Moving is one of life's most difficult events, particularly for children. To help everyone adapt to the change, there are certain things that you can do in advance of, during, and proceeding the event. This blog contains advice for families moving with kids.

In Advance of the Move

Problems start as you start packing. Communicating is essential. Tell kids what will take place. Include them in the planning to instill excitement. Talk about all of the good aspects of the move and not the people they are abandoning.

On Moving Day

Change is hard on every member of the family. As stressful as it can be, try to stay positive. Your demeanor has a huge influence on your kids and their reactions. The following are a few other things you can do on…

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Did you make an energy efficient improvement to your home this past year? Homeowners who make energy efficient improvements may be able to use tax credits. There are different types of tax credits that can be applied: energy efficiency tax credits and credit for wind, solar, geothermal, and fuel cell tax credits.

Credit for Energy Efficiency

There are many updates that can be made to your home for energy efficiency. This type of tax credit applies to the following energy efficient items:

  • Building components

  • Furnaces

  • Windows

  • Air circulating fans

  • Insulation

  • Roofing

  • Doors

  • Hot water tanks

Certain requirements apply, so check the tax guidelines prior to buying materials…

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If you are wanting to sell your house in the near future or are simply tackling projects, there are certain repairs that are more likely to add value to your home. Some may be more pricey than others. The following are a few ideas for improving home values.

A Fresh Coat of Paint

Adding a clean coat of paint is a slight improvement that can dramatically alter the look and feel of a room. To improve resale value, use neutral color schemes. This allows likely buyers to visualize their own possessions in the space instead of being focused on your bold color choices.

Add a Bathroom

If your house only has one restroom, adding even a half bath can make a great difference when you are ready to sell. It is a convenience factor. Separate full…

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You may have heard that selling your home during the fall months, or “off” season, can be more of a challenge than if you list it during the "on" seasons of spring and summer. There are several reasons why this is not always true, especially this year.

Buyer demand has remained strong this fall, so you are less likely this year to see a drop off in showings. You also have less competition from other sellers in the autumn, so your home is likely to be considered as a serious option soon after you list it.

In past years, showings of your home might have dropped off because there are typically not as many buyers in the fall. This year, according to the Realtors Confidence Index Survey there is a strong demand among home buyers and a steady growth…

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As a homeowner, you'll ideally make money if you choose to sell your home. However, there are some home selling costs associated with real estate that you should know about before getting started.

Preparing Your Home for Sale

To attract buyers, you'll likely need to do some work before placing your listing on the market. Homeowners selling their properties can invest in things such as interior and exterior painting as needed, landscaping and curb appeal projects (painting the front door, for example), professional cleaning and staging, and storage unit to reduce clutter by packing away excess furniture and belongings.

In addition to taking care of obvious repairs, homeowners should consider paying for a pre-listing inspection to identify…

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Central Texas is a thriving area that has seen much growth in recent years. Many communities are adding schools, businesses, and recreational areas to keep up with the new homes and neighborhoods being built in Williamson County. Below are the top nine communities that we think showcase the best of what the Longhorn State has to offer.

Larkspur

This gorgeous Hill Country community is new to the Williamson County area. The location, right next to Highway 183 provides easy access to the San Gabriel River and more than 100 acres of recreational areas, parks, and walking trails. In addition to that, Larkspur will have an on-site elementary school and an amenity center for residents. With 22 floorplans to choose from and customize, you are sure to find a…

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