Strengthen your negotiating position with this one tip

There's a simple thing you can do to put yourself in a powerful negotiating position: If you want something, don't care about getting it. Does that sound crazy? Can you see yourself not caring when negotiating the purchase of your dream home, the one you can see yourself blissfully happy in for years to come? Don't misunderstand me. I'm not suggesting you don't try to get the house. Not caring means you sit down with your Texas REALTOR® and put together a data-driven offer that makes sense for your situation. Then you divorce yourself from the outcome. Not caring-removing the emotion-makes your decisions easier because you'll be assessing objective criteria. Either the seller meets your price or he doesn't. Either he agrees to make a repair or he doesn't. You won't win every negotiation this way, but you'll be less likely to pay more than you wanted to or compromise on something that you'll regret. There's no line in the contract that says, Check this box if you really want this house. Focus on the particulars of the deal without caring about the outcome. It's easier said than done.

How can you buy a home you don't know is for sale?

Not many homebuyers would ask to see 70% of available homes for sale. But that's what's happening if you're visiting certain websites. Realtor.com recently provided a real-world demonstration of its competitors' incomplete data by wrapping an Austin home in a black covering with a statement printed on it that said, "Searching for a home to buy on Zillow? You're missing out on thousands like this." The point is that not all real estate sources give you a complete picture. Some websites don't list thousands of properties currently for sale, show homes for sale that have already sold, and provide inaccurate values and data. So how do you know you're getting the most complete, accurate information? My suggestion is to work with a REALTOR®. They are the folks with the most real estate experience, the best information, and the ability to help you interpret that information.

Lighting of the Island Christmas Contest

Don't Forget to Shop the Island!

Can the buyer terminate if I've already paid for repairs?

I signed a contract to sell my house in which I agreed to repair six items. I also agreed that the buyer could have a 10-day option period. I was worried that the repairs wouldn't get done before closing, so I hired a roofer and plumber to get started on the repairs. But on the last day of the option period, the buyer terminated. Is he allowed to do that? Yes. The buyer will have the right to terminate under the option period regardless of whether you make or start to make repairs. If you used a Texas Real Estate Commission contract, you are obligated to complete all agreed-upon repairs prior to closing. However, you can ask the buyer to extend that closing date if you think you need more time-just get any extension agreement in writing.

MARKET by the BAY

December 16 - 17: Arts, Crafts, Antique & Jewelry Show at the Port Isabel Event & Cultural Center. THREE dates: December 16 - 17, January 13 - 14 & February 17 - 18. A Gloria Bates Production. Call 956/455-6798 for vendor information.

PORT ISABEL invites you to SHOP SMALL all through the season!

Port Isabel's downtown is uniquely located on the shoreline of the Laguna Madre Bay and has a historic lighthouse in the center of it! There are dozens of specialty shops, an art gallery, food and drink, museums, a fishing pier, a pirate ship, fishing charters, dolphin watches, fish markets, and, yes, you can stroll to the top of the Lighthouse! Park & Play All Day! Shop keepers and restaurateurs are friendly and take great pride in creating a memorable experience for you! From great service to an unimaginable variety of collectibles, souvenirs and gifts! See our video on YouTube: http://bit.ly/1llBcBo

Shop the Island

City of South Padre Island Christmas Celebration

28th Annual Lighted Boat Parade

Is now the right time to sell your home?

Texas homes are in demand statewide this year, and even though the number of homes on the market is rising, it's still relative low at only 4.0 months' worth of housing inventory. What this means for sellers It's estimated that a market with a monthly housing inventory between 6.0 and 6.5 months is balanced between supply and demand. An inventory of less than 6.0 months indicates a seller's market because there are more buyers than there are homes for sale. There may be increased competition among homebuyers in markets with fewer homes for sale, which means sellers could see multiple offers or offers above their asking price. Work with a local expert Every market is different, so if selling is on your mind, contact a Texas REALTOR®. He or she can offer insight into your area's activity, like how quickly properties are selling, and help you determine the best asking price.

Lighting of the Island Christmas Contest