Well, the last transaction is closed ans we are working on 2008 already! We want to wish all of you a very Happy and Prosperous New Year for 2008!
It's been a great year and for those we have worked with, thank you again. For those that are just waiting for the right time, now is a great time to buy and the spring looks great to sell your home.
We are hosting a Home Buyer Workshop on 22 Jan at 7PM in the Schertz Civic Center. If you or anyone you know is thinking about buying this year, be there! We will have Supreme Lending, First American Home Warranty, United Title of Texas, A New Home For You Home Inspections, Allstate Insurance, Edward Jones Investments, and of course, Realty Executives on hand to discuss all aspects of home buying and provide one on one counseling.
Then on 28 Feb, we will host a Seller Workshop and discuss the specifics of home sales. Again, these are going to be educational and will have something for the first time buyer/seller, as well as seasoned investors. Take a couple of hours and become a better prepared buyer/seller. It's on us!
Again, all the best to all of you for 2008!
Friday, December 28, 2007
Monday, December 10, 2007
The Holiday market
Here we are, nearly the end of 2007! Congratulations - we truly hope it has been a good year for all of you! We certainly have had a great year and look forward to 2008 with enthusiasm. Completing over 40 transactions, bringing Amanda on to help, and preparing for more listings in the coming months make us feel blessed for sure.
Many people ask about the "Holiday Season" and if it is always slow? Well, it is in a way, but we are seeing more activity now than the last three months and believe that the horror stories from the rest of the country are being balanced with our great local conditions. The local market is slow in that there are more listings active than last year at the same time. That means buyers have more choices and will go with the home that makes the most sense to them with price, condition, location, location, condition, location, and price being the biggest factors. Yes, I think that is the right order!
So, do you put your house on the market now? Yes, if you are ready to sell, it is in good condition, and you are prepared to price correctly for the local market. And, be prepared for buyers to turn out and you can be moving quicker than the media would let you believe.
But, you also need to make sure the house is marketed and advertised properly and efficiently. That is what we do for you; MLS postings with full photo gallery, NEW - Virtual Tour, Realtor.Com exposure through Enhanced Listings and Featured Homes, E-mail flyers to the local community, and much more. We have located the best and most effective blend of marketing activities we can to not just list a home, but to sell it! So, if you are considering selling your home, call and we can discuss options.
If you are looking at purchasing a home, the same rules apply - now is a great time, interest rates are fantastic, choices are great, and prices are fair. Call and we can show you.
Well, get back to your shopping and we will be planning that Buyer and Seller Workshop for you.
Many people ask about the "Holiday Season" and if it is always slow? Well, it is in a way, but we are seeing more activity now than the last three months and believe that the horror stories from the rest of the country are being balanced with our great local conditions. The local market is slow in that there are more listings active than last year at the same time. That means buyers have more choices and will go with the home that makes the most sense to them with price, condition, location, location, condition, location, and price being the biggest factors. Yes, I think that is the right order!
So, do you put your house on the market now? Yes, if you are ready to sell, it is in good condition, and you are prepared to price correctly for the local market. And, be prepared for buyers to turn out and you can be moving quicker than the media would let you believe.
But, you also need to make sure the house is marketed and advertised properly and efficiently. That is what we do for you; MLS postings with full photo gallery, NEW - Virtual Tour, Realtor.Com exposure through Enhanced Listings and Featured Homes, E-mail flyers to the local community, and much more. We have located the best and most effective blend of marketing activities we can to not just list a home, but to sell it! So, if you are considering selling your home, call and we can discuss options.
If you are looking at purchasing a home, the same rules apply - now is a great time, interest rates are fantastic, choices are great, and prices are fair. Call and we can show you.
Well, get back to your shopping and we will be planning that Buyer and Seller Workshop for you.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Home Buyers Workshop Planned
It's on! A Home Buyers Workshop designed for you!
We are putting together the final details, but if you, or anyone you know are planning on purchasing a home in 2008, put the evening of 22 January 2008 on your calendar. Location will be the new Schertz Civic Center off Schertz Parkway. We are finalizing a list of presenters that will provide information and answer your questions about all aspects of home buying in our LOCAL market.
Planned participants include: Realty Executives (us of course!), United Title of Texas, Supreme Lending, First American Home Warranty, Edward Jones Investments, A New Home 4 U Home Inspection Service, Allstate Insurance, and Alamo Westar Survey.
These specialists will be on hand to give a short presentation on their area of expertise and how it affects a buyer, as well as being available for Q&A.
So, if you need to know about new loan policies, what a home warranty covers in Texas, do the new flood maps affect insurance, can you use your IRA to purchase a home, or any other questions, plan to attend.
This is not just for first time buyers - anyone interested in purchasing a home should be here and this includes investors as well.
Please drop us an email if you will attend so we can plan on refreshments.
We are putting together the final details, but if you, or anyone you know are planning on purchasing a home in 2008, put the evening of 22 January 2008 on your calendar. Location will be the new Schertz Civic Center off Schertz Parkway. We are finalizing a list of presenters that will provide information and answer your questions about all aspects of home buying in our LOCAL market.
Planned participants include: Realty Executives (us of course!), United Title of Texas, Supreme Lending, First American Home Warranty, Edward Jones Investments, A New Home 4 U Home Inspection Service, Allstate Insurance, and Alamo Westar Survey.
These specialists will be on hand to give a short presentation on their area of expertise and how it affects a buyer, as well as being available for Q&A.
So, if you need to know about new loan policies, what a home warranty covers in Texas, do the new flood maps affect insurance, can you use your IRA to purchase a home, or any other questions, plan to attend.
This is not just for first time buyers - anyone interested in purchasing a home should be here and this includes investors as well.
Please drop us an email if you will attend so we can plan on refreshments.
Monday, November 19, 2007
Ready for 2008?
Are you planning to purchase or to sell a home in 2008? Now is the time to start planning for success. We will be helping you by hosting both a buyer and a seller workshop in January at the Schertz Civic Center. Details to come, but we are teaming with a host of professionals to provide you with the information you need to make informed choices and educated decisions when it comes to the largest single investment most of us make in our lives!
Sales are forecast to increase in 2008, and with the growth in the San Antonio area, we all need to be prepared. Home prices will surely be going up, but only for the best properties. New home construction has already seen dramatic increases in costs with materials going up almost every month. Cement, steel, lumber, sheetrock, copper and more have all contributed to these increases. You may see new homes advertised for low prices, but make sure to check the size and quality of amenities such as faucets, carpet, etc. There will be good deals, but only if scrutinized.
Call or email with any questions and any inputs if you would like to see or hear from a particular specialty for any of our upcoming workshops as well.
Sales are forecast to increase in 2008, and with the growth in the San Antonio area, we all need to be prepared. Home prices will surely be going up, but only for the best properties. New home construction has already seen dramatic increases in costs with materials going up almost every month. Cement, steel, lumber, sheetrock, copper and more have all contributed to these increases. You may see new homes advertised for low prices, but make sure to check the size and quality of amenities such as faucets, carpet, etc. There will be good deals, but only if scrutinized.
Call or email with any questions and any inputs if you would like to see or hear from a particular specialty for any of our upcoming workshops as well.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Internet Information
I just read an article on MSN about how consumers like you can dig up "the dirt" on a neighborhood through on-line sources. It is pretty interesting that all these sites claim to have "expert" opinion in them with no screening to ensure the validity. Sites such as Zillow.com are gaining popularity and do have a lot of great information on them. However, not all the information is going to be current, let alone correct in some cases.
For example, home sales prices in Texas are not required to be disclosed and, therefore, not recorded in public record. (This makes the tax assessor's job a bit more difficult as well) So, the comparative data that is provided by Zillow and others is public tax assessment values that may not reflect market value of a home in Texas. Also, if an individual provides information through one of these internet sites, there is no way to validate it to make sure the poster does not just have an agenda. Why wouldn't a seller want to provide inflated price information to make their price look good?
How about digging up "the good stuff" on a neighborhood? Try using local Chamber of Commerce resources, City web sites, school district sites, or even asking to be put in contact with a resident. As a Realtor, I can not provide my opinion on a certain street or location, it is up to the consumer to make that ultimate decision on where they want to live (it is considered "Steering" and is prohibited by both my Realtor Code of Ethics, as well as law). However, I can provide resources for you to conduct a little research to help make your decision process easier, or at least more educated. And a Realtor can give you informed market value information based on sales prices recorded in the MLS.
So, before you dive into a web site that advertises it's expertise, ask a Realtor to provide local resources for you to get current, localized information. And if you want local real estate market information, a local Realtor will be your best resource.
For example, home sales prices in Texas are not required to be disclosed and, therefore, not recorded in public record. (This makes the tax assessor's job a bit more difficult as well) So, the comparative data that is provided by Zillow and others is public tax assessment values that may not reflect market value of a home in Texas. Also, if an individual provides information through one of these internet sites, there is no way to validate it to make sure the poster does not just have an agenda. Why wouldn't a seller want to provide inflated price information to make their price look good?
How about digging up "the good stuff" on a neighborhood? Try using local Chamber of Commerce resources, City web sites, school district sites, or even asking to be put in contact with a resident. As a Realtor, I can not provide my opinion on a certain street or location, it is up to the consumer to make that ultimate decision on where they want to live (it is considered "Steering" and is prohibited by both my Realtor Code of Ethics, as well as law). However, I can provide resources for you to conduct a little research to help make your decision process easier, or at least more educated. And a Realtor can give you informed market value information based on sales prices recorded in the MLS.
So, before you dive into a web site that advertises it's expertise, ask a Realtor to provide local resources for you to get current, localized information. And if you want local real estate market information, a local Realtor will be your best resource.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Local Real Estate Notes
In the Schertz-Cibolo school district, there are currently 439 active residential listings ranging from a $49,500 handy man special, to $1.2 Million acreage with commercial potential. Of the total, there are 14 houses under $100,000; 258 homes between $100,000 - $199,900; 171 Between $200,000 - $250,000; 58 between $250,000 - $299,900; and 6 between $300,000 and $339,500. The other two are acreage.
This spread shows that we have a nice availability of affordable homes as the average family is looking for a home between $125,000 - $175,000. With the highly desired schools, great community, convenience to San Antonio and New Braunfels/San Marcos, the Schertz-Cibolo area is a great value in home ownership.
In addition, there are numerous new home builders that are ready to start on your new home as well. The practice of a builder building "spec" homes is fading fast and most of them do not start a home without a contract. So the availability of a brand new home is limited compared to last year, but there are always a few that are started and for whatever reason, the contract falls apart and the builder completes the home anyway. Sometimes there are incentives to purchase the house so the builder is not responsible for taxes, etc. So, although limited, there are also new homes available in our area as well.
Coupled with very reasonable interest rates, now is a great time to buy a home! Prices are stable, inventory is good, location is fantastic! That's why "We Sell Schertz!"
This spread shows that we have a nice availability of affordable homes as the average family is looking for a home between $125,000 - $175,000. With the highly desired schools, great community, convenience to San Antonio and New Braunfels/San Marcos, the Schertz-Cibolo area is a great value in home ownership.
In addition, there are numerous new home builders that are ready to start on your new home as well. The practice of a builder building "spec" homes is fading fast and most of them do not start a home without a contract. So the availability of a brand new home is limited compared to last year, but there are always a few that are started and for whatever reason, the contract falls apart and the builder completes the home anyway. Sometimes there are incentives to purchase the house so the builder is not responsible for taxes, etc. So, although limited, there are also new homes available in our area as well.
Coupled with very reasonable interest rates, now is a great time to buy a home! Prices are stable, inventory is good, location is fantastic! That's why "We Sell Schertz!"
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Texas Vet Notes
Are you a military veteran? Are you a resident of Texas, or active duty military serving here on orders? If so, you need to check out the services offered to you through the Texas Veterans programs. www.TexasVeterans.com has lots of information, and two of the most popular programs are the Land Auction and the guaranteed loan rate program.
The semi-annual land auction allows anyone to bid on foreclosed land parcels through a closed bid auction. Land that is not sold through the auction is available through real estate agents (us!) the rest of the year.
The loan guarantee program allows qualified veterans that can obtain a VA or conventional loan to earn a guaranteed interest rate. The rates are set weekly and are traditionally about .25 - .50 percent lower than the bank rates, and they are guaranteed! In addition, qualified veterans that can finance for 15 years or less, or are disabled 50% or more, or fall into the Viet Nam Service era, all can qualify for rates that are even lower!
Congratulations to our Veterans and thanks to those that continue to serve in these dangerous times. If you decide you want more information or if you want to particiapte in these programs, let us know. Tim is fully educated on all aspects and Nancy & Amanda have taken the loan classes and are ready to assist with your home purchase.
The semi-annual land auction allows anyone to bid on foreclosed land parcels through a closed bid auction. Land that is not sold through the auction is available through real estate agents (us!) the rest of the year.
The loan guarantee program allows qualified veterans that can obtain a VA or conventional loan to earn a guaranteed interest rate. The rates are set weekly and are traditionally about .25 - .50 percent lower than the bank rates, and they are guaranteed! In addition, qualified veterans that can finance for 15 years or less, or are disabled 50% or more, or fall into the Viet Nam Service era, all can qualify for rates that are even lower!
Congratulations to our Veterans and thanks to those that continue to serve in these dangerous times. If you decide you want more information or if you want to particiapte in these programs, let us know. Tim is fully educated on all aspects and Nancy & Amanda have taken the loan classes and are ready to assist with your home purchase.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Now is good!
Now is a great time to purchase Real Estate in central Texas! Concerned about the housing market? Have you read all the tales of doom spread by the media? Did you know that the greater San Antonio area is, in fact, growing at a reasonable and sustained pace? Did you know that the Central Texas and Hill Country will welcome more retirees in the next five years than the last ten combined? Did you know that the corridor along IH35 between San Antonio and Austin is the youngest and highest educated demographics in Texas?We feel the market has been temporarily injured with news from other areas of the country. Real estate is a local market with locally specific conditions. The average Texas home appreciated 3% over the last year, unlike the prices in othere areas of the country that get all the media attention!
Friday, October 5, 2007
Welcome to our blog! We will discuss local real estate market conditions, thoughts on local issues, growth in the greater San Antonio area, and more related to real estate. Primarily a residential site, we will focus on both new and existing homes, as well as build on your lot and acreage.
We look forward to sharing our business and ideas with you. Our goal is to make us your real estate team to go to for all sales, listing, and related issues, as well as to earn your business from referrals.
This is a great time for real estate in the central Texas market as we are not affected by the large price corrections being talked about in other areas of the country. Real estate is a global discussion item, but facts and figures must be localized to be of use. For example, the price per squar foot of an average new home in Phoenix is not going to be the same as Schertz. So comparing is not going to get anywhere. We have to remain local to be relevant.
The one item that is national is interest rates, and we can say that the current rates are healthy, affordable, and should remain very competitive for some time. This allows those with good credit (scores above 680 or so) to get the best rates and buy with confidence. Homes and land prices are stable in this area and are not inflated, so now is as solid a time as any to look at purchasing a home.
Well, that is a lot for an introduction, so will add more later, enjoy!
Tim
We look forward to sharing our business and ideas with you. Our goal is to make us your real estate team to go to for all sales, listing, and related issues, as well as to earn your business from referrals.
This is a great time for real estate in the central Texas market as we are not affected by the large price corrections being talked about in other areas of the country. Real estate is a global discussion item, but facts and figures must be localized to be of use. For example, the price per squar foot of an average new home in Phoenix is not going to be the same as Schertz. So comparing is not going to get anywhere. We have to remain local to be relevant.
The one item that is national is interest rates, and we can say that the current rates are healthy, affordable, and should remain very competitive for some time. This allows those with good credit (scores above 680 or so) to get the best rates and buy with confidence. Homes and land prices are stable in this area and are not inflated, so now is as solid a time as any to look at purchasing a home.
Well, that is a lot for an introduction, so will add more later, enjoy!
Tim
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