Brick by Brick: Real Estate with Malcolm Davis

🎃👻 Spooky Season in Central Texas: Home Tips & Halloween Fun! 👻🎃 Hey everyone, it’s Malcolm with HomeVets Realty. As  the ghosts, goblins, and trick-or-treaters come out, I wanted to share a few fun and helpful reminders for all my fellow homeowners this Halloween season! 🏡 1. Keep Your Home Safe for Trick-or-Treaters Make sure your front yard and walkway are well-lit and clear of any tripping hazards. It’s all fun and games until someone trips over a hidden garden hose or Halloween decoration! 💡 2. Light It Up (Spookily!) Swap out a few porch bulbs for orange or purple lights — they set the mood perfectly while still keeping your walkway visible. It’s a small touch that makes your home festive and safe. 🕷️ 3. Curb Appeal Isn’t Just for Buyers Even if you’re not selling, this is the perfect time to show off your home! A few pumpkins, some creative lighting, and maybe a friendly skeleton or two can make your place the talk of the neighborhood. 🎃 4. Don’t Forget Your Pe...

  Facing the Fear: Why Buying Your First Home Feels Scary (And How to Overcome It) By Malcolm Davis, HomeVets Realty Buying your first home is often described as a dream come true. For generations, homeownership has symbolized stability, accomplishment, and the ultimate step into adulthood. It’s tied deeply to the American Dream. Yet for millions of people in 2025, buying a first home feels equal parts exciting and truly terrifying. If you’re feeling scared—even overwhelmed—about taking this step, you’re not alone. The “First-Time Buyer Fear” is Real Let’s talk about fear. The uncertainty around buying a home is at an all-time high. According to a June 2025 report, 67% of Americans feel anxious about today’s real estate market. An even greater number—over 76%—of first-time buyers say that fear or stress has slowed their home buying process, or kept them on the sidelines altogether. I see these feelings all the time as a Central Texas realtor. They’re not just valid—they’re common, ...

  💰 Smart Money Moves: How to Prepare Financially for a Home Purchase in 2025 Buying a home is one of the biggest financial moves most people will ever make — and the key to success isn’t just finding the right house, it’s being financially prepared before you start looking. As 2025 continues to unfold, getting your money in order now can mean less stress, better loan options, and more negotiating power when you find “the one.” Here are a few smart money moves every future homeowner should make before stepping into the market: 🧾 1. Check Your Credit Early Your credit score plays a major role in your loan approval and interest rate. Start by reviewing your credit reports for errors or old accounts that can be cleaned up. Aim for a score of at least 640 for most loan programs — but the higher, the better. Pro tip: A higher score could mean thousands in savings over the life of your mortgage. 💳 2. Pay Down Debt and Build Stability Lenders love consistency. Reducing credit card b...

  🏡 Why Every First-Time Homebuyer in Central Texas Should Attend a Homebuyers Class By Malcolm Davis, REALTOR® – HomeVets Realty LLC Buying your first home is one of life’s biggest milestones — exciting, empowering, and sometimes… a little overwhelming. Between mortgage terms, inspections, and closing paperwork, it’s easy to feel lost. That’s why attending a homebuyer education class can be one of the best first steps you take toward homeownership — especially here in Central Texas , where the market moves fast and every decision matters. Let’s break down why every first-time homebuyer should make time for one. 🎓 1. Knowledge = Confidence Homeownership doesn’t come with a manual — but a homebuyers class comes close! These classes teach you how the entire process works, from pre-approval to closing day . You’ll gain insight into topics like: Credit and budgeting for a mortgage Choosing between FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional loans The importance of home inspections and appraisa...