Buyer Tips Archives - John Mack Group

The New Normal

Real estate home inspections and appraisals in the new normal.

Even during the COVID-19 outbreak, real estate transactions go on. Buyers and sellers still need to move, and the industry is looking for new ways to accommodate both the needs of the transaction and, of course, the safety of everyone.

Many traditional real estate activities can be performed virtually. While no one is suggesting that a buyer will be comfortable buying a home they have only seen during a Zoom visit, they can minimize the number of homes they physically visit by pre-screening these homes ahead of time through virtual tours.

There are a few vital pieces of the transaction that require in-person visits, however. Among these are home inspections and appraisals. Both of these professionals need access to the property to properly perform their duties, and it leaves some potential home sellers and buyers wondering if it’s even possible to conclude a real estate transaction right now.

While everyone should cautiously move forward according to their personal sense of comfort, there are a few things you can do to protect yourself, your family, and the professionals while they are in your home. Before setting the appointments, think through the parts of your home
the inspector or appraiser will need to access and think through the process.

Contact the home inspector and appraiser and work out a plan together to keep everyone safe:
• Communicate with them about off-limit areas, and what parts of the home they can access.
• Have a notepad in which they can communicate what parts of the home they came in contact with, and offer hand sanitizer and wipes for them to use before and after touching parts of the home.
• Finally, leave the home during the appointments, and clean properly once you return home.

Life does move on – if you are trying to buy or sell a home during this challenging time, it might take extra effort. However, working with your real estate team, you can conclude a successful real estate transaction amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Welcome To Prosper, Texas

Welcome to Prosper, Texas … “A Place Where Everyone Matters”. Located north of Frisco, the Town of Prosper strives to provide a quality living experience for all those who live there, by focusing on families and small town ideals. Ranked as one of the top 5 places to live in the greater Dallas area, Prosper compares favorably with the nearby communities of Frisco and Allen in community appeal, available housing, public school academic performance, and local crime rate. Although Prosper is experiencing tremendous growth, they offer a plethora of new housing developments. These developments usually include widened roads, affordable luxury homes, quality public schools, and opportunities in the workforce.

Downtown Prosper is a bit of an amalgam, with the municipal courthouse sharing building space with local businesses. On the opposite end of downtown, residents flock to a long-time local favorite, The Cotton Gin Café. Owned by Prosper residents, Sondra and Steve Channell, the restaurant offers Americana with a Southern flare. Sample the menu while relaxing in one of their mixed matched blue and beige chairs. Another popular brunch spot with locals is Sunrise Café. Known for the friendly staff, the menu features dishes made from scratch utilizing locally sourced vendors.

Prosper offers a small town atmosphere while providing convenience only found in a big city. The Gates of Prosper and The Shops at Prosper Trail offer shopping at master planned, retail developments.

Prosper provides residents with excellent schools, modern shopping experiences, and friendly neighborhoods for growing families. Not only does it offer the appeal of living in a small town, Prosper’s proximity to Dallas allows residents to enjoy the cultural, commercial, and entertainment venues only found in big cities.

It also offers the best of both suburban and small town living with its close proximity to the Dallas metroplex, rapid growth and opportunity, punctuated with a small town vibe.

5 Trends In Pool Designs

Now that warmer weather is upon us, the focus turns to the outdoor space of our home. As Americans spend more and more of their time at home, this might be the perfect time to invest in a new pool or pool remodel. Here are 5 trends in pool design for 2020.

Natural Pools – As more of us consider the effect of chemicals on our health, more pool owners are installing natural pools. These pools are built to resemble a natural pond with boulders, waterfalls, and plants which filter the water naturally. The pool is filled with filtered water and maintained in an organic filtration process using gravel and
plants.
Saltwater Pools – Another way to avoid chlorine is by installing a saltwater pool. These pools use a salt-chlorine generator to provide residue-free water and this process has been growing in popularity for over a decade.
Tanning Ledges – Also known as a Baja shelf, or sun shelf, a tanning ledge is a shallow shelf that allows you to stay cool while still enjoying the sun.
Rimless Infinity Pools – Infinity pools have been enjoyed at expensive resorts and spas for years, and more homeowners are now opting to include these beauties in their own yards.
Custom Fit Pools – As yards get smaller, the pre-formed pools are no longer practical. Almost any yard can fit a pool by having a custom pool designed to fit the space.

Summertime is pool time! As 2020 requires more of us to stay home, a new or remodeled swimming pool is a great way to enjoy our own backyards. If you are looking for a home with a pool, contact The John Mack Group. We can offer you a complimentary list of available homes offering client specific amenities in any neighborhood of the Greater Dallas Metroplex.

Buying An Eco Friendly Home

More and more homebuyers are searching for homes that offer better energy efficiency and use sustainable materials. Eco-friendly homes not only help the environment but can mean significant savings in energy and maintenance costs. As more home builders consider the environmental impact of their housing developments, finding an eco-friendly home is easier than ever before. Here are a few things to look for when searching for a greener home.

• Nature Use – When searching for an eco-friendly home, notice the use of trees and
other landscaping to save energy by blocking sun and wind—lowering air conditioning and heating costs by adding a natural barrier.
• Window Quality – Homebuyers should notice not only the quality of the windows but the placement as well. Are they placed to take advantage of the sun during the winter
yet glazed to prevent summer heat?
• Building Materials – Natural materials are not only beautiful but also offer sustainability and lower maintenance costs. For example, cedar-plank siding is resistant to both water and pests, which makes it stronger and longer-lasting than other options; natural stone for counters and floors adds a modern touch, is easy to clean and lasts for years.
• Floorplan – Recent changes in home design trends are turning floorplans upside down — literally. Look for homes with living spaces on the top floor, which can take better advantage of natural light while keeping the lower-level bedrooms cooler and more peaceful.

Sustainable building designs and materials are becoming more common. Homebuyers can find newer homes, as well as remodels, taking advantage of these trends. Buying an energy efficient, eco-friendly home can provide a beautiful lifestyle and save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of ownership.

How Owning a Home Benefits You

You probably know that owning your own home can benefit you financially, but home ownership comes with a surprising number of health, wealth and social perks too. Check out these five ways home ownership could be making your life even better:

1. Homeowners report better psychological and physical health than non-owners.

2. Homeowners are far less likely to become crime victims than non-owners.

3. Homeowners are more likely to live in neighborhoods with more opportunities for school involvement or participation in neighborhood activities.

4. The average homeowner’s net worth is 35 times that of the average renter.

5. Homeowners bring stability to neighborhoods. They move far less frequently than non-owners, and hence are embedded into the neighborhood and community for a longer period.

Source: National Association of REALTORS®

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