Corpus Christi Homes & Real Estate Blog

Credit Repair - The 4 main reasons to "clean up" (fix) your credit

2012-02-03T19:41:00.000-06:00

Reason #1 - Clean Credit Almost Always Means Better Interest Rates

Lower interest rates on personal loans, credit cards, mortgages, auto loans and more.
Interest rates are considerably based upon a combination of your credit history and credit score, which is actually calculated by comparing the positive and/or negative listings within your credit report.
Having a "cleaner" credit report will statistically result in a higher overall credit score and will qualify you for lower interest rates. Save money on credit card purchases and loan payments by having a cleaner credit score thus lowering your interest rates.

Reason #2 – Clean Credit Reports Make for a Higher Rate of Loan Approval
Let's face it, our economy is in bad shape. This means that more Americans are getting turned away from auto, home, personal and home improvement loans every day. A good way to make sure you get the loan you are applying for is to know that your credit report is clean and accurate. It's an ugly truth but hard working Americans get denied thousands of loans simply based on inaccurate information found on their credit reports. This inaccurate information may be challenged or disputed; and if proven to be inaccurate, they can all be dropped entirely from your credit report. In most cases, this directly increases your credit score thus increasing your odds of getting approved for that home or auto loan you've been wanting.

Reason #3 - Some Employers Require Clean Credit Reports
Many employment opportunities are available for people who possess high credit scores. Many of these jobs even require that some employees have full access to other individuals' personal financial information. Taking the necessary steps in order to clean your credit up will ensure you don't get turned down for any employment opportunity solely based on your credit score.

Reason #4 - Clean Credit Feels Good
Generally speaking, living with a lower than average credit score has an impact on many individuals' self esteem and confidence. Possessing a lower level of confidence can also directly affect many aspects of your daily life. Clean up your credit and improve your credit report either on your own or with the assistance of a credit repair professional and keep the idea of having a bad credit score far away from impacting your family's life, happiness and well-being.

Become a fan on our Facebook page for more Corpus Christi Credit Repair information and a $50 coupon.

Corpus Christi Credit Repair

2012-01-18T18:21:00.000-06:00

BAD CREDIT? We can help! Strategic Finance has helped thousands like your self restore their credit and return to their comfortable life style. Your credit score isn't just another number, it is the only number anyone who is going to lend you money will really ever see and trust. So if you’re looking to lower your monthly bills and lead a healthier stress free life, then Strategic Finance can help. Visit our site, www.cccreditrepair.com or Call for a Free Credit Consultation and a credit specialist will answer any credit questions you may have.

Flash Web Design & Full Service Hosting

2011-12-11T15:27:00.001-06:00

You may not have the knowledge or maybe you just don't have the time to create a website for your business, but make no mistake, you need one and we can help. Just give us some input on what you want and the content you need and we can put it together. Not only do we build websites, we'll also host and maintain your site which also includes your own domain name (yourbusinessname.com). You never even have to login, we will manage your website so you can focus on your business. The only skills you need is 'emailing'. If you have a change or need an update, just send us an email.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/CorpusChristiWebmastercom/329934033699353

Corpus Christi Home for Sale by Owner Financing

2011-11-08T13:13:00.001-06:00

Home for Sale with Owner Financing! - No Credit Check!

3842 Emu Corpus Christi TX 78414

Beautiful home for sale by owner in the Greystone subdivision, an upscale neighborhood in Southside Corpus Christi TX. This is a 4/2/2 stucco home built in 2007 with a large backyard, open floor plan, formal dining room, granite counter tops in kitchen and baths, stainless appliances, high ceilings, 2in wood blinds, tile, new carpet and 1972 sf. 4th bedroom can be used as office.

$239,000.00

10% down

$2,000/month (includes taxes & insurance)

For more details or to schedule a viewing, please email or call. (361) 658-0200

http://mlsofcc.com/for-sale-by-owner-financing.html

6 Tips for Choosing the Best Offer for Your Corpus Christi Home

2011-10-03T14:58:00.000-05:00

1. Understand the process

All offers are negotiable, as your agent will tell you. When you receive an offer, you can accept it, reject it, or respond by asking that terms be modified, which is called making a counteroffer.

2. Set baselines

Decide in advance what terms are most important to you. For instance, if price is most important, you may need to be flexible on your closing date. Or if you want certainty that the transaction won’t fall apart because the buyer can’t get a mortgage, require a prequalified or cash buyer.

3. Create an offer review process

If you think your home will receive multiple offers, work with your agent to establish a time frame during which buyers must submit offers. That gives your agent time to market your home to as many potential buyers as possible, and you time to review all the offers you receive.

4. Don’t take offers personally

Selling your home can be emotional. But it’s simply a business transaction, and you should treat it that way. If your agent tells you a buyer complained that your kitchen is horribly outdated, justifying a lowball offer, don’t be offended. Consider it a sign the buyer is interested and understand that those comments are a negotiating tactic. Negotiate in kind.

5. Review every term

Carefully evaluate all the terms of each offer. Price is important, but so are other terms. Is the buyer asking for property or fixtures—such as appliances, furniture, or window treatments—to be included in the sale that you plan to take with you?

Is the amount of earnest money the buyer proposes to deposit toward the downpayment sufficient? The lower the earnest money, the less painful it will be for the buyer to forfeit those funds by walking away from the purchase if problems arise.

Have the buyers attached a prequalification or pre-approval letter, which means they’ve already been approved for financing? Or does the offer include a financing or other contingency? If so, the buyers can walk away from the deal if they can't get a mortgage, and they'll take their earnest money back, too. Are you comfortable with that uncertainty?

Is the buyer asking you to make concessions, like covering some closing costs? Are you willing, and can you afford to do that? Does the buyer’s proposed closing date mesh with your timeline?

With each factor, ask yourself: Is this a deal breaker, or can I compromise to achieve my ultimate goal of closing the sale?

6. Be creative

If you’ve received an unacceptable offer through your agent, ask questions to determine what’s most important to the buyer and see if you can meet that need. You may learn the buyer has to move quickly. That may allow you to stand firm on price but offer to close quickly. The key to successfully negotiating the sale is to remain flexible.

NEW LISTING: Waterfront Home in The Lakes subdivision of Corpus Christi

2011-08-24T17:44:00.005-05:00

Very well maintained two story waterfront home with a beautiful view of the lake. This home features four bedrooms three full baths two living areas big kitchen with granite countertops, island and large eating area in kitchen overlooking the backyard and lake. All bedrooms are good size and home has 2in window blinds throughout. Roof replaced +/- 6 years ago and recent wood laminate flooring. Porch swing overlooks landscaped yard with HOA club house tennis & swimming pool right across the street!

7505 Venice, 78413
MLS #170847
$249,900

Call me if you have any questions or would like to set up a tour!

Brandon Perkins (361) 658-0200
REALTOR®

Need a loan, but the bank is not an option?

2011-07-28T19:18:00.003-05:00

Home Improvement, Need a vacation, Business startup, Debt consolidation, Medical Expenses, Wedding and even Personal Loans have never been easier....You don't need the bank to get a loan!

Do I need a Corpus Christi Realtor?

2011-07-25T12:52:00.000-05:00

Did you know that homebuyers can hire the professional services of a Corpus Christi REALTOR with no out-of-pocket expense?

That's right! Why not let a professional work for you? A REALTOR will search for homes that meet your criteria, help you pre-qualify, negotiate the best price, fill out the contract and accompany you throughout the buying process. Since the seller's agent pays a commission to the buyer's agent upon closing, there is no charge to you!

For more information on working with a Corpus Christi REALTOR contact:
Brandon Perkins (361) 658-0200

Corpus Christi Homes for Sale video

2011-06-06T20:57:00.004-05:00

You can search all homes for sale in the Corpus Christi TX area by visiting our website. You will find houses, condos, townhomes, Padre Island condos, Flour Bluff homes and Corpus Christi homes. You can search anytime on our up-to-date Corpus Christi MLS home search site.

Fielding a Lowball Purchase Offer on Your Corpus Christi Home

2011-03-30T15:18:00.000-05:00

Consider before you ignore or outright refuse a very low purchase offer for your Corpus Christi home. A counteroffer and negotiation could turn that low purchase offer into a sale.
Check your emotions

A purchase offer, even a very low one, means someone wants to purchase your home. Unless the offer is laughably low, it deserves a cordial response, whether that’s a counteroffer or an outright rejection. Remain calm and discuss with your real estate agent the many ways you can respond to a lowball purchase offer.

Counter the purchase offer

Unless you’ve received multiple purchase offers, the best response is to counter the low offer with a price and terms you’re willing to accept. Some buyers make a low offer because they think that’s customary, they’re afraid they’ll overpay, or they want to test your limits.

A counteroffer signals that you’re willing to negotiate. One strategy for your counteroffer is to lower your price, but remove any concessions such as seller assistance with closing costs, or features such as kitchen appliances that you’d like to take with you.

Consider the terms

Price is paramount for most buyers and sellers, but it’s not the only deal point. A low purchase offer might make sense if the contingencies are reasonable, the closing date meets your needs, and the buyer is preapproved for a mortgage. Consider what terms you might change in a counteroffer to make the deal work.

Review your comps

Ask your Corpus Christi REALTOR® whether any homes that are comparable to yours (known as “comps”) have been sold or put on the market since your home was listed for sale. If those new comps are at lower prices, you might have to lower your price to match them if you want to sell.

Consider the buyer’s comps

Buyers sometimes attach comps to a low offer to try to convince the seller to accept a lower purchase offer. Take a look at those comps. Are the homes similar to yours? If so, your asking price might be unrealistic. If not, you might want to include in your counteroffer information about those homes and your own comps that justify your asking price.

If the buyers don’t include comps to justify their low purchase offer, have your real estate agent ask the buyers’ agent for those comps.

Get the agents together

If the purchase offer is too low to counter, but you don’t have a better option, ask your real estate agent to call the buyer’s agent and try to narrow the price gap so that a counteroffer would make sense. Also, ask your real estate agent whether the buyer (or buyer’s agent) has a reputation for lowball purchase offers. If that’s the case, you might feel freer to reject the offer.

Don’t signal desperation

Buyers are sensitive to signs that a seller may be receptive to a low purchase offer. If your home is vacant or your home’s listing describes you as a “motivated” seller, you’re signaling you’re open to a low offer.

If you can remedy the situation, maybe by renting furniture or asking your agent not to mention in your home listing that you’re motivated, the next purchase offer you get might be more to your liking.

Relocating Corpus Christi TX

2011-03-27T23:16:00.000-05:00

If you're considering a move to the Corpus Christi area, we can help. We realize that moving is more then simply finding a new house, but rather finding a new home. Our relocation team is here to help you find the right community, a Corpus Christi real estate agent and the perfect home.

If you're considering a move to any other city, we can help. Regardless of where you are moving, we will provide you with the resources and service to make your transition as easy as possible and make sure you are in the advisement of a professional real estate agent.

For a free Corpus Christi TX Relocation guide, contact Brandon Perkins (361) 658-0200.

Search Corpus Christi Homes For Sale

2011-03-20T12:46:00.000-05:00

Search Corpus Christi Homes For Sale

Search Corpus Christi homes for sale by visiting the link above. You can find all homes in the Corpus Christi area including Flour Bluff, Calallen and Padre Island. You don't have to visit all the real estate websites to see what's on the market. Our website will list all Corpus Christi homes for sale by all realty companies in the area, including brand new listings in real time!

Corpus Christi REALTOR - LIKE Me on Facebook

2011-03-15T16:34:00.003-05:00

LIKE me on Facebook to receive real estate related news and tips for the Corpus Christi community.

My name is Brandon Perkins and I am a licensed, full-time REALTOR for Coldwell Banker Pacesetter Steel Realtors. I am a Corpus Christi Native and am raising my own kids here in Corpus Christi. I know the area and love what I do. Whether you are a first time home buyer or need to sell your property for top dollar, I can help. I would appreciate the opportunity & look forward to working for you!

Feel free to visit my website, http://www.brandonperkins.com or call me directly for assistance at
361-658-0200.

Corpus Christi Real Estate - Home Buying Process

2011-03-15T00:10:00.000-05:00

Greater than just the particular preparation crucial when investing in a home, learning the basics associated with the final process can be an important things that virtually any home customer should understand; this can be to ensure that the getting process would certainly go easily. The second you constructed your mind and possess agreed with all the Realtor, for example when you have decided to get a residence in Corpus Christi, the Corpus Christi real estate final process will likely then start. This coast city inside Texas is probably the well-appreciated by those people who are relocating inside state and also from some other states. With the particular nice place and neighborhood plus the innate bracelets of the popular destinations just like the North Seashore and Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens and also Nature Heart, for positive every individual could be proud being residents with this pleasant metropolis in TX. So, in case you are thinking of shopping for one from Corpus Christi MLS, it could be useful in the event you gain basic information regarding the settlement means of buying a property. This article provides basic yet useful suggestions to somehow offer you a hint on what things should go during this technique.

• Each home buyer that have finally chosen getting one from your plenty regarding Corpus Christi real estate properties would have to understand the closing method would initiate when your obtain offer are already accepted from the property owner. In the wedding of any counter offer you, this could be marked with all the final presents are approved and arranged by the buyer as well as the seller. This is a thing that both customers and vendors of Corpus Christi homes on the market should become aware of.

• This might be signified from the payment with the earnest funds, which is usually to be described because the money that your buyer pays for the seller because the initial downpayment and proof which he is actually interested to get the Corpus Christi homes on the market chosen. The solemn money may be in funds or being a check.

• This might be accompanied by evaluation with the accuracy and also appropriateness with the property subject. This is completed by any closing realtor or sometimes a subject company. This part is vital because this may determine in the event the seller with the Corpus Christi real estate property hold the complete right in law for the house. In this, the final agent can uncover virtually any hidden liens around the property and also all fees are paid to be able to claim the title should indeed be a clear title. When these aspects are already cleared, the particular closing talks would next proceed.

• Next thing that your home buyer have to do is to engage the services of your dependable and also reliable residence inspector that will perform the essential final residence inspection method. This is completed in order to make sure the seller provides vacated your home in the most likely way since outlined inside the written revenue agreement. In case the residence inspector identified that something will not be fulfilled good contract, the client has the proper to delay or put off the final process before the appropriate actions is accomplished from the home owner.

• Most or even all residence buyers would require real est financing when investing in a home. The lender will likely then necessitate performing an actual estate appraisal so that you can determine your home value. This would certainly then be the next thing in the particular closing means of buying a property.

• Following your lender found the worth of the house satisfying, he can approve how much the bank loan being utilized. After the particular loan acceptance, the loan company would next send the primary documents for the title company for your speedy running. These will be the same documents which will be signed around the actual final day since set from the title business. In order to make certain trouble-free and also non-complex economic transactions, an escrow account would have to be exposed.

• Following your final data about some other fees combined with actual price with the Corpus Christi homes on the market that you will be buying are usually accurately and also completely arranged, the customer would then have to obtain any cashier's search for the outstanding balance.

• The particular signing of all important files would next follow in respect to Corpus Christi real estate regulations. This could be completed from the recording with the transaction for the Nueces State, where Corpus Christi is located. At this aspect, the ownership with the specified Corpus Christi homes on the market is next transferred from your seller for the buyer.

Corpus Christi Homes

2011-03-07T17:12:00.000-06:00

Search Corpus Christi Homes for sale by visiting our website, http://mlsofcc.com/. You can search all homes for sale by all REALTORS in the Corpus Christi area. Newly listed Single Family Homes, new construction, bank owned properties, condos, foreclosures, townhomes, waterfront, southside, Flour Bluff, Padre Island and Calallen properties all listed and updated in real time! So many sites out there are slow to update and have outdated listings. Use our web site and....Search for Corpus Christi Homes Like a REALTOR!

Homes in Corpus Christi

2011-02-26T20:22:00.000-06:00

Tips for First-Time Corpus Christi Home Buyers

2011-02-20T22:27:00.000-06:00

Like any other life changing experience, buying a Corpus Christi home for the first time can seem like an incredible challenge. However, once first-time homebuyers are able to organize their priorities, conduct some useful research and interact with a trusted real estate agent, confusion can quickly turn into excitement. Keeping in mind some of the basic tips outlined below can help pave the way to a successful first-time Corpus Christi home buying experience. (Video: Corpus Christi Homes For Sale)

Prior to researching the real estate market and hunting for mortgages, you will need to analyze your family’s goals and priorities. Take some time to reflect and determine if it is the right time to purchase your first Corpus Christi home. You may also want to ask yourself where you want to be in the next few years and consider how purchasing a Corpus Christi home for the first time fits into your family’s long-term goals.

Once you determine you are ready to purchase your first Corpus Christi home, you may want to research the details of the Corpus Christi home buying process. Though you may not understand everything you read, any insight you gain will help you avoid unwanted headaches further along in the process.

The next important step in the Corpus Christi home buying process may seem obvious but is often overlooked during the excitement of purchasing a first home. Very simply, as a first-time Corpus Christi home buyer, you need to determine what you can afford. Too often, first-time Corpus Christi home buyers underestimate or simply miscalculate the costs of owning a Corpus Christi home. Before searching for your first home, ask yourself if your income is both adequate and reliable enough to afford mortgage payments.

There are also upfront costs to consider when buying a Corpus Christi home. Though the amount required to cover a down payment and possible closing costs will vary, there are usually some out of pocket expenses to incur when closing on your first Corpus Christi home. Being prepared for these expenses, as well as any unexpected costs that occur after you have moved in will help your transition into home ownership.

After determining what your family can comfortably afford, you should start shopping around – for both homes and mortgages. By this time, you should have a good idea of what types of amenities you are looking for in a first home and what neighborhoods best match your family’s needs. As your search advances, you may want to attend some open houses in your neighborhoods of interest. Even if you don’t find the perfect Corpus Christi home right away, being active in the market will give you a better chance of finding the best fit for your family.

While looking at Corpus Christi homes, you may also want to see what types of mortgages are available to your family. If you are able to determine what rates you qualify for and estimate your mortgage payment before actively bidding on a Corpus Christi home, you can narrow down your price range and make a confident offer when the time comes.

Though following the previous steps can help a first-time Corpus Christi home buyer find the right home, buyers never need to go it alone. After conducting your own research, it is a good idea to find an agent you can trust. Besides being able to assist you when searching for the right home, a reliable real estate agent can help guide you through the Corpus Christi home buying process.

If you are patient with the home buying process and do your homework before purchasing your first Corpus Christi home, your diligence will most likely lead you to the perfect home for your family.

Corpus Christi MLS

2011-02-10T20:34:00.003-06:00

Corpus Christi Homes

2011-02-07T16:37:00.000-06:00

Tips for Corpus Christi Home Buyers Determining the Appropriate Property Value and Offer Price

2011-01-31T22:32:00.000-06:00

Determining the value of Corpus Christi home can be sometimes a difficult task for a buyer. Just as there are many factors that can impact a Corpus Christi home’s value, the details and potential success of your offer also rely on several pieces of information. If you are thinking about buying a Corpus Christi home, you may want to consider the following tips to gain a better understanding of property values. By utilizing these recommendations and discussing the findings with your agent, you might be able to not only find the best house for your money, but also a Corpus Christi home that surpasses all of your expectations.

1. Investigate Locally
When searching for a new Corpus Christi home, many prospective Corpus Christi homebuyers start by checking local listings. After the search is narrowed down to a few neighborhoods of interest, walking or driving through these areas can give you a better idea of overall neighborhood quality. As you narrow your search, it might help to attend a few open houses in the local market to gain an understanding of pricing trends and witness how much interest is being paid to the Corpus Christi homes already for sale.

In the early stages of shopping for a Corpus Christi home, it can also be helpful to have your agent perform a Comparative Market Analysis. This report will show you the past sales prices of Corpus Christi homes in the area and allow you to contrast those statistics with the current Corpus Christi homes for sale.

2. Get behind the numbers
After you have compared the list prices of the Corpus Christi homes you are interested in with other Corpus Christi homes that have sold in the area, there are a few assessments of value you may want to consider. The most telling estimate of a Corpus Christi home’s value will be a professional inspection.

Another statistic that will provide you an estimated value of a Corpus Christi home is the assessed tax value. However, as the assessed tax value sometimes doesn’t take into account the amenities of a Corpus Christi home, upgrades to the property or the nuances of the housing market, this value can vary from a professional estimate. Work with your agent to compare the details of your appraisal and the assessed tax value, taking into account all of the Corpus Christi home’s amenities and any issues of particular importance to your family – including such factors as the quality of the neighborhood, local schools and even how the Corpus Christi home matches up to your long-term goals.

3. Think about the market
When trying to determine the value of a Corpus Christi home for sale, it might also help to consider the status of the overall housing market. First, take into account national trends and determine whether it is a “buyer’s market” or a “seller’s market.” Next, compare the local housing market to the national trends, considering both the neighborhood of the Corpus Christi home for sale and a broader geographical region incorporating the surrounding city or other nearby communities. It is quite possible that a particular area may not be affected by national market trends, creating for instance a small seller’s market within a broad buyer’s market, or vice versa.

4. Pay attention to the details
Besides looking at local and national housing trends, there are a few more issues that can affect the value of a Corpus Christi home and the details of your offer. First, you and your agent should find out how long the Corpus Christi home has been on the market. It is believed by many that if a Corpus Christi home has been for sale more than 30 days, sellers are often more motivated to sell and are more receptive to lower-priced offers.
In addition to the time spent on the market, you and your agent should also try to find out if there are any additional factors that could motivate the seller for a quick sale. For instance, if the seller has already purchased another Corpus Christi home or is relocating to another state, you may receive a better response to your offer sheet.

After taking all these factors into account, you and your agent should be able to determine both the market value of the Corpus Christi home and the right amount to bid if making an offer. Furthermore, the more you take the information you’ve gathered into account, the better you will be able to prevent potentially overbidding – which, of course, costs the buyer more money – or underbidding – an error that could discourage a seller from further negotiations.

Lastly, try to remember that the process of ascribing value to a Corpus Christi home is not an exact science. Each time a house is sold on the open market the sales price will represent careful negotiations between the buyer and seller, with all of the factors here taken into account by each party. Therefore, above all else, the right Corpus Christi home should not only represent a good value when analyzing appraisals and various market factors, it should also be the best value for you and your family.

Find Corpus Christi TX Homes For Sale

2011-01-24T15:19:00.000-06:00

Tips for Preparing Your Home for an Open House

2011-01-18T15:12:00.000-06:00

Every seller wants her home to sell quickly and bring top dollar. While there are some factors you can’t control, like neighborhood popularity and market fluctuations, you can help your house put on its best face for showings and open houses. If you want to sell your home, here are some tips to prepare your house and turn it into an irresistible home. Click here to find homes for sale in Corpus Christi TX.

Before any physical preparations, you first need to prepare yourself emotionally. Begin to dissociate yourself, and decide to let go of your attachments to the home. From now on, this is a house you really want to sell, not your own beloved home.

It’s important that potential buyers can imagine calling your house “home,” too. Make it easier for them by de-personalizing the space. Remove personal photos and family heirlooms. Buyers should be allowed to connect with the space, and to imagine displaying their own photos and artifacts. You want buyers to think, “I could see myself living here.”

It’s no surprise that you’ll want a tidy house for a showing, but what about those hidden areas of the home? Buyers need to look everywhere; they will open cupboards and peer into closets. So, make sure storage areas are organized, and that coats hang neatly in hall closets. Stack dishes and re-arrange kitchen drawers. Tidy other stored items, like books, games or CD’s. Bathrooms and kitchens should be especially clean, with counters clear of miscellaneous personal items and knick-knacks. Don’t forget the outside of the home. Give your house curb appeal by trimming the lawn, sweeping the front walk, and artfully arranging outdoor furniture.

Now is the time to take care of those bothersome little repairs you’ve been putting off for years. Buyers will notice the flaws that you’ve grown accustomed to. From replacing light bulbs, to cleaning scuff marks off walls, to replacing missing tiles in the bathroom, or fixing the broken screen door, take care to repair all the minor problems with the house before the open house.

While you may have long determined which aspects of your home you love, having a fresh set of eyes scrutinize its best features is a smart idea. If you want to sell your home, take the time to walk through it methodically with your real estate agent. Together you can point out which features of the home should be accentuated...and which elements should be downplayed. Does your home have a wonderful view? Draw attention to it by sprucing up window treatments and arranging furniture to draw the eye toward the windows. Is the kitchen small and cramped? Make the most of it by lighting the space well, clearing counters of debris and displaying a vase of fresh flowers.

If you want to take window coverings, built-in appliances or fixtures with you when you sell your home, remove them now. If the chandelier in the dining room once belonged to your great grandmother, take it down. If a buyer never sees it, he won't want it. Once you tell a buyer he can't have an item, he will covet it, and it could blow your deal. Pack those items and replace them, if necessary.

Finally, when it comes time for the open house, try to avoid being home. Not only does it make buyers uncomfortable, but it can interfere with your real estate agent’s sales process. Whether you head to the office or just out for a walk with the dog, you can rest assured that in your absence, your house will look enticing to its new owners!

Search Corpus Christi Homes For Sale

2011-01-17T01:46:00.004-06:00

Tips for Reviewing a Purchase & Sale Agreement (seller)

2011-01-08T22:48:00.000-06:00

When selling your Corpus Christi home, it’s likely that your primary focus is receiving the highest price possible for your property. And while this is certainly an important factor, there are other details that must be considered when you receive an official offer on your Corpus Christi home in the form of a Real Estate Purchase Contract (REPC). Negotiating this wordy and legally binding document can seem daunting, but understanding the information contained in the REPC will save you time, money and heartache during the process of selling your Corpus Christi home.

The Real Estate Purchase Contract, also known as a Purchase and Sale Agreement, or a Real Estate Contract, is an agreement between a buyer and a seller to purchase real estate. Your first encounter with a particular purchase contract will be in the form of an offer from a potential buyer. After reviewing the offer, you have three options: to accept the terms of the offer, thus entering into a contract; to change the terms of the offer in a counter-offer; or to reject the offer wholesale.

After considering the price offered by the buyer, savvy sellers will then determine if the Real Estate Purchase Agreement contains any contingencies. One common possibility is that the offer to purchase your property is contingent on the sale of the buyer’s Corpus Christi home. If the buyers' property sells, the sale goes through. But, if it does not, the sale is off and the buyers' deposit is usually returned. There are ways to structure a contingent sale offer to make it less risky for sellers. One way is to include a release clause in the contract, which allows sellers to continue marketing their Corpus Christi home in the hopes of finding a better offer. If such an offer comes along, the sellers notify the buyers that they must remove the contingency by a certain date and show that they are able to close. Otherwise, they must withdraw from the contract. The sellers are then free to proceed with the other offer.

Another red flag to watch for is a request by the buyer for excessive time to secure financing. This is a reality for many first-time Corpus Christi home buyers or even veteran buyers whose credit is spread thin. If you’re not comfortable with the extended time frame, you can request that the buyer provide you with proof of loan application and/or a letter of loan qualification by a certain date. A well-priced offer can also seem less appealing if the seller offers a low earnest money deposit or asks you to pay the closing costs. Feel free to counter any elements of the offer that don’t sit well with you.

And, don’t forget to take note of your requirements in the offer. Some buyers will include a clause that penalizes sellers who don’t move from the property by a specific date. Be confident that you can vacate your Corpus Christi home by the date requested before accepting the offer. On the other hand, you may want the closing process to move swiftly. Even if the offered price is less than you wanted, a buyer who can close and take possession quickly can counterbalance the lower price.

It is generally accepted that all attached fixtures and appliances will be sold with your Corpus Christi home, but the buyer must list these carefully in the offer to purchase. Such appliances and fixtures can include ovens and dishwashers, window treatments, light fixtures, fireplace mantels and even landscaping features like trees and flowers. Additionally, buyers can request the inclusion of certain furnishings and personal property. If you have items that you do not wish to include when selling your Corpus Christi home—whether the washer/dryer, an heirloom rosebush, or all your furniture—it’s a good idea to let your real estate agent know from the get-go, so he or she can help mitigate the expectations of buyers.

The bottom line? It pays to spend 20 minutes reviewing a blank real estate purchase contract as soon as you put your house on the market. That way, when you receive an offer, you’ll be ready to break it down into its specifics, and respond confidently.

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Common Issues When Buying a Corpus Christi home to Remodel

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Remodeling a Corpus Christi home starts with a dream. A gourmet kitchen! Skylights! A gigantic walk-in closet! But, the dream may turn into a nightmare if you don’t plan ahead. Buying a Corpus Christi home will arguably become your most important financial investment, as well as a major emotional investment. And, remodeling that home can make it better suited to your lifestyle and increase the house value. However, the remodeling process can seem overwhelming at times. If you’re buying a Corpus Christi home that you plan to remodel, here are some issues to consider.

It’s always important to make Corpus Christi home improvements to satisfy your needs and desires, not just to raise the house value. After all, you’re the one who will be living in the Corpus Christi home and enjoying the improvements. However, if you’re making improvements in order to increase the resale value of the house, be careful not to overdo it. It is possible to add too much house value in relation to the other homes in your area, and can be difficult to recover these improvement costs when you sell the Corpus Christi home. Also, some expensive choices, like particular fixtures or flooring, may actually make your Corpus Christi home more difficult to sell. Talk with your Coldwell Banker® real estate professional about your remodel plans before putting on your work gloves.

While the specifics of the Corpus Christi home you are buying will determine your remodel plans, certain improvement projects have historically provided high ROI’s, or Return On Investments. According to Remodeling Magazine, improving the quality of a kitchen—whether upgrading appliances, changing the layout, counters and cabinetry, or simply painting and swapping out drawer pulls—provides the highest ROI of any remodel project. Also, remodeling or adding a bathroom is a proven way to increase house value.

Before you purchase a house with the intention of remodeling and raising the Corpus Christi home value, be sure to investigate the zoning restrictions and environmental regulations. Many older Corpus Christi homes come with zoning restrictions, including pre-determined setbacks from property lines, limits on roof height, etc. If the Corpus Christi home is on a municipal historic register, regulations will likely be even more stringent in order to preserve the house’s historic character. If the Corpus Christi home you are buying is in an environmentally sensitive area—adjacent to wetlands or protected open space, for example—or contains a significant natural resource, additional regulations may limit your remodel plans. Such regulations can impede on house size, paving, grading soil, cutting down trees and removing native plants.

Your attorney can help you determine zoning and environmental regulations and determine if you have the correct permits to begin any home improvement project. In most parts of the world, a legal permit is required before you make structural changes to your Corpus Christi home. The building permit and associated inspections and approvals can provide assurance that the remodeling project meets local building codes and safety regulations. If you live in a historic district this process may also provide assurance that exterior changes to your home are in keeping with neighborhood guidelines.

Lastly, before buying a home that requires a remodel, be aware that some problems simply can’t be fixed. Whether the desired improvement is prohibited by local regulations, or can’t be undertaken with your budget or timeframe, it’s important to recognize the limitations of your Corpus Christi home’s potential.