Morgan Vaughan, Realtor

12/01/2022

I still have tickets!

Donating food, clothes, and help with housing are great ways to help but most people don’t think about school supplies. School supplies should not be a privilege. No child should have to worry about showing up to school unprepared.

I am so proud to be a member of the Junior League of Bryan-College Station that makes this their passion project. We bring awareness and raise money to provide these supplies to schools in our community.

Message me to find out how YOU can help 4 students in the Brazos Valley for only $40!

10/31/2022

Happy Halloween everyone!!

10/30/2022

Buyers, don’t be spooked this October by high interest rates! Here’s why:

- An increase in rates will cost you more, but it may not be as much as you think. Example: A $300,000 loan with a 5% fixed rate comes out to roughly $1,610 a month. A $300,000 loan with a 6.5% fixed rate? $1,896 a month - a difference of $286.
- Mortgage rates are still low compared to the rates from the last 40 years. Consider October 1981. The 30-year mortgage rate was 18.45%. Now, that's something to fear!
- Few people are selling, and there just aren’t enough houses to go around—and it’s going to be a while before builders can catch up. Translation: Buying isn’t going to get cheaper anytime soon.

If you were ready to buy before rates crept upwards, don’t let today’s numbers derail your plans. Instead, revisit the numbers, widen your search, and consider new construction where you won’t have to deal with mobs of other buyers.

I’m here if you’d like to chat more about buying this fall. DM me, and let’s talk about strategies to get you in your next home by the end of the year.

10/29/2022

It can be hard to tell the real estate tricks from treats, so let’s clear the confusion once and for all. Here are some of the most common real estate myths, debunked:

MYTH: “You don’t need a real estate agent to buy a home.”
TRUTH: Buyer agents 1) Are duty-bound to put your interests first, 2) Will ensure you stay organized (and calm!) through the buying process, and 3) Use their local knowledge and expertise to help you realize the perfect home at a price you feel great about. Why would you want to skimp on that?

MYTH: “You should start the buying process by looking at homes.”
TRUTH: It’s critical to start the process by getting your financial ducks in a row. First stop? A preapproval letter from a trusted lender. You’ll thank yourself later when you're able to put in that offer lightning fast.

MYTH: “You need 20% down plus closing costs to buy.”
TRUTH: While 20% is ideal, most buyers don’t have that amount of cash lying around. There are many loans that have down payments as low as 3.5% (or even 0%!), so ask your agent or lender what’s right for you.

When it comes to buying and selling, knowledge is power. Never blindly follow the advice you’ve heard from the internet or your friends without talking with an experienced agent.

Have other thoughts or questions about buying? DM me, no strings attached.

10/28/2022

First responders, this post is for you.

My team is so thankful for the way you dedicate yourself to saving lives and making our community a safer place to be. Today, on National First Responders Day, we honor you for your courage, bravery, and sacrifice.

Hey all! To make their job easier, how about we do our part to make our homes safer places to be? Join me in:

- Testing smoke detectors monthly
- Installing carbon monoxide alarms on every floor
- Covering electrical outlets
- Repairing or replacing faulty wires
- Locking up chemicals, medications, and fi****ms
- Installing locks on sliding doors
- Covering sharp corners with guards or bumpers
- Securing heavy furniture to the wall
- Creating a family escape plan in case of emergency

Thanks again, first responders, for everything you do!

10/27/2022

✨Price Improvement✨

⭐️Nestled on nearly 14 acres full of large mature trees which offer plenty of privacy, walking trails, seasonal streams, and wildlife. ⭐️Could be used as a permanent residence or a peaceful weekend getaway!
⭐️Looking to build on some land but want a place to live during the process? This is it!!
⭐️Conveniently located less than two hours from Houston, Dallas and Waco!

Message me for details!

Welcome to this 3 bedroom 2 full bath manufactured home l...

10/27/2022

Real estate agents: What's your favorite part about our career? Comment below!

For me, it's:

- Seeing a wave of calm come over new homeowners as we talk about the buying process
- Watching clients step into the next chapter of their life with a home to match
- Watching a client’s face light up when they finally find the perfect home

We all have our passions, and, no doubt, real estate is mine!

Are you thinking of selling before the end of 2022? Reach out and let me share more about what’s happening in our area. I’d love to connect with you!

10/26/2022

https://morgan-vaughan.weichertbcs.com/ask/7df0f4a78412cc71705374d7908b6f32

Click the link below for a list of all available houses!

10/25/2022

I'll just come out and say it: The home inspection should be a total non-negotiable for buyers.

Why? Because if anything is found, you are free to back out of the contract - no strings attached.

The only caveat is if a seller demands you waive the inspection as a condition of accepting your offer. But as the market tilts ever-so-slightly away from sellers this fall, I’ve got my fingers crossed that all this contingency waiving is largely a thing of the past.

Keep in mind that an inspection contingency comes with a deadline of seven to ten days, so you need to be ready to make some quick decisions once you receive the inspection report. Red flags that should give you pause include:

- Foundation issues
- Termites
- Water damage
- Roof concerns

When it comes to a less-than-stellar inspection, you have to weigh how much risk, investment, and seller negotiation you’re comfortable with for a house you love.

Have other questions about buying? Drop them in the comments below, and I’ll reply ASAP. I look forward to connecting!

10/24/2022

Ready for my top 5 tips for successfully marketing a home? Swipe through to check them out.

1. Professional, airy listing photos with plenty of lighting.
2. A data-backed listing price that entices buyers and reflects today’s conditions.
3. An error-free listing description that hits the high points but isn’t over the top or misleading.
4. Advertising on social media channels, tried-and-true signs and postcards, and on the MLS (which feeds popular real estate sites).
5. Agent-to-agent marketing.

Which do you think is the most important when selling? Let me know in the comments! (For me, it’s all about the listing photos!)

10/23/2022

Need some inspiration and ideas for saving for a down payment? I got you covered!

1. Set up automatic transfers from your checking to your savings account each month.
2. Decide now to put aside raises, bonuses, gifts, or tax refunds.
3. Skip the costly vacation, plan a staycation, and save the difference.
4. Pare down holiday and birthday gift-giving.
5. Rent out a spare room or parking space.
6. Pick up a side hustle like freelancing, pet sitting, ridesharing, or a part-time job. Remember, it’s just until you hit your down payment goal.

While 20% down allows you to avoid private mortgage insurance, you rarely will need that large a payment. A 3-10% down payment will put you in a strong position when you apply for a mortgage.

Have questions or want to connect about the buying process as a whole? DM me, and I’ll be in touch!