1.  Be picky, but not unrealistic.  There is no perfect home.

2.  Do your homework before you start looking.  Decide specifically what features you want in a home and which are most important to you.

3.  Get your finances in order.  Review your credit report and be sure you have enough money to vover your downpayment and your closing costs.

4.  Don’t wait to get a loan.  Talk to a lender and get pre qualified for a mortgage before you start looking.

5.  Don’t ask too many people for opinions.  It will drive you crazy.  Select one or two people to turn to if ou feel you need a second opinion.

6.  Decide when you could move.  When is your lease up?  Are you allowed to sublet?  How tight is the renatl market in your area? 

7.  Think long-term.  Are you looking for a starter house with the idea of moving up in a few years or do you hope to stay in this home longer?  This decision may dictate what type of home you’ll buy as well as the type of mortgage terms that suit you best.

8.  Don’t let yourself be “house poor”.  If you max yourself out ot buy the biggest home you can afford, you’ll have no money left for maintenance or decoration ot to save money for other financial goals.

9.  Don’t be naive.  Insist on a home inspection and, if possible, get a warranty from the seller to cover defects within one year.

10.  Get help.  Consider hiring a REALTOR as a buyer’s representative.  Unlike a listing agent, whose first duty is to the seller, a buyer’s representative is working only for you.  And often, buyer’s reps are paid out of the seller’s commission payment. 

Reprinted from REALTOR Magazine Online by permission of the National Association of REALTORS, Copyright 2005, All rights reserved.

"10 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on March 10, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

I made a decision to join RE/MAX Integrity and the Shannon Register Real Estate Team for a number of reasons. RE/MAX Integrity is a real estate leader in the Houston/Metropolitan area and has a lot of great things going on with it’s agents. I love the agents and the energy here! I looked at several different offices before making my decision. There’s a great energy at RE/MAX Integrity!! Once I met with Shannon and her team, I knew I had to make the move for my CLIENTS! There is not an agent in the Houston area that I believe does more to promote their client’s listings to move and sell than Shannon and her team. I was very impressed and amazed at how much advertising is done on behalf of her listings. That was something that I could not pass up for my own listings and clients. I wanted them to have every benefit that Shannon offers in the way of promoting and advertising her listings. (more…)

"On the Move" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on March 8, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

"Making Your Next Move?" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on March 6, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

The following calculation assumes a 28% income tax bracket.  If your bracket is higher, your savings will be, too. 

Rent: _____________

Multiplier:  X 1.32

Mortgage Payment:  __________________

Because of tax deductions, you can make a mortgage payment – including taxes and insurance – that is approximately 1/3 larger than your current rent payment and end up wtih the same amount of income. 

Not only does owning a home give you a haven for yourself and your family, it makes great financial sense, too.  Right now, if you are a first time home buyer you can take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit available.  You must hurry, because it ends in April!  Call me today so we can get started.

"Rent vs. Buy" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on March 4, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

Just 5 miles from Sugarland and 1 mile from Katy, you are guaranteed to fall in love with this one story, open floorplan, three bedroom, two bath home in Grand Mission inside of the Sonoma Ridge Division. An excellent value, it has been well maintained since it was built in 2005. Fully upgraded from the builder’s standards, this home includes granite countertops, premium carpet, crown molding, hardwood & tile floors, and a custom built mahogany front door. The lighting, mirrors, and faucets have also been upgraded. The kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, built in microwave, tiled backsplash, a butler’s pantry, and huge island. The master bathroom has elevated height on the double sinks, a separate shower and garden tub. The home has both a study and a game room. It has been custom painted with warm and pleasing colors. For energy efficiency, it has a tech shield roof. This home is situated on a huge lot with a covered back patio ideal for entertaining. You will never have neighbors behind you. The entire home is surrounded with brick. The Home Owner’s Association dues are $750 annually and that includes alarm monitoring. The water softener is leased for $24.98 per month. The community offers miles of walking & biking trails, pools, water park, a clubhouse, gym, and more. (more…)

"$210,000 – 7526 Chathan Glen Lane, Richmond, TX 77407" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on March 2, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

"Open House with Price Reduction" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on March 2, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

1.  Get prequalified for a mortgage.  You’ll be able to make a firm commitment to buy and make your offer more desirable to the seller.

2.  Stay in close touch with your real estate sales associate to find out first about new listings that come on the market.  And be ready to go see a house as soon as it goes on the market.

3.  Scout out new listings yourself.  Look at Internet sites, newspaper ads, and drive by the neighborhood frequently.  Maybe you’ll see a brand-new “for sale” sign before anyone else.

4.  Be ready to make a decision.  Spend lots of time in advance deciding what you must have so you won’t be unsure when you have the chance to make an offer.

5.  Bid competitively.  You may not want to start out offering the absolute highest price you can afford, but don’t try to go too low to get a deal.  In a tight market, you’ll lose out.

6.  Keep contingencies to a minimum.  Restrcitions such as needing to sell your home before you move or wanting to delay the closing until a certain date can make your offer unappealing.  In a tight market, you’ll probably be able to sell your house rapidly.  Or talk to your lender about getting a bridge loan to cover both mortgages for a short period.

7.  Don’t get caught in a buying frenzy.  Just because there’s competition doesn’t mean you should just buy anything.  And even though you want to make your offer attractive, don’t neglect inspections that help ensure that your house is sound.

Reprinted from REALTOR Magazine Online by permission of the National Association of REALTORS.  Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.  http://www.REALTOR.org/realtormag.

"Seven Tips for Buying in a Tight Market" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on March 1, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

http://KeepMyTexasHome.org made possible by an NAR grant, is a comprehensive resource for Texas Homeowners who are, or who may become, behind on their mortgages.  The site outlines the foreclsoure process in Texas and provides best-practice steps and other resources for Texans who may face foreclosure.

http://TxHomePrograms.com , part of an NAR pilot program, offers a continuously updated database of statewide affordable-housing programs.  Not only does the site enable consumers to search for specific types of programs, it also has a real estate glossary (just like my site!), and outlines the homebuying process (just like my site!) and provides helpful information on consumer issues, such as predatory lending.

"Short Sales and Foreclosure Help" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 28, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

1.  Make a list of the activities – movies, health club, church – you engage in regularly and stores you visit frequently.  See how far you would have to travel from each neighborhood you’re considering to engaging in your most common activities.

2.  Check out the school district.  The Department of Education in your town can probably provide information on test scores, class size, percentage of students, who attend college, and special enrichment programs.  If you have school-age children, also consider paying a visit to schools in the neighborhoods you’re considering.  ven if you don’t have children, a house in a good school district will be easier to sell in the future.

3.  Find out if the neighborhood is safe.  Ask the police department for neighborhood crime statistics.  Consider not only the number of crimes but also the type-burglaries, armed robberies-and the trend of increasing or  decreasing crime.  Also, is crime centered in only one part of the neighborhood, such as near a retail area?

4.  Determine if the neighborhood is economically stable.  Check with your local city economic development office to see if income and property values in teh neighborhood are stable or rising.  What is the percentage of homes to apartments?  Apartments don’t necessarily diminish value, buyt they do mean a more transient population.  Do you see vacant businesses or homes that have been for sale for months?

5.  See if you’ll make money.  Ask a local REALOR or call the local REALTOR association to get information about price appreciation trends in the neighborhood.  Although past performance is no guarantee of future results, this information may give you a sense of how good an investment your home will be.  A REALOTR or the goveernment planning agency also may be able to tell you about planned developments or other changes in the neighborhood – like a new school or highway – wthat might affect value.

6.  See for yourself.  Once you’ve narrowed your focus on tow or three neighborhoods, go there, and walk around.  Are homes tify and well maintained?  Are streets quiet?  Pick a warm day if you can and chat with people working or playing outside.  Are they friendly?  Are their children to play with your family?

Reprinted from REALTOR Magazine Online by permission of the National association of REALTORS.  Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.  http://www.REALTOR,org/realtormag.

"Tips for Finding the Perfect Neighborhood" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 25, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

"Open House this Sunday" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 24, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

1.  Trim bushes so they don’t block windows and cute down on light.

2.  Buy a new doormat.

3.  Put a pot of bright flowers (or a small evergreen in winter) on your porch.

4.  Put new doorknobs on your doors.

5.  Put a fresh coating on your driveway.

6.  Edge the grass around walks and trees.

7.  Keep your garden tools out of sight.

8.  Be sure kids put away their toys.

9.  Buy a new mailbox.

10.  Upgrade the outside lighting.

11.  Use warm, incandescent light bulbs for a homey feel

12.  Polish or replace your house numbers.

13.  Clean your gutters.

14.  Put out potpourri or burn scented candles.

15.  Buy new pillows for the sofa.

16.  Buy a flowering plant and put it in a window you pass by frequently.

17.  Make a centerpiece for your table with fruit or artificial flowers.

18.  Replace heavy curtains with sheer ones that let in more light.

19.  Buy new towels.

20.  Put a seasonal wreath on our door.

Reprinted from REALTOR Magazine Online by permission of the National Assocaiation of REALTORS.  Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.  http://www.REALTOR.org/realtormag

"Top 20 Low-Cost Ways to Spruce Up Your Home" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 20, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

(COLLEGE STATION, Tex.) — Mortgage interest rates are low right now, but don’t expect that to last. When the government quits buying mortgage-backed securities, rates will head up and away.

Dr. Mark Dotzour, chief economist for the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, explained why mortgage rates were so low at the end of 2009.

“First, the global consensus among bondholders appeared to be that inflation will remain low in the United States for an extended period. This caused the ten-year U.S. Treasury rate to fall to between 3.2 and 3.6 percent for much of the second half of 2009.”

With extraordinary levels of federal deficit spending,  Dotzour said it is unlikely that the low-inflation scenario will be popular when the economy starts to rebound.  Consumers should expect mortgage rates to rise when signs of improvement appear.

A second factor contributing to the low mortgage rates is the Federal Reserve Bank’s unprecedented purchase of nearly all the mortgage-backed securities issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2009, he said. Totaling more than $1 trillion for the year, this program has been extended through the end of March 2010.

“The Fed has never done this before in its history, “said Dotzour. “They are doing this to stimulate the economy by keeping mortgage rates as low as possible. When the Fed stops buying these securities from Fannie and Freddie, mortgage rates are likely to increase, possibly quite abruptly.”

How far will rates go up when the Fed terminates its buying program?  Dotzour said that question is difficult to answer precisely, because this has never been done before. But many experts think that rates could move up one-half to 1 percent.

“The combination of extraordinarily low mortgage rates and current price levels are making homes extremely affordable to American families. In fact, national and Texas housing affordability indices indicate that homes are more affordable than ever. But this will not last. When the economy recovers and the Fed stops purchasing mortgages, rates will rise.”

To read more on this subject, see Dotzour’s article in the January 2010 issue of Tierra Grande magazine.

"Rate Expectations" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 18, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

"Help with Short Sales and Foreclosures" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 18, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

"Open House" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 17, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

First of all, when you own your own home you can take advantage of tax breaks.  You can deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage and property taxes.  Houses usually appreciate in value over time, so you gain equity.  Now I know right now houses in most areas are not appreciating, but in general, usually houses do appreciate over time.  When you pay rent, you lose that money.  But when you purchase a home, part of that monthly payment goes towards your equity in the home.  Through the years, you will gain equity and pay down the mortgage.  Usually, after 30 years people can own their homes free and clear.  Building equity is like a savings plan for most homeowners.  If they need money, they can take out a home equity loan and use the equity to make purchases when needed.  Also, your mortgage payments do not increase over the years unless you have an adjustable rate mortgage.  Many landlords do increase rent yearly.  When you own a home you have the freedom to make whatever decorating changes you want. 

There are many reasons to purchase a home instead of renting or leasing a house.  Right now, first time home buyers can take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit.  That is free money from the government that won’t be around much longer – it ends this April.  If you would like to explore your options in home ownership, please call me today so we can get started.  I have helped many renters enjoy the opportunity of home ownership and that is what makes my job as a REALTOR so exciting!

"Why Own Your Own Home?" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 16, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

Beautiful 3 Bedroom Home in established neighborhood of Assumption Heights.  This home has 1,760 square feet of space and was built in 1968.  This home has an open floor plan with natural sunlight on a large lot.  It’s convenient to I45 and downtown.  Property boasts of many upgrades including island kitchen, pergo flooring, 2 covered patios, workshop in garage, updated bathrooms, oversized 3 car garage and more.  Seller is motivated to sell!  (more…)

"$155,900 – 418 East Carby Rd, Houston, TX 77037" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 16, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

Built in 2002, this home is the perfect floorplan for any buyer.  It is a one story open floorplan built to suit.  It includes a gas or wood burning fireplace, a brick patio and huge wooden deck for entertaining.  This home has beautiful wood floors, tile, gas stove, built in microwave, wood blinds, professional landscaping, separate tub and shower in the master bath, and much more.  The formal dining room has a painted accent wall.  The covered front porch is perfect for a quiet summer’s evening.  You are going to love this house!  It’s a short sale, but I am a Certified Distressed Property Expert and together we can get this deal done!  This home is an excellent value!

(more…)

"$126,000 – 23211 Kimberly Glen Ln, Spring, TX 77373" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 16, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

"Moving to Houston?" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 16, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

Two Bedroom Two Car Garage in quiet gated fifty five and older community.  Tucked away in the Woodlands, this community is convenient to shopping areas.  This community offers lakes with fountains, miles of walking trails, parks, & community pools. This home has an open floor plan that boasts of crown molding, tile floors, walk in closets, breakfast bar in kitchen, formal dining room, stainless steel appliances, and the washer, dryer, and refrigerator are included.  Backyard is fully fenced.   

(more…)

"$149,900 – 19 Darlinghurst Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77384" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 16, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

1.  Your payment history.  Whether you paid credit card obligations on time.

2.  How much you owe.  Owing a great deal of money on numerous accounts can indicate that you are overextended.

3.  The length of your credit history.  In general, the longer the better.

4.  How much new credit you have.  New credit, either installment payments or new credit cards, are condidered more risky, even if you pay promptly.

5.  The types of credit you use.  Generally, it’s desirable to have more than one type of credit – installment loans, credit cards, and a mortgage, for example.

For more on evaluating and underststanding your credit score, go to http://www.myfico.com.

Reprinted from REALTOR Magaxine Online by permission of the National Association of REALTORS.

"Top 5 Factors That Decide Your Credit Score" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 15, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

"Happy Valentine’s Day" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 14, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

2.  Get your house market-ready for at least two weeks before you begin showing it.

3.  Be flexible about showings.  It’s often disruptive to havea  house ready to show on the spur of the moment, but the more often someone can see your home, the sooner you’ll find a seller.

4.  Be ready for the offers.  Decide in advance what price and terms you’ll find acceptable.

5.  Don’t refuse to drop the price.  If your home has been on the market for more than 30 days without an offer, be prepared to lower your asking price.

Reprinted from REALTOR Magazine Online by permission of the National Association of REALTORS.  Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.  http://www.REALTOR.org/realtormag

"Five Ways to Speed Up Your Home Sale" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 12, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

For buying and selling purposes, appraisals are usually based on market value – what the property could probably be sold for.  Other types of value include insurance value, replacement value, and assessed value for property tax purposes.

Appraised value is not a constant number.  Changes in market conditions can dramatically alter appraised value. 

Appraised value doesn’t consider special considerations, like the need to sell rapidly.

 Lenders usually use either the appraised value or the sale price, whichever is less, to determine the amount of the mortgage they will offer. 

Used with permission from Kim Daugherty, Real Estate Checklists and Systems ( http://www.realestatechecklists.com ).

Reprinted from REALTOR Magacine Online by permission of the National Association of REALTORS.  Copyright 2005.  All rights reserved.  http://www.REALTOR.org/realtormag

"What Is Appraisal Value?" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 11, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

The only problem is that your previous house hasn’t sold yet and now you’re faced with the prospect of selling a vacant house—a sure way to look desperate, lose money, and ensure the place languishes on the market, right? Not necessarily. There are steps you can take to make your house more appealing and marketable, even though it’s—gasp—unoccupied.

Vacant or not, the curb appeal of your house is important. Since your house is uninhabited, it’s important to make sure that the lawn is mowed, the newspaper has been cancelled, and your mail has been forwarded. Invest in some motion-activated lights for the outside. Also you may want to have a neighbor park in the driveway, if possible.

When talking about the inside of the home, keep some furniture and lamps. It seems counter-intuitive, but an empty house looks smaller than a home with a few pieces about. Additionally, when a house is totally vacant, minor defects, like a stain on the carpet or a scratch on the wood floor, tend to stick out a bit more.

Also, remember that it’s very important to keep the utilities turned on—buyers don’t like walking into a sauna in the summer or an icebox in the winter. Plus, frequent dramatic temperature and moisture changes are not good for the structure’s integrity.

Unfortunately, sometimes vacant houses can attract vandals and thieves. If you’ve got a security system, make sure it’s set, but leave your code with your Texas REALTOR®. You also want to make sure the house has the appearance of occupancy—some timers for lamps you’ve left behind are a good idea.

Some folks will even hire professional home sitters, who will rent your home for a nominal fee, furnish it with their own stuff, pay utilities, and are obligated to maintain the home in showing condition.

Finally, realize that it may be hard to insure a vacant house, so review your policy and speak with your agent to evaluate your coverage needs.

This information was provided on the Texas Association of Realtors® website.

"Selling a Vacant House" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 10, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

1.  Check for and correct errors in your credit report.  Mistakes happen, and you could be paying for someone else’s poor financial management.

2.  Pay down credit card bills.  If possible, pay off the entire balance every month.  However, transferring credit card debt from one card to another could lower your score. 

3.  Don’t charge your credit card to the maximum limit.

4.  Wait 12 months after credit difficulties to apply for a mortgage.  You’re penalized less for problems after a year.

5.  Don’t purchase big-ticket items for your new home on credit cards until after the loan is approved.  The amounts will add to your debt.

6.  Don’t open new credit card accounts before applying for a mortgage.  Having too much available credit can lower your score.

7.  Shop for mortgage rates all at once.  Too many credit applications can lower your score, but multiple inquiries from the same type of lender are counted as one inquirey if submitted over a short period of time.

8.  Avoid finance companies.  Even if you pay the loan on time, the interest is high and it will probably be considered a sign of poor credit management. 

This information is copywrited by the Fannie Mae Foundation and is used with permission of the Fannie Mae Foundation.  To obtain a complete copy of the publication, “Knowing and Understanding Your Credit,” visit http://www.homebuyingguide.org.  Reprinted from REALTOR Magazine Online by permission of the National Association of REALTORS.

"Top 8 Ways to Improve Your Credit" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 9, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

• Recycle old tennis shoes at the Nike Outlet Store in Conroe
• Recycle your wine corks at Spec’s
• Rince out the shampoo bottles to recyle with your kitchen plastics
• Mail in printer cartridges to recycle
• Buy houses with tech-shield in the attic
• Look for skylights when purchasing a home
• Tankless water heaters are energy efficient
• Metal Roofs last much longer than the traditional shingle roof
• Plant a garden in your backyard
• Install water efficient toilets in older homes
• There are a variety of windows for the home that lower utility bills
• Sun Screens on windows help consumers save on energy bills
• Variable Speed pool pumps help with energy efficiency
• Program thermostats
• Put lamps on timers

Find out more GREEN tips!

"Going Green!" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 5, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

These are questions that an agent should be able to answer for you:

1.  How are you going to showcase my home to stand out from the competition?

2.  In this online world that we live in, what are you going to do to make my home “findable” online?

3.  How will you make my home “findable” to people moving in from out of town?

4.  Will you include video tours online?

5.  Will you use tagged keywords for google to pick up and distribute over the internet to make the listing easily searchable?

6.   Do you have your own website where you market the property?  How many viewers do you get per month on average?

7.  Is your custom website search engine friendly and optimized for a buyer looking in this are to find it?

8.  Fo you offer a home warranty?

9.  Do you offer home staging?

10. What traditional marketing do you do?

11. How do you advertise open houses?

12. Do you do Realtor open houses?

13. Do you send out efliers to other Realtors in the area advertising the listing?

14. What online advertising are you doing?

15. What is the absorption rate for the area?

I tell my clients why they should list with me over any other agent in Houston.  Here’s the short list that sets me apart from other Realtors:

1.  I have my own iPhone App that allows buyers and sellers to search my website for all of the homes for sale in Houston and easily call or email me anytime from their cell phone.

2.  I offer my selling clients a Seller Services Guarantee so they know how hard I will be working for them.

3.  I have been awarded “The Best Real Estate Blog in Texas” by Texas A&M University

4.  I have Realtor Designations & Certificates that you can find on my website

5.  I use all the social media available

6.  I provide all showing feedback to my sellers

7.  I provide unparalleled accessability to the agent

8.  Offer quality home warranty

9.  I offer yard signs with instant communication with potential buyers

10.  Custom marketing plan for every seller

And much more!

"Questions to Ask Your Agent" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 5, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f4XD7F61g1M&feature=channel

"Great New TEXAPLEX Video" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 4, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

"Short Sales – Which loans are eligible?" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on February 1, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®

As lenders adopt new federal guidelines for short sells, they will become less frustrating for everyone involved.  The short sale process will be standardized to some degree in 2009.  Lenders have the option to begin implimenting the new guidelines now, but they do not take effect until April of 2009.  These new short sale guidelines are part of the government’s new Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternative Program, known as HAFA.  This is part of President Obama’s Home Affordable Modification Program.  These new HAFA guidelines are voluntary, but major banks like Bank of America and Wells Fargo are going to participate.  This will hopefully clear up some of the confusion between lenders, sellers, and Realtors about short sales and create somewhat of a roadmap for the three to work together to get the property sold. 

Because of HAFA, lenders will finally have a financial incentive to get these deals completed in a timely manner, which has been a huge problem until now.  The guidelines will provide standardized forms so there’s no confusion between the real estate industry about what the bank is expecting in the form of paper work.  It will include standardized time lines for getting an answer back to the buyer and seller, standardized procedures, and more.  Won’t it be great to have preapproved short sale terms prior to the property  being listed?  My sellers and buyers are joyful about that!!   

As with any new guidelines, they will take months to work out the details.  But this new process for short sales is the beginning to making short sales more successful for buyers and sellers.

"Short Sale Help is on the Way!" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on January 29, 2010.

Shannon Register, Realtor^® named "Best Real Estate Blog in Texas by the Mays Business School Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University.

© 2008-2009 | Shannon Register, Realtor^®