Advice for Women Seeking Marriage

by Christi Borden   

Author Unknown but shared by Pattie Huey

If you want someone who will eat whatever you put in front of him and never say it’s not quite as good as his mother’s…

Then…Adopt a dog.

 

If you want someone always willing to go out, at any hour, for as long and wherever you want…

 Then…Adopt a dog.

 

If you want someone who will never touch the remote, doesn’t care about football, and can sit next to you as you watch romantic movies…

 Then…Adopt a dog.

.

If you want someone who is content to get on your bed just to warm your feet and whom you can push off if he snores…

 Then…Adopt a dog.

 

If you want someone who never criticizes what you do, doesn’t care if you are pretty or ugly, fat or thin, young or old, who acts as if every word you say is especially worthy of listening to, and loves you unconditionally, perpetually….

 Then…Adopt a dog.

.

BUT, on the other hand, if you want someone who will never come when you call, ignores you totally when you come home, leaves hair all over the place, walks all over you, runs around all night and only comes home to eat and sleep, and acts as if your entire existence is solely to ensure his happiness….  

 

 

Then…Adopt a cat!

(And you thought I was going to say… marry a man, didn’t you?)

Houston Area Water Restrictions – Updated 8/16/11

by Christi Borden

 

Municipality	Lawns	Address	Times Allowed	Days Allowed	Pools Restricted
City of Houston	Yes	Even	8p-10a	Su, Th	No
City of Houston	Yes	Odd	8p-10a	Sa, Weds	No
Galveston	Yes	All	None	None	Yes
The Woodlands	Yes	Even	8p-4a	Even	No
The Woodlands	Yes	Odd	8p-4a	Odd	No
League City	Yes	All	None	None	Yes
San Leon	Yes	All	None	None	Yes
Bacliff	Yes	All	None	None	Yes
Kemah	Yes	All	None	None	Yes
Clear Lake Shores	Yes	All	None	None	Yes
Jamaica Beach	Yes	All	None	None	Yes
Bayou Vista	Yes	All	None	None	Yes
Omega Bay	Yes	All	None	None	Yes

 

City of Houston

Residents at even-numbered street addresses can water their lawns on Sundays and Thursdays, between the hours of 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. Residents with odd-numbered addresses can water on Saturdays and Wednesdays, between the hours of 8 p.m. and 10 a.m.

Any detectable water leaks would have to be repaired within 72 hours.

Failure to comply with the restrictions could result in hundreds of dollars in fines.

The Woodlands

The Woodlands went from a Stage 1 to a Stage 3 drought contingency plan on Thursday. James Stinson, General Manager for the MUDs said, “Lawn watering restrictions are now mandatory.” Residents with a programmable water controller can water no more than twice a week and cycles must be complete by 4:00 a.m.”

Homes with even address are allowed to water only on even calendar days and odd addresses are allowed to water on odd days, and then only twice a week.

Galveston

The city of Galveston has banned all lawn watering and car washing. Those wishing to wash their motor vehicles can do so on designated days before 10 a.m. or after 8 p.m. The designated days for areas east of 103rd Street are Mondays and Thursdays. For residents who live west of 103rd Street, their designated days are Wednesdays and Saturdays.

League City

League City enacted Stage 5 of the city’s drought contingency plan on Friday, implementing arguably the strictest of mandatory water restrictions in the Houston area. Residents in League City are banned from watering lawns, washing their vehicles and refilling their pools. The city has gone as far as prohibiting restaurants from serving water, unless requested. Residents caught violating the restrictions could be given up to a $500 fine.

Texas City

Irrigation of landscaped areas with hose-end sprinklers or automatic irrigation systems shall be limited to designated watering days and hours. However, irrigation of landscaped areas is permitted at anytime if it is by means of a hand-held hose, a faucet filled bucket or watering can of five gallons or less, or a drip irrigation system.

Even number addresses can water on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.

Odd number addresses can water on Mondays and Wednesdays between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m.

MUD 12, San Leon MUD and Bacliff MUD

No outdoor watering including for landscaping or car washing.

 

 

Galveston County — Other

Besides League City and Galveston, other cities in the county are also under mandatory water bans. Instituting the bans are Jamaica Beach, Texas City, the San Leon Municipal Utility District, the Bacliff Municipal Utility District, the Water Control and Improvement District 12, which covers Kemah and Clear Lake Shores and Municipal Utility District 12, which serves Bayou Vista, Omega Bay and old Bayou Vista. MUD 12 had not set a start date for the restrictions, which will ban all outdoor water use, according to a phone alert sent by the district.

 

 

Lunch with The Girls Through the Ages!

by Christi Borden

Unknown Author….

A group of 15-year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for dinner.
Finally, they agreed to meet at the Dairy Queen next to the Ocean View restaurant because they had only $6.00 among them and Jimmy Johnson, the cute boy in Social Studies, lived on that street.

10 years later, the group of 25-year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the beer was cheap, the restaurant offered free snacks, the band was good, there was no cover and there were lots of cute guys.

10 years later, the group of 35-year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the cosmos were good, it was right near the gym and, if they went late enough, there wouldn’t be too many whiny little kids.

10 years later, the group of 45-year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the martinis were big and the waiters had tight pants and nice buns.

10 years later, the group of 55-year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the prices were reasonable, the wine list was good, the restaurant had windows that opened (in case of a hot flashes), and fish is good for cholesterol.

10 years later, the group of 65-year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the lighting was good and the restaurant had an early bird special.

10 years later, the group of 75-year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because the food was not too spicy and the restaurant was handicapped-accessible.

10 years later, the group of 85-year-old girlfriends discussed where to meet for dinner. Finally, they agreed to meet at the Ocean View restaurant because they had never been there before.

Public Open House Etiquette by a Realtor!

by Christi Borden, Realtor

Who doesn’t love to visit an Open House? Come on, you know you do. Go ahead … admit it. You love to see the decorations, to peek inside your neighbor’s home (who never invited you over the entire time they lived there), to learn more about what homes are going for in your area, or to check it out before giving your Realtor a call.

Either way, there are a few bits of advice I can give while visiting a Public Open House.

1. Follow House Rules: Seller may wish for you to remove shoes prior to entering. This may be due to nasty weather, new flooring or a cultural preference. Just ask the Realtor or Host on duty if removing shoes is expected.

2. Monitor Your Kids: Homeowners really expect parents to stay with their children at all times and to make sure nothing is touched or damaged. I have seen many visitors arrive and while the parents are involved with viewing the home, their kids are all over the place – totally unsupervised. The Realtor or Host cannot be expected to babysit or to monitor visiting kids. Please, please keep them with you as the home could experience damage that you quite possibly could be held liable for.

3. Go Before You Arrive: I am often amazed at visitors asking to use the Seller’s bathroom. The Seller’s home is a private residence and as such, unless vacant and only with permission from the Realtor or Host on duty, should you assume that it is okay to use the facilities. Seller’s have prepared the home for viewing… not using.

4. Have a Realtor? Tell Us: You will be asked by the Realtor or Host on duty for your contact information. Sometimes our clients request this information, as they want to know who has visited their home. And many times, the Realtor on Duty would like to contact you to send you more information and to try to develop a future relationship with you. This is not a bad thing and can be very helpful for visitors that are not currently under a written representation agreement with another Realtor. But if you already have such a relationship with a Realtor, simply let us know who it is. We are happy to send them more information about the property you have visited. We all want to honor your relationship with your Realtor but cannot do so if we do not know about it. This is actually a Code of Ethics issue with the National Association of Realtors, which all Realtors must follow.

5. Tell Us What You Think: Don’t be shy… Are we priced right? Do we show well? Are you considering this home? If not, is there anything that our Sellers can do to make your short list? By providing such valuable feedback, you are helping us help our Seller know exactly what the public thinks about the home. And feel free to ask us questions. If we do not know the answer, we will do our best to find it. If answering your questions will help sell the property, we are more than happy to help.

As a Realtor, we love having you visit our Open Houses. In fact, that is why we give up our valuable family time on weekends… just for you. Help us make it pleasant for you and for our Sellers. Happy house hunting and support your local hardworking Realtor by visiting an Open House today!!!

In Honor of National Flip Flop Day…

by Christi Borden

 

 

Did you know today is National Flip Flop Day? What a great excuse to free your little piggy’s from their torturous entrapment and don your favorite flop. There is actually a history behind the celebration, of sorts and you will find out more than you could ever know about the lovable footwear on http://www.pecheblu.com/history.php . With an ancestry going back to ancient Japan, Rome, Egypt, today’s flip flop has a solid and sordid past. Just check out how the hot babes of Rome would nail designs into the soles of their sandals to leave designs in the sand that would direct potential suitors their way. Hmmm…. perhaps a GPS chip could accomplish the same without the odd nail in the foot? 

My favorites, pictured above, are called Fit Flops and come in a huge array of blinged out designs. They are supposed to tighten the tushy but I love the stylish tops and the excellent arch support. They have replaced the immortal white tennis shoe when traveling abroad and are the first thing I put on when not wearing respectable “work” shoes.

So, in honor of the flop, put away your pumps, stow your stilettos, file away your flats, escape from your espadrilles and grab your favorite pair. Better still, send me photo and we can show our support for the National Flip Flop Day and happy feet!

Seller’s Disclosure: What does a seller have to disclose to a buyer?

in a word: EVERYTHING… 

In the bad old days, the seller did not have this requirement placed on him and it was a case of Caveat emptor – “Let the buyer beware!”. Times have changed and the onus is now entirely on the seller to make known any and all material facts regarding the condition of the property he or she is selling.

In real estate transactions, the root cause for most problems is lack of disclosure by the seller. Funny thing is… most of the time it is entirely unintentional. Why would anyone in their right mind try to hide an issue that will come out anyway through inspections, diligent research or nosy neighbors happy to share any and all facts known or rumored about your home. Yes, your nosy Nellie next door did happen to see the foundation repairman and the roofer two years and will certainly make sure your buyer knows all about it – in great detail.

One interesting disclosure item that always causes issues is disclosing a prior death on the property. Now, deaths by natural causes, suicide, etc. are not required to be disclosed but those caused by a defect of the property or criminal activity – yes, DISCLOSE, DISCLOSE, DISCLOSE! Should you let the buyer know about a death that is not necessarily required? That is a judgement call you will have to make. Example: my brother-in-law bought a home in Austin a few years ago. When we visited, being the chatty gal that I am, I stopped by the neighbor’s house to introduce myself and learn more about the area. I found out in less than one minute that the prior owner had committed suicide in the backyard. Now, that is not a required disclosure item but… should it have been shared? Probably. Would it have caused a termination in the contract… Probably not. My feeling about the matter is: Would you want to learn about something of this nature from the seller or later from the neighbors? 

When I work with sellers, I deliver to them the Seller’s Disclosure form, a 5 page document that is required by the State of Texas to be filled out to the best of the seller’s ability and given to the buyer of any property within a mandated time frame according to the actual contract. There are individuals who are exempt from the use this form: Banks or other entities who own foreclosure properties, Probate administrators, etc. but the normal seller in the State of Texas must render this form… and that is where he/she gets in trouble.

I am often asked by my sellers…”Should I disclose this or that…?” As your Realtor, I am not allowed to assist in the completion of this form but my answer to that is always the same… a resounding YES! If the question was brought up in the seller’s mind, then YES, disclose whatever it is. The litmus test is you should disclose any and all items that if not disclosed, could cause the buyer to reconsider his offer. Meaning, if the non-disclosure of an item would cause your buyer to either make a different offer or pass on the property, then yes, DISCLOSE, DISCLOSE, DISCLOSE. Even if it was a roof repair 20 years ago…Again, I repeat… IF IN DOUBT, DISCLOSE. 

You can always explain your answer. I have had clients add several pages of explanation to the disclosure form, which is entirely appropriate. The disclosed item may have no affect at all on a buyer’s interest in a property. In fact, most homes (like people) have a past and as long as the issues are not on-going or improperly addressed, your buyer will proceed as usual. But by making your disclosure, your buyer simply will not have a reason to come back to you later if any and all matters are disclosed up front.

Another important item to disclose is any inspection report on the home within the last 4 years: structural, mechanical, environmental, termite, etc. And if you had a major issue that needed remediation (mold, for example), that really should always be disclosed even if completely re-mediated. You can again attach your explanations of repairs made and receipts for those repairs.

Disclosure items are a mine field of trouble if handled incorrectly so the best road to take is always the high road. Remember, you will be a buyer someday, too and will want your future seller to treat you as you should treat today’s buyer for your home.

First Time Home Buyer Market Heating Up!

Houston and Katy market update:

Overall, the October home sale market continued to show softness as the market pivoted away from some of the higher end homes.  Rentals once again were red hot – up 36% from this time last year with increasing rental rates. Inventory continues to decline the fewest homes available on the market for the last 18 months. This is good news, considering the smaller buyer pool we are currently seeing in our area.

Sales to first-time homebuyers are at their highest in seven years. Over 40 percent of homes recently sold went to first-time buyers, according to a 10,000-person survey by the National Association of Realtors.

 

Other survey findings include:

• a record 32 percent of buyers found their houses first on the Internet;
• almost 90 percent looked for information online during their home search;
• almost 80 percent were concerned about commuting costs;
• 43 percent said heating and cooling costs were very important factors when they made their purchase; and
• more than 40 percent of sellers had to offer incentives to buyers, including assistance with closing costs and home warranty policies.

What does this mean for Katy, TX? It means that homes in the lower spectrum price ranges: $ 250,000 and under are experiencing the most brisk activity in our area. Our current months of inventory of the South Katy area is 4.6 months. This means if homes sold at last years’ pace, it would take this long to sell all available homes if no more homes were added to the market. Our current average days on the market is running 70 or more days – and this will differ when we break down the various price ranges. Homes on the high end are experiencing over 9 months inventory – and that is a lot of homes to compete with. Custom homes over $ 1 million have over 16 months of inventory and must be very competitive on price and ready to wait for a very special buyer.

Our market is so diverse and so fast paced, market information changes constantly. If you would like to receive my video newsletter from Realty Times, post your request here or email me at christi@christiborden.com.

 

 

Understanding the buyer tax credit!

This credit is very not necessarily a true credit so I went to the source, a lender who specializes in first time home buyers and she sent me the following information:

1.      Who is eligible to claim the $7,500 tax credit?
First time home buyers purchasing any kind of home—new or resale—are eligible for the tax credit. To qualify for the tax credit, a home purchase must occur on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009. For the purposes of the tax credit, the purchase date is the date when closing occurs.

2.      What is the definition of a first-time home buyer?
The law defines “first-time home buyer” as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. For married taxpayers, the law tests homeownership history of both the home buyer and his/her spouse. For example, if you have not owned a home in the past three years but your spouse has owned a principal residence, neither you nor your spouse qualifies for the first-time home buyer tax credit.

3.      What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit?
Any home purchased by an eligible first-time home buyer will qualify for the credit, provided that the home will be used as a principal residence and the buyer has not owned a home in the previous three years. This includes single-family detached homes, attached homes like townhouses, and condominiums.

4.      Instead of buying a new home from a home builder, I have hired a contractor to construct a home on a lot that I already own. Do I still qualify for the tax credit?
Yes. For the purposes of the home buyer tax credit, a principal residence that is constructed by the home owner is treated by the tax code as having been “purchased” on the date the owner first occupies the house. In this situation, the date of first occupancy must be on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009.

In contrast, for newly-constructed homes bought from a home builder, eligibility for the tax credit is determined by the settlement date.

5.      What is “modified adjusted gross income”?
Modified adjusted gross income or MAGI is defined by the IRS. To find it, a taxpayer must first determine “adjusted gross income” or AGI. AGI is total income for a year minus certain deductions (known as “adjustments” or “above-the-line deductions”), but before itemized deductions from Schedule A or personal exemptions are subtracted. On Forms 1040 and 1040A, AGI is the last number on page 1 and first number on page 2 of the form. For Form 1040-EZ, AGI appears on line 4 (as of 2007). Note that AGI includes all forms of income including wages, salaries, interest income, dividends and capital gains.

To determine modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), add to AGI certain amounts such as foreign income, foreign-housing deductions, student-loan deductions, IRA-contribution deductions and deductions for higher-education costs.

6.      If my modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is above the limit, do I qualify for any tax credit?
Possibly. It depends on your income. Partial credits of less than $7,500 are available for some taxpayers whose MAGI exceeds the phase-out limits. The credit becomes totally unavailable for individual taxpayers with a modified adjusted gross income of more than $95,000 and for married taxpayers filing joint returns with an AGI of more than $170,000.

7.      Can you give me an example of how the partial tax credit is determined?
Just as an example, assume that a married couple has a modified adjusted gross income of $160,000. The applicable phase-out to qualify for the tax credit is $150,000, and the couple is $10,000 over this amount. Dividing $10,000 by $20,000 yields 0.5. When you subtract 0.5 from 1.0, the result is 0.5. To determine the amount of the partial first-time home buyer tax credit that is available to this couple, multiply $7,500 by 0.5. The result is $3,750.

Here’s another example: assume that an individual home buyer has a modified adjusted gross income of $88,000. The buyer’s income exceeds $75,000 by $13,000. Dividing $13,000 by $20,000 yields 0.65. When you subtract 0.65 from 1.0, the result is 0.35. Multiplying $7,500 by 0.35 shows that the buyer is eligible for a partial tax credit of $2,625.

Please remember that these examples are intended to provide a general idea of how the tax credit might be applied in different circumstances. You should always consult your tax advisor for information relating to your specific circumstances.

8.      Does the credit amount differ based on tax filing status?
No. The credit is in general equal to $7,500 for a qualified home purchase, whether the home buyer files taxes as a single or married taxpayer. However, if a household files their taxes as “married filing separately” (in effect, filing two returns), then the credit of $7,500 is claimed as a $3,750 credit on each of the two returns.

9.      Are there any circumstances for which buyers whose incomes are at or below the $75,000 limit for singles or the $150,000 limit for married taxpayers might not be able to claim the full $7,500 tax credit?
In general, the tax credit is equal to 10% of the qualified home purchase price, but the credit amount is capped or limited at $7,500. For most first-time home buyers, this means the credit will equal $7,500. For home buyers purchasing a home priced less than $75,000, the credit will equal 10% of the purchase price.

10.     I heard that the tax credit is refundable. What does that mean?
The fact that the credit is refundable means that the home buyer credit can be claimed even if the taxpayer has little or no federal income tax liability to offset. Typically this involves the government sending the taxpayer a check for a portion or even all of the amount of the refundable tax credit.

For example, if a qualified home buyer expected, notwithstanding the tax credit, federal income tax liability of $5,000 and had tax withholding of $4,000 for the year, then without the tax credit the taxpayer would owe the IRS $1,000 on April 15th. Suppose now that taxpayer qualified for the $7,500 home buyer tax credit. As a result, the taxpayer would receive a check for $6,500 ($7,500 minus the $1,000 owed).

11.     What is the difference between a tax credit and a tax deduction?
A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes. That means that a taxpayer who owes $7,500 in income taxes and who receives a $7,500 tax credit would owe nothing to the IRS.

A tax deduction is subtracted from the amount of income that is taxed. Using the same example, assume the taxpayer is in the 15 percent tax bracket and owes $7,500 in income taxes. If the taxpayer receives a $7,500 deduction, the taxpayer’s tax liability would be reduced by $1,125 (15 percent of $7,500), or lowered from $7,500 to $6,375.

12.     Can I claim the tax credit if I finance the purchase of my home under a mortgage revenue bond (MRB) program?
No. The tax credit cannot be combined with the MRB home buyer program.

13.     I live in the District of Columbia. Can I claim both the DC first-time home buyer credit and this new credit?
No. You can claim only one.

14.     I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I claim the tax credit?
Maybe. Anyone who is not a nonresident alien (as defined by the IRS), who has not owned a principal residence in the previous three years and who meets the income limits test may claim the tax credit for a qualified home purchase. The IRS provides a definition of “nonresident alien” in IRS Publication 519.

15.     Does the credit have to be paid back to the government? If so, what are the payback provisions?
Yes, the tax credit must be repaid. Home buyers will be required to repay the credit to the government, without interest, over 15 years or when they sell the house, if there is sufficient capital gain from the sale. For example, a home buyer claiming a $7,500 credit would repay the credit at $500 per year. The home owner does not have to begin making repayments on the credit until two years after the credit is claimed. So if the tax credit is claimed on the 2008 tax return, a $500 payment is not due until the 2010 tax return is filed. If the home owner sold the home, then the remaining credit amount would be due from the profit on the home sale. If there was insufficient profit, then the remaining credit payback would be forgiven.

16.     Why must the money be repaid?
Congress’s intent was to provide as large a financial resource as possible for home buyers in the year that they purchase a home. In addition to helping first-time home buyers, this will maximize the stimulus for the housing market and the economy, will help stabilize home prices, and will increase home sales. The repayment requirement reduces the effect on the Federal Treasury and assumes that home buyers will benefit from stabilized and, eventually, increasing future housing prices.

17.     Because the money must be repaid, isn’t the first-time home buyer program really a zero-interest loan rather than a traditional tax credit?
Yes. Because the tax credit must be repaid, it operates like a zero-interest loan. Assuming an interest rate of 7%, that means the home owner saves up to $4,200 in interest payments over the 15-year repayment period. Compared to $7,500 financed through a 30-year mortgage with a 7% interest rate, the home buyer tax credit saves home buyers over $8,100 in interest payments. The program is called a tax credit because it operates through the tax code and is administered by the IRS. Also like a tax credit, it provides a reduction in tax liability in the year it is claimed.

18.     If I’m qualified for the tax credit and buy a home in 2009, can I apply the tax credit against my 2008 tax return?
Yes. The law allows taxpayers to choose (“elect”) to treat qualified home purchases in 2009 as if the purchase occurred on December 31, 2008. This means that the 2008 income limit (MAGI) applies and the election accelerates when the credit can be claimed (tax filing for 2008 returns instead of for 2009 returns). A benefit of this election is that a home buyer in 2009 will know their 2008 MAGI with certainty, thereby helping the buyer know whether the income limit will reduce their credit amount.

19.     For a home purchase in 2009, can I choose whether to treat the purchase as occurring in 2008 or 2009, depending on in which year my credit amount is the largest?
Yes. If the applicable income phase-out would reduce your home buyer tax credit amount in 2009 and a larger credit would be available using the 2008 MAGI amounts, then you can choose the year that yields the largest credit amount. Sent by Christine A. Boles, Mortgage Consultant, Gibraltar Mortgage Services, LLC

If you need further clarification, please post here and I will get answers for you.

Houston Real Estate Update – November 18

The Houston housing market continued to feel the effects of the troubled national economy in October and residual business interruptions caused by Hurricane Ike. New monthly data released by the Houston Association of REALTORS®  (HAR) reflects improvement from market performance in September, when Ike derailed thousands of real estate transactions. However, the number of property sales across the greater Houston area declined last month when compared to October 2007, with sales of single-family homes down 20.1 percent. The average price of a single-family home dipped 1.6 percent last month to $194,607 from $197,751 in October 2007. That still marks the second highest average price for an October in Houston. At $142,000, the median price of a single-family home in October fell 2.7 percent. Year-to-date home prices are still up compared to 2007 and national figures show Houston continues to fare better than many other U.S. markets, some of which have experienced deprecations of as much as 40 percent. Sales of all property types for October 2008 totaled 4,962, down 21.6 percent compared to October 2007. Total dollar volume for properties sold during the month was $943 million versus $1.2 billion one year earlier, a 22.9 percent decline. “Houston remains the envy of real estate professionals around the country, who discussed their sales and pricing concerns with us at this month’s National Association of REALTORS® conference in Orlando,” said Michael Levitin, HAR chairman and principal of HTownRealty.com. “Month’s inventory in Houston is about half the national average, and on a year-to-date basis, prices here are up about three percent from 2007. Nonetheless, we must watch closely to see what further action the federal government may take to stimulate the economy, particularly on behalf of homeowners.” October Monthly Market Comparison The month of October brought Houston’s overall housing market disappointing results when comparing all listing categories to October of 2007. Total property sales and total dollar volume fell, as did average and median single-family home sales prices. The number of available properties, or active listings, at the end of October fell 8.2 percent from October 2007 to 49,016. That’s 1,139 fewer active listings than September 2008, and is seen as an indication that inventory levels are balanced and that home prices should remain stable. Month-end pending sales – those listings expected to close within the next 30 days – totaled 3,579, which was 21.5 percent lower than last year and suggests another likely sales decline next month. The month’s inventory of single-family homes for October came in at 6.3 months, the lowest level since March of this year. That compares to the October 2007 single-family homes inventory of 6.2 months.

ALL CATEGORIES October 2007 October 2008 PERCENT CHANGE Total property sales 6,327 4,962 -21.6% Total dollar volume $1,233,550,946 $943,444,534 -22.9% Average single-family sales price $197,751 $194,607 -1.6% Median single-family sales price $146,000 $142,000 -2.7% Total active listings 53,407 49,016 -8.2% Total pending sales 4,562 3,579 -21.5% Months inventory* 6.2 6.3 +1.2%

* Months inventory estimates the number of months it will take to deplete current active inventory based on the prior 12 months sales activity. This figure is representative of the single-family homes market.

Single-Family Homes Update At $194,607, the average sales price for single-family homes reached the second highest level recorded for an October in Houston, down 1.6 percent from October 2007 when it was $197,751. The overall median price of single-family homes in October was $142,000. That compares to the national single-family median price of $190,600 reported by the National Association of REALTORS®. These data continue to demonstrate the higher value and lower cost of living that prevail in the Houston market.

Additionally, total October sales of single-family homes in Houston came in at 4,202, down 20.1 percent from October 2007 and the fourteenth straight monthly drop.

HAR also reports existing home statistics for the single-family home segment of the real estate market. In October 2008, existing single-family home sales totaled 3,526, a 17.3 percent decrease from October 2007. At $175,392, the average sales price for existing homes in the Houston area fell 5.3 percent compared to last year. The median sales price of $130,000 for the month was also down 3.7 percent from one year earlier.

Townhouse/Condo Update

The number of townhouses and condominiums sold in October fell compared to one year earlier. In the greater Houston area, 421 units were sold last month versus 534 properties in October 2007, translating to a 21.2 percent decrease in year-over-year sales.

The average price of a townhouse/condominium increased to $161,428, up 0.7 percent from one year earlier and the highest figure for the month of October. The median price dipped 1.5 percent to $129,000 from October 2007 to 2008. That figure is the second highest historically for the month of October. Lease Property Update Demand for single-family and townhouse/condominium rentals increased in October, continuing an upswing triggered by Hurricane Ike, as many sought short-term housing while engaging in storm-related recovery projects. Single-family home rentals rose 36.0 percent in October compared to a year earlier, while year-over-year townhouse/condominium rentals were up 34.1 percent. Houston Real Estate Milestones in October Second highest average single-family home sales price for an October ($194,607); Highest average townhouse/condominium sales price for an October ($161,428); Second highest median townhouse/condominium sales price for an October ($129,000); Lowest month’s inventory of single-family homes since March 2008 (6.3 months).

The computerized Multiple Listing Service of the Houston Association of Realtors® includes residential properties and new homes listed by 26,000 Realtors throughout Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties, as well as parts of Brazoria, Galveston, Waller and Wharton counties. Residential home sales statistics as well as listing information for more than 53,000 properties may be found on the Internet at http://www.har.com.The information published and disseminated to the HAR Multiple Listing Services is communicated verbatim, without change by Multiple Listing Services, as filed by MLS participants. The MLS does not verify the information provided and disclaims any responsibility for its accuracy. All data is preliminary and subject to change. Monthly sales figures reported since November 1998 includes a statistical estimation to account for late entries. Twelve-month totals may vary from actual end-of-year figures. (Single-family detached homes were broken out separately in monthly figures beginning February 1988.) Founded in 1918, the Houston Association of Realtors® (HAR) is a 27,000-member organization of real estate professionals engaged in every aspect of the industry, including residential and commercial sales and leasing, appraisal, property management and counseling. It is the largest individual membership trade association in Houston, as well as the second largest local association/board of Realtors® in the United States.

Real Estate prices across US – Great mapping tool

I just got this today and thought it was fascinating, and I think you will too.

You can move your mouse across most cities in the USA and by clicking on the little house you can then see the median price and the drop/gain in prices.  As you check on the median prices and the average increase or decline from the previous year, you will note that the Houston Market is very strong compared to the majority of the nation. Unfortunately, the Katy/West Houston area is not defined on this map but I will be happy to share that we have been in the # 1 and # 2 position for hottest markets in Houston for the majority of 2007 and 2008. Katy is still very strong and a wonderful place to purchase property and to raise a family.

To see the map click HERE.

As reported on my blog and in my newsletter, houses are being gobbled up now in some markets. In fact, many buyers are purchasing properties in depressed areas, sitting on them and waiting until the market conditions improve. This tells us that there is promise, after all we all need a place to live !

If you are sitting on a stagnant or decreasing IRA or 401K, did you know that you can move those funds (without penalty) into a Self-Directed IRA plan with a trustee/custodian and purchase real estate? Sound interesting? This a fabulous way to have more control over your retirement accounts as well as have the liquidity to move into the real estate market. I know, there are nay sayers who feel that the real estate market is too risky.  Well, have you seen your stock holdings lately? Risky is too soft a word for what happened to many of us. The interesting thing is while many stock holdings have lost up to 50% of their value, most real estate markets have held firm – with the exception of the speculative markets of California, Florida, Nevada and Arizona. These are markets that were unrealistically inflated by speculation and needed a correction – much like the dot com stocks several years ago. Of course, these are the only market we hear about in the news so everyone thinks the entire nation is up for a Fire Sale. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

When I speak about real estate investing, I am not speaking about speculation. That is a very risky enterprise and not a place to put your retirement funds. There are many solid real estate investments out there. In fact, the Warren Buffett’s and Donald Trump’s of the world are already adding to their portfolios. 

I am happy to share more information about Self-Directed retirement accounts and how you can take control of your nest egg. Good Luck and Happy Investing…

Understanding the First Time Home Buyer’s Credit… Before it is Too Late!

1.   Who is eligible to claim the tax credit?
If you are a first-time home buyer purchasing a new home or a resale-you are eligible for the tax credit.  The purchase must take place on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009 to qualify for the tax credit. As it applies to the tax credit, the purchase date is the date when the home closes and the title to the property transfers to the home owner.

2.   What is the definition of a first-time home buyer?
The tax credit law defines a “first-time home buyer” as a buyer who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase. If you are married, both spouses cannot have owned a home.

For example, if you didn’t own a home but your spouse did, you do not qualify.  For unmarried purchasers, the credit amount can be given to any buyer who qualifies as a first-time buyer, for instance, if a parent jointly purchases a home with a son or daughter. If you owned a vacation home or rental property not used as a principal residence you are not disqualified as a first-time home buyer.

3.   How is the amount of the tax credit determined?
The tax credit is 10 percent of the home’s purchase price, however, there is a maximum $8,000 credit.

4.   Are there any income limits for claiming the tax credit?4.
The full tax credit amount is given to buyers with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) of less than $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married taxpayers filing a joint return. For taxpayers with MAGI of more than $95,000 (single) or $170,000 (married) the credit is reduced to zero.  Taxpayers between these figures are prorated accordingly.
  
5.   What is “modified adjusted gross income”?
Modified adjusted gross income or MAGI is defined by the IRS.   For most buyers this will be the figure at the bottom of the first page of form 1040 or 1040A.  For Form 1040 EZ this is reported on line 4 as of 2008.

6.   If my modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) is above the limit, do I qualify for any tax credit?
Possibly. It depends on your income.

7.   Can you give me an example of how the partial tax credit is determined?
There is a $20,000 difference between those who are eligible for a full tax credit and those where the credit is reduced to zero.  If you take the amount you are over the limit by and divide it by the 20,000, this will give you the percentage that you are over the limit by.  Subtract that number from 100% and then multiply it times the $8,000.  That will give you your tax credit amount.

For example: A married couple has a modified adjusted gross income of $165,000. Their income exceeds $150,000 by $15,000. Dividing $15,000 by $20,000 yields 0.75.  This means they are over the limit by 75% and so are eligible for a tax credit of 25%.  Multiplying $8,000 by 0.25 shows that the buyer is eligible for a partial tax credit of $2,000.

Please remember that this is an example. You should always consult your tax advisor.

8.   How is this home buyer tax credit different from the tax credit that Congress enacted in July of 2008?
The most significant difference is that this tax credit does not have to be repaid.  This tax incentive is a true tax credit. But home buyers must use the residence as a principal residence for at least three years or face having to repay it. Certain exceptions apply.

9.   How do I claim the tax credit? Do I need to complete a form or application?
You claim the tax credit on your federal income tax return. Specifically, home buyers should complete IRS Form 5405 to determine their tax credit amount, and then claim this amount on Line 69 of their 1040 income tax return. No other applications or forms are required, and no pre-approval is necessary. However, you will want to be sure that you qualify for the credit under the income limits and first-time home buyer tests.

10.What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit?
Any home that will be used as a principal residence qualifies for the credit. This includes single-family detached homes, attached homes (i.e. townhomes and condominiums), manufactured homes (also known as mobile homes), modular homes and houseboats.  If it qualifies for the capital gains tax on a primary residence, it qualifies for this.

11.I read that the tax credit is “refundable.” What does that mean?
It means that the credit can be claimed even if the taxpayer has little or no federal income tax liability to offset.

For example, if you owe $6,000 in taxes and had $4,500 in taxes withheld for the year you still owe $1,500 in taxes.  You would receive a check from the government for $6,500.  ($8,000 – $1,500 = $6,500.)
Or perhaps more common would be that you have a tax liability of $6,000 and you had $7,500 withheld so you would be getting a refund of $1,500 before the credit – the credit gets added to your refund so you would get a refund of $9,500 ($1,500 + $8,000 = $9,500)
And you don’t have to have any tax liability in the year you claim the credit – but you do have to have income.

12.I purchased a home in early 2009 and have already filed to receive the $7,500 tax credit on my 2008 tax returns.How can I claim the new $8,000 tax credit instead?
You may file an amended 2008 tax return with a 1040X form. You should consult with a tax advisor to ensure you file this return properly.
 
13.Instead of buying a new home from a home builder, I hired a contractor to construct a home on a lot that I already own. Do I still qualify for the tax credit?
Yes. The “purchased” date is the date the owner first occupies the house.  The date of first occupancy must be on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

In contrast, for newly-constructed homes bought from a home builder, eligibility for the tax credit isdetermined by the settlement date.

14.Can I claim the tax credit if I finance the purchase of my home under a mortgage revenue bond (MRB) program?
Yes. The tax credit can be combined with the MRB home buyer program. Note that first-time home buyers who purchased a home in 2008 may not claim the tax credit if they are participating in an MRB program.

15.I live in a district where I am already receiving a first time home buyer credit (Washington D.C.)   Can I claim both credits?
No. You can claim only one.

16.I am not a U.S. citizen. Can I claim the tax credit?
Consult your tax accountant.  If you are NOT a nonresident alien (as defined by the IRS), have not owned a principal residence in the past three years and meet the income limits you may be eligible to claim the tax credit for a qualified home purchase.

17.Is a tax credit the same as a tax deduction?
No. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in what the taxpayer owes. That means that a taxpayer who owes $8,000 in income taxes and who receives an $8,000 tax credit would owe nothing to the IRS.

A tax deduction is subtracted from the amount of income that is taxed. Assuming the same $8,000 tax liability from above, a taxpayer is in the 33 percent tax bracket would have their liability reduced from $8,000 to $5,360. ($8,000 minus 33%).
So the tax CREDIT is much more helpful to the buyer

18.I bought a home in 2008. Do I qualify for this credit?
No, but you may qualify for another tax credit  if you bought  your first home between April 9, 2008 and January 1, 2009.
 
19.Is there any way for a home buyer to get the money before they file their 2009 tax return?
Yes. If you believe you will qualify for the tax credit you can reduce your withholding taxes on your paycheck by adjusting your withholding amount on your W-4 via your employer or through your quarterly estimated tax payment.  You can put this saved money aside to use as a downpayment.
 
IRS Publication 919 contains rules and guidelines for income tax withholding. Please note that if the qualified purchase does NOT occur, then you will be liable for repayment to the IRS of income tax and possible interest charges and penalties.  Consult your account prior to doing this.
 
20.If I’m qualified for the tax credit and buy a home in 2009, can I apply the tax credit against my 2008 tax return?
Yes. The law allows taxpayers the opportunity to treat qualified home purchases in 2009 as if the purchase occurred on December 31, 2008.

Taxpayers buying a home who wish to claim it on their 2008 tax return, but who have already submitted their 2008 return to the IRS, may file an amended 2008 return claiming the tax credit. You should consult with a tax professional to determine how to arrange this.
 
21.For a home purchase in 2009, Can I choose which year to claim the credit (2008 or 2009) to make sure I get the largest credit possible?
Yes.  You can choose to claim the credit in the tax year that will give you the greatest credit based upon your MAGI.  The purchase must take place in 2009.

Social Media… ignore at your own risk!

I had the pleasure today to address an esteemed group of custom builders, members of the Greater Houston Builder’s Association and the subject today was Social Media and Marketing. Marketing for this group has always been very traditional. It is hard to imagine my being able to impress upon them the need to jump into The Groundswell… but I did and they were so interested that we have been asked to come back again to go deeper into this subject.

One of the things I spoke about is that I am the target market for a custom home buyer in Houston. I am a married Female of an age from 35 to 55 (not saying on which range I approach), dual income, heavy saver/investor, empty nester, etc. That said, I asked the audience how they were marketing to reach me with their message. And believe me, it is the woman making the decision here. What man in his right mind would look at his “paid off” home, low taxes, fully landscaped lawn, etc and say to his wife, “Honey, I think we should move…” Yeah, that is not happening.

So how are traditional marketers trying to reach “me”?

How about Print advertisements such as Houston Chronicle and magazines? No, this does not work because I download my Chonicle daily onto my Kindle DX (as well as magazines and books) and I do this for control, ease – only highlights and main articles and no advertising.

Radio? Well, no again… I listen to my iPod and Satelite Radio has effectively allowed listeners to have control over their music and again, avoid ads.

How about TV? Nope… other than the one news channel I watch live… anything else is recorded for later and again, ads are deleted.

So what is my message here? I am a pretty normal gal and not really all that techie but I am what I term “the hidden consumer”. I am hidden in the Groundswell and only respond to those seeking to reach me in my natural habitat.

So what is the lesson here? What worked yesterday, may not work today; and what will work today, most likely will not work tomorrow. Jump in the Social Media Pool… the water is warm and inviting.

Should we extend the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit?

Unless you have been living under a rock, you may have heard that the First Time Home Buyer’s Tax Credit is due to expire at the end of November and along with that, the incentive for new buyers to enter the real estate market. There are some that say this is simply a boondoggle for buyers who would have bought anyway without the monetary bonus. I beg to differ… in my opinion as a “boots on the ground” Realtor working with first time home buyers who were happy renters and only decided to purchase a home with the help and benefit of this incentive… hey, $ 8500 goes a long way toward helping with the down payment, new furnishings or paying the mover.

There are several versions of this bill before our legislators at the moment seeking an extension … which is supported by the National Association of Realtors. I know what you are thinking and yes, that does sounds a bit self-serving for Realtors to support a bill that will help sell real estate. Very much like if GM or Chrysler lent its support for the extension of the infamous Cash for Clunkers program.  But it goes a bit deeper than simply trying to protect real estate transactions. Another version not only seeks an extension but also broadens the coverage to any buyer – which would be a boon to the move-up segment of our society but may prove too costly to pass. Personally, I would love this version to pass but at a minimum, the first time home buyer is the consumer who will benefit the most from an extension of the existing plan.

According to the NY Times Online in a recent article released on September 15th,

“Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Economy.com, favors expanding the credit to all home buyers, even investors, into next summer. “The risks of not doing something like this are too great,” he said. “I don’t think the coast is clear.” James Glassman of JPMorgan Chase echoed those views but said he favored continuing to restrict the credit to first-time buyers.

On the other side of the issue is the Tax Policy Center, a joint venture of the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute. It labeled the original credit as one of the worst provisions of the stimulus package, on the grounds that the money is a bonus for people who would buy a house anyway. The center has an even dimmer view of extending the credit to all buyers. “Is this the best way to spend money we don’t have?” asked senior fellow Roberton Williams.

Dean Baker of the Center for Economic and Policy Research called the credit “a questionable redistributive policy” from renters to home buyers, but said that he used it himself when he bought a house.”

Our nation’s economic health has been and will always be driven in part by our housing market. I agree with Mr. Zandi that while the costs for the credit is high, the cost of doing nothing is so much higher. We are sitting on the edge of recovery and this extension will help push us further toward the brighter future that exists around the corner. Be sure and drop an email or note to your legislator to let them know how important this issue is to your nation’s recovery.

If you would like more information about who qualifies for the current program, click here to visit my previous post “Understanding the First Time Home Buyer’s Tax Credit Before it is Too Late!”

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Houston 10/3/09

 

 

Dear Friends and Family,

Our Prudential Gary Greene Katy office always takes on a project for National Volunteer Day. This year we are joining thousands of other volunteers in a race for life.

I recently accepted the challenge to raise a mere $100.00 funds to support the 2009 Komen Houston Race for the Cure® being held on October 3rd in downtown Houston.  For those that know me and my pitiful ankle (broken or actually “ruined” according to the Ortho four years ago and still recovering from 2 surgeries) understand if this turns into a “Hobble for the Cure” but it will be worth it.

Please join me in the fight against breast cancer by pledging your support in the Race. Your tax-deductible contribution will fund local innovative outreach, awareness and treatment programs for the medically underserved in the greater Houston community as well as national cutting-edge breast cancer research.  

Please click here to support my participation.  I truly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress. I plan to post photos and a short blog about the actual event.

 

I am so proud of our Pink Brigade here at Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors in Katy, TX. We are all racing or walking in honor of Rosemay Derstler’s daughter Nicole and sister Linda, both undergoing treatment for breast cancer as well as Phylis and April who are living as proof of the cure.

Thank you for your generosity.  Imagine Life Without Breast Cancer.

Sincerely,

Christi Borden

Census Bureau to Being …. Word of Caution to Keep in Mind

2010 Census to Begin

THIS IS PRETTY BASIC ADVICE; BUT, IN TODAY’S TIMES, I CAN SEE IT COULD LEAVE AN OPEN DOOR FOR PASSING OUT YOUR PRIVATE INFORMATION.

WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers by Susan Johnson

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is – how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census
worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don’t know into your home.

Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. > Census.

REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.

While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON’T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.

AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION.. No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are
supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org

PLEASE SHARE THIS INFO WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

First Time Home Buyer Credit bill under consideration as explained by CPA

This is a summary of the tax changes in the Baucus-Reid substitute amendment to H.R. 3548:

“The first-time homebuyer credit, set to expire on November 30 under current law, would be expanded and liberalized as follows (changes 2 through 4 would apply for residences bought after the enactment date):

“(1) The credit would sunset on Apr. 30, 2010, but for those who enter into a written binding contract before May 1, 2010 (to close on the purchase of a principal residence before July 1, 2010), the credit would sunset on June 30, 2010.

“(2) The credit would only be available for homes with a purchase price of $800,000 or less (currently there’s no price ceiling).

“(3) The credit would not be restricted to first-time homebuyers. It could be claimed by taxpayers who have owned and used the same residence as their principal residences for any 5 consecutive-year period during the 8-year period ending on the date of the purchase of the subsequent principal residence (i.e., the one that would qualify them for a credit). However, the homebuyer credit for these “long-time residents” could not exceed $6,500.

“(4) The modified AGI-based phaseout would be liberalized. The credit would begin to phase out for individuals with modified AGI above $125,000 ($225,000 for joint filers); currently the phaseout begins at $75,000 and $150,000 respectively.

•  
  • “To help combat abuse of the homebuyer credit (see Newsstand e-mail 10/23/09), the amendment would include in IRS’s mathematical error authority any omission of the homebuyer credit recapture (this would apply for homes bought on or after the enactment date). This authority allows IRS to summarily assess mathematical or clerical errors without conducting an audit. Additionally, the credit would not be available to taxpayers who can be claimed as a dependent, or to those under age 18. New documentation requirements also would apply along with prohibitions against certain intrafamily purchases.
  • “The homebuyer-credit recapture requirement would be waived for military personnel, including members of the Foreign Service and intelligence community, forced to sell as a result of an official extended duty of service. Additionally, military personnel serving outside the U.S. for at least 90 days in 2009 or 2010 would have one additional year to qualify for the homebuyer credit. “

As explained by Jim Turlington, CPA with Turlington, Reeves & Richard, PLLC – 16360 Park Ten Place, Suite 340, Houston, Texas 77084 – Office (281) 398-5661 Ext. 203 – Fax (281) 398-7409

Houston Real Estate Market on the Upswing?

The table below shows the difference between the market experienced in February, June and October YTD 2009.   As you can see, as 2009 progresses, the single-family housing market is slowly marching toward a healthier market.

 

Houston Market Improvement Comparison 2009 of Single-Family Homes
Market Indicator	February ‘09	June ‘09	Oct. ‘09	% Change from June ‘09
# units sold	-24%	-20%	-11%	+81%
Dollar volume sold	-33%	-24%	-14%	+71%
Average Sales Price	-12%	-6%	-4%	+50%
Median Sales Price	-8%	-2%	-1%	+50%
# of Pending Sales	-23%	-21%	-14%	+50%
Active Listings	-20%	-22%	-21%	-.46%

A summary of October YTD market statistics compared to last year:

 

• Sales are down from October YTD 2008 by 11% with 45,391 single-family homes.
• Dollar volume sold is down from October YTD 2008 by 14% with $9,202,482,156.
• Average sales price is currently $202,738, down by 4%.
• Median sales price is $153,000, down by 1% [half of the homes sold above and half below this midpoint range.
• # of contracts written [pending] are 31,101 and that represents 14% fewer than found last year.
• Active listings, a metric that is good if on a decline, are currently 27,758 or 21% less than last year.  This is also a metric that in Houston is the exact opposite heard frequently in the national news.

For more detailed information, go to Prudential Gary Greene Blog

Latest HAR MLS Stats – Prudential Gary Greene # 1

Houston Association of Realtors® MLS Ranking Report      Top Ten Companies | November YTD 2009
Category: Single Family, Townhouse/Condo, Lots, Multi-Family, Country Homes/Acreage, Mid/Hi-Rise Condo
Status: A
Current Active Listings – Data Run December 7, 2009
Area: All Areas
Rank	Broker Code			Company Name			# of Listings			Volume			Average		% Total
1	GGPR			Prudential Gary Greene Realtors®			2205			$674,252,111.00			$305,783.00		4.81
2	COLD			Coldwell Banker United, Realtors			1636			$487,542,780.00			$298,009.00		3.57
3	PBME			Realty Associates			1366			$255,710,769.00			$187,196.00		2.98
4	RELM			Realm Real Estate Professional			695			$133,792,175.00			$192,506.00		1.52
5	TRNR			Martha Turner Properties			686			$636,775,088.00			$928,243.00		1.5
6	KWLC			Keller Williams Realty Conroe			672			$129,148,630.00			$192,185.00		1.47
7	KWHM			Keller Williams Realty			529			$221,636,038.00			$418,971.00		1.15
8	KWWD			Keller Williams Realty			526			$162,520,126.00			$308,973.00		1.15
9	HTEX			Heritage Texas Properties			513			$219,293,358.00			$427,472.00		1.12
10	CREG			Champions Real Estate Group			469			$85,404,373.00			$182,098.00		1.02
Houston Association of Realtors® MLS Ranking Report         Top Ten Companies | November YTD 2009
Category: Single Family, Townhouse/Condo, Lots, Multi-Family, Country Homes/Acreage, Mid/Hi-Rise Condo
Status: Listings Sold YTD through December 7, 2009
Current Listings Sold by Company
Area: All Areas
Rank			Broker Code			Company Name			Sold Listings			Volume		Average		% Total
1			GGPR			Prudential Gary Greene,Realtors			2984			$651,369,084.00		$218,287.00		5.08
2			COLD			Coldwell Banker United, Realtors			2630			$596,564,713.00		$226,830.00		4.48
3			PBME			Realty Associates			1527			$220,260,447.00		$144,243.00		2.6
4			RMXF			RE/MAX Fry Road			1043			$193,878,431.00		$185,885.00		1.78
5			HTEX			Heritage Texas Properties			967			$279,062,143.00		$288,585.00		1.65
6			TRNR			Martha Turner Properties			898			$485,125,641.00		$540,228.00		1.53
7			PDMI			Perry Development Management			833			$228,335,666.00		$274,112.00		1.42
8			RELM			Realm Real Estate Professional			828			$147,773,927.00		$178,470.00		1.41
9			RMCR			RE/MAX Cinco Ranch			770			$130,742,337.00		$169,795.00		1.31
10			RMNW			RE/MAX Northwest, REALTORS			740			$124,413,849.00		$168,126.00		1.26
Houston Association of Realtors® MLS Ranking                       Top Ten Companies | November YTD 2009
Category: Single Family, Townhouse/Condo, Lots, Multi-Family, Country Homes/Acreage, Mid/Hi-Rise Condo
Status: Total Units and Dollar Volume Sold YTD through December 7, 2009
Sold  – Data Run December 7, 2009
Area: All Areas
Rank		Broker Code			Company Name			Sold Units			Volume			Average			% Total
1		GGPR			Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors®			5903			$1,316,306,291.00			$223,041.00			5.73
2		COLD			Coldwell Banker United, Realtors®			5429			$1,247,034,701.00			$229,611.00			5.43
3		TRNR			Martha Turner Properties			1636			$849,959,638.00			$517,291.00			3.7
4		GKPI			Greenwood King Properties			1123			$669,537,742.00			$595,455.00			2.92
5		PBME			Realty Associates			4062			$607,221,863.00			$148,445.00			2.64
6		HTEX			Heritage Texas Properties			1898			$554,529,209.00			$292,233.00			2.42
7		DGTY			John Daugherty, Realtors®			873			$472,375,588.00			$534,428.00			2.06
8		KWHM			Keller Williams Realty			1373			$368,044,818.00			$269,143.00			1.6
9		RELM			Realm Real Estate Professional			2063			$347,435,763.00			$170,069.00			1.51
10		KWWD			Keller Williams Realty			1367			$328,621,368.00			$240,669.00			1.43

New Buyer Tax Credit Eligibility Rules Explained

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Realtor.org) – IRS eligibility guidelines for the homebuyer tax credit when co-borrowers purchase a property have been spelled out.

When a homeowning parent of an adult child co-signs for a mortgage and both names appear on the note, the first-time homebuyer can qualify for the whole amount under some circumstances.

The IRS says the parent doesn’t qualify for any portion of the credit, but if the child hasn’t owned a home during the three years preceding the current purchase and can qualify based on income, he or she can be allocated the entire $8,000 credit.

When unmarried individuals co-purchase a home and only one of them is eligible for the credit, then the full $8,000 can be allocated to the eligible buyer.

Update on Katy, Texas Mobility Issues and Improvements

This is a reply from Andy Meyers – County Commissioner Pct. 3 – when an inquiry was sent in about the traffic build up on Fry Road at 99 in front of the HEB. This was his reply to that inquiry. I have quoted this reply so that this important information could be shared with my readers. Post any questions about this directly with the County Commisioner’s office as they are the best source for this information. I am merely the messenger….

Interstate 10 is a federal highway and SH 99 (Grand Parkway) is a
state road, both are controlled by the Texas Department of
Transportation (TxDOT) not Fort Bend County.

“The traffic signal at SH 99 and Fry Road is controlled by TxDOT, the
traffic signal in front of HEB on Fry Road was installed by HEB, and
the traffic signal at Fry Road and Seven Meadows Blvd. was installed
by the county.  We conducted a year-long traffic study on Fry Road to
find a solution to one of the worst traffic problems we have in the
county.  We closed one of the left-turns off of Fry Road into HEB and
HEB installed a traffic signal at the second left-turn in order to
keep it open.  The county is working with TxDOT to synchronize the
three traffic signals.  TxDOT needs equipment to accomplish this.
TxDOT, at our request, recently made the center east-bound lane of Fry
Road an optional left turn going north onto SH 99 or straight ahead on
Fry.  Also, at our request, TxDOT made the center south-bound SH 99
feeder lane a right-turn lane onto Fry to alleviate the back up of
traffic on SH 99, which was causing a significant safety issue.  That
puts more traffic onto Fry at a quicker pace.  Most of the Fry Road
east-bound traffic coming out of HEB and Home Depot turns north on SH
99.  We are asking the HEB Shopping Center owner to re-configure the
center’s parking lot so traffic coming off Fry Road into HEB parking
lot does not stack up in the parking lot.  This will allow for more
vehicles in the parking lot lanes instead of the vehicles being backed
up on Fry Road.  The turn-lane and parking lot modifications and
coordinated traffic signal timing should move traffic quicker and more
smoothly.  TxDOT will not allow exits/entrances from/to either the HEB
or Home Depot Shopping Centers as their studies show this would create
safety problems.

The major problem with the severe traffic congestion at Fry & SH 99 is
the HEB store is very popular, one of HEB’s highest grossing stores,
and this creates additional traffic volume.  We initially closed both
left-turns off Fry into the HEB center, but that created bigger
problems at Seven Meadows Blvd. with many drivers making a U-Turn at
the signal to get back to HEB.

TxDOT received funding for two (2) direct connectors (ramps), one
going from SH 99 east onto I 10 and the other going from I 10 south
onto SH 99.  Construction is scheduled to begin mid 2010 and will take
18 months.  Traffic signals at that intersection will be re-timed to
accommodate the direct connectors.

The Fort Bend County/Harris County line is essentially at Kingsland
Blvd. and SH 99.

Fort Bend County has begun construction on Katy Gaston from FM 1093 to
Cinco Ranch Blvd. with a traffic signal at Fry and Katy Gaston.  It
will take about 1 year to complete.

The county has also begun construction of the intersection of
Greenbusch and Katy Flewellen, which will have a traffic signal and
which should be completed within the next 90 days.

The county will begin widening Katy Flewellen to 4 lanes from
Greenbusch/Pin Oak to Katy Gaston in February or March 2010.
Construction will take 12 to 18 months to complete.  The Katy
Flewellen/Katy Gaston intersection is now an “All Way” Stop.

The county should begin widening of Greenbusch (Westheimer Parkway) to
4-lanes from Katy Flewellen to Falcon Ranch Blvd. sometime this
summer.  Work will take 12 – 18 months.  We have to wait until the
pipeline company moves its existing pipeline.

We are identifying intersections in the Katy area for traffic signals.
 One under consideration is Fry Road and Spring Green Road.
Installation of traffic control devices (signals, stop signs, yield
signs, speed limits) are dictated by state law.  We are required to
have an independent Traffic Study conducted and that Study has to
conclude that certain conditions are met before the county can install
a traffic control device.

Frozen Pipes – information from Texas Dept. of Insurance

Frozen Pipes

 

(January 2010)

 This information is taken directly from http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/pubs/consumer/cb011.html

Icy winter weather can cause water pipes to freeze and burst if you haven’t prepared them for the frigid temperatures. Outdoor pipes, pipes in unheated areas, and pipes that run along uninsulated exterior walls are susceptible to expanding and bursting if they freeze. The result can be thousands of dollars worth of water damage to your walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture.

Prepare for the Freeze

You can protect your home by taking the following precautions to prepare your pipes for a freeze:

• Protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and pipes in unheated areas by wrapping them with rags, newspapers, trash bags, or plastic foam.
• Insulate your outdoor water meter box and be sure the lid is on tight.
• Cover any vents around your home’s foundation.
• Drain water hoses and store them in a garage or shed.
• Protect outdoor electrical pumps.
• Drain swimming pool circulation systems or keep the pump motor running. (Run the pump motor only in a short freeze. Running the motor for long periods could damage it.)
• Drain water sprinkler supply lines.
• Open the cabinets under the sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow heated air to circulate around the water pipes.
• Set your thermostat at a minimum of 55 degrees, especially when you’re gone for the day or away for an extended period.
• Let indoor faucets drip, but don’t run a heavy stream of water.
• Make sure you know where your home’s shut-off valve is and how to turn it on and off.
• If you leave town, consider turning off your water at the shut-off valve. Leave your faucets on when you turn the water off to drain the pipes.  Make sure you turn the faucets off before you turn the shut-off valve back on.
• If you drain your pipes, contact your electric or gas utility company for instructions on protecting your water heater.

If Your Pipes Freeze

If a pipe bursts and floods your home, turn the water off at the shut-off valve.  Call a plumber for help if you can’t find the broken pipe or if it’s inaccessible.  Don’t turn the water back on until the pipe has been repaired.

If the pipe hasn’t burst, thaw it out with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater, or towel soaked with hot water. Don’t use a blowtorch or other open-flame device. They are fire risks and could produce dangerous carbon monoxide.

Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipe. Never concentrate heat in one spot because cracking ice can shatter a pipe. Turn the faucet on and let it run until the pipe is thawed and water pressure returns to normal.

If You Have Damage

Contact your insurance agent or company promptly. Follow up as soon as possible with a written claim to protect your rights under Texas’ prompt-payment law.

Review your coverage. Most homeowners and renters policies pay to repair houses and replace personal property damaged by the bursting pipes. Most policies also pay for debris removal and for additional living expenses if you have to move temporarily because of damage to your home. If you can’t find your policy, ask your agent or company for a copy.

Homeowners policies may require you to make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage. Your policy covers the cost of these repairs. Keep all receipts and damaged property for the adjuster to inspect. If possible, take photos or videos of the damage before making repairs. Don’t make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before an adjuster inspects the damage.

Most homeowners policies do not cover loss caused by freezing pipes while your house is unoccupied unless you used reasonable care to maintain heat in the building; shut off the water supply; and drain water from plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems.

For More Information or Assistance

For answers to general insurance questions or for information on filing an insurance-related complaint, call the Consumer Help Line between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Central time, Monday-Friday, or visit our website

1-800-252-3439
463-6515 in Austin
www.tdi.state.tx.us

For printed copies of consumer publications, call the 24-hour Publications Order Line

1-800-599-SHOP (7467)
305-7211 in Austin

Help us prevent insurance fraud. To report suspected fraud, call our toll-free Fraud Hot Line

1-888-327-8818

To report suspected arson or suspicious activity involving fires, call the State Fire Marshal’s 24-hour Arson Hot Line

1-877-4FIRE45 (434-7345)

The information in this publication is current as of the revision date. Changes in laws and agency administrative rules made after the revision date may affect the content. View current information on our website. TDI distributes this publication for educational purposes only. This publication is not an endorsement by TDI of any service, product, or company.

For more information contact: ConsumerProtection@tdi.state.tx.us

Is Now the Time to Invest in Real Estate?

I always liked being the center of attention, even as a kid in my grandfather’s restaurant where I frequently accompanied the piano player – probably to the chagrin of those trying to enjoy their food.

I still get the same attention now – without the singing, mind you –  because my business is the business of real estate. When anyone finds out I am a Realtor, the subject of conversation invariably hits on “How is our market?”. I love this, of course, because it is one of my favorite subjects.

In reading today’s Tycoon Report, I came across a blog addressing real estate in Florida and how the economic indicators point to NOW as a terrific time to get off the sidelines and hit the field.

One thing you will note in this article is that the author addresses investment to “hold and lease” – much different from Speculation – which is the type of investing that got us into so much trouble. If you purchase property or any investment for that matter in anticipation of earning money from the short term sale of that property – you are a speculator. While in some areas of the country that gambit has paid off, most have seen  their dreams of instant wealth vanish before their eyes. I am still amazed at people that lost money through investments during the dot.com debacle with the attitude of “easy come/easy go” but when the same thing happened in real estate, they were shocked and felt that they “were done wrong” by some entity and should be “bailed out”. Why did they expect protections for speculating in real estate that they did not expect for stocks? Gambling is gambling, no matter what you wish to call it. While I love a go at the Craps tables occasionally, I promise you that the Pit Boss is not going to give my money back just because I do not know what I am doing!

Let’s take a look at real estate as a true investment without the specter of Speculation hanging over our heads. Purchasing a property to hold and lease no longer takes into account the sole expectation that the property will appreciate (there are no guarantees in this world) but sets the expectation for a reasonable rental income (backed up by factual past rental data for that particular type of property and area) and then perhaps the hope of some accrual of appreciation at the end of the life of that investment (icing on the cake but not the batter itself).

Self-Directed IRA’s could be a good way to fund your investment but you need to know that this is heavily regulated and you would not want to make an improper move that would endanger your IRA protections. I would talk to a Self-Directed IRA specialist before moving in this direction. Also note the words “Self-Directed”, meaning you need to know what you are doing. Hire a professional Realtor to assist with finding the best properties to meet your investment goals. Word of caution: Do not be tempted to jump on the latest Foreclosure just because it looks like a “deal”. There are many factors that go into finding a viable leasehold investment and “deal” is not at the top of that list.

All in all, now is a terrific time to investigate real estate as a long-term investment to add to your diverse financial portfolio. Good Luck!

Katy makes the Gadberry Group’s top 5 position!

 

Group, renowned supplier of Household Level Geo-Demographics names their nine most notable high-growth areas in the nation from 2009 and guess what, our wonderful Katy is number 5. Click here to view the entire report.

Katy, Texas

Katy was one of the Top 25 candidates in 2008 and occupies the number five position in this year’s list. The area is second for absolute household change, adding 15,699 households since 2000, and was third for percent household change, increasing from 6,585 households in 2000 to 22,284 households in 2008, or 238%.

Katy tied with Mansfield for highest percentage of children compared to total population at 42%. It is also the most ethnically diverse of this year’s places, with no ethnic group having less than 6% of total households and all major ethnic groups growing more than 150% since 2000.

Those of us who live, work and play in Katy, TX are not surprised. Our growth has remained strong and constant. We are consistently recognized as one of the hottest real estate markets in the Greater Houston Area (which is also one of the hottest in the US).

Why Katy, you ask? What has led to this amazing growth? We have wonderful master-planned communities, terrific access to thoroughfares for your commute to work, close proximity to the huge energy corridor (a major employer in our area), one of the strongest school systems in the State, constantly growing retail, entertainment, dining, shopping opportunities and now, we are currently developing into a major medical area know as the Med-Center West.

So many reasons to love living here… and it is great to be given this national recognition. If you would like to know more about our area, please visit my web site www.ChristiBorden.com  or give me a call 832-368-5953.

Update from Katy Independent School Distrist (KISD) Trying to Clear Up Misconceptions about the Attendance Boundary Modifications (ABM)

From the District:

“We have received feedback that many of you are not able to make out your subdivision on the map that was provided in the e-mail that was sent out earlier today. We do not have a map with street names at this time; however, below is a listing of neighborhoods that are under consideration for Attendance Boundary Modification.

If your neighborhood is NOT listed below, then you are NOT under consideration for Attendance Boundary Modification.

LUZ 66 Highland Trails
LUZ 66 Kelliwood Enclave
LUZ 66 Kelliwood Gardens
LUZ 66 Kelliwood Lakes
LUZ 66 Kelliwood Place
LUZ 66 Kelliwood Trails
LUZ 66 Lake Forest
LUZ 66 Lakes of Buckingham
LUZ 71A Alexan Downs Apart.
LUZ 71A Kelliwood Pointe
LUZ 71A Kelliwood Terrace
LUZ 71A Willow Park Greens
LUZ 71B Meadow Ridge
LUZ 71C Park Hollow
LUZ 71C Park View
LUZ 76C Bayou Crossing
LUZ 77A Fairways at Kelliwood
LUZ 77A Greens at Willowfork
LUZ 77A Kelliwood Greens
LUZ 77B Arbor at Willow Fork
LUZ 79B Canterbury Village
LUZ 79B Meadow Glen
LUZ 79B Residences at Cinco Ranch
LUZ 79B South Park
LUZ 79B Summer Point
LUZ 79C Canyon Gate
LUZ 79D Estates at Willowfork Greens
LUZ 79D Kelliwood Greens
LUZ 79D Kelliwood Park
LUZ 79F Saddlebrook Crossing
LUZ 79G Park Trace

——————————————————————————–

Attendance Boundary Modification

It has come to our attention that there are several rumors running rampant through the community regarding the ABM. These rumors are inaccurate and we regret the unnecessary stress these rumors are causing some of our district families. Modifying attendance boundaries is a sensitive issue and accurate information is essential. We would like to take this time to address some of these rumors:

Rumor 1) An e-mail is currently circulating in the community stating that all of the neighborhoods under consideration for ABM will be attending Taylor High School next year.

FACT: The map below indicates in yellow which neighborhoods are under consideration for ABM at this time. While the ABM recommendation to be discussed has some neighborhoods currently attending Cinco Ranch High moving to Taylor High School next year, the district has not considered moving any neighborhoods from Seven Lakes to Taylor. The district is, however, considering moving some neighborhoods from Seven Lakes to Cinco Ranch.

Rumor 2) It has also been circulating in the community that high school students who may be moved from their current high school to another and participate in athletics may need to sit out one year for eligibility per UIL rules.

FACT: UIL eligibility will not be an issue. In fact, the district has been studying scenarios resulting in the least disruption to students. It is anticipated that current high school students will remain unaffected by the ABM. In other words, students currently in the 9th – 11th grades will stay at their current high school until graduation. In addition, families with younger siblings will have the opportunity to attend the same high school as the older sibling, as long as they both attend at the same time.

Living in a fast growth district comes with many opportunities, and some challenges as well. We understand that with an issue as emotionally charged as ABM, there are those who will take advantage of the situation and use it as an opportunity to spread misinformation. Unfortunately, this does nothing but cause anxiety in the community. Thank you for looking to us for accurate information and please continue to send e-mails to communications@katyisd.org so that we can have the opportunity to address these rumors and help separate fact from fiction.”

What Happens When Pets are Abandonded Along with the House?

 

I just read a moving blog about a family pets that are left when people abandon their home to Foreclosure. I know I see the condition of many of these homes and can only imagine what the folks have gone through. Many times, these sweet animals are left with no food or water and to basically fend for themselves. As domesticated animals, that is pretty much a death sentence. 

This story tells how the local Realtors helped find homes for several such animals. Click here to read the article. I want to applaud those guys and gals who have assisted in helping to find homes for the innocent animals. We have a wonderful connection in Grand Lakes, Lisa Lambert. Her email is GrandLakes4Pets@aol.com. She has been instrumental in helping many animals find their parents or foster homes. She is kind enough to send me notice that I post on the Lost Pets page of this blog. Thank you, Lisa, for all you do for pets in Katy. You are awesome. 

So, what can we do? First and foremost, please let someone… anyone know if you suspect there is an abandoned pet. Even if you are not sure, it is better to be safe than sorry. There are plenty of sites that post lost and found pets and we are all happy to assist. 

If you find a pet but are worried about approaching an unknown animal, then it is always better to call a professional to assist. Remember though that many organizations do euthanize animals within a very short time frame so please use caution if you are not sure that this pet has been abandoned. 

If you know of any local organizations in the West Houston Area to assist with pets, please post here. I am always a supporter of CAP (click here to view their site) and we even found our pet, Macie the wonder Mutt, at their facility over 11 years ago. Great pets there if you wish to adopt rather than spend a fortune on a designer dog. IMHO, mutts know they have been saved and end up being more grateful to their owners but that is for another story. 

Just a reminder, if you have lost or have found a pet in the Katy, TX area, please email me christi@christiborden.com or post it to this blog. If you will attach a photo (must be in  jpg, jpeg, png, gif, pdf, doc, ppt, odt, pptx, docx.) format for me to upload onto blog. I am happy to share the information with my readers. Thank you for spending a moment with me today. Keep warm.

What are your rights under Foreclosure?

Are you at the stage where you feel you have nowhere to go but give up? There is a place to go for answers. You do have certain rights and you need to know them.

The Texas Real Estate Center located at Texas A&M University in College Station is a wonderful source for the consumer and real estate professionals alike.

There is currently a terrific guide to inform homeowner’s of their rights when they fall under the dark cloud of foreclosure. Click here to view this great consumer information.

Going through financial crisis is hard enough without knowing where to turn. If you need questions about the process, be sure to talk to your bank, to your attorney and also to a Realtor as there may be alternatives to Foreclosure.

Tax Credit Deadline Fast Approaches….

Deadline  rapidly approaching for Tax Credits for first time home buyers and home sellers considering moving up. Should you make your move?

Call me for a free, no-obligation consultation to see if you can benefit by making your move now versus waiting until later this year.

The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009′s tax credit of up to $6,500 for qualified move-up home buyers ends April 30, 2010. You can purchase by June 30, 2010 but must have a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010.

 The first time buyers tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence also ends April 30, 2010. A purchase completed by June 30, 2010 (with a binding sales contract signed by April 30, 2010) may qualify.

It usually takes 30 to 45 days from the moment we find the right home to the exciting day you get your keys. That means that we should start the home search process at this time. If you send me your basic criteria for your dream home (area, price, size, # of bedrooms/bathrooms, features, garage space, school requirements, etc.), I can create a complimentary client web page that will send you a list of properties that meet your criteria. You can then pick your favorites and we can schedule a private showing of these homes. Once we find your perfect home, we will run a market analysis of this property as it compares to recent sales to help you determine a fair offer price. We assist with all negotiations, attend your inspections, watch over and coordinate all aspects of the transaction (opening escrow, appraisal, survey, HOA documents, Title Commitment, etc.) to help ensure a smooth transaction.

Historically low interest rates, historically low housing prices in most areas and great values in the move up home market make this the perfect time to act. Call me for a free consultation to run the numbers for you. Don’t miss out on the great values!

Christi Borden, Realtor

832-368-5953

christi@christiborden.com

www.ChristiBorden.com

Prudential Gary Greene, Top Fundraiser Again for Sunshine Kids in US!

Prudential Real Estate Network Raises $1.3 Million for The Sunshine Kids in 2009

by christiborden

The Prudential Real Estate Network raised more than $1.3 million for The Sunshine Kids (SSK) foundation in 2009. SSK is a national non-profit organization dedicated to serving children with cancer. Established in 1982 in Houston, TX, The Sunshine Kids Foundation provides a variety of programs, free-of-charge, for children receiving cancer treatments in hospitals across the United States, Canada, and Mexico – like trips to Colorado, Hawaii, Washington DC and other great places. Visit www.SunshineKids.org to learn more about this amazing organization.

Throughout the year, Prudential Real Estate Network members participate in many fundraising activities including golf tournaments, auctions, bake sales, and the Listing Program – where our agents voluntarily earmark portions of their commissions earned through their real estate sales. These programs, among many others, help support The Sunshine Kids.

Expressing his gratitude to the Network at the 2010 Sales Convention, G.W. Bailey, SSK executive director and Movie/TV star, said, “In a most challenging market you found it in your heart to raise $1,304,841 in 2009.”

Congratulations to the top fund-raising company, Houston’s own Prudential GARY GREENE, REALTORS who donated more than $338,000 to the foundation.

Our next great fundraiser in West Houston is the Katy Sunshine Fest in Katy, TX on Thursday, April 22, 2010. This annual event will blow the socks off of last year – which was attended by over 600 invited guests and raised over $ 30,000 for The Sunshine Kids.

The fun event kick’s off with a fantastic Fashion Show and is followed by a great evening of music, food, friends, fun and more importantly… fundraising! We will offer a great silent and live auction as well as raffle prizes. We have 6 fabulous area restaurants providing food and drinks. While we do not charge admission, we ask for a $ 10 donation at the door and hope that our guests come with hearts and wallets open for the kids.

If you would like to sponsor this great event or would like information on attending, please contact me christi@christiborden.com .

See you there!

Katy, TX – Cinco Ranch Does it Again! in Katy, TX – # 1 in sales in US

by christi borden

 According to a report by the PR Newswire – March 23, 2010 –  Newland Communities’ Cinco Ranch in Katy (sprawling suburb 20+ miles west of downtown Houston) was the nation’s top-selling master-planned community for new-home sales in 2009, according to a survey by RCLCO, an independent real estate advisory firm.

“With 887 net new-home sales in 2009, Cinco Ranch topped the RCLCO study, moving up from second place in 2008. Sales in the 7,600-acre community were up 14%, making it one of only four communities on the top 10 list to report a positive new-home sales gain from 2008 to 2009. Telfair, another Houston community by Newland Communities, was ranked fourth, up from sixth the year prior, with 450 new-home sales, a 9% sales increase over 2008 levels.”

 Interestingly, Newland held 5 spots in the top-selling 15 for last year: Cinco Ranch, Telfair, Eagle Springs, Teravista and FishHawk Ranch, No other developer has held such a record and continues to be the leader in not only sales but resident satisfaction.

The Cinco marketing folks have recently changed their campaign to, “Cinco Ranch, Your Comfort Zone”. At a time when the economy across the nation has people skittish about real estate, this is a brilliant approach. Buyers need to feel comfortable or safe when making a home purchase. This has never been truer than for the relocation buyer – who may only be here for a year or two before moving again and needs to place his/her family in the safest area in terms of resale value. Although there are many choices out there, one must really look to the strength of the community and the developer along with the actual builder when considering a purchase. Buyers understand this as do the Realtors that serve them. No amount of incentives or give-aways can change the fact that community is so very important in our area – not just in terms of resale values but also quality of life. If you research the sales data for area builders, you will note that many of them are being kept afloat because of the strength of the very communities in which they build.

 ”Newland’s sales success at Cinco Ranch can be attributed to the product diversity our homebuilders offer, the proven established track records of these communities, and a highly focused marketing approach that speaks to our customer needs,” McLeod continued.
Houston’s strong showing in the RCLCO study underscores the fact that the city is a bright spot in the national economy.

 RCLCO has been releasing its top-selling MPC rankings since 1994.

About Newland Communities
Newland Communities is the largest private developer of planned communities in the United States. With a legacy that began in 1968, Newland specializes in comprehensive residential and urban mixed-use master planning with expertise in leading large-scale single and multifamily new-home communities. Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Newland and its affiliated companies are currently developing and managing nearly 40 projects in 14 states. www.newlandcommunities.com

 About RCLCO

RCLCO is an independent real estate advisory firm, providing market and financial analysis and strategic planning services to a broad spectrum of clients including developers, corporations, financial institutions, institutional and private investors, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations around the globe.

Coming April 22, 2010 in Katy, TX – Katy Sunshine Fest to benefit The Sunshine Kids!

Terrific planning meeting today for our upcoming Katy Sunshine Fest, April 22, 2010.This is the fourth such event that is brought to you by the Katy office of Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors. If you have not been before, you have really missed a special event.

Great crowds at last year's event.

 We will have an amazing 8300 sq. ft. steel-erected tent in our parking lot next to La Centera. The event opens with a great Fashion Show with hot Spring fashions provided by La Centera shops. We are so fortunate to have the following area restaurants providing complimentary nibbles for our expected crowd of over 750 guests: Rainforest Cafe, Candelari’s Pizza, La Vida Loca, Hooters, Fish City Grill and Corino’s! We have delicious adult libations being presented by Falcon Point Golf Club, Stadia Sports Bar and La Vida Loca. 

Catwalk action at the Sunshine Fest Fashion Show!

 We also have an amazing live auction: Country Music Legends signed guitar and hat, Rockets Championship signed basketballs, signed Astro’s home plate, Rock Legend’s signed guitar, Taylor Swift, Hank Williams Jr., Faith Hill, Bon Jovi, George Strait signed guitar(s), and more. We have a terrific silent auction with too many wonderful items to mention but a great place to get those early Mother’s Day, Graduation and Father’s Day gifts.

We also have 3 exciting raffle items: Trip to New York to see Kristin Chenowith in a Broadway play (and personally autographed items from the star), Galveston Get-away San Luis Penthouse Suite and dinner and a fun Stay-cation in the exciting City Centre area with dinner at Flemings and a night out at the movies!

We still have sponsorships available starting from $ 250 to $ 10,000. Anyone wishing to be counted as a sponsor of this fabulous invitation-only event (expect over 700 guests), let me know.

If you would like an invitation to join us for the Katy Sunshine Fest, please contact me 832-368-5953 or email me at christi@christiborden.com.

March 2010 - Presentation of Check for $ 338,199.39 - Prudential Gary Greene top fundraiser in entire Prudential Network.

Last year we raised over $ 30,000 for The Sunshine Kids Foundation. Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors was recognized again as the number one fundraiser for the nation among Prudential Real Estate and Relocation companies. Sponsorship and donations are down across the country due to the economy. Let’s show them that Texas is strong and we never let down our kids!

For more information about (click here) The Sunshine Kids and their mission of bringing smiles and fun to kids undergoing treatment for cancer. When you meet these kids and fall in love with them, you will understand why we have made this cause our own.

*The Sunshine Kids is a non-profit organization dedicated to children with cancer. Established in 1982, we are committed to providing positive group activities and emotional support for young cancer patients. The Sunshine Kids provides a variety of programs and events, free of charge, for kids who are receiving cancer treatments in hospitals across North America.

Planning to move? Houston TX is # 1 Destination City….

…According to the recently released U-Haul InternationalMigration Trend Report, titled “The 2009 Top 50 U.S. Destination Cities.” According to moving data reflective of nationwide statistics for calendar year 2009, Houston took the No. 1 spot, moving up from second place, while Las Vegas took second place, moving up from the No. 4 rank last year. Chicago climbed to No. 3 from No. 7 last year, while San Antonio ranked No. 4, moving up from No. 8. Orlando, Fla. moved up to fifth place from the No. 10 rank last year, and Austin, Texas; Atlanta, Sacramento, Calif., Kansas City, Mo. and Denver rounded out the top 10.

“The ranking reflects destinations for movers traveling more than 50 miles, and considers every city in the country, regardless of size. However, the data is not stated as a percentage of population and is not reflective of overall growth.

The 2009 Top 50 U.S. Destination Cities Report was compiled from more than 1 million U-Haul truck transactions occurring during a recent 12 month period.

To view the entire article, visit Business Week .

U-Haul Top 50 U.S. Destination Cities* January – December 2009 1. HOUSTON, Texas 26. CHARLOTTE, N.C. 2. LAS VEGAS, Nev. 27. OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. 3. CHICAGO, Ill. 28. MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. 4. SAN ANTONIO, Texas 29. BRONX, N.Y. 5. ORLANDO, Fla. 30. PORTLAND, Ore. 6. AUSTIN, Texas 31. TUCSON, Ariz. 7. ATLANTA, Ga. 32. QUEENS, N.Y. 8. SACRAMENTO, Calif. 33. BALTIMORE, Md. 9. KANSAS CITY, Mo. 34. LONG BEACH, Calif. 10. DENVER, Colo. 35. PLANO, Texas 11. PHILADELPHIA, Pa. 36. BIRMINGHAM, Ala. 12. SAN DIEGO, Calif. 37. FULLERTON, Calif. 13. BROOKLYN, N.Y. 38. TULSA, Okla. 14. PHOENIX, Ariz. 39. MILWAUKEE, Wis. 15. DALLAS, Texas 40. SEATTLE, Wash. 16. COLUMBUS, Ohio 41. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. 17. TAMPA, Fla. 42. SAN JOSE, Calif. 18. LOS ANGELES, Calif. 43. COLUMBIA, S.C. 19. VAN NUYS, Calif. 44. FORT WORTH, Texas 20. COSTA MESA, Calif. 45. RICHMOND, Va. 21. NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. 46. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. 22. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. 47. RALEIGH, N.C. 23. INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. 48. FRESNO, Calif. 24. SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. 49. EDISON, N.J. 25. SAINT LOUIS, Mo. 50. VICTORVILLE, Calif. *Data compiled from more than 1 million U-Haul one-way truck transactions from January – December 2009.

Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors is ranked as Houston’s Market Leader

by REAL Trends 500

HOUSTON, TX – May 13, 2010 – Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors ranks as the market leader in residential real estate in Houston, Texas, as reported in 2010 REAL Trends 500. The annual report was released this month by Denver-based REAL Trends, Inc., a leading source of analysis and information on the residential brokerage industry.

Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors achieved Houston Market Leader status with more closed transactions and more closed volume than any other residential real estate company in Houston in 2009.

The company also ranked as one of the largest regional brands in the country. Gibraltar Mortgage Services and Greater Houston Financial Services, in Prudential Gary Greene’s Home Services division, were also recognized as national leaders in their fields.

Marilyn Eiland and Mark Woodroof serve as partners of Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors, which was founded in Houston in 1963 as Gary Greene, Realtors and became part of the Prudential Real Estate Network in 2000. The real estate services company provides a single point of access to all move-related service needs.

“We strive to be a trusted source for the consumer during what is often a difficult time of transition,” said Eiland. “We are proud of our leadership and our expert sales professionals who continue to not only meet, but exceed the expectations of our clients,” added Woodroof.

Recently, Eiland and Woodroof were honored by Prudential Real Estate Services as Broker of the Year, an award given for outstanding professionalism, honesty, integrity, business savvy and community service. In presenting the honor, James Mallozzi, chairman and CEO of Prudential Real Estate and Relocation Services, Inc., commended them on their perfect blend of leadership and ownership. “Even in challenging times, this company has grown in size, stature and influence and represents a strong force in Texas real estate.”

Prudential Gary Greene offices cover the Houston area, with locations in Houston’s Inner Loop area, Bay Area, Champions/Louetta, Friendswood, Galveston, Katy, Memorial, Northeast Houston and Wallisville, the Northwest/ 290 corridor, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and its newest office in the booming community of Cypress.

On the philanthropic front, the company has made a difference through their fundraising efforts for the Sunshine Kids Foundation, which they have supported for the past 17 years. In 2009, they donated over $330,000 to the nonprofit that offers support to children with cancer and their families. Their work for the Sunshine Kids includes the annual Craig Biggio Celebrity Gala and Golf Classic and other events throughout the year sponsored by their branch offices.

G. W. Bailey, executive director of the Sunshine Kids Foundation, said: “Marilyn Eiland, Mark Woodroof, and their whole organization, have made it possible for us to create more activities for more kids with cancer – not only in Houston but all across the U.S. and Canada. They have had an enormous, incalculable impact on our operations.”

Q.What is the big deal about Master Planned Communities anyway?

by christi borden, realtor

A. I just finished writing an offer for a client and he and others always ask me what makes Cinco Ranch or other master-planned communities so special, i. e. more expensive and more elusive than other housing options in the Katy/West Houston Area.

One word explains it all… security. And not in the usual sense of the word from a personal security standpoint. I actually refer to security as it relates to your financial investment in your home. No Realtor with any sense will guarantee a buyer that his or her home will appreciate in any area in the United States or at least they should not – even in an area with a pretty darned good track record like ours.

All we can do for our clients when advising them as their buyer’s representative in a real estate transaction is to inform and disclose all we know that could have a positive or negative impact on the value of their property and the value of the quality of life. There are so many variables to the process that no one can predict what will happen so we have to look at the past to help us understand the future.

As Houston is not a city with proper Zoning for residential areas, developers (the really good ones) take it upon themselves to master-plan or self-zone their developments with one goal in mind: helping their residents enjoy their lifestyle while retaining property values. This is a good goal and some do it better than others. One of the reasons the South Katy market has consistently been one of the hottest markets in Houston is our developers have taken their role seriously and have created award-winning and world-renowned communities such as: Cinco Ranch, Grand Lakes, Seven Meadows, Cross Creek Ranch, Firethorne and even the older areas like Kelliwood and Green Trails. Richmond and Fulshear are also areas with great new communities such as: Lakes of Bella Terra, Fulshear Creek Crossing and Weston Lakes.

So how much difference does a neighborhood make when comparing similar houses? Well, it could mean more available amenities to improve quality of life, a Home Owner’s Association that has stringent rules and enough capital to take care of the community, and when you plan to sell in the future: the difference of a quicker sale for top dollar or an extended stay on the market and less than you hope to sell for in the future.

When searching for a home in the Katy market, make sure your Realtor knows the area well because “where you buy” is often more important than “what you buy”, which makes for very big deal… indeed.

Realtors working hard for homeowner’s rights! Tax Credit Deadline extended and Flood Insurance issue resolved!!!

by christiborden

Last night, the Senate passed the National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2010 (H.R. 5569), an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program until September 30, 2010. This will allow transactions to move forward. The bill is retroactive and covers the lapse period from June 1, 2010, to the date of enactment of the extension. National Association of Realtors members sent more than 250,000 letters to Members of Congress encouraging them to extend the program.

Additionally, Congress passed an extension of the closing deadline for the Home-buyer Tax Credit, the Home-buyer Assistance and Improvement Act (H.R. 5623). The extension applies only to transactions that have ratified contracts in place as of April 30, 2010, that have not yet closed. The legislation is designed to create a seamless extension; the new closing deadline for eligible transactions is now September 30, 2010. There will be no gap between June 30 and the date the President signs the bill into law. Extending the tax credit closing deadline will help provide additional stability to real estate markets across the nation.

This was crucial as we all worked so hard for our buyers to help them write contracts before the April 30th deadline… only to find ourselves out in the cold when it came to making the closing deadline of midnight, last night. Underwriting restrictions and backlog simply made that deadline a fantasy rather than reality for many. Another reason for delays in closing was inability to purchase flood insurance across the nation. For many of those in areas that mandate this purchase, their hands were tied and their transactions were unable to close.

Our political action committees across the nation (whether at a national, state or local level) worked hard to get our members motivated to send emails, letters and phone calls to our legislators to show them how important it was to our clients and fellow constituents, to get these matters taken care of NOW!

Looks like they listened….

Why has our Buyer Cancelled the Deal? Today’s Home Seller Dilemma…

by christiborden

While real estate certainly has its ups and downs (one of the reasons I love it), some of the hardest minutes are those right before I have to call my seller to tell them that their buyer has terminated their contract. Whether it be on the last day of their Option Period* or the day prior to our closing date, it is still a very hard pill to swallow. And for the sellers, it can be devastating.

In this very interesting (read, volatile) real estate and economic climate, this is occurring all too frequently. Why? First and foremost, buyer confidence has certainly been impacted by the economy, worries about tax increases, health care reform costs, job security (or lack thereof) and locally, the issue of the BP gusher in the Gulf. When you come to think of it, with all of those worries, it is a wonder buyers can get out of bed each day, much less commit to purchase the largest financial investment of their lives.

Second, we in the Katy, TX (and much of Houston) markets have to deal with the issue of abundant, reasonably priced inventory (much of it new construction). Buyers will commit to one property, write an offer, agree to a contract price, even go through inspections only to find that their dream home has now come onto the market and all bets are off. Goodbye, Buyer…

Third, I have seen recently quite a few buyers cancel a contract over inspection items that in the past would not have been of great concern. It seems like today’s buyers want a resale home to be perfect in every way – and frankly, even the new homes rarely pass inspection with flying colors. Most if not all inspection deficiencies can be repaired but there have been instances where seller agrees to repair everything and the buyer is still not satisfied. Why is that? I think in some cases it has to do with cultural misunderstandings of how our inspections work here and the grandfather clause for many changes in codes through the years. Another factor may be the lack of an experienced and professional Realtor representing the buyer (who should prepare their buyer for what to expect upon inspection and what may be reasonable or not reasonable to expect a seller to repair). I have actually seen agents send over an inspection list and say to the seller, “Buyer wants you to repair all items”. If the agent had done their work in counseling their client, they would have told them that inspectors are required to inspect with today’s code in mind but sellers are not mandated to bring their homes to today’s standards. This can go a long way in helping keep buyer’s expectations reasonable and could alleviate a lot of frustration on the part of all parties when and if repair items are requested.

So, how do we help our sellers understand that a contract is only as strong as the buyer behind it (or as strong as the buyer’s Realtor and Lender, but that is another story indeed). First, we must truly analyze the offer as to all terms, not just price. Even with multiple offers in hand, remember that the buyer you let go may be the one you wish for 2 weeks down the road.

All parties need to have a back-up plan if the transaction fails. One thing I tell my seller is DO NOT start packing until the inspection is completed and all repair negotiations, if any, are worked out to the satisfaction of all parties. In Texas we have a Termination Option* that allows the buyer a given amount of days after the execution of contract to terminate for any reason, whatsoever, and still retain his earnest money. This is usually the time period that inspections are completed and any repairs negotiated.

Once that period expires, then the buyer is contractually committed to close. Does that mean it is a sure thing? No way! There is also a time frame within which the final loan approval process must be complete and this allows the buyer to be released from the contract with his earnest money in tact if for some reason the loan cannot move forward - loss of job is a great example here.

So what is a seller to learn from this?

• Please be aware that a contract is no guarantee of a closing.
• Have a back-up plan so that you do not find yourself homeless if the deal falls out at the end.
• Be informed: Stay in touch with your Realtor and make sure he/she is constantly in touch with all the parties involved: buyer’s agent, title escrow officer, buyer’s lender, etc.
• Allow a flexible timeframe between your next purchase and the closing of your current home, even if it means asking for a temporary lease from your buyer or moving your family to a hotel and your household items to temporary storage to allow for closing delays – which unfortunately is more frequent that we would all like. I have seen transactions built on multiple back-to-back closings crumble like a deck of cards which could have been prevented if all parties had left wiggle room in between the closing dates.
• And if by chance your buyer terminates, it is not the end of the world. Pick yourself back up, dust yourself off, repair needed items presented on inspection and proudly put yourself back out on the market … You will find that your next buyer was really the best buyer for you and everything eventually always works out for the best.

Good luck and happy selling!

Low Home Appraisal? What Do You Do Now?

by christiborden

So everything seemed to be going well in the home selling process…

• Listed with your favorite Realtor – Check
• Home Staged to attract buyers – Check
• Good showing traffic and feedback – Check
• Ready, Willing and Able Buyer presents an offer, which is negotiated and accepted – Check
• Inspections are performed and repair items negotiated – Check
• Appraisal is performed – Check
• Appraisal comes in lower than acceptance price… WHAT? Back up a minute. How can that be? Shouldn’t a home be worth what a ready, willing and able buyer is willing to pay for it?

Not according to the buyer’s lender. In fact, the home needs to appraise not only at what the buyer is financing but the entire sales price as well. Why? Fraudulent loans and appraisals have caused such a backlash that lenders are very cautious and need to make sure their collateral (the property itself) is at lease worth the indebtedness so that they are covered should the buyer walk away without benefit of paying off the loan.

So, now what do we do?

Appraisals are really just the opinion of that one person and they are only human… mistakes are made. If the appraiser is unwilling to reconsider or revise, then you (the seller) can do one of three things.

1. Accept the appraisal value and lower your sales price to match.
2. Negotiate with buyer to pay either the original sales price regardless of appraisal or to meet somewhere in between (may mean buyer has to bring more cash to the table depending on his loan).
3. Let buyer terminate (could be with a return of earnest money depending on the contract terms) and go back on the market hoping for a better appraisal with your next buyer. One item to note, if the buyer had an FHA loan, this appraisal stays with the address for any future FHA loans within 6 months).

How can we insure a good appraisal?

In today’s lending environment and with the HVCC  (Home Valuation Code of Conduct) rules in place, the lender has no control over who handles the appraisal. But there are things you can do to increase the chances of the property appraising if it is indeed selling for or below market value:

1. Make sure property is in good working order on day of appraisal.
2. Leave behind a list of any and all upgrades to the home that you wish the appraiser to consider.
3. If there were multiple offers on the home which may have driven the sales price over list price, leave data supporting this such as copies of other offers to show a demand for this property over and above the competition.
4. Provide comparable properties for the appraiser to view in the event he or she is not familiar with the community. While the appraiser may not use these exact comps, he or she may find it helpful. I find it is always better to offer the assistance up front prior to the appraisal rather than afterward so that there is no hint of impropriety or influence.

In our market, the majority of appraisals turn out as they should. However, as every Boy Scout knows… Be Prepared!

Proof that Texas is Truly the Best Place to Live!

by christiborden

As a natural-born and very Proud Texan , I could spend days going into so many reasons why Texas is currently the most popular destination for those who have had the misfortune to have been born elsewhere:). Disclaimer: I have lived and travelled abroad so I know I am taking a risk when making such a bold statement but it is my opinion and as any self-respecting Texan…I stand by it.

Just a few reasons would be our great culture, welcoming smile, wide-open spaces, varied but pleasant climate, friendly residents and more… but some would argue that those items are not necessary objective.

According to the Texas Real Estate Center located in at Texas A&M (Whoop): “ Texas is leading the United States in the current U-shaped economic recovery. The state’s economy experienced its second month of positive annual employment growth after 16 months of job losses.

“Texas’ annual employment growth rate was 0.9 percent from June 2009 to June 2010 compared with a negative rate of 0.1 percent for the nation. After 17 months of job losses, the state’s private sector posted a positive annual employment growth rate of 0.4 percent.

“The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose from 7.8 percent in June 2009 to 8.2 percent in June 2010, while the U.S. rate in June was 9.5 percent, the same as in June 2009.

“Six Texas industries — education and health services; mining and logging; professional and business services; leisure and hospitality; manufacturing; and transportation, warehousing, utilities — and the government sector had more jobs in June 2010 than in June 2009. Five other industries experienced net job losses over the same period.

Sixteen Texas metro areas experienced positive employment growth rates from June 2009 to June 2010, up from 13 for the period from May 2009 to May 2010. College Station-Bryan ranked first in job creation followed by San Angelo, McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood and Waco.

The state’s actual unemployment rate in June 2010 was 8.5 percent. Midland had the lowest unemployment rate followed by Amarillo, Lubbock, San Angelo, Abilene and College Station-Bryan.”

If you would like to view more information about this great economic news, please click here.

Having been born and raised in the Panhandle and currently living in fabulous Katy, a huge suburb west of downtown Houston, I can tell you our State is as varied and amazing as one would expect from the second largest state in our union. Our people are quick with a joke and a smile, and it takes a while for non-Texan’s to get used to complete strangers waving at them as they pass.

We offer breathtaking landscapes, job opportunities, affordable housing, metropolitan/urban areas for culture and suburban areas for those seeking a slower pace.

And did I mention the food and wine? So many choices and some of the best Bar-B-Que and Mexican Food to be found in the nation… and our wine industry continues to win global recognition for quality.

With so many reasons to make Texas you home… what are you waiting for? Come on over, we are waiting for you!

The Accidental Landlord

by christiborden

In today’s tumultuous lending environment, so many would-be buyers are being forced into leasing. And this has created an upset to the supply/demand balance … forcing unsuccessful would-be home sellers into making their homes available for lease due to the lack of ready, willing and able buyers. Thus, what I call The Accidental Landord is born!

In many instances, this is a wise maneuver because it allows the seller to maintain a stream of income to cover most if not all expenses (maybe even make a profit), while allowing the seller to sell at a future time when the market is more favorable.

That said, there are so many factors that you, as a future landlord, should take into consideration before making this move. First and foremost, in the State of Texas, you have a wonderful resource available from The Real Estate Center of Texas A&M. Click on the title to view the Landlords and Tenants Guide,  available in PDF format that you can download and read at your convenience. Be sure to grab a comfy chair because it is over 115 pages long and filled with pages and pages of legalese detailing your responsibilities and that of your tenant. I make sure all of my clients have access to this guidebook prior to the execution of a lease contract because it is so very important to understand the rules from the beginning.

Another thing to consider is whether it makes financial sense to lease. Ask your Realtor to run a market analysis of leases for properties similar to yours in the last year. This will give you an idea of where to price your lease. If you are in an area with few leases available or if you have something special to offer (pool, extra bedrooms, extra garage spaces, modern upgrades, close proximity to schools, shopping, transportation, etc.) then you may be safe to list above the average. On the other end of the spectrum, if you are in an area with an abundance of lease inventory and your property is very similar to the competition, you may need to consider pricing at or below market rates to attract a tenant. Another thing you need to consider is you are responsible for your mortgage payment, property taxes, landlord insurance and in most cases, any homeowner’s association or amenities fees. You may negotiate any costs for lawn or pool maintenance and repair items in the lease itself. Do the math! If your expenses add up to more than you think you can lease it for… you may be better off selling.

Big questions to ask yourself: should I allow pets or smoking? As a Realtor who may have to sell a lease home later or try to find another tenant years down the road, these are very tricky.

First, let’s chat about pets. We Texans love our pets and the majority of tenants seeking placement will have a pet or pets in tow. Realizing that pets can and do cause tremendous damage to properties, you may wish to decline to allow pets or to offer consideration on what we call a “case by case” basis. By declining pets outright, you limit the pool of tenants who will see and make applications to lease your property. By allowing case by case basis for pets, you get the pet owner traffic but can turn down any tenant with pets that you feel might be harmful to your property. If allowing a pet, you can ask for a sizeable pet deposit (either refundable or non-refundable) to help defray future repair costs to carpets, wood trim and landscaping – items usually damaged by pets.

Second, let’s chat about smoking. Now, I am not trying to start a dialog about the health issues or social issues behind smoking… I am only speaking from a property owner standpoint and I can tell you that the damage caused by repeated smoking indoors is extensive. Properties will retain the smoke odor (which permeates flooring, walls, all fabric surfaces, etc and also tends to discolor paint on cabinetry and trim) long after the smoker has left. In fact, many times these surfaces must be treated and/or replaced to eliminate the smoke odor – which could be very costly, indeed. This is a personal choice and smokers are not legally considered a “protected class” so you are perfectly in your right to only lease to non-smokers. That said, not everyone is truthful about this issue so some due diligence may be required.

And while we are on the subject of “Protected Classes”, you as a Landlord are required to know and comply with the Fair Housing Laws. Click here to view these requirements as they apply to everyone, not  just Realtors. And remember, ignorance is no defense where fair housing laws are concerned. One look at the penalties and you will certainly want to comply.

One last thought: I have been told by more than one successful real estate investor that a smart landlord is one with an outside property manager. It keeps everything on a non-personal, professional level and helps make sure your tenant is well cared for while living in your property. A happy tenant makes for a happy landlord.

So if you find yourself in the shoes of The Accidental Landlord, a little homework and due diligence will help keep your shoes on the right path.

Christi Borden, Realtor receives the “Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE®)” Designation

Professional negotiation skills a must for all real estate agents helping home buyers/sellers, especially in current market

Christi Borden, a Relocation and International Property Specialist with Prudential Gary Greene in Katy, TX has been awarded the Certified Negotiation Expert (CNE^®) designation by the Real Estate Negotiation Institute.  The CNE^® is earned by real estate professionals by successfully completing formal training in the art of negotiation and persuasion.  Agents who receive this certification are in the top 1% of all agents nationally.

With professional negotiation skills, agents are able to help clients obtain better results in the sale or purchase of their home.  CNE^® agents have a powerful competitive edge because of their ability to 1) uncover more information, 2) work collaboratively with others, 3) exchange value during sales/purchase negotiations, and 4) retain control over desired outcomes.  Bottom line, CNE^® agents know how to influence and persuade others more effectively than agents without professional negotiation training. 

The Real Estate Negotiation Institute, the leading negotiation training and coaching company in the real estate industry (based in Peoria, AZ) provides the CNE^® certification training.  Tom Hayman, the CEO and co-founder of the Real Estate Negotiation Institute, is a professional negotiator with 35+ years of experience, including 25 years with The Procter and Gamble Company, a Fortune 50 company.  Hayman asserts “Any Buyer or Seller who hires a CNE^® agent can feel confident that they have the best trained agent in the business.  They will get superior results and have better resolution of any issues when hiring a CNE^® agent.”

 For more information call me at 281-492-5984 or visit www.theRENI.com.

Texas Realtors Launch Program to Assist Homebuyers!

 TAR (Texas Association of Realtors) INITIATIVE TO HELP HOMEBUYERS

 AUSTIN (Texas Association of Realtors) – The Texas Association of Realtors (TAR) has announced an initiative to help more homebuyers take advantage of housing assistance programs and make homeownership more affordable for Texans.

According to TAR, Texas ranks 44th out of 50 states in overall homeownership, partly because of a need for more affordable housing. That homeownership gap is widest in Texas among Hispanics, who account for 36 percent of the state’s population but only 5 percent of homeowners.

 ”The good news for our state is that many programs do exist to make homeownership more affordable for Texans,” said TAR Chairman Bill Jones. “The bad news is that few people know about them and even fewer know how to take advantage of them.”

To address this issue, TAR has launched TxHomePrograms.org, an online searchable database of housing assistance programs in Texas.

In addition, Texas Realtors are partnering with local lenders, housing counselors and others throughout the state to host educational events for consumers. At these events, attendees will learn about workforce housing issues, consumer needs for workforce housing and Texas-specific programs available to make homeownership more affordable.

The Borden Report: I am Posting Everyday in 2011!

#postaday2011

I’ve decided I want to blog more. I have found myself getting wrapped up with work/family/life, etc. and not contributing as I had originally planned. Rather than just thinking about doing it, I’m starting right now.  I will be posting on this blog once a day for all of 2011. They may be short and pithy or long and verbose but will strive for relevance and interest.

I know it won’t be easy, but it might be fun, inspiring, awesome and wonderful. Therefore I’m promising to make use of The DailyPost, and the community of other bloggers with similar goals, to help me along the way, including asking for help when I need it and encouraging others when I can.

If you already read my blog, I hope you’ll encourage me with comments and likes, and good will along the way. Any suggestions for desired content are always welcome. I wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year! 2011 will be great!

Signed,

Christi

New Year’s Day Calls for Football, Black Eyed Peas and Gumbo!

As we all wake-up this morning, dreary eyed from either late night with the kids, family or friends and perhaps a little tired from “over-celebrating”, many of us will settle into our New Year’s Day Celebrations and Traditions. What are yours? Do you even have one? And I ask you if not …why not?

Mine are a bit diverse as we moved around a lot. As a native Texan from the Panhandle city of Plainview, we grew up knowing that our year would be filled with luck because my Grandmother, Sweetie Nicholson, (yes, she was so Sweet it was the only name the entire town knew her by even though her name was Olive) made her yummy salt pork black-eyed peas and cornbread. I have never been able to truly duplicate her efforts… the secret was in the seasoned wrought iron pan and the love she poured into the dish.

The other tradition we have comes from spending much of my youth from teens to 30′s in South Louisiana – a huge pot of homemade Gumbo to ring in the new year. (And I hate to start the centuries old Gumbo debate but we make a dark roux, chicken and sausage Gumbo in this house….not a shrimp, oyster or okra pod in sight.) Cajun Gumbo rules!!!

Traditions are a wonderful thing… they bring along the tastes, smells and memories of our past and co-mingle them with the our present. If you do not have a New Year’s Tradition… Start one. It is that easy. Your kids will thank you years down the road when they mimic the celebrations from their childhood and pass along their take on your ideas. If you ever worried about leaving a legacy, this is your chance. Make it meaningful.

For my family, it is the togetherness we share that makes it wonderful… that, and a pretty darned good bowl of hot, steaming Gumbo. If you want my recipe, I am always happy to share.

Happy New Year’s Day to You and Yours!

Christi Borden

Transformation by Passion!

 by Christi Borden

If you were to ask anyone who knows me very well for a description… the following adjectives would not necessarily make the short list:

Patient, Methodical, Analytical, Calm or Organized. Sad, but there it is.

This does not mean that I cannot be these things when I really put my mind to it,  but I have yet to master these traits. I have spent endless hours (okay, years) trying to develop systems to enhance my skills. In the end, I have managed to hire a fabulous staff… delegation is a wonderful thing.

However, as I spent ALL DAY today (and yesterday) cooking, I realized that cooking is a task that by its very own nature requires the exact traits that have so long escaped my grasp. Yet through it all, I absolutely LOVE to cook. I always have. Following the passion of my professional chef Grandfather… I derive sheer and utter joy from the planning, organizing, creation and completion processes involved. And each time I delve into a very complicated recipe or menu plan … I become someone different in the process. I am transformed into the gal I have always wanted to be.

So to anyone out there that might want to know me – Yes, I can be Patient, Methodical, Analytical, Calm and Organized…Well, at least while I am cooking.

What transforms you?

I would love for your comments and welcome you to subscribe to my blog … www.TheBordenReport.com .

Where is your Favorite Place in the World?

Your passport to a truly global real estate experience

One of my favorite things to do is travel and luckily throughout my husband’s career, we have been able to see much of the World.

As a consequence, I am often asked to name my favorite place. Frankly, this is a lot like being asked to name your favorite child. You love each one in their own way and for different reasons. But today is a day for introspection so I will give it a go… I would love to know if you agree with me or can help me see the error of my ways.

Here is my list of My Favorite place(s) so far:

Beauty: Country – New Zealand, North and South Islands and Alaska
Beauty: City – Prague and Paris
Food: Italy, hands down favorite … Hong Kong, Thailand and anywhere in Southern Louisiana
Ancient Ruins: Ephesus, Turkey, Rome and Athens (in that order)
History: Italy, Greece and Egypt
Walking Accessibility: Rome and San Francisco, CA
Friendliest Locals: Costa Rica and Indonesia
Adventure: South Africa and Zimbabwe (at least back when it was safe to visit)
Exotic: China
Most Resilient People: Russia and Hungary
Comfortable/Easy for first-time travelers: Germany and England
Relaxing: Home:).

All time favorite city that I wish to return to the second I leave: Rome!

This is just my list and I know it differs from yours. With luck, this list will continue to grow and change as I change.

Where is your favorite place in the world and why?

Top Restaurant Cities in US Named by Esquire… Surprised by Houston?

by Christi Borden

Houston, TX - # 7 Top Restaurant City in US

Esquire magazine has just published their list of top food cities in the United States and Houston .. Yes, Houston…came in at number 7. Does that surprise you? If you knew Houston, it shouldn’t?

As the 5th largest city in the US, Houston is probably one of the more diverse cities in our nation and offers so many different nationalities, cultures, and amazing cuisines  that it truly can compete with the finest gastronomic epicenters of the Globe. And the experts agree…

As an avid Foodie, I am particularly thrilled about this recognition. We Houstonians are used to being at or near the Top of many lists and they have not always been positive: Fattest City, Worst Traffic, Longest Commute, Least Attractive, Least Walkable City, etc. There has been such a negative bias against H-Town that it is so sweet to have positive recognition. In fact, as one of the top areas that people are chosing to relocate…Like it or not, it is getting pretty hard to ignore us any longer.  

What type of epicurean experience awaits you when you visit here? First and foremost, you will have to narrow your focus because it would take a lifetime to try them all. The ethnic make up and geographic location of this Port city are truly reflected by the choices available to the lucky diner. We have the most amazing: Steakhouses, Barbeque Joints, Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, Thai, Italian, French, Soul Food, Cajun, Creole, Seafood, Middle Eastern, Russian, Latin American, Catalan, Indian … Well, you get the idea. You want it… we have it and it is divine.

I have to make a special mention about my favorite… which is Mexican - made authentic and delicious due to our close proximity to the origin of this amazing cuisine. There are so many variations that fall into the basic description of “Mexican Food”, you may need the help of a local to find the one that appeals most to you. I am personally a fan of what is commonly known as  ”Tex-Mex”, which tends to be ”spicier” and ”cheesier” (my word and I am sticking with it) than the South of the Border variety. Pure heaven on earth…

If I am given the choice of one last meal to enjoy prior to departing this sweet earth, I can tell you it will probably be a steaming platter of Grilled Chicken Breasts smothered in a fire-hot Habanero Cheese Sauce at El Jarrito’s Mexican Restaurant in Katy, TX … along with a frozen pitcher of the best Margaritas in the City.

How about you? Any favorites you wish to share? The world is finally watching and for that, we in Houston thank you, Esquire Magazine!

FYI: The  article list goes follows and you can read the entire article here.

1. New York

2. Chicago .

3. San Francisco

4. New Orleans

5. Los Angeles

6. Las Vegas

7. Houston

8. Washington, D.C.

9. Boston

10. Seattle

I welcome you to comment your thoughts and to subscribe to TheBordenReport.

Films and Fashion… How deeply do they affect us?

by Christi Borden

Sunday evening I got the chance to see the Coen brother’s version of True Grit. Well done! It was a terrific film and homage to both the original and the book by Charles Portis. (Now at number 6 on the NY Times Paperback Trade  Fiction list and well worth a read).

But in seeing the new version, I was taken back to my childhood when my Grandfather (a huge Duke fan) took me to see this and every other John Wayne Movie as well as numerous re-runs on television. (Yes, boys and girls, this was before Cable, Netflix and videos …).

One of things I remembered most was wanting to be Kim Darby, who originally played Mattie Ross. She was tough, cool, sassy, cute and really gave those ”honery” adults a lesson or two. The fact that she was 20 and playing a 14-year-old only speaks to the gullibility of my youth but in my mind… we were kindred spirits.

As a middle class kid growing up in the Panhandle town of Plainview, Texas, the only way I could be like Kim or Mattie was through my feeble attempts at fashion. My poor mom had to hunt and scour through catalogs at J. C. Penny’s, Sear’s and Anthony’s to find the hottest ticket item for girls at that time…

Gauchos! (No, not the South American cowboy variety.) I am referring to that terrific western wear fusion between pants and a skirt. Nobody looked as cool in a pair of Gauchos as Kim did and I and every other young girl had to be just like her… a trend was born.

Thinking back, my wardrobe seems to have been influenced by Film/TV a few other times in my life  and not always in a flattering way:

Saturday Night Fever – Lycra bodysuit, wrap skirt and platforms. Hey, at least I had the body for it then and could dance!

Grease  – Candies pumps and leather.. yeah, we all thought we were Olivia Newton John and some of us were even foolish enough to try to carry off her hair.

Annie Hall  – Boyish vests, ties, baggie pants, loafers and hats. My mom’s favorite because almost everything came from garage sales and resale shops.

Dynasty – Hey, I loved the big shoulder pads, bigger hair and way out there jewelry. I am a Texan, after all.

Urban Cowboy – Need I say more? You know you fell for it, too.

Can you add to this list? Think back to when a film or television show’s influence actually transformed you into a fashion plate or victim.

My only complaint about the new version of True Grit is that the Wardrobe Designer missed a wonderful opportunity to nod at the fond memories of all the women who, like me, wanted to be “the coolest girl in the world.” Who knows, maybe Gauchos would be making another comeback.

“How can I be lost… If I’ve Got Nowhere to Go?”

by Christi Borden

Okay, my kids will absolutely fall over laughing that their boring mom is quoting Metallica (“The Unforgiven III”, I believe)… but it is January and again, I find myself in the middle of goal setting and planning. This song verse reminded me how important it is to actually have a personal and professional goal. In other words: a plan or a roadmap. Otherwise, how will you realize where you want to be and what road to take to make it.

So many times we plod through our lives with nothing more planned than where we want to eat for lunch and what we want to watch on TV. That is not a goal. A goal is something that should be written, long-term, far-reaching (meaning a bit out of our reach so that we have to stretch to get to it) and something meant to be shared.

I am pretty good when it comes to professional goals. It is the personal ones that somehow get pushed to the way side and only reviewed this time of year.  I am committing to several things this year and sharing:

One is this blog. I have committed to posting every day and here on Day 5, I am truly enjoying the process.  Thanks for coming along for the ride.

Another is education: I am working toward the Master’s sessions of my Certified Negotiation Expert series – a necessity in my business. I am also an avid reader and plan to read something (whether serious or silly) everyday and chose to fill my mind with words rather than television. I watch so little of it now but truly plan to tune it out this year.

Personally: To be a better wife to my husband, a better mom to my kids, a better master to my dog and a better friend to my pals.

What about you?  Have you got somewhere to go? Share….

Technology is Great… Except When it isn’t!

by Christi Borden

Yesterday, we experienced an issue with our email and were taken off-line for the better part of the day. Does the thought of being “off-line” even for a moment send chills down your spine? It was an unexpected event that was beyond our control and as professionals, we dealt with it… At least some of us did.

Funny how we get so wrapped up in today’s technology and tools that we forget how to get things done IRL (in real life). Some may have decided to take the day off. I mean, how can anything be accomplished? On the other hand, some decided to plug ahead using now-antiquated methods of communications such as fax and … gasp… the landline telephone. 

This, of course, got me thinking that we all probably need to have a contingency plan for the tools that we use everyday to get business done:

• Cell Phone: Do you have access to a second phone? I keep a second line for my team and can always carry that line if my primary phone decides to take a bath. Cell phones are a lot like cats: Attracted to water, cannot swim and will make us pay dearly if we drop them in.
• Email: If we lose our Outlook and email capability, do we have a “printed” version of our clients’ contact information so that we can at least give them a call or a text to let them know we are still there for them, even if our email is not?
• Computers/Data: What do you have to protect your data? External hard-drives are fine until it fails and loses all the photos from your trip to Europe … failed utterly and completely. Gone! Of course, I had reused the memory cards thinking my precious photos were safe. Gone! Sigh… Now, I use an online backup system but keep my photos on my memory cards as back-up to the back-up. Redundancy is my new middle name. (The bright side is it gives me another reason to return to Rome… as if I needed a reason.)
• Ourselves: Finally, what is your back-up if you fail or become incapacitated? I discovered the need for this when I broke my ankle several year’s ago and realized that my clients’ needs went on even when I could not. Make sure you have someone who can easily take over in the case of emergency and that they can weed through your office to find your files. Disability insurance is also important to look into so that you might remain somewhat solvent during a time of crisis or incapacitation.

So what did yesterday’s little experiment in Murphy’s Law do for me? It reminded me that while technology and tools may fail, we need to act like Scouts and “Be Prepared”. 

What is your back up plan?

Networking… Love it or Hate it?

by Christi Borden

I absolutely love networking. This is one of the things in life that I know I do really well.  I always have. It is as much a part of me as my arms and legs and as effortless as breathing air. If you put me in a room with just one or one hundred other living souls, I can guarantee you I am networking – and usually not for business. I do it for pleasure. I truly enjoy meeting new people and getting know now more about them. The fact that my business benefits, I assure you, is purely accidental.

Alternatively, I know it is something that I scares the pants off of many others. I think one reason is the word “networking” has gathered a negative connotation throughout the years… Bringing forth dark and dreary visions of pushy salesmen, pyramid schemed promotions, and endless and painfully boring functions.

But can I ask you to look at it another way…

It really is something we have done all our lives. Of course, when we were kids, we called it “playing “. When we grew to be teenagers, we called it “hanging out”. As we became young professionals, we called it “Happy Hour”. So, now that we are finally grown ups, we find ourselves using the dreaded word ”Networking” to describe the simple act of getting out there, meeting new people, making new friends and hopefully building relationships along the way. Now, that doesn’t sound so bad, does it?

So have you decided: Love it or hate it?

Winter… Finally arriving in Houston but are you ready?

by Christi Borden

Cold fronts are few and far between here in South Texas. Oh, sure the folks up in Dallas will often get ice, sleet and occasional flurries of the white stuff, but by the time it travels down Hwy 45, we usually get a soggy, windy mess.

Hold on to your hats folks because it looks like we are in for quite a storm. With 100% chance of rain (and it must be serious because our weather experts rarely risk putting themselves out there beyond the usual 35% chance), high winds in the morning expected to be up to 30 mph and temps reaching into the low 30′s by nightfall… Houston, winter has officially arrived.

If last year’s cold fronts taught us anything, we need to protect our property from costly damage due to freezing conditions. I posted information about freezing pipes this time last year and it bears repeating.

(January 2010)

 This information is taken directly from http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/pubs/consumer/cb011.html

Icy winter weather can cause water pipes to freeze and burst if you haven’t prepared them for the frigid temperatures. Outdoor pipes, pipes in unheated areas, and pipes that run along uninsulated exterior walls are susceptible to expanding and bursting if they freeze. The result can be thousands of dollars worth of water damage to your walls, ceilings, carpets, and furniture.

Prepare for the Freeze

You can protect your home by taking the following precautions to prepare your pipes for a freeze:

• Protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and pipes in unheated areas by wrapping them with rags, newspapers, trash bags, or plastic foam.
• Insulate your outdoor water meter box and be sure the lid is on tight.
• Cover any vents around your home’s foundation.
• Drain water hoses, unhook and store them in a garage or shed.
• Protect outdoor electrical pumps.
• Drain swimming pool circulation systems or keep the pump motor running. (Run the pump motor only in a short freeze. Running the motor for long periods could damage it.)
• Drain water sprinkler supply lines (and cover above-ground piping).
• Open the cabinets under the sinks in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow heated air to circulate around the water pipes.
• Set your thermostat at a minimum of 55 degrees, especially when you’re gone for the day or away for an extended period.
• Let indoor faucets drip, but don’t run a heavy stream of water.
• Make sure you know where your home’s shut-off valve is and how to turn it on and off.
• If you leave town, consider turning off your water at the shut-off valve. Leave your faucets on when you turn the water off to drain the pipes.  Make sure you turn the faucets off before you turn the shut-off valve back on.
• If you drain your pipes, contact your electric or gas utility company for instructions on protecting your water heater.

If Your Pipes Freeze

If a pipe bursts and floods your home, turn the water off at the shut-off valve.  Call a plumber for help if you can’t find the broken pipe or if it’s inaccessible.  Don’t turn the water back on until the pipe has been repaired.

If the pipe hasn’t burst, thaw it out with an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater, or towel soaked with hot water. Don’t use a blowtorch or other open-flame device. They are fire risks and could produce dangerous carbon monoxide.

Apply heat by slowly moving the heat source toward the coldest spot on the pipe. Never concentrate heat in one spot because cracking ice can shatter a pipe. Turn the faucet on and let it run until the pipe is thawed and water pressure returns to normal.

If You Have Damage

Contact your insurance agent or company promptly. Follow up as soon as possible with a written claim to protect your rights under Texas’ prompt-payment law.

Review your coverage. Most homeowners and renters policies pay to repair houses and replace personal property damaged by the bursting pipes. Most policies also pay for debris removal and for additional living expenses if you have to move temporarily because of damage to your home. If you can’t find your policy, ask your agent or company for a copy.

Homeowners policies may require you to make temporary repairs to protect your property from further damage. Your policy covers the cost of these repairs. Keep all receipts and damaged property for the adjuster to inspect. If possible, take photos or videos of the damage before making repairs. Don’t make permanent repairs. An insurance company may deny a claim if you make permanent repairs before an adjuster inspects the damage.

Most homeowners policies do not cover loss caused by freezing pipes while your house is unoccupied unless you used reasonable care to maintain heat in the building; shut off the water supply; and drain water from plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems.

Stay warm, Houstonians!

Experiencing Information Overload?

Have we reached the point of total saturation? Where our search for information leaves us not wiser but more confused, lost and unsatisfied? Not long ago, I remember when the internet first made its presence in my life, before the era of Yahoo, Bing, and Google. Where any attempt to search for information would lead you down so many dark pathways that you would eventually give up and head back to the library. Yes, we have come a long way, baby… but have we come too far?

And no, I am not going to comment about online content that is not fit for human consumption, or at least not the humans I like to hang around with. I am all for “Freedom of Speech” as protected by our mighty constitution but sick is sick and that is that!

I am, however, talking about the fact that we may be reaching the point where the sheer weight of  information, with much of it conflicting, might just outweigh any benefit. And like its twin, sensory-overload, it may lead to a complete system shutdown.

Example # 1: Online medical sites  ask you for your symptoms and Viola, they give you a long list of possible diagnoses. The only problem is that the results can run anywhere from a common cold to advanced terminal lung cancer. Want to really start to worry? Make a visit to one of these sites next time you have the sniffles.

Example # 2: Ever tried to find a simple recipe online? Your search leads you to so many variations of what it is you wish to cook that you may end up stymied and order pizza instead.

Example # 3: Real Estate, my specialty. I am currently working with a lovely international couple  buying their first home in the US. Being engineers, they began searching for information months ago. Every online inquiry took them in another direction until they did not know where to go next. They had discovered so much data that it no longer made sense. That is, until they found me. And yes, they found me online – a subtle irony to this post that is not lost on its author.

It took us hours to wade through their spreadsheets and pages of questions and concerns. Afterward, we then did something you cannot do with a click of a mouse … we left the information highway and went off-road (offline) by visiting the communities, the builders and the homes themselves. Nothing really beats being there and having an expert along for the ride.

As a Realtor and a fairly tech savvy one at that, I know online resources have undoubtably helped the real estate process. With great sites like www.HAR.com, www.Realtor.com or www.ChristiBorden.com (sorry, couldn’t help myself), today’s consumer can discover an amazing amount of data about almost everything you would want to know about a home, a community, a developer, a builder, etc. In fact, they are an invaluable tool for me as well.

But is the information itself enough? Does that mean that I am no longer needed in the process? The experienced Realtor brings specific knowledge that cannot be found by Google, negotiation skills that are not offered by Yahoo!, and a level of expertise (needed to shepherd a transaction from contract to close) that is not found with Bing.

How do we handle information overload? I think adding the human factor will always the answer.

Annual Pilgrimage to Jefferson aka Girlfriend’s Weekend Here We Come!

In a few short days, my friends and I will head off to Jefferson, Texas for one of my favorite getaways to attend the 11th Annual Girlfriend’s Weekend – a wonderful and wacky mash-up of over 70 authors and 500 or more of the readers who love them… with a bit of camp and kitsch thrown in as only Kathy Patrick  can provide.

Kat is the owner of the Beauty and the Book Salon/Bookstore, Founder of The Pulpwood Queen’s Book clubs, Founder-Organizer-Director and Head Queen of the Girlfriend Weekend and author of the book that started it all, The Pulpwood Queen’s Tiara-Wearing Book-Sharing Guide to Life.

This is my fifth year to make this pilgrimage and you may wonder just what is it, exactly, that keeps me coming back?

As an avid reader, I look forward to meeting and getting to know the authors whose faces peer down at me from the spines of my favorite books. There is something magical about watching and listening to a writer passionately share what inspired their creations. It helps me realize that many of them are really just like you and me… only wittier, more talented and with a much better agent!

While I know why I go, what do the writers get from it? I am not saying it isn’t fun but some of the presenters are just plain famous… widely published authors, well-known and celebrated throughout the New York literary scene as well as in Hollywood and Washington.

Jefferson is a sweet town with lots of local color (and a ghost or two) but what on earth must they think of it and us? What is it that brings them to the middle of NOWHERE for what is surely the most unusual literary event in the world? I would guess that the promotion side of their business is very hard work and tedious. Through all their travels to junkets, book fairs, conventions, etc., could it be that nowhere else are they allowed to fully relax and truly enjoy themselves while surrounded and supported by peers and fans? Could it be the only place where they can get a little silly? And believe me, they do get silly. We all do! That is half the fun and that is the very thing that keeps me coming back, year after year.

With an amazing line-up of talent such as Fanny Flagg, Pat Conroy, Jeanette Walls and 70 plus fabulous authors attending, this could very well be the best event to date. Although this year’s Author Extravaganza is SOLD OUT, I encourage you to check it out and join us next year. It promises to be a one-of-a-kind experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Stay tuned for more posts as I blog live from the event and happy reading!

Home Design and Future Trends

Home design is fluid and ever changing. Many features we clamor for today may be passé tomorrow. Remember white kitchen cabinets? At one time, this was THE top wished for item and now… It is dated and unwanted. Corian countertops… All the rage in the 1990′s but now, nowhere near the top of choices.

What changes can we expect in the near future?

Based on responses to a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), here are some ways in which builders can expect homes to change by as early as 2015:

Single-family homes will get smaller (74 percent of respondents said).

Homes will have more “green” features (68 percent).

Homes will have more technology features (29 percent).

Homes will have more universal access features (20 percent).

Homes will have more outdoor living features, such as kitchens and fireplaces (10 percent).

The average home size will be roughly 2,150 sf.

Living rooms will merge with other spaces in the home (52 percent), vanish to save on square footage (30 percent), or become a parlor/retreat/library or music room (13 percent).

If the living room doesn’t vanish, it will likely decrease in size (76 percent).

Also downsizing are the entry foyer (66 percent) and dining room (63 percent).

Features “very likely” to be included in a new home in 2015 include a kitchen-living room combo (“great room”), walk-in closet in master bedroom, laundry room and two-car garage.

“Unlikely” features include three or more bathrooms, mudroom, unheated porch, dining room, skylights, three-car garage, four or more bedrooms, media room and two master bedroom suites.

Homebuyers are “somewhat likely” to want universal design features such as stepless entries, three-foot-wide doorways and four-foot-wide hallways, stepless showers that have seating, non-slip floor surfaces and grab bars in bathrooms.

People seem likely to lavish more attention on the kitchen, ensuring that room will retain its status as the home’s social center. Survey respondents said they are “very likely” to want double sinks, recessed lighting, table space for eating and breakfast bars. They’re “somewhat likely” to want a central island, walk-in pantry, recycling center and desk/computer area.

Blogging is Eating My Brain….

Okay, so I made the commitment to write a post a day on my blog and made it all the way to day 15 before disaster struck. What happened to this aspiring writer so thrilled with the challenge?

I found myself spending the weekend at a huge author/book club event, in a room surrounded by over 70 intensely talented individuals who have passionately lived the lives they write about and have been through hell and back to get published. I looked inward and saw… a fraud.

Who am I to think I have anything to say and would actually know how to say it? What have I done that merits my time to write it and the time of readers who may happen upon it?

What am I doing here?

Backing up… I have to admit that I absolutely love to read. And anyone who really loves to read knows that deep down in the places we do not share… we would love to write as well. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to read a well-written story… except perhaps the secret desire to have written it.

Recently, I have fallen head over heals in love with a white-haired, bon vivant Irishman by the name of Pat Conroy. Sure, I have read his incredible work in the past but it was not “true love” until I met him and listened to him present the past two years at the book club event know as Girlfriend Weekend.

He is a funny, funny man. He also has a very dark side that you discover when reading his novels. When asked how can he be this totally charming individual on stage while at the same time write about the deeply disturbing subjects of his books, he said, “I have found family a very difficult thing to live through, and my books reflect that.” Even off the cuff, he was profound.

Above all, this man can write. He turns the simplest phrases into magic where every sight, sound and smell leaps off the pages for his readers. Every sentence he writes is fluid, colorful and amazing. Last night, I literally devoured his beautiful cookbook in one sitting… pardon the pun. Ask yourself, when was the last time a cookbook made you cry and hungry at the same time?

Why on earth would I even attempt to continue to speak much less write after that? What could I possibly offer after coming in contact with such talent? Do I get back in the blogger’s saddle and ride again or do I wallow in my own self-inflicted feelings of ineptitude?

I guess in writing today… I have made my decision.

What Can a Race Horse Teach Us about Success?

I grew up around horses, first my own and then living in a Rodeo-loving, horse-racing town. Horses are amazing creatures. From an engineering standpoint, with their overly bulky body, long block-shaped necks and spindly legs… it is a wonder they can walk much less race.

However, I do think we humans can learn a few things from horse racing:

• Train every day … rain or shine. A muddy track may be slow but it will slow your competitors as well. The trick is learning to race on a slow track. In other words, never take the easy path. Know how to handle challenges and adversity while others stumble when the going gets tough.
• Weigh your jockey. A heavy load will slow you down. Getting rid of excess baggage or negativity is a terrific way to lighten the load.
• Check your hooves. You cannot run a good race if your shoes are shot.
• Condition to move forward at the instant you hear the starting gun. Getting spooked by a challenge and staying in the gate will not win the race. Know when it is your moment to move and take it!
• Vie for best gate position. There is a reason they call it “jockeying for position”. A good starting point can affect the outcome. In other words, be emotionally and physically prepared and always optimistic… a great advantage in today’s world.
• Take advantage of that good position by keeping up pace and leading the pack. If you find yourself in a position of strength, keep moving. Never let up. It is too easy to hold back and lag behind once you find yourself in the lead.
• Choose your competitors wisely. Racing slow horses will never improve your performance. Only race against the best, win or lose.
• Put on blinders so that you are not easily distracted from the task or track ahead.
• Winning by a nose is still a win!
• And when you do cross that finish line, take your victory lap… you have earned it!

What if I Build a Blog and Nobody Comes?

Does this go through the mind of anyone thinking of beginning a blog? It goes through my mind, still…

I have developed a newfound passion and respect for blogging and bloggers, brought about by a longtime, secret desire to write, the knowledge that it might actually be good for my business and a challenge by blog creator, WordPress.com. Who knew a silly online challenge would unleash the writer within?

I am now a true believer and crusader for the power of the blog. I also make every effort to follow other writers to learn more about this exciting craft and have discovered there is a lot more to it than simply throwing words on a wall and hoping they stick.

If there are so many great reasons to do it, why don’t more people try it. And for those of us who do, why aren’t we doing a better job? While getting started seems to be the hardest part, in reality, it is consistency or rather the lack of consistency that trips us up.

So you want to start a blog? Great. Welcome aboard. First, you come up with a title, pick out a theme … now what? Some will plow ahead unhindered by fear or hesitancy, while others will end up staring at a daunting online dashboard, paralyzed with indecision and frozen from elbows to finger tips, unable to render a single word. Sound familiar?

I started with no plan at all. I was meandering from thought to thought and this approach helped me get into the habit of writing. I could continue along this path but I realize to obtain relevancy and longevity, my blog and my thoughts require focus. To help develop your own, draw a wagon wheel on a sheet of paper or on the first page of your blog journal. If you do not have a blog journal, get one. This a great way to capture the white-hot streaks of ideas that race across your consciousness and eventually become seeds for your posts.

Now, write down the focus or main theme of your blog in the center, and add related subjects or topics at the end of the spokes, throwing in a few that may not relate to the central story you are trying to tell but reflect who you really are. Your overall theme may anchor the blog but only by adding a bit of “you” will it be interesting.

How many of us have had blogs for a while but have not posted in months… years even? That is not really a blog, but a dull and static example of how we have missed the most important recipe for blogging success… consistency. A good way to develop the habit of routinely updating or contributing to a blog is to create a daily or weekly schedule for your topics.  An example could be Top Ten Tuesday, Wild Wednesday, Free Thought Friday, etc. This puts a routine to your writing and helps your reader anticipate what to expect from your blog. This is a great way to build your viewership and that goal of all goals, the subscriber.

Finally, let’s talk about syndication, which is important to getting actual eyeballs on your site. Luckily, WordPress will send your posts directly to Facebook and Twitter. I would also suggest advertising the name of your blog along with your static website. There are many people who feel that the blog has taken center stage and basically replaced the need for a separate site. I still cling to mine but have made a link to my blog a central part of my site and have started sharing my blog URL as I would my address or cell phone number.

Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that if you build it, they will come. But I can guarantee if you don’t, they will go somewhere else.

What are you waiting for? Like me, you may find that you not only like it… you love it.

Happy Blogging, Y’all!

Top #10 Steps to Sell Your Home!

 

Thinking about selling your home?

Would you like a little sage advice that could save you time, money, anguish and probably a bit of all three?

1. Understand your real estate market - The old adage “Location, Location, Location” not only applies to your home but to your market as well. What you hear on the national news may not have any bearing on your individual area so learning local conditions is a must to determine the best strategy to find a ready, willing and able buyer.  You can learn a lot by following updates from the local association of Realtors in your area as well as contacting active Realtors who make it their business to understand and decipher the current market conditions.

2. Hire a Terrific Realtor - Okay, I had to say it. If you plan to try to sell yourself, then certainly skip to the next step. However, I am a proud Texas Realtor and always think that we are your best shot at getting sold. That said, all Realtors are not the same so making sure you hire the best is crucial. Ask your friends, do research online,  and pay attention to see who seems to list and more importantly “sell” homes in your community. (Just because an agent lists a lot of homes does not mean they actually sell them.)  The Houston Association of Realtors, HAR, has a fabulous rating system online for those agents who participate. This is a great indicator of performance and appears to be helpful to the consumer. For an example, you can see my ratings here. I know Zillow is attempting this as are other sites so you may have access to agent ratings or rankings in your area, too.

3. Check your calendar - Time of year is very important when determining how to position your property in the market place. Seasonal markets will ebb and flow like the seas and your Realtor will be able to help you determine the best time to list. Homes sell throughout the year but there are times when demand will be at its peak and therefore, sales prices will be highest. If possible, take advantage of these peak selling periods. If not, adjust your price and days on market expectations accordingly.

4. Hire a Stager - Staging has become a huge business and has been proven to assist sellers in presenting their homes in the best light possible to potential buyers. This equates to more money in your pocket when the home is sold. Some of us have taken staging courses and either handle it ourselves or hire independent stagers to work with our clients. If you are in the Houston Area, I love and recommend Linda Burnett with Envisions Designs. Regardless of who is doing the work, take the time and effort to follow the instructions of a good stager and it will pay off in the end.

5. Do what the Stager tells you to do - This is the part where some folks get hung up. The stager is a professional who looks at your home dispassionately and is really working for you to try to help you sell your home. The more you can complete of the stager’s honey-do list, the better. I realize there may be unexpected expense here but if it is major, then trust me… it may very well cost you more in the end to ignore rather than fix. Flooring, paint, landscaping… these are all items that can be a major turn-off to buyers if not in great shape.

6. Advertise, Advertise, Advertise – Make sure you have as much exposure as possible. Today’s buyer is really beginning online for their home search so you need to be there, too. No if’s, and’s or but’s about it. A little sign in the yard without an online presence will only net you the few people who happen to drive by. It is a brave new world out there and your home listing needs to be in it. Another must is you need multiple high quality photos and a virtual tour, if possible, to accompany your online advertising, as well as a good description of your home.

7. Offer a Buyer Agent Commission - If you are listing with a Realtor who will place you on the MLS, then there will be a published offer of compensation. However, if you try to go it alone, you really need to consider offering to pay an agent that might bring your buyer. Trust me, agents know more potential buyers than all your friends, co-workers, neighbors combined so it is important to utilize this great resource. In the US, usually the buyer’s representative is compensated out of the listing agent’s commission. But if not, please be mindful that there are wonderful Realtors out there who may have a client that would be perfect for your home but they need to be paid. If compensation is not offered by the seller, then the buyer would have to pay it and they will simply take it off the offer price. This may also cause a bit of confusion for the buyer who does not understand why their agent is not getting paid by the seller. Ask several Realtors in your area what would be a fair amount and then advertise it on your sign saying,” Realtors Welcome”. Besides, you do not work for free, why should they?

8. Consider Public and Agent-Only Open Houses - Public Open Houses are a good way for the public to view your home. Of course, attendance can be affected by time, date, weather, location, accessibility, signage, etc. If you see several Realtors holding open houses in your area, call them and ask if you could hold yours open at the same time. This brings in more traffic and a home that does not work for one buyer may work for another. Also, high attendance elevates buyer excitement.

9. Open Title – Whether your state requires you use attorneys or title companies, it is always best to make sure you have a good, clean title to be able to close. So many issues can run interference with a smooth transaction: probate issues, divorce, tax liens. It is best to get a clean bill of health with regard to your title up front so you are not stalled at the closing table. Another thing to do is find out your payoff amount on your mortgage, if any, to make sure you do not have to bring money to the table to close. If you discover you have to sell but do not have the funds necessary to close, in other words, you are “upside down” , you may want to contact an agent who specializes in what is known as a short sale.

10. Know Rules on Pre-Inspection and Disclosure Requirements – In some cases, it is a good idea or is even required to get your home inspected prior to going on the market. This will help you discover issues that may require repair as well as help narrow down the repair list for the future buyer. More real estate transactions fall apart due to failure to properly disclose items or fear of items that show up on inspection reports. Nip them in the bud and you will have a happier buyer and better transaction. And if you remember nothing from this post, always Disclose, Disclose, Disclose. If it is something that you as a buyer would want to know about a property, then you must disclose it.

As an experienced Realtor with Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors, a top listing firm in the great City of Houston, we do know a thing or two about the marketing of residential real estate. In fact, we have been honored twice now by J. D. Powers and Associates for “Highest Seller Satisfaction”. I welcome your comments or additions to this list. If you would like a market analysis for your Houston Area Home (and absolutely no pressure to list), just let me know. I am happy to help and only hope you will consider me should you decide  you wish to hire a Realtor. I can be reached at www.christiborden.com or via cell 832-372-7478.

Happy Selling and Good Luck!

Cool Tools for Today’s Realtor!

Okay, so I am a gadget junkie and an intervention is certainly in my near future, but there are certain tools that help me through my day as a busy and successful Realtor in Katy, TX  – a sprawling suburb located about 20 miles west of Houston and near the center of the Energy Corridor.

My list has nothing to do with being able to perform the business of real estate but has “everything” to do with my being able to perform it well.

1. Tablet PC - I love being able to run my business as paperless as possible. I have an HP Tablet Elite that allows me to take notes, bring up all manner of paperwork, fill in the contracts and have clients sign on site. This is a powerful machine and impresses clients that I have the equipment of a professional.

2. Real Estate Dashboard software by www.Gopaperless.com. I use this software to keep my documents organized on my computer and it has an e-sign feature that compares to Docusign as well as an upload feature similar to Dropbox.  (I use Dropbox for my iPad, too).

3. Docusign - Even though I have a redundant system on my computer, with so many other Realtors using Docusign, I am an avid subscriber as well. It is easy to use and clients LOVE it. No more driving across town to secure signatures. Experienced relocation clients, especially those out-of-town, now expect this level of service. Check it out… your business will prosper because of it.

4. Mi-fi - I have a wi-fi by Sprint (the Overdrive) that I carry with me always. For a mere $ 50 a month, I am able to access the internet at every opportunity on at least 5 machines: iPad, laptop, etc. I always give my listing appointments LIVE so that future clients can see exactly what is happening in their market in real-time as well I can demonstrate my marketing in action. For my buyers, we can drive around and use the new www.HAR.com app or the www.Realtor.com app to view homes on the fly. I am one of those people who are “always” connected and I like it that way. However, my family does not always agree with me. Use with discretion…

5. iPad – Yes, I know I have a computer but it is not always convenient to bring it along plus my iPad is so much fun! I love the instant access to all of  my Social Media Sites plus my husband steals it from me to play “Words with Friends”. I know that my opponents may notice at times I am a tad brighter than usual… it is all Danny. Sorry but he loves the game and can really crush it at Scrabble. How can I deny him this one joy?

6. Kodak HD Video camera – the best $ 139.00 you will spend, and make sure to get the sport version which is water proof down to 3 meters and can be dropped from 5 feet (not that I have ever dropped a camera anywhere near water…ahem). And it will be perfect to take on my next vacation. Bahamas, here I come…

7. Laser Tape measure – How can any Realtor live without this device? In fact, I have about three because I tend to leave them around or lose them. They are fantastic and sellers are very impressed when you whip them out to measure their home.

8. Digital SLR Camera with a tripod - While I usually hire a professional photographer for my main photos, I tend to supplement with area community shots and they have to be great. I have several point and shoot cameras (the Kodak Video camera has a built-in 5 MP) but nothing really takes the place of a good SLR camera. There is no comparison between the two and having a great range of lenses (wide-angle for indoor shots and long-range for outdoors) helps me truly present the best features a property has to offer. I am a Nikon gal but any of the big guys will do. Shooting with a tripod completely eliminates any motion or shake allowing you to take the clearest of photos. Try a tripod, you will never go back to handheld photography again.

9. Laminating machine - I know this is a weird tool but many times I need to present a great copy of a survey, pool rendering, bullet list of features, newsletter, community update, etc. and a laminated copy always takes my marketing up a notch. The fact that it came from Sam’s and cost $ 99 is beside the point. No one else is using one and my listings stand out because of it.

10. Showing Beacon – This is a terrific box that connects to the phone of the seller and lets them know when a showing is complete by the simple touch of a button. The agent showing the home signals the seller to return home upon leaving the property and the beacon actually calls the seller’s cell phone with the message. Pretty cool, huh? My sellers love it because they are not left waiting hours for an agent that arrives late or does not show at all.

Now that I have gotten started, I could probably list at least 10 more.

What tools would you add to this list and how do you use them?

Hard to be Permenant in a Disposable World

Just yesterday I wrote about my love of gadgets and today, I received my timely comeuppance.

My college-age kids called me to tell me their phones were malfunctioning and needed to be replaced. How is it that both phones have run amuck at exactly same time?

And the wireless Gods were not smiling upon me because the blessed upgrade from our carrier is not until March. But Mom, they pleaded in their most pitiful voices, we (meaning me) could buy two refurbished phones to get them through the long wait (one month) until the upgrade was within their grasp… and only for measly $ 50 a pop. The phone is regularly $ 300 so this is a deal, right? I am being asked to dole out $100 for what will amount to two disposable phones. I ask you, does that seem logical? It seemed perfectly fine to them and they are now questioning my ability to reason let alone my ability to function without assistance.

When a $ 300 phone or anything for that matter is viewed as “temporary” and we count the days until they can be discarded, where do we draw the line on what is considered valuable enough to keep?

Computers: Laptop technology changes so rapidly that they are pretty much rendered obsolete in 3 to 4 years. I am on my third laptop since beginning my real estate business just 7 years ago.

Cameras: Do you remember how long you kept your first camera? I still have my fully manual Pentax K1000 (remember film, gasp), from high school which has still created some of the best shots I have taken to date. How long do you plan to hang onto your current camera? Or, are you already looking at the newer models and wishing you had them or worse, planning your future purchase?

Cars: I for one like to buy a really nice vehicle (usually one or two years old versus new) and will keep it for a very long time before moving on. While others may own 4 or 5 vehicles during the same time I have kept one. No judgement rendered; just observation.

Has advancing technology created an itch than cannot be scratched, a hunger than cannot be fed, a thirst that cannot be quenched?

 Are we doomed to enjoy temporary satisfaction only to be left wanting more?

What say you?

Katy, Texas: How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways!

I am fortunate to live and work in the sprawling western Houston suburb known as Katy, TX, recently recognized as the top community for growth in the Nation by the Gadberry Group. Click link to read more…

There are obvious reasons for my statement and a few that are not-so-obvious:

1. Location, Location, Location: Close proximity to the Energy Corridor, a major area for our top employers. 

2. Terrific Schools: Just search www.katyisd.org to see what our school district and individual campuses have to offer to our residents and their children. (As the mother of a National Merit Finalist and a Semi-Finalist, I can personally attest to the effectiveness of the administrators and their staff.) Thank you Katy ISD!

3. Cost of Living: We still have lots of available land for building and labor is fairly inexpensive so housing is affordable. However, our property taxes tend to be a high but keep in mind Texas does not have a State Income Tax so our property taxes are used to fund our great schools.

4. (Relatively) Easy Commute: Traffic, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder and it depends on what you consider an easy commute. Face it, Houston loves its vehicles so the traffic will always be with us. However, with the completion of the I-10 expansion and the Westpark Tollway completion, there are several avenues for timely travel into Houston and beyond. I know some people do not want a commute and are willing to pay higher homes prices to live closer in and perhaps sacrifice a bit on the schools but our many residents feel that the trade-off is worth it.

5. Great Communities: There are so many different neighborhoods available to a home buyer in our area. I tend to call them “communities”  because some of them are larger than many small towns. In fact, Cinco Ranch is currently the number one new home selling community in entire country and has recently acquired 500 additional acres to continue its growth. Katy offers many other terrific choices such as: Grand Lakes, Firethorne, Cross Creek Ranch, Seven Meadows, Kelliwood, Grayson Lakes and more. Our developers have thoughtfully designed and completed their communities with the homeowner in mind. With careful presentation of commercial/retail, beautifully landscaped common areas, abundant resort-style amenities (golf, pools, tennis, hike/bike trails, lakes, etc.), our residents can feel secure that they have made a wise choice with regard to their families’ enjoyment and potential resale value.

6. Quality of Life: Katy offers a true, small town experience with big city features. We have great dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities for everyone of all ages. We are thrilled to be the lucky recipient of abundant medical care, including but not limited to the new Medical Center’s West Campus: Texas Children’s Hospital, Methodist Hospital, Hermann Memorial Hospital, Christus St. Catherine Hospital and the MD Anderson Radiology Center.

7. Diverse and Interesting: Our area is truly representative of the world’s population. As the destination of choice for most expatriates moving here with their energy sector jobs, you will love our multi-cultural make-up. Our kids grow up with friends from all over the world and so many international buyers (drawn here because of our schools), develop strong ties to our community. I know on my street alone we have residents representing: US, Canada, Africa, India, Russia… and this is one street.

8. Family: Katy is family centric and is a place where you can finally stop, unwind and relax with the ones you love. This is a place where people gather to enjoy everything that a true “community” can offer.  

9. Spirituality:  At one time, this area was known as the “City of Churches” and offers a place of worship for everyone, regardless of your faith.

10. Friendly Residents: I have lived all over US and abroad and can attest that I am living in one of the friendliest places on Earth. This could be one of the reasons so many people keep moving back to Katy, TX. When a family moves away, chances are … they will be back.

Why not drop by and check us out. You just might love it and never want to  leave. For more information, please visit my website www.ChristiBorden.com .

See you in Katy!

Superbowl … A Lesson in Living The Dream!

Today is Superbowl Sunday and, like everyone else, I have my mind on the game. However, it isn’t the game but the athletes themselves that interest me. Okay, the commercials, too but that is best left to another post.

I love learning about their individual stories and how they made it here. How they started playing the game as little boys, and continued to define their strengths, refine their skills, and struggle through years of injuries, hardship and courage to become these men at this time in history. Amazing, when you when you think about it.

Consider the immense number of people in life who start playing, training or studying to prepare for their desired area of expertise, and then consider the number who actually make it. What are the odds? What makes the difference? What is it that gets them from novice to Superstar while others, with similar talents, flounder instead of flourish?

Training: They are always training and have been since they first picked up a ball. I can tell you that the Ben Roethlistberger’s and Aaron Rodger’s of the world never stopped training once mastering their talent. In fact, they never believe it to be fully mastered.

Tenacity: They never give up. Injuries may sideline but still they press on. Even to their physical detriment, they continue to play with broken bones, bruised muscles (and egos), rain or snow, heat or cold. Something deep within drives them to continue when others are given the permission to rest.

Coaching: Every single professional has a coach and this is not limited to sports. The gifted require this external element, whether they are writers, actors, singers, and even Realtors (my field of play). A coach is someone who can clearly see where the athlete needs to be and knows how to get him there. He studies the the strengths and weaknesses and creates a plan of action that is specific to that individual. There is no one-size-fits-all! They develop a continuous push/pull dynamic to their relationship. The coach provides the roadmap, monitors the progress and constantly encourages, presses, cajoles, maybe even threatens to ensure action. An effective coach will not fall for excuses or procrastination. If the athlete is tough, the coach must be tougher.

Desire: They can see it, taste it and smell it, even when it exists only in their mind. What might seem daunting to most will only feed this desire further. Ask a true believer what their goal is and you will be astounded by dreams that appear unattainable at best and possibly even bordering on delusions of grandeur. Could it be we lack the belief system and vision to go there or maybe we never had it in the first place? There are no self-induced limits on their ability to achieve… and what they lack, they go back to the first three items above and create it, fix it or improve it.

So while you watch the game today, pay attention to the back-ground stories that the media uses to fill dead air time. Listen to proud parents as they portray their son’s childhood. Ask yourself; what was unique about the seed planted in the “Sapling” of the kid that helped him grew into this mighty “Oak” of a man? If you took a poll of each player on the field and asked what he wanted most as a kid, he will tell it is today. It is this one moment in time. It is to play in the Superbowl!

Win or lose, they are all champions and should be honored for truly “Living the Dream”!

A.A.A.D.D. – Know the Symptoms… Please Read!

Thank goodness there’s a name for this disorder.
Somehow I feel better even though might have it!!

Recently, I was diagnosed with A.A.A.D.D. -
Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.

This is how it manifests:

I decide to water my garden.
As I turn on the hose in the driveway,
I look over at my car and decide it needs washing.

As I start toward the garage,
I notice mail on the porch table that
I brought up from the mail box earlier.

I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car.
I lay my car keys on the table,
put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table,
and notice that the can is full.

So I decide to put the bills back on the table & take out the garbage first..
But then I think, since I’m going to be near the mailbox
when I take out the garbage anyway,
I may as well pay the bills first.

I take my check book off the table,
and see that there is only one check left.
My extra checks are in my desk in the study,
so I go inside the house to my desk where
I find the can of Pepsi I’d been drinking.

I’m going to look for my checks,
but first I need to push the Pepsi aside
so that I don’t accidentally knock it over.
The Pepsi is getting warm.
I decide to put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold..
As I head toward the kitchen with the Pepsi,
a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye..
They need water.
I put the Pepsi on the counter and
discover my reading glasses that
I’ve been searching for all morning.

I decide I better put them back on my desk,
but first I’m going to water the flowers.
I set the glasses back down on the counter,
fill a container with water and suddenly spot the TV remote
someone had left it on the kitchen table.

I realize that tonight when we go to watch TV,
I’ll be looking for the remote,
but I won’t remember that it’s on the kitchen table,
so I decide to put it back in the den where it belongs.
But first I’ll water the flowers.
I pour some water in the flowers.
Quite a bit of it spills on the floor.
So, I set the remote back on the table,
get some towels and wipe up the spill.

Then I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.

At the end of the day:
the car isn’t washed
the bills aren’t paid
there is a warm can of
Pepsi sitting on the counter
the flowers don’t have enough water,
there is still only 1 check in my check book,
I can’t find the remote,
I can’t find my glasses,
and I don’t remember what I did with the car keys.

Then, when I try to figure out why nothing got done,
I’m really baffled because I know I was busy all day,
and I’m really tired.

I realize this is a serious problem,
and I’ll try to get some help for it, but first I’ll check my e-mail…..

Do me a favor.
Forward this message to everyone you know,
because I don’t remember who the  heck I’ve sent it to.

(The author is unknown to me as this was shared by a friend, thanks John. If you wrote this, please let me know so I can give you credit… that is if you can remember writing it in the first place).

Hate Not Your Weatherman!

Okay, so everyone today is calling for the heads of our ”Weathermen” in Houston, TX for the daring prediction of up to 5 inches of snow and ice, urging that it would be impossible for schools, businesses and every living soul in Houston to get anything done today. Hunker down, they cried!

And we, the citizenry of Houston, listened and obeyed. We made alternative working arrangements. We closed our schools. We cancelled all manner of plans. We hit the local HEB in droves seeking emergency supplies to wait out the impending storm. And we woke up today to … nada. Birds singing, sun shining, grass unbelievably green without a trace of winter’s touch.

Oh, the anger expressed amongst our most vocal at the inconvenience and disappointment of it all.

But let’s take a moment to appreciate the plight of our poor local Meteorologist. Day in and day out, the only other forecast they get to make (other than the occasional hurricane where the national boys step in and take over) is: “Today, it will be partly cloudy, hot, and humid with a 35% chance of precipitation”.

So when they finally got a chance to break free and deviate from the norm, who can blame them for going at it with gusto? Who can blame them for their one moment of passionate and unbridled spontaneity in what must be one of the most monotonous occupations in the world?

So to you, Mr. “I better figure a way to cover my back side on this one” Weatherman, we in sunny and dry Houston salute you!

Top # 10 books for Real Estate

I recently participated in a panel of peers speaking on the subject of what we, as full-time, residential real estate agents, were doing to move our business forward in a challenging business environment.

Part of my presentation on the panel was sharing books that contribute to my successful journey in this crazy world of real estate and for life in general. I thought I would share it with a broader audience and ask for your opinion of books that I can add to my shelf of knowledge.

My Current Favorites:

Kiss, Bow or Shake Hands by Terri Morrison and Wayne A Conaway. A fabulous guide-book for anyone working with international clients. While you may need more in-depth information for a specific client, this book helps you understand the decision-making process of different cultures and may help prevent a critical yet innocent faux pax.

Hard Optimism by Price Pritchett. This is a small, concise, easy-to-read booklet that gets to the heart of what is necessary to be truly optimistic. I keep a copy in my car to read when I find myself with a few moments of down time. I also have several copies on my shelf that I loan out and have given away.  Whether you are in real estate or not, it is powerful and I recommend it highly.

E-Myth Revisited by  Michael E. Gerber . This book helped me to see the difference between the “job” and the “entrepreneurial” mentality, which is crucial to success not only real estate but in any business venture. If you behave like an employee, you will never be the boss. And in real estate, you must rise to the position of boss or fail. While it is a little dry in places, this book has a powerful message.

Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy. If procrastination is your thing, you need to buy this book today.. no not tomorrow, TODAY. This is short, sweet and to the point. If there is a job you need to do but tend to put off, this book is for you. 

How to List and Sell Real Estate by Danielle Kennedy with Warren Jamison. This was my first introduction to real estate prospecting. In my freelance court reporting past life, I was very familiar with how to attract clients but Danielle helped me focus on the particlar business at hand. Timeless advice for an ever evolving business.

The Tech Savvy Real Estate Agent by Galen Gruman. Although written with the agent in mind,  this book has great technology advice and information that many businesses could benefit from reading.

The Millionaire Real Estate Agent…. by Gary Keller, et al. A well-written book that focuses not only making money but it is one of the most information-packed and practical guides to starting and maintaining a successful a real estate business.

Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath. A great book that is not directed at real estate but has provided great insight into marketing strategies that will “stick”.

Exploiting Chaos… by Jeremy Gutsche. Again, a non-real estate specific book but chock full of powerful strategies for thriving in a chaotic economic crisis.

Swanepoel Trends Report and Swanepoel Social Media Report both by Stefan Swanepoel. I always follow this yearly report on trends and market leaders. It provides me with insight into where our industry has been and where it most likely is headed.

101 Technology tools for Business on the Go by Shannon King and Melissa Dittman Tracey. A wonderful quick read sharing tools that every real estate road warrior will want to have. (I had the chance to meet her in Austin this week and she is terrific).

How about you? Read any good books lately that have helped you in your business?

Social Media… Manners Matter!

by christiborden

Social Media Sandbox

Where is Emily Post when I need her?

In the time before Social Media, long before Facebook and Twitter, we all knew or should have known the rules of engagement. Someone holds out their hand; you shake it. A stranger smiles at you on the street; you smile back. A woman stands next to you on the bus; you render your seat. Someone sneezes; you bless them. When so many of our relationships now exist outside of the physical world, how do we translate the old rules for today? And have they really changed?

I read a great post by Erica Johnson addressing the etiquette of “commenting” on blogs (read here), which led me to ponder (as I often do) about other areas where we may all need a little direction.

Facebook: Stop the sales pitches, please. I love my many friends on Facebook, but I have painfully started to “de-friend” them when the only thing they bring to the conversation is a sales pitch. Imagine attending a cocktail party and starting in on the “pitch” the second you are introduced to a stranger. No…we strike up conversation, find common ground, add to the discussion and then maybe, if invited, hand them our card and tell them what we “do”. Real life rules apply here, too.

Twitter: See comments above. The sales pitches are even more annoying when squeezed into 140 characters. I think Twitter is best used to share information with like-minded followers. Yes, we can link to our blog or web site. But let the follower decide to follow instead of ramming our business/service/product down their throat with every Tweet. And please turn off the auto-responder. I would rather hear nothing than a canned comment (which usually includes a sales pitch).

IM: How in the world do we end a conversation politely? On the phone, I can say “I have to go, good-bye” and hang up.  But online where they can see I am still “there”, how do I tactfully let go? I end up saying goodbye at least 5 times before the connection is severed. I welcome comments here because I have not yet figured it out. Also, can we in good grace ignore a Facebook IM when we are otherwise engaged? Oh, the guilt…

Games: While I am not a big game player, I do enjoy the faux Scrabble Words with Friends. I recently had someone I know well “decline” to play me. Gasp? So, does this mean right now or forever more? Did I do something so heinous that I have been permanently banished from their Scrabble world? Don’t worry, I can still sleep at night but perhaps an explanation would have been nice rather than… “Declined”. Ouch:).

Frankly, I see Social Media as a huge sandbox filled with lots of wonderful, interesting kids all trying to get along and play together. Some follow the rules and some do not.

How well do you play with others?

All for the love of a Dog!

by christiborden

Our loving Macie who died 2/20/2011

Day one after my sweet loving companion has forever left my side and I am slightly numb. Day two and it promises more of the same.

I still walk gently in the dark to avoid stepping on her. I still wait for her to peek around the corner to see what I am up to. Cats had nothing on her curious nature. My daily routines so wrapped around her needs that I must now reorganize my day. Every little task, a memory of her. Something so simple as pouring that first cup off coffee…her signal that it was time for her treat and a walk to her lake. Pavlov’s theory in full force, although I am not quite sure I wasn’t the one being trained to respond.

Amazing how much our lives become entrenched with those of our pets. When the kids flew the nest, the dog and I developed our “you and me, pal” attitude to get through our day. We eventually settled into a comfortable partnership that filled the void left by their departure. We both loved when our boys and their smelly friends blew in for weekends and holidays. The house then filled up again with laundry, fun and laughter. She would give me that knowing look that said, “ah, this is as it should be”. Both of us sad to see them go but also content with a home at peace.

Quiet… now it is all too quiet and suffocating. I know this will pass. I welcome the day when I can replace the searing pain of loss with the sweet joy of memory. I know in my heart that she was loved and returned that love completely. I know she is not in pain. I know that if dogs have souls, hers is shining above with a bright light, a wet nose and a wagging tail. And for her brief time on this earth, I thank God that I was her Human.

Home Seller: Your “To Do” List Prior to a Home Inspection.

by christiborden

Home Inspection Approaches

So you finally have a contract on your home. Congratulations! Now, your buyer has ordered an independent inspection. Believe me, this is a good thing. When so many real estate transactions end in court due to disclosure items, inspections are a wonderful way for both parties to be aware of the condition of the property and hopefully resolve any such issues up front. You should applaud a buyer that thinks enough of his investment to hire an inspector. I am always worried about buyers who don’t. In fact, I would rather not represent a buyer that declines to inspect, even new construction.

Even though it is probably too late to make major repairs prior to the inspection, there are some things a seller can do to help the inspection go well for both parties and most of these items are simply the little nagging, honey-do type of things that we, as homeowners, tend to get used to and ignore.

• Let there be light: Check all light bulbs and replace those not working. An inspector is not going to test the fixture itself but may call it as a deficiency and recommend that it be examined by a licensed electrician. Quite a costly repair for a blown bulb.
• Water, water everywhere: Repair any leaking faucets, water fixtures, irrigation systems, etc. If you do not know how to do it, hire a plumber. If you are aware of rotten wood on the exterior of your home, this is usually flagged for repair.
• Heating, Cooling and More: How long has it been since your systems have been serviced? How long has it been since you changed your filters and cleaned your vents? A well-maintained home will shine at an inspection, helping you and your buyer keep the transaction together.
• Access to your home: Make sure there is access to your breaker box, the heater/air conditioner, water heater, etc. If your personal belongings block these important items, the inspector will not inspect it causing the buyer to either accept an incomplete inspection, having to pay an additional fee for a further inspection or he may just pull out of the deal completely.
• Disclose, Disclose, Disclose: Please click here to read my past blog about your responsibility as a Seller to disclose. This is not something to take lightly or to ignore. If you know about it something that you, as a buyer, would want to know about a property, disclose. Even if you have made a repair, it is required to let them know the issue existed.

That should get you started on your way to having your property ready for the inspection. If you have questions about this or other items, contact your Realtor or your real estate attorney for advice regarding the inspection report and repairs. Also, in the State of Texas, you are required to disclose this and any other property inspection performed within the last four years and must note same on the Seller’s Disclosure Notice.

I hope this has helped you and wish you a safe and stress-free journey toward your closing.

Disclaimer: My name is Christi Borden. I am a licensed real estate agent in the State of Texas and a member of the National Association of REALTORS. As such, I adhere to a strict code of ethics and all laws with regard to equal housing, which is reflected in the content of this blog. My broker is Prudential GARY GREENE, REALTORS, 23922 Cinco Village Center, Suite 123, Katy TX 77494. My TX Real Estate License number is 0517398. All of the opinions in this blog are mine, unless otherwise noted.

Do you know Sophia? Found Dog in Katy, TX.

Sophia - Found in Katy, TX

As you know, I post information on lost and found pets in the Katy, TX area. This is from the kind lady who found her.

“Here is the dog that followed my father home today (my parents are visiting Texas, and my dad was walking over by the elementary school on S. Peek Rd in Katy). 

Sophia followed him home this morning, and has claimed our family. She is obviously still a puppy.  She has one blue eye and one brown eye, pink above her nose, and is loving and affectionate.  She has a heart shaped trinket on her collar that says “Love”, and “Sophia” is embroidered on her collar (along with a tag on her collar that has “Mimi Green” embroidered on it).  We just found out that Mimi Green is the designer for the collar, if that helps.

Thank you for your help.  My phone number is 281-347-0572.”
 
Sincerely,
Lisa Goff

Christi’s 100 Clove Garlic Chicken Recipe

Garlic is a Gift for the Soul!

by Christi Borden

By request from my friends, I am happy to share one of my kids favorite recipes. Okay, before you start gasping, this is delicious and the garlic is very mild when prepared according to the recipe. This was adapted from a recipe from The Stinking Rose Restaurant in San Fran… go there if you ever get the chance.

INGREDIENTS:

• 10 to 12 chicken thighs, skin removed
• 5 cups Chicken Stock (homemade is best but Swanson’s is next to best thing)
• 1/2 bottle of good dry white Italian Wine (Rule of Thumb is do not cook with it if you would not drink it:)
• 40 to 100 or more peeled garlic cloves (easy when purchased in pre-peeled pack).
• 1/2 to 1 Cup Heavy Cream
• Fresh Rosemary
• 3 TBS Virgin Olive Oil
• Kosher Salt/Fresh Ground Black Pepper

First, lightly salt and pepper chicken and brown in heated oil in a large flat skillet. Remove from heat when golden brown on both sides but not cooked. Add garlic to oil and constantly stir for about 5 minutes to coat with oil and lightly brown/roast garlic cloves. Pay special attention not to brown or burn garlic. Add rosemary and chicken back to pan and cover chicken with broth and wine. Lower heat so that it bubbles gently, cover and cook for 45 minutes.

Remove chicken to plate, raise temperature and cook broth/wine mixture for 10 minutes on High to reduce. Place reduction into blender and very carefully blend garlic/broth mixture. Use caution when blending hot liquids – use the toggle switch to turn on very briefly and then allow pressure to be released through lid so that you are not scalded by this mixture under pressure.

Return to pan after thoroughly blended, add cream to taste, cook gently on medium until thoroughly blended and thickened. Return chicken to sauce and you are done! I serve this with Risotto Milanese (will share that one next) and a fresh salad or green vegetable. Your family will love it and you will not have to worry about Vampires for weeks!

NUTRITIONAL VALUE:

Who cares? It is that yummy!

Risotto Milanese… ala Christi

by Christi Borden

As promised, this is my version of Risotto Milanese or Milan-style. What makes it Milan-style? I believe it is the addition of Saffron and cheese but perhaps someone wiser than me can answer that question. Regardless, this is my version and I stand by it.

• 2 TBS Olive Oil
• 2 Shallots (finely chopped)
• 5 cloves of garlic, (minced)
• 1 Cup Abrorio Rice (there is no substitute)
• 5 Cups Chicken Stock (homemade is best but Swanson’s will do)
• 1/2 Bottle Dry Italian White Wine (again, use a quality that you would drink. If it is not good enough to drink, it is not good enough to cook with).
• Pinch of Saffron (expensive but worth it)
• 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated, not the sawdust stuff in the green bottle)
• 1 TBS Butter
• Salt and Pepper to taste

First, Combine stock and wine in a microwave container and heat for 5 minutes. The secret to successful Risotto is adding heated liquids to the rice as you go along instead of shocking the rice with cold liquids and not fully releasing the starches that make this dish so deliciously smooth and delightful.

Second, heat oil over medium/high and saute garlic and shallots for 1 minute (careful not to burn garlic). Add dry rice and saffron, and stir for about 30 seconds to warm and to coat with oil.

Now, the magic of risotto begins: Add enough liquid to cover rice by about 1/2 inch, and constantly stir over medium heat until liquid is almost gone. Continue adding more liquid and stirring mixture until rice is al dente (gives slightly when biting but almost cooked through) and creamy. This takes about 20 minutes or so.

Helpful Hint: I stir about every minute so grab a book and the glass of chilled wine and hunker down. If you walk way and do not stir properly, you will not be happy with the results and may burn your rice. Believe me, the results are worth the effort here.

After rice has reached the perfect consistency, remove from heat and add cheese, butter and salt (check for this as the cheese, butter and stock all add salt so it may not be necessary) and fresh black pepper to taste.

There, your Risotto is done and is the perfect dish to serve as you would pasta or potatoes. I sometimes add baby bello mushrooms to this dish but it will change the color and flavor to create a delicious but less delicate side.

E squisito!

I hope you enjoy this as it has become a family favorite!

Houston Realtors Helping Tornado Victims in Alabama!

The Houston Real Estate Community is coming together to help the Alabama Victims of the recent Tornado. We will have an 18-wheeler and driver deliver all donations to the storm victims in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Please help us help them!

The following items are needed order of priority:

• Bottled Water
• Snacks
• Toiletries
• Hand Sanitizer & wipes
• Paper plates, utensils and napkins
• Tarps
• Canned food (including baby food)
• New underwear (men’s, women’s, teen’s and children)
• Diapers (both for infants and adults)
• Batteries
• Flashlights
• Folding Chairs
• Coolers
• Clothing & Shoes
• Bedding, towels, wash cloths

DROP OFF LOCATION:

1. Century 21 Hardee-Team Realty, 30310 Tomball Parkway Tomball TX 77375
2. *Prudential Gary Greene - 23922 Cinco Village Center, Suite 123, Katy TX
3. RE/MAX Hometown 7214 FM 1488, Suite 105, Magnolia, TX 77354
4. Prudential Gary Greene 18477 W. Lake Houston Parkway, Suite 50, Humble, TX 77346
5. Princeton Classic Homes 18018 Darling Point Drive, Cypress, TX 774…29
6. Keller Williams Pearland - 2734 Sunrise Blvd., Suit 208, Pearland TX 77584
7. Realty World First Choice 18121 FM 306 Canyon Lake, TX. 78133 
8. RE/MAX Integrity - RE/MAX Integrity.19510 Kuykendahl , Spring TX 
9. Keller Williams Professionals 8101 Cypresswood Drive, Spring TX
10. Great American Title (Galleria), 1535 West Loop South #115, Houston, Texas 77027
11. Texas American Title – 4610 Sweetwater Blvd. #100, Sugarland, TX 77479
12. Texas American Title – 2000 Bering 10th floor, Houston, TX 77057
13. Startex Title Hwy 6 N. 8711 Hwy 6 N.,Houston, Texas 77095
14. Register Real Estate /advisors - 1614 Louetta Rd. – Spring, TX 77388
15. Prudential Gary Greene - 1939 W Gray St # 100, Houston, TX 77019

 *For those of you near Katy, TX, our drop off location is: Prudential Gary Greene - 23922 Cinco Village Center, Suite 123, Katy Monday – Saturday (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) Sunday (12:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

Call me if you need directions – 832-372-7470. We thank you so much for your donations… it will make a difference in the lives of those affected by the recent storms.

Sweet German Shepherd Available for Adoption!

 

German Shepherd Needs a Home!

 

The amazing people fostering this lovely pup unfortunately cannot keep her and may need to take her to a shelter. We would love to place her so that does not happen.

Do you know of someone who would love to welcome this sweetie into their home? Per Foster parents:  She’s absolutely adorable – very loving and playful. She doesn’t bite or even nip. She doesn’t seem to be afraid of people or loud noises or anything like that. Last night she slept right through the night with no problem at all. I have attached a photo so that everyone can see how sweet she is. I hope we can find a home for her.

Shakespeare Said…

by Christi Borden

Shakespeare's Philosophy for Life

Shakespeare said: I always feel happy, You know why? Because I don’t expect

anything from anyone, Expectations always hurt.. .Life is short… So love

your life… Be happy… And Keep smiling… Just Live for yourself and:

• Before you speak »Listen
• Before you write »Think
• Before you spend »Earn
• Before you pray »Forgive
• Before you hurt »Feel
• Before you hate »Love
• Before you quit »Try
• Before you die »Live

This is my personal philosophy for life and my secret to happiness.

This was shared on Facebook today so I do not claim to be the author. Thank you, Bill-Necmettin Erbil – wherever you are!

Realtors (and Community) Helping Tornado Victims in Alabama!

by Christi Borden

Mendel Elementary Donations for Tornado Victims

Wow, what a fast and furious few days since this effort was first proposed. Collections continue to come into the many drop off sites around the City of Houston and surrounding suburban areas.

Calls in to the drop off points show a very enthusiastic and generous outpouring of love along with necessary items for our friends in Alabama who are today without everything they held so dear due to the terrible storms.

Quick mention that our first truck is headed east on Monday and will be hitting the pick up locations as early as tomorrow (Katy location to be specific along with other spots).  If you are planning to give and want to make the first relief transport, please consider doing so by tomorrow. If you need more time, do not worry. We have another truck in the works.

I wanted to post the photo above sent to me from Kathleen Cox, Principal of Mendel Elementary in the Aldine School District. Her team of dedicated staff members and her students gathered up this wonderful gift of much-needed school supplies and will be dropping this off at one of our receiving stations today or tomorrow. To Principal Cox, her Staff and Students… I know your gift will be very welcome and you will put a smile on the face of many students and their teachers in the stricken areas.

Do you have something you wish to give? Help us help them!

Thank you all for everything you have done… and you know who you are:).

Found Dog in Katy, TX

by Christi Borden

I love helping our Katy TX residents find lost pets. This was sent to me by Lisa, who posts lost pets in Grand Lakes and surrounding areas.

This cute little dog was found in Cinco Ranch, the Katy Creek Ranch subdivision.  No collar or micro-chip.  Please contact Jamie if you know this little one, 469-360-2642.

Found Dogs in Katy, TX – Two Schnauzers!

by Christi Borden

Found Two Schnauzer in Katy TX!

These two adorable Schnauzer have been found near the intersection of Coffee Bend and Westheimer Parkway…near Parkway Oaks Subdivision in Katy, TX. They’re clearly someone’s pets, and were taken to the vet by the wonderful person that found them (Karen Edmunson). They had no chips and no tags. The vet is kenneling them for the night, but we MUST find the owners ASAP!

Lost Dogs in Katy – Pit Bulls – Bena and Boomer!

by Christi Borden

I am often contacted by loving pet owners who are missing their pets. Please help this family… from Bonnie Vargo.

Lost dogs in Katy, TX - Bena and Boomer

“MISSING PIT BULLS:  The white one is male. He is Boomer. The tan one is Bena (short for Solabena). She is the mother. Both of them have tags.  Alex rescued them from a man who was using Bena as a baby maker. They were so scared in the beginning when Alex took them in. Now they are so sweet and trusting.

We had them for 7 years and I think someone stole them. We have put up flyers and have searched all over for them. The neighbor was watching them while we were in Corpus Christi this past weekend. They both came up missing on Saturday. We are all heartbroken. I pray that they are not being harmed. Thanks for your help.”

If you have seen these pets, please post here or let me know at christi@chrisitiborden.comso that I can help their owner find them. Thank you.

 

Lost Pet in Katy… Preston, the Chihuahua

Preston, Chihuahua missing in Katy/Cypress Area!

As a service to our community, I post lost pets and received this note sent to me by an anxious pet owner:

I thank you for your help. I need assistance finding my beloved Chihuahua. I have posted every where I can think of now I am using the net to further my search your assistance would be appreciated!

 REWARD for HELP, LOST PET
Please help us find PRESTON
Black and Tan Chihuahua
MALE
6 years old
about 5 lbs.
He is NOT neutered

He was last seen on Garden Meadow, in the Cypress Meadow subdivision (Near Windstone) and has been missing since 6/20/2011′ There is a REWARD for anyone who helps us find him. He is a beloved family pet!

Thank you and God Bless, Ebony Johnson

Lost Pet in Katy, TX – Jack Russell Missing!

Peanut... Male Jack Russell missing from Cinco Ranch Greenway Village 6/26/11!

As a service to our community, I often post lost or found pets in our area.

Today, Katy residents, Stacie and James, who live in Cinco Ranch Greenway Village at the corner of The Grand Parkway (99) and Highland Knolls are searching for their sweet Jack Russell named Peanut, who was discovered missing this morning.  Somehow he must have pushed open their back gate and they noticed him missing since about 7:00 am on 06/26/2011.  Their oldest daughter heard him barking at midnight so they know he was there then.  He usually doesn’t go far…typically they would find him at Fielder Elementary if he got out, which is just a few houses down. However, no luck today!

They ran across my website and have asked to post a picture of him to help find him.  His family misses him very much! If you have seen Peanut or know of someone who might live in the area he was lost, please forward this to them and share with your friends. Help us find him!