5 Foreclosure Scams --Be Aware! - 06/29/11 07:22 PM
Suzanne Martin an experienced Realtor from California exposes some recent scams taking advantage of distressed property owners. These scams are happening around the country and some late night infomercial "gurus" are actually teaching "savvy investor" seminars to do this.
If you are a property owner facing foreclosure contact an expert or local specialist for advice. I would be happy to refer you to some I personally work with who have helped many home owners in the area.
Via Suzanne Martin (CA Coast and Country Homes 805-296-9005):
I have a website specifically to inform people about preventing foreclosure and short sales.  On that … (4 comments)

So I Got Published in a Newspaper I Can't Read - 06/29/11 04:40 PM
What an amazing year so far professionally and personally. A few weeks ago I was told that I would be interviewed for a Chinese newspaper along with my mentor and associate Dan Goon. I had no idea what I was getting into, or what the interview would be about, so I just went along with it. The newspaper published the interview and sent me a copy. Funny thing is neither one of us interviewed can read or speak Chinese!
I guess I can now claim I have been published internationally. Funny story is I received a call from a childhood friend now living … (7 comments)

2 Quick Facebook Tips to Gain Exposure - 06/28/11 10:41 PM
Jay O'Brien shares how to create more exposure for a Facebook Fan page to get up and running quickly. Best of all it's FREE. Facebook is an amazing tool that if used properly as Jay explains can generate business.
Via Jay O'Brien : Kansas City : Social Media Guy (RE/MAX Revolution):
Facebook is amazing. I've closed two transactions this year so far directly from Facebook. This week, I've picked up two new buyers directly from Facebook. Are you out there using this FREE tool?
The Fan Page (or it's proper term, just "Page") is a fun part of Facebook, and here are two … (2 comments)

Amy Mitchell Takes Oath of Office in Sugar Land - 06/28/11 07:50 PM

Amy Mitchell took her Oath of Office this evening on June 28, 2011 for her Council Member position representing District 3 before a packed house of supporters at City Hall from Mayor James Thompson.
After celebrating and taking photos with proud supporters Amy prepared for the hard work ahead to maintain the extrodinary quality of life Sugar Land has established. Amy has a clear agenda and goals for her position and the city.
If you have been following this election many of you know that Amy Mitchell won by 1 single vote in a run-off election. The results 791 to 790. Proof … (2 comments)

Chevron Purchases Former Enron Building in Houston - 06/28/11 07:27 PM

Chevron acquires former Enron Building
Let's face it. Houston is still and oil and gas city. We are growing in the medical sector, energy sector, and other industries, but the big boys and big deals are oil and gas related.
Office rates are recovering as businesses are expanding into the Houston market. Many of my listings are adjusting rates upwards and vacancies decline. With the shale industry gaining momentum many suppliers and industry related companies are relocating to the Houston market.
Do you still believe the Houston commericial real estate market is in a recession?
Last week Chevron USA Inc … (3 comments)

For Lease: 4238 Ringrose in First Colony - 06/27/11 07:29 PM



… (0 comments)

Fort Bend Independent School District moves closer to tax hike - 06/25/11 06:05 PM
 

FBISD moves forward on a proposed tax hike to cover a $27 million shortfall for next year. Chief Financial Officer Tracy Hoke presented the district's proposed budget and tax rate for the 2011 to 2012 school year based on data created by the district's demographers and chief appraiser. Using an estimated budget shortfall of $27 million next year and $14.7 million to the year after that, the district is proposing to cut $25 million from its operating budget to meet the expected shortfall.
According to the CFO this year's proposed operating budget is $462 million and the proposed debt … (4 comments)

Houston Area Foreclosure Data June 2011 - 06/24/11 07:02 PM
According to a recent report the number of Harris County foreclosure postings and actual foreclosures on residential and commercial properties were up in June compared to May, but experts say the increase can be attributed to a five-week posting period between May and June.
Foreclosure Information & Listing Service Inc. expects foreclosures to continue declining as the year progresses. Year-over-year data provided by The Woodlands-based Foreclosure Information shows fewer Harris County properties fell into foreclosure this June versus June 2010.
A total of 1,031 properties were foreclosed on by lenders at the June 7 Harris County auction. This month's foreclosure total is … (3 comments)

iPad Real Estate App: Sign My Pad - 06/24/11 06:53 PM

SignMyPad is a simple PDF reader and digital signature tool that allows someone to sign directly onto a iPad or Android tablet with a finger or a stylus. I highly reccomend using a sylus for more accurate signatures.
This app provides another opportunity to go green and paperless. Printing a document for signatures, then scanning it back is no longer necessary. Forms or contracts can now be signed in real time on tablet device. For $3.99 you can download Sign My Pad for your iPad or Android tablet device.
SignMyPad can load PDF's directly from your email, or dropbox. With a few easy steps you … (16 comments)

Freedom Over Texas July 4, 2011 Houston - 06/23/11 08:06 PM

The 25th annual City of Houston's Freedom Over Texas Fourth of July celebration will set the stage for a spectacular celebration filled with family activities and an extrodinary fireworks show. The outdoor concert festival will feature performances by country music artists Jack Ingram, Chris Young and Rodney Atkins.
Freedom Over Texas will be televised on ABC-13/KTRK-TV from 7-10 p.m. on Monday, July 4. In addition, 100.3 KILT will simulcast the music medley specially choreographed for the fireworks spectacular.
Festival-goers will enjoy booth exhibits and family friendly patriotic activities that will encompass Buffalo Bayou and Eleanor Tinsley Park. 
Detailed schedule4:00 p.m. Gates open and festival … (6 comments)

Sometimes We Have To Disconnect To Connect - 06/22/11 05:07 PM
Here is a commercial produced for the market in Thailand. Even with any language difference, the message is universal to us all. How often do you "disconnect to recconect"? Enjoy and reconnect with someone today. Sometimes we forget the large perspective of the real world around us when we stare too long at a tiny cell phone screen.
… (9 comments)

Hello....My Big Signs Do Not Reflect My Ego - 06/21/11 09:30 PM

Yes I'm "that guy on the sign". You can say hi and I don't bite.  
Last night a middle school friend now living in New York called yesterday to tell me his parents still in the Houston area are noticing my properties everywhere and I'm gaining popularity. No matter what I still feel like the new kid on the block. I ran into some competitors at a conference this morning who muttered about how they have to see my billboards everywhere as well.
Yes that is me on the billboards around town. It has made me a highly recognized Realtor in … (13 comments)

Sugar Land Child ID Event on June 21-23 by Sugar Land Police Department - 06/20/11 05:00 PM

The Sugar Land Police Department will hold a Child ID event for children age 2 to 14 Tuesday, June 21, through Thursday, June 23, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.Complete with the child's name, picture, thumbprint and parent's contact information, the ID cards are tools in assisting law enforcement officers in locating a missing child more quickly because all of the child's vital information and photo is immediately available."If your child is missing, answering a series of questions about their physical appearance requires valuable time that could be better utilized to find your child," said Officer Lauren Stockholm of SLPD's … (1 comments)

A Wish List for Fort Bend County Area Non Profits - 06/20/11 11:02 AM
A Wish List From Fort Bend County Area Non Profit Organizations (June 2011)
Local Non Profit Organizations in Fort Bend could always use the support and help of the community. Below are a few local organizations who are asking for assistance in our area:
CAREFORCE, an organization with members in the Missouri City area that helps fly financially needy people to get required medical treatment, is in need of forgotten, dormant and unused Continental Airlines One Pass Frequent Flyer Miles to fly patients from areas outside North and Central America and the Caribbean. To donate, call Bob Jack at 281-261-6626.
Asians … (1 comments)

A Lesson From Dad: Follow Through - 06/19/11 06:48 PM


Spending time with my family over the past few years has influenced the way I run my real estate business. Not just the scheduling, but the principles upon which I operate. One major influence in my life has been my Father from my individual character to my business principles.
On this Father's Day I would like to share a lesson my Father taught me as a child that has been ingrained into me every since. I remember when I was in elementary school my Dad overheard me promising something that was probably beyond my capacity at the time. I … (7 comments)

Here is How Every Vote Counts in Sugar Land - 06/18/11 08:27 PM
June 11, 2011 brought more than just hot temperatures. For HAR's Fort Bend Political Affairs Advisory Leadership (PAAL) group it also brought a long-awaited win for their supported candidate for Sugar Land City Council District 3, Amy Mitchell.  During the May election, Mitchell came in second to Howard Paul, but due to the lack of a majority vote, they were forced in to a runoff election.
In the extremely close ruffoff race for District 3, Amy Mitchell earned 50.03 percent of the vote to Howard Paul's 49.97 percent, which means she won by ONE vote.
"Amy ran her campaign based on merit, her long-standing service … (1 comments)

Fort Bend County Leads the Region in Job Creation - 06/18/11 06:47 PM
Fort Bend County Leads the Region in Job Creation and Ranked 5th in the Nation
During the fiscal year 2010 accordint to the Greater Fort Bend Economic Development Council and economic development partners produced one of the best job and capital investment years in the Economic Development Council's history, adding more than 1,200 jobs, $130 million in investment and nearly 1.5 million square feet of commercial absorption or new space.
New data released by Woods & Poole Economics predicts a 3.04 percent growth rate in job creation in Fort Bend from 2011-2015, putting Fort Bend County top in the region and fifth in the … (0 comments)

City of Sugar Land Needs Your Cooperation on Water Restrictions - 06/17/11 05:17 PM
Attention Sugar Land Residents:
Sugar Land is requesting voluntary water conservation from its residents to help reduce peak usage during the drought, to avoid mandatory water restrictions that surrounding counties are experiencing. To reduce peak demand and total water consumption, Sugar Land residents are asked to water lawns according to a schedule. For even-numbered addresses on even-numbered days of the month, residents are asked to water from 8 p.m. to midnight. For odd-numbered addresses on odd-numbered days of the month, residents are asked to water from 8 p.m. to midnight.The City is closely monitoring water consumption to determine if additional measures … (7 comments)

Open Your Golden Box Today And Feel Good - 06/16/11 05:44 PM
I just had to share this blog from Gary Woltal. In a materialistic driven society, we sometimes fail to appreciate the most simple and valuable gifts we receive. Here is a great reminder that the most precious gifts are not always a physical or tangible item.
Have you opened your golden box today?
Via Gary Woltal - Assoc. Broker REALTOR® SFR Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty):
As the story goes that some time ago a mother punished her 5 year old daughter for wasting a roll of expensive gold wrapping paper. Money was tight and she became even more upset when the child … (3 comments)

Fort Bend Women's Shelter Needs Your Help - 06/16/11 03:48 PM
The Fort Bend Women's Shelter is in desperate need for twin bed sheets, pillows, and towels.
The Women's Shelter provides a temporary home for women and children who have left their homes quickly to escape domestic abuse and violence. They typically arrive at the shelter with nothing. The shelter has 14 bedrooms, each with two bunk beds. When people leave the shelter they take their sheets and towels with them, so there is an ongoing need for linens.
At this moment, there are absolutely no sheets and towels for the new arrivals. The Women's Shelter is accepting twin sheets and … (3 comments)

Hurricane Season 2011 Document for Your Insurance Company - 06/16/11 02:47 PM

Texas we are now 3 weeks into the 2011 Hurricane Season. It has been quiet so far, so you still have time to prepare. Every year I write a series of articles with helpful hurricane season tips:

2011 Hurricane Season Begins June 1stTexas Hurricane Season Supply Checklist 2011
Here is the biggest mistake most policyholders make during hurricane season: Policyholders fail to document their belongings and home.
It is extremely important for a policyholder to document the inventory and current condition of their belongings. Grab your camera or camcorder and follow along CSI Homeowner. If the camera has … (3 comments)

ONLY ONCE IN 823 YEARS - 06/15/11 07:31 PM
I got this interesting email today and thought I would share it because it contained some interesting facts about July 2011 and dates this year. I deleted the chain email comment to forward to others for good luck. 
According to the email this only happens once in 823 years:
 

This year, July has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays and 5 Sundays.
This year we're going to experience four unusual dates.
1/1/11 1/11/11 11/1/11 11/11/11 … (3 comments)

FOR SALE: Established Hair & Nail Salon in Missouri City, Texas - 06/14/11 05:46 PM
For Sale: Established Hair & Nail Salon located along Highway 6 in Missouri City. Listed exclusively by Mike Wong for only $59,000. Includes all equipment, furniture, and established clientel. Lease is assumable by a new owner operator. Please contact Mike Wong (713) 935-5800 for more information and a private viewing appointment. … (2 comments)

AAREA MCE Class Weds June 15th "Peace of Mind Transaction Management" - 06/13/11 07:56 PM
The Asian American Real Estate Association will be hosting an MCE Class Wednesday June 15th from 9am to 12pm at K100 Cafe. Registration will begin at 8am and class will start promptly at 9am. The class is free for members and $5 for guests. Look forward to seeing you there.
K100 Cafe6609 W Sam Houston Parkway #100Houston, TX 77036(281) 888-3098
8am - 9am Registration, Networking, & Continental Breakfast9am - 12pm MCE Class12pm Lunch provided

… (3 comments)

Missouri City Planning New Animal Shelter - 06/12/11 06:43 PM

On June 6, 2011 Missouri City council members approved a contractor to begin design services to begin designing a new animal shelter with a capacity for 900 dogs and 300 cats in a given year. The city hopes to begin construction on the shelter sometime within the next fiscal year, which begins July 2011.
The city of Stafford pays Missouri City monthly rent to share usage of the current facility adding to need for a new facility. Officials from both cities are discussing a joint financial commitment to finance the new proposed facility.
If you are considering adopting a pet … (3 comments)

June 27th 3rd Annual Sugar Land Police Officer’s Association Golf Classic - 06/11/11 03:15 PM
The Sugar Land Police Officer's Association (SLPOA) third annual golf classic will be held at the Sweetwater Country Club in Sugar Land on June 27, 2011.
The SLPOA Golf Classic was formed to raise both money and awareness of the need for an officers emergency fund. This year's golf event will fund the inception of The SLPOA Benevolence and Scholarship Fund which provides annual scholarships for deserving Sugar Land area students pursuing Criminal Justice education.
Sweetwater Country Club4400 Palm Royal Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77478
Registration and continental breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. and a shotgun start at 9:00 a.m. The awards … (4 comments)

Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Orientation June 18, 2011 - 06/11/11 03:01 PM

Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity Orientation for VolunteersSaturday June 18, 2011
If you have always wanted to contribute or become more involved in the community here is an opportunity with one of my favorite organizations Habitat for Humanity.
Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity will be having a volunteer orientation on Saturday, June 18, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church's Fellowship Hall.The program will give information about Fort Bend Habitat for Humanity, committee operations and needs and volunteer opportunities available.The First United Methodist Church is located at 3900 Lexington in Missouri City.For more information, visit www.fortbendhabitat.org
… (1 comments)

PackageMapping Can Track Your Shipments - 06/09/11 04:18 PM
PackageMapping.com is a great website resource to track shipping packages domestically and internationally by most major carriers. The website is a free service and provides current tracking details and as advertised a map of your shipment's route. They also provide premium paid services for vendors.
The website automatically detects which carrier is being used based on the tracking number, so no guessing necessary. Just plug in your tracking number and click ok.
www.PackageMapping.com supports the following carriers:• UPS• FedEX• United States Postal Service• DHL• Canada Post
Recently I ordered an iPad 2 from Apple that was shipped from the manufacturing plant … (6 comments)

Safety Tips for the Record Setting Heat in Houston - 06/05/11 03:13 PM
With 100 degree temperatures you can't help but to notice the record breaking temperatures in Texas right now. Here are some tips for coping with the heat. Be aware of your pets, the elderly, and the very young who are vulnerable to the extreme temperatures right now.
Increase water consumption. Drink lots of liquids even before getting thirsty, but avoid those with caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar because these can actually result in the loss of body fluid. Conduct outdoor work or exercise in the early morning or evening when it is cooler. Outdoor workers should drink plenty of … (5 comments)

My Next Tablet and Why I Chose the Ipad 2 - 06/03/11 03:52 PM
For the past year I have been waiting and watching Realtors integrate tablets into their daily tools. I prefer to use an ultra portable laptop because of the physical keyboard and access to programs and intensive software if neccessary.
I finally decided to go with a tablet this year and I chose the most popular product the Apple iPad 2.  
I like Android and the open platform and flexibility of apps. I gave up my iPhone 2 years ago for an Android and never looked back. Many people are surprised I decided on the Apple tablet. Here are my reasons.
Apps Typically Release … (16 comments)

For Sale: Commercial Land in Missouri City Fort Bend County - 06/01/11 11:07 AM
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