Christmas, Rebates, Discounts and more!

December enewsletter update here http://karensherrill.housingtrendsenewsletter.com

Christmas is just days away and I know Real Estate is probably the furthest thing from your mind. I did want to take the opportunity to wish you a Merry Christmas and to give you some ideas regarding Real Estate and your home for the New Year.

The Texas Appliance Rebate program is back up and running. This might be the perfect opportunity for you to upgrade your appliances to ones that are more energy efficient. My family took advantage of this program last year installing an energy efficient Heating and Air Conditioning unit. Not only has it already saved us money monthly, the comfort level is amazing compared to many sticky years past. Receiving a check in the mail wasn’t bad either! Last year’s program was tedious, frustrating and problematic – this year, I am told, the bugs have been worked out. It is first come first serve so don’t miss out. http://www.texaspowerfulsmart.org/rebate/ for more details

Thinking of selling or know someone who is?
From now until the end of January, I am offering a 1% discount on my sales commission should you (or someone you know and forward this email to) sign a listing contract with me for the sale your home before January 31, 2011. Depending on the price of your home this could equal thousands of dollars. While some agents will discount their commission – they often will also “discount” the service they provide. Any sellers taking advantage of this offer will receive my full attention and marketing plan. Be sure they mention this blog when initiating any conversations with me in order to qualify for the discount.

Interested in buying this year?
I am also pleased to announce that I have completed classes to become a Texas Affordable Housing Specialist. There are some excellent programs available to Texans that continue to make home ownership affordable.

I also want to invite you to hear my husband and I speak this Sunday, December 26th at 10 a.m. for a family service entitled “Not on a Christmas Card” at Gateway Community Church.

Please let me know if there is anything I can help you with or questions I can answer. In the meantime – Merry Christmas!

Making a House a Home This Christmas

The Christmas season means a lot of things and brings back memories and reflections of the past. One memory our family has is of "Starlight Circle" in Santee, CA where we used to live. It was neighborhood laid out in a circular fashion that went over the top when it came to Christmas decorations - mostly handcrafted in wood. Inspired by our past experience and determined to win this year's Neighborhood competition my son spurred us on to kick it up a notch.


So instead of baking cookies, Christmas shopping for finish decorating the interior of my home, this weekend was spent painting some ice skating penguins and a few carolers. It has been a team project between my son, my husband and myself. It was a welcome change to not be behind a computer or doing the routine chores around the house. As our kids are all preparing to head off to college next year, it was a brief snapshot in time we realized we won't have again. It is the essence of what makes family and what creates a house to feel like a home.

This year I think of the families I have assisted to move into their new homes - some for the first-time, some to a new areas, but all creating memories this Christmas as they decide where to put the tree for the first time or where to hang the lights. That is why I enjoy being a Realtor -helping people turn houses into homes.


If you are looking to buy or rent in the New Year, give me a call today and I can help you find a place to call home. 713.817.5710