Simplify your monthly rent collection. Stop waiting for the mail to come or for Friday to visit your tenants to collect in person. Have you ever looked into an online rent payment tool? With the rise of digital payments, why not? Rent payments sites can link directly to your account, simplify the process, and keep an accurate digital record.  

Allowing your tenants the alternative to pay online gives them the flexibility to do so whenever and wherever they may be. If you choose an online payment site, this site will act as a third party between you and your tenant. 

What Tools Can You Use? 

Paypal offers convenience as most people have this app already installed on their phones. Tenants can make monthly payments from their phone, tablet, or computer.  

Rentler FREE online payment tool allows your tenants to split roommate payments, automatically report rent payments to build a tenant’s credit, and send digital rent reminders/late fee notices. 

Venmo is another app that most of your tenants have already downloaded. Venmo features a request tool where landlords can send transfer requests to their tenants on the day rent is due. 

Avail allows you to set up each tenant, enter their monthly rent and due date, and add a separate late fee if paid after a specific date. This site also allows you to schedule security deposit payments with new tenants and due dates. 

PayLease.com  Tenants set up an account and can make payments each month or set up an automatic payment schedule to occur on a specific date. 

PayYourRent.com PayYourRent currently offers eCheck and credit card payments. Tenants can make individual payments or schedule recurring payments monthly.  

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Rentigo Payment by eChecks and credit cards and allows tenants to schedule recurring payments. 

What Should You Do? 

Check with your accountant and see if this is a good option for you. Do additional research to see which tool best fits your tenant demographic and needs.  

Are you looking to become a landlord? Anthoney Hanks with Beyond 404 Realty in Forney, Texas, is your local expert for the DFW community when it comes to finding an investment property. Visit his website at www.beyond404realty.com for more information and to schedule an appointment. 

Were you among the millions of Americans in 2020 that started spending more time at home? This shift in time that most spend at home has led many to reassess their financial situations and location, especially with plummeting mortgage rates leading many to wonder – should I keep renting? 

Should You Move? 

Undoubtedly, buying a home is a daunting life-altering decision that leads to many lifestyle changes. It would be best to consider things such as your flexibility, stability, career growth, and family expansion. It seems like too much to consider, so you end up just renting for another year – but is that still worth it? 

At What Cost? 

The cost of a mortgage and the cost of rent historically were very different. Still, with high rent costs, it’s often cheaper to own your own home, even after considering property taxes, maintenance, and utility costs.  

What are the costs? According to the real estate journal, The Ascent,” Mortgage payments cost less than rent: In 2019, homeowners paid $7,229 towards their mortgage, including interest. Renters paid $11,979 in rent. Overall, homeowners with a mortgage paid $4,750 less.” That is a huge difference! The difference between you going on vacation or a staycation.  

But according to the data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Consumer Expenditure Survey, in 2019, homeowners with a mortgage paid $8,609 more a year on total housing costs than renters. Total housing costs include mortgages, real estate taxes, property insurance, homeowners’ association fees, utilities, maintenance, and other items. These expenses are often billing renters have the luxury to avoid.  

What are the Benefits of Renting? 

With every situation, there are pros and cons including homeownership. When looking at the pros of renting, you have great flexibility, your landlord pays for significant repairs, you avoid closing costs and property taxes, and you can often move for a change of scenery.  

What are the Cons of Renting? 

You’re not building any equity, you cannot customize your space as much as you would like, rent prices are volatile, your landlord could sell the property, and you don’t have a sense of permanent security. If these are all issues for you, it might be best to invest your money in a home of your own.  

What Should You Do? 

Take into account your situation. Think about where you see yourself in a few years and develop a game plan. Speak with local experts in your real estate market to better understand how you can prepare for deciding to switch from renting to owning. There is nothing better to be than prepared! 

Are you located or relocating to the DFW area? Anthoney Hanks with Beyond 404 Realty (www.Beyond404Realty.com) would love to assist you through the process and help you find your dream home and beat the cycle of signing lease after lease!  

Pets are part of the family. Many Americans are among the 67% of households, or some 84.9 million American families, own at least one pet according to one recent study. That number is only growing with the recent boom in pet ownership due to many working remotely. Many pet owners will not even entertain the thought of looking at an apartment or home that is not pet-friendly. Excluding pet owners from your potential tenants could rule out an entirely viable market of renters. 

Pros and Cons of Allowing Furry Friends  

Just like any situation, there are pros and cons to allowing tenants to bring along Fido. You may worry about property damage or insurance issues, but you cannot neglect to look at the benefits.  

1. Higher Rent – many pet owners would be willing to pay a higher monthly rent to be able to live in a home that works for them and their animals. You could also add a monthly pet fee to the normal rent.  

2. More tenants to choose from – the list of potential tenants will be longer. You will be able to choose exactly the right fit for your property.  

3. Better renewal rate – tenants will not want to go through the painstaking trial of looking for another pet-friendly rental. They will be happy to stay where their whole family can stay together.  

4. Responsible pet owners equal responsible tenants.  

With that all being said there are some potential downsides to allowing four-legged companions.  

1. Property damage – this can be anything from scratch marks on doors to a lingering odor in the rugs.  

2. Noise – dogs get excited and bark to protect their home. 

3. Potential injury to other tenants. 

What can you do to be sure you pick the right tenant with well-behaved pets? 

The Interview Process 

During the normal interview process of credit checking, background checks, and criminal record checks, add in a pet check. Consider conducting an interview in person where you can meet the pet for yourself to determine if they would be a good fit, are well behaved, and have responsible owners.  

Some questions you may want to ask: 

1. Is your pet left alone for long periods during the day? 

2. Does your pet go outdoors for exercise? 

3. Are they spayed or neutered? 

4. Who looks after the pet when you are away? 

5. Has your dog had any obedience training? 

6. Is your pet properly licensed with the city and state? 

7. Has your pet been vaccinated?  

8. Do you have a vet that you visit regularly? 

9. How does your pet react with other pets? 

Asking these questions and some of your own will help you get a better idea if this pet and tenant are a good fit.  

Final Thoughts 

Whether or not you choose to rent to tenants with pets you should establish clear guidelines in your leases regarding pet ownership and responsibility. Consider all the factors mentioned above before you make the final decision on allowing dogs and cats in your rentals. Remember, careful tenant screening is your best bet at getting an amazing tenant and a friendly furry companion. Anthoney Hanks with Beyond404Realty.com. 

When you hear the term “The American Dream”, what comes to mind? Many will say the ability to own your own home. It is perhaps one of the biggest investments someone can make throughout their lifetime. Many see buying your first home as a milestone in your adult life, why then have many millennials put off or disregarded purchasing a home? 

Market Value Surges  

Most secular sources agree that a mortgage should not exceed over 25% of the household’s monthly gross income, with a percentage higher than that it might bring into question the ability to maintain the payments during harder times. With the current market, most areas are experiencing a hike in housing prices with the rise of wages trailing far behind and not keeping pace. This means that those millennials who are 5 -10 years out of college are still struggling to close the gap between their wages and the average home price.  

Debt it High 

With the average millennial in their late 20’s to early ’30s in 2021, most have been working at paying down their student debt for some years. Unlike generations past, however, the debt that millennials have acquired during college years is high and causing a financial burden on many. According to the NAR, more than 50% of prospective home buyers under the age of 36 noted that student debt delayed their plans on purchasing a home. Other sources including Apartment List noted that most millennials without debt needed on average 7.6 years to save for their first down payment while those with a high student loan debt rate needed to save for more than four more additional years. All of this factors into why debt is causing a slow down in millennials with college debt in purchasing their first home. 

They Think Long Term 

Millennials as a whole are sustainability-minded. They like to think of how things will affect them for years to come and even their children. Unlike generations past when a starter home was an acceptable first home, many millennials want to be more particular and find a home that they can grow into as time ebbs away rather than moving and purchasing a new one to suit their future needs. 

They Have High Standards 

The rise of social media, home design shows, and home design magazines have been immensely influential with millennials and their counterparts. Millennials are constantly confronted with the “perfect” home on their social media feeds and television programs that they watch. With this, it creates a desire to have the perfect home. Millennials will wait longer to find a home than other generations because they will want to check off most if not all of their boxes, even if those boxes are purely from a design perspective. 

They Crave a Community Environment  

Millennials want to live, work and play in one central area. Gone are the days of long commutes and moving between communities. While millennials take their time to get established they will seek out a community that feels like home to them, often renting and trying it out so to speak before making the move to purchase a home there. 

The bottom line is that millennials are purchasing their first homes at a much later age than generators prior, partially due to cost and partially due to the shift in our culture. When working with a millennial client be sure to fully understand their needs, wants, and desires to better assist them.  

Are you a millennial in the Dallas-Fort Worth area looking to work with a trusted local agent? Anthoney Hanks of Beyond 404 Realty would be happy to help you find your dream home and make the DFW community your home. See our website for contact information regarding this. 

The city of Terrell, established in 1874 is now home to over 16,000 residents just 25 miles East of Dallas. Terrell is home to a multitude of local businesses, employing over 11,000 hard-working Texans. The city is well known for its Southern charm and modern amenities.  

Are you a long-time resident of Terrell or are you new to the area and thinking of moving in? Terrell is an amazing place to settle down and plant your roots. The school system is close-knit and provides a great education for its students. Being within 25 miles of Dallas, the location is ideal for commuters who want to be close to the city, but still, have a piece of quiet land to relax on at the end of a stressful day. 

Terrell is known for its rich history with the Pacific Railway with cotton production as well as a host of other notable sites that include The Griffith Homeplace Museum, OK Corral Ranch & Arena, Terrell Ghost Walk, British Flying Training School Museum, Terrell Heritage Museum, and many local parks. Shopping and other conveniences are a short drive from any home with factory outlets, grocery stores, and other shopping all located within the town.  

When making your next move consider living in Terrell – you won’t regret it. Anthoney Hanks with Beyond 404 Realty is a local expert on Terrell real estate and will be happy to assist you in your home search. Reach out to us on our website at www.beyond404realty.com, fill out the contact form and we will get started on finding your dream home.  

Your long and tedious house search yielded the perfect property and the offer you made was accepted – congratulations. The next step in your journey to homeownership is getting through the home inspection. This is your opportunity to look the home over and find any issues with the home that you otherwise would not discover until living there. Take this time to pay close attention, listen to the inspector, and the advice of your trusted agent. Below are some of the steps taken during an inspection and some helpful tips to use along the way. 

What Happens at a Home Inspection? 

The home inspector will look at all areas of the home including the roof, foundation, plumbing systems, heating systems, and much more. The inspector will take detailed notes and photos to put into a written report for you and your agent to review afterward. If there is a glaring issue the inspector will bring it to your attention and explain what can be done to remedy the issue.  

What Do Home Inspectors Look For? 

A full list of what your home inspector will investigate according to the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI): 

1. Heating system 

2. Central air conditioning system (temperature permitting) 

3. Interior plumbing and electrical systems 

4. Roof 

5. Attic, including visible insulation 

6. Walls 

7. Ceilings 

8. Floors 

9. Windows and doors 

10. Foundation 

11. Basement 

12. Structural components 

Who Pays for the Home Inspection? 

Typically in most regions, the buyer will contact a home inspector of their choice and pay them directly. If you do not have a preferred home inspector your agent will be able to make a recommendation of a trusted professional. 

How Long Do Home Inspections Take? 

The length of the inspection differs from home to home based on the size, age, and thoroughness of the inspector. Generally speaking most inspections last between 2 and 4 hours.  

What Happens After the Inspection? 

You and your agent will review the inspection report provided by the home inspector. If the report shows few or expected problems, the home buying process and closing date should move ahead smoothly. Your agent might suggest asking the seller to deal with minor issues and repairs before the closing. If there is a more serious issue your agent will guide you through the next best steps. 

Whether this is your first home purchase or your 10th, a home inspection is not a step to skip over in the home purchasing process. We wish you luck as you continue towards your goal of homeownership. 

For local assistance in the Kaufman County area of the Dallas-Fort Worth community, Beyond 404 Real Estate can be your trusted local real estate agent. Our real estate office is located in Forney and home to agents with vast knowledge on all things home-related. Give us a call today to help you along your journey. Anthoney Hanks at www.beyond404realty.com 

Founded in 2019 by Tim Gehan, UnionMain Homes in Dallas has been helping recapture the meaning of the neighborhood by creating a communal spirit. We recently spoke with the marketing director about what makes UnionMain special and why you should consider them when thinking about building your next home.  

About UnionMain 

UnionMain prides themselves on offering affordable elegance to those seeking a new home. They strive to keep costs low but the lists of options and quality finishes are endless – no two families are the same so why should their homes be? Over the last few years, UnionMain has built over 250 homes, providing much-needed housing in the area. They employ over 100 hard-working custom service-driven men and women who are there to help you at every step of the building process. UnionMain is large enough to be flexible but small enough to really listen. When speaking with the staff they highlighted how much they love what they do because they are part of something bigger – helping create a beautiful space where families can make memories to last a lifetime.  

The Process 

UnionMain’s focus is on building communities that they themselves could see calling their home. Their new communities are family-focused and nearby schools, shopping, and offices to make commuting to your frequented places easier! All of these factors and more are considered before starting a new community.  

The Homes 

UnionMain works on 30-40 unique home plans to create stunning homes for every potential buyer. The single-level floor plan is extremely popular among those looking to create an easier flow of traffic. The most popular single-level plan includes 3,000 square feet and comes standard with a three-car garage. The final product is beautiful and luxurious for a shockingly low price tag.  

The upgrades and options lists for every home are extensive, allowing everyone to find exactly what they are looking for in a future residence. Some of those options include custom cabinetry, laundry room, and high-end flooring.  

Unsure of what finishing touches to put in your home? Not to fear! UnionMain offers a full design service where a design professional offers guidance and suggestions for finishes in your home from cabinets, lighting, storage options, all the way down to the knobs, and pulls your place on drawers. 

How Long Will It Take? 

From start to finish building a new home with UnionMain takes approximately 6 months. If that seems like a long wait go ahead and check out one of the 30 plus homes that are complete or nearly complete just waiting for you to make it your own. This option is ideal for those moving from out of town or those who want a new home without the process of designing the whole home.  

How To Reach Them 

To begin your home-building journey you can reach out to our friends at UnionMain at the link to their website below. Stay tuned on UnionMain’s website and social media channels for an exciting announcement about a new development popping up soon in Melissa! These homes will be one of a kind and one can be yours!  https://unionmainhomes.com/

Need a Local Agent? 

Anthony Hanks with Beyond 404 Realty will be happy to assist you in the home buying process with UnionMain. Please reach out to us on our website by filling out the contact us form at this link https://beyond404realty.com/index.php/contact/. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you along your next journey.  

The 2021 real estate market is hard for buyers. The pandemic has caused many to look for a new home but few to sell their existing homes. The National Association of Home Builders reported that 45% of long-time home searchers haven’t purchased a home because they continue to lose out on bidding wars. The mix of high demand and low inventory has created more than a headache for many buyers and realtors. If you are one of the many seeking to find a new home to call your own here are some things you can do to stand out from the crowd. 

Get Pre-Approved 

At the end of the day, sellers want to feel comfortable with the offers they are presented with. Many sellers will not even look at an offer if it does not come with a pre-approval. A pre-approval letter shows how serious you are in your pursuit of a home purchase. These letters are vital in the volatile market we see.  

Added bonus – you can have your lender prepare a property-specific letter for your offer. 

Be Prepared to Use Your Cash Reserves 

Increasing your down payment or increasing the amount of earnest money you provide shows everyone that you’re serious and that this is something you truly want. This can be something that a seller would favor over a lower down payment. If you’re in the situation to do so, a 100% cash offer would help you stand out even more above the rest of the offers. This gives sellers the guarantee that your offer will go through and not have financing issues.  

Waive Contingencies and Inspections 

While some buyers are willing to waive the inspection period, this is NOT for everyone. Highly consider the situation before doing this. Speak with your agent and discuss all of the pros and cons of doing so. Consider the age of the home and other factors that could impact the overall integrity of the structure.  

Make it Personal 

During this extremely competitive time, it is common for buyers to submit a personal letter to the seller with their offer. This can draw the sellers to your offer based on your interests and your appreciation for the home. Tell the seller why you love their home, how you plan on living your life there and how you might make this house your own. Sellers want to know that the next owner of their home will make it their own and cherish it as they have for many years.  

Final Thoughts 

At the end of the day even if you follow all of the above suggestions there still might be someone who bids higher than you, is more qualified than you, or presents a more compelling story than you. No matter what, remember that you will find the home that is right for you.  

If you are looking to purchase a home in the Dallas-Fort Worth area consider reaching out to Beyond 404 Realty in Forney, Texas. Beyond 404 specializes in working with buyers to find their dream homes. Whether you are relocating to the area or just moving down the street we are here to help your dreams come true. Visit our website and reach out to us to set up an appointment to start your journey.  

According to realtor.com more than half of all recent homebuyers first found their home through the internet on a listings site like realtor.com®, nearly all (9 in 10) purchased their home through a real estate agent. Buying or selling your home isn’t something you should go at alone. It is complicated and sometimes difficult and emotional. What are some things that real estate agents wish you knew before you begin your next homeownership journey?  

Find An Agent That You Click With  

Finding an agent that you connect with is a big deal. You will be working with this agent for months and want to make sure that they understand you and your needs. Oftentimes interviewing your top choices then picking one agent is the best option for you. Building that strong connection makes it easier for your agent to find your perfect home faster! 

Find a Lender You Trust  

After choosing an agent, choosing a lender is the next most vital step you can make. When it comes to lending, the biggest lender isn’t always the best option. Customer service, locality, and experience matter as well. Speak with your agent to see if there is a particular local lender that they love to work with, who closes on time, is friendly, and has great reviews.  

Keep Your Expectations in Check 

Not every home you enter is off the set of an HGTV. Real homes have real problems and real solutions to deal with them. Don’t assume that because the problem looks bad that the solution is costly or not even salvageable. Always consult with a local inspector or other professional before committing to fixing issues in a possible purchase  

Don’t Make Any Big Financial Decision Before Closing 

Thinking of quitting your corporate job or buying that new car you’ve been eyeing for months? WAIT! Do not do anything that will change your financial situation until after your closing date. Making a mistake like this could cost you your loan! 

Understand Closing Time Frames  

Once you are under contract with your future home your agent will be your most valuable guide in the next few months. Keep in mind that the time frame from offer acceptance to closing is different in every situation. Typically it is about 30-40 days from start to finish. Consult with your agent for a list of deadlines and other important dates in your contract. 

Moving to the DFW Area? 

Anthoney Hanks with Beyond 404 Realty will be happy to assist you in finding your dream home in the DFW community! Reach out to us on our website at www.beyond404realty.com to get started. We can’t wait to work with you.  

The deal is done, the papers are signed and you have begun the process of settling into your very own home. Between unpacking and going about your daily routine of work and school you might have overlooked a few of the following necessary steps to take during your first week at your new home. Follow along below to get your home in tip-top shape! 

Check the Keys 

At closing, you may have gotten more than one key to your home. Confirm that all of the keys you received do indeed work properly. The last thing you want is for someone to be locked out of your house on a rainy day. 

Know Your Emergency Exit 

The last thing you think of when moving into a new home is a sudden emergency. Make sure you know your way out of the home and a second clear alternative in case of fire or flooding. 

Set Up Your Internet  

Often forgotten until you realize you can’t connect to your main office while working remotely. Make sure you schedule your internet provider to come out to your home within the first week of your occupancy. It will save much time and headache down the road! 

Change Keypad Codes 

Do not ever continue using the same code as the prior homeowner. You can never be certain of who that gave that code out to. Always change the keypad code on the front door and garage doors. Make the code something that you will remember but not something that is easily guessed – that includes birthdays if you have them listed on social media! 

Smoke Detectors 

Nothing is worse than being woken up in the middle of the night by a chirping low battery signal from a smoke detector. Since you cannot be sure of the last time the batteries were changed, make it practice every time you relocate to a new home to change all smoke detector batteries.  

Clean the Dryer Vent 

A potential fire hazard that may not have been looked at in months to years – checking the dryer vent and cleaning it could be the most important thing you do when you first move into your new home.  

Final Thoughts 

There are many more things that need to be done from setting up your kitchen to unpacking your clothes but by doing the few above things your first few weeks will be more comfortable and secure.  

For more suggestions or assistance on the home buying process please reach out to Anthoney Hanks with Beyond 404 Real Estate which serves the DFW community including real estate ser