Austin Real Estate Podcast with Jesse Myles
73 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago -If you are looking to buy or sell a home, get all the information and the latest updates, tips, and tricks from The Myles Group - your professional Greater Fort Hood Real Estate Agents.
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Episodes
So Your Appraisal Came in Low—What Now?
December 05, 2022 00:00 VideoDon’t let a low home appraisal disrupt your sale. You have options. What options do sellers have if their homes appraise for less than their asking prices? Despite rising interest rates shrinking your potential pool of buyers, now is still a great time to sell your home. Home prices are still increasing, just not as quickly as they were over the last couple of years. However, rising home values can also present a challenge for sellers. If your buyer’s appraiser values your home at less tha...
Aiding You Through the Home Inspection
September 19, 2022 00:00 VideoThe three key steps every buyer should take after a home inspection. There are three items buyers need to discuss with their real estate agent after receiving and reviewing a home inspection report: Prioritize. The most important elements in the report should be prioritized, rather than fighting tooth and nail over every defect discovered. Be sure to concentrate on what’s most crucial and what you’d like from the seller. Estimate. Estimate how much it will cost to fix what is found ...
The Main Areas Home Inspectors Have To Check
August 01, 2022 21:16 VideoUnderstanding the main areas of your home that inspectors focus on. Do you know what things a home inspector looks for when they visit a property? They will investigate every nook and cranny from the foundation up to the roof to find anything that might affect the property’s value. Here are the main things that they have to check: The structure and foundation The exterior, driveway, porch, and yard The roof, gutters, and windows The attic The of plumbing, electricity, and HVAC s...
Make Your Move Go Smoothly With These Tips
July 01, 2022 19:37 VideoNine often overlooked items that will improve your moving experience. Moving isn’t as simple as packing your things and driving to your new home. Today I’ll go over some of the things that people often overlook. Here are nine things you should do before you move: 1. Do a walk-through. This gives you an opportunity to envision where all your items and belongings will go in the home. 2. Make sure the home is safe for young children and pets. 3. Create an unpacking plan. Ensure all the im...
How to Determine Your Home Affordability
June 17, 2022 00:00 VideoHere’s my advice for determining your budget on a home purchase. To answer the question of how much home you can afford, we need to take into account a few primary items. Your household income, monthly debts, and the amount of savings you have for a down payment are three of the biggest. As a homebuyer, you want to have a certain level of comfort with your monthly mortgage payment. While your household income and monthly debts may be relatively stable, unexpected expenses and unplanned s...
What Do You Need in a Home?
June 02, 2022 00:00 VideoBefore you go out shopping for homes, determine your needs and wants. Your home should fit your lifestyle and have spaces and features that appeal to your whole family. Today let’s talk about how to determine your housing needs when you’re in the market to buy a home. Before you begin looking at homes, make a list of priorities. Include things like amenities, location, and size. Don’t forget to factor in distance to a certain school, your job, or public transportation. Sort these into a s...
Should You Make the Jump Into Homeownership?
April 22, 2022 00:00 VideoSome things you should consider when thinking about buying a house. Today I’ll talk about whether you should buy a home or rent it. The answer depends on your specific situation. However, if you’re trying to decide whether or not to leap into homeownership, here are a few things you should consider: 1. How long do you plan on living in this house? If you don’t plan on staying there for at least five years, then it makes more sense for you to rent a home than to buy one. 2. Are you financ...
How Accurate Are Zestimates?
April 05, 2022 00:00 VideoZillow’s Zestimate tool is not an accurate estimate of your home’s value. You really shouldn’t trust Zillow’s estimates. Zestimates give you an estimated value for your home, but these aren’t very accurate. According to Zillow’s website, Zestimates are only a starting point when determining a home’s value. They aren’t an appraisal, nor are they a final answer. Their estimates are based on public and user-submitted data. This means that homeowners can go into Zillow and add home improvemen...
Where to Focus Your Home Improvement Dollars
March 18, 2022 00:00 VideoHere are two areas to focus on when renovating your home. Which renovations should you make to your home if you want the biggest return on your investment? When it comes to home improvements, there are always two areas I highlight to my homeowners: 1. The kitchen. This is one of the most important rooms in the house to a buyer, so making improvements on things like the countertops, flooring, appliances, and cabinetry can go a long way in boosting your home’s value. 2. The master bathroom...
Explaining Home Inspections
March 01, 2022 00:00 VideoHome inspections are a valuable tool that every buyer should use. Today I’ll explain what a home inspection is. When you hire a professional inspector, they conduct a thorough review of the house’s most important components, such as the structure, the roof, HVAC, and the electrical system. This process usually takes at least a few hours. A home inspection takes place after the seller accepts an offer to buy the house. You want to get the inspection done before the option period ends. That...
3 Common Home-Selling Mistakes
February 15, 2022 00:00 VideoHere are three common mistakes to avoid when selling your home. Selling a home is a major milestone in life, and the consequences of making a mistake can impact your finances and peace of mind for years to come. To help you avoid this stress, today I’ll discuss the three most common mistakes to avoid when you’re selling your home: Mistake No. 1: Failing to understand the costs of selling. The total cost of selling a home can amount to even more than the 6% in agent commissions that most p...
3 Common Home Selling Mistakes
February 15, 2022 00:00 VideoHere are three common mistakes to avoid when selling your home. Selling a home is a major milestone in life, and the consequences of making a mistake can impact your finances and peace of mind for years to come. To help you avoid this stress, today I’ll discuss the three most common mistakes to avoid when you’re selling your home. Mistake No. 1: Failing to understand the costs of selling. The total cost of selling a home can amount to even more than the 6% in agent commissions that most...
When Is the Right Time To Sell?
January 31, 2022 00:00 VideoHere are three factors that determine whether it’s time for you to sell. Selling your home is personal, which is why your timing should depend on your specific circumstances. Here are three common factors that play a role in determining when you should sell: 1. Your lifestyle demands a move. Maybe your child is getting ready to start school and your neighborhood isn’t in a good school district. Or perhaps you’ll be an empty-nester soon, and you don’t need all that space. Your home should ...
How To Buy a House With No Money Down
January 19, 2022 00:00 VideoThis is how you can put zero money down when buying a house. Many hopeful homebuyers have asked if they can buy a house with no money down. The answer is yes, and today I want to tell you how. The first step is to use a zero-down program. There are many options: USDA loans, VA loans, and even FHA loans. FHA will have a small down payment, but you might be able to cover that with gift money. For VA loans, you have a military service history. For USDA loans, you need to be buying in a rural...
Weighing Your Options: New Construction or Resale?
December 29, 2021 00:00 VideoThese are the pros and cons of buying new construction versus resale. When you’re in the market to buy a home, you can choose between new construction and resale homes, which are homes that have been previously lived in. But which is the better option? Today I’ll list the pros and cons of both new construction and resale homes to help you make an informed decision. New Construction: Pros: Customizable layout and design New amenities Energy efficiency Home warranties Higher re...
Happy Holidays From Us
December 09, 2021 00:00 VideoFrom our team to your family, we want to wish you a happy holiday season. Happy holidays to you! The holiday season has officially arrived. We hope you enjoy this wonderful time of year and make some fantastic memories. We wanted to take a moment to thank you for your continued support. We love helping people make their real estate dreams come true, so thank you for working with us and supporting our business. This may be a busy time of year, but we are always here to help you and answe...
4 Methods To Get Money for Closing Costs
November 24, 2021 00:00 VideoHere are four different methods to getting money for closing costs. Previously, I talked about how to buy a home with no money down. Today I’ll go over four different available methods to help you cover the extra buying costs: 1. Gift funds. You can receive gift funds from a family member, non-profit, church, employer, or another approved source. Most loan types let you use gift funds to cover closing costs. 2. Lender credit. Lenders can issue a credit towards closing costs if you choose...
Come Get Your Pie on November 19
November 12, 2021 00:00 VideoHere are the details about our upcoming pie giveaway on November 19. Thanksgiving is almost here, which means our second annual pie giveaway is too. Join us on Friday, November 19, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m to get your complimentary pie. Just head on over to our office (2700 South Fort Hood St., Suite F) to get your pick of an apple, pumpkin, or pecan pie. We look forward to seeing you all there. If you have any questions for us in the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out via phone or emai...
What’s the Point of a Final Walk-Through?
November 02, 2021 00:00 VideoHere is everything you should be double-checking on your final walk-through. Before you close on your home purchase, you have to do a final walk-through to ensure your soon-to-be-home is move-in ready. Here’s what you should be checking during that walk-through: Test all lights and ceiling fans Test all outlets. Bring a phone charger with you to check Run all sinks and faucets. Check for leaks Test all kitchen appliances Test garage door and remote Run the heater and A/C Tes...
Enjoy Your Thanksgiving!
November 01, 2021 00:00 VideoI hope that all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. The 2021 holiday season has officially begun! We hope you are as excited as we are. We’d like to take a moment to express our gratitude to all of you this Thanksgiving. We have met some truly wonderful people, and we’re proud to have helped so many reach their real estate goals over the years. We wouldn’t be where we are today without all of your support. Enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner—that’s what we plan to do! In the mea...
How To Prepare Your Home for an Open House
October 22, 2021 00:00 VideoHere are eight tips to help get your home ready for an open house. Today I’m going to talk about how to prepare your home for an open house: 1. Eliminate half of your belongings. Clutter can cost a sale. I recommend renting a storage unit, bringing a portable POD, or even asking a friend if you could store some stuff in their garage. 2. Clean the outside of the house. Home wash is an excellent product that attaches to your hose and lets you clean your siding. Clean out the gutters as wel...
How Long Does It Take To Close on a Home Purchase?
October 05, 2021 00:00 VideoThis is how long a typical home purchase takes to close in Texas. A question I’m often asked by home seller clients is, “How long does it take to close on a home purchase?” In general, most homeowners can prepare to close around 30 days after an accepted offer. The buyer initiates the process by submitting a formal offer. Depending on the type of offer, the home may need to be appraised, inspected, or repaired before the lender will close on the purchase. There are a lot of moving parts,...
A Message to Our Silver, Gold, and Platinum Friends
August 30, 2021 00:00 VideoHere’s what you need to know about our reward program for past clients. Today I’m here to explain our “Friends of the Myles Group” rewards program. It’s our way to shower past clients and referral partners with monthly giveaways, exclusive offers, and fun client events to show our appreciation for your continued business and referrals. The first level is the “silver level.” All of our past clients and anyone who has referred business to us in the past automatically begins at this level. Y...
What Is the Texas Veterans Disability Tax Exemption?
April 26, 2021 09:00 VideoVeterans with a VA rating of 100% no longer have to pay property taxes. Here in Central Texas, if the VA has given you a rating of 100%, you no longer have to pay property taxes. What does that mean? Anywhere from $3,000 to $8,000 per year has been lifted from your mortgage payment; you are now just paying the principal and insurance on your loan. To learn more, watch this short video.
The Difference Between Pre-Approved and Pre-Qualified
March 29, 2021 09:00 VideoThis is the difference between being pre-approved and pre-qualified. What’s the difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved? When you’re pre-qualified, the lender is going off the information you’ve told them: your name, social security number, income, bank account resources, credit score, etc. and they pull your credit score. Being pre-approved means the lender has verified all your information and looked at your documents such as tax returns, bank statements, and W2s. What yo...
Should I Buy a New or Resale Home?
March 15, 2021 09:00 VideoHere’s a significant factor to consider in your home-buying decision. In my opinion, the decision to buy a new or a resale home depends on what you’re looking for and the lifestyle you want to have. With a resale home, you can get a home in an established neighborhood with character. You’re also going to generally get more land with these homes compared to a brand-new subdivision. “A new home is a reflection of your style and preferences.” With a new home, you get to live in a home you ...
How Long Does the Home-Buying Process Take?
March 10, 2021 09:00 VideoHow long does it take to close on a home? It depends on your financing. How long does the home-buying process take? I receive this question all the time, so today I’m sharing the answer with all of you. Generally, it can take anywhere between 30 to 45 days to complete the process of closing on a home if you’re getting a loan but only about 14 days if you’re paying with cash. With a cash buyer, no other paperwork or approval is needed after the title commitment is completed. If you’re buyi...
Pricing Your Home Correctly
March 01, 2021 09:00 VideoHere are three things to consider when pricing your property for sale. It’s crucial to price your home correctly when selling because you don’t want it to sit on the market for very long, as this causes other issues. First, consider the condition of your house; make sure it’s clean and all major repairs have been done. Second, think about your property’s location; is it on a cul-de-sac, a corner lot, or in a desirable school district? Third, consider what’s happening in the current market;...
Which Home Renovations Offer the Best Return?
February 15, 2021 09:10 VideoHere’s my advice on which home renovations to pursue for a great ROI. In my opinion, the two most important areas to renovate in your home are the kitchen and the master bathroom. Potential buyers will have their eyes on many things in your kitchen including cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and flooring. As far as the master bathroom is concerned, they’ll be paying special attention to upgrades that help make it feel more like their own personal space (e.g., sleek showers, jacuzzi tubs,...
How Do Appraisals Affect Homebuyers?
February 01, 2021 09:00 VideoHere’s how home appraisals work and why you don’t need to be nervous. A lot of homebuyers get nervous about home appraisals and want to know what their options are if a home doesn’t appraise. The appraisal is geared to protect the homebuyer and the bank. The bank will hire a third party to run the appraisal to make sure the home’s value supports the amount of the loan, ensuring you don’t overpay. The appraiser will look at the home’s condition to make sure it’s comparable to the value of o...
Are You Aiming for a Spring Sale?
January 18, 2021 09:05 VideoHere’s what it takes to prepare your home for the 2021 spring market. If you’re thinking about selling your home in spring 2021, one of the first things you should do is specify a clear target date—by what point exactly do you need to have your home sold? After that, take a look at your home’s curb appeal; make sure everything concerning your landscaping and exterior is in tip-top, showable shape. Slowly work your way inside, turning your focus toward decluttering rooms and organizing your...
Q: What Are the Signs That It’s Time to Move?
January 04, 2021 09:00 VideoHere are a few signs that likely indicate it’s time for a new home. Life quickly throws many things at us and we undergo many changes as a result. One of these changes is moving homes, and there are usually clear signs when it’s time. If the kids have all moved out, for example, it’s probably time to downsize. On the opposite end, if you’re having kids and need more room, then you should start exploring the market for something bigger. If you have any questions for me about your personal ...
Should You Be Swayed By an Agent’s Discounted Price?
December 09, 2020 23:14 VideoHere’s why commission fees shouldn’t determine which agent you work with. Should commission fees be the main determinant of which agent you choose to work with? Think of it this way: If you can out-negotiate the person you’re hiring to negotiate the biggest asset you own, should you work with them? What kind of service can you expect at a discounted price? Will they bring you discounted buyers, as well? If an agent is willing to give away their money, imagine what they’ll do with yours. ...
Q: Why Should Your Final Walkthroughs Should Be Done Carefully?
October 15, 2020 16:44 VideoHere’s why this step is arguably the most important in the home buying process. The final walkthrough of a home is incredibly important, as it’s the final action before signing the documents and closing the sale. It’s also the time for buyers to make sure everything that was negotiated during your option period, like certain repairs, has indeed been taken care of—once you close, the home is yours and any problems found thereafter will be your responsibility. “Buyers: Don’t rush this proce...
How to Respond When You Find Issues With Your Appraisal
April 07, 2020 16:59 VideoWhat should you do when there are issues with your appraisal? Find out here. Sellers, do you know what happens if there’s an issue with your appraisal? There are really two main appraisal issues that come up during the selling process: 1. The home doesn’t appraise at the list price or contract price. In this case, your listing agent can show the comps they used when they did your comparative market analysis versus those the appraiser used, and then submit them to the appraiser. There are ...
Being a Seller in a Multiple-Offer Situation
March 19, 2020 17:12 VideoHere’s what you must remember when choosing between multiple offers. As a seller, what’s the best way to choose between multiple offers on your home? There are a couple tips to keep in mind. First, make sure your offers are organized. For example, you can try having your offers on a spreadsheet so you can easily identify which has the most earnest money, which has the highest price overall, etc. “You must lean on your Realtor to help you decide.” Second, make sure your Realtor “plays d...
What to Consider When Moving to Central Texas
February 28, 2020 21:50 VideoThere are many things to think about before moving to a new area—what should you consider before moving to Central Texas? What should you consider before moving to Fort Hood and the surrounding areas? I moved to Fort Hood in 2005, and a couple of things I really thought about before deciding to plant roots in Central Texas were affordability and whether this is a good area to raise my family in, with great schools and amenities. The answer is that Fort Hood has great amenities and plent...
When Should You Raise Rent on Your Investment Property?
October 03, 2019 00:00 VideoIf you’re a real estate investor, you might be wondering when you should be raising your rent? Here are a few situations where I recommend doing so. In my opinion, the best time to raise the rent on your investment property is on a few different occasions. The first is on annually. The second is when you make any improvements or add any amenities to the property. Finally, any time that you notice the market is headed up, you want to stay competitive with other properties as well by increas...
Are Open Houses Worth Hosting?
September 05, 2019 18:37 VideoShould sellers still host open houses? Let’s explore this question today. In today’s digital age, many sellers are no longer sure whether open houses are worth hosting. However, in my professional opinion, open houses are the No. 1 source of advertising a listing can have. Open houses are a low-pressure alternative to one-on-one showings. Not only that, but open houses also generate a lot of foot traffic and allow buyers to simultaneously see the home and their competition in person. This ...
How to Get Your Start in Real Estate Investing
August 26, 2019 17:32 VideoVenturing out into the world of real estate investing starts with these steps. If you’re thinking about investing in real estate, where and how do you start? Before anything else, you’ll need to decide what type of investor you wish to be: a house flipper, one who buys and holds property for rent, or a wholesaler. Your next move should be to sit down with a real estate professional and map out your goals. For example, if you’d like to buy and hold property and your goal is to make x amount...
4 Steps for Preparing to Sell Your Home
July 22, 2019 00:00 VideoYou’re ready to sell your home. Congratulations! What steps should you take now to ensure that the process is smooth from beginning to end? Your first step should be to get your home evaluated to determine what it’s worth. You can start your search online—might I suggest the home valuation tools at www.TheMylesGroup.net. Next, get in touch with a real estate professional, who will come to your property to conduct a comparative market analysis, or CMA, for you. Third, start preparing your ho...
How Does the Home Buying Process Unfold?
July 22, 2019 00:00 VideoYou’ve got your sights set on buying a new home, but where do you begin? Your first priority should be to get pre-approved with a mortgage professional. That way, you’ll know the extent of your purchasing power. Once you know how much house you can afford, bring this information to a real estate professional who will then show you homes that are within your means. From there, you can begin to narrow down your search and reach a decision. If you have further questions or you’re looking to ge...
Do You Know What Your Home Is Worth?
July 15, 2019 14:29 VideoThe first step in getting a true evaluation of your home’s value is to look online. There are several different websites that can help you find an accurate estimation, with one notable example beingwww.TheMylesGroup.net. There, simply click on the “Know Your Home’s Worth” button on the home page. After you see the ranges of the values that these various websites will provide you, I encourage you to contact a real estate professional who can come to your home and do a free comparative marke...
What Can Aye Aye Bookkeeping and Tax Services Do for You?
March 07, 2019 17:09 VideoI recently had the chance to speak with Harold Keeter of Aye Aye Bookkeeping and Tax Services, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to share this conversation with you today. Harold spent a good portion of his career working for the IRS, and also as an accountant elsewhere. Eventually, though, he grew tired of the shifting professional landscape that came with working for someone else, so he decided to start a business of his own. Thus, Aye Aye Bookkeeping and Tax Services came to b...
Interviewing Monica Smith of Texas Lone Star Title
February 25, 2019 12:00 VideoI recently sat down with Monica Smith, an escrow officer from Texas Lone Star Title, to learn more about her career and what her company does. Her path began when she was working for attorneys in the 1990s. After noticing a title company next door to an attorney’s office, she switched over and has been working with titles ever since. Her company sells title insurance, which serves as peace of mind for their customers—it ensures they have a clear title for their home. The company works wit...
How to Determine Your Housing Needs
February 07, 2019 21:44 VideoBefore you start your home search, you need to determine your housing needs. To figure this out, there are a few questions you can ask yourself. The first is what price point do you want to be at? The price that you pay for your new home will dictate your monthly payments, so you should be comfortable with the amount. You should also ask yourself how big of a home you and your family will need. How much square footage and how many bedrooms would your ideal home have? What about outdoor sp...
A Few Things to Know About Home Inspections
January 21, 2019 08:30 VideoWhat exactly is a home inspection and why is it important? We’re going to answer both of those questions today. A home inspection occurs when a licensed home inspector thoroughly inspects a property from top to bottom. They will then give you a through report, preferably with pictures, that detail the problems and imperfections they found in the house. “This is one of the biggest purchases you’ll make in your life.” A home inspector is very knowledgeable on city and state codes, and will...
Sellers: Avoid These 4 Mistakes When Listing Your Home
January 03, 2019 14:40 VideoThere are a lot of tips out there regarding what you should do when it comes time to sell, but today I’d like to highlight a few things sellers shouldn’t do. Let’s take a look at the four major mistakes you should avoid when listing. 1. Pricing too high. Overpricing your home will cause it to sit on the market for an extended period of time, and will likely cause you to lose money in the long run. You’re far better off working with an experienced agent who can help you set a fair price. Do...
A Conversation With Don Farek, the Owner of Cameo Homes
November 19, 2018 22:28 VideoI’m joined today by the owner of Cameo Homes, Don Farek, who will be telling us how he got started in the business of home building. With a career spanning over 40 years, he has plenty to share. To hear our conversation, watch the video above. His story Don was working for a lumberyard in Waco and there was another lumberyard in Killeen, along with a home building branch called Cameo Homes. They told Don they were having trouble with home building and were looking for someone to help run ...
Pt. 1 of Our Interview with Brandi Stokes and Cameo Homes
November 16, 2018 21:23 VideoToday I was recently joined by my good friend Brandi Stokes to talk a little bit about the advantages of buying a home with her company, Cameo Homes. Cameo Homes has been building custom homes in the area for over 50 years and is one of the most respected custom home builders in the area. They build for people of all ages and budgets and a big part of their client base is referral and repeat homeowners. What sets Brandi apart is the fact that she always tries to put herself in her custome...