Eric W.'s Blog

OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULED FOR HIGH-END BROWNSTONE IN SUGAR LAND

Eric W. Gage, ABR®, CDPE, e-Pro (RE/MAX CityView) — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:25:34 -0700

An Open House is scheduled for Saturday, August 16 from 1:00 p.m.-3 p.m. for this beautiful Brownstone located at 1378 Lake Pointe in Sugar Land, TX.

The home features 3,441 sq. ft. of never-lived in town home with 3-4 bedrooms and 3.5 baths. Upgraded gourmet kitchen, breakfast area with bar that looks into the formal dining. Also on this level is a balcony overlooking the community.

This home has the 4th level attic space built-out for a media room or 4th bedroom. Also on this level is the rooftop terrace. Please join us on site for your personal tour. CHI Financial will also be onsite assisting with home mortgages. This home is offered at a reduced rate of $625,000 and for lease at $4,300.

Clear Lake Home Priced Reduction to $129,500

Eric W. Gage, ABR®, CDPE, e-Pro (RE/MAX CityView) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 13:37:30 -0700

Clear lake is a great community for those looking to be outside of Houston proper but still have a Houston address.

16210 Rill Lane offers that to it’s new owner. Just minutes from Downtown Houston, Nasa, Kemah and Galveston Island. Not only does it offer a great location, the home is perfect for that family looking for a larger 4 bedroom home at an affordable price.

The owner of the home recently completed the following repairs: replaced wood exterior and gave the home a fresh two-toned paint job. The owner also placed new tile in the guest bathroom, replaced the shower and door in the master bathroom. Also, two new garage doors, two new garage door openers, entry and storm doors were replaced as well as the side garage entry door.

With all the repairs and replacements, the owner has now decided to reduce the price from the original asking price to $129,500. Call today to see your new home.

Have a Bit of Tea at "The Path of Tea"

Eric W. Gage, ABR®, CDPE, e-Pro (RE/MAX CityView) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 13:34:31 -0700

For those of you that live in Houston or plan to visit, please make plans to stop by The Path of Tea located in the River Oaks/Upper Kirby area at 2340 West Alabama.

This is a new place that I discovered through a friend recently that offers a variety of organic high-end tea that I am sure you will find quite enjoyable. What a great atmosphere to sit with friends or business colleagues in a friendly and welcoming environment. I plan to make this a frequent stop on my list, and I think you should as well. Visit their web site at www.thepathoftea.com to learn more about their business and concept of Organic Teas.

River Oaks Condo For Lease

Eric W. Gage, ABR®, CDPE, e-Pro (RE/MAX CityView) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 13:27:30 -0700

ALL BILLS PAID in this condo that is in a great location! Walking distance to Central Market, Highland Village Shopping and Edwards Movie Theater. A new Costco is under construction and will open by summer end.

The condo is a one bedroom with a study or second bedroom. Open floorplan with ceramic tile and hardwood floors. The walls are earthtone colors to go with any decor.

This unit is priced monthly at $1,250 which includes parking under the unit, electricity, water, sewer, trash, security, pool and basic cable. Write one check a month and you have nothing else to worry about!

Sugar Land Brownstone Now Available

Eric W. Gage, ABR®, CDPE, e-Pro (RE/MAX CityView) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 13:20:45 -0700

Realtek Real Estate Services listed a new beautiful Brownstone Townhome located at 1378 Lake Pointe Parkway; Sugar Land, TX.

This 3 Bedroom, 3 Full Baths and one 1/2 Bath is located across the street from the new medical hospital. Great location for medical professional who could walk to work.

The never-lived in townhome has great curb appeal. As you walk up the steps to the front door you enter into a grand living room and formal dining. The home features beautful hardwood floors, tile and high-end carpet in the bedrooms. The kitchen is located on the same floor as the dining and living room. It has a large island with stainless-steel appliances. The kitchen features a bar area that over looks the formal dining which is perfect for any chef serving to their guest.

The first level is the large double-car garage with extra storage. Also a large bedroom with a full bathroom and walk-in closet perfect for the in-laws. The third level is where the master suite is located with the third bedroom and study/den area. The fourth level is the game room/fourth bedroom with a roof terrace. This area is considered the attic in most of these townhomes, but this owner decided to build it out.

The location is just south of Houston in the number one community in America, Sugar Land. This home is easily accessible to Hwy 59 and Beltway 8. The home is offered competively at $625,000 and for lease at $4,300 a month. Call Agent Eric W. Gage at 281.703.9096 for more information

16210 RILL LANE HITS THE MARKET IN HOUSTON, TX

Eric W. Gage, ABR®, CDPE, e-Pro (RE/MAX CityView) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:55:31 -0700

Realtek Real Estate Services announces the listing of 16210 Rill LN, located in Houston, TX - Clear Lake City.

Located in the popular Camino South Subdivision and is only one block of Whitcomb Elementary School. Just 20 minutes from Downtown Houston and minutes from NASA Space Center. The home is close to Baybrook Mall, Medical Buildings and Clear Lake for the boaters to enjoy.

The home features four bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and two car garage. The owner recently installed two brand new garage door openers and new entry doors leading into the garage and main house.

The split floor plan is 1,668 sq. ft. and is carpeted with tile in the kitchen and bathrooms. The owner is currently having the exterior repainted a neutral fresh hue. A new master shower retiled and new fixtures. The guest bath will also have new tile when completed.

As you walk in to this nicely laid out home, you will walk into the office/den area which features a double-sided gas powered fireplace to enjoy either in the den/office or living area. The four bedrooms are large with nice size closet space. The kitchen features tiled countertops that overlooks the large backyard.

The home is competively offered at $136,225 with a home warranty included. For more information or a tour, please call the listing agent, Eric Gage at 281.703.9096. MLS# 9974579

Sugar Land Brownstone Now Available

Eric W. Gage, ABR®, CDPE, e-Pro (RE/MAX CityView) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:34:21 -0700

Realtek Real Estate Services listed a new beautiful Brownstone Townhome located at 1378 Lake Pointe Parkway; Sugar Land, TX.

This 3 Bedroom, 3 Full Baths and one 1/2 Bath is located across the street from the new medical hospital. Great location for medical professional who could walk to work.

The location is just south of Houston in the number one community in America, Sugar Land. This home is easily accessible to Hwy 59 and Beltway 8. The home is offered competively at $645,000 and for lease at $4,300 a month. Call Agent Eric W. Gage at 281.703.9096 for more information

Houston Commercial Neighborhood Center

Eric W. Gage, ABR®, CDPE, e-Pro (RE/MAX CityView) — Wed, 07 May 2008 10:30:59 -0700

I listed a new neighborhood center located at 119 W. Dyna Dr in Houston, TX. This center is right off IH-45 North just inside Beltway 8 at the Aldine Bender Exit.

The 32,270 sq. ft. neighborhood center will soon begin a $1.2 million dollar renovation. The renovations will take the existing building down to shell. It will include: new roof, retail windows, HVAC and a full exterior rehab. A new parking lot has already been installed.

The center will also have a refurbished 60-ft pylon sign that will mirror the fasad of the exterior of the building. This is a grand retail sign that can be seen from a distance.

This could be a perfect opportunity for a national chain to have a location close to IH-45 or an independent retailers needing space close to national tenants without the high-dollar prices.

The center is $12 psf/yr plus NNN. For a good credit tenant, the owners are prepared to offer up to $15 psf in TI contributions or bring the space to a vanilla box.

If you have any questions, please me at 281.703.9096.

Real Estate Investing In Houston

Eric W. Gage, ABR®, CDPE, e-Pro (RE/MAX CityView) — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 09:26:45 -0700

For the past three years I have been investing in Real Estate in Houston, TX. Currently with our market situation, many contacts that I know have come to me asking if it's a good time to invest. My answer? Yes, it was a good time to invest 5 years ago, 3 years ago, 1 year ago and definately still a great time to invest. The nice thing about our current market is that buyers and investors have more choices to choose from.

For my new investors out there, you should be prepared to put a minimum of 10 percent down on their investment. They should also keep in mind that there are closing cost, title fees and inspection cost. Depending on your niche or market you are targeting, there could be some repairs or cosmetic work you should also be prepared for.

Investors should also remember to get an inspection on a home. Just because your are buying a house as is or at a great price, there could be some hidden factors to be aware of. Always get an inspection and never try to cut corners when it comes to purchasing your investment.

I encourage investors to work with real estate agents that are knowledgeable in the market place. There are many factors that you need to consider when choosing your investment. Location, Price, Style of Home, Repairs Needed are all factors.

My niche is single-family homes in suburbia Houston, Texas. I keep my price range under $100,000, single-family, all brick, 3-bedrooms and in a great elementary school district. (Key in having higher rent prices is the school district, more directly is the elementary school).

If you are looking for your first real estate investment property, call your real estate agent or if you are in Houston-Galveston region, I will be happy to assist you and use my experience in helping you.

Houston Makes the Oprah’s Big Give

Eric W. Gage, ABR®, CDPE, e-Pro (RE/MAX CityView) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 09:48:28 -0700

If there ever was a time I doubted why I lived in Houston, it wasn't last night. Once again Houston came through on the new ABC's Oprah's Big Give.

The showed featured two schools in the Houston area that needed computers, playground and equipment, and gifts for children who and underprivileged. One of those schools was in the La Marque ISD but on the westside of my hometown of Texas City.

Watching the show last night made me think how great the Houston family is. They always step up to the plate to take care of their neighbors.

It reminded me of how the Houston family came through during hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Houston is a city with big hearts that care about others in need.

I suppose this is why Houston is seeing more and more families flocking here as a result of the friendly atmosphere, the job market, and I must say the affordability of housing and cost of doing business.

Thank you Houston for your generosity once again that you displayed to the world, the country and to everyone around. This is why I live and work here!

Searching for a Gym Operator

Eric W. Gage, ABR®, CDPE, e-Pro (RE/MAX CityView) — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 09:44:35 -0700

I have just a few weeks to locate a gym operator for an existing gym that is in place.

This is a 15,374 sq. ft. facility that was recently built-out about a year ago with an estimated cost of $600,00. The gym already has showers, lockers, playroom, equipment in place for a new operator to come in and open for business.

I am searching for an operator that has experience in the business that can open the doors and allow the customers to come back to the facility.

Rent is $10.75 psf which includes the NNN charges. Gym equipment is additional and can be negotiated with the equipment company. The location is on IH-45 (Gulf Freeway) at Gulfway Plaza at La Marque.

Call today for your appointment. This could be a great opportunity to open a business with little down and everything in place.

Realtek Real Estate Services to Lease a 25,264 sq. ft. Space at Gulfway Plaza at La Marque

Eric W. Gage, ABR®, CDPE, e-Pro (RE/MAX CityView) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:05:31 -0800

A week that started out fairly slow ended with something that will keep me extremely busy for the next several weeks. Yes, I received a 25,264 sq. ft. of retail space that I listed for lease at Gulfway Plaza at La Marque in La Marque, Galveston County, Texas.Gulfway Plaza is a 176,552 sq. ft. open concept shopping center located on IH-45 (Gulf Freeway) at Exit 13. This center is just minutes away from the ever-so popular tourist destination Galveston Island, Texas and only 45- minutes from downtown Houston. The owners, Sugar Oak Holdings, located in Herndon, VA have done extensive renovations to the exterior of the building. They have placed a new 9 space multi-pylon sign that includes a large LED sign board to highlight its retailers. They have also repainted the exterior of the building and added a new facad to the building facing IH-45. This space is currently leased by West Point Stevens, a large outlet mall retailer who specializes in bedding products is closing its doors on December 31, 2007. This location is the anchor of the center and has a presence when entering the property. This space is easily seen from IH-45 going south and northbound. The hidden secret of this location is that it rests in the center of Galveston County. This center has “Winter Texans” and tourist who are visiting Galveston Island typically shop here. The location serves Galveston, Texas City, La Marque, Dickinson, Tiki Island, Bayou Vista, Hitchcock and Santa Fe communities. There are new homes going in all around this location. Within just a 3-mile radius there are 3,500 new homes and within a 5-mile radius there are 5,800 new homes respectively. This is going to be a great location for any business looking for a large space on a busy freeway with low rent. This space is offered at $6.00 psf plus NNN. Just one exit up the psf is at $23.00. Now with my tenant directory “bible” now opened, every retailer who does business in this great State of Texas will be getting information from me. Every large business in the area will see me walking in their front door dropping off a flyer on this location. Now if you are looking for a great space, give me a call at the number listed on this site.

KHOU Shed's Light on a Taxation Problem

Eric W. Gage, ABR®, CDPE, e-Pro (RE/MAX CityView) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 23:30:41 -0700

Tonight as I sit here and ponder what I just saw on our late night news, I am just floored of what I just listened to. I am actually sickened on what I saw. Not that the news ever really gives me anything to feel good about, but this in my mind is just wrong.

The local news channel, KHOU, Houston's CBS affiliated station reported that many of our largest energy companies are getting thousands, even millions of dollars of savings each year in their ad volorum taxes here in Texas. Why this is happening? They are placing livestock on their land that they own to take advantage of tax savings that farmers are able to get.

This tax savings is given to farmers who have land that my not be producing enough income to pay their property taxes. Instead of paying on the market value of the land, they pay on a special agriculture valuation. Now it seems that the large energy giants have been taking advantage of this loophole.

Typically, I am a supporter of the energy companies. I was born in raised in a community that is supported by the energy companies. I even will only get certain brand name gas, because I know where it is produced. However, this is just wrong and needs to be corrected.

Why this gets my attention? I am not an expert in taxation, but there are thousands of landowners out there who are loosing their homes because of the mortgage crisis. Many each year loose their homes because of they are not able to keep up with their taxes. Ad volorum taxes are going up each year in Texas because of all of the new residents moving to Texas from other states. School districts are declining because they can't keep up with the high enrollments. Cities are seeing their infrastructure decline because of the burden on their systems; so they are raising taxes. If they had this extra income from these multi-billion dollar energy companies, this could possibly help with the Texas Education issues that faces our legislators every session. This could help reduce taxes in these cities and reduce the burden on the aging infrastructure.

Now how do we as real estate agents handle this situation? We are out there selling commercial and residential properties in these areas that the school districts could be improved. We have property owners that carry the burden with high tax rates to support the communities. The very people that are affected by this are our clients. I just find this interesting and would like to know what other real estate agents think about this issue?

For the record, in no way would I want to remove this tax, because I want to help the Texas farmers in anyway that I can. They provide the very basic needs of America, and I want to stand by them 100%. However, these large energy giants who are taken advantage of our farmers, our clients, our communities need to be stopped. Let's put this money back into our communities, back to our clients, back to Texas. Visit KHOU's website and read the report, http://www.khou.com/topstories/stories/khou071018_tj_agexempt.18306e133.html.

Texans Should Vote ‘FOR’ Proposition 6

Eric W. Gage, ABR®, CDPE, e-Pro (RE/MAX CityView) — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:52:22 -0700

Texas voters will cast their vote for Proposition 6 on November 6, to amend the Texas Constitution that Texas Lawmakers passed with HB1022 in the pass legislative session.

This amendment will keep County Tax Assessor/Collectors from collecting ad volorum taxes on independant contractors who use their personal vehicles for work purposes.

Are you kidding me? Has this really been going on? The local governments have been putting a tax on hard-working contractors trying to provide a living for their families? Up to $600 per year could be taken away from these workers.

Some of these workers need every bit of their money that they earn. Gas prices and insurance cost are high! I don't see this going down anytime soon!

These are just some of the workers that this un-fair tax would affect:

Independent Real Estate Agents (MOST OF US)
Contract nurses who do home visits
Independent landscapers who transport equipment
Independent plumbers, electricians, carpenters, handymen and others in the home repair industry
Pizza Delivery Drivers
Newspaper Couriers
Independent Insurance Agents
Farmers and Ranchers
Small business owners who use their vehicles for their everyday business needs

This information and source comes from http://www.voteforprop6.org/. Please visit this site to learn more about this issue, and educate your friends, family and neighbors and vote ‘FOR' Prop 6, November 6.

TODAY SHOW Chooses Houston

Eric W. Gage, ABR®, CDPE, e-Pro (RE/MAX CityView) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 08:53:15 -0700

Last week I posted this blog on my Houston Real Estate Group on Facebook, so now that I have created this week, http://www.houstonrealestateagent.com/, I thought I would cut and paste it here!

The TODAY Show Weekend started a new series this morning on the Best Cities in the U.S. To no surprise, the show began their series with Houston, Texas.

Houston - a city filled with Entertainment, Museums, Restaurants, Sport Teams, Recreational Activities, and let's not forget the many famous Houstonians that the world knows. Clint Black, Beyonce, George Foreman, President George H. Bush to name a few.

As a former Economic Developer who promoted not only Houston but the State, this is exciting to see that Houston is quickly becoming a tourist destination for many Americans as well as those from overseas. The hotels are one of the most affordable in the world, the transportation system is great for those visiting and the many choices of things to do within a small geographical range makes this city attractive.

Why this is a good thing for Houston and its real estate? Well, despite all the national news coverage on the mortgage crisis. Houston's housing market is still progressing. New contruction is continuing. This is because of Houston's job market continuing to be strong. Unemployment rates are staying low. We have jobs here!!! Companies are moving here because of low cost!!! Thus, is making our real estate valuable and it is selling.

There are areas of Houston that have slowed down, but Houston as a whole is still thriving in the real estate market. Making this list, Houston will be on the radar screen for many to consider living here. What are your thoughts on Houston making this list? Do you think the real estate is suffering in Houston?

A Six Hour Closing Is Finally Over

Eric W. Gage, ABR®, CDPE, e-Pro (RE/MAX CityView) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 08:39:20 -0700

It was only going to take maybe 20 minutes today to close a simple house deal that I was helping a friend purchase, but to my surprise that 20 minutes lasted 6 hours.

Yes, six hours that a stroke of a pen couldv'e taken care of in a matter of minutes. Next time I will take a bigger pen that works so that I am not sitting for hours waiting to negotiate at the final minutes.

You are probably wondering what craziness happened that took this closing so long. Well, it all started with the final inspection of this beautiful 3-year-old, six bedroom home. Three small items that we probably would discount, but to my client it was an issue.

The issues: home was not cleaned properly, outside speakers for radio system were missing and the window treatments were all gone. When I called it out to the selling agent, we were told that the house was cleaned to the best of their ability, speakers and window treatments were in the "MLS Exclusions."

Okay, but we were told only the receiver for the speakers were going to be taken not the fixtures connecting to the ceiling. Window treatments were fine that they took but you can't take the fixtures to hang the treatments leaving holes in the wall.

There's a kick to this though...we were arguing over these items that were in the so-called "exclusions," but they were not in the contract. I read and reread and guess what? None of these exclusions were in the contract.

So, the lesson here is to make sure you put every exclusion in the contract so that everyone is clear. This will definately save you time and grief at the signing table.

So in the end, my client won his arguement and received compensation and the closing finalized. This wasn't a deal breaker but only the principal of the matter. Though, it sure made for a long day!

Houston’s Real Estate Non-Meltdown

Eric W. Gage, ABR®, CDPE, e-Pro (RE/MAX CityView) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 08:37:06 -0700

Early morning and late nights for the last week - who said the real estate business was slowing down? Well, it may be true on the national level and in residential, but I can say that the Houston market is not showing signs of stopping.

My phone rang non-stop on Monday with potential clients shopping for retail space that I have available. Just when I thought that a few of my listings in a particular part of an underdeveloped area of the Houston region wouldn't get a call, well, I received several calls on each of the pieces of properties. In the same area, I received calls from retailers wanting space in a neighborhood center that I am pre-leasing right now (not even underconstruction). Two of those calls I am confident will go into contract by end of next week. Real Estate meltdown? I think not!

Lets move on inside of the 610 Loop...residential still being built all over. Clients are buying and selling. New shopping centers being placed throughout the area. Older shopping centers have been remodeled or in the process. I can attest that even foreign investors are looking at Houston. I am currently working with two different clients from two different countries across the ocean wanting to tap into the Houston shoppers wallet. I have a client from a neighboring state that is looking at opening an ethnic restaurant inside the loop. Another client is looking for 10,000 sq. ft. of Class A highrise office space.

These are only a few of my deals that I am working right now. Imagine all of the other commercial agents that are working in Houston right now and their deals. Houston, we DO NOT have a problem!