Killeen Fort Hood Real Estate

The holiday season has wrapped its arms around us here at Fort Hood, with Christmas parades, peeks at Santa Claus in the mall, wrapped packages in shoppers arms and gorgeous Christmas lights and yard decorations all over the area.  I think there are more Christmas lights up this year, as if everyone is celebrating the season with extra gusto! 

I hope wherever you are, and wherever your family may be this year, that you feel the peace, joy and love this season symbolizes. 

      May God bless you all, and keep you safe.

YES!  It is a buyer's market!  BUT what exactly does that mean?   We met a young man today who qualified to purchase a $95,000 home with his VA loan benefit, but he wanted to look at $200,000 homes, because "it's a buyer's market and they will come down to the price he needs".   

 Can we talk?    I certainly admire him for his knowledge of the real estate market news that's IN THE NEWS on the TV, in the magazines, and the subject of much agony in certain parts of the country. 

BUT HERE's THE REAL STORY:  Real estate is a local phenomena.  Yes, that's right!   Just because homes in Florida were purchased for $250,000 last year and are now selling for $160,000 does not mean that's going on here at Fort Hood.  Heck, YEAH!  That may be a fantastic "buyer's market" in Florida, but it doesn't translate dollar for dollar to real estate here in Central Texas.

When we say it's a buyer's market at Fort Hood, we mean we have MANY homes for sale and not very many buyers, and sellers are agreeing to pay all or most of your closing costs for you.   They will go out of their way to do repairs on their homes that might not be done in a seller's market.    But they will not (and usually can not)lower the price, or if they do, on average, it's only 1-2%.    

Yes, you might hear of a rare bird of a property out there that was on the market for $180,000 and someone got it for $160,000.   But after we look at all the information, we usually find out the home was VERY overpriced when it went on the market, and it ended up selling at fair market value, or perhaps just a bit below.  The other area where you might see a big price reduction is in new construction homes that a builder needs to MOVE!  (An experienced realtor can help you negotiate this!) 

Another reason that it's rare to find a huge price reduction on a home is that most of our sellers purchased their home with a 100% VA loan just two to five years ago, and they may only have built a small equity in the house.   These sellers are financially unable to give a buyer a large price reduction.  They just won't have room to offer much price adjustment to a buyer because they must pay their own closing costs and pay off their loan with the sale proceeds.

So- What does this mean to a buyer coming into the market right now here in Killeen, Fort Hood, Copperas Cove and Harker Heights?   It means that good buys are out there, but you should have a real estate professional on your side who knows how to analyze the market, point out good buys to you, structure an offer that is most beneficial to you, and who can show you how to get the most for your money in this buyer's market.    

Mary Ann Daniell is a licensed Texas Realtor

Just a quick update to all you buyers arriving at Fort Hood in January.   The real estate market is still moving along and we will have plenty of new homes (and existing homes) for you when you arrive.   Here are two new homes by QCH Builders that are on the west side of Fort Hood in Copperas Cove, priced under $130,000 for 1700-1800 square feet!   They'll be ready for move in if you get here after January 15th, so give us a call or drop us an email if you'd like any more info!

2409 Isaballe will have rock accents around the windows.  2411 Isabelle has limestone keystone accents!

Builder will assist with closing costs on these affordable homes in the House Creek Subdivision.

2411 Isabelle Drive                                                                               2409 Isabelle Drive
4 Bedrooms   2 Baths   1761 Square Feet                                             4 Bedrooms   2 Baths   1803 sq Feet
$123,900                                                                                               $129,750     HUGE TREE!

House Creek North Visual Tour   Take the Tour to see the House Creek Neighborhood!

You have more than likely been reading articles on the internet about how you should hire a professional inspector to inspect the home you are considering buying.   What do you think about that recommendation?  How can you trust an inspector you have never met when you get ready to buy a home in the Killeen Fort Hood area?   And, are inspections a required part of buying a home?

Since professional inspectors in Texas must complete many hours of approved education, serve an apprenticeship, and participate in a number of inspections before they are licensed to do inspections on their own, you can feel confident that they are true professionals.   You can read the  requirements to become a licensed inspector at the official Texas Real Estate Commission website.  

Inspections are a very important part of the homebuying process, but they are NOT required.  You do NOT have to have an inspection.  But when you buy a  house without an inspection, you are basically buying a home with your eyes shut, depending only on what the seller has disclosed to you in the Seller's Disclosure Notice.   

Wouldn't you rather have a professional inspector on your side?  This person looks at homes in detail on a daily basis and is trained to spot defects you might miss when looking at a home yourself.   With a home inspection in hand, you will be well informed about the condition of the home.   A $200 investment today may save you thousands in repairs down the road.  If we know what needs to be repaired, we can ask the seller to pay for it.  In the current Killeen Fort Hood real estate market, sellers are eager to sell and should fix almost anything the inspector finds.  Click here to see a Fort Hood Area Real Estate Inspection Report.

Even new homes may have defects, so consider an inspector when you are purchsing a new home, also.  I remember one time my buyer's inspector discovered that there was no insulation in the attic of the new home!

Inspections are normally paid for by the buyer in this market.  You need to have an inspector who is totally independent of the seller and who works only for you. 

Last but not least:  Inspections  are different from the appraisal that a lender requires be completed before lending money on a property.  The inspector reports in greater detail on the condition of the home.   The appraiser confirms the value of the home as compared to similar homes that have sold in recent months.

For more information about hiring a home inspector or any other aspect of buying a home when you arrive at Fort Hood, contact Mary Ann Daniell, Licensed Texas Realtor.

The market is talking and THIS new home builder in the Fort Hood area is listening!  

Jerry Wright Homes is now offering $1 VA Move In with approved lenders on all homes from 1800-1840 square feet!  Priced at $141,900, homes are availalbe in Killeen as well as Coopperas Cove.  

Ceramic Tile Flooring
Crown Moldings
Two Tone Paint
High Ceilings
Ceiling Fans
Maytag Built in Microwave
Maytag Dishwasher
Maytag self cleaning smooth top Range
Pantry
Breakfast bar or island kitchen
Custom oak cabinets
Garden tub AND shower in master suite
Tiled tub surround in second bath
French Doors to study (per plan)
Fireplace (per plan)
Energy efficient windows and insulation
Assistance with closing costs!
Full yard sod
4 bedrooms  2 baths
2.25 bathrooms
10 minutes from Fort Hood!

See Floorplans Here

(completed home sold 2007)

Jerry Wright provides a beautiful homes packed with amenities at a price unmatched by any other builder in the area.  Quality construction, tile and limestone accents, brand name appliances and a great warranty are just a few of the reasons to take a look at these homes before you buy!   More homes are available in the Killeen area as well as these homes in Copperas Cove. 

Move in before the holidays!  Homes are available for Immediate Move In!  Jerry Wright is an approved VA builder, is registered with the Texas Residential Construction Commission, and offers a one year builder warranty and a ten year structural warranty underwritten by the 2/10 Home Buyers Warranty Co.

Sound Good?  Need more info?  Click the link for more information about New Fort Hood Homes by Jerry Wright.

Mary Ann Daniell is a Licensed Texas Realtor and the listing agent for Jerry Wright Homes built in the Fort Hood Area.