Essential Techniques and Resources for Success

Why You Need to Install a Pool When You Build Your Home

by David Glenn | Dec 7, 2017 | CRESTICO

One of the questions most homeowners struggle with is deciding on when to install a pool. Some prefer constructing a pool when building a home, while others would rather wait until after they move in to get a pool. Whether you’re looking for a pool for relaxation or you’d rather get a place for your kids to spend their summer, a pool can benefit your life.

If you’re still stuck on when to install a pool, here are some reasons why you need to install a pool when you build your home.

Reduced Financing Costs
Most homeowners struggle to know how to finance a new pool. You may not have $30,000 lying around to finance a pool. However, you can take advantage of inground pool financing options available. You can also include a new pool in your home equity loan to save the trouble of incurring more debt. This allows your loved ones to enjoy a pool of your dreams at a reasonable cost.

Get in When Everything is finished
Another great reason to have your swimming pool installed when you build your home is knowing that your pool will be ready when you decide to move in. You don’t have to deal with the hassle of always going outside to ensure your kids or pets are not on the Construction site. This gives you and your family peace of mind. Furthermore, you get to avoid the noise, dirt, and dust that comes with building projects.

Save Time
Constructing a pool before saves you between four and twelve weeks based on the project’s complexity. You can use this time to unwind in your new pool.

Cut Down Costs
Ever wondered why electricians are hired to do the wiring during the framing process? It’s because there are no walls or ceilings to complicate the process. This is the same case when installing a pool. An electrician can set things up before time to ensure that the process goes smoothly. A plumber also ensures that the home’s swimming pool ready. Over time, you get to save on electrician and plumbing costs.

Protect the Driveways and Sidewalks
You don’t want to be in a situation where your driveway cracks as a result of a crane putting a fiberglass pool in the hole or a truck carrying cement to the swimming pool deck. All this can be avoided by having your pool installed before the driveway and sidewalk are constructed.

Protect Your Landscape
Your home is considered a construction site. Heavy machinery and trucks will come in and out during the day. Installing a pool will require a similar approach. During this time, plants and shrubs near the pool may take a beating, for this reason, it’s best to have the pool installed before your yard is spruced up. You don’t want to end up damaging your landscape in the name of installing a new pool.

A Reason to Stay Home
As a parent, you want your children to have the best. Having your children swim in a public pool may not always be ideal. You can have the pool installed as your home is being constructed to ensure that your kids have a reason to stay at home. Furthermore, you’ll save costs that would have been spent at public pools.

Add Value to Your Home
A swimming pool adds a value of about 5% on a home. This is according to the National Association of Realtors. This means that in case you decide to sell your home, you won’t have to worry about getting extra amenities to get your home to sell fast.

Getting a pool installed as you build your home could help you save costs and add value to your home. Consult a professional swimming pool builder to decide on which type of pool is right for your backyard.

Smart Home Gadgets to Increase Home’s Value

by David Glenn | Nov 24, 2017 | CRESTICO

Although most people relish the arrival of the holiday season, Real Estate activity tends to grow in sluggish around this happy time of year. Many prospective buyers simply have other priorities on their minds. You’ll want to make an extra effort to attract attention to the most appealing aspects of your property now:

One: De-Clutter And Simplify

When you offer your home for sale, encourage potential buyers to envision themselves residing there. Many sales experts recommend removing as much of your personal property from the premises as possible to encourage this mindset. Naturally, you treasure your belongings. Yet to casual visitors your grandfather’s worn old chair or your son’s favorite pair of gym sneakers scream “clutter”.

Consider stripping down your household furnishings to the bare minimum. If necessary, rent a storage unit as a temporary home for any unnecessary household possessions. By simplifying your interior design, you’ll inspire prospective buyers to see themselves filling your premises with their own prized possessions!

Two: Create Exterior Curb Appeal

During the holiday season, it remains especially important to dispel any sense of mid-winter gloom. You’ll want to ensure your home appears inviting from the curb. No one enjoys taking time to tour a residence situated in the midst of a cold, dormant terrain- especially during the convivial holiday season.

Fortunately, several strategies offer assistance. To “spruce up” your grounds (pun intended), place potted evergreens near the front door or along the entrance; they’ll display vibrant green throughout the year. You might also consider using colored mulch in the garden to add rich, decorative earth tones to the yard. Consider hanging a festive wreath on the front door. Most importantly, ensure your home’s exterior lights function correctly; by late afternoon, visitors sometimes require extra illumination at this time of year.

Three: Use Aroma Power

The ability to use powerful scents in your home also assists you during the holiday season. Studies show the sweet aroma of cinnamon rolls appeals to most people. Bake some in the oven before a showing to infuse your kitchen with an alluring scent.

Pine air fresheners may also prove welcome now. Remember, some visitors particularly notice pet odors. You may wish to obtain professional carpet cleaning to remove these lingering scents from upholstery.

Four: Promote Your Home Widely

The holiday season enables you to promote your home widely to your network of friends and neighbors. At social gatherings, mention you’ve placed your home for sale. Local people often know interested possible buyers.

It remains important not to monopolize holiday gatherings with your home marketing news. Yet you should share this information. Your friends may wish to help you by contributing their own friendly word-of-mouth advertising.

Five: Create a Festive Atmosphere at Your Open Houses

Make your residence appealing by creating a festive atmosphere during holiday open houses. Even if you don’t want to set up a fully decorated natural tree, you might consider locating small white artificial Christmas trees in several rooms to create a festive décor. (Just keep the decorations simple and uncluttered.)

Offering small candies or warm apple cider to your visitors confers a party-like atmosphere during open house tours. Make sure you ask everyone to sign a guest book. You can follow up with potential buyers later to see if they have considered purchasing your home.

Many Rewards

By continuing to promote the sale of your property during the holiday season, you may obtain a welcome outcome. Even if a closing does not occur until after the celebrations end, your efforts to sell your home won’t have occurred in vain. Selling real estate sometimes requires time and patience. Your prospects may discuss your property in depth during family gatherings and bring you an offer once most businesses resume their normal operations!

Living in Texas: How to Save While Moving

by David Glenn | Nov 15, 2017 | CRESTICO

Moving into a new home in Texas can be both hectic and expensive if you do not plan well. With proper planning, you can save money during your move and settle in peacefully, whether you choose to do the move yourself or if you opt to use a moving company.

Come up with a Moving Budget

Get everything covered during your move by coming up with a moving budget. The budget will guide all your expenses and ensure you do not overlook anything that could potentially sabotage your move. The easiest way to come up with a moving budget is to use programs such as Microsoft Excel or Word, but you can also look up budget templates online. These will help you calculate and track all your expenses before, during, and immediately after the move, saving you money that would otherwise be spent carelessly.

Rental Expenses

Whether you opt for services from a moving company or choose to do the move yourself, rental expenses are inevitable. If you opt to make the move by yourself, you need to factor in charges for a moving truck, the amount of gas you will need, and insurance costs. A truck rental is dependent on the size of the truck and whether you’ll be using it one way or return. Choose the correct size and not bigger to save you some money. To find out the cost of gas you’ll spend, ask the rental company the miles to the gallon rates for the truck you’ll be getting. Your credit card company could help you cover insurance costs, therefore, call the company in advance to find out if you’re covered. If you need additional rental equipment such as a loading ramp, find out from the rental company if they can throw this in for free.

Packing Expenses

You need packing boxes, mattress covers, tape, labels, markers, bubble wrap, and newspapers, among others. You can rent packing boxes from a moving company, but you can save some money by opting to buy them yourself from stores such as Lowes and Home Depot. You can even get free moving supplies from Craigslist, but you need to start looking early if you choose this option. You can get items such as mattress covers for free from certain San Antonio movers if you are using a moving company. Above all, determine what you really need to bring with you. If you don’t need to move your old TV, sell it off or give it away. It will save the money you would have used to pack it.

Travelling Expenses

If you are moving to Texas from out of state, you need to factor in travel expenses. If you need to stop at a lodging for a night, check beforehand what your cheapest options will be. Book in advance to ensure you get the best deal possible. Also set aside the cost of meals and check on the most affordable eateries on the route you’ll be taking.

Settling In

Whether you buy or rent your new place, you need to factor in legal fees, insurance fees, and redecorating costs. Shop around for the cheapest lawyer you can find. Ask for recommendations from friends and family to find lawyers with the best rates. For home insurance, get quotes from different companies and settle for the most favorable but one that will cover all your insurance needs. Lastly, budget in advance for any redecoration costs such as painting and wallpaper and get items within your budget.

Check if Your New Employer can Meet Some Expenses

If you are moving because you’ve found a new job, find out if your employer can cover some of the costs above such as travel, packing, and shipping expenses. Negotiate also to find out if the employer can meet realtor costs and any storage costs you may need. This will save you some money and make the move less tedious. You can also get your money back the next tax season if your move is work-related and meets certain time and distance requirements.

Easy Ways to Invest In Real Estate

by David Glenn | Nov 14, 2017 | CRESTICO

As an investor, real estate is one of the many options you can consider to expand your portfolio. It comes with many benefits including securing your future, buying a home and making money from renting out the real estate property you buy. If you are starting out, it is imperative to keep in mind the advantages and risks that come with real estate investment so that you make the best decision for your money. Once you have decided to invest, here are a few easy ways you can start out with:

Buy to rent

With buy-to-rent properties, you will be able to pay the mortgage on your property through the income generated from the tenant. If you select this option, you will be responsible for the expenses that come with renting out, including maintenance costs and taxes Ensure that you do your due diligence to make sure that the investment is worth it. Remember, the rent will depend on the market rates without affecting your mortgage. You should also make sure that you choose a property in an area where people would like to live so that you can get tenants easier. Consider the kind of tenant you want on your property before making a decision.

Consider investment groups

If you do not want a rental property, consider joining an investment group. With these groups, a company buys or builds property and lets a group of investors buy them through the company. Although you can own one or multiple units, all management responsibilities fall on the company. The company will also take a percentage of the monthly rent to cater for the maintenance, mortgage insurance, advertisement of vacant units and others. It is important to note that mortgage insurance is different than homeowners insurance, also known as home insurance, and it is wise to have both. Keep in mind that some investment groups require a percentage of the rent for vacant units. Ensure that you find out more about the agreements before signing up for such an investment.

Buy to Sell

If you are not interested in the two options above, consider flipping properties as a way of investing in real estate. This is the process of buying property, holding it for a few months with the intention of selling for a profit. It comes with a number of pros including the potential to make quick money and you will be able to learn a thing or two about Construction, real estate and market demand. However, you need to be careful not to make mistakes that might cost you. Keep in mind that you will need adequate time, as renovation is important to boost the value of your home when reselling. From finding the right house, buying the property and fixing it up, you will need quiet time and patience so that the investment can be worth it.

Real Estate Investment Trust

A real estate investment trust (RIET) will invest your money to buy and operate income property. It is a good plan as it allows both small and large investors to own real estate and commercial property as well. REITs come with a number of regulations, including having at least 100 shareholders; at least 75 percent of the assets must be in real estate, cash and government securities and 75 percent of the gross income come from rent, mortgage, and real estate investments. With REIT, you will benefit from high yields, simple tax improvement, and diversification.

Leverage

You can also consider leverage as an investment strategy to increase your potential of earning returns on your investment. This means that you use borrowed money to pay a significant percentage of the cost that enables you to buy a more expensive property that you could have bought using the available funds. If you are not comfortable with using leverage directly, you can invest in companies that use leverage to finance their operations. Depending on the decision that you take, make sure that you weigh your options, do your research on the benefits and costs of each before making your investment.

Here’s How To Grow Your Real Estate Company Organically

by David Glenn | Oct 17, 2017 | CRESTICO

New Real Estate agents are often so thrilled to begin a new career that they go to great lengths to attract potential clients. Experienced realtors are also striving to grow their companies and, as such, spend thousands on marketing campaigns that attempt to convince new customers to come their way. While there is nothing wrong with taking measures such as effective email marketing campaigns to attract new customers, the best advertising practices revolve around attention to detail along with your willingness to learn and be proactive in the industry. Studies show that upwards of 80 percent of your company’s consistent revenue comes from less than 30 percent of your existing customer base. That means that of your 100-person client list, about 20 satisfied customers drive growth that takes your business to the next level. With so much riding on happy customers, it is vital that you develop ongoing strategies that place clients at the forefront of everything you do in the industry. Here are five ways to improve relationships, and hence business, in real estate.

Continually evolve

Despite what you were taught, maintaining a business is impossible. Your company should always be on the cutting-edge of the industry, which may at times feel as if you are not an expert in your field. Do not despise these uncomfortable times as they present opportunities for growth. The most successful real estate agents thoroughly study their craft and attend seminars that help them better complete their jobs. Salespersons and brokers also invest in books and other educational resources on a consistent basis to keep up with the industry.

Bolster the needs of others

You will not get far in business unless you put the needs of your current customers and potential clients ahead of your comfort. A good way to satisfy customer needs is to ask yourself what the average client would expect from you, and then determine the best way to go about serving your public.

Follow up with clients

It does not matter how many times you call or send correspondence, your efforts to attract customers via follow-ups never grows old. It may be the time that you feel as if your email marketing tactics are doing little to accomplish your goal of growth that a customer calls you in need of a consultation. Rewarding current clients who refer new buyers is another way that real estate agents grow their businesses. Even if the incentive is only two movie tickets, the fact that there is a benefit attached to your customers working to garner leads for your business is enough motivation to convince your client base to help with increasing business.

Establish new relationships

Networking is key in real estate. Not only is it important for you to develop new relationships with buyers, but it is also essential that you connect with fellow agents. There may be times when a salesperson or broker has a client who has requests outside of his scope. He may refer such individual to you and, as a result, bolster your business. The correlation between you and the customer cannot take place, though, without you making the first link between your co-worker. Such is the reason for establishing new relationships with both buyers as well as agents and brokers.

Take action

Proactiveness is the glue that holds everything together when you are a real estate agent. You can educate yourself on the latest trends in the industry and distribute flyers throughout the neighborhood, but such acts mean little if you do not work proficiently once you have hooked the client. Taking the laid-back approach is a good way to encourage customers to look for another agent who can answer all of their calls and accurately communicate their wishes and demands to sellers. You must be fierce and always one step ahead of proceedings if you want to close a deal quickly. Your ferocious attitude is what may convince clients to tell their friends and, hence, further grow your company. Bringing increase to your real estate business is no easy feat. You must set a goal and be determined to see it through if you plan to go far in the industry. Focusing on customer service is the best way to secure your company’s longevity in real estate.

What I Learned Building My First House

by David Glenn | Oct 12, 2017 | CRESTICO

Many people dream of building a great home. With the strong housing market, now is a great time to invest in a new home. However, building a home is more complicated than many people realize. There are many variables to consider when building a home. Working with an experienced builder is one of the most important things that anyone can concentrate on. There are many people who are excited about the possibilities in their new home. Here are some things to remember when building a home. Building a Home is Hard Work Building a home takes a lot of careful planning. Some people wrongly assume that building a home is an easy process. However, homeowners must be willing to work hard in order to finish on time. One of the biggest reasons that homes do not finish on time or on a budget is because the owners are not organized. Before starting the building process, you need to have plans for each part of your home. Your home builder should be able to walk you through the expected cost of the home. It is up to you to get your part done in order to complete the home within the allotted time schedule. Get a Home Warranty A home warranty is one of the best investments that anyone can make. A home warranty will protect the homeowner in the event of something going wrong. Some people do not want to pay money for a home warranty. However, with just one issue coming up in your home, the home warranty will pay for itself. There are many people who think that the home warranty cost is too high. There are cheaper options available in the market if you spend enough time looking around. However, compared to the cost of repairing a home, a home warranty is a great deal. It is risky to build a new home and not have some sort of home warranty. In fact, many areas of the country require a warranty for people who build a new home. Before you move in, getting a home warranty that covers your needs is vital. There Will be Delays Building a home is a long and difficult process. During this process, there are going to be times when the project gets delayed. These delays can result from things like weather or simply poor planning. This is one of the reasons that homeowners should put some buffer into their time and financial budget for a new home. Working with a great builder is one way to minimize delays. Experienced builders know how to plan for things that they cannot control. Looking at online reviews is one of the best ways to make sure that you are choosing the right builder for your needs. Staying on Budget is Difficult Staying on a budget during the building process can be difficult. When building a home, every area of the home can be customized to fit the needs of the homeowner. There are many people who end up spending thousands of dollars upgrading their new home. This is a major financial issue because getting a new loan is a difficult process. In order to prevent these issues from occurring, you need to make sure to stay on budget with each part of the home. When you get approval for a home loan, getting a little extra financing is always a good idea. This will give you some room to splurge on various areas of your home. Some people end up taking a second loan to finish their home. This can result in financial disaster if the housing market crashes.

« Older Entries

Next Entries »