Saturday, October 24, 2015

Try Before you Buy

Moving out of state or the area you know can be scary and mysterious, especially, if you aren't sure of where you want to move or you want to "feel" out the area before you buy. Finding jobs, new schools, community events etc, are things you can research online, but actually visiting and staying with your family for a few days or even weeks, in your area of interest, can help you learn about the area and help you decide if its the right place for you and your family.

     After accidentally finding this awesome site, I highly recommend you consider browsing through for a rental in your desired area rather than renting a hotel......just put in your area, number of guests and the date range to find available homes... On Airbnb, you can browse and rent local homes that are usually furnished and the owners rent seasonally or daily. You have the amenities of home and can ask the owner questions they would know the answers to about the area, economy, schools, entertainment and more....a resident is better than Google. :) (but, I still love Google for everything else)
       Be sure, of course, to check the reviews and make sure you are clear on terms and whats included before you book your stay.

So, next time you need a place to stay or are interested in an area before you move, try Airbnb.com 



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Thursday, October 22, 2015

Recycling Day at Caldwell Zoo

Every year, the first weekend of October, the Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, hosts Phone Book Recycling Day where you bring in your old phone books and get a free admission for an adult or child per phone book. For the last 6 or 7 years we have made this a tradition. Not only are we recycling and getting to see the animals in the zoo, but we meet with family and friends and make a day of it.  We never miss it. I'd say, if you are
Enjoy our photos from this year's trip!








 
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Monday, September 28, 2015

5 Things NOT TO Do Before Buying A Home

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 Yes, that's right! The home buying and mortgage process is already pretty precise so to prevent denials or delays, here are 5 things you should not do before buying a home.



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Friday, September 25, 2015

3 Ways to Sell Your Home Faster

Here are 3 super beneficial tips in helping make your home more appealing to buyers, therefore, selling it quicker!

1. Declutter - Less is more. Potential buyers want to envision their things in your home. You may love your photo collage on the wall, but buyers may not, and since you will be moving soon, (hopefully after your next showing) minimize everything in your home, stash those old newspapers or bills piled up on the counter and make sure there are clear walkways.

2. Landscaping - You don't have to hire a master gardener, but walking up to a home with a fresh cut lawn and swept porch or doorway, makes all the difference.

3. Find a great realtor. You can have success selling your own home, but a realtor has resources you don't have access to, like the MLS and more.  They have several advertising venues with a network of buyers and investors, and they have the expertise to help with the whole sale process including negotiating for the highest sale price.

Think of it this way, if you were going on a date, you want to look good for the other person, right?! Same goes with your home. Make it to where they choose your home over any other. Make it appealing to drive up to and walk into.
Hope that was helpful!

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The road driving into the Mineola Nature Preserve.