Rockport Area Happenings - October, 2017

What You Need to Know About Disclosures

Real estate is a well-regulated industry, and one of the items that allows this to be possible is called a disclosure. A disclosure statement is a buyer’s chance to learn as much as they can about the property and the seller’s experience in it – and about what issues might be present.

At Rockport Properties, Inc., we won’t deal with properties unless they have accurate disclosure statements. Let’s look at everything you need to know about disclosure statements before you search for your next home.

What’s a Disclosure?

As we noted, a disclosure is a chance for all information about a property to be laid out on the table. Sellers will disclose documents that help inform buyers, and that can help protect the sellers themselves from potential…

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Unique Elements of Waterfront Real Estate

At Rockport Properties, Inc., we’re your first stop for waterfront homes in the Rockport area. Our agents have decades of experience with the ins and outs of waterfront real estate, and can help you get that beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico that you always wanted.

Waterfront property comes with a few unique areas you need to pay attention to as a potential buyer. Here are a few of these to keep in mind.

Property, Not Structure

It’s common for buyers to become enamored with a waterfront house – so enamored, in fact, that they forget to consider all the other property elements that go into buying on the waterfront. Things like swimming, the view, privacy and numerous other considerations go into your decision, and they have to be factored…

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Tips for Entering the Home Market

If you’re considering purchasing your first home in the near future, this is likely one of the largest financial decisions you’ve made in your life to this point. Entering real estate for the first time is no joke, and at Rockport Properties, we know you need a real estate agent who does more than simply show you homes for sale.

We’re a full-service agency, here to assist you with every step of the process. Here are a few important elements we always advise our first-time clients to take heed of as they enter the home-buying process.

Be Organized

This is our top piece of advice as you enter the home market. Staying organized from the jump will make several steps of the process easier, from mortgage applications and pre-approval to the home…

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How to Keep Home Appraisal Value High

Whether you’re looking to sell a home or refinance it, the appraisal process will be vital for you. This is an assessment of your home’s market value from an independent party, and it can make or break your ability to come out in the black financially.

At Rockport Properties, Inc., our experienced brokers will help you with everything you need to know about the appraisal process. If you plan to put in any major legwork to make home improvements before an appraisal, it’s best to be smart with the areas you choose to look at – here are some tips on which are some of the most profitable.

Refresh Paint

The fastest way to increase the chances of a higher appraisal is to paint. Painting can take years off an outdated home, and will make a great…

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Finding Accurate Fixer Home Value

If you’re someone who flips houses within the real estate market or is thinking of entering this world, one of the most important factors in your potential profits will be accurately determining home value. At Rockport Properties, Inc., we’re here to help you find accurate, reputable values for a fixed home.

The value of a home after repair is called ARV, or after-repair value. Let’s look at the basics of ARV, how you can use that number to benefit you, and how you go about calculating it.

ARV Basics

Getting an accurate value for how much a home will be worth once it’s fixed up is vital, and failing to do so can cost you a huge amount. This is what the ARV value is meant to reflect, but you need to find the proper sources to get an accurate…

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Condo or House? Pros and Cons of Each

Aside from location and the financial commitment, whether you choose to live in a home or in a condo is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your next big purchase. At Rockport Properties, Inc., we’ll help you sift through Rockport real estate listings that feature both kinds of properties.

Homeowners buy the land and the house, while condo ownership will only include the living space inside the condo unit and a portion of the common areas of the building. Here are some of the pros and cons of each type as you begin your search.

Condo Pros

Condos are perfect urban living centers, and with this kind of living on the rise, they’ve been rising in popularity. Condos are generally within walking distance of necessities like shops and…

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Basics to Focus on at Open Houses

If you’re a potential real estate buyer in the market, open houses will be a regular part of your schedule. At Rockport Properties, Inc., we keep a running list of local open houses and are here to answer any questions you may have on either the buying or selling ledger.

For first timers, what are some things you should be focusing on when you attend an open house, or even before you get in the door? Here are some good examples.

Focus on What You Know

Scouring the internet for open houses can be overwhelming, but don’t let yourself get out of control. Start off by identifying an area you want to buy in, then focusing on that area. Don’t get distracted or moved in a variety of directions. Building your search from here is a great baseline.

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Avoiding International Real Estate Pitfalls

Over the last several years, the international real estate market in North America has been exploding. Foreign investment, supported by low market prices in many parts of the US and favorable exchange rates during many periods, has been increasing heavily.

If you’re an international investor looking for homes for sale in this country, Rockport Properties is here to help. Whether for a vacation home or a more permanent listing, our agents will point you in the right direction. What are some of the mistakes foreign real estate investors make when they don’t have the proper guidance? Let’s take a look, plus show you how we can help you avoid these pitfalls.

Not Knowing Local Rules

It’s vital to know local rules and regulations around a property,…

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