• 52 Thunder Ridge - Best Life Texas Tours,Erica Parker

    52 Thunder Ridge - Best Life Texas Tours

    Your Own Piece of Paradise with Breathtaking Views! This home has the highest quality in craftsmanship, material and design, and the outdoor living spaces allow you to enjoy the hill country views all day long.The open concept and split floorplan will have you loving this home. With 3 large private bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms (including the master suite) on the 1st floor and 2 additional bedrooms with upgraded en-suite bathrooms on the 2nd floor, this floorplan is perfect for all families and guests. The gourmet kitchen is ideal for whipping up a 5-star meal.It has beautiful custom cabinetry, a Wolf Commercial Gas Range, copper vent hood, warming drawer, butler's pantry with wine rack, SubZero Refrigerator, double dishwashers, and large walk-in pantry. When you are done with dinner, settle in the warm and cozy living room with the wood-burning fireplace as the focal point. Escape to your primary suite wing of the house; a true retreat. The suite boasts expansive views of hill country, a fireplace, attached exercise room (or nursery), and large en-suite bathroom complete with steam shower, heated floors, private laundry and custom walk-in closet. Just outside the suite is a in-home office with floor to ceiling shelves. The downstairs family room has a wet bar, ice maker, and drink fridge and is great for enjoying a game on the TV or as a second living room for an in-law suite. The upstairs bedrooms flank a massive game room with two story ceilings and a loft hideout. Moving outside to the 5 living areas; first, you can enjoy a cup of coffee on your primary wing's terrace while watching the sunrise. Next, the outdoor dining area, off of the kitchen, is exceptional for hosting luncheons. The Resort-style pool boasts a beach entry, water slide & grotto with waterfall that is perfect for cooling off on hot summer days. In addition, the recently leveled, sodded and fenced backyard is ideal for a playset and all sorts of games and activities. Finally, cozy up as the sun sets with family, friends and a glass of wine on the expansive covered patio with outdoor kitchen & fireplace! Also, located on the property is a two stall horse barn with tack room and outdoor dog kennels. The oversized 3 car garage contains extra storage cabinets and a room for workbench tinkering. Estancia also offers Ag Exemption on 8.46 acres.This sought after neighborhood boasts numerous amenities including a 50,000sf complete equestrian center, fully equipped gym, inside basketball court, open air sports complex, skeet deck, 3 par 3 golf holes, 5 acre fishing lake, indoor cantina & covered pavilion! As far as the eye can see are hills, trees, and endless sky. You can even see the town of Boerne in the distance which is great for those Fourth of July and New Year's Eve fireworks. Just 30 minutes from San Antonio's city edge, with such a gorgeous interior and spectacular views, 52 Thunder Ridge is the perfect home! To book a showing of this exquisite custom home, just reach out to me.

    MORE

  • How to Avoid Foreclosure: A Guide for Homeowners,Erica Parker

    How to Avoid Foreclosure: A Guide for Homeowners

        Ways To Avoid Or Postpone Foreclosures   Foreclosure can be a terrible experience for a homeowner. It not only puts the homeowner at risk of potentially losing their home, but it may also damage their credit score and make it challenging to obtain new loans or credit in the future.   1. An Overview  Of Foreclosure: Foreclosure is a process that occurs when a homeowner misses payments on their mortgage, and the lender takes action to recoup the money owed by repossessing and selling the home.    This process can take several months or even years to complete, but it ultimately results in a homeowner losing their home to the lender.   2. Why Do Foreclosures Usually happen? Foreclosure is something no homeowner wants to go through, and in most cases, the failure to make mortgage payments is due to an unexpected dip in finances or a change in the owner's circumstances.    A home may go into foreclosure for a variety of reasons, including:   Loss of employment due to being fired, laid off, quitting, or being unable to work due to medical reasons Unexpected medical expenses Divorce or separation Unanticipated costs associated with the home's maintenance   It is important to remember that foreclosure is not always inevitable, and fortunately, there are ways to avoid or postpone foreclosure if you find yourself in this situation.   Therefore, it is essential to take steps to avoid or postpone foreclosure so that you can protect your credit score.   3. Ways To Avoid Or Postpone Foreclosure:   By following the tips mentioned below, you can save your home from foreclosure or at least buy yourself some time to figure out a plan.    1. Contact your lender: It is always best to contact your lender as soon as you realise that you are unable to make your mortgage payment so that you can discuss the options available to you.   Options may include: Request a Postponement: This is the logical next step in getting your sale date pushed back.  Request your lender and ask them to postpone the sale date. Then, keep in touch with them to keep the lines of communication open. Many legal lenders have websites that include assistance pages for those facing foreclosure. Visit these and see what steps are available for you with them. Some mortgage holders are indeed very cold and indifferent, but on the other hand, many of them are not.  The smart ones understand how important ‘word-of-mouth advertising can be and how effective compassionately helping out their customers is for earning trust and gaining future customers. Forbearance of Loan Payment: Forbearance of loan payment refers to temporary financial assistance that your lender can offer in cases of hardship.  This may include temporarily reducing or suspending your loan payments, which can help you avoid foreclosure during periods of financial difficulty.  However, it is essential to note that this will typically only be offered for a limited period. You will be expected to resume making regular loan payments once this period ends. This will still harm your credit score, but it is better than foreclosure.   2. Reinstate the Loan with personal funds or borrowed funds from Friends and Family:  One option is to reinstate the loan with private funds or borrow funds from friends and family. This means you will need enough money to pay off the entire delinquent amount to keep your account current when you have the funds available.   Reinstate the loan with private funds: Ultimately, the best option for avoiding foreclosure will depend on your financial situation. However, it is crucial to take a close look at your finances and see if there are any ways that you can improve your situation.   If you can make up any missed payments and get current on your loan, this may be the best option for avoiding foreclosure. However, remember that this process can be costly, and you may incur additional fees and penalties.   Borrowed funds from Friends and Family: You may also avoid foreclosure by borrowing funds from friends or family to cover the missed payments and get current on your mortgage. This can be an effective way to avoid foreclosure in the short term, but it is essential to consider the long-term consequences of this decision carefully. 3. Request a loan modification or repayment plan from the lender:  Another option is to request a loan modification or repayment plan from the lender, which can help reduce your monthly payments.    This may involve reducing the interest rate, extending the loan term, or deferring some of your costs until later.   Reducing the interest rate can lower your monthly payments and make them more manageable.    A repayment plan: With a repayment plan, you can work out a manageable payment schedule with your lender. This can help you avoid foreclosure by giving you more time to pay off your debts.   Extending the loan term: In some cases, extending the loan term can help reduce your monthly payments, making it easier to keep up with your mortgage payments. However, this may also mean you will pay more interest over the long term.   Deferring some of your costs until a specified date: You may also be able to defer some of the costs, such as property taxes or insurance, until a later date. This can help you stay current on your mortgage while also reducing your monthly payments.   4. Temporary Restraining Order on Foreclosure:    Sometimes, delaying or even avoiding foreclosure may be possible by filing for a temporary restraining order.    This can involve asking the court to stop foreclosure until a settlement or other resolution is negotiated.   However, this will not necessarily stop the foreclosure process if you do not reach an agreement with the lender.   5. Declare Bankruptcy:  If all else fails, you may consider filing for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy can help protect your assets from creditors but also harm your credit score. It is one of the best Last-Minute strategies to Avoid Foreclosure.   For Example: If a foreclosure sale is scheduled within the next few days, filing for bankruptcy is the best way to stop it immediately.   The automatic stay will halt the foreclosure proceedings. When you file for bankruptcy, "automatic stay" takes effect immediately. The stay acts as an injunction, preventing the bank from foreclosing or attempting to collect its debt. As a result, all foreclosure activity must be halted.   The bank may file a motion to vacate the stay. The bank will almost certainly try to have the stay lifted by filing a motion asking the court for permission to proceed with the foreclosure. Even if the bankruptcy court grants this motion and allows the foreclosure to proceed, it will be delayed by at least a month or two. This should give you enough time to talk to your bank about alternatives to foreclosure.   Note: Many homes can usually stay under bankruptcy. And if homes can usually stay within the bankruptcy. This means that the homeowner can keep their home even after filing for bankruptcy, although they may need to enter into a repayment plan with their lender to satisfy the debt.   6. Sell Your House Retail:  Another option is to sell your house directly to a retail buyer. This can help you avoid foreclosure and get cash in hand, even if you need to sell your house for less than the market value.   Many online platforms and real estate companies can help you find a buyer quickly, even if you face foreclosure.   You may sell the house retail for a profit or as a short sale.   Sell for a Profit: Selling for a profit can allow you to pay off the loan balance and walk away with some profit left over. However, if your house has lost value, then consider a short sale.   Short Sale: A short sale is an agreement between the borrower and the lender to sell the property on the market. The home is typically sold for less than the outstanding mortgage balance, with the difference paid to the lender by the borrower.    This is preferable to foreclosure because the borrower will be able to:   Control the sale's terms. Directly put the house on the market. Get a higher price than you would typically get at foreclosure. Prevent a foreclosure notice from appearing in the newspaper. They should avoid having a foreclosure reported on their credit report.   7. Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure:  A deed in lieu of foreclosure is an agreement between a homeowner and their lender. It allows the homeowner to voluntarily surrender the act to their home to their lender, thus avoiding foreclosure.    This will still harm one’s credit score, but it is typically less damaging than going through the foreclosure process.    This option's advantage is that it allows the homeowner to avoid some of the fees associated with foreclosure and may enable them to receive a financial incentive from the lender.    However, it is essential to note that not all lenders accept deeds in lieu of foreclosure, and it is best to speak with your lender about this option before proceeding.   8. Sell Your Home to an Investor:  Selling your house to an investor can be a great option if you need to sell your home quickly. An investor will buy the property for cash and will not require any further payments or negotiations.   Investors can give you two main options for selling your home:   Cash Offer: An investor will typically be able to offer you a cash price for your home much lower than what you would receive from a retail buyer. However, an investor can be a great option if you need to sell your home quickly and are willing to accept a lower price.   Subject to the existing mortgage: Another benefit of selling your home to an investor is that they will often be able to take over your existing mortgage. This can help you avoid the hassles and costs of refilling your mortgage and improve your financial situation by lowering your monthly payments.   9. Apply for Loss Mitigation:   Another option to consider is loss mitigation, which refers to financial assistance that may be available from the government or your lender.    This can include programs such as the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), which provides help to struggling homeowners. Through these programs, you can lower your monthly payments or delay foreclosure proceedings.   10. Seek Legal Advice:    If all else fails, it may be beneficial to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney who can guide you through the foreclosure process.    An attorney can help you understand your state's laws and advise you on the best action to avoid foreclosure. An attorney can also help to negotiate a settlement with the lender.     Wrapping Up: These are just some of the ways that will help you to avoid or postpone foreclosure. Every situation is unique, and you should consider your options before making any decisions.   It is important to remember that you have options when facing foreclosure, and taking advantage of these alternatives could save your home and provide financial relief for years to come.    Take time to explore all available options before making any decisions. You can find the best solution for your unique situation with research and professional guidance.    Good luck!

    MORE

  • 5 Reasons Airbnb Might NOT Be a Good Investment | Short Term Rental,Erica Parker

    5 Reasons Airbnb Might NOT Be a Good Investment | Short Term Rental

            Five reasons why Airbnb might not be the best investment strategy for your property   When it comes to investing in real estate, there are many strategies to choose from - each with its pros and cons. One of these strategies is Airbnb, which involves renting your property on a short-term basis to vacationers or business travelers. With the potential to make 3-5 times the passive income than you would in a long-term lease, many investors wonder if Airbnb is worth it.  While Airbnb can be an attractive option for some investors, there might be better investment strategies for some.   There are several potential drawbacks to investing in an Airbnb property. Here are five things to consider when deciding if Airbnb is a good investment for your property: 1.No Guaranteed Income: Airbnb can be unpredictable, and there is no guaranteed income each month. Just because you list your property on Airbnb doesn't mean people will stay in your place, and bookings can fluctuate monthly.   You'll need to factor in the local attractions and proximity to business hubs when deciding if your property will be attractive enough for guests.   In addition, there are additional upfront costs of furnishing the property and bringing in a theme for the property.   Furthermore, a long-term rent-ready property may be a different caliber of rehab than a short-term rent-ready rehab for which you want to get top dollar. 2.Bad Tenants: This is another potential downside to investing in Airbnb that you can't control.With long-term rentals, you can do background checks, verify financial stability, and call past landlords. However, with Airbnb, you must rely on the customer ratings by previous hosts.Good and bad tenants treat the home as a hotel.  They don't care about broken items, cleaning up after themselves, or scuffs on the paint.Profound explanation: They usually cause more damage because they are using someone else's furniture and not being mindful of the home as if it were their own.  In addition, unless you have a security system with cameras in the main areas, you can't dissuade them from having a party or other activities that may damage the home.  This means you spend extra time and money dealing with any issues that may arise from having less-than-ideal tenants. And you may need help to recoup the costs from the security deposit.   3.Additional Costs Involved: Investing in Airbnb comes with many additional costs that can add up quickly. It is about more than just making money; there are many expenses that you'll have to carry. When you calculate your potential net income from renting out your property on Airbnb, you have to consider the following: Maintenance Costs such as handyman repairs, not to mention the constant cleaning fees:  Depending on the condition of the unit, you may need to hire someone to perform regular maintenance and repair costs. Utilities, including cable and internet: These are additional costs you will have to pay whether or not it contains renters. As an Airbnb investor, you will also have to factor in the price of Wi-Fi and cable since guests expect these amenities when they rent a property. Advertising Costs: Although advertising your Airbnb is a discretionary choice, it may be required if you compete with other Airbnb properties for a few vacationers. Depending on the region, you may spend significant money advertising your property. This cost can range from paying for online ads to getting professional photographs of your rental property. Additional Liability Insurance Coverage and Hazard Insurance Coverage for Personal Property: If this is a second home, you may have to pay for additional liability insurance through Airbnb or another company. Likewise, if this is a rental property, you may have additional liability insurance coverage; however, you will want to acquire insurance coverage for any personal property you decide to furnish the property with. This means you must purchase specialized hazard insurance coverage for the furniture and any other personal property you choose to include in your Airbnb rental. Additional Taxes and Fees: These are taxes required by local governments for short-term rentals and fees collected by Airbnb or other platforms promoting your property. Depending on the region, you may need to obtain special permits for renting out properties on a short-term basis. You may also be required to remit hotel, tourism, or other taxes to the local government. Finally, you will need to pay any fees charged by the platform on which you are listing your property. These fees can range from a percentage of the total rental price to a commission for each night rented out.   4.Local Regulations and HOAs:  Local regulations and HOAs are something to consider when investing in Airbnb. Depending on where you live, there may be local regulations governing short-term rentals like those offered on Airbnb that you'll need to comply with or risk getting fined or having your rental permit revoked.  Additionally, several HOAs restrict short-term rentals to no shorter duration than monthly or even refuse to allow short-term rentals altogether. Before investing in Airbnb, ensure you understand all the rules and regulations related to renting your property to avoid surprises down the road.   5.Property location might not be suitable: Depending on your property, the tourism-heavy vacation destinations for Airbnb have taken a hard hit since inflation has significantly increased and discretionary spending has been depleted.  This means that it may be challenging to achieve consistent bookings if you have a property in an area that relies heavily on tourism. Before investing in Airbnb, it is essential to research the local economy and ensure that enough travelers are looking for short-term rentals in the area.  If the economy is not conducive to short-term rentals, you may pass on investing as it is a location-based decision.   Final Words:Ultimately, investing in Airbnb is not a decision that should be taken lightly. Before deciding if Airbnb suits you, you must consider all associated factors.  Research local regulations, understand advertising costs, review the additional insurance coverage you may need to acquire, and understand the local economy before investing. If these things do not align with your goals, investing in Airbnb is not your best decision. As with any investment, make sure you do your due diligence before deciding on an exit strategy. If you are interested in investing in Texas, our team and I at Best Life Texas would be more than happy to assist you and answer any questions about investing in real estate. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or inquiries at info@bestlifetexas.com.  We look forward to hearing from you soon!

    MORE