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Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Low cost pet vaccination clinic in Liberty Hill
Low cost pet vaccination clinic in Liberty Hill
May 5th at the Foundation Park Pavilion.
Stop by with your pets for $20 vaccinations
May 5th at the Foundation Park Pavilion.
Stop by with your pets for $20 vaccinations
So, Shin Oak Realty is now on Twitter. Follow the latest Liberty Hill Real Estate @ http://twitter.com/shinoakrealty.
Hope to see you all there!
Hope to see you all there!
REAL TIPS: BUYING
Be ready to buy
If you find what you’re looking for in a home, you should be prepared to make an offer quickly. Even if homes are staying on the market a little longer in your neck of the woods, it only takes one other interested buyer to snatch the home or create a bidding war.
You can help the offer process by being ready. In addition to being pre-approved for a loan before you begin looking at properties, it’s wise to be honest with yourself. You know exactly what you want in a home and how much you can actually afford. Make sure to take into account utilities and other monthly expenses associated with homeownership.
Be advised, though, that a quick offer doesn’t necessarily mean a quick end to the transaction. There are myriad potential postponements in a real estate transaction. There may be contingencies, repairs, lender delays, or any number of other issues.
Purchasing real estate can be a tricky and detailed business, but a Texas REALTOR® can help prepare you for the process. He knows the value of properties in your local market and how to navigate the entire process to a smooth conclusion. He’ll use this information to help you submit an excellent offer.
When you have the information you need to make a good decision, your chances of making a successful offer on a property improve. Use a REALTOR® to increase your advantage.
Texas Association of Realtors®
If you find what you’re looking for in a home, you should be prepared to make an offer quickly. Even if homes are staying on the market a little longer in your neck of the woods, it only takes one other interested buyer to snatch the home or create a bidding war.
You can help the offer process by being ready. In addition to being pre-approved for a loan before you begin looking at properties, it’s wise to be honest with yourself. You know exactly what you want in a home and how much you can actually afford. Make sure to take into account utilities and other monthly expenses associated with homeownership.
Be advised, though, that a quick offer doesn’t necessarily mean a quick end to the transaction. There are myriad potential postponements in a real estate transaction. There may be contingencies, repairs, lender delays, or any number of other issues.
Purchasing real estate can be a tricky and detailed business, but a Texas REALTOR® can help prepare you for the process. He knows the value of properties in your local market and how to navigate the entire process to a smooth conclusion. He’ll use this information to help you submit an excellent offer.
When you have the information you need to make a good decision, your chances of making a successful offer on a property improve. Use a REALTOR® to increase your advantage.
Texas Association of Realtors®
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
USDA GIVES A DAM
TEMPLE (U.S. Department of Agriculture) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing Texas $21.5 million to repair or mitigate 24 flood prevention dams, primarily in north central Texas, as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
The USDA is directing technical and financial assistance available through this funding toward projects that are ready to begin and that will relieve stress on local economies through the creation of nearly 450 jobs in Texas.
For a list of projects ready for immediate implementation, see the USDA news release.
The USDA is directing technical and financial assistance available through this funding toward projects that are ready to begin and that will relieve stress on local economies through the creation of nearly 450 jobs in Texas.
For a list of projects ready for immediate implementation, see the USDA news release.
Monday, April 20, 2009
What's really going on with Texas real estate? March 5, 2009
Texas home sales prices
Median sales price (half of all homes sold are priced higher and half are priced lower) in January 2009: $131,200, down 5% from January 2008
Median sales price for 2008 (full year): $146,900, unchanged compared to 2007
Average sales price in January 2009: $166,400, down 8% from January 2008
Average sales price for 2008 (full year): $191,700, unchanged from 2007
Source: Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University
Sales prices in states that had rapid rises and drops in values
California median sales price in November 2008: $285,680, down 41.8% from November 2007
Arizona average sales price in December 2008: $192,908, down from $313,000 in December 2007Sources: California Association of REALTORS®, Arizona Regional MLS
Home prices appreciation
The average home sales price in Texas has increased $15,600 from December 2004 to December 2008
Home price appreciation in Texas has not fallen below zero in the last 16 years
Texas home sales
Total sales in 2008: 231,556, down 16% from 2007
Months of inventory (how long it would take at the current rate to sell all homes on the market) in January 2009: 6.6 months
Months of inventory in December 2007: 5.6 monthsSource: Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University
Mortgage rates
30-year fixed-rate mortgages for the week ending Feb. 27, 2009: 5.14%
15-year fixed-rate mortgages 4.73%Source: Mortgage Bankers Association
30-year fixed-rate mortgages in August 2008: 6.48%
30-year fixed-rate mortgages in October 1981: 18.45%Source: Freddie Mac
Loan amount with an $800 payment on a 30-year 5.22% loan: $146,678
Loan amount with an $800 payment on a 30-year 6.48% loan: $126,832
Loan amount with an $800 payment on a 30-year 18.45% loan: $51,818
Foreclosures
Texas was 24th on the list of foreclosure rates for 2008
Nevada (highest foreclosure rate on the list) had a foreclosure rate seven times higher than in Texas
Florida (2nd on the list) had a foreclosure rate four times higher than in Texas
More than 40% of all foreclosure filings in the U.S. occurred in California and Florida
The 2008 foreclosure rate in Texas was up 13.84% compared to 2007 and up 14.96% compared to 2006
Arizona’s 2008 foreclosure rate was up 203% from 2007 and up 655% from 2006Source: RealtyTrac
Median sales price (half of all homes sold are priced higher and half are priced lower) in January 2009: $131,200, down 5% from January 2008
Median sales price for 2008 (full year): $146,900, unchanged compared to 2007
Average sales price in January 2009: $166,400, down 8% from January 2008
Average sales price for 2008 (full year): $191,700, unchanged from 2007
Source: Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University
Sales prices in states that had rapid rises and drops in values
California median sales price in November 2008: $285,680, down 41.8% from November 2007
Arizona average sales price in December 2008: $192,908, down from $313,000 in December 2007Sources: California Association of REALTORS®, Arizona Regional MLS
Home prices appreciation
The average home sales price in Texas has increased $15,600 from December 2004 to December 2008
Home price appreciation in Texas has not fallen below zero in the last 16 years
Texas home sales
Total sales in 2008: 231,556, down 16% from 2007
Months of inventory (how long it would take at the current rate to sell all homes on the market) in January 2009: 6.6 months
Months of inventory in December 2007: 5.6 monthsSource: Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University
Mortgage rates
30-year fixed-rate mortgages for the week ending Feb. 27, 2009: 5.14%
15-year fixed-rate mortgages 4.73%Source: Mortgage Bankers Association
30-year fixed-rate mortgages in August 2008: 6.48%
30-year fixed-rate mortgages in October 1981: 18.45%Source: Freddie Mac
Loan amount with an $800 payment on a 30-year 5.22% loan: $146,678
Loan amount with an $800 payment on a 30-year 6.48% loan: $126,832
Loan amount with an $800 payment on a 30-year 18.45% loan: $51,818
Foreclosures
Texas was 24th on the list of foreclosure rates for 2008
Nevada (highest foreclosure rate on the list) had a foreclosure rate seven times higher than in Texas
Florida (2nd on the list) had a foreclosure rate four times higher than in Texas
More than 40% of all foreclosure filings in the U.S. occurred in California and Florida
The 2008 foreclosure rate in Texas was up 13.84% compared to 2007 and up 14.96% compared to 2006
Arizona’s 2008 foreclosure rate was up 203% from 2007 and up 655% from 2006Source: RealtyTrac
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Adding versatility to a rental property
INVESTING IN TEXAS REAL ESTATE
By TOM KELLY, INVESTMENT columnist
One of my friends just added a gorgeous, walk-in shower to a first-floor bathroom that sits nicely behind a kitchen pantry and is accessible to the kitchen, den, and home office. The huge rectangular glass-door enclosure features a sliding shower head that can rise more than eight feet above the stone floor.
“Are you expecting grandkids that will be 6-foot-7?” I inquired.
“That and the people who rented it last summer said it would be great if we had a shower downstairs,” replied my friend, a university professor. “We plan to rent it out more as we travel and teach, so thought it would be a great investment.” Finding a functional home is a dream we all share – whether we own or rent. Many older Americans are now finding their needs are changing, especially those sunbirds who seek places in warmer climates like Texas every year.
Nearly a quarter of Americans aged 45 or older say they, or someone they live with, will have trouble maneuvering around their home in the coming years. In addition, fewer than 10% of the nation's 100 million housing units have features to make them universally accessible.
Landlords may find that allocating money for modification projects gets lost among many other pressing items, especially in an economic downturn. While adding a wonderful new shower is nice, “home mods” typically entail smaller projects.
Home modifications refer to adaptations to homes that can make it easier for someone to carry out daily activities, such as preparing meals, climbing stairs, bathing, as well as changes to the physical structure of a home to improve its overall safety and condition. These project designs have come a long way and are custom, attractive amenities that no longer sing out “an old person lives here.” They can also enhance the resale value of the home once the present owner sells. These improvements and alternations can serve all ages, hence the name universal design (UD).
“Seniors and boomers are so active now that some of the activities are clearly putting stress on their bodies,’’ says Susan Mack, a California-based occupational therapist. “I’ve got people who are getting hip and knee replacements in their 60s and people in their 40s getting their knees scoped. This did not happen with previous generations because they didn’t live as long nor put this stress on their bones so soon.
“If you’ve got a sports injury,” Mack figures, “do you want to rent or come home to a house that is fraught with hazards and barriers? These are not just designs and ideas for the frail elderly. We are also providing solutions for people who never thought they were going to get old – at least not this quickly.’’
A recent AARP study compared persons living in a UD house with others in traditional settings. The study found significant cost differences for health care – those in UD settings paid less than half the amount paid by those living in regular designs. The study pointed to savings by “undergoing less physical decline.” For example, by providing at least one no-step entry to homes, the likelihood of falls and injuries is reduced as well as allowing for safer exits during a fire or other emergency.
More importantly, U.S. builders and remodelers have anticipated the huge need – and financial rewards resulting from it – and jumped on board. The National Association of Home Builders, a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing more than 205,000 members involved in homebuilding, remodeling, property management, and other services, now offers a certified aging in place (CAPS) designation.
Maybe I should speak with one these specialists before I get my knee scoped.
By TOM KELLY, INVESTMENT columnist
One of my friends just added a gorgeous, walk-in shower to a first-floor bathroom that sits nicely behind a kitchen pantry and is accessible to the kitchen, den, and home office. The huge rectangular glass-door enclosure features a sliding shower head that can rise more than eight feet above the stone floor.
“Are you expecting grandkids that will be 6-foot-7?” I inquired.
“That and the people who rented it last summer said it would be great if we had a shower downstairs,” replied my friend, a university professor. “We plan to rent it out more as we travel and teach, so thought it would be a great investment.” Finding a functional home is a dream we all share – whether we own or rent. Many older Americans are now finding their needs are changing, especially those sunbirds who seek places in warmer climates like Texas every year.
Nearly a quarter of Americans aged 45 or older say they, or someone they live with, will have trouble maneuvering around their home in the coming years. In addition, fewer than 10% of the nation's 100 million housing units have features to make them universally accessible.
Landlords may find that allocating money for modification projects gets lost among many other pressing items, especially in an economic downturn. While adding a wonderful new shower is nice, “home mods” typically entail smaller projects.
Home modifications refer to adaptations to homes that can make it easier for someone to carry out daily activities, such as preparing meals, climbing stairs, bathing, as well as changes to the physical structure of a home to improve its overall safety and condition. These project designs have come a long way and are custom, attractive amenities that no longer sing out “an old person lives here.” They can also enhance the resale value of the home once the present owner sells. These improvements and alternations can serve all ages, hence the name universal design (UD).
“Seniors and boomers are so active now that some of the activities are clearly putting stress on their bodies,’’ says Susan Mack, a California-based occupational therapist. “I’ve got people who are getting hip and knee replacements in their 60s and people in their 40s getting their knees scoped. This did not happen with previous generations because they didn’t live as long nor put this stress on their bones so soon.
“If you’ve got a sports injury,” Mack figures, “do you want to rent or come home to a house that is fraught with hazards and barriers? These are not just designs and ideas for the frail elderly. We are also providing solutions for people who never thought they were going to get old – at least not this quickly.’’
A recent AARP study compared persons living in a UD house with others in traditional settings. The study found significant cost differences for health care – those in UD settings paid less than half the amount paid by those living in regular designs. The study pointed to savings by “undergoing less physical decline.” For example, by providing at least one no-step entry to homes, the likelihood of falls and injuries is reduced as well as allowing for safer exits during a fire or other emergency.
More importantly, U.S. builders and remodelers have anticipated the huge need – and financial rewards resulting from it – and jumped on board. The National Association of Home Builders, a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing more than 205,000 members involved in homebuilding, remodeling, property management, and other services, now offers a certified aging in place (CAPS) designation.
Maybe I should speak with one these specialists before I get my knee scoped.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Be ready to buy
If you find what you’re looking for in a home, you should be prepared to make an offer quickly. Even if homes are staying on the market a little longer in your neck of the woods, it only takes one other interested buyer to snatch the home or create a bidding war.
You can help the offer process by being ready. In addition to being pre-approved for a loan before you begin looking at properties, it’s wise to be honest with yourself. You know exactly what you want in a home and how much you can actually afford. Make sure to take into account utilities and other monthly expenses associated with homeownership.
Be advised, though, that a quick offer doesn’t necessarily mean a quick end to the transaction.
There are myriad potential postponements in a real estate transaction. There may be contingencies, repairs, lender delays, or any number of other issues.
Purchasing real estate can be a tricky and detailed business, but a Texas REALTOR® can help prepare you for the process. He knows the value of properties in your local market and how to navigate the entire process to a smooth conclusion. He’ll use this information to help you submit an excellent offer.
When you have the information you need to make a good decision, your chances of making a successful offer on a property improve. Use a REALTOR® to increase your advantage.
Texas Association of Realtors®
You can help the offer process by being ready. In addition to being pre-approved for a loan before you begin looking at properties, it’s wise to be honest with yourself. You know exactly what you want in a home and how much you can actually afford. Make sure to take into account utilities and other monthly expenses associated with homeownership.
Be advised, though, that a quick offer doesn’t necessarily mean a quick end to the transaction.
There are myriad potential postponements in a real estate transaction. There may be contingencies, repairs, lender delays, or any number of other issues.
Purchasing real estate can be a tricky and detailed business, but a Texas REALTOR® can help prepare you for the process. He knows the value of properties in your local market and how to navigate the entire process to a smooth conclusion. He’ll use this information to help you submit an excellent offer.
When you have the information you need to make a good decision, your chances of making a successful offer on a property improve. Use a REALTOR® to increase your advantage.
Texas Association of Realtors®
Closing costs
Everyone knows that in most cases you’ll need at least a small down payment to purchase a home … but that’s not all. You’ll also need to come to the transaction with money for closing costs, which can be sizeable.
Your lender is required by the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) to provide a good faith estimate of your closing costs. This estimate is an itemized list of fees you’ll pay to get a loan.
Mortgage closing costs cover things like appraisals, attorney fees, title insurance, taxes, and other expenses associated with getting a loan.
A property appraisal is generally required by a lender before loan approval to ensure that the mortgage loan amount is not more than the value of the property. An appraiser is needed to make this determination.
A survey of the property is usually required to verify that boundary lines for your property, easements, and fences are where they’re supposed to be.
You’re about to buy the home … after that, you’ll own it, right? Well, in some cases, there may be a lien on the property, or some historical dispute to your right of possession. A title search fee is paid to the title company for doing detailed research on the property records for your home. The title company will look at prior deeds, court records, property and name indexes, and many other documents. This is to ensure that there are no liens or problems associated with your ownership of the property.
You’ll need homeowner’s insurance, which covers the costs of rebuilding should an insured event occur. In some cases, your first year's insurance may be paid at closing.
Other fees that you may see include attorney fees, courier fees, pest inspection, plat drawing, underwriting, flood-zone certification, document preparation, and others.
It’s important to check your lender fees and closing costs carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice … the only bad question is one that you don’t ask. This is where your Texas REALTOR® can really help.
Texas Association of Realtors®
Your lender is required by the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) to provide a good faith estimate of your closing costs. This estimate is an itemized list of fees you’ll pay to get a loan.
Mortgage closing costs cover things like appraisals, attorney fees, title insurance, taxes, and other expenses associated with getting a loan.
A property appraisal is generally required by a lender before loan approval to ensure that the mortgage loan amount is not more than the value of the property. An appraiser is needed to make this determination.
A survey of the property is usually required to verify that boundary lines for your property, easements, and fences are where they’re supposed to be.
You’re about to buy the home … after that, you’ll own it, right? Well, in some cases, there may be a lien on the property, or some historical dispute to your right of possession. A title search fee is paid to the title company for doing detailed research on the property records for your home. The title company will look at prior deeds, court records, property and name indexes, and many other documents. This is to ensure that there are no liens or problems associated with your ownership of the property.
You’ll need homeowner’s insurance, which covers the costs of rebuilding should an insured event occur. In some cases, your first year's insurance may be paid at closing.
Other fees that you may see include attorney fees, courier fees, pest inspection, plat drawing, underwriting, flood-zone certification, document preparation, and others.
It’s important to check your lender fees and closing costs carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice … the only bad question is one that you don’t ask. This is where your Texas REALTOR® can really help.
Texas Association of Realtors®
Twelve tips to sell your home
There are few things more frustrating to a seller than a home that sits on the market. It’s stressful to keep a house in showing condition, and not selling can cost you lots of money.
Use these tips as a quick guide to better your chances at selling your house in a timely fashion.
Sit down with your Texas REALTOR® and evaluate your listing price. Visit open houses in your neighborhood. Are similar homes priced lower? An overpriced home is destined to sit on the market too long.
Do whatever it takes to be away from your home during showings and open houses.
Ask your Texas REALTOR® for feedback on how your home shows, and ask him to solicit other agents’ advice. Feedback from their clients can really help.
If you intend to hold an open house, consider doing so on a weeknight. Competition may be lower, and you’ll attract the interest of buyers who may not be available on the weekend.
Help promote your property. Talk about your home to everyone you know. Look for other ways to get the word out, too, even if your agent is doing a lot to promote your house.
If you’re really motivated, you can offer perks to buyers, such as a cash bonus or help with closing costs.
Neutralize your color scheme. Most buyers prefer neutral colors that make it easier to imagine a new home as their own.
Consider offering an increased commission or a bonus for your listing agent as extra incentive. If you do so, amend your listing contract to reflect the change, and be sure those details are added to the multiple listing service (MLS). Buyer agents will also be inspired to give your house extra attention.
If your REALTOR® has a video tour of the house, watch the tape as if you were a prospective buyer … you may be surprised at what you see.
Fix lingering problems, such as the dripping faucet or the door that doesn’t quite close right.
Clean and de-clutter—neat, organized houses sell faster than those that look too lived-in.
It’s not about you. Buyers want to imagine their family in the house. If your house shows an abundance of your personality, it may dissuade the buyer.
There are many other things you can do to hasten the sale of your property, no matter the condition of the housing market. Make sure you consult with your Texas REALTOR® first.
Use these tips as a quick guide to better your chances at selling your house in a timely fashion.
Sit down with your Texas REALTOR® and evaluate your listing price. Visit open houses in your neighborhood. Are similar homes priced lower? An overpriced home is destined to sit on the market too long.
Do whatever it takes to be away from your home during showings and open houses.
Ask your Texas REALTOR® for feedback on how your home shows, and ask him to solicit other agents’ advice. Feedback from their clients can really help.
If you intend to hold an open house, consider doing so on a weeknight. Competition may be lower, and you’ll attract the interest of buyers who may not be available on the weekend.
Help promote your property. Talk about your home to everyone you know. Look for other ways to get the word out, too, even if your agent is doing a lot to promote your house.
If you’re really motivated, you can offer perks to buyers, such as a cash bonus or help with closing costs.
Neutralize your color scheme. Most buyers prefer neutral colors that make it easier to imagine a new home as their own.
Consider offering an increased commission or a bonus for your listing agent as extra incentive. If you do so, amend your listing contract to reflect the change, and be sure those details are added to the multiple listing service (MLS). Buyer agents will also be inspired to give your house extra attention.
If your REALTOR® has a video tour of the house, watch the tape as if you were a prospective buyer … you may be surprised at what you see.
Fix lingering problems, such as the dripping faucet or the door that doesn’t quite close right.
Clean and de-clutter—neat, organized houses sell faster than those that look too lived-in.
It’s not about you. Buyers want to imagine their family in the house. If your house shows an abundance of your personality, it may dissuade the buyer.
There are many other things you can do to hasten the sale of your property, no matter the condition of the housing market. Make sure you consult with your Texas REALTOR® first.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
TEXAS DOMINATES BEST CITIES FOR JOB GROWTH
(Forbes.com) – Texas has nine of the top 20 best cities for job growth in the United States, according a new study. Texas dominated every category, led by number one-ranked Odessa.
Others on the list are Longview (3), Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood (5), Austin–Round Rock (6), McAllen-Edinburg-Mission (7), Laredo (8) and Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown (10). Next come College Station–Bryan (16) and San Antonio (20).
The study used job growth data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 333 U.S. regions.
Others on the list are Longview (3), Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood (5), Austin–Round Rock (6), McAllen-Edinburg-Mission (7), Laredo (8) and Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown (10). Next come College Station–Bryan (16) and San Antonio (20).
The study used job growth data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for 333 U.S. regions.
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