Trudy 's Blog

First Time Home Buyer's...What are you Waiting For?

Trudy Pape (RE/MAX Preferred, Realtors® ) — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:14:10 -0500

A great deal of first time home buyers have taken action in purchasing their homes; however many are still on the fence...waiting...waiting...waiting. Waiting for what I don't quite know.

They may be waiting too long as most may not realize there are times when a 30 day closing is not in the scope of their plan. Others may think they can have until November 30th to initiate a contract instead of that being the date in which they will need to have closed the deal.

Some feel they so not have the down payment or funds to take to closing and do not understand these costs are eligible up front.

Whatever their reasons I encourage any first time homebuyer to contact a local REALTOR® to get accurate information and get the ball rolling. A REALTOR® is your "go to" person who will guide you from start to finish so you don't have to go it alone.

Pick up the phone now and call a REALTOR®.

Buying Real Estate Still Good Investment

Trudy Pape (RE/MAX Preferred, Realtors® ) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 10:03:17 -0500

Despite current economic challenges, 83 percent of Americans still believe buying a home is a good financial decision, according to NAR's 2009 National Housing Pulse Survey.

The survey also found that one-third of renters are thinking more about buying a home than they were a year ago. Many of them still need to save toward that goal - 82 percent of potential homeowners consider down payments and closing costs to be the greatest challenges to homeownership.

San Antonio Flood Emergency SAFE System

Trudy Pape (RE/MAX Preferred, Realtors® ) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:13:35 -0500

Flooding in some San Antonio areas continue to be present. With this in mind the City of San Antonio has developed a flood preparedness program called S.A.F.E. - San Antonio Flood Emergency System. This system will provide early flood notification when heavy rains are received and to educate actions to take necessary to protect life and property. To learn more CLICK HERE.

What Are You Waiting For...Don't Kick Yourself For Not Buying Now!

Trudy Pape (RE/MAX Preferred, Realtors® ) — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:07:16 -0500

Learn More

Housing Market Faces New Rules for Appraisals

Trudy Pape (RE/MAX Preferred, Realtors® ) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:09:30 -0500

Daily Real Estate News | April 20, 2009 | Share Housing Market Faces New Rules for Appraisals
The housing industry is facing new national rules for real estate appraisals, which will ban mortgage brokers from ordering valuations and divert more business to third-party appraisal management companies.

Lenders seeking to sell their loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will have to adopt the home valuation code of conduct; but they have expressed some concern about the new standard, which takes effect on May 1.

Lenders can still focus on FHA financing, considering the agency has its own appraisal rules and does not plan to adopt the code of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

Source: Realty Times, Kenneth R. Harney (04/20/09)

© Copyright 2009 Information Inc.

INTEREST RATES LOW; CREDIT SCORES CREEPING UP--BUY NOW!

Trudy Pape (RE/MAX Preferred, Realtors® ) — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:08:14 -0600

Out of the seven (7) major lenders only one (1) is offering loans with a credit score below 600. Most require a credit score of 620 and one (1) has increased their credit score approval to 640. Unfortunately for the consumer if one does it they all soon follow suit.

The current low interest rates are great and should be taken advantage of and buy now; however if your credit score does not meet the loan requirements this is a mute opportunity.

If you haven't met with your loan officer recently, I suggest you contact them or your REALTOR® as soon as possible.

WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON IN TEXAS?

Trudy Pape (RE/MAX Preferred, Realtors® ) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 21:07:33 -0600

Talk to a Texas REALTOR®to find out about real estate HERE in Texas and visit TexasRealEstate.com.

New Listing in San Antonio TX

Trudy Pape (RE/MAX Preferred, Realtors® ) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:47:59 -0500

Trudy Pape | RE/MAX Preferred, Realtors� | 210-396-1879

8119 Silver Hampton, San Antonio, TX

The look of the Texas Hill Country! Close to military bases, Microsoft, Chase, Citibank, Government Canyon State Park, Southwest Research and MORE.

3BR/2BA Single Family House

offered at $167,900

Year Built	2006
Sq Footage	1,778
Bedrooms	3
Bathrooms	2 full, 0 partial
Floors	1
Parking	2 Car garage
Lot Size	6,895 sqft
HOA/Maint	$13 per month

DESCRIPTION

This natural rock and siding house at the foothills of the Texas Hill Country features: open living area*"new" stove and microwave*ceramic tile backsplash with upgraded cabinets in kitchen*laminate floors in kitchen, utility and entry*ceramic tile in both baths*large covered patio* great study* finished out garage*vinyl frame windows with tilt feature*MUCH MORE! This house can't be built for this price!

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

Central A/C	Central heat	High/Vaulted ceiling
Walk-in closet	Tile floor	Living room
Office/Den	Breakfast nook	Dishwasher
Stove/Oven	Microwave	Laundry area - inside
Balcony, Deck, or Patio	Yard

COMMUNITY FEATURES

Garage parking

Playground

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

Jogging Trail

Decorator Paint

Open Floor Plan

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Seller contact info:

Trudy Pape

RE/MAX Preferred, Realtors�

210-396-1879

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Oct 24, 2008, 7:52am PDT

BUYER'S WAITING TO BUY?!?!

Trudy Pape (RE/MAX Preferred, Realtors® ) — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 18:19:07 -0500

It seems buyers are waiting...for what exactly I cannot explain. This is the best time for serious buyers to purchase a house. Inventory is high, interest rates are low, First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit is available, and you can still buy without having a credit score of 720 and putting 20% down. So why are buyers waiting? If you are a serious buyer "buy now"!

Texas Association of REALTORS® and Women's Council of REALTORS® Convention in San Antonio, TX

Trudy Pape (RE/MAX Preferred, Realtors® ) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 15:20:16 -0500

Downtown San Antonio is honored to welcome REALTORS® from all over the state of Texas beginning today, Friday, September 5 - 11, 2008 for their annual convention and trade expo. In addition the Women's Council of REALTORS® will also be conducting their Texas state convention. Highlights to this year's convention will be guest speaker former White House Senior Adviser Karl Rove and humorist and motivational speaker Suzie Humphreys. Since San Antonio is the place to be whether you are buying or selling a house, it only seems right the convention is held here this year.

San Antonio 2008 Parade of Homes

Trudy Pape (RE/MAX Preferred, Realtors® ) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 17:15:25 -0500

Mark your calendars to attend San Antonio's annual Parade of Homes presented by the Greater San Antonio Builders Association. The parade will feature homes in the Palacios at Cibolo Canyons, which is a "green" community and is also one of the subdivisions surrounding the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa. The resort will also feature two (2) Tournament Players Clubs (TPC) golf courses for all of you avid golfers. This is always a "must do" attend event and sure to be a pleaser for all. I know I will be there...can't wait.

For more information click on or copy and past this address into your address line. http://www.sabuilders.com/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=253

Looking For A $400,000 to $600,000 House In San Antonio?

Trudy Pape (RE/MAX Preferred, Realtors® ) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 16:25:57 -0500

If you are planning to move to San Antonio and are in the market for a $400,000 to $600,000 house...are you in "luck'! Currently San Antonio has 1,126 houses on the market for sale. This is largely due to AT&T's move from San Antonio to Dallas. If one of the houses you are interested in happens to be one owned by an AT&T employees who is relocating you could be in for a great deal. Of course if you are looking for a house in upwards to $750,000 we also have those. Actually we have a great supply of houses beginning from the $100,000's and up all over the city. If you or anyone you know will be moving to San Antonio let me know.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Trudy Pape (RE/MAX Preferred, Realtors® ) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:37:51 -0500

Are you worried about the news being released today regarding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Should we be concerned?

AT&T To Move Headquarters To Dallas

Trudy Pape (RE/MAX Preferred, Realtors® ) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 17:07:36 -0500

Without any warning, after 16 years, AT&T announced today they would be moving their corporate headquarters to Dallas beginning immediately and completed by the end of the year. This move will put AT&T closer to their technology suppliers and availability worldwide. This move will effect about 700 of AT&T's 6,000 based San Antonio employees in the finance, legal and HR departments.

$1 Million To Be Invested in Alamo City

Trudy Pape (RE/MAX Preferred, Realtors® ) — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 21:04:48 -0500

The Guidelines Group, from Chennai, India, San Antonio's newest Sister City, will invest $1 million by opening an office in San Antonio. They will invest in real estate, IT, healthcare industries, and trading. They are the fastest growing conglomerate in India.

SAN ANTONIO BUILDER'S SEEING INCREASE IN MATERIAL COST

Trudy Pape (RE/MAX Preferred, Realtors® ) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 11:49:00 -0500

At a meeting of the Greater San Antonio Builders Association this week, it was announced builder's are seeing an increase in building materials which are mirroring the percent of increase we saw in the 1980's. For example asphalt tile roofing material is at an increase of 24%, which will be right at the same cost for a concrete tile or metal roof.

New High School To Open In North Central San Antonio Fall 2008

Trudy Pape (RE/MAX Preferred, Realtors® ) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 18:14:02 -0500

Claudia Taylor "Lady Bird" Johnson High School will open its doors on August 25, 2008 to approximately 1,700 students in the ever growing north central area of San Antonio, Tx. The full capacity of the 420,000 quare foot campus will educate 3,000 student. This high tech, state-of-the-art facility will be the largest high school in Texas. It is named after the late first lady of the United States and wife of the late President Lyndon B. Johnson.