The AMI Blog
What You Need to Know about Deeds in Texas
Texas is one of the few states that is a “deed of trust” state. While many people take out a mortgage to purchase real estate, which is a loan borrowed…
What is a Lady Bird Deed?
Texas is one of only five US states that authorizes a Lady Bird deed. This type of deed allows a property owner to transfer ownership to a beneficiary at their…
Real Estate Appraisal Types Explained
An appraisal is an expert valuation of what a property is worth, and there are two types of appraisals in real estate. There’s a property tax appraisal, which is used…
Evaluate Potential Real Estate Investments Using DealCheck
Before you buy an investment property, it’s crucial to have your numbers crunched right. While you can’t control rehab costs and after-repair value (ARV), you can control your purchase price…
How to Stop Foreclosure at the Last Minute
Having to go through a foreclosure is an unfortunate situation for anyone to have to face. But life happens and a divorce, job loss, medical condition, or another circumstance can…
What Happens to a House if the Owner Dies Without a Will?
In an ideal world, all matters of inheritance would be decided by a will clearly stating the wishes of the deceased. However, death can come unexpectedly, and it’s not uncommon…
What Is Adverse Possession in Real Estate?
If a person spends a long enough time occupying someone else’s land, they may be able to claim that land for themselves through a principle known as adverse possession. Adverse…
What is an Earnest Money Deposit in Real Estate?
If you’re selling a home, you no doubt want to get it off the market in a timely manner. But, settling for the wrong buyer can cost you more time…
What Not to Fix When Selling a House
As the seller, you want your home to shine in its best light to potential buyers. But spending lots of time and money on home repairs is not always necessary….
What to Know about Popcorn Ceilings
If you own a house built several decades ago, you may have a popcorn ceiling in one or more rooms. Popcorn ceilings—a style known for their distinctive lumpy texture—were a…
What Is a Short Sale in Real Estate?
Unexpected life events, like changes in employment or divorce, can sometimes cause a homeowner to fall behind on their mortgage. If you’ve suddenly found yourself unable to keep up with…
Should I Rent or Sell My House?
When it comes time to move, some homeowners may wonder whether it’s better to sell their house or keep it and rent it out to earn passive income. This decision…
How to Sell a Vacant House
If a homeowner moves to a new home prior to selling their old one, inherits a property from someone who has passed away, or loses the tenants they previously rented…
What You Need to Know About Selling a House As-Is
Selling a house usually means you need to bring the home up to its best possible condition to get best price for it. But fixing up a damaged home before…