Ranch Properties and Financing: Elizabeth Schmidtberger's Guide to Rural Real Estate

The Savvy Social Podcast

On this episode of The Ultimate Agent Podcast, we have special guest Elizabeth Schmidtberger, also known as Liz. Liz shares her experiences as a real estate agent who specializes in helping buyers find affordable homes. She reveals that about half of her buyers are looking for homes in the affordable price range, with many having a budget under $300,000 and some needing to stay under $200,000. Liz's clientele often consists of individuals who are the first in their family to purchase a home.

We learn that Liz and her team are willing to travel and cover larger areas to assist their clients, and she mentions some affordable areas outside of Austin, including Lockhart, Luling, and Gonzalez Sagheen. However, finding homes within the desired price range can be a challenge, with options sometimes limited to manufactured homes, fixer-uppers, or tiny homes. Liz explains that real estate outside of the city is not standardized like cookie-cutter properties.

Additionally, Liz delves into the complexities of buying land, including considerations such as the value of the land compared to the value of the structures, the size of the down payment required, and the potential for agricultural exemptions to lower taxes. She highlights the varied goals buyers may have for land, ranging from wanting a peaceful rural lifestyle to wanting to make money through farming or running a business on the property. Liz also discusses the impact of deed restrictions and zoning regulations on land use.

Another key topic in this episode is the importance of understanding loan qualifications when buying or selling a home. Liz provides insights into the appraiser's pickiness and the specific condition criteria that must be met for FHA and VA loans. She explains that the appraiser closely examines factors such as the condition of the home's exterior, the roof, the heat source, and the grading and drainage of the property. Liz offers valuable advice to sellers, advising them to ensure their homes are in good condition to accept FHA offers.

Furthermore, Liz shares her personal journey in the real estate industry. She talks about how she initially got into real estate to make extra money while homeschooling her five children. As her business grew, her partner joined her in the real estate business. Together, they made the decision for her partner to quit their job and work full-time in the industry. Liz also emphasizes the importance of having a trusted lender and understanding the current interest rates and their impact on monthly payments.

Throughout the episode, Liz provides valuable insights and expert advice for both first-time and repeat homebuyers. She discusses the importance of educating buyers on the requirements of their chosen loan type and advises them to seek multiple opinions when it comes to interest rates. She also highlights the importance of having an agent who specializes in ranch properties when buying or selling ranches in Texas, as well as the significance of networking in the industry.

Tune in to this enlightening episode of The Ultimate Agent Podcast to gain a deep understanding of the challenges and considerations of buying and selling affordable homes, land, and ranch properties, and to hear Liz's personal journey in the real estate industry. Don't miss out on Liz's expertise and valuable insights for buyers, sellers, and agents alike!

WANT TO GET IN TOUCH WITH ELIZABETH?

https://www.facebook.com/lizismyrealtor

PHONE: [phone] CELL: [e-mail]