Zillow's Zestimates are about as useful as the "g" in Lasagna

Queen Isabella Market Days April 8th & 9th

An accepted contract is just the beginning

As a homebuyer or seller, an accepted contract is exciting. But hang on … the deal’s not done. Thankfully, if you’re working with a REALTOR®, he or she can guide you through all the potential twists and turns on the way to closing. An option to back out For starters, most purchase contracts include a termination option. The buyer pays the seller a fee for a specified period of time during which the buyer can cancel the contract. The buyer can exercise this option for any reason. In fact, he doesn’t even have to explain why. A closer look at the property Buyers usually hire inspectors during the termination-option period. Inspections that reveal items in need of repair may prompt a buyer to ask for a price reduction or repairs prior to closing. Or the buyer may simply choose to cancel the deal. Financing considerations Transactions sometimes unravel when a buyer cannot obtain the financing specified in the contract or the property does not meet the lender’s requirements. For example, appraisals can come in lower than the purchase price, or there may be issues with obtaining insurance for the home. The list goes on Option periods, inspections, and financing are three common trouble spots for transactions, but there are many others. Problems with title insurance or the survey, disagreements about items that convey, issues related to homeowners associations, or damage to the property after acceptance of the contract but before closing are a few examples of issues that can arise. You have a valuable resource Communicating with your REALTOR® about each stage of the transaction will minimize surprises and increase the chances that your transaction will proceed smoothly.

28 Bethpage Dr., Laguna Vista

Beautiful home located in the gated community of the South Padre Island Golf Club in Laguna Vista. Property is situated so that it overlooks the lake in the backyard. Perfect for bird watchers and wildlife lovers. More Info

3rd Annual Summer Longest Causeway Run & Fitness Walk

Online registration is NOW OPEN for the 3rd Annual Summer Longest Causeway Run & Fitness Walk June 3rd, 2017. Register before May 23rd & take advantage of our early bird registration fees: $25-5k walk, $30- 10k run, $15 for students & military with ID Both courses start at Schlitterbahn on South Padre Island, cross the historic Queen Isabella Causeway and end in Port Isabel. Every participant to cross the finish line will receive a medal. T-Shirts are guaranteed to the first 1,000 participants to check in. REGISTER NOW

Don’t be fooled by these 3 selling myths

First-time sellers beware: there are lots of myths out there about the right way to sell your home. While your Texas REALTOR® is your first line of defense against making these mistakes, here are three common selling myths busted: Myth: I bought a house, so I know what it's like to go through a real estate transaction. I'll sell my home on my own and save money by not using a real estate agent. Truth: Texas REALTORS® don't work for free, but that's because they provide valuable assistance through the home-selling process. Selling isn't the same as buying, and a Texas REALTOR® can help you reduce your risk of making a costly selling mistake. Plus, they help clients with the ins and outs of property transactions every day and are plugged into your local housing market. If you DIY, that means you'll have to spend time marketing your home adequately, be available to show the home yourself, and navigate your way through a tricky transaction alone. Myth: If I price my home higher than market value, I'm leaving room for negotiations. Truth: Buyers have no idea you're employing this strategy and won't understand why your price is too high. Many won't even view your home, much less put in an offer. When your home is priced improperly, it's more likely to sit on the market, making potential buyers think there's something wrong it. When that happens, you'll probably wind up with lower offers than if you had priced the home fairly at the start. Myth: All I need to do is mow the lawn and hide my stuff in a closet and my home will be ready to show. Truth: Is a mowed lawn and hidden clutter all it takes to attract you to a home? It won't work for potential buyers of your property, either. Your Texas REALTOR® might go through your home with you and identify areas that could use some sprucing up to make your home more appealing. Or, he or she might recommend working with a home stager to make the best impression. Be open to those suggestions … your Texas REALTOR® knows what makes a property sell quickly for top dollar.