Things have been busy here the last few weeks! We have had scares with two major hurricanes that passed by the San Antonio region, unfortunately damaging many other areas at the same time. Still, we had to prepare and watch out for our clients property as well.
We were also proud to host the annual Texas Realtors Convention in San Antonio this year. It was a week long event that took a year to prepare for, and it was a huge success. The Grand Hyatt was in good shape and the Convention Center was the perfect venue for the 1200+ attendees. Starting with governance meetings and workshops for certain task forces, we got a lot done and see a super future in the Texas Real Estate market. Protecting the property owner is a vital concern of your Texas Realtors and that was the theme during the many meetings that covered the upcoming Legislative year in 2009.
And, Tim graduated in only the fourth class of the Texas Realtors Leadership Program. This prestigious program accepts Realtors that are interested in the industry and the future. It provides an eight month executive program in leadership, communications, and Texas Real Estate legal issues, as well as a super background of the business of real estate. There are only 84 graduates in the central Texas region, so this is a small and elite group of professionals that are here to serve you in all real estate transactions.
And finally in this issue, one of the highlights of the Realtor Convention was the seminar on our economy and housing outlook. Dr. Mark Doutzour from the Texas A&M Real Estate Center, along with Dr. Ray Perryman, a nationally acclaimed economist chaired the program. Their years of experience provided the basis for the analysis that Texas is in good shape compared to the rest of the country; we are continuing to grow economically; Texas would have the 11th largest economy in the world if it was a nation! Still, there are challenges and the housing market will continue to be a buyers market for another 6-9 months (after the elections will start the transition). Their predictions and analysis is available on the Texas A&M Real Estate Center website at: http://recenter.tamu.edu/. Highly recommend this site for anyone interested in many things about our state and the real estate market.
More coming soon!
Showing posts with label real estate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label real estate. Show all posts
Monday, September 15, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Energy Efficiency and Green Building
Most homeowners want to reduce the monthly utility bills, but can't afford to replace all the items needed to get there. We all hear about Energy Star(R) and other terms that we should be looking for, but what does all this mean?
Well, for existing homes, the task can take a few years to obtain, but it is doable. Contact your electric provider and ask for an energy audit. This will give you a starting point to plan out your future modifications. It may be little things like caulking around the window frames, adding new weather stripping around doors, etc. Or it may be some major items like replacing old air conditioning systems, repairing ducting, maybe even replacing old windows. If you plan on remaining in a home for a while, any or all of these may be worth your cost as you will save some every month as you update.
For new home construction, there are many options as well. First, the Term Energy Star(R) is a copyright from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that identifies items, processes, and equipment that meet it's requirements for energy efficiency. It is a broad definition, and it takes a combination of these to really make a difference.
A new home that is Energy Star(R) means that it must rate a score of 85 or less on the Home Energy Rating Scale (HERS). The HERS scale is rated at 0-100, the lower the better for energy use. Many builders achieve scores below 70 and this can make a difference in many hundreds of dollars saved every year.
So, what do you look for in a new home? Energy Star(R) is certainly the first step. Then we need to add Green Building starndards to add to both energy efficiency and environmental savings as well. Green Building is catching on across the country and we have a program here that monitors and rates our own builders. The Build San Antonio Green Program provides builders with standrds and assists in coordinating many of the different programs out there. From Energy Star(R) to new water saving programs, they help guide the buyer and the builder in the best energy and envirnmental savings programs.
Now, the other end - some builders have obtained Energy Star(R) certification for all of their homes, but only a select number are actually tested for scores. Although they must maintain the minimum standard, there may be no further incentive to do better. And there are builders that test every home for score and continuously strive to better their scores. So, don't be taken by advertising that states Energy Star(R). It is a start, but not the whole answer.
And, the Texas Veterans Loan program requires that a new home have a tested Energy Star(R)certificate to close on the loan. Don't let the builder make you pay for the test either! If they want to sell the house, they should pay for the test.
Bottom line - there are many programs out there, and like loans, there are many ways to get better deals as well. Call me anytime to discuss this new and grwoing segment of our industry. I am committed to maintaining a continuing education and will keep you informed as well as we find new programs that make a difference.
Well, for existing homes, the task can take a few years to obtain, but it is doable. Contact your electric provider and ask for an energy audit. This will give you a starting point to plan out your future modifications. It may be little things like caulking around the window frames, adding new weather stripping around doors, etc. Or it may be some major items like replacing old air conditioning systems, repairing ducting, maybe even replacing old windows. If you plan on remaining in a home for a while, any or all of these may be worth your cost as you will save some every month as you update.
For new home construction, there are many options as well. First, the Term Energy Star(R) is a copyright from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that identifies items, processes, and equipment that meet it's requirements for energy efficiency. It is a broad definition, and it takes a combination of these to really make a difference.
A new home that is Energy Star(R) means that it must rate a score of 85 or less on the Home Energy Rating Scale (HERS). The HERS scale is rated at 0-100, the lower the better for energy use. Many builders achieve scores below 70 and this can make a difference in many hundreds of dollars saved every year.
So, what do you look for in a new home? Energy Star(R) is certainly the first step. Then we need to add Green Building starndards to add to both energy efficiency and environmental savings as well. Green Building is catching on across the country and we have a program here that monitors and rates our own builders. The Build San Antonio Green Program provides builders with standrds and assists in coordinating many of the different programs out there. From Energy Star(R) to new water saving programs, they help guide the buyer and the builder in the best energy and envirnmental savings programs.
Now, the other end - some builders have obtained Energy Star(R) certification for all of their homes, but only a select number are actually tested for scores. Although they must maintain the minimum standard, there may be no further incentive to do better. And there are builders that test every home for score and continuously strive to better their scores. So, don't be taken by advertising that states Energy Star(R). It is a start, but not the whole answer.
And, the Texas Veterans Loan program requires that a new home have a tested Energy Star(R)certificate to close on the loan. Don't let the builder make you pay for the test either! If they want to sell the house, they should pay for the test.
Bottom line - there are many programs out there, and like loans, there are many ways to get better deals as well. Call me anytime to discuss this new and grwoing segment of our industry. I am committed to maintaining a continuing education and will keep you informed as well as we find new programs that make a difference.
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.
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.
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