Austin, Texas Economy Predicted to Rock in 2012 with Housing & Real Estate at the Helm!

Texas Has Great Benefits for Texas Military Veterans

Texas has Great Benefits for Texas Military Veterans

Eligible Texas Veterans may apply for Land Loans, Forfeited Land Sales, Home Loans, or Home Improvement Loans. All of theses loans are made possible by the Texas Veterans Land Board. The TVLB was created in 1946 to assist veterans returning from World War II with an opportunity to own a piece of Texas. Since that time, the Board has dramatically expanded the kinds of loans and benefits available to Texas veterans and their families, all at little or not cost to Texas taxpayers. Today, the VLB manages a billion dollar loan program, oversees long-term care facilities, and state cemeteries across Texas - all exclusively for Texas veterans.

The Texas VLB loans and benefits are funded by bonds supported by the veterans participating in the program. Because veterans are reliable and responsible borrowers, these bonds are financially strong and allow for the most robust state veteran s benefits in the nation. So, what is the eligibility criteria for military veterans?

These benefits are available to any Texas veteran who served on active duty or reserve duty in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces or the National Guard, and has not been dishonorably discharged, and claims Texas as a primary residence. The residency requirement is easy to obtain for any military member. Other eligibility rules may apply. Spouses and dependent children of Texas veterans may be eligible for certain benefits too.

A Texas veteran wishing to buy land and own a piece of Texas may purchase one or more acres. Borrow up to $80,000 for a 30-year fixed rate loan at 7.25% interest, with a minimum of 5% down payment. The veteran must obtain a certified survey, have the lad appraised by a VLB representative, and pay $325 appraisal and contract service fee. What a great opportunity to be able to purchase land a with a below market interest rate.  

Home Loans also give our Texas veterans a chance to purchase their Dream Homes with unbeatable, below-market interest rates, with little or no money down.  The Texas VLB can make loans on most type of homes, but it must be the veterans primary residence, must be located in Texas, and it must be “Energy Star” compliant. Other requirements may apply.

Disabled Veterans and Surviving Spouses may qualify for an interest rate reduction of 50 basis points or one half of 1% on the available VLB rate for both VLB Home Loans, and Home Improvement Loans. To be eligible for this extra discount, veterans must have 30% or more service connected disability as rated by the VA. The loan limit is set at $325,000 for Home Loans, and $25,000 for Home Improvement Loans. For more information of any of these benefits for Texas Veterans, Contact your Local San Antonio Real Estate Agent. Veterans may also see Texas Veterans Loans for additional requirements and information too.  
 

Jerry Newman, REALTOR®                                             
US Army Retired                                                         
Keller Williams Realty                                                                           
San Antonio, Texas
Direct - (210-789-4216
Fax Line (210) 696-9981

Jerry@JeremiahNewman.com

Your Local Real Estate Expert,Let me Google that for You..

       

 

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Staging Your House? Stage Those Bookshelves! Sell Your Home

Staging Your House?  Stage Those Bookshelves!

I'm sure you've seen bookcases beautifully merchandised with art, accessories and books - books that were placed on the shelves backwards!  Various shelter magazines and home stores have used this clever device to show off the display techniques and/or the furnishings.  The styling visually removes the titles, as well as potentially clashing binding colors, leaving the simple neutral beige of the color of the pages.

Lovely to look at, but impossible to live with in real life!  How would I know which book is my favorite Dickens novel?

However, this technique can be very useful for Home Staging.  When your home is on the market, you want the focus on its features (such as built-in bookcases), not your possessions (such as self-help books).  This display technique can help sell your house, and remove distractions.

Before:  The valuable custom built-in bookshelves in this Master Bedroom were cluttered and poorly organized.

 

After:  Nestings Home Staging had the seller pack up most of the books.  We then removed some shelves to display some art, and stacked the remaining books and reversed them to lend a calming air to the Master Bedroom.  Additional accessories and boxes were added.

The built-ins now look rich, more important, and valuable.  This is how to sell a house!

 

Julia Vigneron Maher, Nestings Home Staging & Model Home Design:  Award-Winning Staging for Model, Vacant and Occupied Homes in Fairfield County, CT (including Fairfield, Southport, Westport, Trumbull, Monroe, Newtown, Stratford, Easton, Weston, Wilton, Norwalk, Darien, Stamford, Greenwich) and Connecticut.

203.257.7395

nestings@snet.net

Nestings Portfolio

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Do you build fences or bridges?

Do you build fences or bridges?

Once upon a time, two brothers who lived on adjoining farms fell into conflict. It was the first serious rift in 40 years of farming side-by-side, sharing machinery and trading labor and goods as needed without a hitch.

Then the long collaboration fell apart. It began with a small misunderstanding and it grew into a major difference and finally, it exploded into an exchange of bitter words followed by weeks of silence.

One morning there was a knock on John's door. He opened it to find a man with a carpenter's toolbox. "I'm looking for a few days' work," he said. "Perhaps you would have a few small jobs here and there I could help with? Could I help you?"

"Yes," said the older brother. "I do have a job for you. Look across the creek at that farm. That's my neighbor. In fact, it's my younger brother! Last week there was a meadow between us. He recently took his bulldozer to the river levee and now there is a creek between us. Well, he may have done this to spite me, but I'll do him one better. See that pile of lumber by the barn? I want you to build me a fence an 8-foot fence -- so I won't need to see his place or his face anymore."

The carpenter said, "I think I understand the situation. Show me the nails and the post-hole digger and I'll be able to do a job that pleases you."

The older brother had to go to town, so he helped the carpenter get the materials ready and then he was off for the day. The carpenter worked hard all that day -- measuring, sawing and nailing. About sunset when the farmer returned, the carpenter had just finished his job.

The farmer's eyes opened wide, his jaw dropped. There was no fence there at all.

It was a bridge .. A bridge that stretched from one side of the creek to the other! A fine piece of work, handrails and all! And the neighbor, his younger brother, was coming toward them, his hand outstretched.

"You are quite a fellow to build this bridge after all I've said and done."

The two brothers stood at each end of the bridge, and then they met in middle, taking each other's hand. They turned to see the carpenter hoist his toolbox onto his shoulder.

"No, wait! Stay a few days. I've a lot of other projects for you," said the older brother.

"I'd love to stay on," the carpenter said, "but I have many more bridges to build."

What are you going to build today, fences or bridges?

Thought for today: Give it up for living it up! Love to live and live to give! Another day of living is another day of giving! Share the care! Do it everyday and DO IT BIG!!!"

Have a day full of giving.

BF

Bill Fields

http://www.billfields.com

Horseshoe Bay, Texas 2011 Lot Sales - Under $10K

Military Discounts for Active, Reserve, and Retired Vets

Military Discounts for Active, Reserve, and Retired Vets

Please forward to all active duty, reservists, and retired US military personnel you know…Discounts galore at over 200+ stores for vets and their immediate family members.

Remember to ALWAYS show your military or retired ID.  Happy shopping...You deserve it!

Verify with the store/organization that the discount is still available. Participation by business owners is at their discretion.

• 1-800-Flowers - 7% to 60% off
• A&W - Discount varies
• ADT Security - Discount varies
• Advance Auto Parts - 10% off
• Aeropostale - 20% off in-store
• Agentsource.com - Up to 40% off standard real estate closing costs for active duty moving in the US or Canada
• Alamo Rent A Car - Discount varies
• American Airlines – Discount varies
• American Eagle - 10% off (manager discretion)
• American Video Productions -10% off
• Amtrak - 10% off
• Anchor Blue - 10% off
• Anheuser – Busch Amusement Parks - Discount varies
• Anna’s Linens - 10% off any in-store purchase
• Apple Computers - Discount varies, sign up here
• Applebee’s - Discount varies
• Arby’s - Discount varies
• Ashford University - Discounted tuition at $250 a credit, books are covered for all required courses, waived application fee, and waived technology fee
• Armed Services Mutual Benefit Association (ASMBA) - Free membership and free $5,000 AD&D coverage. See my ASMBA post for more details.
• AT&T - Discount varies
• ATG - $10 off home and garden products
• Auto Zone - Discount varies
• Avis - 25% off, online customers use coupon AWD # A555084
• Azamara Cruises - Discount varies
• Back Yard Burgers - Discount varies
• Banana Republic – 15% in-store discount off regular priced items (varies by location)
• Barnes and Noble – 6% off regular price plus free shipping
• Barnhill’s – Discount varies
• Bass Pro Shops – 10% off from the 15th to 22nd of each month
• Bath & Body Works – Discount varies
• Bed & Breakfast Inns – Discount varies
• Best Inns and Suites – Discount varies
• Best Western – Discount varies
• Beyond Blossoms – 20% off all flower orders throughout the year
• Big 10 Tires – Discount varies
• Blockbuster – Discount varies
• Boscov’s- 15% off in-store purchases
• Boston Bill Sunglasses - 10% off
• Boston Market - 20% off
• Bronson Labratories – 10% off vitamins/supplements
• Buckle – 10% off, free shipping
• Budget – Discount varies, up to 25% off time and mileage
• Budget Truck Rental – Discount varies
• Burger King – Discount varies
• Camino Real Apartments - 5% discount
• Captain D’s – Discount varies
• Carl’s Jr. – Discount varies
• Carnival Cruises - 10% off
• Champs Sports - Discount varies
• Charlotte Russe - 10% off
• Checker Auto Parts - Discount varies
• Chevy’s Fresh Mex - 20% off
• Chick Fil A - Discount varies (location dependent)
• Chipotle - Discount varies
• Choice Hotels - Discounts varies
• Ci-Ci’s Pizza - Discount varies (location dependent)
• Cingular - Up to 18% off your bill and 25% off accessories
• Clarion Inn - Discount varies
• Cold Stone Creamery - Discount varies
• Comfort Inn - Discount varies
• Coolmilitary.com - 10% off on-line purchases
• Copeland’s Sports - Discount varies
• Cracker Barrel - 10% off
• D.S.W. Shoe Warehouse - 10% off
• Dairy Queen - 10% off (location dependent)
• Days Inn – Discount varies
• Dell Computers – Discount varies
• Denny’s - Discount varies
• Dick’s Sporting Goods – Discount varies
• DIRECTV - Discount Varies. Ask about the $75 Visa Gift Card for new subscribers
• Discovery Channel Store – Discount varies
• DISH Network - Discount varies, call 866-395-9955 for details
• Disney Resorts – Discount varies
• Disneyland – Discount varies, must buy ticket at the gate
• Dollar Car Rental – Discount varies
• Drugstore.com - $10 off $50+ orders & free shipping
• Dunkin’ Donuts – Veterans advantage members save 10% on all online orders
• El Molino Coffee Shop – Free shipping
• Express Clothing Store – 10% off
• Extreme Outfitters – 10-20% off miiltary gear, on-line and in-store
• Eyeware - Discount varies, get the discount on-line
• Fatbikez.com - 18% off. Coupon code: Military
• Finish Line - 20% off
• Foot Action - 20% off
• Foot Locker - 20% off
• Ford - Discount varies
• Forever 21 - 10% off
• Friendly’s Ice Cream Stores – Discount varies
• GameStop - 16% off all used games & DVDs
• Gander Mountain - 5% off
• Gap – 10% military discount 1st of every month (varies by location, in-store only)
• Geico – 2% to 15% in all states except Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee and Texas
• GM – Discount varies
• GNC – Discount varies
• Golden Corral – Discount varies
• Great Wolf Lodge - Discount varies
• Green Island Apparel - 10% off
• Greyhound - 10% off or ask about the $209 round-trip anywhere in the continental U.S. fare
• H&R Block - Free tax filing, via Military OneSource
• Haber Vision - 50% discount on all sunglasses
• Hanes Outlet Store - 10% off
• Hard Rock Cafe - 10% off
• Hertz – Discount varies
• Hewlett-Packard – Discount varies, on-line company code is 2727
• HickoryFarms – 10% off, online code is 892848
• Home Depot – 10% off, in-store
• Hooters - 10% off
• IHOP - 20% (location dependent)
• Imax – $1 off movie tickets
• Inkshouse – 20% off $50 or more purchase, use cod Mil20
• ISZY Billards - 10% off (except case lots)
• Java Cafe - Discount varies
• Jeep – $500 off
• Jiffy Lube – 10% off
• Jockey – 10% off
• KB Toys - 15% off during advertised Military Days
• Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants - Discount varies
• K-Mart - 10% off entire order (online only)
• Kohl’s – 10% off
• Kragen Auto Parts – Discount varies
• Lady Foot Locker - 20% off
• Lerner – 15% off
• Long John Silver’s – Discount varies
• Longhorn Steakhouse – 10% off
• Lowes – 10% off everyday
• Macy's - Save $10 on orders over $75
• Marriott Hotels – Discount varies
• Maurices - 10% off
• Mary Kay Cosmetics - 10% off online orders
• McDonalds - Discount varies
• Meineke - 10% off parts. In store only
• Michaels - 10% off each Wednesdays
• Midas - 10% off
• Moe's - Discount varies
• Napa Auto Parts - Discount varies
• National - Discount varies
• Nautica - 10% off
• New York and Company - 15% off
• Nextel - 18% off
• Nickelodeon Hotels - Discount varies
• Nike - 10% off
• O'Reilly Auto Parts - Discount varies
• Oakley - Discount varies
• Office Depot - Free next day business delivery on orders over $50
• Old Navy - 10% off
• Pac Sun - Discount varies
• Panda Express - Discount varies
• Payless Shoe Source - 10% off
• Pep Boys - 10% off
• Pizza Hut - Discount varies
• Play It Again Sports - Discount varies
• Quizno’s – Discount varies
• Race-Depot – 10% off, use code 10MILCITY
• Rack Room Shoes – 15% off
• Raising Cane’s Chicken – Discount varies
• Ralph Lauren Outlet Store - 10% off
• Ramada – 15% to 30%, depending on availability
• Red Robin – Discount varies
• Regal Movie Theaters – Matinee prices for all show times
• Ripley’s Attractions and Museums – Discount varies
• Roadrunner - $25 savings on nationwide auto shipping
• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – 10% off
• Rocky Mountain Tracking – 5% off, use code USMILITARY
• S & K Men’s Wear – 8% off, free shipping on orders over $99
• Sally Beauty Supply – Discount varies
• Samsonite – 15% off
• Schubach Jewelers - 10% off
• Seventh Avenue - 10% off
• Ship Any Car - $25 off
• Shoe Carnival – 10% off
• Sierra Suites – Discount varies
• Six Flags Mountain Magic – Service members receive special discounts on admission for special events and specific dates. Tickets must be purchased in advance on-base at MWR or ITT
• Sizzler – Discount varies
• Sleep Inn – Discount varies
• Smooth Fitness - 10% off
• Sonic - Discount varies
• Southwest Airlines – Discount varies (not available on all flights)
• Spencer’s Gifts – Discount varies
• Sports Authority - Discount varies
• Sports Chalet - 10% off
• SportsMemorabilia.com – 10% off, use on-line code mili10
• Sprint Business – 15% off
• Suzuki - $500 off
• Sweet Tomatoes - 10% off
• T-Mobile - 15% discount on monthly service and waived activation fees
• Taco Bell – Discount varies
• Target - $5 off orders over $50
• Texas RoadHouse – 10% off
• The Finish Line – 20% off (location dependent)
• The Melting Pot – Discount varies
• THMotorSports - 5% off
• Timberland Outlets - 15% off
• Tommy Hilfiger - 10% off
• Toyota – $500 off + $500 for first-time buyers
• Travelodge – Discount varies
• U.S. Postal Service - Free Care Package Kit
• Under Armor Outlet Store – 10% off
• United Artist Movie Theaters – Matinee prices for all show times
• Verizon – 23% discount on monthly bills. Applies only to military member’s primary line
• Walgreens – 10% off each Tuesday
• Wendy’s – Discount varies
• Wet Seal - 10% off
• Wheels Next - $50 off regular priced wheel and tire combos
• Wing Zone – 10% off in Alabama
• World of Coca Cola – $2 off standard admission price for service member and up to four guests
• Wyndham Hotels – Discount varies
• Zaxby’s – 10% off

In addition to the military discounts above, here are additional Military Discounts in Warner Robins GA 31088.

Military relocating to Robins AFB…As a retired Air Force spouse, I understand the unique challenges you face during a PCS move.

Visit Homes for Sale in Warner Robins to preview the complete list of Houston County and Warner Robins Real Estate or call me at (478) 960-8055 so we can discuss your Warner Robins Real Estate needs.

 

 

      

 

Anita Clark Realtor LLC

ColdwellBanker SSK Realtors

Cell: (478) 960-8055

Office: (478) 953-8595 x227

Email: anita@cbssk.com

Web: Warner Robins GA Real Estate

Blog: Warner Robins Real Estate Blog

        

 

 All original text, video, and photo content is the exclusive property of Anita Clark Realtor LLC and may not be used without expressed written permission. The information contained herein has been obtained through sources deemed reliable but cannot be guaranteed for its accuracy. We recommend to all buyers and sellers, that any information of special interest, should be obtained through independent verification. All measurements are approximate. Anita Clark, Realtor®, (478) 960-8055.

First Time Homebuyers Guide - Get Yours! For Central Texas First Time Home Buyers

Just SOLD! 1-Story Home at 6144 Salcon Cliff, Village at Western Oaks, Austin, Texas

This time, the sequel is better than the original HARP II Loan modification for Central Texans

Rarely is a movie sequel better than the original. I feared that HARP II (Home Affordable Refinance Program) would be another empty "cotton candy" promise from Washington with a lot of fluff and no substance. I am happy to see that I was wrong. Recent verified results are making me a lot more optimistic about this program to help homeowners and INVESTORS, who owe more than the property is worth and have been unable to refinance in the past.

 

Property owners may go to www.fanniemae.com to see if their property is eligible. At present, this program is only for conventional loans, and not for FHA or VA. If a property owner has a FHA or VA mortgage, it is worth checking to see if they qualify for a streamline refinance. FHA and VA streamline loans are characterized by relaxed standards that exhibit a lot of common sense that I though was gone from the mortgage industry. I recently witnessed an individual close two loans under the HARP II program for his primary residence and rental property. There were no upfront fees for an application or appraisal, and the customer service was first rate. 

I was pleasantly surprised to see that HARP II may used for investment properties. Normally, property owners will let a rental property go into default instead of their primary residence. While I am not in favor of government funded bailouts for the fat cats, almost everyone involved in a foreclosure is damaged. Not usually mentioned are renters who are displaced and have to find a new place to live in a tight rental market. In some parts of the country it is easier to qualify for a mortgage than it is to rent a property. Hopefully, letting investors benefit from HARP II will result in fewer displaced renters. 

Chip Allen

Crestline Mortgage Bankers

A Division of Universal Lending Corp                                   

Direct: 303.947.2109

Fax: 303.987.0676

Loanchip@hotmail.com

Colorado Mortgage Broker License # 100019831

NMLS# 378621

Your Lender for Life! 

When people you care about need a mortgage,

for purchase or refinance, please do not keep me a secret.  

Click here to Get started searching for YOUR Colorado Dream Home.

Ten things to remove before listing...

Everyone has heard rumors of de-cluttering when it's time to sell your home. But, what does that really mean?  Before going hog wild and moving out... here's a few of the most important things to consider removing before you list your home for sale.

10. Personal photos. I don't always recommend removing photos of the 'family' but if you have hallways filled with photos or photos on every end table it is probably necessary. Buyers really DO get distracted by them. They will take them all in as they walk down the hall. Not only do they take away from the home, but it's really disturbing when a buyer is excited to 'know' the sellers. And, the buyers do look at them.

9. Bills and personal papers. I understand that you cannot remove these document from the home all together, but please take the time to organize them, box them up and put them out of sight. If you have bills laying out on the counter or kitchen table it's like an invitation for the buyers to 'peek' at them. Believe me - I discourage it - but it still happens. And as a seller you just don't want to leave the temptation behind.

8. Money. I would love to say that every buyer (and Realtor) going through every home is honest, but I really don't want to test those waters. If you have cash, cash boxes or coin jars sitting out in the open... put them away. It's just better for everyone if it's out of sight. As Realtors we do what we can to protect your home, but your help makes a difference!

7. Valuables. Jewelry, watches, valuable antiques.... anything that might be worth a bit of money that you wouldn't want to lose. Out of sight, out of mind. If buyers don't know they are there they won't think about it. I can't tell you how many homes I've been in where the jewelry is left on the dresser.... somehow it's uncomfortable. At least put it away.

6. Guns and ammo. I don't care if they are in a case or out laying around or under a bed. It's better if you just plain old remove them from the home prior to listing. For some reason they make buyers (in my experience) feel really insecure.

5. Shoes! If you have a pile of shoes at the door... ask yourself why. A pile of shoes gives a buyer two impressions. The first? That there isn't enough storage in your home. 2. That there are too many people living in the home. So, in order to avoid wondering on the part of the buyer... just put them away.

4. Medicine. Take it out. Don't store it on the counter. Don't store it in the cabinet. Don't store it in the bathroom. Remove it. There have been many complaints over the years of potential buyers 'stealing' the medicine out of the cabinets. I have never had it happen on my time clock, but to avoid any trouble it's best to simply remove it.

3. All things on your kitchen counter. Everything? Really? Yup. The cleaner you can leave the counter, the more buyers dream of being in there. Have you ever been in a cluttered kitchen? Does it feel inviting? How about a cleaned up kitchen? Does it make you wanna spend time there? Also, if you store things on the counter it gives the appearance that you do not have enough storage space.

2. No more junk drawers. Seriously. Clean 'em out. There is nothing more tacky than a potential buyer opening the cupboards and drawers and having things sticking out everywhere. Box up all the notes, pens, tacks, and odds and ends and put them away. Chances are you don't dig in the drawer often anyways.

1. Nothing but magnets.... and maybe not even that. Take a photo of your fridge, take everything off, wash the front (and side), and take another photo. It is really refreshing to walk into a home that has a clean fridge. The kids pictures are beautiful (believe me... my fridge is covered in them) but buyer's can't imagine their own children's drawing on there if it is covered with yours. And, the magnets... If they aren't decorative (and even then) they are generally more of a distraction to the room than a help. Consider it.

There are many more ways to declutter a home for sale... but these are some important things to consider. For more information on selling your home in Minnesota... give me a call.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

                 In the meantime... if you are looking to move into the area... I'll wait for you to call!

Selling Real Estate in Minnesota!

If you are looking for professional real estate services I am only a ring away! I am looking forward to working with you. And, please feel free to share my name with anyone that you know who needs assistance buying or selling a home ~ I love referrals!

                                                   Lindsey Hasford, REALTOR
                                                        Coldwell Banker Vision
                                             231 Main Street - Elk River - MN 55330
                                          763-241-5488 (office)  763-218-1347 (cell)
                                           lindseyhasford@coldwellbankervision.com
                                                  http://www.hasfordhomes.com