Covenant Realty Corporation - Covenant For Your Peace of Mind http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog Helping others understand the real estate world. Sat, 04 Feb 2012 20:54:58 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 Maximizing The First Impression http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2012/01/24/maximizing-the-first-impression/ http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2012/01/24/maximizing-the-first-impression/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:54:39 +0000 Ryan Kirkpatrick http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/?p=798 With the new year starting off in a hurry, where does your real estate value stand?  Here’s some tips to get maximum value for your home:

Lawn Improvements:

Overgrown, patchy lawns and bushes can cause your home to stand out in a bad way. To tame your front lawn at a reasonable cost, a lawn service company can trim your lawn and shape your hedges. Your curb appeal can then go from messy to maintained, without blowing your budget!

Overall Cleanliness:

The proverb that you get one shot at a first impression is true; you have to make the interior of your home shine from the moment a potential buyer walks through the door! For a small fee, a cleaning service can perform a thorough top-to-bottom scrubbing. Even with regular cleaning, nooks and crannies can be overlooked; let a cleaning service do the dirty work to make your home sparkle!

Visually Increasing Your Square Footage:

Your home’s size dramatically affects the value, but square footage isn’t the only space that counts. Visual space (how large a home

feels) is important too, so it’s important to make each room in your house feel larger. Heavy closed draperies can be replaced with vertical blinds or shutters to let light in. When you allow a sunny room, it feels larger and more open.

Also, large mirrors can visually double the space in larger rooms. Finally, clear the clutter, making rooms feel much less cramped and maximizing your visual square footage to interested buyers.

To maximize the equity in your pocket from your home,  you’ll want to connect with Covenant Realty today.   Whether searching in Dallas, Frisco, Plano, Richardson or elsewhere in DFW real estate market, we’re never too busy to work with great people who appreciate a higher level of attention and care.

]]> http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2012/01/24/maximizing-the-first-impression/feed/ 0 TEAM Networking -”Rookie of the Year” http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/12/29/team-networking-rookie-of-the-year/ http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/12/29/team-networking-rookie-of-the-year/#comments Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:00:44 +0000 Ryan Kirkpatrick http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/?p=793 I was recently honored and humbled to recieve the Rookie of the Year award from TEAM Networking.   First and foremost, to be a part of such a successful group means a great deal to me and to be indivudally recognized is very meaningful.

Here is a link describing what the award is about and what TEAM networking provides.

http://brucecarnohan.com/blog/

Thank you to TEAM networking for considering me worthy of such an award. 

In closing, we live in a culture that says you can either be successfull or be happy, but you can’t be both.  My community of friends in this group, as well as those who work by referral would tend to disagree.  Thank you to my clients and friends for their faith in me as their advocate and resource in real estate.

Sincerely,

Ryan Kirkpatrick

]]> http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/12/29/team-networking-rookie-of-the-year/feed/ 0 A Recent Testimonial From the Desk of Katrina Krumholtz http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/12/28/a-recent-testimonial-from-the-desk-of-katrina-krumholtz/ http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/12/28/a-recent-testimonial-from-the-desk-of-katrina-krumholtz/#comments Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:42:57 +0000 Ryan Kirkpatrick http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/?p=788 One of the things I absolutely love about the real estate business is that it’s so very fair.  You get out of it exactly what you put into it.   That’s a big part of why I work exclusively and passionately by referral.  Below is a post based off of a recent impactful note I received from a client that I was able to protect through a recent home purchase.  It’s a good life! 

Sincerely,

Ryan Kirkpatrick

Background

Katrina was a referral from a former client and friend of mine.  Often, my work is rewarding through the process helping those I have the opportunity to serve side step dangerous obstacles.  Being a guy, I don’t tear up that much, but her note below struck a chord.  Katrina, I appreciate the time you took to write this and articulate how I go about my work day to day with those I serve. 

Ryan,

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all that you have done for me and helped me through the past several months.  It has been a complete pleasure working with you.  I don’t know how I could have made it without you!!

I am reflecting back on the whole process and all that we have been through in the past couple months that have at times felt like an eternity.

Thank you so much for being so patient with me while we were searching for the perfect home.  You were so helpful through the entire process.  It was wonderful knowing that you had my best interest in mind.  I am so thankful that you could see the danger zones; from electrical poles, to messy kids, commercial real estate in the backyard, big scary dogs, terrible foundations, and gigantic trees, just to name a few :) I remember when we walked into my home and knew it was the one.  What an amazing feeling that was!  I know that I will be so happy in my new home and I am positive that we got a great deal for it!  I could not be here without you!

Words cannot express how thankful I am that you have not only had my financial interest in mind through this but you have also been such a great spiritual support and friend.  I definitely know that closing on this house has been one of the hardest things I have  gone through in my life.  You have been amazing through it all.  Not only have you gone above and beyond as a realtor to get every silly thing Chase had requested asap, but you have been there for me emotionally as well.  I think there would probably be a lot more trouble between myself and Chase if you hadn’t been there to talk me down on several occasions.  I am so thankful for your knowledge in the banking business and support through it all.

Now that this has come to an end, I am so glad that not only have I finally gotten the house I have been dreaming about, I have also gotten a new friend.  I do hope that we continue to keep in touch and I will definitely refer everyone I know to you.  Through all of this I can look back at some mistakes I wish I hadn’t made.  However, the best choice I have made is choosing you as my realtor!!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

 Katrina Krumholtz

]]> http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/12/28/a-recent-testimonial-from-the-desk-of-katrina-krumholtz/feed/ 0 When in Doubt – Call a Professional http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/11/15/when-in-doubt-call-a-professional/ http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/11/15/when-in-doubt-call-a-professional/#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:46:02 +0000 Ryan Kirkpatrick http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/?p=771  

At Covenant Realty, we put our expertise to work every day, focusing on getting top dollar for our clients’ home sales. As a sample, here’s a few tips that might be useful in proceeding with your sale:

Consult a Professional:

As a start, you should have an agent and/or interior designer inspect your home. While Covenant Realty agents provide this as a courtesy, we can refer you to professional designers to assist as well; an hour with a good designer can provide lots of great ideas for sprucing up your home. Even small improvements, such as paint or furniture changes, can go a long way toward improving your home’s look and feel. 

Work with an Inspector:

While cosmetic repairs can help, functional factors including roofing issues, termite infestation or outdated electrical systems must be fully operable when you sell your home — and you can’t fix these if you don’t they’re broken. A home inspector can investigate the areas of your home that you don’t normally see. and they can discover hidden problems early in the process. Since small problems such as a hidden water leaks can become big, expensive problems quickly, an inspector can help find and fix these issues quickly.

Paint!

An extremely simple, cost-effective improvement is paint! Freshly painted rooms look clean and updated, which can add serious value to your home before you sell. Note that neutral colors appeal to the greatest number of people, so these should make your home most desirable. Necessary supplies could be as little as a few gallons of paint, rollers, painter’s tape, drop cloths and brushes, so this improvement is a no-brainer for many home sellers!

These are just a small sample of what Covenant Realty agents bring to your home sale. Whether in Dallas, Plano, Frisco or elsewhere in DFW, put our expertise to work for you; we’re never too busy for your referrals!

]]> http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/11/15/when-in-doubt-call-a-professional/feed/ 0 Small Improvements – Big Impact http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/11/01/small-improvements-big-impact/ http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/11/01/small-improvements-big-impact/#comments Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:35:46 +0000 Ryan Kirkpatrick http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/?p=755 Add cost-effective luxuries:

Some luxury items, such as a kitchen water filtration system, can really spruce up your home for potential buyers. These systems can purify your water, but they will also lower your customers’ grocery bills – no more bottled water purchases! A water filtration system is an example of an inexpensive addition, but these are the small luxuries homebuyers love, and can give you an edge in the sales process.

Improve your home’s indoor air quality:

Air quality isn’t just an outdoor issue; if you have aging carpets in your home, they may be hiding contaminants and allergens. To determine if your carpet needs replacing, you may want to hire a professional company to test your home’s indoor air quality. If the test results show your carpet should be replaced, make sure to choose natural products like tile or laminate floors that will keep your air allergen-free for years. Thest hard-surface floors are much easier to clean, don’t trap odors, provide a more modern look for your home and are highly appealing to buyers.

No popcorn ceilings:

Few structural elements can date your home more than a popcorn ceiling; dedicating some time to their removal can really add dollars to your home’s value. Ceiling popcorn removal requires only a visit to the hardware store to purchase a softening solution, allowing the popcorn to then be easily wiped away. While seemingly a small improvement, this move will make your home that much more modern in its appeal, catching the eye of many more potential homebuyers.

Whether in Dallas, Plano, Frisco, McKinney are any surrounding cities we’re never too busy for your referrals; feel free to contact Covenant Realty at your convenience.

]]> http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/11/01/small-improvements-big-impact/feed/ 0 The Right Price Is The First Step http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/10/18/the-right-price-is-the-first-step/ http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/10/18/the-right-price-is-the-first-step/#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:52:28 +0000 Ryan Kirkpatrick http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/?p=734 A core part of marketing your home is the list price. Mispricings will cause you not to benefit from obtaining the optimal profit for your home, so accurate pricing is essential. To determine the best asking price for your home, it’s critical to first evaluate the competition and study trends in the marketplace. Covenant Realty associates are trained to assist you in reaching the right asking price, and will assist you in discussing other terms and conditions, including the timing of the sale and which items can be included with the home’s sale, both of which will make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

Considerations include the following: 

Location: This factor is hard to escape; if your home is located in a more desirable area, you will be able to command a higher price than for other homes.

Condition: Better maintained and impressively shown houses will always sell for more than neglected homes.

Amenities: If your house boasts popular amenities, you’ll be able to price your home accordingly higher. 

Price per Square Foot: It’s always important to keep the neighborhood’s average square price per home in mind when pricing your home. 

A formal appraisal of your home can help if your property is unique, there hasn’t been much activity in the neighborhood lately, there are disagreements about the price, or other factors that make your home difficult to price. Appraisers can consider the home’s location, proximity to schools and public facilities, the lot size, the home’s size and condition and recent property sales, among other factors, in making their assessment. 

At Covenant Realty, we’re never too busy for your referrals! Whether in Dallas, Frisco, Plano or elsewhere in DFW, we’re happy to assist with all of your home sale or purchase needs; contact us today!

]]> http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/10/18/the-right-price-is-the-first-step/feed/ 0 Cash is King… Sometimes http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/10/18/cash-is-king-sometimes/ http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/10/18/cash-is-king-sometimes/#comments Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:41:02 +0000 Ryan Kirkpatrick http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/?p=729 It’s true that typically, most home buyers choose not to purchase homes with all cash transactions; still, those in the fortunate position to do so may be wondering how to do that. Cash buyers have the advantage of being able to bypass time-consuming loan qualification processes, which obviously wouldn’t apply in this case, and can therefore close deals extremely quickly, giving them a speed advantage envied by other buyers. However, the primary advantage to cash purchases is the avoidance of mortgage interest and loan origination fees, as well as some additional closing costs and related charges; over time, this can result in significant savings for the buyer.

At the same time, it’s important to recognize that purchasing a home via an all-cash transaction removes certain benefits to the process, most importantly the advantages associated with deducting mortgage interest from your income. In thinking about whether this is the right move for you, look at the availability of mortgage financing for your personal financial situation, especially considering other investments where your cash might earn a higher rate of return. If your expected rate of return on other investments is much higher than your given mortgage rate, you should consider using mortgage financing for your purchase. As always, discuss these matters with your agent to find the best solution for your specific needs.

As always, whether discussing mortgage options or the property that is right for you, our brokerage is here to help. Whether in Plano, Frisco, Mckinney or elsewhere in DFW, feel free to contact us today; we’re never too busy for your referrals!

]]> http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/10/18/cash-is-king-sometimes/feed/ 0 Knowing What Your Lender Has to Offer http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/10/11/knowing-what-your-lender-has-to-offer/ http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/10/11/knowing-what-your-lender-has-to-offer/#comments Tue, 11 Oct 2011 16:18:13 +0000 Ryan Kirkpatrick http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/?p=723 When negotiating financing for your new home, some lenders can negotiate on both the interest rate of the loan and the number of points paid as an upfront fee. Most established lenders, such as large banks, set their rates much like large corporations set the prices of products for sale. However, shopping around from different sources and knowing the market before talking to a lender is prudent for ensuring you secure the most favorable financing for your home. Always look at the mix of interest rate and points offered to determine the best possible deal; note that interest rates are much more open to negotiation for seller-financed purchases. Of course, seller-financed loans are typically based on market rates, but a great measure of flexibility exists in negotiating such a deal. When shopping for such rates, look for local lenders’ published rates in local newspapers, or check the vast number of websites current rate quotes from many different sources (bankrate.com is a great example).

Locking in a rate is one way to ensure that the same rate will be available when needed, and can give you peace of mind about moving forward with the purchase. A lock-in makes sense when the borrower expects rates to rise during the next 30 to 60 days, as this measure is the usual length of time that lock-ins are available. A lock-in given at the time of application is extremely useful, since it may take lenders a significant time period to prepare the loan application. Some lenders may require borrowers to pay a lock-in fee to insurce particular rates and terms are available; it’s important to be sure that the rates and points offered are guaranteed, and that the lock-in period is long enough to ensure the low rate you receive will be available at closing. If the lock-in expires, most lenders will typically offer the loan based on the current interest rate and points, which could leave you at a disadvantage if rates have increased. Most lenders have preprinted forms setting out the exact terms of the lock-in agreement, although this may vary, so it’s important to knwo which method your lender of choice will be using.

As there are a wide variety of home loan products available, Covenant Realty and it’s referred resource Town Square Financial can assist in finding the right financing product for you and your family.   We are happy to answer any home financing or purchase questions you might have. Whether in Dallas, Richardson, Frisco, Plano or elsewhere in DFW, we’re never too busy for your referrals…contact us today!

]]> http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/10/11/knowing-what-your-lender-has-to-offer/feed/ 0 How Much Can You Afford? http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/08/21/how-much-can-you-afford/ http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/08/21/how-much-can-you-afford/#comments Sun, 21 Aug 2011 20:45:38 +0000 Ryan Kirkpatrick http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/?p=718 A critical step in the home buying process is deciding what type of purchase you can reasonably afford.  A thorough review will require an examination of your current income, accrued savings, month-to-month expenses and any outstanding debts.

Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage loan early in the process is important, which will help determine how much you can afford. Having this in place will enable you to move swiftly when you find the right home for your family, particularly if other interested buyers are involved. Taking this step will also indicate to the seller that you are a serious buyer and can afford to swiftly move forward with a purchase. A pre-approval calculation is a simple step completed by a mortgage lender, which will tell you the amount you’ll be able to finance, and what your ongoing monthly payment will be. A pre-approval can also reassure the seller that you have the financial means to purchase the home.

Knowledge of what you can afford is the first step to take during a home purchase, and that depends on your income and outstanding debt.

Make sure to discuss this with your Realtor and several lenders before purchasing.

The amount you can pay for a home depends on several factors, including:

     * total gross income

    * funds available for a down payment, closing costs and required cash reserves

    * debts outstanding

    * credit history

    * the type of mortgage selected

    * current market interest rates

Lenders also use the housing expense-to-income ratio to evaluate how much you can afford. This ratio is determined by calculating your projected monthly housing expense, consisting of principal and interest payments, property tax payments and insurance premiums on your new mortgage (known as PITI). Mortgage professionals can help you find out just what you can afford, and your income and debt levels will play the biggest roles in determining your ultimate price range.

Ask our professionals how we can assist you in your home purchase today; whether purchasing or selling a home in Dallas, Frisco, Plano, Richardson or elsewhere in DFW, we’re never too busy for your referrals!

]]> http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/08/21/how-much-can-you-afford/feed/ 0 The Importance of Pricing Your Home Right http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/08/19/the-importance-of-pricing-your-home-right/ http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/08/19/the-importance-of-pricing-your-home-right/#comments Fri, 19 Aug 2011 01:58:34 +0000 Ryan Kirkpatrick http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/?p=714 A core part of marketing your home is the list price. Mispricings will cause you not to benefit from obtaining the optimal profit for your home, so accurate pricing is essential. To determine the best asking price for your home, it’s critical to first evaluate the competition and study trends in the marketplace. Covenant Realty associates are trained to assist you in reaching the right asking price, and will assist you in discussing other terms and conditions, including the timing of the sale and which items can be included with the home’s sale, both of which will make your home more attractive to potential buyers.

Considerations include the following:

Location: This factor is hard to escape; if your home is located in a more desirable area, you will be able to command a higher price than for other homes.

Condition: Better maintained and impressively shown houses will always sell for more than neglected homes.

Amenities: If your house boasts popular amenities, you’ll be able to price your home accordingly higher.

Price per Square Foot: It’s always important to keep the neighborhood’s average square price per home in mind when pricing your home.

A formal appraisal of your home can help if your property is unique, there hasn’t been much activity in the neighborhood lately, there are disagreements about the price, or other factors that make your home difficult to price. Appraisers can consider the home’s location, proximity to schools and public facilities, the lot size, the home’s size and condition and recent property sales, among other factors, in making their assessment.

At Covenant Realty, we’re never too busy for your referrals! Whether in Dallas, Frisco, Plano or elsewhere in DFW, we’re happy to assist with all of your home sale or purchase needs; contact us today!

]]> http://www.covenantrealtycorp.com/blog/2011/08/19/the-importance-of-pricing-your-home-right/feed/ 0