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