Great news for our Veterans. If you are a disabled veteran who is receiving disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs you could be eligible for a Residence Homestead Exemption. To receive a disabled veteran exemption, you must either be a veteran who was disabled while serving with the U.S. armed forces or the surviving spouse or child (under 18 years of age and unmarried) of a disabled veteran or of a member of the armed forces who was killed while on active duty. You must also be a Texas resident and can only choose one property to receive the exemption.

In order to receive your exemption you will need to submit a Disabled Veterans Homestead Exemption Application with the Bexar Appraisal District. Click here to get the application.

I have attached the pamphlet the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts put together so you can learn more about the Homestead Exemption for Disabled Veterans. You can get the pamplet by clicking here.

So you found your Realtor now it's time to find a new home. Before showing you homes most Realtors will ask if you have been pre- approved. Realtors ask that question because it's the first step in the home buying process and you need to know:

1. Your ability to qualify for a mortgage loan. You don't qualify, you can't purchase a home or may need to look at someone co-signing for you.

2. How much of a loan do you qualify for...this is how we will set a price range. Example: $150,000 - $175,000.

3. What kind of down payment will you need? If you are looking in rural areas, but still in Bexar county you might qualify for 100% financing.

4. The closing cost associated with your transaction. On average closing cost will be 5%-6% of the sales price.

Keep in mind...When you find your dream home before you can write-up an offer you will need a pre-approval letter from a lender.

Next week: Asking the right questions when meeting with a lender.

What do they say? You have one chance to make a great first impression. Wouldn’t this apply to your home as well? Would you consider purchasing something without finding it appealing? Don’t we naturally gravitate towards things that are visually attractive?

What does the exterior of your home say? Does it say I’m well cared for and maintained or does it say it’s going to cost money to fix this mess?

As a Realtor it sometimes takes me a minute or two to open the house. So while I’m fiddling with the lockbox the buyer is looking around at the yard, looking at the door condition and checking out the exterior paint.

Real Estate is personal, emotional and sometimes can be difficult for a homeowner to objectively look at their home. The first step in staging the exterior should be to have a friend or neighbor view your house from the curb. Ask them “what is your first impression?” This type of “proofing” will help give your house a better curb appeal and a non-emotional perspective on your home.

Some important things to look for is to make sure your lawn is well manicured. Is your grass green or dirt? Dead or alive?

Remove any junk or clutter from the yard, including tree limbs, leaves and especially your children’s toys. Trimming trees and re-seeding any bare areas of the lawn, as well as adding mulch to planting beds and around trees, will improve the look of your lawn.

Another great tip would be to plant colorful flowers. Colorful flowers are easy to purchase and not costly, some great annual and perennials can be found at your local Wal-Mart or Home Depot. I wouldn’t say I have a green thumb so if I can do it anybody can plant a few flowers!

Other than making sure the lawn is aesthetically pleasing, you should look at your fences, windows, and screens. Fixing, repairing, and re-painting may need to take place. If you are missing some screens it will be noted in the inspection report. It’s probably cheaper to fix a few screens then it become a deal breaker between you and the buyer.

Make sure your driveway is clear of oil stains, thus power washing may be helpful. Don’t have a power washer? Call a painter! I contacted a painter I knew and he took care of a client’s driveway and even power washed the house. If you have a deck or porch make sure it is nicely stained or painted.

I don’t normally encourage someone to think in the gutter, but when you are selling your home you need to think gutters! Check your gutters to make sure they are cleaned out and in good working condition. Lastly, make sure the doorbell and all exterior lights are operational.

Remember first impressions matter. The better the impression your house makes on buyers, the closer you will be to having a For Sale sign in your yard. A great first impression opens the door for a great second impression with the interior of the home.

Next week: Part 2 - Interior Impressions.