Lenders have to verify your assets. Moving money around, closing a bank account, or opening a new bank account can complicate the process.

Failing to disclose debts can result in accusations of mortgage fraud and can have major legal ramifications. I once had a deal fall through because the buyer (not my client) failed to disclose a mortgage lien on another property he owned.

Your loan officer’s goal is to help you secure financing with as few obstacles as possible. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll improve your chances of a smooth and successful homebuying process. If you’re ever unsure about a financial move, check with your loan officer first to keep your home purchase on track.

​Moving can be one of life's most stressful experiences, with the potential for unexpected hurdles and complications lurking around every corner. While many individuals turn to professional moving companies in hopes of a smoother transition, the reality is that not all moves go according to plan. From damaged belongings and hidden fees to delays and outright scams, the world of moving is rife with nightmares that can turn what should be an exciting new chapter into a nightmare-inducing ordeal. Below, I will delve into the dark side of moving, exploring the tales of those who have faced moving company nightmares firsthand, and offering insights into how to avoid falling victim to similar pitfalls.

Years ago, when we were planning a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Jackson, MS, we hired a full-service moving company to pack up our things into boxes, put those boxes on their truck, and bring them to us in Mississippi. Many things went wrong with that move.

First, we had given the company a list of items that would need to be packed - the number of rooms and an approximation of the contents. We had sent pictures as well. When they arrived at our apartment (we had already started work in Mississippi at this point), they informed us that the price they had quoted us was incorrect - that, given the amount of stuff we had and the number of boxes they would actually need, the price would be more than double. After some back and forth, we agreed on a price somewhere in the middle of the price they had quoted and the extortionate price they were demanding.

Second, it took them approximately a month longer for our things to arrive than what they had quoted us. We had what we absolutely needed, but waiting for our kitchen table and chairs and other furniture was a hassle.

Finally, when the items did arrive, we noticed some items missing, like my husband's extensive collection of colognes. And several items had not been packaged well and were damaged. A vintage sewing machine table had been taped, with the tape directly on the wood veneer, causing significant damage to the veneer when the tape was removed.

When we contacted the moving company's insurance company, we were told, "We no longer insure them." Despite numerous pleas and threats, we were unable to convince them to pay out what we were owed. With our only other recourse being a costly lawsuit, we cut our losses, reported them to the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and left negative reviews (they simply went out of business, probably changing the name and starting again with their moving scam).

I never want others to go through what we did. So here are some ways to mitigate your losses during your next move by hiring a reputable moving company.

One of the most frustrating moving day surprises is discovering that your treasured belongings have been damaged or lost during the move. Whether it’s a scratched antique table, broken dishware, or a missing box of valuables, the emotional and financial toll can be significant.

How to Avoid It: Look for movers with excellent reviews, especially those highlighting careful handling of items. If they are full-service, ask about their packing methods - including packing peanuts, moving blankets, and bubble wrap - and whether they offer insurance for your belongings. Don't forget to look up the insurance company's reviews to ensure that the insurance company is legit as well. If you can't find any information about the insurance company, that's a major red flag.

You might agree to a quote only to find out later that it didn’t include unexpected fees for stairs, long carries, or packing materials. These hidden charges can blow your budget and leave you feeling scammed.​ Beware of low-ball quotes, as these can be another red flag. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

How to Avoid It: Get a detailed, written estimate and ask about any potential additional charges. Reputable companies are upfront about their pricing.

Imagine having your life packed into boxes and no moving truck in sight. Unfortunately, some moving companies overbook or cancel at the last minute, leaving you stranded. Unfortunately, there are some fraudulent movers who will require an upfront deposit and then never show up to move your items.
​
How to Avoid It: Read reviews and take negative reviews seriously. Check their BBB Business Profile to ensure the company has a history of reliability. Confirm your booking several days before the move and get all agreements in writing. Have a contingency plan in place just in case the movers do not show up.

In extreme cases, some shady movers will load your items onto their truck and then demand more money before delivering them. Unfortunately there are some dishonest moving companies, and this unethical practice is not unheard of.​

How to Avoid It: Verify the company’s licensing and insurance through official channels like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Avoid movers who demand a large upfront deposit. Once the movers have seen the contents of your home in person, make sure you get a final price in writing.

From showing up late to rude staff, unprofessional behavior can add unnecessary stress to an already hectic day. Poor communication or inadequate equipment can make the move take longer than planned.
​​
How to Avoid It: Look for companies that demonstrate professionalism from the first interaction. Reliable movers communicate clearly and treat their customers with respect.

If something goes wrong, you want to be sure you’re covered. Some movers offer minimal coverage that doesn’t adequately compensate for lost or damaged items.

​How to Avoid It: Ask for details about their insurance options. Consider purchasing additional moving insurance for peace of mind.

Movers who fail to plan properly can create chaos on moving day. Trucks that are too small, insufficient staff, or poor time management can leave you frustrated and behind schedule.
​
How to Avoid It: Choose a company with a solid reputation for organization and efficiency. Check if they conduct a thorough pre-move survey to assess your needs.

As you prepare to move from your old home to your new home, you can avoid moving nightmares with caution and research. From fraudulent moving companies and dishonest movers to simply unprofessional and unorganized companies, bad actors abound, and it can be hard to find a moving company that you can trust. Ask for referrals from your friends and family and your real estate agent. Do your due diligence by reading reviews and searching professional websites for information about both the moving company and the insurance company that insures them. If possible, be there on the day of the move to ensure proper handling of your items, particularly your valuable items.

Hiring a reputable moving company might cost a bit more upfront, but it’s an investment in peace of mind. Reliable movers:

• Handle your belongings with care.
  
• Provide transparent pricing with no surprises.
  
• Show up on time and stick to the schedule.
  
• Offer adequate insurance for added protection.
  

Moving is already stressful enough. By taking the time to research and hire a reputable moving company, you can avoid many of the headaches that come with this big life change.


Ready to move? Let’s connect, and I can recommend trusted movers in our area to make your relocation as seamless as possible!

​Selling your home can feel a bit like throwing a party: you put in the work, set the stage, and wait for guests (or buyers) to show up. But what if no one RSVPs? Or worse—what if people show up, take a look around, and quietly leave without making an offer?

If your home has been sitting on the market longer than you’d like, don’t panic! It happens more often than you’d think, and there are usually clear reasons behind the stall. Let’s explore some common culprits and how you can turn things around.

In many markets, new construction homes are a major draw for buyers. Builders often offer enticing incentives, like covering closing costs, upgrade packages, or discounted financing, which can make resale homes seem less appealing.

Solution: Highlight what makes your home special—mature landscaping, unique character, recent updates, or a prime location—and consider offering your own buyer incentives, such as providing a home warranty, leaving non-realty items like the refrigerator, washer, and dryer, or helping with closing costs, to stay competitive.

Selling a home is part science, part art, and a whole lot of timing. If your home isn’t selling as quickly as you’d hoped, it’s not a failure—it’s a chance to regroup and adjust. By tackling these common issues, you can turn things around and find the right buyer.

Ready to list your home? I’m here to help every step of the way - from prepping your home for sale to sitting with you at the closing table. Let’s get your home sold!

Think about proximity to work, schools, and amenities like parks, shops, and restaurants. The right neighborhood can make all the difference.

Stay realistic about what you can afford. Factor in not just the price but also taxes, utilities, and maintenance. Make sure you get your pre-approval prior to starting your home so you know what your purchasing power is.

One of the primary advantages of selecting a local storage facility is convenience. When
your storage unit is nearby, you save time and effort on transportation. Whether you
need to access your belongings frequently or just occasionally, having a facility close to
home or work makes the process much more manageable. The ability to quickly and
easily access items without enduring lengthy commutes or logistical complexities makes
the storage process significantly more manageable and less burdensome.

Local storage facilities offer easy accessibility to your belongings whenever you need
them. With gate code entry, you can quickly retrieve items or drop off new ones without
hassle. Local storage facilities prioritize your access as a cornerstone of their service
offerings, ensuring that your belongings are readily available whenever the need arises.
​
The gate code entry system functions as a safeguard, permitting authorized individuals
to enter the facility securely. With your unique access code in hand, you can effortlessly
gain entry to the premises, bypassing any potential barriers or delays. This streamlined
access process minimizes wait times and eliminates the need for cumbersome check-
ins or administrative procedures, allowing you to retrieve items or drop off new ones
with utmost efficiency.

When it comes to safeguarding your belongings, local storage facilities take security
seriously. They go the extra mile to ensure that your items are well-protected at all
times. Most facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance systems that keep a
watchful eye on the premises around the clock. High-definition cameras capture every
corner of the facility, deterring potential intruders and providing valuable evidence in the
event of any security incidents.

Additionally, access to the storage facility is tightly controlled through gated entry
systems. Authorized users, including renters and staff, are provided with unique access
codes or keys to enter the premises, ensuring that only those with legitimate reasons
can enter the facility, enhancing overall security. Every entry and exit is logged electronically, creating a detailed record of who comes and goes from the facility and
when. This helps in monitoring activity and identifying any unusual patterns or
unauthorized access attempts.
​
Local storage facilities also often collaborate with law enforcement agencies to enhance
security measures. This may include regular patrols by police officers in the vicinity of
the facility, as well as partnerships for quick response to any security alerts or
emergencies. With these comprehensive security measures in place, renters can rest
assured that their belongings are safe and secure at a local storage facility.

Month-to-month leasing at a storage facility offers unparalleled flexibility and
convenience for renters. Unlike long-term leases, which may lock individuals into
contracts for extended periods, month-to-month leasing allows for greater adaptability to changing storage needs. Whether you require short-term storage during a move or
renovation, or simply prefer the freedom to adjust your storage arrangements as
circumstances evolve, month-to-month leasing provides the perfect solution.
​
Many facilities also have an abundance of options for you to choose from. From 10’ x
10’ to 10’ x 25’ indoor, climate-controlled storage to large 50’ x 12’ covered parking
spots, you can decide what is right for you.

Contrary to popular belief, local storage facilities can often be more affordable than their
larger counterparts. With lower overhead costs and competitive pricing, you can find
cost-effective storage solutions right here in Katy, TX. Plus, many local facilities offer
discounts and promotions for new customers, making storage even more budget
friendly.

​Local storage facilities often provide a more personalized level of service compared to
larger, corporate chains. The staff at a local facility are likely to be more familiar with the
community and can offer tailored assistance to meet your specific needs. Whether you
have questions about sizing, security, or payment options, you can expect a more
personalized experience when dealing with a local storage provider.

By choosing a local storage facility, you are also supporting your community. Local
businesses play a vital role in the economic health and vitality of Katy, Texas. By
patronizing a local storage facility, you're helping to sustain local jobs and contribute to the overall prosperity of the area.

Choosing a local storage facility in Katy, TX, offers a multitude of benefits,
including convenience, accessibility, personalized service, community support, flexibility,
security, and affordability. Whether you're in need of temporary storage during a move or a long-term solution for your belongings, a local facility can provide the perfect
storage solution tailored to your needs. So, why look any further? Support your
community and enjoy the convenience of local storage today!

Two changes are likely to come in mid-July. These new changes have not officially been signed off on, but they are expected to take effect, eventually.

1. Buyer's agents will be required to have a Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement signed by their home buyer(s) prior to showing houses and conducting business on their behalf.

2. Listing agents will no longer be allowed to enter buyer's agent compensation information into the MLS.

The first one is simple. Never, in the five years I've been a real estate agent, have I not had a Buyer Representation Agreement in place. Sometimes that representation agreement is only for a particular home or for a very short time period, but I have always made sure to have that agreement signed. If buyers do not sign a Buyer Representation Agreement, then I work for the seller of whatever home I am showing. I am not allowed to offer advice; I am allowed to give only the material facts about the home. So having a Buyer Rep Agreement in place is, and has been, the best practice for both the agent and the buyer they are working with. So no change there, at least on my end, when I act as the buyer's agent. (Read on to see how that affects listing agents and their duties to their sellers.)

The second one, however, will make my work, when I am working for a buyer, quite a bit more tedious. If I have a buyer who says, "I want my own representation. If the seller is not willing to pay you, I will cover the difference. Perhaps my offer to the seller will reflect that extra fee I will incur, but either way, you (my agent) will get paid," then for me, it's business as usual. I can show all the houses they are interested in, and contact the listing agent to find out about compensation for the house(s) my buyers are definitely interested in, and we will draft the offer accordingly.

But if I have a home buyer who is unable financially or simply unwilling to pay my commission, I will need to call each listing agent, one by one, prior to showing the house to ensure that we are not wasting valuable time viewing homes that my buyers will not be able to purchase. For any of you reading this who have worked as a buyer's agent, you know that sometimes, getting in touch with listing agents is like having multiple root canals done. Will this cause the buying process to take longer? Yes. If listing agents don't step up their game and start answering their phones, will it cause a complete backlog? Probably.

1. Marginalized groups and others who are cash-poor: For those buyers who desperately want to be homeowners, but who barely have enough money saved up for their minimum down payment, closing costs, and inspection, the number of homes they can view and still have their own representation may be reduced, thereby further reducing their ability to find a home that they like and can afford.
2. VA buyers: As current rules stand, veterans using a VA loan to purchase their home will not be able to buy a home in which a seller is not offering buyer's agent commission, because currently VA loans specifically do not allow veterans to pay commissions to their agents. This is one of the biggest unintended consequences that is already receiving significant blowback.

Smart sellers will understand that nothing has changed. Again, sellers are not now, nor have they ever been, required to pay a certain commission or distribute part of that commission to a buyer's agent.

Smart sellers will understand the value that their listing agent brings. During the 2020-2021 heyday for sellers, new flat-rate / limited representation brokerages emerged and offered property owners the option to pay very low commissions. Those agreements required sellers to take their own photos and handle all showing requests themselves, among other things. What happened to those listings? They sat on the market for months, while their competition sold in 3-6 days. The same thing happens with For Sale By Owner homes. They sit around, the sellers continuing to pay mortgages, utilities, HOA fees, etc. for months, ultimately selling for under market value, while homes that are listed in the MLS that are priced fairly sell faster and for more money.

Smart sellers will understand the value in having buyer's agents send their listings to their buyers, show their homes to their buyers, and write up offers on their homes.

Smart sellers will understand that because of the new rule about the requirement for a buyer to have representation (if I'm reading this correctly), their listing agent will be forced to represent both the seller and the potential buyer as intermediary without appointments, thereby negating the listing agent's fiduciary duty to the seller. The listing agent will no longer be able to offer advice, particularly once an offer is made, but will be required to simply send the seller the offer and let the seller make a decision without their professional input.

Smart sellers will remember that they will probably want to both sell their home and buy a new home, and what goes around, comes around. They can't refuse to pay a buyer's agent during the sale of their home and then expect the seller of the home they are buying to pay commissions to both agents. Sellers who are listing their homes have almost definitely benefitted from having the sellers of the homes that they previously purchased pay their agents. Karma.

Y'all, I do not have all the answers. There will most likely be much more blowback and many more lawsuits coming from both sides before this is all said and done. The people who are really making out in all of this are the lawyers!

These are simply my thoughts on the potential ramifications of this lawsuit. For people who don't lose their heads, I don't think much will change. There will be some additional tedium for real estate agents - both buyer's agents and listing agents - at least at first, but we will get through this and adapt to the new normal. Real estate transactions may take a little longer and will definitely require a great deal more communication, but truly, not much has changed.

If you're thinking of getting solar panels, you are probably considering them for two main reasons - reducing your carbon footprint and saving money on your energy bills. The solar industry certainly pushes these as the biggest reasons to "go solar." But the reality may not be that simple. Let's look at both the pros and cons of solar energy for homeowners.

If your parents or other family members have the financial means to gift you money for your down payment, that is a perfectly acceptable way to pay your down payment.

If your parents don't have the cash on hand to pay for your down payment, but they do own a home with a large amount of equity, they can take out a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) on their home to pay your down payment.

Crowdsourcing has become such a popular concept that young buyers are even using it to fund their down payment. In fact, The Knot reports that nearly 20% of those registered on The Knot are requesting financial assistance for their down payment via their wedding registry. If you are getting married soon, instead of asking for physical items, request that guests put money toward a down payment for your home. Use a site like The Knot or Zola to create your wedding registry and voila! Your family and friends can easily crowdsource your down payment.

​Already married or not getting married anytime soon? Request that your birthday present be money toward your down payment. Or come up with a fun fundraiser for your friends and family to participate in. For instance, pick a month with 31 days and have your friends and family members choose a day of the month and pay that amount (i.e. friend chooses the 10th day of the month and pays $10). They are then entered to win a $50 Amazon gift card (each dollar gets one entry, so the person who chooses the 10th day is added 10 times, and the person who chooses the 30th day is entered 30 times). For a 31-day month, you net $446 to put toward your down payment.

Down payment assistance programs are less creative, but many buyers do not know what options are available for them. First-time buyer programs abound, via national, state, and local programs, and through individual mortgage brokers. Talk to your loan officer to see what programs are available for you to help you make your dreams of homeownership a reality.