An energy efficient mortgage can help

Save money on utility bills with an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM). Anticipated energy savings can free up cash each month for other expenses, while also increasing your home's value. However, consider higher upfront costs and run the numbers to ensure it's a wise investment, warns Matt Teifke, co-owner of a real estate brokerage in Austin, Texas.

Overviews from Entrepreneurs and industry experts

As the economy improves and consumer confidence rises, Matt Teifke, founder and CEO of Teifke Real Estate, predicts a positive growth trend in the real estate market for 2023 and beyond. Investors are already investing in commercial properties, rental housing, and land development, and Teifke anticipates this momentum to continue in the coming years.

6 Things That Actually Got Cheaper in 2022

According to Matt Teifke, founder and CEO of Teifke Real Estate, solar technology has become increasingly affordable in recent years, with the addition of government subsidies and credits making it even more cost-effective. In 2022, the price of a typical installed solar panel system reached an all-time low, making solar energy an attractive option for homeowners and businesses alike.

Wake Up, Walls! 6 Paint Colors Experts

Matt Teifke, founder and CEO of Teifke Real Estate in Austin, TX, describes red as a bold color that can add drama and sophistication to any space. With its vibrant and eye-catching nature, red can make a statement and elevate the aesthetics of a room or space.

How to buy a house from a family member

Matt Teifke, founder and CEO of Teifke Real Estate, suggests that the best arrangement for buying a family member's home is when there is a good relationship with the family member, they are willing to sell the property at a fair price, and you are able to obtain a mortgage from a bank or other lender if financing is needed. This ideal scenario involves a positive relationship, fair pricing, and appropriate financing to ensure a smooth and successful transaction.

5 Home Renovations People Forget to Do

Matt Teifke, founder and CEO of Teifke Real Estate, recommends replacing single-paned windows with double-pane ones filled with inert gases like argon or krypton. This upgrade can enhance home efficiency by improving insulation and reducing exterior noise.

Contractors Swear These Cheap Upgrades

Matt Teifke, founder and CEO of Teifke Real Estate, highlights the impact of small changes, such as updating the lighting in your home. According to Teifke, lighting can instantly change the mood of a room, whether you're aiming for a contemporary look or simply need to update outdated fixtures or lamps. This upgrade can be cost-effective, allowing you to make a significant impact without breaking the bank.

Contractors Say You Can Improve Your Home

According to Matt Teifke, founder and CEO of Teifke Real Estate, painting can be a DIY project that is relatively easy to do yourself. Teifke recommends having the right supplies, including a drop cloth, to minimize mess. A thick, absorbent canvas drop cloth can be used indoors or outdoors to protect furniture and flooring while painting, making the job more efficient and clean.

4 Things First-Time Homeowners Are Never

Matt Teifke, a real estate investor and broker, emphasizes the need to budget for expenses beyond the mortgage when owning a home. Teifke highlights costs such as property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and repairs, which can add up quickly. However, some lenders may allow for rolling property taxes and insurance payments into one monthly payment for added flexibility. Understanding the true cost of home ownership is crucial for first-time homebuyers to avoid unexpected expenses.

12 Affordable Renovations That Make Your Kitchen

Matt Teifke, founder and CEO of Teifke Real Estate, recommends painting the walls and ceilings of a kitchen with light and airy hues to make it look more expensive. A fresh coat of paint can brighten the space and create a larger, more open feel, providing a cost-effective update for the kitchen.