Top Tips for Hurricane Preparedness for Houston Homeowners

We wanted to talk about hurricane preparedness today.

We wanted to talk about hurricane preparedness today. Hurricane season is upon so we wanted to offer some reminders to keep you ready for anything Mother Nature might throw at us.

1. Stay tuned to the local weather station. They well keep you updated on critical info from the National Weather Service.
   
   
2. Check your disaster supply. Your supply kit should be ready to go with a gallon of water per person, non-perishable food for three days, flashlights, batteries, and candles.
   
   
3. Tie down things in the yard. Make sure things like patio furniture are stowed away or secured so they can't blow away in the wind.
   
   
4. Inventory of the property. We don't have a ton of hurricanes here in Houston, but we are susceptible to flooding. Take pictures and do a walk-through, and write down everything. That way, if you ever have a flood insurance claim to make, you have something to fall back on.
   
   
5. Turn the fridge and freezer all the way down. Setting the fridge and freezer to the coldest setting will help you keep it cool if the power goes out, and your food will stay fresh longer. Keep the doors closed as long as possible if you lose power.
   
   
6. Turn off the gas. If you have propane or other small appliances, make sure they're turned off.
   
   
7. Keep your gas tank full. If there's flooding and you need to get out of town, be prepared with a full tank.
   
   
8. Have an evacuation plan in place. This way everyone in your family will know what to do and you won't be scrambling at the last minute.
   
   

As always, if you have any more questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us. If you're thinking about buying or selling a home, we'd love to work with you!

What All Goes Into a Home Appraisal?

We’re breaking down the appraisal process step by step so homeowners know exactly what to expect and how to handle a low appraisal.

A good appraisal is one of the most important parts of getting a mortgage. Ultimately, it decides just how much a bank is willing to lend you. A bad appraisal can kill your plan for a new home faster than a bad credit score could. The appraisal is a way of ensuring the asset that the bank is loaning money for will earn their money back in case of a default. It’s also a way for you as a buyer to ensure you’re not overpaying for a house.

So what do appraisers look for? An appraisal usually starts with an inspection of the home and then compares sales prices of comparable properties in the area. The appraiser will prepare a report for the lender, which shows how they determined the value, considering things like the size and condition of the house. They will also consider improvements made to the house. Structural issues like a cracked foundation will also be included.

There will also be an evaluation of recent market trends in the area that may affect the value, as well as a comparative market analysis that supports the appraisal, along with maps, photos, and sketches. It’s important to remember that an appraisal is not a home inspection. It will note obvious issues, but will not inspect them to see whether they’re up to code. You’ll need to hire an actual inspector for that; this will help you avoid costly nightmares down the road in the event that something is wrong with the house.

So what happens if the appraisal comes in low? Is it time to throw in the towel? You need to find out why the appraisal was low. It could be something that the homeowner could correct, or the home could simply be overpriced. If it is overpriced, see if the homeowner will come down on their price. If you want, you can order another appraisal, but if you do, keep in mind that you’ll have to pay for it and the previous appraisal will be on record.

If the appraisal is low, you need to find out why.

If you’re the seller and your appraisal comes in low, what can you do to make up for it? First, find out why it came in low. It could be because of maintenance issues or repairs needed, and if this is the case, you can have these items fixed and then order another appraisal. You could also increase the appraised price by focusing on cosmetics, especially in older homes. New paint, appliances, carpet, and windows always add value to your home.

Hopefully, you found this information helpful as a homeowner. If you have any questions about appraisals or you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Houston, give us a call or send us an email. We’d love to help you!