MLBroadcast Eliminates Set Up Fee! - 03/31/09 05:05 PM

Via Michael Price (MLBroadcast.Com):
As of today we have eliminated the $49 set up fee for MLBroadcast. Now there's no reason for you not to become a broadcaster of your content. For only $29 you can convert your listing or community photos to professionally narrated videos that are broadcasted to a wide network of video podcasting and web video sites like YouTube or iTunes. If you haven't tried it yet, visit http://www.mlbroadcast.com and get started today!
… (1 comments)

Realtor Short Sale Coaching and Training | Free Real Estate Training - 03/31/09 04:53 PM
Free Short Sales Coaching from the comfort of your home!
Via Tim and Julie Harris (Harris Real Estate University):
Realtors, what are you doing this Thursday at 12nn pst, 3pm etc?
This is a copy of an email that I just sent out…..wanted to make sure everyone has equal opportunity to attend this weeks FREE Agent Short Sale Secrets teleconference or webinar.
Hey,
“Can you list and sell this Shortsale?”
Are you ready to hear that question from nearly every seller in your market?
Free Teleconference (or Webinar)
Let be 100% honest with each other..in THIS market your answer to that question must … (0 comments)

Why Use A Real Estate Agent? - 03/30/09 04:54 PM
Why Use A Real Estate Agent?
If you are a home buyer or seller, you may ask yourself whether it is worth the expense of having a real estate professional involved in the transaction. You may think you are saving money by doing it yourself, but you could be biting off more than you can chew. Forfeiting professional help means depriving yourself of an array of services that can make a sale or purchase go considerably more smoothly.
In a recent survey by the National Association of Realtors, more than three-quarters of the people surveyed who had used a real estate … (6 comments)

The Life of an Escrow and it's purpose-How Does Escrow Work? - 03/30/09 04:46 PM
Ever get asked this question and found your self guessing?
If you've ever made an informal bet with a friend, you may have asked a third person to hold the money until the wager was resolved. When you take out a mortgage to buy a home, you're doing something similar by opening an escrow account.
How it works
When you put money in escrow it is held by a neutral third party (called an escrow agent) who works for both the lender and the borrower. The agent's role is to carry out the instructions agreed upon by both parties. The … (1 comments)

In the Head of a For Sale by Owner - 03/30/09 12:51 PM

Via Scott Jones (First American Title):
The market has been so good for so long we are seeing more and more sellers trying to sell on their own. The seller is thinking if they are successful selling on their own they will save money. Never forget this statement of fact: FOR SALE BY OWNER IS ONLY A SAVINGS IF THE SELLER GETS TOP DOLLAR AND NOTHING GOES WRONG! 
As Licensed Real Estate Professionals your duty is to communicate and demonstrate how and why the seller is better off with you than without you. You can do this by simply showing a seller … (0 comments)

Explanation of the Title Commitment - 03/30/09 12:49 PM
Need an Explanation of the Title Commitment?
Explanation of the Title Commitment
The first time you receive a copy of title company commitment, you might find it difficult to understand.  Actually, the commitment is an easy document to read. Once familiar with the commitment, it becomes a road map to follow to ensure that the property being transferred is in insurable condition.
Explanation:
Schedule "A"
Date - This is the date and time to which the records have been examined. GF Number- (Guaranty File Number)Number given by company to identify file. Use this number when calling for any … (3 comments)

Rates Hit Record low! Calling First Time Home Buyers - 03/30/09 09:37 AM
30-year loan rates hit record low! Time to call those buyers on the fence!
Interest rates on 30-year mortgages dropped to the lowest level on record this week, adding another incentive for home buyers to leap back into the market.
Few in the industry, however, consider falling rates the silver bullet to a real estate recovery. The tumbling economy continues to weigh heavily on consumer psychology.
"Will it help fuel some demand? Sure it will,"
"Will it be the biggest factor this year? No. Ending the recession, reducing the pace of job cuts and solving the jumbo loan problem will … (2 comments)

Should "CODE ENFORCEMENT" slow down Real Estate - 03/30/09 09:21 AM
Should Code enforcement slow down real estate transactions? 
 should send up red flags all over the place. The last thing anyone would want would be to restrict real estate closings with another layer of government. Realtors have a code of ethics by which they are supposed to abide when conducting business. Like attorneys and doctors, we can let them police themselves. Stopping a real estate transaction so that code enforcement can make sure all changes to the home were properly permitted is a disaster waiting to happen. For one, county records before 1980 aren't sound enough to require this oversight. Two, … (0 comments)

Simple ways to enhance your online marketing! - 03/30/09 08:57 AM
Online Marketing Made Simple!
Internet Marketing Class
I'm a firm believer in Internet Marketing for Real Estate.  According to studies, 87% of people looking for Real Estate shop on line firs. Most Realtors are terrified of the Internet or they just don't know how to effectivlymarket themselves and their listings using the Web. 
First American Title Clear Lake has a great  training class called Blogging, Podcasting and Search Engine Optimization.  This class is a perfect opportunity for the "don't know how" Internet Marketing People.  In this class we will go over what makes a good domain name. We will examine setting … (0 comments)

Managing your Data Base - 03/30/09 08:54 AM
Managing Contacts and your Data base
To store your prospecting information and assure your prompt and ongoing follow-up, employ contact management software such as Goldmine, ACT, or SharkWare. Also, look into real estate-specific software packages such as Top Producer or Online Agent, which are designed to help you with your sales functions and also with business management (including market reports, correspondence templates, and even tracking your closings).
Regardless of the system you select, you must be able to access your contact database with reliability and ease.
This isn't the place to apply a shoestring budget. Minimally, you will want to … (3 comments)

Wallpaper Removal Really Does Make a Difference - 03/27/09 06:35 PM

Via Judy Heinrich - Richmond VA Home Staging (Judy Heinrich Home Staging, LLC):
You've no doubt heard it before, but it always bears repeating... Remove wallpaper prior to putting your house on the market.  I recently did a Walk & Talk Consultation for some sellers who had their house on the market for a very long time, 175 days. Overall, their house was in pretty good shape.  They had decluttered and maintained it well.  I suggested a few additional decor items, repositioned some furniture, etc.  Unfortunately, their previous agent told them it was okay to leave up the wallpaper that was in … (0 comments)

Link Roundup - Stuff You Should Be Reading - 03/27/09 02:01 PM
Great advice!
Via Michael Price (MLBroadcast.Com):
Here's a round up of RE related links from around the web that you should be reading.
Mike's Corner (Hey it's my blog, it should be first on the list)
Bridging the Gap. Real Estate Blogging Basics
An irreverent Look At Real Estate Blogging
Featured Realtor® Blog - Loco Musings
After a full year, I find another worthy Realtor® Blog To Feature
GeekEstate Blog
Free Data Sources For Your Web Site
An excellent round up of great resources for your blog or site.
Agent Genius
Agents, Legends In Their Own Minds...
I'll have … (0 comments)

Embed Your MLBroadcast Videos In Your Active Rain Posts - 03/27/09 01:57 PM
Great info.!
Via Michael Price (MLBroadcast.Com):
Active Rainers can now embed their MLBroadcast episodes in their blog posts. E-mail support@mlbroadcast for instructions. it's easy:
 
… (0 comments)

Need an Explanation of the Title Commitment? - 03/27/09 01:56 PM
Explanation of the Title Commitment
The first time you receive a copy of title company commitment, you might find it difficult to understand.  Actually, the commitment is an easy document to read. Once familiar with the commitment, it becomes a road map to follow to ensure that the property being transferred is in insurable condition.
Explanation:
Schedule "A"
Date - This is the date and time to which the records have been examined. GF Number- (Guaranty File Number)Number given by company to identify file. Use this number when calling for any information on the file. Policies or Policy - … (4 comments)

Traffic Issues Affecting Home Sales - 03/25/09 09:03 PM
 
Via League City, TX - Brian Worrell (Prudential Gary Greene):
I for one can't wait for the construction on I-45 to be complete.  It's killing my open houses in League City - MarBella.  This is such a beautiful community and sales have been red hot!  But, the weekend open houses are not so hot on weekends when I-45 is closed...  I'm very excited about the finished product though.  It should really help traffic flow.  And the NASA bypass is awesome!
Then again, nobody ever said they loved traffic!!!



© 2009 Brian Worrell, Realtor in League City, TX - … (1 comments)

Don't forget! Get your stamps while you can! - 03/25/09 08:58 PM
Stamp prices to go up 2-cents in May get ready to send out to clients!! (edit/delete)
Agents Great opportunity send out some cards to your Data base!
The post office will get an extra 2-cents worth when you mail a letter starting in May.
The U.S. Postal Service announced Tuesday that the price of a first-class stamp will rise to 44 cents on May 11.
That gives plenty of time to stock up on Forever Stamps, which will continue to sell at the current 42-cent rate until the increase occurs. They will remain valid in the future regardless of … (32 comments)

Explanation of the Title Commitment - 03/25/09 03:10 PM

Via Scott Jones (First American Title):
The first time you receive a copy of title company commitment, you might find it difficult to understand.  Actually, the commitment is an easy document to read. Once familiar with the commitment, it becomes a road map to follow to ensure that the property being transferred is in insurable condition.
Explanation:
Schedule "A"
Date - This is the date and time to which the records have been examined. GF Number- (Guaranty File Number)Number given by company to identify file. Use this number when calling for any information on the file. Policies or Policy - This … (0 comments)

Washington Quiet Zone - no more train horns!!! - 03/25/09 03:05 PM

Via League City, TX - Brian Worrell (Prudential Gary Greene):
Implementation of the Washington Quiet Zone has already begun. This means simply that
THE TRAINS WILL NO LONGER SOUND THEIR HORNS HERE.
Click here to see information on 1335 Studer Street January 27, 2009
A Great Day for Washington Corridor Residents and the Citizens of Houston
Thanks to your action and your support,
the Washington Corridor Quiet Zone
Has Achieved Tier I Status!
Quiet Zone Work to Begin by June 2009.
January 27, 2009 - Supporters of the Washington Quiet Zone gathered in the City Council Chambers to … (0 comments)

AREA NEAR NASA BYPASS TO BE CLOSED THIS WEEKEND - 03/25/09 03:04 PM
Not again!
Via League City, TX - Brian Worrell (Prudential Gary Greene):
AREA NEAR NASA BYPASS TO BE CLOSED THIS WEEKEND:
The northbound and southbound lanes of Gulf Freeway will close this weekend as the state’s transportation department continues road construction in the area around NASA Bypass. Interstate 45 will close between 9 p.m. Friday and noon Sunday, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. The department will close all southbound lanes between Bay Area Boulevard and NASA Bypass. On the northbound side, the department will close only the inside left lane between FM 518 to NASA Bypass, said Karen Othon, spokeswoman. The … (1 comments)

Sumter SC - February 2009 Market Analysis - 03/24/09 12:59 PM

Via Ron Bridges (ERA Wilder Realty, Inc.):
First let me say, starting with this analysis, I have decided to give more information than I have in the past but still keep the information relative to the home seller and buyer.  
Annual Comparison:  This month was another month of declines from last year but looks like the downward sales trend may be starting to slow up.  Twenty eight less homes were sold this February than February 2008 but we are seeing more buyers and more showings.
Home Sales Comparison Between February 2008 and February 2009
Price Range in $   Number of Sold in 02/08    Number of Sold in 02/09    Difference
… (0 comments)

Houston Earns Top Spot in National Growth - 03/23/09 01:58 PM
Houston earns top spot in nation for corporate growth  
 - Houston's domination in the energy sector and its ability to land huge technology deals drove the city to the number one spot for the first time on Site Selection magazine's list of Top Metro rankings for corporate location and expansion activity. Site Selection said Houston clinched the top spot after scoring 179 corporate real estate deals in 2008, unseating three-year incumbent Chicago-Naperville-Joliet. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington finished second with 156 projects, and Chicago came in third with 138. Last year, Houston was fourth behind Cincinnati and St. Louis for cities with more than … (2 comments)

Things to See and Do in Texas - March 2009 edition - 03/19/09 03:27 PM
Tired of doing the same old things? Check this out!
Via Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)):
Sorry all to post this late, but there is still a good bit of March left, so check out the list!  I will be more timely in April!  By the way, THANKS to Alamo Title for supplying this list!
01 ABILENE Silver Spur Gun & Blade Show, (806) 253-1322
01 AUSTIN Zilker Park Kite Festival, (512) 448-5483, www.zilkerkitefestival.com
01 ODESSA Camp Marfa: Big Painters, (432) 552-3288
01 WINDTHORST Homemade German Sausage Meal, (940) 423-6444
02 DRIFTWOOD An Evening in the Vineyard, (512) 858-1506, www.theburkecenter.org
… (0 comments)

Ever Had One of These Days - 03/19/09 03:16 PM

Via Ron Bridges (ERA Wilder Realty, Inc.):
I wanted to share something I got in my email today.  Ever had one of these days?
AAADD- KNOW THE SYMPTOMS.....PLEASE READ! -Thank goodness there's a name for this disorder.  Somehow I feel better,even though I have it!!  Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. -Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.This is how it manifests:I decide to water my garden.  As I turn on the hose in the driveway,I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.As I start toward the garage,I notice mail on the porch table thatI brought up from the mail box … (0 comments)

Home Sellers Top Questions About Home Staging - 03/19/09 09:22 AM

Via Cindy Bryant~Houston's Home Staging & Professional Home Stagers~RVP RESA~ASHSR (Redesign Etc.~Specialist in Staging Vacant Properties.):
                                                       

There is so much information on home staging, that home sellers are on overload.  With advice coming from all kinds of sources and areas of the country.  Yes, it is confusing, where do you start?   If you watch tv, you may get the impression you can have your home staged for under $2000.  Or another show may stage a home for around $20,000.   Big difference!   Another show has strangers coming to your house picking it apart, to the point that you're thinking, no way am I going to let someone do that to … (0 comments)

Call me... if you can - 03/19/09 08:48 AM

Via League City, TX - Brian Worrell (Prudential Gary Greene):
Let me guess, you've just spent thousands on your new website, and you want to know why nobody is calling???
One of stupidest things you can do on your website is to make if difficult for people to find out how to contact you!!!  Make sure you put your phone number on EVERY SINGLE PAGE of your website!!!  Don't make it difficult.  Don't make it excruciatingly painful to figure this one piece of information out.
… (0 comments)

BE CAREFUL! Clear Lake, Houston, Texas attempted kidnapping of a child... - 03/18/09 05:37 PM

Via Deborah Winters Chaney, ABR, CRS, eAgentC, SRES (Keller Williams - Clear Lake/Nasa):
This is forwarded from the PTA president at Westbrook but has to do with Clear Lake Intermediate. 
======= 
All, 
Yesterday (Sunday) around 4:45 pm our worst fear as a parent was nearly realized.  I was putting away groceries and preparing dinner while Craig was working on the computer.  The kids had been playing outside on our street when Phillip rushed to tell us that "a man tried to take Allison and he saw him."  Allison was in shock when she came into the house but was able to tell … (0 comments)

Houston earns top spot in nation for corporate growth - 03/18/09 05:28 PM
Houston) - Houston's domination in the energy sector and its ability to land huge technology deals drove the city to the number one spot for the first time on Site Selection magazine's list of Top Metro rankings for corporate location and expansion activity. Site Selection said Houston clinched the top spot after scoring 179 corporate real estate deals in 2008, unseating three-year incumbent Chicago-Naperville-Joliet.
Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington finished second with 156 projects, and Chicago came in third with 138. Last year, Houston was fourth behind Cincinnati and St. Louis for cities with more than 1 million in population.
 
… (4 comments)

Friendswood named best affordable suburb in Texas! - 03/18/09 05:24 PM
(Friendswood) - Business Week magazine has named Friendswood the Best Affordable Suburb in Texas for 2009. Cities taken into consideration had to be within 25 miles of the most populated city in their state and have populations of 5,000 to 60,000 people, low crime rates and median family incomes of $51,000 to $120,000. Other factors included commutes, education (test scores), crime, economy (job growth and income), green living and overall affordability.
City Manager Roger Roecker said that when people factor in the 20 percent homestead exemption and compare tax rates, they will understand why Friendswood is more affordable than other areas. … (0 comments)

Calling all buyers and people on the fence about there mortgages - 03/18/09 04:55 PM
We have just received an announcement and are seeing our lenders making a late day price change on interest rates, due to the amount of Mortgage Backed Securities purchase by the Government, here is an update on rates:
 
Loan Program                            Interest Rate                 APR                       Points
 
30 Year Fixed                           4.375%                           4.520%                 1.000
30 Year Fixed                          4.500%                           4.624%                 0.750
30 Year Fixed                           4.750%                           4.810%                  0.000
15 Year Fixed                           4.250%                           4.503%                 1.000
15 Year Fixed                           4.375%                           4.409%                 0.375
15 Year Fixed                           4.500%                           4.604%                 0.000         
 
 
*The above is based on a 740 credit score, rate and term refinance, … (0 comments)

Is My Loan Eligible for Modification? - 03/17/09 05:03 PM
The Treasury Department recently released a report, which include eligibility requirements to determine which homeowners qualify for relief under the plan. Following are the eligibility requirements as specified in the guidelines:
Mortgage must have originated on or before January 1, 2009.
Home must be an owner-occupied primary residence (verified with tax return, credit report, and other documentation such as a utility bill) - this program is not designed for investor-owned properties.
Home must be a single family 1-4 unit property (including condominium, cooperative, and manufactured home affixed to a foundation and treated as real property under state law).
Home may not … (5 comments)

What do you know about Lenders Advantage? - 03/16/09 09:40 PM
Did you know about Lenders Advantage?
Lenders Advantage is a division dedicated to meeting the needs of lenders involved in residential loans, commercial loans, refinances and home improvement loans. Services include:Flood Compliance: First American Flood Data Services
Basic Flood Determination Life of Loan Determination Tax Service: First American Real Estate Tax Service
Mortgage Credit Reporting: First American CREDCO Three levels of credit reporting Appraisal Services: First American Appraisal Automated Valuation Title Search for home improvement loans consists of:
Legal Description Current Tax Information Record Ownership Current Lien Holder(s) Documents of Record If you have any questions or would like more info. … (0 comments)

Does "NO" no for now, or does NO mean forever? - 03/16/09 09:35 PM
"No" means "No for now," not "No forever."
"No" means "No for now," not "No forever."
 
Customer situations are fluid. Things change.  On the first call of the day, a sales rep was given a "hard no" (one short of a "H--- no!").  At noon, the competitor's system came apart at the seams.  The next contract went to the recipient of that morning's "hard no" by close of business on the same day.  Go figure!
 
In order to keep in touch with "no" accounts, it is always good to regularly schedule callbacks.  No one likes to say that it … (2 comments)

During the current difficult economic time, retail landlords and retailers need to adopt a mutual vision ! - 03/16/09 09:30 PM
ICSC Suggests Cooperative Strategies Needed to Secure Survival and Foster Future Success for Shopping Center Landlords and their Tenants
During the current difficult economic time, retail landlords and retailers need to adopt a mutual vision and work as partners to "reinvigorate consumerism, reposition business cooperation and restore investor confidence," said the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) in a February 27th Retail Real Estate Business Conditions Report. "Retail property owners are experiencing higher vacancy rates, which are likely to rise further before the business cycle impacts run their course," said ICSC, adding, "Now, more than ever, retailers and retail property owners … (0 comments)

Green Building Research - 03/16/09 09:25 PM
The built environment has a profound impact on our natural environment, economy, health, and productivity. In the United States alone, buildings account for:
·    72% of electricity consumption,
·    39% of energy use,
·    38% of all carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions,
·    40% of raw materials use,
·    30% of waste output (136 million tons annually), and
·    14% of potable water consumption.
More statistics on the built environment in the U.S. and the growing size of USGBC membership and LEED are available in our Green Building by the Numbers document.
 
Benefits of Green Building
Environmental benefits:
Enhance and protect ecosystems … (8 comments)

The Experts agree to Reject ConSol Study, Citing Flawed Analysis - 03/16/09 09:20 PM
Prominent energy efficiency and real estate professionals are rallying against a study prepared by ConSol, a California-based energy consulting firm, and commissioned by NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, that challenged the economic feasibility of achieving energy efficiency targets of 30 percent or higher above current building code requirements in newly constructed, suburban office buildings. The ConSol study cited energy models involving a low-rise suburban office building to conclude that developers striving for the 30 percent target would not be able to recoup the cost of their initial energy efficiency investments within a 10-year period. But two weeks after its … (0 comments)

Follow Up: That sneaky agent is trying to steal listings - IN DIRECT VIOLATION OF THE NAR CODE OF ETHICS!!! - 03/16/09 09:15 PM

Via League City, TX - Brian Worrell (Prudential Gary Greene):
This is a follow up to my previous post titled, you guessed it: That Sneaky Agent is Trying To Steal Listings - IN DIRECT VIOLATION OF THE NAR CODE OF ETHICS
 
This is the follow up letter the culprit sent out AFTER his snafu was emailed to many agents in my area.  Hopefully he really won't do this again!!!  At least his grammer was better this time ;-)
 
MY PROBLEM WITH HIS APOLOGY IS A LACK OF UNDERSTANDING ABOUT WHY THIS IS WRONG.  AN IGNORANCE DEFENCE DOES    N-O-T     EXCUSE A … (1 comments)

Great Outlook on Housing for 09. Buyers listen up! - 03/16/09 02:06 PM
The continual drop of housing prices is expected to end but not before home prices slide a little more, according to a report by Moody's Economy. This news along with the tax credit for eligible homebuyers, and further mortgage rate declines could mean now is the right time to buy.
 "If you want to buy a house and are expecting to stay in the property for a long time -- it's not an investment property but a home -- then now is probably not a bad time to be buying," says Chen, co-author and Senior Director of Housing Economics, Moody's Economy.
… (3 comments)

Bay Area Chorus Dinner Cruise – March 29th - 03/16/09 01:55 PM
Bay Area Chorus Dinner Cruise- Get tickets now before it is to late! I have mine already!
Via League City, TX - Brian Worrell (Prudential Gary Greene):
Come join us aboard the Star Fleet “Star Gazer” for an afternoon of great food and amazing music with Sergei Galperin, Houston Symphony First Violinist, and Scott Holshouser, Houston Symphony, Principle Keyboard. You are sure to enjoy Sergei’s virtuoso playing and infectious humor.
This is a rare opportunity to hear Messrs. Galparin and Holshouser perform in an intimate setting at a fraction of the cost of a typical benefit dinner and is not to be missed. … (0 comments)

The List Spin three times counterclockwise! Superstitious? Then avoid these things Friday the 13th - 03/12/09 09:43 PM
Calling all paraskevidekatriaphobes: remain under your covers today.
Victims of this phobia suffer from a morbid fear of Friday the 13th.
Rightfully so, because the day is a spooky one. Even a 1993 study in the British Medical Journal says Friday the 13th is, indeed, unlucky for some.
"The risk of hospital admission as a result of a transport accident may be increased by as much as 52 percent. Staying at home is recommended," the study concluded.
Here are five odd superstitions to avoid on this spooky day.
1 13 gathered
If 13 people sit down to dinner together, one … (2 comments)

Tips For Buying Your First Home - 03/12/09 09:35 PM
Finding the right first home starts with a price range and a short list of desirable neighborhoods. But there are many other factors you'll need to consider before investing in what may be your biggest asset.
Before You Start:
 
Grab your current household budget so you can consider your financial situation and your ability to make mortgage payments. Ask family and friends if they can recommend experts, like a lawyer and an inspector, who can help with the home buying process. Think about your lifestyle and how it might affect your choice of home and neighborhood. Do a little research … (6 comments)

Reverse mortgage information program for seniors - 03/12/09 09:28 PM
Library offers reverse mortgage information program for seniors  
Librarys will host a free special program for seniors who would like to learn more about Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM). The program begins soon so contact your local library to get more information on times and dates.  
HECM, or reverse mortgage, counseling and information will be provided to senior citizen homeowners. Reverse mortgages may help seniors who have seen their monthly cash flow deteriorate over the past year.
 
Reverse mortgage is a method whereby a homeowner may receive regularly scheduled payments, a lump sum, or establish a line of credit … (2 comments)

New Stimulus and Stability Plans Equal Opportunities! - 03/09/09 04:57 PM
President Obama unveiled his plan to help stabilize the housing market and keep millions of borrowers in their homes. The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan includes two initiatives to help struggling homeowners. One is an incentive for homeowners who have less than 20% equity in their homes, or who owe more than their home is worth. The second part attempts to lower monthly payments for homeowners at risk of losing their home. Here is a brief overview of both initiatives.
Less than 20% equity in your home? Under current rules, those families who own less than 20% equity in their homes … (0 comments)

Goverment House Plan Leaving Home owners Wondring - 03/09/09 04:05 PM
White House Plan for Home owners leaving You Wondering? (edit/delete)
 
On February 18 the White House released an executive summary of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. Details to follow. The plan targets two groups: (1) Four to five million "responsible homeowners" who are current on their payments, have seen their property values fall, and who are now unable to refinance at lower mortgage rates. (2) Three to four million "at-risk" homeowners who are behind on their payments or are about to be, and who can't sell their homes. The first group is the larger of the two, and … (6 comments)

White House Plan for Home owners leaving You Wondering? - 03/07/09 02:24 PM
 
On February 18 the White House released an executive summary of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. Details to follow. The plan targets two groups: (1) Four to five million "responsible homeowners" who are current on their payments, have seen their property values fall, and who are now unable to refinance at lower mortgage rates. (2) Three to four million "at-risk" homeowners who are behind on their payments or are about to be, and who can't sell their homes. The first group is the larger of the two, and it is the program for them that will be discussed here.
… (2 comments)

Will I see an impact from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act? - 03/05/09 10:04 PM
What impacts will I see in the real estate market with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009?
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009
This information can be found on the website; the National Assocation of Realtors.  The one I believe to have the largest impact on the real estate industry is the $8,000 tax credit.  If you are a first-time home buyer, with low interest rates and the $8,000 tax credit, call Jeremy Williams of Keller Williams Realty NE to begin your home search today and take advantage of the current opportunities.
Brief Explanation of the Homebuyer Tax … (3 comments)

Funny Story but many times very true! Brian Worrell is not the only one! - 03/05/09 10:00 PM
Naked Sellers Taking Showers - A whole different type of showing!!!
Naked Sellers Taking Showers - and other funny showings...This has got to be up there in my top 10 funniest/memorable showings. I called to set up the appointment. I was in the neighborhood. I called Centralized Showings. Confirmed the time. In 10 minutes, I was going to show a house in Clear Lake. No cause for alarm. No cars in the driveway. I had a confirmed appointment...SO I THOUGHT!!!I rang the doorbell and yelled HELLO - as I always do when I enter a resale home. We spent no … (6 comments)

Danger! You may be letting a thief into your computer! - 03/05/09 09:53 PM
DANGER - File Sharing May Lead to Sensitive Information Download
Sensitive information was recently found to have been downloaded from a computer and believed to have been downloaded using a file sharing program.  The information was on Marine 1, the President's helicopter.
File Sharing.  Many people use file sharing programs like Limewire to share music files back and forth.  The potential exist that "bad guys" can share your files and gather your personal information that may be saved on your computer.
Be careful and remember, the "bad guys" are always trying to be one step ahead of the "good guys".
Here … (1 comments)

Clear Lake, Texas, Home to First American Title Company! - 03/05/09 09:17 PM
First American Title Company, Houston, Texas (edit/delete)
First American Title has been servicing the Houston Area since 1972. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff has a Customer First attitude that personifies itself in the service we provide to our clients.
We at First American Title believe that success requires the ability to look into the future and see things not how they are, but how they can be. With the combination of innovative technology and skilled professionals, we can provide precision and exceptional service through every aspect of the closing process.
The information needed to make sound economic-transaction decisions must be … (1 comments)

Did You Know How Much of a TAX Shelter You Live in? - 03/05/09 07:22 PM
Your home likely provides more tax relief than any other acquisition, thanks, in part, to new federal laws designed to ease financial suffering in the recessionary economy.
Building on a host of existing tax benefits for homeowners, new breaks help you save money on buying a home, owning a home and selling a home.
Check your state for specific rules on income tax breaks levied by your state or other jurisdiction. They don't all match the federal deals.
First up? Breaks made available from the federal "Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007".
• Forgiveness of Debt Tax Break. When a … (1 comments)

Do You Know How Much of TAX Shelter you live in? - 03/05/09 07:12 PM
Your home likely provides more tax relief than any other acquisition, thanks, in part, to new federal laws designed to ease financial suffering in the recessionary economy.
Building on a host of existing tax benefits for homeowners, new breaks help you save money on buying a home, owning a home and selling a home.
Check your state for specific rules on income tax breaks levied by your state or other jurisdiction. They don't all match the federal deals.
First up? Breaks made available from the federal "Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007".
• Forgiveness of Debt Tax Break. When a … (0 comments)

What are the Keys to Success? - 03/02/09 09:14 PM
Does Success Require Discipline? Yes it does! (edit/delete)
It's amazing to watch the world through the eyes of a child. The exposure we gain is immeasurable. The evaluation skills we can take and the questioning of everything by the child gives pause to our often routine, busy lives.
Wesley, my son, does all that and more for me. He causes me to really evaluate and question the most important skills, abilities, attitudes, and actions that must be undertaken to create greater success.
Most of us look at success as a very complex combination of skills, abilities, attitudes, and actions joined … (4 comments)

MLS Coming to Close to Ethical Situations? What is Right? - 03/02/09 09:08 PM
MLS How Many Situations get you angree?
Here's something I've observed while selling homes in League City, TX.  The rise of MLS-only listings is leading to sticky ethical situations for buyer agents. When a seller has their house listed in MLS with an agent that provides NO other services, the seller is hesitant to ask questions or communicate with their listing agent for fear that they will incur additional charges. The natural result of this is that they turn to buyer agents for advice as they come into contact with them. This is the case whether the agent was one who … (7 comments)

New Listing Azahar Court in League City, Tx, 77573 - 03/02/09 09:00 PM
Great House Great Agent what a combo on this listing! Brian Worrell really knows his Technology and he is always available to help anyone who needs it! Check out his neighborhood site www.mywestoverpark.com or his new one on Marbella and hopefully soon my new Title website! … (1 comments)

410 Melodywood Dr. Friendswood, Tx, 77546 - 03/02/09 08:54 PM
… (1 comments)

 
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Kevin Heinrich

Clear Lake City, TX

More about me…

Heinrich Group

Address: 5827 Beaver Falls Dr., Houston, Tx, 77346

Office Phone: (281) 488-0607

Cell Phone: (281) 723-1982

Email Me

Real Estate News with a Value added punch Clear Lake Texas Real Estate

I think this is a good rule to live by! "We are not put on this earth for ourselves, but are placed here for each other. If you are always there for others, then in time of need, someone will be there for you." ~ Jeff Warner

One last thought for the day:

"Winners Make it Happen, Others Let it Happen!"

kheinrich@firstam.com www.fatcohouston.com

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