Archive for the 'Around San Antonio' Category

Boomerangs and Sandwiches

Published on May 10, 2012 in Around San Antonio.

I just read an article that got me thinking–about families and changes.  You’re probably familiar with the description of “boomerang kids”–the adult kids who go off to school or to pursue a career, and then, for whatever reason, boomerang back to live with mom and dad.  Well, according to this article, there’s a new set of boomerangs starting to  emerge–boomerang moms (or dads)!  These new boomerangers are helping make their kids into the sandwich generation–sandwiched in between caring for their own children and their aging parents.  It’s something that all of you in your 30′s, 40′s, and 50′s should think about and possibly plan for.

 

 

 

 

The Boomer generation (I’m in there) has just started hitting 65–the first wave hit that milestone in 2011.  Boomers are one of the largest demographic groups, and we have set trends and been agents of change all our lives.  Most boomers are living longer, in better health, and are more active than our own parents and grandparents were at our age.  But as we age, time will catch up with us, eventually!  Boomer parents may reach a point where they need help around the house, have ongoing health issues, or want to be near to family.  There are also financial issues to consider, as cost of living and medical care increases.

One solution–let your boomer parents boomerang back to live with you!  A multi-generational household can be a benefit for all the generations.  Certainly there will be things to discuss, guidelines and boundaries to establish, finances to work out.  But it’s certainly an option that should be considered as parents age.  I hope it’s something that can at least be discussed among all the parties involved.  I think it’s worth the effort.  If everyone is willing to be flexible and seek solutions, it will be life-changing for all involved.

I think this trend will start to be reflected in housing.  I think we’ll be seeing more homes being built or remodeled with additional “master” bedrooms that have a separate bath.  More universal design and 1-story living areas will be popular.  You’ll see more adaptations for limited mobility, safety, comfort, and ease of use.   Many cities, San Antonio among them, are seeing a renewed interest in older neighborhoods that are closer to the city–a move back from the suburbs.  I think this trend will continue so that transportation options are available for family members who may not need to/want to/ be able to drive but who need to/want to be close to medical facilities, entertainment, services.  It will be interesting to see how these trends develop over the next years.

What are your thoughts on this topic?   Are you “sandwiched”?  Will you be a “boomerang”?  Do you need to adjust your living space?

 

 

For Home Sellers–How to Turn Off Your Buyers!

Published on February 11, 2012 in Around San Antonio.

Are you selling your home?   It can be a daunting task in today’s market!  So many things to do, so many things to take into consideration!  There’s a lot of competition out there.  In many markets (although not as much in San Antonio), buyers are in the driver’s seat!  You have to work hard to attract them to your house when everyone else is doing the same thing!  So, you certainly don’t want to do all that work and then turn them off!  Here are 3 things many sellers do that turn buyers away.  If you’re guilty, then change what you’re doing!

1. Hanging around when buyers are trying to view your home.  These days, smart buyers do their homework in advance before they go out to actually look at a home.  If you’ve made their list of homes to view, congratulations!  Now get out of the way so they can see it!  When you, the seller, are present in the home–even if you’re off in your study or outside on the back porch–it intrudes on the buyer and his agent.  You’re in their “space” so to speak.  They won’t be comfortable opening cabinets or closets, discussing the home, taking their time to look.  And when you’re there, it’s hard for them to envision themselves there–your presence says it’s your home; the idea is for them to think of it as their home, and that won’t happen if they know you’re lurking around, so get out!  Take a walk, visit a neighbor, or just get in the car and go park a couple of blocks away and read a book or make some phone calls.  Just physically leave!

2. Showing a messy house.   This is hard–I know, I’ve done it!  After all, you, the seller, are still living in your house!  And if you have a family and/or pets living with you, it’s even more challenging!  But, again, you have lots of competition for those buyers.  Keeping things clean and straight is not fun, but it’s absolutely necessary!  You have to get up every morning believing that today may be the day that the right person comes to see your house!  You have to be ready for him/her.  As a Realtor, I’ve seen some things that first make me shudder, then make me wonder if these people are serious about selling their house!  In a word, ewwww!  Don’t be that seller!

3. Overpricing your house.   This is the big one!  These days, you have to be competitively priced just to get them to consider looking at your home.  And if they do, you better deliver the value they expect for what you’re asking!   Buyers have a lot of challenges in today’s market to qualify for and obtain financing.  If your home is overpriced for its size, location, and condition, they’ll just check it off their list and move on the the next one.   You’re out of the running before they even see it.

Don’t make these mistakes!  If you’re ready to sell your home, there are lots of good reasons to do so, but I strongly recommend that you talk to a real estate professional and let them guide you around these common errors!  If you’re in San Antonio, call me (210-363-9282)–together, we can make it happen!

Wishing you success!

Sue Trautner

Risk Determines Rate

Published on February 7, 2012 in Around San Antonio.

Regardless of what a lender quotes on mortgage rates, the actual rate paid by a borrower is based on a number of variables. Lenders determine whether to loan money and at what rate based on the risk involved with the transaction.

Factors that increase the risk that the loan will be repaid will proportionately increase the interest rate charged to the borrower. If the risk becomes too high, the loan will not be approved.

  • Loan amounts – conventional loans for more than the conforming limits set by Fannie Mae are considered jumbo loans and generally have a higher interest rate.
  • FICO score – the lowest interest rate is reserved for the highest credit scores; the lower the score, the higher the rate borrower will pay.
  • Occupancy – borrowers occupying a home as their principal residence are considered a better loan risk than second homes and investment properties.
  • Loan purpose – purchase transactions generally have the lowest interest rate while refinancing a home is generally higher.
  • Debt-to-Income ratio – a borrower’s monthly liabilities divided by their gross monthly income develops a ratio that helps lenders to assess the borrower’s ability to repay the mortgage.
  • Loan-to-Value ratio – the lower the percentage of the loan to the appraised value of the property will generally lower the interest rate.
Any combination of these factors could limit a borrower’s ability to secure a mortgage at the rate initially quoted. Being pre-approved by a trusted mortgage professional is the best way to know what rate you can expect to pay. Please call me–I will be happy to refer you to several of my favorite mortgage professionals so that you  can talk to someone who can help you and give you sound advice.

San Antonio spotlight on Top Chef!

Published on February 2, 2012 in Around San Antonio.

I’m a fan of the Top Chef series on Bravo, and especially the current season, which was filmed in Texas and mostly right here in San Antonio!  Last night’s episode (Feb. 1) was fun to watch as the final 5 contestants rode bikes around downtown looking for ingredients, then had to find a restaurant kitchen to use for preparation before serving lunch to Pee Wee Herman and the other judges at the Alamo!  One of the big topics in downtown housing options is the lack of a downtown grocery store, so I was curious as to where these chefs were going to find the fresh food items they needed to prepare a lunch.  I’m still not sure exactly where they came up with their ingredients (besides using some things they found in the restaurants they “borrowed”), but it was fun to watch!

 

I especially loved when one of the contestants was arriving on scene to do his final prep before serving.  He stopped on the street, pointed ahead, and asked someone, “Is that the Alamo?”  Yeah, it was!  I thought everyone knew what the Alamo looked like!  Guess not!

It was fun to see the chefs use the kitchens in several popular Southtown restaurants.  I’ve had the pleasure of visiting 2 of the 5 that were featured, and now I’m even more determined to get to the others!  The two I’ve enjoyed were Rosario’s and La Frite–have had memorable meals at both and I highly recommend them!  One that is on my list to visit soon is Madhatters Tea–have heard lots of good things about it!  San Antonio offers so many choices in dining options, from fast food, to chain restaurants, to neighborhood “joints” to local fine dining.  And just about everything in between.

If you’re looking for someplace to take your Valentine for dinner, why not try looking in a different part of town from where you live/work?  There are some great options in all parts of the city.  And the same goes for probably any place–get out of your normal routine–try someplace new and different!  Explore a new part of town!  You may find a hidden treasure and open up all kinds of new possibilities!

Good luck, and enjoy the exploration!

Sue

 

Deductible Is the Point

Published on January 23, 2012 in Around San Antonio.

Points refer to prepaid interest on a home mortgage and can be fully deductible by the buyer in the year paid if the right conditions exist. The points must be used to buy, build or improve a taxpayer’s principal residence but not all fees charged by the lender are necessarily deductible.

According to IRS Publication 936, “The term ‘points’ is used to describe certain charges paid, or treated as paid, by a borrower to obtain a home mortgage. Points may also be called loan origination fees, maximum loan charges, loan discount, or discount points. A borrower is treated as paying any points that a home seller pays for the borrower’s mortgage.”

If you purchased a home in 2011, have your tax professional evaluate your closing statement to see if there are loan fees that may be used as a deduction on your tax return regardless of whether you or the seller paid them.

Refinancing a principal residence or purchasing an investment or income property require that points must be deducted ratably over the term of the mortgage rather than deducting them fully in the year paid. Borrowers in these situations should consider the benefits of lower interest rates from paying point to higher interest rates without points.

This article is meant to provide information that can be discussed with your tax professional about your specific situation and is not to be considered tax advice.

Choose Your Deduction

Published on January 16, 2012 in Around San Antonio.

One third of all U.S. households, 75% of households with more than $75,000 income and most homeowners itemize their deduction on their federal income tax returns. It makes sense because the interest paid on their mortgage and their property taxes probably exceeds the allowable standard deduction.

However, with interest rates as low as they have been in the last two years and the price of homes having come down considerably, it is possible that the standard deduction may be the better choice.

Each year, the taxpayer can compare the total of the itemized deductions to the standard deduction to select which method will result in the most benefits. The 2011 standard deduction is $11,600 for married couple filing jointly and $5,800 for single filers.

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 allows homeowners to take the standard deduction and the lesser of their actual property taxes of $1,000 if filing their return married jointly. For more information, see Schedule L found on www.IRS.gov and consult your tax advisor.

I resolve…..will you too?

Published on January 8, 2012 in Around San Antonio.

OK, it’s 2012 and we’ve all made our resolutions for the year, right?  Sometimes, it’s the same old same old we do every year–get organized, exercise more, eat healthy, yada yada yada!

This year, in addition to those same ones I do every year, I’m going to make some new resolutions for working with my clients, and I’m going to hope they’ll extend them right back to me!  I’m putting them in writing so they mean something!  Here’s what I promise for them and hope to get in return in 2012 (and thanks to Nowlin Roberts, my hairdresser, for his blog post which gave me the idea!  Check him out at www.Beyondthecallof beauty.com ):

I will / I hope my clients will:

—Listen to my clients to learn about what they want and what they need when buying and/or selling a home so that I can guide them and assist them through the process, minimize the stress, and maximize their satisfaction at the end.
—Listen to Sue’s advice and follow it so that she can do her job and things will go smoothly.

—Educate my client about the process and what to expect at each step along the way.  Keep my clients informed and answer all questions that they have as we move down the path.
—Use the information Sue provides, read what she sends me, and do what she needs me to do.

—Be on time for appointments or call if I’m going to be late and reschedule if necessary.
—Ditto!

—Work on my communication skills so that all parties to a transaction are kept fully informed, and respond in a timely manner to my clients, my colleagues, and anyone working to facilitate a transaction.
—Speak up and/or ask questions if I don’t understand what’s happening or am uncomfortable with any part of the transaction.  Respond in a timely manner to all e-mails, voice mails, and other communications from Sue, the title company, the loan officer, or anyone else who is working on my behalf.

—When we’re all done, and throughout the process, give my client multiple reasons to refer me to friends, family, and colleagues.
—Refer my friends, family, and colleagues to Sue as a way of recognizing and rewarding her efforts in helping me buy or sell my home.

—Be the best REALTOR® I can be!
—Be the best client I can be!

That’s my pledge and those are my expectations!   I’d love for you to be my client so you can make sure I follow through!  Call or e-mail me and let’s get you moving!

Sue
Sue.Trautner@penfedrealty.com
www.SueTrautner.com

 

 

REALTOR® 101

Published on December 17, 2011 in Around San Antonio.

As REALTORS®, there are certain behaviors that are expected of us in dealing with the public, our clients, and our colleagues.  Most of them are just common sense and common courtesy, but it amazes me how UNcommon these behaviors can be sometimes!  I’d like to highlight a few things that some of my fellow REALTORS® need to remember, and, if you’re a buyer or seller, and your REALTOR® isn’t doing these things with/for you, you should remind him or her also!  All these “reminders” (and many more!) are in the Pathways to Professionalism brochure, published for members of the San Antonio Board of Realtors.

Respect for the Public
  Present a professional appearance at all times, dress appropriately, and drive a clean car!  Dressing “appropriately” depends a lot on the activity one is dressing for!  Showing houses all day in San Antonio summer weather means we can dress comfortably–it does not mean we show up in cut-offs, t-shirts, and flip-flops!  Looking at rural properties?  Jeans and boots are more appropriate than a 3-piece suit.  Meeting a client for the first time (or any time really)?  Don’t show up looking like you just rolled out of bed or were out partying all night!  Ladies, short short skirts and low cut tops are not appropriate business attire–even if you have the “assets” to make them look good!  And please, keep your car looking presentable!  If you parked under a tree and the birds had a field day, run through the car wash!  If you use your car as a mobile office (and many of us do), keep your papers contained and throw away your food trash!

Respond promptly to calls, e-mails, and other inquiries.  And remember to tell what you know, not what you think!  If you don’t know, refer the client to sources for information or offer to find out what they need to know and get back to them.

Respect for Property:

Never enter a property without permission, and be responsible for all who are entering with you.  Schedule your showings as far in advance as possible, and if the property is occupied, please call if you’re running late for an appointment.

If the property is occupied, please remember that it is still someone else’s home.  Be considerate.  Do not allow your clients to smoke, eat, drink, let children run around, bring pets, handle personal items, etc.  Practice the golden rule!

If something seems amiss, notify the listing agent right away.  Leave the property as you found it–turn off lights, close doors, lock up when you leave, set alarms, etc.  Leave a business card to let owners/listing agent know you were there.

Respect for Peers:

Respond promptly to inquiries, voice mail, e-mail, texts.  And when you leave voice mails, clearly identify yourself, your questions, and the best way to reach you.

Treat colleagues with courtesy and respect, ask questions, supply information.

 
Just keeping these simple courtesies in mind and practicing them consistently helps smooth the path between us as REALTORS® and our clients and colleagues.  Buying or selling a home are stressful endeavors.  Part of our job as  real estate professionals is to help facilitate that process and make it as easy as possible for all parties.  We all have enough stress in our lives that we have to deal with every day that we can’t control.  Here’s one area we can completely control and help everyone, including ourselves!

Here’s to a positive real estate experience!

Sue


 

It’s that time again!

Published on November 6, 2011 in Around San Antonio.

Unbelievably, it’s that time again–holiday time!  Stores around town are decorated, I’ve been getting catalogs and e-mails with holiday sales already–and it’s still early November!  Is it just me, or does this time seem to come around earlier every year???  Sigh!

We just “fell back” from Daylight Savings Time.  I’m starting to think about Thanksgiving and realizing that it’s going to be here way too quickly!  And now, let’s throw the stress of holiday/Christmas preparation into the mix!  But, I was out shopping yesterday for a couple of things I needed and while I was out, I found something that someone on my gift list could use so I bought it.  I have officially started my Christmas shopping!!  Those of you reading this who can say you’re already finished–don’t even go there!!  I don’t want to know!

I’ve been collecting recipes for homemade goodies to make, package, and give.  I’m going to be cooking and sampling soon to decide which ones are worth the cost, time, and effort.  If I find a real stand-out, I’ll share the recipe here.  Until then, time to make some lists and, for a change, a budget!  I am determined to not go overboard this year!  Of course, I’m determined not to every year, and I usually do anyway, but this year’s going to be different!  I’m going to get organized and be a budget-minded Santa!   Hey, there’s a first time for everything!

Hope you’ve enjoyed your extra hour of sleep–I sure did!  Now to use that hour wisely and get my holiday activities in gear.  Oh, and I still need to do some real estate business too!  Know anyone who may be interested in purchasing or selling a home?  Please send them my way!

Happy Holidays!

Sue

Time for Ghosts and Goblins!

Published on October 16, 2011 in Around San Antonio.

 

Here we are, in mid-October!  Stores are full of Halloween–from candy to costumes to decorations!  The fun is almost here!  Seems like Halloween has become as much of an adult holiday now as it is a kids’ one–guess we just decided it was too much fun to give up, just because we all grew up!

San Antonio offers lots of fun activities all around town for all ages, from haunted houses to safe trick-or-treating to clinics and some hospitals that will check candy for safety!

All us us “adult” kids have our own kinds of Halloween fun to enjoy, but if yours includes children or if you live near where they’re likely to be on Halloween evening, here are a few reminders about safety.  Halloween is a fun time–let’s keep it that way!

HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS

 Keep pathways and porches well lighted for easy navigation. Look for and remove any tripping hazards such as garden hoses and low potted plants.

Never use candles as outdoor decoration as costumes, kids and pets can easily knock them over and cause a fire. Use small battery-operated lights instead. There are some that look just like small votive candles and provide the same effect without the flame.

If using decorations such as dried corn stalks, be sure to keep them away from any flames or other fire sources.

Trick-or-treaters should use flashlights to guide their way from home to home. This will also help them be more visible to drivers. Stick to familiar neighborhoods, and visit only homes where the lights are on.

Be sure that any costumes are labeled as flame resistant. This makes them safer, but does not mean they are completely flame proof. Avoid overly long and loose sleeves, and be sure the length allows the child to walk normally.

If using masks, be sure they fit the child properly and allow them to see clearly. Alternatively, face paint or make-up is a good option for a safe disguise.

Children should refrain from eating their goodies until a parent can examine the treats for opened or damaged wrappers or any off-limits ingredients.  And, parents, you might want to “ration” the goodies over several days.  Halloween’s on a school night this year, so if you want your little goblins to sleep that night, don’t let them eat too much that evening!  (Consider this the voice of experience!)

When driving, be on the lookout for trick-or-treaters that may dart out into the street unexpectedly. Drive slowly and cautiously, and make sure headlights are on.


Turn on your porch light to let trick-or-treaters know your home is welcoming them.  If  you won’t be home, consider leaving a bowl of treats outside or just leave your lights off.   Also, turn the lights off when your treats are gone!

Speaking of treats, if you give out food/candy, be sure things are individually wrapped, for safety.  Otherwise it’s likely to be discarded.  Alternatively, consider giving out non-food items–many stores offer inexpensive coupons you can purchase.  Or consider inexpensive party favors with a Halloween theme–available at party stores or other places that sell party goods.  Kids get so much candy, sometimes parents appreciate seeing something else in that goodie bag!

Remember your pets–doorbells ringing and strangers coming can be upsetting to some, so consider keeping them safely enclosed in a bedroom or other quiet place.  Don’t let your pets, especially cats, roam outside on Halloween.

Be safe and enjoy the evening!