Amanda Kay Santa Blog

Whether you’re looking to learn the best practices for staging your house to sell or the trendiest places for brunch in your town, the Realty Texas blog has something for everyone! We regularly bring our readers valuable content they can use in every aspect of their life.

Can I Still Buy a House With Debt? Here’s What You Need to Know.

If you have debt and want to buy a home, here is what actually matters, what lenders look for, and how to understand where you stand today.

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By Amanda Kay Santa

03-25-2026 08:32:33 CST

What Can Disqualify Me From Buying a House? (Avoid These Costly Mistakes)

Learn what can disqualify you from buying a home, even after pre-approval. Avoid common mistakes that can delay or deny your mortgage in today’s market.

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By Amanda Kay Santa

03-23-2026 07:17:11 CST

What Repairs Should I Make Before Selling My House in Texas?

Before you spend money getting your home ready to sell, here is how to know which repairs actually matter, and which ones you can confidently skip.

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By Amanda Kay Santa

03-22-2026 01:17:26 CST

How Long Does It Take to Buy a House in Texas? A Step-by-Step Timeline

Planning to buy a house in Texas? Dive into this detailed guide on navigating the buying process from financing to closing. With expert advice and proper planning, you'll be navigating the Texas real estate market...

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By Amanda Kay Santa

03-16-2026 09:11:13 CST

How Much Is My House Really Worth? Why Online Estimates Often Miss the Mark

Many homeowners check online estimates to see what their home might be worth. But these tools often miss important details that can significantly impact a home’s true market value.

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By Amanda Kay Santa

03-14-2026 09:49:23 CST

What Are Closing Costs When Buying a Home?

Many buyers focus on the down payment, but closing costs are another important expense when purchasing a home. Here’s what they are and what buyers need to know.

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By Amanda Kay Santa

03-12-2026 07:07:36 CST

What Credit Score Do You Actually Need to Buy a Home?

One of the biggest myths about buying a home is that you need perfect credit.

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By Amanda Kay Santa

03-10-2026 09:46:34 CST

Do You Really Need 20% Down to Buy a House?

Debunking the 20% Down Payment Myth: Exploring Mortgage Options for Aspiring Homeowners

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By Amanda Kay Santa

03-08-2026 08:23:33 CST

Do You Really Need 20% Down to Buy a House?

Many buyers believe they need 20% down to purchase a home. The truth is, several loan programs allow buyers to purchase with far less upfront.

By Amanda Kay Santa

03-06-2026 11:08:34 CST

How much house can I actually afford?

One of the first questions buyers ask is, “How much house can I afford?” This guide explains how income, debt, interest rates, and hidden costs shape your homebuying budget.

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By Amanda Kay Santa

03-06-2026 07:49:57 CST

Understanding Interest Rates vs. APR: Essential Tips for Homebuyers

Demystifying financial jargon is crucial in home-buying, especially when it comes to understanding interest rates versus APRs. While interest rates reflect the basic cost of a loan, APRs offer a full picture of expenses. Discover...

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By Amanda Kay Santa

03-05-2026 10:55:00 CST

5 Essential Questions to Ask at an Open House for Informed Home Buying

Planning to attend an open house? I believe in empowering buyers with knowledge. Discover five crucial questions to ask, from roof age to utility costs, ensuring you make informed decisions. Ready to buy smart and...

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By Amanda Kay Santa

03-03-2026 09:17:54 CST

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