Real Estate|Wynne Real Estate Group|Cypress TexasRecently posted or modified blog postshttps://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/Copyright WynneRealEstateGroup.com2021-06-26T11:54:38-07:00tag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:9299Cypress's newest master-planned community Dunham PointeFormer energy executive Archie Dunham and his development team have broken ground on one of northwest Houston’s newest master-planned communities, according to a press release. The 1,327-acre property is located south of Hwy. 290, and Mason Road is being extended into the new community as the primary entrance.<br /><br />Home presales are expected to start in August with six model homes opening this fall. New residents could move in by the end of the year.<br /><br />Officials said homes will start in the $300,000s with one- and two-story floor plans from Coventry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Tri Point Homes and Toll Brothers.<br /><br />Plans for the development’s amenity center include a family pool with cabanas, an adult lap pool, a splash pad, a fitness center and a playground. Construction is slated to begin in August for a summer 2022 completion, officials said.<br /><br />Another key feature of the community will be a new educational village consisting of a Cy-Fair ISD elementary, middle and high school with a Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9 fire station nearby. At least 300 acres will be set aside for restaurants, retail, office space, medical facilities and multifamily housing facing Hwy. 290.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/122203.png" width="598" height="353" />
“With Dunham Pointe, we’ve created a quality community that checks all the boxes—a location near employment centers, accessibility to major thoroughfares, on-site schools offering all three levels of education, first-class amenities and of course, well-appointed new homes from some of Houston’s finest builders,” said Cary Dunham, executive vice president of Dunham Pointe Development, in a statement.<br /><br />Dunham Pointe is this development team’s second and largest master-planned community. Stone Creek Ranch, a 1,225-home community, opened in Hockley in 2016.<br /><br />Archie Dunham is president of the team and a former Conoco, ConocoPhillips and Chesapeake Energy chairman. He previously told Community Impact Newspaper he purchased the Cypress land in 2007.
-<a href="https://communityimpact.com/author/71/danica-lloyd/">Danica Lloyd</a>
2021-06-26T11:49:00-07:002021-06-26T11:54:38-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:8968New Bridgeland VillageHow exciting! The newest "village" of Bridgeland is COMING!! Click below for more details
<a href="https://www.bridgeland.com/first-homebuilders-announced-for-prairieland-village/?fbclid=IwAR3k4DTXT5sHJs6bPnis2AVNL7X8t9g9faiUtJ6TDTh56d17X2tL7gQN0gE">https://www.bridgeland.com/first-homebuilders-announced-for-prairieland-village/?fbclid=IwAR3k4DTXT5sHJs6bPnis2AVNL7X8t9g9faiUtJ6TDTh56d17X2tL7gQN0gE</a>
2021-05-21T13:32:00-07:002021-05-21T13:36:45-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:8367 HIDDEN FEES TO BE AWARE OF WHEN PURCHASING A HOMEPurchasing a home is arguably one of the biggest financial decisions you will make in your lifetime. As you start your hunt, don't forget there will be other costs associated with your purchase than the price of the home. Here are 5 fees to keep in mind as you begin to budget. Home inspection. This is a crucial step in the home buying process. The findings that come from the inspection can help you negotiate prices and repairs. Generally, you can expect to pay between $300 to $500 depending on the home and the location. Title services. Title services encompass the transfer of the title from the seller and a thorough search of the property’s records to ensure to no one will pop up with a claim to the property. Additionally, you may need to buy title insurance which will protect the lender or your investment in the home. Appraisal fee. Before getting a loan, you will likely be required to get an appraisal of the home to determine its estimated value. This will be conducted by a third-party company and the cost can land anywhere between $300 and $1,000, depending on the size of the home. HOA fees. Many communities have a homeowners’ association that enforces monthly fees. This money is used for general maintenance and updates to areas like pools, parks, and more. Typical HOA fees are around $200 per month. Taxes. The taxes each buyer pays at the closing table differ, but it is not uncommon for it to be up to two months’ worth of county and city property taxes. Additionally, there may be taxes for the transfer of the home title.2021-02-21T12:45:00-07:002021-02-21T12:47:04-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:8366GREAT WINE-STORAGE IDEASTIPS FOR STORING WINE AT HOME If you are a big wine connoisseur or just saving a few bottles to crack open on special occasions, it’s important to understand how best to store them safely until you’re ready to partake. Follow the guidelines below! Temperature To ensure each wine bottle maintains the proper flavor and aroma, storing it at the correct temperature is essential. Regardless if it is red, white, or sparkling, storing your bottles at 53°F to 57°F is most ideal. Keeping your bottles in a room where the temperature is much warmer than that may cause the flavor to become flat. Keep your wine in the dark and away from direct UV rays as much as you can to protect the wine’s flavor. Moisture Controlling the humidity in the room is important if you plan to store bottles for more than a couple of years. The ideal humidity for storage is between 50 to 75 percent and anything below that could cause the corks to dry out, letting air seep into the bottle. Positioning Generally, it is advised to store wine bottles on their sides. This allows the wine to stay up against the cork which should aid in keeping it from drying out. However, if you don’t plan to store the wine for long or if the bottle has a screw top or plastic cork, this is not required for safe storage. Timing Not all wine is designed to have a long shelf life or be aged. Make sure you know what the winemaker’s intention was for that particular bottle. It is always better to open it a little early and enjoy it!2021-02-21T12:41:00-07:002021-02-21T12:47:28-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:8288TURNING A BEDROOM INTO A LUX BEDROOMFor most of us, our bedroom is little more than a place to sleep and relax. However, just because it’s always been that way doesn’t mean that we have to settle for drab and dreary.
One trend that’s gaining steam these days is converting your current bedroom into a luxury suite (or something comparable). If you want to live like you’re renting a room at the Ritz, then you want to follow these tips. Compartmentalize Your Activities Making your bedroom more functional is going to make it more luxurious. Add a gorgeous desk for working and a TV area for entertainment, and you’ll be living it up in no time.
Make it Chic Choose a color palette that is both luxurious and classy. Silver and gold can seem tacky, so choose muted shades that complement each other. Also, a brilliant and commanding headboard can instantly upgrade the look of your room without any other changes. Light it Properly Finally, make sure that you have the right light to show off your designs. If it’s too washed out or yellow, then it will look drab and run down.
Switch to brilliant LEDs and see the difference. Choose Your Accents Wisely We already mentioned a headboard, but some elegant drapes can also make your room feel more royal. Being strategic with your furniture accessories is going to both keep you under budget and avoid doing too much with space. Are you ready to lux your bedroom? You’ll be impressed by the results, and the feeling of decadence will make you more confident in your surroundings.2021-02-05T12:28:00-07:002021-02-05T12:30:44-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:8287 TOWNHOUSE VS. CONDO: WHICH SHOULD YOU BUY?Whether it’s your first time buying or you just want to purchase something smaller, townhouses and condos are both great options.
Check out the differences between the two to help aid you in your search! Condominiums are similar to apartments in that you purchase an individual unit inside of a larger building, but not the property it sits on. This generally includes access to the building’s amenities, such as the clubhouse, pool, and gym.
However, condo owners are not responsible for the upkeep and repair of these common areas. Because of the number of shared spaces, living in a condo often allows for meeting new people and building a strong sense of community.
There is a fairly similar vetting process for loan approval as for a full-sized home; however, the lender will also look at the health of the condo association. Townhouses Those who purchase a townhome are generally purchasing the complete unit, both inside and out, including the land it sits on.
This might also include the driveway, yard, or roof. Traditionally, these units are two- or three-stories tall and may also include common areas like pools and parks. Townhome owners pay a fee to a homeowners association every month and the loan process is the same as buying a full-sized home. Which is the best choice? Both townhomes and condos offer less maintenance than a traditional home and generally offer great shared areas.
Your decision ultimately comes down to you and your family’s needs and wants. Things you’ll want to take into consideration include location, lifestyle, family growth, and price.2021-02-05T12:26:00-07:002021-02-05T12:27:49-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:8286TOP TIPS FOR HOUSE HUNTING ONLINERefinancing your mortgage is something most homeowners consider at least once throughout the lifespan of their home loan. It allows you to pay off your previous loan by applying for a new one that has better financial advantages. While there are many good reasons to refinance, here are five common ones. Scoring a lower interest rate. The number one reason homeowners decide to refinance is to secure a lower interest rate on their mortgage.
Not only does this save you money in the long run and decrease your monthly payment, but you can start building equity in your home sooner. Using an improved credit score.
Even if interest rates have not dropped in the market, if you’ve improved your credit score over the last few years, you may be able to reduce your mortgage rate. Shortening the loan’s term. If interest rates are decreasing, there is a chance you may be able to get a shorter loan term with little to no change in your monthly payment, allowing you to pay off your loan sooner.
Switching from an adjustable-rate to a fixed rate. If you chose an adjustable-rate mortgage with great introductory rates when you initially financed your home, that rate may increase significantly over the years. By switching to a fixed rate while interest rates are low, you can protect yourself from future increases. Cashing out home equity.
If there is a big purchase or payment on the horizon, such as funding a wedding or going back to school, your best option may be to use the equity you’ve built in your home to borrow money at a lower cost.2021-02-05T12:22:00-07:002021-02-05T12:24:59-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:8257WHICH DOWN PAYMENT STRATEGY IS RIGHT FOR YOU?You’ve most likely heard the rule: Save for a 20-percent down payment before you buy a home. The logic behind saving 20 percent is solid, as it shows that you have the financial discipline and stability to save for a long-term goal.
It also helps you get favorable rates from lenders. But there can actually be financial benefits to putting down a small down payment—as low as three percent—rather than parting with so much cash up front, even if you have the money available.
THE DOWNSIDE
The downsides of a small down payment are pretty well known. You’ll have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance for years, and the lower your down payment, the more you’ll pay. You’ll also be offered a lesser loan amount than borrowers who have a 20-percent down payment, which will eliminate some homes from your search.
THE UPSIDE
The national average for home appreciation is about five percent. The appreciation is independent of your home payment, so whether you put down 20 percent or three percent, the increase in equity is the same. If you’re looking at your home as an investment, putting down a smaller amount can lead to a higher return on investment, while also leaving more of your savings free for home repairs, upgrades, or other investment opportunities.
THE HAPPY MEDIUM.
Of course, your home payment options aren’t binary. Most borrowers can find some common ground between the security of a traditional 20 percent and an investment-focused, small down payment. Your trusted real estate professional can provide some answers as you explore your financing options.2021-01-30T12:58:00-07:002021-01-30T13:02:16-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:8256YOUR GUIDE TO HOME APPRAISALYou’ve found your dream home and now it’s time to cross all your T's and dot all your I's before it’s all your own. And one of the first items on your closing checklist the home appraisal. So, what exactly is that?
The home appraisal is essentially a value assessment of the home and property. It is conducted by a certified third party and is used to determine whether the home is priced appropriately. During a home appraisal, the appraiser conducts a complete visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the home. He or she factors in a variety of things, including the home’s floor plan functionality, condition, location, school district, fixtures, lot size, and more.
An upward adjustment is generally made if the home has a deck, a view, or a large yard. The appraiser will also compare the home to several similar homes that were sold within the last six months in the area. The final report must include a street map showing the property and the ones’ compared, photographs of the interior and exterior, an explanation of how the square footage was calculated, market sales data, public land records, and more. After it is complete, the lender uses the information found to ensure that the property is worth the amount they are investing.
This is a safe-guard for the lender as the home acts as collateral for the mortgage. If the buyer defaults on the mortgage and goes into foreclosure, the lender generally sells the home to recover the money borrowed.2021-01-30T12:54:00-07:002021-01-30T12:58:42-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:8233EASY LANDSCAPING DIY PROJECTSEver get the itch to do a DIY project? Whenever we do, our favorites involve getting outdoors and mixing up our landscaping features.
Whether it's as simple as installing some lighting or a little more time-consuming like re-plotting plants, a fresh look for the lawn always gives your home a fresh look as well. Here are our top five easy landscaping projects!
Create a pathway. To guide you and visitors throughout your yard and link different areas together, install a pathway. You can use materials from a variety of materials, including reclaimed pallet wood, flagstones, gravel, and more to add texture and color.
Add a wall or border. Installing a flagstone, rock, or brick wall around flower beds or trees adds a sleek, clean look to your landscaping and helps separate different sections of your yard. Install a water feature. Nothing says zen quite like the sound of trickling water as you relax in your backyard.
You can start simply by purchasing and installing a small feature powered by a solar panel or create a larger focal point in your yard by installing a waterfall wall or small pond. Light your way. An easy way to transform your yard is to strategically use lighting.
Place cool-colored lights high in trees to recreate a moonlight feel, use pathway lights to naturally guide the eye, or highlight objects or plants. Plant upwards. Expand your yard space by drawing the eye to the sky with a trellis fence or screen made of wood or metal. Once you install your trellis, select your climbing plants and vines and get to planting!2021-01-26T08:46:00-07:002021-01-26T08:50:29-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:8232DISPELLING REFINANCING MYTHS“Refinancing” is a scary word for many people, but that shouldn’t be the case for you. For many homeowners, refinancing can not only lower your monthly payments and help with your monthly budget, but it can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
YOU’RE NOT TOO LATE. For years now, we’ve been hearing that interest rates will be on the rise, and although there have been some small increases, you’re still in a great position to drastically lower your interest rate. The general rule is if your mortgage interest rate is more than one percent above the current market rate, you should consider refinancing. IT’S NOT TOO TIME CONSUMING. Don’t brush off refinancing just because it seems like a long and daunting process. An informational call with a lender to see how rates compare will only take a few minutes. There are also some programs for streamlining the application process. And besides, isn’t the amount of money you could save worth the time and effort? ARMS CAN BE REFINANCED, TOO. Seeing your Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) increase after the introductory period can be incredibly stressful and place a squeeze on your budget. Many people assume they’re stuck, but ARMs can be refinanced, just like fixed-rate mortgages. You can even switch to a shorter term fixed-rate mortgage, such as 15 or 23 years. The longer you’re planning to stay in the home, the more sense it makes to look into refinancing.2021-01-26T08:42:00-07:002021-01-26T08:46:14-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:8208When to refinance Refinancing your mortgage is something most homeowners consider at least once throughout the lifespan of their home loan. It allows you to pay off your previous loan by applying for a new one that has better financial advantages. While there are many good reasons to refinance, here are five common ones. Scoring a lower interest rate. The number one reason homeowners decide to refinance is to secure a lower interest rate on their mortgage. Not only does this save you money in the long run and decrease your monthly payment, but you can start building equity in your home sooner. Using an improved credit score. Even if interest rates have not dropped in the market, if you’ve improved your credit score over the last few years, you may be able to reduce your mortgage rate. Shortening the loan’s term. If interest rates are decreasing, there is a chance you may be able to get a shorter loan term with little to no change in your monthly payment, allowing you to pay off your loan sooner. Switching from an adjustable-rate to a fixed rate. If you chose an adjustable-rate mortgage with great introductory rates when you initially financed your home, that rate may increase significantly over the years. By switching to a fixed rate while interest rates are low, you can protect yourself from future increases. Cashing out home equity. If there is a big purchase or payment on the horizon, such as funding a wedding or going back to school, your best option may be to use the equity you’ve built in your home to borrow money at a lower cost.2021-01-21T09:54:00-07:002021-01-21T15:23:22-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:8188Black Horse Ranch Community Cypress TexasLocated just south of U.S. Highway 290 and West of N. Fry Road, Blackhorse Ranch is nestled around the idyllic Blackhorse Ranch Golf Club.hr3227792-44 Blackhorse Ranch is a community that offers stocked lakes full of bass, a community golf course, great parks, and cool pools for hot summer days.
Residents in Blackhorse Ranch attend the following school's Warner Elementary, Smith Middle School or Spillane Middle School, Cy-Ranch or Cy-Woods High Schools. Builders in the community have included quality home builders such as Coventry, Beazer, Plantation Homes, Perry Homes, Newmark, and custom builders like Ronny Carroll Custom Homes, Tommy Bailey Custom Homes2021-01-17T16:48:00-07:002021-01-21T15:23:38-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:8187Cypress Creek Lakes Cypress TexasCypress Creek Lakes is 1600 acre master-planned community located south of Hwy 290 between two other popular master-planned communities in Cypress with Bridgeland to the west and Towne Lake to the east. Cypress Creek Lakes features miles of trails, parks, 3 pools, community centers, and much more. Included below are homes for sale in Cypress Creek Lakes.
CYPRESS CREEK LAKES' AMENITIES AND EVENTS
A community that will eventually house about 2100 homes, Cypress Creek Lakes has plenty to keep all of these families busy. Amenities include: 100 acres of lakes with miles of walking trails around every 4 recreational areas throughout the neighborhood each of which has some or all of the following: Swimming pools (3 rec areas) Splash pads (3 rec areas) Playgrounds (all rec areas) Community center with clubhouse/meeting rooms (2 rec areas) Fitness center (1 rec area) Picnic areas (3 rec areas)2021-01-17T16:45:00-07:002021-01-21T15:23:54-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:8148Towne Lake New Home Community - Houston, CypressReal lake living in Cypress, TX! Towne Lake brings lakeside living to Cypress, Texas. This very unique community is located at Barker Cypress Road and Tuckerton, with convenient access to Hwy 290. This neighborhood offers a 300-acre lake for its homeowners to boat, water ski, and enjoy all types of water recreation. With lots of other amenities plus shopping and dining at The Boardwalk, Towne Lake is an exciting place to live.
2021-01-11T07:41:00-07:002021-01-21T15:24:14-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:7979The 4 Best Breweries in Cypress TX‘Tis the season to stock the shelves and enjoy a peppermint mocha while browsing the sales racks and filling the stockings. While there seems to always be a high focus on shopping and dining around the holidays, oftentimes taking time to sit back, relax and grab a cold one is not only forgot about, but the time to do so isn’t made a priority.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/sampling-beer-from-a-flight-of-craft-brews-craft-beer-brewery-enjoying-beer-drinks-with-friends_t20_rRG6XX.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="The 4 Best Breweries in Cypress TX" title="The 4 Best Breweries in Cypress TX" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
So, whether you want to grab a beer after a day of shopping or hang with the guys and girls while others choose to scour the racks, these are a few of the best breweries within the Cypress and surrounding areas. While some of these breweries are outside of the city limits, all are nearby, reachable within only moments, and provide a day or evening of enjoyment.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/dragonfly-park-the-heart-of-bridgeland/">Dragonfly Park, the Heart of Bridgeland</a>
Wicked Boxer Brewing
<a href="http://wickedboxer.com/">Wicked Boxer Brewing</a> is unique for its love for both beer and boxers. As the first operating brewery within the city of Cypress, Wicked Boxer Brewing features hand crafted beers and as a bonus is both dog and kid friendly, with a little extra love for Boxers!
Bearded Fox Brewing Co.
With three separate locations, <a href="http://www.beardedfoxbrewing.com/home.html">Bearded Fox Brewing Co</a>. can be found nearby in Tomball, Katy and Houston. Both kid and dog friendly, you can bring the whole family to enjoy one of the many beers on tap made with as many local ingredients as possible.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/boston-brewery_t20_lWKOzk.jpg" width="400" height="279" alt="The 4 Best Breweries in Cypress TX" title="The 4 Best Breweries in Cypress TX" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" />Brew:30 Taphouse
With a large back patio, family friendly atmosphere, and beer connoisseurs, <a href="http://www.brew30taphouse.com/">Brew:30 Taphouse</a> also has a delicious food truck parked out front. Should you prefer a picnic lunch, you’re welcome to bring your own meals to enjoy with one of their many beers on tap. Also located within Cypress, you won’t have to travel far.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/cypress-hidden-gem-towne-lake-boardwalk/">Cypress Hidden Gem: Towne Lake Boardwalk</a>
Craft beer Cellar
With multiple locations, one within Cypress, <a href="https://craftbeercellar.com/stores/tx/cypress/">Craft Beer Cellar</a> not only features their own beers on tap, but also offers a small array of canned beverages including ciders and seltzers. On a normal day Craft Beer Cellar has more than 20 different Beers available, ensuring there is always a new beer to enjoy.
Whether you are an avid beer drinker, are looking to expand your pallet, or simply looking for a new place to kick back and relax, you can’t go wrong when choosing one of these highly rated local breweries.
If you’re currently <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/buyers/">searching for a new home</a> within the Cypress and greater Houston areas, are in need of a qualified buyer or seller’s agent, or have questions regarding the real estate within Cypress, please feel free to <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/contact/">contact our office</a> at any time.2020-12-04T06:11:00-07:002020-12-04T08:33:08-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:7927Can and Should I Purchase a Short Sale?A short sale is often used for those who are in pre-foreclosure. Short sales are a way for banks to try and recoup some of the funds that they have lost without letting the home reach the foreclosure process. All short sales do need bank approval, and thus a seller cannot choose to have a short sale without the bank agreeing. The term Short Sale is referring to the actual amount that is currently owed on the mortgage/loan, and in order to reach a Short Sale, the seller and bank are agreeing to sell the property for less than is currently owed, thus coming up “short.”<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/Why_a_Bigger_House_Isnt_Always_Better_4.jpg" width="400" height="335" alt="Can and Should I Purchase a Short Sale?" title="Can and Should I Purchase a Short Sale?" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
Steps to Buying a Short Sale
While it is entirely possible to purchase a short sale, there are a lot of additional steps and information that are involved in order for the purchase to be finalized. Additionally, the time it takes to purchase a short sale is much longer than that of a traditional sale. This is due to the fact that when placing an offer on a short sale property, you are not dealing with the seller directly, but the bank is also involved. All numbers, offers, negotiations, etc. must all go through the bank in order to be approved, because of this oftentimes negotiations are not common as it can push the timeframe back further for closing.
As far as a time frame goes, short sales do take much longer than traditional home purchases. While each sale is unique, on average a short sale will take up to 4 months from the time a short is listed, until the closing date. While this may seem like a long time, often the funds you are saving by purchasing a short sale are worth the wait. Short sales on average take 30 days to sell, and then 60 days for approval of the purchase, and another 30 days to close escrow.
More: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/pros-cons-buying-existing-house-building-one/">Pros and Cons to Buying New Construction Vs. Existing Homes</a>
Another very important matter to remember is that while you can choose to have an <a href="https://www.pristinehomeinspections.com/how-to-read-and-decipher-the-home-inspection-report/" target="_blank">inspection</a> done on a short sale purchase, should you find repairs are needed, whether small or substantial, you cannot ask the bank to lower the sale price or provide concessions for the repairs. Short sales are the last effort to sell a home prior to foreclosure, and due to this, oftentimes a short sale home will be in poor condition as the homeowner could not afford the upkeep or repairs that may have been needed.
Bottom Line
Finally, unlike other real estate purchases, when choosing to buy a short sale you need to be prepared to pay the full amount of closing costs. Unlike other purchases, when it comes to purchasing a short sale, oftentimes the seller will be unable to pay any portion of the closing costs as they are already unable to make their regular monthly payments. It is important to keep in mind that when placing an offer on a short sale, you need patience, as well as funds to cover all the closing expenses.
More: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/4-downsides-to-purchasing-a-new-construction-home/">4 Downsides to Buying New Construction</a>2020-11-23T08:08:00-07:002020-11-23T10:16:23-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:7885Dragonfly Park, the Heart of Bridgeland<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/happy-family_t20_XQjpwX.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Dragonfly Park in Bridgeland Texas" title="Dragonfly Park in Bridgeland Texas" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />As with all real estate transactions, you want to be sure that the place you plan on purchasing is a place that you can plan out your future. When it comes to purchasing a home within the Bridgeland community, you can rest assured that you are sure to enjoy your home for years to come. It is extremely common for homeowners to dream of their next vacations, however, when choosing to live within the Bridgeland community there is no need for vacations as you have every amenity and feature you could imagine all right outside your front door.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/bridgeland-cypress-homes-for-sale/">Bridgeland Homes for Sale</a>
While we could go on and on explaining all the benefits and amenities of Bridgeland, one key area of focus lies within Dragonfly Park. The park is home to dozens of different features and truly can transport you into a tropical paradise. As a whole, Dragonfly Park spans across an impressive 25 acres within the Bridgeland community, ensuring there is space for all who call Bridgeland home.
If you’re looking for a day filled full of activities, the park houses many different sporting pavilions such as tennis courts, basketball courts, an open field for yoga or soccer, as well as hiking and biking trails ensuring that all of your fitness and activity needs are met. If you prefer to exercise indoors, you can choose to forego the outdoor sports courts and head to the indoor fitness center, which features dozens of different machines and weights for all skill levels.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/water-summer-water-park-green-park-kids-fun-people-in-the-summer-kid-water-fun-water-igloo-3-boys-in_t20_mRvaPd.jpg" width="400" height="402" alt="Dragonfly Park in Bridgeland Texas" title="Dragonfly Park in Bridgeland Texas" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" />During the summer months, the park is highly known for its top of the line water park and pools. With sparkling clear water, you can throw on a swimsuit and enjoy a day spent floating along the lazy river, a fun activity for those of all ages. In addition to the lazy river, Dragonfly park also boasts additional swimming pools as well as a splash pad and spray ground for younger residents to cool off from the Texas heat. Another highlight worth mentioning is that one of the pools within the park features zero-entry, a great option for those who wish to wade, or younger tots who want to sit and play.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/cypress-hidden-gem-towne-lake-boardwalk/">Cypress Hidden Gem: Towne Lake Boardwalk</a>
Should you want to share the beauty of the park with friends and family, Dragonfly Park also provides a private event hall that can be rented for private functions. With indoor seating capacities of up to 150 guests, as well as additional outdoor seating if needed, you can easily share the beauty of Bridgeland with all your friends and family for your next event or special occasion.
If you’re currently searching for a new home, whether within or outside of the Bridgeland community, are in need of a <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/about/">qualified seller’s agent,</a> or have any general questions regarding <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/">Texas real estate</a>, please feel free to contact our office at any time.
Check out more about Bridgeland Below:
2020-11-16T12:53:00-07:002020-11-16T15:01:31-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:7858Working From Home - 3 Headphones to Keep You Focused While many positions have turned to remote work temporarily, it is becoming more and more common for employers and businesses to move their employees to a more permanent remote status. Whether this is full-time remote work or limiting days in the office, what many thought would end up being a temporary situation, are now scrambling to try and find ways to make working remotely easier and more productive. The biggest way to stay focused on remote work is to limit the amount of sound and distraction throughout the day, and thus, having quality headphones is key.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/technology-office-smiling-headphones-working-from-home-home-office-freelance-workspace_t20_N0XBkE.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="Working From Home - 3 Headphones to Keep You Focused " title="Working From Home - 3 Headphones to Keep You Focused " style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/4-tips-to-keep-a-new-home-clean/">4 Tips to Keep a New Home Clean</a>
Budget-Friendly-Mpow X3
We all know budgets are important, and luckily even on a budget, you can find good headphones for remote work. These earbuds provide fairly decent noise-canceling as well as great volume control and sound/bass. If there is a negative to mention, it is that the battery life only lasts for 7 hours, so you may need to charge them on your lunch break to ensure they last through your workday.
Highest-Rated-Sony WH-1000XM4
These headphones are highly rated for many different categories from comfortability, calling capabilities, noise-canceling, and Bluetooth pairings. A few things to highlight is that even with being one of the highest-rated headphones, you can find them anywhere from $278-350, making them more budget-friendly than many other “highly rated” noise-canceling headphones.
Best for Making/Receiving Calls -Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
20 hours of battery life have sent these headphones high up on the wish list of many remote workers. With more than enough battery to last through your workday, the combination of noise-canceling and high-quality audio for voice calls makes these headphones a must for those who make multiple calls in a workday. You can find these headphones as low as $299.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/easy-ways-spruce-home-holidays/">6 Easy Ways to Spruce up Your Home for the Holidays</a>
Regardless of whether you are working from home permanently or temporarily, having good headphones will help you excel. Whether you have a home office and you simply need a set of headphones to assist in making voice calls, or if you are working from the couch and need high noise-canceling capabilities, there are great headphones currently on the market.
If you’re currently searching for a home in the <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/communities/">Houston or Cypress areas</a>, are in need of a qualified seller’s agent, or have any questions regarding the real estate in the Greater Houston area, please feel free to <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/contact/">contact our office</a> at any time.2020-11-10T08:50:00-07:002020-11-10T11:05:51-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:7805What To do If You Sell Your House Faster Than Expected In a perfect world, selling your home quickly is more than ideal, however, what happens when you sell your home even faster than you may have expected? Luckily, you will have a little bit of time to get your affairs in order between accepting an offer and handing over your keys.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/Issues_with_Placing_an_Offer_Too_Soon_1.jpg" width="420" height="352" alt="What To do If You Sell Your House Faster Than Expected " title="What To do If You Sell Your House Faster Than Expected " style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
Ultimately, when the decision to list your home has been made, it is always recommended that you begin to pre-pack your lesser-used belongings immediately, as this will help eliminate some of the stress upon accepting an offer and selling your home.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/buying-or-selling-this-one-thing-can-make-or-break-the-deal/">Buying or Selling? This One Thing Can Make or Break the Deal</a>
In addition to pre-packing, the number one thing to remember is to stay calm. Whether your home was on the market for less than 24 hours, or for a few weeks, take a deep breath. The closing process generally takes between 30-45 days, so rest assured that you have time, even if you’ve accepted an offer immediately after listing.
More on Packing: <a href="https://www.portlandonthemarket.com/blog/how-pack-move-across-town/" target="_blank">How to Prepare for a Move Across Town</a>
Communication is Key
If you have new living arrangements or a date-specific time frame that you still need to access your current home, make sure that this is communicated to your seller’s agent as they will be able to inform the buyer’s agent(s) of your date-specific needs to ensure that closing dates align. This is especially important for those who have to wait for new homes to be available, or have relocating expenses or travel already paid for and reserved. By providing dates to your agent you are also protecting yourself from having to move and pack faster than expected as you already had a time-specific deadline.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-sell-a-house/">How Long Does it Take to Sell a House?</a>
Nothing in real estate is black and white. There is no magic number to close a real estate deal, so rest assured that even if you receive an offer faster than anticipated, that doesn’t set a date in stone. Communication between the buyer’s and seller’s agents are key, so should you receive an offer immediately after listing, always be sure to communicate any and all concerns with your agent and they will help navigate you through the selling process as well as ensure that the timeline of events will fit into your personal schedule.
If you’re currently searching for a new home in the <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/communities/">Greater Houston area</a>, have questions regarding the current market, or are in need of a <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/about/">qualified seller’s agent</a>, please feel free to <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/contact/">contact our office</a> at any time.
We are experts in listing and selling homes in the <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/cypress-texas-homes-for-sale/">Cypress real estate </a>marketing including new homes and <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/bridgeland-cypress-homes-for-sale/">new construction in Bridgeland</a>, <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blackhorse-ranch-cypress-real-estate/">Blackhorse Ranch</a>, and <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/coles-crossing-cypress-homes-for-sale/">Coles Crossing</a>. Let us get that home sold fast for the right price!2020-11-02T12:08:00-07:002020-11-02T14:16:44-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:77466 Easy Ways to Spruce up Your Home for the Holidays Somehow the Holiday Season is already upon us, and with people still staying home more than normal, the decorating has started early for many. While there is the traditional decorating such as putting up a tree or hanging lights, there are a few more simple ways to spruce up your house with the extra time you have at home and bring a little extra holiday cheer this season. Take a look at these few ideas to help you have a great and cheery Holiday season.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/holiday-run_t20_VKAwO6.jpg" width="972" height="731" alt="6 Easy Ways to Spruce up Your Home for the Holidays " title="6 Easy Ways to Spruce up Your Home for the Holidays " style="margin: 11px;" />
#1 - Add a new festive welcome mat to your front door, bright colors are sure to add some extra cheer!
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/wreath_t20_jXJ3nN.jpg" width="1067" height="1067" alt="6 Easy Ways to Spruce up Your Home for the Holidays " title="6 Easy Ways to Spruce up Your Home for the Holidays " style="margin: 11px;" />
#2 - Hang a wreath on your front door, try finding one with added color such as red berries, or ornaments and garland.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/4-tips-to-keep-a-new-home-clean/">4 Tips to Keep a new Home Clean</a>
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/background-image-desktop-tabletop-outside-outdoors-ghosts-dancing-around-tree-fun-decorations_t20_Oxbo6g.jpg" width="991" height="706" alt="6 Easy Ways to Spruce up Your Home for the Holidays " title="6 Easy Ways to Spruce up Your Home for the Holidays " style="margin: 11px;" />
#3 - Use batting to stuff old white socks and tie them into three sections, draw little faces and add a scrap piece of fabric for a scarf and use your homemade sock snowmen to decorate windowsills or shelves.
#4 – Use the end chunks of old 2x4s or other boxy chunks of wood you may have laying around and paint them orange. You can either add a painted Jack-o-lantern face or keep them simple. Next use a small stick or wooden dowel for the stem, paint it green or brown and attach the “stem” to the top of the faux pumpkin with hot glue or wood glue. Viola! Homemade pumpkin that can be used for Halloween and Thanksgiving festivities.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/santa-is-coming_t20_P1Z3oB.jpg" width="1034" height="689" alt="6 Easy Ways to Spruce up Your Home for the Holidays " title="6 Easy Ways to Spruce up Your Home for the Holidays " style="margin: 11px;" />
#5 – Use white window paint to create the illusion of frost or snow on the edges of your windows, you can also cut out snowflakes from white paper to add an extra pop, guaranteed to bring a smile to your neighbor's faces as they walk by.
#6 – Paint your hand, the palm and thumb brown, and each finger a bright color, put your painted hand on blank paper and then color a face within the thumb and you’ve created a handprint turkey! You can put them on the fridge or post them on your neighbors’ doors for a little pick me up and smile.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/buying-or-selling-this-one-thing-can-make-or-break-the-deal/">Buying or Selling? This One Thing Can Make or Break the Deal</a>
Regardless of if you have annual decorating traditions or are just looking for a few easy ways to bring some holiday cheer to your home, this Holiday season can bring just as much joy and cheer as years before. Even though this year may be different, a huge part of keeping the Holidays festive is by choosing to make them special.
If you’re interested in learning more about the real estate within the <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/communities/">Cypress and Northern Houston</a> area, are seeking an agent to assist you in buying or selling a home, or have general questions, please feel free to <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/contact/">contact our office</a> at any time.2020-10-26T11:25:00-07:002020-10-26T13:33:00-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:7683Buying or Selling? This One Thing Can Make or Break the Deal It’s fairly common to find articles that are specific to either buying a home or selling a home, however, often times people may not realize that there is one key component that can affect both the purchase and sale of real estate. Time is of the essence when it comes to real estate and can affect both the purchase and sale in either a negative or positive way.
Time<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/5_Red_Flags_to_Look_for_on_a_Sellers_Disclosure_Form_2.jpg" width="400" height="335" alt="Buying or Selling? This One Thing Can Make or Break the Deal " title="Buying or Selling? This One Thing Can Make or Break the Deal " style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
In any real estate transaction, there is a lot of heavy lifting, documentation, fees, titles, and paperwork that takes place behind closed doors, because of this, when it comes to purchasing or selling a home, your effectiveness to supply lenders with documentation, signatures, etc. will play a vital role in the efficiency and timeliness of closing the deal.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-sell-a-house/">How Long Does it Take to Sell a House?</a>
When it comes to purchasing a home, should you not provide the needed documents to lenders, you may be required to move back your closing date, something that can negatively affect both parties. In this scenario, the homeowner is now responsible for the home longer than anticipated, and the buyer won’t receive keys as early as expected often creating financial hardships and housing dilemmas.
In rare cases, either the buyer or seller can back out of the deal if they are not satisfied with the timeliness and efficiency that is being put forward. For the buyer this could result in forfeiting your Earnest money, a loss of thousands. While there can be ramifications should this problem arise, it isn’t something that cannot be done and can leave one, if not both parties, in quite the predicament.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/what-causes-you-to-lose-your-earnest-money/">What Causes You to Lose Your Earnest Money?</a>
Whether you are looking to purchase a new home or sell your current home, make sure that you are prepared for the amount of work that will be required of you. It is crucial that in any real estate dealings, you hire a highly reputable real estate agent so that they can assist you throughout the buying or selling process. With the right agent by your side, you will have someone to help you dot the I’s and cross the T’s to ensure that your purchase or sale is not only done effectively but efficiently and most importantly, timely.
More:<a href="https://sunsetbeachandbeyond.com/3-mistakes-when-buying-a-house-sight-unseen/" target="_blank"> 3 Mistakes When Buying a House Sight Unseen</a>
For more information on buying or selling a home, the real estate within the <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/communities/">Cypress and Northern Houston</a> areas, or for any questions, please feel free to <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/contact/">contact our office</a> at any time.2020-10-14T06:49:00-07:002020-10-14T10:15:24-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:7614How Long Does It Take to Sell a House?Oftentimes when you’ve made the decision to sell your home, one of the first questions you may ask yourself is how long the process will take. While it can be frustrating to not have a concrete and definitive answer to this question, it may take longer than you may have thought. Many homeowners believe that homes can sell within days, and while you may receive an offer quickly, there is a lot more to the sale and purchase.
The Timeline<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/How_Long_Does_It_Take_to_Sell_a_House_.jpg" width="400" height="335" alt="How Long Does It Take to Sell a House?" title="How Long Does It Take to Sell a House?" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
The timeline of how long it takes to sell a home varies drastically pending on the area, home-style, pricing, current market values, the available real estate within the area and so much more. While the real estate market can shift drastically and quickly, it seems that homes are selling at quite a fast rate currently and are currently selling 8% faster than they were a year ago. The risk you may have as a buyer is that bidding wars are quite common, in fact, 71% of homes sold in August of 2020 received multiple and competitive offers.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/what-to-avoid-when-selling-your-home/">What to Avoid When Selling Your Home</a>
In August 2020 the average home sold and closed escrow in 56 days, which means that the sellers would have accepted an offer in less than two weeks. This number can go either up or down pending on a few key factors. With the right agent, you should be able to get a rough idea of the market in your area which will not only help you price and advertise your home, but it will also inform you on if you are trying to sell in a hot or cold market which could drastically change the timeline of the sale.
Once an offer has been accepted, you’ll have to wait for escrow to close, this means that you have a minimum of 30 days to wait before handing over your keys to the buyers. The national average for closing a home is between 4-6 weeks, however, many underwriters have been pushing for a 30 day close upon offer acceptance.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/what-causes-you-to-lose-your-earnest-money/">What Causes You to Lose Your Earnest Money?</a>
Motivated?
Another factor that plays a big role in how quickly the home will close is the buyer’s willingness and eagerness to close. The buyer is required to submit documents, signatures, etc. to the underwriters in order for their loan to close, and thus, if they are not timely in doing so it could set the closing date back further. While there is no black and white answer to pinpoint how long homes will sit on the market, the market is booming, and homes aren’t generally sitting on the market for too long prior to receiving one if not multiple offers.
If you’re ready to <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/sellers/">list your property</a>, are searching for a new home, or have questions regarding the <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/">real estate in the Northern Houston</a> and <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/cypress-texas-homes-for-sale/">Cypress real estate</a> areas, please feel free to <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/contact/">contact our office</a> at any time.
Related:
<a href="http://blog.keytothebay.com/tri-valley-home-sellers/ten-of-the-best-home-improvement-tips-from-the-experts/" target="_blank">10 of the Best Home Improvement Projects for Sellers</a>
<a href="https://www.laexclusiveproperty.com/before-the-sell/selling-your-house-better-prepare-for-the-home-inspection/" target="_blank">How to Prepare for the Home Inspection When Selling</a>2020-10-06T13:41:00-07:002020-10-06T15:49:45-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:7576How Much Money Do I Need to Buy a House?<a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/buyers/"><img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/financial-planning_t20_mvkEl3.jpg" width="400" height="266" alt="How Much Money Do I Need to Buy a House?" title="How Much Money Do I Need to Buy a House?" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />Buying a house</a> is one of, if not the biggest purchases and investments you will make throughout your life. While it is no secret that you have to make a down payment when purchasing a home, there are other fees that are associated when it comes to purchasing real estate. While the exact amount needed will vary pending on the inspectors used, purchase price, type of loan, closing costs, etc. As a general rule of thumb, you can expect to pay a pretty penny when it comes to buying a home, however, unlike new cars, oftentimes with real estate purchases, your investment is protected and you can continue to gain equity as you live in the home.
<a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/buyers/mortgage-calculator/">MORTGAGE CALCULATOR</a>
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/the-cost-of-new-construction-upgrades-is-it-worth-it/">The Cost of New Construction Upgrades, is it Worth It?</a>
Down Payment
This cost varies pending on the type of loan you are using for your purchase; however, it ranges from 5-20% of the purchase price. Anything below 20% will require an additional insurance payment that will be included within your monthly mortgage. Here are two examples of the lowest and the highest down payment options on a purchase of $350,000.
Purchase Price: $350,000
5% Down Payment: $17,500
20% Down Payment: $70,000
Closing Costs
Closing costs are generally between 2-5% of the purchase price and go towards covering a laundry list of small fees such as title transfer fees, attorney fees, taxes, etc. In some cases, the seller will pay a portion of, or all the closing costs, this is especially common if there are needed repairs within the home. Here are two examples of the lowest and highest closing cost options on a $350,000 purchase.
Purchase Price: $350,000
2% Down Payment: $7,000
5% Closing Costs: $17,500
Earnest Money
Earnest Money is generally between 1-3% of the purchase price and is then applied to your down payment amount. So, while it is technically a separate fee initially, it does roll into the cost of your down payment as the purchase closes escrow.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/what-causes-you-to-lose-your-earnest-money/">What Causes You to Lose Your Earnest Money?</a>
Inspections and Appraisals
An appraisal varies pending on the size of the home, condition of the homes, etc. however, generally an appraisal will range from $300-$450. In addition, you will also want to have a home inspection completed. Home inspections generally range from $400-$600, however, size and condition also play a role in the exact cost. You can expect to pay between $700-$1,050 on appraisals and inspections.
In conclusion, the amount needed to purchase a home can range drastically depending on the amount you use for your down payment and the percentage of your closing costs. While the purchase price of your home will determine more accurate numbers, for a home that is purchased for $350,000, the low end of upfront costs will be around $25,200 for closing costs, down payment as well as inspections and appraisals, whereas the high end could be around $85,550.
<a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/buyers/mortgage-pre-approval/">Get Pre-Approved Now</a>
If you’re currently <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/property-search/search-form/">searching for a </a><a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/cypress-texas-homes-for-sale/">new home within the Cypress</a> or surrounding areas, have questions regarding the buying or selling process, or would simply like to speak to one of our <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/about/">qualified agents</a>, please feel free to <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/contact/">contact our office</a> at any time.2020-10-01T06:27:00-07:002020-10-01T08:36:04-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:7539What to Avoid When Selling Your Home <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/How_to_Start_Saving_Money_for_a_House_7.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="What to Avoid When Selling Your Home " title="What to Avoid When Selling Your Home " style="margin: 11px;" />
Making the decision to sell your home can oftentimes cause a lot of stress and anxiousness. When selling real estate there are a few things that you, as the seller, should always try to avoid ensuring you have a successful, profitable, timely, and stress-free selling experience. First and foremost, with any real estate purchase or sale, you always want to hire an agent to represent you and help assist you throughout the process.
Try not to get emotional. This is much easier said than done when it comes to selling your home. It is always recommended that you remove any personal belonging such as family photos, Knick knacks, etc. By removing these items from your home prior to showings, you are helping both yourself as well as any potential buyers. Buyers will be able to visualize their own life within the home instead of yours, and you will be relieved to see the blank space without being reminded of the memories you’ve made in each room as this can cause sentimental feelings and heavy emotions that may hinder your ability to have a successful sale.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/what-to-do-if-your-house-isnt-selling/">What to Do if Your House Isn’t Selling</a>
Overpricing is the second most detrimental decision that can be made when choosing to sell your home. As homeowners, we tend to have an over-inflated value in mind when it comes to our homes. Whether it be from memories made, home improvement projects, friendships with neighbors, etc. it is extremely difficult to have a fair market value put in place by the homeowner. This is another reason to always hire a seller’s agent, as they can price your home according to the current market values and not based on personal or biased opinions.
While we all know how important homeowner’s insurance is, what you might not think of is its importance during tours throughout the selling process. Regardless of if you’ve already acquired a new home while still selling the old one, you should always ensure that you have homeowner’s insurance covering the listed property until closing escrow. Having the proper insurance during tours will help protect you from any damages that may be caused during a tour by a potential buyer.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/what-causes-you-to-lose-your-earnest-money/">What Causes You to Lose Your Earnest Money?</a>
While most people in today’s markets prep their home, a huge mistake you can make is to assume the market is hot and thus not prep your home accordingly. When choosing to list your home you always want to be sure to do a deep clean, organize, pre-pack what you can, and in some cases stage the home to help promote the sale. Dirty and unorganized homes will always sit on the market longer, despite how hot the market may seem.
If you are currently searching for a <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/about/">seller’s agent</a> to help assist you in the sale of your home, are <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/property-search/search-form/">searching for a new home</a> in the Cypress and Northern Houston areas, or have any questions regarding the buying or selling process, please feel free to <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/contact/">contact our office</a> at any time.
<a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/bridgeland-cypress-homes-for-sale/">Bridgeland New Homes</a> | <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/new-construction-homes-in-cypress-houston/">Cypress New Construction</a>2020-09-21T09:20:00-07:002020-09-21T11:34:44-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:7525What Causes You to Lose Your Earnest Money? <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/nominated-no-people-currency-finance-business-investment-buy-concept-bank-home-symbol-loan-property_t20_EnerbQ.jpg" width="1059" height="706" alt="What Causes You to Lose Your Earnest Money?" title="What Causes You to Lose Your Earnest Money?" style="margin: 11px;" />
When starting the home buying process one of the fees that is required in the initial offer agreements is Earnest Money. As a general rule of thumb, Earnest Money is generally around 1-3% of the property’s sale price, and if the offer completes escrow and the house closes, this amount is them applied to your down payment. Unfortunately, there are ways that you as a buyer could lose your Earnest Money.
Luckily for the buyer, it isn’t very common to lose your Earnest Money during a real estate purchase. The easiest way to protect your Earnest Money and investment is to ensure that when placing an offer, you place a contingent offer based upon the findings during the inspections and/or appraisals. This allows you to back out of the sale should the inspection find damages or needed repairs that you are unable to or do not wish to make. In this situation, you can remove your offer and yourself from the sale, receiving your Earnest Money back in full to use on the next property you wish to place an offer on.
Related: <a href="https://www.andydanecarter.com/blog/been-holding-off-buying-rates-are-the-lowest-ever/" target="_blank">Been holding off buying? Interest rates are the lowest EVER!</a><a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/what-to-do-if-your-house-isnt-selling/"><br /></a>
The most common way buyers lose their Earnest Money is by placing an offer on a house too quickly. If you haven’t done the proper research, toured the home, and spent time discussing the severity of such a large purchase, your likelihood to back out of the sale is exponentially higher. Should you choose to back out of a sale solely for personal reasons, whether that be a change of heart, choosing not to move, preferring a different house, etc. without proper cause or a contingency placed within your offer, this is when your Earnest Money will be forfeited to the seller.
Providing Earnest Money when an offer is placed helps protect the seller as it shows that your intent to purchase the property is serious. In addition, should you choose to back out of the sale, without the above contingencies, it allows the seller to recoup some of the lost finances they may have endured by taking their home off the market or turning away other offers.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/pros-cons-buying-existing-house-building-one/">Pros and Cons of Buying an Existing House or Building One</a>
In conclusion, losing your Earnest Money isn’t as common as you may think. As long as you do your research prior to placing an offer, your risk of losing the finances are low. To protect your assets, always make sure that you are ready to move, purchase real estate, and have all the needed financing handled prior to placing an offer.
If you are currently <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/property-search/search-form/">searching for a new home in Cypress</a>, interested in listing your property, have any questions regarding the buying or selling process, earnest money, as well as any general real estate questions, please feel free to <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/contact/">contact our office</a> at any time.
More Tips for Home Buyers:
<a href="https://mylenderjackie.com/purchasing-a-home/common-real-estate-and-mortgage-terms/" target="_blank">Popular Mortgage and Real Estate Terms</a>
<a href="https://wheretoliveinorlando.com/5-tips-for-finding-that-first-perfect-lake-property/" target="_blank">5 Tips for Finding the Perfect Lakefront Property</a>
<a href="https://www.visionrealty.com/blog/how-to-tell-if-a-home-will-need-extensive-repairs/" target="_blank">How to Tell if a Home Will Need Extensive Repairs</a>
<a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/4-downsides-to-purchasing-a-new-construction-home/">4 Downsides to New Construction</a>
<a href="https://sunsetbeachandbeyond.com/how-refinance-home/" target="_blank">How do you refinance a home?</a>
2020-09-17T09:21:00-07:002020-09-17T11:27:52-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:75174 Downsides to Purchasing a New Construction Home<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/How_to_Dry_Out_a_Flooded_Home_2.jpg" width="900" height="506" alt="4 Downsides to Purchasing a New Construction Home" title="4 Downsides to Purchasing a New Construction Home" style="margin: 11px;" />
There is something special about purchasing a brand-new home. No weird smells, no extra crumbs left in the cupboards from the previous owners, and that “new car” feeling. Unfortunately, not all new construction homes provide homeowners with such, and many are left with buyer’s remorse. If you’re considering purchasing a new construction home, be sure to keep the following in mind.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/pros-cons-buying-existing-house-building-one/">Pros and Cons of Buying an Existing House or Building One</a>
Materials
We’ve all heard the saying, “they sure don’t make them like they used to” and it rings true for new construction homes. Be sure to do your research on the builder that is completing the home to ensure that that are using high quality materials that are made to last, and not cheaper materials simply to provide a temporarily pleasing aesthetic.
Value
Make sure you still have an appraisal completed even for new construction. You do not want to overpay for the home simply because it is new. Much like driving a brand-new car off the lot, your value can drop immediately. While this can be the case with many new construction homes, it is more likely to happen if you’ve chosen to highly upgrade the home to your specific likings and expectations as these may not be appealing to future buyers.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/3-new-construction-upgrades-that-last/">3 New Construction Upgrades that Last</a>
Construction Noise
When purchasing a new home, oftentimes there are still other homes within the neighborhood that are not yet completed. If this is the case be sure to ask about construction noise, hours of operation etc. as the construction noise could wake you early, keep you up, interrupt those who work from home, or get in the way of a little one’s nap.
Cleanliness
We all want a clean home. By purchasing a new construction home, you expect it to be clean and tidy without any leftover dirt or grime. Unfortunately, if the neighborhood you are purchasing your home within is not yet completed, this could result in construction dust, dirt, and debris of which can all be drug into your home thus causing it to be dirtier than you could have expected.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/4-tips-to-keep-a-new-home-clean/">4 Tips to Keep a New Home Clean</a>
While there are many positives to purchasing a new construction home, you always want to weigh the pros and cons prior to purchase. By doing your research, and keeping the above information in mind, you can easily rest assured that you are making a smart purchase and protection or return of investment.
If you are currently in the market to <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/buyers/">purchase a home</a>, are in need of a qualified agent to assist you in either the buying or selling process, or have any questions regarding the real estate within the <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/communities/">Northern Houston and Cypress areas</a>, please feel free to <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/contact/">contact our office</a> at any time.
More Great Advice for Buyers:
<a href="https://www.sellingsiliconvalley.tv/blog/should-we-buy-a-fixer-upper/" target="_blank">Should you buy a fixer-upper?</a>
<a href="https://snohomishland.com/home-buying/pre-approved-before-home/" target="_blank">Why you should be pre-approved BEFORE looking at homes</a>
<a href="https://homesforsaleinmesquitenevada.com/news/10-things-to-ask-your-agent-while-video-touring-a-kitchen" target="_blank">10 Things to Ask Your Agent When Touring a Kitchen</a>
2020-09-16T06:12:00-07:002020-09-16T08:19:25-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:75004 Tips to Keep a New Home Clean <img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/home_interior_living_room.jpg" width="420" height="357" alt="4 Tips to Keep a New Home Clean " title="4 Tips to Keep a New Home Clean " style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />There is no better feeling than that of being handed the keys to your new home. The empty space is a canvas just waiting to be filled with memories and decor. Unfortunately, it is easy to become overwhelmed with the upkeep of a new home, and that “new” feeling can fade quite quickly. So, how do you keep your new home feeling new and clean? Deep cleaning is important, however, there are a few things you can do daily and even weekly to help keep up on the household chores so that you don’t become overwhelmed with dust, dirt or clutter.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/pros-cons-buying-existing-house-building-one/">Pros and Cons of Buying an Existing House or Building One</a>
Make the Bed
This seems quite tedious and unnecessary to some; however, you’d be surprise at how quickly making your bed can pull a room together and how cluttered and messy it can look with an unmade bed. Try making the bed a daily habit to keep bedrooms looking tidy at all times.
Set the Timer
Ever heard of a speed clean? This is the most effective way to clean as much as possible with only a little bit of time. Get the whole family involved and set a quick 15-minute timer before bed. During the 15 minutes have everyone speed clean until the timer goes off. You will be amazed at how much can be accomplished in such a short period of time, this also allows you to wake up to a freshly cleaned and straightened house.
Related: <a href="https://allkleencarpets.com/how-often-you-should-be-cleaning-things-in-your-kitchen/" target="_blank">How Often You Should be Cleaning Things in Your Kitchen</a>
High Traffic Areas
High traffic areas will be the number one culprit for tracking in extra dust, dirt, or mud. As you grow into your new home, identify the areas that are being used the most and then make sure to do a quick sweep or vacuum of only that area daily. This will eliminate the spread of dirt to areas of the home that are of lower traffic and thus won’t need the daily cleaning.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/the-cost-of-new-construction-upgrades-is-it-worth-it/">The Cost of new Construction Upgrades, is it Worth It?</a>
Convenient Storage
While we all have dreams of having a storage space for all of our household cleaners, unfortunately this isn’t efficient for quick cleaning. Try storing the cleaners in the areas where they are used the most. For example, kitchen cleaners should be stored in the kitchen, bathroom cleaners in the bathroom, etc. This will allow for a faster speed clean or spill clean-up.
By taking just a little bit of time out of each day you will be able to keep your home looking it’s best. Enjoy your new home, make memories, and make sure your home feels new for years to come.
If you are currently <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/property-search/search-form/">searching for a new home</a> in the <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/bridgeland-cypress-homes-for-sale/">Bridgeland</a> and<a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/cypress-texas-homes-for-sale/"> Cypress</a> areas, are in need of a qualified buyer’s or seller’s agent or have any questions regarding the real estate in the greater Houston area, please feel free to <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/contact/">contact our office</a> at any time.2020-09-09T16:46:00-07:002020-09-09T18:51:01-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:74993 New Construction Upgrades that LastMaking the decision to purchase a new construction home is both exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time. While there are many steps to take and decisions to be made prior to finalizing your purchase, buyers are often faced with the decision to upgrade their home. While there are specific upgrades that cost more, or areas in your home where your upgrades will help add value, the real thing you want to look at is the quality of the upgrades. The upgrade materials will play a huge roll in their longevity.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/the-cost-of-new-construction-upgrades-is-it-worth-it/">The Cost of New Construction Upgrades, is it worth It?</a>
Front Door<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/photodune-3538182-holiday-home-door-xs.jpg" width="266" height="400" alt="3 New Construction Upgrades that Last" title="3 New Construction Upgrades that Last" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
Take the front door for example. While the plans for your new construction will generally include a standard front door, choosing to upgrade to a front door that is more weatherproof, such as a windowless fiberglass door, will not only help the longevity but also the durability of your doors, offering extra protection.
Kitchen Cabinets and Counters
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/modern-kitchen-xs1.jpg" width="400" height="265" alt="3 New Construction Upgrades that Last" title="3 New Construction Upgrades that Last" style="float: left; margin: 11px;" />Another commonly upgraded feature is the kitchen cabinets and countertops. While you may be tempted to upgrade the cabinets to a beautiful white, with a matching light countertop, make sure to look at the type of stone used for the countertops and check the chip resistance, durability and pay extra attention to how porous the material is, as porous materials could cause unwanted stains. White cabinets will give you a fresh clean look however in order to make this last, you should invest in cabinetry that is not just a painted finish, but try looking into acrylic cabinetry as this provides a longer life without the risk of chipping or fading paint down the line.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/pros-cons-buying-existing-house-building-one/">Pros and Cons of Buying an Existing House or Building One</a>
Windows and Roofing
While you’d like to focus all of your attention to design features or bells and whistles, your windows and roofing should receive the most attention in regard to upgrade options. If you are in a storm-prone area, investing in storm shutters as well as storm-resistant windows are always upgrades that are sure to last longer than the standard offerings. Likewise, your roof is the single most important aspect of your home when it comes to protecting everything behind the front door. Investing or upgrading a little extra to the roofing materials can save you from costly repairs, damages, and allow your roof to last longer.
With dozens and dozens of different upgrading options available to new construction homes, it is often hard to decide which is best for you. While there is nothing wrong with adding extra bells and whistles, you will want to be sure to do your research on each upgrade to ensure it lasts for years to come and is made of high-quality materials.
Related: <a href="https://vpro-construction.com/home-improvement/storm-resistant-materials/" target="_blank">Best Building Materials for a Storm-Resistant Home</a>
If you are searching for a <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/new-construction-homes-in-cypress-houston/">new construction home</a> in the Houston area, have questions regarding the buying or selling process, or would like to talk with one of our <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/about/">experienced agents</a>, please feel free to <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/contact/">contact us</a> at any time.2020-09-07T16:40:00-07:002020-09-09T18:45:49-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:7488What to Do if Your House Isn't Selling<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/frustrated_my_house_wont_sell.jpg" width="400" height="520" alt="What to do when your house isn't selling" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />When choosing to list your house, you always want your home to sell quickly and for above asking price resulting in a profitable and seemingly stress-free sale. However, what isn’t as commonly talked about, it what to do when your house just isn’t selling. There are many factors that could play a role in the “why” when it comes to a house sitting on the market with no offers, however, generally the top two contributors are price, and the seller’s agent. This is why hiring a qualified and knowledgeable seller’s agent who is active in the current market is vital to any real estate sale. But what if it still isn’t selling? Here are a few options that could help with your next steps.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/sellers/">Selling a Home in Northwest Houston/Cypress, TX</a>
While with the right agent you should be able to sell your home in nearly any market, however, in some instances the market may just not be as stable. If this is the case, try waiting a few months, or keep your eye on the housing market to help you decide when the best time to list your home will be.
Change your agent. As mentioned above, hiring a qualified agent is key. Hiring a new agent may be all it takes to get your home viewed and sold for at or above asking price. A good agent will know exactly what it takes to sell your home and will ensure that all steps are taken to achieve a successful sale.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/sellers/marketing-your-home/">Marketing Your Home</a>
Find Renters. If you simply need to have your current mortgage covered in order to move on to the next step of life, consider renting out your house temporarily. This will help cover your financial responsibilities.
Rent to own. Many people may want to purchase the home but don’t have the needed funds or approvals to do so. In this scenario, consider setting up a rent to own agreement to help both the “buyer” and the seller.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/buyers/first-time-buyers/">First-Time Home Buyers</a>
In conclusion, while it may be stressful to watch your home sit on the market, there are options out there for you. The most important thing to remember is to stay calm and positive. Whether you simply need to hire a new agent, or are exploring the other options available to you, it is important that you look at every option in depth in order to decide which route would be best suited for you and your needs.
If you’re searching for a <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/about/">qualified seller’s or buyer’s agent</a>, are searching for a new home, or have any questions regarding the real estate within the Cypress and the greater Houston area, please feel free to <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/contact/">contact our office</a> at any time.2020-09-07T05:16:00-07:002020-09-07T07:20:26-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:7476Cypress Hidden Gem: Towne Lake Boardwalk<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/towne_lake_boardwalk_cypress.PNG" width="1442" height="708" alt="Cypress Hidden Gem: Towne Lake Boardwalk" title="Cypress Hidden Gem: Towne Lake Boardwalk" style="margin: 11px;" />
<a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/cypress-texas-homes-for-sale/">Cypress</a> is scattered with many different hidden gems within many of their master-planned communities. From shopping and dining all the way to health and wellness, many of the communities promote a great sense of community and provide their residents with activities, events, and oftentimes shopping centers such as the Boardwalk at Towne Lake. With <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/houston-real-estate/">Houston</a> only 30 minutes from Cypress and the surrounding areas, often The Galleria and The Houston Premium outlets are the top two destinations when it comes to shopping needs, however, new destinations such as <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/towne-lake-cypress-homes-for-sale/">The Boardwalk at Towne Lake</a> are quickly attracting the attention of both locals and tourists.
The Boardwalk at Towne Lake lines the shores of a sparkling 300-acre lake where you can find boat slips for moorage as well as parking for automobiles. With plenty of shopping, you can easily spend your day strolling through one of the many stores at The Boardwalk. The Boardwalk is highly unique with its waterfront location and provides breathtaking views for shoppers, one of the many reasons it has quickly become a hot spot for locals within the greater Houston area.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/fun-things-to-do-in-texas/">Fun Things to do in Texas</a>
There are currently 11 different eateries scattered through The Boardwalk from quick-service options such as Mod Pizza all the way to World of Beer and even Sam’s Boat for fine dining. In addition to restaurants, there are also 9 different health and wellness facilities ranging from Pilates to Pediatrics, 7 different services for your convenience such as credit unions and learning centers, as well as two stores to browse and shop. While The Boardwalk is currently thriving and scattered with dozens of different businesses for your enjoyment, it is still growing to include even more shops and businesses to be explored in the near future.
Whether you are grabbing a quick cup of coffee and a morning scone, heading to a yoga class, or want somewhere to unwind after a day of watersports, The Boardwalk has something to offer everyone.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/premium-outlet-announces-two-new-retailers/">Premium Outlet Announces Two New Retailers</a>
If you are looking to find a home in the Towne Lake community or have any questions regarding the real estate within the Cypress and surrounding areas, please feel free to contact my office at any time.2020-09-02T06:33:00-07:002020-09-02T08:45:19-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:7362The Cost of New Construction Upgrades, is it Worth It? When you decide to buy a new construction home one of the key factors that will play a huge role in your final purchase price is your desired upgrades to the existing finishes and features. New construction homes will always have a standard home option and oftentimes that the standard price is drastically different than what your final sale price could be. Why? Simply put, upgrades.
While each home will vary slightly pending on the home's location, size, and the builder that is being used, as a general rule of thumb, you should plan on spending around 12% of the base price solely on upgrades.
For Example:
Base price: $250,000
Upgrade Cost at 12%: $30,000
New Price: $280,000
With this cost, you will want to make sure that the desired upgrade costs will still fall within your pre-qualification for your mortgage approval. While spending that much extra may not seem worth it to some, paying for upgrades upfront prior to moving in will generally end up costing you less than if you were to choose to add the upgrades later down the line.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/10-things-to-look-for-in-new-construction/">10 Things to Look for in New Construction Homes</a>
Not all upgrades are “bad” and not all upgrades are “good” either. There are some upgrades that are worth the extra cost and it is generally recommended that you focus your upgrades primarily in the kitchen. There are a few reasons for this, primarily being that the kitchen is the heart of the home and one of the main features and spaces that future buyers will pay extra attention to as the kitchen is a high value-boosting area within the home.
When choosing to upgrade your home you want to make sure to focus on the value of your upgrades. While upgrading the floors in the home will be costly, hardwood floors do add value and can provide a good investment return should you choose to sell the home down the line, whereas choosing to upgrade lighting fixtures can be costly but won’t generally add value to a future sale.
As with all home purchases, you should always explore all the options available to you and decide which feature and upgrades are the most important to you personally. What one homeowner may desire another may dislike, so ultimately upgrading your home to your liking is the most important.
For more information on <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/new-construction-homes-in-cypress-houston/">new construction homes</a>, available real estate, or for any questions, please feel free to <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/contact/">contact my office</a> at any time.2020-08-06T09:01:00-07:002020-08-06T11:04:16-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:7358Pros and Cons of Buying an Existing House or Building One<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/sunny-suburbia_t20_EOV87V.jpg" width="400" height="266" alt="Pros and Cons of Buying an Existing House or Building One" title="Pros and Cons of Buying an Existing House or Building One" style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />When it comes to buying a home you always want to make sure that you are purchasing a home that will be the best fit for you and your specific needs and wants. Unfortunately, that is oftentimes easier said than done. When it comes to the housing market, especially in newer developments, one of the most common questions asked is if it is better to purchase an existing home or to build your own customized home. As with most things, there are pros and cons to each option.
Pros of Building Your own Home
#1 - New homes offer more modern features and finishes.
#2 - You are the first owner so you are starting fresh and don’t have to worry about the home's history or leftover dirt and grime from previous owners.
#3 - With everything being new you don’t have to worry about a large repair bill right away.
#4 - New homes are well equipped with energy-efficient materials and appliances which saves you on your utility bills and leaves a smaller carbon footprint.
Related: <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/blog/10-things-to-look-for-in-new-construction/">10 Things to Look for in New Construction Homes</a>
Cons of Building Your own Home
#1 - It takes time to build a house that could result in moving delays or longer than expected completion.
#2 - With new construction homes you don’t have as much wiggle room for price negotiations.
#3 - When choosing to customize or upgrade features and finishes your home price can increase both drastically and quickly.
#4 - Even after your home is built, if other homes are planned in the area you may have to deal with construction noise, dust, and/or dirt.
Pros of Buying an Existing Home
#1 - Purchasing existing homes are generally less stressful purchases.
#2 - You may have additional amenities in an already established neighborhood such as a community pool or fitness center.
#3 - Prices are very negotiable which gives you room to talk the price down.
#4 - Your home is more likely to be surrounded by mature landscaping and greenery.
Related: <a href="https://albuquerquehomes.com/hidden-costs-new-construction/" target="_blank">Hidden Costs of New Construction</a>
Cons of Buying an Existing Home
#1 - You can’t customize the home which could result in not getting everything on your wishlist.
#2 - You could be faced with immediate repair bills due to the age and wear on materials and appliances.
#3 - You may have higher utility bills due to older materials and appliances that aren’t energy efficient.
#4 - Upgrades or customizations throughout the home by previous owners may not be done by a professional and could cause problems such as mold, structural issues, or not meet building codes.
Both building and buyer are both great options, however, you should always take the pros and cons into consideration and evaluate which scenario would fit your needs best. Ultimately the decision is yours!
For more information on <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/new-construction-homes-in-cypress-houston/">new construction homes</a>, building your own home, or for any questions regarding the <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/buyers/">buying</a> or <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/sellers/">selling</a> process, please feel free to <a href="https://www.wynnerealestategroup.com/about/">contact my office</a> at any time.2020-08-05T10:05:00-07:002020-08-05T12:15:32-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:734410 Things to Look for in New Construction When purchasing a New Construction Home, there are a few things you want to be sure to look for prior to your purchase.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/enjoying-a-cozy-new-kitchen-in-an-open-concept-home-copy-space-light-bright-airy-decoration-interior_t20_rox9lX_2.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="10 Things to Look for in New Construction " title="10 Things to Look for in New Construction " style="float: right; margin: 11px;" />
#1 Customization Options
Nearly all New Construction homes will come with customizable options. Knowing what options are standard, semi-custom, or full custom is important in understanding the cost of your home. Make sure that all upgrades and costs are put in writing so that both parties both the builders and you as the buyer are protected and on the same page.
#2 Construction Timing
If the New Construction home is not yet complete, or you opt to add extras and/or upgrades, be sure you understand the time it will take to finish construction or upgrades. This is not something that happens overnight so being in the loop on timing is key.
#3 Builder’s Reputation
Make sure when purchasing New Construction Homes that you look into the builder. You always want to be sure you are purchasing a home from a reputable builder with both experience and good reviews.
#4 Budget
It is easy to get lost in the bells and whistles of a New Construction Home. When choosing a home and adding customizable options, be sure not to get carried away and end up with a home that is out of your personal budget. Set boundaries and budget caps prior to looking at your upgrade options to ensure you don’t overdo it.
#4 Familiarize yourself with the Home Warranty
New Construction Homes will often come with limited warranties. This may not cover everything you expected so be sure to read through your warranty thoroughly. You have the right to ask for changes as well as credits toward your purchase should you not be happy with the warranty “as is.”
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/house-couple-box-home-together-new-happy-owner_t20_7ydv3y.jpg" width="400" height="267" alt="10 Things to Look for in New Construction " title="10 Things to Look for in New Construction " style="float: left; margin: 11px;" />#5 Energy Efficiency
New homes are generally more energy-efficient than older homes, be sure to look into prospective energy reports and ask for any data the builder has on prospective energy costs.
#6 Appliance Life Expectancy
If your New Construction Home comes with appliances or HVAC systems, ask about the life expectations, while new appliances will save you repair bills within the first few years, you want to ensure that all of your appliances won’t go out at the same time, make sure the life expectancy is staggered to help plan for future repairs or replacements.
#7 Home Inspections
Regardless of a New Construction Home, don’t fall into the trap of not having a home inspection completed. Inspections are just as important in New Construction Homes as they are with older homes.
Related: <a href="https://bestutahrealestate.com/news/new-construction-home-inspections-st-george" target="_blank">Does New Construction Need a Home Inspection?</a>
#8 Health Risks
Be sure to discuss potential hazardous materials used during the build. Are there any chemicals that could be leaked during construction? Hazardous materials? Also make sure there are no contingencies within your buying agreement stating the builder is not responsible for health problems related to the build.
#9 Ask About Incentives
Oftentimes New Construction Homes offer buyers a list of incentives with their purchase. Be sure to ask if there are any incentives being offered. You may not receive these credits or upgrades if you don’t ask.
#10 Contingencies
As with any home, you should always look into what contingencies you should add to your purchase contract. This will cover you as the buyer if you want/need to back out of the sale for a variety of reasons that pertain to the build, problems with construction, timing, etc.
For more information on purchasing a New Construction Home, to browse available homes, or for any questions, please contact our office at any time.
Check out our area's new construction subdivisions below!2020-07-30T11:35:00-07:002020-07-30T13:40:36-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:7115Fun things to do in TexasGood News! <br />I'm sure you've heard that the worst of COVID-19 may soon be behind us and that Governor Abbott announced a statewide task force of medical and economic experts to reopen the state, starting in May! With schools closed for the remainder of the school year, it's even more important that we look for fun things to keep us entertained, and ideally get us outdoors. Lots of outdoor businesses will now start to open back up but we'll still need to wear masks and maintain social distancing. Get Outside & Enjoy Texas!
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/October-buys-camping-equipment_11462055_ver1.0.jpg" width="276" height="155" />
Visit A Texas State Park
Texas State Parks are open but only for day use - no camping! So head to one of 89 state parks near you and enjoy all that they have to offer. Pick a <a target="_blank" href="https://sable.madmimi.com/c/197364?id=60712.217.1.7da47df5e6a89e63610a31e87fd96134">State Park based on an activity</a> that you enjoy (hiking, biking, climbing, etc.) or visit one of <a target="_blank" href="https://sable.madmimi.com/c/197364?id=60712.218.1.92d535eca2cee791564328f207df3ed4">Texas Outside's Favorite State Parks</a>.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/TexasGlamping.jpg" width="281" height="187" />
Try Glamping
To avoid the pain of camping (pitching a tent, using a public toilet, sleeping on a flat air mattress, etc.) but still enjoy the great outdoors try glamping - glorious or luxurious camping! You can stay in some <a target="_blank" href="https://sable.madmimi.com/c/197364?id=60712.219.1.a8385922a7255a4487c7a7a8aebdcf77">fun and luxurious glamping options</a> like yurts, safarit tents, tipis, bubbles, or treehouses!
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/RockClimbinginTx.jpg" width="301" height="172" />
Climb A Rock
The <a target="_blank" href="https://sable.madmimi.com/c/197364?id=60712.220.1.24ae2cf0777e9074a390464b45f91923">indoor climbing spots</a> are a lot of fun for all ages, but check to make sure they are open. Here is a list of some <a target="_blank" href="https://sable.madmimi.com/c/197364?id=60712.221.1.fbd84afd817617a2912f0c29d0e98a5e">great places for climbing in Texas</a>. Everybody will enjoy climbing up <a target="_blank" href="https://sable.madmimi.com/c/197364?id=60712.222.1.2cd9345b91db1c71a0c429bd4c604c11">Enchanted Rock</a>, which is one of the best climbing spots in Texas This website has lists of lots of other <a target="_blank" href="https://sable.madmimi.com/c/197364?id=60712.223.1.7e6ef64f86556b533ec1d4985176fc71">climbing locations in Texas</a>.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/DrivingInTx.jpg" width="304" height="173" />
Go For a Drive
Load the car with some drinks, snacks, and the family and go for a drive. Try one of the <a target="_blank" href="https://sable.madmimi.com/c/197364?id=60712.224.1.bcef6b9362bf9227a040ae9224f18afb">scenic drives in Texas</a>, visit one of the many <a target="_blank" href="https://sable.madmimi.com/c/197364?id=60712.225.1.78161fb92b9ae5230a1649cbab8c254c">natural wonders in Texas</a>, visit one of the <a target="_blank" href="https://sable.madmimi.com/c/197364?id=60712.226.1.53aaaf7732558650e688064bbb2386b2">bluebonnet trails</a>, or drive-thru a <a target="_blank" href="https://sable.madmimi.com/c/197364?id=60712.227.1.0c8c8a44af0f7132e56249abfb7fb87c">wildlife safari park</a>.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/BoatinginTx.jpg" width="315" height="160" />
Get Out on the Lake
Rent a <a target="_blank" href="https://sable.madmimi.com/c/197364?id=60712.228.1.8c0d78d0eace36049e3067e74d8ba635">jet ski</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://sable.madmimi.com/c/197364?id=60712.229.1.9391e6ff52e8a7c0a87e680eea0fbc06">ski boat</a>, or <a target="_blank" href="https://sable.madmimi.com/c/197364?id=60712.230.1.d98948445bc37e039af0d8658af070af">pontoon boat</a> and get out on the lake (while they are still full) for a day of cruising, swimming, tubing, or fishing. Or get some exercise on a <a target="_blank" href="https://sable.madmimi.com/c/197364?id=60712.231.1.dc9be70cceb406e06fae27c7da563a78">standup paddleboard</a> or <a target="_blank" href="https://sable.madmimi.com/c/197364?id=60712.232.1.e030fed4bea51bb9f2e075f8cae1f7c1">kayak</a>.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/SwimmingHolesInTexas.jpg" width="317" height="238" />
Enjoy A Swimming Hole
On a warm summer Texas day, it doesn't get much better than enjoying one of the many <a target="_blank" href="https://sable.madmimi.com/c/197364?id=60712.234.1.dd5773befd55c917c5d7ade9ba5b9843">Texas swimming holes</a>. Don't forget a picnic lunch! - TexasOutside.com
Have fun and stay safe!
2020-05-11T12:00:00-07:002020-05-11T12:32:57-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:6984Corona shows little measurable effect on Houston's March salesCORONAVIRUS SHOWS LITTLE MEASURABLE EFFECT ON HOUSTON’S MARCH HOME SALES
Strong sales momentum through mid-March helps offset COVID-19’s market impact later in the month
HOUSTON — (April 8, 2020) — As COVID-19 ravages the physical and business health of the nation, its impact on the Houston real estate market only began to set in during the last week of March, and therefore caused little disruption to the month’s overall performance. The full effect of the pandemic is expected to become more apparent when the April housing numbers are tallied.
Even with some transactions interrupted before Governor Greg Abbott designated real estate as an “essential” service statewide as part of his March 31 stay-at-home order, Houston home sales were more than 11 percent ahead of the levels at this point in 2019. Consumers were still taking advantage of historically low mortgage interest rates through the first half of the month.
Single-family homes priced between $500,000 and $750,000 led the way in March sales, followed by homes in the $250,000 to $500,000 range. Leases of single-family homes were also up for the month.
According to the latest monthly Market Update from the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR), 7,566 single-family homes sold in March compared to 6,995 a year earlier, accounting for an 8.2 percent increase and the ninth consecutive month of positive sales. The single-family home median price (the figure at which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less) rose 4.1 percent to $249,900, and the average price climbed 3.8 percent to $309,785. Both figures represent the highest prices ever for a March. Sales of all property types totaled 8,965, up 6.9 percent from March 2019. Total dollar volume for the month jumped 11.0 percent to slightly more than $2.6 billion
“What’s about to happen to Houston real estate reminds me of Hurricane Harvey in that we are bracing for impact, but don’t yet know what the full extent on the market will be,” said HAR Chairman John Nugent with RE/MAX Space Center. “There are consumers out there for whom finding a home is critical, however, HAR has urged all Realtor members to conduct as much business as possible online, using technology such as virtual open houses, virtual tours and electronic signature documents, in the interest of protecting everyone’s health. What’s most important during this pandemic is for everyone to be responsible community stewards and heed the warnings of health experts and local officials,” added Nugent.
On March 20, all (in-person) open houses were removed from HAR.com out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of consumers and real estate agents alike. In the next few days, the website will introduce a virtual tour feature allowing Realtors to host and post virtual open houses and conduct virtual showings. Consumers can watch them live on HAR.com at scheduled times and Realtors can then share the recordings on their own websites and social media platforms.
Lease Property Update
March saw a mixed performance for lease properties across the greater Houston area. Leases of single-family homes rose 1.2 percent year-over-year, however leases of townhomes and condominiums fell 9.7 percent. The average rent for single-family homes increased 2.4 percent to $1,788 while the average rent for townhomes and condominiums increased 4.2 percent to $1,604.
March Monthly Market Comparison
Market readings for March were largely positive. The exceptions were inventory, which lowered due to strong consumer demand during the first half of the month, and pending sales, which declined in the latter half due to market uncertainty as the pandemic struck. Single-family home sales, total property sales and total dollar volume all rose compared to March 2019, and pricing levels reached March highs. Total active listings, or the total number of available properties, rose 2.6 percent to 40,932.
Single-family homes inventory recorded a 3.5-months supply in March, down from a 3.8-months supply a year earlier. For perspective, housing inventory across the U.S. stands at a 3.1-months supply, according to the most recent report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR).
<img alt="" class="wp-image-33943" src="https://www.harconnect.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/mar_mls_chart.jpg" />
Single-Family Homes Update
Single-family home sales rose 8.2 percent in March with 7,566 units sold throughout greater Houston compared to 6,995 a year earlier. This marks the ninth straight month of positive sales. Prices reached the highest levels ever for a March. The median price increased 4.1 percent to $249,900. The average price rose 3.8 percent to $309,785.
Days on Market (DOM), or the number of days it took the average home to sell, remained unchanged at 65 days. Inventory registered a 3.5-months supply. That compares to 3.8 months a year earlier and is above the current national inventory level of 3.1 months reported by NAR.
<img alt="" class="wp-image-33944" src="https://www.harconnect.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SF_Sales_Apr20.jpg" />
Broken out by housing segment, March sales performed as follows:
$1 – $99,999: decreased 37.8 percent
$100,000 – $149,999: decreased 17.7 percent
$150,000 – $249,999: increased 9.4 percent
$250,000 – $499,999: increased 13.2 percent
$500,000 – $749,999: increased 17.5 percent
$750,000 and above: increased 9.1 percent
<img alt="" class="wp-image-33945" src="https://www.harconnect.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/SF_Apr20.jpg" />
HAR also breaks out sales figures for existing single-family homes. Existing home sales totaled 5,888 in March, up 6.3 percent compared to the same month last year. The average sales price increased 4.8 percent to $300,164 while the median sales price rose 4.9 percent to $236,000.
Townhouse/Condominium Update
Townhomes and condominiums ended three straight months of gains with a fractional year-over-year decline of 0.5 percent, with 547 units sold compared to 550 one year earlier. The average price jumped 6.0 percent to $224,038 while the median price increased 4.6 percent to $183,000. Inventory was unchanged at a 4.3-months supply.
<img alt="" class="wp-image-33946" src="https://www.harconnect.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/THS_Apr20.jpg" />
Houston Real Estate Highlights in March
Single-family home sales rose 8.2 percent year-over-year, with 7,566 units sold, marking the ninth consecutive month of positive sales;
The Days on Market (DOM) figure for single-family homes was unchanged at 65 days;
Total property sales rose 6.9 percent, with 8,965 units sold;
Total dollar volume jumped 11.0 percent to more than $2.6 billion;
The single-family home median price rose 4.1 percent to $249,900, reaching a March high;
The single-family home average price climbed 3.8 percent to a March high of $309,785;
Single-family homes months of inventory was at a 3.5-months supply, down from 3.8 months last March but above the national inventory level of 3.1 months;
Townhome/condominium sales declined 0.5 percent, with the average price up 6.0 percent to $224,038 and the median price up 4.6 percent to $183,000;
Lease properties experienced a mixed performance, as single-family home rentals increased 1.2 percent with the average rent up 2.4 percent to $1,788;
Volume of townhome/condominium leases fell 9.7 percent with the average rent up 4.2 percent to $1,604. - HAR 4/8/2020
2020-04-08T09:20:00-07:002020-04-08T09:23:49-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:6813Premium Outlet announces two new retailersOfficials with Houston Premium Outlets announced Feb. 20 there would be two new stores moving into the shopping center in the coming months at 29300 Hempstead Road, Cypress.<br /><br />Marc Jacobs is slated to open this spring with a 2,152 square feet shop offering designer clothing and accessories including bags, wallets, shoes, watches, jewelry and sunglasses. The new space will be located near Armani, Michael Kors and kate spade new york within the mall. <a href="http://www.marcjacobs.com/">www.marcjacobs.com</a>
Bath & Body Works will open this summer near Lululemon, Le Creuset and Banana Republic. The 3,792-square-foot space will offer personal care products including soaps, moisturizers, body fragrances, candles, air fresheners and gifts. <a href="http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/">www.bathandbodyworks.com</a><br /><br />“We’re thrilled to welcome both Marc Jacobs and Bath & Body Works to Houston Premium Outlets,” General Manager Elaine Devine said in a press release. “These store openings allow us to continue offering shoppers the best deals on some of the most sought-after brands.”<br /><br /><a href="http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/houston">www.premiumoutlets.com/outlet/houston</a>2020-02-25T08:41:00-07:002020-02-25T08:48:39-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:6807List of things to do in Houston for Spring BreakWhy head out of town for spring break when there is so much to explore right here in Houston? Spring break is less than two weeks away, so we compiled a list of some family friendly places to check out while the kids are out of school!
Free: Every Thursday, you can head to the <a href="https://www.cmhouston.org/">Childrens museum of Houston</a> at no cost from 5pm-8pm! The Museum of Fine arts, The Museum of Natural Science, and the Holocaust Museum are also free on Thursdays. Check online for the hours of free admission, as they vary.
Free: The Square at Memorial City offers tons of fun community events including outdoor movie nights complete with complementary popcorn! Memorial city mall also has the worlds largest soft, indoor playground, <a href="https://www.memorialcity.com/events/frolics-castle/">Frolics Castle</a>! To see the list of upcoming events, click <a href="https://www.memorialcity.com/events/">HERE</a>.
Free: The Houston area has some amazing parks that are worth checking out! Pack a picnic, and check out some of these local favorites!
1. <a href="https://www.mommynearest.com/place/exploration-park-katy">Exploration Park in Katy</a>- This park offers numerous interactive activities for all ages including large foam blocks for imaginitive play, a huge play structure and lots of open space to explore!
2.<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Barbara-Fish-Daniel-Nature-Play-Area-at-Buffalo-Park/720351121397663"> Barbara Fish Daniel Nature Play area at Buffalo Park</a>- If you have never been here, it is one of the most awesome parks in Houston! Located along Buffalo Bayou, this place has so much to offer! You and your kids can explore the trails, climb and play on numerous play structures, and even look deep into the underground cisterns with a periscope! The view of the skyline is beautiful as well!
3. <a href="https://www.hcp4.net/parks/matzke/">Matzke Park in Cypress</a>- This local park has a butterfly/sensory garden, play equipment and a walking/biking trail!
$ <a href="https://spacecenter.org/education-programs/explorer-camps/">Space Center Houston</a> is offering a "Space Explorer Camp" from March 9-13! If you don't want to enroll in a camp, take your whole family for a day of fun and exploration. There is so much to do and see!
$ Head on over to the Houston Livestock show and Rodeo for rides, games and all of the delicious carnival food you can eat! Click <a href="https://www.rodeohouston.com/Tickets/Carnival-Rides-Games-Food">here</a> to purchase tickets.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/buffalo_bayou.jpg" width="300" height="200" />
2020-02-24T08:20:00-07:002020-02-26T09:12:28-07:00Carli Webbtag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:6802The #1 Reason to list Your House RIGHT NOWThe success of the U.S. residential real estate market, like any other market, is determined by supply and demand. This means we need to look at how many potential purchasers are in the market versus the number of houses that are available to buy. With early 2020 housing data now rolling in, it’s quite evident there are two big stories impacting this year’s residential real estate market:
1. Buyer demand is already extremely strong<br />2. Housing supply is at a historically low level
Demand
ShowingTime is a firm that compiles data from property showings scheduled across the country. The latest ShowingTime Showing Index <a href="https://www.showingtime.com/showingtime-showing-index/">reveals</a> how showings have increased in each of the country’s four regions for five months in a row.
Supply
Move.com also just released <a href="https://news.move.com/2020-02-07-U-S-Housing-Supply-Reaches-New-Low">information</a> indicating that the number of homes currently for sale has declined rapidly and now sits at the lowest level in almost a decade. They explained,
“National housing inventory declined 13.6 percent in January, the steepest year-over-year decrease in more than 4 years, pushing the supply of for sale homes in the U.S. to its lowest level since realtor.com began tracking the data in 2012.”
In response to these numbers, Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, said,
“Homebuyers took advantage of low mortgage rates and stable listing prices to drive sales higher at the end of 2019, further depleting the already limited inventory of homes for sale. With fewer homes coming up for sale, we’ve hit another new low of for sale-listings in January.”
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/declines.jpg" width="720" height="405" />
Bottom Line
Since there’s a historic shortage of homes for sale, putting your home on the market today could drive an excellent price and give you additional negotiating leverage when selling your house. Reach out to a local real estate professional to determine if listing your house now is your best move. - Keeping Current Matters
2020-02-21T10:58:00-07:002020-02-21T11:12:30-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:67502nd Saturday at The Depot!Looking for some family fun this weekend? Head on over to Old Town Tomball for 2nd Saturday at The Depot! There will be plenty of games, music, family friendly entertainment, and a movie at dusk! The fun starts at noon! For more events in Tomball, visit <a href="https://www.tomballchamber.org/">www.Tomballchamber.org</a>.<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/old_town_tomball.jpg" width="736" height="552" /> 201 South Elm, Tomball, TX
2020-02-07T09:59:00-07:002020-02-07T10:12:59-07:00Carli Webbtag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:6683Modest improvement in housing supplyLack of housing inventory has been the primary constraint on the housing market. The housing supply is expected to improve this year, with housing starts expected to hit 1.42 million, up from 1.27 million last year. Still, the new supply will not meet the demand that will be created in 2020 by new household formation, estimated at 1.2 million, and demolished or obsolete housing, estimated at about 450,000. “Ramping up housing construction will continue to be central to improving home affordability and raising the level of home ownership,” - <a href="https://magazine.realtor/author/gay-cororaton">Gay Cororaton</a>2020-01-21T09:19:00-07:002020-01-21T09:27:19-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:6676Mortgage Rates to sustain housing demandMortgage rates to sustain housing demand
“We don’t foresee the Fed raising the federal funds rates in 2020. A rate cut of at least 25 basis points in early 2020 is the likely scenario,” says Yun. With the Fed maintaining a low-interest-rate policy, the 30-year fixed mortgage rate is expected to average 3.8% this year. Rates for 15-year fixed mortgages are also trending downward, from 3.4% to 3.1%. Low mortgage rates make purchasing a home more affordable, especially among the 46.5 million 25- to 34-year-olds who made up last year’s largest segment of home buyers. Given the existing conditions, home sales—existing and new homes combined—are expected to increase by a little over 4%, from 6 million in 2019 to 6.3 million in 2020.2020-01-17T10:08:00-07:002020-01-17T10:10:39-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:6636Open House in BridgelandJoin us for an open house Saturday, January 25th and Sunday, January 26th 1-3 <a href="http://brotherspurchasecircle.com/">12215 Brothers Purchase Circle Cypress, TX 77433</a>
Welcome to this gorgeous Trendmaker home located in the prestigious gated section, Allen Shore in the master-planned community of Bridgeland. Beautiful hardwood floors and tile on the first floor with freshly cleaned carpets in the bedrooms. This home has a game room, media room and the second story that was open below has been finished to make a huge room above the living room that can be used as another bedroom or second living area! The backyard is an entertainers dream with a sparkling pool and hot tub, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and a pool bath with indoor and outdoor shower! This home has it all! NEVER FLOODED. Fully transferrable home warranty! 2020-01-14T08:57:00-07:002020-01-14T09:03:47-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:6635Dunham Point Master Planned Community Work progressed on water plants, wells and detention facilities in 2019 at the future Dunham Pointe community, a 1,300-acre property just south of Hwy. 290 around Mueschke and Mason roads. At some point in 2020, developer Archie Dunham said he hopes to be able to sign contracts with some residential homebuilders and commercial developers at the site.<br /><br />However, Dunham said no announcements are likely to be made until after a major transportation milestone is launched—the laying of pavement to allow Mason Road to cross a set of Union Pacific Corp. railroad tracks into the Dunham Pointe area.<br /><br />Dunham said he has <a href="https://communityimpact.com/houston/cy-fair/top-stories/2019/01/25/extending-mason-and-mueschke-roads-south-of-hwy-290-part-of-plan-for-future-master-planned-community/">secured an agreement</a> with Union Pacific to lease land owned by the railroad company and make at-grade crossings for both Mueschke and Mason roads. He said he is also working with the Texas Department of Transportation and Harris County on the final approvals with hopes of having a crossing paved for Mason around mid-year.<br /><br />“It’s a very bureaucratic process, a slow process and frustrating process, but everything is moving in the right direction,” he said. "Most [builders] aren’t going to close the contract until they see the concrete pour.”
Roughly six months after pavement is poured for Mason Road, Dunham said he hopes to be able to begin work on a similar crossing for Mueschke Road as well.<br /><br />Dunham said he closed on a deal with Cy-Fair ISD for 146 acres, where he said the school district will eventually build a new high school, middle school, elementary school, transportation facility and football field. In addition to that, a design has been finalized for the community’s entrance, and a homeowners association has been established, he said.<br /><br />Dunham said he has fielded calls from a number of commercial developers who are interested in building within the community but said he could not yet share any details.<br /><br />“It’s exciting because there is interest, especially at the Mason and Mueschke Road corners at Hwy. 290,” he said.<br /><br />Dunham Pointe is expected to have around 2,500-3,000 homes at build-out.
-Shawn Arrajj2020-01-14T08:21:00-07:002020-01-14T08:26:56-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:6601Bridgeland Info from our Agents2020-01-09T07:55:00-07:002020-01-09T08:20:01-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:6600Home Values RiseAfter mostly minor increases and some decreases in 2018, home values rose by greater margins across the Cy-Fair area in 2019, according to data from the Harris County Appraisal District.<br /><br />HCAD officials also said homes that sustained damage during Hurricane Harvey could see <a href="https://communityimpact.com/houston/city-county/2019/05/30/hurricane-harvey-damaged-homes-in-harris-county-could-see-up-to-21-percent-appraisal-bump-this-year/">up to a 21% increase</a> in appraised value this year.<br /><br />State tax code normally does not allow the appraised value of a home to increase more than 10% per year. However, because some Harvey-damaged homes were granted a reprieve from value increases in 2018, HCAD can add 10% per year to the pre-Harvey 2017 value.<br /><br />The window to file a protest had not closed for all properties as of July, and the total number of protests filed in 2019 was still being evaluated as of press time, HCAD officials said. - Shawn Arrajj, Community Impact2020-01-09T06:58:00-07:002020-01-09T07:03:28-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:6595Remember to file your Homestead Exemptions!If you purchased a home in Harris county in 2019, remeber to file for your homestead exemptions! Follow the link to the<a href="https://hcad.org/hcad-forms/hcad-popular-forms/"> Harris County Appraisal District</a> to file it online, or download their app! You will not want to skip this step as it will save you money on your taxes this year! Happy New Year from Wynne Real Estate Group!
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/homestead-exemption-definition-1068x713.jpg" width="1068" height="713" alt="homestead exemption" title="homestead exemption" />
2020-01-08T11:38:00-07:002020-09-28T05:11:34-07:00Carli Webbtag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:6594Dogtopia Opens in CypressDogtopia celebrated the soft opening of a new Cypress location Dec. 23 at 8931 Fry Road, Ste. 800, Cypress. The business offers a variety of services for dogs, including daycare and boarding for overnight and extended stays, as well as spa and grooming services. A grand opening is being planned for late January or early February, but an official date has not been set. 281-213-5780. - Shawn Arrajj
<a href="http://www.dogtopia.com/houston-cypress" style="color: #201ce3;">www.dogtopia.com/houston-cypress</a>
2020-01-08T11:32:00-07:002020-01-08T11:34:27-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:6581Texas cities out perform other big metrosDallas and Houston’s economic stability are projected to be somewhat of an anomaly in the U.S. over the next several years, even as much of the world’s economic growth slows, according to research firm Oxford Economics.
Its economic analysis projects that nearly two-thirds of the world’s major cities will see an economic slowdown over the next two years. Oxford Economics sees slowing gross domestic product growth in the 10 largest cities in the world.
Dallas and Houston trail only San Francisco for near-term economic success in the analysis of how America’s 10 largest cities will fare through a slowdown. The analysis projects Dallas’ GDP will grow at an average rate of 2.2% between 2020-2021, down from 3.6% from 2014-2018, according to Oxford Economics. Projecting out two more years to 2023, both the Dallas and Houston economies are forecast to grow at a 2.4% rate.
As the home of America’s tech industry and its countless highly skilled workers, San Francisco will continue to see growth outpacing the rest of the country even in a downturn. But what’s happening in Dallas and Houston that makes these Texas cities so well-suited to weather economic slowing?
According to the economists at Oxford Economics, these major Texas cities’ formula for success is nearly the exact opposite of California’s.
In San Francisco, growing demand for computing power and high-tech services offsets California’s highly regulated economy and housing costs.
Texas, on the other hand, was <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/business/jobs/2019/12/20/texas-posts-115th-straight-month-of-jobs-gains-in-november/" target="_blank">one of only six states to add jobs</a> in November. The Oxford researchers said it continues to boast a unique edge in the U.S. economy: a reasonable cost of living and minimal government regulation that allows its major cities to absorb and grow industries from other portions of the country.
“The mix of both affordability and sturdy job growth has attracted new firms and residents,” the researchers wrote about Dallas. “This generates outperformance within locally-oriented industries, such as construction, retail trade, real estate and health care, to supplement the benefit of new companies moving in.”
Most recently, the Dallas-Fort Worth region has seen this play out in its burgeoning tech sector. Just this year, San Francisco-based ridesharing company <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/business/technology/2019/08/20/uber-makes-it-official-it-will-set-up-major-hub-in-downtown-dallas-by-end-of-year/" target="_blank">Uber announced its decision</a> to set up its largest office outside of California in Deep Ellum.
<img src="https://assets.site-static.com/userfiles/1253/image/top_cities_by_growth.png" width="800" height="611" />
The financial services sector also has been consolidating around North Texas, with Texas Capital and Independent Bank <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/business/banking/2019/12/09/texas-capital-independent-bank-to-merge-in-55-billion-deal/" target="_blank">announcing recently they would merge</a> and situate the combined company’s headquarters in McKinney. Charles Schwab also plans to <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/business/2019/11/25/charles-schwab-will-move-hq-to-d-fw-over-time-with-acquisition-of-td-ameritrade/" target="_blank">move its headquarters</a> from San Francisco to the northern Tarrant County suburb of Westlake when it completes its $26 billion deal to buy TD Ameritrade.
The researchers also praised Dallas’ diverse economy and issued a bit of a warning about the rising cost of living and working in the Bay Area.
“San Francisco’s very high costs are creating affordability problems and rising inequalities that may eventually undermine its model,” the researchers wrote. “Competitive advantages never last forever. The Sunbelt cities may yet give it a run for its money.” Dom DiFurio- The Dallas Morning News
2020-01-07T14:24:00-07:002020-01-07T14:36:05-07:00Melissa Wynne Severatag:wynnerealestategroup.com,2012-09-20:6504Golf Cart anyone?Golf Carts of Cypress opened in late August at 16518 House Hahl Road, Cypress. The business sells custom golf carts and offers customization services and servicing. The business is open for walk-ins, but shop owner Jose Fuentes said scheduling an appointment is preferred.
What started out as a hobby has turned into a booming business. Golf Carts of Cypress, LLC has an ever-growing clientele that continues grow and come back for more beautiful creations. They always strive for perfection, and have extensive options to tailor your cart to your specific needs and style.
Check them out today! <a href="https://www.golfcartscypress.com/about-us">https://www.golfcartscypress.com/about-us</a> 832-656-3356.
2019-12-19T07:36:00-07:002019-12-19T07:43:44-07:00Melissa Wynne Severa