10 Ways to Prepare for Homeownership

1. Decide what you can afford. Generally, you can afford a home equal in value to between two and three times your gross income.

2. Develop your home wish list. Then, prioritize the features on your list.

3. Select where you want to live. Compile a list of three or four neighborhoods you’d like to live in, taking into account items such as schools, recreational facilities, area expansion plans, and safety.

4. Start saving. Do you have enough money saved to qualify for a mortgage and cover your down payment? Ideally, you should have 20 percent of the purchase price saved as a down payment. Also, don’t forget to factor in closing costs. Closing costs — including taxes, attorney’s fee, and transfer fees — average between 2 and 7 percent of the home price.

5. Get your credit in order. Obtain a copy of your credit report to make sure it is accurate and to correct any errors immediately. A credit report provides a history of your credit, bad debts, and any late payments.

6. Determine your mortgage qualifications. How large of mortgage do you qualify for? Also, explore different loan options — such as 30-year or 15-year fixed mortgages or ARMs — and decide what’s best for you.

7. Get preapproved. Organize all the documentation a lender will need to preapprove you for a loan. You might need W-2 forms, copies of at least one pay stub, account numbers, and copies of two to four months of bank or credit union statements.

8. Weigh other sources of help with a down payment. Do you qualify for any special mortgage or down payment assistance programs? Check with your state and local government on down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers. Or, if you have an IRA account, you can use the money you’ve saved to buy your fist home without paying a penalty for early withdrawal.

9. Calculate the costs of homeownership. This should include property taxes, insurance, maintenance and utilities, and association fees, if applicable.

10. Contact a REALTOR®. Find an experienced REALTOR® who can help guide you through the process.

Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.

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PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR DISASTERS

Natural disasters can throw your life into disarray. But there are steps you can take to prepare.

Know what your homeowners insurance covers. Read your policy now—not when disaster is imminent—and ask your agent about anything you don’t understand.

Consider flood coverage. Learn more about flood insurance.

Keep important records handy. Keep your homeowners insurance policy number, your agent’s phone number and other important documents in a place you can easily access. You may wish to store copies of these items off-site.

Decrease your risk. Clearing brush from near your home decreases your chance of fire damage; fixing drainage problems can prevent water from entering your home; making sure your smoke detectors work may be your best defense against property damage or loss of life from a fire.

Your number-one priority in any disaster is your safety. Find information about how to prepare for disasters.

Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.

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FOR SALE - 1939 CHARMER IN SOUTH AUSTIN WITH PHOTOS

This 3/2/1 with additional carport and deck has been recently painted and has new carpet in the bonus room and master. Asking $325,000. For a virtual tour visit http://www.robinscottrealtor.com

FOR SALE - 1939 CHARMER IN SOUTH AUSTIN

Photos to come. This vintage home is a 3/2/1 at 1370 sq.ft. New on the market asking $325,000. It has hardwood floors in living, dining and 2 bedrooms, new carpet in master and bonus room, freshly painted, indoor utilities, deck, small yard. 1402 Juliet just a few blocks south of Barton Springs Rd. on S. Lamar. For more information call robin at 589-7988 or email robin@robinscottrealtor.com. check back later in the week for photos or call for a showing.

DO YOU KNOW THE MOST COMMON PAID HOME INSURANCE CLAIMS?

#1 Washing Machine Hose/AC Hose/Appliance Hose: Check and replace hose according to manufacturer's standards.

#2 Hail Damage: Spring brings new challenges and a hail storm can be severe and come up quickly. Look for gravel on the ground or shingle edges that curl.

#3 Toilet Overflow: A tree growing into the water system can be devesating. Try to deep water close shrubbery. The roots will grow down instead of toward the structure.

#4 Liability: We are becoming a litigious society. A Personal Umbrella can cost $250 a year, but an insurance TEAM of lawyers is priceless.

For more information, please contact me at :
Farmer Insurance
Carla Crabtree
(512) 258 - 4258
Carla.mclifton@farmersagency.com

SUCCESS STORY - 4006 KANDY

4006 Kandy - SOLD in 82 days. 3//2/2 with hardwood floors in living area, new carpet in bedrooms, new garage doors, fresh paint in and out. Asking price $152,000.

If you're thinking about selling a house, I'd appreciate the opportunity to tell you about how I can help sell your home. Call ro email 589-7988 or robinscottrealtor@gmail.com

DRUGS IN THE DRINKING WATER?

A study conducted by the Associated Press shows that drugs are showing up in drinking water. Austinites will be glad to know that Austin is one of the few cities where drugs were NOT found in the drinking water.

APRIL EVENTS IN AUSTIN

Mark Your Calendars!
Austin Earth Day - Auditorium Shores
www.ecology-action.org

Spamarama - Waterloo Park
www.spamarama.com

Austin Fine Arts Festival - 5th & Guadalupe
www.austinfineartsfestival.org

Bob Marley Festival - Auditorium Shores
www.austinmarleyfest.com

Eeyore’s Birthday Party - Pease Park
eeyore.sexton.com

Old Settler’s Music Festival - Salt Lick Pavillion
www.oldsettlersmusicfest.org

Texas Hill Country Wine and Food Festival - 6 locations
www.texaswineandfood.org

VOTE TODAY!

Texans, today is you special opportunity to help the nation nominate a candidate for presidency. We have the privilege of voting twice. Make your opinion count.

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Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.

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