tips

Aug. 31, 2026

How Often Do Home Sales Fall Through? 5 Reasons Deals Die Before Closing

There's a particular kind of phone call I hate making. It's the one where I have to tell a buyer that the home they've already mentally moved into isn't going to work out. I've made that call for a low appraisal, for an inspection that turned up more than anyone …

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Posted in Buyer, Infographic, Seller, tips
Aug. 17, 2026

Types of Home Loans in Texas: A Complete Guide for Buyers

Most first-time buyers I meet think there are two kinds of home loans: the one you get if you have great credit, and the one you get if you don't. That's not how it works. There are a lot of loan programs out there, and the right one for you …

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Posted in Buyer, Seller, tips
June 30, 2026

How to Buy a Luxury Home in McAllen, TX: 5 Things Every Buyer Must Know

Buying a luxury home is not just a bigger version of buying a regular house. The financing works differently, the inventory hides in places the public sites never show you, and the negotiation math at this level rewards patience in a way most buyers don't expect. I pulled the last …

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Posted in Buyer, Seller, tips
May 21, 2026

Final Walk Through Before Closing Checklist | Mission TX Realtor

Yesterday I was at a final walk through on a home in Mission, TX. Closing was the next morning. The buyers thought everything was good to go. We walked into the primary bathroom and there was no mirror on the wall. Just bare drywall where it used to hang.

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Posted in Buyer, Seller, tips, Vlogs
Feb. 25, 2026

Why Homeowners Looking to Sell My Home in McAllen TX Choose Luciano Martinez

Why Homeowners Looking to Sell My Home in McAllen TX Choose Luciano Martinez

If you're thinking, “I need to sell my home in McAllen TX”, the agent you choose matters more than the market itself. In today’s environment, buyers are shopping online first. Exposure, positioning, and digital dominance …

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Posted in Seller, tips
Jan. 8, 2026

New Construction vs Resale Homes in Mission and McAllen TX

New construction vs resale homes in Mission and McAllen Texas comparison infographic

Mission • McAllen • Sharyland ISD • Rio Grande Valley

Buying your first home in the Rio Grande Valley comes with a big decision — should you choose new construction or a resale home? In Mission and McAllen, Texas, buyers are in a unique position because …

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Posted in Buyer, Seller, tips
Jan. 4, 2026

Best Neighborhoods Near Sharyland ISD in Mission TX

Best Neighborhoods Near Sharyland ISD in Mission TX

Neighborhoods near Sharyland ISD are among the most searched and in-demand areas in Mission, Texas. Buyers frequently ask: “What are the best neighborhoods near Sharyland ISD in Mission TX?” The answer depends on lifestyle preferences, home style, and proximity to daily …

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Posted in Buyer, local misc, Seller, tips
Dec. 18, 2025

Selling a Home During the Holidays in the Rio Grande Valley

Selling a home during the peak holiday season can feel uncertain for many homeowners. Between family gatherings, tighter budgets, and packed schedules, it may seem like the wrong time to list. However, the holidays also attract a unique group of motivated buyers who are serious about finding the right home …

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Posted in Seller, tips
July 4, 2024

Understanding Real Estate Commission Changes

Luciano Martinez here with RE/MAX Platinum, your RGV'S STRONGEST REALTOR®.

I'm here to discuss some important changes in the real estate industry, specifically regarding commissions and how they are negotiated and disclosed. There's a lot of information out there, and I want to clarify some key points …

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Posted in Buyer, Has Video, Seller, tips, Vlogs
June 14, 2024

How to Protest Property Taxes in Hidalgo County Texas: A Guide for Homeowners

If you're a homeowner in Texas, understanding how to protest your property taxes and knowing the exemptions you might qualify for can save you a significant amount of money. Property taxes in Texas can be a substantial burden, but the state offers several avenues for relief that can help …

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Posted in Buyer, Seller, tips