Can I ask if other applicants want the apartment?

I applied for a lease and asked the property manager if there were other applicants for the unit I'm looking at. She declined to answer my question. Can she do that? Yes. She can decline to answer the question if the landlord has instructed her to do so, because property managers are not required to inform you about other applicants. Keep in mind that if you submitted a TAR Residential Lease Application, that form states that the landlord can continue to show the property to other prospective tenants and can accept another offer absent a written agreement otherwise.

Listen to the latest "Inside Texas Real Estate" podcast at texasrealestate.com/inside to learn about the power Texas voters have this November.

Are these rumors keeping you from being a homeowner?

Many people get misinformation about the homebuying process. Don't let false rumors like these keep you from buying your own propery: "You can't buy property if you have a history of bad credit." You don't need a perfect credit score to qualify for a loan, and you can take steps to repair your credit that will put you on the path to homeownership. Talk to a Texas REALTOR® about your current financial situation to determine a realistic timeline for your home purchase. "You need a 20% downpayment to buy a home." There are many programs and mortgage loans available for homebuyers who have less than 20% for a downpayment or no money for closing costs. Visit txhomeprograms.org and contact a Texas REALTOR® to learn about programs you may qualify for. "You can't buy property in Texas if you're not a U.S. citizen." Texas properties have been desirable investments for international buyers for years. In fact, international buyers accounted for $11.06 billion in home sales in the state between March 2013 and March 2014. There are Texas REALTORS® who specialize in working with international buyers and can help you understand the process. Heard other rumors you're not sure about? Find a Texas REALTOR® to help you figure out the realities of purchasing your own property in Texas.

The highest offer isn't always the best

Price may be the most important factor when deciding whether to accept a buyer's offer for your home, but it's not the only one. Here are some other considerations: Do you have the time? If you need to close as soon as possible-or if your circumstances require a later date-you may prefer an offer from a buyer that matches your time frame to one that's a little higher but inconvenient. Does it depend on factors outside your control? A purchase offer contingent on the buyer successfully selling her home first may not be as attractive as one without a contingency clause. Is the buyer qualified? The less you know about whether a buyer can get a loan for your home, the higher the risk of the transaction falling through. A buyer who shows that he has been preapproved for a loan is less likely to have problems following through with the purchase. Do you have to jump through hoops? Buyers may ask for appliances or furnishings to be included in the sale. They could request that you make certain repairs. They might even ask you to pay some costs typically paid by buyers. Each request such as these makes the offer price a little less valuable. Your Texas REALTOR® can review offers with you to discuss how they stack up in all aspects, not just price. Then you can move forward with the transaction that works best for you.

Kayak Tour of the Laguna Madre

Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge From: Jun 05, 2015 – Aug 30, 2015 Every Sunday, Friday, Saturday Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 8 am - 1 pm, June-August Admission: $3/vehicle entrance fee, $30 for adults, $25 for children ages 8-12 CASH or CHECK ONLY. Learn basic kayak skills while enjoying a beautiful morning on the water! Geared toward beginners, all equipment & instruction provided by expert kayak guides. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Call (956)-748-3607 ext 111 to make your reservation today!

Fireworks over the Bay at Louie's Backyard

Louie's Backyard From: May 28, 2015 – Sep 04, 2015 Every Thursday, Friday 9:15 PM Admission: Free Ticket URL: lbyspi.com The largest fireworks displays on South Padre Island! Visit us on South Padre Island during the summer season and enjoy Fireworks over the Bay every Thursday and Friday Night at 9:15 PM. It doesn't get any better than Louie's!

Mariachis Performing at Louie's Backyard

Louie's Backyard From: Jun 03, 2015 – Sep 02, 2015 Every Wednesday 7:30pm Ticket URL: lbyspi.com Everyone loves the Mariachi performances at Louie's and you will too! Enjoy the wonderful sounds of Mexico while dining bayside at Louie's Backyard! The Louie's Mariachis will be performing every Wednesday at 7:30pm - all summer long! It doesn't get any better than Louie's!