Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Top 11 Reasons a Seller Should List During the Holidays!

Top 11 Reasons a Seller Should List During the Holidays!

1. People who look for homes during the Holidays are more serious buyers!

 
2. Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the Holidays and less competition means more money for you!

 
3. Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in January, there will be less demand for your home! Less demand means less money for you!

4. Houses show better during the Holidays!

 
5. Buyers are more emotional during the Holidays, so they are more likely to pay your price!

 
6. Buyers have more time to look for a home during the holidays than they do during a working week!

7. Some people must buy before the end of the year for tax reasons.

 
8. January is traditionally the month for employees to begin new jobs. Since transferees cannot wait until spring to buy, you need to be on the market during the Holidays to capture that market!

 
9. Even though your house will be on the market, you still have the option to restrict showings during the six or seven days around the Holidays!

 
10. You can sell now for more money and we will provide for a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year! – Secure the sale for a buyer not ready to close until early next year.

11. By selling now, you may have an opportunity to be a non- contingent buyer the spring, when many more houses are on the market for less money! This will allow you to sell high and buy low!

 
If you are thinking of selling real estate in The Woodlands, Spring or surrounding areas, contact us! 

We would love to share with you all the things we do to sell our listings FAST and for TOP $$$!




Wednesday, August 25, 2010

What is that structure in front of The Woodlands Village - East Shore?

What is that structure in front of
The Woodlands Village - East Shore?



Water Well Construction



Two water wells are being constructed by the San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) to provide the necessary water supply for this service area. Construction is underway and both wells should be completed in October, 2010.

East Shore is a unique and different concept of what we have experienced so far in The Woodlands Texas.

East shore is known as the Garden district of The Woodlands; the builders are combining when building homes at East Shore The Woodlands an old architectural style as well as advantages from the present.

Location: Northwest corner of Woodlands Parkway andGrogan’s Mill Road


Wednesday, July 7, 2010

IRONMAN COMING TO THE WOODLANDS, TX

 BY: Bob Slovak


THE WOODLANDS, TX (KTRK) -- For the first time in Texas, a full Ironman competition is coming to our area.



Thousands of people are expected to participate in the full triathlon in The Woodlands next May. It's not only a premier athletic event for The Woodlands, it could mean a lot of money for the economy.


T.J. Fry of The Woodlands ran his first triathlon when he was just 12. He survived his first Ironman in his 20's, and he was hooked.

"I think it's the test of will to kind of test your limits and really see what you are made of, and I think that is the big attraction to me," said Fry.

He will be one of an expected 2,500 participants to compete in the Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas Triathlon on May 21 of next year. The race will serve as one of 23 global qualifying races for the Ironman World Championship that takes place each October in Kona, Hawaii.

"I think you will see a lot of successful people out there. Dozens of my friends are in that category where they weren't going to do the Ironman until it showed up in their backyard, and now they feel obligated," Fry said.

The Ironman consists of three legs: a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-mile run completed in succession within a 17 hour timeframe.

One reason it took the Ironman so long to come to Texas is the heat and humidity. Memorial Hermann will have personnel on hand for any problems.

"Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine Institute was really looking for a partner to work on developing performance-enhancing research. We approached Ironman and asked if they would like to work with us and not only developing the event here, but also work with us on other things in areas of research and injury prevention," said Steve Sanders, CEO Memorial Hermann.

The event is estimated to generate about $16 million in economic investment to The Woodlands area.

"It's a qualifier for the Kona, Hawaii event so they are going to come here and spend several days. They will spend five days, bring their families, occupy the hotels, go to our restaurants, go to our shops, go around The Woodlands, see what we have to offer," said Bruce Tough, Chairman The Woodlands Township.

"We are going to be able to watch this event on TV, and its going to position The Woodlands in such a great way around the world," said Nick Wolda of The Woodlands Visitor and Convention.

A total of 65 participants from The Woodlands race will qualify for Kona in October 2011. We will let you know what happens.

(Copyright ©2010 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Protect Your Home from Hurricanes Now


Protect Your Home from Hurricanes Now


Here are storm-proofing guidelines from McCurdy and Joseph Schlenk of Deltec Homes, a builder of prefabricated homes.

Trees. Trim out dead wood and limbs that could scrape or fall on the house.

Roof. Install additional braces in the trusses. A qualified builder can install galvanized metal hurricane straps to secure the roof to the walls. Wait until after hurricane season to replace old roofs.

Gutters. Make sure gutters are clean and functioning properly, and water from downspouts does not pool near the house.

Pool. Lower the water level by a foot or two. Stock up on chemicals to shock the pool after the storm.

Screens. Secure or remove screen doors. Remove items that could be blown through screens.

Patio. Remove furniture, flower pots, grills, firewood, etc. to a secure place. Patio furniture can be stored in the pool.

Doors. Install beefier hinges to make outside doors stronger. Reinforce garage doors by bracing each panel, adding stronger supports and heavier hinges.

Windows. Options include hurricane shutters, plywood covers, or clear plastic window film. Shutters are effective but relatively expensive. Plywood covers are a good DIY option. Purchase, cut and label plywood covers ahead of time, and install before the wind strengthens. Adhesive window film helps prevent glass from shattering only if anchored in the window frame.

Valuables. Move valuable rugs, furniture, pictures, books, etc. away from windows. Store where they are least likely to suffer water damage. Lock important papers and jewelry in the dishwasher.

Supplies. Stock up on gas or charcoal for the grill, lights that are gas- or battery-powered and extra ice chests. If you plan on purchasing a generator, do so before the last-minute rush.

Insurance. Go over your insurance coverage, including flood insurance, with your agent. Get recommendations from your agent or check online for disaster-relief contractors and have the names and contact numbers of a couple handy—just in case.

Monday, July 5, 2010

Today’s Interest Rates on a Home Loan

Both FHA and Conventional Loan Rates have gone down!
These are unbeleivable rates and the good news is that our interest rates continue to look strong.

30 YEAR FIXED CONVENTIONAL 4.375%

15 YEAR FIXED CONVENTIONAL 3.875 %

30 YEAR FIXED FHA 4.375 %

15 YEAR FIXED FHA 4.00 %

JUMBO RATES AS LOW AS 5.625% 30 year fixed

Please contact us if you would like additional information regarding today’s real estate market!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Happy 4th of July!


America, stand up and cheer

Our forces keep our freedom clear!



Wishing you a happy and safe 4th of July!

Monday, June 28, 2010

Know Your Homes Market Value

Know Your Homes Market Value
As we approach Summer, we also approach what is considered to be the peak real estate season when buyers and sellers are really moving in the market. Whether or not you are considering selling your home, it is important to know what it is worth, in other words, its current market value. Many times people get confused over the meaning of "market value." Market value is simply the price at which a particular house, in its current condition, will sell within 30 to 90 days. If you would like to know the market value of your home, please give RE/MAX - The Corekin Team a call and we would be happy to work up a detailed market analysis of your home and neighborhood!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Now Is A Good TIme To Buy A Home!

Now Is A Good Time To Buy A Home...
By Jennifer Corekin

Today, with the real estate market slowing in many parts of the country, all the market fundamentals show that buyers are now in the driver's seat. Consider the facts: prices are competitive, interest rates are very affordable, there are plenty of homes in all price ranges to choose from and sellers are ready to bargain.

So why are many prospective home buyers having second thoughts?

It appears they are letting emotions overtake common sense. For instance, many home owners who are looking to sell and trade up to a better house are hesitating because they have seen the value of their current home drop from peak levels.

"If my neighbor sold his house for $250,000 six months ago, why should I have to settle for $225,000 today?" But waiting out the market to recoup a $25,000 "loss" could prove to be a poor decision.

While the value of the buyer's house may have fallen, that so-called loss has probably already been more than offset by a reduction in the price of the home he is thinking about buying. Furthermore, if he waits too long, he may lose out on the price advantage that currently exists.

First-time home buyers who are choosing to "play it safe" and keep renting are essentially postponing the opportunity to build household wealth. Also, in the current marketplace, with rental vacancy rates tightening, they can probably expect to see a healthy increase in the rent they pay. No one can accurately predict the peaks and valleys of the housing market. If you sit on the fence and wait for the absolute best deal, you could end up literally waiting for years, and in the meantime miss out on the opportunity to become a homeowner while prices are moderating.

Not to be overlooked are the tremendous tax benefits received by homeowners as they accumulate equity in their homes. History shows that buying a home is one of the very best financial investments available to a typical household, and a relatively small downpayment enables the buyer to see appreciation on the entire value of the property.

Though local housing markets periodically adjust according to overall economic conditions, over the long term real estate has consistently appreciated. On a national level, home appreciation has historically risen 5-6 percent annually. At that rate the value of a home doubles every 13 years. Not only is homeownership a stepping stone to a future of financial security, it provides a permanent place to call home and enormous personal satisfaction.

In today's housing market, the real risk is in waiting to buy a home. We know that interest rates are low today. We know that home prices are leveling off and even declining in some markets. We know that there are plenty of homes on the market to choose from. We know that sellers are willing to bargain. And we know that builders are willing to offer attractive incentives to get your business.