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Fresh Realty Information from our qualified Real Estate Agents

• JUSTIN PADGETT AWARDED CRS DESIGNATION BY COUNCIL OF RESIDENTIAL SPECIALISTS
  

            Contact:   Justin Padgett                  Phone: 512-787-6388                  E-mail: justin@blackdogrealestate.com FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE IN TEXAS JUSTIN PADGETT HAS BEEN AWARDED THE CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST DESIGNATION BY THE COUNCIL OF RESIDENTIAL SPECIALISTS. San Marcos, 5/15/2013-Justin Padgett, a San Marcos Realtor® has been awarded the prestigious Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors®. Realtors who receive the CRS Designation have completed advanced courses and have demonstrated professional expertise in the field of residential [More...]

  
  
• Cut Refinancing Expenses
  

  Every single day, homeowners who are excited about lowering their rate have a tendency to ignore the refinancing costs because they’re being rolled back into the new mortgage. If the payment is lower than what they’re currently paying and there’s no money out of pocket, it seems like a good deal. Refinancing your home because a lower rate is available is one thing but the closing costs associated with that new loan could add several thousand dollars to your mortgage balance. [More...]

  
  
• Latest Housing Trends Newsletter
  

  http://blackdog.housingtrendsenewsletter.com/

  
  
• When Do You Sell That Temporary Rental?
  

  Some homeowners, who were not able to sell during the recession, chose to rent their homes instead.  In some cases, they didn't need to sell their home at the depressed prices and opted to rent it until the market recovered. It's a valid strategy but there are time restrictions that could have serious tax implications for some homeowners. The section 121 exclusion for gain in a principal residence requires that the home is owned and used as a main home for at [More...]

  
  
• Shifting Debt to Tax Deductible
  

  The Mortgage Interest Deduction is available to homeowners for up to $1,000,000 of acquisition debt on the combination of their first and second home.  They can also deduct interest on up to an additional $100,000 of Home Equity debt. While Acquisition Debt is used to buy, build or improve a principal residence, the Home Equity Debt can be used for any purpose.  It can be used for educational or medical expenses, to purchase a personal car or boat, consolidate debts or [More...]

  
  
• Wimberley ISD: I Am Not Gonna Vote For This Bond!
  

  This video might as well apply for all upcoming school bonds!  This won't fix our failing schools and only continue to burden the producers that make this economic engine go around.  VOTE NO!  These bonds are sold as "for the children", and "it is just a cup of coffee"!  We are Taxed Enough Already!!!  Thanks to a very good friend's wife for making this!

  
  
• Get Your Offer Accepted
  

  As the market shifts from a buyer's market, it's good to know how to improve your chances to have the seller accept your offer. Once you decide on a home, don't waste time; write an offer and submit it as soon as possible. Competing with another buyer happens more frequently than you'd expect. Multiple offers are a seller's advantage but here are some tips to level the playing field: Realistic offer - don't give the impression you're trying to "steal" the property. [More...]

  
  
• Real Estate Provisions in “Fiscal Cliff” Bill
  

  On January 1 both the Senate and House passed H.R. 8, legislation to avert the "fiscal cliff." The bill will be signed shortly by President Barack Obama. Below are a summary of real estate related provisions in the bill. Real Estate Tax Extenders Mortgage Cancellation Relief is extended for one year to January 1, 2014. Deduction for Mortgage Insurance Premiums for filers making below $110,000 is extended through 2013 and made retroactive to cover 2012. Leasehold Improvements: 15 year straight-line cost recovery [More...]

  
  
• Let Your Tenants Send Your Kids to College
  

  Most people have lots of things to save for but not always enough discretionary income after the family essentials have been met. A relatively small investment in a rental home can control a good home that will easily rent, generate positive cash flows and pay for itself. The borrowed funds create leverage that earn a return on the total value of the home and not just the amount of cash you have invested. The strategy is simple. Find a slightly below average [More...]

  
  
• Private 18.48 Acres in Dripping Springs Near Austin, TX
  

  $275,000.00 / Private 18.48 acres in Dripping Springs near Austin TX MLS: 191223 Private, gated subdivision, with paved road to lot, 15 min. to Dripping Springs. Lot 14-A is arguably the nicest lot in the subdivision, with gorgeous oaks, western views, and over 1,800 ft. of wet weather Callahan Creek frontage, both sides of creek owned for 300 ft. near dam. Quality, newer homes in community. HOA with sensible covenants, no mobile homes allowed, and 2,000 sq. ft. min. home. This is [More...]