Sartoris Realty Group - REAL

01/11/2022

Most New Year's resolutions are about self-improvement—learning a new skill or hobby, eating healthier, or hitting the gym. If you’re a homeowner, it’s a no-brainer that you also want to improve your home and keep it in its best shape. Your living space has a much bigger impact on your life than you might realize, so what better way to improve your life than by making your home more appealing and comfortable?

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In the spirit of new beginnings, we've come up with a list of goals you can adopt to make a lasting difference in your home and eventually, in your life.



1. Start an emergency fund.

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Life is unpredictable, with or without a global pandemic. Many unexpected costs can easily make your finances go awry. This is especially true when it comes to owning a home. If you suddenly need to fix a leaky roof or a broken water heater, an emergency fund can help save you from stress so you can plan your next steps accordingly.

To offset the next emergency (house-related or not), experts recommend putting aside three to six months' worth of living expenses. While that may sound like a big number, you can always start somewhere. Start small by tucking away any extra money you can get. You can also make your emergency fund part of your household budget this new year.



2. Make a home inventory.

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After taking countless family holiday photos, it's time to start taking snapshots of your belongings and creating a home inventory. A home inventory is a record of all your personal possessions along with their approximate financial value. Because it documents all your belongings, you’ll know exactly what’s missing or damaged after an unfortunate event such as a break-in or a natural disaster. Moreso, it can be valuable so you can get your claim settled quickly and more accurately.

If you already have a home inventory, just make sure that it’s up to date by removing items you no longer have and adding new items as you acquire them.



3. Review and update your homeowners insurance.

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The new year is a great time to get your finances in order, especially in areas in your home where you can save. If you haven't done it yet, review your homeowners insurance policy to make sure your coverage is up to date with your needs and you’re not overpaying. If you’ve made certain improvements to your home within the last year, you’ll want to check with your insurance agent to see if you qualify for some discounts. On the other hand, if you live in a flood-prone area, it might be time to be strategic and consider flood insurance to protect your property.



4. Make on-time payments on your mortgage.

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Take control of your financial life this year by ensuring that your mortgage payments—and even all other payments, for that matter—are always on time. Set up an automatic payment through your bank so you won't stress about late payments just in case you get caught up with your busy lifestyle. Your credit score will also thank you as you prove you’re a responsible borrower whenever you’re making timely payments.



5. Find ways to be more energy efficient.

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According to energystar.gov, a typical American family spends $2,060 a year on their home's utility bills. And while that's more than $171 a month on average, the amount you spend on your utilities depends on several factors, including where you live and how large your home is.

Make a goal this year to find small ways to reduce your energy consumption and eventually cut down on your energy costs. Little steps such as switching off the lights when leaving a room, turning off power strips, and appliances when not in use, swapping off incandescent light bulbs to LEDs, adding a programmable thermostat, etc... can help you become more energy efficient. There’s no need to think about big-ticket items such as solar panels or hybrid cars to make a difference. Just staying committed and being mindful can go a long way to lowering your energy bills.



6. Work out a realistic cleaning plan.

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Who doesn't dream of living in a house that’s spotless all day long? If you haven’t got any house help, that’s just close to impossible. So to keep yourself from being overwhelmed by cleaning and organization, this year, devise a realistic cleaning plan depending on your habits and lifestyle.

Will you devote a portion of your weekends to cleaning? Or will you take some time on select nights to tidy up? You may break up cleaning tasks into small daily activities and enlist the help of your family so you can get the job done quickly and have a lot more time for other leisure activities. Whatever schedule works best for you, just remember to stick with it as part of your New Year’s resolution for your home.



7. Prepare an emergency kit.

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Having an emergency survival kit gives you and your family a better chance in case the day ever comes that you need to shelter in place or evacuate after a disaster. Your emergency kit should have enough food and water to last for at least three days. It should also include a change of clothes; some cash, chargers, maps, emergency radios, flashlights, medications, and first-aid supplies, and a copy of important documents like IDs, among others. Make sure to place your emergency bag in a place where you can easily get it should you need it.



8. Address small repairs immediately.

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Things like clogged gutters, cracking and peeling caulk, leaky faucets, faulty door locks, among others, are often neglected or pushed down the list of other tasks. But small nuisances, when left unchecked, can necessitate big repairs that could cost you a lot of money down the line. Make it a part of your New Year's resolutions to address such repairs as soon as possible to lessen these pain points around your home.



9. Set up a home maintenance calendar.

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In continuation with the above topic, creating a home repair and maintenance schedule is an excellent addition to this list. So sit down, assess your house, and make a list of anything that will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. How old is your roof? How about your water heater? When was the last time you had the air conditioning unit inspected? Your HVAC, furnace, water heater, and other appliances, need to be serviced and cleaned as the seasons change.

Planning for preventative maintenance can help you avoid costly repairs that could result from overlooked wear and tear. Be smart and thorough when plotting out your schedule, and don't forget to keep your budget in mind when scheduling any repairs. You can start saving for those big upkeep costs as early as now to prevent nasty surprises in your finances later on.

Most New Year's resolutions are about self-improvement—learning a new skill or hobby, eating healthier, or hitting the gym. If you’re a homeowner, it’s a no-brainer that you also want to improve your home and keep it in its best shape. Your living space has a much bigge

12/22/2021

The home buying and selling journey is a massive undertaking for anyone. It takes plenty of time, expertise, negotiation, patience, and sometimes, even a little bit of luck. And as far as luck goes, many follow these superstitions still, even when it comes to real estate. And since it's the season of holidays and festivities, we thought we’d touch on a lighter but equally interesting topic around the subject.

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Let's take a look at these ten most common beliefs and traditions that anyone might be curious about, even those who aren’t superstitious. Are you familiar with any of these?



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Here's a moving day tradition that’s been important in many countries. New homeowners bring a carb or starch (either bread or rice; whatever is a staple in their place) together with salt when entering their house for the first time and before bringing anything else into it. Bread or rice represents the idea of prosperity so that the homeowners will never know hunger. Meanwhile, salt is believed to keep their lives filled with flavor and brings luxury.

Other homeowners further this tradition by sprinkling some salt at the doorway to prevent evil spirits from entering. But since this means you need to sweep it after, it’ll bring us to the next superstition.



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According to popular belief, you shouldn't bring an old broom into your new home. The old broom sweeps all negative energy and experiences from your previous home into your next home, including all of the bad luck you want to leave behind. Even if you aren’t superstitious, a nice, new broom signifies a fresh start, and you won’t be bringing all the dirt and dust to your next home.



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Are you moving soon? You may want to pay attention to the day you move. According to Indian tradition, it's important to choose an ‘auspicious day’ to move into your new house. Rainy days, as well as a Friday and a Saturday, are considered unlucky and may prevent you from settling into your new home. On the other hand, Thursday is considered the luckiest day to move. This belief even applies to those who want to put their house on the market. Other Western culture superstitions claim that April, July, and November are the most unlucky months to move.



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Smudging is a Native American ceremony where a sacred plant (often sage) is lit, allowing it to smolder and release its aromatic smoke throughout the new dwelling. Smudging cleanses the home and drives away evil spirits and negative energy lingering. The ritual ends with a blessing, mantra, or prayer to bring in new energy. Some sellers also do this to bring good luck and sell their homes quickly.



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Another popular superstition is scattering coins around the living room to ensure prosperity. Some homeowners even place coins in the corner of every room, believing it will bring financial good fortune.



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The most popular superstition held to help home sellers sell faster is burying a statue of St. Joseph. St. Joseph is considered the patron saint of families, working people, and house sellers and buyers. He was a working man and a skilled carpenter, which may account for him being the patron saint of workers and things to do with houses and real estate.

Although selling your home quickly at top dollar is achieved through the expertise of an experienced real estate agent with professional marketing strategies, some sellers believe they will have a quick sale after burying a statue of St. Joseph. This statue is buried upside down (this way he will want to get out faster) near the sale sign, facing the house. Prayers are said to him for a speedy and favorable sale. Once the home has sold with his aid, dig him up and place him in a position of honor in the new home.



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Have a friend who recently got the keys to their new home or a new neighbor just moved next door? If you're thinking of what to give them as a housewarming gift, you can cross knives off your list. Bringing a gift of knives is a no-no as it is believed that their sharp edges will sever your friendship or could cause a bad relationship between neighbors.



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As strange as it sounds, a southern legend claims that painting your front porch blue will ward off ghosts and spirits. The reason for this was the belief that ghosts were unable to cross water. Since they mistake the blue porch for water, they stay away.



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If you don't want Thor to accidentally burn your house down with a streak of lightning, it is believed that placing an acorn on a windowsill would protect it.



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Whether you're already a homeowner or you’re soon-to-be, at some point, you’re likely to do a renovation project that will require you to use a ladder to reach high areas. Did you know that many people avoid walking under ladders for fear of the bad luck it will bring? Another popular superstition dating back to the medieval period involves ladders. Walking under a ladder is unlucky because of its connection to the symbol of the gallows. The gallows were where the hangings took place, so people wanted to avoid that fate, and superstition was born.

The home buying and selling journey is a massive undertaking for anyone. It takes plenty of time, expertise, negotiation, patience, and sometimes, even a little bit of luck. And as far as luck goes, many follow these superstitions still, even when it comes to real estate. And since it's the season o

12/03/2021

Your home is one of your biggest investments, which means when you decide to sell, it is also one of the largest transactions you will undertake. This is why it's critical that you become pickier when hiring a real estate agent to help sell your home. You want to make sure you’ll be working with an expert who will protect your interests as a seller, guard your equity, find the right buyers, and sell your home fast without leaving money on the table.

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Thanks to the wealth of information already at your fingertips, from online reviews to referrals from family and friends, you can now be extra savvy in knowing how to choose the right agent for you. However, it is still easier said than done as not all real estate professionals are the same.

In this article, we've put together 10 essential questions you should ask when interviewing a potential real estate agent. Asking the right questions will help you gain insight into the agent’s personality, capabilities, and expertise so you can make the best choice before entrusting your home.

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Before anything else, ensure you're working with a trained, accredited real estate professional. They must have a state license and be a member of the local real estate board, where they’ll get access to the Multiple Listing Service® or MLS. This is where they can list your property to attract more buyers.

While having other affiliations is advantageous, it’s also helpful if the agent already has a few years of experience on their plate. This not only shows their dedication to the profession but also means they’ve had enough opportunity to understand and get a good sense of the market, especially in their local area.

Likewise, be curious about whether the agent works full-time or part-time. Selling your home is a full-time job, so you want them to be focused. A part-time real estate professional may not be able to give you ample time and attention and be unavailable when you need them most, especially if they are already handling multiple clients.



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The next thing you want to find out is whether you will be working with one specific agent or with members of the agent's team. Each set-up has its pros and cons. So whether it’s a single agent with support staff, a pair of agents who share the same work, an agent who’s a part of a small team, or a group of several agents all under one business name, you’ll want to ask specifically with whom you’ll be working with.

For instance, an agent with a small team means more resources and assistance, especially since there’ll be support staff working behind the scenes. This means your agent has more time to attend to your needs and accommodate you during showings. You should be informed beforehand about what aspects of the work the agent will handle personally and whether you'll be in contact with the other team members or only your agent. This is so you won’t end up feeling like you are being passed off to someone else.



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You'd want to avoid being passed off to someone else, but you also don’t want to get lost in the shuffle. Although word of mouth is key to having a good real estate business, choosing a real estate agent to sell your home must not only depend on how popular he or she is. Likewise, the agent's current client numbers aren't always an indication of how good they are. Lots of factors, such as team size and communication style, come into play and need to be considered to see how many clients an agent can effectively handle.

While there’s no magic number, be wary if they’re handling a ridiculously high number of clients. Remember that each client’s needs are different, so too many clients means their time and attention will be divided too thinly. In such cases, they might not take the time to ensure all of your needs are met. Working with an agent who’s difficult to reach or who's constantly with other clients could lead to a frustrating experience for you, and could even have a negative impact on your home sale. This is why it’s necessary for your agent to understand your expectations of their involvement.



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Although it isn't a guarantee of a quick sale, the track record of your potential agent will provide some assurance that they know what they’re doing and that you’ll be working with someone who has experience. Ask them for stats and data—how many clients they’ve worked with in the past, the number of houses sold, the price range of the homes they sold, average sale to list price ratio, average days on the market, etc. The more your agent is confident in sharing their expertise, the more you can guarantee that they will also maximize your chances of a successful sale.



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The next question to ask a realtor is whether he or she specializes in selling homes in the area. You want to ensure that your potential agent knows the local market and has already sold homes like yours in your neighborhood. Because even though almost everything you need to know about an area can already be found online, there are some things that only a local real estate agent is knowledgeable about. They'll know the selling points of the area, which is beneficial when talking to potential buyers. They must be aware of any upcoming developments, plans for stores, and other amenities that might affect the value of surrounding properties, including yours. They also likely know what local buyers are currently looking for in real estate. Having a local expert can be a huge advantage to you as a seller since he or she must be able to not only sell your home but also your neighborhood.



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Even for someone who has made a house sale before, the process can easily get complicated. More so if it's your first! So you want to feel comfortable knowing and understanding all the steps involved—from preparing to list your home, setting a price, marketing, reviewing and negotiating offers, dealing with home inspections, managing timelines, anticipating closing costs, etc. A good and experienced real estate agent will take the time to explain these things to you in a way that’s easier to understand. As they share how they will guide you through the process, you will also see why an agent is a valuable expert to have on your side as you depart from your beloved home.



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There's nothing wrong with talking about money when interviewing potential realtors. How much is he or she going to charge you to sell your home? It is important to ask not so much so you can hire the one with the lowest fee, but so you can understand the cost and figure out exactly what your realtor brings to the table.

Rather than getting paid hourly or weekly fees, most real estate agents typically work and earn under split commission. The traditional rate is 6 percent in most cities, which is split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. A good real estate agent must be able to justify his or her fee and break down what you’re going to get from him or her.

Other than the commission, don’t forget to discuss the agent’s cancellation policy. Ask what kind of early cancellation fees may apply to you just in case you become unhappy with the realtor somewhere down the road before the contract expires.



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Your home is your biggest investment, which means you want to know how much you're going to walk away with when you sell it. You want to be prepared for the upfront costs you will be paying in the real estate transaction so you can plan accordingly. This includes the real estate agent’s commission, closing fees, title fees, attorney fees, taxes, appraisal, inspections, and more. A trusted real estate professional will explain any of these costs to you as they could affect your bottom line. They should also be able to give you a pretty good estimate of how much you will net from the sale.



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Communication is key in most relationships, and this is also true when it comes to your partnership with your agent. After all, you are dealing with one of the most important investments of your life, so you and your realtor should be able to communicate regularly. You need to know upfront what will be your method and frequency of communication, which are all important in successfully selling your home.

Make sure you tell your agent if you prefer texts or emails over phone calls, and vice versa. If they prefer email, you want to be assured that they reply in a timely fashion. Moreover, what will be the frequency of updates: will you get it weekly, or just on an as-needed basis? Find out what business hours they keep and if you can call them outside those hours just in case questions or concerns arise. These things can also be verified when you check their references and feedback from past clients.



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Another way to know if they are an experienced and savvy realtor? They know exactly how you can get your home ready and what you can do to make it more appealing to buyers. They probably already have a textbook list of suggestions for their clients, but will also have more after making a walkthrough of your property. Ask them what budget-friendly repairs or upgrades you can make to attract more buyers, and whether your home needs staging aside from a good cleaning.

Your home is one of your biggest investments, which means when you decide to sell, it is also one of the largest transactions you will undertake. This is why it's critical that you become pickier when hiring a real estate agent to help sell your home. You want to make sure you’ll be workin

11/29/2021

🏘️ Stunning Home in Bee Cave, TX ☎️ Please Call or Text 512-520-0900 For More Info 🤙 Listed for $830,000💵

🛏 4 Bed + Office/Study
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Property Listed By: Dustin Sartoris, REALTOR® - Sartoris Realty Group - Keller Williams Realty

Don't miss this stunning home in Bee Cave. The welcoming open floorplan has room to entertain all of your guests. In the kitchen, there are stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and a…

11/29/2021

New Photos + New Price!
4 Bed + Office / 3 Bath / 3220 SqFt / $830,000

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11/25/2021

11/25/2021

Happy Thanksgiving! I’m wishing you a wonderful holiday filled with feelings of hope, love, and happiness.

This Thanksgiving, I’m so thankful for my wonderful clients who let me guide them through the real estate process. Whether I’ve helped you find your dream home or make a great ROI by selling, thank you so much!

11/22/2021

Owning and buying your first home is the perfect reason to host Thanksgiving dinner. And since it's next week, chances are you have already made a checklist and started getting ready for the long-awaited holiday. But if you haven’t or still need a few reminders to make your festivities even a little less overwhelming, we’ve rounded them up shortly but sweetly so you’ll have plenty of time to prepare not only your home but yourself so you can prioritize what really matters.

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Cleaning and getting rid of any clutter around the common areas in your house, especially in the living room, entryway, bathrooms, kitchen, and dining room, will help get your home ready. This is especially true and critical in your kitchen where most of the preparation will take place. Address any usual hotspots where things tend to accumulate, such as drawers, cupboards, and even on the countertops. If you don't have time to clean the entire home, at least clean your bathroom and kitchen. Also, empty and clean the trash cans and line them up with fresh bags. Tidying up your home is a tedious part of any holiday celebration, but making the effort will surely be worth it.



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If you're the kind of Thanksgiving cook who starts preparing and cooking certain foods ahead of time, including stuffings, stocks and sauces, pie crusts, and other desserts, you’ll need more room in your fridge to stock these things. So clean your refrigerator and freezer and start making space now. Sort through those leftovers and toss out anything that is expired or too old to eat, and plan to make use of any good ingredients you have on hand. Also, take stock of condiments that may need refilling. Having plenty of space in your fridge will make your holiday meal prep easier and even perfect to store your delicious leftovers.



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Decluttering your kitchen and cleaning out your fridge will allow you to see what ingredients you need for your Thanksgiving prep. Finalize your list and purchase them a few days ahead of time. This way, you'll have plenty of time to run back to the store in case there’s something that you inevitably forgot. There’s nothing worse than making a last-minute trip to the local grocery store on Thanksgiving Day, only to find out that it’s closed.



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It's critical you make sure all appliances are in working condition before the holiday. Clean and test them out, especially your oven, dishwasher, and even small kitchen appliances that will help make your life easier during meal prep. If you’re a first-time homeowner who hasn't used your oven yet after you settle into your new home, this is your chance to check and double-check to make sure your oven works.



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Make sure you'll have enough dishes, glassware, cutlery, and even serving dishes, bowls, and platters for all your guests and holiday meals. Remember that they don’t have to match unless you’re aiming for a sort of formal gathering. They’re perfect as long as they are clean and in decent condition. If you’re considering a more casual dining celebration, consider using paper plates. Also, check for things like tablecloths and other essentials so you’ll still have plenty of time to shop for any new pieces or replacements just in case.

Likewise, since there’s a huge chance you’ll want to send your guests home with leftovers (and even keep some for yourself), don’t forget to stock up with enough plastic or takeout containers.



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Taking care of the table decor the day (or even several days) before saves you a little bit of stress. Not only will you have one less thing to do and worry about on the big day, but it can also help you identify gaps in your tableware situation. Whether you opt to go all-out with some Pinterest-inspired arrangements, or just go for a simple but nice tablecloth, pretty napkins, and DIY place cards, and other seasonal centerpieces, setting the table in advance will also give you ample time to shoot and take pictures before the busy day.



The ultimate tip: Enjoy!

This tip might be the simplest to do but also the easiest to forget. Throughout the course of the busy, loud, and messy day, always remember the point of Thanksgiving. Even if you might not be able to pull it off perfectly, the most important thing is to give thanks and truly enjoy the spirit of the holiday with the people you get to celebrate it within your humble home.

Owning and buying your first home is the perfect reason to host Thanksgiving dinner. And since it's next week, chances are you have already made a checklist and started getting ready for the long-awaited holiday. But if you haven’t or still need a few reminders to make your festivities eve

11/14/2021

Selling a home is a complex process. Let us make your life easier and help you with all of your home-related needs! Send us a message so we can get started today.

11/13/2021

Ready to sell while the market is in your favor? Send us a message – we'll use our expertise to make sure you come out on top!

11/05/2021

As you approach closing, the pinnacle of your home buying journey, you'd want nothing to go wrong. But with many hurdles or complications that could get in the way before you finally hold your house keys, expect the process to be more stressful and overwhelming.

With a real estate agent by your side, you’re at least assured that the closing will be streamlined and become more bearable. But still, you have to know what to expect and do some legwork to help make it go as smoothly as possible. Here are several things you can do to prevent potential problems and close the deal with fewer hiccups:

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1. Read as much paperwork in advance.

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Last-minute delays at real estate closings are often caused by problems with paperwork.

You are making the biggest purchase of your life, so it's critical you understand every detail of your contracts. Get a head start on reviewing the paperwork as much as you can. Read every word carefully in the documents and emails being sent to you, and read everything again and again if needed.

Doing so will give you ample time to make notes, ask questions, or address any misunderstandings in advance. This way, you won’t find yourself looking over the documents while everyone is sitting and watching. While there’s nothing wrong with taking your time during closing day, it might make you feel uncomfortable causing you to skip valuable details when signing.



2. Make sure your name is consistent throughout the documentation.

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No alias, nicknames, or stage names are allowed when it comes to real estate transactions.

You will be required to provide a government ID at closing. If your name on the ID doesn't match your paperwork, you will have to either get a new ID that matches the one on the paperwork or redo the paperwork to match the name on the ID. This might be the case if you recently got married or divorced and failed to update your driver’s license with the name change. Either way, just know that you will not be able to close your house on that day.

To avoid this complication, make sure your state-issued ID has your current name on it and double-check your name’s spelling on the paperwork. Likewise, always share your full legal name with the lender, your real estate agent, and the title officer when carrying out the deal.



3. Always keep relevant parties informed.

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The real estate deal doesn't just involve the buyer and the seller but also other relevant parties—the buyer’s agent, the seller’s agent, the lender, the title representative, and sometimes even a real estate attorney and an accountant.

Any changes that occur prior to closing, whether you’ve changed jobs, were furloughed, or you’ve made a deal with the seller about any last-minute repair, are important that your agent and lender are notified. Your paperwork must reflect any of these deals, which means you have to keep these relevant people in the know to protect yourself and avoid any delays at closing.



4. Verify banking information and payment requirements.

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Before sending money via wire transfer or a cashier's check, ask questions about payment requirements and verify that all the information needed for the transfer is correct.

Aside from your down payment which you have to pay upfront at closing, you also have to cover other closing costs, which means a huge amount of money will be moved around. Aside from making sure that the information is correct, check that the amount needed for closing costs is correct. The title company representative or the attorney will provide you with the exact amount required and how it should be paid, such as by wiring the funds in advance of the appointment.

If the attorney is requesting a wire transfer, remember that those instructions will never be emailed. To avoid falling victim to wire fraud, be vigilant and call the attorney or your real estate agent first to verify the wiring instructions. You want to guarantee that the person contacting you about the transfer of funds is the verified person instead of a scam artist.



5. Don't hesitate to ask questions before and during closing.

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If there are any words or terms you don't understand? Just ask.

No question is too big or too small, especially when it comes to the complicated world of real estate. Whether it’s your first or even third time buying a home, it’s easy to get scared and overwhelmed. To ease some of that anxiety, call the title company before the closing day and ask them to walk you through the transaction. Clarify any issue that’s been bothering you or anything that’s still unclear about the contract. Don’t forget to also prepare and ask your agent and title officer questions during the closing. All of these measures will help the process go smoothly during closing day.

As you approach closing, the pinnacle of your home buying journey, you'd want nothing to go wrong. But with many hurdles or complications that could get in the way before you finally hold your house keys, expect the process to be more stressful and overwhelming.  With a real estate agent