Fixer Upper is one of my favorite HGTV shows. Chip and Joanna Gaines make the process appear exciting and fun, but I imagine there are a lot of behind-the-scene negotiations and inspections we're not exposed to in order to make the show more entertaining. Chip and Joanna are a very sweet couple and seem very genuine and down to earth, so that's what keeps me going back and even recording the show so that I don’t miss an episode. But is this possible to find a home for $85,000 and put $80,000 … [Read more...]
Movin’ On Up in Abilene
“I want to move up but I don’t know where to start.” This statement was presented to me by a buyer at an open house in Abilene recently. It made me think of myself in recent years as we made the move up to our dream home. My first response is, “Find a good REALTOR®!” That might sound silly but you need a plan, and a REALTOR® can give you a plan and a timetable to work towards your goal of movin’ up. If you're working with me, the first thing I'll do is schedule a walk-through of your present … [Read more...]
Home Staging versus Not
I see the value of the "staged property" even more by the educational information I received from my ASP Staging class. I actually went on a listing appointment the next day and I may have blown the clients away with information. This young couple had purchased the home from me ten years prior and they had very much lived in the property. They were newlyweds and childless when I met them, and now they are busting out at the seams with three beautiful children. The first thing I notice as I walk … [Read more...]
Local Professional Earns Accredited Staging Professional® (ASP®) Designation
The Real Estate market is increasing homeowner demands for tools to help bring a profit in the sale of their homes. ASP Home Staging has become one such tool. By properly cleaning, decluttering and preparing a house before it is listed on the market, homeowners have a better chance of selling their home at or above list price. In a recent study conducted by Stagedhomes.com, of over 1000 homes, (55% Vacant, 45% occupied) across the United States and Canada, showed homes that were prepared for … [Read more...]
Luxury Home Just Sold: Castle Rock Cove
This 4-story resort-style luxury estate on 5-plus acres in Scenic View Estates closed today! The right buyer found their dream home and buyer and seller are happy! This architectural beauty featured: Separate servant quarters or mother-in-law suite Barn/stable and two 3-car garages Romantic, grand marble foyer boasts a spiral staircase made of hardwood and custom iron design Media room with full kitchen/bar Beautifully appointed master suite with sitting area, coffee bar, … [Read more...]
Real Estate Ad Abbreviations
Confused by all the letters in a real estate ad? Here's a list of the most commonly used abbreviations in real estate ads. AC : Acre(s) A/C : Air Conditioning APPL : Appliances APPT : Appointment APT : Apartment ARCH : Architecture ARCH, ARCWY : Archway ASRSV : Assigned Parking ATT : Attached Garage AVAIL : Available BA, BTH : Bath, Bathroom BALC : Balcony BCH : Beach BCHFRNT : Beachfront BD, BDR, BDRM : Bedroom BKCSE(S) : Bookcases BKR, BRKR : Broker BKYD : Fenced … [Read more...]
Celebrate Dr. Seuss
"Beginning Thursday, June 14 downtown Abilene will be transformed into the imaginative world of Dr. Seuss. Explore a visual tour of his most famous and hidden works at the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature and at The Center for Contemporary Arts. Children can enjoy dramatic presentation from eight different Dr. Seuss books throughout the weekend. They can meet the characters, see the movies and explore the art works of Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) while visiting the … [Read more...]
Under Contract in Under 2 Weeks: 117 Dollar Bill Dr.
Gorgeous 8-year-old, custom-built, 4-bedroom Colonial in cul-de-sac is beautifully designed for indoor and outdoor living, nestled on one acre. Located in award-winning Wylie ISD. An ideal location, unbeatable lifestyle! Relax in your own "secret garden." Stone decking paths meander around flower gardens and shade trees with benches for sitting and reading. Great outdoor living center with attached grill, playground area, dog run in side yard and large grass yard with shade trees, all … [Read more...]
SOLD: 8034 Vita Ct., Abilene TX
I recently had the opportunity to work with a military couple who were transferred to Abilene's Dyess AFB. This lovely couple had originally thought they may lease but when they saw what they could purchase with an interest rate of 3.75% it was a no-brainer to go ahead and buy. We looked at about 15 houses before they made their decision to purchase the property on Vita Court. This neighborhood is located in Wylie ISD where the schools are exemplary and the homes are well maintained. Some … [Read more...]
FHA Loan Insurance Increase on April 1 and June 1
If you're on the fence on buying a home, you may be interested in knowing that on FHA financing HUD announced that insurance on FHA loans will increase on April 1 and June 1. This will impact FHA borrowers. If you're purchasing a home loan with less than 20% down, you must obtain mortgage insurance (MI) and these rates are going up. Call me at 325-669-4005 if you need details or if you need to buy before the rates go up. I can help you with that....blessings!!! … [Read more...]