Brick by Brick: Real Estate with Malcolm Davis

  Why Ghosting Your Real Estate Agent When Searching for Rentals Is a Bad Idea In today’s fast-moving rental market, it might seem harmless to stop responding to a real estate agent if you change your mind or find a different property. But “ghosting”—cutting off all communication without explanation—can have real downsides for both you and your agent. Here’s why it’s better to keep the lines open, even if your plans change: 1. You Could Miss Out on Great Opportunities Agents often have access to listings that aren’t widely advertised and can move quickly to secure showings or applications for you. If you ghost, you might miss out on the perfect rental simply because your agent doesn’t know you’re still interested or available. 2. It Damages Relationships and Your Reputation Real estate is a relationship-based business. When you ghost an agent, it can make you seem unreliable or inconsiderate. This could impact your chances if you need help in the future—agents tend to remember clie...

  Title: Behind the Smiles: Depression and the Hidden Struggles of Being a Realtor In real estate, we’re often seen as the smiling faces on yard signs, the friendly guides at open houses, and the steady voice during one of life’s biggest financial decisions. But behind the scenes, many realtors silently face a battle that doesn’t show up in listing photos or client calls: depression . The Highs and Lows of Real Estate Real estate is a rollercoaster. One moment, you're celebrating a big win — a closing that took months of work, a family finally finding their forever home. Next, a deal falls apart at the last minute, clients walk away, or the market shifts unexpectedly. The emotional toll of these constant fluctuations can quietly chip away at your mental well-being. Isolation Behind the Hustle Real estate agents are independent by nature, often working solo even in team environments. We spend long hours alone in cars, managing paperwork, prepping homes, and attending to clients...

Why It’s Important to Provide Your Information at an Open House Open houses are a staple of the real estate world, offering a relaxed way to explore homes and connect with agents. But when you walk through the door and are asked to sign in, you might wonder: Why should I put down my information? Here’s why providing your details at an open house benefits you, the agent, and even the seller. 1. Stay Informed and Connected When you provide your contact information, the agent can follow up with you after the open house. This means you’ll receive: Additional details about the property Updates on price changes or offers Information on similar homes that might fit your needs This follow-up can be crucial if you’re serious about buying, as it keeps you in the loop and gives you a direct line to the agent. 2. Enhance Your Open House Experience Many agents now use digital sign-in sheets or apps, which can: Provide instant access to property details, virtual tours, and high-quality photos as yo...

Welcome, CTX homeowners! Summer in Central Texas is a force to be reckoned with—blazing sun, sizzling temps, and those legendary thunderstorms. But don’t let the heat get you down! With a little elbow grease and a splash of fun, you can keep your home cool, comfortable, and looking sharp all season long. Here’s your guide to summer home maintenance, CTX-style! Beat the Heat: HVAC & Ceiling Fan TLC Let’s start inside, where the air conditioning is your BFF. Give your HVAC system some love by replacing or cleaning air filters every 1–2 months—this keeps your home cool and your energy bills from skyrocketing. Schedule a professional tune-up if you haven’t yet this year, especially before the real heat kicks in. Don’t forget your ceiling fans! Flip the switch so the blades spin counterclockwise (it’s a summer superpower move). This pushes cool air down and makes your rooms feel refreshing without overworking your AC. Dust those blades while you’re at it—no one wants a dust storm at the...

Thinking About Buying a Home but Not Quite Ready? Rent-to-Own Might Be the Solution for You! By Malcolm Davis, Homevets Realty Are you dreaming of homeownership but feel like you’re just not ready to take the plunge? Maybe you need more time to save for a down payment, improve your credit score, or simply want to get to know a neighborhood before making a long-term commitment. If this sounds like you, a rent-to-own program could be the perfect bridge to your future home. What is Rent-to-Own? Rent-to-own (also known as lease-to-own) is a unique path to homeownership. It allows you to rent a home for a set period—usually one to three years—with the option (or sometimes obligation) to purchase the property at the end of your lease. This arrangement gives you the flexibility to move in now and buy later, all while working toward your financial goals. How Does It Work? Move In Now, Buy Later: You sign a lease agreement and move into your future home right away. Option Fee: You typically pay...