Buying is Now 37.7% Cheaper Than Renting in the US

The results of the latest Rent vs. Buy Report from Trulia show that homeownership remains cheaper than renting with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage in the 100 largest metro areas in the United States.

The updated numbers actually show that the range is an average of 17.4% less expensive in Honolulu (HI), all the way up to 53.2% less expensive in Miami & West Palm Beach (FL), and 37.7% nationwide!

Other interesting findings in the report include:

  • Interest rates have remained low, and even though home prices have appreciated around the country, they haven’t greatly outpaced rental appreciation.
  • Home prices would have to appreciate by a range of over 23% in Honolulu (HI), up to over 45% in Ventura County (CA), to reach the…

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We are seeing a slight shift in the Avery Ranch real estate market.

Sellers in Avery Ranch who maintain their home are still being rewarded with great sales prices. However, owners who have not prepared their home prior to coming on the market or who are not hiring an experienced listing agent are seeing a significant loss of market value.

The average days on market increased to 74 days, largely due to 4 homes that each took over 142 days to sell.

More telling is there were 10 homes that did not sell at all and were taken off the market. That is a significant number of homes for Avery Ranch.

In October we sold 2 homes in Avery Ranch that were previously listed with other agents. In both instances after we brought in a home stager to better…

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My Dad always told me to wait for the head barber.

Growing up I thought this was strange advice because my Dad was bald.

Later on I realized what he meant.

He meant do business with the person in charge. The person who can say, “Yes.” The person who will stand behind the company.

One of the reasons we started our own company is we wanted to be in control of the company culture.

At my previous real estate office management encouraged agents to take a seminar where one agent laid on the floor while others shower them with money chanting, “I am a money magnet.”

There’s even a Youtube video of a woman stuffing money into her sweater at this seminar.


It seems like every day there’s another scandal where a large company like Wells…

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Homes that are staged sell for more money than homes not staged.

We know buyers buy based on emotion and then use logic to justify their decisions.

If the floor plan of a home is confusing or if buyers can’t picture how they will live in your home they will cross it off their list.

That’s why we offer FREE home staging for our vacant listings.

Most sellers know their home should be staged but the cost of home staging can be too expensive. That’s why our company purchased furniture and staging items so we can offer that service free of charge to our clients.

This is a home recently sold. The owners tried to sell the home with another realtor but everyone hated the floor plan because they did not know how to utilize the long hall from the…

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Who is the #1 Realtor in Avery Ranch? Who cares?

If you are selling your home in Avery Ranch you should care.

My name Eric Peterson, owner of Kopa Real Estate, owner of 2 homes in Avery Ranch and I have sold 4 times more homes in the neighborhood than any other Realtor this year.

So who cares? Here’s why you should care.

I’ve Seen Every Home On The Market

Because I specialize in the Avery Ranch area I have seen every home that’s come on the market this year.

When you are pricing and positioning your home you want it to be based on accurate information. Pictures and metrics like $/SF of recently sold homes only tell part of the story.

Client Testimonial

“Kopa Real Estate did an amazing job of marketing my home in Avery Ranch.…

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Have You Put Aside Enough for Closing Costs?

There are many potential homebuyers, and even sellers, who believe that you need at least a 20% down payment in order to buy a home, or move on to their next home. Time after time, we have dispelled this myth by showing that there are many loan programs that allow you to put down as little as 3% (or 0% with a VA loan).

If you have saved up your down payment and are ready to start your home search, one other piece of the puzzle is to make sure that you have saved enough for your closing costs.

Freddie Mac defines closing costs as:

“Closing costs, also called settlement fees, will need to be paid when you obtain a mortgage.  These are fees charged by people representing your purchase, including your lender, real estate agent, and…

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Some Highlights:

  • Distressed property sales fell to its lowest number since NAR began tracking it in 2008.
  • As you can see, with less distressed properties, sales are up in all price ranges except the $0 - $100K price range.
  • Interest rates are still at historic lows, signifying that now is the right time to buy!

If your are interested in buying a home this year call/text me directly at 512-791-7473 or send me an email at eric@koparealestate.com

Have a Question?

Contact Us Now!

*Your information will never be shared with any third party.

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Think You Should FSBO? 5 Reasons to Think Again!

In today’s market, with home prices rising and a lack of inventory, some homeowners may consider trying to sell their home on their own, known in the industry as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). There are several reasons why this might not be a good idea for the vast majority of sellers.

Here are the top five reasons:

1. Exposure to Prospective Buyers

Recent studies have shown that 88% of buyers search online for a home. That is in comparison to only 21% looking at print newspaper ads. Most real estate agents have an internet strategy to promote the sale of your home. Do you? 

2. Results Come from the Internet

Where did buyers find the home they actually purchased?

  • 44% on the internet
  • 33% from a Real Estate Agent
  • 9%…

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Are you thinking about making changes to your home or yard? Making changes to your most important investment can be an exciting and complicated process!

It’s still a good idea to verify necessary permits with your county’s permit office and here are their contacts:

Austin Development Services Department: 512-978-4000
Travis County Permit Office: 512-854-4215
Williamson County Engineer: 512-943-3330

Read original post here.

Have a Question?

Contact Us Now!

*Your information will never be shared with any third party.

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Mortgage Rates by Decade Compared to Today [INFOGRAPHIC] | MyKCM

Some Highlights:

  • The interest rate you secure for your mortgage greatly influences your monthly housing costs.
  • In the 1980s, 30-year fixed mortgage rates averaged in the high 12s making the monthly principal and interest payment over $2,000.
  • Interest rates are still at historic lows; this is a great time lock in your housing cost and protect yourself from increasing rents, or refinance your current mortgage.

If your are interested in buying a home this year call/text me directly at 512-791-7473 or send me an email at eric@koparealestate.com

Have a Question?

Contact Us Now!

*Your information will never be shared with any third party.

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