Cynthia's Blog

El Paso Texas has Superior Schools and here is proof and the money!!

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:20:24 -0500

National education experts visited Socorro Independent School District campuses Wednesday to decide whether the district should be considered the country's best at teaching children. Socorro is one of five finalists for the $2 million Broad Prize for Urban Education, which is equivalent to the Academy Award for school districts that show the greatest improvement in student achievement. To receive the prize, districts must also demonstrate that they have reduced the achievement gaps between poor minority children and their affluent Anglo counterparts. A winner will be announced by U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan on Sept. 16 in Washington, D.C., and will receive $1 million in scholarships for high-school seniors who will graduate in 2010. The other four finalists will receive $250,000 each in scholarships, which means Socorro is guaranteed that amount. "Everyone is passionate and enthusiastic, but what this shows most is that we have established processes and strategies that will guarantee student success in the long-term, even if one of us leaves," said Pat O'Neill, the district's assistant superintendent for administrative services. Education leaders have already looked at data that include scores from state standardized tests, performance on the SAT and ACT college entrance exams, and graduation rates. Thursday, they will continue to examine operations, planning and instructional strategies in the district. Two things stood out about Socorro during the trip -- high expectations for students and programs to help at-risk children. So many districts claim they do these things, but we can see that this is really the case at Socorro, This is a district that has had such high levels of growth and could have easily collapsed like others with such increases in student population, but instead focused on academic rigor." Socorro surpassed the state average at increasing the percentage of students who were proficient in math and reading between 2005 and 2008, according to the Broad Foundation. The district also narrowed the achievement gaps in reading and math between poor students and more-affluent students. In 2008, Socorro outperformed other districts in Texas that have students in similar income levels in the two subjects. Win or lose, the district will have access to scholarships from the foundation, which will be available to students who demonstrate academic improvement and show financial need.

Just got my notice from El Paso, Texas Central Appraisal District, did you get yours

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Tue, 05 May 2009 23:33:54 -0500

I got my notice in the mail and the value only went up a few dollars. Great!!

My assistant got hers and her value is easily $30,000 more than anyone could sell it for. We must protest.

An acquaintance got theirs and it is easily $50,000 less than it would sell for. They smiled and left the conversation.

I hear from others theirs went up measurably. CAD (Central Appraisal District) advises they only upped the values about 2% overall.

My thoughts you ask? Property Values have decreased more than 2%. Taxpayers have a very limited window to request a protest. Must be filed by June 1 or 30 days from the receipt of the notice. Question we should all ask, can I sell my house for what CAD has it valued at?

Not sure, call your favorite REALTOR and ask for a CMA. Check out www,PropertyTaxesInElPaso.com

Is the election and the delay of property tax notices planned?

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 12:20:21 -0500

I was just reading the reviews of Mayor Cooks state of the city address. So some are to think the address was timed to benefit his reelection. While this blog is not supporting any mayoral candidate, I am wondering if the Central Appraisal District’s mailing of the Notices of appraised value are also late to benefit the election. Will we not get the overdue and long awaited for envelopes until after the election? Surely not. I have not heard anyone addressing the state of property taxes as they are. Plans are not to increase taxes but will be see significant increases in values. I think a lot of us are waiting.

Property Taxes in El Paso Texas

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 15:38:09 -0500

Howdy all

Spring has sprung, dust bowl is alive, buds and blooms are sprouting and to be noted this month is Easter, April 15 Income Tax Deadline and Central Appraisal Distruct mails out the 2009 PROPERTY TAX Valuations are due any minute.Will your valuation be higher or lower. Don't laugh!

New website, blog and twitter just about Property Taxes in El Paso...

www.PropertyTaxesInElPaso.com

So drop on by the site, post your comments, tell everyone why we need taxes (and we do),your ideas for improvement if any and learn about filing protests, contacting elected officials that influence your taxes and share with your neigthbors and coworkers becuase in El Paso we are one great community together.

2009 First Time Home Buyer - What they changes mean to you

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:30:54 -0600

Howdy

from

Cynthia Morris

in El Paso Texas

Of Note: I am not a tax professional, nor do I play one on TV or the Internet. You should seek advice from a CPA or professional tax preparer. If the IRS comes after you with guns blazing for anything you read in this post or anything you think you read in this post, it's not my fault. Seek professional help!

FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER TAX CREDIT As Modified in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act February 2009 SO WHAT CHANGED

• Amount of Credit from $7500 to $8000

• Now it can be used with mortgages that were bond money, prior could not.

• Do NOT have to repay

• If you sell in 3 years or less you have to give back

• Ends December 2009

• Effective as of January 2009 And if you bought in 2008 what can you or should you do File for the $7500

So if you have not bought a home and you are a first time home buyer (have not owned of home in your name or spouse's name in 2 or more years) what are you waiting for?

This is an awesome time to buy! Buying in El Paso is a good investment (one of the best markets in price, in growth, in forecasted future)! If you have not bought, have friends that have not bought, call me and lets see how we can get you that great home at the great price in a great location at great interest rates ever and with the only REALTOR you will every need.

Me, Cynthia Morris Sounds great to me, what do you think?

Still have questions, just call or email me any time - Or you can just call just to say Howdy!

Wishes for a an awesome day to all!

Next Newsflash(s)

*Property tax Protests

*Do your elected officials affect your property taxes?

*What can you do if you cannot make your mortgage payments

*How to find foreclosures and shorts sales for you to buy *Filing for the stimulus credit to receive

*Over 65 and moving carrying a lower valuation is awesome

Anything you want to hear about, let me know

Cynthia Morris Broker-Owner

CRS,ePRO,GRI, CSP, WCR, Texas Property Tax Arbitrator

Residential Real Estate, Property Management, Instructor

Buying, Selling, Rentals, New Construction, Foreclosures, Short Sales

EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC

Phone 915 471 4300 Fax 915 855 4609

Cynthia@EPHomeSearch.com

El Paso Texas Property Taxes and Filing for Exemptions

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 23:17:49 -0600

Many of the residential properties have homestead exemptions which reduce the amount of taxes accessed and required to be paid. Exemptions reduce the total appraised value and then reduce the amount of taxes to be paid. Yea! The most common is the Home Owners Exemption which is filled annually between January 1 to April 15th. Aside from the most common there are many other exemptions out there that may just have some savings dollars for you. List of exemptions can be found at http://www.epcad.org/pdf/TaxingEntityExemptionList.pdf Yes, there are a number of residents in our county that have reduced their taxes to a very low amount. Want to discuss contact by email Cynthia@EPHomeSearch.com or phone 915 471 4300 to discuss anytime. Next Post, Hey I got my estimated value and yikes, what can I do about this, or my home is valued at more than I can sell it for, or can they do this, or what am I looking at?

El Paso Texas is an undervalued market.

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:31:53 -0600

I am a Broker Owner in El Paso Texas and came across the following interest research article. I know this is a great market and now everyone will know!! According to the real estate research service, Local Market Monitor, six towns qualify as under-valued according to their most recent survey. An interesting note is that two are in Texas and all in more southern areas of the U.S.

Under-valued U.S. residential real estate markets:

Augusta, Georgia
El Paso, Texas
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Little Rock, Arkansas
Mc Allen-Edinburg, Texas
Memphis, Tennessee

Price per sq ft ranges from $60 to $110. Of course their are some high high ends and some serious bad ones but the average is aweome. Buying El Paso Real Estate is a deal, a great deal.

Sellers, well it depends when they bought like in any market, but we are having success if the house is ready to show, easy to show, curb appeal, priced right. This is the same criteria of any time and any market condition but I do find that market, market, market is what sets apart the solds from the ones still on the market.

Hey, what no mention of foreclosures, just undervalued. I speak about El Paso and the undervalue comment is a fact. And then with the market as it is, foreclosures and short sales, add to the formula of 30,000++ military descending upon the community between now and 2011, huge medical school complex, manufacturing capital of Mexico across the river, this spells BUY. I am not talking today about flipping, but purchasing properties that are desirable rentals and cash flowing. Imagine, if you will, owning, 10, 20, 30 or more properties paid in full and 100% occupancy. Thought that dream went away? Think it is possible in El Paso? I do and I do it and my clients do it. Just writing this opens my eyes and all I can say is WOW!

What? Senate playing with stimulus plan? Come on Realtors take a stand and let them know how we feel!!

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 10:50:51 -0600

Senators

Whether I am in favor of the stimulus package as is or not is frankly irrelevant. News alone yielded a tiny bit of confidence world wide of our economy and the majority of citizens in US are so excited. How we get back into financial wonderfulness concerns me but I would not want to be the Senator(s) or affiliated with the Senator(s) that caused this to fail or delay. We all know that attitude and mind set for us as Americans is powerful and how we are perceived world wide has to return the land of opportunity! We cannot fail as the US in the eyes of the world and we must....MUST..... present a strong and united front. Stop politics and agenda, think country and do it now!

Cynthia Ann Morris,

CRS ,ePRO, GRI, Property Tax Arbitrator

Broker-Owner

Serving you and all of El Paso County..

Phone 915 471 4300

Fax 915 855 4609

email cynthia@EPHomeSearch.com

Website www.EPHomeSearch.com

Don't wait for stimulus dolllars to buy a new house in El Paso Texas!!

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 17:43:06 -0600

January 25, 2008

YEA MONEY FOR ME, MY SPOUSE AND MY CHILDREN! THANK YOU CONGRESS, THANK YOU PRESIDENT BUSH AND SO..........HOW TO SPEND THE MONEY!

Okay, first question is how much will I get?

$600 for individuals, $1,200 for couples and, for families, an additional $300 a child.

Estimated checks will be mailed in May 2008 or so.

So it is possible to get an IRS refund in February, and the stimulus check in May. This could add up to a whole lotta dollars for many and the economists are already saying nixed the recesssion. With such a nice surpise how will many spend it? Vacation, car, downpayment on a house, pay off credit cards, plan education, fix up the house, buy an engagement ring (getting close to Valentines so I am a bit in the romantic mood), give to the Church or other worthy organization, buy new computers, Plasma TV.

Can you just imagine the advertising that will be coming out to get your dollars...think some of it will be in Superbowl commercials? Okay how about a little game, email me every time you see a commerical on TV, in the newspapers, hear on the radio?

Who will be the first to advertise.

BTW, if you are thinking of using those dollars on a house, don't wait the market in El Paso is hot, is just starting to swing from a buyers market to a sellers market and really great deals can be had. Call or email me to let you know about all the special deals!

Wishes to all a great day and that every day be better than the last from EP and the EPHomeSearch Team!

Bye for Now!

So if you want to BUY El Paso Real Estate

SELL El Paso Real Estate

INVEST in El Paso Real Estate

DISCUSS El Paso Real Estate

Or just say HOWDY!

Call CYNTHIA MORRIS,

Broker Owner

915 471 4300

Cynthia@EpHomeSearch.com

http://www.ephomesearch.com/

"I want to be the only REALTOR® you will ever need."

Ft. Bliss Familys search for a new home or it is better to own than rent

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:17:37 -0600

January 24 2008

The Wyatts are lovely family of 3 -- well 3 when we first met. Sgt Daniel is originally from Florida....met Kara (who is originally from California)in Korea where they were both stationed and married in California and now reside in William Beaumont Army Medical Housing - El Paso Texas. They have Logan who is a healthy 14 month old boy and is the most photogenic child at Ft. Bliss. Now Kara is expecting a princess in May and Danny just got a Bull Mastiff puppy. Talk about life changing. From 2 to 3 to 4 to 5 in a household overnight! That is some heavy duty multiplying!

The Wyatt's looked at what they were paying for post housing, and compared to the tax deduction they would be getting and the equity they would build before leaving El Paso. Why it would be a downright waste of money to rent verses buying a home. Huge huge savings! Just think in the first few years majority, really almost all, of payments are tax deductible and even in the worst markets homes increase in value. The assignment given to Cynthia Morris was to find a home 10 minutes or less from Ft. Bliss, great neighborhood with kids and looking upscale to enjoy and for resale, and of course for a wonderful payment with no down and no closing. "piece of cake" says Cynthia. We found the house after looking in Mesquite Hills, North Hills, Sandstone and Northview. Lots of choices but not one that was the "one" was selected until they found a CareFree Home in NorthView. Sitting there was the house that had all they wanted, the tings they would like and those few more items they dreamed of....in a downright wonderful neighborhood, 8 minutes to Ft. Bliss. So the sales contract was written and submitted, and an appointment with Sam Guido at State National Bank made for approval. Sam approved the Wyatt's and surprised them with a downright incredible low interest rate, no down, no closing costs and everybody was singing the I got a new house song. Whoops.....CareFree calls and they recovered 3 contracts on the Wyatt house. WHO SAYS THE MARKET IS SLOW, TAKE A LOOK AT THE GREAT MARKET IN EL PASO. Dreams smashed, oh no....but to the rescue another of the same model is found one block over and it has a view of the beautiful Franklin mountains as well. Okay back on track towards the Wyatt's new home. Next step off to select the new appliances tomorrow and then the inspection. Looks like the Wyatt's could be in this house by Valentines.. Bye for Now.

EP's Blog for the EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services Team

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 17:33:38 -0600

So who is EP?

The little cute house person of the EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services Team. EP is the EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services Cheerleader, sometimes Spokesperson, thinks he is all knowledgeable (is he a he or?). EP can find a home for the buyer, sell a home for the seller, rents to the renter and manages property for the property owners. He advises investors on how to make money in the El Paso Real Estate Market. He is known to greet all by a warm HOWDY! Always smiling and is developing different looks all the time (check out his monthly and special occasions outfits). He is all knowing not because he knows anything but knows the people that have the answers. This blog is about his daily ventures, funny stories, great people, wonderful El Paso, his team mates and what ever strikes his fancy on a particular day. Suggest a item to report on, research and he will do that do. Your opinion matters.

EP'S BLOG

January 11, 2008

Howdy!

Yesterday our EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services office computers set up was fixed. We had another hard drive installed and expanded what we could do. They tell me that I take up a lot of memory but I think it is the pictures of houses, horses, people, grandkids, house, and more houses that takes up all the memory. We got our office networking going a little swifter and now we can do almost anything until we find something else more complicated. Knowing Cynthia this will not take very long. Actually I feel the next change coming up listening to Cynthia and Roger Hovis our computer fixer discuss when it is time to go from cartridge printer to laser, something was said like outlay will be repaid in less than 30 days. Oh well, we get to see Roger again.

Today, My Ana Castro MIPC (Most Important Person in the Company) had to run off as 2 year old daughter Breana stuck a tire up her nose. The tire was off of brother Jr's little car and she managed to stick it up there pretty high. The ER team at Del Sol Hospital had a special took to zip it out and all is fine. Ana Mother is back on the job and Breana is back to playing. When Ana was telling friend, her friend relayed a story that her grandfather stuck a pinto bean up his nose and no one knew it until it sprouted, now that is a story.

Well back to Real Estate in El Paso. It is picking up and picking up. News yesterday is that another call center to be located in El Paso with 1500 more jobs. Cynthia has been showing some mighty nice CareFree homes in the northeast while meeting some of the nicest people. She will take some pictures this weekend and show you.

Of equal time to Builders, Cynthia's daughter, Christina, and fiancée, Tommy, are buying a great Desert View home.

I love El Paso, I love the mountains, I love the People, I love the climate, I love Real Estate in El Paso and today is a great day to buy and sell Real Estate with EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services.

Wishes to all a great day and that every day be better than the last from EP and the EPHomeSearch Team! Bye for Now!

So if you want to

BUY El Paso Real Estate

SELL El Paso Real Estate

INVEST in El Paso Real Estate

DISCUSS El Paso Real Estate

Or just say HOWDY!

Call CYNTHIA MORRIS, Broker Owner

915 471 4300

Cynthia@EpHomeSearch.com

http://www.ephomesearch.com/

"I want to be the only REALTOR® you will ever need."

Good reason to buy real estate in El Paso Texas ** number five in a series

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:38:21 -0600

El Paso Texas is a GREAT real estate market

I love the El Paso, Texas mountains'.. I have lived in El Paso for a number of years and have left a couple of times. One time I was talking to some friends and "heard" myself talking. You know that moment when you said something and you think was that me saying that. This is what I said, these mountains' grow on you, you can go anywhere and you will be missing these mountains, missing the landmarks you use for directions, the incredible sunsets and sunrises, how the mountains divide of the city and subdivisions, and of course the magnificent drive over and through the mountains called Transmountain drive. I never stop feeling awed when driving through the mountains and sit back in delight as I watch newcomers view the mountains from different viewpoints' at different times of the day.

A panoramic view of El Paso, Texas from the north. The Hueco Mountains can be seen toward the east, the Juarez mountains of Mexico can be seen to the south (far right of the image).

El Paso Skyline as seen from Scenic Drive

Central El Paso as seen from Scenic Drive.

El Paso (top) and Ciudad Juárez (bottom) as seen from earth orbit; the Rio Grande River is the thin line separating the two cities through the middle of the photograph. A portion of the Franklin Mountains can be seen in the upper-left. Image courtesy of NASA.

El Paso is located at 31°47′25″N, 106°25′24″W (31.790208, -106.423242)^GR1. It lies at the intersection of three states (Texas, New Mexico, and Chihuahua) and two countries (the USA and Mexico). It is the only major Texas city on Mountain Time. When Ciudad Juárez was on Central Time^{[citation needed]}, it was possible to celebrate New Year's twice in the same evening by travelling a very short distance across the state and into another country. Both cities are now on Mountain Time.

The city's elevation is 3,800 feet (1140 m) above sea level. The rustic North Franklin Peak towers at 7,192 feet above sea level and is the highest peak in the city. The peak can be seen from 60 miles in all directions. Additionally, this mountain range is home to the famous natural red-clay formation, the Thunderbird, from which the local Coronado High School gets its mascot's name. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 250.5 square miles (648.9 km²).

The 24,000-acre Franklin Mountains State Park is the largest urban park in the United States and resides entirely in El Paso, extending from the north and neatly dividing the city into several sections along with Fort Bliss and the El Paso International Airport.

The Rio Grande Rift, which passes around the southern end of the Franklin Mountains, is where the Rio Grande River flows. The river defines the border between El Paso from Ciudad Juárez to the south and west until the river turns north of the border with Mexico, separating El Paso from Doña Ana County, New Mexico. Mt. Cristo Rey, a volcanic peak (an example of a pluton) rises within the Rio Grande Rift just to the west of El Paso on the New Mexico side of the Rio Grande River. Other volcanic features include Kilbourne hole and Hunt's hole, which are Maar volcanic craters 30 miles (50 km) west of the Franklin Mountains.

El Paso is surrounded by the Chihuahuan Desert, the easternmost section of the Basin and Range Region.

So this is just one more reason why El Paso Texas is a great place to live, and right now it is a great city to buy and sell Real Estate.

So if you want to BUY, to SELL, to INVEST or just to discuss THE EL PASO REAL ESTATE MARKET,

call CYNTHIA MORRIS, Broker- Owner EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services.

"I WANT TO BE THE ONLY REALTOR® YOU WILL EVER NEED!

Website http://www.ephomesearch.com/

Cellular 915 471 4300

Good reason to buy real estate in El Paso Texas ** number four in a series

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 01:39:24 -0600

El Paso Texas is a GREAT real estate market (edit/delete)

El Paso has a dry climate! For many this has become a wonderful health resort for such ailments as

Alergies

Asthma

Arthritis

Eczema

Acne

And more, who wants to add to this list, many can!!

Year round outdoor activities and sports. Rare snowfall so golfing is possible year round. The dry climate has one feelings less hot in the summer and less cold in the winter. Summer activities outdoors are possible for everyone.
El Paso is a dry climate town and has a very low humidity rate year-round. The city's precipitation average is about 8-9 inches a year and the average humidity rate is about 25%.

So this is just one more reason why El Paso Texas is a great place to live, and right now it is a great city to buy and sell Real Estate.

So if you want to BUY, to SELL, to INVEST or just to discuss THE EL PASO REAL ESTATE MARKET,

call CYNTHIA MORRIS, Broker- Owner EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services.

"I WANT TO BE THE ONLY REALTOR® YOU WILL EVER NEED!

Website http://www.ephomesearch.com/

Cellular 915 471 4300

Good reason to buy real estate in El Paso Texas ** number one in a series

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 16:43:46 -0600

El Paso Texas is a GREAT real estate market (edit/delete)

El Paso is Sun City, nicknamed and deservedly so as El Paso averages 302 days per year of sun shine, including 83 percent of daylights hours. No wonder there are so many people happy in El Paso, Texas. Studies have shown that sun light elevates mood in people and El Paso citizens are lucky enough to have so much sunlight on them. Stay happy and playful El Paso. This is a wonderful time to buy and sell real estate in El Paso Texas. Forget the myths invest in your future today! You do know that buying real estate is supposed to be fun. Let me show you El Paso and you will agree that people in El Paso are happy people. Come join us! Bye for now.

So if you want to BUY, to SELL, to INVEST or just to discuss THE EL PASO REAL ESTATE MARKET,

call CYNTHIA MORRIS, Broker- Owner EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services.

"I WANT TO BE THE ONLY REALTOR® YOU WILL EVER NEED!

Website http://www.ephomesearch.com/

Cellular 915 471 4300

The Real Estate Gloom Myth in El Paso Texas

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 22:35:06 -0600

Real Estate Gloom Myth...

El Paso Texas is a GREAT real estate market (edit/delete)

The housing market has been hit with double-digit losses for the 1^st. two quarters of the year according to the National ASSOC. OF REALTORS. NEW HOME STARTS ARE DOWN 34% from a year ago. SOUND FAMILIAR? This is a quote from a story in JULY 1979. So all those folks with homes to sell in 1979 did not survive you think? Those homes bought in 1979 are worth how many times their value today. This is a wonderful time to buy and sell real estate in El Paso Texas. Forget the myths invest in your future today! Bye for now.

So if you want to BUY, to SELL, to INVEST or just to discuss THE EL PASO REAL ESTATE MARKET, call CYNTHIA MORRIS, Broker- Owner EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services. "I WANT TO BE THE ONLY REALTOR® YOU WILL EVER NEED!

Website http://www.ephomesearch.com/

Cellular 915 471 4300

El Paso Texas is a GREAT real estate market

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 11:18:30 -0600

Happy New Years! May 2008 bring all our dreams met and needs filled to all of us, especially you! 2007 found a downturn in the Real Estate market and dreadful stories topped the news. But in El Paso there was not the extreme as in California, Nevada, and Florida that made the news. We are buying and selling houses in El Paso. The national news sent a rush of listings in our El Paso market so sellers need to stage and price to be attractive and competitive.. Buyers have a lot more choices and negotiation strategies that require that REALTOR's ® special skills. Interest rates are still downright delightful but one must have decent credit (not perfect just decent). So in a nutshell sellers that have their home ready and professionally promoted by a REALTOR® do fine. Buyers have a lot of choices if they have good credit and it sure helps to have a REALTOR® find and advise you of all the choices. Investors' the need for affordable rentals is always a great investment and the time is really great to seek out properties that can grow your portfolio. Bue for now

Website http://www.ephomesearch.com/

Cellular 915 471 4300

Continuation of study on REALTOR code of Ethics - Preamble second paragraph

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 11:18:02 -0600

Such interests impose obligations beyond those of ordinary commerce. They impose grave social responsibility and a patriotic duty to which REALTORS® should dedicate themselves, and for which they should be diligent in preparing themselves. REALTORS®, therefore, are zealous to maintain and improve the standards of their calling and share with their fellow REALTORS® a common responsibility for its integrity and honor. 2/24/2007 This paragraph has strong words .....obligations, grave responsibility, patriotic duty, dedicate, prepare, improve standards, calling, integrity and honor. It is such an honor and a responsibility to take a sellers property or a buyers dream and work to have it turn out the way they desire. Generally, realtors are paid by commissions, but at the onset taking the clients needs and trust the thought of commission must take a back seat in pursuing the goals. The commission is a result of the work not the reason. Every client is a gift and that being so there is extreme responsibility to do the best and a real desire to delight the customer. These are not mere words but the inner make up of a good realtor, which I strive to be. Cynthia Morris, REALTOR® El Paso, Texas

REALTOR Code of Ethics, the Preamble

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 01:08:23 -0600

I am beginning a continuing blog on the Preamble to the REALTOR code of ethics. This is "not" to insinuate that I am above others but a sincere and real study into the REALTOR I think I am and reinforcing the REALTOR I should be. I am pasting the preamble in this body and will comment throughout in a different type. I expect this process to be enlightening and demonstrating that majority of REALTORS' true love of their profession and their sincere realization of the responsibility they hold.

Preamble . . .
Under all is the land. Upon its wise utilization and widely allocated ownership depend the survival and growth of free institutions and of our civilization. REALTORS® should recognize that the interests of the nation and its citizens require the highest and best use of the land and the widest distribution of land ownership. They require the creation of adequate housing, the building of functioning cities, the development of productive industries and farms, and the preservation of a healthful environment. 2/.21/2007 And to this we all say AMEN. As in all wonderful documents preserved for life this preamble to the REALTORS Code of Ethics states the REALTOR is involved in preserving the right to buy and sell property; to lease property; to improve property; to work with the community to see that fair housing is available for all. REALTORS are a voice for the public in the city halls as to what is needed - valuable beyond politics but gathering and dispersing the real communities needs, concerns, wants, desires. What an incredible opportunity to be all that you can be and serve the community, even those you do not know, for a better and stronger community. So to all, including myself, get involved, care, take a stand, learn and grow. Cynthia Morris, Realtor ® El Paso, Texas

Sell a Bration 2007

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 22:29:40 -0600

Cynthia Morris Attends Sell-a-bration® 2007

The annual education and networking event helps REALTORS® become more successful - and that means for more success for their clients.

REALTOR®, Cynthia Morris attended Sell-a-bration® 2007 along with more than 1,200 of the nation's top residential real estate specialists. Sell-a-bration® is an annual three-day education and networking event for residential REALTORS® which was held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Jan. 31 - February 2.

"This training and networking with the tops of the tops has given me ideas to be the best REALTOR I can be for my clients and my community" says Cynthia "and I am ready to show El Paso how I can be of superb service."

This is Cynthia's first time attending Sell-a-bration®. She attended education sessions led by the industry's top speakers that focused on topics such as negotiating, investment, lead conversion and marketing strategies. Cynthia looks forward to attending Sell-a-bration® next year in Honolulu.

The Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors® with more than 48,000 members in the United States and international countries, awards the CRS designation to experienced Realtors® who have completed advanced professional training in residential real estate.

Property Taxes in Texas - say NO TO DISCLOSURE OF SALES PRICES TO COUNTY APPRAISAL DISTRICTS!!

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 23:25:03 -0600

Texas does not have personal income tax but they do have property taxes. A large portion is school taxes and is the method of funding public education. Property taxes are based on the County Appraisal Boards determination of value.

Up until last year the Texas Appraisal Boards set value based on current MLS data. NO effort just use the data from MLS and it is so easy to raise property values with this being done for them. "it got taken away from them" They are not allowed to use MLS data (should they find access somehow) and must somehow with the same amount of personnel and skills appraise each and every home in their County. This is a pretty much impossible task and they are crying for the State of Texas to reverse he decision and once again allow them access to MLS data.

There is a petition going around about the Governor's Appraisal Reform Task Force findings. The Task Force presented their report which is still proposing Mandatory Sales Price Disclosure. We are advising you, if you get an email with a subject of: Sign the Taxpayer Protection Petition, DO NOT SIGN THIS PETITION. We do not want to be forced to disclose sales prices and therefore, will not sign a petition in support of something that is recommending this. Furthermore, write all your Texas Senators, Representative and those that are affected by your opinions and votes to stress that there must NOT be disclosure on sales prices.

Local real estate professional Cynthia Morris of ERA Priority One Real Estate Services in El Paso, Texas just completed the mandatory 30 hour property tax arbitration course and is in the Texas registry of approved property tax arbitrators.

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 00:36:54 -0600

ERA Priority One Real Estate Services Professional can now "arbitrate" your property taxes

El Paso Texas September 21 2006 - Local real estate professional Cynthia Morris of ERA Priority One Real Estate Services in El Paso, Texas just completed the mandatory 30 hour property tax arbitration course and is in the Texas registry of approved property tax arbitrators.

The state of Texas recently passed legislation that allows the tax payer one more remedy after the Appraisal Review board being arbitration. The non biased and professional hearing is final and binding and may offer one more avenue to tax payers managing their property values and taxes.

"How wonderful that the disgruntled tax payer can present their side of the property tax and valuation in a location outside of the Appraisal District and with non Appraisal District personnel, says Cynthia Morris. I am honored to be part of this remedy as so many tax payers feel helpless with the past processes and will strive to make this additional process a valuable solution."

Cynthia is CRS, ePro and a multi-million top dollar producer and prides herself on the recommendations and referrals of her customers. Cynthia is married to Tommy Morris, a licensed Professional building and residential Inspector and Custom Residential Home builder.

As part of ERA Priority One Real Estate Services, Cynthia will be able to offer homebuyers and sellers a wide variety of valuable products and services including online listings, home warranty plans, the ERA Sellers Security Plan (we will purchase your home guarantee) as well global internet marketing and virtual tours of your home.

Cynthia Morris of ERA Priority One Real Estate Services in El Paso, Texas has just been awarded the GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) designation.

Cynthia Morris, REALTOR,CRS,ePro,GRI, (EPHomeSearch Real Estate Services LLC ) — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 00:32:55 -0600

El Paso Texas October 25, 2006 - Local real estate professional Cynthia Morris of ERA Priority One Real Estate Services in El Paso, Texas has just been awarded the GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) designation.

Cynthia joins an elite group of top producers in the residential real estate industry who hold the designation across the nation. The Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) designation indicates to buyers, sellers and other real estate industry professionals that they have made the commitment to provide a high level of professional service to her clients by securing a strong educational foundation. She earned the "Graduate REALTOR® Institute" (GRI) designation by attending a specific, intensive series of a minimum of 90 hours of classroom instruction, covering a variety of subjects including: contract law, professional standards, sales and marketing, finance, investment, technology, property management and risk reduction. In addition, she studied the fundamentals of brokerage and other areas of real estate specialization. With this designation and through increased awareness of current topics important to the real estate professional, such as legal issues, REALTORS® with a GRI designation can better serve prospective clients and customers. The GRI designation sets the individuals who have attained it apart from other practitioners because it indicates to the public that the individual has obtained a professional educational foundation on which to base the services they provide and that they are a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

Cynthia is a multi-million top dollar producer and prides herself on the recommendations and referrals of her customers. Cynthia is married to Tommy Morris, a licensed Professional Building and Residential Inspector and custom residential homebuilder.

As part of ERA Priority One Real Estate Services, Cynthia will be able to offer homebuyers and sellers a wide variety of valuable products and services including online listings, home warranty plans, the ERA Sellers Security Plan (we will purchase your home) as well global internet marketing and virtual tours of your home.