Scott Jones's Title and Real Estate Corner in The Woodlands Texas

3 car garage "Man Cave"|spring, tx|imperial oaks|

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 10:13:19 -0500

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Prospect during off hours |The Woodlands| Texas.

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:46:35 -0500

Often the call that is placed at 8AM or 6PM will be received by a decision-maker that has more time to talk. And don’t underestimate the value of leaving voicemail messages at night. These will be the very first messages that your prospect will hear in the morning, thereby increasing the odds of them placing a returned call. I have very good success when doing this during the week and not on the weekends. In my business I find Realtors are busy selling homes in The Woodlands Texas on weekends!

September was a great month in The Woodlands| First American Title

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:20:21 -0500

After reviewing this years September performance for First American Title The Woodlands, I realized we had out performed the last three previous Septembers. I bebelieve The Woodlands market does not apply to what the media portrays to the public. People who move to The Woodlands move here for the lifestyle. Great entertainment, restaurants, shopping, schools and opportunities. If you know of anyone who is thinking of moving, check out The Woodlands. Its a great place to live, work and play.

Prperty Tax time| Great opportunity to contact your past clients

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 15:18:31 -0500

Your clients should start seeing their property tax statments in the mail in October! This is a great time to contact your past clients and remind them to Homestead their property in January. If you're in The Woodlands or Montgomery county I have the Application for Residential Homestead Exemption form.

Its time to market Apartment complexes

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:23:05 -0500

According to recent studies apartment managers report a 68% tenant turnover rate in the spring and fall of each year. This means that over two-thirds of their tenants move in May and Sept.

Since they will be moving during those months, it's critical that you mail your marketing pieces at least 50-60 days ahead of time - or February and July!

Here are a few example:

Why Rent When You Can Own, Be Part of the American Dream……Homeownership!!
Get with a lender and have them create a amortization chart which illustrates how much money a renter throws away each month renting verses how much equity you build owning. Do this for 1 5 and 10 year increments, the numbers are mind boggling.
DID YOU KNOW! The average two bedroom apartment in this area leases for $1,000 dollars a month. The Government provides assistance up too $8,000 for first time home buyers……for what you are paying in rent you could own a $150,000 home with as little to “NO” money down. CALL ME TODAY FOR QUALIFICATION.
ATTENTION! THE REAL ESTATE MARKET IS HOT, JUST LIKE THE HOT DAYS OF SUMMER…….CALL ME TODAY FOR A “FREE” MARKET ANALYSIS.
Do your kids need a back yard? Call me today. I specialize in first time home buyers and have partnered up with various lenders which specialize in helping individuals just like yourself be part of the American Dream..Home-ownership.

City of Montgomery, Texas | Home for sale in Hilltop Ranch

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 15:06:23 -0500

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Home for sale in Lake Windcrest

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:50:17 -0500

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Dealing with the Swine Flu Outbreak

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:44:06 -0500

Dealing with the Swine Flu Outbreak

Although it's easy to feel panicked by what you read and see through media coverage and notices from public agencies, it's important to remain calm and get informed. No matter how virulent an outbreak seems at the beginning, understand that public health departments will always react aggressively to contain the spread of disease. The number of confirmed cases has grown, but is currently low and prevention is the best way to keep the numbers low. Here is some information and resources to help you get informed and prepared.

About Swine Flu

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans; however, human infections with swine flu do occur, and cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses have been documented.

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Allergies won't cause a fever, and run-of-the-mill stomach bugs won't be accompanied by respiratory symptoms.

Prevention

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. Here are some tips to help you avoid getting sick:

Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work and school, and don't run errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. And by all means, if you or a family member experiences upper respiratory, flu-like symptoms, please contact your physician.

Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

Clean your hands. Washing your hands often with soap and water will help protect you from germs. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also recommended.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Use sanitizing wipes to keep your computer, phone, and desk clean.

Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Be prepared at home. Make sure you have ample food, medicines and supplies available should this flu spread. You can visit the following Red Cross link for a checklist of items: http://www.redcrossstl.org/Portals/0/Pandemic%20Flyer%208-22-06.pdf

A swarm of bees in Spring TX!!!

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 08:35:23 -0500

Via Marchel Peterson Spring TX Real Estate E-Pro ABR (Results Realty):

We recently walked out our front door to see what we thought was a GIANT beehive in our small oak tree in the front yard. My first inclination was to grab a bottle of bug spray. Now that was my inclination but my husband happened to know of a bee keeper so we called him instead.

I must say watching him move the swarm to a new home was quite a learning experience. Yes that was a swarm in our tree; not a hive. They were actually swarming over an old bird nest. It appears that they have been kicked out of their prior home so these worker bees went with their queen to find a new home. I for one was not happy about that home being in my front yard. The bee keeper brought them over a nice 3/2/2 and helped them to get settled.

Honey bee swarms are actually not dangerous. They are only defensive in the vicinity of their nest. At that point they are defensive to protect their young and their food supply. A swarm doesn't have young nor food supplies so they will usually not exhibit defensive behavior unless they are unduly provoked. Now our son did get stung when out mowing the yard so maybe the lawn mower provoked them. He was not taking any chances and decided to wait until the swarm was gone to finish the mowing.

I have a new appreciation for bees after talking to the bee keeper and watching the process. I did not catch the swarm dropping but you will see one picture with the swarm in the air and the next one the swarm is on the box.

After getting the swarm down to the box the next step was getting them settled in to their new condo. You can observe the bees scent-fanning at the entrance to signal the entrance to the new nest as the bees march into their new home. There is one point in the movie where you will see the screen go a little crazy as I was getting away from the bees. According to the beekeeper I was safe but I was not taking any chances.

I was amazed at how comfortable the bee keeper was around the bees. We asked him if he got stung often and he told us no.

When you see the bee keeper pointing he is pointing out a waggle dance. The bees do a waggle dance to share information.
I was a little sad that a small group got left behind. They huddled as a very small swarm in the tree for a few weeks and then were gone. I hope they found a larger swarm but I'm not sure what happens to the remnant when they miss the move.

I found a website that you can go to and find a bee keeper should you find yourself with a swarm in your front yard. After finding out how social honey bees are I'm glad that we helped them find a new condo. I also found out that there is a shortage of honey bees in the United States so you are being ecologically green and helping our environment also.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

If you are buying or relocating to Spring Texasand need help from a professional REALTOR®, Marchel can be reached at Marchel@AgentwithResults.com or by phone at 832-721-8332.

If you would like information about Spring please visit my websites at http://agentwithresults.com/springtexas.html and at Results Realty. The AgentwithResults site is rich in Content about The Woodlands. If you prefer pictures with your content then visit my ResultsRealtyTX site.

Want to find out about new Woodlands properties immediately as they come on the market, then click here to sign up for a free automatic notification of new listings.

Click the button to the left to search our local MLS.

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Houston Real Estate Market is still strong! Move to The Woodlands!

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 08:29:01 -0500

The Houston Real Estate market and surrounding areas are still very strong! We are seeing more and more Realtors from other states relocating their clients to Texas. The Woodlands is one of the most popular cities in Houston for relocating because of it's proximity to Downtown Houston, Bush Continental Airport and the Houston Ship Channel. People are also moving to The Woodlands for the lifestyle. The Woodlands offers Movie Theaters, Shopping, The Woodlands Mall, Market Street, Restaurants, Lakes, Golf courses, Hike/Bike trails and great Schools. If you are a Realtor or you’re working with a Realtor and thinking about moving to The Woodlands, please choose First American Title The Woodlands or contact Scott Jones for all your title insurance needs.

Never Start A Customer / Prospect Call With "I Just Called To See How Things Are Going"! (Please)

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:26:03 -0500

Via Kevin Heinrich (First American Title):

Never Start A Customer / Prospect Call With "I Just Called To See How Things Are Going" Or "To Follow Up" (Please)

Over the past several years I have had occasion to be contacted by sales representatives from a diverse variety of vendors and competitors. I have found that the above calls have happened to me far too frequently, so I thought I would share with you!!

"I just called to see how things are going" has to be the lamest follow-up question of all time. Although, it is running neck and neck with, "I just called to follow-up." Neither question elicits any information, neither moves the sales process forward and both are frequently annoying to your prospect who has absolutely no idea why you have called.

Now in all fairness, many times the call is not happening in a vacuum. I may recognize the sales person and know about what product / service they are calling. However, it is not my expectation that they give me a weekly follow up call to "see how things are going".

Prior to following up with a customer or prospect it is important to review these questions:

-"What is the purpose/goal of my call?"

-"What is the history here?"

-"Where are we with this prospect?"

-"What is the next step for this prospect?"

This type of preparation would have resulted in a much better conversation for the salesperson. If a bit of pre-call preparation were completed this representative would have had a focus and a goal for his call. The rule is: Never make a call to your prospect without having a goal in mind. When you hang up the telephone, what do you want to have accomplished? Do you want to gather information? Do you want the prospect to commit to some action? Do you want agreement on the next step in your sales process? Once you have your goal in mind you can then figure out the appropriate approach. (Hint: "I just called to see how things are going" is not it.) :0)

First American Title The Woodlands is seeing the rush of refi's

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 14:56:37 -0500

First American Title The Woodlands is seeing a rush with homeowners eager to lower their interest rate and mortgage payments. The Mortgage Bankers Association said Wednesday that mortgage-refinance applications rose to almost triple their level a year ago. The average contract interest rate for 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages stood at 4.73%, down from more than 6% a year earlier. About 80% of all mortgage applications are for refinancing.

If your a Loan Officer in The Woodlands area First American Title The Woodlandswould love to work with you on your refinances. Please contact me for our escrow fees.

First American Title Company in The Woodlands Texas, Business is picking up!

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:39:39 -0500

In the past couple of months First American Title The Woodlands branch has seen a 20% increase in orders over this time last year. Business is deffenantaly picking up in The Woodlands. We are seeing a lot of refinance oreders because the intrest rates are still very low. Residental resale is steady and prices are stable. I feel we are going to have a great summer in The Woodlands.

If you are thinking about buying,selling or refinancing please contact me for your title needs!

Explanation of the Title Commitment

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:46:45 -0600

The first time you receive a copy of title company commitment, you might find it difficult to understand. Actually, the commitment is an easy document to read. Once familiar with the commitment, it becomes a road map to follow to ensure that the property being transferred is in insurable condition.

Explanation:

Schedule "A"

Date - This is the date and time to which the records have been examined.
GF Number- (Guaranty File Number)Number given by company to identify file. Use this number when calling for any information on the file.
Policies or Policy - This indicates what type of policy is to be issued, who is to be insured and for what amount.
Estates or Interest - Show what type of interest is presently being held in the land.
Vesting - Names of parties appearing to have title to the property according to the public records.
Legal Description- Full description of the property, must be sufficient to enable the examiner to locate the property in the public records.

Schedule "B"

Items 1 through 9 pre-printed exceptions to Schedule "B". will appear on all commitments.

Schedule "C"

The third part of the commitment - Schedule C - tells the Escrow Officer and all other persons who are privy to the information contained therein exactly what needs to be taken care of or resolved prior to closing and issuing the policies.
If Schedule C items arenot resolved to the stisfaction of the title insurer, they may elect not to insure the title at all; or may add these matters to Schedule B as exception to coverage. Items 1 through 4 are preprinted items that must be dealt with before a policy can be issued.
Items 5 through _ (can be infinite) are items that must be cleared in order to issue the title policy, and insure the new owner and lender.

Schedule "D"

This divulges the directors and officers of the underwriting company. These disclosures are made pursuant to procedural rule P-21 promulgated by the State Board of Insurance.

Internet Marketing Class

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 09:21:51 -0600

I'm a firm believer in Internet Marketing for Real Estate. According to studies, 87% of people looking for Real Estate shop on line firs. Most Realtors are terrified of the Internet or they just don't know how to effectivlymarket themselves and their listings using the Web.

First American Title The Woodlands has a great training class called Blogging, Podcasting and Search Engine Optimization. This class is a perfect opportunity for the "don't know how" Internet Marketing People. In this class we will go over what makes a good domain name. We will examine setting up a domain name and discuss some of the important points of a proper email strategy. We will move to a discussion on Blogging and Social Networks and will look at some of the most popular players on the web.

We will also look at other merging Internet technologies, including video and Podcasting, and we will examine ways to include these powerful elements in your Web and Email strategies. We will examine a couple of sites like YouTube, and see how you can take advantage of enhanced media marketing now. Finally, we will have an interactive presentation on Search Engine Optimization. We will discuss some of the truths and myths about "getting found" on the Web. You will learn 8 simple strategies that you can employ to help increase your exposure through Internet Marketing.

If you are in The Woodlands area and would like more information on how you can increase your business for 2009, please feel free to contact me.

In the Head of a For Sale by Owner

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:42:40 -0600

The market has been so good for so long we are seeing more and more sellers trying to sell on their own. The seller is thinking if they are successful selling on their own they will save money. Never forget this statement of fact: FOR SALE BY OWNER IS ONLY A SAVINGS IF THE SELLER GETS TOP DOLLAR AND NOTHING GOES WRONG!

As Licensed Real Estate Professionals your duty is to communicate and demonstrate how and why the seller is better off with you than without you. You can do this by simply showing a seller the other side of perception. If we focus on just two aspects; saving money and protection, build your For Sale by

Owner Tool Box to teach the high risk of "Going It ALONE".

ARE FSBO'S REALLY SAVING MONEY?

A seller only saves money if they:

1. Negotiate well (price, repairs, closing costs, move-out dates, inspections, time frames and additional addendums)

2. Build a customized marketing strategy that generates prospects rather than suspects.

3. Brings a buyer to closing within a reasonable time frame

4. Don't fall into the trap of high cost of advertising (newspaper, flyers etc)

ARE FSBO'S PROTECTING THEMSELVES?

What could go wrong?

1. Unqualified buyers waste time

2. Letting strangers enter the house

3. Contract mistakes

4. Deposit disputes

5. Personal property

6. Pets and Children

7. Disclosures

8. Timeliness

What could you put in your FSBO Tool Box to demonstrate the other side of perception?

1. 180 Tasks a Realtor performs in a listing transaction (kimdickey.com-newsletter section)

2. Example property sales from county tax records of people who sold for too little.

3. Your listing price to sales price percentage documentation

4. Real Estate contract vs generic sales contract (office supply store)

5. Testimonials promoting your value

6. Newspaper and flyer advertising rates

7. Example attorney fees

8. Pictures of poorly displayed FSBO signs (what message are these signs giving the buyer?)

9. Title and Mortgage Company partnerships

10. Calculator to do the math on extra mortgage payments

11. Number of Realtors in MLS all working together (strength of Industry)

12. Articles on why FSBO's fail

13. Your WHY document on how and why you have the best ability to get the seller the (4) things they need (Highest net, most protection, least amount of stress and the best opportunity to sell within their timeframe) (kimdickey.com, newsletter #19)

Building Stronger Buyer Commitments

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 15:38:37 -0600

I believe the last place you want to put the buyer is in your car. The first place is in a meeting for 30 or so minutes to do a buyer consultation. Try saying this: "I do things differently, my procedure is for us to sit down for 30 minutes so I can find out exactly what you are looking for, how fast you want it and if I'm the right one to help you find it."

Now in the 30-minute consultation your goal is to: Qualify, Define, Commit

Qualify First

a. What has been your home buying experience?

b. Do you have your eyes on any properties right now?

c. Are you working with any one else?

d. How quickly or slowly would you like to be in your new home?

e. Is anyone else helping you with the selling process?

f. Would you like to see what interest rates are today or were you planning on paying cash?

g. Do you like to do some of the research yourself?

h. How many hours a week would you like to commit to finding this property?

Buyer Service Arrangement Script

Script:

Mr. Buyer, as we get to know each other today I would like for you to choose how you would like for me to work with you. I can do it in two different ways. I can work with you on a open arrangement basis, which would give you full support and access to MLS properties only. Or I can offer you a full service arrangement, which would include full negotiation and support on all MLS properties and those scary for sale by owners, foreclosures, new construction and investor properties. The benefits of the full service arrangement are, I will work from the entire scope of available properties everywhere, not just Realtor listed properties in finding you the best home at the best price with the least amount of stress. This way you will get to choose from all available properties with full support, not just listed ones. There could only be one little hitch in the giddy-up. That is if we come across a for sale by owner where they are unwilling or unable to pay a commission. That doesn't happen very often, but what if it does we will simply sit down and discuss the best way to compensate me for my time. Fair enough?

Define Second:

1. Take them to a map and have them place sticky arrows on the areas they are interested in.

2. If they are not paying cash but will need a mortgage, show them a finance chart with the mortgage amounts, interest rates and payment amounts. Ask them to place the sticky arrows on the payment ranges they are "comfortable" with.

3. Draw out on a white board or legal pad their feature list categorized by what they Must Have/Will Consider/Absolutely Reject. This will give you a starting point. I rather start narrow and broaden then go through the Buyer's disappointment of broad to narrow.

4. Now take the list, plug it into the computer and pull a list of matching properties. Do this in front of the Buyer because sometimes nothing comes up on the list and if you don't do this in front of them, they will think you are hiding something. If nothing matches go back in and renegotiate on the feature list, price or area. Looking for DREAM HOMES is considered working for free.

Commit Third:

Script:

Mr. Buyer thanks for going through this process it will be a big help in finding you the best home at the best price with the least amount of stress. I do want you to understand something very important about our market. Many times on desirable properties there will be multiple buyers and I want to make the offer on your behalf within the right timing. So this is where I need your help. I have attached a color code to represent how quickly you would like for me to react in making an offer once we decide the property we have toured is the right one for you.

"Mr. Buyer what color most represents you and how fast you want to react to the defined property?"

Green: Ready to take action when presented with a match.

Yellow: Ready, but might need time to sort "things " out.

Blue: Not quite ready "because"........

Red: No where near ready, just thinking about buying in the future.

Commitment to Honesty:

Mr. Buyer thanks again for going through this buyer procedure. And I want you to know there is only one thing I ever ask in return for my time and expertise and that is just your honesty. As we go along if something changes for instance you want to move faster or slower, or you have questions or concerns, please make sure I am the first to know. Fair enough?

Finally, if this process has gone well, you can prioritize your efforts, make good business decisions and have more open and committed relationships with your buyers.

Who is insured and why

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 14:31:04 -0600

Title insurance has become an important necessity do to the high risk involved in buying, selling or financing real property. The policy is insured at the date of transfer of the property from one party to the other for the cost of a one time premium charge set by the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). It is valid from that point until the property again changes ownership.

While there should be no risks in transferring property, risks do exist. Many "hidden" hazards to property ownership may show up unexpectedly in connection with the property. Any one of them could mean a costly loss or require time consuming hours to clear. Title insurance protects the buyer from damages and expenses incurred because of these possible defects. The policy also protects the seller as to warranties and representation make at the conveyance of the property. The following are a few examples of hidden problems:

Confusion from similarity of names.
Forged documents.
Signatures of minors or mentally incompetent persons.
Mistakes in recording legal documents.
Undisclosed or missing heirs.
Fraud.
Invalid divorces.
Misrepresentation of marital status.
Unpaid taxes or mechanics liens.
Clerical errors in public records.
Wills not probated.

When a policy of title insurance is issued by First American Title Insurance Company, the buyer, and seller, can rest assured that his property is protected, subject only to its terms and exceptions. First American Title Insurance Company celebrated its first century of existence as a title insurer. We are among the nation's leading title insurers in dollar reserves against policies issued. This means that First American Title has the strength, experience and reputation your agent should be looking for when recommending a g title company.

Closing your transactions?

Scott Jones (First American Title) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:24:06 -0600

Prior to the actual closing day, there are several things you should do to be certain that your real estate transaction will close on time, and that everything will go smoothly. When you receive the final closing statement or HUD, you should go over all the calculations to be certain that your clients are given credit for all there deposits and any other credits due to them. Go over the entire lender and title fees to be sure they are what you have been quoted and that you agreed to. Check the math calculations on the closing statement. Errors do occur.

Carefully review the guarantee of title insurance, to verify the exact legal description of the property and any liens, encumbrances or other items, which may have been discovered on the property. Verify that title has the correct vesting, or the way your clients want to take title on the property. This is important because to correct a vesting on a deed later on is time consuming and can be avoided if care is taken prior to closing.

Besides the paperwork that you must review and verify, you should re-inspect the property and or walk thru with your clients. Ask yourself, have all the necessary repairs or other corrective work been done that were promised to them? This is important so that your clients don't arrive at there new home and find unexpected surprises.

Staying on top of your closing will guaranty a smoother and successful closing.

Please contact First American Title The Woodlands if you have any questions or concerns.