Stone Oak Living Blog

 

July 9, 2019

When Should You Offer Over List Price for Your Dream Home?

Most buyers want a good deal. That's true with just about anything, but especially when buying a home. The idea of offering over list price for a property sounds counter-intuitive. But that's not always the case. Sometimes, an offer over list price might be just the ticket to get you into your San Antonio dream home, especially if you want to make the Stone Oak lifestyle your own.

When Should You Offer Over List Price?

In a Seller's Market

When should you offer over list price for your dream home? - Search homes for sale in the San Antonio areaDo you notice homes in your desired neighborhood selling like hotcakes? If you want to set down roots in that area, don't be stingy with your offer. A seller's market means a lot of competition among buyers for houses. Ask your San Antonio REALTOR® about the neighborhood. What's the local market like? How long do houses stay on the market before they go under contract? Are they selling above or below list price and by how much? According to Redfin, the Stone Oak housing market is considered "somewhat competitive". Some properties receive multiple offers. On average, a Stone Oak home stays on the market for about 33 days before going under contract. They sell for about 2% below list price. However, the hottest properties receive full asking price and go under contract 18 days after hitting the market. Your REALTOR® should be able to help you narrow down where your dream home falls in these categories.

Seller Lists Below Market Value

When buyer activity heats up, some sellers try to spark a bidding war by underpricing their properties. In turn, this drives the price up. In that case, you might want to offer over asking. While other buyers clamor over themselves trying to put in the highest bid without going over, you can swoop in at a better price and rise above the rest of the competition. But you don't want to offer over market value. To determine a good price to offer, talk to your Stone Oak REALTOR® first. They can run the numbers to find out what the current market value is so you can beat the competition without paying more than you should on your dream home.

All-Cash Buyers

While the majority of home buyers borrow money to pay for their dream homes, some San Antonio homebuyers pay all in cash. That's tough to beat. Since they don't have to worry about approval on a loan, sellers consider cash buyers very attractive. But, these buyers might also put in a lower offer because they pay in cash. If your finances are strong, offer over list price to steer the seller's attention your way.

You Found "The One"

Finally, there's no "ifs", "ands" or "buts". This is your dream home. In that case, go for it. Offer a little over asking to ensure that it doesn't get away from you.

Alexis Steel - 928-303-2199
Keller Williams Arizona Living Realty
Search homes at:  www.TheHavasuHome.com 

Posted in Home Buying Advice
July 2, 2019

San Antonio 4th of July Festivities for 2019

We celebrate our nation's 243rd birthday in just two days. Oftentimes, this means a fun barbecue with friends and family and then fireworks above. Luckily for us, we have a few options to choose from for our San Antonio 4th of July festivities for 2019.

San Antonio 4th of July Festivities for 2019

Woodlawn Lake Park

San Antonio 4th of July Festivities for 2019 - Search homes for sale in the San Antonio areaHaven't nailed down your 4th of July plans yet? Keep everyone entertained all day long by visiting Woodlawn Lake Park (1103 Cincinnati Ave). Beginning at 10 am on Thursday, treat yourself to tons of family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and food for sale. Then, after the sun goes down, the skies above light up in a mega-display of pyrotechnics. Free admission makes this a "must see" for the entire family!

Downtown River Walk

Take a stroll along the Downtown River Walk from 8:30 pm to 12 am. Here, patriotic-themed lighting and beautiful waving flags adorn the walkway. Can't make it for the 4th? Stop by on Friday or Saturday evening instead. The display stays up for all three nights. It's truly a sight to behold and not one that should be missed.

Lady Bird Lake Paddle-Out

Finally, for something truly unique, grab your canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Take it to the Rowing Dock. If you don't have a canoe, kayak or paddleboard of your own, reserve one for rent on Thursday. Then, row out on the water at dusk and look up. You'll have the best seat in the house and no rushing to leave once the show ends!

Which one of these San Antonio 4th of July festivities will you be attending this year? If not one of these activities, what are your plans? Where do you like to watch the fireworks show? Let me know in the comments below.

LUX Move Up* by Christine Aldrete Banks, CRS, SRS, RSPS
www.StoneOakLiving.com
830-279-8678

Posted in San Antonio Events
June 25, 2019

Property Tax Reform Approved in Texas

Over the past couple of years, San Antonio property values took a dramatic upswing. In turn, the Stone Oak lifestyle ended up costing a little bit more for homeowners in the form of increased property taxes. The Governor and the Texas legislature both approved SB2 in their latest session. That means that property tax reform is officially on its way in Texas.

Property Tax Reform Approved in Texas

Why Did We Need the Reform?

Property Tax Reform Approved in Texas - Search homes for sale in the San Antonio areaPreviously, the City of San Antonio could increase property taxes as much as 8% each year. When property values jump as much as they have in the recent past, that puts a significant burden on a Stone Oak homeowner. Officials didn't even need voter approval for the increase either. With the governor making a property tax cap one of his top priorities, several suggestions were bandied about in the legislature. Some suggested a 4-5% cap. Others proposed a one-cent sales tax increase. Finally, they came to a consensus with a 2.5% cap on school tax and a 3.5% cap on local government taxes.

What Happens Under the New Property Tax Bill?

Beginning next year, the 2.5% school and 3.5% local government caps go into affect. If local districts decide that they need to increase taxes more than that, it triggers an automatic vote for taxpayers to decide. In the past, the government increase property taxes up to 8% without voter approval. Even then, voter approval wasn't needed.

Typically, local governments allocate property taxes as follows:

  • School District = 40-60%
  • City & County = 10-25%
  • Colleges/Special Jurisdictions = remaining percentage

Now, local government must cap increases at 3.5%, with no more than 2.5% going to the school district. So, the City received $100,000,000 in tax revenue for the current year, they can't collect more than $103,500,000 the following year. That sets the next baseline at $103,500,000 for the year after that.

If you have any questions about the new Texas property tax bill SB20, please contact the Bexar County Tax Assessor's office.

LUX Move Up* by Christine Aldrete Banks, CRS, SRS, RSPS
www.StoneOakLiving.com
830-279-8678

June 18, 2019

Landscaping Ideas That Sell San Antonio Homes

A spacious master bedroom with walk-in closets. An eat-in kitchen. Nice, open floor plans. No one turns these niceties down. However, today's buyers increasingly turn towards outdoor spaces when considering which houses to purchase. After all, nature features prominently in the Stone Oak lifestyle. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the exterior of your home as well as the interior when preparing your property for the market. Here are a few landscaping ideas you might want to consider to appeal to today's home buyer.

Landscaping Ideas That Help You Sell Your Home

Fill in the Gaps

Landscaping ideas that sell San Antonio homes - Search homes for sale in the San Antonio areaGive your lawn the once-over. Do you see brown patches? One of the uber-important landscaping ideas you need to consider if you want to sell your home is to reseed or resod. A well-kept, freshly manicured lawn increases your curb appeal immeasurably. Besides, you don't want to have the ugliest facade in the neighborhood, do you?

Flower Power

Flowers add natural beauty to any landscape. Stick to native flowers like Feather Dalea (featherplume), Texas Mock Orange, Woods' Rose, Cherry and Mountain Sage, and Honeysuckle. Since they are native to the area, they work well with our humid climate. Visit a local nursery or the garden center at your local home improvement store to find out which plants work best for you.

Let There be Light

Never underestimate the value of good lighting. Another one of the landscaping ideas you should take into consideration is adding outdoor lighting. Many home improvement stores offer a selection of various solar-powered outdoor lights. They are super-easy to install and require no search for an outlet to plug into or extra wiring for electricity. Hang lights around your patio cover. Put solar-powered lanterns on your outdoor table. Use higher wattage bulbs in your exterior fixtures. It's amazing how a few well-placed light sources can totally transform a backyard from day to night.

Outdoor Staging

You decluttered your San Antonio home. You completed your spring cleaning weeks ago. It is now clean, clear, and squeak-free. The entire house has been given the "once over" to get rid of anything that might hurt your chances for a home sale, including the "silly things". Don't forget to pay attention to the exterior of your home when staging it to sell. I know. This isn't exactly a landscaping idea. But you should add it to your "to do" list. Replace old, worn out pads on your patio furniture. Create a lovely seating area with chairs, colorful pillows, a table, lighting, and an area rug. Set your outdoor table as if you're preparing for a barbecue. Make buyers feel like they could just step in and start entertaining at a moment's notice.

Utilize these landscaping ideas to appeal to today's San Antonio home buyers. They won't break your bank but they could increase your chances of a faster sale. So, they're well worth the effort.

LUX Move Up* by Christine Aldrete Banks, CRS, SRS, RSPS
www.StoneOakLiving.com
830-279-8678

June 4, 2019

How to Keep Your Escrow on Track

You put your credit in order. The perfect San Antonio home found its way to you. The seller accepted your offer. Now, you entered escrow. However, that's not where your home purchase journey ends. In 2016 (the most recent statistics), almost 4% of homes fell out of escrow. What went wrong and how do you prevent your real estate transaction from going off the rails?

How to Keep Your Escrow on Track

Get Approved Before You Look

How to Keep Your Escrow on Track for your Stone Oak home - Search homes for sale in the San Antonio areaOne of the most common reasons a Stone Oak home sale falls out of escrow is due to a lender denying a buyer's mortgage loan application. Avoid this by starting the funding process before you even start looking at a new home. Submit your pre-approval letter with your offer to assure a seller that you're serious.

Perfection is Rare

Don't be discouraged if a home inspection unveils a couple of small problems. No home's perfect. You want the Stone Oak lifestyle. But even brand new construction can come with its own issues. With that being said, though, feel free to negotiate if larger issues present themselves. And, with a home inspection contingency in place, you can walk away from the entire process with your earnest money intact if you feel the bigger problems are too much for you to handle.

Keep Spending to a Minimum

It's so easy to get excited about your new San Antonio home. Thinking about how you want to decorate can send you straight out to the department store. You might be tempted to go online and order new window coverings, flooring, furniture, etc. Maybe your car has seen better days and you really want to trade it in on something else. (That has nothing to do with the new home, but...timing.) If you don't want to fall out of escrow, put the kibosh on spending until after you sign your final paperwork. A change in debt load could jeopardize your chances for loan approval. The lender runs a final credit check towards the end of escrow. It would be a shame to get that far just to find out you spent yourself out of your chance at that new house.

Bring Your Documents to Signing

Finally, don't forget your documents. Typically, you need to bring an official ID (driver's license, passport, government-issued ID, etc.), proof that you obtained homeowner's insurance, a copy of your sales contract, your home inspection report(s), a bank-issued check or wire transfer for your closing costs, and any other paperwork the lender requires at closing. Double check with the lender several days beforehand to ensure you bring everything you need. If you forget something, this could delay your closing by several days.

Congratulations on your decision to become a San Antonio homeowner. When you want to look for a new home, contact me. I'd love to show you around.

LUX Move Up* by Christine Aldrete Banks, CRS, SRS, RSPS
www.StoneOakLiving.com
830-279-8678

May 28, 2019

"Silly" Things That Hurt Your Chances for a Home Sale

You renovated the kitchen in your Stone Oak home to bring it up to modern buyers' standards. With spring cleaning complete and curb appeal on point, you're ready to place your property on the market. So, you hire a great San Antonio REALTOR® and started the marketing process. But buyers aren't exactly flooding your agent's inbox with offers. Why? They say "the devil's in the details". You'd be surprised at what "silly" things might hurt your chances for a home sale.

"Silly" Things That Might Hurt Your Home Sale Chances

Window Blinds

Silly things that may derail your Stone Oak home sale - Search homes for sale in the San Antonio areaWhen buyers walk through a San Antonio home, they expect that things like window blinds will be included. And, unless specifically stated otherwise in the sales contract, they should be left for the new owners. In fact, they are considered a part of the property since they are actually anchored into the home itself. So, if the buyers don't see these blinds in the window on their final walk-through, they could pull out of the sale altogether. Yes, it sounds silly to walk away from a home sale over something as simple as blinds. But it does happen. If you love your blinds that much, replace them with something else before you list your property on the market. Otherwise, make sure to stipulate that the blinds go with you upon completion of the sale.

Stinky & Sloppy Surroundings

Do you have pets? Are your window screens torn? Loose tiles, squeaky hinges, and rattling doorknobs all make a buyer feel like you haven't properly taken care of your San Antonio home. Stinky smells and sloppy surroundings may derail a home sale because the buyer worries that other, much larger problems lurk below the surface. That lowers their offer. Walk through your home with "buyer's eyes". Then, fix everything you can that sticks out no matter how "insignificant" you think it may be.

Inactive Lights & Detectors

When was the last time you changed the batteries in your smoke or carbon monoxide detectors? Have you just not gotten around to replacing the bulb in a seldom-used light? Again, while these feel like "silly" things to complain about, they give off an unkempt feeling to a house. What would really be silly is if you lost a sale over something so simple to rectify.

Extra Creaky

Something else that might kill a home sale is extra creaky floors. While even new homes may come with their own set of settling sounds, flooring with extra "creaks" worries many buyers and home inspectors. Texas requires inspectors to be licensed. A good licensed home inspector should know the difference between what constitutes normal wear and tear and what should be of concern for buyers.

Where are the Cover Plates?

The longer we're in a home, the more likely we are to let the little things go. Maybe you painted a room years ago and forgot to replace the cover plate on the electrical outlet. Or you redecorated and thought the light switch needed to be changed as well. But you never found anything that looked quite right. So, you left it bare. Even something as small as a cover plate could hurt your chances of a home sale. Good news! Go to the home improvement store, purchase the cover plates needed, and install them where they're missing. Simple. Easy. Inexpensive. Anyone who knows how to use a screwdriver can handle this job in minutes.

Unwillingness to Negotiate

Finally, almost anything's negotiable as long as you're willing. The buyer likes your pool table. Maybe the patio furniture catches their fancy. They love basketball and think the portable hoop in your backyard would be great for the kids or a bit of one-on-one with their buddies on weekends. If that becomes a sticking point in negotiations on your Stone Oak home, seriously consider throwing it in. These can always be replaced down the road, especially if you end up with the sale price you really want.

Outdoor Smoking Ban in San Antonio Public Places

Just a reminder: beginning this Saturday, June 1st, smoking and tobacco products will all be banned in all parks and plazas in and around the City of San Antonio. In an effort to create a healthier atmosphere for all residents, no one may smoke or use any tobacco products in any of the City's parks, greenway trails, the River Walk, Market Square or La Villita. San Antonio joins 50+ other Texas cities in their efforts to reduce their dependence upon tobacco and nicotine. They hope a reduction in public smoking allows more people to enjoy the great outdoors and encourage them to use these public spaces to increase their physical fitness.

LUX Move Up* by Christine Aldrete Banks, CRS, SRS, RSPS
www.StoneOakLiving.com
830-279-8678

May 21, 2019

Vacation Prep Tips for Your San Antonio Home

Summertime tends to be the busiest time for vacations. No school for the kids. Everyone gets antsy for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you're gone for the season or just a week, these vacation prep tips ensure less worry about your San Antonio home while you're away.

Vacation Prep Tips for Your San Antonio Home

Hold Your Mail/Subscriptions

Vacation Prep Tips for Your San Antonio Home - Search homes for sale in the San Antonio areaFirst, put a hold on your mail and subscription services (including automated deliveries and newspapers). Visit your local post office to schedule a time to stop delivery and when to start back up again. And contact any automated delivery services you currently subscribe to. Let them know you'd like to either cancel that month's delivery or postpone it for a later date. If that can't be done, ask a friend or neighbor to keep an eye out for that package. You don't want a pile of mail or newspapers to signal to thieves that nobody's home.

Security System

If you have a security system already in place, make sure to arm it when you leave. Inform the security company about how long you'll be gone if that makes you feel better. Many systems allow you to access your security or doorbell cameras via your smartphone from anywhere in the world.

Change Thermostat Settings

Another one of my helpful vacation prep tips is to change the thermostat settings. Instead of turning the heat or air off completely, set it at 85F for summer and 65F or lower for winter. That helps regulate the temperature inside and keeps mold and mildew at bay without increasing your energy costs. Better yet, install a smart thermostat (Nest and Ecobee top PC Mag's list of the best). They allow you to remotely control them from anywhere in the world via your smartphone.

Lights

Nothing stays "stay away" to a thief more than lights. Another one of my vacation prep tips for your San Antonio home is to install motion sensor lights outside. They come on whenever someone approaches your property. Also, consider a smart lighting system inside your house. This allows you to turn on and off lights anywhere in the house from an app on your phone. Otherwise, leave a light on in a couple of rooms in the house so that it doesn't look like your property is completely empty.

Clean Out the Fridge

Nobody wants to come home to rotting food in the fridge. So, next up on my list of vacation prep tips is to clean out the fridge. Use up any non-perishable items that might expire while you're away. If you plan on being gone for an extended period of time, you may want to completely empty the fridge and freezer, clean it, and then unplug it. That cuts down on energy waste and expense. If you do unplug it, leave the door slightly ajar so as to let it air out.

Water

As long as your sprinkler system doesn't run on an automatic system or you have steam radiators, shut off the water at the main valve. Then, open up all of the faucets inside and outside of your San Antonio home so that all remaining water in the pipes drains out completely. This keeps any water leaks from happening while you're gone.

Disconnect the Garage Door

This is something you might not have thought about as part of vacation prep. Disconnect your garage door. Some thieves gain access to a home by hacking into the garage door opener. It's easier than you think. Lock it manually instead.

Instill a Social Media Blackout

We like to share what's going on in our lives with friends and family on social media. However, thieves troll accounts to assist them in their robbery plans. A picture of you scuba diving in the Caribbean may seem harmless. But a thief sees an opportunity to rob the home you left vacant behind you. Feel free to take all the pictures you want while you're away. But wait until you get back home before you post them.

Talk to Your Neighbors

Finally, the best vacation prep tip I could possibly give you is to talk to your neighbors. Let them know how long you'll be gone. If you've got someone coming to the house to take care of your pets or plants, let them know that as well. They provide an additional level of security because they know who does and does not belong in the neighborhood. Give them your phone number in case you need to be contacted while you're gone.

LUX Move Up* by Christine Aldrete Banks, CRS, SRS, RSPS
www.StoneOakLiving.com
830-279-8678

May 14, 2019

Using Social Media for San Antonio House-Hunting

Buyers feel much more confident in their San Antonio home purchase when armed with as much information as possible. Some buyers hit up sites like Zillow and Trulia to search for their next home. Savvy buyers dig a little deeper. Have you ever thought of harnessing the power of social media as part of your San Antonio house-hunting strategy? You should. It might surprise you with the types of information you can gather on a home that catches your fancy.

San Antonio House-Hunting & Social Media

Won't You Be My (Nextdoor) Neighbor?

San Antonio House-Hunting - Search homes for sale in the San Antonio areaThe one thing you can't change when considering a San Antonio home to purchase is its location. Once you find a home you like, I highly recommend driving through the neighborhood at various times throughout the week. That helps you see what traffic looks like as well as how the neighborhood functions on weekdays vs weekends, for example. But to really get to know who your potential neighbors are, you might want to join Nextdoor. This online community acts as a neighborhood sounding board. Enter the address you want to learn more about and it will guide you to the appropriate community board. Here, you'll see what your neighbors are really like. You also might find homes for sale or rent that haven't been listed on the MLS yet (where real estate sites like Zillow and Trulia get their information from). Read up on what people in the neighborhood are saying about living in that particular neighborhood. Keep an eye out for potential red flags. What looks nice from the outside might not be as sweet on the inside. Or, you may find that this is the perfect neighborhood for you to live.

A History of the House

Social media also provides a look into a home's past. When doing your San Antonio house-hunting, check out the Instagram and/or Facebook pages of the current owner. So many people take to social media to air their grievances or show off their DIY skills. You might find out about an undisclosed plumbing issue or see just how much renovation work they've done to the place with "before" and "after" photos. If the accounts are public, you'll have access to all of their posted photos.

Mortgage Rate News and Updates

Finally, when doing your San Antonio house-hunting, learn the latest news and keep up with current rate information by following financial sites on Facebook (Bankrate or Nerdwallet) or Twitter (@Bankrate or @NerdWallet). When you know what current rate trends look like, it gives you a better idea of how much to factor into the budget for your new home. Plus, NerdWallet always offers up great financial advice to buyers, sellers, and current homeowners.

When you're ready to make Stone Oak living your reality, contact me. I'd be happy to show you what's going on in the neighborhood.

LUX Move Up* by Christine Aldrete Banks, CRS, SRS, RSPS
www.StoneOakLiving.com
830-279-8678

Posted in Home Buying Advice
May 7, 2019

Kitchen Renovation Costs: What to Expect

Does your kitchen scream "update me!"? Are you tired of the outdated look? Thinking of putting your property on the market in the next few months but are afraid the kitchen might hold you back from getting top dollar? The Stone Oak lifestyle means luxury living at its finest. So, if you're planning on selling your property soon, you need to make sure it's in great shape. When it comes to kitchen renovation costs, what should you expect? Can you do any of it yourself? When should you splurge and when should you hold back?

Kitchen Renovation Costs: What to Expect

How Much Should I Spend?

Kitchen renovation costs - Search homes for sale in the San Antonio areaFirst things first. Let's talk money. Next to bathrooms, kitchens are the most popular area of the home to be remodeled. They're also one of the rooms buyers concentrate on most when considering a San Antonio home to purchase. You want it to look its best before you list. Costs run around $150 per square foot. But this can go up if you use higher end finishes, appliances, flooring, etc. Keep costs down by maintaining the current footprint, buying your materials from local wholesalers, and repainting or refinishing your current cabinets instead of replacing them.

Even if you consider yourself handy, you'll still need to hire a professional for any plumbing and electrical work you need to do. Don't scrimp there. And, if it turns out to be more work than you can handle yourself, you might want to hire a licensed contractor. They'll take care of deadlines, managing workers, and making sure everything passes muster.

How Extensive of a Remodel Do I Need?

You really need to answer this first before you spend big bucks on a major remodel. Why spend thousands of extra dollars on imported marble counters, glass-faced cupboards, porcelain tile flooring, and Gaggenau appliances if the rest of the San Antonio homes in your neighborhood are nowhere near this luxurious? You could end up spending yourself out of the market. Talk to a real estate agent before you decide how to proceed with your remodel. They can tell you what other properties in your area look like and give you an honest assessment of where best to invest your money.

Create a Budget and Stick to It

Kitchen renovation costs can quickly skyrocket if you don't keep an eye on things. It's very easy to get caught up in fancy appliances, rich finishes, and upgraded materials. But those add up fast. Before you know it, you've blown your budget completely. If you want to stay middle-of-the-road in kitchen renovation costs, don't go over 10% of your home's value. That should include labor, materials, and any "extras" that might pop up along the way.

What to Do When You're Ready to Remodel

First, set aside your budgeted money into an account that's easy to access. It should be completely liquid. If you're using a home equity loan to make improvements, keep it in a separate account from your regular checking or savings. Next, do your research. Contact several contractors. Ask for estimates, timelines, proof of insurance, license number, and references. Then, prepare to pay some money up front (typically about 15-30%).

Always do your homework before you invest any of your hard-earned money. Keep kitchen renovation costs down by creating a budget and interviewing several contractors. Keep return-on-investment at top of mind to ensure you don't go overboard with expenses. That's especially important if you plan on selling your San Antonio home in the future.

LUX Move Up* by Christine Aldrete Banks, CRS, SRS, RSPS
www.StoneOakLiving.com
830-279-8678

April 30, 2019

How to Avoid San Antonio Roof Repair Scams

Just last week, hail pummeled the San Antonio area. With the hail storms came property damage for many homeowners. Unfortunately, when disaster strikes, so do scammers. Avoid becoming prey for these despicable thieves. Watch out for these San Antonio roof repair scams that might pop up in the next few weeks.

How to Avoid San Antonio Roof Repair Scams

Knock, Knock

San Antonio Roof Repair Scams - Search homes for sale in the San Antonio areaSomeone claiming to represent a company who repairs roofs should be looked at with a cautious eye. They might state that they work with insurance companies and can handle any claim you have to repair your roof damage themselves. However, you didn't purchase your insurance from someone knocking at your door. Why would you trust an unsolicited salesman just because they showed up at your door? When someone you've contacted comes to check out your roof for an estimate, make sure you arrange a time beforehand. And always check their ID.

I'm From the Claims Department

Have you ever received a phone call that starts off like this? "Hello. I'm from your credit card company." They don't say which credit card company. They just give a generic term. Sometimes, scammers use the "I'm from the claims department" line to get personal information from you. Take down their name and number. Then, call the phone number you have on file for your insurance company to verify whether this is legitimate or not.

Questionable Promises

Another way to spot San Antonio roof repair scams is by certain promises they might make. For example, if a roofing company tells you that they can negotiate a complete roof replacement with your insurance company, don't believe it. If the roofing company or claims handler wants you to sign an attorney engagement agreement or asks to endorse a check for you, STOP! Your insurance company won't endorse a check for you and only accept paperwork directly from them.

Permits and Licenses

One big red flag indicating San Antonio roof repair scams is if the roofer says a license and permit are not required. In fact, they not only should a roofer be licensed to perform any roof repair, but they also need to pull a permit before they do any work. Ask a roofer for their license number and search the San Antonio database of licensed roofing companies. Proper permits filed with the City typically obtain approval within 24 hours. Ask to see the permit approval before the roofer begins any work. If an unlicensed roofer repairs or replaces your roof, your insurance company may not approve the claim.

Do Your Due Diligence

Finally, avoid becoming a victim of San Antonio roof repair scams by doing your homework. Ask for recommendations. Check their credentials. Make sure they are insured as well as licensed. Just because a neighbor or friend says that they used a company they liked doesn't mean that company is licensed. As I stated before, unlicensed work may make your insurance company deny the claim.

Pay attention. Keep your guard up when dealing with unsolicited salesmen. Avoid falling victim to any San Antonio roof repair scams. Good luck!

LUX Move Up* by Christine Aldrete Banks, CRS, SRS, RSPS
www.StoneOakLiving.com
830-279-8678