Summer 2010 has been difficult for home sales, to say the least. Though Houston has not experienced the devastation of huge price declines in the market the way other big cities have, it certainly has found a deep plunge in home sales this summer. July housing sales sank 26% from July 2009. The government is scratching its head trying to figure out the best way to help in this arena. They have used tax credits, mortgage modification programs, low interest rates, government backed loans and other assistance intended to keep values up and delingquent borrowers out of foreclosure. The goal was to stabilize the market until a resurgent economy created new households that demanded places to live. There are ongoing discussions about the next step...so stand by.
In the meantime, sellers are finding frustration in the market place...even though they are located well, priced well and look great. It's the nature of the beast, at the moment.
Things will turn around....it just doesnt seem to be in "our timing". Have faith. This great country has had a few "speedbumps" over the past few years, but we will come out of this in a fresh new way...and better than ever.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
GET READY FOR FRIGID WEATHER!!!
Houston Metropolitan area has an artic blast coming through. Please be prepared...I'm sharing the information from Texas Department of Insurance that I received from First American Title. Please take time to read through and be prepared. Beez
"Texas weather can change quickly, especially in winter. A fast-moving cold front can cause temps to drop below freezing within hours. Outdoor pipes, pipes in unheated areas and pripes that run along uninsulated exterior walls can burst if the water in them freezes and expands. This can shatter pipe seals or the pipes themselves, sending water pouring thorugh your home. You can avoid thousands of dollars of damage to your walls, ceilings, carpets and furniture by taking a few simple measures.
Before the freeze:
1. Protect faucets, outdoor pipes and exposed pipes in unheated areas by wrapping them with rags, newspaper, trash bags or plastic foam.
2. Insulate your outdoor water meter box and be sure its lid os on tight.
3. Cover any vents around your home's foundation.
4. Drain and store water hoses indoors.
5. Protect outdoor electrical pumps.
6. Drain swimming pool circulation systems or keep the pump motor running. (Run the pump motor only in a short freeze. Running the motor for long periods could damage it.)
7. Drain water sprinkler supply lines.
8. Open the cabinets under sinks in your kitchen and baths to allow heated indoor air to circulate around the water pipes.
9. Set your thermostate at a minimum temp of 55 degrees, especially when you're away for more than a day or so.
10. Let indoor faucets drip; it isn't necessary to run a stream of water.
11. Make sure you know where your home's shut-off valve is and hot to turn it on and off.
12. If you leave town, consider turning off your water at the shut-off valve while faucets are running to drain your pipes. Make sure you turn the faucets off before you turn the shut-off valve back on.
13. If you drain your pipes, contact your electric or gas utility company for insitructions on protecting your water heater.
If your Pipes Freeze:
1. If a pipe bursts and floods your home, turn the water off at the shut-off valve. Call a plumber for help if you can't find the broken pipe or it it's inaccessible. Don't turn the water back on until the pipe has been prepared.
2. If the pipe hasn't burst, that it out with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater or towel soaked with hot water. Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipe. Never concentrate heat in one spot because cracking ice can shatter a pipe. Turn the faucet on and let it run until the pipe is thawed and water pressure returns to normal.
3. Don't use a blowtorch or other open-flame device. They are fire risks and carbon monoxide exposure risks.
If you have a Loss:
1. Contact your insurance agent or company promptly. Follow up as soon as possible with a written claim to protect your rights under Texas' promp-payment law.
2. Review your coverage. Most homeowners and renter policies pay for property repair. Most polities pay for debris removal and for additional living expenses if you have to move temporarily because of damage to your home. If you can't find your policy, ask your agent or company for a copy.
3. Homeowners policies may require you to make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage. Your policy covers the cost of these repairs. Keep all receipts and damaged property for the adjuster to inspect. If possible, take photos or videos of the damage before making repairs. Don't make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim in you make permanent repairs before adjuster inspects the damage.
4. Most homeowner policies do not cover loss caused by freezing pipes while your home is unoccuped unless you used reasonable care to maintain heat in the building; shut off the water supply; and drain from plumbing, heating and A/C systems.
QUESTIONS?
Call TDI's Consumer Help Line toll-free: 1-800-252-3439 or visit the TDI website:
www.tdi.state.tx.us Assistance is available in English and Spanish."
STAY WARM...STAY SAFE!
"Texas weather can change quickly, especially in winter. A fast-moving cold front can cause temps to drop below freezing within hours. Outdoor pipes, pipes in unheated areas and pripes that run along uninsulated exterior walls can burst if the water in them freezes and expands. This can shatter pipe seals or the pipes themselves, sending water pouring thorugh your home. You can avoid thousands of dollars of damage to your walls, ceilings, carpets and furniture by taking a few simple measures.
Before the freeze:
1. Protect faucets, outdoor pipes and exposed pipes in unheated areas by wrapping them with rags, newspaper, trash bags or plastic foam.
2. Insulate your outdoor water meter box and be sure its lid os on tight.
3. Cover any vents around your home's foundation.
4. Drain and store water hoses indoors.
5. Protect outdoor electrical pumps.
6. Drain swimming pool circulation systems or keep the pump motor running. (Run the pump motor only in a short freeze. Running the motor for long periods could damage it.)
7. Drain water sprinkler supply lines.
8. Open the cabinets under sinks in your kitchen and baths to allow heated indoor air to circulate around the water pipes.
9. Set your thermostate at a minimum temp of 55 degrees, especially when you're away for more than a day or so.
10. Let indoor faucets drip; it isn't necessary to run a stream of water.
11. Make sure you know where your home's shut-off valve is and hot to turn it on and off.
12. If you leave town, consider turning off your water at the shut-off valve while faucets are running to drain your pipes. Make sure you turn the faucets off before you turn the shut-off valve back on.
13. If you drain your pipes, contact your electric or gas utility company for insitructions on protecting your water heater.
If your Pipes Freeze:
1. If a pipe bursts and floods your home, turn the water off at the shut-off valve. Call a plumber for help if you can't find the broken pipe or it it's inaccessible. Don't turn the water back on until the pipe has been prepared.
2. If the pipe hasn't burst, that it out with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater or towel soaked with hot water. Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipe. Never concentrate heat in one spot because cracking ice can shatter a pipe. Turn the faucet on and let it run until the pipe is thawed and water pressure returns to normal.
3. Don't use a blowtorch or other open-flame device. They are fire risks and carbon monoxide exposure risks.
If you have a Loss:
1. Contact your insurance agent or company promptly. Follow up as soon as possible with a written claim to protect your rights under Texas' promp-payment law.
2. Review your coverage. Most homeowners and renter policies pay for property repair. Most polities pay for debris removal and for additional living expenses if you have to move temporarily because of damage to your home. If you can't find your policy, ask your agent or company for a copy.
3. Homeowners policies may require you to make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage. Your policy covers the cost of these repairs. Keep all receipts and damaged property for the adjuster to inspect. If possible, take photos or videos of the damage before making repairs. Don't make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim in you make permanent repairs before adjuster inspects the damage.
4. Most homeowner policies do not cover loss caused by freezing pipes while your home is unoccuped unless you used reasonable care to maintain heat in the building; shut off the water supply; and drain from plumbing, heating and A/C systems.
QUESTIONS?
Call TDI's Consumer Help Line toll-free: 1-800-252-3439 or visit the TDI website:
www.tdi.state.tx.us Assistance is available in English and Spanish."
STAY WARM...STAY SAFE!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
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.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
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)
Thursday, June 4, 2009
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."
"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."
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
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.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
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
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