How to Lease a home in Texas

How to Lease a Home in Texas

The Standard for Leasing a home in Texas might be a little bit different than in other states.  There are a few things before you start looking at homes that you should be aware of and get ready to provide.  Everyone who will be living in the home that is over the age of 18 will need to provide the items listed below.  They will also need to be on the lease.  This includes children still living at home that have turned 18 years of age.

Credit Score

You want to pull your credit report and provide it to your Real Estate agent.  Most landlords will pull a history from all bureau’s, but you can sometimes save money from the credit application fees by, pulling your own credit. This can create a more thorough file when your agent presents it to the Landlord. It can also help the landlord be able to determine if they are willing to tentatively accept your application before you send money for their application fee.  It also helps give you leverage when the house you are trying to lease has multiple applications.  You can pull your credit report and scores here.

After pulling your credit, if you see that you have derogatory items, then it’s helpful to address them now in a letter of explanation.  This includes things like bankruptcy, foreclosure, judgments, and slow-pays.  landlords want to know that if they choose you to Lease their home you would be a good fit, will be a reliable tenant and a good experience for them as landlords.

Proof of Income

You will also need to prove your income.  As a good rule of thumb, most landlords require at least 3X the amount of income as the monthly rent in order to qualify for a house.  For Example, if the Rent is $2,000.00 per month, then you need to provide proof that you make at least $6,000.00 per month.  Some landlords look at Net Income, but in my experience, most ask for gross income.  This means before you start looking at houses and to have the most successful outcome, your Real Estate agent leasing house in texas required documentsneeds to have on file a copy of:

  • Bank Statement
  • Pay Stubs
  • or Tax Returns

Usually, you will only need to provide one of these items, but some landlords will ask for all three.  Basically, if you say you make a certain amount of money, you have to prove it with one of these items.  If you are self-employed, they might also ask for a profit and loss statement, but will usually ask for the bank statement to back up the profit and loss.  If you have a brand new job or are just moving to the area, then they will want an Employment award letter preferably on letterhead.   Plan on also providing a Bank Statements or a tax returns to accompany the letter.  Not all landlords require so much documentation, but it is important to have these items ready if they do need to require them.  Time is of the essence when getting approved especially when there are multiple applications.  So, providing the necessary information upfront ensures a more successful outcome for you and your family.

Drivers License

driver license necessary documentation to lease a house in texasProvide a copy of your Drivers License.  Make sure that if you are providing the copies for your Agent that you send a copy front and back of your License.  You will also need to provide a copy of anyone over 18 years of age who will be living in the house.  If you do not have a drivers License, then a state form of ID is o.k. to provide also.  I have also seen passports used as Identification.

Forms to fill out

There are a few forms your Agent will provide and ask you to fill out when getting ready to look at homes.  These forms are necessary for the file.  They are:

  • IABS- Information about Brokerage Services
  • Buyer/Tenant Representation Agreement
  • Tenant Application

Present your Application

Once you find the house you would like to Lease, your application package is presented. If the landlord likes what they see, the landlord will tentatively approve your application.  they will then ask for your application fee.  Application fees vary in price.  I have seen anything from $30.00 per applicant up to $100.00 per applicant.

Background Check

If they do require an application fee, then they will be running a full credit report and Background Check.  A background check will reveal things about you that include housing history and felonies.  Even though the application asks specific questions like, have you ever been evicted, or have you ever committed a felony, they still want proof or backup documentation.  A background check does this.  So, make sure when you fill out your application that you are very honest about these things.  Otherwise, you might be wasting your time and application money on a file that you might not get if they find information on you that isn’t accurate.

Your Lease Approval

When a landlord likes what they see and thinks you are aapproval stamp with blog on How to Lease a home in Texas good candidate, The landlord’s Agent will make a call to your agent, and the landlords representative will create your lease.  You will generally have 48 hours to provide a cashiers check to the landlord for the deposit.  This secures the house for you and your family.  In Texas, deposits are generally equal to the amount of monthly rent.  You will pay for the first full month’s rent just before you move into the home, regardless of the day you move in.  Rent is prorated the 2nd month you move in for the previous month.

In Conclusion

If you go look at houses to lease before providing the proper forms and documents then you risk not getting a house that would work really well for you and your family when others are also trying for the same house. By following this formula above, you will ensure a smoother leasing experience and transition into your new home.

Things to do for New Years in Houston Texas

Things to do for New Years in Houston Texas

Planning your New year?  Here are some Things to do for New Years in Houston Texas.  New Years can be epic around Houston, with 115+ different parties going on. The Events Start with FR2017EE  up to dressed up masks and even parties with dress code and evening attire.  Come join the fun!

Fun Traditions
As a fun tradition,  people around the world are ringing in the new year. Enclosed you will find our compiled list of parties and fun places from dress-up to casual, in the Houston texas and the surrounding areas. We hope you enjoy and stay safe with your New Year’s celebration.

Free Places to visit for the Evening

Sugar Land tops the events with their New Years eve in the Square.  They will have music and state of the art Lights and fun.  This venue is FREE!  Click here for more information on how to get to this fun event

NO COVER NEW YEAR’S EVE! The Allen Oldies Band is back with the 17th Annual no cover New Year’s Eve Bash!  Located at The Continental Club – 3700 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, USA The party starts at 9 pm  So, get there early.  Maximum capacities do apply.

auraDress to impress with the MidnightGOLD Masquerade at the Aura. Dress code is mandatory and entry is Free until 11.  You do need to get a ticket for the event, here is the link for Aura 4701 Nett St, Houston, TX 77007

Full List of Events

 

Click here To gain access and receive the full list of the 115+ events, where to get your tickets and where the party is located.

Safety, our top Priority

 

With Safety as our top priority, we are including a convenience link to hotels and places you can book ahead of time to make sure you stay safe.   Also, Dont forget to download your UBER app, (if your a first time rider, here is a few bucks off your first ride).

Babysitting the Children

 

Since Real Estate is our specialty, I don’t want to forget that We have quite a few people that are new to the area and are not familiar with who they can trust their children with for babysitting.  I am enclosing a link for a reliable service that screens the sitters and creates a good environment for you while you are out on the town.

SitterCity.com

Happy New Year Everyone!  

 

If you find that we are missing a venue that you believe should be on the list, then please email us.  We’d love to include it.  We will be watching for more places and parties you can join as the end of the year approaches and we get ready to bring in the New Year!  We encourage you to be safe and drive responsibly.
Uber

This blog is brought to you by Lisa Brown with  Caskey Realty.  A Realtor® in the Fort Bend County Texas Area.  You can visit Lisa’s website to view properties for sale at http://www.lisa.caskeyrealty.com 

Best Christmas Lights in Fort Bend County TX

Best Christmas Lights in Fort Bend County TX

From All of us At Caskey Realty Merry Christmas!

We found the Best Christmas Lights in Fort Bend County Tx, Extreme lights!  As a tradition for our Fort Bend County families, driving around to see the Christmas lights makes a merry-christmasfamily outing even more fun when you know where you are going is boasting the lights you are seeking.

Cheat Sheet for homes

We have created a cheat sheet for homes with Christmas lights and decorations!

Driving around the neighborhoods

While Driving around the neighborhoods of Fort Bend County Texas, We spotted  homes with beautiful lights, Creative landscape decorations and even Extreme lighting and decorations that would make Clark Griswold Jealous!  We spotted, airplanes that were hosting santas sleigh, with Star War’s characters, and even the Grinch was trying to steal Christmas in the yards of our neighbors.  Lights are hung with care, and the hand painted yard plaques and ornaments are worth the drive.

Texas Subdivisions are known for their beautiful entrances

Texas Subdivisions are known for their beautiful entrances.  They really don’t spare any expense with their Christmas and Holiday decorations.  Best Christmas Lights in Fort Bend County Tx, Extreme lightsIncluded in this year list, you will even find a subdivision that “did it up right!” with their lights.

Community events and public places also make the list of places to visit for fun lights and entertainment.   Join us as we build this list as the Best Cheat sheet in Fort Bend County for Christmas lights!

*See some Christmas lights you think should be on the list?  Email me, we want to build the most comprehensive list this County has seen and shared.

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via GIPHY

To Download a Printable and Interactive Map Click Here

Best Christmas Lights in Fort Bend County Tx, Extreme lights

This page has been brought to you by Lisa Brown. A Realtor in the Fort Bend County area. with 13 years of Selling experience.

Serving and helping people create opportunities for family experiences always makes me happy. If you have questions or comments, I welcome them.  And Thank you again for visiting.

 

Thank you for Registering

Great Lakes!Thank you for Registering for the Best Christmas Lights in Fort Bend County Texas.

We welcome your feedback and hope you have a wonderful time cruising the streets of Fort Bend County this Christmas Season.

Of course, if you are looking to buy or sell Real Estate, we are happy to help!  Enclosed is our Website which offers all home in Fort Bend and the surrounding areas.

I have also created a Youtube channel for those that like to learn by video.  Here you will find a comprehensive library of questions and tutorials on how to, and what to expect when buying, selling, and even renting Real Estate in Texas.  

As always, email or call me with questions.  I am here to help

 

Lisa Brown

Caskey Realty

832.506.3301

lisa@caskeyrealty.com

http://www.lisa.caskeyrealty.com

9215 Cold Hollow Court, Missouri City, TX

9215 Cold Hollow Court, Missouri City, TX

Sold, but we have others

$ Click for availabe homes for sale in Sienna Plantation
4 BEDROOMS | 4 (3 full, 1 half ) BATHROOMS | 4297 SQUARE FEET

Property Description

 Walk up to this beautiful brick entrance where you will be met with 18 in tile floors, 8 foot doors on the interior, vaulted ceilings, a Grand staircase, and open kitchen and family room. The Master bedroom and en-suite are the perfect in home retreat. The back yard is ready for entertaining with an extended covered porch that is wired for Cable so you don’t miss your favorite shows. Upstairs has a Theater room, Large bedrooms, Jack and Jill bathroom and a Romeo and Juliet balcony.


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Homes for Rent in Sienna Plantation Missouri City Texas

Homes for Rent in Sienna Plantation Missouri City Texas

Find  homes for Rent in the Sienna Plantation Missouri City Texas Neighborhood. Just south of the Inner Loop, in Houston, off Hwy 6, sits Sienna Plantation.  This Gorgeous Master Planned community with beautiful scenery surround this community of homes.

Homes generally range from:

  • 1500-6200 SQ feet
  • $1700-$5000 per month
  • have 3-7 Bedrooms
  • and 2-5 Bathrooms
  • and Includes access to all Pools gym, and tennis courts

Sienna is a master planned Community with over 14,000 people residing here.  Sienna has a high building and landscaping standards.  There is not a place in the area where the public areas aren’t maintained.  While in most homes for rent, you will discover a lot of the finishes are upgraded with Granite counter tops and flooring.  You are sure to enjoy living in this prestigious area.  You can also count on being close to town and all the shopping amenities when you live here.

Tennis CourtsHomes for Rent in Sienna Plantation Missouri City TexasEquestrian Facilities (Stables)Homes for Rent in Sienna Plantation Missouri City TexasPoolsHomes for Rent in Sienna Plantation Missouri City TexasParks, Golf Course, Excercise Gym,

If you would like to know how to find a home for rent/lease in Sienna Plantation, click here for up to date availability.

Depending on availability the links above may contain zero homes.  Check back often to see if your Next home is now available.

The quality of a school can greatly influence where a family lives.  Depending upon your families goals, you will find On this link, detailed information on Community Schools and market trends and much more.

 

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