Monday, March 29, 2010

Tweet Tweet

I finally joined Twitter. Now you can follow me at www.twitter.com/brewersrealty.com
I was in Atlanta for the first time this past weekend to visit my best friend. We had an amazing time! That city is beautiful! I didn't expect the hills or the gorgeous architecture. It had a small coastal town feel, but it was 250 miles away from the coast, and Atlanta is anything BUT small. She moved there for work this past December, but I bet she'll be back in Texas before too long!
Now that I'm home, it's back to work again. I was checking all my emails this morning and saw that Titan Homes on fbook asked me to become a fan. Their Mediterranean style homes are stunning. Most are located in the Rice Military areas of town and offered at exceptional prices for the Inner Loop (starting in the 300's). It's speculated that 52% of homebuyers this year will be first-timers, meaning great deals in the Loop, such as this, won't last long especially since some predict a housing shortage starting in the next 18 months and lasting over the next ten years. The shortage is caused by a decrease in homes being built. Inventory will slowly become scarce for America's increasing population. Houston is among the cities expected to see a shortage, which is why I can't say enough that it is definitely the time to buy! On a good note, Houston is expected to be on the employment upswing by the end of next year...

Thursday, March 25, 2010

To the Rescue

My renters were approved and chosen over the other application last night like I knew they would! The leasing market is really starting to pick up here in Houston especially in the Inner Loop. Personally, I prefer to live in a stand-alone town home or condo as opposed to a complex or high rise just because I have a dog, but the new Gables at West Ave. in Upper Kirby is so chic! Everything you need is within walking distance and they're so cozy you instantly feel at home. With similar developments in the area and the new idea of mixed-use residences, I definitely think innerloop leasing will be hot over the summer!
As for the housing market, it's definitely going well for those looking to buy... Mortgage rates are still at a low and there's still time to get the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers, which by the way, ends at the end of next month. Although sales prices were on the rise again since this past spring, they are now steadily falling due to all the foreclosures hitting the market nation-wide. There's definitely going to be a decline, but in order to prevent a sharp decline in purchase prices, banks (of all people) are attempting to come to the rescue. The nation's largest recipient of mortgage payments, Bank of America, was first to start assisting homeowners when they unveiled a $3 billion plan yesterday to help some of its most troubled borrowers. Some will be forgiven up to 30% of their mortgage! This plan is really only for those who have underwater mortgages, but I'd say it's definitely a step in the right direction since Bank of America is the first lender ever to attempt to reduce mortgage principal for its borrowers. Guess who jumped on the band wagon today? Citigroup!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

New at Bloggin'!

This is my first time Bloggin' (LOL) but everything seems to be all about the social networking scene now. Who knows maybe this will be therapeutic??
Facebook is already a big networking site for me, has been for six years now?! I wonder how much procrastination that amounts to? I just added myself to Yelp and I'm contemplating a Twitter account... I always said I wouldn't get sucked into it but I almost think it's impossible not to especially when it can give you an edge to your business.
As far as business goes, I had 2 showings this past week and one of them already put in an offer. I am waiting for approval on a very nice town home in the Heights for a great couple who just moved to Houston this past year. I couldn't believe the deal they got! Compared to my own rental in Shady Acres, they got a steal!
I also read an article my Broker posted entitled: Best Cities for Borrowers. Houston was on there! This means all our homebuyers get better average mortgage rates. The city never really saw "cascading" real estate prices which would have led to late payments and eventually more foreclosures. Instead we had less foreclosures, meaning more people could refinance their home and not drown in significant home debt. Keep up the good work!
Today's Lesson:
1. Social networking is taking over
2. There really are great deals out there!
3. And if you know someone thinking about moving, let them know now is the time to do so especially if they're thinking of relocating - I couldn't think of a better city!