Katy Texas Real Estate Professional's random market thoughts

How being smarter than a caveman can save you money NOW!

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:55:32 -0600

How Being Smarter Than A Caveman Can Save You Money NOW!

Just like the popular ad tagline refers to, saving EASY money is a no brainer, right?

Well, let me tell you a little bit about how being smarter than a caveman can save you big money now and in the immediate future!

You see, we've just had a time change and that would have been a HUGE deal to cavemen back in the day if they had time changes. Why? Because if you didn't notice, it was completely dark by about 6pm last night.

As a caveman, you would have spent your whole summer gathering and foraging and storing up food because as the days got shorter, it became time to become a more sedentary being. In the interest of self preservation (not just saving money!) you would start to stay inside more and go outside a lot less.

Don't follow the caveman's example! They did, afterall, go extinct, right?

Nope, it's time to get out there and find and close on your home! Why?

It's purely a SAVE MONEY opportunity that even a Caveman wouldn't miss (if they were still around ya know!)

Here's why:

First of all there is the most obvious thing. The recent tax credit that is being voted on and likely to be passed will not only give the first time home buyers an opportunity to save some money on their taxes (don't look for a lot of that in the near future!) but it is supposed to expand to anyone who has lived in their house for 5 of the last 8 years. In other words, if you have owned your home for 5 years, you can now do that MOVE UP and get your tax credit!

Secondly, your buying power is pretty good this time of year! Why?
Because, let's face it, selling a home is a pain in the rear! Anyone who is selling their home right now, during the last two months of 2009, means business. The holidays are creeping up on us and if your home is on the market right now, it means that you NEED to sell your home. It's not the home seller that says, "let's put it out there and if I get the price I want, I'll move".

Nope, the sellers that are active now are looking to sell and while they certainly aren't giving their home away, you know they are serious and they want to work out a reasonable deal for you!

Thirdly, and this is the one that is so often overlooked, Texas is a Homestead state. We have a homestead tax exemption but you have to be in the home on JANUARY 1st. That means, close by December 31st! If you do not close on your home by the end of 2009, you will cost yourself a nice chunk of change in taxes next year. Especially if it's your plan to move just after the first of the year!

For example, if you purchase your typical Katy or Cypress home, average price near $200,000 (the median price in the area is about $185,000 but let's make the math simple!). If your tax rate is 3.5%, then you taxes will be right about $7,000. With the homestead, it will save you about $1500, your first year in the property!

Now, C'mon, that's a no brainer...certainly YOU can use that $1500 next year a lot more effectively than the government can, right?

Lastly, get into your new home and there is nothing like breaking in the new home with Christmas decorations! (ok, maybe that's not a real reason to be smarter than the slug caveman is this time of year, but it sure is a nice BONUS!)

So doesn't that make a lot of CENTS? Well, more likely DOLLARS?

Call us now if you are looking to buy or sell a home in the West Houston, Katy and Cypress area!

We are the Katy and Cypress area specialists!
Call the team with any questions: 281-935-7152 or our Toll Free information line (anytime):
Call (877)472-5390 and use the code to hear about the topic:

Short Sale Information Code: 7003
$5000 Buyer Guarantee, Code: 7004

Short Sales in Katy and Cypress

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:31:17 -0500

How can I find a short sale agent in Katy and Cypress Texas?

Short sales are a big part of the real estate world right now. It's the hot buzzword of the day around real estate offices. But, not every agent who tries to conduct a short sale is really able to do so. The law doesn't require a specialization so it's important to make sure your agent you hire KNOWS what they are doing. The consequences of failure on a short sale can impact you and your family for years to come!

The first thing you have to do is ask some very pertinent questions of the agent that presents themselves as a "short sale agent". Ask questions that a Katy and Cypress area short sale agent should know:

First things first, ask:

How many short sales do you typically work on in a month?

---typically I handle anywhere from 3-7 short sales on an active ongoing basis each month but I know many agents that do 1-2 a year. As a gauge, 1-2 a year closed short sales is not enough experience to trust this very important task to. In our area, I know of one agent that promotes himself as a "SHORT SALE AGENT" and has about 20 short sale listings. Sounds good,right? Until you dig a little deeper and find that this agent has NO recorded Short Sale closings in the last 5 years!

How long have you been working short sale transactactions?

--many agents are going to say, yep, I've been doing them for a year or so now. Fact is, they really started becoming prominent in the last year but I've been doing short sales for over 4 years now. My first short sale transaction was done just over 4 years ago and I had A LOT of help with getting it to close. Problem is that many short sale agents that are working on their first short sale do not get the help they need or they don't have access to the help they need. Nowadays, seems when other agents really needs help with a short sale, I seem to be the one they call. I'm flattered and glad to help where I can! One word of warning, everyone has to learn somewhere but do you really want to be a listing agent's first short sale?

Does Your team have a dedicated "short sale/foreclosure" specialist?

--most agents are a one man/woman show. They do it all and trust me, as a real estate agent running your own business, you are responsible for A LOT of things. However, with our team, you will have a dedicated Short Sale Specialist who will work on your file to get it to closing!

Is your short sale package deemed "complete" by most banks that you deal with on foreclosures?

--very important! Why? Because the short sale process takes to long to miss your turn at bat. As these negotiators work files, when they come to one that is not complete (and there are a set of documents and things that a bank needs to even process a short sale), then they generally just bypass your file and move on to the next one! That could lengthen the process by a month or two more and in this world of bank foreclosures, you may not have that time! OUCH!

Can you have me prepared for the short sale prior to the offer coming in so it's not a mad scramble to try to collect the paperwork and information that the bank needs?

--I try very hard to foresee everything the bank wants. Most of it is pretty stock but occasionally, the bank comes up with some new wrinkle. Most of the time, I will have you prepared and ready to go when the offer comes in. BUT, remember that I can only show you what you need to gather and get ready for me, I can not actually gather that personal information for you!

Do you work with a short sale team or coach that helps you if you have issues with a particular short sale?

--of course. I have an entire network of real estate professionals that I consult with if there are problems. The more that I have gotten done, it seems that problems come up less and less, but the network is always there and available if we do have questions! VERY IMPORTANT!

Won't a bank do a short sale for me directly?

--Not usually. Most of the time, the bank wants a licensed real estate agent on the job in order to commit to a short sale attempt. I use the analogy of football. Most people know a little about football, right? You know, you run or throw the ball and try to get into the endzone to score a touchdown, right? But you will get beaten badly if you do not know the rules of the game...such as what is a fumble, an interception, out of bounds, perhaps understanding other scoring options like field goals or safeties. You have to be aware of the rules in order to play in the game succesfully. Most don't know the rules, but rest assured, the banks do! You need to have a short sale agent that knows the rules and can put you on the same footing as the banks when it comes to gametime!

Are there other options to short sale that I might not be aware of?

--yes, there might be other options that you have not considered and each circumstance is different. We will look at the options and make sure you understand what those options are.

The National average for short sales to close is less than 70% success. What is your success percentage?

--that's right. Over 30% of all short sales attempted fail. Why? Sometimes it's the property, sometimes it's the bank, sometimes it's the agent, but that is a startling fact when you consider the end of the road option on a short sale is FORECLOSURE. As of this writing, I have never had a short sale that I took on that failed to close. Some have shortened my life with stress and gone down to the last possible minute, but we have successfully closed every listing that we have taken as a short sale in the Katy and Cypress area. So right now, in Katy, Cypress and the entire West Houston area, we have a 100% success rate! That certainly is a stat worth protecting!

Economic Cancer: That Sense of "Entitlement"

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:30:36 -0500

This post is amazing in it's perspective. A true look at a shift in thought patterns of the Amercian public between 1930 and 2009. I am re-blogging this for those that do not get a chance to see Janet's original post. Thank you for your very well written thoughts, Janet.

Via Janet Guilbault California Mortgage Banker/Broker:

When did we start to feel entitled?

In the Depression of the 1930's, the jobless father of 4 asked the farmer if he could work on the farm for a day in exchange for food to feed his family.

In the Depression of 2010 do we just take the food from the farmer because, after all, you and your family are entitled to eat?

Are we:

Entitled to a life better than our parents had?

Entitled to own real estate?

Entitled to dis-own real estate?

Entitled to be bailed out?

Entitled to a job?

Entitled to health care? And to social security when we grow old?

You would sure think so by what surrounds us.

Why work? Why pay your bills? Why take care of your health and your finances? Why respect what others have earned?

Do we take the course that will help us? Or do we just help ourselves to what others have produced?

When did we start to believe that America owed us more than life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness?

Is it because the government has redefined the word "rights" to include never needing to suffer?

Is it because a generation came of age when stock market wealth and real estate equity made it seem like real work was obsolete?

Did 100% stated income loans with a few years of teaser rates train us to believe the American Dream was what every American deserved?

Did plastic in our wallets make it seem like our rights included unlimited gratification?

Somehow, we have lost our way.

Let us hope to sprout fresh green grass across America we do not need to completely kill the roots.

Written by Janet Guilbault, Mortgage Banker/Broker and Direct Lender Based out of the San Francisco Bay Area

Have you ever wondered?

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 13:42:10 -0500

Have you ever wondered why it takes up to 60 days to get removed from an email mailing list yet when you sign up for something it appears in your inbox instantaneously?

Have you ever wondered why your printer says "OUT OF INK" but when you take the cartridge out and shake it, it sure sounds a lot like it has ink left?

Have you ever wondered why a charge to your debit or credit card comes out of your account as soon as you swipe your card but a refund takes up to a week to be "processed"?

Have you ever wondered why CO2 is a toxic, world killing gas, but yet plants need it to make the O2 we are all so addicted to?

Have you ever wondered why mice and squirrels are CUTE but rats are hideous and disgusting?

Have you ever wondered short sales take so LONG?

Have you ever wondered why VHS became standard when BETA was such a better format?

Have you ever wondered why there were not seatbelts on The USS Enterprise?

Have you ever wondered why they don't make entire airplanes out of the indestructible material that they make the "little black box" out of?

Have you ever wondered who decided on "the flavors cats love best"? Have you ever wondered why there is an expiration date on Sour Cream?

Call us now if you are looking to buy or sell a home in the West Houston, Katy and Cypress area! We are area specialists who guarantee our results!

Call the team with any questions: 281-935-7152 or our Toll Free information line (anytime):

Call (877)472-5390 and use the code to hear about the guarantee:

Easy Exit Listing Guarantee Code: 7003

$5000 Buyer Guarantee, Code: 7004

I'm not rude...you're just lazy!

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:28:17 -0500

I got a call over the weekend from an agent that ripped my rear about not returning a call. Seems he called me a week or so ago and asked a question about a short sale property that I have. This property shows about 4 or 5 times a day, btw. I remember his message.

So he calls me and tells me that against his better judgement, he is submitting an offer for the property he called about and he is faxing it to me. I said thank you and that I am sure he found the answer to his question in the agent remarks before submitting. He said "no". I asked him if he read the MLS listing and in particular the agent remarks that had COMPLETE instructions on submitting to this particular lender processing the short sale. Again, No.

He went on to rip me for not returning his call to answer one simple question about the submission...I apologized and said that all the instructions were in the agent remarks in the MLS listing and while I do answer all my calls, on a priority basis (current clients, banks in negotiations, new customers first), I just didn't have time to respond to questions that are already answered.

I thanked the agent for the offer and told him I would be in touch as soon as knew anything and that if he had further questions, an email would be best to get a response. He told me I was "rude and thoughtless" and I let him have his last shot as we got off the phone.

After I got to thinking about it, I told my wife about it...she's is a great sounding board for me, especially when I second guess myself on the way I handled a particular situation...her response was just as the title said:
You're not rude, that agent's just lazy.

Family Fun! Dewberry Farm is open again!

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 10:36:39 -0500

Dewberry Farm opened again on September 26th for their 8th season!

Dewberry Farm is located just west of Katy, north of I-10 on HWY 362 and our family goes every year. We have been going here for about 3 years but it just keeps getting better and better every year!

Prices are reasonable-- kids over 3 but younger than 55 are $11. Seniors are $8 and law enforcement and military are $9 with proper id!

There are things in the Dewberry Farm that have individual costs but they are reasonable and there is a TON of stuff to do that doesn't cost extra as well.

Also if you are looking for a great place to buy your pumpkins for the upcoming Jack-o-lantern season, you can get them here for 50 cents a pound!

Purchase Pumpkins
Pumpkins are 50 cents per pound with a minimum of $1 per pumpkin and a maximum of $24 per pumpkin.

Goat Feeding
25¢ per container of feed

Corn Cannon
$3.00 to shoot 9 ears of corn

Pedal Carts
$3.00 for all day pass

Kidilla Hoppers
$3.00 for all day pass

Pony Rides
$5.00

Gemstone Mining
bags of 'rough' $5.00 to $7.00

Flower Bouquet Picking
$5.00 per bouquet cup

Zip Lines
$3.00 for all-day pass

Black Hole
$2.00

Lighted Pumpkin Stroll
(Saturday Nights) $3.00

Pumpkin Blaster
7 shots for $5 or 5 shots for $3

LOTS OF FUN! Click the banner for the Dewberry Farm site!

Home buyer credit has almost run it's course in Katy Texas

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:42:00 -0500

The first time home buyer tax credit is nearing the end of its run. The program started under the former President as a zero interest, short term loan and morphed into a true tax credit under the current housing agenda has just about run its course.

Yes, you do technically have until November 30^th to close on your home in order to qualify for up to $8,000 on the credit, but stop for a minute and consider a couple of things:

Available inventory of homes is generally less during the final quarter of the year, having peaked in the summer months.
We do expect that many folks have waited to see exactly what will happen in the area, guessing whether prices will go up or down but all the while intending to buy.
The time it takes to actually CLOSE a home loan has increased as underwriting guidelines have tightened. Doesn't mean that there isn't money to loan, just that it takes more time to get through the approval and closing process.

For these reasons, as a local real estate professional, I would love to give you that little push off the fence to get out there and get your home lined up now, if you intend to take advantage of the first time home buyer credit. By the way, a first time homebuyer is defined as someone who has not owned a home in the last three years.

If you consider the three points above, you'll see that now is the time to get out there and secure your home and your tax credit. With closings taking between 45-60 days many times, by the time you search for your home and secure your financing, you can see how that easily puts you into November already!

If you have any questions about the first time home buyer's tax credit or need help buying or selling a home, please feel free to contact me directly!

You charge HOW much?

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:37:39 -0500

I was reading a few blogs this morning about agents who do a good job, sell a home quickly and then are asked why they make so much money. It's a common misconception....

Many of you know my wife is in the dental field. She's a hygienist. She told me a joke a while back that stuck with me because sometimes there is more truth in jokes than we'd like to admit.

A guy goes into the dentist in excrutiating pain. His tooth, jaw and entire face is just throbbing from a tooth that just simply has to come out.

The dentist seats him in the chair and prepares to do the work that the patient needs. The patient stops the dentist.

"Doc, how much is this going to cost?"

"The extraction is $125.00, Mr. Smith"

"What?! $125.00? For 10 seconds of work!?"

The dentist replied, "well, if you'd like, I can pull it very, very slowly."

This goes right along with all our professionals...you pay for their knowledge and expertise and not necessarily their time.

Call us now if you are looking to buy or sell a home in the West Houston and Katy Texas area! We are area specialists who guarantee our results!

Call the team that knows Katy at 281-935-7152 or our Toll Free information line (anytime):

Call (877)472-5390 and use the code to hear about the guarantee:

Easy Exit Listing Guarantee Code: 7003

$5000 Buyer Guarantee, Code: 7004

Short Sale Katy TEXAS finally closes!

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 15:54:08 -0500

Short Sale Finally Closed, 2306 Oxford Brook Court, Katy TX 77493

This one just about killed me to get done. Wells Fargo did everything they could to keep this thing from closing...

This property listed in December 2008 and got it's first offer in January 2009. The offer was actually a very good one considering what was owed on the property.

So January, February, March go by and Wells Fargo is slow on the trigger....other offers come in, which is good because the first buyers bowed out.

April, May and June go by and we have the clear to sell it, and close it.

July 31st...that's when it closed. A full 7 months to close this short sale! I've never had one that was this difficult but I guess there is a first time for everything. The good news is that going forward, they HAVE to be easier than that one does.

It also keeps my close rate on SHORT SALES at 100%. The national average is 70% of short sales actually close. I see agents around here that don't close even 50% of their short sales and the home owner ends up in foreclosure.

STATUS: CLOSED 7/31/2009

A Tale Of Two Showings

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:03:28 -0500

A Tale Of Two Showings

It was the best of houses, it was the worst of houses.

It was the time of staging, it was the time of clutter.

It was a time of educated and enlightened sellers, it was the time of uninformed, unmotivated sellers.

Yesterday, I showed a buyer several houses. From the time we approached what we will call house one, it was apparent that they liked it. They liked the front porch and general appearance of the home.

We entered the home and it could not have been a more precise floor-plan to what they had been looking for. The house, while not neutrally painted, was tastefully and PROFESSIONALLY painted. It was also apparent that it was STAGED. The furniture in place, optimized to show off ample living spaces...the office set up as an office, the bedrooms with the beds made and a soft gently clean smell as well a softly playing music in the background made this house "FEEL" like home the second my buyers entered. They spent a lot of time looking at the home and considering it's benefits.

Two houses later, we approached another home that looked very similar to the one they had liked. It was obvious that it would be the same floorplan, just located several streets away in the same neighborhood.

We were met at the door by a mid 20ish gentleman in a white undershirt and boxer shorts. He welcomed us in and then went and joined his spouse on the couch as he played a video game in the living room while his wife worked on a laptop. They acted as though we were not present.

The house was the exact floor-plan, but something was different. The office was cluttered with papers and mess. The living room, though tiled nicely, was dirty and cluttered. Around the TV niche that the buyers had liked so much in the other home were gobs of wires and electronics that seemed to be haphazard in their arrangement.

The beds in the bedrooms were not made.

The kitchen was dirty and the sink had dishes in it.

My buyers looked at the office, kitchen and living room and said "Thank You" and headed for the door.

Once outside, my buyers and I briefly spoke of the house we had just left. They were not comfortable commenting on the house with the owners sitting there watching. They were not happy with this house even though the floor-plan, as we noted in the first house was PERFECT.

The price difference on these two houses? $12,000!!! The Staged House was listed at $12,000 more than the unstaged, owner managed house. Let me put that in perspective for you because $12,000 to a $500,000 home is not the same as this home. This staged home is listed at $125,000 and the second, exactly the same home, built the same year home is $113,000. ALMOST 10% difference in price!

One of the two homes ended up on my buyer's final three that they want to consider and see again before making an offer today. It wasn't the one that was $12,000 less.

Could presentation REALLY make all the difference in an offer when there is that large of a price difference? What do you think the cost of the staging was? Was it $12,000? No, probably not. And even if it was, and it brought that $12,000 back to the owner in 2 weeks rather than 6 months on the market, wouldn't that still be worth something? I have no doubt this house will sell...quickly. Maybe even by the end of the day today if my buyers make that choice, but the other house will not, and certainly will not until the other house if off the market!

Don't take an agent's word for it...take a REAL LIVE BUYER'S word for it...That's all that really matters in the end anyway! Isn't it?

We have professional stagers that we work with. Your home listing may qualify for our initial consultation with one of our stagers, you get the benefit of the consultation and we pick up the tab...it's just that important. Call us now for your appointment to see if your home qualifies!

Call us now if you are looking to buy or sell a home in the West Houston and Katy Texas area! We are area specialists who guarantee our results!

Call the team that knows Katy at 281-935-7152 or our Toll Free information line (anytime):

Call (877)472-5390 and use the code to hear about the guarantee:

Easy Exit Listing Guarantee Code: 7003

$5000 Buyer Guarantee, Code: 7004

Lakemont, for rent, $1900, Richmond Texas

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:38:24 -0500

WOW! 5 Bedroom Stunner! Copy

21207 Knollblossom, Richmond, TX 77407 View Map

WOW! This is a stunning 5 bedroom home Granite countertops, GE Profile Series stainless appliances (stove, convection oven, micro, DW, fridge), Rainsoft water softner, 14' Tile, 2' wood blinds, tile backsplash with copper inlays, fantastic wetbar in HUGE gameroom, custommulti-tiered media room in black with dimmable sconces, gorgeous wrought iron staircase, most open floorplan you will ever see! Get your appointment today before it's GONE!

Details

Asking Price:

$1900/month

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

3.5

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

Subdivision:

Lakemont

Year Built:

2007

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Katy Agent Team
Ron Tarvin

Dir 281-935-7152
Email | Website

All information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.

What's new with GOOGLE?

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:31:08 -0500

So what's new with GOOGLE (other than being a resource for economic indicators for Larry Summers, that is)?

GOOGLE VOICE

What's so special about GOOGLE VOICE?

Google Voice is an incredibly flexible call system that anyone can use for free. It can make phones ring in different places (acting as a call router), allow you to record calls, allow you to "listen in live" while a voice message is being left and much more. What I wanted to concetrate on today though is specifically for WEBSITE and BLOG owners.

It's the Call Me NOW Button

What is the CALL ME NOW BUTTON?

Call me now is a way for your blog readers and website visitors to connect with you, at no charge to them (or you for that matter) from your website.

So, How do I get this incredibly COOL and FREE tool?

First you have to have a GOOGLE VOICE Invite. Those that have been around GOOGLE a while know that the original GOOGLE email was done through INVITES and GOOGLEVOICE is no different. So go to GOOGLE VOICE and SIGN up for an invite. I don't know how long the wait period is, but if you don't do it now, it will be that much longer before you can get an invite and use these COOL, FREE tools!

GO TO GOOGLEVOICE INVITE NOW (opens in new window)

So, once your GOOGLEVOICE invite comes in, you have to sign up.

When your GoogleVoice invite comes in, you should have been thinking about a phone number you'd like to have. Some folks have used a variation on SOLD or HOMES or other real estate terms, but put in your phrase and area code and see if you can get what you want. I chose 281-380-KATY since I work and live in Katy Texas.

Once you have your number, you're ready to get the Call me Now button for your blog or website!

I've got GOOGLEVOICE and I want a CALL button, what now!?

So go to the main page an in the upper right corner, you'll see some links like this:

Click on Settings.

Then you're looking to click on CALL WIDGETS like this:

Click on Call Widgets and then click on ADD NEW CALL WIDGET.

Give it a name, a number to ring to and whether you want to listen in on voicemails or have it dial direct to the number you give it and you're ready. Click on SAVE CHANGES.

When you go back to the main WIDGET PAGE, your code will be in the box...copy that code (everything in the box).

Then head to your ACTIVERAIN blog and hit MY HOME after logging in.

When you click on settings, you're looking for BLOG DESCRIPTION and you'll drop the code in there. You can move it up or down depending on where you want the button to appear. In other words, drop that code before or after some other button or widget that you're using if you want it above or below that widget.

Click the update button and you're done.

When a website/blog visitor clicks on the button, they will get a box that will allow them to call you, from anywhere, toll free!

And that's it!

Google voice also does TONS of other things:

So get your GOOGLE VOICE INVITE and get some really COOL, Free Tools!

Why didn't they just ask!?

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:53:08 -0500

Recently, a court case has been in the news...many may have overlooked it if you're not IN the real estate business. This case was Busby V JRHBW REALTY Inc. (d/b/a RealtySouth) in the US District Court for the Northern District of Alabama.

What this case said was that "administration" fees were a violation of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (AKA RESPA), section 8(b).

This brokerage was charging $149 fee on top of their normal commissions. The District Court said that the fee was not tied directly to any service provided and hence it violated the RESPA law.

Now, I have to say that I disagree with the idea that it violated the RESPA law as I understand it, but that doesn't mean that I don't agree with the spirit of what the court was saying.

When I was with my former Brokerage, Keller Williams Realty, Katy@ Cinco Ranch, there were classes taught on how to collect a "TRANSACTION FEE". In these classes, the focus was on collecting the fee to increase the net income of the agent. It wasn't actually presented as a deferrement of costs, in fact, it was often presented as "something my broker charges".

As an agent, you are not an employee of the firm that you work under. You are an independent contractor. Coming out of the class, I have to admit that the idea of adding $10,000-$15,000 to my yearly income (without doing any additional work other than asking for this "fee") was an attractive idea. However, the idea of how it was done wasn't.

Sometimes we are led places we do not wish to follow and I am glad that I never instituted the idea of a "transaction fee" into my real estate business. I know that many of the agents that did this are now probably scrambling to figure out if they are on the wrong side of this ruling and I'm not concerned about my business...having done what I FELT was right.

Let me also clarify that I am not talking about "Retainer" type fees that agents may charge in order to be hired by a buyer or seller...that is a horse of a different color and can certainly fit in with certain models for conducting business. However, the straightout fee that is not attached to any particular service is what this ruling deals with and has always been wrong my opinion.

Now I know this is going to tick off a lot of agents that charge this "junk fee". Let me apologize for calling it like I see it right now. There are agents nationwide that do this as shown by this court case and I know of many agents right here in Houston and in the Katy area that charge this fee. Some collect it at closing and some collect when they list a home...it's just never felt "right" to me.

So I guess I just wonder, why didn't they just ask me!? LOL!

BTW, FYI, this junk fee shows up under many different names: Transaction fee, processing fee, broker fee, administration fee...etc. The key here is this: Is this fee for any particular service or good, independent of the services that a commission is earned for?

Call us now if you are looking to buy or sell a home in the West Houston and Katy Texas area! We are area specialists who guarantee our results!

Call the team that knows Katy at 281-935-7152 or our Toll Free information line (anytime):

Call (877)472-5390 and use the code to hear about the guarantee:

Easy Exit Listing Guarantee Code: 7003

$5000 Buyer Guarantee, Code: 7004

Avalon At Seven Meadows

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 21:58:39 -0500

Avalon At Seven Meadows Avalon is a custom home section located in the beautiful Seven Meadows area. Located just West of HWY 99 (AKA Grand Parkway) off of Fry Road, the location is ideal for access to the West Park Tollway (15 minutes or so to downtown on the West Park Tollway) and just 6 minutes South of I-10.

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Avalon At Seven Meadows sales for June: 5 homes closed in Avalon in June
Price Range: Homes sold (final sales price) in Avalon at Seven Meadows ranged from $385,000 to $757,000
Current Inventory: There are currently 21 Properties listed for sale in Avalon at Seven Meadows
Price Range for Current Avalon At Seven Meadows Inventory: $369,000 to $1,349,000

To see all homes currently for sale in Avalon At Seven Meadows: Click Here

Partnerships are a funny thing...

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:34:43 -0500

Partnerships are a very funny thing...

We form partnerships generally to either overcome some stumbling block we encounter on our own or to produce a force more powerful than any of the parnership entities were before the partnership.

However the partnership comes about, one thing is CERTAIN: Without defined expectations, someone is going to be disappointed.

So why do partnerships fail? Lots of reasons but the biggest reasons seem to fall into the following categories:

1. GREED--yep, good old greed has killed many a partnership that was apparently doing fine. I've never been particularly greedy; I generally put my own needs subservient to the needs of the partnership.

2. Dishonesty--when one or more partners are not operating with the best interests of the partnership, this can cause a lot of issues. SIMPLY INTOLERABLE as far as I'm concerned.

3. Lazy--sometimes one or more partners becomes lazy and doesn't pull their share of the load.

4. Ethics and morality-- sometimes the partners realize that they are not on the same page when it comes to standard operating procedure, ethics and morality. Personally, this one is huge for me. If my partners are not of the same moral fiber as I believe myself to be, then they won't be partners for long.

5. Shame--Sometimes people are ashamed of the partnerships they create and THAT can kill a partnership. I worked with an agent several years ago that was ashamed of the partnership/team he joined and his production fell. He had to leave the partnership just to get back to old production levels!

What is startling to me is that people can be acquaintances, friends and co-workers for years and yet never see the traits that could lead to the downfall of a partnership. When that happens, the results are often more devastating than normal because of the level of trust previously built that ends up betrayed.

So what would I recommend to avoid the "PARTNERSHIP PITFALL"? Some would say DON'T DO IT! I don't think that is the answer. However, it IS necesarry to do a few things IN CASE the partnership goes south:

1. Have defined expectations

2. Have a legally defined partnership. This may be an LLC or just a registration under a business license.

3. Have a formal declaration on how proceeds are split. Wow, can't say enough about this one...

4. Have either the partnership name on every document and contract or have all parties in the partnership be on the contract. In some cases, only one party name is used and in a legal contract, that person can be the one who ends up with all the benefits to the detriment of the other partners. I know from the real estate side of this that purchase contracts and listing agreements can and SHOULD have all partner names on it in order to avoid disputes when payday comes. If only one partner is on the contract, that person can seemingly just claim the entire paycheck. When a partnership goes bad, the non covered party may have worked for months on transactions and deals and then not get paid for their work. DEVASTATING!

Here is another thing that amazes me...when these people get away with this stuff, do they have NO conscience?

How is it that they disappear, like a thief in the night and then pop up somewhere else to cause more mischief and misdeeds elsewhere?

Wouldn't it just be a lot easier if we just all treated each other honestly and fairly?

Call us now if you are looking to buy or sell a home in the West Houston and Katy Texas area! We are area specialists who guarantee our results!

Call the team that knows Katy at 281-935-7152 or our Toll Free information line (anytime):

Call (877)472-5390 and use the code to hear about the guarantee:

Easy Exit Listing Guarantee Code: 7003

$5000 Buyer Guarantee, Code: 7004

REO Agents are not normal agents

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:45:36 -0500

I'm a normal real estate agent. I do an REO here and there but I'm not dependant on my REO Business. For those who do not know, REO is REAL ESTATE OWNED or in other words, foreclosure agents.

These agents have been hired by the bank to dispose of the assets that they have had to repossess.

Why do I say that REO agents are not normal agents? Because in my experience, it seems they are deathly allergic to the phone. Now, not all REO agents are like this but so many are that it's hard not to generalize.

So how does this affect you, the consumer? Many different ways.

1. Houses that have been foreclosed on sit longer when calls from agents are not returned. This hurts property values and often times hurts how neighborhoods appear.

2. As a potential buyer of one of these homes, it can be frustrating when you can't even get an answer from them as to whether the property, still listed in the MLS as active, is even still available.

3. Since many of these agents do not answer the phone or return phone calls, foreclosed homes that are vandalized may continue to deteriorate and be damaged further because it does NO GOOD to call them and let them know that their homes that they have listed are unsecure.

4. When the banks have a hard time moving these properties, they have less money liquid to make more loans and the economic cycle we have come all to familiar with continues to crush the economy.

So how can this problem be rectified?

1. The banks can stop overloading 1 or 2 agents in an area with all of their foreclosed properties. It's a specialized service to work on foreclosures so I understand that not all agents in an area are up to the task but certainly more than one or two are.

2. Agents who work these REO properties should answer their phones and return calls, just like normal agents are supposed to do (ok, so not all agents operate like me and answer their phones!)

3. Bank REO officers should make periodic calls to these REO listing agents from various extensions to make sure that the agents who are their listing agents are ANSWERING their phones.

I guess this could readily apply to any agent that doesn't answer their phone but there is a distinct difference between an REO agent that doesn't answer their phone and a normal agent who doesn't answer their phone: If I don't answer my phone, I will not get another listing or another buyer. The REO agent will continue to be gifted listings from their bank contact and the cycle goes on with that REO agent remaining in business.

Call us now if you are looking to buy or sell a home in the West Houston and Katy Texas area! We are area specialists who guarantee our results!

Call the team that knows Katy at 281-935-7152 or our Toll Free information line (anytime):

Call (877)472-5390 and use the code to hear about the guarantee:

Easy Exit Listing Guarantee Code: 7003

$5000 Buyer Guarantee, Code: 7004

Eagle Scouts in Houston Texas

Wed, 06 May 2009 16:31:07 -0500

The Gathering Of Eagles for 2009 will be held on Tuesday May 12, 2009 at 6:00pm. The event will be held at Minute Maid Park!

The keynote speaker this year will be Distinguished Eagle Scout and NASA Astronaut Michael Fossum.

I am proud to be one of those that attained the rank of Eagle Scout during my younger days.

If you would like more information about The Gathering Of Eagles, a fantastic opportunity to meet and network with a rare select few in the area that have attained the rank of Eagle Scout, you can go to the website:

www.thegatheringofeagles-houston.org

Call us now if you are looking to buy or sell a home in the West Houston and Katy Texas area! We are area specialists who guarantee our results!

Call the team that knows Katy at 281-935-7152 or our Toll Free information line (anytime):

Call (877)472-5390 and use the code to hear about the guarantee:

Easy Exit Listing Guarantee Code: 7003

$5000 Buyer Guarantee, Code: 7004

Has anyone actually ever read their cable bill?

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 11:11:35 -0500

Ok so, maybe that's a little vague but I have to say that my cable bill has become something similar to the national budget.

Not that large mind you but on the same scale as far as having things on there that make no sense and are appearantly paid for in other items on the bill.

Keep in mind that I only have TWO TVs in the entire house that we use.

Now what I see is that I PAY for a DIGITAL PREFERRED PKG right there on the top line. It's almost $70!

Dropping down you see the sports entertainment pack (that's tied to the NFL network but I just got a letter from COMCAST saying they are not able to work out their differences with the NFL network so it's not even going to be offered...bet my bill isn't going to change because of that either!)

Now we get into the nitty gritty. Digital ADDT'L Outlet (Service fee and HDTV Service Fee) $14. Wait, didn't I pay for digital service in my $70 charge above? .

Digital ADDT'L Outlet- Service Fee and HD DVR Service Fee $7. Ok, now I'm confused, what exactly am I paying for.

Next line is HD DVR Service-$15.

Next comes DVR Service Fee--$11 Ok, now I'm REALLY confused.

And finally One Premium A La Carte with LIMITED On DEMAND Content-$10. That one I understand. I get HBO and I pay for it.

Does anyone else see how these services and fees appearantly overlap like crazy? Am I imagining this overlap or is it really there? Anyone else's cable bill read like stereo instructions?

WHat about your satellite stuff? Same deal? Same Price?

All this and all I really watch is the news on a couple of stations, ESPN, History, HGTV and maybe food network...Noggin and Nick for my 3 year old...that's about it and it runs me $144/month!?

FRUSTRATED!

Great Home In Memorial Parkway, Unique Floorplan, great courtyard!

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 10:00:03 -0500

4/2.5/2 in desirable Katy ISD Neighborhood!

21438 Park Mount, Katy, TX 77450 View Map

Great Neighborhood! Great Floorplan! From the bubbling fountain in the courtyard to the swing gate secured driveway, you're going to love this home! Huge family room, easily accessible formal dining and breakfast area! Master suite down with three bedrooms up! Incredible sunroom with built in A/C and darts! Ready for your family to move in and enjoy!

Details

Asking Price:

149999

Sq. Feet:

2534

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

2.5

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

Subdivision:

Memorial Parkway

Year Built:

1977

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Katy Texas RE/MAX Team
Ron Tarvin, Lizzie Davis & Ron Hardman

Dir 281-935-7255
Email | Website

Call us now if you are looking to buy or sell a home in the West Houston and Katy Texas area! We are area specialists who guarantee our results!

Call the team that knows Katy at 281-935-7255 or our Toll Free information line (anytime):

Call (877)472-5390 and use the code to hear about the guarantee:

Easy Exit Listing Guarantee Code: 7003

$5000 Buyer Guarantee, Code: 7004

Pssst, want some advice!?

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 05:35:16 -0500

Ok, maybe this is a bit of a rant but it's got to be said.

Be careful with where you get your information!!!

I was reading a blog recently and the author shall remain nameless to protect the not so innocent, but this agent was giving advice on Search Engine Optimization.

Now maybe it was something that was written by someone else and reworked by this agent, but here is the kicker: This agent's website wasn't optimized at all.

This agent's site did not come up for most keywords that it should have.

This agent wasn't even on the first page for anything in google (other than their ActiveRain Post!).

It got me to thinking...with so much information out there, BUYER BEWARE.

Maybe it would be best to just follow the old Ronald Regan axiom: "Trust, but Verify" before following anyone off a cliff....

Call us now if you are looking to buy or sell a home in the West Houston and Katy Texas area! We are area specialists who guarantee our results!

Call the team that knows Katy at 281-935-7255 or our Toll Free information line (anytime):

Call (877)472-5390 and use the code to hear about the guarantee:

Easy Exit Listing Guarantee Code: 7003

$5000 Buyer Guarantee, Code: 7004

Great Home in Katy (4-3.5.2), Amazing Price ($215,000), Not even the builder can beat it!

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 20:25:00 -0500

This home is not to be missed, especially at this price! Located in Westheimer Lakes NORTH, the schools are Katy ISD and house it stunning! Call us NOW for your private showing! (281) 935-7255 OR 281-935-7152

Better than NEW in Westheimer Lakes NORTH! Copy

6319 Hope Wood Mills, Katy, TX 77494 View Map

Like new Westin Home Located in popular Westheimer Lakes North .Loaded with upgrades including:20'tile,Big Gourmet Kitchen with granite,large Island/eat in breakfast bar,Bosch Dishwasher,Grand entry with Stunning Wrought Iron staircase,Butlers Pantry w wine rack,Art Niches,Upgraded Light Fixtures,Elegant formal dining with columns,Nice split plan upstairs with gameroom and separate guest bedroom with full bath on one side 2 bedrooms and full bath on other side.

Details

Asking Price:

215000

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

3.5

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

Subdivision:

Westheimer Lakes North

Year Built:

2006

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Katy Texas RE/MAX Team
Ron Tarvin, Lizzie Davis & Ron Hardman

Dir 281-935-7255
Email | Website

Call us now if you are looking to buy or sell a home in the West Houston and Katy Texas area! We are area specialists who guarantee our results!

Call the team that knows Katy at 281-935-7255 or our Toll Free information line (anytime):

Call (877)472-5390 and use the code to hear about the guarantee:

Easy Exit Listing Guarantee Code: 7003

$5000 Buyer Guarantee, Code: 7004

Gorgeous 5-3.5-2 with Gameroom AND Media room! Lakemont

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:42:56 -0500

This fantastic home is a 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home with a formal dining room, living room, den, gameroom AND separate media room! You can not miss this one!

WOW! 5 Bedroom Stunner!

21207 Knollblossom, Richmond, TX 77407 View Map

Details

Asking Price:

310000

Sq. Feet:

3177

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

3.5

# of Floors:

Garage Size:

Subdivision:

Lakemont

Year Built:

2007

Property Amenities

Community Amenities

Contact Info

Katy Texas RE/MAX Team
Ron Tarvin, Lizzie Davis & Ron Hardman

Dir 281-935-7255
Email | Website

Call us now if you are looking to buy or sell a home in the West Houston and Katy Texas area! We are area specialists who guarantee our results!

Call the team that knows Katy at 281-935-7255 or our Toll Free information line (anytime):

Call (877)472-5390 and use the code to hear about the guarantee:

Easy Exit Listing Guarantee Code: 7003

$5000 Buyer Guarantee, Code: 7004

Woodworking show makes appearance at the Merrell Center first weekend of April

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:24:41 -0500

The Wood Working Shows, coming to the Merrell center in Katy Texas April 3 and April 4 and April 5.

Tickets are sold for single day event: $6

Or for multi-day pass: $9

Parking is FREE!

Free Admission to:
Active Duty Military
Police
Fire
and to Children under 15

For the full details:

CLICK HERE!

Call us now if you are looking to buy or sell a home in the West Houston and Katy Texas area! We are area specialists who guarantee our results!

Call the team that knows Katy at 281-935-7255 or our Toll Free information line (anytime):

Call (877)472-5390 and use the code to hear about the guarantee:

Easy Exit Listing Guarantee Code: 7003

$5000 Buyer Guarantee, Code: 7004

Another Short Sale in Katy TX: DONE!

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 09:48:27 -0500

Yes!

It's the same feeling I get everytime we close a short sale. This particular short sale was a really tough one to get done. The bank was not particularly involved with us (in other words lacking communication) and it made for some huge issues during the ride.

I'd also like to take the time to publicly thank all of the agents that showed this great little short sale and to all the buyers who showed interest in it.

If one of the BEST parts of the short sale is the relief that home seller gets when we finally get closed, one of the worst is knowing that you disappointed so many buyers and their agents whose offer did not get selected. Such was the case with this one...over 28 offers came in on this short sale. That means that 27 potential buyers are disappointed with the outcome of this sale. One buyer was happy...

Great Home in Lakeville, 20918 Walder Court--SOLD!

Please, if you are facing a foreclosure, facing getting behind on your mortgage or just need to see what your options are with your home, don't call just anyone! Call us NOW because time is NOT on your side when it comes to short sales and avoiding foreclosure. We are heading into PRIME selling season right now and the market is going to get competitive but there will also be more Home BUYERS out there as well!

Call us now if you are looking to buy or sell a home in the West Houston and Katy Texas area! We are area specialists who guarantee our results!

Call the team that knows Katy at 281-935-7255 or our Toll Free information line (anytime):

Call (877)472-5390 and use the code to hear about the guarantee:

Easy Exit Listing Guarantee Code: 7003

$5000 Buyer Guarantee, Code: 7004

How much of this downshifting economy is a product of opportunity?

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:04:54 -0500

Ok, so call me skeptical. I am. My very nature makes me a little skeptical about many things. I'm the guy who doesn't think MIGHTY PUTTY works like it says.

I'm the guy who thinks "if this product is SOOOOO GOOD, then why is 2 AM on a paid advertisement informercial the only place I can buy one?".

I'm the guy who thinks the moon landing was done on a studio lot...ok, so I'm not really THAT skeptical.

But suffice it to say that I do question things that don't add up.

So today I see that the Houston Chronicle has decided to lay off 12% of it's staff. I'm hearing that a lot lately. An NFL owner has decided to give everyone on the support staff an unpaid, 2 week hiatus so that he doesn't HAVE to let anyone go; other teams are cutting staff in all sports.

I'm hearing that many companies are laying people off and yet, I'm not hearing that these companies were in any kind of financial trouble. I'm not hearing that the layoffs are to help the company reorganize and survive in the "new economy". I'm just hearing that these companies are letting some people go.

So the skeptic in me wonders, are these legitimate layoffs or have these companies decided, "Hey, we can blame the faltering economy and cut some staff, which will add an additional $XXX,XXX to the bottom line!"

I know times are tough, but are these companies so poorly run that immediate lay offs are their only recourse or is this just an opportunity to get leaner and more profitable and have the econonomy be the scapegoat, even if it isn't!?

Please give us a call if you are looking to buy or sell a home in the West Houston and Katy Texas area! We are area specialists who guarantee our results!

Call the team that knows Katy at 281-935-7255 or our Toll Free information line (anytime)

Call (877)472-5390 and use the code to hear about the guarantee:

Easy Exit Listing Guarantee Code: 7003

$5000 Buyer Guarantee, Code: 7004