Rain, Rain Go Away–The Importance of Proper Water Drainage

Water is essential to life but can wreak havoc when it enters your home. It can cause problems such as basement leaks, mold, mildew, pests, wood rot, and other foundational damage. The following are signs of water damage and tips to divert water from your home.

Signs of water damage

Your home’s foundation may be in danger of collapse or show signs that a lack of proper drainage is compromising it. Here are some signs you need to install or replace existing drainage systems. If you find cracks in the walls or concrete, puddles on the lawn that don’t evaporate, doors that stick or don’t close properly, uneven floors, or bowed walls, the following are some guidelines to redirect water from leaking into your home.

Clean Gutters

Remove blockages such as twigs, leaves, and other debris that can cause a clog. Check that the downspout is not also blocked by flushing the gutter. Clear your gutters twice yearly in the early summer and late fall to avoid costly replacement or repair.

Collect, Absorb, and Remove the Water

You have many options, such as creating a rain garden, positioning a rain barrel near the downspout, or installing a French drain or sump pump. A rain garden comprised of plant matter and mulch can provide layers of protection. It should be at least ten feet from your house, and the yard should slope towards it. Direct your downspout into a rain barrel, and you can reuse the water for your lawn or garden. You can get a rainwater diverter to keep pests and debris out of the barrel. Installing a French drain or a sump pump requires more intensive labor but can collect and remove water below the foundation’s surface and move it away.

Property Adjustments

You can have drainage issues due to grading problems and driveway pavement cracks that meet your home’s foundation. You can prevent water from seeping into your home’s structure from the pavement by sealing cracks in the driveway with landscape foam. Poor grading due to faulty design or soil displacement can be fixed by re-grading your yard to direct rainwater to slope down from your home.

Bottom Line

Drainage issues can happen when we least expect them due to the age of our home or from a severe rainstorm. Properties are usually designed to handle volumes of rain because the water will naturally flow to sewers, rivers, or lakes. However, if the water cannot do this, you could have a drainage problem. Protect your property by considering these helpful tips. If you need help with a drainage problem or how to handle one, contact your local water drainage technician, who will identify drainage problems and probable causes, then work with you to find solutions.

Free Buyer Guide

Free Seller Guide

45 Easy Ways to Sell Your Home Faster

Robin McCoy is a Texas Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. License #0582766
RobinMcCoyRealty.com | 214.226.3770 | RobinMcCoy@kw.com

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

Two Reasons You Should Sell Your House

Wondering if you should sell your house this year? As you make your decision, think about what’s motivating you to consider moving. A recent survey from realtor.com asked why homeowners are thinking about selling their houses this year. Here are the top two reasons (see graphic below):

Let’s break those reasons down and explore how they might resonate with you.

1. I Want To Take Advantage of the Current Market and Make a Profit

When you decide to sell your house, how much you’ll make from the sale will likely be top of mind. So, here’s some good news: according to the latest data, the average seller can expect a strong return on their investment when they make a move. ATTOM explains: 

“The $112,000 profit on median-priced home sales in 2022 represented a 51.4% return on investment compared to the original purchase price, up from 44.6% last year and from 32.8% in 2020.”

Even though home prices have declined slightly in some markets, they’re still much higher overall than they were just a few years ago. To understand what’s happening with home prices in your area and the current value of your house, work with a local real estate professional. They can give you the best advice on how much you could gain if you sell this year.

2. My Home No Longer Meets My Needs

The average person has been in their house for ten years. That’s a long time when you think about how much may have changed in your life since you moved in. And typically, those changes have a direct impact on what you need in a home. Whether it’s more (or less) space, different features, or a location closer to your work or loved ones, your current house may no longer check all the boxes of what feels like home to you. If that’s the case, it could be time to work with a real estate agent to find a better fit.

Bottom Line

If you’re thinking about selling your house, there’s probably a good reason for it. Let’s connect so you can make a move that’ll help you accomplish your goals this year.

Free Buyer Guide

Free Seller Guide

45 Easy Ways to Sell Your Home Faster

Robin McCoy is a Texas Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. License #0582766
RobinMcCoyRealty.com | 214.226.3770 | RobinMcCoy@kw.com

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

High-Efficiency Water Heaters—What You Need to Know

Before investing in a high-efficiency water heater, it’s important to understand the differences between high-efficiency and standard water heaters. Both are similar in using oxygen from the atmosphere in a combustion process to heat water. However, High-Efficiency Heaters are designed to maximize the heating process more effectively through a sealed combustion process. They provide hot water for less because they save on heating water, which accounts for approximately 15 percent of a home’s energy use. The water can heat faster because ignition happens in a sealed compartment as opposed to open ignition with a standard tank. The sealed chamber lets the water heat from the center out, unlike the standard heater in which a flame beneath the metal tank heats the water from the bottom up.

With a 90 percent or higher thermal efficiency, High-Efficiency water heaters are seemingly the better choice to heat your home. Although these heaters use 10-50 percent less energy, saving homeowners on their utility bills, the expense can be a big factor in your budget. However, there are some caveats that you should be aware of. Consider the following benefits and disadvantages when purchasing an efficient system.

Advantages

High-Efficiency water heaters cost less to heat, as mentioned, because they can extract a high energy level in less time with less exhaust waste. In the meantime, it is better for the environment because it reduces the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, as fumes from exhaust get vented out through a designated pipe rather than a chimney. Also, since the fuel is ignited inside a chamber, there is less fire risk, and no compliance is required for a fire-resistant door and other features.

Disadvantage

Although High-Efficiency water heaters are safer and more energy efficient, these water heaters require more expensive equipment and accurate installation and have higher maintenance costs. Due to the technical sophistication of components, set-up and calibration can be challenging and costly. The intake and exhaust vents that control the air coming in and exhaust going out must be balanced correctly so that the exchange of air can flow properly, enabling the system to work as it should. When service is needed, a trained technician must diagnose and fix problems.

Bottom Line

When deciding to purchase and install a High-Efficiency Water Heater, it would help to consider your home or building needs and characteristics, such as space, usage, age, and budget. Once you forecast and compare your energy savings with the cost of equipment, installment, and maintenance, you should know whether purchasing a High-Efficiency water heater instead of a standard water heater is the better investment.

Free Buyer Guide

Free Seller Guide

45 Easy Ways to Sell Your Home Faster

Robin McCoy is a Texas Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. License #0582766
RobinMcCoyRealty.com | 214.226.3770 | RobinMcCoy@kw.com

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

How Changing Mortgage Rates Can Affect You

The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has been bouncing between 6% and 7% this year. If you’ve been on the fence about whether to buy a home or not, it’s helpful to know exactly how a 1%, or even a 0.5%, mortgage rate shift affects your purchasing power.

The chart below helps show the general relationship between mortgage rates and a typical monthly mortgage payment:

Even a 0.5% change can have a big impact on your monthly payment. And since rates have been moving between 6% and 7% for a while now, you can see how it impacts your purchasing power as rates go down.

What This Means for You

You may be tempted to put your homebuying plans on hold in hopes that rates will fall. But that can be risky. No one knows for sure where rates will go from here, and trying to time them for your benefit is tough. Lisa Sturtevant, Housing Economist at Bright MLS, explains:

“It is typically a fool’s errand for a homebuyer to try to time rates in this market . . . But volatility in mortgage rates right now can have a real impact on buyers’ monthly payments.”

That’s why it’s critical to lean on your expert real estate advisors to explore your mortgage options, understand what impacts mortgage rates, and plan your homebuying budget around today’s volatility. They’ll also be able to offer advice tailored to your specific situation and goals, so you have what you need to make an informed decision.

Bottom Line

Your ability to buy a home could be impacted by changing mortgage rates. If you’re thinking about making a move, let’s connect so you have a strong plan in place.

Free Buyer Guide

Free Seller Guide

45 Easy Ways to Sell Your Home Faster

Robin McCoy is a Texas Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. License #0582766
RobinMcCoyRealty.com | 214.226.3770 | RobinMcCoy@kw.com

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

Facts About Closing Costs

Some Highlights

If you’re thinking about buying a home, be sure to plan for closing costs.

Closing costs are typically 2% to 5% of the total purchase price of a home, and they can include things like government recording costs, appraisal fees, and more.

Let’s connect so I can answer your questions about the homebuying process.

Free Buyer Guide

Free Seller Guide

45 Easy Ways to Sell Your Home Faster

Robin McCoy is a Texas Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. License #0582766
RobinMcCoyRealty.com | 214.226.3770 | RobinMcCoy@kw.com

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

We’re in a Sellers’ Market. What Does That Mean?

Even though activity in the housing market has slowed from the frenzy we saw over a year ago, today’s low supply of homes for sale is still a sellers’ market. But what does that really mean? And why are conditions today so good if you want to list your house?

It starts with the number of homes available for sale. The latest Existing Home Sales Report from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows housing supply is still astonishingly low. Today, we have a 2.6-month supply of homes at the current sales pace. Historically, a 6-month supply is necessary for a ‘normal’ or ‘neutral’ market in which there are enough homes available for active buyers (see graph below):

What Does This Mean for You?

When the supply of homes for sale is as low as it is right now, it’s much harder for buyers to find one to purchase. That creates increased competition among purchasers and keeps upward pressure on prices. And if buyers know they’re not the only one interested in a home, they’re going to do their best to submit a very attractive offer. As this happens, sellers are positioned to negotiate deals that meet their ideal terms. Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at NAR, says:

“Inventory levels are still at historic lows. Consequently, multiple offers are returning on a good number of properties.”

Right now, there are still buyers who are ready, willing, and able to purchase a home. If you list your house right now in good condition and at the right price, it could get a lot of attention from competitive buyers.

Bottom Line

Today’s sellers’ market holds great opportunities for homeowners ready to make a move. Listing your house now will maximize your exposure to serious, competitive buyers. Let’s connect to discuss how to jumpstart the selling process.

Free Buyer Guide

Free Seller Guide

45 Easy Ways to Sell Your Home Faster

Robin McCoy is a Texas Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. License #0582766
RobinMcCoyRealty.com | 214.226.3770 | RobinMcCoy@kw.com

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

4 Key Tips for Selling Your House This Spring

Spring has arrived, and that means more and more people are getting their homes ready to sell. But with recent shifts in real estate, this year’s spring housing market will be different from the frenzy of the past several years. To sell your house quickly, without hassles, and for the most money, be sure to follow these four simple tips:

1. Make Sure You Give Buyers Access

One of the biggest mistakes you can make as a seller is limiting the days and times when buyers have access to view your home. In any market, if you want to maximize the sale of your house, you can’t limit potential buyers’ access to view it. If it’s not accessible, it could cost you by sitting on the market longer and ultimately selling for a lower price.

2. Make Your Home Look as Good as Possible on the Inside

For anything to sell, especially your home, it must look inviting. Your real estate agent can give you expert advice on ideal staging for your home. Even updating a room with fresh paint, steam cleaning carpets, or removing clutter from the garage can make a big impact.

3. First Impressions Matter

The old saying “you never get a second chance to make a first impression” matters when selling your house. Often, the first impression a buyer gets is what they see as they walk up to the front door. Putting in the work in on the exterior of your home is just as important as what you stage inside. Freshen up your landscaping to improve your home’s curb appeal so you can make an impact with potential buyers.

4. Price It Right

This is probably the most important aspect of selling your home in today’s real estate market. If a house is priced competitively, it’s going to sell. Period. To do this, you have to know what’s happening with home prices in your area and understand the factors that are affecting the market right now. That’s why it’s best to work with a trusted real estate professional who can ensure you list your house at the right price.

Bottom Line

Everyone selling their home wants three things: to sell it for the most money they can, to do it in a certain amount of time, and to do all of that with the fewest hassles. To accomplish these goals, let’s connect so you can understand the steps you need to take to sell your home this spring. 

Free Buyer Guide

Free Seller Guide

45 Easy Ways to Sell Your Home Faster

Robin McCoy is a Texas Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. License #0582766
RobinMcCoyRealty.com | 214.226.3770 | RobinMcCoy@kw.com

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

All About the Dogs with Juliette Jones

In this episode, I speak with Juliette Jones about how dogs and their humans can learn to live in a more harmonious and cohesive environment. Juliette is a dog-trainer and -lover. She is based in the DFW area but has online/virtual dog services and dog training throughout multiple time zones.

Juliette has a love of dogs that started at a very early age, but it wasn’t until her own dog, Charlie, started to experience some anxiety-based behaviors that Juliette realized really what her passion was. In 2019 she began her educational journey into all things “dog” by attending and graduating with distinction from Victoria Stilwell Academy and began working for her mentor in Georgia. in 2020 she moved to Fate, TX, where Inquiring Noses Dog Training LLC was born, which is a force-free, reward-based virtual dog training service.

Juliette has gone on to become a Fear-Free Professional and has earned the most recognized title of Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed through the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Her educational journey is never-ending as she is always attending various webinars and taking courses in order to keep up with the latest science in dog training.

“[Force-free dog training] means that I do not use shock collars, I don’t use prong collars, I don’t use choke chains or slip leads or spray bottles. I don’t even yell ‘no’ or spank my dogs. My goal is to teach the dog what we want them to do rather than focus on what we don’t want them to do. Because if we teach what we want and we reinforce it, make it the best thing ever for our dogs and teach them that it works for them, they will be more likely to preform those desirable behaviors over the undesirable behaviors when given the choice.”
_______________________________________
Juliette Jones: Inquiring Noses Dog Training LLC
Email: inquiringnoses@gmail.com
Phone: (214) 659-1556 (text only)
Facebook: Inquiring Noses Dog Training LLC
Instagram: @inquiringnoses
_______________________________________

Free Buyer Guide

Free Seller Guide

45 Easy Ways to Sell Your Home Faster

Robin McCoy is a Texas Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. License #0582766
RobinMcCoyRealty.com | 214.226.3770 | RobinMcCoy@kw.com

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

Creative Credit Solutions with Justin Mirche

In this episode, I speak with Justin Mirche about credit, credit scores, and mortgage scores. Justin is the founder and president of Creative Credit Solutions – “The Credit Restoration Experts.” He has a vast background in finance and has been the go-to person for friends, clients, and colleagues for years to assist in solving a wide array of credit and finance challenges. His experience and dedication have truly transformed lives.

“A vast majority of Americans don’t have a budget; they don’t know what’s going in and what’s coming out, if they overspent for the month. They don’t know, okay, well, here’s my goal for the month and I messed that up badly this month and I’m going to make it up in the next month. They don’t have a plan, which is pretty normal. Most people aren’t financially oriented. I went to school for finance, I love economic everything. I watch the markets all day. I love talking about this stuff; it’s truly my passion, it’s truly who I am. Which is why I started this kind of company.”

Who you’re in business with matters! To get in contact with Justin for advice on fixing your credit, use any of the methods listed below.
_______________________________________
Justin Mirche: Creative Credit Solutions
Justin Mirche: Justin Mirche Consulting
Email: Justin@creativecreditsolutions.net
Youtube: Justin Mirche
TikTok: @justinmircheconsultant
Twitter: @mirche_justin
Facebook: Justin Mirche – Consultant
LinkedIn: Justin Mirche
Instagram: @justinmirche
_______________________________________

Free Buyer Guide

Free Seller Guide

45 Easy Ways to Sell Your Home Faster

Robin McCoy is a Texas Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. License #0582766
RobinMcCoyRealty.com | 214.226.3770 | RobinMcCoy@kw.com

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.

Get Ready: The Best Time To List Your House Is Almost Here

If you’re thinking about selling this spring, it’s time to get moving – the best week to list your house is fast approaching.

Experts at realtor.com looked at seasonal trends from recent years (excluding 2020 as an uncharacteristic year due to the onset of the pandemic) and determined the ideal week to list a house this year:

“Home sellers on the fence waiting for that perfect moment to sell should start preparations, because the best time to list a home in 2023 is approaching quickly. The week of April 16-22 is expected to have the ideal balance of housing market conditions that favor home sellers, more so than any other week in the year.”

If you’ve been waiting for the best time to sell, this is your chance. But remember, before you put your house on the market, you’ve got to get it ready. And if you haven’t started that process yet, you’ll need to move quickly. Here’s what you should keep in mind.

Work with an Agent To Determine Which Updates To Make

Start by prioritizing which updates you’ll make. In February, realtor.com asked more than 1,200 recent or potential home sellers what updates they ended up making to their house before listing it (see graph below):

As you can see, the most common answers included landscaping and painting. Work with a trusted real estate agent to determine what projects make the most sense for your goals and local market.

If Possible, Plan To Have Your House Staged

Once you’ve made any necessary repairs and updates to your house, consider having it staged. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), 82% of buyers’ agents said staging a home made it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home. Additionally, almost half of buyers’ agents said home staging had an effect on most buyers’ view of the home in general. Homes that are staged typically sell faster and for a higher price because they help potential buyers more easily picture their new life in the house.

Bottom Line

Are you ready to sell this spring? Let’s connect to plan your next steps. You can start by making a checklist of what you think your house needs to get ready. Then, we can work together to prioritize your list and move forward together.

Free Buyer Guide

Free Seller Guide

45 Easy Ways to Sell Your Home Faster

Robin McCoy is a Texas Realtor with Keller Williams Realty. License #0582766
RobinMcCoyRealty.com | 214.226.3770 | RobinMcCoy@kw.com

The information contained, and the opinions expressed, in this article are not intended to be construed as investment advice. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW does not guarantee or warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information or opinions contained herein. Nothing herein should be construed as investment advice. You should always conduct your own research and due diligence and obtain professional advice before making any investment decision. Robin McCoy Realty Group and Living in DFW will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by your reliance on the information or opinions contained herein.