Shannon Register Real Estate Team » HAR

Two New TALCB Board Members

Shannon Register, Realtor — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 03:12:58 +0000

This week Governor Rick Perry appointed two new public members to the Texas
Appraiser Licensing & Certification Board (TALCB); Mr. Malachi O. Boyuls of
Dallas and Ms. Sheryl Swift of Galveston. Mr. Robert D. Davis, Jr., currently a
public member on the Board, has been reappointed with a new term expiration of
January 31, 2012.
Mr. Boyuls is an associate in the Dallas office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP,
where he currently practices in the firm’s Litigation Department. Mr. Boyuls
received his law degree from New York University in 2006 and his undergraduate
degree in Religion and Philosophy from the University of Mary Hardin Baylor in
2002, where he was a member of the Crusader football team. Mr. Boyuls’ term
expires January 31, 2012 and he replaces Bill Schneider of Austin.
Ms. Swift is a Registered Texas Assessor Collector and is the Chief Deputy of
Operations with the Galveston County Tax Office, where she supervises all fund
related operations within the main and branch offices. In addition, Ms. Swift is
responsible for training all management staff on the Operations team. She has been
with Galveston County since December 2000. Ms. Swift’s term expires January 31,
2011, and she replaces Danny Perkins of Houston.
“I am very happy to welcome Mr. Boyuls and Ms. Swift to the Board and look
forward to working with them on the many challenges facing the appraiser
profession in Texas,” commented TALCB Chairman, James “Jaime” Ratliff. “At
the same time, while we are sorry that Mr. Schneider and Mr. Perkins are leaving,
we sincerely thank them for their many years of dedication and service.”
Also new to the agency is Mr. Steven Leipsner of Lakeway who has been appointed
as the sole public member to the statutory TREC Broker-Lawyer Committee. His
term ends in 2015.
The agency welcomes these new appointees!

"Two New TALCB Board Members" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on July 8, 2010.

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

How High Tech Is Your Home?

Shannon Register, Realtor — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 02:50:43 +0000

If the latest technology and entertainment options are important in your new home, add the following questions to your buyer’s checklist. This is interesting information I got from the REALTOR Magazine Online and reprinted with permission of the National Association of REALTORS. Visit the Consumer Electronics Association ( http://www.ce.org/techhomerating ) for a complete Tech Home Rating Checklist.

1. Are there enough jacks in every room for cable TV and high-speed Internet hookups? Does it include U-Verse if that’s important to your family?

2. Are there enough telephone extensions or jacks? Most people use their cell phones these days, but some still want a phone in every room, including the bathrooms.

3. Is the home prewired for a home theater or multi-room audio and video?

4. Does the home have a local area network for linking computers?

5. Does the home already have wiring for DSL or other high-speed Internet connection?

6. Does the home have multi-room lighting controls, window-covering controls, or other home automation features?

7. Does the home have multi-room lighting controls, window-covering controls, or other home automation features?

8. Is the home wired with multi-purpose in-wall wiring that allows for reconfigurations to update services as technology changes?

"How High Tech Is Your Home?" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on July 2, 2010.

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

Tips for Home Buying – 4 Ways to Fix Bad Credit

Shannon Register, Realtor — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 02:22:24 +0000

Credit Problems can seem like an insurmountable barrier to getting a home loan. It’s not an easy task, but with patience and some insight you can turn things around. Here are four ways you can get on the road to credit repair – and put yourself in a better position for homeownership.

1. Develop a budget
Stop all credit transactions right now. It might sound harsh, but you should hide or destroy all of your cards if necessary! Now you can manage your inflow of cash and, more importantly, your outflow – money in and money out.
Develop a flexible budget. Consider all necessary expenses such as housing, food, and healthcare. Then, eliminate expenses that can be trimmed such as entertainment and dining out. For more help, contact a nonprofit credit counseling agency, such as the TCA at 866/528-0588 or http://www.takechargeamerica.org .

2. Contact your creditors
If you aren’t making timely payments, don’t wait for your account to be turned over to collections. Your creditors may be able to help you get on a lower-interest payment plan or agree to a settlement.
A helpful tip: If your balance is unmanageable, offer a 30% settlement payment first. Some creditors will take payments of 30-40% off rather than have you default. Make sure to get the agreement in writing. Once you’ve paid in full, send the settlement letter to each of the credit bureaus (Equifax, Trans Union, and Experian/TRW) for reference so they will update your credit report.

3. Consolidate your debt
Another approach to consider is acquiring a debt consolidation loan. This type of loan will allow you to pay off your outstanding balances with one, lower-interest monthly payment. A home equity loan for debt consolidation could allow the interest you pay to become tax-deductable.

4. Avoid Bankruptcy
A last resort is bankruptcy because of tis long-lasting effects. Bankruptcy can make it difficult to attain future credit, life insurance, and sometimes even a job. It does, however, offer a new start. The primary types of personal bankruptcy are Chapter 13 and Chapter 7. Chapter 13 allows you to keep property that you would otherwise lose, but payoff a default amount during a three to five year period. Chapter 7 (straight bankruptcy) liquidates all of your assets that are not exempt. Property is turned over to creditors or sold by a court-appointed official.

Help for Homeownership is out there…

There are lots of programs to help first-time and low-income homeowners, and even those with spotty credit histories who want to realize the American dream of homeownership. One is the Texas First Time Homebuyer Program. For more information, visit http://MyFirstTexasHome.org or call me today at 832.628.7355.

"Tips for Home Buying – 4 Ways to Fix Bad Credit" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on June 10, 2010.

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

Upcoming HAR Article

Shannon Register, Realtor — Sat, 15 May 2010 22:56:17 +0000

Look for my article in the June 2010 Houston Realtor Magazine published by HAR.com. The article addresses blogging and how it has been a benefit to my business. People often ask me how blogging has helped with my success. I hope you enjoy the article that addresses not only blogging, but all types of social media.

"Upcoming HAR Article" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on May 15, 2010.

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

5 Reasons You Need a REALTOR

Shannon Register, Realtor — Sun, 09 May 2010 19:10:36 +0000

1. A real estate transaction is complicated. In most cases, buying or selling a home requires disclosure forms, inspection reports, mortgage documents, insurance policies, deeds, and multi-page government-mandated settlement statements. A knowledgeable guide through this complexity can help you avoid delays or costly mistakes.

2. Selling or buying a home is time consuming. Even in a strong market, homes in our area stay on the market for an average of 180 days. And it usually takes another 60 days or so for the transaction to close after an offer is accepted.

3. Real estate has its own language. If you don’t know a CMA from a PUD, you can understand why it’s important to work with someone who speaks that language.

4. REALTORS have done it before. Most people buy and sell only a few homes in a lifetime, usually with quite a few years in between each purchase. And even if you’ve done it before, laws and regulations change. That’s why having an expert on your side is critical.

5. REALTORS provide objectivity. Since a home often symbolizes family, rest, and security, not just four walls and roof, home selling or buying is often a very emotional undertaking. And for most people, a home is the biggest purchase they’ll ever make. Having a concerned, byt objective, third party helps you keep focused on both the business and emotional issues most important to you.

6. REALTORS are members of the National Association of REALTORS, a trade organization of more than 1 million members nationwide. REALTORS subscribe to a stringent code of ethics that helps guarantee the highest level of service and integrity.

"5 Reasons You Need a REALTOR" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on May 9, 2010.

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

3 Open Houses This Weekend!

Shannon Register, Realtor — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:12:19 +0000

This weekend I will be holding open three of my listings. I hope you’ll stop by to see them!

Saturday from 1-3pm 25819 Sarah Springs, Spring, 77373, Spring Lakes Subdivision

Saturday from 3-5pm 25714 Serene Springs, Spring, 77373, Spring Lakes Subdivision

Sunday from 2-4pm 25535 Mill Pond, Spring, 77373, Lexington Woods Subdivision

"3 Open Houses This Weekend!" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on April 23, 2010.

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

Top 5 February Real Estate Milestones for Houston

Shannon Register, Realtor — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 02:38:53 +0000

Average price for a single-family home appreciated for a fifth straight month, by 12.3%, to $203,271.
The median price of a single-family home rose for the 10^th consecutive month, by 6.5%, to $147,000.
6.3 months inventory of single-family homes compares favorably to the national average of 7.8 months.
Townhouse/condominium sales rose 8.9%
Total dollar volume grew 5.1%, reaching $747 million

Information courtesy of the Houston Association of Realtors, 2010 MLS Chair

"Top 5 February Real Estate Milestones for Houston" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on April 21, 2010.

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

Texas’ Job Loss Rate Decreasing

Shannon Register, Realtor — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 18:00:37 +0000

COLLEGE STATION (Real Estate Center) – Both the U.S and the Texas labor markets hit bottom in August 2009 and since then have been losing jobs at decreasing rates. Texas’ job loss rate has decreased from 4 percent in August 2009 to 2.3 percent in February 2010. Over the same period, the U.S. job loss rate has decreased from 5 percent to 2.5 percent.

The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose from 6.8 percent in February 2009 to 8.2 percent in February 2010, while the U.S. rate rose from 8.2 percent to 9.7 percent during the same period.

Only one Texas industry, education and health services, and the government sector had more jobs in February 2010 than in February 2009. Ten other industries experienced net job losses over the same period.

Four Texas metro areas had positive employment growth rates from February 2009 to February 2010. They were College Station–Bryan, Killeen–Temple–Fort Hood, Waco and McAllen-Edinburg-Mission. Twenty-two metro areas had net job losses.

The state’s actual unemployment rate in February 2010 was 8.3 percent. Amarillo had the lowest unemployment rate followed by Midland, College Station–Bryan and Lubbock.

The Real Estate Center’s complete monthly Texas economic review is available online.

"Texas’ Job Loss Rate Decreasing" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on April 12, 2010.

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

Lakewood Church Buys Compaq Arena

Shannon Register, Realtor — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 17:58:54 +0000

HOUSTON (Houston Business Journal) – Lakewood Church has purchased the former Compaq Center from the city for $7.5 million.

Lakewood signed a 30-year lease on the 16,000-seat facility in 2002 and spent over $80 million renovating it before beginning worship services there in July 2005.

The sale of the seven-acre property at 3700 Southwest Fwy. is a move by the Houston City Council to reduce the city’s budget deficit. A Lakewood spokesman said the church will use debt to fund the transaction, which is expected to close in 45 days.

For more on mega churches, read “Good Heavens! Texas Churches Grow to Biblical Proportions” in the April 2007 issue of Tierra Grande magazine.

"Lakewood Church Buys Compaq Arena" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on April 11, 2010.

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

NAR Reports Sales Agreement Increase

Shannon Register, Realtor — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:53:50 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Associated Press) – The National Association of Realtors announced Monday that its seasonally adjusted index of home sales agreements rose 8.2 percent from January to February.

January’s reading was revised slightly downward to 90.2, and the February reading was 97.6.

The index is considered a barometer for future sales activity because there is typically a one- to two-month lag between a signed sales contract and a completed deal.

Sales increased 9 percent in the South and Northeast from January to February, fell nearly 5 percent in the West and rose nearly 22 percent in the Midwest.

"NAR Reports Sales Agreement Increase" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on April 9, 2010.

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

April Fools Day!

Shannon Register, Realtor — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 03:52:27 +0000

Don’t be fooled, take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit before it goes away. It ends at the end of this month. It’s the best gift Uncle Sam will ever give you! If you would like to sell your home and buy another home, you may be eligible for the $6,500 tax credit. Give me a call today so we can get you qualified for your tax credit. I am not fooling around, these tax credits are a great deal!

"April Fools Day!" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on April 1, 2010.

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

Why Do Sellers Need Home Warranties

Shannon Register, Realtor — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 16:50:42 +0000

When I list a property for sale, I always ask my sellers to put a home warranty on their property. There are several reasons why I encourage my sellers to put a home warranty on their home. The main reason is that the buyer is going to ask for it in the contract. They always do! To be competitive, you need to go ahead and have it on the property so it can be marketed with the property. I like to use the American Home Shield Warranty, but there are several out there to choose from. If you want to know how comprehensive the home warranty is, check the policy to see which items are covered. Be sure to check whether the policy covers the full replacement cost of each item: plumbing, electrical systems, water heater, furnace, heating ducts, water pump, dishwasher, stove, cooktops, ovens, microwaves, and swimming pool.

Second reason I encourage sellers to put a home warranty on their properties is because during the buyers inspection, the inspector will find things wrong with the property that are going to need to be repaired. It saves the seller money during the sell of the home. Lastly, it protects the seller if something breaks while the home is on the market. This way the seller does not incur additional expenses while trying to sell the property.

Home Warranties are like buying insurance for your home. There is still a co-pay when a service call is made, but it lowers the seller or buyers cost for repairs.

"Why Do Sellers Need Home Warranties" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on April 1, 2010.

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

Mortgage Rates Remain Flat

Shannon Register, Realtor — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 04:18:42 +0000

Current 30-Year Fixed Rate is 4.80%, According to Zillow® Mortgage Rate Ticker
SEATTLE, March 23 /PRNewswire/ — The 30-year fixed mortgage rate on Zillow Mortgage Marketplace is currently 4.80 percent, up two basis points from 4.78 percent compared to this same time last week. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate rose over the weekend, with a Sunday spike at 4.88 percent, before coming down on Monday.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20060503/ZILLOWLOGO)
Zillow’s real-time mortgage rates are based on thousands of custom mortgage quotes submitted daily to anonymous borrowers through the site, and reflect the most recent changes in the market. These are not marketing rates, or a weekly survey.
The rate for 15-year fixed home loans is currently 4.19 percent, while the rate for 5-1 adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM) is 3.66 percent.
The total volume of mortgage requests in the past week was down 4.4 percent from the prior week. Of last week’s requests, 31 percent were for refinance loans, 67 percent were for purchase loans and 2 percent were for home equity loans. The prior week, 32.2 percent of requests were for refinance loans, 65.8 percent were for purchase loans and 2 percent were for home equity loans.
Below are current rates for 30-year fixed mortgages by state. Additional states’ rates are available at: www.zillow.com/Mortgage_Rates.

State Current 30-Year Fixed Rate (3/23/10) Last week’s 30-Year Fixed Rate (3/16/10) Change in Basis Points
California Mortgage Rates
4.76% 4.71% +5
Colorado Mortgage Rates
4.82% 4.81% +1
Florida Mortgage Rates
4.72% 4.80% -8
Illinois Mortgage Rates
4.76% 4.82% -6
Massachusetts Mortgage Rates
4.96% 4.85% +11
New Jersey Mortgage Rates
4.75% 4.79% -4
New York Mortgage Rates
4.85% 4.80% +5
Pennsylvania Mortgage Rates
4.85% 4.86% -1
Texas Mortgage Rates
4.88% 5.02% -14
Washington Mortgage Rates
4.75% 4.81% -6

About Zillow Mortgage Marketplace
Zillow Mortgage Marketplace is a free, open, and transparent lending marketplace, where borrowers connect with lenders to find loans and get the best mortgage rates. Borrowers anonymously submit loan requests and receive an unlimited number of custom mortgage quotes with real rates directly from thousands of competing lenders. Zillow Mortgage Marketplace also provides mortgage calculators, mortgage advice, mortgage widgets, and lender directories.
Zillow is a registered trademark of Zillow, Inc.

"Mortgage Rates Remain Flat" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on March 25, 2010.

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

Five Things to Understand About Title Insurance

Shannon Register, Realtor — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 16:20:36 +0000

1. It protects your ownership right to your home both from fraudulent claims against your ownership and from mistakes made in earlier sales, such as mistake in the spelling of a person’s name or an inaccurate description of the property.

2. It’s a one-time cost usually based on the price of the property.

3. It’s usually paid for by the sellers.

4. There are both lender titles policies, which protect the lender, and owner title policies, which protect you. The lender will probably require a lender policy.

5. Discounts on premiums are sometimes available if the home has been bought within only a few years since not as much work is required to check the title. Ask the title company if this discount is available.

"Five Things to Understand About Title Insurance" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on March 23, 2010.

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

Dotzour’s Headlines From the Front Lines

Shannon Register, Realtor — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:21:38 +0000

COLLEGE STATION (Real Estate Center) – Chief Economist Dr. Mark Dotzour is crisscrossing the nation delivering his economic message and collecting valuable data for the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.
Among the comments he heard this week at meetings of the National Association of Business Economics in Washington, D.C., were:
• “Clearly there is virtually no threat of inflation in the next two years.”
• “There’s virtually no chance of the Fed increasing interest rates (maybe a symbolic small move aside).”
• “The last recession, the Fed waited until unemployment was 5.5 percent before tightening.”
• “We won’t get to that level for several years.”
• “The threat is for deflation across the globe, with the exception of China.”
• “China’s money supply is up 30 percent from last year. Our M3 (the Fed’s measure of the money supply) is virtually unchanged from a year ago, and available credit is less than last year.”
“The Congressional Budget Office said the United States is going to be unable to pay for the social contract with America,” said Dotzour. “It’s only a matter of when and how the adjustments for failed promises have to take place. Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security cannot be funded at current levels of spending.”

"Dotzour’s Headlines From the Front Lines" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on March 16, 2010.

Shannon Register Real Estate Team 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 Real Estate Team on March 14, 2010.

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

Government Refinancing Program Extended

Shannon Register, Realtor — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:28:16 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Associated Press) – Homeowners have received another year to refinance their loans under the Home Affordable Refinance Program, the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced yesterday.
The program, which was originally scheduled to end June 10 but now expires June 30, 2011, allows borrowers who owe up to 25 percent more than their homes are worth to refinance at lower interest rates.
The Treasury Department reports that, so far, the program has helped about 220,000 homeowners with loans owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, far less than the projected four to five million.

"Government Refinancing Program Extended" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on March 2, 2010.

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

Reduced – $155,000 – 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…)

"Reduced – $155,000 – 7526 Chathan Glen Lane, Richmond, TX 77407" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on March 2, 2010.

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

Government Creating Uncertainty, Dotzour Says

Shannon Register, Realtor — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 16:41:09 +0000

AUSTIN (National Real Estate Investor) – U.S. businesses are hoarding cash instead of helping revitalize the down economy through spending and hiring, says Dr. Mark Dotzour.
The Real Estate Center’s chief economist shared his thoughts on why at CCIM Central Texas’ symposium in Austin Tuesday.
“We are used to thinking of the federal government as the solution to these problems for economic growth and they have rapidly become the source of the problem because of the uncertainty that they have created for business people,” Dotzour said.
Take taxes, for instance.
Although proposals to raise the capital gains tax from the current 15 percent to 24 percent have been scaled back to 20 percent, Dotzour said even that hike would reduce initial returns on investments in commercial real estate. That threat of a bigger tax hit will influence many potential buyers to postpone acquisitions until a definite rate is set and can be factored into purchase prices.
Dotzour also said worries about higher income tax rates, increasing energy costs as a result of cap and trade legislation, and the potential impact of health-care reform proposals are weighing on the minds of business owners and would-be entrepreneurs.
For more on what Dotzour had to say, read the National Real Estate Investor article.

"Government Creating Uncertainty, Dotzour Says" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on February 28, 2010.

Shannon Register Real Estate Team 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 Real Estate Team on February 20, 2010.

Shannon Register Real Estate Team 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 Real Estate Team on February 16, 2010.

Shannon Register Real Estate Team 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 Real Estate Team on February 12, 2010.

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

Houston Real Estate Milestones

Shannon Register, Realtor — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 15:09:41 +0000

According to Rob Cook, the 2009 MLS Chairman and the Houston Association of Realtors, we met a few milestones back in August and I wanted to share them with you. The median price for a single-family home rose for the 4th straight month to the 3rd highest level of 2009 ($160,880.00). The average price of a single-amily home reached its 3rd highest level of the year ($213,396.00). Month-over-month volume of single-family home sales reached the 3rd highest level of 2009. Month-over-month volume of townhouse/condominium sales reached the 3rd highest level of 2009. Month’s inventory of singel-family homes dipped from 6.7 to 6.5 months compared to the national average of 9.4 months. This is all good news for the housing market that I wanted to share with you as you are making real estate decisions as we head into 2010.

"Houston Real Estate Milestones" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on November 2, 2009.

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

Houston Home Sales Prices Hit High

Shannon Register, Realtor — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 02:23:51 +0000

HOUSTON (Houston Business Journal) – Area home prices hit a seven-month high in April amid the area’s 20th consecutive monthly fall in the number of single-family home sales.

The average sale price of a single-family home slipped 5.8 percent in April to $194,222 from $206,239 in April 2008, according to the Houston Association of Realtors. However, the figure is at its highest level since September.

Additionally, demand for single-family rentals increased again last month.

"Houston Home Sales Prices Hit High" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on June 25, 2009.

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

Houston Association of Realtors June 2008 Housing Report

Shannon Register, Realtor — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 05:10:35 +0000

HOUSTON — (July 15, 2008) — Despite a tenth consecutive monthly decline in sales, the average and median prices of a single-family home in the greater Houston area soared to record highs in June, according to statistics released by the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR). Single-family home sales slid 14.7 percent on a year over year basis. However, the number of closed sales was the highest since last August.

The average price of a single-family home rose by 4.5 percent last month to $228,448, surpassing the previous high of $218,583 in June 2007. The median price of a single-family home rose 1.3 percent last month to $162,000, surpassing its previous high of $160,000, also from last June.

Sales of all property types for June 2008 totaled 7,237, reflecting a 15.1 percent drop compared to June 2007. Total dollar volume for properties sold during the month was recorded at $1.6 billion versus $1.8 billion one year earlier, a 10.7 percent decline.

“We’re not out of the woods, however the Houston real estate market continues to show positive indicators that others around the country consider enviable,” said Michael Levitin, HAR chairman and principal of HTownRealty.com. “Single-family and townhome pricing now exceeds levels seen even during the 2007 record year and the Days on Market figure has improved steadily each month this year. A number of brokers, particularly those specializing in Inner-Loop listings, have recently announced record months for sales performance, underscoring the point that real estate is local.

June Monthly Market Comparison

All listing categories combined, Houston’s overall housing market saw a continuation of mixed results in June. While both average and median single-family home sales price rose on a year-over-year basis, total property sales and total dollar volume tumbled.

The number of available homes, or active listings, at the end of June was 53,792 properties, a 2.0 percent increase over June 2007. The figure was up 487 properties from May 2008.

Month-end pending sales – those listings expected to close within the next 30 days – totaled 4,456, which was 20.6 percent lower than last year and strongly suggests the likelihood of another sales decline next month. The month’s inventory of single-family homes for June came in at 6.7 months, a slight increase from May’s 6.6-month figure. This compares to the June 2007 single-family homes inventory of 6.2 months.

"Houston Association of Realtors June 2008 Housing Report" was originally posted as a blog post at Shannon Register Real Estate Team on October 16, 2008.

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