Sellers, are you making these 4 mistakes?

Did you put your house on the market so it would stay there for a long time? Probably not, but if you’re making these mistakes, that’s exactly what will happen. The good news is that it’s never too late to change your ways. See if you’re doing anything on this list, then stop right now. You like to hang out while buyers view your home. Being around during a showing seems like a great opportunity for you to point out the highlights of your home, right? Wrong. And if you think being present will mean you’ll get honest feedback, you should probably think again. Most buyers are uncomfortable with the seller around because they don’t feel they can be honest about the property. What you want is for buyers to feel at ease in your home so they’re more likely to see themselves living there. Your pets are in the way. Leaving Fluffy and Fido at home during a showing is only second in annoyance to you being there. Even pet lovers may get distracted by your dog with separation anxiety or your cat who growls at anyone who isn’t you. If you can’t take your pet with you during a showing, drop them by a daycare or ask a friend or neighbor if they’d be willing to have your furry friend over for a visit. Your house smells. Whether it’s the smell of lavender or litter boxes, people are sensitive to smells, and not everyone enjoys even those that are meant to be pleasant. Ask your Texas REALTOR® for ideas for making a neutral smell, and think about opening windows and moving the litter box temporarily while your house is on the market. You think your house is the best on the block—and should be priced that way, too. Sentimental value isn’t the same as monetary value, and even those extensive renovations you made don’t increase your sale price per dollar spent. Trust your Texas REALTOR® to help you price your home properly. He or she has access to information about the current market, other sales nearby, and how renovations really improve your home’s value. These are just a few common mistakes that many sellers make, but your Texas REALTOR® can help you avoid these and other pitfalls. Once you correct course, you’ll sell your house more quickly.

13 Whooping Crane Laguna Vista, TX

Beautiful, Lake-front home in one of the most desirable gated communities in the area. This 4 bedroom home includes a tiled roof, a fantastic master suite with large walk-in closet, jetted tub, separate shower, and his/her vanities with granite countertops in the master bathroom. One junior suite also has its own bathroom and walk in closet. Very spacious kitchen with granite countertops, maple cabinets and high-end stainless steel appliances. This wonderful home sits on a fenced lot with a covered patio overlooking the lake and a tropical, heated pool and spa. Paver driveway and 2x6 construction. Wiring for surround sound and generator for the whole hous...too many upgrades to list!

New Listing! 23 Laguna Madre Dr. Laguna Vista, TX

Located in the South Padre Island Golf Community this home has a huge backyard with unobstructed views of the Lake, which makes this beautiful home a birders paradise! The home sits perfectly on the land which will allow you to enjoy the sun in the winter and the afternoon shade in the summer. The 3 car garage will come in handy so you can park your boat or your golf cart and still have room for your vehicles! Granite counters throughout the home and vaulted ceiling, this home is a must see!

54 Ocelot Trail Rd. Laguna Vista, TX

This open concept home featuring kitchen with center island, glass-front cabinets, granite counter tops, breakfast nook and breakfast bar, opens to a grand family room with built in cabinets and entertainment center. Formal dining room. 2 spacious en suite bedrooms, a single bedroom and a beautiful master suite with sitting room, spa-like bath retreat, dual vanities and walk-in shower. Additional features include a 2 car garage, security system and kitchen/master suite opening to patio. Most rooms overlook the expansive back yard and golf course. The front yard has a beautiful view of the Laguna Madre Bay and the harbor which is located directly across the street. A perfect blend of charm and southern living.

Regency #407 South Padre Island, TX

This condo is Priced to Sell!! Beautiful Beachfront condo located in the heart of the Island. This 2/2 has granite counter tops with custom cabinets, electric storm shutters, one car garage and breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico from the balcony and master bedroom. Call Olga Vega Carter for more information (956) 433-6291

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5 questions to ask about your first home inspection

You'll learn a lot about home inspections as a first-time homebuyer. Here are a few Inspection 101 questions that your Texas REALTOR® can answer when it's time to look under the metaphorical hood of your first house. Who pays for it? As the buyer, you choose the inspector, pay him directly for the inspection, and the inspection report he generates is yours. If you don’t already have a home inspector in mind, ask your friends and family members for a referral, or your Texas REALTOR® may be able to recommend someone. Whoever you chose must be licensed by the Texas Real Estate Commission. What does an inspector do? An inspector will conduct an “objective visual examination of the physical structure and systems of a house, from the roof to the foundation,” according to the American Society of Home Inspectors. The inspector will go through the entire house and make note of any damage, need for repairs, or maintenance issues, and then give you a copy of the completed report based on his findings. It’s important to know that there could be defects a home inspector will not find and wouldn’t be expected to find if the defects are in areas with limited or no access. When should I get an inspection? Your Texas REALTOR® will discuss including a termination-option period in your contract to purchase the home. This is an amount of time during which you can conduct inspections, negotiate with the seller for repairs, and still have the option to terminate the contract. Where should I be during the inspection? You don’t have to be at the property during the inspection, but it’s in your best interest to be there. Your inspector may not mind if you accompany him and ask questions as he checks everything out, but be sure to ask first. Why should I have this done? Buying a home is probably the largest investment you will ever make, so you want to know as much as you can up front. A home inspector will point out items that need regular maintenance and identify any problems. After your inspection is complete, talk with your Texas REALTOR® to determine if there are any issues you want to ask the seller to address before you move forward. A Texas REALTOR® has experience with the home-buying process and will make recommendations that are right for you.