Monday, August 6, 2012

The Truth About the 3.8% Real Estate Sales Tax - Odessa TX

7:08 PM

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Learn the Facts

I have been hearing false rumors going around about a transfer tax on all real estate sales. The claim is that the Affordabel Care Act includes a 3.8% tax on all real estate sales. Not so.

Real Estate Scenarios and Examples

The act does include a 3.8% tax on some investment income, it will effect the majority of home sales, especially in the Odessa & Midland TX home sales. The tax applies only to people with adjusted gross income of $200,000 ($250,000 for a joint return). Also, as a homeowners, if you sell your principal residence, you will continue to receive the exclusion of $250,000 of gain on the sale of the home ($500,000 for married couples).

Learn the Facts from NAR about the 3.8% real estate “sales tax” in the health care bill.

If you want to know the truth about what is going on in the Odessa TX, Midland TX. and Greater West Texas real estate market – call me at 432-934-4439 - I am always here to help. Specializing in Odessa TX homes for sale and luxury home marketing.

Make It Your Own,

: Donna Edwards

Author Bio: Donna Edwards is a broker associate of DeRiso & Haynes Realty in Odessa Texas, a highly regarded boutique firm of Odessa Realtors – selling more homes annually than any other firm in Odessa! For more information on how we can best serve your real estate needs, give her a call at 432.934.4439 or by email at donna@OdessaMidlandHomes.com . Also, check out what fabulous clients have to say on her testimonials page!

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« Adding Energy Efficiency with Attic Insulation – Odessa TX

Selling Your Odessa Home In Today's Market

8:17 AM

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As a full time licensed Odessa TX realtor, my marketing plan gives your home extensive advertising & enormous exposure. My knowledge in the market is essential to correctly pricing a home. Timing and price are very important when selling your home. I will help you determine your best price for your home.

Not only will your home be advertised locally, but also on the industry's top siearch engines to provide your home unparalleled global exposure. By knowing what buyers are searching for allows me to focus marketing your home to the right buyers. My digital marketing innovative online tools can provide maximum exposure to your home. A customized virtual office website with buyer friendly features along with a personalize single property website focusing on your home bring buyers to view your home.

By working me as your agent you can know you are receiving the best possible service from your agent in terms of focus, visibility, innovation, training, accessibility, and results.

View Sellling Your Home In Today's Market Video

Intro Agent Credientials
1:09 Advance Marketing System - Traditional, Digital, & Mobile
2:13 Market Analysis - Determining Market Value
2:48 Real Value - Above Market, Below Market & at Market Value
3:27 Timing+Price
4:12 Online Inventory Marketing
4:40 Consumer Research
5:05 Digital Marketing
5:51 Virtual Office Website
6:31 Virtual Flyer
6:44 Single Property Website
7:10 Work With the Best

Make It Your Own,

: Donna Edwards

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Home Improvements That Pay Off - Odessa TX

2:42 PM

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When selling you home the temptation is strong:

When interviewing agents you focus all of your attention on how much they charge and what they claim the house is going to sell for. In reality you may be getting less than you bargained for. Some real estate agents recommend you do little if anything to get your home ready for sale. This could work if you price the listing to look like a bargain. However, most buyers in today’s market are nervous and picky. They aren’t in a hurry and they want a house that’s move-in ready. An agent who is looking for a fast sale might steer you away from doing any fix-up work. It takes a lot of time and coordination to get a home properly prepared for sale in today’s market. Some agents don’t want to take on the effort, or haven’t the vision to see the home’s potential. This could cost you on the sale.

REAL EXPERIENCE:

Case Study: Agent B Agentagent didn’t tell her clients what they needed to do to get their house ready for sale. True, the house had good features but it needed attention to the details. It looked undersized, worn and uncared for. All of the items needed to give it a face lift could have been completed at little or no upfront cost but the sellers never were properly advised. The house didn’t sell until the sellers hired me and I recommended a laundry list of items to take care of before selling. The home was then staged, received a high quality photo shoot and heavily marketed online – including video! The house then received great reviews from agents, numerous showings to buyers and most important – a contract.

YOUR ADVANTAGE:

It’s a new start for you; I have experience helping people like you successfully sell their home the second time around. If you’d like to ask me a few questions – no pressure, no hassle, no obligation – just a friendly conversation about your plans, please call me directly at 432-934-4439. Let’s get your home sale moving,

Make It Your Own,

: Donna Edwards

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Owner Finance Homes - Odessa TX

1:11 PM

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A Rare Find In Odessa TX

Question from Buyer- Are there any owner financed homes in Odessa TX? Owner financed homes are a rare find in Odessa TX. Out of all homes for sale in the MLS, only about 1/2% or less offer this finance option. With this in mind your chooses are limited; so you will need to throw out the “wish list” and focus on “must have”.

I am assuming that your are focusing on homes financed by the seller becauseyou have been turned down for a mortgage loan. Today’s owners who are willing to finance are expecting larger down payments ($15,000 & more), charge a higher than market interest rate and many will only finance short term (usually only 2-3 years). This means that you will not only have to make monthly payments but you also need to get credit worthy because your loan note will become due and payable at the end of the loan period.

All this said, if you want the best deal in Odessa TX

Get into credit counseling – they can help you rebuild your credit.
Hire a good Realtor who can advise you on all your options and which is best for you.

Be patient, pay every bill on time and save as much money as possible in the mean time.

Make It Your Own,

: Donna Edwards

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12:10 PM

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$1,000s... Don't leave money on the table when selling your home in Odessa TX

PROFESSIONAL QUALITY PHOTOS

Don’t want to de-value your home? Consider better photos. Listings with great photos get more online attention and command higher asking prices. And yet, only a very small percent of agents incorporate higher-end wide angle photography into their marketing. Surprisingly, even when marketing homes in the upper price range, they don’t always invest in quality photos to showcase these homes. Real estate listings that use photographs taken by the higher-end 24mm WIDE ANGLE cameras tend to do better than those that use photos from cheaper point-and- shoot cameras. As The Wall Street Journal 10/4/2010 reports, “listings with nicer photos gain anywhere between $934 and $116,076.” Wide angle cameras capture more of the room’s features and tend to produce high-quality images. They cost more than point-and-shoot cameras, but considering the data, they are worth the investment for a home seller. Rather than wide-angle photography, most agents photograph using a simple point-n-shoot or camera phone. The biggest surprise is that they just don’t want to invest the extra to make the best first impression to buyers.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?:

Do you believe your home is worth it? Let’s not mince words: If your home is not being marketed using quality photography & video, this could cost you on the sale. A wide-angle, professional-looking photo dramatically increases the likelihood that a potential buyer will click through to view your listing, and drives more buyers to tour your home. Ultimately, the more people interested in your house, the better your chance of receiving an attractive offer. A photo really can be worth a thousand dollars.

YOUR ADVANTAGE:

So, What's a photo worth to you when selling a home for sale in Odessa TX?

It’s a new start for you; I have experience helping people like you successfully sell their home the second time around. If you’d like to ask
me a few questions – no pressure, no hassle, no obligation – just a friendly conversation about your plans, please call me directly at 432-934-4439. Let's get your home sale moving,

Make It Your Own,

: Donna Edwards

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Do You Need A Odessa TX Realtor?

8:51 AM

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REAL experience Sure, titles are nice but what they mean to you is more important.

I may not have super powers but I can see into the future (okay, sometimes!) As an Odessa TX Realtor I am constantly looking out for your best interesest – I anticipate things before the happen.
I oftain see an issue with a Odessa home for sale or financing that could cause a problem at settlement. That’s where my experience as a Texas Real Estate Broker comes in. I’ll attend to the dozens of small details now before they can turn into something big later on.
You can rely on my real estate education and experience in Odessa TX Real Estate to give you the best service possible. Really.

REAL connections As your agent, I’ll recommend key people and services to keep your transaction on track.

I’ll admit it. Knowing everthing about buying a home in Odessa TX can be overwhelming to someone who doesn’t do it everyday. Fortunately, that is exactly what I do everyday. It’s my responsiblity to make the process simple and straightforward to you. A big part of being a good Realtor in Odessa TX is knowing the right people to help the deal go smoothly; and I know them.

REAL integrity Put aside the credentials of any agent & look at what is truly being offered.

Working with so many types of Odessa home buyers is especially gratifying. It gives me great satisfaction when I can help first time home buyers purchase. their home. I appreciate their unique needs and work patiently with them, bringing sense to all the confusion!
I really believe my honest, genuine approach to helping people has allowed me to grow as a real estate agent. It’s true; integrity is something you can’t fake.
I am Donna Edwards and I want to be your Odessa TX REALTOR.
So what do you think? Do you need a Realtor as a Buyer Agent when buying a house in Odessa TX. Contact a Odessa TX Realtor today for details.

Make It Your Own,

Donna Edwards

Contact Donna Edwards, your Odessa TX & Midland TX Realtor at:
Call or TXT 432-934-4439 or donna@OdessaMidlandHomes.com

Buying A Fixer-upper in Odessa TX

12:48 PM

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Ask the Agent:

Buying a Fixer Upper in Odessa TX

Since my rent just went up again at my apartment and it is impossible to find a house to rent in Odessa, do you think it is a good idea to buy now?

Buying a Fixer Upper in Odessa TX

You are not alone. Many people find it difficult to find a house to rent in Odessa.

If you can buy a home, now is the time. Interest rates are low and home prices are stable.

Here are some things to consider…

Do You Qualify for a Home Loan?

The first key thing is do you qualify for a home loan. Unless you have enough savings to pay cash (most people do not) than you will first want to know if you can qualify for a loan and how much they will lend you based on your credit score, current debt and income.

Start with a Low Down Payment

Second, buying a fixer upper in Odessa TX is a great way to get into a home with the lowest amount of upfront investment. It is called “sweat equity” because you can build equity in your home by buying low, put your own “sweat” into it and later selling a much more valuable property.

The Condition of the Home

The third consideration is whether the the house qualify for a loan. I already described that you must qualify for a loan but the house must also qualify. Lenders have condition standards that the home must meet. They want to be assured that the property is in reasonable condition before they will be willing to loan the money for a purchase. The reason is that if you default on the loan, they want to know they will be able to recoup their investment when they have to re-sale it.

Hire a Buyer’s Agent

There are many scenerios to consider so unless you are experienced in real estate, you will want to hire a buyer’s agent to assist you through the process of a home purchase. (see Why Hire a Buyer’s Agent? ) As a buyer’s agent, I have helped keep many first time home buyers avoid the pitfalls that can occur when buying a home. Give me a call; I would love to help.

Make It Your Own,

Donna Edwards

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12:23 PM

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What to expect when you get a home inspection in Odessa Texas

Odessa City Code & The Inspection Report

The home inspector bases his report on the current building code that the city of Odessa has adopted . It is common to find a large number of items on the inspection report simply because of the home’s age.

In Odessa & Midland TX the majority of homes were built in the 1950′s and 1960′s. Regardless if you are buying a home that is 60 yrs old or built last year, it is likely the home is going to have some building code deficiencies. The reason is that building code requirements changes regularly. Homes are only required to meet the requirements set in place at the time it it’s construction* and don’t have to keep up with the ever changing standards (aka grandfathered). *If changes are made to the house, professional tradesmen are required to abide with current code.

Expect Imperfections

The purpose of the home inspection is so you can be an informed buyer. The last thing I want is for you to buy a house with your eyes closed. Just keep in mind because a home has out-of-date features doesn’t necessarily mean it is a bad home. Despite it’s imperfections, I am sure for the most part that the seller has lived in the home in it’s current state and felt like it was a perfectly fine home.

You Have Your Inspection Report, Now What?

Your primary concern should be with the major function of the home. Does the roof leak? Does the plumbing work? Is the foundation & electrical sound? Does the air conditioning & heating function correctly? Does the water heater work? No matter what house you buy whether it is $90,000 or $990,000 the above should hold true. Period. If not, we will negotiate a repair by the seller or discuss your options. We will also weight other items of concern to see what is the best course of action for you.

When you decide to buy a home for sale in Odessa TX, it will be important to have a Odessa Realtor as your buyer agent represent you in your home purchase. Don’t go at it alone – hire an expert. Ask about our “no fee” option.

Make It Your Own,

: Donna Edwards

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12:17 PM

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What to Expect from Your Odessa Home Inspection

When buying a home in Odessa TX, regardless if you are a first time home buyer or buying your 2nd home (or+), I highly recommend a professional home inspection. The expense is around $300 – 350 (and worth every penny).
Home inspectors are trained and licensed professionals who specialize with a general knowledge of all aspects of the home and it’s operating systems. If the inspector sees an issue that needs a more expertise, they will refer you a specialist.

Here Is a List of Common Items Found On a Home Inspection

Interior and exterior
- missing brick morter
- rotted facia/soffit boards
- cracked & peeling paint
Plumbing
- loose or unsecure toilets
- slow drains
Service HVAC
- heater or a/c not meeting minimum temperature change
- gas leaks
Dishwasher
- not secure to countertop
- missing air vent
Electrical
- double Lug breakers
- no ARC fault or GFCI protection
- missing plates on plugs or switches
Termite Damage
- by of past investation
- by active termites
Roof
- missing shingles
- tree limbs rubbing roof
Windows
- non operable or hard to open
- cracked or broken panes
- broken seals
Fireplace
- no chimney cap
- dirty chimney
Hot Water Heater
- no safety pressure relief valve
- no drain pan
Ceiling
- staining from past (or present) roof leaks

Make It Your Own,

: Donna Edwards

Hiring A Home Inspector In Odessa TX

4:09 PM

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Who To Hire?

In Texas, all home inspectors are required to be licenced by the Texas Real Estate Commission. Don’t worry if you don’t know of any. As a buyer client, you will be provided with several as part of the Donna Edwards Team Concierge Package.

What To Expect?

The home inspectors job is to find things wrong with the house you are buying. Believe me he will find plenty of the common home inspection items. Every house has issues. If you want a new house, you should buy one; otherwise expect some imperfections. It is important to remember during this process that the purpose of the inspection is for your own personal knowledge of the current condition of the home you are buying. It is not a pass or fail test nor a laundry list of items you should expect the owner to repair.

Should I Attend the Home Inspection?

I always recommend you attend the last 15 minutes of the home inspection so you can get immediate feedback by having the home inspector go over with you a general opinion of the condition of the home. It is also a great opportunity to ask questions and for him to point out items best explained in person. They have a list of areas they will inspect and will provide you with a written home inspection report a day or two after the home inspection is completed.

Make It Your Own,

: Donna Edwards

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3:10 PM

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What to Expect from Your Odessa Home Inspection

Here Is a List of Common Items Found On a Home Inspection

Interior and exterior
- missing brick morter
- rotted facia/soffit boards
- cracked & peeling paint
Plumbing
- loose or unsecure toilets
- slow drains
Service HVAC
- heater or a/c not meeting minimum temperature change
- gas leaks
Dishwasher
- not secure to countertop
- missing air vent
Electrical
- double Lug breakers
- no ARC fault or GFCI protection
- missing plates on plugs or switches
Termite Damage
- by of past investation
- by active termites
Roof
- missing shingles
- tree limbs rubbing roof
Windows
- non operable or hard to open
- cracked or broken panes
- broken seals
Fireplace
- no chimney cap
- dirty chimney
Hot Water Heater
- no safety pressure relief valve
- no drain pan
Ceiling
- staining from past (or present) roof leaks

Make It Your Own,

: Donna Edwards

West Texas Astronomers in Odessa & Midland TX

6:21 AM

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The West Texas Astronomers is a local club / organization for Odessa, Midland and area West Texas.

I tended a monthly meeting of the West Texas Astronomers. As usual they provided many interesting Space Update presentations. Topics this month included short videos:

Ray Bradbury
NASA International Space Station
Space Exploration
Trip to the Surface of Mars
Giant Astroids
Brown Dwarfs and more

The public is always welcome to visit ... monthly meetings are held the 2nd Monday of the month

Museum of the Southwest - Marian Blakemore Planetarium
1705 W Missouri Avenue
Midland, Texas

OdessaMidlandHomes.com
Donna Edwards
call/txt 432-934-4439

Odessa TX Realtor Broker

Buying a Fixer Upper in Odessa TX

12:21 PM

Unknown

Ask the Agent:

Buying a Fixer Upper in Odessa TX

Since my rent just went up again at my apartment and it is impossible to find a house to rent in Odessa, do you think it is a good idea to buy now?

Buying a Fixer Upper in Odessa TX

You are not alone. Many people find it difficult to find a house to rent in Odessa.
If you can buy a home, now is the time. Interest rates are low and home prices are stable.
Here are some things to consider…

Do You Qualify for a Home Loan?

Start with a Low Down Payment

The Condition of the Home

Hire a Buyer’s Agent

Make It Your Own,

Donna Edwards

defining your DREAM HOME

defining your LIFESTYLE

defining your LOCATION

defining your HOME STYLE

closing with SUCCESS

Monday, August 6, 2012

Learn the Facts

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Thursday, July 12, 2012

When selling you home the temptation is strong:

REAL EXPERIENCE:

YOUR ADVANTAGE:

Thursday, July 5, 2012

A Rare Find In Odessa TX

All this said, if you want the best deal in Odessa TX

PROFESSIONAL QUALITY PHOTOS

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU?:

YOUR ADVANTAGE:

Monday, July 2, 2012

REAL experience Sure, titles are nice but what they mean to you is more important.

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Ask the Agent:

Buying a Fixer Upper in Odessa TX

Do You Qualify for a Home Loan?

Start with a Low Down Payment

The Condition of the Home

Hire a Buyer’s Agent

What to expect when you get a home inspection in Odessa Texas

Odessa City Code & The Inspection Report

Expect Imperfections

You Have Your Inspection Report, Now What?

What to Expect from Your Odessa Home Inspection

Here Is a List of Common Items Found On a Home Inspection

Friday, June 29, 2012

Who To Hire?

What To Expect?

Should I Attend the Home Inspection?

What to Expect from Your Odessa Home Inspection

Here Is a List of Common Items Found On a Home Inspection

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Ask the Agent:

Buying a Fixer Upper in Odessa TX

Do You Qualify for a Home Loan?

Start with a Low Down Payment

The Condition of the Home

Hire a Buyer’s Agent

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