Category: General Home TipsPage: 1

paper-house-in-paper-city-with-coins-and-bills-in-foreground

Finding the Right Mortgage Lender

Choosing the Best Mortgage Lender for Your Needs When looking for the greatest mortgage, it’s not just about acquiring the best rate. If you’re not satisfied with the loan originator, you may want to look elsewhere for financing. Many aspects of the loan process are the same across lenders, but certain distinctions might affect the…
Modern Entry Way Home

10 Small Changes To Make Your House Feel Like A Home

A home should make you happy. It should make the people who live there feel at peace. That means that all changes made inside the household need to be positive ones for them to have any real effect. Here are 10 small changes that will help turn your house into a warm, inviting space. 1.…
woman brainstorming while writing a letter in her journal

How to Write a Homebuyer’s Letter to a Seller

There are a number of strategies and tips that you can employ when writing your home buyer’s letter. The following tips will provide some helpful information on what content should be included in this type of letter, as well as how best to go about presenting all of the necessary information in the most appealing…
Old house

How To Research your Homes History

Your home is very much like your friend. You spend time with it, value it, and take care of it. You want to know more about it. Who lived there before you? You would like to know when it was built. And how it has changed over the years. But you cannot ask questions and…
A retired couple enjoying a leisurely walk

Investing in Real Estate for Retirement Income

With an increasing number of people relying less on pensions and becoming more weary of 401ks and Roth IRAs, many are looking to real estate to fill in the gaps—especially in retirement. While there are many aspects to consider before you invest in real estate to ensure retirement security, there are considerable benefits and ways…
Monopoly houses and money laid out in a row

Understanding the Basics of Real Estate vs Personal Property Tax

When people refer to property tax, they are generally referring to two distinct categories. The first category is the real estate tax, and the other the personal property tax. Real estate tax is often referred to as the real property tax, while the personal property tax has several different subcategories. When it comes time to…
Line of houses part of Homeowners Association

Things HOA Can and Can’t do

Many people love their homeowners associations because they maintain properties and keep communities in order. These associations typically charge a single flat monthly fee. Many property owners enjoy knowing they don’t have to worry about managing the external parts of the property, but this may also put limitations on things property owners are able to…
Colorful paperclips on paperwork beside calculator

Real Estate Tax Incentive Options

While the age old debate of whether it is better to buy or rent when it comes to your home will likely carry on, there is no denying some of the benefits of home ownership. In addition to not having to ask for permission to do something as basic as painting a wall in your…
Property Value Increase

How A Homeowners Association Really Effects Your Property Value

One of the biggest decisions and perhaps the most important investment you will ever make in your life is purchasing a home. A house is not just a place to call home, but it is also a crucial investment that will impact your future and that of your family. For this reason, you should make…
Woman using calculator and laptop to find savings on San Marcos real estate

Saving on Real Estate Taxes Without Deductions

Whether you own a home or have a large real estate investment portfolio, you are going to seek the best deductions to save money during the tax season. Real estate taxes may vary, depending on where you live, but finding tax credit to reduce your tax bill can often be a great help. Here are…
A couple begins planning a retirement strategy incorporating real estate.

Using Real Estate As A Retirement Strategy

Why People in Their 20s and 30s Should Choose Real Estate as a Retirement Strategy Men and women between 20 and 30 years old may wonder whether it is a wise idea to consider real estate as a retirement plan. To decide if housing is a viable source of income during your retirement period, you…
Types of Real Estate Ownership

Types of Real Estate Ownership

There are several ways a person, or group of people, can own property. These depend on if you are the sole owner, own it equally with someone, hold different percentages of equity and things of that nature. Sole ownership (also knows as Ownership in Severalty) Ownership in severalty occurs when one person, or corporation, owns…
Cost Saving Measures for Homeowners in San Marcos, TX

Cost-Saving Measures for Homeowners

We went over in our last two articles the costs, fees, and taxes a homeowner should expect. After that, we covered tax deductions for homeowners. But that does not include ways to save money on your bills, repairs, and general costs. When people imagine making upgrades to their home, especially ones that are supposed to…
A penny falling through the cracks of a wooden floor, with Abe Lincoln's face up

A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Pay the Rent

Do you live alone, with your own bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and car? If so, then you know how expensive it can be, to have a place all to yourself, a luxury that’s only becoming pricier as the cost of living in San Marcos goes up. It seems that in our search for independence and breathing…
Party Tray - Entertaining Guests at Your New Home in San Marcos

4 Tips for Entertaining Guests at Your New Home in San Marcos

It’s always great to have get-togethers with friends and family to catch up and have a good time. Sure, you could go out to a restaurant or an event, but nothing beats the relaxed environment of your home. It’s great to have guests over at any time or for any occasion, and it’s always nice…
A group tubing down the San Marcos river

Fun Things to Do in San Marcos, TX

Maybe you’re still looking for a home in San Marcos, TX, or maybe you’ve just moved in. Either way, we’d love to welcome you to our town and provide you with a list of some popular attractions we think you should check out! The San Marcos River Many residents love spending the day at the…