even with favorable interest rates and increased mortgage flexibility, the path to home ownership in Texas may still be a difficult one. In the article Dialing Down Debt: The Road to Recovery Begins at Home, real estate expert Gerald Klassen examines the impact of individual household debt levels on the real estate market. His findings paint a cautionary picture for the mortgage industry, the key to which may be shifting to focus on the deleveraging of debt prior to mortgage approval.
Deleveraging means that households reduce their liabilities by making balloon payments to reduce account balances or liquidate assets to reduce their number of monthly payments. In the past, deleveraging may have been considered a tactic of last resort in pursuing mortgage approval. However, as banks begin to focus more on the viability of mortgage applicants, debt-to-income ratio as a factor for mortgage approval stands to gain in importance.
If you are considering a home purchase, contact the Claus Team by phone at 210.566.6474 and speak to one of our buyers' agents about Texas' debt-to-income ratio requirements and actions you can take to help facilitate approval of your mortgage loan.
You can also visit us online at www.theclausteam.com and use our mortgage calculator to estimate payments and begin exploring financing options.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
San Antonio home sales way up in June
The San Antonio Board of Realtors recently released June sales numbers, and they included nothing but good news for the local real estate market. Take a look at this press release from SABOR for details about the good news!
Sales,
average and median prices highest in four years
San Antonio – July 11, 2012 – San Antonio home shoppers went on a
buying spree in June, sending sales volume and pricing up accounting for the
highest sales, average and median price in four years. Average and median
prices broke records while volume of sales reached the highest level since June
2008. Sales of single-family homes increased 4 percent compared to the same
month last year according to the June 2012 Multiple Listing Service report by
the San Antonio Board of REALTORS® (SABOR).
"Both buyers and sellers are reaping the benefits of an
extremely healthy and robust real estate climate in San Antonio, driven largely
by continued job gains that have been responsible for drawing many new
consumers to this market," said Liza Reyes, Chairman of the Board.
"Buyers are able to take advantage of the lowest interest rates in history
as they shop for homes, and we're also hearing accounts of sellers receiving
the asking price for their homes and even multiple offers."
Strong sales activity among homes from $200,000 and up pushed
average and median pricing. The June single-family home median price —the
figure at which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less —rose 8
percent year-over-year to $168,800, the highest level since 2007 in San
Antonio. The average price rose 9 percent to $209,820, the highest since 2007.
June 2010
|
June 2011
|
June 2012
|
|
Total Month Sales
|
1,859
|
1,946
|
2,018
|
Average Price
|
$190,753
|
$192,514
|
$209,820
|
Median Price
|
$153,400
|
$156,500
|
$168,800
|
The number of available properties, or active listings, at the end
of June declined nearly 15 percent from June 2011. The inventory of
single-family homes dipped to 6.9 months compared to 8.3 months one year
earlier. That means that it would take nearly 7 months to sell all the
single-family homes on the market based on sales activity over the past year.
The figure is aligned with the national inventory of single-family homes of 6.6
months reported by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
"We credit the strength of the housing market to San
Antonio’s continued job growth, affordability and low interest rates"
SABOR President and CEO Angela Shields said.
The San Antonio Board of REALTORS
Friday, July 20, 2012
Foreclosures in San Antonio down for year
The San Antonio Express-News reported today on findings recently released by RexReport.com that show the number of foreclosure's are still down significantly from this time last year.
A San Antonio-based foreclosure tracking firm, RexReport's data shows that San Antonio-area foreclosures for the time period between January 2012 and August 2012 total 9,477, down from 10,042 and 11,095 in 2011 and 2010 respectively. In August 2012, lenders will foreclose on 1,160 properties in the greater San Antonio area, down slightly from August 2011 (1,171) and August 2010 (1,255).
Why the improvement? Well, several factors play a role. The first is a general increase in sales price and listing success that has allowed homeowners to sell successfully rather than succumb to foreclosure. Job growth in San Antonio has helped to grow the market's buyer base and helped mitigate foreclosures caused by unemployment situations. Lenders are also thinking outside the box and offering alternative resolutions for distressed properties that allow owners to avoid foreclosure.
If you're interested in information about buying or selling a distressed property, contact the Claus Team and let us discuss your options.
A San Antonio-based foreclosure tracking firm, RexReport's data shows that San Antonio-area foreclosures for the time period between January 2012 and August 2012 total 9,477, down from 10,042 and 11,095 in 2011 and 2010 respectively. In August 2012, lenders will foreclose on 1,160 properties in the greater San Antonio area, down slightly from August 2011 (1,171) and August 2010 (1,255).
Why the improvement? Well, several factors play a role. The first is a general increase in sales price and listing success that has allowed homeowners to sell successfully rather than succumb to foreclosure. Job growth in San Antonio has helped to grow the market's buyer base and helped mitigate foreclosures caused by unemployment situations. Lenders are also thinking outside the box and offering alternative resolutions for distressed properties that allow owners to avoid foreclosure.
If you're interested in information about buying or selling a distressed property, contact the Claus Team and let us discuss your options.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Texas tops job growth list
Newly released statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics show that Texas tops the list of states successfully bouncing back and regaining jobs lost during the height of the recession.
With a gain of 410,400 non-farm jobs between May 2007 and May 2012, Texas is one of only nine states and the District of Columbia to have achieved pre-recession job levels. What does this mean for the real estate market? Well, without a doubt, statistics like these paint an optimistic picture. More jobs can mean more qualified buyers and fewer distressed property sales. And job growth is a self-perpetuating cycle; the more jobs are gained, the more other employers are attracted to an area.
Perhaps the best news for Texas--the race to grow jobs wasn't even a close one. New York earned its second-place standing with 88,600 net jobs added since May 2007, less than one-quarter of the number of jobs added in Texas, followed by North Dakota; Washington, D.C.; Louisiana; Oklahoma; Alaska; Nebraska; South Dakota; and West Virginia. The state with the largest job shortfall is California, having lost 891,200 jobs since the start of the recession.
Positive economic growth can create opportunities in real estate. If you would like to discuss real estate investment opportunities that may be available to you, or if you've been waiting to make a personal real estate change, contact the Claus Team by phone at 210.566.6355 and speak with a Realtor who can help guide you in determining if now is the right time for you to enter the market.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
A Marching We Will Go!
The Claus Team had a wonderful time marching in the Schertz, Texas Fourth of July Jubilee parade on Saturday. Here we are with our beautiful blue Mustang convertible! Happy Independence Day, everyone!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Baylor releases real estate study findings
Baylor University's Keller Center released its annual Residential Real Estate study and report this week. In 2012, the center examined a variety of topics including seller financing, social media, customer relationships. The report also contained an in-depth examination of sales performance through moral judgement.
Moral judgement by agents in guiding their clients during real estate transactions is an interesting and controversial topic. Every Realtor has fiduciary responsibilities inherent in their contracts with clients, but significant gray area exists in how far a Realtor can, and should, go in offering their own opinion on real estate decisions made by buyers.
Recently, a Claus Team buyer's agent worked with a client trying to decide between two homes. The Realtor gave her opinion of which home would be a better choice, but ultimately the buyer decided to offer on the other home. In this cases like these, the Claus Team relies on a customer-oriented sales policy. When a buyer partners with a Claus Team agent to purchase a home, our agents will ALWAYS give you their honest opinions about the homes you view. Sometimes, we are forced to tell our clients things they don't want to hear. Even though it isn't always easy, we at the Claus Team believe that buyers choose to work with us because they're looking for a deeper level of knowledge about the Schertz-Garden Ridge-New Braunfels real estate market.
And once our buyers have all of the information available to them that we're able to give, we step back and allow them to make their own decisions, which we then objectively execute.
You can read the entire Keller Center Report online HERE, including their findings on moral judgement in sales transactions.
If you would like more information about buyers agency through the Claus Team, visit us online at www.theclausteam.com or call 210.566.6355.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
FBI May Step Into Schertz Real Estate Issue
Two neighborhoods in Schertz that have been plagued with issues may have gained the attention of the FBI. According to a report by News 4 WOAI, Assistant U.S. Attorney Bud Paulissen has brought complaints of homeowners in Fairhaven and Stablewood Farms alleging that their builders attempted to defraud federal agencies by facilitating government financing of homes on unstable lots.
In the case of Fairhaven, the builder, Pulte Homes, is accused of providing faulty foundations, and in Stablewood Farms homeowners have reported sink holes opening up in their yards and causing foundation damage. WOAI quotes the letter as claiming that "the land was know [sic] to the builder to be unsuitable at the time of the certifications." Paulissen in the letter also asks Special Agent Ozzie Alaniz to contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General to see if they will participate in the inquiry.
In the case of Fairhaven, the builder, Pulte Homes, is accused of providing faulty foundations, and in Stablewood Farms homeowners have reported sink holes opening up in their yards and causing foundation damage. WOAI quotes the letter as claiming that "the land was know [sic] to the builder to be unsuitable at the time of the certifications." Paulissen in the letter also asks Special Agent Ozzie Alaniz to contact the Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General to see if they will participate in the inquiry.
In purchasing your home, one of the primary functions of a buyers' agent is to advise clients in choosing potential neighborhoods. Foundation issues occurring in multiple home sites in a specific neighborhood may or may not influence your decision to purchase, but a buyer's agent familiar with the market will be able to guide you in asking the right questions before you make a buying decision.
If you would like more information about buying or selling a home in the greater Schertz area, contact the Claus Team today.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Texas Veterans loan limits raised
There's good news this month for veterans looking for real estate in Texas. Their list of choices just got longer as a result of a decision to increase low-interest loan limits by the Texas Veterans Land Board.
The unanimous vote increased the low-interest loan limit from $232,500 to $417,000 for a home and from $80,000 to $100,000 for the purchase of land. This is the single biggest increase since 2003, when the loan cap was $150,000 for homes.
Founded in 1946, the TVLB was created to help World War II veterans buy land for agricultural purchase. It has been facilitating home purchases since 1983 through a variety of unique loan and assistance programs.
If you'd like more information about the options available to Texas veterans interested in buying a home through the TVLB, contact the Claus Team and ask to speak with one of our buyers' agents. We are experts in assisting veterans and active members of the United States military in their home purchases.
You can reach the Claus Team by phone at 210.566.6474, or visit us online at www.theclausteam.com.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
New Video Series Addresses Things Real Estate Buyers Need to Know
The Claus Team is debuting a new video series! The ABCs of Buying a Home is a weekly series of short, informational videos addressing topics real estate buyers need to familiarize themselves with as they begin the home-purchase process.
This week's video, "A - Agency," explains why it's important to be represented by a buyer's agent.
This week's video, "A - Agency," explains why it's important to be represented by a buyer's agent.
EVERY real estate buyer should engage the services of a
buyers’ agent. Buyers’ agents represent YOUR interests in a real estate
transaction. They can help you narrow down your search, tell you if a
property’s asking price is reasonable, and guide you in crafting an offer.
Anything you tell a buyer’s agent is confidential. EVERY home listed in the MLS
system is going to be represented by a realtor. In making potentially the
biggest purchase of your life, make sure you’re represented by an expert
familiar with your market, as well. The service is free to you and means you’ll
be bringing professional representation to your real estate negotiation.
If you’d like more information about what a buyers’ agent
can do for you, or if you’re thinking of buying a home in San Antonio, contact the Claus Team at 210.566.6474 or visit www.theclausteam.com.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Median Texas home sales price increases in first quarter 2012
The Texas Association of Realtors this week released good news for home sellers in the first quarter edition of the 2012 Texas Quarterly Housing Report. The median home price increased by nearly three percent versus 2011.
In the first quarter, 2012, the median home sales price in Texas rose to $147,100. For sellers considering whether the time is right to put their homes on the market, this level of growth is a clear indicator that prices are on the rise.
For buyers, precedent for increased sales prices means it's more important than ever to engage the services of a buyers' agent to help negotiate the best possible home price in a transaction.
Overall movement on the Texas real estate market has increased, as well.
Single-family home sales in Texas were up 12 percent over first quarter 2011 levels.
If you're ready to capitalize on Texas' growing real estate market by buying or selling a home in San Antonio, e-mail Jeanine Claus and the Claus Team, a full-service agency specializing in real estate located in San Antonio's outer I-35 corridor by phone at 210.566.6355 or visit us online at www.theclausteam.com.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Lack's Schertz Distribution Center has New Owner
According to the San Antonio Business Journal, the former Lack's Furniture Store, Inc. distribution center, located off of Schwab Road in the City of Schertz, has a new owner. The 386,000-square-foot warehouse has been vacant since Lack's filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy re-organization.
The property was recently acquired by Salof Properties, LLC. The new owners have yet to announce their plans for the facility.
A second former Lack's property off Rittiman Road was also sold--that one to San Antonio non-profit Daily Bread Ministries.
Check back at www.schertzblog.com for updates on commercial real estate transactions that affect Northeast San Antonio and the greater Schertz area, and if you'd like information on buying or selling a home in San Antonio, e-mail Jeanine Claus and the Claus Team, a full-service agency specializing in Schertz, Texas real estate by phone at 210.566.6355 or visit us online at www.theclausteam.com.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
A Little Extra Incentive to Buy or Sell Your Home with the Claus Team this Spring
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Top Five Reasons to Use a Realtor
Sometimes in a down market, home sellers worry about recouping Realtor fees, but the truth is, in a down market, the commission you pay for professional real estate service will end up making you money in the long run. Here are five EXCELLENT reasons from the San Francisco Chronicle to use a Realtor in a down market:
1. Your home isn't going to sell itself. Contracting with a Realtor gets the word out to a much larger buyer pool than selling by owner. And in real estate, volume matters. No one can buy your home if they don't know it's for sale.
2. You need someone to give you an honest opinion of the value and condition of your home. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and having a professional opinion on things you can do to maximize your home's showing appeal can mean the difference between someone clicking past your listing or calling for a tour.
3. Being personally intelligent isn't the same as understanding real estate laws. Do you truly have a handle on all the steps that go into home sales? Are you well-versed in real estate contract law? When you're making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, it pays to pay an expert to represent your interests.
4. You aren't going to save as much as you think. Even if you avoid paying a three percent seller's commission, there's still a very good chance that you will need to consider offering to work with buyer's agents. That means you'll still be paying half of the cost of representation, and there won't be anyone on the other side of the transaction working for you.
5. Good agents earn their money. Empirically, agents who know their markets sell homes faster and for higher sales prices than For Sale By Owner home sales.
If you'd like information on buying or selling a home in San Antonio, e-mail Jeanine Claus and The Claus Team, a full-service real estate agency specializing in Schertz, Texas real estate by phone at 210.566.6355 or visit us online at www.theclausteam.com.
1. Your home isn't going to sell itself. Contracting with a Realtor gets the word out to a much larger buyer pool than selling by owner. And in real estate, volume matters. No one can buy your home if they don't know it's for sale.
2. You need someone to give you an honest opinion of the value and condition of your home. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and having a professional opinion on things you can do to maximize your home's showing appeal can mean the difference between someone clicking past your listing or calling for a tour.
3. Being personally intelligent isn't the same as understanding real estate laws. Do you truly have a handle on all the steps that go into home sales? Are you well-versed in real estate contract law? When you're making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life, it pays to pay an expert to represent your interests.
4. You aren't going to save as much as you think. Even if you avoid paying a three percent seller's commission, there's still a very good chance that you will need to consider offering to work with buyer's agents. That means you'll still be paying half of the cost of representation, and there won't be anyone on the other side of the transaction working for you.
5. Good agents earn their money. Empirically, agents who know their markets sell homes faster and for higher sales prices than For Sale By Owner home sales.
If you'd like information on buying or selling a home in San Antonio, e-mail Jeanine Claus and The Claus Team, a full-service real estate agency specializing in Schertz, Texas real estate by phone at 210.566.6355 or visit us online at www.theclausteam.com.
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
TripAdvisor.com says visit Schertz restaurants
If you're planning a trip to look at Schertz, Texas real estate, you might want to schedule time for lunch during your house hunt. The 40th Best Place to live in America according to a recent CNN ranking, TripAdvisor.com says Schertz restaurants are worth taking the time to visit.
According to the site, the top three restaurants in Schertz are Siam Thai Cuisine, CBQ Eatery, and Abel's Diner. It's an eclectic mix.
Siam Thai Cuisine offers a modern, urban twist on traditional Thai favorites featuring fresh ingredients and daring flavor combinations. CBQ Eatery takes the best of Texas...beef and barbecue...and packages them in a unique new way. And Abel's Diner offers the best in down home, country cooking.
When you choose to live in Schertz, you're settling in a location that combines the best in urban convenience and culture with the comfort of a close-knit community.
If you'd like information on buying or selling a home in San Antonio, e-mail Jeanine Claus and The Claus Team, a full-service real estate agency specializing in Schertz, Texas real estate by phone at 210.566.6355 or visit us online at www.theclausteam.com.
According to the site, the top three restaurants in Schertz are Siam Thai Cuisine, CBQ Eatery, and Abel's Diner. It's an eclectic mix.
Siam Thai Cuisine offers a modern, urban twist on traditional Thai favorites featuring fresh ingredients and daring flavor combinations. CBQ Eatery takes the best of Texas...beef and barbecue...and packages them in a unique new way. And Abel's Diner offers the best in down home, country cooking.
When you choose to live in Schertz, you're settling in a location that combines the best in urban convenience and culture with the comfort of a close-knit community.
If you'd like information on buying or selling a home in San Antonio, e-mail Jeanine Claus and The Claus Team, a full-service real estate agency specializing in Schertz, Texas real estate by phone at 210.566.6355 or visit us online at www.theclausteam.com.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Home Sales Tax....WHAT????
We recently came across this article and found it to be very interesting!!! So, we thought we would share it with you. Would love to know your thoughts on this!
HOME SALES TAX
I thought you might find this interesting, --
The National Association of Realtors is all over this and working to get it repealed, -- before it takes effect. But, I am very pleased we aren't the only ones who know about this ploy to steal billions from unsuspecting homeowners. How many realtors do you think will vote Democratic in 2012?
Did you know that if you sell your house after 2012 you will pay a 3.8% sales tax on it? That's $3,800 on a $100,000 home, etc. When did this happen? It's in the health care bill, -- and it goes into effect in 2013. Why 2013? Could it be so that it doesn’t come to light until after the 2012 elections? So, this is ‘change you can believe in’?
Under the new health care bill all real estate transactions will be subject to a 3.8% sales tax.
If you sell a $400,000 home, there will be a $15,200 tax. This bill is set to hurt the retiring generation, -- who often downsize their homes. Does this make your November, 2012 vote more important?
Oh, you weren't aware that this was in the ObamaCare bill? Guess what; you aren't alone! There are more than a few members of Congress that weren't aware of it either.
You can check this out for yourself at:
http://www.gop.gov/blog/10/04/08/obamacare-flatlines-obamacare-taxes-home
VOTERS NEED TO KNOW.
HOME SALES TAX
I thought you might find this interesting, --
The National Association of Realtors is all over this and working to get it repealed, -- before it takes effect. But, I am very pleased we aren't the only ones who know about this ploy to steal billions from unsuspecting homeowners. How many realtors do you think will vote Democratic in 2012?
Did you know that if you sell your house after 2012 you will pay a 3.8% sales tax on it? That's $3,800 on a $100,000 home, etc. When did this happen? It's in the health care bill, -- and it goes into effect in 2013. Why 2013? Could it be so that it doesn’t come to light until after the 2012 elections? So, this is ‘change you can believe in’?
Under the new health care bill all real estate transactions will be subject to a 3.8% sales tax.
If you sell a $400,000 home, there will be a $15,200 tax. This bill is set to hurt the retiring generation, -- who often downsize their homes. Does this make your November, 2012 vote more important?
Oh, you weren't aware that this was in the ObamaCare bill? Guess what; you aren't alone! There are more than a few members of Congress that weren't aware of it either.
You can check this out for yourself at:
http://www.gop.gov/blog/10/04/08/obamacare-flatlines-obamacare-taxes-home
VOTERS NEED TO KNOW.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
EXTREME MAKEOVER HERE WE COME!
Today is the day!!!! We are official volunteers for Extreme Makeover Home Edition! Yippeee!!! We are so excited to be able to give our time and service to help a wounded warrior right here in the San Antonio area...the family is so deserving and have sacrificed so much for OUR FREEDOM. We will be heading out to Floresville tonight from 8pm to 2am with our work gloves in tow..ready to help where we can. Although they are no longer taking volunteers...spectators are welcome. From what I understand, things are moving right along and the BIG reveal will be Saturday afternoon.
If you are interested in learning more about this deserving family...you can read about them on the Morgan's Wonderland website Morgan's Wonderland.
What an honor and a blessing this will be for all of the member's of The Claus Team! We are truly grateful for all of our military members and the risks they take to protect our freedom. We are also thankful for the families that stand behind them...often spending many days, weeks, and months without them...they can serve because they have you supporting them.
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
We keep you posted on how it goes!!!!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Want to buy a home now or in the future....Read on!!
Homeownership is part of the American dream. Are you ready to realize that dream NOW? Or are you ready to realize that dream...but not financially ready? Maybe you have owned a home before and want to buy a new one. Whatever your circumstance is, The Claus Team is here to help you realize your dreams.
On Tuesday, January 17th, The Claus Team will host a FREE....yes FREE....homebuyer seminar. We will have a local lender that we trust and respect present to give you TONS of valuable information on purchasing a home. This seminar is great for everyone...first time homebuyers, previous/current homeowners, etc. Even if you know you cannot purchase a home now due to bad credit, low income, or whatever your reason...you should come. There will be plenty of tips on how to get yourself into a position to purchase a home.
Of course, our Claus Team realtors will be present to answer questions about the housing market, explain the home buying process, and help you to decide if and when homebuying is a good choice for you!
So here are the details:
January 17th 2012
Schertz Public Library
Meeting Room 2
5:30-7:30
We would love to see you there! Send us a message or email if you have any questions!
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