Amanda 's Blog

Have those who cry "Racisist!" cried Wolf?

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:37:07 -0500

Just a thought provoking question- Where is the proof of Racism? As an American, I am pretty tired of unproved racists accusations. Just because someone disagrees with someone that this is a different color, does not make that person racists. This argument of racism is a pathetic attempt to make the person asking questions shut up and stop asking. This is uncalled for. Not only that, but if the only argument that someone has is that the other person is "racist", it only proves that the person claiming racism has no real argument or defense. If someone calls "racist", I say PROVE IT!!

I am also angered that news folks and even Jimmy Carter claims that people have a problem with BO because he is black. Again- where is the proof of that? Why can these people make such ridiculous claims with no proof. Just because someone questions, and tries to figure out BO's intent and actions- does not mean that his ethnicity has ANYTHING to do with it!!!

What do you think?

Realtor/Local Business EVENT!! Live Band, Food, Aug 4th 6-8pm

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:58:25 -0500

I want to invite all Houston, Cypress, Spring, Tomball and local area business and Realtors to an EVENT/OPEN House. Come and Enjoy a live Band, Free Food, and a Drawing for a $100 Gift Card. PLEASE RSVP at 713-906-7338 by Sunday August 2 by 5pm.

PLEASE come and View this lovely home at a steal of a price! UNDER $50.00 a SQFT, Excellent Cy-Fair Schools, Great Neighborhood.

When: August 1, 2009

Time: 6-8pm

Where: 14203 Begonia Estates Ct

RSVP: Amanda McCumber 713-906-7338

Come and MINGLE and NETWORK with local Businesses and Realtors!

Does price sell homes?

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:59:12 -0500

I have a great listing that I have reduced to an amazing LOW price, and it is still not showing. So it leads me to wonder- Does price sell homes? I am always told that if you price it right, it will sell. My listing is clean, easy to show, and priced at least $20 a sqft less than market. I checked the area, only one other home is similar in size in price in the whole city. I have advertised it on multiple websites, craigslist, email blasts to agents- yet I have had very little traffic, and no offers. Any suggestions? Could I be priced too low? I would appreciate any advice you have to give me.

Thanks!

Need Help- I need to qualify buyers to save from wasted time.

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:46:32 -0600

I am looking for scripts, questions, or any suggestions so that I may better qualify buyers. I have been working with buyers for over a month and a half, pre-qualified with a lender, and supposedly ready to go. I successfully negotiated a lovely house that was liked by all parties. Now that it is time to sign the builders contract, and now everything has stalled. I find out there is another buyers agent with a buyers rep, (he promised me he was not under contract with anyone else) after assuring me that the money is available, now supposedly it is not (for down payment).

I am scratching my head here. I thought I had all of my questions answered but it appears I missed something. I feel like I have been duped and my time has been wasted. Any advice is greatly appreciated. What do you ask your buyers to get to the bottom of their situation and motivation?

THANKS!

Cypress, TX- A Sellers Market? I think so!

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:23:28 -0600

77433 Zip Code
Current Active Listings	592
Price Range	52K-1.298Million
All Pending	135
Price Range	69K-599K
Closings Since 1/23/09	58
Average Sales Price	191K
Average SQFT	2638
Average Days on Market	104
List Price/Sales Price %	95%

If you take the Active listings and divide them by the Pending homes plus the sold homes for the last month you get 3.06 months of inventory. Plus sellers can expect to receive 95% of asking price (when priced correctly), and sell in approximately 104 days. The nations inventory average is about 10 months. We have an incredible absorption rate in Cypress, TX. We are growing pretty quickly! If you are thinking about selling a home, please contact me today at 713-906-7338!

Cypress, TX- A Sellers Market? I think so!

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 11:15:39 -0600

77429 Zip Code
Current Active Listings	460
Price Range	63K-1.6Million
All Pending	132
Price Range	79K-2.25Mil
Closings Since 1/23/09	50
Average Sales Price	193K
Average SQFT	2687
Average Days on Market	73
List Price/Sales Price %	95%

If you take the Active Listings and divide them by the Pending homes plus the sold homes for the last month you get 2.53 months of inventory. Plus sellers can expect to receive 95% of asking price (when priced correctly), and sell in approximately 73 days. The nations inventory average is about 10 months. We have an incredible absorption rate in Cypress, TX. We are growing pretty quickly! If you are thinking about selling a home, please contact me today at 713-906-7338!

October surprise- Is Obama a Natural Born Citizen?

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:42:56 -0500

There is a lawsuit pending- Berg v. Obama. Berg is asking for a copy of his original birth certificate. Berg claims that Obama was born in Kenya, and that he also spent time in Indonesia in school registered as a native Indonesian and a Muslim. I don't care if he went to school as a Muslim, I do not think his time in Indonesia is relevant, although if he had to forgo his US citizenship to do so there might be a problem. I do think there is relivance to the fact that Obama may not meet our Constitutional requirements to become President. Obama has asked for the case to be dismissed. The courts are supposedly pending the dismissal right now.

I am wondering- back when Dan Rather reported about W. and the made up claims about the Bush Guard story. Everyone was crying foul and kept repeating "it's the seriousness of the charge, it needs to be responded to". Well, this is a pretty serious charge. There has been nothing in the mainstream press about it. It can potentially cause a Constitutional crisis. Why not respond to it quickly and make it go away? There is a very simple resolution here I think. Just show us your original birth certificate.

I think we as Americans have the right to know if Obama is a Natural Born Citizen. If he is then great- no harm no foul. If he is a Natural born citizen, then what does he have to hide? Why not just show the judge a copy of that birth certificate and be done with the case? It's really pretty simple to combat if you ask me. You either are a Natural Born Citizen and you have proof, or your not and you have something to hide.

It seams to me that Mr. Obama has lots to hide, he has certainly proved that he is not truthful when it comes to his past.

Sarah's Guns were a blazin'

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 15:36:41 -0500

In last nights debate, I was glad that she didn't always "play by the rules" and answer the questions they wanted answered. Sure she was coached, but aren't are all politicians? I bet on a whole Biden's been coached a lot more than she has been concerning debating over the years. What is impressive is that she has jumped into the political fray from complete obscurity with both guns blazing (pardon the pun he he). Joe with all his "experience" should have mopped the floor with such a "no experience" chick.

She was great! She was funny, she spoke the language that I as a middle class American speaks, she called him and Obama on some pretty big gaffs(the clean coal statement, and the war mongering guns blazing Obama statement, Biden's "Obama's not experienced" comment).

I loved that she talked about hope for this country and that even though we are not perfect, we are still the greatest country out there. A shining city on a hill. What she successfully pointed out was the extreme lefts "change" actually means more of the same Washington politics. Higher taxes, more government. I especially loved the comment about if you think Washington has done so great with this mortgage fiasco, just let them run your health care. That was a home run.

She is completely right. Washington too many time has been the problem. The government needs to get the heck out of our way and let us be successful. There is NOTHING wrong with success. It is what makes this country great. In plain English, Taxes stunt our growth. Biden was complaining about oil company's (what was it?) 400 billion (I can't remember the exact number he used) in tax breaks. I kept thinking- do you know how many jobs could be created in this country with that much money? How much could be used towards research for cleaner energy in this country? That never gets mentioned because it's just assumed that the oil execs are greedy and are just going to keep that money for themselves right?

Thank God that we have a team running for office (that I pray wins) that has the experience and the gravitas to stand up for what is right and take on the special interests of this country.

SARAH- YOU GO GIRL!!!

I would like a man's opinion....please

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 11:45:48 -0500

The sad truth is that in efforts to forward the cause of feminism, NOW has left out people that disagree with their principles in the name of promoting women. This has become ever more apparent with the quick rise in the political scene of Sarah Palin. She does not believe in the principles of NOW. Instead of tackling her actual beliefs they want to belittle, and make her out to be a non-women. Stick to the facts NOW.

I'm sorry- but there are lots of women, and men out there that believe that human life is a gift and is precious and should be protected. I know lots of men that are angry about their rights when it comes to reproductive rights. Somehow they get left out in the process. Men have zero voice when it comes to issues considered only to be"women's rights". How is that fair? Last time I checked it takes two to tango. I think it comes down to responsibility. When people engage in behaviors that pregnancy is a direct result of, there are consequences to their actions. Granted, not all pregnancies are intended, and they are not always the product of "consensual relations". Does that mean then that human life has less value as a direct result? That is a pretty tough question to answer out there. What do you think?

Where is the outrage?

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:27:35 -0500

I want to know where is the outrage about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac? Why doesn't our Government want to get to the bottom of this crisis? Why aren't Americans asking for the heads of these companies heads on a platter? Where is the media coverage for that? Why aren't those in the media following the money? The government has essentially doubled our national debt, and no one really is to blame except the free market. Really. I'm not buying that one bit. I want to know why the secondary mortgage industry is crashing. I want to know who is to blame. I want the government out of it, period. Now they are more involved than ever. I want to know who is policing the government from making these kinds of mistakes? The government never wants to admit that they have made any kind of mistakes. These are some pretty colossal mistakes and nobody seams that upset about it. I want to know why.

Taxes, Taxes and more Taxes

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:06:56 -0500

Just ask yourself one question. How many more employees can you hire when the government gets off your back and lets you work hard and earn more money? People in the real world forget that currently the more you earn, the bigger share of taxes you have to pay. Please tell me how that is fair? I know there are people that think that the argument "they pay more because they can afford it" is a good rebuttal. I'm sorry, but that excuse always gets me. The more I earn the more I should be able to grow my company and hire more people to work for me so I can in turn grow more to earn more. That is the American dream. The more taxes I pay, the more I am crippled and can not continue to grow.

America, the pursuit of happiness comes in the dreams we have to succeed. Success is not evil. Success should not be punished. Get the government off my back. I agree with President Reagan, "all too often the government is the problem and not the solution". Personally I think we should move to a flat tax or a tax based only on consumption. So essentially, the more you spend the more your taxed. Our current system is a joke, and the idea that middle America won't be affected if only the top 5% of wage earners pay more taxes, is just wrong. Who creates the majority of jobs in our country?

Why are corporations viewed as evil? Because they make lots of money? There are so many people in this country that fall prey to class warfare, and think that income distribution is the solution. In effect- you earned it, but I deserve it. Why? What is evil is envy. There is nothing wrong with making money.

One thing that often gets misquoted is about the love of money. Money is not evil. The love of money is evil. Money can do lots of wonderful things. The government does not make money. The government is in the business of growing and taking more of your money. Our government should not be the main source of help in this world. People in this country are capable of earning more and giving back all by themselves. I think we should concentrate more on the individuals quest to do more for his brother and sisters out there instead of looking to the government to fix all of societies ills.

Coles Crossing Market Information

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:48:57 -0500

Lot's of folks ask me- "What is the average Price per square foot for my neighborhood?" So I thought to myself, "self, now that is a really easy question to answer". I am going to give Sellers out there a number. Please note- when determining the value of your home there is a lot more detailed information at play. So, I am going to give out a number if you promise that you will not think that this number is what you can reasonably get for your house if you decide to sell it today. There are houses that have sold at a lower number, and houses that have sold at a much higher number. This number is based on all of the houses that have sold and documented on HAR.com in your neighborhood from 1/1/2007-8/2008. Please call me if you are thinking about selling your house. I can personalize a Comparitable Market Annalysis for you and the specifics of your home. I am currently running a special on a 5% No Hassle, Cancel at Any time listing. For more information, please see my website at mccumberteam.com. Also sign up to see what houses within a 5 mile radius of yours sold for.

Coles Crossing- Average sold price per square foot is $86.06.

Amanda McCumber

Real Estate Broker

Keller Williams Greater Northwest

8514 HWY 6 N

Houston, TX 77095

Direct: 713-906-7338

Fax: 281-213-8431

Fairfield Market Information

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:46:12 -0500

Fairfield- Average sold price per square foot is $75.27.

Amanda McCumber

Real Estate Broker

Keller Williams Greater Northwest

8514 HWY 6 N

Houston, TX 77095

Direct: 713-906-7338

Fax: 281-213-8431

Lakes of Rosehill Market Infomation

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:43:42 -0500

Lakes of Rosehill- Average sold price per square foot is $101.96.

Amanda McCumber

Real Estate Broker

Keller Williams Greater Northwest

8514 HWY 6 N

Houston, TX 77095

Direct: 713-906-7338

Fax: 281-213-8431

Blackhorse Market Information

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:41:03 -0500

Blackhorse- Average sold price per square foot is $84.24.

Amanda McCumber

Real Estate Broker

Keller Williams Greater Northwest

8514 HWY 6 N

Houston, TX 77095

Direct: 713-906-7338

Fax: 281-213-8431

Cypress Mill Estates Market Report

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:37:44 -0500

Cypress Mill Estates- Average sold price per square foot is $72.48.

Amanda McCumber

Real Estate Broker

Keller Williams Greater Northwest

8514 HWY 6 N

Houston, TX 77095

Direct: 713-906-7338

Fax: 281-213-8431

Bridgeland Market Info

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:35:08 -0500

Bridgeland- Average sold price per square foot is $90.25.

Amanda McCumber

Real Estate Broker

Keller Williams Greater Northwest

8514 HWY 6 N

Houston, TX 77095

Direct: 713-906-7338

Fax: 281-213-8431

Struggles of a stay at home mom/broker

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 16:11:21 -0500

I currently stay at home with my 3 year old son (what a blessing), but I also must bring in an income. This has been a real struggle since I have to depend on friends, family, and neighbors to work during the week. I miss all kinds of interesting training meetings, classes, property tours, etc. I am also in the process of starting my own company. Things are moving right along. It is really a struggle, because I try to devote mornings with my son, afternoons (when he naps) to work, and when I get busy I just end up feeling really guilty that I don't pay more attention to him. God bless him, he has learned to play quietly by himself. I still deal with the guilt. I try to schedule work on the evenings and weekends, but then my DH starts getting neglected. I then wonder- is this what I bargained for, when I became a working Mother?

I really don't want to come off as complaining, I just have a hard time finding the balance and focus I need to be really successful at both my full time jobs. I try not to feeling guilty, but I do. Right now I am bored, and I have 50 things I need to do and not the desire to do a single one of them. Am I the only one that feels like that out there?

Bridgeland Blog

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:09:59 -0500

The growth of NW Houston and Cypress has been explosive. One of the main bright spots in the center of all of this growth has been Bridgeland. Made up of over 11,000 acres; 3,000 acres will be made up of parks, lakes, walking/jogging trails, and open prairie. Currently the amenities are already becoming the hot spots for new home owners. The Lakeland Activity Center is open and includes a resort-style swimming complex with water slides, a splash pad, and a giant pool. There are also tennis courts, a community center with a fitness room. Bridgeland employs a full time activities director that maintains a busy schedule including activities such as fitness classes to cooking demonstrations. Residents can also enjoy biking, fishing, and paddle boats without needed to purchase any equipment to do so, they can simply check out the equipment. Also there is a 30 acre park with picnic areas featuring an 18 hole disc golf course, a pier on a stocked lake, and a covered pavilion with restrooms.

This truly is a convenient place to call home. It is close to 290 and I-10 and the Grand Parkway will soon make its appearance through Bridgeland.

Village of Indian Trails Playground

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:52:09 -0500

Pictures of Village of Indian Trails

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:49:13 -0500

New Companies/ Brokers out there

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:29:51 -0500

I am getting ready to open my own brokerage in the next couple of months. I am looking for any advice that independants can give. What steps were a must when you got started? I have been studying for a while about getting started, I just don't want anything to slip through the cracks. I have had my Brokers license for almost 2 years now, and I am itching to get started. Any advice you could give me would be very much appreciated.

Anything that you have done that you wish you would have done in the very beginning?

Did you start with a team or did you hire independant contractors (agents)?

How detailed was your business plan, did you write one?

What type of advertising/marketing did you start with?

Did you start with debt, or did you pay as the cash became available?

Thanks in advance!

Amanda

13931 Pueblo Run

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:22:13 -0500

ONLY $156,900! Sellers Motivated! Will consider offer! 3/2/2 with 2 bonus rooms that can be a formal living, formal dining, study, additional bedrooms, gameroom- You choose. Great open space with 42" kitchen cabinets, neutral colors, Silestone Countertops, tile in Kitchen and baths. This is a MUST SEE! But hurry, a deal like this won't last long! Beautiful home.

Getting ready to open my own company in Houston, TX- Any advice out there?

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:25:17 -0600

I have the paperwork in place, and I am getting ready to file. I already have my incorporation ready to go. I am working on a business plan, but I feel like I am missing something. Can anyone give me practical advice on how to go out on your own? Like what insurance to carry, or is it necessary to open an actual office building. Any advice or tips will be greatly appreciated.

Beautiful Home in Cypress for sale!!!

Amanda McCumber (DRM Residential Properties, Inc.) — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:26:25 -0600

This house will not last long! It is absolutely gorgeous and well cared for. It's even better in person! Marble floors in entry, living, kitchen, utility and breakfast. The dining room has hardwoods and French doors (currently being used as a study). The kitchen has 42in cabinets, a tiled backsplash, and under cabinet lighting. Both baths have ceramic tile floors. There are built-ins, cut outs, rounded archways, the fireplace has granite tile. I can go on and on.. 3/2/2 1878 SQFT for only 146,900!!