Market Report for February: Sales up big for ninth consecutive month

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The first quarter of 2012 has been a great departure from the sluggish sideways market of 2010 and 2011. Even before the sales statistics for February were released, active agents on the field have seen signs of a recovering market every day in their business. Traffic on real estate websites has been up with more buyers… [Continue Reading]

What to expect when buying a Houston foreclosure

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Over seventy percent of the people that visit our Houston real estate website find us while searching for foreclosures. And it makes sense: The prospect of finding a great deal at a discount intrigues everyone. But I thought it would be helpful to a prospective buyer embarking on the roller coaster ride that is purchasing… [Continue Reading]

Comprehensive Market Report for 2011: Recovering Sales and Highest Price on Record

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It’s that time of the year again! Today we will be taking an objective look at the performance of Houston’s real estate market in the year 2011 and provide you with a clear picture of how the market is doing currently. It is always good to stay informed on local market conditions but this analysis… [Continue Reading]

File your 2012 homestead exemption and lower your property taxes [New Requirements]

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If you purchased a home last year and occupied it as your primary residence by January 1, 2012, and you aren’t currently claiming homestead on a different property, you are eligible to lower your property taxes through filing for your homestead exemption in the country where the property is located. Here’s how it works: The taxing… [Continue Reading]

Nite of Lites in Prestonwood Forest – Merry Christmas [Photos]

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From our family to yours we want to wish you a Merry Christmas. For a wonderful treat, visit Prestonwood Forest’s Nite of Lites: A neighborhood wide spectacle of beautifully decorated homes at no cost. Decorations will be up until January 1st so there’s a few more days left. You can get directions to Prestonwood Forest… [Continue Reading]

Houston real estate market report – November 2011

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Market stats for November 2011 were released by the Houston Association of Realtors on Tuesday. The table below covers the main eight figures that HAR tracks to gauge overall market conditions: Although useful, these figures by themselves don’t provide much insight until they’re coupled with some historical perspective and context. That’s why I went back… [Continue Reading]

Ice Skating at Discovery Green Park [Photos]

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This past weekeend I took my family to enjoy a night of ice skating at the Discovery Green Park. It was a great experience and if you haven’t been yet I strongly recommend it. Prices were affordable ($10 per person) and the atmosphere was amazing as the park was decorated for the holidays. The Ice… [Continue Reading]

The Foreclosure Secret

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The time has come for me to share with you a previously undisclosed Foreclosure Secret. Those that possess The Secret can not only save tons of money but they  will  be empowered to take action and start making money today. To date, I have not shared The Secret with anyone else, for fear that its power to disturb… [Continue Reading]

6 Quick Tips on Getting a Home Inspection

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You have taken that step to the next level. The grind of contract negotiations, offers and counters is now over and you’ve got your name on a shiny executed contract on a great property. At this stage, the first major checkpoint on your journey to closing is the almighty home inspection. So what do you… [Continue Reading]

Learn why your home isn’t selling

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I have never even seen your house, its upgrades, curb appeal or that new air conditioner installed not too long ago. But trust me when I tell you that I know why your home isn’t selling. Whether acting alone, or in combination with each other, there are eight factors that scare away buyers worse then… [Continue Reading]

Financing Investment Properties: Top 3 Options, Pros and Cons

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The benefits of purchasing and owning investment real estate are well known or you wouldn’t be here in the first place reading this post. But in order to make that ownership happen, you have to be aware of your financing options and know their pros and cons so you can put them to work within… [Continue Reading]

Top 10 Reasons why you should own Income Properties

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Income properties are the best and most underutilized investment vehicle available to middle America. They are the best because they offer income, capital preservation, tax benefits and appreciation all in one comprehensive package. They are the most underutilized because regular folks don’t know where to find investment opportunities, think it’s just too hard or consider it… [Continue Reading]