The Science Behind Zillow’s Zestimate Accuracy

Quick Answer According to Zillow, the nationwide median error rate for the Zestimate for on-market homes is 2.4%, while the Zestimate for off-market homes has a median error rate of 7.49%.  When it comes to buying or selling a home, one of the first things that often comes to mind is the price.  Determining the value […]

What you need to know about Texas fence laws

Quick Answer  In Texas, the general rule is that each neighbor is responsible for the cost of the fence that divides their properties.  In some cases, a court may order a neighbor to pay for the cost of a fence if the neighbor has caused damage to the other neighbor’s property.  If a fence is […]

Zillow’s “Active” Explained

Quick Facts The term “active” on real estate websites like Zillow usually refers to properties that are currently available for sale or rent. If a listing is marked as “active,” it means that the property is actively on the market and potential buyers or renters can inquire about it. Zillow has established itself as a […]

Looking to Build a Tiny House? Find Out the Average Cost

What is a Tiny House A tiny house is a small, compact living area that typically ranges from one hundred to four hundred rectangular feet. It is designed to offer all the vital services and functionality of a conventional home but on a far smaller scale. The tiny residence movement has received great popularity in […]

What Legal Rights Do Sellers Have with Earnest Money

When dealing with real estate, one term that crops up is an “earnest money deposit.” But what exactly is an earnest money deposit, and why is it important?  The Role of Earnest Money Deposits: An earnest money deposit serves as a form of security for both buyers and sellers. It demonstrates the buyer’s commitment to […]

What is an Affidavit of Heirship and how to Draft One

Quick Answer  An affidavit of heirship is a way to transfer property after the death of the owner without going through the formal probate process. An Affidavit of Heirship is a legal document that helps establish the rightful heirs of a deceased person’s estate. It serves as proof of who should inherit the assets and properties left […]

The Debate: Does a Converted Garage Contribute to Square Footage

Quick Answer Yes, when a garage is converted to living space, it is usually included in the total square footage of the home. This usually means garage conversions have air conditioning and it might have plumbing too. One of the most common questions homeowners have when considering converting their garage into living space is whether […]

What Happens if you find lead paint in your house

Quick Answer Hire an inspector who will conduct various tests to determine the action you should take. Not all homes built before 1978 have lead paint, but it is more likely. Residential use of lead-based paint was banned in 1978. In the United States, approximately 24 million homes built before 1978 contain some lead-based paint. […]

What is a CMA in real estate and how is it used

Quick Answer  A CMA stands for Comparative Market Analysis and is a report used to compare a property’s value to similar properties in the same area. A CMA is typically prepared by a real estate professional, such as a real estate agent or appraiser. The report includes information on the property being analyzed, as well […]

Common reasons why Houses Come Back on the Market

Quick Answer  Houses can come back on the market for a variety of reasons, such as the seller not being able to find a buyer, the seller changing their mind, or the seller not being able to close on the sale. Another a house may come back on the market is that the buyer was […]