Having a well-appointed kitchen is a must, especially if you plan on selling your house in the near future. Kitchen updates hold their value when you resell, plus it's just nice to enjoy cooking in a clean, modern kitchen with new appliances. Here are five updates our real estate agents promise you'll enjoy, and the boost in your home's appeal to buyers won't hurt either.

• Smart Fridge
  You may have seen smart kitchen appliances before in Dallas homes for sale or glimpsed refrigerators with big screens on the front of them while shopping. While it may seem like overkill, it makes total sense for our kitchens to use the same smart technology that we use in the rest of our lives. For instance, a smart fridge can display a calendar on that screen with the entire family's schedules, or it can let you know when you're running low on something. It can even add to your shopping list! A smart fridge can also act as the communication hub in your upgraded kitchen and control other smart appliances. For instance, from an app on your phone, you could direct the smart fridge to start the dishwasher.
  
  
• Smart Oven
  After the fridge, the next appliance that can benefit from a "smart" upgrade is your oven. With a smart oven, you never have to worry about having left it on, as you can check that from an app, even after you've left the house. Plus, you can preheat the oven or even start cooking remotely using the app.
  
  
• Induction Stove
  Speaking of cooking, if you haven't cooked on an induction stove yet, you don't know what you're missing. An induction stove is the best of both worlds, electric versus gas. You get the easy-to-clean smooth service of a glass-top electric stove, but with a heat source that is as fast as gas, if not faster. Plus, since induction stoves use magnetic fields to generate heat, the stove's surfaces don't get hot, making this top-of-the-line type of stove a preferred option for professional-level chefs and parents alike.
  
  
• Refrigerated Drawer
  A popular trend in kitchens is to install drawers instead of cabinets for easier access. Drawers aren't just for pots, pans, and pantries, either. A refrigerated drawer under the counter puts what you're looking for right at your fingertips. For instance, a drawer instead of a more traditional wine fridge makes it easier to see all of your options at once. Likewise, a produce drawer makes it easier to eat healthy, whether you're preparing dinner or grabbing a snack.
  
  
• Second Sink
  While it's not strictly a kitchen appliance, having a prep sink or a butler's pantry with its own sink should be high on your list of kitchen upgrades. Having a second sink enables you to get more done in the kitchen when prepping for big meals, or even just a separate sink for the family to use for hand washing while you're cooking.

Just think, with a few carefully chosen kitchen upgrades in 2022, by this time next year, you'll be cooking for the holidays in a much different kitchen... or perhaps in an entirely different home if you're planning a move in 2022! If you're ready to start the search for your dream home or just want to get some information about upgrading your current home to sell, contact us today.

Today's real estate market remains hot, hot, hot, with sellers enjoying high prices, while buyers are facing a highly competitive market that has made it difficult for some to land the home they're longing for. This is especially true for those selling homes in Dallas/Fort Worth or shopping for Dallas homes for sale and Fort Worth homes for sale. 

It's easy to get distracted during the buying or selling process by certain widespread real estate myths. Our real estate agents help many families in the area find their dream home and advise them to not fall for misconceptions they might hear from well-meaning friends and family members.

Read on about some common real estate myths you should not fall for.

• Myth 1: You don't need to do any prep work
  Many home shoppers think the process starts by rushing out and touring houses either in person or online before you've gotten yourself organized. The best course of action to ensure a smooth transaction is to plan your financing. Get either a preapproval letter or perhaps even a prequalification letter, from the lender you choose. This will help you be prepared when it's time to make an offer, but you'll also be able to focus on searching within the price range you're qualified for -- rather than wasting time looking at homes that are out of reach.
  
  
• Myth 2: You can do it alone
  You'll be missing the expertise an agent brings to the process, including knowledge of market conditions, and above all, the ability to negotiate the best deal. A good agent will also help you get your paperwork ready. Organized, complete paperwork can make the process flow much more smoothly than when papers and forms are shoddily prepared and incomplete.
  
  
• Myth 3: You can rely solely on online sources
  These resources can tell you a lot, such as an estimate of what your home is worth, or a calculation of your monthly mortgage payment. What's missing is a visit to a property by an agent, who can determine if the data is all correct.
  
  
• Myth 4: You won't need to worry about repairs
  Modern builders are tending to build quickly at minimal expense. That means you need to exercise caution regarding lower-quality construction. Hire a home inspector who is well versed in new home construction to suss out potential problems. Talk to your real estate agent about what to look for in new home construction  -- or older homes if you're looking at an older model.
  
  
• Myth 5: You should always offer less than the asking price for a home
  Low-balling the seller can be annoying to the point they may move on to a potential buyer who's easier to work with. Do you really want the home? Is the price reasonable? Then offer the list price or a price that's close to it. In really hot markets, you may need to offer over the list price to make sure you're in the competition. Your real estate agent should be able to help you strategize the best approach.

Need more help navigating today's real estate market? Contact us today.

Pet ownership in the U.S. has never been so high, with 48 million dog-owning households and 32 million cat-owning households, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. But if you're one of them, and you're getting ready to list your home among Fort Worth homes for sale or Dallas homes for sale, it's important to remember that not everyone loves pets -- particularly when they're trying to look at a home and envision themselves in that setting. Someone else's pet can be a considerable distraction, whether it's the pet itself or just evidence that a pet is in residence.

Keep these seven tips in mind when getting your home ready for the market.

1. Plan for Showings
   If possible, make sure your pet is gone when a potential buyer is being shown your home. Make arrangements with friends or relatives to keep your pet during showings, or arrange to board your animals. That goes for any kind of pet -- birds, hamsters, rabbits, or snakes in an aquarium. Some people have allergies to animals, so it's best they and your pets don't meet. Avoid sequestering pets in a closet, a room, the basement, or a kennel.
   
   
2. Remove the Evidence
   Yes, it's a hassle every time your house is shown to have to remove all evidence of your pet, but for the sake of a potential sale, do so. Pick up bowls, toys, beds, kennels, cat climbing trees, etc. 
   
   
3. Schedule a Deep Cleaning
   Not all pets are equal when it comes to the kind of mess they make. Some shed mighty amounts of hair or feathers, while others leave scarcely a trace. Regardless, you will want to schedule a professional cleaning to make sure rugs and carpets, flooring, baseboards, and upholstery are all spic and span before potential buyers arrive.
   
   
4. Don't Try to Mask Odors
   Scented candles, incense, and chemical deodorizers won't mask urine, or other pet smells. What's more, some potential buyers won't care for fragrances from these sources.
   
   
5. Keep Marketing Photographs Pet-Free
   When the photographer comes to take pictures of your home for marketing purposes, make sure you've removed all traces of pet toys, beds, litter boxes, and dishes. Evidence of pets won't enhance your chances of attracting a buyer.
   
   
6. Repair Damages
   Go around your home and assess damages from pets, from urine spots on the carpet, furniture, or baseboards, to scratches on door frames and floors. Fix what you can with putty and paint; replace carpets if need be. You may have to cover up the scratched-up hardwood floors with laminate.
   
   
7. Clean up the Yard
   Go over the backyard and make sure it's clear of any pet mess. Fill in Fido's prized holes that he's been digging in the yard. Repair any damage to the fencing and make sure to pick up any outdoor toys.

Are you and your pets ready for a new home in the DFW? Our real estate agents can advise pet owners on prepping a home for viewing and on how to find the perfect home your whole family will love. Contact us today. 

Remodeling your home is a way to make it more functional and enjoyable for years to come. But what if you're planning to sell your house? It's unfortunate but true: not every home remodeling project offers a great return on investment. In fact, no project recoups all the money you put into it, but some come close. Before you tear the whole place up, consider the cost versus the value, and make sure you're investing in upgrades that make sense, cost-wise.

Our real estate agents suggest the following remodeling projects for your Dallas homes for sale.

• Minor Kitchen Remodel
  Because it is the most frequently used and commented-upon room in a house, there's a good deal of value in an inviting kitchen. A modern kitchen can add value to your home, and on average, you can recoup more than 80% of the renovation cost. You need to be careful, however, by considering the cost versus the value. For instance, based on the cost of your home, will it make sense to install marble or granite countertops? Take a look at costs when remodeling kitchens. Things like getting new, more energy-efficient appliances, replacing hardware, refacing cabinets, installing a new sink and faucet, adding a window over the sink, or repainting and adding new flooring can add considerable appeal.
  
  
• Bathrooms
  If you've ever lived in a house with inadequate bathrooms, then you know just how important these rooms are to homebuyers. Adding or updating bathrooms, especially a master bath, can considerably increase your home's sale appeal. A master suite with plenty of square footage and spacious showers are what buyers are looking for. Updating features and adding whirlpool tubs, steam showers, heated floors, ceramic tile floors, ample storage, and low-flow toilets will serve you well. You can create half-baths out of small closets.
  
  
• Landscape and Curb Appeal
  First impressions matter and if your house doesn't look appeal from the outside, it's more likely that home shoppers will never make it inside. A good first impression can add five percent to the value of your home. If your home's exterior is fading or outdated, painting and sprucing your shutters is an excellent place to start your improvement. The driveway or walkway should be paved properly, and your landscaping should be beautifully manicured. Little improvements like adding easy-to-care-for perennials can make a big difference too!
  
  
• Add a Deck
  If your house has a big yard, adding a wooden deck can enhance outdoor enjoyment. You are likely to recoup more than 75 percent of your wooden desk costs come sale time. Outdoor living space is one of the top priorities for today's homeowners, and they are looking for something more than the outdated plain planks. So, if you choose to install a deck, take some time to come up with an interesting plan or shape and consider adding features such as built-in benches, fire pit, or garden beds. Use higher grade materials to make it easier to maintain and increase the life of the deck.
  
  
• Increase Light and Space
  Dark and cramped rooms are not good, so increasing a little light can go a long way. Opening up small rooms that block the flow of natural light is one way to increase your property's appeal. Add some skylights to floor your home in light. Also, consider knowing down some walls or changing to an open floor plan to brighten up a space and make it feel much larger. 

Contact us today for more ideas on getting your home ready to sell. Our team can suggest improvements that will make your home appealing to buyers and will let you recoup your investment.

One of the most common features home buyers focus on is the amount of space, and for good reason. While smaller spaces have their advantages, having extra room means that a growing family or a couple who enjoys entertaining need not jostle for storage or living space. Our real estate agents will be happy to walk you through the process of staging your home for sale. But before buyers can make your current library into their future exercise room, you'll want to know how your house can make a big splash among Dallas homes for sale.  

Plan for Success 

The way you use your extra room may differ from its original design. If you have access to them, check the original plans for your house. If you have an older home, your extra room may have begun its life as a drawing room, pantry, or a nursery. While this shouldn't dictate future plans, it should offer possibilities for staging and selling. Rooms created by dividing larger rooms can still draw inspiration from their architectural roots. A former part of the dining room can become a room for the family to relax after dinner or a place to store pieces that are reserved for special occasions. Don't worry if the room is undefined on the plans—that's a potential buyer's chance to breathe new meaning into the space.

Keeping Up With the Joneses 

Your house will be presented to a variety of potential buyers, and the way you describe your space will need to appeal to them. Some types of rooms can appeal to a broad range of potential buyers, such as a home office or exercise room. Some purposes may not be suited for all buyers. A community of mostly retirees won't have much use for a nursery. Ask our real estate agents about the potential buyer profile for your house to help you decide how to present your extra space. You want potential buyers to feel as if your house is their dream home come true. 

Wide Open Spaces 

Even if the way you currently use the space matches the most likely potential buyer's plans, you want buyers to feel that there's room for their personal stamp on the place. Just as with the rest of your house, your extra space needs to be in perfect order. Declutter the space. If the space is primarily for storage, everything should be neatly contained in a cabinet or chest. Make sure the walls and flooring are in good repair, and that the space has adequate lighting. Clean the room thoroughly, and add a touch of bright color that's consistent with the room's purpose. The room may be an extra space, but it should never be an afterthought. 

The ways in which we live in our homes are unique to us. Flex space may have multiple purposes, but we know how to convey what makes your house special to the next family to call it home. Contact us today, and we'll be glad to share a few of our secrets. 

The holiday season can be an opportune time to sell your home; there are few houses on the market and shoppers are highly motivated. But this means keeping a delicate balance between making your home festive and keeping it show-ready. Here are some home staging tips to appeal holiday buyers as they peruse Dallas homes for sale.

• Declutter
  Even if your home is already organized, you still need to clear the clutter even further to prepare for the market. You still want your home to look as spacious as possible. Thin out your bookshelves, balance the items on your surfaces, and take extra furniture to storage. You should also get rid of signs of pets, remove personal photographs, neutralize the color palette, and make necessary repairs. This will remove distractions, keep clear sightlines and help buyers imagine the home as their own.
  
  
• Decorate with Restraint
  Too many decorations can be distracting and off-putting to some buyers. Don't think that buyers will "see past it," because they won't. Also, keep in mind that not everyone celebrates Christmas. So you want to minimize decorations and keep neutrality throughout.
  
  One simple tree with standard ornaments and simple white lights would be best. If your tree is too big, it can make the room seem small and if it's tiny, it's depressing. Remember, buyers are not there to admire your stuff; they are there to fall in love with your home and see if they can envision themselves living there. And they can't do that if your decorations take center stage.
  
  
• Avoid Religious Décor
  While many people celebrate Thanksgiving regardless of religious beliefs, Christmas and Chanukah are religious holidays. Overtly religious flourishes could be a turn-off for interested buyers. If you want to attract any type of buyer, use seasonal accents instead of religious décor. Seasonal décor could be winter branches, snowflakes, ornaments, reindeer, owls, display wrapped gifts, and more. You just want to give buyers an easy time picturing themselves in the home.
  
  
• Boost Your Home's Curb Appeal
  As buyers drive up to your house, what will they see? You need to create a great first impression. A simple, live wreath or a big urn next to the front door is classy. You can add a Christmas tree if you like, but keep it simple. Also, take time to touch up the paint, clean the gutters, spruce the yard, and keep walkways free of leaves, ice, and snow.
  
  
• Complement Your Color Palette
  Before you start untangling your tinsel, be sure your holiday décor matches your home's architectural style and current decor. For instance, if you have blue as an accent, the red and green holiday colors will clash with your home staging. Instead, opt for a complimentary blue or a more winter wonderland feel with white and silver. If your living room is gray or taupe, accent with rich tones like forest greens, cranberries, and gold.
  
  
• Highlight Your Home's Positive Features
  When staging a home during the holidays, it's important to ensure your home's best features stand out. So avoid blocking beautiful views with stick-on snowflake decals or cluttering up the shelves, built-ins, or fireplace.
  
  
• Light Up Your Home
  Have all your lights on to lure buyers inside and show your home's features. If showing in the day, open your curtains to let in natural light. You can even light the candles and fireplace to set the mood and create a cozy vibe. But step away from the inflatable snowman and tone down garish light displays. Instead, use simple string lighting to draw attention to your front yard or highlight your home's architecture.

A little staging effort can go a long way in showing your home off in its best light. Our real estate agents at RE/MAX DFW Associates will be happy to help you get your home ready for the market. Contact us today for expert advice and a stress-free sale.

Buying or selling a home can be a stressful situation, but buying and selling a home simultaneously can get downright terrifying if you're not ready for the transition. Fortunately, there are some ways to help ease the burden of buying and selling at the same time, and the primary method is by way of a bridge loan.  

Just like it sounds, a bridge loan helps bridge the gap between selling your current home and buying another. Our real estate agents are familiar with the challenges you face when trying to sell your existing home and purchase a new home, so we've put together this guide on how to bridge the gap.

• How Does a Bridge Loan Work?
  Bridge loans are meant to be short-term solutions to help you purchase your new home. Generally speaking, you can borrow up to 80% of the combined value of the two homes. The 20% gap will need to be made up with equity in your current home or cash. Unless you've got a substantial amount in liquidity, you're probably banking on having a good deal of equity in your current home.
   
• Reasons to Use a Bridge Loan
  Bridge loans, while available, are still fairly rare in the grand scheme of home loans. But just because they're rare doesn't mean they aren't worth considering.
  
  One of the main reasons you may choose to use a bridge loan is to secure your position as a buyer when making an offer. Many times, offers and contracts on homes are contingent on the buyer securing the necessary financing. While this is common, it leaves a lot to be desired on the seller's side and practically gives a buyer a free out if their financing falls through.
  
  With a bridge loan, you're guaranteed the cash to purchase the home you're looking to buy, which can significantly improve your position while making an offer on a home.
  
  
• Reasons to Avoid Bridge Loans
  Bridge loans, as we've already said, are considerably more unorthodox compared to conventional loans or other mortgage products. Knowing that, it's essential to realize that getting a bridge loan is wholly dependent on your credit, debt-to-income ratio, and a lender's willingness to give you the money. 
  
  Even if you are in a relatively favorable financial position, getting a bridge loan is basically like taking out two loans at the same time. This means that you'll likely have double the payment as long as you technically own both homes, which can be a big financial burden. Understandably, this burden is only for a short time, but the real estate market is far from certain.
  
  No matter how confident you are of selling your existing home, there is still an inherent risk that you'll be stuck with a bridge loan for longer than you ever intended.

Talk to a Real Estate Agent

If you're looking to sell your current home and upgrade to a new home, no matter if you're looking to a bridge loan or not, selling your home quickly is critical. Contact us today to get in touch with an agent and let one of our agents help you search Dallas homes for sale!

Paige Shipp, regional director with housing analyst MetroStudy Inc. fears home sales might slow next year in the ramp up to presidential and congressional elections.  "We typically have much slower selling seasons right before an election," she said. "After that happens, the flood gates open and people come out. It's not a matter of who wins."   Worries about a recession may also impact the home market.  "We spent the better part of the last decade still looking over our shoulder," said George Ratiu, senior economist with Realtor.com.  "The last recession was so bad that we are still carrying some of the scars from that."   However, Dr. James Gaines, chief economist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University states that Texas economy is still expanding.  "And we are extremely unlikely to be in a recession by the end of this calendar year," he said. "We are probably pretty safe through the first six months of next year."

• Dallas Morning News, October 14, 2019

Are you considering selling your DFW home or investing in a Texas property that you plan on flipping? Our real estate agents strive to identify the burgeoning trends that homebuyers seek in the Dallas/Fort Worth market. Among the many home improvements that sellers complete to increase their home value, we want to highlight seven specific exterior home features that buyers instantly fall in love with.

1. Versatile Outdoor Space
   Dallas is a fantastic place to live, particularly because our range of seasons keep us pretty comfortable all year long. With such wonderful weather, it's no surprise that homebuyers want versatile outdoor space. From covered patios to open areas for grilling, entertaining, or warming up around a fire pit, these families are looking for a convenient, comfortable way to enjoy their outdoor living space.
    
2. Exterior Lighting
   You may be surprised how important proper exterior lighting is to home buyers; more than 90 percent desire it! We're not just talking about a simple porch light either — homebuyers want to showcase their exteriors in dazzling ways. Landscape lighting works wonders on a home, impacting everything from appearance and functionality, to home security and personal safety. A well-lit exterior illuminates pathways and keeps tripping hazards to a minimum. It also enables the homeowner to use their outdoor spaces long after the sun has set. With such an importance placed on daytime curb appeal, it makes sense that homebuyers want the added nighttime curb appeal that exterior lighting provides.
   
   
3. Smart Security
   Smart tech surrounds us, and if you're paying attention to homebuying trends, you know that these devices are being integrated into and around the house. One of the most popular smart security devices is a video doorbell that enables homeowners to monitor and record activity on their doorsteps from their mobile device. Here's an idea for those who want to maximize their investments — invest in a smart security system that includes exterior lighting. These lights are triggered by motion sensors, which provide added security in the areas you need it while cutting down on energy usage when the lights aren't in use.
    
4. Energy Efficient Windows
   Smart appliances are quickly moving into every kitchen, living room, and laundry room, and homebuyers are also expecting these energy-efficient technologies to be featured around the exterior. Energy Star-qualified windows can reduce the cost of heating and cooling a home by more than 10 percent. The gas window panes significantly limit the heat gained and lost in the home. We've got hot summers and chilly winters in the DFW — homebuyers are definitely placing energy efficient windows high on their list.
   
   
5. Solar Panels
   Energy bills can never be too low, which is why many homebuyers seek out houses that have solar panels installed on their roofs. These features encourage fast home sales, and there is a growing number of homeowners who choose to install solar panels after they purchase and remodel their homes. Our bright and beautiful Texas sun will provide plenty of solar energy and help homebuyers melt their A/C bills.
    
6. In-Ground Pool
   Speaking of the Texas heat, many homebuyers keep their eyes open for homes that include a built-in swimming pool. Community pools are acceptable but families love the convenience and privacy of their own swimming space right in their backyard.
   
   
7. Tennis Court
   Another amenity that some homebuyers love is their own private tennis court. In fact, they're one of the top ten indoor and outdoor home features that increase home values. Though not every family desires an outdoor sports area, tennis lovers will jump on the chance to have their own court.

Are you interested in learning more about what exterior features buyers are looking for in Dallas homes for sale? Contact us today and let our agents answer all of your questions.

You've decided it is time to sell your house and you find yourself overwhelmed with deciding what to upgrade to get a better price. Our real estate agents believe the simplest place to start is with paint.

Giving the inside of your home a fresh coat of paint showcases your home as crisp, clean, and up-to-date, especially if you have lived there a while and your house shows the rough and tumble effects of family living. Painting gives you a chance to patch the odd holes in the living room, paint over your children's unintended "artwork" in the hallway, and finally undo that bad choice of bright red in the guest bathroom.

• Choose Your Colors
  This is not the time to indulge in your unique style of home décor.  A black accent wall and checkered tile might make you swoon, but not your potential buyers. People looking to buy a new home need to be able to see their own style in the rooms they walk through. This means sticking with basics like neutrals on the walls.
  
  
• When White is Not White
  You might be tempted to just slap on some basic white and be done, but we recommend pausing a moment to see if some subtle color choices might help your final price. White can be bright white, like a picket fence, or warm white, like vanilla ice cream. One white can make a room look sterile, while a different one can add warmth to the space.
   
• New Neutrals
  Other options beyond the white color wheel still give you the neutral flavor you're seeking. For instance, sage is a soothing neutral that brings in soft accents of the outside world while pairing with plenty of different accents. Blues are also making forays into the neutral palette. One color called Blueprint straddles that space between denim and navy, giving you a softer blue. Some experts say including these kinds of subtle blues in bedrooms or kitchens give your home a boost. Another color to consider has the funky name of greige because it combines the components of both beiges and grays, giving numerous accent options.
  
  
• Outside
  Finally, if painting the outside of your house isn't an option, you could just paint the door a bright, eye-catching color. This is a small investment that gives a big pop of curb appeal. Additionally, unless you're an intermediate-level painter, hiring a professional is a good investment. No matter how fresh the paint job, if done poorly, it will make the house look shabby.

Ready to put your home on the market among other Dallas homes for sale? Contact us for help.