If you are looking for a new home, where will you begin your search?
Will it be in the local news paper on the internet? Most people, 92% of
all home buyers start their search on the internet. So where do you
start your search for a new home on the internet?
To be able
to find all of the listed properties, you only need to go to one site.
A site that uses the MLS, Multiple Listing Service, a site like
http://www.danfrankrealty.com.
When you get to a site that let's you search MLS data only, you will
find all listed properties and they will be up to date. Even sites
like Zillow, Yahoo and even Google can't compair to a true MLS only
search. When you go to a site that has NON-MLS listings, you will
really never know how up to date that information is. You run the risk
of finding your dream home then only be disappointed to find out it has
not been on the market for sometime.
After you have found a site using a true MLS only search like this:
http://budurl.com/searchMls
you can then start the search for you dream home. You should never have
to pay to search the MLS. You may have to give you name and email
address, but don't be afraid to give your info to a Realtor®. When you
find you dream home call you Realtor® and set the appointment to view
the house
Whether you're interested in buying
your first home, your next home, or just want to know more about
home-ownership in general, I encourage you to check out a couple of
great online resources: http://www.texasrealestate.com/ or http://www.har.com/ and for all of your Pearland TX and Northern Brazoria and Galveston County real estate needs, please visit my site at http://www.danfrankrealty.com/. All of these sites offer tons of useful, real estate-related information geared specifically for Texans.
Danny Frank is a local Pearland TX Real Estate expert! You can see my entire blog at http://www.pearlandrealtyblog.com
Wickwillow, Alvin TX
-
Announcing a price reduction
on 6403 Wickwillow, a 1,966 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story. Now
MLS®
$205,000
- Just Reduced.
Property information
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Autumn Lake, Pearland TX
-
We invite everyone to visit our open house at 10202 LAMB BROOK LN, Pearland TX 77584 on
March 14
from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Property information
Welcome to the most current Pearland TX Housing Trends eNewsletter. This
eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and local
housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the
market for a home, thinking about selling your Pearland home, or just interested
in homeowner issues in general.
Please click on this link to view the MARCH-2010 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter:
http://budurl.com/NewsLetterMar10
The Pearland Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the
National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau, Realtor.org
reports and other sources.
It also includes press releases with charts and videos, key market
indicators and real estate sales and price statistics, a video message
by a nationally recognized economist, maps, mortgage rates and
calculators, consumer articles, plus local neighborhood information and
more.
If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click the “Home Evaluator” link for a free evaluation report:
http://danfrank.housingtrendsenewsletter.com/dispContent.cfm?loadid=2&loadtype=0
Sound decisions can only be made with accurate and reliable
information, and I am happy to be a trusted resource for you. Thank you
for the opportunity to provide you with this monthly eNewsletter, and I
look forward to answering any questions you may have and to the
opportunity to be your REALTOR® in the future.
Sincerely yours,
Danny Frank
Keller Williams Realty Pearland
2734 Sunrise Blvd., Suite 208 Pearland TX 77584
713-581-4702
danfrank@kw.com
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Autumn Lake, Pearland TX
-
We invite everyone to visit our open house at 10202 LAMB BROOK LN on
March 7
from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.Pearland Real Estate For Sale.
This Pearland house is qualified for the First Time Home-buyers Tax Credit of up to $8000
For the discriminating buyer - HGTV should come & take notes! Taste &
elegance abound! Upgrades include crown molding, hardwood floors, high-end
stainless appliances & beautiful granite kitchen counter-tops! And it's as
beautiful outside as it is in w/ a fabulously landscaped yard & incredible
outdoor kitchen w/ a gas grill & deep fryer, and a great covered patio w/ 2
ceiling fans - perfect for entertaining! It just doesn't get any better than
this. Call your favorite Realtor for an appointment.
Property information
Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?
- First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
- Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and
April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a
principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.
To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her
spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to
the purchase.
If you or your client purchased a home between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009, please see: 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.
Which Properties Are Eligible?
The Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary
residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and
co-ops.
How Much Is Available?
The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000.
The maximum allowable credit for current homeowners is $6,500.
How is a Buyer's Credit Amount Determined?
Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by two additional factors:
- The price of the home.
- The buyer's income.
Price
Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, credit may only be awarded on homes purchased for $800,000 or less.
Buyer Income
Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, which is effective
on November 7, 2009, single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and
married couples with incomes up to $225,000—may receive the maximum tax
credit.
These income limits have changed from
the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit limits. If you or your client
purchased a home between January 1, 2009 and November 6, 2009, please
see 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit.
If the Buyer(s)’ Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?
Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.
The credit decreases for buyers who
earn between $125,000 and $145,000 for single buyers and between
$225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the
tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit.
Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over
$145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples are not eligible for
the credit.
Can a Buyer Still Qualify If He/She Closes After April 30, 2010?
Under the Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit, as long as a written
binding contract to purchase is in effect on April 30, 2010, the
purchaser will have until July 1, 2010 to close.
Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?
No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she
occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is
sold during this three-year period, the full amount credit will be
recouped on the sale.
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Pearland TX Real Estate for Sale - Open House
Autumn Lake, Pearland
TX -
We invite everyone to visit our open house at 10202 LAMB BROOK LN on
February 21
from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Property information
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Pearland TX Real Estate - Open House
Autumn Lake, Pearland
-
We invite everyone to visit our open house at 10202 LAMB BROOK LN on
February 20
from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Property information
Pearland TX Real Estate for Sale - New Listing
Autumn Lake, Pearland TX
-
Announcing a price reduction
on 10202 LAMB BROOK LN, a 2,756 sq. ft., 2 bath, 4 bdrm single story. Now
MLS®
$223,900
- Priced to sell.
Property information
Sales volume, price up in 2009-Q4 according to Texas Quarterly Housing Report
First-time homebuyer tax credit, homeowner-friendly public policies cited as keys to market strength
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
CONTACT: Stacy Armijo - Pierpont Communications, 512/448-4950
AUSTIN – February 1, 2010
- According to data provided by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M
University, Texas’ housing market saw increases in sales volume and
price in the fourth quarter of 2009. As reported in the first Texas
Quarterly Housing Report, Texas’ sales volume for single-family homes
for 2009-Q4 was 53,050, up 16 percent from the same quarter of 2008.
The median home price in Texas also saw increases, from $140,100 in
2008-Q4 to $143,400 in the same quarter of 2009, a 2.35 percent
increase.
“While figures throughout the last quarter of 2009
were positive compared to 2008, they were particularly positive in
October and November, which makes it clear that the first-time
homebuyer tax credit is having an impact in Texas,” said Jim Gaines,
Ph.D., an economist with the Real Estate Center. “The increase in
median price also stands out, particularly compared to national
figures, which are down substantially.”
Texas also saw a decrease in the number of months of
inventory in the market over the quarter, from 6.6 months to 6.5
months. Months inventory is an indicator of the supply of homes for
sale in a market relative to the demand for homes. The Real Estate
Center typically uses 6.5 months as the benchmark for a balanced
market, meaning a reasonable supply of houses is being offered for sale
relative to demand on a monthly basis.
Bill Jones, chairman of the Texas Association of
Realtors, commented on the results: “We’re encouraged to see Texas’
real estate market performing well, both in terms of sales volume and
price. Our state has been fortunate throughout the economic downturn
and it’s encouraging to see that continue with robust results like
these.”
One reason the Texas Association of Realtors cites for
Texas’ strong real estate market is a legislative environment that
promotes homeownership. In the last session of the Texas Legislature,
Texas Realtors advocated to reform the state’s property appraisal
system to improve fairness for homeowners. Texas Realtors succeeded in
requiring appraisal districts to adopt a uniform set of standards for
appraisals and supported legislation that strengthened homeowners’
rights against seizure of private property under eminent domain.
Chairman Jones continued, “Homeowners interact with
Realtors every day, but very few know what the Realtor organization
does to protect their property rights. From appraisal reform and
eminent domain to property tax reduction, Texas Realtors are vigilant
in ensuring Texas remains a great place to buy and sell a home.”
The economic picture may not look as positive in the
future, however. Gaines explained: “Foreclosures in 2008 and 2009 were
driven by subprime mortgages, which did not affect Texas as much as
other parts of the country. However, a new wave of foreclosures is
expected starting in 2010 driven by unemployment among those with prime
mortgages. A larger number of these foreclosures will impact Texas.”
“Texas weathered the last few years relatively well,
but we’re not out of the woods,” said Jones. “We’re in the midst of
election season and Texas Realtors are selecting the candidates they
support carefully. When lawmakers go back to work in 2011, they’ll face
a big budget deficit and tough decisions. As they do, they must
remember how important a strong real estate market has been to
protecting the livelihoods of Texans. They must also ensure they don’t
increase the tax burden homeowners can barely afford now and risk
damaging one of our state’s most effective economic drivers.”
To view the Texas Quarterly Housing Report for 2009-Q4 in its entirety, visit www.TexasRealEstate.com.
About the Texas Quarterly Housing Report
The data for the Texas Quarterly Housing Report is
provided by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University using
statistics compiled from 47 multiple listing services in markets
throughout Texas. The report includes data for single-family home sales
over the course of one quarter and is scheduled for release by the
Texas Association of Realtors on the following dates each year (or the
next business day): Feb. 1, May 1, Aug. 1 and Nov. 1.
About the Texas Association of REALTORS®
With nearly 90,000 members, the Texas Association of
Realtors is the largest professional membership association in the
state and represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. We advocate
on behalf of Texas Realtors and private property owners. Visit TexasRealEstate.com to learn more.
Whether you're interested in buying
your first home, your next home, or just want to know more about
home-ownership in general, I encourage you to check out a couple of
great online resources: http://www.texasrealestate.com/ or http://www.har.com/ and for all of your Pearland TX and Northern Brazoria and Galveston County real estate needs, please visit my site at http://www.danfrankrealty.com/. All of these sites offer tons of useful, real estate-related information geared specifically for Texans.
Danny Frank is a local Pearland TX Real Estate expert! You can see my entire blog at http://www.pearlandrealtyblog.com
LAS VEGAS (Real Estate Center) – Smaller homes, lower prices. That's
the outlook for new home builders this year. In fact, 95 percent of
those polled by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) say
they will do one or the other, maybe both.
Rose Quint, assistant vice president for NAHB's Survey Research
Economics and Housing Policy Group, told the media at the 2010 NAHB
International Builders' Show that builders were given a list of 40
features and asked which ones they were likely to include in new homes
this year. Here's what's hot and what's not.
Items most likely to be found in new homes for 2010:
- Walk-in closet in master bedroom
- Separate laundry room
- Insulated front door
- Great room
- Low-E windows
- Linen closet
- Programmable thermostat
- Energy-efficient appliances and lighting
- Separate shower and tub in master bedroom
- Nine-foot ceilings on first floor
The least likely items homebuyers will find in new homes this year include:
- Outdoor kitchen
- Outdoor fireplace
- Sun room
- Butler's pantry
- Media room
- Desk in kitchen
- Two-story foyer
- Eight-foot ceiling on first floor
- Multiple shower heads in master bath
- Smaller kitchen area than in recent years
"Builders will focus heavily on energy-saving features," said Quint.
"Things we thought were consumer necessities — such as
granite countertops in the kitchen or home offices — are not on the
list."
Also on the chopping block this year are energy-guzzlers like the
high-ceiling entryways. Builders hope nine-foot ceilings will give the
buyer a feeling of more square footage, which has been reduced.
Buyers will be looking for ways to save money. For example,
water-saving toilets use an average of 39,000 fewer gallons of water
annually for a family of four. That's enough for a lifetime of drinking
water for three people, said Shane Judd, senior marketing manager of
water conservation for Kohler.
NAHB conducted a consumer survey to compare the wants of older
buyers with others.They found that those age 55 and older have a
slightly different "want" list in a new home:
- Washer-dryer in the unit
- Storage space
- Windows that open easily
- Garage door opener
- Easy-to-use thermostat
- Master bedroom on first floor
- Private patio
- Porch
- Attached garage
- Bigger bathrooms
Watch the Real Estate Center's website for a video coming soon with details on what consumers want in a new home this year.
Whether you're interested in buying
your first home, your next home, or just want to know more about
home-ownership in general, I encourage you to check out a couple of
great online resources: http://www.texasrealestate.com/ or http://www.har.com/ and for all of your Pearland TX and Northern Brazoria and Galveston County real estate needs, please visit my site at http://www.danfrankrealty.com/. All of these sites offer tons of useful, real estate-related information geared specifically for Texans.
Danny Frank is a local Pearland TX Real Estate expert! You can see my entire blog at http://www.pearlandrealtyblog.com
Effective
February 1, 2010 the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
will relax FHA rules that prohibit insuring mortgages on homes that are
owned by the seller for less than 90 days – a move that could help
expedite the rehabilitation and resale of foreclosure properties.
Do
you want to get into the real estate business? Do you want to start to
have residual income? Do you want to have freedom to do want to do? Do
you want to tell your boss you quit? You can do it... Now is the time
to buy. Prices or low, interest rates are low, inventory is high... NOW
is the time to buy real estate for investment...
Call me at 713-581-4702 to learn how anyone can get into the real estate investment business and make a great living doing it.
Whether
you're interested in buying your first home, your next home, or just
want to know more about home-ownership in general, I encourage you to
check out a couple of great online resources: http://www.texasrealestate.com/ or http://www.har.com/ and for all of your Pearland TX and Northern Brazoria and Galveston County real estate needs, please visit my site at http://www.danfrankrealty.com/. All of these sites offer tons of useful, real estate-related information geared specifically for Texans.
Danny Frank is a local Pearland TX Real Estate expert! You can see my entire blog at http://www.pearlandrealtyblog.com
Effective February 1,
2010 the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will relax FHA
rules that prohibit insuring mortgages on homes that are owned by the
seller for less than 90 days – a move that could help expedite the
rehabilitation and resale of foreclosure properties.
In a housing
market where tighter lending requirements have made FHA financing the only
option for some buyers, this 90-day policy has (1) kept some homebuyers
from being able to purchase affordable homes and (2) prevented the quick
resale of foreclosed properties, which affects the ability of communities
to stabilize and rebuild.
Research has shown that the buying,
fixing, and reselling of foreclosed properties is often achieved in less
than three months time.
The temporary waiver, which will expand
access to FHA mortgage insurance to many, will be in effect for a period
of one year, unless extended or withdrawn by the FHA. With this in mind,
now may be an excellent time to contact clients who have recently
purchased a foreclosed property and those who may be on the fence about
purchasing a foreclosure as a short-term investment.
"FHA
borrowers, because of the restrictions we are now lifting, have often been
shut out from buying affordable properties," said FHA Commissioner David
H. Stevens. "This action will enable our borrowers, especially first-time
buyers, to take advantage of this opportunity."
To ensure FHA
borrowers are protected from inflated prices, the policy has certain
restrictions, including:
- All transactions
must be arms-length and there can be no identity of interest between the
buyer and seller.
- If the sales price
of the property is 20 percent or more above the seller's acquisition
cost, the lender must meet specific conditions for the waiver to
apply.
- The waiver is
limited to forward mortgages, and cannot be used under the Home Equity
Conversion Mortgage (HECM) purchase program.
You can read the full
text of the waiver on HUD.gov.
Whether
you're interested in buying your first home, your next home, or just
want to know more about home-ownership in general, I encourage you to
check out a couple of great online resources: http://www.texasrealestate.com/ or http://www.har.com/ and for all of your Pearland TX and Northern Brazoria and Galveston County real estate needs, please visit my site at http://www.danfrankrealty.com/. All of these sites offer tons of useful, real estate-related information geared specifically for Texans.
Danny Frank is a local Pearland TX Real Estate expert! You can see my entire blog at http://www.pearlandrealtyblog.com
By: Oliver Marks
Published: September 24, 2009
Getting
your home’s heating system professionally serviced every year will keep
it running smoothly and help keep heating costs under control.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is usually a good rule—except when
it comes to your heating system. Even if it’s humming along just fine,
having a technician take it apart once a year to clean the lines and
filters and give it a thorough inspection is absolutely essential.
Regular servicing reduces the risk of breakdowns and prolongs the
unit’s life. Plus, it saves you money: For every year of maintenance
you skip, energy bills jump 5% to 10% because of reduced efficiency.
Here’s the lowdown on heating system maintenance.
Who does the job?
The simplest way to get the work done is to hire your fuel company
to do it. Oil companies and gas utilities usually provide this service,
or you can hire the contractor who installed the equipment. Also, some
plumbers handle heating systems.
What is involved?
The technician will clean soot and corrosion out of the combustion
chamber where the fuel is burned, and check it for leaks or damage.
He’ll inspect the flue pipe for open seams, clogs, or corrosion that
could cause carbon monoxide to backdraft into the house. He’ll replace
the filters on oil and forced-air systems. Finally, he’ll test the
exhaust from your cleaned machine and use the information to adjust the
burner for maximum efficiency.
How much will it cost?
You’ll pay between $100 and $180 for the service, depending largely
on whether you have a gas system, which is easier to maintain, or oil,
which requires a fair amount of soot removal. Usually the cost is
covered by an annual maintenance contract that also provides 24-hour
emergency service. While the technician is there, he should also
service your water heater, assuming it has a separate oil or gas burner.
When is the best time to do the work?
Ideally, have your system tuned up in the fall so it’s in top shape
for the start of the heating season. Of course, that’s when technicians
are the busiest, so if you can’t do it when you want, do it when you
can—as long as your system is serviced once a year. And don’t expect
your provider to call to remind you that it’s time. Even if you
subscribe to an annual service plan, you still need to call to make an
appointment. Call in the spring or summer to be sure of getting on the
schedule in the fall.
A former carpenter and newspaper reporter, Oliver Marks has been
writing about home improvements for 16 years. He’s currently restoring
his second fixer-upper with a mix of big hired projects and small
do-it-himself jobs.
Whether
you're interested in buying your first home, your next home, or just
want to know more about home-ownership in general, I encourage you to
check out a couple of great online resources: http://www.texasrealestate.com/ or http://www.har.com/ and for all of your Pearland TX and Northern Brazoria and Galveston County real estate needs, please visit my site at http://www.danfrankrealty.com/. All of these sites offer tons of useful, real estate-related information geared specifically for Texans.
Danny Frank is a local Pearland TX Real Estate expert! You can see my entire blog at http://www.pearlandrealtyblog.com
Reprinted
from HouseLogic (houselogic.com) with permission of the NATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.