Date Archives: July 2021

You've made it to the final walk-through process, which means your long journey to securing your new property is almost complete. The final walk-through might seem like a simple formality, but it's one of the most important steps in the process. This is your final chance to ensure the seller held up their end of the bargain regarding repairs, maintenance, or contingencies.

Our real estate agents receive lots of questions about what to expect during the process. If you're in the process of purchasing one of these Round Rock homes for sale, below are some tips to guide you through the final walk-through process to ensure you don't miss anything.

Inspect All Repairs
As a homebuyer, your priority during the final walk-through is to ensure the seller completed any agreed-upon repairs or maintenance and that the work has been completed to your liking. Whether it's a minor fix such as doorknob replacement or a significant structural issue, remember to inspect every item closely. You can also ask the seller to leave behind any receipts or warranties if issues arise in the future. 

Look For New Issues
A lot can happen over 4 to 6 weeks, so it's also wise to keep an eye out for any new issues that may have popped up since the last time you visited the home. If you notice any significant problems that may have occurred since your last visit, this is your final opportunity to bring them to the seller's attention. Below are some common things to test during the walk-through process: 

• Check the basement for new cracks or water spots
• Run the garbage disposal
• Open the garage door
• Flip on and off the light switches
• Flush toilets and run sinks

Check For Items Left As Part Of The Sale
If the seller agreed to leave behind any items such as appliances, lawnmowers, or pool tables, make sure they're still around after the seller has moved out. Most sellers won't attempt to skirt their end of the bargain, but it's still a good idea to check that everything is still in place.

What To Do If You Find Issues
While it doesn't happen often, sometimes buyers do find issues during the final walk-through process, so you should be prepared in the event there is a problem. If a seller did not complete required repairs or a new issue has occurred, you typically have three options:

1. Delay closing until the repairs are complete.
2. Negotiate compensation and make the repairs on your own.
3. Back out of the deal. This is generally unfavorable for all parties given the amount of time and energy put forward and is only recommended under the most egregious of circumstances.

Make Sure Your Real Estate Agent Is Present
Your real estate agent has conducted dozens of walk-throughs, so he or she knows exactly what to look for. Having a second trusted set of eyes is highly advisable during the process. Your agent will have a record of all contingencies agreed upon during the sale and will be able to help ensure you don't miss anything.

Most of the time, the final walk-through process tends to go very smoothly, but it's still important to it seriously and check everything. If you're looking for guidance on the buying process, contact us today.

Your pet is your best friend, so of course, you want to be there all the time. But sometimes, life gets in the way. Whether you're on vacation, in the process of moving, or out of town checking out Round Rock homes for sale, there are times when a trusted pet sitter is essential. 

But of course, you can't let just anybody take care of your furry friend. You need to know you're working with the best. Our real estate agents have a lot of experience connecting their clients to great pet sitters here in the Austin and Round Rock areas, and we have a few useful tips for finding and choosing the right pet sitting service. 

1. Know Who Your Friends Are
   A lot of us have reliable friends, family members, or neighbors who we often entrust with the care of our pets. If your pet has formed a bond with this person, then that's a great option. It's always best for your cat or dog to spend time with someone they know and trust, especially in your own home. But there are situations when this may not be an option. Perhaps you're traveling longer or more frequently, or you simply don't want to put pressure on your friends and neighbors. In that case, it may be time to consider a professional pet sitting service. 
   
   
2. Check Credentials
   Anybody can say they're a pet sitter. That doesn't necessarily mean they're experienced and qualified. Real professional pet sitting companies should have a business license and be fully bonded and insured. Pet sitters should also have undergone a criminal background check and received proper training. Be sure to ask if they've been trained in pet CPR and first aid. 
   
   
3. Ask for References and Read Reviews
   One of the best ways to determine if a pet sitter is right for you is to find out what others think. There's no substitute for firsthand experience. So it's always a good idea to ask a pet sitter for references, but you can also go deeper. Unbiased online reviews can shed a lot of light on how a pet sitting company is viewed by its customers. Keep in mind that one bad review shouldn't make or break someone—anybody can have a bad experience—but if you notice multiple past customers making similar complaints, that's a definite red flag. 
   
   
4. Do a Meet-and-Greet
   It goes without saying that your fur baby and your pet sitter will have to get along! The first step is to schedule a meet-and-greet. Depending on your pet's personality, you may want the first meeting to take place outside of your home. This is especially the case if you have a very protective or high-anxiety dog. If the first outdoor meeting proves successful, the next step is to spend some time with your pet and pet sitter inside your home. You should be there for the first meeting, and if it goes well, perhaps schedule a short pet-sitting session before going on any long trips. 
   
   
5. Establish Open Communication
   Communication between you and your pet sitter is key. You need to be able to reach them any time (and vice versa), especially while you're out of town. Make sure your pet sitter is comfortable with open communication and is willing to give you regular updates.

Moving to a new home always presents challenges, and finding the right pet sitting service is just one of them. Contact us today to learn more about how our team can help you find your dream home in Austin, Round Rock, and the surrounding areas. 

On a hot summer day, swimming in a pool is the perfect way to cool off. The Round Rock area is lucky to have a great selection of pools catering to swimmers of all abilities and residents of all ages. This is just another reason to look for Round Rock homes for sale! Here are some of the top pools you might want to check out while you're house-hunting or once you move in.

• Rock'N River Water Park: 3300 E Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock, TX 78664
  Rock'N River Water Park is more than just a pool — it's an entire water park! There are water slides, a water playground, and tipping buckets. There's also a lazy river, which is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the cool water when the heat has sapped your energy.
  
  Rock'N River Water Park charges $12 admission per adult and $10 per child. (Children 2 and under are only $5). Season passes are available, too. 
  
  
• Lake Creek Pool: 800 Deerfoot Drive, Round Rock, TX 78664
  Lake Creek Pool is a large, well-maintained outdoor pool located in Lake Creek Park. The pool is filled with saltwater, so it does not get a strong chlorine scent. The pool is open from 1 - 5 pm Tuesday - Thursday, and Sunday, and from 1 - 7 pm Friday and Saturday.
  
  This is a great pool to visit with kids since there are also activities to enjoy in the surrounding park. You'll see playgrounds, drinking fountains, picnic shelters, grills, and multipurpose fields.
  
  
• Micki Krebsbach Pool: 301 Deepwood Drive, Round Rock, TX 78681
  Micki Krebsbach Pool is a fun, public water space designed with kids in mind. There's a 26-foot pirate ship with several water slides and water cannons to make sure everyone has fun while cooling off.
  
  There's also the main pool where you can swim casually or lap swim. For younger kids, there's a wading area with some splash features. Micki Krebsbach Pool is open from 1 - 7 pm daily, except for Tuesdays when it is closed for maintenance.
  
  
• Cat Hollow Pool: 8600 O'Connor Drive, Round Rock, TX 78681
  Cat Hollow Pool is an outdoor pool located inside Cat Hollow Park. The pool has a covered, beach entryway that is ideal for kids. There's also a splash pad next to the pool, which is a great place to cool off if you don't feel like swimming.
  
  Cat Hollow Pool is generally open from 10 am until dusk in the summer. The surrounding park is also a nice place to hang out. It features sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, pavilions, and picnic areas. Free WiFi is available throughout the park.
  
  
• Emler Swim School: 2800 S Interstate 190, Round Rock, TX 78681
  Maybe your child doesn't know how to swim and would benefit from some swimming lessons this summer. Emler Swim School is a great place to take them. They offer lessons for all ages and ability levels, and their saltwater pool is beautifully maintained.
  
  Emler Swim School offers several different class sessions each day, so you should be able to find an option that fits into your schedule. 

Our real estate agents love the Round Rock area because of amenities like this! Contact us if you're looking for an agent to represent you as you shop for homes nearby.

An aging, cracking, or crumbling driveway is a problem that will gradually get worse the longer you wait to fix it. It's an eyesore that tanks your curb appeal and can also detract from your home's value. Sprucing up your driveway will protect your investment in your home, and you may be able to get the money back when you sell. Here are a few driveway improvement tips from our real estate agents.

1. Add Lighting
   If your problem isn't a broken driveway but just a boring one, you can make the old seem new by adding some cool new features such as lighting. Round Rock homes for sale that offer lighting alongside the driveways offer instant class and curb appeal. Solar-powered lights are fairly inexpensive, or spring for an electrician and get the system wired up so that you can control the lights with a switch or put them on a motion sensor.
   
   
2. Use Bricks or Pavers
   Another perfect upgrade for a boring driveway is a border. Use bricks or pavers to create an attractive border along the edges of your driveway. As an added bonus, the border creates a segway into your landscaping and may even serve to hold back dirt, mulch, and overly enthusiastic plants. Stepping stones and crushed rock set alongside your driveway can also boost curb appeal, not to mention provide a pathway for visitors to travel on the way to your front door.
   
   
3. Repair Minor Damage
   Sometimes the damage to your driveway is minor, and you can get away with just doing a few repairs to preserve the original driveway. If you're unsure whether your driveway can be repaired, it's best to contact a driveway paving contractor and get an expert opinion. If you're planning on selling your home, you'll probably want to spend the least amount of money that will produce a return on your home's value, so sometimes repairs can be cost-effective.
   
   
4. Cover with Stamped Texture
   If you don't like the look of a patched or repaired driveway, there are various ways to cover the imperfections and make your driveway look new again. One way is by covering it with a spray treatment and adding texture. The result can be attractive and classy and gives the driveway a newer, more upscale look without redoing the entire thing.
   
   
5. Add a New Layer of Concrete or Asphalt
   If your driveway is damaged beyond repair, the easiest way to get a whole new driveway is by patching any cracks or breaks and adding a layer of concrete or asphalt on top of the original one. This is easier and less expensive than bulldozing everything and starting over. You can even add on to your driveway while you're at it, widening or adding a parking area or turnaround since the new pavement will match.

One of the first things someone sees when arriving at your home is your driveway, making it a crucial part of your curb appeal. An attractive driveway is as much a part of that first impression as your landscaping or your front door. For more ideas on how to improve curb appeal, contact us today.