More Good News

"For the first time in five years, existing-home sales have increased for four months in a row, according to the National Association of Realtors®." (read more)

Is this a trend? Who knows, but it is an encouraging word. As I overheard on a news broadcast the other day, this isn't just good news for buyers and sellers it impacts everyone. Think about it.....you buy a home you need to buy items to maintain, fix, and improve it. Boxes are needed, packing tape is needed to help with the move. If it is your first home - well I don't even need to tell you have many trips you'll be making to Lowe's or Home Depot! These trips mean burning gas....all this means pumping money into the economy.

And if that isn't enough good news, brace yourselves, men's underwear sales are up too! According to the Washington Post, this is an indicator on how the economy is doing (read more)

I don't know about you but that's about all the good news I can take for a day! And don't forget to call me if you interested in buying or selling a home (keep your underwear purchases to yourself please)

Good News for Houston

It is always nice to hear good news. There doesn't seem to be enough of it to go around. Whenever I get the opportunity if the news is good, I like to share it. Last night I was able to call my client and share the "good news" that their house was going to close soon (this was after a few phone calls, and visits sharing less than good news). Good news lifts the soul.

In that spirit, I thought I'd share some encouraging news I read recently in the most recent issue of Realtor Magazine. In the article "Buyer Hesitation Begins to Dissolve" Laurence Yun, Chief economist of the National Association of Realtors stated

".....home prices and mortgage payments in relation to income are comfortably below historical levels, at least in many markets. That suggests home prices have overcorrected downward. Some markets, as a result, could experience a snap back in home prices, with price gains in the high single digits or low double digits, compared with historical average annual price appreciation of 4 percent. Houston, Denver and San Diego are among the markets on track to have better-than-average price gains in the next two years." (bold add by me)

Now I can't take credit that my hometown of San Diego and my current home of Houston are both mentioned in this national magazine, but it is encouraging to see. Even if it is just one man's opinion, it is a nice balance to the despair we are innondated with.

So relax those shoulders, put a smile on your face and think if you have any good news. If so, share it!

Buy A Home in Clear Lake - get a Great School District

When buying a home many factors go into your decision making. One large factor, if you have children, is the school district. If you buy a home or live in the Clear Lake area, most likely your child will attend a Clear Creek Independent School District campus.

This year ALL CCISD campuses are rated Recognized or Exemplary. In fact Clear Lake High School is the largest Exemplary High School in the entire state of Texas. Quite an accomplishment for the students and teachers (and lets give some credit to parents too!).

Owning a home in a great school district also helps you maintain your home's value. It is that little extra selling point. But most of all you reap the benefits of knowing that your children will receive a quality education.......which, when compared to anything, is priceless. I know that's why are children are here.

View a more detailed chart here

Additional information source Houston Chronicle, August 4, 2009

Schools' Almost Back - CCISD Bus and Zone Changes

If you are in the Clear Creek Independent School District, school starts up again Tuesday, August 25, 2009. With each school year brings its amount of back-to-school jitters. That is why it important you are aware of some changes this Fall. CCISD has made it easy by providing great links on their website http://www.ccisd.net/

Do you know where your bus stops? Click the new "TransFinder" to find the bus stop for your address. This is a great tool and very easy to use. I can't guarantee your child (or you) won't complain a little - but every new thing takes a bit of adjustment. I'm just excited I don't have to drive to school to check it out or try to call someone. Great tool CCISD!

School Zone Changes: I hope you know where your child is attending next week,but should you be new to the area or thinking of buying a home in the CCISD district there are some school zone changes.
Elementary: Bauerschlag, Gilmore, Goforth, League City, Mossman, McWhirter, Ralph Parr
Intermediate Schools: Clear Creek, Creekside, League City, Victory Lakes
See CCISD's boundaries here or call the Office pf Public Information at 281.284.0020

I'd like to thank the VERY helpful newsletter sent home by CCISD and their website http://www.ccisd.net/ as the source for this information.

Is No News Still News?

The old adage goes "no news is good news". A couple of recent instances have made me question that adage.

In recent weeks I ordered some office furniture online. It was delivered on schedule, however the boxes were damaged and contained broken pieces in each box. I contacted customer service immediately who assured me they would take care of it and would let me know the new ship date as soon as they heard from the vendor. This was two weeks ago. Still no date of delivery. Most days, no correspondence unless I initiate it, thenit takes days to respond. Phone calls are not returned. This has left me feeling neglected, frustrated and questioning my decision to order from this company. (I do not feel inclined to share the name of the company in hopes they will still deliver on promises....if not a YouTube song/video may be in the makings). Yesterday I finally received an email back saying they are still waiting to hear from the vendor. Was that so hard?

Anyone who has bought or sold a home, knows that there can be bumps in the road when it comes to closing on the home. This is the scenario on one of my current listing. However, as I have worked with clients I am reminded that when things happen "no news causes stress". Reinforced by my current shopping experience, I have made sure that I call and communicate frequently with my client.....even if its to share that nothing has happened. Communication is a reminder that you are important, I'm working on it, I value your feelings, I'm not ignoring you.

So is no news still news? Yes, especially when it comes to your home! (and office furniture)

Asking the Right Question to the Right Person

I do not ask my hair stylist if a persistent cough is serious, or ask my doctor about current interest rates, or ask my veterinarian why my oak tree is dropping leaves. That would be comical and foolish to expect expert advise on something out of their field. However I frequently witness this as people rely on friends or relatives to give them accurate Real Estate advise.

Consider the conversation I had not too long ago. A woman calls me who had pulled up in front of one of my listings. She asks me questions pertaining to the house, but mostly about interest rates, financing, monthly payments etc. I recommend her first stop is a mortgage broker who can prequalify her and then ask....

"Would this be your first home?"
"Yes"
"Have you heard about the $8000 tax credit for first-time home buyers?"
"Really! An $8000 credit for buying my first home?"

Before I can answer the "expert" in her car begins to tell her that there is no such thing as free money and she'll have to pay it back. They are not going to just give you $8000 for buying your first home, is a theme I hear in the background.

I wait for a pause in the conversation and politely dispel the misinformation being shared with her about the tax credit. I can tell she is skeptical and tries to relay the information I am giving her to her even more skeptical "expert". We end the conversation, not knowing who she believes.

This scenario plays itself out in many ways - from the Aunt who shares what your home is worth, to the friend of your Uncle's neighbor telling you how much to offer. Okay maybe I'm exagerating a little. While these opinions are important, it is equally important to ask questions of a Real Estate Professional. Buying or selling a home is an important investment - ask someone who deals with Real Estate everyday. Make sure you are asking the right questions to the right people. It may get you $8000?

Would you like to know more about the $8000 first-time home buyer credit? Click the section "more info", call me at 713.817.5710 or email me at Karen@karensherrill-homes.com.

FindingThe Right Person

When it came to beginning this blog, I needed to find that right person to help me begin the set up, and bring my vision and design to reality. I knew I needed someone who was informed, understood my needs, and would be able to find the answers I needed quickly or know where to get them. I also needed someone whose personality meshed with mine - I didn't need someone to talk down to me, but someone I could relate well with and know I could approach with questions with ease. Fortunately for me I found that person in my own home - no not my teenager - but my husband.

If it is that important to find the right person to build a blog, how much more important is it to find the right Realtor when you are buying or selling a home. It amazes me how many people do not interview at least a few Realtors before deciding who should represent them. It is well worth the time to get to know who will be helping you achieve your dreams and goals. I am hoping through this blog you will get to know me. I'm always open to meeting with prospective clients for a no risk interview to see if we are a right fit.

Finding the right person is an important decision. It was thirty-two years this month I said "I do" to the right person in my life.......who knew he would know so much about blogging (of course there was no such thing as blogging then, or computers, or....well let's not go there)