Signs You’re Living in the Wrong House and What You Should Do About It

Colby Hager on October 18, 2022

Signs You're Living in the Wrong House and What You Should Do About It

Name: Capstone Homebuyers
Address: 24165 I-10 Ste. 217-252, San Antonio, TX, 78257, US
Telephone: (210) 793-4448
Price range: 000-1,000,000

Living in the wrong house does happen. There are signs that you may not realize are indicating that you actually may be living in the wrong house for you. Once you begin to realize that your house is turning into an unwanted house, you will want to take steps to fix the issue. Find out what signs to look for that indicate you may be living in the wrong house and what to do about it if you are living in an unwanted house.

What Does It Mean To Live in the Wrong House?

There are a few different ways to look at living in the wrong house. It could simply mean that you do not like your house anymore and are considering moving. If you have owned your house for several years, it is normal to get tired of it and start longing for something new.

On the other hand, living in the wrong could indicate problems that you are having that are issues surrounding your house wihtout it being the house itself. These could be space issues, financial issues, or neighborhood issues. We are going to cover all the common reasons a house can become unwanted.

How To Know If You're Living in the Wrong House?

The first step is to take a close look at your life and see if there are any areas that are causing you stress or unhappiness. If you are starting to dread coming home, it is definitely a sign that something is wrong. Other signs include feeling suffocated, feeling like you never have privacy, or not having enough storage and other issues. Below are some of the most common we see.

You Have Buyers Remorse

This is a big one. You may have been thrilled with your house when you first bought it, but now that some time has passed, you are not so sure. This is normal and can happen for a variety of reasons. Maybe you didn’t take the time to really think about what you wanted and rushed into buying the house or there were remodeling items you meant to do but haven’t gotten around to yet.

The Home Doesn't Fit Your Budget

Another common reason people start to dislike their homes is because they can no longer afford it. This could be because you took on too much house when you first bought it and your financial situation has changed or because the housing market in your area has declined. Whatever the reason, if you are struggling to make ends meet, it can definitely be a deciding factor in determining if you are in the right or wrong house.

You Have Issues With Your Neighborhood

If you are not happy with your neighbors or the area around your house, it can make coming home a real drag. Maybe the kids in the neighborhood are always causing trouble or maybe it is just too noisy for your liking. A high crime rate or recent neighborhood break-ins can cause you to have issues with your neighborhood. If you find yourself constantly avoiding your own home, it may be time to start looking for a new place.

Constant Maintenance Issues

If your home is always in need of repairs, it can be a real pain. If you feel like you are constantly spending money on maintenance and it’s draining you financially and emotionally, it may be time to consider finding a new place to live.

Structural Issues

If your home is starting to show signs of wear and tear, it may be time for an upgrade. If you are constantly having issues with things like mold, leaks, or pests, it can make life very difficult. Not to mention, it can also be dangerous to live in a house that is not up to code. If you are noticing cracks in your walls and there might be foundation issues, you may want to sell before it becomes a major problem.

The House is Too Big and You Need to Downsize

If your children have all moved out and you are now living in a house that is too big, it can be very difficult to maintain. Not only is it expensive to keep up a large home, but it can also be quite lonely. If you find yourself struggling to take care of a big house, it may be time to consider that you live in the wrong house.

You've Outgrown the House

As your family grows, your needs change. If you find yourself constantly bumping into things and tripping over toys, it may be time to start looking for a bigger house. Maybe you need an extra bedroom or some more storage space. Whatever the case may be, if your home is no longer meeting your needs, it could be time to move on.

Bad Memories in the House

If you have recently gone through a divorce or had another major life event, it can be hard to move on when you are living in the same house. If every time you walk in the door, all you can think about are the bad memories, it may be time for a change. Sometimes, all you need is a fresh start and moving to a new house can give you that.

You Inherited the House

If you have inherited a house from a family member, it can be hard to feel like it is truly your home. If you don’t have any sentimental attachment to the house, it may be easier for you to move on. Sometimes, it is best to sell the house and use the proceeds towards upgrading your own home.

Why Waiting To Sell Can Cost You

If you are unsure whether you should sell your house, it is essential to remember that the longer you wait, the more it will cost you. Not only will you have to continue paying for mortgage payments, insurance, and taxes, but you will also have to pay for maintenance and repairs. If you are struggling with your decision or making the final move, consider some of the costs listed below associated with keeping an unwanted house for too long.

Increased Property Taxes

The longer you own your home, the more your property taxes will increase. This is because your home will be reassessed at a higher value which will result in a higher tax bill. If you are struggling to keep up with the payments, it may be time for you to sell. Plus, taxes owed are calculated daily so each day will lead to an increased pro-rated tax bill when you sell.

Increasing Interest Rates

If you are waiting to sell your home because you think interest rates may go down, you could be costing yourself a lot of money. Not only will you have to continue making mortgage payments, but your buyers’ interest rate will increase the longer you wait which decreases their buying power.

Buyer Interest Decreasing

The more interest rates rise and the more available inventory there is on the market, buyer interest is decreasing. There is less competition among buyers, and many are deciding to sit on the sidelines to see what happens with interest rates and the real estate market overall.

Insurance and Utility Costs

If you are not living in your house, you will still be responsible for paying the insurance and utility bills. If you have already moved out, these bills can become quite expensive. In some cases, it might be cheaper to sell your house and rent an apartment until you find your forever home.

Maintenance Costs

If you are not living in your house, you will still be responsible for any repairs and maintenance that needs to be done. This can become very expensive, especially if something major needs to be fixed. If you have already moved out, these costs can really add up. Generally speaking, if a house is sitting empty, it is more prone to needed maintenance.

Mortgage Payments

If you are not living in your house, you will still be responsible for making mortgage payments. This may seem like an obvious cost but you have to factor it in with all of the other costs that begin to add up.

Vacant House Issues

If you have already moved out and your house is sitting vacant, you may start to experience some issues. Your insurance company may drop you or raise your rates because they consider your house to be high-risk. Additionally, vandals may target your home and you could end up with a broken window or two.

Selling Your Unwanted House Fast For Cash to Capstone Homebuyers

If you are ready to get rid of your unwanted house, Capstone Homebuyers can help. We are a cash buyer and we can close on your home fast- often within 7 days. Plus, we will take care of all of the repairs and maintenance that needs to be done so you don’t have to worry about it. Give us a call today or fill out our form for a no-obligation offer on your home.

10 Reasons Why Selling Your House Fast for Cash Makes Sense

Colby Hager on October 16, 2022

10 Reasons Why Selling Your House Fast for Cash Makes Sense

If you’re trying to sell your house, you might be wondering if it’s worth it to try and sell it fast for cash. After all, there are plenty of benefits to selling your house the traditional way through a real estate agent. However, in today’s market, there are plenty of reasons why selling your house fast for cash makes.

We will cover many of those reasons to help you decide if getting a fast cash offer on your house makes sense for you. If you are selling your house in San Antonio, we at Capstone Homebuyers have been giving cash offers to homeowners for years and helping them sell their houses fast for cash.

#1 Your House Needs Repairs

One of the most common reasons why homeowners want to sell their house fast for cash is because their house needs repairs that they can’t afford or don’t have the time to do.

If your house needs significant repairs, it can be difficult to find a buyer who is willing to pay full price or even close to full price. Even if a traditional home buyer is willing to pay the price for a house that needs repairs, banks typically won’t lend on properties needing significant work.

#2 Your House Is Facing Foreclosure

If you’re facing foreclosure, it’s important to act fast. Selling your house for cash can help you avoid foreclosure and the damage it will do to your credit score.

Selling your house for cash can also help you walk away with some money in your pocket instead of being upside down on your mortgage or losing it to the bank at the foreclosure auction.

#3 Job Relocation / Transfer

If you have to relocate for a job or maybe even a military transfer, you might want to sell your house as quickly as possible. Selling your house fast for cash can help you move on with your life and start fresh in your new location.

Selling your house the traditional way through a real estate agent can take months, which can be difficult if you need to make the sale happen quickly due to work circumstances you can’t control. Plus, it’s actually pretty easy to sell your house fast in San Antonio once you find out how.

#4 Structural Damage or Water Damage/Mold

If your house has structural damage or water damage/mold issues, it can be difficult to find a buyer who is willing to take on those types of repairs.

Selling your house for cash can help you avoid the hassle and expense of making repairs before selling. It can also help you walk away with some peace of mind knowing that a professional homebuyer is taking on serious issues which can reduce the liability of selling a house with major problems.

#5 Inherited House

If you’ve recently inherited a house, you might want to sell it quickly so that you can move on with your life. Selling an inherited house can be emotional and complicated, so working with a professional homebuyer who can help you sell your house fast for cash can make the process much easier. Additionally, a professional who buys quickly for cash can often help with the probate or heirship process if needed.

#6 Selling Fast For Personal Reasons

We understand that sometimes, the reason you need to sell your house fast is personal. We get it. At Capstone Homebuyers, all of our client information is kept strictly confidential. You will want to make sure your home buyer can do the same if you are outside of the San Antonio area.

#7 Animal Smells /Hoarding

If you have a house with animal smells or hoarding issues, it can be difficult to find a buyer who is willing to take on those types of repairs. Most buyers will have difficulty seeing the potential value of the house after the repairs are completed. Overwhelming smells or being unable to see portions of the house can hinder the imagination of the potential buyer.

Selling your house for cash can help you avoid the hassle and expense of professional deep cleaning and disposal before selling.

#8 Too Much To Clean

Have you ever walked into a home and immediately felt overwhelmed by the amount of cleaning that needed to be done? Maybe it was an old family member’s home, or maybe you just never got around to decluttering your own house.

Whatever the reason, if you have too much stuff and not enough time to clean before selling you may just want to move and leave your unwanted belongings behind. Getting a quick cash offer from a San Antonio Homebuyer can be just the solution you are looking for.

#9 Back Property Taxes

If you have back property taxes, you may be looking to sell quickly to avoid the consequences of property taxes that have been delinquent for too long. Working with a buyer who understands these issues and knows how to put together a cash transaction quickly can be key.

#10 Divorce

Selling your house fast for cash can help you move on with your life after a divorce. If you’re going through a divorce, selling your house fast for cash can help you split the proceeds from the sale quickly and without having to go through a drawn-out sales process with lots of negotiations along the way.

Selling Your House Fast For Cash to Capstone Homebuyers

Capstone Homebuyers is a family-owned business based in San Antonio, TX that buys houses fast for cash. We have helped hundreds of homeowners in the San Antonio area sell their houses quickly and without having to go through the hassle of listing with a real estate agent.

If you are thinking about selling your house fast for cash, we would love to talk to you about your options. You can reach us at 210-793-4448 or fill out our online form to get started. We hope this article was helpful in explaining some of the reasons why selling your house fast for cash makes sense. If you are ready to sell your house now, please give us a call!

How To Sell Your House As-Is Even If It Needs Repairs

Colby Hager on October 16, 2022

How To Sell Your House As-Is Even If It Needs Repairs

Selling your house as-is should be the goal for every homeowner thinking of selling their house. However, most buyers request that repairs be made after an inspection. Selling your house as-is when it is in need of repairs can be even more challenging because the repairs needed are obvious to anyone who sees the house.

If your house needs work and you want to sell as-is, we will cover how to sell your house even if it is in need of repairs. Follow these tips to get the most money for your house while selling your house fast.

What Does It Mean To Sell A House As-Is?

Selling your house as-is means you as the seller won’t be making any changes or alterations to the house at the request of the buyer. You are selling the house in its’ current state and the buyer is purchasing the property with the expectation that they will need to make changes or repairs. It’s important to be upfront about any damage or repair needs so there aren’t any surprises after the sale.

Typically, a buyer will have an inspection that will uncover hidden issues with the house that might not be obvious to the average home buyer. If you are truly selling as-is, this inspection won’t trigger a re-negotiation.

Why Would A Homeowner Want To Sell A House That Needs Repairs?

The most common reason homeowners want to sell as-is is because they don’t want to spend the money on repairs or deal with contractors. While conventional wisdom says if you fix your house up before selling you make more money, that isn’t always the case. Also, it takes a lot of financial resources to really fix up a house to the point where it no longer needs repairs.

Another common reason for wanting to sell as-is is time. If you need to sell fast, making repairs will only slow down the process. Selling as-is can help you unload the property quickly so you can move on with your life especially if you are relocating and need to move quickly.

Could You Lose Money Selling A House As-is?

Theoretically, yes you could lose money selling a house as-is. If you spend $20,000 remodeling a kitchen, you are supposed to be able to get $25,000 back. But what if you have budget overages, have to fire a contractor, or can’t finish the repairs? Plus, it does no good to fix up one aspect of a house and leave the rest dated or still in need of work.

So while some might say you could lose money selling a house as-is that really isn’t accurate. You really lose the opportunity to TRY to make more money by making an investment. At the end of the day, when you make repairs to a house you know you are going to sell, you are investing in the house and hoping you get a return on your investment. Most homeowners don’t want to be real estate investors and speculate on what repairs they should do vs what repairs they should ignore.

So the truth is, you don’t lose money by selling a house as-is. In fact, at Capstone Homebuyers, we typically offer a fair market value for the home once you factor in the repairs that need to be made.

How To Sell A House That Needs Repairs As-Is

If you ultimately decide that selling your house as-is makes the most sense for you and your unique situation then you can take some of these tips into consideration. Some are absolute musts like not purposefully hiding any flaws and some are optional like advertising the house or listing the house with a realtor. Most people decide to do straight to the source and sell their house as-is to a cash house buyer like Capstone homebuyers.

Fix What You Can in the House

While this contradicts the whole point of selling your house as-is, if there are small repairs you can do to the house that won’t take much time or money, it could be worth it. Something like fixing a hole in the wall, re-caulking the tub, or replacing missing tiles will only cost you a few hundred dollars but could help increase your offers.

These types of repairs make a big first impression and show that you have taken care of the house even though you are selling as-is.

Highlight The Positives About The House

When you are selling your house as-is, it’s important to focus on the positive aspects of the property. This means if there is a great view, good schools in the area, or other amenities, make sure to include that information. You want to make the house sound as appealing as possible to potential buyers so they are aware of the benefits of the house that go beyond just the condition of the actual property itself.

Don't Try To Hide Anything

One of the worst things you can do when selling your house as-is is trying to hide any damage or repairs that need to be made. This will only come back to bite you later on down the road. Be upfront and honest with potential buyers about the condition of the property. If there are any known issues, make potential buyers aware. Not doing so can open you up to liability down the road. Especially if it is something major like a foundation that needs repairs.

Hoarder House? Get Rid of as Much as You Can

If you are selling a house that has been turned into a hoarder’s paradise, the first step is to get rid of as much stuff as you can. This will make the house appear larger and more appealing to potential buyers. It will also make any necessary repairs easier and less expensive to fix.

Attempt to List the Property As-Is With A Realtor

While this isn’t always possible, some realtors are willing to list a property as-is. This means they won’t require you to make any repairs before listing the property. If you decide to go this route, be sure to interview a few different realtors to see if they are willing and able to sell the house as-is. You also will have to make it clear that there can be no inspection-based re-negotiations because inspection re-negotiations are considered to be common with realtors.

Advertise The House As An Investment Property

Many times, people are more willing to buy a house that needs repairs if they know they can rent it out or fix it up and sell it for a profit. By advertising the house as an investment property, you may be able to attract more buyers who are interested in taking on a project.

Sell To A Professional Home Buying Company

One of the best ways to sell your house as-is is to sell it to a professional home-buying company. These companies buy houses in any condition and can often close on the sale much faster than selling through a realtor. This is a great option if you need to sell quickly or don’t want to deal with repairs or cleaning. Make sure you check the reviews of home-buyers and choose who you work with carefully by taking a look at this guide on the best cash house buyers in San Antonio.

Selling Your House That Needs Repairs To Capstone Homebuyers

If you need to sell your house that needs repairs, we can help. We are professional home-buyers in San Antonio who buy houses in any condition. We can close on the sale quickly and will take care of all the repairs and cleaning for you.

Capstone Homebuyers is the premier “we buy houses” company in San Antonio, Texas. When you choose to sell your house to Capstone Homebuyers, you can know you are working with a local, family-owned company that is based on guiding principles that set us apart.

For great customer service and a great selling experience, sell to Capstone Homebuyers. Give us a call or fill out our online form to get started.

Reasons Why You Might Consider Selling With Owner Financing in San Antonio

Colby Hager on September 25, 2022

Reasons Why You Might Consider Selling With Owner Financing in San Antonio

When it comes time to sell your house, there are a lot of ways to go about it. You can list it with a real estate agent, put up a sign in the yard, and wait for the offers to come in. Or you could consider selling with owner financing.

Owner financing is a great option for sellers who want to get the most out of their house and are willing to sell in a non-traditional manner. If you’re thinking about selling your house this way, here are the top 3 reasons why you should consider it.

Selling With Owner Financing Can Expand Your Pool of Potential Buyers

The traditional way of selling a house is to list it with a real estate agent and wait for buyers to come to you. But this can often take weeks or even months. And if your house is in need of repairs, it could be even longer.

With owner financing, you can bypass all of that and sell your house directly to the buyer without involving a bank or traditional lender. This means that you can sell your house to anyone who has the cash for the down payment, regardless of their credit score or employment history.

This actually makes your buyer pool bigger because traditional buyers can still put in an offer but now you are opening the door for buyers who are specifically looking for creative financing directly from the owner.

Possibly Sell Your House For More Than Market Value

When you sell your house the traditional way, you are at the mercy of the current housing market. If prices are low, you might not be able to get the price you want for your house. But with owner financing, you can set your own terms and price. This means that if the housing market is down but you still need to sell your house, you can offer owner financing to make up the difference.

You can also use owner financing as a way to negotiate a higher sales price. For example, if your asking price is $200,000 but the buyer only has $150,000, you could offer to finance the remaining $50,000 with an interest rate that is still lower than what they could get from a bank. With interest rates rising rapidly, owner financing will become more common and even more lucrative for sellers.

Create An Income Stream By Selling With Owner Financing

One of the best things about selling with owner financing is that you can create an ongoing income stream from your house. Once the house is sold, you become the bank and the buyer makes monthly payments to you instead of a bank. This gives you a chance to earn money from your house every month, which can be used to supplement your income or help with expenses. And if you sell the house for more than it’s worth, you could potentially make a lot of money over time.

When you act as the bank, you collect amortized interest. think about this…a $150,000 loan amortized over 30 years with a 6% interest rate collects $173,757 in interest in addition to the $150,000 principle. That means you collect a total of $323,757 over the life of the loan. How about that as an income stream and investment!

A Word Of Caution When Selling With Owner Financing

Before you decide to sell your house with owner financing, there are a few things you need to be aware of. First, make sure you understand the legal aspects of selling with owner financing. There are some specific laws that apply and you need to make sure you are in compliance.

You also need to be aware of the risks involved. When you become the bank, you are taking on all of the risks if the buyer defaults on the loan. This means that you could end up having to foreclose on the house and evict the buyer, which can be a long and costly process.

If you don’t own the house free and clear, owner financing might still be an option for you but you need to understand the way a wraparound mortgage works and get competent legal advice throughout the process.

How Capstone Homebuyers Can Help

If you want to sell your house fast and for cash, owner financing might not be the best option for you. But if you are willing to take on a little more risk and wait for the right buyer, owner financing can be a great way to get the most out of your house.

At Capstone Homebuyers, we are always looking for houses that are being sold with owner financing. We will work with you to structure the deal in a way that is beneficial for both parties. We are a qualified buyer and ready to close quickly. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can help you sell your house with owner financing.

We Buy Houses As-Is For Cash: Tips On Selling A House That Needs Repairs

Colby Hager on September 17, 2022

We Buy Houses As-Is For Cash: Tips On Selling A House That Needs Repairs

Selling a house as-is for cash can be very beneficial for the right homeowner. The benefits of selling as-is when your house is in need of repairs can certainly be attractive. If selling a house as-is seems to be the right way for you to sell, keep reading to find out some tips on selling your house that is in need of repairs.

Why Sell A House That Needs Repairs?

If you own a house that needs repairs, it can be tough to keep up with the maintenance and costs associated with fixing it. Deferred maintenance issues can add up quickly and sometimes selling a house that needs repairs is the most viable and realistic option for a homeowner.

You Want to Sell Fast Instead of Waiting for Repairs

Selling a house as-is for cash can be attractive to many homeowners because it enables them to sell their home quickly. If you need to sell your house fast, then selling as-is may be the best option. Selling as-is also means that you don’t need to wait for repairs to be made before putting the house on the market and waiting for a qualified buyer.

You Don't Have to Deal With Contractors

Another reason selling as-is can be attractive is that you don’t need to deal with contractors. If you’re not interested in dealing with the hassle of finding and managing contractors or deciding on which repairs are actually worth spending money on, then selling your house as-is may be the best option for you.

Once Repairs Are Made, You Have to Wait For a Retail Buyer

Selling a house as-is for cash is often the best option for homeowners who need to sell fast and don’t want to wait for repairs to be completed. Once you’ve made the repairs, you’ll then have to wait for a retail buyer who is willing to pay the full market value of your home. This alone can be quite a process, not to mention waiting for the bank loan process once your house actually goes under contract.

Harder To Determine Pricing After Repairs

Once you’ve made repairs to your house, it can be difficult to price your home accurately. You don’t want to overprice and scare away potential buyers but you also don’t want to underprice and lose out on money that you could have made from the sale. It’s often difficult to find that perfect pricing sweet spot. This is especially true if you were able to make some repairs but not all or if some of the repairs you made were DIY instead of professionally contracted out.

Selling To An As-Is House Buyer

To understand what an as-is house buyer really is, it’s important to understand what it means to sell your house as-is. When a property is sold as-is, it means that the seller is selling the home in its current condition, without making any repairs or improvements. The buyer can assess the current condition of the house but must buy the house without requesting the current owner to make any repairs.

Selling As-Is Tip #1:

Make sure you disclose what you know about the home to a potential buyer. Selling a house as-is doesn’t mean that you can hide information about the property from potential buyers. The goal is to be as upfront and transparent as possible about the condition of your house. You’ll still need to complete any required paperwork and disclosure forms truthfully. This will help avoid any legal issues down the road.

Selling Without Making Repairs Tip #2:

Selling to a professional home buyer can make the process even more simple. A professional home buying company will make you an offer on your house as-is and can close on the sale quickly, often within a week or two. Additionally, they will handle all the sales paperwork and make sure the sale is handled by a reputable title company that is locally operated.

As-Is House Sale Tip #3:

You shouldn’t have to pay closing costs. Most home buying companies offer this as a benefit to working with them. Closing costs are sneaky fees typically charged by the title company that you may not be aware of at the time you agree on the price to sell your house.

When a buyer agrees to pay your closing costs, it can take away some of the mystery. This can wind up saving you thousands of dollars and simplify the transaction because you won’t have any guesswork about your final numbers.

Selling On Your Own Tip #4:

Take the time to know the value of the house in its “As-Is” condition. You can use online tools to get a sense of your home’s worth but take these values with a grain of salt. They are usually estimated values based on if the house is in great shape. However, doing this can help you understand what to expect when selling on your own without making repairs.

Selling A House In Poor Condition Tip #5

Research the cash buyer you work with and check their reviews. There are plenty of reputable home buying companies out there but unfortunately, there are also some that are not as reputable. It’s important to do your due diligence and work with a company that you trust.

Sell Your House As-Is Tip #6

Get more than one offer. When you work with a home buying company, they will likely make you a fair all-cash offer for your house. However, it’s always a good idea to get more than one offer to ensure you’re getting the best possible price for your property and to make sure you get a good feeling from the buyer you choose to work with.

Selling Your House As-Is For Cash: The Bottom Line

Selling a house as-is for cash can be a great option if you need to sell quickly and don’t have the time or money to make repairs. Keep in mind that when selling as-is, it’s important to be upfront and honest about the current condition of your home. If you have any questions about selling your house as-is or would like to learn more about working with a professional home buyer, please contact us today! We would be happy to chat with you about your specific situation and help you figure out the best option for selling your house.

Selling Your House to Downsize: Tips and Tricks To Know Before You Move

Colby Hager on September 12, 2022

Selling Your House to Downsize: Tips and Tricks To Know Before You Move

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably considered downsizing your home at some point. Maybe your kids have moved out and you don’t need as much space anymore, or maybe you just want to simplify your life or have gone through a divorce. Whatever the reason, selling your house to downsize can be a great way to simplify your life and get rid of some excess baggage. But it’s not always easy, so before you put your house on the market, be sure to read these tips and tricks!

How To Prepare to Move to a Smaller Space

The most important thing when downsizing your home is to declutter and get rid of anything you don’t need. This can be a daunting task, but it’s necessary if you want to move to a smaller space. Start by going through each room in your house and getting rid of anything you don’t use or need. This includes clothes, furniture, kitchen, garage, and other places where your personal belongings tend to accumulate.

Select The Furniture To Be Moved First

The first step is to identify which furniture you are taking and which furniture you are leaving behind. This is important because clearing out furniture that you know isn’t coming with you can give you extra space to work, and pack, and is an easy way to remove some of the more bulky items that take up the most space.

Consider Donating Items You Haven't Used In The Last Year

This is a great way to get rid of things you don’t need and declutter your home. If you haven’t used an item in the last year, chances are you don’t need it and it can be donated. This can be anything from clothes to furniture to knick-knacks.

Plus, when you donate items you haven’t used in the last year, other people might get the chance to get use out of the items plus, you can get a tax deduction!

Have An Estate Sale

If you have a lot of stuff that you want to get rid of, but don’t want to just donate it, then having an estate sale is a great option. This is where you sell all your unwanted items in one big sale. You can advertise the sale online or in your local paper. Plus, this is a great way to make some extra money!

Consider Hiring An Organizational Professional Before You Move

If you’re finding it difficult to declutter and get rid of your belongings, then you might want to consider hiring an organizational professional. This is someone who can help you go through your belongings and help you decide what to keep and what to get rid of. They can also help you pack everything up so that it’s organized and ready to take to your new home.

While a professional organizer might seem expensive on the surface, think of the time you can save and how organized your new house will be when you unpack.

Consider Who Will Buy Your House Before You Move

When you are selling your house due to downsizing, you want to take the time to identify who is likely to buy your current home and how you will go about selling your current home. Most people tend to think about options like listing with a realtor, selling to a neighbor or family friend, or maybe selling to a real estate investor.

Selling With a Realtor When Downsizing

If you will be listing your house for sale with a realtor, your house will likely need to be empty and cleaned. If you decide to list your house for sale with a realtor, they will want the house ready for showings and to have future homeowners walk through the house.

However, making sure you empty the house completely and get everything cleaned and presentable can be a challenge. Downsizing in and of itself can be stressful enough. Worrying about where all of the extra items go is enough to deal with even if you have followed our downsizing tips!

Selling To A Neighbor or Family Friend When Downsizing

Many times, when people are downsizing, they want to try and sell their house to someone they know. This is a great idea because you can work with someone you know and hopefully that will make the negotiations and paperwork less stressful. The main thing you want to make sure of if you go this route is that all of your paperwork is done properly so the transaction goes smoothly.

Sell Your House To A Cash House Buyer to Downsize

You may also choose to sell your house for cash to a local “we buy houses” cash buyer. This can be a great option when you are downsizing because when you sell to a company like Capstone Homebuyers, you don’t have to worry about any of the cleaning or making sure the house is empty.

Cash buyers are purchasing the home for a real estate investment. They will normally allow you to take all of the items you want and leave the rest behind. So if you aren’t going to spring for a professional organizer and don’t want to have an estate sale, this might be a good option for you.

Conclusion

Downsizing doesn’t have to be a stressful process. By following our downsizing tips, you can make the process less daunting and maybe even enjoy the process of decluttering your home.

When you are ready to move and downsize your home, we would love to help! Capstone Homebuyers is a local cash buyer that buys houses in as-is condition. We don’t require any repairs or cleaning and we can close on the sale of your house in as little as 7 days!

If you would like to learn more about how we can help you downsize your home, please give us a call at (210) 793-4448 or fill out our online form and we will walk you through our process.

Selling Your House On Your Own Or With A Realtor: What Are The Costs?

Colby Hager on September 4, 2022

Selling Your House On Your Own Or With A Realtor: What Are The Costs?

It’s no secret that selling a home can be expensive. Between the realtor fees, closing costs, and repairs that need to be made before you put your house on the market, it’s easy to see how the cost of selling a house can add up quickly. But what if you could sell your home without paying any of those fees? Or what if you could pay a fraction of the cost by selling your house on your own?

In this blog post, we’ll explore the costs associated with selling your house on your own or with a realtor. We’ll also look at the best way to eliminate those costs altogether. So whether you’re thinking about selling your house on your own or working with a realtor, read on for more information about the costs involved in each option!

Standard Costs of Hiring A Real Estate Agent To Sell Your House

The Cost of Real Estate Commissions

With the value of real estate constantly rising, it’s important to know just how much you can expect from your agent. Let’s say that your house sells for $300K with a 6% commission. Your real estate agent fee would come out to $18k! This may not seem like a lot but when you factor in closing costs, repairs, and other expenses related to the sale of your home, it adds up quickly!

Here’s the thing about real estate commissions…even when you try to sell your house on your own, buyers normally already have a realtor and that realtor still wants to get paid. They will either steer them away from your house or ask the buyer or you to pay their commission. In this type of situation, the real estate agent can create some costly roadblocks for you as the seller.

Closing Costs

Home sellers should be prepared for all of the costs they will incur at their closing table. These are deducted from sale prices and add up fast!

Closing costs can vary depending on the property and type of transaction. When you work with an agent to sell your house, expect about 2% of its final sale price in closing expenses like transfer taxes, escrow fees, and recording fees (but not including real estate commissions). But if Capstone Homebuyers buys direct from owner-occupants like yourself we’ll take on those expenses.

Inspection Related Repairs

When selling your house, inspection items should be expected. If an ispection uncovers too many problems or major issues, there will likely have a repair request amendment. Again, this is standard and should be expected. Almost without exception, most sellers have to do some inspection-related home repairs during the option period of a contract. Repairs that have been neglected for long periods of time, can have repair costs that are fairly substantial and add up quickly. A new roof, for example, can set you back by as much as $20,000. Additionally, some lenders require certain repairs to be made before they will lend on the house.

Unexpected Costs Of Selling Your House With A Realtor

Additional Marketing

It’s important to know what your real estate agent is going to do for you beforehand. Some agents provide full service and will market the property in several ways, at no cost whatsoever; other agents leave the marketing up to you. Even full-service agents often require you to pay for things such as professional photographs, staging, and cleaning.

Staging Your Home

Perhaps the most important thing to do when you’re selling a home is to make sure that it looks its best. This means investing in some professional staging services so your property will appeal not only in pictures but also to potential homeowners who are looking in person too. Having tenants in the property when selling is not a substitution for proper staging.

Failed Contracts

A failed contract is when the prospective buyer backs out. This could be due to repairs, issues with the lender, not qualifying for their loan, or they just changed their mind. According to CNBC, 20-25 percent of all accepted contracts end up failing prior to closing. This can even happen with the national ibuyers as well which can leave you as the seller in a tough spot.

Lender required repairs

Sometimes when you are selling your house to a buyer who is using a loan to buy your house, the appraiser will note some repairs that need to be made. These will then become lender-required repairs. These are separate from inspection-related repairs and can increase your repair costs because they are required to be made before the buyer’s loan can get approved.

Costs Of Selling Your House On Your Own

Landscaping

Landscaping is the most important thing to improve curb appeal, and it normally costs about $3K. Every outdoor space should feel inviting even when there are no people around- which means you can enjoy spending time outside. This is an area where people can get creative but it is often hit or miss so make sure and plan carefully with the buyer in mind.

Professional Pictures

This is something that is overlooked even by many real estate agents. Don’t make this rookie mistake. This is one time when the great iPhone cameras just won’t cut it. Oh, and your neighbor Bob who is an amateur photographer won’t cut it either. Sure professional real estate photography isn’t cheap, however, it IS very valuable. Skip this cost at your own risk.

Utilities and Holding Costs

Even if you’ve already moved out for your upcoming sale, you can’t just cancel CPS in the home. Can you imagine falling in love with a house that feels more like a sauna as you walk through? Us either. Additionally, you will not want to cancel your account with SAWS. Water will still need to be used for proper lawn care and to keep the toilets operational. If the house is one you’ve been living in, then you already know what it will cost you to keep the utilities on.

Underestimating The True Value Of Your Home

If you aren’t using a licensed Realtor and you aren’t selling to a professional homebuyer, you could be missing out on potential value when you sell your house in a private sale. For instance, professional homebuyers are used to giving competitive offers because they know the market and know the competition is fierce. Realtors are also trained to estimate values based on comparable sales and are required to have your best interests as their primary focus.

Unexpected Costs Of Selling A House Without An Agent

Not Knowing Real Values

Understanding the demographic of buyers and renters in your area will help you market accordingly. For example, families looking for something different than college students or young singles might be interested in houses near yours. Having a good handle on who is buying can make it easier when deciding how to reach them with ads! Take some time today (or tonight!)to understand what each group wants so that everyone has an opportunity to see that your house would be a good fit for them!

Lack of Negotiating Strategy

You might be the type of person who can read people well and has a knack for negotiating. Maybe you’ve even taken a few business courses. But, do you know what to say when it comes to real estate negotiations?

Do you know how to properly value your home so that you’re getting top dollar without leaving too much on the table? How will you respond to a counter offer or other types of concessions requests?

Having a strategy for how you will sell your house quickly is important. If you want to skip the back and forth, you might want to deal with a straightforward home buyer who will give you their best cash offer the first time without uncomfortable and drawn out negotiations.

Costs Of Selling Your House To A Direct Buyer On Your Own

The costs of selling your house to a local home buying company like Capstone Homebuyers is usually very small and packed with benefits. Here are the most common costs when selling for cash:

Pro-rated property taxes

Pro-rated property taxes can reduce your net proceeds when you sell your house because you will be giving the buyer a credit for any unpaid taxes up the the day when the sale closes and is finalized.

Prior liens and judgments

Any prior liens or judgements that have attached themselves to the house or to the current homeowner will have to be paid before the transaction can close. Unless specifically negotiated, these fees would come from the seller of the property.

Sell Your House Fast For Cash To A Direct Buyer

Selling your house is a big decision and can be a costly and risky process.

It’s hard to know who to trust when selling your house. You might have to make costly repairs before selling, pay commissions and fees, or take on the risk of selling on your own.

Capstone Homebuyers offers an easy, no-risk solution. We give you our best offer upfront, pay all closing costs, and don’t charge commissions or fees. We buy houses as-is so you don’t have to make any costly repairs before selling.

How To Prepare To Sell An Inherited House in San Antonio, Texas

Colby Hager on September 2, 2022

How To Prepare To Sell An Inherited House in San Antonio, Texas

Selling an inherited house in San Antonio can be a challenging task because there are so many variables to consider. If you are a homeowner who has recently inherited a house, you may be wondering what to do next. Selling an inherited house can be tricky, but with the right preparation, the difficulty of selling the house can be reduced.

We will outline some steps you can take to get your inherited house ready for sale, and some things to consider that might not have been on your radar. Keep in mind that every situation is different, so if you have any specific questions or concerns, be sure to reach out to us, we are here to help.

The Probate Process and Is It Required To Sell Your Inherited House

The first thing to consider when preparing to sell an inherited house is to decide if you need to go through the actual probate process or if you can sell the house without probate. Many factors can go into this decision. To read more about how to make this determination, click here. Once you have decided whether or not the process of going through probate court is necessary for your specific circumstance, you can begin to take the next steps in preparing to sell your inherited house.

Emotionally Prepare to Sell An Inherited House

When preparing to sell an inherited house, one of the most important things to do is to save the memories of the house for yourself. It’s easy to discover that you have many mixed emotions about the property, and that can keep people from selling an inherited home. Instead, they just pay to hold onto the property but never really enjoy the house. The best step here is to understand that you are experiencing emotions about the memories and about the person who lived here. The house itself is just the structure.

So if you’re considering selling but want to preserve the memories, do something special in the house — take pictures, gather some of the furniture, photographs, and other mementos you will cherish. You’ll have a few things that represent your memories and you’ll still be able to sell the house to keep it from becoming a burden.

Decide How to Handle Cleaning and Repairs of the House

Chances are, you inherited the house from someone who lived there for a while. When this happens, you’ll find out that the person who lived there may have taken very good care of the house but after living in the same house for a while there might be areas of the house that they didn’t use very much, or perhaps areas of the house that they used for storage. The best way to help your inherited house sell is to clear the house out, clean it up thoroughly, and present a beautiful empty house to buyers.

If the house needs repairs, you will want to consider making those repairs before selling the house. Many potential buyers will be turned off by a house that needs work, and you may have difficulty selling the property if it needs repairs. Of course, the cost of making repairs to the house may not make sense for you, and in that case, you may want to consider selling the house as-is to a cash house buyer.

Who Buys Inherited Houses?

The condition of the inherited property may dictate who is interested in buying the property. If the property is in great condition, using a Realtor to list the house for sale might be a great option. They will set up all of the showings and help with the process of working with the buyer as they get an appraisal, work to get approval from the bank, and all of the other things that come with selling a house with a Realtor.

If the house needs some work or is dated, selling the inherited house to a local company that buys houses might be the best option. Cash home buying companies like Capstone Homebuyers in San Antonio are interested in purchasing properties as-is, which means you won’t have to make any repairs or do any cleaning before selling the property. We will come in and close on the property very quickly, which can be helpful if you need to sell fast or don’t want to make any repairs.

Think About How Much The House Might Sell For

When trying to price an inherited property for sale, the biggest challenge is separating your happy memories from how much a house might realistically sell for. You might be able to remember some great times growing up in it or having fun with friends there and use those emotions as inspiration when pricing it higher than its true market value!

A better approach would be working closely alongside real estate professionals and finding out what they can offer you, and recognizing that the price might be lower than you were expecting… not because the house isn’t worth as much but because your wonderful memories have accidentally inflated the price!

Tax Consequences of Selling An Inherited Property

When you finally decide to sell your inherited property in San Antonio, you might be wondering what the tax consequences will be. Anytime you sell a property, there are potential capital gains taxes that could be owed on the sale.

Because the tax implications can be complicated when you are considering selling an inherited house, there are some very significant benefits to selling to a professional and reputable home-buying company such as Capstone Homebuyers. Not everyone is knowledgeable about the process of selling an inherited house in San Antonio. We can help guide you through the process of making sure you cover all your bases.

Selling An Inherited House To Capstone Homebuyers

Inheriting a house can be a burden. Selling an inherited house is complicated and can take months or even years. You may not have the time or money to deal with it.

Capstone Homebuyers makes selling your inherited house easy and fast. We handle all of the complicated matters so you can move on with your life.

Preparing to sell an inherited house can be a daunting task. But with the help of a professional home buyer like Capstone Homebuyers, it can be quick and easy.

We understand what needs to be done to prepare a house for sale and have extensive experience in buying and selling homes quickly. If you want to work with us, reach out today! We would love to help you through this process.

Selling A Tenant Occupied Property: What You Need To Know

Colby Hager on August 25, 2022

Selling A Tenant Occupied Property: What You Need To Know

Selling a tenant-occupied property is a likely reality at some time or another as a landlord. Eventually, there will come a day when you want or need to sell your property because of any number of reasons. When that time comes, you’ll likely want to sell and get cash for your San Antonio house.

Even if you have tenants, it is your property and you may sell it if and when you want. In some cases, you’ll be able to let your tenants know, and it won’t be an issue. However, you also don’t want to risk losing your tenants and being stuck with a vacant home while your house is on the market. That said, the tenants have rights, and you want to make sure you aren’t violating them.

The best way to handle the situation is with open communication and making sure everyone is treated fairly during the process. That includes making sure the new buyer knows that the tenants that are living in the home have a lease (even if it’s month to month) and they need to be treated fairly after the sale.

Selling A Rental When Tenants Are Still Living In The House

Owning a rental property seems like a great idea. You buy it cheap, you find a tenant, and then you profit from the rental income while you manage the property… how hard could it be?

The problem is, it’s often much harder than people realize and you may find (as many landlords do) the surprising truth of being a landlord: You give up much of your personal life – no more private time, no more vacations, no more weekend getaways… all because you’re so busy as a landlord.

Even if you properly evaluate your tenants beforehand, locating, securing, and screening tenants are some of the things most landlords look forward to the least.

However, you never want to speed through the process just to fill a vacancy quickly. Allowing a poor tenant to rent your property will only end up costing you time and money in the long run.

Owning a rental home will keep you busy. There’s the work required to find the property, then to fix it up, then to find a tenant, then to answer the phone from them every time they call. Even if they call late at night because the toilet is overflowing, you have to take their call and deal with it. All of this may have you considering the sale of the property prior to the lease ending.

Plus there is the constant worry about vacancies and thinking about what a vacancy will really cost you. Calculating the cost of vacancy or COV is critical when deciding to keep or sell your vacant rental property.

How To Sell Your House While It's Leased

What does your lease situation look like? If you have a month-to-month lease, ending it shouldn’t be too difficult. You will need to provide a fair amount of notice to your tenant, typically 30-60 days.

If you are in the middle of a long-term lease, things are a bit different. If you want to sell mid-lease, you’ll either need to sell the property to an investor who will honor the lease, or give your tenant some sort of incentive to move out.

Some leases contain early-termination clauses that would allow you to end the lease early in certain situations. Remember, the tenant has rights too under the fair housing act, and if you violate those rights, you could find yourself in quite a bit of hot water.

If you have difficult tenants and your tenant has violated their lease, you should be able to evict them without an issue. That said, if your tenant is refusing to leave, the eviction process can become long and arduous. Most landlords try to avoid dealing with tenants‘ evictions at all costs.

By selling a property with tenants directly, you’ll be able to avoid the eviction process yourself and be able to move on from the house with cash in hand. Many direct buyers will simply take over the lease and business will go on as usual. If the tenants are in violation of the lease, the buyer will go through the eviction process as necessary.

Plus, a direct sale will help you avoid having to list, market, and show the property, things would likely cause even more tension between you and your difficult tenants.

Selling The Property Directly To The Tenants

When considering your options for selling your property while it is still being leased, a great place to start is with the tenants you have already living in the home. If they have been there for a while, they have likely grown comfortable. If homeownership is something they are interested in, the process doesn’t get much easier. They won’t have to move, you won’t have to clean up after old tenants… everybody wins!

That said, if they haven’t purchased a home in the past, there may be a reason why. Make sure your tenants are qualified to buy your house and that they are able to come up with a down payment and other buying costs before getting your hopes up about a sale.

Sell The Tenant Occupied House To A Direct Buyer

There are many reasons why a direct sale to a cash home buyer is beneficial for people who need to sell a tenant-occupied property. Investors are happy to take over a house that already has a tenant in place, especially when they are in good standing.

It saves them time and money advertising, marketing, and showing the property. They won’t have to bother screening tenants or running background checks because those things have already been done.

Even if there is a difficult tenant living in the home, an experienced company that buys houses won’t have trouble pursuing the eviction process if the tenant is in violation. They have likely had to do it before, and won’t be bothered by the process.

If you want to sell your house in San Antonio, there are certain ways to go about doing it. Always make sure you are being fair to your tenants, and giving the proper amount of notice. Not only is it the law, but it is the right thing to do.

At Capstone Homebuyers, we purchase houses in any condition (even if your tenant trashed your property). No matter what your situation is, we got you covered. Our process will be fast, efficient, and seamless, making things simple for both you and your tenants.