5 Facts Every First-Time House Hunter Should Know

Buying your first home is scary, even if you do have all of the property information. Take  few tips from those that have gone before you and the pros in the field. Real estate agents know how to guide you through the entire process, from finding a home to completing all of the paperwork to purchase it, to picking up the keys.

1. Get your finances in order first

When looking for homes, often the first thing people think to do is start cruising neighborhoods for homes they think are pretty. While that is a fun way to start the home buying process, be sure you are taking the purchase seriously. Request a credit report, then work on doing what you can to improve your score. With luck, all will be well, but it might take a little time to get the finances polished. When you know you are ready to find something, get pre-approved by a bank for a mortgage loan. This step will also help you narrow down the search to properties that fit within that price range when you are reaching property information.

2. The offer you give can make or break a deal

When you find a property that grabs your attention, your finances will be in line and ready to go. However, you will need to move forward with the delicate dance known as the offer. Obviously you want to purchase for as little as possible and they want to sell for as much as possible. Sometimes, people are glad to reduce the price, but you don’t want to miss the opportunity because you bid too low and insulted the sellers. Educate yourself on the property information, the market, and the proper methods, but if you aren’t sure how to read the homeowner, economy, and local market, it could be best to rely on a Realtor to help you with this step.

3. Sign a purchase agreement

It may feel odd to sign your name to documents and even put down money for a property if you aren’t sure that you will actually purchase. However, signing a purchase agreement and providing earnest money is standard practice in real estate. It lets the homeowner know you are serious about the property. It can also help make things more clear for the negotiations and final stages, because often it includes a list of all property information and everything that is included with the sale, such as appliances, storage buildings, and closing costs.

4. An inspection protects you

While an inspection isn’t required, it behooves any interested buyer to pay for one to be done. Even if you or someone in your family is familiar with houses and home repair, it is best to hire a professional inspector for the best property information. They will provide a specific and thorough check of the entire property, from the attic to the foundation and, all over the property. They understand how to check the electric and water lines, drainage on the property, and for the dreaded termite or black mold damage. Many issues can hide in a home that even the homeowner isn’t aware of.

5. Be ready for the closing costs

With so many more exciting things to spend money on when purchasing a home, it can be easy to forget to have enough cash on hand for the closing costs. Sometimes buyers are able to roll these costs into their mortgage agreement or have the seller pay for them. However, that isn’t always the case, so it is best to be prepared.

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

The Beginner's Guide to Mid-Century Modern

Mid-century modern is all the rage at the moment. Everyone is eagerly seeking everything from properties to furniture and accessories that fit the style. The good news is that many communities across the United States experienced a housing boom during the decades that covered the style. There are plenty of neighborhoods full of examples, and ample vintage and antique shops to find collectables and furniture. In order to keep on trend, it is important to understand exactly what the style is. With a few easy tips, you will be able to easily spot the style in a snap.

The mid-century modern genre covers not only style for architecture, but also for interiors, graphic design, and products. The general time period for the main movement is the early 30s to the mid 60s. It was the modern design that developed out of the arts and crafts movement of the early part of the twentieth century and the revolutionary designs coming from Europe, such as International design and Bauhaus. Both had a focus on nature and simple design that focused on the materials without embellishments.

New building techniques were also being introduced, such as steel reinforced concrete floors that allowed corporate buildings to be stronger and higher, with glass outer surfaces rather than brick and mortar. In residential architecture, the focus was put on how to bring nature in, open up the choppy floor plans of the pre-WWII home building plans, and to pay attention to how the property would be used by the family. Some key features to look for are kitchens that open into great rooms for family gatherings, large windows to let in plenty of light and views of nature, and a generally clean and simple design.

Interior design for mid-century modern was all about functionality, simplicity, and minimalism. Tables were a simple flat plane with thin, turned but not embellished, legs that often tapered slightly and were installed at an angle. Much of the other furniture focused on casual daily living, such as consoles for television sets, sofas and chairs, and sideboards for storage. Most items are angular or geometric, with simple lines and simple materials.

If you would like to learn more about mid-century modern in Austin, visit The Kinney Company.

Does Your Real Estate Agent Have Your Best Interests at Heart?

When looking for a new home, sometimes the hardest part is researching real estate companies. With such a big purchase, often the biggest a person has ever made, it is necessary to have a seasoned professional with your best interests at heart. The problem is finding that perfect match of personality and experience to help you.

The first step is to seek a licensed Realtor. While other real estate agents might be able to do a good job, Realtors have undergone extensive training and testing to earn the right of their title. Their professional knowledge and personal ethics must be top-level in order to pass the test. Top real estate companies actively seek Realtors to serve with them, because of their reliability and customer care.

You will also know that an agent has your interests first by the way that they listen to you. They actively work to find properties with the criteria you need and want. Of course, in order for them to do their job, you must first provide clear and specific instructions and preferences. With the right information, they can serve you best.

Of course, the top real estate companies have agents that not only are ethical and listen well, but can take the initiative to actively learn their market and find gem properties that you wouldn’t have thought about. Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a perfect property. Even a new build will have something you don’t care for when the job is finished. A good agent with you in mind, will reach into their lists of properties and pull out options that perhaps are mostly what you want, but also have the potential to be changed into a great home.

To learn more about real estate companies in Austin, visit The Kinney Company.