Willingham 5 Star Properties, Keller Williams Realty

09/22/2026

Cole’s Corner 🏡 What Are Contingencies and Why Do They Protect You?

Buying a home is exciting — but it’s also a big investment. That’s where contingencies come in! Think of them as your safety net during the homebuying process. 🛡️

Here’s what you need to know:

1️⃣ Inspection Contingency — Gives you the right to have the home professionally inspected. If major issues turn up (foundation problems, roof damage, etc.), you can negotiate repairs, ask for a credit, or walk away.

2️⃣ Financing Contingency — Protects you if your mortgage falls through. If you can’t secure financing within the agreed timeframe, you can back out without losing your earnest money.

3️⃣ Appraisal Contingency — If the home appraises for less than the agreed price, this lets you renegotiate, cover the gap, or exit the deal without penalty.

4️⃣ Home Sale Contingency — If you need to sell your current home before buying, this makes your offer conditional on that sale closing first.

💡 Myth-busting moment: Contingencies don’t make you a “weaker” buyer — they make you a smart one. In competitive markets, some buyers waive contingencies to compete, but that comes with real risk. Always weigh that decision carefully with your agent.

Bottom line: contingencies exist to protect YOUR money and YOUR peace of mind during one of life’s biggest purchases. 🏠✨

Questions about contingencies or how they might apply to your situation? Drop a comment below or send us a DM — Terri, Joe, and Cole are here to help! 👇

09/17/2026

Another quick transaction! We are excited to help the next client.

Looking to buy or sell? Call or text:
Joe 254-413-0698
Terri 817-366-3394
Cole 254-413-3572

09/15/2026

Cole’s Corner 🏡✨

The Home Inspection: What to Look For and What to Walk Away From

Found “the one”? Don’t skip this step — a good inspection can save you thousands (or save you from a money pit). Here’s what to know:

🔍 What’s normal (don’t panic):
1️⃣ Minor cracks in drywall or driveways — normal settling, not a red flag
2️⃣ Older windows or worn caulking — easy, cheap fixes
3️⃣ A water heater nearing the end of its life — negotiable, not a dealbreaker
4️⃣ Small electrical quirks (a mismatched outlet, missing GFCI) — usually a quick fix

🚩 What should make you pause:
5️⃣ Foundation cracks that are wide, horizontal, or spreading — get a structural engineer involved
6️⃣ Signs of active water damage or mold — this can mean bigger issues behind the walls
7️⃣ Outdated electrical panels (knob-and-tube, aluminum wiring) — costly and a safety concern
8️⃣ Roof nearing the end of its life with no seller credit offered — factor in that cost before you commit
9️⃣ Major pest damage (termites especially) — get a separate pest inspection to confirm the scope

💡 The bottom line: No home is perfect — even new construction has a punch list. The inspection isn’t about finding a flawless house, it’s about knowing exactly what you’re buying so there are no surprises later.

Thinking about your own home search and not sure what’s a dealbreaker vs. a fixable? Drop a comment or send us a DM — we’re happy to walk through it with you! 🏡💬

09/08/2026

Joe Willingham
Keller Williams Brazos West
New listing for $299,950 on 13822 Fm4, Santo, TX 76472 (MLS #: 21380747)

MLS #: 21380747. This exceptional property offers the ideal blend of rural living and metropolitan access. Located close to Santo schools and just a short drive from I 20, you'll have an easy commute to the Fort Worth Dallas area. The property is a dream for those needing space for hobbies or busine...

09/08/2026

New on the Market

09/08/2026

🏡 Cole’s Corner: Why You Need a Buyer’s Agent (and What They Actually Do) 🏡

Thinking about buying a home and wondering if you really need an agent? Let’s clear that up. 👇

1️⃣ They negotiate on YOUR side. The listing agent works for the seller. Without your own agent, nobody in the room is fighting for your best price and terms.

2️⃣ They spot problems you won’t. From sketchy inspection red flags to shady contract clauses, a good agent catches what first-time eyes miss.

3️⃣ They handle the paperwork maze. Offers, disclosures, deadlines, addendums — one missed signature or date can cost you the house. Your agent keeps it all on track.

4️⃣ They know the local market. Pricing a home right, knowing which neighborhoods are heating up, understanding what “market value” actually means where you’re buying — that’s local expertise you can’t Google.

5️⃣ They’re your guide, start to finish. From your first showing to closing day, your agent is the one person whose job is making sure YOU come out ahead. 🔑

💬 Myth busted: A buyer’s agent isn’t a luxury — it’s a safety net that costs you nothing.

Thinking about buying? Comment or DM us — we’d love to walk you through it! 🏠✨

Terri, Joe and Cole | Willingham 5 Star Properties

09/03/2026

Joe Willingham
Keller Williams Brazos West
New listing for $1,300,000 on 4063 Hwy 171 Highway, Cleburne, TX 76033 (MLS #: 21372119)

MLS #: 21372119. EASY ACCESS TO NEW AMAZON OPERATIONS FACILITY AND CHISHOLM TRAIL PARKWAY. 41+ Acres in a great location. Property has 1500+ road frontage. Raw land no improvements. Good perimeter fences. 2 seasonal tanks for livestock with coastal Bermuda for grazing or cutting. High traffic on Wea...

09/03/2026

Joe Willingham
Keller Williams Brazos West
New listing for $1,300,000 on 4063 Weatherford Highway, Cleburne, TX 76033 (MLS #: 21372123)

MLS #: 21372123. EASY ACCESS TO NEW AMAZON OPERATIONS FACILITY AND CHISHOLM TRAIL PARKWAY. 41+ Acres in a great location. Property has 1500+ road frontage. Raw land no improvements. Good perimeter fences. 2 seasonal tanks for livestock with coastal Bermuda for grazing or cutting. High traffic on Wea...

09/02/2026

New on the Market

09/02/2026

New on the Market