Round Rock Real Estate Blog

1212 Afghan Path, Round Rock, TX 78664 - Home for Sale!

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 20:01:23 -0600

1212 Afghan Path, Round Rock, TX 78664 - Perfect home for large family or investment. In the center of east Round Rock and close to schools, shopping, and all that is Round Rock! Large, open living areas with large bedrooms. The master suite is huge! This is NOT on the MLS! Call us today for a showing!

NO MONEY DOWN home for sale in Pflugerville - 16024 Fitchburg Cir, 78660

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:42:43 -0600

16024 Fitchburg Circle, Pflugerville, TX 78660 - Perfect first home or first investment. The owner will finance with 10% down and this home will rent quickly with cash flow. Plus add the buyer tax credit and you could purchase this for NO MONEY DOWN if you are a first time homebuyer and you would pay less than rent! Call us today for a showing!

18108 Mammoth Cave Blvd., Pflugerville TX 78660 - Home for Sale

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:54:36 -0600

18108 Mammoth Cave Blvd, Pflugerville, TX 78660 - Gorgeous, like-new Corsica plan from DR Horton builders - 3/2/2 with rear entry garage, upgrades galore, open flooring floorplan - it's all here. Located on the wide boulevard at Highland Park, the 1900's look and feel of this neighborhood harkens one back to a simpler time - where neighbors visited on the front porches every evening. And yet this home has all of today's most popular amenities: tile, Silestone, high ceilings, open living areas... Call us today for a showing!

2703 Sunny LN Taylor Texas 76574 - Nice Duplex with tenants who will renew!

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:01:53 -0500

2703 Sunny LN Taylor Texas 76574 - Updated and well-maintained money maker! Relaible tenants that pay on time and desire to stay should the new owner want a new lease with both. Or you could live in one side and lease the other, reducing your cost of living! "A" side is 3/1/1 and "B" side is 2/1/1. Next door (2705 Sunny LN) is for sale as well. Could own 4 units here with tenants all built in! Call us today for a showing!

2705 Sunny Ln, Taylor, TX 76574 - Duplex for sale - Some recent updates

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 23:08:29 -0500

2705 Sunny LN Taylor Texas 76574 - Nicely updated duplex in a nice area of Taylor. Long-term tenants would like to stay, but are currently on month-to-month. Current owner can get a lease signed with the tenants should a buyer desire. Or perhaps you would like to move into one side and lease the other. Recent updates throughout the "A" side in this one. "A" side is 3/1/1 and "B" side is 2/1/1. Next door (2003 Sunny LN) is for sale as well. Could own 4 units here with tenants all built in! Call us today for a showing!

1802 Old Coupland RD, Taylor, Texas 76574 - Home for sale on large lot

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:55:09 -0500

1802 Old Coupland RD Taylor Texas 76574 - Country home that has been beautifully remodeled. 3 bedrooms and 2 baths, plus a 2 car garage and a .45 acre corner lot all make this a home that you want to see! Recent carpet and paint, combined with an open floorplan round out the desirable features of this property. Located south of Taylor and near the SH79 loop, your commute to SH-130 is less than 10 minutes and yet you are still in the country. Come love the country! Call us today for a showing!

2107 Hilton Head DR, Round Rock, TX 78664 - Forest Creek Home For Sale

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:56:46 -0500

Amazing Executive home in prestigious Forest Creek area. Near the golf course, this home is fantastic for family times and entertaining. The home flows wonderfully from living space to living space. The features include: hardwood floors, hard tile, slate and carpet, Silestone counters, a kitchen office, and entry office, dramatic curved staircase in entry, large, elevated deck in back, wrought iron fencing, 3 car garage, loft overlooks living and dining areas below, dramatic 2 story windows in family room, luxurious master suite with jetted tub and separate shower located on first floor, guest suite on first floor with private bath, recent roof - 2009, large walk-in closets, trees front and rear, and upgraded landscaping. Call us today for a showing!

Foreclosure Counts Confirmed in Williamson County

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 06:23:13 -0500

Our team ran stats against the foreclosure counts published last week here on the blog. They are real. Up to 306 properties from 209 in August. So we have confirmed the foreclosure counts for Williamson County and have also done some research around this issue. It would appear that the secondary market investors are calling in their chips on a broad scale. Many lenders are now being asked to foreclose on delinquent loans rather than seasoning them to protect property values. This would explain the sudden rise in foreclosures that we have noted.

If you have considered selling, now may be the best time rather than waiting. If this trend of flooding the market with foreclosures here in Central Texas continues, we could start experiencing value losses. We have been able to weather the storm of the economic downturn nicely to this point, BUT that could change as well.

If you are in the market to sell, or if you have tried to sell unsuccessfully recently, call us today and let us work out a marketing plan for you that will work!

Like to know more? Call us at the The HBH Group Realty Team with Keller Williams Realty. You may learn more about us at our websites located at: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/ and http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/ or contact our offices at (512) 439-3772 or toll-free at (877) 268-1877. We teach a monthly property investment seminar in the Greater Austin area and YOU ARE INVITED to this FREE event. Simply call our offices to reserve you seats! Also ask about the investors club that we are forming in the North Austin markets currently - We would love to have you participate!

Other articles on Property Investment:

CLICK HERE to view our current Virtual Tours of properties on one of the team's web sites.

Here are some other Buyer's Resources from Our Website: Seven steps to buying your home
Deciding how much house you can afford Making your home wish list Opting for new home construction
How can a real estate agent help me? 10 things you should ask a real estate agent
Location, Location, Location Mortgage Calculator Contact us about buying your home

And some seller's resources as well:Eight steps to selling your home
How can a real estate agent help me sell my home Practicing good seller's etiquette
How to price to sell and still make a profit Understanding the buyer Increasing your home's appeal
Mortgage Calculator Contact us about selling a property

The HBH Group/HBH Property Management
101 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Suite 190
Round Rock, TX 78664

To contact us:
Phone: 512-439-3772 Toll-Free: 877-268-1877 Fax: 512-579-4248
E-mail: info@TheHBHGroup.com
Websites: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/
http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/
Blogs: http://wcrestate.blogspot.com/
http://www.RoundRockRealEstateBlog.com/

NAHB Housing Market Index Shows Promise for Recovery Now

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 06:07:53 -0500

NAHB Housing Market Index Shows Promise for Recovery Now

According to the National Association of Home Builders, it would appears that our national housing market is recovering nicely. This index echoes almost exactly the business trends that my team and our office are seeing here in Texas. Since April-May of this year, the market has been strong. In fact, it appears as though my real estate team may have our best business month in 8 years in September of 2009. Take a look at the numbers from NAHB.

Housing Market Index (Seasonally Adjusted)
2008	2009
Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug
19	20	20	20	19	18	16	16	17	14	9	9	8	9	9	14	16	15	17	18

Housing Market Index Components (Seasonally Adjusted)
2008	2009
Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug
Single-Family Sales: Present
19	20	20	18	17	17	15	16	17	14	9	8	6	7	8	12	14	14	16	16
Single-Family Sales: Next 6 Months
28	27	26	30	28	27	23	24	28	19	18	16	17	15	15	24	27	26	26	30
Traffic of Prospective Buyers
14	19	19	19	18	16	12	13	14	11	7	7	8	11	9	13	13	13	13	16

Source: NAHB/Wells Fargo, Builders' Economic Council (BEC) Monthly Surveys

The housing market is moving again and 2010 may be a STRONG year! Now is the time to buy if you have been waiting. Market pricing may start to move up in coming months as demand grows, so if you are on the fence - Get off!

We should start searching for your new home today! Call us at the The HBH Group Realty Team with Keller Williams Realty. You may learn more about us at our websites located at: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/ and http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/ or contact our offices at (512) 439-3772 or toll-free at (877) 268-1877.

Join us in the Williamson County Real Estate Investors Association meetings held monthly in this area. YOU ARE INVITED to this FREE event. Simply call our offices to reserve your seats! We would love to have you participate!

Other articles on Property Investment:

CLICK HERE to view our current Virtual Tours of properties on one of the team's web sites.

The HBH Group/HBH Property Management
101 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Suite 190
Round Rock, TX 78664

Call Congress! Extend the home buyer tax credit in Round Rock and around Texas!

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:49:27 -0500

The clock is ticking on the first-time home buyer tax credit, which expires on December 1, 2009. However, more time is needed to continue to stimulate housing, which will play a big role in fixing the national economy.

If Congress acts to extend the tax credit program, it would spur 383,000 additional home sales, including 80,000 housing starts down the road as additional sales help deplete the inventory of unsold homes. This stimulus will create nearly 350,000 jobs over the coming year. That's good for the economy and good for America.

How You Can Help Call your members of Congress today toll-free at 866-924-6242 and tell them to:

Extend the deadline for the $8,000 home buyer tax credit through November 30, 2010; and
Make it available to all home buyers.

Thank you for your help in letting Congress know that to restore America, we must revive housing.

HBH Group Austin Area Listings

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:22:39 -0500

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Foreclosure Homes For Sale in Round Rock - Up 46% in Sept 09

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 18:18:01 -0500

It would appear that the lenders have now been cleared to foreclose at will on late paying mortgage customers. Based on recent activities within the area, and short sales that our office is currently working, homes that we were told were not going to the county foreclosure sale for months yet, have been placed on the list for September. I ran numbers yesterday and we are up 46% in foreclosure count from August of 2009.

The impact of this practice if continued, could be disastrous on property values. Our market has been fairly strong since the spring here with the buyers very active and properly priced properties moving in 30-60 days. We are encouraging our sellers that have been on the fence to list now rather than wait to hopefully beat any downturn in values that may be ahead resulting from increased forclosure activity. If you are considering selling, call us sooner rather than later. In recent months, our listings have been selling quickly and at 99%+ of list price.

Other articles on Property Investment:

CLICK HERE to view our current Virtual Tours of properties on one of the team's web sites.

The HBH Group/HBH Property Management
101 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Suite 190
Round Rock, TX 78664

$8,000 tax credit helps first time home buyers in Round Rock and all over Texas

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:38:15 -0500

A campaign to extend and expand the housing tax credit officially got underway on Capitol Hill last month.

Bills have now been introduced in both the Senate and the House to open up the credit, to all buyers, keep it on the books through next year, and get rid of the current income limitations.

On the House side, two Texas congressional representatives - one a Democrat, the other a Republican - have filed bills calling for a broadening of the first-time buyer credit to cover all home purchasers in the coming year, whether they already own houses or not.

Democratic Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson of Dallas wants to extend the November 30 expiration date for the credit through the end of 2010. Her bill would also remove the income limits of the current program, which start phasing down the amount of the credit at $75,000 for singles and $150,000 for married couples.

Johnson's Republican colleague from the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, Kenny Marchant, also introduced a bill that would open up the credit to all buyers, without income limits, but only through June of next year.

But Congressman Marchant's bill adds a whole new element to the mix - a $3,000 tax credit for people who refinance their home loans. Why? Marchant says the idea is to encourage more people to "take advantage of (today's) low mortgage rates," or to use the money to build equity in their homes "if they're a little underwater."

In the Senate, Georgia Republican Johnny Isakson introduced a bill last week that would nearly double the maximum credit to $15,000, open to anyone who buys a house, regardless of income.

Isakson, who's a former realty company executive, has pushed for a $15,000 credit before - most recently during debate over the national economic stimulus package last February. Congress didn't buy it.

Meanwhile, the influential "Business Roundtable" lobby group, which represents some of the largest corporations in the country, urged Congress last week to broaden the credit to $15,000 -- along the lines suggested by Isakson.

So with the big push for a larger and longer tax credit getting underway, should potential home buyers assume these efforts are going to be successful and worth postponing a purchase?

Probably not.

None of the bills is likely to get much attention from the tax committees in the House or Senate until the Fall - maybe a month or two before the November 30 expiration date for the first-time buyer credit.

Although a short-term extension of the $8,000 credit is a distinct possibility, opening up the program to all buyers will be an uphill battle.

Written by Kenneth R. Harney

18 Timberline DR, Round Rock, TX 78665 For Sale! Home and Shop on 1 acre...

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 18:27:34 -0500

Nicely updated home in east Round Rock, located on over an acre of land. Close to all shopping and schools, this home features a lovely decorators touch of colors and design that will make it a joy to live in and entertain friends and family. The kitchen is updated and features a HUGE built-in GE Monogram refrigerator. The kitchen and dining area feature updated fixtures, countertops and flooring. Located in a quiet neighborhood with a huge shop in the back yard that the current owner runs an automotive repair shop out of. This property is PERFECT for a contractor or professional that runs a business out of shop space.

FREE Market Snapshot for Round Rock Home Buyers and Sellers

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:06:36 -0500

Click Here to register for a FREE market snapshot of your neighborhood, telling you what properties are on the market, which ones have sold and up to date stats that will help you understand your home's worth in this market. This will help you if you are thinking of selling OR if you are a potential buyer in a neighborhood to know a good deal from a bad one! This is a NO obligation public service.

Things to See and Do in Texas - March 2009 edition

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:39:53 -0500

Sorry all to post this late, but there is still a good bit of March left, so check out the list! I will be more timely in April! By the way, THANKS to Alamo Title for supplying this list!

01 ABILENE Silver Spur Gun & Blade Show, (806) 253-1322

01 AUSTIN Zilker Park Kite Festival, (512) 448-5483, www.zilkerkitefestival.com

01 ODESSA Camp Marfa: Big Painters, (432) 552-3288

01 WINDTHORST Homemade German Sausage Meal, (940) 423-6444

02 DRIFTWOOD An Evening in the Vineyard, (512) 858-1506, www.theburkecenter.org

02 HUNTSVILLE Gen. Sam Houston's Birthday & Texas Independence Day Celebration, (936) 294-1832, www.samhouston.memorial.museum

02 ODESSA Texas Independence Day Brown Bag Lunch & Lecture Series, (432)

363-7737

02 ABILENE Christian University Theatre Festival, (325) 670-1405

04 KERRVILLE Texas Heritage Coffeehouse, (830) 792-1945, www.texasheritagemusic.org

05 GLEN ROSE [5-7] PRCA Rodeo, (254) 897-4509

06 TEXARKANA [6-7] Miller-Bowie Quilt Show, (903) 276-9898

06 LAMPASAS Needle Art & Quilt Show, (512) 556-2224, www.lampasaschamber.org

07 BONHAM Rainwater Harvesting Seminar, (903) 583-7453

07 COLUMBUS German Society State Convention, (979) 733-0964

07 FLATONIA Czhilispiel Practice Cook-Off, (361) 856-3920

07 GONZALES Texas Independence Relay, (830) 672-6532, www.texasindependencerelay.com

07 KEMPNER Barbecue & Auction, (512) 932-3993

07 ROUND ROCK Daffodil Festival, (512) 762-5594, www.rrdaffodilcapitaltx.us

07 WAXAHACHIE Lifestyles: The Home & Family Expo, (972) 937-2390, www.waxahachiechamber.com

07 ABILENE [7-8] Big Country Home & Garden Show, (325) 698-4232

07 BURTON [7-8] Hwy. 290 Trade Days & Barrett's Barbecue, 1-888-693-1243

07 CENTER Republic of Texas Celebration, (936) 598-3682, www.shelbycountychamber.com

07 DECATUR [7-8] Wise County Home & Lawn Show, (940) 627-6070

07 KERRVILLE [7-8] Hill Country Home Show, (830) 895-5424

07 ODESSA [7-8] Briar Patch Trade Days, (432) 272-1177

07 ROCKDALE Tejas Art & Book Festival, (512) 446-2030, www.rockdalechamber.com

10 NEDERLAND [10-15] Heritage Festival, (409) 724-2269

12 ABILENE Art Walk, (325) 677-8389

12 COTULLA [12-15] LaSalle County Fair & Wild Hog Cook-Off, (830) 879-2852, www.wildhogcookoff.com

13 LONGVIEW Antique Quilt Exhibit, (903) 753-5840

13 BUNA [13-14] Redbud Festival, (409) 994-5586

13 SWEETWATER [13-15] Rattlesnake Round-up, (325) 235-5488

13 BLANCO [13-15] Riverside Market Days, (830) 385-6100, www.riversidemarketdays.com

14 ABILENE Downtown Dayz, (325) 672-9696

14 BEAUMONT DOG-tober Fest, (409) 838-2202, www.beaumontmainstreet.com

14 BUFFALO GAP Chautauqua Learning Series, (325) 572-3365

14 ANDERSON Stagecoach Days, (936) 878-2214, www.birthplaceoftexas.com

14 ELGIN Art Walk, (512) 281-5724

14 CAT SPRING [14-15] Antiques Show, (979) 865-5618

14 FORT WORTH [14-15] Dolly Johnson Antique Show, (254) 622-2858

14 LA GRANGE [14-15] Best Little Cowboy Gathering in Texas, (979) 968-5756, www.bestlittlecowboygathering.org

15 BUFFALO GAP Vintage Base Ball Exhibition Game, (325) 572-3365

15 BUFFALO GAP Military Appreciation Day, (325) 572-3365

15 DRIPPING SPRINGS Brittany Tuck Memorial Benefit, (512) 858-0504

15 JEFFERSON Saint Patrick's Irish Stew Cook-Off, (903) 665-2672, www.jefferson-texas.com

20 GATESVILLE Jamboree, (254) 547-6834

20 MERIDIAN [20-21] Bosque County Chuckwagon Cook-Off & John A. Lomax Music Festival, (254) 435-6113, http://bbq.htcomp.net

20 ROUND TOP [20-21] Herbal Forum, (979) 249-3129, www.festivalhill.org

20 LOCKHART [20-21] Tolbert Texas State Chili Cook-Off, (512) 398-2818, www.lockhartchamber.com

20 MAGNOLIA [20-22] Magnolia Music Festival, (281) 356-2266, www.magnoliamusicfest.com

20 PLANO [20-22] Heart of Texas Arts & Craft Show, (903) 217-8081

20 SMITHVILLE [20-22] Thunder on the Colorado Biker Rally, (512) 237-2313, www.thunderonthecolorado.com

21 KILGORE Oil Classic Horseshoe Tournament, (903) 984-2718, www.kilgorechamber.com

21 LAKEHILLS United Methodist Church Annual Fish Fry & Auction, (830)

751-2404

21 PALESTINE Yesterday's Country, (903) 724-2556

21 PORT ARTHUR Taste of Gumbo, (409) 984-6292

21 SAN ANTONIO Spurs & CASA "Speak Out for Kids" 5K Run/Walk, (210) 225-7070, www.casa-satx.org

21 CYPRESS MILL [21-22] Bunkhouse Gallery Fine Art & Jewelry Show, (830) 825-3465, www.wenmohsranch.com

21 GRUENE [21-22] Old Gruene Market Days, (830) 832-1721, www.gruenemarketdays.com

21 WOODVILLE [21-22] Festival of the Arts, 1-800-323-0389, www.heritage-village.org

23 ROUND TOP [23-27] Windsor Chair-Making Workshop, (979) 249-4119, www.thegalleryatroundtop.com

24 ODESSA Culinary Canvas, (432) 580-6333

25 ABILENE Annual Business Expo, (325) 677-7241

26 JACKSONVILLE [26-28] Cherokee County Junior Livestock Show, (903) 574-5495, www.cherokeecountyexpo.org

26 AUSTIN [26-28] Texas State Historical Association 113th Meeting,

(940) 369-5200, www.tshaonline.org

26 DENTON [26-29] Texas Storytelling Festival, (940) 382-7014, www.tejasstorytelling.com

27 LOCKHART [27-28] Rites of Spring, (512) 398-2818, www.lockhartchamber.com

27 HUNTSVILLE [27-3/4] Walker County Fair & Rodeo, (936) 291-8763

27 VICTORIA [27-28] Quilts, Quilts, Quilts Act IV, (361) 578-0673, www.quiltguildvictoria.org

27 WOODVILLE [27-28] Western Weekend, (409) 283-2632, www.tylercountydogwoodfestival.org

27 CORPUS CHRISTI [27-29] Festival of the Arts, (361) 826-3413, www.ccfestivalarts.org

27 TOMBALL [27-29] German Heritage Festival, (281) 379-6844

28 BONHAM Fannin County Master Gardeners Lawn & Home Expo, (903) 583-7453, http://grovesite.com/mg/fcmg

28 GORDONVILLE Big Mineral Crappie Gig, (903) 523-4287

28 JOHNSON CITY Texas Men's State Chili Cook-Off & Barbecue, (512) 567-2835, www.johnsoncitytexaschamber.com

28 KERRVILLE Kerr County Market Days, (830) 792-4655, www.kerrmarketdays.org

28 PEARSALL Pioneer Day, (830) 334-4181

28 PORT ARTHUR Multi-Cultural Exposition, (409) 983-8152

28 RED OAK American Cancer Society Benefit Concert, (972) 571-2933

28 STONEWALL LBJ 100 Bicycle Ride, (830) 868-7128, www.lbj100bicycletour.org

28 TIOGA Western Trade Days, (940) 390-7886

28 ABILENE [28-29] Texas Gun & Knife Show, (830) 285-0575

28 DENISON [28-29] Spring Fine Art Tour, (903) 465-1551, www.smalltownbigart.com

28 LIVINGSTON [28-29] Garden Glories Quilt Show, (936) 563-4580, www.lpqgtexas.org

28 MCKINNEY [28-29] Lone Star Vintage Tractor Show, (972) 542-9457, www.northtexashistorycenter.org

28 SABINAL [28-29] Wild Hog Festival, (830) 988-2709

28 WASHINGTON [28-29] True Texas Women, (936) 878-2213, www.birthplaceoftexas.com

29 COLLEGE STATION Spring Bridal Show, (979) 209-2167, www.ido-ido.org

29 LULING Celebration of Life & Music, (830) 875-3214, ext. 4, www.celebratetom.com

29 SPICEWOOD Community Library Annual BBQ & Auction, (830) 693-7892

30 HAMILTON Spring Fling, (254) 386-3919

31 ODESSA Ebony Fashion Fair, (432) 560-5300

31 ROUND TOP [31-4/4] Marburger Farm Antique Show, 1-800-999-2148

APRIL

01 ROUND TOP [1-4] Spring Antiques Fair, (512) 237-4747, www.roundtoptexasantiques.com

04 LULING Roughneck Chili & Barbecue Cook-Off and Oil City Car Show,

(830) 875-3214 ext.4

17 BURTON [17-19] Cotton Gin Festival, (979) 289-3378, www.cottonginmuseum.org

18 CHAPPELL HILL [18-19] Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas, (979) 836-6033, www.chappellhillmuseum.org

Other articles on Property Investment:

CLICK HERE to view our current Virtual Tours of properties on one of the team's web sites.

The HBH Group/HBH Property Management
101 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Suite 190
Round Rock, TX 78664

I would like to interview Mr. Bernanke because I am scared!!!

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:05:40 -0500

Wonderful post by Jeff Belonger... Readers: Be informed, not scared! Knowing what's ahead can yield opportunity!

Via Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages - USDA loans (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc):

Mr. Ben Bernanke is considered the 4th most powerful man in the world in the banking sector and can at times operate independent of the President of the United States.

Not sure if you watched the 60 minutes interview of Ben Bernanke. I was impressed because he seems down to earth, humble, and caring about Main Street USA. - Mr. Bernanke grew up in Dillon, a small town in South Carolina. He remembers the culture of Dillon and applies it to his decisions. In the interview, they talked about his childhood home that was bought by another family, which is now in foreclosure. You could see that something of this magnitude has struck 'home' with him and he wants to do something about it.

As we know, when it comes to the media, no matter if it's news print, television, the radio, or online, the story in many cases seems to tell only one side of the issue and certain people and certain groups control what is discussed. This control was evident in the interview and I am not the only one that thinks this way. I called my parents last night and they both watched the video. My dad has been successful in business and has a good grasp of business and macro economics. He flat out told me that he didn't like the interview because it didn't tell him much and felt that important details were lacking. My mom thought there was too much fluff and that Bernanke seemed insincere (could see it in his eyes). And if you read the comments from the video, there were 4 or 5 others that felt the same. 60 minutes video - interview with Ben Bernanke -

So why am I scared after listening to the interview? After more than 16 years in the mortgage industry, having a very good understanding on how mortgages work and our current market situations. After talking to a few financial experts, my fears were confirmed.

Mr. Bernanke made this statement. "You don't get a sustained economic recovery as long as the financial system is in crisis." - I agree with this statement, but we need plans and to make this happen. We also need the political will to do the right thing. Bernanke goes on to say that he feels the recession will end this year and that we will have a recovery by next year. Is this to boost consumer confidence? Hey everyone, I am all for positive thinking and positive information. But I am also a strong believer in the truth, no matter if it hurts or not. I just think Mr. Bernanke skated around several questions with answers that were very vague and weak.

If the credit crisis was the most important issue then it should have been addressed first. Instead there was some money thrown at the problem and then came the stimulus and the bloated budget. Now there is nothing left (short of printing presses) to fix the real problem. Some say it could take a Trillion to stabilize the credit market.

He also made statements such as :

He stated that we were very close to a financial meltdown. (personally I think we are still on the brink of meltdown. My recovery prediction would be sometime in 2011. But I guess we have to define recovery, which Mr. Bernanke didn’t provide.)

Bernanke was asked why we were so close to a financial meltdown? Bernanke stated that we didn't regulate enough. How about this one. Shouldn't we have people watching over those that regulate? I have been screaming about regulating in regards to mortgages when it came to such things as : good faith estimates, APR's, and false advertising of interest rates and fees since 1994. We knew about this back then. Many were living it large, living it fat, all the way up to 2006, until the shit hit the fan. Our lack of regulations hit us square in the face, yet we found other excuses to place the blame on. Here is what I think about Government Intervention and regulations.

Bernanke stated that the Federal Reserve has pledged 1 Trillion dollars in spending which has supported :

-- money market funds

-- mortgages

-- auto loans

-- small business loans

-- student loans, etc, etc

This commitment has doubled the size of the Fed's balance sheet. He was then asked if this is tax payer's money. He said, no, it isn't. He went on to describe that banks have accounts with the Fed just as we have accounts with the banks. This method is akin to printing money, which the Federal Reserve is printing by the ton. Listen to the video on this part, about using computers to mark up the size of the accounts. The “black hole” was created when the government preempted the decisions a free market system – who wins and who loses.

Near the end of the interview, Mr. Bernanke was asked what would be one of the first signs of a recovery. He stated, "A large bank will be successful when it is able to raise private equity." This is so true in business, but how long will this take? Do many banks just feel that they can rely on the government to bail them out? Because Mr. Bernanke did make a statement that he will not let any banks fail. Hhhhhmmmm

Conclusion: Mr. Bernanke did say that a lot of mistakes were made. Well, that's good to admit, but I think we already knew this. He was then asked what could be done to also help in the recovery.

--Banks need to make loans, to find a way, and "to have a reasonable sense of humility." Wow, how daunting and daring is that statement. So as a bank, I should suck it up, and make it work, not knowing if I will be compensated if the borrower fails? Isn't that how the foreclosure mess started? Didn't the Clinton administration strong arm Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, telling them to make more loans affordable, by lowering credit scores and raising loan-to-values. The biggest issue at the time was 100% financing, which is not for everyone and to push stated loans at such high LTV's, loan-to values.

--Reviewing banks practices. Okay, shouldn't this have been done in the beginning? And he went on to say, "to toughen regulations". hhhhmmmm - How tough? Tough enough to where people can't even get a simple loan? Wait, I thought he said for banks to make loans, to find a way.

Mr. Bernanke, my question to you is, which is it. I don't think we can have our cake and eat it too. That took place from 2003 to 2005 and look at us now. I am starving because not only I can't have my cake, but it's not there to be eaten.

Food for thought? How about slight change and dumping some money into the economy. And then letting the market work itself out... ???

- FHA Loans - USDA Loans - VA Loans -

- Energy Efficient Mortgages -

- Conventional Loans - 203 k loans -

- Mortgages -

Experience & Knowledge at its BEST !!!

_________________________________________________________________________________________

For more information on FHA loans, please go to this link. The FHA Expert

For more information about the 2008-2009 Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers : 2008 Tax Credit

For important mortgage insight to watch for, please read : Consumers need to be aware of these Red Flags !!!!

Copyright © 2009 by Jeff Belonger

Wallpaper Removal Really Does Make a Difference

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 08:41:36 -0500

Readers: If you had anydoubt before about the way wallpaper makes a home look dated, this should help you remove that doubt - GET RID OF IT to sell in this market! Steve

Via Judy Heinrich - Richmond VA Home Staging (Judy Heinrich Home Staging, LLC):

You've no doubt heard it before, but it always bears repeating... Remove wallpaper prior to putting your house on the market. I recently did a Walk & Talk Consultation for some sellers who had their house on the market for a very long time, 175 days. Overall, their house was in pretty good shape. They had decluttered and maintained it well. I suggested a few additional decor items, repositioned some furniture, etc. Unfortunately, their previous agent told them it was okay to leave up the wallpaper that was in the diining room and entry (sorry no before photo of that space). Why would an agent say that in this market? During my consultation, I insisted it would be worth their effort to have the paper removed. After their listing expired, they re-listed with one of my favorite agents, Robin Hurst of The Hurst Team at Keller Williams. The result is fantastic and the house went under contract after only 6 days on the market. Proof that condition and proper pricing usually brings a sale!

_______________________________________

Judy Heinrich Home Staging, LLC, providing quality, professional home staging services to the greater Richmond, VA area. For more information, please call 804-271-2604 or visit my website at www.judyheinrich.com

441 Whitewater DR, Whitewater Springs, Bertram, TX - Lot for sale

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:42:13 -0600

Lovely home site on top of a hill overlooking Balcones Canyonlands. Seller has plans for a home that they will sell with the lot.

FREE Williamson County Foreclosure Lists at my website!

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:08:25 -0600

We post a new foreclosure list for all Williamson County properties in foreclosure on a regular basis. CLICK HERE to download a copy for yourself. If you need assistance with foreclosures, HUD's, Owner Financed properties or any other sort of real estate investment, please call our offices at (512) 439-3772.

Investors Property Caravan - Sat. Jan. 31st - 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. - Round Rock, Pflugerville & Hutto

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:37:40 -0600

Want to see some of the best discounted properties available in the market today? Join the Williamson County Real Estate Investors Association this Saturday at 1:00 p.m. for a 3 hour caravan around Round Rock, Pflugerville and Hutto. We have a collection of 10 properties to go see... This could open your eyes to the inventory available in the local area. There are some fantastic deals out there right now for: wholesalers, re-habbers, long-term hold investors, and just about anyone wanting to invest in real estate. We welcome to join our caravan and see 10 properties this Saturday. Call our offices at (512) 439-3772 to RSVP so we will hold the caravan for you until you get there Saturday.

Other recent articles on Property Investment:

The HBH Group/HBH Property Management
101 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Suite 190
Round Rock, TX 78664

To contact us:
Phone: 512-439-3772
Toll-Free: 877-268-1877
Fax: 512-579-4248
E-mail: info@TheHBHGroup.com
Websites: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/
http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/
Blogs: http://wcrestate.blogspot.com/
http://www.activerain.com/blogs/stevehomer

Williamson County Real Estate Investor's Association Meeting - Next meeting: Feb. 5th 6:30 p.m.

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:15:36 -0600

Are you interested in connecting with investors, re-habbers, investor-saavy real estate agents, property managers, and other like-minded professionals/individuals? Please join us for the next meeting of the Williamson County Real Estate Investor's Association at 6:30 p.m. at 101 E. Old Settlers Blvd (Keller Williams Realty training room on the second floor). The building is located on the corner of Old Settlers Trail and N. Mays Street in Round Rock.

Our guest speaker will be Jay Otto, founder of http:/www.DwellGO.com/ and a local hard money lender, Manana Funding. Jay is a highly experienced real estate investor, lender and expert on the real estate market in the greater Austin area. CLICK HERE to see a recent presentation by Jay and to get an idea of what to expect from our meeting this month. Dont MISS THIS EVENT! It will help you make a plan for investing in these turbulent times!

Other recent articles on Property Investment:

The HBH Group/HBH Property Management
101 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Suite 190
Round Rock, TX 78664

To contact us:
Phone: 512-439-3772
Toll-Free: 877-268-1877
Fax: 512-579-4248
E-mail: info@TheHBHGroup.com
Websites: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/
http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/
Blogs: http://wcrestate.blogspot.com/
http://www.activerain.com/blogs/stevehomer

SELLERS: Get More Money By Staging Your Home

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:11:59 -0500

To my Readers: Matt makes some great suggestions for preparing your home to sell. We advise our sellers in the same manner plus we offer $150 at closing towards the time of having a professional stager come in and make your home look it's absolute best. Thinking of selling? Call us today!

Via Matt Kombrink:

We've all seen those television shows where someone comes in, moves a couple pieces of furniture around, and suddenly the seller's home is worth thousands more. Well, it's not as easy as it may look on TV.

There are, however, certain things you can do to stage your home that will bring a better return. Here are 10 easy changes you can make to bring in higher offers from potential home buyers.

Clear out your closets and any clutter. Consider holding a yard sale, or better yet, donate your unwanted household goods to charity.

Pack up extra toys, linens, small kitchen appliances and the like and store them offsite, or in the garage.

Be sure your trees are trimmed, shrubs are pruned and the lawn is mowed and watered regularly. Turn on sprinklers for a few minutes about 30 minutes before a showing or open house. It will make the lawn and driveway sparkle!

Refrain from cooking anything that leaves a distinctive odor (fish, garlic, cabbage) and from introducing any other unappealing odors into the home.

Think about having a professional service clean the home, including windows and carpets.

Set the dining room table with attractive linens, dishes and stemware.

As trite as it may sound, serve cookies and coffee; people will linger in the home longer.

Arrange some fresh flowers throughout your home and have a fire in the fireplace in fall and winter.

Add extra lighting in dark rooms or corners, and turn on the lights when the home is shown.

Remove stacks of magazines, ashtrays, sports trophies, family photographs and other distractions.

Even though a lot of these may be common sense, it pays to be reminded. These few simple things can make a huge difference when a potential buyer tries to justify the price of your home.

Matt Kombrink has been working in his family-owned real estate business since 1997. Specializing in Geneva, St Charles and Batavia Illinois residential real estate his team stays on top of the latest trends while maintaining superior customer. Learn more about his team at www.kombrink.com

When the going gets tough the investors buy.

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 13:00:37 -0500

To my Readers: I have been saying that it is time to invest... And it is... Here is confirmation from another colleague that confirms that fact! If you are ready to make some money, call us!

Via Debra A. Brooks Lake Livingston Waterfront Specialist:

SMART INVESTMENTS.

When the going gets tough the investors buy.Have you read Rich Dad's series written by Robert Kiyosaki? It's amazing and profitable. What I can find by his teachings is that they are governed by YOUR states' mandates. He and his wife Kim are great. They are a success story from the heavens. They are people that you want to aspire to be like.

They teach you how they became rich. I am not one of their REPRESENTATIVES. I just read it. It' worthy. It will teach you. I am simply a voluntary student. My husband pushed the books on me. Now I'm glad.

Get it.

Use it.

Believe it and don't be afraid.

And, here's the dig. When the economy is down is when the "okay" get richer. My husband and I are "okay." We are not rich as we work for every penny brought into this household. But, let me give you an example of what you can look for.

Country Club Community: This is one the richest aspire to and the "not so rich" do without to be in...well, I'm not going to do without. That is... I won't do without the important things. Food, clothing, energy, gas, medical and good credit.

Remember you can't do just about anything in this market today without GOOD credit.

If you have good credit and look for the good deals you'll find them.

We have just gone to one of the most affluent neighborhoods in East Texas and we found a foreclosure. No one wanted to deal with it.

When you have $350,000.00 to spend for a house in Texas you at least want to move into a move-in ready home. Now, this may not sound like much for the West Coast.

But, you Californians...what you spend a million for there, I can sell you here for $300,000.00 today! No exaggeration.

Think of new comparables. Our area is just as weak or strong as you want to call yours. A million dollar house here is in the top 1% of all of Texas homes sold. Our homes are not less than what you have but we are with a different cap rate and economic level.

Today I placed an offer on a 3,300.03 square foot home on the golf course at an affluent Texas neighborhood and (Lord willing) will receive an acceptance for about .50 cents on the dollar. It's a fixer upper.

Our bank (with good credit) will allow us to purchase (with written contract), and place $30,000 to $40,000 thousand into the remodel. We are really using the bank's money. It looks like we're using it on paper. We will begin with an appraisal for the existing building and the purchase price compared to the retail. In comes the appraisal...for the "as is" at $200,000.00.. Say they give us $30,000.00 for the remodel. The same house after the remodel will appraise for $350,000.00. You then have $120,000.00 in equity.

The banks in Texas can loan 70% of the total retail (appraised) value and that comes to $87,750.00. If you subtract the $87,750,00 from the balance of $245,000.00. Our total balance is $157,250.00.

This is the equity in the house at the point and day of the financing! Your total of 15% down then is equivalent to $30,000.00. If you take $30,000.00 from the equity (appraised) value of $157,250.00 you end up with $127,000.00 in instant equity. Your 15% will have been credited as "down" and we will have a new home. Not to mention we will be living in one of the most affluent neighborhoods in East Texas....now, that's what I call "investing".

I thank you for listening. Later in the rain~Deb

Click Wyatt Hunter to subscribe...great grandbaby , Huh?____>>>

Wyatt Hunter Yeager Slaughter

Early Voting - Locations and Times in Williamson County

Steve Homer (The HBH Group (Keller Williams affiliate)) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 12:54:36 -0500

As a community service, we publish this early voting information for the Nov. 4th, 2008 elections in Williamson County.

Early voting • April 28-May 6

7 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays and Saturday

Noon-6 p.m. Sunday

WILLIAMSON COUNTY

Williamson County Inner Loop Annex
- 301 SE Inner Loop • Georgetown
McConico Building
- 301 W. Bagdad St. • Round Rock
Round Rock Higher Education Center
- 1555 University Blvd. • Round Rock •
- 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday
- 8 a.m.- 4:30 Friday • 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday
- Closed Sunday
Clay Madsen Recreation Center
- 1600 Gattis School Road • Round Rock
Brushy Creek Community Center
- 16318 Great Oaks Drive • Round Rock
Round Rock ISD Performing Arts Center
- 5800 McNeil Drive • Austin • Closed Sunday

The HBH Group is an expert real estate team with extensive experience in Internet marketing, staging and creative financing. Call us today for a no obligation visit to see how we can help you sell your home in this more difficult market!

Our real estate team is connected to:

Buyers and sellers of commercial and residential real estate.
Investors in both the above classes of real estate.
Property acquisution, leasing and management services for investors of commercial and residential real estate.
Business brokerage to help you find and acquire a local business.

We would love to assist you as you invest in Texas and the greater Austin area. Call us to find all we can offer you and to ask for a FREE information package!

This information is brought to you as a public service of the The HBH Group Realty Team with Keller Williams Realty. You can learn more about us at our websites located at: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/ and http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/ or contact our offices at (512) 439-3772 or toll-free at (877) 268-1877.

We teach a monthly real estate investment seminar in the Greater Austin area and YOU ARE INVITED to this FREE event. Simply call our offices to reserve you seats! Also ask about the investors club that we are forming in the North Austin markets currently - We would love to have you participate!

The HBH Group/HBH Property Management
101 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Suite 190
Roundrock, TX 78664

To contact us:
Phone: 512-439-3772
Toll-Free: 877-268-1877
Fax: 512-579-4248
E-mail: info@TheHBHGroup.com
Websites: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/
http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/
Blogs: http://RoundRockRealEstateBlog.info/
http://www.RoundRockRealEstateBlog.com/