5 House Hunting Mistakes to Avoid Like Crazy

If you are in the market to buy a house, then it is wise to heed the advice of those that have gone before you and avoid a few mistakes that can have seriously unwanted results.

1. Showing up without an appointment

Suddenly showing up at a home for a tour is wrong on several counts. The sellers might think you are unrepresented (which could give them the upper hand in negotiations), plus it isn't a safe thing to do. Make a note of the address and send it to your Realtor to review and make an appointment.

2. Rushing a walk through

You, the home owner, and your Realtor have taken the time to prepare for this home tour. Especially if you like the property, look in every drawer, closet, and closed door. Allow plenty of time to linger and get a good feel for easy updates that could be made. If you don't like it, pay attention to what is wrong. Before you can buy a house, you have to know what you want to find that hidden gem.

3. Not respecting the property

Each property could possible have new flooring, upholstery, or fixtures, and at the very least has been cleaned for you and others to view. Unless you know you will buy the place and remove accidental stains yourself, leave your special frothy coffee drink (and any other gum, candy, or snacks) in the car. This also keeps down unnecessary bathroom breaks in strangers' homes.

4. Taking separate cars

When looking to buy a house, a lot of time is spent looking at options. While the occasional unsuspected home visit can pop up on a lunch break, there is typically more planning involved. Rather than insisting on going in your own car, ride with the professional, so that no one gets lost or separated. It is a more efficient use of everyone's time.

5. Lack of honesty to your Realtor

Your Realtor needs your honest opinion when you are looking to buy a house to make good decisions about future properties to show. It helps to be specific with feedback. However, remember that this is still another person's home. Even if you hate it, be respectful and keep the negative comments for a private conversation.

If you would like to learn more about how to buy a house in Austin, Texas, visit The Kinney Company.

Getting the 'Whole Story' on Property Information

When searching for the perfect home to buy, it is worth the effort to research the property information. While the added level of home work might be a bother, it is worth it to know if any unexpected and unsavory treasures lay in the home's past, or if there are tidbits out there that could help you at the bargaining table. With a few search techniques, you can learn a lot about a property that isn't in the listing description. 

 

There are several situations that might give you a better chance of reducing the price offered, or that could affect your desire to purchase. For instance, in searching for property information, you could discover that the seller is involved in a lawsuit or is filing for bankruptcy. A couple could be ready to sell a house quickly because they are getting a divorce. It could also serve your purpose to know how much is still owed on the property. These details paint a picture that can help you and your Realtor formulate a bidding strategy.

Likewise, it is good to know if there are any negative features or history to the property. A property information search could reveal that the home is in foreclosure or has had major work done on it without the proper permits. Your Realtor can do an insider's MLS search to find details specific to the home. For instance, they can see how long it has been on the market, or how many times it has been withdrawn only to be reinstated as a new listing. The MLS record will reveal the last time it was purchased, which could indicate if the property has been flipped. It is also helpful to know if the seller has switched agents at any time. Buying a home is a complicated process. Learning all you can about the property and the seller can help you get the home you seek.

If you would like to learn more about property information in the Austin area, visit The Kinney Company.

Why Mid-Century Modern is All The Rage

Trends, by their nature, come and go. The same is true for trends in home style, which explains the recent upturn in popularity of mid-century modern homes and décor. Often, the current trend is a reaction to the one before it. We try to find a fresh aesthetic approach to mix things up and keep things interesting. Other times, a change in trends is due to a nostalgic feeling that an object or look has because of a happy memory or idea of the past. In any account, it is true that at the moment, the style that prevailed a half-century ago is making a comeback.

Some contend that the wild fire spread of mid-century modern style is due to the popularity of the period dramas on television. On them, the sets and wardrobe selections are authentic and beautiful. Everyone watching period dramas are taken on a trip down memory lane. It could be to where they were at that time, or to thoughts of loved ones then. However, while the beautiful sets and costumes likely played a part in spreading the word that MCM was cool, it isn't the main reason for the trend.

Mid-century modern has certainly experienced a renaissance that eclipsed the TV shows. Flea markets are full of taper-legged consoles, tulip chairs, and minimalist art. Homes with low-pitched roofs, wide panes of unframed glass looking onto a garden area, and open design concepts are being snatched off the market. The reason is likely the same that pants with fitted legs are in style again. The style of pants fluctuates between flared and fitted leg, as people grow bored with what they have and want a different look. Style mavens are always looking to shake things up a bit and find something fun and different in order to stand out with panache. What better way to achieve that than by reaching to the past for tried and true methods.

The ecological movements also likely have had an influence. The common mantra “recycle, renew, reuse” encourages putting old things to use again, instead of in the dumpster. A quick trip to the second hand shop turns up a variety of mid-century modern items. Hipsters, naturalists, and designers alike have integrated refurbished items into their homes. The attachment to nature is also appealing to these groups. That pairs well with the original MCM style, because it was born out of the influence of Frank Lloyd Wright and the Arts and Crafts movement. They mixed with the emergence of Dutch design to give a sleek, minimalist focus on natural materials and surroundings. These design ideas are in step with modern “eco” philosophies.

If you would like to learn more about mid-century modern in Austin, click here.