Trail Riders - Another reason to love Houston

Last night as I watched the news I saw that the trail riders for the Houston Rodeo were staying at Johnson Space Center. This morning I was DETERMINED to find them to get a photo to send to all my non-Texan friends. While I have lived in Houston a while, I had never seen the trail riders and have had them on a rather weird bucket-list of things to see.


After a few failed attempts, I decided to actually go to the internet and look at a map under the media guide provided by the rodeo . I positioned myself at Bay Area Park and not only did I see them, they came into the park right behind my mini-van. There we were - me and a maintenance worker - welcoming them for their stop.

While this may seem strange, it is one of the unique things I like about Houston. It is a HUGE city, but cowboys and wagons go through the streets once a year. How cool is that!

Happy Valentine's and February enewesletter

Click here for the enewsletter http://karensherrill.housingtrendsenewsletter.com/

Ah Valentine’s Day a wonderful day to tell people how important they are to you. And what says I love you more than a Real Estate update and a newsletter? I wish I could send you all chocolate, but I hope a picture will at least express my intent!

In the Sherrill home, I just finished setting the table for our annual family Valentine’s Celebration. It was a tradition originally brought on by four kids and too little money to go out and celebrate. We set out the china, have tablecloth and candles and dine on BBQ steak, salads and dipped strawberries. At its origins we all dressed up – but then the teenage years hit and we were happy to just have them at the table in a good mood. This year I inquired of our son if he would be home. His response was “of course, it’s Valentine’s Day”. I’m not sure what that has to do with Real Estate except I have images of our table set throughout the years in two homes across two states; in two VERY different parts of the country. Home is where your family is.

Along with Valentine’s Day brings the news of warmer weather (hooray!) and interest rates creeping up to the 5% mark. While a recent title for an article in the Chronicle made the rise in interest rates sound like the oncoming apocalypse, it is important to keep perspective. Way back in the days when I worked for a loan department at a Bank interest rates were 18%, and homes were still selling. I remember coming across some “archaic” mortgages with unheard of rates at 5%. Indicators I have read state that rates will probably not topple into 6% by year’s end. To me the rise in interest rates may be a good thing. I think some buyers have been waiting for rates to go lower or housing prices in Houston to plummet. In fact we now know they probably went as low as they were going to go, and housing prices have remained steady.

I also want to remind you that if you are considering selling or buying this Spring (or know someone who is) NOW is the time to talk with me. Whether it is getting your home ready for sale, or your finances ready to purchase, there is no reason to wait. Give me a call and I’d love to discuss it with you.

In the meantime, tell someone you love them!

New Buyers Want More

Today's home buyers are more savvy than ever. They research on the Internet, they do their homework, they know what they want and research is showing they want a home that is move-in ready. Read more in this article.

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Forget the 'Starter Home,' New Buyers Want More

Buyers Tip #4 - Getting to closing

In the past you would simply look for a home, find it, make an offer, receive financing and, except for any surprises in the home inspection, you were good to go.  Today's buyers need to be aware of  a variety of items to help you close.  As a Realtor I tell my buyers and sellers that much of my work happens AFTER the contract has been negotiated.  I work very hard to make sure your home will close on time.  See what you can do (or avoid) in this article with some additional tips to help you. 

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  Keep Your Home Purchase on Track

  You’ve found your dream home. Make sure missteps don’t prevent a successful closing. Read

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.

Copyright 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Houston #2 in markets predicted to rise in 2011

Now here is some information that will warm you up, a recent Forbes article lists Houston as #2 in markets that will have price increases in housing. This of course is welcome news if you are sellling your home in 2011 and should be a wake up call if you have been waiting on the sidelines to buy. While this is no weather to be out looking at homes, it is a great time to contact me and strategize your home search. Contact me at 713.817.5710


10 Markets On The Rise In 2011 (year over year):

1. Washington, DC: 6.5 percent price increase
2. Houston, TX: 3.6 percent price increase
3. Honolulu, HI: 3.4 percent price increase
4. Memphis, TN: 3.2 percent price increase
5. Columbus, OH: 2.1 percent price increase
6. Dallas, TX: 1.4 percent price increase
7. New York, NY: 1.3 percent price increase
8. Birmingham, AL: 0.9 percent price increase
9. Pittsburgh, PA: 0.8 percent price increase
10. New Orleans, LA: 0.5 percent price increase

From the 70's to the 20s really? Prepare with stuff around the house

While I realize I don't have much to complain about with our weather - I have friends in Indiana literally ice skating in their cul de sac - it is sort of crazy weather. This morning I went out to prepare my plants for the freeze and in a few minutes it went from pleasant and in the 60's to gusty winds and a drastic temperature drop.  It startled both me and the dog (who wanted back in the house fast!) I finished my task wearing a rain jacket

I'm sure you all know about the 3 P's (I never heard of such a thing in San Diego).  Protect your pipes, pets and plants.  But what if you don't have time to run to the home improvement store to buy items, or what if their shelves are bare?

Here are some improvised items we have used
1.  Old pool noodles.  No insulation for your pipes? Slice an old pool noodle and secure with duct tape.
2.  Rags and towels - can be wrapped around water outlets and draped on other pipes
3.  Old sheets (I prefer bottom sheets with the elastic)
4.  Large paper fasteners.  If you are like me your wonderful work of covering has been constantly been blowing off today.  Some well placed outdoor furniture, a few rocks and some large paper fasteners is keeping things covered. I have even used clips you get with helium balloons or chip bag clips.  All seem to help, (though I have a hunch that as I am typing this the wind has figure a way to destroy my efforts)