Damn good real estate advice.

The real estate industry has been transforming rapidly over the past few decades, with the advent of technology playing a significant role. From online listings and virtual tours to artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, the real estate industry is undergoing a digital revolution.

One may wonder if real estate agents will eventually become obsolete with these technological advancements. Will technology eventually replace real estate agents, or will they continue to play a vital role in the industry? Let’s explore the potential impact of technology on the real estate industry and the role of real estate agents. 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Benefits of Real Estate Technology
  • Impact of Technology on Real Estate Agents
  • Continued Value…

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Data is becoming increasingly important in all facets of life, and the real estate industry is no different. Agents need to be aware of the various applications of big data in real estate. This is quickly becoming an invaluable tool across the real estate industry, making it an essential part of operating in today’s market. Here are 7 applications of big data that every real estate agent can use today.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • What Big Data Means for Real Estate Agents?
  • How is Big Data Transforming Real Estate?
  • Advantages of Big Data
    • Predictive Analytics
    • Improved Marketing Strategies
    • Smart Home Automation
    • Virtual Reality Tours
    • Property Valuations
    • Streamlining the Buying Process
    • Improving Customer Experience
  • Big…

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When it comes to making an offer on a property, an escalation clause can help make the process smoother. 

An escalation clause is an agreement between the buyer and seller that allows the buyer to increase their bid if another buyer makes a higher offer. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of an escalation clause in real estate.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • What is an Escalation Clause?
  • What is Included in an Escalation Clause?
  • Examples of Escalation Clauses?
  • Can You Use Escalation Clauses in Texas?
  • Escalation Clause in Real Estate

For informational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney or legal consultants before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

What is an Escalation Clause?

An escalation clause…

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Have you ever dreamed of hosting summer BBQs with friends and family without having to leave the comfort of your backyard? Enjoying the outdoors is one of life’s greatest pleasures, and there’s no better way to do it in Austin than with a custom-built outdoor kitchen. With a built-in grill, firepit, and more, you can make your outdoor patio space an extension of your home. Not only will you enjoy the aesthetic benefits associated with an outdoor kitchen, but you’ll also increase your home’s value. Let’s look at what it costs to build an outdoor kitchen in Austin and all of the benefits that come along with it. 

What Are The Benefits of An Outdoor Kitchen in Austin? 

There are numerous benefits associated with having an outdoor kitchen in…

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We're past the half-year mark and the Austin real estate numbers are in. I sat down with Chris Jacob of Housing Report and Christina Beitler with Loan People and went through the numbers to see where we currently stand with inventory, pendings, active listings, and what we think the market will do in the next 12 months. 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • The Mid-Year Austin Real Estate Market Report
  • Current Mortgage Environment
  • Jumbo Loan Rates
  • Realtime Statistics
  • What Agents Need to Know About the Mid-Year Real Estate Market Report
  • Why Agent Representation Matters
  • Timing the Austin Real Estate Market
  • Tax Rate Predictions

The Mid-Year Austin Real Estate Market Report

The Austin real estate market is in an interesting…

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Homeowner’s insurance is one of the most commonly held types of insurance, yet remains one of the least understood. Many homeowners incorrectly believe that their insurance policies will cover them for every conceivable eventuality. The reality, however, is that homeowner’s insurance can contain many restrictions and exclusions that can leave policy holders with a costly coverage gap. 

Here are 6 common misconceptions regarding homeowner’s insurance.


common home insurance misconceptions

Photo by Tierra Mallorca on Unsplash


1. Third-Party liability coverage

Many people think of home insurance as only protecting their property and belongings, but it in fact covers far more than that. One of the most valuable aspects of your home insurance policy is third-party liability…

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How to Fund a Down Payment for Your First HomeBeing a homeowner has many benefits. Homeowners can decorate as they wish, own pets without a hassle, gain a tax deduction, and begin to build wealth as they pay off their mortgage and the home increases in value. For many people, however, coming up with a down payment is a significant hurdle. The hurdle, however, can be overcome. Here are some down payment options that can help homebuyers get the keys to their new purchase.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage or home loan professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Zero and Low-Down-Payment Loans

Some loans require no down payment or minimal down payments. Examples include:

  • VA loans, backed by the U.S. Department of Veteran's…

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What Kind of Mortgages are Available?Buying a home is an exciting time, but it can be overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers who have decided to stop renting. The mortgage process involves many steps, including pre-qualification and preapproval. Not to mention, there are several different mortgage options offered by lenders. Before starting the house-hunting process, it's important to understand how mortgage options work and what types of loans are available. Here's a broad overview of mortgage options to get you started.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage or home loan professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Conventional Loans

Conventional mortgages are a type of loan that isn't insured or guaranteed by the…

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Understanding How Capital Gains Taxes WorkOnce an individual buys a home, their tax circumstances can dramatically change. With homeownership comes property taxes, school taxes (if applicable), and capital gains taxes when the property is sold. The latter tax should be planned for long before a property goes on the real estate market. Not familiar with capital gains tax? Here's a rundown of what all homeowners should know.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, tax, or financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

What Is a Capital Gains Tax?

If a homeowner sells their home for more money than they paid for it, they might be required to pay capital gains taxes on the difference. Whether this tax is applicable largely depends upon…

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Reasons to heavily consider commute times before buying a homeMany people move into their dream home but are then dismayed to learn they have a long or frustrating daily commute. Suddenly, due to stressful commutes, they find they're no longer living the dream. Before bidding on a home and signing on the dotted line, it's important to consider what a daily commute would look like. Important transit factors to think about when buying a home should include the following.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Access to Roadways

Living near a major roadway has its perks and downsides. Convenience is a huge factor, but tradeoffs usually include noise and extra traffic. For commuters, however, convenience…

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