Buying a House in 2021: Everything You Need to Know

So you’ve just purchased your first home. Congratulations! Maybe this is your first time out on your own and you need all the essentials. Maybe you’re upgrading from an apartment to a house of your own and your checklist is a little shorter. Regardless, you’re probably looking for things to buy for your new house to spruce it up and make it feel like home. From fun upgrades to the necessities, keep reading to see what items can help you make the most of your new home.

It's no secret that selling a home can be a stressful process. Between showings, price adjustments, inspections, and coordinating your move, the last thing on your mind might be scheduling listing photos. But as inconvenient and unnecessary as they might seem. Listing photos can benefit almost anyone listing their home, helping to get more showings, more value, and interested buyers.

Lighting can be overlooked when deciding to update your home. However, thoughtful lighting choices can help to bring character and warmth to your home. As we look to 2020, one thing is sure, industrial design is here to stay, and natural materials are making a comeback.

2020 has officially arrived and it's time to start thinking about tax season! (We know, we know- your favorite time of the year!) However, tax season can bring some pretty sweet perks for homeowners who bought a home in the state of Texas in 2019. Starting January 1st until April 20th, 2020, every homeowner has the opportunity to submit an application for the residential Homestead Exemption for their primary residence. We've put together some frequently asked questions when filing your exemption, along with all the resources you will need to get started today!

Home automation is a growing trend. Our smart devices like phones are becoming the way we interact with your increasingly digital world. At the same time, homes are being "retrofitted" with smart devices and appliances. As the home becomes increasingly digital, the homeowner's ability to use technology to customize and automate their home grows. With many tech giants entering the field with their home automation platforms, you might be wondering which one is best for you.

From market reports to lifestyle articles a few blog posts stood out with our readers and we wanted to take the time to mention a few in case you missed them.

As 2020 approaches, you might be looking for a change of scenery. Whether you are deciding on a kitchen remodel or thinking about moving to a new home, you’ll want to think about the return on your investment. Some home improvement projects do not carry the value put in when the time comes to resale.

A home inspection is a critical part of any home sale, and there are many misconceptions and confusion surrounding it. One of the most frequent questions our Realtors get asked is "should the seller be present for the home inspection?" The short answer to that is, "Usually, no." If it is a pre-listing inspection ordered by the seller, they are absolutely okay to be there and should be. But, if it is a buyer paid inspection, it's just not a good idea, and here's why.

It's no secret that the cold weather months are setting in. With regular cold fronts and low temperatures, you'll more than likely be using your fireplace or switching on your heater, possibly exposing yourself and your family to carbon monoxide.

2019 has been a year of change for the real estate industry. From partnerships to new companies and rebranding, it seems like everyone is making moves this year. One of the most significant moves we saw was the acquisition of OpCity by Realtor.com. This move signifies a significant change in the market and could be a sign of things to come.

Keen Realtors have noticed a trend as of late - the proliferation of "ibuyers". There is still confusion as to what an ibuyer is and what an ibuyer does. One of the most prominent strategies behind the growth of ibuyers has been heavy online marketing. ibuyer stands for "instant" buyer. There are different kinds of ibuyers but they generally function by offering to buy a property at fair market value, accepting a fee for facilitating the sale, and then reselling the house for a profit.

Sometimes all it takes is a simple update to transform your home from “a roof over our heads” into a haven for self-care, wellness, and productivity. Consider these small but meaningful ideas to maximize the potential of a healthy space in your home.

As we see exponential growth in the San Antonio area, we’ve seen more and more interest in what the rental market looks like in 2019. Consumers have seen increased living affordability, and are now making plans to relocate or invest in the area. Whether that’s jobs or housing, the San Antonio area is rapidly growing, and consumers want to know the condition of the market.

A mudroom may instinctively sound like an inevitably messy space, but modern-day mudrooms with hidden storage and easy-to-clean furniture certainly don’t have to be. Whether your home was built with a classic mudroom or not, you can turn any small entry space into a practical space to keep the rest of your home mud-free.

New home buyers are faced with a myriad of decisions regarding different optional services, from home inspections to home warranty and homeowner’s insurance. It can be a daunting task to decide what is needed, especially when closing costs are mounting. Home warranties have proven to be a particularly misunderstood service.

Behr’s 2020 color of the year, is “Back to Nature” S340-4. Back to Nature is “a restorative and revitalizing green hue that engages the senses and pairs well with other colors both inside and outside your home.” In addition to the 2020 color of the year, Behr has released several color palettes inspired by Nature that meet personal tastes. There’s no doubt that Behr is moving forward with natural colors and that consumers want a choice in customization. But what does this selection say about 2020 interior design trends as a whole?

Buying a home is a unique experience, with equally unique pitfalls and potential issues. To help you navigate these uncertain waters, we consulted two of our stellar Realtors®, Trudy Schoenborn and Carol Garcia, to give us a list of 10 dos and don'ts to follow when you're searching for a new home.

There is a wide variety of information available today about selling your home. From the internet to TV shows, the home selling process has been broken down into easily digestible chunks that unfortunately do not paint an accurate picture of the intricacies involved. This has led to numerous misconceptions about home selling. I sat down with Realtors Peggy Orf and Narce Peña to discuss 5 common misconceptions that they encounter on a regular basis.

BHGRE HomeCity is thrilled to be recognized for the fourth year running by the Inc. 5000 list!

As we see continued growth in the Austin area, we’ve seen more and more interest in rental data as of mid-2019. Consumers have seen the growth in the area and are now making plans to relocate to the city. Whether that’s jobs or access to venues and entertainment, Austin is growing, and consumers want to know more.

The nation’s original and longest-running Latino film festival returns this summer. Presented by the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, San Antonio’s annual celebration of independent Latino cinema will take place at the historic Guadalupe Theater, featuring premiere screenings, master classes, receptions, after parties, and free community events. The festival will also include free Family Day screenings, a Youth Program showcasing San Antonio student filmmakers, and a Senior Screening for the area’s elderly film lovers.

Every 4th Friday, Royal Street in Salado Texas hosts a fun event full of music, art, food, and more. By bringing together local galleries, you can see showcases of all different kinds of art all in one place as you walk down Royal Street. You can see the wide selection of works from glass to jewelry, clay, and more. With food and live entertainment on hand, it's a great way to spend the evening.

Looking for a great place to spend a summer evening? Throughout July, the Texas State Aquarium will be hosting Aquarium After Dark. With discounted admission and later hours, you can experience great exhibits, enjoy tasty refreshments, and play in the splash park well into the long summer night.

Get your friends together for the 5th annual Battle of the Food Trucks. Hosted at the Killeen Community Center, you can enjoy over 75 vendors, live music, along with activities and entertainment. Watch as your favorite trucks compete for awards in Best Dish, Best Truck Presentation and the People’s Choice Award categories. So come ready to try some of the best flavors of the area!

The St. Stephen’s Summer Creative Writing Workshop is a week-long course of study designed to give young writers an opportunity to acquire and develop skills in the craft of fiction writing. Each day, campers will engage in lessons on subjects like plot, style, point-of-view, and character development; listen to craft-talks and lectures given by visiting authors from the Austin area; participate in guided writing time aimed to help them generate and revise content; and share their written work with other campers and instructors.

Experience Texas tradition and culture at The Texas Folklife Festival! This event, an “immersive cultural experience,” surrounds visitors with some 250 participating organizations representing more than 40 cultural groups; 6 stages of music and entertainment; a menu of some 100 authentic food items; and the skills of some 60 artisans.

Get up close and personal with the latest research and agricultural technology. Join the Texas A&M AgriLife Blackland Research & Extension Center during their annual Farm and Field Day. With local experts on hand, you can learn about the latest in precision agriculture, conservation, grazing animal nutrition and more. This event is free and open to the public.

A highlight of springtime in South Texas is birdwatching. If you are looking for a great way to see some of the many species who call our area home you will want to join the guided bird walk at the Port Aransas Nature Preserve. Guides will help you spot and identify species of birds and other local wildlife. You can bring your own binoculars but there will be some on loan during the walk.

This is the Garden’s 14th semiannual Brews & Blooms event, featuring a casual evening for adults 21 and older. Visit local San Antonio vendors such as Camp Gladiator, Cereal Killer Sweets, and The Best Window Company for information. There will be craft brew sampling, food trucks, live music from StarlighterBand, lawn games, and a Mirror Mirror Photobooth, all set in the gorgeous, flowering Botanical Garden.

The perfect time of year for the sweet taste of summer berries is happening right now, and the Poteet Strawberry Festival delivers. Show your support for this endangered Texas crop by attending the festival, featuring music, entertainment, and you guessed it - the city’s famous strawberries. Since 1948, Poteet has been attracting visitors from all over, promoting Texas farms and businesses with each bite. Catch the headlining concert as the Randy Rogers Band will perform on Sunday, April 7th.

For the 42nd year, The Statesman Capitol 10K Race boasts being the largest 10K in Texas, and one of the top 10 in the whole nation! With 23,265 in attendance in 2018, event planners expect 2019’s outcome to be even larger. Participate in the race, (or cheer on the runners!) all while benefiting the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM).

A two day festival of music art and more, Fiesta De La Flor is a celebration of the life and legacy of local artist Selena. With over ten musical acts from all over the country music has always been the highlight of the festival. But in addition to music, there are other activities going on the whole weekend that the entire family can enjoy. From the “El Parque” kid zone that features games and activities for kids to the One Person Unites Us panel featuring Suzette Quintanilla and Adrienne Houghton. Tickets are on sale now!

As spring approaches, you might be looking for some ways to take in all that the local area has to offer. From mediation to music and more there is plenty going on in the area this February!

As spring approaches, you might be looking for some ways to take in all that the local area has to offer. From some traditional and non-traditional Valentine’s Day ideas to some fun ways to give back to the community there is plenty going on in the area this February.

It’s been a season of cozy blankets, sweet treats, and presents galore, but if you’re like us, you’re probably ready for a change of pace. December in Texas is the absolute perfect time to get out of the house and head to a state or national park and hike off those complex carbohydrates. Hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, birding - whatever you’re into, these five beautiful parks located in various cities across the state have just what you need to shake off the craziness of the holidays.

There's no shortage of fun events in the Temple Belton area this November!

The holidays are almost here, and what better way to enjoy the cooler months than by exploring your hometown holiday events with your family and friends? These events include everything you’d need - shopping, running, eating, and even donating.

There are ton of places around the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex to get delicious Mexican food and dance the cumbia, but for this article we’re focusing on those delicious, salty, tangy, tequila-filled margaritas!

Finding an affordable, luxurious condo in Austin can be a challenge, but thanks to the city's affordable housing movement, some of the swankiest up and coming condos have lower priced options for those who qualify.

Here are some of our favorite events in the DFW area ranging from black tie affairs to drink specials at dive bars.

We share some of our favorite Austin holiday traditions!

It’s a great time to get outside and discover some of the parks and outdoor eateries the Dallas/Fort Worth area has to offer - here are some of our favorites that focus on warm, hearty fare.

There are actually a ton of activities available to do in Georgetown, TX now-a-days, from nature parks to shopping and dining, to splash parks and playscapes. We’ve curated some of our favourites here!

We list some new, fun, and exciting things to do as a family this summer!

The results of Austin’s vote on Proposition 1 are in – and it’s not looking good for rideshare services Uber and Lyft. What's going on and how does it affect you?

Denton, Texas may be a college town, but it offers a lot of cool spots to relax, grab a drink and enjoy your evening.

We assembled a list of best neighborhoods for young families by starting off with some of the best school districts, then narrowing the list by taking into account factors like amenities, crime rate, and affordability.

We rounded up some of our favorite patios in the DFW area to dine on!

Apartmentlist.com recently named the top ten cities in the United States for raising a family. Of these ten, four of the towns were in North Texas!

We spent the last few months trying out some of Austin’s hottest restaurants and can now report back with the favorites.

North of Austin in the town of Leander, you’ll find a neighborhood unlike any other being built right now. These homes are intentionally designed to look like you stepped into a 1960’s neighborhood.

Smart home technology was a focal point of this year’s CES conference, as more than 150 exhibitors debuted their impressive home integration technology. These were some of our favorites!

Where to ring in the 2016 New Year Austin style!

We’ve already curated a list of holiday events in Central and Downtown Dallas, but this time, we decided to concentrate on our friends in the North!

Leander, a suburb north of Cedar Park, has experienced record-breaking growth over the last few years. Recently named the fourth fastest growing city in Texas by the U.S. Census Report, Leander is showing no signs of slowing its growth anytime soon.

The holidays are right around the corner, which means YOU need to start planning how you're going to take advantage of all of the activities our great city offers.

We’ve taken the liberty of creating an informative list of all of the holiday happenings this 2015 season and listed them in order by date in each category

One of the most important factors in choosing a home for many people is the quality of the public school systems in the area they choose. We did some research and provide you with the list of highest-ranking public elementary schools in the area, alo

We've compiled a list of what we think are the best light shows, events, and displays in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.

There are a few hidden gems left in Austin that are still desirable, while maintaining a lower average home price. HomeCity has compiled a list of Austin’s most affordable neighborhoods, judging their proximity to downtown, schools, amenities, and a

The Texas State Fair in Dallas is a family friendly event, and it's coming up soon! Get the details here!

HomeCity has put together a definitive list of every festival in Austin! Browse festivals by month (52 total!)

Upcoming events in the DFW area in late August/early September!

Austin Events for late August, enjoy Austin this summer!

Upcoming events in Austin, TX from HomeCity Real Estate.

Austin events for the week of April 14, 2014.

DFW, what are you doing this weekend? Events for the week of April 8th, 2014.

What are you doing this weekend? HomeCity's list of Austin events for the week of April 8th.

Dallas/Fort Worth Events for the week of April 1st, 2014.

Austin events for the week of April 1st, 2014.

A list of some of the larger events happening the week of March 24th, 2014.

Local events around Austin for the week of Mar 16, 2014.

Local events around Dallas and Fort Worth for the week of March 16, 2014.

Local events around Austin for the week of Mar 9, 2014.

Local events around Dallas and Fort Worth for the week of March 9, 2014.

Local events around Dallas and Fort Worth for the week of March 2, 2014.

Local events around Austin for the week of Mar 2, 2014.

Local events around Dallas and Fort Worth for the week of Feb 23, 2014.

Local events around Austin for the week of Feb 23, 2014.

Apple announced today that the iTunes festival will be coming to the Moody Theater in Austin during SXSW 2014.

Texas cities top the list of most affordable, fastest growing US cities!

Local events around Dallas and Fort Worth for the week of Feb 16, 2014.

Local events around Austin for the week of Feb 16, 2014.

Local events around Dallas and Fort Worth for the week of Feb 9, 2014.

Local events around Austin for the week of Feb 9, 2014.

Local events around Austin for the week of Feb 2, 2014.

Local events around Dallas and Fort Worth for the week of Feb 2, 2014.

Local events around Austin for the week of Jan 26, 2014.

Local events around Dallas and Fort Worth for the week of Jan 26, 2014.

Local events around Austin for the week of Jan 19, 2014.

Local events around Dallas and Fort Worth for the week of Jan 19, 2014.

HomeCity shares some of the 2014 DFW restaurant openings we're most excited about.

Local events around Dallas and Fort Worth for the week of Jan 12, 2014.

Local events around Austin for the week of Jan 12, 2014.

Check out some of these new restaurants opening in Austin in 2014!

Local events around Dallas and Fort Worth for the week of Jan 5, 2014.

Local events around Austin for the week of Jan 5, 2014.

Local events around Austin for the week of Dec 22, 2013.

Local events around Dallas and Fort Worth for the week of Dec 22, 2013.

Polar Bear Swims around Dallas and Fort Worth in 2013.

Places to recycle your Christmas tree in and around the DFW area in 2013.

Polar Bear Swims around Austin in 2013.

Places to recycle your Christmas tree in and around Austin in 2013.

Local events around Dallas and Fort Worth for the week of Dec 15, 2013.

Local events around Austin for the week of Dec 15, 2013.

Leave the holiday cooking up to them with HomeCity's list of holiday dining options the DFW area.

HomeCity tells you where to find the best hot chocolate in Austin!

Local events around Austin for the week of Dec 8, 2013.

Local events around Dallas and Fort Worth for the week of Dec 8, 2013.

Local events around Austin for the week of Dec 1, 2013.

Local events around Dallas and Fort Worth for the week of Dec 1, 2013.

Local events around Dallas and Fort Worth for the week of Nov 24, 2013.

Local events around Austin for the week of Nov 24, 2013.

List of some of the Holiday Festivities in and around Dallas and Fort Worth.

List of some of the Holiday Festivities in and around Austin.

Local events around Dallas for the week of Nov 17, 2013.

Local events around Austin for the week of Nov 17, 2013.

Here is a facial hair update on the men at HomeCity Real Estate!

Local events around Dallas for the week of Nov 11, 2013.

Local events around Austin for the week of Nov 11, 2013.

Information on the Dripping Springs Farmers Market.

More information on the Dripping Springs farmers market.

Plan your trip to a Texas wine festival with our easy to read guide!

A list of some surprising things to do in Grapevine, TX.

Some men at HomeCity Real Estate have decided to participate in Movember, and we're documenting their journey.

Local events around Dallas for the week of Nov 4, 2013.

Local events around Austin for the week of Nov 4, 2013.

Local events around Dallas for the week of Oct 28, 2013.

Local events around Austin for the week of Oct 28, 2013.