Real Estate Blog

Wednesday, 22 April 2009

You’ve decide it’s time to buy a house. You are excited to start looking at all the homes available. If you are like 87% of the buyers you will probably begin your search online. You find a few homes you like and can’t wait to see them. You call a REALTOR only to be asked if you have been pre-approved. Are you? Do you know it means to be pre-approved? No? Kind of? Let me explain.

When you decide to purchase your first home or even if you are veteran to the home buying business you should first find a lender (most REALTORS can recommend someone) that can tell you how much you can spend on a home.

When you are pre-approved by a lender that means you have filled out a loan application and the lender has examined your financial situation and will put in writing their commitment to fund a loan. You are not committed to borrow the money, but getting pre-approved allows you to move quickly when you find the home of your dreams.

Many buyers wonder why they are discouraged from looking at homes prior to being pre-approved for a loan. Often times our wishes are greater than what we can actually afford. The pre-approval process will confirm a price range that the buyer can comfortably shop. Plus getting pre-approved lets the buyer know where they stand financially. For example: Do you have outstanding debt that needs to be paid? Are there any negative remarks on your credit report? Do you know your credit score and what is your debt to income ratio?

The pre-approval process will allow any seller to have confidence in your offer as they know you are a serious buyer, as your financial status is not in question.

Next week learn how the pre-approval process can also be used as leverage in your offer.

Happy House Hunting!
Yvette

POSTED BY: Yvette Allen AT 08:54 am | Permalink | 0 Comments | E-mail this

Monday, 06 April 2009

Fiesta set to begin in San Antonio

San Antonio is gearing up for the annual festivities of Fiesta! April is always a fun time in the city. I always try to participate in some Fiesta event. Over the last few years I’ve enjoyed the King Williams Fair and this year I plan to attend the Oyster Bake at St. Mary’s University (I’m an alumni of St. Mary’s). As a child we always went to the day and night parade - you could never get enough. The three mile parade route runs through the downtown area and people line the streets. The Battle of Flowers parade has always been held on a Friday and the schools close (that was always a plus) and city employees get the day off.

Many folks don’t know, but Fiesta began as a way to honor the heroes of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto. Over the years Fiesta has grown into celebrating San Antonio and our diverse culture. With so many events there’s something for everyone! If you do not live in San Antonio it’s a great time visit. Fiesta is a time to enjoy good food, a variety of music and the cracking of a cascarone on your head! What’s a cascarone? A hollow eggshell filled with confetti.

Fiesta facts:

§ 2009 is the 118^th Anniversary

§ Runs for 11 days

§ Over 100 events

§ Up to 3.5 million attending

§ $284 million in economic impact for the city

Popular Fiesta Events:

Oyster Bake: Friday, April 17 - Saturday, April 18, 2009 at the St. Mary’s Campus.

The Texas Cavaliers River Parade - Monday April 20, 2009. Today the River Parade is one of the few in the nation in which the floats really do float. About 250,000 people line the banks to enjoy the event.

Night in Old San Antonio: Tuesday, April 21 - Friday, April 24, 2009. A Night in Old San Antonio, better known as NIOSA.

Battle of Flowers Parade: Friday, April 24, 2009.

King William Fair: Saturday, April 25, 2009 at the King William Historical District.

The Fiesta Flambeau Parade: Saturday, April 25, 2009. The Fiesta Flambeau Parade began in 1948 and is held at night.

Visit www.fiesta-sa.org for more information about ALL Fiesta events.

POSTED BY: Yvette Allen AT 07:25 am | Permalink | 0 Comments | E-mail this