Real Estate Advice You Should Ignore

Buying or selling your home is a big decision. It’s natural to have questions, but how can you tell if the information and advice you receive is accurate to your situation? Not only can you find bad information online but it might come from unexpected sources, like your friends, your family and even your agent. Here are a few of terrible real estate advice that you should ignore each and every time.
 • You’ll save money if you don’t work with an agent – Both buyers and sellers fall into this trap, but bottom line, a good agent will save both parties money through their market knowledge and negotiation skills.
• Determining your price by online estimates – Online home value estimates, such as Zillow’s Zestimates, are just that – estimates. Ask a local agent for a comprehensive market analysis to really understand the property value.
• No need to update/repair, buyers will do that – While there is some truth to the idea that buyers will want to upgrade to suit their taste, it’s critical to offer a clean, well maintained home with some modern amenities.
• Any agent can open a door – If that’s all they did, yes, any agent can open a door. The right agent will find the best possible terms and price for their clients.

2019 is all about wide open living spaces and bringing the outside in!

32 Home Design Trends That Will Rule in 2019

SHOULD YOU BUY A FIXER UPPER?

It looks so simple on TV: Find a diamond-in-the rough with "good bones," hire a few telegenic workers, perhaps squabble with your significant other about the interior paint color and presto – the home has doubled in value. The reality, of course, is not so easy. Here are a few things to consider before investing your money – and time – in a fixer upper.

1. Can you afford it?
After consulting an experienced building inspector to assess the home, a contractor for a time and money quote on the work to be done, and a Realtor to make sure the renovations are in line with what buyers want, do the math. Be sure to include materials and add an extra 10-15 percent for renovation "surprises" that may arise. Once you have the general price tag, you can calculate whether you have the funds to cover the cost of renovation or need (and are qualified) to take out a renovation loan.

2. Do you have the time?
Even if you plan on hiring contractors to do most of the work, coordinating with with them still takes a big chunk of time. If you just started a job, are expecting a baby or simply don't want to commit the necessary hours to the project, it might not be prime time for a fixer-upper.

3. Do you have skills? (Or handy friends?)
Doing the labor yourself can save you money. A lot of renovation work, especially cosmetic projects, is not rocket science. But if most encounters you've had with power tools have ended at the ER, it may be best to go with a contractor.

4. How do you feel about living in a construction zone?
Unless you're able to live elsewhere during renovations, think long and hard about whether living in an unfinished house, complete with workers and a power tool soundtrack, will drive you nuts.

Before you dive into a fixer-upper, talk with a Realtor who can help you identify promising homes and emerging neighborhoods where you might get the most bang for your building bucks.  I'm ready to help...let's nail it.

Ways to Save Tons of Money on Your Home Expenses

It’s New Year’s resolution time—when we vow to drop 18.5 pounds, start training for a triathlon, cut back on sodium, and maybe even give up our crippling HGTV addiction. What’s that you say? You want to make a resolution you might actually keep?  OK, try this on for size: Resolve to save buckets of cash by making simple changes around your home, sweet home.

Whether you live in a mansion or a condo, homes consume a ton of expensive energy—whether in the form of electricity, water or gas. The good news? You can lower these bills—freeing up cash for all kinds of other pursuits such as that new kitchen reno you’ve been dreaming of or even a vacation far from home. What’s more, these changes are far from painstaking; some are as simple as switching your lightbulbs or tweaking the settings on appliances.

Collectively these tiny changes can add up to huge savings. Try a few or all to reap the benefits of a fatter bank account this year—and beyond.

Get an energy audit

Consider this a checkup for your home: Many local utility companies offer energy audits (often for free), where experts assess your home’s energy consumption patterns looking for improvement areas where you could cut back on guzzling electricity, gas, or water (and also lower your utility bills). Auditors may do this remotely by poring through your records, or they visit your home to examine everything from its windows to duct work to shower heads—saving you as much as 30% of your monthly bills.

For more information go to energy.gov, or head to the Residential Energy Services Network, where you can enter your ZIP code to find an auditor near you.

Adjust your water heater

Most people set their water heaters on high. The amount of energy needed to keep gallons of water at scalding for no reason? A lot. Lowering it by just 10 degrees Fahrenheit will save you from 3% to 5% on your heating costs. Also, buy your heater a nice blanket to keep heat in and tack on an additional 4% to 9% in savings.

Swap your lightbulbs

Switching to low-energy lightbulbs is a quick and easy way to reduce lighting costs. A 60-watt bulb retailing for $6 will save between $30 and $80 over its lifetime. The average household has 50 bulbs—so that’s a minimum $1,500 in savings! But there’s no need to go out and buy $300 worth of lightbulbs all at once. Swap out the bulbs you use every day—kitchen and bedroom—and leave the barely used ones in basements or attics until they burn out.

Kill your home’s energy vampires

Those little lights all over your house that indicate printers and chargers are on but not in use? They’re “energy vampires” sucking dollars out of your wallet, an average of $165 a year for a typical U.S. household. The low-tech solution? Unplug these items before bed, which will save you as much as 10% on your energy bill. The high-tech solution? Power cords such as the Embertec Emberstrip AV+ ($79.95) that will turn off equipment when it senses they’re not in use.

Wash your clothes this way

Switch to cold water washes. Yes, your clothes will still get clean—some stains come out more readily in cold water—and you’ll save about $60 a year. As dryers account for 12% of energy in an average household, consider line-drying clothes in nice weather to save you almost $200 per year. Or, if you do use a dryer, clean your vent, which will reduce energy costs by $9 to $12 per month, says Doug Rogers, president of Mr. Appliance.

Strip your windows in the winter

In the winter “even the smallest gaps around a window or door frame allow air to leak inside,” says Mark Liston, president of Glass Doctor. “An eighth of an inch gap under a 36-inch wide door will let in as much cold air as a 2.4-inch diameter hole punched in a wall!” That means in the winter, sealing cracks around windows and frames is a no-brainer that can bring down the heating bill between 10% and 15%.

Film your windows in the summer

And as for the summer, when the sun beats through your windows and bakes your home? For that, you can add window films—an imperceptible layer that acts like sunglasses, filtering out infrared and UV rays. A whole roll of it will run you around$25 but can translate to an average of 20% to 25% reduction in energy costs via the AC. Added benefit: It keeps colors in paintings and carpets from fading, says Mike Byrd, program manager for Madico, which provides window films for the Smithsonian, the Louvre, and many other architectural landmarks.

Cut the cord

Getting rid of cable and your landline will save you about $100 a month. Keep your fast Internet and consider buying a $35 Chromecast—a device that slings streaming shows from your cellphone to your TV.

By
Margaret Heidenry

Margaret Heidenry is a writer living in Brooklyn, NY. Her work has also appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Vanity Fair, and Boston Magazine.

"I want to price my house higher than market value to see if I can get it!" Oh, dear.

This attitude is understandable, but often ends up having the opposite affect. An unrealistic asking price results in few showings and no offers! Price it right from the start  if you are serious about selling.  Otherwise your home will likely languish on the market, become stale, and you will eventually need to reduce the price anyway!

Don't make these mistakes when remodeling to sell!

Click the image to enlarge

Source: Fixr contractors

         

CONFUSED ABOUT PRIVATE MORTGAGE INSURANCE?

HERE'S THE FYI ON PMI....... 

What is PMI?
Private mortgage insurance, or PMI, is an insurance that protects the lender/investor if you are unable to pay your mortgage. All conventional, conforming loans backed by Freddie Mac without at least 20% down require some form of credit enhancement or PMI.

How much can I expect to pay in PMI?
It varies based on your loan-to-value ratio – the amount you owe on your mortgage compared to its value – and credit score, but you can expect to pay between $40 and $80 per month for every $100,000 borrowed.

Why should I pay PMI?
The value may be getting your foot in the door at today's historically low mortgage rates and affordable home prices in many parts of the country.

How long will I have to pay it?
You'll have to pay it until you’ve built more than 20% equity in your home. Borrowers with FHA loans are responsible for paying FHA mortgage insurance premiums for the life of the loan.

Can I cancel my PMI if my home increases in value or if I made extra payments?
If you are current on your payments, PMI will automatically terminate on the date when your principal balance is scheduled to reach 78% of the original value of your home. That date will be given to you in writing on a PMI disclosure form when you get mortgage.

You can also request that your lender cancel your PMI if you have made additional payments or if rising home values have increased your home equity to more than 20%.

If you have more questions about PMI or other issues related to purchasing a home, contact me!  I'd love to help!

Very nice reviews from recent clients!

"Betty is a fabulous realtor and bent over backwards to accommodate our wants and schedule. She helped us to find a house we are beyond thrilled with. She showed us 21 homes in one day because we were coming from out of town and had to make a quick decision. She kept in contact with us every step of the way and made sure we knew everything that was going on. Her knowledge of the area and builders was very helpful. I wouldn't use anyone else in the greater Tyler area for my real estate needs!! " - Lauren Geis

"Betty is a great combination of patient, friendly, smart, and knowledgeable. We moved here from out of state and she helped us become familiar with the schools and neighborhoods that she knows well from living and working in the Tyler area for years. Betty diplomatically helped our family navigate the challenges of working out different preferences and needs/wants for home features within our budget. She cheerfully showed us homes multiple times so that both my husband and I could see them. It's helpful that in a previous career Betty remodeled homes, so she knows what things can be changed about a home easily and where to look for the red flags indicating a need for expensive renovations. Betty helped keep me calm and informed from the time we put in an offer to the time we closed on the house. I loved working with her and would happily choose her again if I'm ever in the market for another home." - Bethany Jensen 

"Betty is a wonderful,knowledgable and experienced professional ! She immediately made us feel comfortable and relaxed while leading us through the entire process.She guided us through several different areas and price points and offered several helpful suggestions.She handled the negotiations of the price and handled all details efficiently.Betty was not involved in the sale of the home we sold.However,Betty served as a friendly and calming influence while the finalization of that transaction lingered.We could not be more pleased with Betty Davidson ! We would highly recommend her to anyone ! Her professionalism and genuine concern made us feel like we have made a dear friend.We are very blessed to have worked with her !" - Bob and Sherri Best 

New to Tyler, Texas? Let me introduce you!

Welcome to Tyler

A natural beauty

Tyler’s charming brick streets lead visitors to an array of family attractions, quaint antique shops and unique specialty stores. Outdoor buffs enjoy crystal-clear lakes, challenging golf courses and scenic campgrounds that offer fishing, picnicking, paddle-boating and hike and bike trails.

For those who prefer refined culture, Tyler’s exciting Broadway and ballet performances, symphony concerts, world-class art museums and wonderful cuisine are sure to please any palate!

Children of all ages love Caldwell Zoo, Discovery Science Place and Hudnall Planetarium. Special events throughout the year include the Texas Rose Festival, Azalea & Spring Flower Trail, Festival on the Square and Movies Under the Stars in Bergfeld Park. We invite you to treat yourself to Tyler for a few days or a lifetime!

You're gonna LOVE it!

"What's that smell??"

It happens ALL the time....I unlock the front door, the prospective home buyers step inside for the first time, and then they ask the question I'm already asking myself ..."What's that smell?!" My answer to that question varies according to....well, what it smells like. Here's my "smelly" short list of answers:

1)"Oh, smells like they had  fish for dinner!"
2) "Oh, smells like they had broccoli (or cabbage, or cauliflower, or curry, or garlic bread....etc)!"
3) "Oh, smells like they forgot to take out the trash!"
4) "Oh, they must be smokers!"
5) "Oh, smells like they have a dog,(or gerbil, or a hamster, or pet mouse or a cat with a litter box)!"
6) "Oh, smells like mildew....maybe they've had a water issue"
7) "Oh, smells like they have one of those automatic air fresheners!
8) "Oh, smells like the place has been vacant for a while!"

Believe it or not, an unpleasant odor of any kind can dampen a buyer's interest in a house. Be sure to do a frequent smell check on your house while it's on the market. Ask friends if they notice odors that you may not be able to detect.

Here are a few things you can do to increase your home's chances of passing the smell test:

1) Give your home a deep cleaning.
Dust, clean the carpet,  blinds, drapes and upholstery.
Get a chimney sweep to clean the creosote from the fireplace and chimney.
Clean the sink and grind some lemon rinds in the garbage disposal.
Open the windows and air the place out for an hour if the weather is good.

2) Make sure all trash cans are empty and clean.
If there's a baby in the house, make sure to empty the diaper pail!

3) Avoid cooking foods with strong odors that linger.
No curry,cabbage,fried foods,broccoli, cauliflower or ethnic foods allowed!
NO BURNT POPCORN!

4) Leave pets outdoors or crate them in the garage before showings. 
Store dog beds, chew toys,  and food bowls on the patio or in the garage.

5) Avoid using strong smelling candles or air fresheners
Buyers will wonder what you are trying to cover up.


Never underestimate the importance of a clean smelling home.

THE NOSE KNOWS....

Don't let your house be a

STINKER!





By Betty Davidson, Broker, ABR, ASP

Glowing recommendations....Thanks!

I love the great recommendations I've been getting lately! Truth be told, I just have great clients!

“Betty is ,by far, the best agent we have ever worked with. Since we were relocating from out of state, Betty did a lot of the legwork for us. She is very personable, charming, and a true professional.”

Sarah Wruck

“Betty Davidson is the best realtor we have ever worked with. She is very knowledgable and easy to work with. We never had to worry about anything!!! Best Realtor in East Texas!!”

Lisa Baker

Top 10 Tips for Home Buying Success

.....and the Top 10 Tips for Home Buying Success (in addition to calling Betty Davidson) are.....

Tip #1: Research Is The Key To Discovery

Home sellers won't call you with an offer to buy a maintenance-free home with a wonderful mortgage. You have to find the gems yourself! Only by reading available materials, talking to friends and experts, and spending time looking at different homes, schools, and neighborhoods will you end up with your American dream. Avoid the nightmares by learning how best to buy and maintain a home.

Tip #2: Make A Plan And Get Pre-Qualified

Every important decision needs to be clearly thought out. Developing a home buying plan can help you focus on the important factors and organize the entire process. You may even want to use a binder with sections on house hunting, home financing, service providers, etc. Loan pre-qualifying helps you determine the home price you can afford and presents you as a genuine prospect to the seller. A lender typically uses the 28% formula (your monthly mortgage can't exceed 28% of your monthly income) in approving your loan. Planning your actions and getting pre-qualified will keep you out of the panic mode and allow you to take advantage of opportunities. A thorough plan will save both time and money!

Tip #3: Value, Value, Value

The days of 10-30% annual appreciation have passed. Homebuyers in the 1970's benefited tremendously from what seemed like ever appreciating home prices. Nowadays, you're looking at slow growth while guarding against the possibilities of falling prices, skyrocketing ARM rates and corporate layoffs that can dramatically affect your home values. The classic rule of buying the worst house in the best neighborhood still applies. If you buy with an eye towards improvement, you can customize the home to fit your needs. The saying, "make money buying a home, not selling one," should keep you focused on the long-term importance of the purchasing price.

Tip #4: Create A Top 10 List Of Amenities

When shopping for a home, list the features (fireplace, fenced-in yard, new appliances, etc.) that are most important to you in deciding on which home to buy. Establishing "your criteria" early on will save time shopping for inappropriate homes and may keep you from buying a home on a whim. As detailed in Tip #3, your top reason for buying a home should be the value you are getting. Some of your top 10 amenities should logically be sacrificed if an incredible value is available.

Tip #5: Fixed vs. Adjustable Rate Mortgages

Adjustable rate mortgages have an initial fixed rate, which is followed by a period of adjustment intervals during which the rate adjusts based on the performance of several key indexes. Typically the initial fixed rate on an ARM is slightly lower than the comparable rate of a fixed rate mortgage.

Fixed rate mortgages allow buyers to take out a long term loan without having to worry about changing interest rates or monthly payments. Most fixed rate loans are offered in either 15 or 30 year terms.

Most buyers will be well served by a fixed rate loan, but each situation is unique. While ARM loans have become less popular in recent years, they can still be a viable option for some buyers - especially those who plan on selling again in the short term. 

Whichever loan you choose; make sure that you scrutinize all the closing costs. If you are required to have a mortgage escrow account and private mortgage insurance, make sure you understand the terms and cancellation procedures (your Real Estate Agent has publications to assist you). Also, make sure there are no prepayment penalties so that you can utilize an accelerated mortgage plan. A good mortgage reduction plan can save you tens of thousands in interest costs, and shorten your loan term, with only small extra principal payments. If you experience negative changes in your job, health, or marital status, you can revert to the standard payments in your mortgage contract.

Tip #6: Sign A Contract That Protects You

Make sure that the contract you put on a house allows you to arrange financing, inspect the home and negotiate any problems that you uncover. Ensuring that the contract you sign will minimize potential legal battles will let you swim in your new pool with your family and neighbors instead of with the sharks.

Tip #7: Put Yourself In The Seller's Shoes

You are about to make one of the most important decisions that will affect both your life and the life of the seller. If you take time to understand the reasons the seller bought the home, their reasons for selling, and the home improvements they have or have not made, you'll be in a better position to evaluate the home and negotiate a better deal. In the end, the home buying process excludes the professionals and comes down to the individuals buying and selling the home. A closer look at the seller may help you in deciding whether and for how much to buy a particular home.

Tip #8: Develop A Mortgage Shopping Chart

One of the biggest decisions to make before putting a contract on a home is how to finance the purchase. There are 10,000 lenders competing for your mortgage business. The days of simply walking into the community bank and negotiating with the loan department manager are over. Today, you can apply for a loan over the Internet or even use a mortgage broker to shop for your loan with hundreds of lenders. When choosing a lender, you want to avoid apples to oranges contrasts by comparing fixed rates to fixed rates, not fixed to ARM's. Create a chart that lists different types of loans, fees, and at least five mortgage providers (including a mortgage broker).

Tip #9: Get A Quality Home Inspection

Although it is hard to believe, more people pay for inspections before buying used cars than when making the biggest investment of their lives - their homes. Paying for a qualified home inspection before you buy a home isn't just spending "a little extra" for peace of mind; it's absolutely essential for anyone who doesn't want to spend thousands of dollars for repairs.

Tip#10: Peace Of Mind: Home Protection Plans

To protect both you as a buyer, as well as the seller, it is a good idea to purchase a home protection plan.  What exactly is it? A home warranty, or home protection plan, is a service contract, normally for one year, which protects homeowners against the cost of unexpected repairs or replacement of their major systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear. A negotiable contract between the buyers and sellers which does not overlap or replace homeowner's insurance policy, this type of warranty can save the new homeowner lots of headaches, as well as put seller's fears to rest. The warranty covers mechanical breakdowns, while insurance typically repairs the related damage. For example: if a hot water heater burst and destroyed a wall in your home, the warranty would repair the water heater and your insurance would pay to fix the wall.

Download this app!!!

Download the free RE/MAX Mobile App to your phone or mobile device!  It is a great tool if you are searching for a home.  See a house with a for sale sign and want to know more about it? Just do a radius searDch from that location with your phone and you will have color pics, and and all the other important details in your hand in seconds.  You can save favorite listings, create your own searches, calculate mortgage payments, and more. But just be sure to call ME if you want to take a look at properties in the Tyler, Texas area! 

"FIND ME A HOUSE WITH A POOL!"

Doesn't everybody want a "cement pond"?

Swimming pools....are they a plus or a minus when it comes to buying a home?

In my experience as a buyer's agent, I have found that buyers fall into the following 3 categories concerning swimming pools:

Home Buyers Who Won't Look at Homes WITHOUT a Pool

They have their hearts set on a home with a pool, and view it as a “must have” feature when deciding on a home purchase. Pools are particularly popular in warmer states because they can be used year round. In Texas where the summers are HOT, pools are a "hot" item for many buyers.

Home Buyers Who Won't Look at Homes WITH a Pool

Many buyers do not want to be burdened by the hassle and expense of maintaining a pool.
Another concern is the potential danger associated with a pool, especially if the family includes small children.

Home Buyers Who Never Thought About Buying a House With a Pool

They see a home they like with a pool, and then must quickly decide whether they are “pool people” or not before writing an offer.

Should You Buy a Home With a Pool?

If you enjoy swimming, or do a lot of entertaining in the summer, then a pool might be worth the upkeep. Otherwise, it can become an expensive bird bath. As you might expect, higher-end homes are more likely to have pools, and although the pool may rarely be used, it is primarily there for decoration.

Types of Swimming Pools

The cost for a new pool starts around $30,000, but can easily climb past six figures depending on what kind of pool it is.

Gunite Pools Gunite pool construction, which is achieved by spraying a mixture of concrete and sand into a pool-sized hole, is the most popular. Gunite pools can be designed in almost any shape the homeowner desires and they last for many years. As you might imagine, a Gunite pool is relatively pricey.

Vinyl Pools Vinyl in-ground pools are generally rectangular, but other configurations are available. They are less expensive than gunite because the pools are lined with vinyl; however, the liners often need replacement after 10 years. They are popular in areas where temperatures dip below freezing and the pools are drained in the winter. To prepare for a vinyl pool, the ground is excavated and support walls are constructed from a variety of materials such as wood, steel, fiberglass or aluminum.

Above-Ground Pools An above-ground pool adds no value to the home because it is portable. This is an inexpensive option for a pool. Unlike in-ground pools, which can require weeks to complete, these pools can be installed in a few days.

The Disadvantages of Owning a Home With a Pool
Expense of maintenance
Safety concerns
Pools consume valuable yard space
It might cost more to insure a home with a pool, and it can drive up utility bills.

Do Pools Add or Detract From the Value of a Home?
A home that's already attractive is often made even more valuable if it has a nice pool. Homes with pools have higher resale values in subdivisions featuring a large number of pools.
However, if a pool is in poor shape, it could decrease the appraised value of a home.

The choice is yours to make. Pools can be a lot of fun. You decide  if the amount of enjoyment is worth it.

                                DOES YOUR DOG WANT A POOL?    

So you want to buy a home? Call me!

A FEW TIPS FOR HOME BUYERS 

1. Don't buy if you can't stay put.

If you can't commit to remaining in one place for at least a few years, then owning is probably not for you, at least not yet. With the transaction costs of buying and selling a home, you may end up losing money if you sell any sooner - even in a rising market. When prices are falling, it's an even worse proposition.

2. Start by cleaning up your credit.

Since you most likely will need to get a mortgage to buy a house, you must make sure your credit history is as clean as possible. A few months before you start house hunting, get copies of your credit report. Make sure the facts are correct, and fix any problems you discover.

3. Aim for a home you can really afford.

The rule of thumb is that you can buy housing that runs about two-and-one-half times your annual salary. But you'll do better to use one of many calculators available online to get a better handle on how your income, debts, and expenses affect what you can afford. Just because a lender says you will qualify for a larger mortgage doesn't mean it is a good idea.  Take into consideration your future financial goals and expenses you may have.

4. If you can't put down the usual 20 percent, you may still qualify for a loan.

There are a variety of public and private lenders who, if you qualify, offer low-interest mortgages that require a small down payment.

5. Buy in a district with good schools.

In most areas, this advice applies even if you don't have school-age children. Reason: When it comes time to sell, you'll learn that strong school districts are a top priority for many home buyers, thus helping to boost property values. Location, location, location.....

6. Get professional help.  

Even though the Internet gives buyers unprecedented access to home listings, buyers are better off enlisting a REALTOR . Look for an Accredited Buyer's Agent who knows the market and will have your interests at heart to help you with strategies during the bidding process.

7. Choose carefully between points and rate.

When picking a mortgage, you usually have the option of paying additional points -- a portion of the interest that you pay at closing -- in exchange for a lower interest rate. If you stay in the house for a long time -- say three to five years or more -- it's usually a better deal to take the points. The lower interest rate will save you more in the long run.

8. Before house hunting, get pre-approved.

Getting pre-approved will you save yourself the grief of looking at houses you can't afford and put you in a better position to make a serious offer when you do find the right house. Not to be confused with pre-qualification, which is based on a cursory review of your finances, pre-approval from a lender is based on your actual income, debt and credit history. Most sellers will request a copy of a pre-approval letter from your lender prior to considering your offer to purchase their property.

9. Do your homework before bidding.

Your opening bid should be based on the sales trend of similar homes in the neighborhood. Your buyer's agent will provide you with Comparative Market Analysis of the neighborhood.  Before making an offer, consider the sales price per square foot of comparable homes that have sold in the last 6 months.

10. Hire a licensed home inspector.

Sure, your lender will require a home appraisal anyway. But that's just the bank's way of determining whether the house is worth the price you've agreed to pay. Separately, you should hire your own home inspector, preferably an engineer with experience in doing home inspections in the area where you are buying. His or her job will be to find items in need of repair or replacement, and point out potential problems that could require costly repairs down the road. Also it is wise to have a WDI (Wood Destroying Insect) inspection done by a pest control specialist.

Houses are my passion! (Shoes are a close second)



My dream playhouse when I was 8

(or how I remember it)

It's true...Houses are my passion!  As a young child playing on my family's property in the piney woods of East Texas, I spent hours designing  "houses" by gathering pine straw and forming it into large pine straw floor plans. My pine straw dream houses had a living room, bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen, AND the all important 1960's "rumpus room" which my family did not have in real life, but that I had seen on television.

My family moved to Shreveport, Louisiana when I was 8, and that is where I became friends with Marcy Hays. I LOVED playing at  Marcy's house because she was a fun girl, had her own cotton candy machine, a cat clock in the kitchen with eyes and a tail that moved from side to side when it ticked, and a mother who believed in letting her children try all kinds of stuff my mother would never approve of.  But the main reason I loved to go to Marcy's house was  because she had an awesome playhouse in her back yard.

Marcy wasn't a girl who enjoyed playing "house", and she had little interest in her playhouse, which in my eyes, was a total DREAM house.  The playhouse  was crammed with a jumble of child sized furniture, tea sets, dolls, leaves, balls, and miscellaneous junk.  All I wanted to do (after we'd made a batch of cotton candy, of course) was organize and decorate that play house.  Poor Marcy was constantly trying to get me to do something else with her....climb a tree, ride bikes, bake cookies....ANYTHING but decorate the play house! I was never ready to go home when my mother came to pick me up....maybe my love for decorating and selling houses stems from always having to go home before my decorating job in the play house was finished.

1982 in the throne chair from Pier One
My pride and joy...a dashing husband,
an adorable baby boy

During the early years of my marriage, my husband was in law school, we had two babies, and we were living on little money and a lot of love. I decorated our tiny apartment with painted garage sale furniture, walls covered with "flair squares"(temporary wallpaper from the 80's), a country print camel back sofa we charged on a credit card, and a big wicker throne chair from Pier One...I thought it was sooo trendy! Our dining room table and chairs  changed colors on a monthly basis. These years of penny pinching and challenging decorating conditions caused me to develop an addiction to the feeling I get when I succeed in inexpensively transforming a plain and unimaginative space into an inviting place with personality and style. I'm constantly trying to think of ways to make something look better...I even give my poor husband a makeover now and then.

With the exception of one house we built, every house we've bought has been an ugly fixer upper. Every time I view a home, I see it not only as it is at the moment, but I also imagine it as it could be. If you are willing to make a few updates and repairs, you can make some great deals on homes that have sat on the market month after month because of their lack of appeal to the majority of buyers.

My passion for houses is just part of who I am.  If I had to choose between eating and decorating/selling houses, I would choose the activity that involves houses. (I'm okay as long as I have a box of Cheese Nips and a bottle of water in my car!)  My family is used to my chronic decorating, and my oldest daughter, either by genetics or exposure, has developed into a talented artist/decorator/designer with a unique flair.  I find her talent and creativity to be a great resource, and recently we had the fun experience of partnering together to accessorize a new home for one of my clients.

I am an ASP  (Accredited Home Stager), an ABR  (Accredited Buyers Agent), and a Realtor and Associate- Broker with almost 13 years of experience selling real estate in the Tyler, Texas area.  I love houses. They are my business, my hobby, and a passion of mine........I couldn't be happier just doing my job and helping the "Marcys" of the world find a home that even they can be excited about!

Making dream homes a reality since age 8!
I  can help you find your dream home too!



Snap to it! What to do to get your home ready to show and SELL!

Take a critical look at your house 
When selling a home, you need to look at it from the perspective of a potential buyer. Are there obvious flaws that need to be fixed? Problems that you have grown accustomed to will leap out at potential buyers. Fix everything prior to listing. If you’re worried about possible repairs for larger problems such as an old roof or a broken heating and cooling system, it can pay to get a home inspection so you know what needs work. Taking care of those larger issues yourself before putting your home on the market can mean more offers and less negotiating later. 

What about the appearance of your home? Does the décor need an update? Consider painting or making minor changes to update problem areas. Rearranging the furniture or buying new furniture or slipcovers can quickly change a room. Even if you don’t need updating, a fresh coat of paint helps both the inside and outside of your house look better and cleaner. Just be sure to choose neutral colors that will appeal to many buyers. The updates you make should be relatively cheap or should be able to travel with you to your new home. 

Give it curb appeal 
Starting at the curb, is your home welcoming? Check the landscaping and lawn. Trim your hedges, edge your loan, pull weeds, pressure wash the driveway and front walk. Plant flowers either in bed or pots around the front door. Keep your front porch swept and clear of any outside clutter. Replace a worn-out welcome mat. Paint the front door. If you have a storm door, clean the glass. Check to make sure all outdoor lights are working, especially the porch and walkway light. 

In your backyard, put all your tools and work equipment out of site. If you have power tools or lawn equipment you don’t use frequently, put it in storage or at a friend’s house. Make sure any swing sets and outdoor furniture are clean and in good repair. That goes for the deck as well – repair any rotted wood, especially on steps. 

Clean and de-clutter the inside 
One of the most important things that you should do when selling a home is to clean and de-clutter inside. Home selling requires a thorough spring cleaning – the baseboards, blinds, furniture, floors, carpets, everywhere. You want your home to shine. You may even consider hiring a cleaning service to do this if you are short on time. And remember, once your home is clean, keep it that way. When your home is on the market, make sure you vacuum, mop and clean your kitchen and bathrooms every few days. 

You also want your home to be free of clutter when selling it. Go through each room and pinpoint the piles of clutter that have built up, and be ruthless. In your living areas, get organized by storing what needs to be stored and throwing away the rest. If your rooms are furniture-heavy, store what you don’t need or take it to a friend’s house. Go through your bedrooms and put away personal items. Get a head start on packing by thinning out your closets with out-of-season clothing. Pare down your outwear, especially if you have a coat rack near an entrance. Pack away extra coats, shoes, umbrellas and other outdoor gear you won’t need while you’re selling. 

Problem areas 
In the kitchen, clear off the counters and organize your cabinets (they will be opened!). Pack away kitchen items you can do without – the piles of storage containers, party serving dishes, and specialty pots and tools you rarely use. The extra room will make your kitchen feel more spacious. 

In the bathroom, move toothpaste, makeup and other items from the counter to a drawer or cabinet (neatly though, don’t just toss everything in the drawer). Put out a new bar of soap on a sparkling clean soap dish (if you can’t get all the dried-up soap off, buy an inexpensive new one.) Pack away medicine for ailments people don’t care to think about – laxatives, athlete’s foot, etc. Don’t leave your toilet bowl brush or plunger next to the toilet – a better place for those items is your utility closet. 

Scrub your tub or shower stall until it looks new, and clean it every day to keep soap scum and mildew away (that includes fishing hair from the drain). Replace your shower curtain liner. Limit yourself to one shampoo bottle and one bar of soap or one bottle of shower gel. Use a wash cloth daily? Dried up, dirty wash clothes are a turn off. Toss it into the laundry and replace it after one use. Inspect your towels – only display clean, hole-free towels. If the edges on all your towels are frayed, pick up new, inexpensive ones to display. 

Utility areas 
Mudrooms, basements and laundry rooms can be the toughest areas to deal with when selling. Don’t let the project overwhelm you. First, throw away the junk. Then pack items you need but use rarely into storage bins or boxes and neatly stack them on shelves. Having the area clean and freshly painted is important. If you have pets, make sure food, litter boxes, pet toys and grooming tools are not in high-traffic areas. 

After you’ve prepared your home inside and out, have a friend or neighbor walk through and tell you what should be changed. You need to choose someone who is not afraid to be honest to do this. The feedback can really help in the first step of the home selling process.

Summertime....And the Living is Easy in Country Place Subdivision

A buyer called me a couple of months ago and described what he and his wife were looking for.  He wanted a home in a neighborhood with lots of trees on an acre or two, close to a lake, but not too far from Tyler, 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, around 3,000 square feet, Whitehouse schools....I immediately thought "COUNTRY PLACE"!

Country Place, which is located off of FM 346 between Hwy 69 and Paluxy Drive,  is the epitomy of East Texas living with rolling hills, trees, lakes,  and  lot sizes of a couple of acres or more.  Just a few short miles from Tyler, Country place affords its residents the privilege of  experiencing a peaceful, quiet, laid back country lifestyle without feeling deprived of all Tyler has to offer.
For more information about the wonderful Country Place community, here's a link: http://www.countryplacetyler.com/html/about.html

I've sold several Country Place homes over the last 10 years, including this wonderfully rustic family home located at 19361 Lakeshore Drive.  The young family that purchased it back in 2008 are moving to Oklahoma for job related reasons.  With two young sons, this home was a perfect fit for their family.  They love their neighborhood with its many trees, lakes, and peaceful natural setting where their boys can play and explore, and where deer can often be spotted. This great home is now once again for sale and  is ready to welcome a new family to Country Place.
For a virtual tour of this home click here:


http://vt.realbiz360.com/Listing-688674.html

19361 Lakeshore Drive  $299,900

This 2994 sq. ft. 4 bedroom home features a gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, gas range, 2 ovens, hammered copper sink, and custom cabinets, living room with adjoining sunroom, gorgeous hardwood floors and stained concrete. Master suite is downstairs and features an adjoining library with a cozy fireplace, beautiful bath, large closet, and hardwood flooring. There is a guest bath downstairs, as well as a formal dining room.  Upstairs features 3 bedrooms and a bath. There is large space in the unfinished area above garage that could be made into additional living space.  For more information click this link to my website listing of this property


http://www.bettysellstyler.com/listing-19361%2Blakeshore%2Bdrive-14098.html

Fish, read a book, or just sit and think...This beautiful setting allows you to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life with it's stress and trouble!








So, what did my shoes look like today?  I wore my camo sandals....you never know when you will need to camoflage yourself to spy on one of those Country Place deer!