Marissa Fontanez - Dallas Realtor

Stunning home in Munger Place coming soon! Stay tuned!

Ready for some real talk about getting a mortgage this fall?

As rates inch higher, more homeowners are buying down their interest rates. Curious about what that means and if it’s right for you? Here’s the rundown on mortgage rate buydowns:

- A mortgage buydown is a way to lower your interest rate by paying discount points at closing. Discount points are a one-time, upfront fee.
- Each point costs 1 percent of the mortgage. For example, one point on a $200,000 mortgage would cost $2,000.
- Each point lowers the rate by 0.25 percent. So, one point would lower a mortgage rate from 6 percent to 5.75 percent for the life of the loan.

If you've got some extra savings and can afford it, buying mortgage points may be a smart investment.

Have more questions about buying a home or taking out a mortgage this fall? DM me - I’m here to help however I can.

Now that the end of 2022 is within sight, you may be wondering what’s going to happen in the housing market next year and what that may mean if you’re thinking about buying a home. Here’s a look at the latest expert insights on both mortgage rates and home prices so you can make your best move possible.

What’s Ahead for Mortgage Rates and Home Prices? Now that the end of 2022 is within sight, you may be wondering what’s going to happen in the housing market next year and what that may mean if you’re thinking about buying a home. Here’s a look at the latest expert insights on both mortgage rates and home prices so you can make your best move...

Are you thinking about buying a home? Have questions about the process? Unsure of where or how to begin? You need a buyer consult.
I'm here! Send me a DM, and let's find a time to connect.

Fed Rate decision comes out at 1p CST

Let’s hope for
lower rates 🤞🏼

Whether you're on TEAM BUYER or TEAM SELLER this fall you're gonna need a PLAN for the always exciting and fast-paced game of REAL ESTATE. Play with skill and expertise, and no doubt, you'll emerge on top!

We'll make adjustments along the way, but here’s the GAME PLAN for getting started:

TEAM BUYER

- Reach out to an agent when you see a home you like.
- Get your financials in order and begin to shop lenders.
- Learn about various neighborhoods and tour properties.
- Work with an agent to write an offer your seller can't refuse.

TEAM SELLER

- Meet with an agent to review comps and market analysis.
- Establish a listing price and sign a listing agreement.
- Get your home prepped for showings. My go-to play: Clean and declutter.
- Stay flexible and warmed up for showings. When the call comes, it’s game time!

Ready to get off the bench and into the game? DM me, and let’s get you some playing time!

Fixer-uppers are NOT for the faint of heart!⁣
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Before pouring your hard-earned cash into a fixer-upper, ask yourself:⁣
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- Do you have the patience of a saint? Labor shortages and supply chain issues are causing even minor home repairs to drag on and on. Patience, flexibility, and time to wait best be your best friends.⁣

- Do you have the time and capacity? Taking on a fixer-upper is incredibly exciting, but it can also be all-consuming. Ask those who know you best their thoughts about your potential new project.⁣

- Is the price right? All that fixing is gonna take cash. Talk with your realtor and a trusted lender to set right expectations about what you can afford.⁣

- Where will you live during renovations? With a move-in ready, you just, well, move in. A fixer-upper, not so much. To make it work, you’ll need a place to crash or fork out for a rental.⁣

- Is your partner on board? Fixing up a home tests every relationship to its core. If you and your partner aren’t on the same page, something move-in ready will be most harmonious for the home front.⁣
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Have you bought and survived a fixer-upper? What’s your best “been there, done that” tip for buyers?

Share it in the comments below.

Real estate is a great hedge against inflation - read the blog below.

https://www.marissa-fontanez.com/blog/dz4lfna846tx7j3z1hrnrt5z891ldo

Homeownership Is a Great Hedge Against the Impact of Rising Inflation — Marissa Fontanez If you’re following along with the news today, you’ve heard about rising inflation. Today, inflation is at a 40-year high. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

You’re all about hot fun in the summertime, just NOT inside your home. For this week's nod to National Homeowners Month, here are four to keep your home cool without laying a finger on the thermostat:⁣⁠
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1. When you leave for the day, close the curtains, blinds, or shades.⁣⁠
2. Rotate ceiling fans counterclockwise to force air down and create a breeze.⁣⁠
3. Crack open your windows in the evenings when the air outside is cool.⁣⁠
4. Swap heavy bedding for breathable cotton sheets and lightweight coverlets. ⁣⁠
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Happy home-owning, friends! Got a you can’t live without? ⁠
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Let us know in the comments! ⁠
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REMINDER: It's okay to stop your agent and ask "Wait... What does that mean?"⁣⁠
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That's what we're here for! Here's a few vocabulary words you'll here around your real estate agent when selling your home:⁣⁠
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-Comps: Short for “comparable sales.” Comps are recently sold homes similar to yours in location, size, condition, and features. You and your agent will use comps to help price your home.⁣⁠
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-Staging: The process of making your home appealing to the masses by decluttering, rearranging furniture, or bringing in different furniture and decor. You can stage your home yourself or hire a professional stager.⁣⁠
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-Contingent: A word meaning “dependent on.” In real estate, it means the seller has accepted an offer, but some additional conditions must be met. The most common contingencies include inspection, financing, appraisal, title, and home sale.⁣⁠
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-Earnest money: The money a buyer puts down when they are serious about purchasing your home. The higher the earnest money, typically, the greater the interest.⁣⁠
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-Escrow: A third-party account that holds funds like earnest money, property taxes, and insurance during a real estate transaction.⁣⁠
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-Home warranty: A service contract often provided by sellers that covers the repair of major appliances and systems during the first year after a home sale.⁣⁠
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Thinking of selling and want to hear more about comps, staging, or any other parts in the process? DM me, and let’s connect!⁠
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Open today! from 1-3..come see this absolutely stunning contemporary modern home in a sought after location for under a million - hard to find right now in east Dallas!
5405 Melrose Ave
$950,000
3 bed | 3.1 bath | 2,746sqft
2 car garage
Tons of light and privacy!
DM me for more details!

Coming tomorrow! Don’t miss this sleek and modern home!

5405 Melrose Avenue in the hottest part of East Dallas - nestled between the ever popular lower Greenville Avenue and Henderson - it is walking distance to so many fun restaurants and shopping. 10 minutes to Downtown Dallas.

Open this Saturday from 1-3pm!

DM me for more details

https://youtu.be/ToaUSUPd8JA

CONTEMPORARY HOME UNDER $1,000,000 IN EAST DALLAS 3 BED | 3.1 BATH | 2 CAR GARAGE If you enjoyed this video. Just click the 👍 , and SUBSCRIBE for more great content coming soon, and hit the 🔔 so you don't ever miss a video! Intere...

Happy Monday! Yes its 3pm and I'm wishing you a happy Monday - finally semi - caught up from the weekend frenzy of

Market Stats over the last week in 75214 area of East Dallas. Swipe left ⬅️ for all the details.

15 new listings came to market and promptly went under contract over the weekend. If you blinked you missed them! 🤪 It's valuable to have an agent who knows the area, whats coming, and how to present a winning offer.

If you'd like to know whats happening in your area send me a DM!

Raise your hand if you've seen a house hit the market, but by the time you open your phone to schedule a showing - it's pending ✋😂⁣⁠
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Curious how to handle a low inventory market? Here’s a quick rundown of what not to do as a seller or buyer.⁣⁠
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If you’re looking to SELL:⁣⁠
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Don’t wait. With not many homes for sale, you won't have much competition. Translation? You can likely expect one or more top-dollar offers from eager buyers.⁣⁠
Don’t overprice. Even with low inventory, set your asking price at market value. Doing so means you’re likely to attract more buyers and possibly set off a lucrative bidding war.⁣⁠
Don’t worry. You're going to get a greater return on your investment. Rising prices mean that homes are also gaining value!⁣⁠
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If you’re looking to BUY:⁣⁠
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Don’t wait to get "paperwork ready." Do everything you can NOW (gather down payments funds, get pre-approved, have your home ready to sell) so when you find your dream home you can move, and move fast!⁣⁠
Don’t make a clunky offer. Make a clean offer with as few contingencies and concessions as possible.⁣⁠
Don’t let your emotions run awry. Give your bestie a heads up that you’re gonna need some serious talk therapy. Whether it's a frantic bidding war or losing another home you just knew was the one, you gotta fight to keep your emotions in check. ⁣⁠
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If you've felt the pain of this low inventory market, raise your hand in the comments below! ✋✋✋⁠
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Seller FAQ: How much do I have to disclose to buyers?⁣
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The short answer: Everything you know.⁣
The longer answer: You’re required to provide a written description (aka The Sellers Disclosure - your agent will provide the form) about any known issues with your home that could hurt its value.

Those issues include (but are not limited to):

Termite damage⁣
Foundation cracks⁣
Plumbing or HVAC issues⁣
Septic or sewer problems⁣
Homeowners association fees and restrictions.⁣
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The seller disclosure is good for buyers AND sellers.

How? It brings transparency to the transaction, minimizes delays, and heads off the risk of legal headaches down the road.⁣. (trust me you don't want any headaches! especially legal ones)

Selling this spring? Let me walk you through each step - including what to disclose to buyers.

Two things that never make sense:Trying to “time” the real estate market.Daylight Savings Time.

Who has a clock to change these days anyway? Don’t forget you’ll lose an hour tonight.. we are “springing forward”.

Oh and you almost always lose trying to time the market - talk to a trusted professional about your real estate goals - after all we do this everyday.

Just saying 🤷🏻‍♀️

The writing is on the wall: You’re going to buy— and sell — at the same time. ⁣
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The first thing to know is you’re not alone: 71% of buyers are also, simultaneously, sellers. The key to success on both ends of the deal is having a realtor to guide you through:⁣
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Prepping & pricing your current home⁣
Market assessment for your current and prospective home⁣
Offers and contingencies clauses⁣
Financing options and lender referrals⁣
Securing short-term housing if needed⁣
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If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain, the best thing to do is to talk to a pro who can ease your worries. Send me a DM and let’s set up a time to connect this week.

No more twiddling your thumbs. You’re selling and the time has come to whip your well-loved but worn-down home into tip-top shape. So...what’s next? What repairs and improvements are worth it before selling? Here are six to consider:⁣
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Paint. Paint is one of the cheapest, easiest ways to update your home and get it ready to list. Plus, you don’t need to be a pro. Just queue up YouTube, pick your colors, and get to rolling.⁣

Exterior. Help buyers locate your home by refreshing house numbers and boost curb appeal with fresh mulch and planters filled with annuals. Have more time? Pressure wash your driveway and sidewalks.⁣

Kitchen. Give cabinets, appliances, and backsplashes a serious scrubbing. Install new hardware and light fixtures and replace countertops if needed. Don’t do a full reno unless your agent advises.⁣

Bathrooms. Cleanliness is king but so is functionality. Repair running toilets and leaky faucets, and consider replacing dingy toilet seats.⁣

Lighting. The brighter the better. Ditch heavy drapes for breezy curtains (or no curtains at all) to let in as much natural light as you can.⁣

Floors. There's nothing like walking into a home with freshly refinished hardwood floors. If you can, consider refinishing your wood floors — don't worry, the return on investment is very high.⁣
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I encourage sellers to prep their homes right out of the gate for the home inspection. If it’s going to show up on the inspection, why not take care of it before it hits the MLS? ⁣
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Are you thinking about selling and wondering what buyers want in your neighborhood? DM me and let’s chat!

Super excited about this new listing coming soon!

6264 Martel Avenue
Wilshire Heights | East Dallas
5 bed | 3.5 baths | 2 car oversized garage
3,944 square feet of amazing space!

Open House this Saturday 1-3pm

Do you know anyone that would love this gorgeous home? Feel free to share this post.. tag them.. or DM me.

https://show.tours/6264martelave

6264 Martel Ave | Marissa Fontanez 6264 Martel Ave

An appraisal contingency is a clause included in a purchase contract that allows you to back out of a contract if a home is appraised for less than the purchase price. ⁣⁠
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As a buyer, you should never waive an appraisal contingency UNLESS you've talked with an agent you trust, and you believe you'll need to waive it to have your offer accepted; even then, it’s risky.⁣⁠
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It's my responsibility to protect and educate my buyers during the home buying journey. Encouraging them to include an appraisal contingency in their offer is just one of the many ways I can make good on that promise. ⁣⁠
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If you're looking to buy and need an agent to show you something that’s caught your eye, send me a DM. Let’s start the search for your next home today!⁠
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