How Interest Rate Buy-Downs Can Lower Your Monthly Payment
In today’s real estate market, characterized by persistently high interest rates, many prospective homebuyers are exploring avenues to lower their interest rates without significantly increasing their upfront closing costs. One such avenue that garners attention is the interest rate buydown. Let’s delve into what exactly interest rate buydowns entail, how they function, and the different types available.
Avoid These Mistakes: How Choosing the Right Lender Impacts Your Austin Home Purchase
Buying a home in Austin is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make, and it’s never just about finding the right house. From the first showing to the final signature, every step of the process has to line up, and the lender you choose plays a central role in whether that happens smoothly. Because we stay with our clients from start to finish, we see firsthand where deals go right — and where they get off track.
Understanding the Required Compliance Forms for Homebuyers in Austin
At Adam Timothy Group, we believe that transparency and education are key parts of the homebuying process. If you’re buying a home in Austin—or anywhere in Texas—there are several standard compliance forms we provide to make sure you’re informed and protected throughout the process. Here’s a brief explanation of each one you’ll come across as a buyer.
Are Open Houses Worth It? Yes—but Not for the Reason You Think
Open houses have long been a staple of the home-selling process. But let’s be honest—they’re not magic. At Adam Timothy Group, we tell our clients the truth: open houses are just one piece of the puzzle, and they’re rarely the reason a home actually sells.
Essential Lease Prohibitions Every Texas Landlord Should Know
The Texas Association of Realtors (TAR) Standard Lease includes specific prohibitions that help protect both the tenant and landlord while ensuring the property is maintained properly and legally. These clauses are commonly found in most residential leases across Texas, and they are particularly important for ensuring that tenants use the property responsibly.
Why Pricing Your Home Right the First Time Maximizes Value and Minimizes Stress
Pricing a property correctly from the start is one of the most critical factors in achieving a successful sale. It’s a topic that can sometimes be met with resistance from sellers, but the reality is this: there is no real benefit to overpricing a home just to “leave room to negotiate.” In fact, doing so can end up costing you more in the long run.
How Lenders Use Appraisals and When an Appraisal Can Change—Impacting a Transaction
Home appraisals play a crucial role in real estate transactions, particularly for lenders who rely on them to assess the fair market value of a property before issuing a mortgage. While appraisals are meant to provide a neutral, data-driven valuation, they are not always final. In some cases, an appraisal can be revised mid-process, unexpectedly lowered, or even completely overturned—jeopardizing a transaction and forcing buyers, sellers, and agents to rethink their plans.
Maximize Your Property Tax Savings in 2025
From filing or updating your homestead exemption to checking for additional tax breaks, this guide will help you take control and start the year on the right foot.
Mastering Your Homeowners Insurance for Savings and Peace of Mind
As part of our New Year Resolution series, let’s focus on a resolution you can actually keep—understanding your homeowners insurance. With rising premiums and shifting discounts, now is the perfect time to ensure you’re getting the best value while protecting your home. From uncovering what’s truly covered to navigating the post-storm premium hikes, this guide will help you take control of your policy, save money, and start the year with peace of mind.
December 2024 Austin Real Estate Market Update: Key Insights & Trends
Great news for Austin’s housing market! Compared to December 2023, homes sold are up 8%, and total sales volume increased by a whopping 16%! Sellers are getting smarter with pricing, as close-to-list price ratios are improving. While days on market are slightly higher, inventory is more balanced, creating opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
