Many people ask what the advantages of buying a home vs. renting are, and if homeownership is worth it and if the experience will grant them more rewards than renting does.
The American dream has always been to purchase a home. Homeownership offers many advantages over renting and they include:
Make Updates and Upgrades to the Property
When you own your home you are free to make any changes that you choose to the property. While renting a property you would have to get permission to do any work on the house and in the end these updates would benefit the owner by giving him added value to the residence.
Tax Write-Off
As a homeowner, you can claim a number of write-offs to lower your tax bill. There are deductions for mortgage interest, mortgage points and real-estate tax payments. When renting you do not have have any tax write-offs.
Building Equity
The trend in real estate is that your property will gain value over time. If you are flexible about when you want to sell your home you can stay in it until it appreciates to the price point you are happy with. This could take two to several years to occur. When you move out of a rental home there is no chance to gain any money.
Consistent Monthly Payments
Make sure to choose a fixed mortgage rate and you are guaranteed to pay the same amount each month for your home loan. If you rent, your monthly rental payment can go up every year.
Pride of Ownership
There is a feeling of great pride that one gets from being a homeowner. Homeownership gives you and your family a sense of stability and security. You might not get this feeling if you rent your home.
A house is probably the largest purchase you will make during your lifetime, and it can also be one of the greatest investments. Buying a home vs. renting has greater benefits and can be a very rewarding experience.
Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in San Antonio Real Estate but can also connect you with properties world wide. Search homes for sale in San Antonio Tx on KuperRealty.com . Browse our extensive list of San Antonio real estate agents and San Antonio realtors who can aid in the purchase of a new home or help sell your current one.
San Antonio Real Estate - Featured Property: 9075 Ranger Creek, Boerne, Texas
Two exceptional homes on this ranch estate, main home and guesthouse, were designed by Ken Graves, A.I.A., recognized for his timeless, classic architecture. The exquisite design incorporates fine natural materials throughout including travertine, oak, mesquite and lacewood floors, alderwood cabinetry, granite, marble and onyx counters,and massive wood timber beams accenting the ceilings.
Foremost, technology is integrated seamlessly with wireless internet, a sound system, security system, computerized HVAC and touch pads for atmospheric lighting.
The floorplan is wrapped with a 1800± sq.ft. loggia and an outdoor fireplace which helps buffer the sun and expand the entertainment space. In addition a beautiful terrace overlooks the sparkling pool.
List Agent: Larry Lester
Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in San Antonio Real Estate but can also connect you with properties world wide. Search homes for sale in San Antonio Tx on KuperRealty.com . Browse our extensive list of San Antonio real estate agents and San Antonio realtors who can aid in the purchase of a new home or help sell your current one.
Creating curb appeal when selling your home is very important. Curb appeal is the way your home looks from the outside and gives a first impression to home buyers before they even step through the front door. Adding curb appeal is your chance to win over potential buyers because if they don’t like what they see at first glance then they might not even give your home the chance it deserves.
Here are some ways to create curb appeal that are very easy and inexpensive:
Remove Clutter
Clean and remove anything in the yard that doesn’t add to the curb appeal such as kids’ toys, car parts, gardening tools, hoses etc. You want the potential buyers to focus on your home and not the stuff in your yard.
Tidy Up Existing Landscaping
Cut the grass, weed the flower beds, and remove dead branches or leaves from your yard. Cut back and trim overgrown bushes and trees. Make sure you have a clean view of your home and nothing blocking it.
Add Landscaping
If you don’t currently have any landscaping then adding some landscape elements is very easy, inexpensive and will give your home great curb appeal. Create some flower beds around the edge of your home and plant bright flowers, small trees, or bushes. Finish the look by covering the dirt areas with colored mulch. This will really give your home a manicured look and make it appeal to more buyers.
Paint Touch Ups
Put a fresh coat of paint on railings, trim, molding, etc. Sometimes just giving these accent areas a fresh look can help the overall appearance of the home.
Front Door Makeover
The front door is usually the focal point of a home. If this is the case with yours then make sure it is looking its best. Clean and polish the hardware, give it a fresh coat of paint or stain, or completely replace it if need be. Add a seasonal wreath for that final welcoming touch.
Power Wash
Power wash the front walks, driveways, or even the exterior of the house. You’d be surprised at how new this will make your home look.
New Mailbox
If you have a mailbox on the street make sure it is looking great. If it is old or rundown and it can’t easily be repaired then just spring for a new one. A new detail like this will catch the eye of the home buyer.
Creating curb appeal for your home doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Just pinpoint the areas that need work and use these tips to make improvements. Your home will be wowing potential home buyers in no time!
Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in San Antonio Real Estate but can also connect you with properties world wide. Search homes for sale in San Antonio Tx on KuperRealty.com . Browse our extensive list of San Antonio real estate agents and San Antonio realtors who can aid in the purchase of a new home or help sell your current one.
We are fortunate enough to have some of the top real estate agents and broker associates at Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty. Being a Realtor takes more than just finding a house. They provide specific knowledge and guidance into what for most is the largest most valuable purchase in their lives. Real estate buyers and sellers depend on their Realtor to navigate the market and negotiate effectively with honesty and professionalism.
We are very proud to have these San Antonio real estate professionals at Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty. They represent what is best about our company by demonstrating the best in their work ethic, knowledge of the market and communication skills which they leverage to make real estate transactions a successful as possible.
Congratulations to our Top Real Estate Agents 2011!
Career Achievement Award: Kathleen Kuper
Top Ten Residential Agents:
1. Mary Carter
2. J.P. Martin
3. Binkan Cinaroglu
4. Gina Candelario
5. Pattie Walker
6. Jim Hauglid
7. Deanna Wright
8. Barbara Finch
9. Chrissy Labatt
10. Barbara Schoenfeld
Top Farm & Ranch Agent: Robert Dullnig
Top Listing Agent: Jim Hauglid
Top Listing Volume: Binkan Cinaroglu
Top Sold Transactions: Gina Candelario
Top Residential Sale: Mary Carter
Top Listing & Sales Volume Team: Kathy Budde & Kathy Miner
Top Commercial Sale: Jim Hauglid
Outstanding Community Service Award: Marilyn Bell
The Mazie Sale Hill Award: Jim Hauglid
Circle of Commitment:
Randy Cadwallader
Randy Cunningham
Susan Marburger
Charlie Kuper
Circle of Honor:
Kathleen Kuper
Mike Glover
Lauren Haass
Sharon Hairgrove
Marilyn Bell
Debbie Turner
Gina Gomez-Verdun
Cindy Roberts
Kerri Hoermann
Laura Dippel
Theodora Kaufmann
Debra Maltz
Larry Lester
Chris Ginn
Circle of Achievement:
Carol Case
Tammie Bennett
Susan Hallmark
Paula Johnson
John Barrera
Kathy Budde
Kathy Miner
The wonderful awards ceremony was held at the Greater San Antonio Builder Association.
Congratulations to all of the 2011 Winners! Thank you for being part of our family and we can’t wait to celebrate our 40th Anniversary in 2012 with these outstanding real estate professionals.
Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in San Antonio Real Estate but can also connect you with properties world wide. Search homes for sale in San Antonio Tx on KuperRealty.com . Browse our extensive list of San Antonio real estate agents and San Antonio realtors who can aid in the purchase of a new home or help sell your current one.
Selling your home quickly requires a plan so you can impress buyers and bring in the offers. The following is a list of the most important steps to follow when you are getting ready to sell your home.
- The first thing to do is to look at your home as a buyer and address all the items that you have neglected to fix or update. When we live in the same place for several years we start to overlook certain needed repairs that other people still notice. Do touch ups with paint, fix dings in walls and creaky doors, etc.
- The next thing to do would be to select a listing agent who will help you set a price and market your home. It is important to find a professional real estate agent who is very experienced in the local market. They will offer advice throughout the home selling process and also be able to tell you if there is anything you are overlooking before you put your house on the market.
- Setting a price for your home is the next step and is quite possibly the most important. Work with your agent to set a sales price that is fair and makes sense with the current market. This number could mean the difference between your home selling quickly or sitting on the market for months. Your agent will look at comparable homes on the market and also ones that have recently sold. The list price should be competitive and this will help in selling your home quickly.
- Before potential buyers come to look at your home the next thing you need to do is deep clean and remove ALL clutter. A spotless home shows best and you want to disassociate yourself with the home and remove all personal items like photos, knickknacks, extra furniture, etc. This will allow the buyer to imagine themselves living in the home and will make this large purchase that much easier for them.
- If you have an older home or are concerned with issues coming up after the buyer inspection then this is the time you might consider getting a prelisting inspection. Prelisting inspections reveal underlying repairs that need to be done on the home. You can choose to make the repairs before you list the property or you can disclose them and take a little off the sales price.
- When you are ready for buyers to come look at your home make sure all the final details are covered. On show days double check that everything is spotless and that garbage is taken out. You can also display some fresh flowers and open windows so the air is extra fresh and inviting. Put pets outside and then leave your home so that the agent can show your property privately to the potential buyers.
- The final step to consider is to have a moving plan ready. You never know how soon a buyer will put in an offer on your home. They might want to take possession as soon as possible and it is best to be in a position where you are ready to move on and pass the keys onto the new home owner!
You will have a better chance of selling your home quickly by following these steps thoroughly.
Do you want a handy condensed version of all these steps that you can print out?
Click on the button and fill out the form on the right to get your free printable checklist on How to Prepare Your House to Sell:
Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in San Antonio Real Estate but can also connect you with properties world wide. Search homes for sale in San Antonio Tx on KuperRealty.com . Browse our extensive list of San Antonio real estate agents and San Antonio realtors who can aid in the purchase of a new home or help sell your current one.
San Antonio Real Estate - Featured Property: 555 Eldon Road, San Antonio, Texas
This spectacular estate is located in the heart of Terrell Hills. Set on 1.47 acres and shaded by ancient oaks, this gorgeous Mediterranean home was built in 1937, but has truly been brought into this century with the recent rebuilding of the infrastructure of the entire home, while keeping with its elegant charm that has long been its trademark.
A large circular drive leads you to a classic entry with the most memorable of stairways and sparkling hardwood floors through out the residence all of which were recently refinished. Several large formal rooms include an elegant living and dining room along with two spacious family rooms on either side of the home and a warm inviting library. Upstairs is a fabulous master suite with dual dressing rooms and baths plus four more oversized bedrooms and three upstairs balconies.
List Agent: Mary Carter
Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in San Antonio Real Estate but can also connect you with properties world wide. Search homes for sale in San Antonio Tx on KuperRealty.com . Browse our extensive list of San Antonio real estate agents and San Antonio realtors who can aid in the purchase of a new home or help sell your current one.
Downtown San Antonio is known to draw tourists and convention goers, but it is also a vibrant urban community that many local San Antonio residents call home.
The downtown San Antonio real estate market appeals highly to certain buyers who want their home to be in the center of it all! High rise condos are located in the city center, large historical homes line the streets of The King William District, and trendy lofts are found in Southtown.
The main part of the famous River Walk winds through the heart of downtown and high rise condos have the perfect view of this man made wonder. The top floor of the Hyatt hotel consists of private residences just like this one with some of the best views in the entire city.
A few blocks South, The King William District is found nestled in a quiet section of the city right along the river’s edge. The architecture and tree lined streets make it a perfect neighborhood to call home. Check out this historical home that has just been listed for sale on the downtown San Antonio real estate market.
Just a bit further South still, the trendy and artsy area of Southtown emerges. The famous Blue Star Arts Complex in Southtown houses art galleries, a brewery, bike shop and other neighborhood staples.
Urban lofts are available within the complex and nearby on South Flores. Click here to see one of the urban lofts that is available to call home!
The downtown San Antonio real estate market appeals to so many because it offers both history and beauty. The vitality and energy within these communities makes them popular choices for home buyers.
Check out all the homes and condos for sale in downtown San Antonio right now!
Located three miles from downtown Boerne Texas off of Highway 46, Estancia - Boerne’s premier development has a perfect combination of country living and resort like amenities.
Estancia extends over an area of 1000 acres and home sites range in size from 3 to 25 acres.
Only 29 home sites remain out of a total of 75 so buyers looking to live in a one of a kind development with excellent amenities and location should act soon.
There is something for everyone at Estancia and the amenities are above and beyond what any other development offers.
Residents at Estancia will enjoy 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, a 12,000 square foot gymnasium, two workout centers, basketball court, volleyball court, soccer and football field, baseball diamond, indoor equestrian center, four guest stables, skeet deck and par 3 golf, private resident cantina and much more.
Estancia has a select list of builders to create custom homes for the property owners. Now is a great time to build as spring is upon us. Dudley Hays of Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty invites anyone interested in Estancia to take a tour. He will be available and on the property Friday, Jan. 27 through Sunday, Jan. 29 2012. Tours outside of these dates can be set up as well. Please contact Dudley directly if would like to set up a tour or if you have any questions about the development.
See why so many are choosing to call Estancia home. Read the recent article about Estancia in American Luxury Estates Magazine on pages 6 and 7 or watch this video to learn more about the development:
When one thinks of San Antonio, luxury real estate probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. The Alamo, The Riverwalk, rodeos and good BBQ or Mexican food are all associated with San Antonio, but San Antonio does have a huge presence in the luxury real estate market and things just keep getting better.
“People turn to San Antonio when looking for luxury properties because of the tremendous investment opportunities available”, said Binkan Cinaroglu, Realtor with Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty.
“In San Antonio you can buy a luxury property for a fraction of what it would cost in competing cities,” Cinaroglu said. “Buyers can also enjoy a quality of life in line with those cities at a substantially lower cost.”
Getting a lot more house for your dollar in San Antonio is a pretty well known fact, but people might question the quality. Some might wonder if the luxury homes are just as nice here as they are in Malibu or Beverly Hills, California. “The San Antonio market competes with Miami, Los Angeles, and even New York truly at a fraction of the cost,” said Cinaroglu. “San Antonio benefits largely from demographic growth coming from military influences and large companies and Mexican Nationals relocating here, giving our luxury market a lot more momentum,” he said.
Luxury properties can be found across the city of San Antonio but the main neighborhoods that buyers are drawn to for new luxury homes are The Dominion, Champions Ridge and Cordillera Ranch. Historical luxury is found in the beautiful communities of Olmos Park, Alamo Heights and the King William District. The Texas Hill Country is home to large sprawling luxury estates. A home buyer looking for San Antonio luxury homes definitely has a broad spectrum of architectural styles and property types to please any aesthetic taste.
Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty specializes in real estate in any price range including the luxury market. Click here to browse luxury homes for sale in San Antonio.
The Boerne real estate market is stable and has been flourishing for the last several years. Many people searching for a new home are flocking to Boerne as it is close enough to the big city life of San Antonio but still allows for small town living in a country setting.
Boerne, Texas boasts an old town with a historic main street and a beautiful town park, the perfect setting for any home buyer.
Many types of communities are found within the Boerne real estate market including affordable single family homes, luxury estates, farm and ranch properties and exclusive gated communities such as Estancia, Cordillera Ranch and Anaqua Springs. These large gated areas offer an array of amenities such as athletic fields, skeet shooting, equestrian centers, fitness facilities, restaurants and party pavilions. Several of these communities allow the buyer to purchase a lot and have a custom home built to their specifications. This detail on top of the resort type amenities are a draw for many home buyers.
Another reason people are getting into the Boerne real estate market is because of the attractions and activities that are available nearby. The Texas Hill Country boasts several golf courses, horseback riding and fishing. This area is also well known for its wine and there are various wineries in the area to explore and sample their fine product. Throughout the year Boerne celebrates numerous fairs and festivals. Bringing the community together in such a way just adds to the appeal of Boerne, Texas.
Kuper Sotheby’s International Realty’s Boerne office is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Boerne.
Click here to browse all of our current listings in Boerne or contact one of our extraordinary Boerne agents who are all experts in the Boerne real estate market.