The Woodlands Texas Real Estate

Freddie Mac- Is There Anyone There That Knows How To Read?

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:31:16 -0500

Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.):

Freddie Mac- Is there anyone there that knows how to read? Our last hope is that someone there in your office has the decency to respond to our many requests and the homeowner's many requests for help.

Freddie Mac- You rejected a short sale work out program for this homeowner and we had 2 buyers ready to pay the appraised price for this property. Your appraisal came in below what the buyers are willing to pay for this house.

Freddie Mac- The homeowner even hired an attorney to make sure there was nothing amiss in the short sale documents. You sent this file to your legal department and then never disclosed the reason it was sent to your legal department. So much for the transparency that was promised.

Freddie Mac- Chase is the servicer for this note that you own. Our negotiator at Chase is the trainer for Freddie Mac loss mitigation.We know she knows what she is doing. She is highly respected and competant. She saw no issues with this work out package. In fact, she was fully expecting an approval from Freddie Mac.

Freddie Mac- You send Chase a denial letter for the short sale along with stating that you will not approve any work out program for this homeowner. So you want to own another home in Port St Lucie and then sell it in a declining market as a foreclosure instead of providing a home for a new buyer who is qualified and ready to buy this property?

Freddie Mac- Chase stopped the sale of this house back in July in order to process the short sale. The negotiator was so sure this would go through as we did also and the homeowner's attorney also thought this was a slam dunk short sale approval that they stopped the sale at the courthouse. As soon as you reject the short sale you put the property back up on the auction block with a date of October 27.

Freddie Mac- The homeowner has asked you over and over again for a reason for this rejection in case there is something that could easily be worked out. You stated back on August 16th that you would generate the letter. As of today neither us nor the homeowner have received any thing from you with a reason for the rejection. This is the first time since 1995 of doing short sales that we have run into such a stumbling block and one that is created by Freddie Mac.

The homeowner and we who are her agents have written letters, faxes and emails to all the chain of command at Freddie Mac and the Senators and Congressmen in Washington DC to beg for someone to care enough to respond. Time is of the essence. There has to be a reason and this rejection needs to be overturned because there is no possible legitimate reason why this short sale was rejected when it met every criteria that Freddie mac requires. (Unless you are discriminating against female senior citizens- we have not ever seen anything like this in our entire careers.)

The following people have NOT responded!

Mr Bruce Witherell, Chief Operation Officer at Freddie Mac,

Mr Donald J Bisenius, Executive Vice President Freddie Mac,

Mr Charles E Halderman CEO of Freddie Mac,

Senator Bill Nelson,

Congresswoman Caroline McCarthy,

Congressman Tom Rooney.

Senator Charles Schumer is the only one who responded. He sent a letter he wrote in behalf of the homeowner, our letter and our homeowner's letter directly to Mr Bernard Fulton who is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations for the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. We have not heard from Bernard Fulton as of this date. We are very thankful to Senator Charles Schumer for his help in trying to get this situation in the right hands.

Freddie Mac- You can contact Nestor Gasset and Katerina Gasset at 561-753-0135 to get us the answers and remedies we are seeking.

FTC Disclosure: This post may incite, motivate or encourage a homeowner somewhere to contact us to list their property as a short sale because they see that we will fight to the bitter end to make sure our sellers get a fair shake and positive outcome to their short sale.

T o view Florida Short Sales- Click here . We know Palm Beach County Short Sales and Port St Lucie Florida Short Sales and will help you get your home Sold if you need to Sell your home and help you buy your home in Palm Beach County Florida : Call us today.

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Freddie Mac- SOS- HOMEOWNER Needs Your Help!!!!! Part II

Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:25:56 -0500

Via Nestor & Katerina Gasset Realtors® Wellington Florida Luxury Homes (International Properties and Investments, Inc.):

Freddie Mac still does not come clean. They keep passing the buck. They keep making up excuses as to why they can not even just give one simple answer. They make empty promises.

Read Freddie Mac- Does Anyone There Know How To Read- Part I, to understand the history of this short sale file.

We have never lost a short sale due to our negotiations. Every listing we take goes through an intake evaluation to get everyone on the same page, to make sure the seller understands what a short sale is, to analyze the seller's commitment to the short sale process and to evaluate the chance for success of the short sale.

We have a 100% closing ratio because we do not give up on our sellers no matter what monster shows up. This would be the very first file that we will lose to a short sale rejection.

So here is the update to what is going on:

The homeowner wants to know why her short sale was rejected when she meets all of Freddie Mac's guidelines.

The seller has been on the phone with Freddie Mac every day trying to get an answer.

She finally reaches a supervisor who promises to help her find her answer. All she wants to know to begin with is why she was rejected. She has now gone through 3 employees at Freddie Mac with not one of them giving her the reason for the rejection. The last person says to her:

This is directly from our seller as to how she is being treated:

"Freddie Mac- Terence-who said "trust me. someone will call you back TODAY" who said "I'm going to call you back in a few minutes" -NOTHING

When I was on the phone with him- he kept putting me on hold- he told me he had e-mailed several people at Freddie and Chase- "I promise to get you an answer. I have all these people working on it and someone will definitely call you today"

There seems to be a pattern at work here- The 3 FM reps we had contact with- Katie Givens, Ron Williamson, Terence ( don't have last name on hand) Upon first contact- appear to be willing to do their job- helping the customer- but somewhere along the line- they are instructed not to release the information. They probably can't officially refuse ,so they are told to stall, make promises, never call back and such tactics.
The first time I spoke to Ron, he said he would have an answer by the next day. After he did not call I called him, left a message. Nothing

Katie- same thing"

The good news is that we are still in the fight. Freddie Mac was quick to follow through with the foreclosure and our seller's house was sold back to Freddie the other day. But our seller's attorney is going to be filing an objection and will be able to get the foreclosure reversed because Freddie Mac never notified him of the sale date. This will buy us anywhere from 3 weeks to several months time to resolve the issue and maybe be able to get this short sale approved.

We have 4 offers sitting here from buyers who want this house. This is such a shame to have this property ever go to foreclosure when buyers who are ready, willing and able want to move into this vacant property straight away. It makes absolutely no sense. You have to read the first post I wrote about this case in order to understand where we have come from and where we are trying to go.

In the first post we wrote about how we notified all the senators in New York and Florida. We have alerted all the media to this but for some reason they are not interested in this news story!

The homeowner has been on the phone for hours every day with Freddie Mac. First Freddie Mac says that Chase is the one that needs to tell the seller why she was rejected. Well, our negotiator at Chase ( who happens to be a Freddie Mac short sale trainer) told us she never got a reason why. She was shocked as we were that it was rejected by Freddie. Freddie never supplied the reason to Chase. So our seller asks, who turned down the short sale- Freddie or Chase? Freddie says it was Freddie who turned down the short sale. So our seller says to Freddie, "you are the ones that turned down the short sale and you have the reason why right in front of you. Why can't you just read off the computer screen what the reason I was turned down is." To which they say to her, "hold on, I have to ask a supervisor." HELLO! It is right there, in front of you. Read what is on the screen! Then she gets put on hold for 30 minutes and more- only to be told- "we have to get back to you on this."

So what is Freddie trying to avoid? What is the secrecy behind the rejection?

Please reblog so maybe someone who has some kind of authority over Freddie Mac will find this call for help and do something!

23 SILVER MAPLE PLACE, THE WOODLANDS TEXAS - STERLING RIDGE

Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:40:53 -0500

Hello Tim & Mary from Weicheirt Relocation! I have tried to interchange the "professional" photography pictures with all of my camera photo's that we took today at 23 Silver Maple Place, Sterling Ridge. Hopefully this will help you remember every angle of every room!!! If you have any questions about any room of the home please call me and I will either "walk" you through it or go and take more pictures!

You are going to LOVE living in The Woodlands, Texas and I can't wait for you to get here!!!

(the #1 MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY IN TX!!!)

FORBES ~ The Woodlands Texas #14 Top Relocation City in America "Reloville"

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 21:10:53 -0500

The Woodlands is ranked No. 14 on Forbes' America's Top 25 Best (Relocation) Places to Move list.

Fifty-eight percent of residents in The Woodlands were born in a different state or abroad, according to the 2000 Census. Twenty-six percent of residents moved into the area within five years

The magazine ranked towns known as "Relovilles" (top relocation cities) - young, mid- and upscale suburbs near company plants and office parks outside major cities.

Forbes used Census data to locate the towns, which boast populations of more than 25,000. Factors included the number of people in each town who were born out of state or abroad, who had moved into town from a considerable distance, moved within one to five years and moved for a job.

The Top 25 Relovilles have twice the incomes, twice the home values and home sizes, twice the college degrees, twice as many youth and half as many elderly, twice the divorce rates and twice the number of residents who vote Republican, according to the magazine's research.

Source: Houston Business Journal, click FORBES: The Woodlands #14 Top Relocation City

Kayak Lake Woodlands in The Woodlands Texas, Riva Row Boat House

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:22:01 -0500

Renting Kayaks on Lake Woodlands! One The Woodlands newest amenities!

Everytime I drive over Lake Woodlands with my kids, they have been asking to kayak Lake Woodlands and explore the lake!

We started out at Riva Row Boat House, they provided life jackets and our choice of single or tandem kayaks.

(make sure you have a hat and / or plenty of suncreen! Water and snacks)

It took awhile for everyone to get the whole rowing thing down!

We got to enjoy some local wildlife, a heron bird was nearby.

Next we had to decide if we wanted to go the huge water fountain or the dragon, located at Southshore Park, on Lake Woodlands.

The kids wanted to get misted by the fountain.

Then we went towards Northshore Park to see the ducks and fishermen!

Then we headed back towards Riva Row Boathouse ...

We had a sooo much fun and we all agreed that next time we go kayaking we need to go out for atleast 2-3 hours so we have enough time to go to both Northshore Park and Southshore Park.

Riva Row Boat House

2101 Riva Row

The Woodlands, Texas

(281)210-3965

Located within Riva Row Park. in the heart of The WoodlandsTown Center, Riva Row Park and Boat House are within walking distance to The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, Market Street, Town Green Park, and a short trolley ride from any spot along The Woodlands Waterway®.

Single and tandem kayaks, along with paddles and lifejackets, are provided by Orvis and will be available to rent for $15 per hour and $5 per additional hour, or $35 for a full day.

EXTENDED SUMMER HOURS:

The Boat House will be open every day except Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It will be closed on Wednesdays.

"The change is due to community member demand and our warm summer temperatures," said Community Associations Director of Parks and Recreation Chris Nunes. "Opening earlier will help kayak enthusiasts beat the heat and also give more people the opportunity to enjoy the lake."

The Woodlands Community Associations Parks and Rec at 281-210-3900. www.thewoodlandsassociations.org , boathouse@catw-tx.org

From I-45 North, take The Woodlands Parkway Exit (west), take a Right at Grogan's Mill Road and another Right at Riva Row. The Riva Row Boat House will be on your left (parking on your right).

More FUN in Houston (close to The Woodlands) Texas, ART CAR PARADE 2009

Mon, 25 May 2009 22:34:14 -0500

THE HOUSTON TEXAS ART CAR PARADE

Zebra ARt Car in Parade in Houston, Texas

ARTistic cars and participants!

futuristic cars

ARTistic buses

Peacock Car Houston ARt Car Parade

"To Hell in a Hand Basket" in Houston, Texas ART car parade

May 9, 2009 ... 250 cars participated in this yearly event

Cockroach vehicle car ...

Funky art car bike / bicycle

Everyone had fun in the Houston ART CAR PARADE 2009 .. 250 cars were entered and the spectators were just as spectacular as the cars that were entered! Do NOT miss out on next years parade in Houston, TEXAS!!!!! (on Alan Parkway)

Houston Texas Art Car Parade 2009 ... Fun Photo's!

Mon, 25 May 2009 21:56:53 -0500

THE HOUSTON TEXAS ART CAR PARADE

A Marshmellow PEEPS car !!! (easter)

a Batmobile Batman CAR ....

May 9, 2009 ... 250 cars participated in this yearly event ....

Pink Bunny slippers ...

spectators were just as spectacular as the cars ...

Supposedly the first in the whole US, the HOUSTON ART CAR PARADE started out in 1986 with 11 cars parked on Montrose.

A tradition since 1988, with 40 cars.

Believe me ... DO NOT MISS this parade ever again ... it is quite an experience for everyone in the family!

The parade is now currently held each year on Allen Parkway.

SOLD homes in The Woodlands, TX February 2009 vs February 2008 Market Report

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:54:49 -0500

Real Estate Market Report in The Woodlands, TX for February 2009 vs February 2008

Here is some information on SOLD homes priced from $500,000 +. All information was obtained through HAR (Houston Association of Realtors).

Today, HAR, came out with a report for the Overall Houston area: (see below for The Woodlands Report) "Overall February property sales fell 25.9 percent compared to February 2008, and sales of single-family homes declined by 24.6 percent, according to new monthly data prepared by the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR)."

Pondering what prices homes have SOLD for recently in The Woodlands?

This chart is based on homes priced from $500,000 + :

THE VILLAGES of THE WOODLANDS	NUMBER of SOLD HOMES $200,000 - $499,999 January 2008	NUMBER of SOLD HOMES $200,000 - $499,999 January 2009
Alden Bridge	1	1
Carlton Woods	1	-
Cochran's Crossing	3	4
Creekside Park	1	1
East Shore
Grogan's Forest	1	-
Grogan's Mill	2	-
Indian Springs	3	3
Panther Creek	2	-
Sterling Ridge	13	8

February 2008 SOLD Houses $500,000 plus	February 2009 SOLD Houses $500,000 plus
15 properties SOLD	19 properties SOLD

$927,087 Average Price	$809,192 Average Price
95% List Price to Sales Price	93% List Price to Sales Price
160 Days on Market Average	128 Days on Market Average

MAC - Real Estate Selling Agent and Relocation Specialist with REMAX, The Woodlands and Spring, Texas

Rated number #1 featured Woodlands Realtor on Localism.com and #2 featured on Active Rain.com. For more information about Buying or Selling HOMES in The Woodlands and Spring area go to www.PippaMAC.com.

The Woodlands, Texas is 27 miles North of Houston. I can help you sell your home or find your dream home! Prices range from the mid $100,000's up to millions.

Real Estate Market Report January 2009 ~ $200,000 - $499,999 Homes in The Woodlands, TX

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:13:54 -0500

SOLD!

January 2009 ~ Mid-Priced Homes $200,000 - $499,999

Real Estate Market Report in The Woodlands, TX

Here is some information on SOLD homes priced from $200,000 - $499,999. All information was obtained through HAR (Houston Association of Realtors).

Pondering what prices homes have SOLD for recently in The Woodlands?

This chart is based on homes priced from $200,000 - $499,999:

January 2008 SOLD Houses $200,000-$499,999	January 2009 SOLD Houses $200,000 - $499,999
47 properties SOLD	31 properties SOLD
2823 Average Square Footage	3075 Average Square Footage
$303,881 Average Price ($ 107.64 Average Price Per Square Foot)	$331,573 Average Price ($107.82 Average Price Per Square Foot)
96% List Price to Sales Price	95% List Price to Sales Price
65 Days on Market Average	83 Days on Market Average

THE VILLAGES of THE WOODLANDS	NUMBER of SOLD HOMES $200,000 - $499,999 January 2008	NUMBER of SOLD HOMES $200,000 - $499,999 January 2009
Alden Bridge	11	8
Carlton Woods
Cochran's Crossing	13	4
Creekside Park	1	6
East Shore
Grogan's Forest	2
Grogan's Mill	5	5
Indian Springs	1	3
Panther Creek	1	1
Sterling Ridge	10	3

Pippa MAC - Real Estate Selling Agent and Relocation Specialist with REMAX, The Woodlands and Spring, Texas

The Woodlands, Texas is 27 miles North of Houston. I can help you sell your home or find your dream home! Prices range from the mid $100,000's up to millions.

Real Estate Report January 2009 ~ Affordable Homes to $199,999 in The Woodlands, TX

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 18:40:18 -0500

SOLD!

January 2009 ~ Affordable Homes priced up to $199,999

Real Estate Market Report in The Woodlands, TX

Here is some information on SOLD homes priced up to $199,999. All information was obtained through HAR (Houston Association of Realtors).

Pondering what prices homes have SOLD for recently in The Woodlands?

This chart is based on homes priced up to $199,999 ...

January 2008 SOLD Houses priced up to $199,999	January 2009 SOLD Houses Priced up to $199,999
49 properties SOLD	38 properties SOLD
1851 Average Square Footage	1868 Average Square Footage
$149,817 Average Price	$151,300 Average Price
97% List Price to Sales Price	97% List Price to Sales Price
57 Days on Market Average	79 Days on Market Average
$82,450 Lowest Priced Home	$59,900 Lowest Priced Home

These are the different Villages and Neighborhoods where these homes were purchased:

The Woodlands Villages & Neighborhoods	January 2008 # of Homes SOLD	January 2009 # of Homes SOLD
Alden Bridge	10	6
Cochran's Crossing	3	1
Fox Run	-	3
Grogan's Mill	4	4
Harper's Landing	7	4
Imperial Oaks	3	3
Indian Springs	2	4
Legend's Ranch	1	1
Oak Ridge	1	1
Panther Creek	9	2
Shenandoah Valley	2	1
Sterling Ridge	3	3
Timber Lakes	1	-
Timber Ridge	2	-
Windsor Lake / Hill	1	4

Pippa MAC - Real Estate Selling Agent and Relocation Specialist with REMAX, The Woodlands and Spring, Texas

The Woodlands, Texas is 27 miles North of Houston. I can help you sell your home or find your dream home! Prices range from the mid $100,000's up to millions.

January 2009 Luxury Home Sales Real Estate Market Report in The Woodlands, TX

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 14:11:07 -0500

January 2009 ~ Luxury Home Sales Real Estate Market Report in The Woodlands, TX

Montgomery County

Here is some information on SOLD homes priced from $500,000 and up. All information was obtained through HAR (Houston Association of Realtors).

Pondering what prices homes have SOLD for recently in The Woodlands?

This chart is based on homes starting at $500,000 and up ...

THE VILLAGES of THE WOODLANDS	NUMBER of SOLD HOMES $500,000 + January 2009
Alden Bridge
Carlton Woods
Cochran's Crossing	2
Creekside Park
East Shore
Grogan's Forest	1
Grogan's Mill	1
Indian Springs
Panther Creek
Sterling Ridge	3

January 2009
Average Sales Price	$748,236
Average List Price to Sales Price	92%
Average Days on Market	117
Highest Priced Sold Home	$1,288,000

The most expensive home SOLD in The Woodlands, January 2009, for $1,288,000 and was located in Grogans Mill. This custom estate home was built by Ross Munger in 1999. Located on 1.74 acre, featured hardwood floors, 6 bedroom (2 master suites), 6 1/2 bath, pool and a 4 car garage.

How does that compare to January 2008?

THE VILLAGES of THE WOODLANDS	NUMBER of SOLD HOMES $500,000 + January 2008
Alden Bridge
Carlton Woods	1
Cochran's Crossing	3
Creekside Park
East Shore
Grogan's Forest	1
Grogan's Mill	2
Indian Springs	1
Panther Creek
Sterling Ridge	6

January 2008
Average Sales Price	$1,068,232
Average List Price to Sales Price	95%
Average Days on Market	163
Highest Priced Sold Home	$2,735,000

The most expensive home SOLD in The Woodlands, January 2008, for $2,735,000 in Cochrans Crossing on Ivy Pond. Built by Jay Wendell and Jeff Paul in 1994. This showstopper was located on 2 Palmer Golf Course Lots!

Pippa MAC - Real Estate Selling Agent and Relocation Specialist with REMAX, The Woodlands and Spring, Texas

The Woodlands, Texas is 27 miles North of Houston. I can help you sell your home or find your dream home! Prices range from the mid $100,000's up to millions.

Texas attracts the most Relocations in the U.S. - 4th year in a row

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 12:54:06 -0600

Texas attracts the most Relocations in the U.S. - 4th year in a row!

According to Allied Van's 41st Annual Magnet States Report.

Texas is the #1 Destination State for Residential Relocations.

Also, Texas Cities got the top five spots for the new housing markets, The Healthiest Housing Markets for 2009.

1. Houston, Texas

2008 Total Building Permits: 42,697

They like to do things big in Houston. Now the metro area, home to nearly 5.8 million people, can lay claim to being the largest home building market in the country, with 42,697 building permits. The market is still benefiting from an influx of population and jobs and rebuilding in the wake of Hurricane Ike. Employment rose 2.2 percent last year, representing the addition of an incredible 57,000 jobs. Home building activity in Houston has only fallen 31 percent since 2005. Also, existing home prices actually rose in Houston last year, 2.8 percent, to $160,200, still a very affordable level. Roughly one third of the home building action is in Harris County, followed by Houston proper and Fort Bend County. One of Houston's largest builders, Royce Homes, shut down last year, and Kimball Hill, one of the biggest builders in Texas, closed its doors this year after it failed to find a buyer.

Busiest builders: Lennar, Perry Homes, David Weekley Homes, MHI/McGuyer Homebuilders, and KB Home. Courtesy: Hanley Wood Market Intelligence.

2. Austin, Texas

3. Fort Worth, Texas

4. San Antonio, Texas

5. Dallas, Texas

To see more articles regarding Houston and The Woodlands, Texas click on the following links:

TEXAS (The Woodlands, Spring & Houston) still ahead of the Nation

The Woodlands & Houston Texas FORBES Best & Worst Bang For The Buck Cities

Pippa MAC - Real Estate Selling Agent and Relocation Specialist with REMAX, The Woodlands and Spring, Texas

The Woodlands, Texas is 27 miles North of Houston. I can help you sell your home or find your dream home! Prices range from the mid $100,000's up to millions.

Texas-Sized BBQ World Championship Contest at Houston Rodeo

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 11:07:00 -0600

Houston Rodeo, the world's largest livestock show, hosts the 2009 World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest! The Lone Star State hosts a colossal, Texas-sized picnic.

(the BBQ Cook-Off was February 26-28, 2009) Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is March 3rd- 22nd, 2009

The Houston Rodeo is in town ... here is part of the Trailride going right through downtown Houston!

More than 350 teams join in this competition of eating, dancing and drinking! This year drew record crowds of 217,640 people. The teams have fun and raise BIG BUCKS for charity scholarships.

Here is the Continental Airplane Cooker:

Lots of FUN at the Houston Rodeo BBQ Cook-off!

Here is the largest Cooker/Smoker:

Texas Cowboys in a Fur Coat and a Wolf Hat.

Pippa MAC - Real Estate Selling Agent and Relocation Specialist with REMAX, The Woodlands and Spring, Texas

The Woodlands, Texas is 27 miles North of Houston. I can help you sell your home or find your dream home! Prices range from the mid $100,000's up to millions.

TEXAS (The Woodlands, Spring & Houston) still ahead of the Nation

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 10:14:08 -0600

TEXAS ECONOMY (The Woodlands, Spring & Houston) STILL AHEAD OF NATION

COLLEGE STATION (Real Estate Center) - The Texas economy is cooling but continues to create jobs. While the U.S. economy lost more than 2.8 million jobs from December 2007 to December 2008, Texas gained 154,600 jobs over the same period.

The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose from 4.2 percent in December 2007 to 6 percent in December 2008. By comparison, the U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose from 4.9 percent to 7.2 percent during the same period.

Recent decreases in oil prices have begun to adversely affect the Texas oil and natural gas industry's ability to generate jobs. The industry's employment increased 3.7 percent from December 2007 to December 2008, a drop from 7.1 percent for the period November 2007 to November 2008. Even so, the industry ranked first among Texas industries in employment growth rate.

The professional and business services industry and the leisure and hospitality industry posted annual employment growth rates of 3.3 percent from December 2007 to December 2008 and ranked second among Texas industries in job creation.

All Texas metros experienced positive employment growth rates from December 2007 to December 2008. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission ranked first in job creation followed by College Station-Bryan, Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, and Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood.

The state's actual unemployment rate in December 2008 was 5.7 percent. Midland had the first lowest unemployment rate followed by Amarillo, Lubbock, Odessa and College Station-Bryan.

The complete Texas economic report is available on the Real Estate Center's website.

this article is from RECON (Real Estate Center Online News, Feb 3, 2009)

Pippa MAC - Real Estate Selling Agent and Relocation Specialist with REMAX, The Woodlands and Spring, Texas

The Woodlands, Texas is 27 miles North of Houston. I can help you sell your home or find your dream home! Prices range from the mid $100,000's up to millions.

Real Estate Capital Gains When Selling Your Home

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:18:06 -0600

Via Bill Gassett Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate (RE/MAX Executive Realty):

As a Realtor working in Metrowest Massachusetts for the last twenty three years, it surprises me how often people do not realize the current tax laws regarding capital gains when selling their home.

The new capital gains tax law actually went into effect in 1997 and is known as the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997.

The current capital gains tax law when selling your personal residence allows for an exclusion of up to $250,000 in profit if you are single and $500,000 if married. In order to be eligible you must have lived in your home for two of the last five years. Again it must be your personal residence and can not be an investment property.

You can use this capital gains exclusion as many times as you like as long as it meets the above criteria. As an example lets say you were fortunate to purchase your home for $400,000 and it is now worth $700,000. Your $300,000 in profit or gain would not be taxed.

So what happens if you are going to make more than $500,000 in profit? Under the current tax plan you would be taxed at a 20% capital gains tax rate on the amount over the $500,000 threshold.

As far as living in the home for two out of the last five years there are no hard and fast rules regarding this. You could have lived in the home the 1st year, rented it the next three, and lived in it again in the last year and you would be fine as far as the exclusion goes.

While being married does offer the benefit of a larger tax exclusion, couples also have some other considerations when it comes to determining whether the home sale is tax-free or not.

Under the law, either spouse can meet the ownership test. For example, the IRS says it's OK if you owned the home for the last two years, you get married and you decide you want to add your spouse to the title. In this case, lets say the marriage is a year old.

Since one of you owned the residence for the required time, as joint filers you have no problem meeting the ownership test even though your spouse wasn't an official owner for that long.

Both parties however must pass the use test. Each of the spouses must live in the residence for two years. One thing to note is that the shared use doesn't have to be while you file jointly. If you and your spouse shared the home for one and a half years before getting married and then six months as newlyweds, the IRS will allow you to claim the exemption. But if your spouse did not move in until the wedding day, you're out of tax-exclusion luck.

One other thing to keep in mind under this couple requirement is that if either spouse sold a home and used the exclusion within two years of the sale of any jointly-owned property, the couple can not claim the tax exclusion. This means if your new spouse sold their home a few months before the wedding, then you will have to wait two years after that property's sale date before you can sell your shared marital residence tax-free.

Even if you don't meet all the home sale exclusion tests there are certain circumstances where you still may be eligible for a tax break. When you need to sell your home because a change in health or a long distance relocation, you may be be able to get a pro-rated tax deduction. If you pass the requirements of this kind of case, you would calculate the fractional time your were in the home. For example if you were in the home for half the time and were relocated to another state you would be able to claim 12 out of the 24 months of exclusion or half the amount of the exclusion ($125,000).

If you are in the armed services there is also a special provision regarding the capital gains law as well. A law instituted in 2003 now exempts military personnel from the two-year use requirement for up to 10 years, letting you qualify for the full exclusion whenever you must move to fulfill your service commitments.

The information contained here in is believed to be accurate, however every person's individual tax situation may be different, therefore before acting on the information contained herein, the reader is urged to consult a qualified tax accountant or attorney.

Home ownership certainly has tax advantages. When completing the purchase of a home there are other deductions you need to remember.

See Tax deductions to remember when getting a home loan.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

About the Author: The above information on Real Estate capital gains when selling your Massachusetts home was provided by Bill Gassett, a Nationally recognized leader in his field. Bill can be reached via email at billgassett@remaxexec.com or by phone at 508-435-5356.

Have a home to sell in Metrowest Mass? I have a passion for Real Estate and love to share my marketing expertise!

For Metrowest Massachusetts Real Estate and homes see Metrowest Mass Realtor. Want to have MLS access to beat other buyers to your dream home? Sign up with no obligation at my MLS Property Finder Site.

I service the following towns in Metrowest Massachusetts: Hopkinton, Milford, Upton, Southboro, Westboro, Ashland, Holliston, Mendon, Hopedale, Medway, Grafton, Northbridge, Uxbridge, Franklin, Douglas, and Framingham MA.

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Building lasting relationships by helping people move in and out of Metrowest Massachusetts for the last 23 years.

First Time Real Estate Home Buyers and Loan in The Woodlands ~ Shenandoah, Texas, REMAX REALTOR

Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:23:54 -0600

First Time Real Estate Home Buyers Loan in The Woodlands ~ Shenandoah, Texas, REMAX REALTOR

I had the priviledge of working with First Time Home Buyers in The Woodlands / Shenandoah, Texas!

They had relocated here from Colorado and were looking for something with a POOL! Not a lot of options but staying within the budget we found a gorgeous, updated home, with a pool and a hot tub!

First of all we started with the LOAN PROCESS:

As a first time HOME BUYER you may feel a little overwhelmed with the entire process of buying your first home! You need all the information and resources necessary to give you the confidence and financial help needed to make the dream of buying your first home become Real!!!!!!! The more you know about the home buying process, the more likely you will be able to purchase the home of your dreams. For instance, the largest hurdle most first time home buyers face is saving the funds necessary for a down payment. Did you know that nearly every state has a program to help first time home buyers with the down payment? Some of that help is in the form of outright gifts: grants that never have to be repaid. In addition to state programs, there are also Federal programs available. I want you to be able to buy your first house and enjoy all the wonderful benefits that home ownership brings.

Here are a few Mortgage Brokers that I HIGHLY recommend:

Alan Bailey, Manager of Network Funding: (281)895-9960 .. Alan handled these first time home buyers with a WONDERFUL AND SMOOTH LOAN ...

Saundra Capps, Mortgage Broker and specialist: (936)760-9766

The CLOSING went smoothly and the sellers were so easy to work with!!!!!!!!!

I had to take a picture of the buyers driving into their driveway for the FIRST time ...

This was a very, very HAPPY moment ...

Holding the keys to their NEW HOME in Shenandoah, Texas!

SOLD ..........

OK, so we had to settle for an Eskimo kiss ... (she had a cold)

There is a WONDERFUL JOY with your first HOME purchase!!!!!!!!!!!!

I would love to help you find your FIRST HOME in The Woodlands & Shenandoah, Texas!

I'm adding the buyers comment after my article (of course I'm a bit teary adding this into this article , I wish everyone was like them!)

"As the first time home buyer in the picture above, I can not express enough gratitude towards Pippa!!!!! Although both my husband and I are working, we chose to look at houses that we could afford on just one income. We had 3 other agents, prior to Pippa, who kept pushing us to look at houses that were in our 2 income range. Not Pippa!!!! She honored our request and never pushed us to look at anything outside of whatever range we chose. She was a FANTASTIC listener and brought us only to houses that met our criteria. She is so HUMBLE to say that all we wanted was a pool! She helped us to think about those things that were truly important to my husband and I. Pippa was able to match us to our first home dream.

She treated us as if we were one of her family members and continues to do so!!!!! I would not hesitate for 1 millisecond to recommend Pippa as a real estate agent! All I can say (tears welling up) is THANK-YOU Pippa!!!!!!!!!!!"

Pippa

Realtor Top Real Estate Home Picks for the week ~ The Woodlands ReMax Agent

Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:51:43 -0600

Realtor Top Real Estate Home Picks for the week ~ The Woodlands ReMax Agent

There are a few Fantastic Deals I thought I would point out this week of January 8, 2009!

With financing at low interest rates and so many Great Deals out there .. this is a Wonderful time to Buy a home!

REDUCED FOR A QUICK SALE!!!!!!!!!!!

The first one is in Cochrans Crossing, Capstone Subdivision, 15 Twilight Plain. This is a fabulous family home that is a "Corporate Owned" home. It started out in 9/08 at $720,000 and is now listed at $569,900. It has a wonderful backyard with room for both a trampoline and a gorgeous pool! Close to Exemplary Schools!

A gorgeous family room that is bright and open to the kitchen eating area:

A wonderful kitchen:

Huge Master Bedroom:

Bright Master Bathroom:

I LOVE the built in's in one of the 2 Master closets:

One of the 2 Game Rooms upstairs:

All I can say about this 4 car garage is WOW ..... it is incredible:

Another home REDUCED FOR A QUICK SALE!!!!!!!!

This gorgeous home is in Sterling Ridge, 6 Garnet Bend.

This home started at $650,000 and has been reduced to $599,000 for a quick sale!

Close to Exemplary Schools, this is a fantastic family neighborhood!

Built in 2003, 4/5 bedroom home, with a spa and pool is 3831 square feet. Tons of upgrades and lots of space ... don't miss out on this beautiful home!

Tons of upgrades in this gourmet kitchen!

Stunning pool with lots of space for entertaining:

For more information on these homes or any others you are interested in please call me at:

(281)620-4899.

THE TOP 10 EVENTS IMPACTING REAL ESTATE IN 2008

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 23:36:58 -0600

Via Stefan Swanepoel (Trends Expert, Author & Speaker):

As part of the annual Swanepoel TRENDS Report that is published every year during the first week of February, the research team wraps their four month study of the real estate industry by announcing the top 10 Newsmakers, Events and Trendsetters for the year.

The second list to be released is the top 10 events that during 2008 had the largest impact and influence on the real estate brokerage industry. Events are defined as those occurrences that transpired during the previous calendar year (2008) that made headlines and captured the attention of the real estate industry. The selection of these events was based upon their potential future impact on the industry rather than only their 2008 impact.

The Top 10 Events impacting Real Estate for 2008 are:

1.     The Bailout: September 17^th

Most notably the one single event of the year was the announcement of the "Silver Bullet" designed to save the country from the subprime collapse itself and the failure/buyout of major Wall Street firms and national banks. Depending upon how effectively the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act's $700 billion is going to be allocated and managed it may prove to be the beginning of the turning point in the current economic recession.

2.     The Presidential Election

In one of the most competitive, contentious, divisive and yet historic political campaigns the country responded with the largest voter turnout in history to remove the incumbent president and elect an African American, Barak Obama as president. The "I have a dream" has taken a huge step toward fulfillment. However, the new administration will have little time to reflect on victory as it faces serious economic challenges and a trillion dollar plus debt that will take years to resolve.

3.     In Memory Of: Countrywide, IndyMac, WAMU, Wachovia And Others

Barely one year ago in 2007 these companies were not only household names but were considered financial giants. In one short year they have become a factoid of history. Some filed for bankruptcy while others were acquired by the likes of Bank of America, the federal government, J.P. Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo. 2008 reminded us that nothing lasts forever and everything is replaceable.

4.     Facing Foreclosure Frenzy

As a direct fallout of the subprime collapse, the foreclosure rate in the U.S. hit staggering levels in 2008. At the opening of the third quarter foreclosures were up 25% over the previous October with a reported one in every 452 of the country's homes in foreclosure. RealtyTrac reported last October that there was a sharp decline in foreclosure filings but it still estimated that by the end of 2008 there would be more than one million REOs on the books.

5. Home Prices Spiral Downward

The recession devastated many real estate markets across the country with the worst-performing towns and cities in places like central California, Miami and Las Vegas posting declines of 40% in 2008. The stranglehold on financing continued to drive home prices in many other places back to 2000 - 2002 levels, with predictions of continued declines in 2009 as unemployment reaches record highs and the financial meltdown spills over to other industries.

6.     NAR - DOJ Settlement

Finally the long and protracted 2½ year legal battle between NAR and the Department of Justice (DOJ) was put to rest as Judge Kennelly issued his final judgment in November. In the end, NAR's longstanding Internet Data Exchange (IDX) policy was validated as NAR was deemed to have not admitted any liability or wrongdoing and no payments were made in conjunction with the settlement. In addition, NAR has been cleared to reinstate an updated version of its Virtual Office Website (VOW) and the MLS has been preserved and strengthened in the process. Now it's back to business.

7.     Brokers Go Bust

Changing names, merging, consolidating, filing bankruptcy and closing branches was on the order of the day throughout 2008 as literally thousands of real estate brokerages companies went out of business during 2008. This included many independents as well as franchises from just about every major brand including Century 21, EXIT and RE/MAX. Also filling for bankruptcy is national franchise Help-U-Sell and Web 2.0 newcomers such as Igglo. 2009 may see even more brokers closing up shop than 2008.

8.     Keeping It Short

Founded in 2006, Twitter moved into the mainstream this year as the next evolution in the social networking and micro-blogging environment. By using short text-based posts (affectionately named "tweets"), staying in touch has been given a whole new meaning.

9.     ActiveRain Explodes Past 100,000 Members

As we discussed in last year's report (Trend #1 - Two Worlds; One Industry) ActiveRain has moved to the head of the social networking line in the real estate industry. With as many as 35,000 users logged on at the same time, no one else has even come close to reaching that many Realtors^® at one time. It goes without saying that ActiveRain has proven that social networking has made a home in real estate.

10. NAR Celebrates 100 Years

In May 1908, 120 men gathered in Chicago with the goal to "unite the real estate men of America." Today the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) is America's largest trade association representing more than 1.2 million members. For 100 years, NAR and its members have established homeownership as a cornerstone of the American Dream and advocated private property rights as one of the fundamental principles that unite us as Americans. 2008 marked NAR's centennial birthday.

How many of these events impacted you or were/are you aware of?

Professional Realtor Photography to SELL your Real Estate home in The Woodlands & Spring Texas

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:35:55 -0600

Use Professional Realtor Photography to SELL your Real Estate home in The Woodlands & Spring Texas

Look at these Before and AFTER pictures to see what a difference a REALTOR can make in Marketing your home! In this competitive market you need EVERY advantage you can get to sell your home!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

GORGEOUS PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE LIVING ROOM ...

Staging, Professional Photography and a Web Savvy Marketing Realtor can bring all of this together for you to SELL your home!

Selling your Real Estate Home in The Woodlands & Spring, Texas

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:46:06 -0600

Are you considering selling your Real Estate Home in The Woodlands & Spring, Texas? You need to keep in mind a few things!

STAGING YOUR HOME:

Keep it Neutral:

It is easier for a Buyer to see themselves in a NEUTRAL colored living area:

BEFORE:

(Outdated colors and furniture)

AFTER:

(Updated designer paint colors and neutral furniture)

BEFORE:

(old & outdated kitchen)

AFTER:

A kitchen is the #1 area to update in your home! New appliances, cabinets and an island was added.

Use a PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER!

Over 85% of all homes are found and purchased from an online viewing. Most Realtors will put your home in MLS, Realtor.com and maybe a website if they have one. My efforts go way beyond that. Here is a partial list of where I market my clients homes:

My websites:

www.pippamac.com/
Localism (Local Information)
HAR (Houston Association of Realtors)
Active Rain (national)

According to Hitwise the top Real Estate traffic search Websites are:

www.realtor.com
www.remax.com
www.zillow.com
www.realestate.yahoo.com
Use a real estate agent who uses ALL of these websites to market your home!
There are differences between the levels of exposure which your home will receive on the Internet. If you are competing with 40 other homes for sale in your community, you need to be able to say to your family and friends that your home doesn't blend in with all the rest - you can Google your home... this might make all the difference in the world!

Currently only 4% of Realtors blog, this is a way for your home to stand out!

Here is a current article I wrote on tips to SELL your home:
http://localism.com/neighbor/pippamac

The ReMax sign is a proven WINNER in attracting buyers!!!!

Arrangements will be made for professional photographs to be taken of both the exterior and interior of your home.

A Virtual Tour will be created for your home.

Your home will be placed immediately in the local MLS (Multiple Listing Service).

I work with all Relocation Companies.

One of the best ways to know if you are hiring a Real Estate Pro is to "Google" their name. If there are not pages of results I would think strongly about not considering this agent. Why? If the agent does not know how to promote themselves how could you possibly expect them to do a good job marketing your home! The last thing you want in Real Estate is a "secret agent."

Tips for Selling your Home in The Woodlands & Spring Real Estate Market ~ Get Ready

Sat, 06 Dec 2008 17:45:15 -0600

As we approach Spring there are several things you can do to get your Woodlands & Spring home ready to SELL in this Real Estate Market!!!!!

Don't OVERPRICE your home! After "Potential Buyers" look at your ‘over-priced' property, all the other houses will seem like a great bargain that can't be passed up. Your neighbours will thank you!!!!!!!!!!

Curb Appeal: First impressions are lasting!!!! Take the time to landscape, plant flowers and update the front door!

Clean, Clean, Clean !!!!!! If you don't have time PLEASE hire a professional to come and clean it up. Buying a home is often a feeling ...

Buyers walk through houses with a calculator and immediately begin subtracting huge dollar amounts with every flaw they find! A professional paint job could yield a $1000's of profit to your list price.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

FSBO (For Sale By Owner): For those who believe they can sell their house on their own, do yourself a favour and at least interview a few sales representatives so you know what services and websites you will be missing out on! #1 is BLOGGING about your home!
Use a real estate agent who uses ALL of these websites to market your home!

There are differences between the levels of exposure which your home will receive on the Internet. If you are competing with 40 other homes for sale in your community, you need to be able to say to your family and friends that your home doesn't blend in with all the rest - you can Google your home... this might make all the difference in the world!

Currently only 4% of Realtors blog, this is a way for your home to stand out!

The links below give you an idea of who I am and how I handle my business:

My websites:
- www.pippamac.com/
- Localism (The Woodlands Information)
- HAR (Houston Association of Realtors)
- My blog: TheWoodlandsHomes.realtownblogs.com (local)
- Active Rain (national)

Leave the House for Showings! It is hard for buyers to imagine themselves living in a home when the current owners are still in the house and quite distracting for the buyers - they will be uncomfortable by your presence!

DON'T Restrict Showing Times: If it is too inconvenient for potential buyers to view your house, people won't bother coming. There are plenty of properties on the market and yours will be skipped if the showing times are too restrictive.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me at: pippajanie@yahoo.com

or call (281)620-4899

Low Prices Makes this a Great Time for Home Improvement The Woodlands & Spring Texas

Sat, 06 Dec 2008 13:00:01 -0600

GREAT TIME FOR HOME IMPROVEMENTS in The Woodlands and Spring, Texas!!!

Looking to remodel a kitchen?
Update a bathroom?
Paint to improve the value of your home?
Stage and Decorate to Sell your home?
Wanting more profit in your house?

**According to NEW YORK (Money Magazine)** - It may not be an easy time to sell your home, but if it needs repairs or upgrades, now just might be the opportune time to complete those projects.

With current declining prices on building materials and lower contractors' fees, contractors are hungry for work and willing to negotiate, homeowners can potentially hire better contractors at lower prices. And if prices on many remodeling materials continue to decline, the overall costs of improvement projects will fall even further.

Overall, experts say, homeowners can expect to save at least 10 percent on the cost of a renovation and possibly much more, depending on where they live and the project they choose.

Before:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

UPDATE MASTER BATHROOM:

MASTER BEDROOM bEFORE:

MASTER BEDROOM AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Source: Real Estate Center Online News, December 5, 2008

STUNNING Before & AFTER Pics ~ Huge Profits with Paint!!!

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:47:31 -0600

Here are some stunning Before & AFter Pictures that prove the power of paint, staging a home and a good decorator!

The buyers did an amazing paint update to this home. They sold it (in 2 days) for a 6 figure profit, after 3 years.

Enjoy this amazing home transformation!!!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Here are some more "Before & AFTER" transformations:

House Flip sells in 21 days! ~ Before & AFTER photo's!!!!!!!

Celebrity Home is Painted & Staged for 90k Profit ~ Before & AFTER photo's!

Amazing Home Flip .. Before & AFTER photo's .. $80,000 foreclosure Houston Texas

Its AMAZING what a difference Paint, Flooring & Great Photo's Make

House Flip SOLD in 19 days ~ BEFORE & AFTER photo's

Half-MILLION $$ House flip BEFORE & AFTER photo's in Houston Texas

McCullough Junior High School in The Woodlands TX Texas honors Veterans

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:07:58 -0600

Each year McCullough Junior High students, in The Woodlands, Texas, in 8th grade history choose a United States Veteran to Honor! (the LARGEST Jr. High in TEXAS!!!!!)

Lets remember to be thankful this Thanksgiving to our military serving us ... thank you!!!!

Students are required to:

Interview the veteran
Identify the branch of the military they served in .. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and the Coast Guard
Years of service
Other Key features
Additional Medals and Honors
Finally laminating a poster of their veteran!

The posters are then displayed in front of the school during the week of Veteran's Day.

"Thank you Grandpa!!!" ... My Daughter honored her grandfather, Jack McLennan, who was in the ARMY ... you are appreciated for all you have done!!!!

Please invite your family and friends and ESPECIALLY any veteran you know to come and see this impressive display of posters honoring over 1000 veterans.

The hope is that through this activity the students will acquire a greater appreciation for the sacrifices made by the men and women who serve in the U.S. Military and learn to express that appreciation by taking the time to honor an individual in the armed services.

McCullough Junior High is part of CISD (Conroe Independent School District)

3800 South Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381

Includes the neighborhoods of:

Alden Bridge
Indian Spring
Cochrans Crossing
Sterling Ridge
Part of Panther Creek

Powell Elementary School "Walk to School" Day .... HERE

Powell Elementary Skate Night ... HERE

Powell Elementary ... "See you at the Pole" ... HERE

McCullough Junior High .. "See you at the Pole" ... Here

Mitchell Intermediate School ... "See you at the Pole" ... HERE

Houston hosts 9th Annual LATIN GRAMMY AWARDS!

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:15:58 -0600

We had the privilege of hosting the 9th Annual Latin Grammy's here in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center, November 13, 2008.

My dad is V.P of Integrity Music, the Latin Division and he had several artists who were up for a Grammy so he invited my daughter to go with him!

She is in her 2nd year of Spanish at McCullough Junior High, in The Woodlands, so I thought this would make a perfect "field trip" experience for her!

She got to walk the "Green" carpet (yeah, I know "go green" no more red)

I bought her a 8 megapixel camera for her Birthday ... teaching her how to BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!

Getting ready for the Grammy's ........

She even got to stand on the stage and "practice" her acceptance speech ... ha ha

Here is Gloria Estefan! She said the only reason she knew her songs was because when she was little I always played her music to clean the house (ok ... so its energizing !!!!!!!!!!!)

"Latin pop diva Gloria Estefan, who was honored with the 2008 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year award Wednesday night, also scooped up awards for best traditional tropical album for "90 millas" and best tropical song.

"The only thing left for me to do is to sing in a free Cuba," said Estefan, who is the first woman to receive the person of the year honors."

Confetti .......

I wasn't so fortunate to go the Grammy's but I met everyone afterwards for dinner ...

here is my sister and brother-in-law (Alan Villatoro) ... he has just released a new album ... expect to see him at next year Grammys!!!!!!!!!

The Woodlands Texas Real Estate

Freddie Mac- Is There Anyone There That Knows How To Read?

Freddie Mac- SOS- HOMEOWNER Needs Your Help!!!!! Part II

23 SILVER MAPLE PLACE, THE WOODLANDS TEXAS - STERLING RIDGE

FORBES ~ The Woodlands Texas #14 Top Relocation City in America "Reloville"

Kayak Lake Woodlands in The Woodlands Texas, Riva Row Boat House

Renting Kayaks on Lake Woodlands! One The Woodlands newest amenities!

More FUN in Houston (close to The Woodlands) Texas, ART CAR PARADE 2009

Houston Texas Art Car Parade 2009 ... Fun Photo's!

SOLD homes in The Woodlands, TX February 2009 vs February 2008 Market Report

Real Estate Market Report January 2009 ~ $200,000 - $499,999 Homes in The Woodlands, TX

SOLD!

January 2009 ~ Mid-Priced Homes $200,000 - $499,999

Real Estate Report January 2009 ~ Affordable Homes to $199,999 in The Woodlands, TX

SOLD!

January 2009 ~ Affordable Homes priced up to $199,999

Real Estate Market Report in The Woodlands, TX

Pondering what prices homes have SOLD for recently in The Woodlands?

January 2009 Luxury Home Sales Real Estate Market Report in The Woodlands, TX

January 2009 ~ Luxury Home Sales Real Estate Market Report in The Woodlands, TX

Montgomery County

Pondering what prices homes have SOLD for recently in The Woodlands?

How does that compare to January 2008?

Texas attracts the most Relocations in the U.S. - 4th year in a row

Texas attracts the most Relocations in the U.S. - 4th year in a row!

Texas is the #1 Destination State for Residential Relocations.

Also, Texas Cities got the top five spots for the new housing markets, The Healthiest Housing Markets for 2009.

1. Houston, Texas

Texas-Sized BBQ World Championship Contest at Houston Rodeo

Houston Rodeo, the world's largest livestock show, hosts the 2009 World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest! The Lone Star State hosts a colossal, Texas-sized picnic.

(the BBQ Cook-Off was February 26-28, 2009) Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is March 3rd- 22nd, 2009

The Houston Rodeo is in town ... here is part of the Trailride going right through downtown Houston!

More than 350 teams join in this competition of eating, dancing and drinking! This year drew record crowds of 217,640 people. The teams have fun and raise BIG BUCKS for charity scholarships.

Here is the Continental Airplane Cooker:

Lots of FUN at the Houston Rodeo BBQ Cook-off!

Here is the largest Cooker/Smoker:

Texas Cowboys in a Fur Coat and a Wolf Hat.

TEXAS (The Woodlands, Spring & Houston) still ahead of the Nation

TEXAS ECONOMY (The Woodlands, Spring & Houston) STILL AHEAD OF NATION

Real Estate Capital Gains When Selling Your Home

First Time Real Estate Home Buyers and Loan in The Woodlands ~ Shenandoah, Texas, REMAX REALTOR

First Time Real Estate Home Buyers Loan in The Woodlands ~ Shenandoah, Texas, REMAX REALTOR

First of all we started with the LOAN PROCESS:

Here are a few Mortgage Brokers that I HIGHLY recommend:

SOLD ..........

I would love to help you find your FIRST HOME in The Woodlands & Shenandoah, Texas!

Pippa

Realtor Top Real Estate Home Picks for the week ~ The Woodlands ReMax Agent

Realtor Top Real Estate Home Picks for the week ~ The Woodlands ReMax Agent

There are a few Fantastic Deals I thought I would point out this week of January 8, 2009!

With financing at low interest rates and so many Great Deals out there .. this is a Wonderful time to Buy a home!

REDUCED FOR A QUICK SALE!!!!!!!!!!!

Another home REDUCED FOR A QUICK SALE!!!!!!!!

This gorgeous home is in Sterling Ridge, 6 Garnet Bend.

THE TOP 10 EVENTS IMPACTING REAL ESTATE IN 2008

Professional Realtor Photography to SELL your Real Estate home in The Woodlands & Spring Texas

Use Professional Realtor Photography to SELL your Real Estate home in The Woodlands & Spring Texas

Selling your Real Estate Home in The Woodlands & Spring, Texas

Are you considering selling your Real Estate Home in The Woodlands & Spring, Texas? You need to keep in mind a few things!

STAGING YOUR HOME:

Keep it Neutral:

It is easier for a Buyer to see themselves in a NEUTRAL colored living area:

Use a PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER!

Tips for Selling your Home in The Woodlands & Spring Real Estate Market ~ Get Ready

As we approach Spring there are several things you can do to get your Woodlands & Spring home ready to SELL in this Real Estate Market!!!!!

Clean, Clean, Clean !!!!!! If you don't have time PLEASE hire a professional to come and clean it up. Buying a home is often a feeling ...

Buyers walk through houses with a calculator and immediately begin subtracting huge dollar amounts with every flaw they find! A professional paint job could yield a $1000's of profit to your list price.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Low Prices Makes this a Great Time for Home Improvement The Woodlands & Spring Texas

GREAT TIME FOR HOME IMPROVEMENTS in The Woodlands and Spring, Texas!!!

Looking to remodel a kitchen?

Update a bathroom?

Paint to improve the value of your home?

Stage and Decorate to Sell your home?

Wanting more profit in your house?

According to NEW YORK (Money Magazine) - It may not be an easy time to sell your home, but if it needs repairs or upgrades, now just might be the opportune time to complete those projects.

STUNNING Before & AFTER Pics ~ Huge Profits with Paint!!!

Here are some stunning Before & AFter Pictures that prove the power of paint, staging a home and a good decorator!

The buyers did an amazing paint update to this home. They sold it (in 2 days) for a 6 figure profit, after 3 years.

**According to NEW YORK (Money Magazine)** - It may not be an easy time to sell your home, but if it needs repairs or upgrades, now just might be the opportune time to complete those projects.