Get the Scoop on the Home Selling Process

Are you thinking of listing your home? For many people, especially first-time sellers, the selling process may seem intimidating because they’re not sure what to expect. A sure way to ease any anxiety you may feel is to learn more about the process.

This month, the information I’m providing has an outline of what to expect during the selling process. From getting your home ready for its market debut to handling offers and the closing process, this piece helps you understand what may happen and offers tips to get your home ready. While the specifics of your sale may be different, the steps listed consistently occur in the majority of transactions.

When you’re ready to list your home, we’ll be there every step of the way to explain the process. Give us a call today at 512.657.4455!

Sincerely,

Oh, by the way®… if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number. I’ll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.

Perfect credit doesn’t have to be elusive. With time, patience and a few good habits, you can gradually improve your credit score over time. Below are some tips to help boost your credit score as well as some information on what defines “good” credit.

5 Steps to Repair Your Credit Starting Today

Do you feel your credit score needs improvement? Whether you’re getting ready to make a large purchase or striving to achieve a perfect score, one thing is clear: there’s no time like the present to improve your credit.

This month, I have five tips to help you improve your credit score. From reviewing your credit history and addressing inaccurate or incomplete information to paying down debts and keeping a budget, these tips are sure to help you repair negative history and boost your future credit. With effort, time and patience, you’ll be well on your way to great credit.

Share this information with your family and friends who would like to improve their credit scores. Also, if you’re thinking of buying or selling a home, give us a call.

Sincerely,

Oh, by the way®… if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number. I’ll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.

If you’re planning on moving, think about hiring movers to do the work for you. Moving companies reduce the stress of the moving process by transporting your stuff for you to your new place. Below are some tips for hiring a moving company. If you’d like a referral to a company in our area, contact us!

3 Tips to Take the Stress Out of Moving

Moving is stressful. Thankfully, with proper planning, you can ease the transition for your entire family. The more prepared you are, the easier the move will be. Plus, you’ll feel more confident when handling unexpected challenges.

This month, I’m sending information intended to reduce the stress of your next move. Page one outlines three tips to help your move go more smoothly. Moving is tough enough, but with the addition of children and pets, stress may increase exponentially. For those moving with little ones and furry friends in tow, page two offers insight to help keep every member of your family happy.

Not moving in the near future? Share this information with your family and friends who are moving to help them make it less stressful. If you’re thinking of buying or selling, give me a call.

Sincerely,

Oh, by the way®… if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number. I’ll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.

121 Carefree Cir, Lakeway,TX 78734 | MLS #3747779 | Homes for Sale Lakeway

NEW PRICE!  Now listed at $575,000 - that's just $158/sq ft to own a home in Lakeway with a view of Lake Travis!

Located on a quiet street with easy access to RR 620, this home is nestled in a serene forest like setting with natural terraced shady backyard and privacy. Enjoy beautiful sunsets with a lake view on the back porch or take in the nature & wildlife via the Hamilton Greenbelt access to the lake.  Ready for your updates, this classic Lakeway home was custom designed and built by Rusty Signor, a craftsman known for his quality construction and well built homes.  Top it off with a beautiful landscape designed by noted author Pam Pennick.   

The main level of the home features an open concept with a handcrafted suspended oak staircase, formal dining, kitchen & breakfast area open to the living room, three bedrooms, 3 full baths and an office/study.  The 1,000 sqft Master suite is located upstairs for privacy and to enjoy the secluded nature of the lot with access to an expansive covered balcony w/ hot tub.  This suite area includes loft/sitting area, wet bar, office & 2 spacious closets.

Listing presented by Lori Wakefield, Austin Real Estate Group at Keller Williams, Austin TX | 512.657.4455 | www.AustinRealEstateGroup.com

121 Carefree Cir, Austin, TX 78734 = One of the best homes for sale in Lakeway

3624 sqft

4 Bedrooms

3 Baths

1/3 acre lot

Built in 1986

Lake Travis ISD

Serene Hills Elementary

Hudson Bend Middle School

Lake Travis High School

Austin TX

Travis County

Close to beautiful Lake Travis and Hill County Galleria shopping

Easy commute to Downtown Austin

Check out the video tour of 121 Carefree Cir, Lakeway TX -

If you would like to schedule a private tour of 121 Carefree Cir Austin TX - Please contact home buyers agent Lori Wakefield by clicking http://www.austinrealestategroup.com/about/

Also, if you would like to see other homes for sale in Lakeway or are interested in real estate in Lakeway, contact Lori Wakefield from Austin Real Estate Group at Keller WIlliams Lake Travis at http://www.austinrealestategroup.com/

There are many 4 bedroom home in Lakeway and 3 or 5 bedroom homes as well.

121 carefree circle lakeway tx 

http://www.austinrealestategroup.com/featuredproperties/121-carefree-cir-lakeway-tx-78734/

$100 in the Can is Worth $1,000 on Your Wall

For less than $100, a can of paint and some basic supplies can totally transform a room in your home—and might even result in a new attitude.

Unfortunately, many do-it-yourselfers find it intimidating to select a new paint color. This month’s resource offers advice for choosing the perfect hue as well as the appropriate finish for your particular project. It also includes a number of helpful tips for getting the job done right.

Better yet, that $100 investment will most likely deliver a generous return if you decide to sell. Please call if you would like a referral to reputable paint contractor or a design consultant who would be happy to help you renew your décor and possibly even your frame of mind!

Cheers!

Lori Wakefield, REALTOR
Keller Williams Realty, Austin Texas

Oh, by the way®… if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number. I’ll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.

Tips for Buying a Rental Property

Being a great landlord (and building rental property into a profitable business enterprise) takes knowledge, commitment and sometimes a lot of elbow grease. However, it can be immensely rewarding, and the money is only part of it! Buying a rental property can set an investor on the path to financial freedom, but it requires a lot of groundwork and learning for one to be successful.

Consider Both the Benefits and Risks

The promise of easy extra income may be seductive, but the business is not without risk. It requires attention to detail, and a fair amount of extra work, not to mention some worry along the way. Here are some down-to-earth tips to keep you out of financial ruin:

• Treat your rental property as a business. Your tenants may be nice people, but stick to the terms of your lease rather than let emotions get in the way: Collect late fees if rent isn't paid on time and assess charges if tenants damage the property.
• Learn to do some things yourself. Some ongoing repairs are required, even if your tenants are responsible for routine maintenance. 
• Expect the unexpected. You'll be close to the truth if you expect that everything will take twice as long as you think it should and cost twice as much. Systems fail, parts must be replaced, your property may not rent as quickly as you would like. Be prepared to deal with delays and dollars. 
• Know that, as in any other field, you will make some mistakes and you will learn from your experiences. There are a wide variety of investment experiences, and some may be fails. Don't overextend yourself, particularly if you are new to "landlording."
• Build up a contingency fund. It's vitally important to set aside some of the rent money you receive. Even if your rental property turns a substantial monthly "profit," don't book that extended vacation just yet. There will be unanticipated costs.

Approach Each Deal with Caution

No matter what your long-term goal may be, every rental property you consider should be a good deal on its own merit. Never think that a borderline property will be a good addition to a growing investment portfolio. An accepted rule of thumb is that rental receipts for 10 months should cover 12 months' worth of anticipated expenses, to include mortgage payments, insurance, taxes, ongoing maintenance and repairs, advertising, marketing and supervision. If you can't make those numbers work, don't buy the property. 

Location and property condition are as important, if not more important, for rental properties compared to homes that you live in. Your object, of course, is to buy low, rent for as much money as possible, pay off the existing loan and build equity as well as a passive income stream for your future.

In order to do that, you must stay involved. That means carefully screening prospective tenants, personally inspecting your property on a regular basis, monitoring market trends, and keeping close watch on finances, including escalating insurance premiums and tax assessments that are beyond your direct control.

Financial Independence

Buying a first rental property can set a savvy investor on the road to real wealth, financial independence and early retirement, but it takes vision and dedication. It does not happen overnight and it may be one of the ultimate "on the job training" experiences. Successful investors offer pertinent advice for a potential landlord. But almost everyone with rental property also has some not-so-pleasant stories to tell. Minimize your risk by starting small and staying local. As you gain experience, confidence and knowledge, you can broaden your horizons.

Want to commit to personal growth and positive change but aren’t sure how to start? Below are five steps to help you begin today. From setting goals to journaling, these are sure to help you along the path to lifelong learning and personal development.

Interested in learning more?  Check out our article:  7 Ways to Invest in Yourself

Oh, by the way^®... if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number. I’ll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.