Julie Kathryn Quest-Brooks's Blog

GUITAR PICKERS UNITE IN LUCKENBACH, TEXAS FOR RECORD BREAKING FUN – AUGUST 23, 2009

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:18:09 -0700

1,859 official pickers attended a gathering at Luckenbach, Texas on August 23, 2009 to break the world record for the Largest Gathering of Guitar Players. The song played? … “Let’s go to Luckenbach, Texas.”

The event raised money for our troops coming home, with emphasis on those having suffered Traumatic Brain Injuries while in combat. Check out VoicesofAGratefulNation.org for more information.

It was great fun! For pictures and a short clip of the song played, go to

GUITAR PICKERS UNITE IN LUCKENBACH, TEXAS FOR RECORD BREAKING FUN – AUGUST 23, 2009

2009 VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE – FREDERICKSBURG BATTLIN’ BILLIES

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:29:15 -0700

2009 VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE – FREDERICKSBURG BATTLIN’ BILLIES

August 14th, 2009 categories: Local Events

Source: FISD.org

2009 VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE – BOERNE GREYHOUNDS

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:28:17 -0700

2009 VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE – BOERNE GREYHOUNDS

August 14th, 2009 categories: Local Events

Source: www.SAsports.com

Preseason per www.boerne-isd.net:

8/15 vs. Del Valle HS 10:00 a.m. – Away

8/21 vs. Somerset HS 7:00 p.m. – Away

2009 VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE – KERRVILLE TIVY ANTLERS

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:26:33 -0700

2009 VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE – KERRVILLE TIVY ANTLERS

August 14th, 2009 categories: Local Events

Source: www.Kerrvilleisd.net

2009 VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE – COMFORT BOBCATS

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:25:30 -0700

2009 VARSITY FOOTBALL SCHEDULE – COMFORT BOBCATS

August 14th, 2009 categories: Local Events

Source: Comfort.txed.net

CUTE COTTAGE JUST OUTSIDE COMFORT, TX WITH SPECTACULAR VIEW – $129,500

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 14:13:23 -0700

CUTE COTTAGE JUST OUTSIDE COMFORT, TX WITH SPECTACULAR VIEW – $129,500

August 11th, 2009 categories: Featured Properties

This charming home is perched on a high hill overlooking Comfort town and beyond. Stunning views from both the living/kitchen area and the master bedroom. The home is currently laid out with an open floor plan (living/dining/kitchen all together) plus a separate master bedroom with bath open to master and living area. All the rooms are extremely spacious. The deck extends along the entire back of the house, great for entertaining or just enjoying the views! The interior is decorated in various shades of whites which are really tasteful. What a great home for a couple or even a second home in the Hill Country! Just a wonderful sense of peace sitting out on the deck. Don’t miss this one!

http://s351.photobucket.com/albums/q444/jkquest_photos/?action=view&current=39dc3e30.pbw

For more information, please contact Julie at 830-995-2511.

BOERNE SALES UP FOR JUNE, SLIGHTLY DOWN FOR JULY

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:28:51 -0700

BOERNE SALES UP FOR JUNE, SLIGHTLY DOWN FOR JULY

August 3rd, 2009 categories: Assessing the Local Market

Boerne Real Estate Sales are up for the Summer so far. Total Sales for June & July were $29.9 million as compared with $25.7 last year during the same period.

The number of total sales for June & July was up by 7; however, days on market increased from 138 to 200 from July, 2008 to July, 2009 reflecting increased inventories. Pending sales as of August 3, 2009, total just over $11.2 million.

We watch the Boerne market daily. If you have something specific that you are interested, we’d love to help you find what you are looking for.

Recently, we were contacted by a gentlemen. He had previously been in contact with a listing agent on a property, tried to make an offer, but did not get the property as there were competing bids. The moral of the story (as he found out) is that Buyers need their own representation. It eliminates conflicts of interest and it provides you, the buyer, with the best market information possible.

Our goal is to EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS BY GIVING YOU ABOVE & BEYOND SERVICE.

We’d love to visit with you. Call us at 830-995-2511.

REAL ESTATES SALES IN COMFORT, TX STILL LAGGING IN JUNE & JULY

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:27:38 -0700

REAL ESTATES SALES IN COMFORT, TX STILL LAGGING IN JUNE & JULY

August 3rd, 2009 categories: Assessing the Local Market

There were 4 residential sales in the Comfort ISD totaling just under $1.2 Million during the month of July selling at 94% of List Price. Inventory has been surprisingly low this Summer … so sales are down.

However, during the last several weeks we’ve seen a number of new properties come on the market. Be sure and check our MLS Search engine to find out about those properties.

One recent buyer client told us that we provided them with the BEST experience that they EVER had with a real estate agent! Our goal is to EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS WITH ABOVE & BEYOND SERVICE!

Our offices are located in Comfort but we sell from San Antonio to Kerrville, from Bandera to Fredericksburg. Give us a call. We’d love to help! 830-995-2511.

KERR COUNTY REAL ESTATES SALES – SUMMER SO FAR ABOUT EQUAL TO LAST

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 18:26:35 -0700

Real Estate Sales in Kerr County during the month of July slowed a bit. Sales amounted to $11.1 Million as compared with $13.5 Million a year earlier, down from June’s increase.

It would seem that the Kerr County market is continuing to adapt to the changing, slower market as we take a closer look at other available data. List/Sales Price decreased from 95% in July, 2008 to 93% in July, 2009 meaning that buyers are still getting better deals, overall. Inventory, which as been very high (there were 1121 Active listings as of July 31, 2009 as compared with 923 a year earlier) is finally seeing some improvement. Days on market, a number that tells us how long it takes an average property to sell, decreased from 168 in July, 2008 to 152 in July, 2009.

Our Motto is “Connecting Buyers & Sellers for a Win/Win Result”. We work hard to bring YOU the results you want! Ask us , we’ll tell you how! We can be reached at 830-995-2511.

BEST OF BURGERS IN THE HILL COUNTRY – TEXAS MONTHLY ARTICLE

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:35:15 -0700

It looks like two of our Hill Country Faves made Texas Monthly’s 2009 Best Burgers List: #3 Alamo Springs Cafe cheeseburger with chiles on jalapeno cheese bun and #49 Kerrville’s Classics Burgers and “Moore” cheeseburger. Check out the full article Here.

OUR REAL ESTATE STRATEGY: CONNECTING BUYERS & SELLERS FOR A WIN/WIN RESULT

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:00:05 -0700

What separates a good real estate agent from a really GREAT one? I am an observer by nature and I am always observing agents to determine who the good ones are and who are not. Quite honestly, there are times when I look at listings that I am about to show to a client and I cringe after I notice who the listing agent is. I do that because, as in all businesses, there are real estate agents who are not pleasant to deal with, who aren’t very efficient at doing their job (my #1 pet peeve), and, in terms of their negotiating techniques on behalf of their clients, they are operating at a 2 or 3 year old level. “This is MINE and you can’t have it!”

Our tag line for our business is: “Connecting Buyers & Sellers for a Win/Win Result.” It pretty much sums up who we are and how we do business. First, our belief is that the real estate business is about matching willing buyers and willing sellers. We’re not trying to convince anyone to do anything they don’t want to do. Secondly, we believe that we can do that that in a win/win way for all.

There are some in the real estate business who would take exception to our strategy about the win/win aspect and say that representation is exclusively about getting your client the very best deal (e.g., it’s not a win/win, but a win/lose, with the “win” in favor of MY client and the lose in favor of YOUR client). Another way of saying it is, “We absolutely won’t leave anything on the table.”

While it certainly IS our goal to get our client the very best deal possible (and we really are quite good at it), the problem with the Win/Lose approach is that it creates an adversarial relationship between the parties. Win/Lose negotiators often have strong egos and they have an extremely limited view of what the client’s REAL interests are. To say it a different way, they are negotiating based from their own ego, not in the true interest of the client. Even though the strategy sounds like a good idea for the client, quite often the results are less than what you might expect. The problem is that adversarial negotiating quite often ends up in compromise in order to get the deal done and so … sometimes they win, sometimes they lose. And sometimes the adversarial relationship continues … even into the courts.

The alternative way of negotiating is based on interests. It’s a bigger picture view and it provides for many more possible solutions. The truth is that people and situations are complex and every transaction has multiple factors that influence whether a person is getting a good deal or not. For example, who wants a great price on something that doesn’t interest them? or work for their family?

What we are trying to do is match interests and so we we feel like it is our job (and we spend most of our time observing and anticipating) what the changing interests of both parties are so that we can create a contractual agreement that both parties want to live up to. Sometimes, the hardest task is getting people to “see outside the box” … that their interests truly are being served with the creative solution that we are offering. See future articles with the keyword, “Interest Based Negotiations” for further elaboration the subject.

Connecting Buyers & Sellers for a Win/Win Result: It’s what we do. It’s who we are. And, it takes advantage of what people truthfully want to do. It is our feeling that if we are creative in putting deals together, we will get much better results than the next guy … and those results will be win/win for all!

If you are looking for win/win results, give us a call at 830-995-2511. We’d love to visit with you.

GUITAR PICKIN’ WITH A PATRIOTIC FLAVOR – LUCKENBACH, TEXAS – AUGUST 23, 2009

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:58:35 -0700

Here’s a fun item you won’t want to miss, especially if you are of the guitar pickin’ persuasion. A gathering will be held on August 23, 2009 to attempt to break the World Record for the Biggest Guitar Pickin’ Session ever! Everyone’s welcome to bring small instruments like fiddles, banjos, or shakers but most importantly, BRING GUITARS AND YOUR PICKIN’ BUDDIES!

The event will benefit our troops coming home, with emphasis on those having suffered Traumatic Brain Injuries while in combat. Check out VoicesofAGratefulNation.org for more information and See you there!

SHOULD YOU REFINANCE YOUR MORTAGE? WELL … IT DEPENDS!

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:08:11 -0700

It seems that every time I turn on my computer, there is an advertisement on the screen encouraging me to refinance my mortgage. “OBAMA ENCOURAGES YOU TO REFINANCE YOUR MORTGAGE” says one advertisement. Surely I should then, Right? … Well, it depends.

There are a number of factors that need to be considered in determining whether you should refinance your mortgage. The following is a copy of a Mortgage Calculator that we have on our website (I’ll give you the link at the end of this article) that helps you consider all of those factors:

The point is that the interest rate is not the only factor you need to look at. If you extend your loan term and are charged a whole lot of fees to lock in a lower interest rate, you could end up paying a whole lot more for your mortgage than you might think … especially if you don’t plan to stay in your house for the entire term of the mortgage.

Our recommendation is to always be sure and test out the costs/benefits by using a Mortgage Comparison Calculator similar to the one we have on our website and ALWAYS ask your lender UP FRONT what their fees are. Mortgage lenders are required by law to give you a disclosure that estimates those costs! It is referred to as the Truth-in-Lending Disclosure and it takes all of the costs associated with the loan and annualizes them over the term of the loan and comes up with a REAL (APR) rate. As a general rule, the stated rate and the APR rate should not differ by more than 1%.

Obviously, people refinance for more than interest rate savings (e.g., decreasing monthly payment, pulling out equity, etc.), but you should go into the loan knowing the true effect.

We hope this information helps both in your understanding and in the practical application of deciding whether to not to refinance. Our goal is to provide you with “above and beyond” service. Please keep us in mind the next time you or a friend or family member is in need of a real estate agent whether buying or selling.

Click Here to go to the Mortgage Calculator pictured above. Just be sure and scroll down until you get to the right calculator.

REAL ESTATE SALES IN KERR COUNTY: $5.7 MILLION FOR MONTH OF MAY, $33 MILLION FOR YEAR SO FAR

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:42:46 -0700

REAL ESTATE SALES IN KERR COUNTY: $5.7 MILLION FOR MONTH OF MAY, $33 MILLION FOR YEAR SO FAR

June 2nd, 2009 categories: Assessing the Local Market

Given the recessionary climate that we have been in this last year, every one is watching and waiting for the real estate market to turn around. Will it happen this month? Will it be next?

There have been some statistics showing encouragement of late … particularly, the stock market that has been leveling out, consumer confidence is rising, and interest rates are continuing to be very low.

Most people in real estate will tell you that there has been a significant increase in traffic this last month. Real Estate sales normally begin to increase in the month of May as Summer is traditionally the high season for moving.

In Kerr County, there were 35 sales totaling $5,676,350 during the month of May as compared with 59 sales totaling $11,879,775 during the same period last year. Still significantly down; however, encouraging from the previous months.

For the year so far, here’s the data for Kerr County:

170 units sold totaling just over $33 million as compared with $273 units totaling $53.8 million. That’s 103 Units down for a total of just over $20 million! WOW! That’s quite an impact on the overall economy and particularly those in real estate.

We remain encouraged though. Things are looking up! As of June 2, There are currently 70 Listings totaling $15.7 Million in Kerr County listed as pending or active with a contingency.

People are learning to accept our new market conditions. Prices are being lowered! People are getting creative! We’re all working harder! Real Estate always comes back around!!!

With every obstacle is an opportunity for a change for the better! We’re doing our best to work smarter for our clients! And, as you can see, we are actively watching the real estate market so that we can provide YOU with the best information. Give us a call 830-995-2511 for more information and to find out how we can help you with your purchase or sale in the Hill Country. We are members of the San Antonio, Kerrville & Gillespie MLS services and so can help you anywhere in that market area!

Numbers Aren’t Yet Reflecting Increased Market Activity in Comfort, Texas

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:25:05 -0700

Numbers Aren’t Yet Reflecting Increased Market Activity in Comfort, Texas

June 2nd, 2009 categories: Assessing the Local Market

I was surprised to discover that the increased market activity that we have been seeing in the area has not yet turned into actual sales (at least for Comfort). For the months of April and May, there were NO sales (as compared to 2 the preceding year totalling $962,264). Here’s where we are for the year:

I guess the surprise is due to the increased number of properties under contract (5 currently). It is likely that next month’s figures will be much better. Also, there are several Comfort properties listed only in the Kerrville MLS. None have sold to my knowledge; however, at least one is under contract.

The other interesting piece of data that I found for Comfort:

There are 202 Units of Real Estate currently on the market with a total market value (e.g., list price) of $73 Million.

Pretty significant for a little community of just over 5,000, huh?

If you’d like to add to or substract from that number, we’d love to help you! We’re your source for real estate & community information for Comfort and the surrounding area! Give us a call 830-995-2511.

TEXAS ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR - MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND - KERRVILLE, TX

Fri, 22 May 2009 15:08:40 -0700

TEXAS ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR - MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND - KERRVILLE, TX

May 22nd, 2009 categories: Local Events

Be sure to check out the Arts & Craft Fair in Kerrville at the Events Park on Hwy 27 just east of Loop 534 & the VA Hospital on Hwy 27 (Memorial Blvd) on Saturday, Sunday & Monday.

Hours are 10-6 on Saturday & Sunday and 10-4 on Monday. 160+ Artists featuring:

Ceramics
Fiber
Graphics & Drawings
Leather
Mixed Media
Painting
Sculpture
Culinary Arts
Glass
Jewelry
Metalwork
Photography
Wood

Hands-on Education
Art Demonstrations
Live Entertainment
Children’s Activity Area
Specialty Art Exhibits
Talent Contests
Great Food

Admission is $10 for a 3-day Adult Admission, $7 for Monday only Adult Admission, and $2 for Child Admission per day. For more information, go to www.theartoftexas.com.

KERRVILLE FOLK FESTIVAL OPENS MAY 21st AND PLAYS THROUGH JUNE 7th

Fri, 22 May 2009 15:07:31 -0700

KERRVILLE FOLK FESTIVAL OPENS MAY 21st AND PLAYS THROUGH JUNE 7th

May 22nd, 2009 categories: Local Events

Quiet Valley Ranch will be all but quiet beginning May 21st and will feature numerous Folk, Blues & Texas Roots artists such as:

John Vezner
Guy Forsyth
Amilia k Spicer
TR Ritchie
Bruce Robison
The Limeliters
Band of Heathens
Terri Hendrix
Ray Bonneville
Sonia & Disappear Fear
Elllis Paul
Patrice Pike
Jimmy LaFave
Ray Wylie Hubbard
Billy Jonas
Ruthie Foster
Belleville Outfit
Jaime Michaels
Jonathan Byrd
KC Clifford
Butch Morgan
Border Blasters
Trout Fishing in America
Austin Lounge Lizards

This is the 38th year of the Folk Festival and it’s a real interesting mix of people that show up. You won’t want to miss it!

Quiet Valley Ranch is 9 miles South of Kerrville on Texas Hwy 16. Tickets range from $20 to $35 p/day. Camping is also available. Go to www.KerrvilleFolkFestival.com for more information.

SMALL ACREAGE WITH REASONABLE BUILDING RESTRICTIONS - $42,500

Tue, 19 May 2009 15:06:35 -0700

SMALL ACREAGE WITH REASONABLE BUILDING RESTRICTIONS - $42,500

May 19th, 2009 categories: Featured Properties

Check out this hard-to-find small acreage in the Hill Country (Center Point ISD) with reasonable building restrictions (1000 sf minimum, 51% masonry). Horses, sheep, goats, and chickens allowed - ask about maximums. Level terrain with plenty of room to place well, septic and home. Nice views of hills. Perimeter fenced. Small storage building. Broker has ownership interest. Call 830-995-2511 for more information.

Local Hill Country Property Tax Rates for 2008

Tue, 19 May 2009 14:00:01 -0700

Local Hill Country Property Tax Rates for 2008

May 8th, 2009 categories: Real Estate Resourcing

Here’s a compilation of 2008 property tax rates in the Hill Country area (prepared to the best of my ability based on information provided from local county appraisal districts):

Report on LCRA Meeting in Comfort - 5/12/09

Tue, 19 May 2009 13:58:42 -0700

Report on LCRA Meeting in Comfort - 5/12/09

May 14th, 2009 categories: Comfort Community News, Views & Faces

I attended the LCRA Informational Meeting in Comfort Tuesday evening regarding the proposed transmission lines carrying competitive renewable energy (e.g., wind generated energy) through the Gillespie/Kerr/Kendall area. I wanted to better understand where the transmission lines might run in and around Comfort. Here’s my take on it!

Apparently, there are two scenarios that will affect this area: The Twin Buttes to McCamey D to Westwind to Kendall Transmission Line Project (bringing wind generated electricity from the San Angelo area into the Comfort station) and the Westwind/Kendall to Gillespie to Newton Transmission Line Project (taking the electricity back out of Comfort Station toward the North and East, ultimately to Kempner). The LCRA displayed maps showing several proposed routes for both projects. Aerial photos revealed exactly whose land would be affected. Here’s a few of my observations as they relate to the Comfort area:

All of the routes for both projects affected only areas on the North/East side of I-10 of Comfort.
One potential route would run parallel to I-10.
Both projects included proposed routes that could impact The Reserve and Falling Water (they would run to the West of those areas).
Another proposed route would affect properties up FM 473 from Comfort.
Another proposal provides for lines running parallel to the transmission lines which currently are being erected North of Comfort. Those lines (erected by a private company, not LCRA) run on the East side of Hwy 87 and cross at the base of Stieler Hill.

Obviously, no one wants big transmission lines on or near their land. Ultimately, LCRA will make a proposal which will go before the Public Utility Commission who will make the ultimate decision. The purpose of the meetings is to show the different options and get public comment.

If you would like to see copies of the maps and fill out a Questionaire in order to give your input, I would encourage you to go to the Kerrville meeting tonight, Thursday evening, between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at Tally Elementary. Or, you can contact me. I have copies of the maps (not the aerial photos though) and have some extra Questionaires. But don’t delay because they are due in by the end of the month!

See also this Fredericksburg Standard article reporting on the Harper and Fredericksburg meetings.

We’re staying informed to better serve you!

With Texas Hills Come Valleys, Rivers (& Flooding): How to Handle Flood Plain Issues

Tue, 19 May 2009 13:57:09 -0700

With Texas Hills Come Valleys, Rivers (& Flooding): How to Handle Flood Plain Issues

Beautiful Creek View in the Hill Country (available with Cabin www.hillcountryvacationrental.com)

The Texas Hill Country is full of beautiful hills, valleys, rivers, and creeks (like the one pictured to the left).

You’d think that every one moving to the Hill Country would want something like that. Beautiful, Live water! Ahhhhh…. You can almost feel your blood pressure falling, can’t you?

Well … Maybe. Maybe not! For some it might actually increase their blood pressure. So .. it just depends!

As with many things in life, with every plus, there is a minus and with live water comes the possibility of flooding. You just have to weigh the good with the bad and determine if it is right for you!

I had someone call me not too long and say that they wanted a live water property that was not in the flood plain. Kindof a problem, you think?

In some places, especially here in Comfort, a very large portion of the community is in the flood plain. The river and creek that caused the original settlers to settle there also caused those settlers much difficulty through the years. In fact, Comfort’s “main” street (e.g., the place where the majority of the town’s businesses are located) is now “High Street” because businesses relocated to “higher” ground after numerous floods.

So .. for many properties in the Hill Country, including properties in Kerrville, Bandera, Center Point, Fredericksburg, etc., you will have to weigh flood insurance into the overall budget.

When faced with flood plain issues, one term can be especially confusing.

100-Year Flood - The term 100-year flood is misleading. It is not the flood that will occur once every 100 years. Rather, it is the flood that has a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. Thus, the 100-year flood could occur more than once in a relatively short period of time. The 100-year flood is also known as the base flood or 1 percent annual flood.

So, how do you know whether the property you are looking at is in the floodplain? You will want to locate the the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for your area. Here is a portion of Comfort, Texas (Panel 90 in Kendall County):

Flood Insurance Map for Comfort, Texas

What you will notice is that there are different zones shown as wells as various numbers. For areas in the Hill Country, you will be concerned with Zones A & B. Zone B is considered to be in the “flood fringe area” (e.g., the risk of flooding is less than 1%; however, still a possibility). Many mortgage companies still require coverage for properties in Zone B.

Zone A is definitely in the high risk portion of the flood plain. Often, Zone A will be broken down into subareas ranging from Zone A-1 to Zone A-30. If your property is in a Zone A area, you will definitely need flood insurance and the Flood Insurance Rate Map will tell your insurance agent how to price your premium. Flood insurance premiums are federally regulated. Often, individuals and lenders will ask for a Flood Insurance Certificate in order to better define the risk of flooding and can help save in premiums.

A Flood Insurance Certificate is prepared by a surveyor who certifies the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) that the property is in, the Lowest Floor Elevation(LFE), and the Lowest Adjacent Grade (LAG).

Base Flood Elevation (BFE) – The Base Flood Elevation is the height of the base flood, usually in feet, in relation to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929, the North American Vertical Datum of 1988, or other datum referenced in the Flood Insurance Study report, or average depth of the base flood, usually in feet, above the ground surface.

The other two terms, LFE and LAG give perspective as to where the house is relative to the BFE. If it is above the BFE, insurance rates could be less than standard FIRM rates. If the house is at or below the BFE, the insurance rates likely will remain at the FIRM rates.

Whether your house was built (or substantially improved) prior to the community’s first Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) or not will factor into how much you pay in flood insurance premiums. Ask your insurance agent.

For other terms related to flood plain, go to:

nfipmapterminology

Or if you would like information on a specific area or property, we’d love to help you. You can draw on our expertise of Hill Country real estate and the dynamics related to it.

We’d love to be your Hill Country Home & Ranch Team! 830-995-2511.

THE MORTGAGE CRISIS DRAMA: What Really Happened?

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 11:55:39 -0700

THE MORTGAGE CRISIS DRAMA: What Really Happened?

March 20th, 2009 categories: Featured Properties, Real Estate Resourcing

If you are still trying to figure out what caused the Mortgage Bailout, check out the Frontline program, “Inside the Meltdown.” It is extremely informative and gives a full chronology of all the events that led up to the bailout.

Click Here to view the program.

MARKET DATA FOR COMFORT TEXAS: February was a good month!

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:47:50 -0800

MARKET DATA FOR COMFORT TEXAS: February was a good month!

March 6th, 2009 categories: Assessing the Local Market

Real estate sales in Comfort, Texas during February were stronger than last year’s figures. There were 3 sales totaling just under $1.4 million which compares with 6 sales totaling just under $1.2 million during February 2008.

Two of the 3 sales were properties greater than 25 acres. In a rural area such as Comfort, properties with large acreages generally make up a large portion of the overall sales figures. Hopefully last month’s results indicates a change in the trend as sales of large acreages were off during most of 2008.

We are generally optimistic about Comfort for 2009. Several new “tourist destinations” are expected to make their home in the Comfort area … which should help the overall economy and the appeal of the area. Also, we believe the trend toward “small town” living will continue. Many people believe that Comfort is the first “true” small town in the Hill Country outside of San Antonio … so it has great appeal to those looking for that quaint, “All American”, small town feel.

The Hill Country is a great place to live … So, if Comfort is what you’re looking for, give us a call. We’d love to help you find your “Hill Country Dream Home.”

PRICEY HOME SALES IN BOERNE CONTRIBUTED TO STELLAR SALES FIGURES FOR JANUARY & FEBRUARY

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:45:15 -0800

PRICEY HOME SALES IN BOERNE CONTRIBUTED TO STELLAR SALES FIGURES FOR JANUARY & FEBRUARY

March 5th, 2009 categories: Assessing the Local Market

Four home sales totaling $7.1 Million contributed to better than average sales figures for the Boerne area during the months of January and February. One might actually use the word, “STELLAR” if comparing these statistics with the national market .

All in all, there were a total of 40 sales that amounted to $17 Million during the months of January and February as compared with 59 sales totalling $18.7 Million during the same time period the previous year.

Based on these figures, it appears that the Boerne market may be on the road to recovery. Good news for anyone that has been sitting on the fence waiting for the market to recover before placing their home on the market. If that’s you, give us a call and we’d be happy to give you a free market analysis for your home.

And, if you are interested in buying in the Boerne area, we’d love to represent you. Our number is 830-995-2511.

Our encouragement to you in this market: Get good advice! Move in peace! Live in Freedom!

LOOKING FOR REHAB INVESTOR - $20K Cash + 680 Credit Score

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:36:27 -0800

LOOKING FOR REHAB INVESTOR - $20K Cash + 680 Credit Score

March 5th, 2009 categories: Real Estate Resourcing

I picked up a brochure the other day from a mortgage company catering to Re-Hab Investors. The terms are as follows:

They will fund the purchase price, all rehab costs and closing costs SO LONG AS all of those costs don't exceed 75% of the final appraised value. There are 2 appraisals done - One at the Purchase and One at the time of the Take Out Loan.

Pre-qualification is for both the Re-Hab Loan and the Take-out Loan (permanent financing once repairs are done). To be eligible for the Re-Hab portion of the loan, you must have at least $20,000 in available cash assets and a 680 Credit Score. The Permanent Loan generally follows FNMA guidelines.

You are your own contractor and up to three draws can be taken during the 90 day Re-Hab period.

Obviously, I am not guaranteeing these terms as this is the information that I was told from the loan officer ... but thought I'd pass it on as good information. For more information, email and I will give you the referral.

We have a listing that would be great for this type of loan. To see it, Click Here.