Meg Zoller Blogs Bellaire, Houston, Texas

How to Use Video and Youtube to Enhance Your Blog and Business

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:34:52 -0700

Via Brad Andersohn ~ Community Manager (ActiveRain):

ActiveRain University - How to Use Video and Youtube to Enhance Your Blog and Business

How are you using Video in Real Estate and on your ActiveRain Blog?
Are you creating or using Video Listings, Virtual Property and Community tours? Does your video show up on Google Earth? Can your videos make you money? Want to generate more traffic to your videos and visitors to your Blog? This week at ARU, we are going to be sharing some things about video and Youtube that will be very beneficial to your Video library on Youtube and your Blog on ActiveRain.
Here's a few videos I had fun creating, Can you guess which one had over 2.2 million views?
(It probably won't be the one you think...)

Video Is important to your Real Estate Business
We're going to show you some Youtube video secrets and tips and how to use some of the tools that are available. Youtube just changed their format and the look and feel of their site. They've added a few things and moved some stuff around. These are just some of the ways you can now optimize your video and channel, and we'll show you how.

7 Tips You'll Need To Know and Use

Creating Outstanding and Unique Content

Optimizing Your Youtube Channel and Profile

Using Keywords Cleverly In the right places

Adding URLS and Proper Hyperlinks

Linking and Embedding Videos Everywhere

Video Sharing and Youtube Settings

Ping Your Youtube Channel

Do's and Don'ts of Embedding Video

Getting Beyond The 10 Minute Video Limitation

Getting More Visibility, Traffic, and Views

Learn useful techniques on how to use Youtube, one of the Top 3 most searched sites in the world. Grow and promote your Blogs, Websites, and Local Business using video strategies that have worked successfully for others and have resulted in increased traffic, customers, and paychecks.

Embedding video into your Blogs and sites is just one small key ingredient to using video and Youtube. You don't need to be an expert at this stuff, but you should know what things work and which ones won't. Come join us for a FREE "power-hour" of creating and using Video and Youtube for your Business, this will be one of our best video training and support classes at ARU.

Register For The Youtube Video Training Class

Download The ActiveRain "HELP" Toolbar for your Browser

ActiveRain University Calendar Real Estate RainCamp The ActiveRain Manual

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

The BEST 32 Reasons To Velcro Yourself To Your Chair: Virtual BarCamp

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 01:50:04 -0700

I'm very excited about all the information that will be provided!

Via Real Estate Tomato (Real Estate Tomato):

Virtual BarCamp is TOMORROW!

Clear your schedule. Lock your door.
You are not going to want to be to be interrupted.

From 9AM until 5PM PST, we will showcase 32 of the industry's brightest minds to blow yours. Below is that list.

We are running 4 simultaneous webinars, all day long. Each “Webinar Room” has a separate Access Link, Call-In-Number and Access Code.

This information will be emailed to all registered participants. You can jump in and out of each webinar by using the different access links and call-in-numbers. Each session is separated by a 15-minute intermission, leaving you plenty of time to access a different room, or to chat with the presenter after their session has ended.

We would also like to encourage you to visit Twitter, Facebookand TomatoChat Rooms (#1, #2, #3, #4) to join in the national conversation with your peers, on the day of the event. Consider these locations the ‘hallways’ of the event, where you can meet, discuss and learn from each other during the intermissions.

WEBINAR ROOM #1 SESSIONS:

1. 9:00AM PST: Jim Cronin - Welcome To Virtual Real Estate BarCamp
2. 9:15AM PST: Stefan Swanepoel - Back to the Future: Trends Shaping Social Media
3. 10:15AM PST: Michael Russer (Mr. Internet) Dominate Your Online Competition – In Any Market!
4. 11:15AM PST: Steve Schwartz - Full Motion Video For Real Estate: How to market You, Your Website, & Your Listing
5. 12:15PM PST: Darin Persinger & Co. - The 1-2-1 Business Development Formula for Real Estate.
6. 1:15M PST: Ryan Hartman - 60 Minute, Totally Free, Real Estate Lead Gen and Incubation System
7. 2:15PM PST:  Mark Madsen and Mortgage Panel - The Missing Ingredient In Your Real Estate Blog: Mortgage Content
8. 3:15PM PST: Daniel Rothamel - 5 Valuable Social Media Lessons I Learned While Raising A Newborn And Being A Daddy
9. 4:00PM PST: Jim Cronin - Closing Words
10. 4:15PM PST: Bonus Hour - Tom Ferry

WEBINAR ROOM #2 SESSIONS:

1. 9:00AM PST: Jim Cronin - Welcome To Virtual Real Estate BarCamp
2. 9:15AM PST: Steve Rosenbaum - Show Me Your Backend
3. 10:15AM PST:  Scott Sambucci - “Beat the Headlines. Be the Local Market Expert.”
4. 11:15AM PST:  Sherry Chris - Attracting the Right Talent to Your Brokerage
5. 12:15PM PST:  Mike Bowler, Sr. - Raise Your Own Bar In Real Estate” by Getting Educated and Differentiating Yourself.
6. 1:15M PST:  Katerina Gasset - Get Your Blog On
7. 2:15PM PST:  Evan Russell - The Agent Goal Tracker
8. 3:15PM PST: Brian Tercero - WordPress As The Core of Your Web Presence.
9. 4:00PM PST: Jim Cronin - Closing Words
10: 4:15PM PST: Bonus Hour -  Mike Mueller - “Breadcrumbs - How to be EVERYWHERE (or just look like it)”

WEBINAR ROOM #3 SESSIONS:

1. 9:00AM PST: Jim Cronin - Welcome To Virtual Real Estate BarCamp
2. 9:15AM PST:  Stacey Harmon - Facebook Fan Page Strategies For Realtors
3. 10:15AM PST:  Cyndee Haydon - The Power Of The Video Testimonial
4. 11:15AM PST:  Bob Stewart and Brad Andersohn - Hyper Local Blogging
5. 12:15PM PST:  Jay Thompson - Essential Wordpress Plugins: Some “Must Have” PlugIn’s/Functionality For Your Real Estate Blog.
6. 1:15M PST: Joel Burslem - 15 Ways To Take Your Real Estate Business To The Cloud
7. 2:15PM PST: Chris Smith - Creating And Growing A Brand From Scratch By Leveraging A Facebook Fan Page And Targeted, Relevant, Inexpensive PPC Ads.
8. 3:15PM PST: Spencer Rascoff - Zillow A to Zillow: From Advertising to Zestimates
9: 4:15PM PST: Bonus Hour - Amy Chorew - Tools For Following Feeds And Friends

WEBINAR ROOM #4 SESSIONS:

1. 9:15AM PST:  Sheri Moritz - Using Craigslist To Increase Web Traffic, Generate Additional Leads & Close More Traffic
2. 10:15AM PST:  Ross Hair - My Most Powerful Facebook Strategy - Building Neighborhood Communities!
3. 11:15AM PST:  Glenn Sanford - The Office of the Future - Today
4. 12:15PM PST:  Bernice Ross - Don’t Just Capture Leads–Convert Them
5. 1:15M PST: Harrison Painter - Brand Yourself and Attract Business in One Hour Per Day with Social Media and Video!
6. 2:15PM PST:  Pat Kitano - The Impact of Geolocational Media
7. 3:15PM PST: Gahlord Dewald - Three Ways To Measure. Three Ways To Improve

If you got to the bottom of this article, and you reposted it to your AR blog, consider yourself in the running to receive one of 5 Free VREBC T-Shirts! Thanks for your support.

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE, HOUSTON, TX HOME SALES - MARCH 2010

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:34:12 -0700

WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE BOUNDARIES IN HOUSTON, TX

Kirby Drive to the East, Union Pacific Railway railroad track to the West, Bellaire Boulevard/West Holcombe Boulevard to the South, and Bissonnet and Law Streets to the North.

DEVELOPMENT OF WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE IN HOUSTON, TEXAS

Commonly referred to as West University or West U for short, West University Place in Houston, Texas was developed by former Tennessee Governor Ben Hooper. His idea for a community of country homes was conceived in 1910 when Governor Hooper bought a tract of land southwest of Houston out of an old Spanish land grant. The Houston West End Realty Company developed today's West University Place First Addition and put the first lots up for sale on April 1, 1917. The name "West University Place" originated from its proximity to Rice Institute (now known as Rice University). The city of West University Place incorporated in 1924 and adopted a formal city charter in 1940.

There are approximately 26 subdivisions in West University Place to include Rice Court, Pemberton, Colonial Terrace, Sunset Terrace, Cunningham Terrace, Evanston, Matthews Place, Kent Place, Monticello, Virginia Court, Belle Court, College Court Place, Collegeview, Preston Place, Pershing Place, Academy, Quenby Court, Bissonnet Place, Fairhaven, College Park, and Krenzler Courts and some sections simply known as West University Place.

SCHOOLS FOR WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE

Students who live in West University Place are zoned to West University Elementary, Pershing Middle School in the Braeswood Place neighborhood of Houston, and Lamar High School, in the Upper Kirby district of Houston. Each of these schools is highly recognised in the Houston Independent School District (HISD).

WEST UNIVERSITY PLACE HOMES SALES IN HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARKET REPORT - MARCH 2010

Based upon information gathered from the Houston Association of Realtors there were 9 West University Place homes sold in the month of February 2010. The homes ranged in price from $280,000 for a 2 bedroom, 1 bath home on a 5,000 square foot lot to $1,225,000 for a 4 bedroom, 5 bath home on a 6,600 square foot lot. This gave us an average of $241.65 per square foot on February sold properties.

There are currently 131 single family homes available for sale in West University Place with asking prices ranging from $284,500 to $3,499,000. While the majority of these homes are of newer construction with a minimum of 4 bedrooms and 3000 sq. ft., there are also smaller homes available with 2 bedrooms that were originally constructed in the 1920's, 30's and 40's, and some properties being sold for lot value. There are also 39 pending properties in this very desirable neighborhood.

There were 13 West University Place homes sold in the month of January 2010. The homes ranged in price from $305,000 for a 2 bedroom, 1 bath home on a 5,000 square foot lot to $1,775,000 for a 4 bedroom, 4/1 bath home on a 7,875 square foot lot. This gave us an average of $235.15 per square foot on January sold properties.

West University Place continues to be a popular neighborhood based on information obtained from The Houston Association of Realtors. In December there were 20 properties sold, up from 13 in November. The homes ranged in price from $285,000 for a 3 bedroom, 1 bath home on a 5,000 square foot lot to $1,500,000 for a 4 bedroom, 4/1 bath home on a 6,875 square foot lot. This gave us an average of $237.30 per square foot on December sold properties.

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

MONTROSE, HOUSTON, TX HOME SALES - MARCH 2010

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:16:48 -0700

MONTROSE AREA BOUNDARIES IN HOUSTON, TX

The Montrose area in Houston, TX is generally bound by Highway 59 to the south, Allen Parkway to the north, Bagby Street to the east and Shepherd to the west; Montrose market area boundaries expand beyond the subdivision.

Originally pronounced as if it were two words, that is, "Mont Rose", Montrose is generally bound by Highway 59 to the south, Allen Parkway to the north, Bagby Street on the east and Shepherd to the west. The Museum District is located in the southern part of Montrose and many bars & restaurants, thrift/vintage/second-hand shops, eclectic boutiques and small galleries maintain the unique flavor of this part of the city.

DISTINCTIVE CHARACTER OF MONTROSE

Initially envisioned as a planned community and/or streetcar suburb and dating back to the early 20th Century, Montrose comes with the most distinctive character of eccentricity and diversity in Houston.It is one of the prettiest areas with renovated mansions, bungalows with wide porches and cozy cottages lining shady boulevards where people can walk and cycle easily. There is even a small pocket of homes called Courtland Place where all of the houses are listed in the National Historic Registry. Other surrounding neighborhoods include Westmoreland, Avondale and Cherryhurst, all generating a Southern, cozy atmosphere. Townhouse/Condos and Lofts are very prevalent in the Montrose area as well.

MONTROSE HOMES SALES IN HOUSTON, TX - MARKET REPORT - MARCH 2010

Based upon information gathered from the Houston Association of Realtors there were 5 single family homes sold in the month of February in the Montrose market area ranging in price from $279,000 to $710,000 for an average price per square foot of $179.35. There were 9 town house/condos sold in the Montrose market area during this same period with prices ranging from $60,000 to $350,000 for an average of $130.63 per square foot.

Currently there are 79 active available single family homes for sale in Montrose with list prices ranging from $220,000 to $1,375,000 and 12 properties option pending, pending continue to show and pending sale. There are 85 active available town house/condos in the Montrose market area with prices ranging from $83,500 to $899,000 and there are 18 properties in various stages of the pending process.

Montrose market area residents continue to enjoy stable property valuesas reflected in the following data provided by the Houston Association of Realtors. There were 4 single family homes sold in January 2010 with prices ranging from $264,500 to $550,000; averaging $169.70 per square foot. There were 7 town house/condos sold in the Montrose market area during this same period with prices ranging from $97,000 to $312,000 for an average of $133.71 per square foot.

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

MEYERLAND SUBDIVISION HOMES SALES, HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 2010

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 09:44:07 -0700

BOUNDARIES OF MEYERLAND IN HOUSTON, TX

The boundaries of the Meyerland subdivision in Houston, TX are: South of Beechnut, North of Bellfort, West of S Post Oak and East of Chimney Rock

Meyerland is a residential area situated on the banks of the Brays Bayou at the outer southwest corner of Loop 610, just south of the city of Bellaire.Just a 15-minute drive (or less) to downtown Houston, the Texas Medical Center, the Galleria, and the Reliant Park complex, the Meyerland community boasts excellent accessibility, beautiful parks, and strong community leaders. Homes range in price from the mid $100,000's (usually lot value) to the $1,000,000's. While some of the homes are the original 1950s bungalows, others are new construction from homeowners who like Meyerland's ease and convenience.

DEVELOPMENT OF MEYERLAND, HOUSTON, TX

Meyerland is the concept of three generations of the Meyer family. In the late 1800's, Joseph F. Meyer started buying land in the southwest part of the area surrounding Houston, eventually accumulating 6,000 acres of which he paid less than $5 per acre. In the mid-1950's Joseph's son, George, saw the possibilities of a prestigious subdivision and after his father's death, son George took the 1,200 acres he inherited and created Meyerland with 2,700 lots and an 80-acre reserve for a shopping center. George Meyer proceeded to develop homes that were affordable enough to attract middle America. Look magazine called Meyerland a "state-of-the-art neighborhood" while House and Home magazine claimed it was the "ideal plan for a subdivision." Meyerland might be termed Houston's first "planned community" in that Meyer held to stringent deed restrictions and strong architectural controls for its development. Characteristic of Meyerland are brick, contemporary styled homes, three and four bedrooms with two baths, an uncommon feature when built.

MEYERLAND PLAZA - SHOPPING CENTER

Meyerland Plaza Shopping Center was opened in 1957 as Houston's second regional mall and was managed by George Meyer's oldest daughter, Leota Meyer Hess.The third generation of the Meyer family sold the center in 1984. After years of neglect, in the mid-90s it was purchased and renovated by a new owner. The revival of Meyerland Plaza brought 927,000 square feet of new shopping space to Meyerland and the plaza now includes a variety of 50 shops and restaurants, several of which opened spring 2005.

MEYERLAND SCHOOLS

Schools - Meyerland has numerous Houston Independent School District (HISD) Exemplary schools and is zoned to nationally acclaimed Bellaire High School.Zoned neighborhood elementary schools include Kolter Elementary School and Lovett Elementary School, both located in Meyerland. The neighborhood is also served by Johnston Middle School (located in Meyerland), Pershing Middle School (located in Braeswood Place), and Pin Oak Middle School in the city of Bellaire (pupils zoned to Johnston have the option to attend Pin Oak), and Bellaire High School located in the city of Bellaire.

MEYERLAND LIBRARY

The Houston Public Library system operates the Meyer Branch Library at 5005 W. Bellfort, which serves the Meyerland community.

MEYERLAND HOME SALES, HOUSTON, TX - MARKET REPORT - MARCH 2010

Meyerland residents continue to enjoy increased property values as reflected in the following data provided by the Houston Association of Realtors. There were 5 single family homes sold in February with prices ranging from $279,500 to $735,000 averaging $149.19 per square foot.

Currently there are 35 active available homes for sale in Meyerland with list prices ranging from $265,000 to $1,095,000. The wide range in price reflects the new construction homes however the majority of homes are 3 to 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2000 plus sq. ft. constructed in the 1950's and 1960's. There are 15 properties in option pending, pending continue to show and pending stages.

Based upon information gathered from the Houston Association of Realtors only one Meyerland home sold in the month of January. This was a 4 bedroom, 3/1 bath, 3,542 square foot home and it sold for $400,000.

There were 7 single family homes sold in December with prices ranging from $207,000 to $509,000 averaging $144.24 per square foot.

2006 was a good year for homeowners in Meyerland as we saw 109 properties sold ranging in price from$197,000 up to $1,150,000 with an average sales price of $368,966 or $133.73 per square foot showing a definite upward trend. These figures are based on data collected from the Houston Association of Realtors.

There were 89 single family homes sold in 2007 with prices ranging from $200,000 to $1,000,000 averaging $144.73 per square foot.

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

KNOLLWOOD VILLAGE SUBDIVISION HOME SALES IN HOUSTON TEXAS - MARCH 2010

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:38:47 -0700

KNOLLWOOD VILLAGE, HOUSTON, TX BOUNDARIES

Knollwood Village Subdivision is located in Houston, Texas. It's boundaries are inside 610 Loop South, south of S Braeswood and Buffalo Speedway area.

Knollwood Village is a Houston inner loop, deed restricted, residential subdivision consisting of around 600 single family homes. It is close to the Texas Medical Center, downtown Houston, the Museum District, Reliant Stadium and the Galleria. Originally developed in the 1950s, the last few years have seen new construction in the neighborhood. The subdivision is zoned to Houston Independent School District (HISD) schools, Longfellow Elementary, Pershing Middle School, and Bellaire High School. One should always check with HISD for boundary changes. Other subdivisions in the immediate area are Braes Terrace, Westridge, Linkwood and Woodside.

Knollwood Village consists of older and new construction homes. The older homes, many of which have been remodeled, range from around 1300-2000 sq. ft., were built on slabs, and most have hardwood floors. The older homes in poor condition are often sold to builders who are usually building two story, 3500-5000 sq. ft. brick, stucco and stone exterior structures. The price range for older homes is generally $250,000-$400,000 and $600,000-$850,000 for new construction.

As of 3/22/2010, there are 8 single family homes for sale in Knollwood Village ranging from a low of $279,900 for a 3 bed/ 2 bath/ 2 car garage, 1634 sq. ft home on a 7140 sq. ft. lot to a 2006 built, 4 bed/3.5 bath, 3776 sq. ft. home on a 8696 sq. ft. lot being sold for $699,000. The average list price per average square foot of living space is $191.83. One home is under contract and pending sale.

In December 2009, 2 homes sold. The low sale of $250,000 was a 3 bed/ 2 bath,2182 sq. ft. home in need of remodeling on a 9240 sq. ft. lot. The high sale was $575,000 for a 2008 built 3 bed/ 3 bath, 3092 sq. ft. home on a 7651 sq. ft. lot. The average price per sq. ft. was $156.43.

One home sold in January 2010. It was a remodeled 3 bed/ 2 bath/ 2 car garage, 1706 sq. ft. home on a 7000 sq. ft. lot which sold for $350,000 or $208.09 per sq. ft.

In February 2010, 2 homes sold. The low sale of $259,000 was a 5 bed/ 2.5 bath,2594 sq. ft. home in need of remodeling on a 8611 sq. ft. lot. The high sale was $284,500 for an updated 3 bed/ 2 bath, 1268 sq. ft. home on a 6834 sq. ft. lot. The average price per sq. ft. was $140.73.

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

HOUSTON HEIGHTS, HOUSTON TX - MARCH 2010

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:23:51 -0700

HOUSTON HEIGHTS BOUNDARIES

Houston Heights is within the City of Houston, TX and it's boundaries are Downtown Houston, Memorial Park and Oak Forest Subdivision.

HOUSTON HEIGHTS GENERAL INFORMATION

This historical neighborhood, with a mixture of bungalow, Victorian homes, and new construction (as well as some industrial and commercial property) was originally established as a planned community in the late 1890s. The location was partially chosen because it was 23 feet higher than downtown Houston, located 4 miles away. In 1918, Houston Heights residents voted for annexation by the city of Houston.

The single family home market in the Houston Heights consists of older Victorian era homes, older bungalows, and new construction. Many of the older homes have been remodeled and over 100 Houston Heights structures are registered in the National Register of Historical Places. The newer construction consists of everything from contemporary designs to Victorian looking homes.

HOUSTON HEIGHTS HOME SALES - MARKET REPORT - MARCH 2010

There are approximately 3500 single family homes in the Houston Heights with an average sales price per sq. ft. of $175 in 2007. Since 1994, this figure has increased every year. The values were $164/sq ft. in 2006, $156/sq ft.in 2005 and $150/ sq ft. in 2004. These figures were obtained from the Houston Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service, as are the others cited in this article.

As of 3/22/2010, there are currently 148 single family homes for sale in the Houston Heights ranging from a 3 bed/ 1 bath, 980 sq. ft. "lot value" home on a 3300 sq. ft. lot being sold for $81,000 to a 2007 built, 4595 sq. ft., 4 bed/ 3 full-2 half bath/ 2 car garage home on a 8715 sq. ft. lot priced at $1,425,000. The average list price per sq. ft. of the homes for sale is $193.56. Many of the homes for sale are new and recent construction ones on small lots but there are a good selection of older homes. Another 41 homes are under contract as of 3/22/2010, but haven't closed yet.

In December 2010, 22 single family homes sold ranging from a 3 bed/2.5 bath,2381 sq. ft. foreclosure on a 2115 sq. ft. lot which sold for $180,000 to a high of $1,100,000 for a new construction, 4272 sq. ft., 4 bed/ 4 bath/ 2 car garage home on a 9180 sq. ft. lot. The overall average sales price per sq. ft. was $183.93.

In January 2010, 11 single family homes sold at prices from a low of $60,000 for a 2 bed/ 1 bath, 716 sq. ft "lot value" home on a 3275 lot to a high of $775,000 for a new construction, 4232 sq. ft., 4 bed/ 3.5 bath/ 2 car garage home on a 6250 sq. ft. lot. The overall average sales price per sq. ft. was $182.62.

In February 2010, 17 single family homes sold at prices from a low of $222,000 for a 3 bed/ 1 bath, 1260 sq. ft home on a 3864 lot to a high of $982,000 for a 1912 built, renovated, 3898 sq. ft., 4 bed/ 4.5 bath/ 2 car garage home on a 10,996 sq. ft. lot. The overall average sales price per sq. ft. was $183.64.

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

HOUSTON TEXAS HOME SALES - MARCH 2010

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:10:31 -0700

HOUSTON, TX GENERAL INFORMAION

Known as both the Bayou City and Space City, Houston, Texas was founded in 1836 and named after General Sam Houston. With a population of close to 2 million, it's the 4th largest city in the United States. The city has been a dynamic center of business since the early 1900s and is also the leader in space technology, being home to NASA and the Johnson Space Center. The port area is thriving and connected to the city by the Houston Ship Channel. Other well known areas are Interstate 10's Energy Corridor, the Galleria, and the world class Texas Medical Center. Houston's feel is diverse, with both a high rise skyline and waterways like the Buffalo Bayou, which winds through the city.

Recently, downtown Houston has been transferred into a dynamic area of the city for both entertainment and residential living. Many new lofts and townhomes have been built in and near downtown and other buildings have been converted from commercial to residential use.

Houston has major league football, baseball, basketball ( men's and women's), and soccer teams, as well as AHL hockey. It also has separate horse and greyhound racing tracks.

For the theatre lovers, Houston is one of the few cities that has permanent ballet, orchestra, opera, and theatre companies.

Houston offers most everything you could possibly desire in real estate.

Fell free to view our INTERACTIVE MAP of Houston.

HOUSTON, TX HOMES SALES - MARKET REPORT, MARCH 2010

Note: Due to the large volume of homes sold, I usually need two months to compile data. So in March, I'll be using January data, obtained from the Houston Association of Realtors.

Although the whole nation, including Houston, has been affected by the economy and bad debt,the problems have affected Houston housing much less than most other areas of the country. According to a Builder magazine March 2009 article, Houston tops the list of the nation's healthiest housing markets. Here's a little bit of history: The year 2007 was the second best year in Houston on record based on the HAR stats. Total property sales were lower in 2007 than in 2006, but total dollar volume was a record high. So in a nutshell, less homes were sold, but for more money.

This trend continued in 2008, until October, when both total sales and average prices declined. This was probably a result of both the troubled economy and Hurricane Ike. Since then, both stats continued to be less than those from the previous year until September, partially due to the fact that many of the sales were foreclosures at below market prices. However in September 2009 total single family home sales increased 32.0% from September 2008. The main reason is that real estate and many other services were basically shut down for several weeks following the hurricane in 2008. In October 2009, total single family home sales increased 13.8 % from October 2008 and in November 2009 sales increased 32.8 % over last November. I'm sure that the " Ike Effect" played a factor in this statistic also. December numbers appear to be more realistic. December sales numbers decreased by 2.1 % from Deember 2008.

In January 2010, total single family home sales decreased 12.3% from last January. If you break it out, homes priced at $500,000 and above increased and homes priced at $80,000 and below decreased. The January 2010 average sales price increased from last year by 18.4 % to $194,454, the highest January price in Houston history. The median price which is a price where half the homes sold for more and half sold for less was $144,500, a 11.9 % increase from January 2009, the 9th straight monthly increase. Foreclosures sales decreased 30.1 % from a year earlier.

Townhomes and condo January sales increased 14.8 % in total sold from January 2009. In January 2010, the average sale price was $147,501, a 4.7 % decrease from last year.

In closing, the Houston housing market is still stronger in pricing than other areas of the country, although the foreclosures, more stringent lending requirements, lower oil prices and poor economy have affected us. Our employment numbers and cost of living are considered some of the best in the country. Houston's favorable job and housing market have been mentioned in recent issues of BusinessWeek, Financial Times, Newsweek, Chicago Tribune, Washington Post, and Kiplinger's Personal Finance. NAR's chief economist, Dr. Lawrence Yun has predicted that Houston and Denver would be the top US cities in home price performance in 2009. In Houston, in recent years, you have been able to purchase a home for less than in many other cities and the value has increased. According to the National Association of Realtors, Houston's current median sales price for a single family home is $144,500 compared to the national average of $177,500. Month's inventory in Houston is 6.1 months compared to the national average of 7.2 months. This indicates the great value of living in Houston. If your credit is good and you look on the bright side, interest rates have declined to near 50 year lows and the inventory is up, making this a good time to buy. Mortgage folks are seeing indicators that rates may increase this year though.

The new stimulus package has been extended until April 30, 2010 and the income limits to participate have been increased. This will help first time homebuyers up to $8000 in tax credit and the repayment provision has been eliminated. In addition, a new program has begun which could give folks up to $6500 if they buy a new home after living in their existing home for 5 years. Please call me for details, but the tax credit is good for homes priced up to $800,000. Interest rates have begun to increase and I've read that 1% increase in interest rates will wipe out a 10% reduction in cost, so if you have been waiting to buy at the bottom, it's something to consider. I read in the Houson Chronicle that "the experts" are predicting that Texas will be the first state to recover from the economic downturn.

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

BRAES HEIGHTS SUBDIVISION IN HOUSTON, TX HOMES SALES - MARCH 2010

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:44:17 -0700

BRAES HEIGHTS, HOUSTON, TX BOUNDARIES AND CONSTRUCTION

Braes Heights is a Houston, Texas subdivision of mostly single family homes located inside the 610 Loop, west of the Texas Medical Center and south of West University and Southside Place. It's street boundaries are roughly Holcombe to the north, North Braeswood to the south, Stella Link to the west and Buffalo Speedway to the east. It is part of Braeswood Place which is composed of seven subdivisions: Ayrshire, Braes Heights, Braes Oaks, Braes Manor, Braes Terrace,Emerald Forest, and Southern Oaks. It was built in the 1950s and is now mainly composed of the older ranch style homes and new construction homes. There has been much new construction in the last 10 years-mostly 2 story homes from 3200 to 5500 sq. ft.

BRAES HEIGHTS OVERVIEW

Recent developmentsare a library, YMCA, Sheltering Arms senior citizens facility headquarters, McGovern Park ballfields for children, Helen's Park and Beal Park. Braes Heights is zoned to Houston Independent Schold District (HISD) schools - Mark Twain Elementary (newly built), Pershing Middle School(newly built) and Lamar High School. Children in Braes Heights are placed in the West University Little League. Braes Heights is part of the Braeswood Place Homeowners Association.

BRAES HEIGHTS HOME SALES - MARKET REPORT

Sales in this subdivision can be largely broken down as follows: 1)Older homes with few if any updates which are mainly worth lot value 2)Older homes which have been remodeled 3) New or recent construction.

According to information that I reviewed on Houston Association of REALTORS Multiple Listing Service, as of 3/22/2010 there are 25 single family residential homes on the market priced from $299,000 for a 4 bed/2 bath, 1941 sq. ft. home in poor condition on a 12,152 sq. ft. lot to a new construction, 4 bed/5.5 bath/ 2 car, 6362 sq. ft. home with some special energy efficient features on a 9673 sq. ft. lot, priced at $1,925,000. The average asking price per square foot is $228.28. As of 3/22/2010, there are four homes under contract pending sale.

In December 2009, 6 homes sold at an average of $215.45 per sq. ft. The lowest sale of $344,000 was for a 3 bed/ 2 bath, 2633 sq. ft home on a 8750 sq. ft. lot. The highest sale was $1,050,000 for a new construction, 5 bed/ 4.5 bath/ 2 car garage, 5280 sq. ft. home, on a 8614 sq. ft. lot.

There were no sales in January 2010 although several went pending.

In February 2010, 2 homes sold at an average of $197.77 per sq. ft. The lowest sale of $359,000 was for an original condition, 3 bed/ 2 bath, 2043 sq. ft home on a 8195 sq. ft. lot. The highest sale was $760,000 for a 1993 built, 5 bed/ 3.5 bath/ 2 car garage, 3615 sq. ft. home, on a 8137 sq. ft. lot.

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

BELLAIRE, TX - HOME SALES - MARCH, 2010

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:51:15 -0700

BELLAIRE, TX BOUNDARIES (LOCATED NEAR DOWNTOWN HOUSTON,TX)

Bellaire, Texas, located on both sides of Interstate Loop 610 West, is surrounded by Houston and many subdivisions including West University Place, Southside Place, Meyerland, Willow Meadows, and Afton Oaks. It's a very short distance to the Galleria, Reliant Stadium, downtown Houston, the Theater District, and the Medical Center.

BELLAIRE ZONING AND CONSTRUCTION

Bellaire is zoned for residential,commercial, and light industrial sections. The city is well known as a residential city. The city is well-liked for its police and fire protection, parks and recreation facilities, library, public works department, and recycling center.

For the most part, construction in Bellaire originated in the late 40's and 50's. Many of these original homes have been and are being purchased at lot value with the old homes being replaced with larger, new construction homes.

BELLAIRE HIGH SCHOOL

Bellaire High School is an extemely well known school in Houston. It's magnet program is for foreign languages. People often purchase homes in Bellaire for the sole purpose of being able to send their children to Bellaire High.

BELLAIRE MARKET REPORT - HOME SALES

According to information that I reviewed on Houston Association of REALTORS Multiple Listing Service, as of 3/22/2010, there are 152 single family residential homes on the market priced from $210,000 for a 1300 sq. ft , 3 bed/1 bath home on a 7560 sq. ft. lot next to the 610 feeder road to a high of $2,590,000 for a 2008 built, 8661 sq. ft., 6 bedroom/ 4 full-2 half bath, 3 car garage home on a 18,900 sq. ft. lot. The average list price per sq ft is $234.14. Thirty eight homes are for sale for over $1,000,000 and 43 homes are priced at $400,000 or less. As of 03/22/2010 there are an additional 24 homes pending under contract priced from $199,500 to $1,699,000.

In December 2009, 25 sales closed with an average sales price per average sq. ft. of $212.51. The low sales price was $168,000 for a 3 bed/ 1.5 bath, 1264 sq. ft., "liveable" home near the railroad tracks on a 5000 sq. ft. lot. The highest reported sales price was $2,186,500 for a 2008 built, 7528 sq. ft., 6 bed/7 full-2 half bath/3 car garage home on a 18900 sq. ft. lot.

In January 2009, 9 home sales closed with an average sales price per average sq. ft. of $199.32. The low sales price was $315,000 for a 3 bed/ 1 bath, 1734 sq. ft. " lot value" home on a 8820 sq. ft. lot. The highest reported sales price was $1,190,000 for a 2008 built, 5254 sq. ft., 4 bed/3.5 bath/2 car garage home on a 9100 sq. ft. lot.

In February 2010, 16 home sales closed with an average sales price per average sq. ft. of $204.12. The low sales price was $210,300 for a 3 bed/ 1 bath, 1449 sq. ft. foreclosed home sold mainly for the value of the 8775 sq. ft. lot. The highest reported sales price was $1,757,300 for a 2005 built, 7510 sq. ft., 5 bed/6.5 bath/3 car garage home on a 18,900 sq. ft. lot.

There are presently reported to be 4 townhomes actively on the market, priced from $225,000 to $350,000. The average listing price per average sq. ft .price is $158.25. Two are pending and under contract. Two closed in February 2010 for $225,000 and $265,000, an average of $143.35 per sq. ft.

BELLAIRE NEW AND RECENT CONSTRUCTION

New construction in Bellaire has declined although the prices are holding firm for the most part. Most builders are carrying less inventory due to tighter lending requirements and slower sales, so many of the new homes are custom homes. With inventory up, the housing tax incentives, and interest rates at a near 50 year low, it makes it an attractive time to buy. Interest rates have increased slightly and I'm hearing from lenders that they may increase more.

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

AFTON OAKS SUBDIVISION IN HOUSTON, TEXAS - HOME SALES - MARKET REPORT - FEBRUARY 2010

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:28:39 -0700

AFTON OAKS BOUNDARIES IN HOUSTON, TX

Afton Oaks Subdivision, located in Houston, TX is bounded on the north by Westheimer Rd., on the east by Union Pacific railroad tracks, on the south by U.S. 59, and on the west by IH-610.

Afton Oaks is an approximately 50 year old deed-restricted residential community of over 500 single family homes. The neighborhood is bounded on the north by Westheimer Rd., on the east by Union Pacific railroad tracks, on the south by U.S. 59, and on the west by IH-610.

Afton Oaks contains many homes built in the 1950s along with many recently-built homes listed for well over $1,000,000.

AFTON OAKS IS ZONED TO HOUSTON ISD SCHOOLS

Afton Oaks is zoned to Houston ISD(HISD) schools. Prior to spring 2006, Afton Oaks was zoned to Will Rogers Elementary School. Will Rogers was closed after spring 2006 and Afton Oaks was rezoned to St. George Place Elementary School. Afton Oaks pupils are also zoned to Lanier Middle School in Montrose and Lamar High School in Upper Kirby.

HOME SALES ACTIVITY - MARKET REPORT

Based upon information gathered from the Houston Association of Realtors there were no homes sold in Afton Oaks in the month of February, 2010.

Currently there are 31 active available homes for sale in the Afton Oaks subdivision with list prices ranging from $335,000 for a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,980 sq. ft. home built in 1954 to $2,349,000 for a 5 bedroom, 5 full and 1 half bath, 6,681 sq. ft. home built in 2007. There are 5 pending properties.

Afton Oaks continues to be a popular neighborhood based on information obtained from The Houston Association of Realtors. In January one home sold in Afton Oaks for $352,500. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,717 square foot home was built in 1950 and sits on a 8,760 square foot lot.

In December there were 4 homes sold in Afton Oaks with prices ranging from $530,000 to $1,368,500 for an average of $230.17 per square foot.

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

Virtual BarCamp is Back! April 6th, 2010: 9am - 4pm PST. Mark Your Calendars.

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:02:56 -0700

I get so excited when any event like this is offered! I hope everyone that has the time can make this FREE event! Yes, I said FREE. Read about it. It's definitely worth your time to attend. It will be 11:00 - 6:00 Houston time. So get all your work done in the morning and give yourself a special treat with this event in the afternoon.

Via Real Estate Tomato (Real Estate Tomato):

Before you read any further, block out your entire day on Tuesday, April 6^th to attend this incredible event.

If you already have plans, cancel them. You do not want to miss this.

Announcing the 3rd edition of Virtual BarCamp.
What is a Virtual BarCamp?

On Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, we will be live with 28 amazing presentations.
New speakers
New topics
New knowledge
and a major announcement.

The format will be the same as past Virtual BarCamps where each presentation is 45 minutes in length with a 15 minute intermission in between. There will be 4 simultaneous webinar rooms, hosting 7 speakers each throughout the day.

If you have registered for past Virtual BarCamps, you should not need to re-register. Once registered for any VREBC event, you are considered part of the VREBC family, and will receive the event details (roster, schedule of presentations and access links/codes) as we release them.

We are approaching 3,000 registered members for this event!

Stay tuned for details on who is speaking and what topics we will cover.

Please mark your calendars NOW to be part of another learning extravaganza.
That's 4/6/10 from 9-4 PST.

In the coming days we will have updated information on the following:
Live Event Info
Session Calendar
Presenter Roster
Potential Topics

Given that this is a free event, we appreciate any promotion and exposure we can get from our members. Spreading the word is crucial to making this a successful event. Thank you so much for your support. Here are some ways to plug the event:

1. Visit our Promote Page to get logos and template tweets/memos:
2. ReTweet announcements we make about the event.
3. Bring it up at your office meetings. Tell your broker/office manager.
4. Tell your local association.
5. Email your colleagues.
6. Schedule an office meet-up.
7. Schedule an after party.
8. WRITE A BLOG!

Thanks again for all your support. We promise to continue to deliver and exciting and unique experience for you all, for free, if you continue to help us grow our reach!

If you are interested in presenting, please send me an email to:
vrebc (at) realestatetomato.com
See you on 4-6-10.

If you are interested in helping sponsor the event, please send me an email to:
vrebc (at) realestatetomato.com

For any other information, please visit our main website:
www.VirtualBarCamp.com

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

Virtual BarCamp is Back! April 6th, 2010: 9am - 4pm PST. Mark Your Calendars.

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 01:01:18 -0700

Via Real Estate Tomato (Real Estate Tomato):

Before you read any further, block out your entire day on Tuesday, April 6^th to attend this incredible event.

If you already have plans, cancel them. You do not want to miss this.

Announcing the 3rd edition of Virtual BarCamp.
What is a Virtual BarCamp?

On Tuesday, April 6th, 2010, we will be live with 28 amazing presentations.
New speakers
New topics
New knowledge
and a major announcement.

The format will be the same as past Virtual BarCamps where each presentation is 45 minutes in length with a 15 minute intermission in between. There will be 4 simultaneous webinar rooms, hosting 7 speakers each throughout the day.

If you have registered for past Virtual BarCamps, you should not need to re-register. Once registered for any VREBC event, you are considered part of the VREBC family, and will receive the event details (roster, schedule of presentations and access links/codes) as we release them.

We are approaching 3,000 registered members for this event!

Stay tuned for details on who is speaking and what topics we will cover.

Please mark your calendars NOW to be part of another learning extravaganza.
That's 4/6/10 from 9-4 PST.

In the coming days we will have updated information on the following:
Live Event Info
Session Calendar
Presenter Roster
Potential Topics

Given that this is a free event, we appreciate any promotion and exposure we can get from our members. Spreading the word is crucial to making this a successful event. Thank you so much for your support. Here are some ways to plug the event:

1. Visit our Promote Page to get logos and template tweets/memos:
2. ReTweet announcements we make about the event.
3. Bring it up at your office meetings. Tell your broker/office manager.
4. Tell your local association.
5. Email your colleagues.
6. Schedule an office meet-up.
7. Schedule an after party.
8. WRITE A BLOG!

Thanks again for all your support. We promise to continue to deliver and exciting and unique experience for you all, for free, if you continue to help us grow our reach!

If you are interested in presenting, please send me an email to:
vrebc (at) realestatetomato.com
See you on 4-6-10.

If you are interested in helping sponsor the event, please send me an email to:
vrebc (at) realestatetomato.com

For any other information, please visit our main website:
www.VirtualBarCamp.com

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

Houston Real Estate Walkscore.com for 6026 High Star

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 15:57:29 -0800

I just discovered Walkscore.com at Dallas RainCamp 2010 this week.

I'm trying to discover some practical applications that will make my Houston and Bellaire Real Estate Business more valuable to consumers. Everyone wants to know what local amenities are near a home they're considering to purchase. I used this technology tool to find out what grocery stores, libraries, parks, restaurants, bus stations, schools, etc. might be near my Houston real estate listing located at 6026 High Star. The information offered appears fairly complete and correct. I hope you'll have a chance to try out walkscore.com. If you do . . .please let me know what you think of it.

The Walkscore.com site shows you where each of these local amenities is located, the address and the mileage from this particular home.

It appears that there are quite a few places you could walk to, but there are many you would want to drive to, ride a bike to or use public transportation to take you to your destination. I found this to be a very useful tool. Let me know what you think.

This is the walkscore.com results for 6026 High Star in Houston, Texas: http://www.walkscore.com/get-score.php?street=6026+HIGH+STAR%2C+HOUSTON%2C+TX&go=Go

Oh, by the way . . .as of 2/20/10 6026 High Star is still for sale in the Houston real estate market.

Please check out the Houston real estate sales information for 6026 High Star. http://www.finehomeshouston.com/property-detail.php?data_id=13911&page=1. It will make you a wonderful home!

Meg and Jim Zoller - The Zoller Group of Keller Williams Realty, The Metropolitan

Please view our Houston Real Estate website

Also, feel free to contact us at:

Direct: 713-661-0884
Toll Free: 800-808-6153

E-mail: Meg@FineHomesHouston.com or Jim@FineHomesHouston.com

Cells: Meg - 713-875-4844
Jim - 713-545-6338

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

Information Galore was Provided at Dallas RainCamp 2010!Check Out My Top 10 Sites!

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:33:27 -0800

Activerain's RainCamp in Dallas was definitely RICH with information! Dallas RainCamp offered new information on blogging, technical tools, Twitter, Facebook, Activerain, Google, websites, Zillow, and lead conversion. I know that I will be able to incorporate information provided to help me market Houston and Bellaire real estate in new and exciting ways.

Of course, often when you attend events like this you get so excited about all that you've heard. However, you drive or fly back home . . .only to have to go back to work immediately . . .and then you tend to forget so much. Well, I did something different this time. I had my hotel room until noon the next day. So, after our evening networking mixer I went back to the room and studied what I had learned at Dallas RainCamp until 2:00 in the morning. Then I got up about 8:00 and went through all the helpful websites that Brad Andersohn presented. I checked out at noon, but continued studying in the hotel lobby until 2:00. It really made a difference in my retention of the information. The only reason I really stopped was because I was hungry. So I left, ate lunch and headed out on my 4 hour drive back to Houston. During that time I thought about what the speakers said and emphasized. I made a plan to incorporate information to use in marketing homes for sale in Houston, Bellaire and a resort I love, Artesian Lakes which is near Cleveland, Texas.

This was a great seminar for me!!

Brad Andersohn shared over 30 FREE websites that will benefit me in marketing and blogging about Houston and Bellaire real estate.

My TOP 10 FREE WEBSITES ( not in any particular order) that I'm going to add to my real estate business are:

picnik.com - take any picture. change it's size, etc.
OneTrueMedia.com - mix photos & videos to create something "WOW"
FillanyPDF.com - great for online signatures
eventbrite.com - publish customised event to website or blog
Retagger.com - single real estate source for all your social networking, blogs & websites
Freeconferencecall.com - self explanatory
AVG.com -anti-virus & spam
collecta.com - gets anything from twitter
walkscore.com - type in address, it brings up grocery stores, restaurants, parks,etc. Promote listings.
wix.com - create custom "Flashy" web pages in minutes

LET ME KNOW WHAT YOUR EXPERIENCE HAS BEEN WITH THESE SITES . . .OR IF IT'S YOUR FIRST TIME TO LOOK AT THESE . . .GIVE ME YOUR OPINION ON HOW THEY CAN BE USED IN THE BEST WAY FOR YOU!! I look forward to hearing what ya'll have to say about these technology tools.

If you have a chance, please take the opportunity to attend RainCamp when it's offered in any city that may be close to you.You can't help to learn from the experience. It is information packed!! I am so thankful that Ben Kinney, Bob Stewart, Brad Andersohn, the great panel and John took their time to share and teach.

Right now it's time for me to go implement some ideas. I want to do the best I can for my clients and customers when I help them buy real estate in Houston, Bellaire and Artesian Lakes. It's another great day!!

Meg and Jim Zoller - The Zoller Group of Keller Williams Realty, The Metropolitan

Please view our Houston Real Estate website

Also, feel free to contact us at:

Direct: 713-661-0884
Toll Free: 800-808-6153

E-mail: Meg@FineHomesHouston.com or Jim@FineHomesHouston.com

Cells: Meg - 713-875-4844
Jim - 713-545-6338

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

Is the "F" Word Being Mentioned More Often in Your Real Estate Market?

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:47:19 -0800

Ok- get your mind out of the gutter! Of course the "F" stands for "foreclosures" and in the Houston real estate market, foreclosure properties are becoming more common place. Not to the extent seen in the major foreclosure markets of Nevada, California, Arizona or Florida but pretty widespread all the same. Even in the popular Houston neighborhood of Bellaire there are over a dozen foreclosure and REO properties on the market.

The Challenges Consumers Face with Foreclosure

We all recognize the challenges faced by homeowners at risk of foreclosure, and those already involved this gut-wrenching experience. Many homeowners too embarrassed never attempt to call or even talk to their lender, choosing to watch their mailbox fill with notice after notice. If they only knew to pick up the phone and make that call to see just what options are available. And then there is the seedy side of this business where the vultures are circling these individuals looking to swoop down and pretend to offer a solution. As a representative of the real estate industry, I somehow believe we should be doing a far better job protecting the consumer from these low life's. The first step in this solution is to be open, transparent and offer sound education.

The Other Players in Foreclosure

In addition to those homeowners either in the midst of a foreclosure or those teetering on the edge, you find the buyers. Some are equally oportunistic, ready to "low-ball" the equity-starved seller who is trying to avoid foreclosure. Look at the impact of foreclosures on any hyper-local market - its snowball effect can slowly begin to rob a neighborhood of its property values.

Remembering Why I Have a Houston Real Estate License!

Our Houston REALTOR team here at the Zoller Group has decided to meet this challenging and growing reality of foreclosures and short sales head on. As a veteran Houston REALTOR, I was recently reminded of my responsibility to our Houston real estate website visitors, our Houston real estate blog visitors, our customers, and our clients:

To state all material facts relating to any Houston property (foreclosure, short sale or otherwise)
To protect my clients from legal peril and to offer sound consultation
To use every opportunity to educate consumers, customers and clients using my online presence to the very best of my ability

Our creditability as real estate professionals demands we skillfully fullfill these responsibilities. To do otherwise places those we work for at legal peril and financial risk.

Putting My Houston Real Estate Blog in High Gear!

With a fresh perspective, we launched a new post yesterday at the Fine Homes Houston Community blog on educating consumers about the terms we so flippantly use when talking about foreclosure. You are welcome to visit our Houston Real Estate Blog for a closer look.

Meg and Jim Zoller - The Zoller Group of Keller Williams Realty, The Metropolitan

Please view our Houston Real Estate website

Also, feel free to contact us at:

Direct: 713-661-0884
Toll Free: 800-808-6153

E-mail: Meg@FineHomesHouston.com or Jim@FineHomesHouston.com

Cells: Meg - 713-875-4844
Jim - 713-545-6338

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

Real Estate Update Newsletter - August, 2008

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:27:15 -0700

Topics in The Zoller Group's monthly real estate newsletter, REALTY NEWS UPDATE, include the following:

Mortgage Rate Locks
Current Mortgage Rates
New Information on Bathroom Redesign
Credit Scores
Local Market Conditions in Houston, Texas

We would greatly appreciate any feedback you could provide on the various articles. Jim and I strive to provide as much valuable information to you as possible.

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

Houston Market Reports-Why Post Them?- May 2008

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Wed, 28 May 2008 23:29:00 -0700

Why Post Market Reports?

Posting market reports not only helps home buyers, sellers and other interested parties . . . it also helps me to stay on top of what the market is doing. People want good reliable information from their real estate professionals. I want to do everything I can to provide easily understood information in Houston neighborhoods that I'm most familiar.

Please Feel Free to Offer Additional Information - I Want to Hear From YOU !!!

If at any time you can add to the information I offer . . .please do so. I would love to hear from you.

Current Houston Area Market Reports Available to YOU:

For Further Information, Please:

View Our Website
View Our Newsletter

WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU LIKE TO SEE IN MARKET CONDITION REPORTS?

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

ALHS

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Wed, 14 May 2008 09:05:10 -0700

I'm so excited that it was decided to form this group. I look forward to finding out how each of you are doing; and, to share ideas with you on marketing, etc. Let's make this a fabulous group!!!

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

2008 - 26th Annual Bellaire Home Tour Benefits Needs of the Nature Discovery Center

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 21:53:03 -0700

Six Bellaire, Texas homeowners have graciously offered to allow the public to view their individually interesting and unique homes this weekend . . . Saturday and Sunday, April 5th and 6th, 2008, from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.each day. The 26th annual Bellaire Home Tour benefits the Nature Discovery Center at Russ Pittman Park.

The homes vary from traditional to contemporary architecture and from older construction to newer construction. The uniqueness of each home will be enjoyed by everyone who takes the opportunity to view these homes.

TICKETS :

$12.00 in advance- picked up at Nature Discovery Center, Magpies, Teas Nursery and Whole Foods.

$15.00 on day of tour - available at each house

For pictures, descriptions and addresses of each of the homes please click here.

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

Blogging Boot Camp For Me . . . How About For You???

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 03:32:58 -0700

My friends at Dakno, Brad and Bobby Carroll, are offering a blogging boot camp which starts today, March 27, 2008. It's one hour on the telephone every Thursday for the next eight weeks. It's another commitment that I need to make. I think by participating in the program . . .it will get me pointed in the right direction for areas I need to improve. Maybe, I'll even become more disciplined and consistent on the time I spend blogging.

I need to go ahead and commit to the program. I've been dragging my feet. Education is one aspect of my business that I really like to focus on.

Have any of you attended or participated in a blogging boot camp or seminar that you found extremely valuable? If so, please let me know. I want to get the most out of this boot camp so I would like to know . . .what are the most important topics you learned that did you the most good?

If you're interested in Dakno's program click here for further information.

Thank you for taking your time to share your information with me!!

Meg and Jim Zoller - The Zoller Group of Keller Williams Realty, The Metropolitan

Please view our website, http://www.finehomeshouston.com/ . Also, feel free to contact us at:

Direct: 713-661-0884

Toll Free: 800-808-6153

E-mail: Meg@FineHomesHouston.com or Jim@FineHomesHouston.com

Cells: Meg - 713-875-4844 Jim - 713-545-6338

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

Digital Pictures Set-up. . . Need Help Anyone???

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:12:35 -0700

Richard Gordon, who specializes in Architectural and Real Estate Photography in Houston, Texas, gave a short seminar to REALTORS recently in a brownstone that was for sale. He had taken the beautiful advertising pictures for the home. My daughter, Kristin, and I took the opportunity to attend.

Among the many topics he discussed were:

Where you can take basic digital photography courses,
Equipment that you really need to take the photographs,
Lighting,
Set-up,
Post production.

The one section that caught my attention the most was the "set-up" of the pictures to show the rooms which are photographed in the best possible way. I knew when I was listening to him that this section wasn't too far over my head. I already knew a few of the tips, but I learned more. He taught us to:

Shoot the pictures from the corners of the room. It makes the rooms look larger.
Tell a story about the home by the pictures that you take and how you arrange them. Take them as you would normally proceed to tour the home yourself.
In order to make rooms look larger you need to use your imagination. Plan your pictures. One way was to not take a picture of the corner of the room where two walls meet. If the picture ends before the corner is seen, then it makes the room seem to continue . . .and to appear larger.
All lights should be turned on. Move lights around to get the best lighting you can if it's necessary.
Turn off all the ceiling fans so that the fan won't blur your picture.
Close any blinds upward so that you get better lighting for the pictures.
Sometimes it's necessary to move furniture to get the picture to balance better.
Sinks need to be neat and tidy and the faucet should be turned directly forward or perpendicular to the wall.

There were other ideas that he discussed, but I think these are the ones I needed to focus on.

Now I have to honestly tell you that when he started talking about DXO Optics Pro, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom/Elements and Paint Shop Pro . . . .he totally lost me. That information will have to be learned at a later date. I'm sure it will take me quite awhile to learn it.

If you would like to have Richard Gordon's contact information . . .please let me know and I'll happily give it to you. He will take photographs for all your marketing needs.

Meg and Jim Zoller - The Zoller Group of Keller Williams Realty, The Metropolitan

Please view our website, http://www.finehomeshouston.com/ . Also, feel free to contact us at:

Direct: 713-661-0884

Toll Free: 800-808-6153

E-mail: Meg@FineHomesHouston.com or Jim@FineHomesHouston.com

Cells: Meg - 713-875-4844 Jim - 713-545-6338

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

Bellaire Library Book Sale - Bellaire, Texas

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 01:21:56 -0700

There are many events and activities offered throughout the year in Bellaire, Texas. One of my favorites, though, is the Friends of the Library Book Sale. Ever since our daughters were little, Jim and I would take them to the sale and we would all stock up on books to read. It has always been a lot of fun to go through the piles of books and the boxes while we each selected those special books. Since the cost was very low for the books, we could each buy quite a few more books than we would if we went to the book store.

Well, it's that time of year again. The Friends of the Library Book Sale in Bellaire, Texas is this Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. It will be held in the parking lot at 5111 Jessamine in Bellaire.

Great bargains are always found. Paperback books are 50 cents each and hardback books are $1.00 each.

I hope that you can make the sale and stock up with all the books you desire.

Maybe we'll see you there!!!!

Meg and Jim Zoller - The Zoller Group of Keller Williams Realty, The Metropolitan

Please view our website, http://www.finehomeshouston.com/ . Also, feel free to contact us at:

Direct: 713-661-0884

Toll Free: 800-808-6153

E-mail: Meg@FineHomesHouston.com or Jim@FineHomesHouston.com

Cells: Meg - 713-875-4844 Jim - 713-545-6338

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884

6123 CLARIDGE DRIVE, HOUSTON, TX 77096

Meg Zoller Houston Fine Homes (Keller Williams) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:43:42 -0700

You will take personal pride and pleasure in making 6123 Claridge Drive your new single family home. Located in Fondren Southwest Northbrook Subdivision Sec 1 in Houston, Texas. . .this lovely home is across the street from the desirable neighborhood park and pool. It also sits on one side of the cul-de-sac. Home buyers will appreciate the fresh paint on the exterior and will take notice of the immaculate interior. This home has both a formal living room and dining room. The comfortable family room offers built-ins, abundant windows, charming corner fireplace, pretty paneling and a high ceiling. There is a private wet-bar between the family room and the breakfast room. The floor plan flows nicely and is good for those who entertain. You'll enjoy viewing the back yard while eating in the breakfast room. The kitchen is well planned for the cook. There are fruit trees in the back yard which you can enjoy. Both the front and back of this home are nicely landscaped. Claridge is reported by HCAD to be 2530 square feet. The lot is 8100 square feet. The four bedroom, two and a half bath, two car garage home is listed for only $153,900.
Trees frame the front of this lovely home which sits in the side of the cul-de-sac.The exterior of this home was recently painted.	Second picture of this lovely 4 bedroom home.
The nice landscaping and garage can be more clearly seen in relationship to this home.	The formal living room overlooks the foyer and peeks into the family room. There are doors that can be closed to offer this room more privacy.
The nice sized dining room is off the living room.	Formal dining room offers you and your guest a quiet place for dining and conversation.
The corner wood-burning fireplace is a beautiful feature of the family room.	Generous built-ins, lovely paneling, gorgeous windows and nice carpeting are also added features of the family room.
A nice sized breakfast room with a breakfast bar is found on this side of the kitchen	The kitchen offers abundant storage space, wonderful counter space, tile floors, and recent appliances.
	Generous sized master retreat is upstairs.
There is enough extra space in the master bedroom to have an office.	Much storage space is found in the master bathroom. There is a combination tub/shower.
Many fruit trees and flowering plants are discovered in the back and side yards.	Another view of the back yard and the rear of this home

Meg and Jim Zoller - The Zoller Group of Keller Williams Realty, The Metropolitan

Please view our website, http://www.finehomeshouston.com/ . Also, feel free to contact us at:

Direct: 713-661-0884

Toll Free: 800-808-6153

E-mail: Meg@FineHomesHouston.com or Jim@FineHomesHouston.com

Cells: Meg - 713-875-4844 Jim - 713-545-6338

Meg and Jim Zoller

The Zoller Group of

Keller williams Realty

550 Post Oak Blvd., Ste. 350

Houston, TX 77027

713-661-0884