Our Blog

In the late-90’s and early-2000’s, the economy was rocking, the internet was booming, and money was flowing. As a new generation of homebuyers began accumulating wealth, a trend emerged and people started buying and building “McMansions” – larger than average homes with more square footage than the average family really needs.

Right around 2009 to 2010, there was a stark correction. Fueled in part by a crashing economy, a mindset shift occurred. People started to crave the idea of minimalism, simplicity, and small spaces. People who had previously owned 7,000-square-foot mansions were moving into moderately sized 2,500-square-foot homes and enjoying more focused lifestyles.

… [Read More]

Unfortunately, the human mind is not a perfect instrument for making decisions. Our brains are hard-wired with cognitive biases that affect the rationality of our decisions, whether we like it or not. Learning to overcome these biases is not as simple as flipping a switch.

… [Read More]

A lot of people have an unrealistic view of what the home buying process looks like – particularly if it’s their first time buying a home, or they have a past experience in which everything went swimmingly.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that homes on the market come in perfect condition. This sounds ridiculous when you say it out loud, but the truth is that many buyers expect pristine homes with brand new features throughout. (Hint: Unless you’re building your own house, you aren’t going to find an immaculate property.)

… [Read More]

Have you ever dreamt of designing and building your own home? Do you have Pinterest boards filled with ideas? Do you look at homes and think, I would have done that differently? Building a home certainly isn’t easy, but it’s also not as lofty of a goal as you might think. The most important step is hiring the right builder – of which there are many.

… [Read More]

Real estate transactions are complicated for several reasons. They involve legal, financial, and emotional aspects – many of which are intertwined together.

In order to make sure a real estate transaction involves a smooth transfer of money and ownership, there are a number of closing costs associated with a normal deal. While no single fee, payment, or tax is exuberant, they can compound and become rather expensive. Knowing how to lower your closing costs could be the difference between spending more than you have to and staying within a reasonable budget.

… [Read More]

For many Americans, a home in a gated community is a goal that will verify wealth and success. When you live in a gated community, there’s a sense of privilege that comes with owning the property at that address.

If you wish to purchase such a home in the Houston region, there are plenty to choose from. The Woodlands is one of the most highly valued areas, and it can boast of an array of prestigious, gated neighborhoods.… [Read More]

When it comes to buying a home, most people immediately think there are only a couple of options: apartment/condo or single-family home. But ignoring the feasibility of a townhome would be a huge disservice. … [Read More]

The move into a new house is exciting … especially if it’s the first home you’ve ever owned. But it can also feature a lot of anxiety and stress.

You’re moving into a house with which you aren’t familiar — other than a couple of showings and inspections — and you’d like the process goes smoothly. In order to ensure a smooth move-in, you need to do certain things after closing … but prior to unloading all your belongings into the house.

If you take the time to familiarize yourself with the following actions in proper sequence, you can speed up the process and set the stage for a successful move-in.

… [Read More]

When a young couple buys their first home, they generally view it as a starter home. In other words, it’s something they see themselves living in for a few years and eventually selling after their financial situation has improved and they can afford more space/features/etc…. [Read More]

Thus far, 2018 is shaping up to be the year of a buyer’s market. Houses are slow to sell as more and more individuals decide they’d to rent.

The solution for this trend could be to combine the two in a rent-to-own option. This could be the perfect solution for a seller trying to move the property and a buyer who’s hesitant to make a huge commitment…. [Read More]