Top 5 Home Selling Mistakes to Avoid in Bastrop

Posted on May 10, 2014

If you are ready to list your Bastrop or central Texas home for sale, set yourself up for success by avoiding these 5 common selling mistakes:

1. Putting your home on the market prematurely.

Presentation is everything when it comes to selling your home. So, before you place your home on the market, address any and all needed repairs, de-clutter, depersonalize and consider staging.

2. Improper pricing.

In many cases, homeowners choose to price their home above current market value. The sales price of your home will be determined by the current market value; in other words, what buyers in Bastrop and Central Texas are willing to pay for your property. To determine the fair market value of your home, check recent comparable properties and recent sales in the surrounding area. Working with an experienced real estate agent is key to setting the right price.

3. Lack of marketing.

Once your home is listed for sale, it is important to market the property to prospective buyers. This is where using a professional real estate agent really pays off as they are experts in marketing your home through special events, open houses, and professional photographs with descriptions listed on a variety of sites help to place your property in the best possible light, in front of the widest possible audience of buyers.

4. Hiring an inexperienced agent.

Don’t place one of your largest financial assets in the hands of an inexperienced real estate agent. Choose a professional with not only general experience, but someone familiar with your type of property and neighborhood.

5. Don’t go it alone.

While it is tempting to list your property yourself to avoid the costs and fees associated with hiring an experienced real estate agent, this decision could be costly. A local agent stays abreast of the current home market conditions, trends and laws that could affect the pricing and ultimately, the sale of your property. A mistake in the sales process can be very costly and time consuming.

Armed with this information, work to proactively avoid these common mistakes when you list your property for sale. If you’re thinking of selling and would like to discuss what you could get for your home, call me today.

Home Loan Assumability is Making a Comeback in Bastrop

Posted on May 8, 2014

Sell or Buy David Board is your Guy!

As interest rates slowly increase, we’re starting to see more and more buyers in Bastrop, TX taking advantage of assumable home loans to make the purchase. Mortgage assumability is a feature that enables homebuyers to take on the loan previously obtained by the seller. The catch here is that the buyer has to pay interest at the same rate as the seller did. This feature is limited to mortgages that are covered by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) or the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). If you have a loan insured by either of these government bodies and are looking to sell your home, now is the time to market the mortgage along with the home. With interest rates increasing, this is a convenient option for potential home buyers in Bastrop since the seller may have obtained the mortgage at a rate lower than the prevailing one in the market today. Aside from the cheaper mortgage payment, there are a few other benefits of home loan assumability for the buyers.

The buyer doesn’t have to pay the additional processing fees charged by lenders when originating a new home loan. There are many charges and expenses associated with getting a new mortgage that are completely avoided.

The buyer doesn’t have to get the house appraised (and pay for this expense). Many buyers may still bear this expense voluntarily but its not a requirement when taking advantage of an assumable loan.

A recording tax may not have to be paid. A recording tax is normally paid each time a mortgage is obtained on a property. In this case, since a new mortgage is not being originated, a new tax will likely be avoided altogether.

Since some part of the loan would have already been paid off by the seller, it is likely that a larger chunk of the mortgage payment goes towards paying off the principal amount.

These are some of the benefits for homebuyers to assume home loans when buying a new home in Bastrop Now this may not turn out to be the best option for all buyers. For instance, if you are looking to buy a home for the first time, you might not be able to get 100% financing. Let’s say the value of the house is $150,000 while the seller owes $100,000. You will have to make up the difference of $50,000 by paying cash or by negotiating with the seller for seller financing.

Buyers also still have to undergo the standard screening process for creditworthiness by the VA or FHA. Finally, the buyer has to waive the seller off all future responsibilities and obligations pertaining to the loan.

In a market where interest rates are on the rise, home loan assumability is a great option for buyers. Interested in learning more about how you can take advantage of this? Give me a call and I’d be happy to discuss.

1713 Roosevelt St. OPEN HOUSE

Posted on April 21, 2014

If you’re thinking about purchasing a home or you just want to get out of the house for a few hours then it’s official, you are coordinately invited to my OPEN HOUSE located at 1713 Roosevelt St. Bastrop, TX between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. Seriously, even if you have no plans to purchase this home please come on by for a visit and take a look at this beautifully remodeled home in one of Bastrop oldest’s neighborhoods. The owner of this home went all out when remodeling this 1967, 4-bedroom, 2-bath 1,984 square foot home with a 480 square foot detached studio. in the large oversized professionally landscaped backyard. This home was remodeled in 2014 with quartz soft stone counter tops, parquet floors throughout, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, walk-in shower in master, custom paint and trim, remodeled detached 480 sf studio/guest house in backyard and a large circular patio for entertaining friends and family.

Be sure and drive around the circular neighborhood covered with large pecan trees and check out the other homes.So bring your kids, friends, relatives and even your neighbors on down Sunday, April 29th between 1:00-4:00 p.m. and I promise you will not be disappointed. See you then!

Easter Bluebonnets in Bastrop

Posted on April 20, 2014

I mentioned in one of my recent blogs that its not illegal to pick bluebonnets. However, I strongly recommend against it and since we are talking about Bluebonnets let me share with you where you can find this official treasured Texas flower. One of the largest patches of Texas Bluebonnets and Indian Paint Brushes that I have seen in a number of years are located just a short drive from Austin or Bastrop. If you live in Austin take the enjoyable drive out Highway 71 towards Bastrop and about nine miles from the airport you will find one of the largest most beautiful fields of colorful Bluebonnets mixed with the native Indian Paint Brushes you have ever seen. If you live in Bastrop or somewhere between Bastrop and Houston take Highway 71 towards Austin and just look for the cars lined up on the shoulder of the roadway and be careful when pulling off the roadway because there are lots of small children eager to make their way to the Bluebonnet fields.

Its really great to see the excitement of many families on this Easter Sunday taking some memorable photographs of their children and grandchildren and I’m no exception. And don’t be surprised if you’re asked to take a few pictures for the single parents with their children because it happened to me several times and I was glad to help. I can see these family pictures hitting Facebook before they even drive away. These Bluebonnets and Indian Paint Brushes make awesome backdrops and can only be found in Texas. So if you’re traveling for the Easter Holiday’s take my advice and visit this little bluebonnet treasure between Austin and Bastrop and drop me a line, post your favorite family picture and share your thoughts.

1713 Roosevelt St. Bastrop, TX

Posted on April 10, 2014

Take the Virtual Tour

This completely remodeled 4-bedroom, 2-bath 1984 sf +/- home at 1713 Roosevelt St. in Historic Bastrop, TX just hit the market at remarkable price of $245,000. Believe me when I say you surely don’t want to pass up the opportunity too see this home. If you’ve been thinking about making a move than I would suggest this home that’s located in what has been historically referred to as the “New Addition” of Bastrop. This home was originally built in 1967 and remodeled in March and April of 2014. Here are just a few of the upgrades you will see: Quartz soft stone counter tops, parquet and tile floors throughout, recessed lighting, stainless steel appliances, walk-in tile shower in the master, custom paint and trim, large walk in panty and laundry room located just off the kitchen. A 480 sf detached studio/guest house in backyard was also remolded and is great bonus. Just out the backdoor you’ll find the oversized lot with an open circular patio with a covered arbor and plenty of room for family barbecues and entertaining friends. The front and back yards are fenced on three sides and the flowerbeds and private garden areas are professionally landscaped complete with walking stones and sidewalk.

Although this home is located in the “New Addition” of Bastrop it was actually developed in the late 1940’s and was home to many of the 90,000 US soldiers stationed at Camp Swift. Camp Swift was the largest army training and transshipment camp in Texas. It also housed 3,865 German prisoners of war. The history of this neighborhood runs deep and many of the homes were past down to family members who still occupy these homes today.

So when thinking about this home just consider this, you’re buying more than a home, your buying a piece of Bastrop’s rich history near the banks of the Colorado River in one of oldest cities in Texas,

Is it Illegal to Pick Bastrop Bluebonnets

Posted on March 30, 2014

Bastrop, Texas Bluebonnet

While all of us Texans admire the majesty of our state flower during their blooming season each year, we all seem to share the belief that picking and removing the bonnet is wrong. I knew this to be true from a very young age. Like an old folk tale, my family would insist that true Texans don’t pick the beautiful flower, and that it was certainly illegal to do so. I respected my Texan culture, so I never questioned this ordinance protecting our flower. After pulling over to take a closer look at the Bluebonnet blankets hugging the country highway, I decided to also take a closer look at this supposed law. Something about this season’s bloom made me realize that, now that I’m an adult, I’ve never actually fact-checked what so many Texans assume. It seemed to me that I had yet to actually see any proof. I (of course) brought my dogs Bailey Boo and Kassie with me to go see the wild bonnets off the freeway [pictured above.] They sure didn’t seem to mind uprooting a few of the precious stalks as they pranced back to my car. Maybe the Shih Tzu’s know something I don’t… What do you think? Is it illegal to pick Bluebonnets in Texas?

I took these questions to Google, and, as it turns out, picking the wildflower isn’t illegal at all. According to the Texas Department of Transportation’s website, there is no law against it. However, there are laws against criminal trespass, so make sure you’re not on private property when you stop to take your annual kids-in-the-bluebonnets photo. Additionally, there are laws against damaging or destroying rights-of-way and government property, so don’t dig up big clumps or drive your car through them. Be careful when slowing down and pulling off the road to get to the good spots, as there are laws against impeding traffic as well. Pick an area with light traffic conditions. While staying parallel to the direction of traffic, park a little further than the shoulder. Never cross major roads, and always obey signs that prohibit parking on a particular stretch of roadway/property.

(You can find bluebonnets along highway 71 between Austin and Bastrop. Other good spots in Bastrop include: near Tahitian Village, down highway 304 just past Jacob’s Landing, and Cassena Ranch.)

The Bluebonnet is truly a remarkable piece of Texan history and culture. Please be responsible if you choose to pick the flowers. They may be wildflowers, but they were planted along the highways by Texan ancestors who hoped the Lone Star State would shine with blue and white beauty for generations to come!

Riverside Grove Subdivision Home for Sale

Posted on March 23, 2014

Virtual Tour

Are you looking to buy a home on the outskirts of Austin, TX? Do you like the small town feel and really don’t want to deal with the daily traffic jams on I 35 or the busy checkout lines at the grocery store? Maybe your looking to purchase home home with zero money down? Whatever your reason I might suggest that you allow me to show you this cute home located in Historic Bastrop, TX. This 1722 sf, 3-bedroom, 2-bath home is located near the banks of the Colorado River in the Riverside Grove Subdivision. This home has an open floor plan, three large bedrooms, wired for security, private backyard, storage building and a two-car garage, and that’s right it could all be your with zero percent down, That’s right Bastrop is located in an area the qualifies for special financing and if you qualify this home can be yours with very little out of pocket money.

Riverside Grove is situated in Bastrop, Texas just off Old Austin Highway between Bastrop Intermediate and Bastrop Middle School. Riverside Grove has a very large community park that features walking trails, playground for small children, tennis courts, basketball courts, soccer fields, covered pavilion and a canoe launch to the Colorado River.

If your looking at other home in Bastrop, Texas please contact me today and I’ll be glad to show you others on the market.

Buy or Sell a Bastrop Business

Posted on March 18, 2014

Are you looking to open your own business in the Bastrop, Texas area? Well, your search could be over. Bastrop, TX has been home for me for over 25 years so needless to say I know the people and the area very well, an important attribute when selecting a realtor. Bastrop offers a variety of storefront buildings for sale or lease in the Historic Downtown area. If you prefer to be on the Hwy 71 corridor, no worries there are plenty of buildings for sale and/or lease there as well.

You will have the best business neighbors possible from the quaint antique shops, mod boutiques; gift shops, insurance companies, law firms, bakeries, restaurants, banks and Health Care businesses. The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business Alliance are priceless assets that help to support any business venture you choose. They strive to make the downtown area the best that it can be and helped make Bastrop a Distinctive Destination, a Bastrop Main Street City and the most Historic Little Town in Texas. The marketing and advertising strategies utilized by these organizations can be a huge benefit your company.

The Bastrop Economic & Development Groups growing Bastrop Business and Industrial Park has commercial land for sale and lease to meet most business needs. Bastrop’s own Deep in the Heart Art Foundry is located in the park and makes for a great artful lunchtime get away. The Bastrop County Sherriff’s Office is also located there and with its presence added security. Both the downtown area and the industrial park are just minutes away from State Highways 95 and 71 and a short jaunt into Austin and the Austin Bergstrom International Airport.

Let David Board be your real estate agent business partner. Contact me today to discuss what options are available to you. I will find the best locations to show you, give you a tour of the area and a little bit of the history that makes Bastrop so special. I will work with you to make the purchasing process as smooth as possible. Bastrop is a unique community that is constantly growing and will welcome your business. I look forward to earning your business.

Cassena Ranch Bastrop, TX

Posted on March 14, 2014

Cassena Ranch in Bastrop, Texas–is a gorgeous 80- acre planned community neighborhood that exemplifies the best of country living. If you are in the market to purchase or build a custom home in a restricted neighborhood only 25 miles from the Austin airport this may be just the place you’ve been looking for.

Please allow me to introduce myself, my name David L. Board and I’m licensed real estate professional specializing in Bastrop and surrounding areas. I have lived and worked in Bastrop County for over 25 years and I call Bastrop home. Cassena Ranch offers custom site built homes and on lots over 1-acre utilizing the builder of your choice. Cassena Ranch is located just a mile off Hwy 71 on Hwy 304 and only minutes from historical downtown Bastrop, the Colorado River and shopping areas Burleson Crossing and Woodland Village. Bastrop is growing and adding the best services an area can ask for like a new hospital, medical clinics and physical therapy centers for all of your medical needs.

If you are interested in the fine arts , The Jerry Fay Wilhelm Center for Performing Arts is a state of the art amphitheater with the best acoustics around. The Center hosts community concerts both choral and instrumental, Ballet Folklorica, Educational programs and dance recitals. The Bastrop Opera House hosts operas, musicals, and plays of a wide variety. We also have a state of the art movies theater, bowling and miniature golf.

I have a team of of lenders, title companies, home inspectors and home warranty companies to guide you through the entire purchasing process to ensure a smooth transition for buyer and seller alike. I will work with you to market and sell your property and to find the perfect home for you and your family that meets your work/life balance needs and your budget. What are you waiting for? Give me a call today to discuss what options are available and to schedule an appointment to see what I can do for you. I look forward to earning your business.

The Value of being Pre-Approved

Posted on March 11, 2014

David Board’s Pre-Approval Video

Pre qualification for a home loan is a lenders best guess at what you can afford but it’s not a guarantee. Pre-Approval on the other hand is a firm commitment from your lender based on your actual finances. If you know what you want Pre Approval can insure you get the home that you want. If you are thinking about purchasing a home in the Austin or Bastrop, TX areas and you don’t have the cash in the bank to out right purchase the home, then we need to get you Pre- Approved. If you don’t have a lender that’s ok too because I have several very reputable lenders that I work with extensively with that can help you get approved usually over the phone by asking a few questions about your current income and employment status. Its a very quick and painless process that can be done over the phone and without you ever having to take time off work to drive to their office. If you want to know more about the Pre- Approval process or about purchasing your next home be sure to give me a call.

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