Learn three essential steps to get ready for buying your next home. Join me in this exciting video as I guide you through the home buying process.
Are you ready to make one of the biggest purchases of your life?
Buying a home can be exciting, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming if you’re not prepared. Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered.
In this video, I will share three essential steps to help you get ready to buy your next home.
Hey everyone, McKee Smith, REALTOR and Senior Real Estate Specialist with Competitive Edge Realty. Let’s get started!
STEP 1: BOOST YOUR SAVINGS.
Unless you’re paying cash for your home, you’ll need to have some money set aside for a down payment and closing costs. While buying a home with less than 20% down is possible, you’ll likely need some form of downpayment. So start saving as early as possible. Look for ways to cut back on expenses and increase your income. Every dollar you save now will help you reach your goal of owning a home. And all the sacrifices will be so worth it!
STEP 2: BOOST YOUR CREDIT SCORE
This is super important because it determines whether or not you’ll get approved for a mortgage and what interest rate you’ll get. You want the best interest rate possible, right? Aim for a credit score of 620 or higher. But if your score needs some work, don’t panic. You can start by paying your bills on time and paying down your debts. And if you need more help, I can connect you with a credit restoration expert.
STEP 3: CALL ME, YOUR LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERT
I can connect you with lenders and credit restoration experts to ensure you’re on the right track. We can also discuss your unique situation and develop a plan and a timeline for working together so we can find you a home that fits your lifestyle and budget. The earlier you contact me, the better you’ll be prepared for home-buying. And best of all, in most cases, utilizing my services as a buyers agent is free to you. There is no need to go it alone.
As we gear up for the spring season in the housing market, many people are concerned about the state of the economy and how it affects property values. With so much confusing data and misleading headlines circulating in the news, it can be challenging to get a clear understanding of what’s happening. Is now a good time to sell or buy? Or either? Let’s talk about it…
Hey there,McKee Smith, Senior Real Estate Specialist and Realtor with Competitive Edge Realty here.
On a national level, U.S. house prices have held steady near their peak levels reached during the summer of 2022. Over the past four months, only minor changes in the overall market have occurred. But is that what we are experiencing in the North Central DFW area? Let’s take a big-picture look at the data…
For North Central DFW area, closed sales are 3% from last February. This is likely due to the market rebalancing itself. During the last half of 2021 and the first half of 2022, buyers were willing to pay incredible amounts for the few homes available. That all shifted starting in June of last year. As a result, total sales are up!
New listings are also up 5% from last February for the same reason. This is good news for both buyers and sellers. More buyers are getting into homes and sellers are having an easier time finding places to live after selling.
Because of the rebalancing, average home prices are down 17% from February 2022. Before anyone panics that the market is collapsing, please note prices are still up 9% from 2021! The market during the last half of 2021 and the first half of 2022 was unsustainable.
Likewise, average days on the market jumped from 30 day in February 2022 to 49 days this February. That’s a big jump! But, looking back the average days on market for February 2019 was 53, for 2018 was 48, for 2017 was 42 and for 2016 was 42. The market has rebalance toward the historical norms. Again, the last half of 2021 and the first half of 2022 were not normal!
One thing to remember is that local price trends can vary greatly depending on your price range and neighborhood area. Let’s look at the data instead of the drama to determine what your home is worth in today’s market. Click HERE for a complimentary home value report, also known as a competitive market analysis.
And if you’re a buyer, it may be time to get back in the game, as there are more homes to choose from and, likely, even more to come with the Spring market
Looking to buy a home but not sure if you need a buyer’s agent? This video is a game changer! Discover the top five benefits of using a REALTOR®
https://youtu.be/7DpZd1WTE18
What’s the one thing most buyers don’t know that is an absolute game changer? Hey there, McKee Smith, Senior Real Estate Specialist and Realtor with Competitive Edge Realty here.
Have you ever heard the saying “there’s no such thing as a free lunch”? Well, when it comes to buying a home with your own representation, that couldn’t be further from the truth! Did you know that in most cases, the seller pays the commission for the Buyer’s Agent, not the buyer? That means you get all the benefits of working with an expert without paying a dime. So why exactly do you need a buyers agent?
Using me to professionally represent you when purchasing a home has five specific benefits.
1 . Experience and Expertise: I will help you navigate the home-buying process. I know the ins and outs of the real estate market and will guide you every step of the way.
2. Objective Advice: I have your best interests in mind. I am not tied to the seller or the listing agent and can provide objective advice and guidance to help you. Armed with information, you can make the best decisions for you and your family.
3. Access to More Properties: I have up to date access to a wider range of properties. The properties I give you will actually be available, unlike some other popular sites on the internet that don’t always keep their data current. We even have software that alerts us the second a new property hits the market matching your desired criteria so you never miss a deal.
4. Negotiation Expertise: Based on my years of market knowledge, I will handle all negotiations on your behalf while keeping your budget in mind. Now that is a real benefit!
5. Save You Time: I do the legwork for you, saving you time and reducing your stress. I arrange the showings, handle all communication with the listing agent, refer competent inspectors, arrange insurance quotes, and the list goes on and on and on. I do it all for you!
As you can see, there are many benefits to working with me when purchasing a home. So why not take advantage of this free service and make your home-buying experience as stress-free and enjoyable as possible? Click the link to get started or give me a shout. And if you know someone who is thinking about buying a home, be sure to share this video with them! They’ll thank you for it.
That’s it for now. Remember, McKee has the keys to your next home! Bye!
Coppell and Lewisville are two fantastic cities that have so much to offer to those looking for a new place to call home.
Are you thinking about buying a new home? If so, have you considered the Coppell, Texas, or Lewisville, Texas, area? These two cities have so much to offer for those looking for a new place to call home. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at why these two cities are the perfect place for you to buy a home this spring.
First of all, let’s talk about the location. Coppell and Lewisville are both located in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, which means they are conveniently located near all the big city amenities while still maintaining a small-town feel. This is the best of both worlds – you can enjoy the peace and quiet of a small town while still having easy access to all the shopping, dining, and entertainment options you could want.
Another great reason to buy in Coppell or Lewisville is the strong housing market. Both cities have seen steady growth in home values in recent years, and experts predict that this trend will continue. This means that buying a home in these areas is a smart investment for the future.
One of the best things about living in Coppell or Lewisville is the amazing school district. Both cities are home to top-rated schools that are known for their excellent academic programs and dedicated teachers. If you have kids, this is a big plus as a good education is one of the most important things you can provide for them.
Another reason to consider buying a home in Coppell or Lewisville is the strong sense of community. These cities have a close-knit, welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy to meet new people and get involved in local activities. Whether you’re interested in sports, arts and culture, or community service, there’s something for everyone in these two cities.
Finally, let’s talk about the weather. Coppell and Lewisville enjoy a mild climate with warm summers and cool winters. This makes it a great place to live all year round, as you can enjoy outdoor activities and recreation no matter what the season.
So why buy a home in Coppell or Lewisville this spring? Spring is a great time to buy because there are typically a lot of homes on the market, which means you have a better chance of finding your dream home. Additionally, spring is a time of renewal, which makes it a great time to start fresh in a new home.
In conclusion, Coppell and Lewisville are two fantastic cities that have so much to offer to those looking for a new place to call home. From the strong housing market and top-rated schools, to the welcoming community and mild climate, these two cities have it all. If you’re ready to make the move, now is the time to do it.
If you’re interested in buying a home in Coppell or Lewisville, please don’t hesitate to contact McKee Smith, REALTOR®. With years of experience in the area, McKee is the perfect person to help you find your dream home.
So why wait? Click this contact form link today and start your journey toward your new home in Coppell or Lewisville!
Buying a house in Dallas Fort Worth can be a daunting task, but by following these steps, you can make the process as stress free as possible.
Purchasing a home is one of the biggest decisions you will make in your life. It’s a long-term investment, and the process can be overwhelming, especially for first-time homebuyers. If you’re looking to buy a house in the Dallas – Fort Worth area, the following steps will help you navigate the process and make it as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Step 1: Determine Your Budget and Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Before you start looking at houses, it’s important to determine your budget and get pre-approved for a mortgage. Knowing your budget will help you narrow down your search and avoid wasting time looking at properties that are out of your price range. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will also give you a better idea of how much house you can afford and will make you a more attractive buyer to sellers.
Step 2: Research Neighborhoods and Find a Real Estate Agent
Researching neighborhoods is an important step when buying a house. You’ll want to find an area that meets your needs in terms of location, amenities, and school district. Since the Dallas Fort Worth area extends from Azle to Cleburne to Waxahachie to Seagoville to Royse City to McKinney to Denton, you have a huge area to consider!
A licensed REALTOR® like McKee Smith can help you find properties that fit your budget and needs. He knows the neighborhoods and can help you find the place that best fits your specific needs.
Step 3: Browse Listings and Attend Open Houses with your REALTOR®
Once you have a general idea of what you’re looking for, it’s time to start browsing listings and attending open houses. This will give you a sense of the housing market and help you get a feel for different properties. Take note of what you like and dislike about each property so you can narrow down your search later. It’s a great idea to go to open houses with your REALTOR® so he can point out details and see exactly what your preferences are!
Step 4: Make an Offer on a Property
When you find a property that you’re interested in, make an offer. McKee Smith will help you negotiate the price and terms of the sale.
Step 5: Hire a Home Inspector
Once your offer is accepted, it’s important to hire a home inspector to ensure the property is in good condition. A home inspector will check for any issues with the property, such as structural problems, electrical issues, and plumbing problems. This step is crucial to make sure you’re aware of any potential issues before you close on the sale.
Step 6: Close on the Sale and Move into Your New Home
The final step is to close on the sale and move into your new home. This can be a complicated process, but mcKee Smith, REALTOR®, will help guide you through it. Once the closing is complete, the house is officially yours and you can start the process of making it your own.
Buying a house in Dallas Fort Worth can be a daunting task, but by following these steps, you can make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible. It’s important to consult with a REALTOR® like McKee Smith, a mortgage lender, and/or attorney for specific information and help. Remember to take your time and don’t rush into any decisions. With the right research, preparation, and guidance, you’ll be able to find the perfect home for you and your family.
What is in and what is out for 2023. Here’s what I’ve been reading about and seeing for the coming year
What are some of the new design trends for 2023? It’s always fun to predict what the New Year will bring.
Hey everyone, I’m McKee Smith. I am a Senior Real Estate Specialist® and REALTOR® with Competitive Edge Realty. I am coming to you Facebook Live today to talk about some of the trends that I have been reading about that are likely to become more popular in 2023. A lot of these have been going for a little while, but these are the ones that I think are going to be really popular.
NUMBER 1 – Floor plans will be less open!
In 2023, something that we are almost certain to see will be less open floor plans. Doesn’t mean that open floor plans are gone, but let’s face it, we learned a lot during Covid. One of the things we learned is that when they built a house with one office space and then the entire rest of the ground floor is one big room, that doesn’t work if you’re having more than one Zoom meeting going at the same time.
During the lockdown, I knew of parents who were on individual Zoom meetings. Their three kids were also taking classes at the same time by Zoom. That was five zooms happening at the same time with people talking and they were trying to find places for everybody. And that’s just hard in a completely open concept house.
There were other issues with Open Concept houses. People in one room watching a movie while the rest of the house is hearing the movie because the large doorways just don’t control sound. If someone is watching in an open area upstairs, Open Concept houses often are open all the way into the downstairs area! Parents don’t really want to listen to the TV their kids are watching upstairs!
That doesn’t mean we’re going to close everything off and go to tiny little matchbox group mocks rooms again, but we are going to see a trend toward less total floor opening.
Number 2 – Funky kitchens will replace minimalistic white.
Okay, any comments yet? I don’t see any. So let’s move on to our second content, second trend. And that is funky Kitchen designs are going to be replacing the minimalist white minimalist light has been around for a long time and it has a certain appeal. It’s so clean and so such stark lines and it’s a very appealing, however, if you have a totally open kitchen that is totally white with nothing out visible, how do you cook? And if you’ve got, if you’re preparing dinner, yes, in a totally open kitchen, you can watch the kids in the other room. But if people surprise you and come by, if you’re cooking, you’re totally empty kitchen, your minimalist white kitchen, you’re going to have stuff out.
You’re going to have pots and pans, you’re going to have things. It is very difficult to actually cook in a totally minimalist kitchen. So I have been looking at things and all the designs I am seeing now from the big designers are funky kitchens. That’s the word that I would use to describe it. And it’s actually the word that Architectural Digest used. I’m not going to put up the picture that was in Arch in the Architectural Digest article, but I am going to add a comment here and put in there in the comments is a link to a great article in Architectural Digest. You can get a free account by just signing up. And the picture in that free account gives you an idea of what some of the new designing kitchens are with. You still have white walls, but you have a blue trim. You have color, color, color everywhere.
Because again, after the lockdowns, people wanted more color, more variety in their environment. And these kitchens are practical. You can actually cook in them.
Number 3 – Accent walls are back!
Well, let’s move on to our third design trend for 2023. Accent walls are back. Yes, accent walls actually are making a return. Right before Covid, people were moving away from accent walls. They didn’t want, they just wanted the room to be the same. It was sort of that stark clean look, which is very nice and very clean. But if you’re in the room for any extended period of time, you don’t want stark and clean people that discovered that they like having some variety. Something to look at besides just a plain stark wall. And the accent walls that I’ve have seen in various magazines, including Architectural Digest, they aren’t just a different color. They are wallpaper with incredible intricate designs on it.
They are not just one accent color, but three complimentary accent colors. There’s a lot more going on with the accent wall and it is definitely making a big return for 2023.
Number 4 – Bold color tiles, especially in bathrooms.
Okay, let’s move on to our fourth design trend. Bold colored tiles in the bathroom specifically, but bold colored tiles everywhere. You’re gonna have to put up tile in a bathroom. And let’s face it, you are probably going to put tile up in a bathroom. Bright, bold colors are the trend. Now the stark white can be there, but the pure white subway tiles are now mixed in, at least Again, one wall is going to have some very bright colors. One of the more interesting designs I saw had, uh, toraso marble vanity with bright firetruck, red firetruck, red backsplash on it. And that was one by one of the top designers in the country. So bold colored tiles coming back.
Number 5 – Free standing bathtubs.
And now let’s move on to our next one, which is free standing bathtubs. Yes, I’ve heard that 2022 was considered the year of the shower. People were having very, very intricate showers and they’re still going to be building big showers. Literally, my wife and I in the last year did a remodel and put in a very nice, very large shower. But this year, free standing tubs are the featured points that people are going to. And these aren’t just your basic clawfoot tub. These are soaker tubs. These have many, many different designs. This is not just your great-grandfather’s bathtub. These have lots of style and many, again in our trend have color something to keep an eye out. Keep glancing over to see if there are any extra comments. Don’t see any yet. But hey, if you’re watching the recorded version of this, again, please make a comment and everybody will be able to see it on the recorded version.
Alright, let’s move on to our next trend. Yes, here we go. The color of the year is called Red Point. You notice the background here on all of my slides. It is red Endpoint. That is Sherwin Williams 9 0 81, the Sherwin Williams Color of the Year. It is darker than some of the colors of the year have been in the past in a lot of things on the Sherwin Williams page. And let me give you the link to that because I don’t want people to not be able to see the link. Here we go. This is the link to the Sherwin Williams Color of the Year page. So you can see the various, if you click around on that page, you will see lots of design ideas for this darker than a lot of people would’ve thought color. But you don’t have to stick with this if this is the made color.
They have developed an entire palette, very earth town, but very mixed that goes along and fits with all of these. So let’s just see real quick if we have any extra comments. Yes. What are your favorite and least favorite design trends? I know one of my personal least favorites is there has been at least consideration of a returning toward brass fixtures as somebody who has spent years of my life at multiple places replacing the brass with something that was usually a more silverish color. I always dread when brass comes back in. Although the brass now that they are talking about bringing back is a more of an unlaced that’s sort of a raw brass. So if you have any comments, please drop them in the comment box and I hope to see more comments. Well, that pretty much wraps up where we were for today.
I’m going to hang around just a little bit to see if we have any more comments, live comments from people, but I’m not seeing any yet. So I hope you will watch this. I hope you will follow the links and look at some of the pictures. I work for years for a company that created copy written materials. So I hate to violate anyone else’s copyright and broadcast their material. But there are the links so you can go and see it for yourself. I will be doing more of these Facebook Live, not certain that it will always be at 10 o’clock on a Tuesday. I’m now thinking 10 o’clock on a Thursday is a better time, but we shall see. In the meantime, there is a link at the top. If you have any questions about real estate or just want to chat with me, there is a link for a no obligation consultation and I will be happy to talk to you about any of your real estate needs. So in the meantime, I hope everyone has a terrific Tuesday. Bye for now.
McKee Smith, REALTOR®, has years of experience in the DFW area housing market. He knows the many unique features of Dallas and Fort Worth area home sales. He works out of his home in Coppell, Texas. He is a Senior Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) and new home construction buyer representation certified. Remember – McKee has the keys to selling your home!
We’ve officially welcomed another New Year, and it’s time to check in on what that means for you!
Hey there, McKee Smith, realtor and senior real estate specialist with competitive edge realty here.
For many, the new year is a chance to get back on track and set our sights on creating better lives for ourselves.
It’s when we start thinking about the goals we want to tackle – from health-related habits to picking up a new hobby.
One often overlooked resolution is focusing on real estate ambitions. So I’m here today to ask… What are YOUR real estate goals for 2023?
Are you ready to build that dream home you’ve always wanted?
Would you like to downsize to something smaller or settle into that “forever home”?
Or are you ready to put your hard-earned money to work by investing in a rental property?
Whatever your goals are, now is the time to create a plan of action. I’m here to help you do it!
All you need to do is click this link and answer three quick questions, so I know best how to serve you this new year. I look forward to hearing about your real estate plans for the year! I’m excited to help you achieve them! Let’s chat and make it a year to remember!
McKee Smith, REALTOR®, has been selling and buying homes in Dallas and Fort Worth for many years. He knows and understands the intricacies of the DFW housing market. He works out of his home in Coppell, Texas. He is a Senior Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) and new home construction buyer representation certified. Remember – McKee has the keys to selling your home!
McKee Smith, REALTOR®, has been selling and buying homes in Dallas and Fort Worth for many years. He knows and understands the intricacies of the DFW housing market. He works out of his home in Coppell, Texas. He is a Senior Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) and new home construction buyer representation certified. Remember – McKee has the keys to your next home!
There are a LOT of reports in the media of a “housing crisis.” It fills the headlines, but when you read the actual articles there are economists saying any crisis is very unlikely! This isn’t 2008. Now is a perfect time to sell your present home and buy one that fits your current lifestyle better.
Here is a link to find out what your home might bring on the open market. It’s no obligation, just a way to start your thought process!
I want to be your “go to” person for anything related to real estate! If you’ve got a question, I have or can find the answer!
Managing an asset worth hundreds of thousands of dollars is a responsibility that requires attention to details such as timely payment of the mortgage, home repairs and maintenance, upkeep, and oversight of financial issues including taxes, insurance, and other things.
Depending on how long you’ve been a homeowner, you may have faced some of the decisions common to homeownership. Occasionally, there could be something new that you haven’t had to deal with in the past. This is where having a resource you can rely on becomes valuable.
During the buying or selling process, it is natural to turn to your agent for information and advice but during those periods in between where do you go for counsel? Sure, you can turn to the Internet but that may not be the best place to get advice for your situation.
We encourage you to think of us as your “source of real estate information”; someone you’re comfortable with asking a question and confident that you’ll get good advice. We not only want to be there for you when you buy or sell, but all the years in between.
By helping you with the day-to-day decisions of homeownership, we believe we can develop relationships that will lead to future sales when you move again, as well as recommendations to your friends who need the services of a trusted real estate professional.
Whether you simply need the recommendation of a service provider, a trustworthy mortgage professional, an estimate of your current market value, or advice on what kind of improvements are best to consider, we’re happy to share that information with you.
Just a few of the kinds of questions we get almost every week:
Can you recommend a good (plumber, painter, handyman, etc.)
What is the current value of my home?
How do I challenge a property tax assessment?
When should a homeowner refinance?
How often should we update our personal home inventory?
I want to be your “go to” person for everything to do with real estate. If you have a real estate question, please call me at (972) 333-8638. If I don’t have the answer, I’ll find it for you or point you in the right direction.
McKee Smith, REALTOR®, has been selling and buying homes in Dallas and Fort Worth for many years. He knows and understands the intricacies of the DFW housing market. He works out of his home in Coppell, Texas. He is a Senior Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) and new home construction buyer representation certified. Remember – McKee has the keys to selling your home!
McKee's Keys Newsletter
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