Owning your own home may be more realistic than you think Knowledge is power, particularly if you are striving to afford your first home. The homebuying process has many myths, though. For instance, you don’t have to put 20% down, you don’t have to have perfect credit, and you don’t have to accept a high interest rate or junk fees. Texas REALTORS® are committed to dispelling these myths and making the American Dream of homeownership a reality for more people. Some have taken additional training in affordable housing through a program called the Texas Affordable Housing Specialist certification. Here are a few details about purchasing a home that may interest you: Many local, state, and national programs are available in Texas offering downpayment assistance or...

Look at every home through the eyes of a burglar. The Federal Bureau of Investigation reports that 2.1 million burglaries were committed in 2004. Not all of these situations involved forced entry; many were the result of unlocked doors and windows. Once you close that loophole, though, how can you determine if one house is more vulnerable than another? Well, a residence surrounded by a 15-foot electric fence and patrolled by guard dogs might be a giveaway, but here are some more-subtle ways to judge a house’s security. Entrances should be visible and the exterior well-lit. Thieves don’t like to be seen. If a home’s doors and most-accessible windows are visible from the street or a neighbor’s house, they might look for another home. Most homes have outside lights;...

Find the right place to Lease in Austin with Jay Jay’s complimentary Leasing service is available for Clients Leasing Homes & Apartments in Austin & surrounding areas. SEND the FORM BELOW and receive available Lease options from Jay The best way to hear about a new lease that you may love! Do you have any Pets? if so, List types and sizes:* What size of place do you need?*How many Bedrooms? Bathrooms? How many square feet? Where do you want to Lease?*Describe your location preferences: ie city, community, school districts, downtown, hill country, views,etc. Tell me more about your property preferences:*3 car garage? hardwood floors? Urban finish out? swimming pool? etc.. What is your Monthly Lease Price Range?* What is your Move In Date Range?* Your...