HAPPY NEW YEAR 2010

2010...Wow! Seems we were just watching 2000 enter all across the globe.

May this year bring you peace, happiness, good health and prosperity.

Thank you to my friends for friendship.

Thank you to my family for love and acceptance.

Thank you to my clients for loyalty and trust.

Happy New Year.

Paint that Plastic Furniture

Plastic patio furniture has long been an inexpensive way to furnish outdoor spaces, but most plastic furniture sets have only been available in a limited range of solid colors. Due to their unforgiving slick surface, customizing the look of plastic home and garden items was practically impossible. That has all changed with the engineering of new paints designed specifically for plastic surfaces. Using these new paint products, you can easily add a splash of summer color to furniture, garden equipment and children's toys. (Stolen from Barry Federman)

CELEBRATE YOUR AGE!

Written By Regina Brett, 90 years old, of The Plain Dealer, Cleveland , Ohio
"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written."My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:
1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying alone.
8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the present.
12. It's OK to let your children see you cry.
13. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn't be in it.
15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't worry; God never blinks.
16. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
17. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make you stronger.
19. It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.
20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don't take no for an answer.
21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
22. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
23. Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear purple.
24. The most important sex organ is the brain.
25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
26. Frame every so-called disaster with these words 'In five years, will this matter?'
27. Always choose life.
28. Forgive everyone everything.
29. What other people think of you is none of your business.
30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
33. Believe in miracles.
34. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn't do.
35. Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying young.
37. Your children get only one childhood.
38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else's,we'd grab ours back.
41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
42. The best is yet to come.
43. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
44. Yield.
45. Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift."

WHAT A KNOCK OUT!

Do you love a garden full of color...but you have little or no time to spend pampering the plants? Oh my gosh...you must check out Knock Out Roses! In Houston, they bloom all year long...and are a beautiful addition to your landscaping. There are different types of Knockouts....different colors....but all are low maintenance. They are disease resistant; you don't have to "dust them". Just deadhead them periodically to spur on new growth...and you will be amazed and gratified by their beauty.

When I read up on them, the article says they will grow to 3 feet. NOT! Mine are 6 feet tall...and I whack them every year!! They are great for a long bed against a fence; they are very pretty backdrop to a swimming pool.

They love the sun...in fact, prefer the sun. Yes, you'll have to water them in the 90+ degree heat in the summer.

Any of your local nurseries will carry them, and they are affordable.

SO, are ya a lazy gardener, but love to look out at pretty flowers? KNOCK OUT ROSES are your solution.

LET'S GO SURFING!

Are you thinking about buying or selling? Here's how you can start your journey. From my personal website, you can go surfing and gather all sorts of wonderful information 24/7. There are hints on how to get your home ready to show. There are hints for buying. And there's a link to the Houston Association of Realtors MLS....where you can Search and Search and Search listings in all areas of the Houston Metro area....all prices....all sizes...etc.

I always get tickled when my clients discover HAR MLS....they become maniacs...thus my name for them: HAR MANIACS! That site is very user friendly and totally addicting.

SO....if you have even the faintest interest in moving....do a little surfing online. Around 75% of buyers and sellers start on the web before they ever call their Realtor. Of course, I want you to have fun playing on my website: http://www.beezbuzz.com/ and http://www.har.com/ but then I want you to call ME to help in your real estate adventure. I can show any home that is listed in MLS. If you already have a Realtor you are loyal to...that's okay....I believe in loyalty. Call them. You want to find one Realtor who will take you from Step 1 to the Finish Line. It will simplify your life, and make your moving experience a more efficient and pleasant one.
Enjoy surfing the web....and call me when you're ready!

Surfing photo is compliments of www.casa-ensueno.com Take a look at their website....want to get away a few days? Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh

I'M MELLLLLLLLLLLLTTTTINNNG!

Oh my gosh....The wicked witch of the west would never have survived the water in Houston recently!! I hope you are high and dry after the torrential downpour last night.

This is a huge reminder that in Houston, even if you are not plotted into the flood plain, flood insurance is worth the money!! If you aren't in a flood plain, your flood insurance will be at a fairly minimal cost to you, and could save you tens of thousands of dollars if you do get flooded out.

When you are at the epicenter of a flood like last night, in which 12 inches of rain are dropped in a matter of hours, no drainage system is going to be able to accommodate that kind of abuse.

Please visit with your insurance agent...and let them guide you in this decision.

BRING HOME THE BUTTERFLIES

Nothing adds to the beauty of a flowering garden more than butterflies fluttering about on a warm summer day. If attracting butterflies to your garden is what you'd like to achieve, there are a few things you can do to accomplish this. Butterflies have a very keen sense of smell and can smell flowers many miles away. If the right flowers are planted in your garden, then butterflies are going to flock to it. Not only does smell attract them but colors do as well. They tend to like purple, yellow, pink and white flowers.
To attract butterflies, you will need to keep a few things in mind. Butterflies need sunshine to keep warm, and most of the flowers that attract them need sunshine, too. Make sure when you select a location for the garden that it's in a sunny area. Adding rocks and bricks for the butterflies to bask in the sun will keep the butterflies close to your yard.
When selecting your plants, choose a variety of plants so that there are always flowers blooming at all times during the summer. If you plant all of the same type flower and they bloom and die, the butterflies will leave. Here are some of the plants that attract butterflies the most
Daylily
Iris
Lavender
Milkweed
Petunia
Phlox
Asters
Butterfly bush
Heliotrope
Cosmos
Clover
Zinnia
Different breeds of butterflies will be attracted to different flowers so keeping a variety of flowers will also bring in a variety of butterflies. Butterflies need nectar to live so keeping a constant supply available will keep the butterflies in your garden all summer. They will also need water so place a plate with water on it so the butterflies can get a drink when they need it. Keep in mind that the types of flowers you select will depend on whether the butterflies begin to lay eggs and then reproduce in your garden. Watching a caterpillar transform into a butterfly is one of the most fascinating things to witness. If you have children, this can be an educational experience you can share with them.
The biggest problem people encounter when trying to attract butterflies is that some gardeners will use pesticides to control garden pests. If you're trying to attract butterflies you can't use any pesticides at all. The poison will kill the butterflies off as well as the other insects. Weed killers will also harm butterflies so avoid using them as well.
For those that live in an apartment and don't have access to a yard, you can make a window box and plant flowers for the butterflies. Because of their sharp sense of smell, the butterflies will find the flowers you plant in there even if you live higher than the first floor. Just make sure you place the window box in a sunny area, and make sure it's secured. I've known people who have had window/flower boxes on their balconies that attract butterflies as high up as the 10th floor. For an altitude like that you need to put up something as a wind shield because the butterflies wings are fragile and high winds will damage their wings.

Original painting by Beez

REMODELING HELPS

10 THINGS EVERY REMODELING CONTRACT SHOULD INCLUDE:

The contract is a critical step in any remodeling project; it holds the job together and ensures that all parties agree to the same vision and scope. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (http://www.nari.org/) spells out the key elements that every remodeling contract should have:

1. The contractor's name, address, phone number and license number.

2. Details on what the contractor will and will not do.

3. A list of materials for the project in your contract. This includes information about the size, color, model, brand name and product.

4. The approximate start date and completion date.

5. All required plans. Study them carefully for accuracy. Insist that you approve them and that they are identified in your written contract before any work begins.

6. Written notice of your right to, without penalty, cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.

7. Financial terms, spelled out in a way that you understand. This includes the total price, payment schedule, and any cancellation penalty.

8. A binding arbitration clause, which you'll need in the event a disagreement occurs. Arbitration may enable you to resolve disputes without costly litigation.

9. Everything you've requested. Consider the scope of the project and make sure all items you've requested are included. If you do not see a specific item in the contract, consider it not included. Never sign an incomplete contract.

10. A warranty covering materials and workmanship for a minimum of one year. The warranty must be identified as either "full" or "limited". The name and address of the party who will honor the warranty (contractor, distributor or manufacturer) must be identified. Make sure the time period for the warranty is specified.

HAPPY EASTER

Happy Easter!

What a glorious day of celebration today is! Alleluia!

I hope today brings renewal in your life....and a time spent with family and friends.

BUZZING ON THE POSITIVE SIDE!

With so many negatives swirling around these days, I wanted to share a positive "buzz" that appeared in my "Houston Realtor" magazine this week.


Since January 2009, Houston has received the following accolades:


1. Site Selection Magazine named Houston the "Top Metro Market" for corporate location and expansion activity.

2. Builder magazine called Houston the healthiest housing market in the nation.

3. Business Week named Katy as the second fastest growing residential community in the U.S.

4. BusinessWeek.com listed Friendswood as the most affordable suburb in Texas in 2009.

5. The Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate ranked Houston as the 8th best investment market in the world.

6. The Allied Van Lines' 41st Annual Magnet States Report named Texas as the No. 1 destination state for residential relocations for the fourth year in a row.

7. Forbes ranked Houston as the 6th strongest housing market in the country.


If you are in Houston, be thankful. We are in better shape than most city economies in this Nation.

WELCOME TO HOUSTON!! YOU WILL LOVE IT HERE!

Houston is a dynamic, culturally diverse city that amazes visitors and natives alike with its ever-changing and infinite variety of attractions. Houston is an easy place to call home. Houston was ranked the #1 Best City to live by Kiplinger's Personal Finance. As the fourth-largest city in the United States, Houston has been also called "America's booming opportunity city" by The American Magazine. Houston has one of the best and most affordable Real Estate markets, strong job growth and a broad-based and growing economy. The oil and gas industry, the strong health care job base and international trade, along with the can-do business atmosphere, position Houston as a leader.

Original Painting by Beez

PICK ME UP!!!

Want a quick and easy pick-me-up for your home? Painting is your answer and some smart prep work will make a huge difference in the quality of the results.
1. Get the surface ready. You want paint to glide on smoothly, so be sure the surface is clean before you begin painting. Remove any handprints, dirt or scuff marks. Lightly sand any glossy spots to avoid streaks.
2. Select a paint sheen and color. Ooolala .. so many choices! Many paint stores are making it easy to narrow down your choices by offering small trial sizes so that you can test the color at home and look for variations in daylight and night. Lighting has a big effect on the way color appears. Remember: Higher sheen paints tend to offer more durability than flat paints, so use them in high-traffic areas. Stain or low-lustre finishes offer more warmth and depth than a flat paint. Consider a high sheen on the ceiling which offers good reflection in the room.
3. Don't go CHEAP on paint! It's always tempting (especially these days) to save a buck, but it might not be worth it on paint. Painting is a big job, so you want the expense and quality to show. The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, a national painting education group, recommends purchasing high quality acrylic latex interior paint, which will go on smoothly and allow for easy soap and water cleanups.
4. Choose the right paint tools. If you're using a roller to paint, select the right length of roller nap cover for proper paint coverage. The smoother your painting surface, the shorter the nap should be. Use synthetic materials, which are made from nylon or polyester, when applying latex or water-based paints.
Source: The Rohm and Haas Quality Institute http://www.paintquality.com/

BEAT THE STRESS!!! SOUND BODY TRAINER

Taking a break from real estate blogging today....here's a Buzz from Beez about lifestyle!

Everyone these days seems to be dealing with some sort of stress; whether the stock market is playing havoc with your savings, you feel your job is in jeopardy, kids are driving you crazy or whatever the stress factor might be. Exercise can help alleviate stress while also creating a healthier body and lifestyle.

I, personally, don't like to go to a fitness center or gym...nor do I want to pay for it month in and month out. I have an alternative I'm going to share with you. http://www.soundbodytrainer.com/

You get downloads to your MP3 player, vdeo MP3 or CD player from this website for a nominal one year subscription. It includes Strength Training, Yoga and Street Spin. It's been created by Traci Godfrey who has been a Personal Trainer and Lifestyle Coach in New York for 20 years. I'll let the website tell you more about her qualifications and the program itself.

If you travel frequently and miss your exercise routine when you're away from home, this is perfect for you. Simply take your IPOD and you're good to go...ANYWHERE YOU GO!

There are demos on the website...so log on to http://www.soundbodytrainer.com/ and check it out for yourself!! And then leave me a comment on my blog...I'll be interested in your thoughts.

FIRST TIME BUYER TAX CREDIT

FIRST TIME BUYERS ARE NOW ELIGIBLE FOR AN $8000.00 TAX CREDIT if buying between 1/1/09 – 12/1/09. (The $15,000 previously proposed was lowered to $8000 and is now in effect. Also, the $8000 does NOT have to be paid back!!)


The following statement was taken from CNN News headlines.

Temporary credit for home buyers: The bill increases the size of an existing temporary and refundable first-time home buyer credit to $8,000, up from $7,500. It also removes the requirement under current law that the credit be paid back if the buyer stays in the home for at least three years. And it would extend the credit's expiration date to Dec. 1, 2009, from July 1,2009. Those eligible for this credit must purchase a home after Jan. 1, 2009, and before Dec. 1, 2009. The full credit is available to those making $75,000 or less ($150,000 for joint filers). Estimated cost: $6.6 billion.

Featured Listings

Newer construction in the Hilshire area priced at $224,900 with 2121 sqft.
Stucco exterior construction, 3 stores, 2 car garage.
Second floor is your main living area that is very open and bright...and works great for everyday living as well as entertaining. This home has granite countertops, hardwood floors, 2" foam-wood blinds, programmable thermostat, pewter lighting fixtures and more
Spring Branch schools!!
A rare find in the area with this age home and price!

Gracious English tudor located in Lakeside Forest is priced at $429,990 with 4160 sqft!! Beautifully maintained and decorated. Spacious Kitchen has updates including granite counter tops, Viking range, lots of cabinetry.

First floor is an entertainers dream....rooms are set up for traffic flow....living room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast and huge family room addition. 3 car garage. Home is ready for new residents!

Immaculately decorated and maintained home in Lakeside Place priced at $345,000 with 3050 sqft.

4 bedrooms, sunroom and a chef's dream of a kitchen!! Brookhaven/Woodmode cabinetry, stainless Decor ovens, granite countertops, island and desk area.

Spacious attic storage (known as a Texas basement!).

Move in ready!!

Prestigious Bunker Hill home priced at $1,495,000 with 5765 sq ft. 5 bedrooms, enclosed swimming pool, elevator, 4 zoned AC/Heat, 3 car garage and maturely landscaped. Master includes a sitting area with romantic fireplace. Kitchen is open to breakfast room and den overlooking pool, spa and natural rock waterfall.

Highly acclaimed schoools in Spring Branch ISD: Frostwood Elementary, Memorial Middle, Memorial High

NOW I LAY ME DOWN TO SLEEP

Despite all the bad news in the media, and the statistics that tell us home sales are dismal...the bottomline is....folks still need a place to lay their heads at night. So, even in a slow market, there ARE buyers and sellers. Those homes on the market need to look great inside and out, smell great, and be priced appropriately. (Yes, location still has merit.) If we make sure that the home represents itself in the best way possible, then we are assured that when the right buyer comes along, the marriage will be made! There are some magnificent homes on the market just waiting for that new resident to call them "home". So, spiffy up those homes, if you haven't already; take a look at comparables in the marketplace....understanding that the market is a different animal this January than it was last January.

Hope the New Year is being kind to you.

Thanks for visiting my blog....feel free to leave messages, comments or questions!