Shannon Register Real Estate Team » Blog

Spring Lakes Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Shannon Register, Realtor — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 17:06:17 +0000

The Spring Lakes HOA will hold the annual neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt on April 3rd at 10 a.m. Don’t forget the egg basket and your camera. The Easter Bunny will be hopping by! If your children will be participating, please provide 12 candy filled eggs per child by March 31st to 506 Spring Lakes Haven. If you are currently a Spring Lakes resident I look forward to seeing you there! If you’d like to become a Spring Lakes resident, you can visit BuySpringLakes.com .

"Spring Lakes Annual Easter Egg Hunt" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on March 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.

Common Closing Costs for Buyers

Shannon Register, Realtor — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 03:26:49 +0000

The lender must disclose a good faith estimate of all settlement costs. A check to cover your closing costs will probably have to be a cashier’s check. The title company or other entity conducting the closing will tell you the required amount for:

• Downpayment
• Loan origination fees
• Points, or loan discount fees, you pay to receive a lower interest rate
• Appraisal fee
• Credit report
• Private mortgage insurance premiums
• Insurance escrow for homeowners insurance, if being paid as part of the mortgage and insurance in escrow accounts as they are paid with the mortgage , then pay the insurance or taxes for you.
• Deed recording fees
• Title insurance policy premiums
• Survey
• Inspection fees – building inspection, termites, etc.
• Notary fees
• Prorations for your share of costs, such as utility bills and property taxes

A note about Prorations: Because such costs are usually paid on either a monthly or yearly basis, you might have to pay a bill for services used by the sellers before they moved out. Proration is a way for the sellers to pay you back or for you to pay them for bills they may have paid in advance. For example the gas company usually sends a bill each month for the gas used during the previous month. But assume you buy the home on the 6th of the month. You would owe the gas company for only the days from the 6th to the end of the month. The seller would owe for the first five days. The bill would be prorated for the number of days in the month, and then each person would be responsible for the days of his or her ownership.

"Common Closing Costs for Buyers" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on March 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.

Top 10 Ways to Sell Your Home Fast

Shannon Register, Realtor — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 03:32:50 +0000

1. Get rid of clutter. Throw out or file stacks of newspapers and magazines. Pack away most of your small decorative items. Store out-of-season clothing to make closets seem roomier. Clean out the garage.

2. Wash your windows and screens to let more light into the interior.

3. Keep everything extra clean. Wash fingerprints from light switch plates. Mop and wax floors. Clean the stove and refrigerator. A clean house makes a better first impression and convinces buyers that the home has been well cared for.

4. Get rid of smells. Clean carpeting and drapes to eliminate cooking odors, smoke, and pet smells. Open the windows.

5. Put higher wattage bulbs in light sockets to make rooms seem brighter, especially basements and other dark rooms. Replace any burnt-out bulbs.

6. Make minor repairs that can create a bad impression. Small problems, such as sticky doors, torn screens, cracked caulking, or a dripping faucet, may seem trivial, but they’ll give buyers the impression that the house isn’t well maintained.

7. Tidy your yard. Cut the grass, rake the leaves, trim the bushes, and edge the walks. Put a pot or two of bright flowers near the entryway.

8. Patch holes in your driveway and reapply sealant, if applicable.

9. Clean your gutters.

10. Polish your front doorknob and door numbers.

"Top 10 Ways to Sell Your Home Fast" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on March 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.

5 Creative Ways to Afford a Home

Shannon Register, Realtor — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 03:21:26 +0000

If your income and savings are making home buying a challenge, consider these options…

1. Investigate local, state, and national down payment assistance programs. These programs give loans or grants to cover all or part of your required down payment. National programs include the Nehemiah program ( http://www.getdownpayment.com ) and the American Dream Down Payment Fund from the U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development ( http://www.hud.gov ).
2. Get the seller to provide financing. In some cases, sellers may be willing to finance all or part of the purchase price of the home and let you repay them gradually, just as you do a mortgage.
3. Consider a shared-appreciation, or shared equity, arrangement. Under this arrangement, your family, friends, or even a 3rd party may buy a portion of the home and thus share in any appreciation when the home is sold. The owner/occupant usually pays the mortgage, property taxes, and all maintenance costs, but all investors’ names are usually on the mortgage. There are companies that can help you find such an investor if your family can’t participate.
4. Get help from your family. Perhaps a family member will loan you money for the down payments and/or act as a cosigner for the mortgage. Lenders often like to have a cosigner if you have little credit history.
5. See if you can qualify for a short-term 2nd mortgage to give you the money to make a higher down payment. This may be possible if you have a good income and little other debt.

"5 Creative Ways to Afford a Home" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register, Realtor^® on March 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.

Open House

Shannon Register, Realtor — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:06:51 +0000

This Saturday, March 13th, I will be holding open 20223 Cypresswood Glen in the Cypresswood Lake Subdivision in Spring, TX from 12 – 2pm. The gate code to the subdivision is 1057. You can get directions, see photos of the home, watch a video, and get more information by visiting http://buyandsellwithshannon.com/blog/134900-20223-cypresswood-glen-spring-tx-77373/ . I hope you’ll stop in on Saturday!

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

10 Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

Shannon Register, Realtor — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:43:52 +0000

The $8,000.00 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit is available until April 2010. The following are ten tips for those First-Time Home buyers:

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.

"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.

On the Move

Shannon Register, Realtor — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:26:21 +0000

February was a month of changes that were necessary for me to make. Sometimes moving and change is a scary proposition for us all. If there is never any change and risk, there is never any growth.

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.

Making Your Next Move?

Shannon Register, Realtor — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:35:04 +0000

Are you getting ready to make your next move to the Houston area? I would like to be the first to welcome you and assist you with all of your real estate needs whether you are moving to Houston, The Woodlands, or Spring, Texas. As a relocation specialist, I can help you sell your current property and find a new one in this area. As a RE/MAX agent, I help relocate families all over the globe. Please call me today and I will be happy to send you a copy of the Houston Newcomer Guide. It will help you narrow your search area and give you a lot of helpful information about the communities in this area. I would like to help you with all of your relocation needs. Please call me today so we can get started. When you talk to your human resources coordinator, please ask for me by name! Shannon Register 832.628.SELL

"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.

Rent vs. Buy

Shannon Register, Realtor — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 03:42:41 +0000

If you are a renter, you might be wondering how much mortgage you can afford. Please use the Rent vs. Buy calculator on my website to figure out what you can afford. I thought the following information was interesting, so I am sharing it with you. It is reprinted with permission from the National Association of REALTORS and reprinted from REALTOR Magazine Online.

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.

$210,000 – 7526 Chathan Glen Lane, Richmond, TX 77407

Shannon Register, Realtor — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:59:39 +0000

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.

Open House with Price Reduction

Shannon Register, Realtor — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 23:03:58 +0000

This Sunday my Buyer’s Agent, Linda Parrish, will be holding open 20223 Cypresswood Glen in Spring from 2-4pm. This lovely, well maintained one story home in the Cypresswood Lake Subdivision has been reduced to $129,900.00. That’s an amazing value! The sellers are motivated and awaiting your offer! Come see this one on Sunday, because it will not last long! The subdivision gate code is 1057. See you there!!

"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.

Seven Tips for Buying in a Tight Market

Shannon Register, Realtor — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 03:45:42 +0000

Increase your chances of getting your dream house instead of losing it to another buyer, with these easy steps.

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.

"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.

Short Sales and Foreclosure Help

Shannon Register, Realtor — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 14:31:02 +0000

The Texas Association of Realtors, in partnership with the National Association of Realtors and other organizations, has launched two consumer oriented Web sites.

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.

Tips for Finding the Perfect Neighborhood

Shannon Register, Realtor — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 03:31:16 +0000

The neighborhood you choose can have a big impact on your lifestyle – safety, available amenities, and convenience all play their part.

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?

"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.

Open House this Sunday

Shannon Register, Realtor — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 06:58:50 +0000

This Sunday, Feb. 28th, I will be holding open 20223 Cypresswood Glen in the Cypresswood Lake Subdivision in Spring, TX from 1-3pm. The gate code to the subdivision is 1057. You can get directions, see photos of the home, watch a video, and get more information by visiting http://buyandsellwithshannon.com/blog/134900-20223-cypresswood-glen-spring-tx-77373/ . I hope you’ll stop in on Sunday!

"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.

Top 20 Low-Cost Ways to Spruce Up Your Home

Shannon Register, Realtor — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 04:07:28 +0000

Make your home more appealing for potential buyers with these quick and easy tips.

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.

"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.

Rate Expectations

Shannon Register, Realtor — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:51:15 +0000

Today rates went up…our Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M said it was coming…

(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.

Help with Short Sales and Foreclosures

Shannon Register, Realtor — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:07:00 +0000

Due to the massive amount of short sales and foreclosures in the Houston area I have acquired my CDPE – Certified Distressed Property Expert Designation. This new designation has taught me the short sale process and how to get the deal closed. It is the designation that banks require for Realtors to work on their distressed and foreclosure properties. If you or someone you know is behind on their mortgage please choose a Realtor that holds this designation. I enjoy helping homeowners learn how to avoid foreclosure and helping them sale their properties before they are foreclosed on.

"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.

Open House

Shannon Register, Realtor — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:40:28 +0000

The weather is finally getting better and it’s time to do some open houses! My Buyer’s Agent, Linda Parrish, will be sitting in two open houses this Sunday, so please stop by to see these beauties! The first one is from 1:00-3:00 at 6511 Bridgegate Drive in Spring and the other is 3:30-5:30 at 20223 Cypresswood Glen in Spring. You can get a map to both of these properties from the listing on my website. They are excellent values and the seller’s are motivated to sell. These houses are full of upgrades and will not dissappoint. Please come out and see us this weekend!

"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.

Why Own Your Own Home?

Shannon Register, Realtor — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 03:18:47 +0000

As well as helping people buy and sell properties, I also help families lease homes. I often refer them to my rent vs. buy calculator so they can see that owning a home does not cost much more than renting a home. Why pay someone else’s mortgage for them? There are many reasons to own your own home.

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.

$155,900 – 418 East Carby Rd, Houston, TX 77037

Shannon Register, Realtor — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 02:11:05 +0000

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.

$126,000 – 23211 Kimberly Glen Ln, Spring, TX 77373

Shannon Register, Realtor — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 02:05:13 +0000

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.

Moving to Houston?

Shannon Register, Realtor — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:30:14 +0000

"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.

$149,900 – 19 Darlinghurst Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77384

Shannon Register, Realtor — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:49:01 +0000

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.

Top 5 Factors That Decide Your Credit Score

Shannon Register, Realtor — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:23:33 +0000

Credit Scores range between 200 and 800. Scores above 620 are considered desirable for obtaining a mortgage. These factors will affect your score.

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.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Shannon Register, Realtor — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 05:16:13 +0000

Don’t forget to give your loved ones hugs today!! Enjoy this sweet holiday with the ones you love!!

"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.

Five Ways to Speed Up Your Home Sale

Shannon Register, Realtor — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 04:21:14 +0000

1. Price it Right. Set a price at the lower end of your property’s realistic price range.

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.

"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.

What Is Appraisal Value?

Shannon Register, Realtor — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 03:58:40 +0000

It’s an objective opinion of value, but it’s not an exact science so appraisals may differ.

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 ).

"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.

Selling a Vacant House

Shannon Register, Realtor — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:28:25 +0000

So you’ve accepted your new job and have moved on to your new life in a different city.

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.

Top 8 Ways to Improve Your Credit

Shannon Register, Realtor — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 03:23:20 +0000

Credit scores, along with your overall income and debt, are a big factor in determining if you’ll qualify for a loan and what loan terms you’ll be able to qualify for.

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.