Brick by Brick: Real Estate with Malcolm Davis

  Why I’ve Stopped Answering Real Estate Questions for Non-Clients By Malcolm Davis, Realtor® Let’s be honest—this might not be the most popular thing I’ve ever said, but it needs to be said. I’ve reached a point in my career where I’m no longer answering real estate questions, giving advice, or offering guidance to people who are not my clients. And no, it’s not because I don’t care. It’s because I take what I do very seriously. Every day, I get messages from people asking for help finding rentals, wanting “quick advice,” or looking for answers to questions about buying or selling a home. On top of that, some people already have an agent—someone they chose to represent them—yet still come to me for input. That’s where the line gets crossed. Real estate isn’t a hobby. It’s not something I do casually on the side. This is my profession. It’s how I provide for my family, and it’s a craft I’ve spent years learning, improving, and mastering. The knowledge I bring to the table has valu...

  Renting in Central Texas vs Buying — The Truth By Malcolm Davis, Realtor® | HomeVets Realty One of the most common questions I hear from people in Central Texas is whether it’s better to keep renting or finally take the step toward buying a home. It’s an important decision, and the answer is not always as simple as people think. While renting may feel easier in the short term, buying a home can provide long-term financial and personal benefits that renting simply cannot. Renting offers flexibility. If you move frequently, aren't sure where you want to live long-term, or simply aren’t ready for the responsibilities of homeownership, renting can make sense. Many renters also appreciate not having to worry about repairs or maintenance, since those responsibilities usually fall on the landlord. However, one of the biggest downsides to renting is that your monthly payment builds no ownership or long-term value for you. In many parts of Central Texas, including cities like Killeen...

  Things I Wish Buyers Knew Before Calling a Realtor Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones in life, but it can also feel overwhelming if you don’t know what to expect. As a Realtor® with HomeVets Realty serving buyers in Central Texas, I talk to many people who are just starting their home-buying journey. One thing I’ve noticed over the years is that there are a few important things many buyers wish they had known before reaching out to a real estate agent. First, you don’t need to have everything figured out before contacting a Realtor. Many people believe they should already know exactly what type of home they want, what neighborhood they prefer, and how much they can afford before making that first call. The truth is that a good Realtor is there to help guide you through those decisions. It’s perfectly okay to start the conversation early in the process, even if you’re just exploring the idea of buying a home. Another thing I wish more buyers understood is how imp...

  How Much Income Do You Actually Need to Buy a Home? Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. One of the most common questions I hear from buyers is: “How much income do I actually need to buy a house?” The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The income needed to purchase a home depends on several factors, including the home's price, your credit score, your debt, and the type of loan you qualify for. The good news is that many people can afford to buy a home sooner than they think. As a Realtor® with HomeVets Realty , I work with buyers across Central Texas who are surprised to learn they are already closer to homeownership than they realized. The 28/36 Rule Lenders Use Most lenders use what’s called the 28/36 rule when determining how much house you can afford. This means: 28% of your gross monthly income should be the maximum spent on housing costs. 36% of your gross monthly income should be the maximum spent on total d...