Last night while watching the local news they gave another gloom and doom report on real estate. The main problem I had with it is that the statistics were national and they were showing a home obviously in Arizona. Houston's market and Arizona's do not compare at all. Always remember that Real Estate is local.
In recent months the Houston market has actually shown signs of improvement. There are buyers, but they are taking there time since there is so much inventory. Other buyers, like my recent out-of-state clients, searched; found a home they liked; and moved in all within 6 weeks of our first contact.
If you want local statistics ask a Realtor - like me!
How are you doing? If you’re like most people the response is an obligatory “fine”. Recently I watched a video of speaker Louie Giglio who said the more proper response to the question “how are you?” would be “I’m blessed.” As I reflect back on the past few months I lost my dad to a long battle with cancer in September, I recovered from a virus that had me almost two weeks in bed, and all paled in comparison to welcoming my first grandson on November 14th. As I write this right now I am helping care for my daughter and grandson, my son is back from college for Thanksgiving, all our kids are in town – yes I am blessed.
Amazingly in the midst of being ill I was able to help a new family to Texas buy their first home and be in it by Thanksgiving. It reminded me of another blessing in my life – my clients and the folks I do business with. I always say great people know great people. Since most of my business is from referrals, I am thankful for all the wonderful clients and people I am privileged to work with and assist in probably one of the most personal and emotional experiences they will have. I hope if you know someone who needs to sell, purchase or lease a home that you will give them my name. You know from experience, I will take care of them and do my best for them.
I am not sure what this past year brought you, but as you prepare for Thanksgiving I hope you will take time to reflect and realize how blessed you are.
Happy Thanksgiving!
(you knew I HAD to put a photo of my grandson!)
Thinking of taxes now? I know it doesn't sound right, but now is the time to think and/or buy items that might help you on your taxes. Specifically, energy tax credits that will expire at the end of the year. According to Kiplinger.com :
"Upgrade Your Home
This is your last chance to claim a tax credit for making energy-efficient improvements to your principal residence. The home-energy tax credit expires at the end of this year.
It is worth 10% of the cost of new windows, doors, skylights, insulation, and heating and air conditioning systems, up to a maximum $500 credit (but no more than $200 can be allocated to new windows).
You must install the upgrades by December 31 in order to claim the credit, but you can't claim it for 2011 if you already took advantage of $500 or more of energy tax credits in previous years.
An even bigger credit is available to homeowners who install renewable-energy equipment, such as geothermal heat pumps, solar panels and small wind turbines, in their primary residence or vacation home by the end of the year. You can claim a credit for 30% of the cost, including installation, with no limit. This credit is good through 2016."
For a detailed look at all energy tax credits visit http://www.energysavers.gov/financial/70010.html
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