Real Estate Guide

COVER PHOTO

Jennifer Borlinghaus of La Vernia entered this photo in the Wilson County News “2023 South Texas Photo Contest,” with a challenge of capturing “favorite escapes”. While her entry didn’t garner a prize in the contest, it did make it onto the cover of the Wilson County News’ annual “Real Estate & Homeowners Guide for South Texas” publication.

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Local businesses and restaurants need your support more now than ever. And they’ve come up with creative ways for you to shop safely and conveniently through in-store, delivery, pickup, and online. That is why we also have come up with very creative ways to keep you connected to what is happening in your community. Find all the information you need to discover what is available. In print, online, and socially through our platforms and services, we will keep you in touch with the best shopping deals, ideas on what to do with your family, and always the latest news, to help you navigate through 2023.

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The benefits of energy-efficient homes

Consumer efforts to be more eco-con scious are more and more noticeable. For proof of that, one need look no further than the increase in vehicle charg ing stations. Such stations are more acces sible than ever and illustrate that consumer preference is increasingly leaning toward products that leave as small a carbon foot print as possible.

Another indicator of a growing interest in eco-friendly products is the popularity in energy-efficient homes. In fact, a recent survey from the National Association of Home Builders found that energy-efficient features are among the most sought-after “must-haves” among homebuyers. Among those surveyed, 83 percent desired Energy Star-rated windows, 81 percent wanted Energy Star-rated appliances and 80 percent preferred energy-efficient lighting.

Though eco-conscious sensibilities compel millions of homeowners to make their homes more energy-efficient, that’s not the only reason to upgrade your home. The following are a handful of the many benefits of energy-efficient homes.

•Save money: Inflation was one of the biggest stories of 2022, as the cost of living rose dramatically in the wake of world events. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, inflation led to an overall 6.5 percent increase in prices. But that increase was dwarfed by the cost of

Did you know?

A joint study from researchers at the University of Alabama and the University of Texas at Arlington found that curb appeal can have a significant impact when selling a home. That study, which examined Google Street View photos and sales data from more than 88,000 properties, found that homes with high curb appeal sold for an average of 7 percent more than similar homes with less inviting exteriors. The study also revealed that, in slow markets with greater housing inventory, homes with high curb appeal sold for as much as 14 percent more than homes with uninviting exteriors. Homes defined as having high curb appeal for the study included those with features including well-maintained lawns and professional landscaping.

electricity, which increased by 14.3 percent in 2022. Energy-efficient appliances can help homeowners overcome that spike, as the U.S. Department of Energy indicates upgrading to such products can help homeowners reduce their energy costs by as much as 30 percent.

•Improve resale value: As the NAHB survey indicates, modern homebuyers want energy-efficient homes. They’re also willing to pay more for such homes. Research from the mortgage lender Freddie Mac found that homes with energy-efficient ratings sold for nearly 3 percent more on average than homes without such ratings.

•Live healthier: The benefits of energy-efficient homes aren’t just economic, though health-related benefits certainly produce an economic incentive as well. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, insulation and air sealing protect individuals from heat waves and other ripple effects of climate change. The ACEEE notes that weatherization can improve indoor air quality and comfort, a notable benefit for asthma sufferers and seniors. In fact, the ACEEE estimates that integrating energy efficiency programs in homes could reduce seniors’ risk for falls in their homes, potentially saving $2 billion in fall-related health care costs over the next decade, and improve asthma outcomes, which could reduce health care costs by as much as half a billion dollars.

Energy-efficient products and practices pay numerous dividends, making them a worthy expenditure for any homeowners looking to upgrade their homes.

Factors to consider before renovating a driveway

Driveways are oft-overlooked components of home exteriors. But driveways provide functionality and points of egress to a home. Industry experts estimate that a new driveway costs between $5,000 and $7,000, though the price will vary based on the materials homeowners choose and the square footage of the driveway.

When deciding whether or not to renovate their driveways, homeowners can review these considerations.

Materials

Driveways can be made from a variety of materials, even grass or soil. The following are some driveway materials homeowners may choose from: gravel, chip seal, concrete, asphalt, rubber, exposed aggregate, pavers, permeable pavers, heated.

Repair or replace?

Nearly any size crack can be patched with concrete or cold-patch asphalt, or specialty materials, according to This Old House, an online home improvement resource. Repairing and resealing a driveway can help prolong its longevity. Plus, this is a more cost-effective option for homeowners on a budget who want to improve curb appeal and safety.

Large holes or unsightly damage may require a driveway replacement. This also will be the case if a homeowner hopes to expand the driveway. Replacing a driveway requires a time commitment. The existing driveway needs to be demolished and removed. The ground underneath typically is smoothed and tamped down. Substrate or wire mesh also may be installed. After the new material is laid, there may be a period of time for settling and curing, during which use of the driveway is prohibited. DIY or professional?

While sealing and minor repairs gener-

ally can be handled by a homeowner who has researched the process, large repairs or driveway replacements should be left to professionals for the best results. Driveway slope needs to be considered for proper rain runoff, and the professional will understand the thickness and preparatory steps necessary to ensure driveway durability. Installation of a heated driveways requires a specific skill set and this is a job best left to professional driveway contractors.

Driveway enhancements

The options do not end with the driveway material. There are other ways to boost aesthetics.

•Illumination: Homeowners can install recessed LED lights into the driveway to define the edges and add aesthetic appeal.

•Stamped texture: Homeowners opting for the affordability of concrete can ask for a stamped design that mimics the look of stone or pavers.

•Gates: One doesn’t have to live in an exclusive community to have their property enhanced by gates. Gates can give a home a distinguished look.

•Edging: Driveways can be edged with another material to create definition between the driveway and lawn, or to provide the perfect spots to plant beds.

Simple tips to improve your status with mortgage lenders

Owning a home is a dream shared by millions of people. Investing in prop erty that can be owned within 15 to 30 years of closing on the home makes more fi nancial sense to many than continuing to rent and having little to show for it over time.

The first step to take when planning to enter the real estate market is to ensure that your finances are in order. Various factors will influence individuals’ ability to secure a mort gage, and these are some ways to make your self more attractive to prospective lenders.

•Check your credit report. Lenders will check your credit report before deciding if you are a risk or a safe bet for a mortgage. So it makes sense to check your credit report prior to speaking with a lender. The Federal Trade Commission says everyone can get one free credit report a year from each of the three credit reporting bureaus. If you split it up, you can get a credit report every four months so you are aware of anything that may adversely affect your ability to get a mortgage loan. A credit (FICO) score that’s

Did you know?

A room addition can be a worthy project that makes a home more livable. A host of factors will affect the cost of a room addition, but the experts at HomeAdvisor estimate that such a project can cost as much as $150,000. The size of the new room, the location of the home, the materials used to build the room, and a number of variables unique to the existing home will affect the final cost of an addition. An online calculator can provide some basic estimates about the final cost of a room addition, but homeowners are best served by contacting various contractors and receiving multiple estimates to get the most accurate idea of what the cost layout will be to add a room to their homes. Though the sticker price of a room addition may shock some homeowners, it’s worth noting that such projects provide a good return at resale. In fact, the “Cost vs. Value Report 2021” from Remodeling magazine found that a midrange primary suite addition with an initial cost of $156,741 had a resale value of nearly $86,000.

too low may disqualify you from a mortgage. Each lender sets its own thresholds when they price and approve loans, but the higher your credit score, the better.

•Improve credit standing. One way to improve your status in the eyes of lenders is to pay down credit card balances to reduce your credit utilization ratio. A high utilization occurs when there is a high balance in relation to the credit limit, says Business Insider. Also, it may be wise to avoid any credit inquiries through new credit card applications for several months before applying for a loan, as these inquiries can affect your score.

•Be realistic about what you can afford. Do your homework and determine your target interest rate and monthly payment as well as what down payment you can afford. It will help you research potential lenders and provide an idea of what may be offered to you.

•Pay bills on time. Paying bills promptly not only helps you avoid late fees, but also positively affects your credit. The financial resource The Mortgage Reports urges diligence when paying rent, as late rent payments can bar you from getting a mortgage. Lenders look at rent history as the biggest indicator of whether you’ll make mortgage payments on time.

These are some of the ways to make a prospective home buyer look better in the eyes of mortgage lenders. Individuals can speak with financial professionals about what else they can do to improve the possibility of securing mortgages at the best rates possible.

Water Conservation Schedule & Tips

Why conserve?

✔

Year-Round Water Conservation Plan Watering Schedule

Irrigation of Landscape – with hose end sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems shall be limited to:

•Sundays and Thursdays for customers with a mailing address ending in an even number (0,2,4,6, or 8).

•Saturdays and Wednesdays for water customers with a mailing address ending in an odd number (1,3,5,7, or 9).

•Irrigation of landscape is prohibited between the hours of 10am and 8pm on all 7 days of the week. However, irrigation of landscaped areas is permitted at any time if it is by hand-held hose.

Conservation Tips in the Kitchen

•When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.

•Never run the dishwasher without a full load. This practice will save water, energy, detergent, and money.

•Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead.

•For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.

•Designate one glass for your drinking water each day or refill a water bottle. This will cut down on the number of glasses to wash.

Conservation Tips in the Bathroom

•Shorten your shower by a minute or two and you’ll save up to 150 gallons per month.

•Turn off the water while brushing your teeth and save 25 gallons a month.

•Take a shower instead of taking a bath. Showers with low-flow shower heads use less water than taking a bath.

•Turn off the water while you wash your hair to save up to 150 gallons a month.

•When remodeling a bathroom, install a new low-volume flush toilet that uses only 1.6 gallons per flush.

Conservation Tips in the Laundry

•Use your clothes washer only when it is full. This will save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

•Wash dark clothes in cold water.

•When doing laundry, match the water level to load size.

Conservation Tips for the Outdoors

•Water only when needed.

•Do not over-water. Soil can hold only so much moisture, and the rest simply runs off. A timer will help. Apply only enough water to fill the plant’s root zone.

•Water lawns early in the morning during the hotter summer months. Otherwise, much of the water used on the lawn can simply evaporate between the sprinkler and the grass.

•Set automatic sprinkler systems to provide thorough, but infrequent, watering. Pressure-regulating devices should be set to design specifications. Rain shut-off devices can prevent watering in the rain.

•Use drip irrigation systems for bedded plants, trees, or shrubs, or turn soaker hoses upsidedown so the holes are on the bottom. This will help avoid evaporation.

When you save water, you save money on your utility bills.

✔ Less run-off from waste keeps our environment healthy.

✔ Reduces water treatment costs and the amount of energy used to treat and pump water.

Water Conservation today ensures water availability tomorrow!