How To Choose The Woodlands Realtor

How To Choose The Woodlands Realtor

Wednesday, June 23, 2010
by Jutta “Utah” Burden

How to Choose the Right the Woodlands Realtor

There has never been a better time to buy a home, provided you have the money to. The market is down and shows absolutely no sign of rising any time soon. Homes have been sitting on the market for months without a single buyer showing the slightest bit of interest. The only thing that could possibly help you make sense of all of this bedlam is a good the Woodlands realtor.

If you are looking to successfully sell your home, the first step is to pick a realtor that is right for you. You can primp and preen your house until the cows come home and you still won’t get far without a realtor. The problem arises, though, when it comes time to picking the right the Woodlands realtor. With so many available picking one may seem impossible; to help you through this difficult time however is this article. Read and learn.

Licensing and Membership: When you first start approaching realtors, the first thing you need to check is the state of their real estate license. The decent ones will possess fully active and updated licenses; you should be able to check this against whether they are a member of a Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and online listing database.

Education and Designation: It pays to be educated, especially in the realtor business. So, when looking around, it’s important to discover if they still regularly attend workshops and seminars. This will give them a much higher grasp of strategy and will enable them to put your home in the best possible light. If at all possible, go for brokers instead of agents, as brokers have to undergo more rigorous training to achieve their title.

Time Commitment: The amount of commitment a realtor has should also pay a factor in whether they are worth hiring or not. Full-time agents will be able to put in more effort in to presenting and selling your home – time that a part- time agent just doesn’t possess. It helps to see it in this light; would you rather sell your house part of the time, or all the time?

Reputation: Word-of-mouth is just as important as they say it is. Having a good reputation will speak volumes for the Woodlands realtor that you are thinking about selecting, so it never hurts to ask friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors if they have any suggestions. Chances are ,one or two people will have a recommendation and you can start your search from there. All of the training and licensing doesn’t necessarily make a good realtor, though. Instead, trust is the most important factor as you have to be able to trust them to sell your house; this is where a good reputation will come in.

Technology Savvy: This is the 21st century, the age of technology, ensuring that your the Woodlands realtor is up with the times is essential in order to achieve maximum exposure for your house. The technology savvy realtors will be able to create web listings and social media sites in order to get the greatest benefits from this huge market.

You can always reach me on my cell 713-515-7847

The Woodlands Texas Luxury Home Market

THE WOODLANDS TEXAS LUXURY HOMES

Wednesday, June 23, 2010
by Jutta “Utah” Burden

The Woodlands Luxury Homes – What You Need to Know

It stands to reason that price is the most significant factor when searching for an upscale home out of the Woodlands luxury homes. The cost of these luxury homes can easily cross over the million dollar mark, unlike the regular properties that the average person buys which are normally in the range of a few hundred thousand dollars. So if you are looking at buying one of these exceptional homes, you’d better have a very big wallet. After the price, the next big thing to look at is the location. Obviously the nicer the area, the higher the price will be. Most often, these houses are found secluded away, granting as much privacy to the occupants as possible.

All of the Woodlands luxury homes have several things in common, aside from the price, which is already something that separates them from the average home. These more luxurious homes can reach 10 to even 20 million dollars per home! Do you have any idea how much that is? If I were to put it to you in another way, you would have to pay $157,025 a month for a period of 30 years, on an interest rate of 8 percent after you’ve given a 20% down payment – all to pay for one house that costs $26,750,000. Needless to say, it’s not the average person who can afford to live in these houses.

Another thing that most luxury homes have in common is the amount of land that they are built on, obviously the acreage will vary drastically from region to region, with the more developed areas having smaller plots of land at higher costs,and the less economically developed areas having much larger plots of land for the exact same price. A million dollars might buy you 2 acres in one area, but it will buy you 13 in another area, for example. Rest assured, however, that whichever area you are in, the Woodlands luxury homes are never crammed together.

Most luxury homes have additional features, which are part of the reason they are so luxurious. Outdoors, there is almost always a pool and other amenities, such as tennis courts. Indoors, some have private cinemas, home gyms, or squash courts. All of these are designed to make it feel like you are on a constant holiday when you are staying in one of these houses.

If you are seriously considering one of these outstanding homes, the first step would be to ensure that your finances are in proper order as during the recent economic crisis of 2008 many luxury homeowners defaulted due to the extremely high monthly payment. Despite this, however, owning one of the Woodlands luxury homes will bring a great deal of prestige, even if your only intention is to hold it as an investment.

The Woodlands luxury homes are exclusively owned by the crème de la crème of society and if you are lucky enough to be able to join this most august gathering of people, ensure that all of your finances are secure as nothing would be worse than falling from grace after having achieved so much.

If you like to see any of these properties please e-mail me at Utah@UtahBurden.com  for a privat showing.

Pool problems check the Pool Wizard

This is for all my readers that are swimming pool owners !!!

Most pool owners have similar complaints about their pool water problems and say things like: “My swimming pool always turns green with algae!”, “My eyes and nose burn when I swim and I can smell the chlorine,” or “The swimming pool water is cloudy. How do I know if the water is safe for my kids?”

This site addresses these and other questions about pool water chemistry and swimming pool problems. Step by step guides take you through all aspects of pool water testing, balancing the water chemistry and general swimming pool maintenance. To make life easier, there are convenient water calculators to help you work out how much of each chemical you need. You can also work out the volume of your swimming pool or make conversions between gallons and litres.

The pages dealing with identifying and solving the most common swimming pool problems will no doubt be of use to all pool owners, pool maintainers and swimmers alike. Problems such as algae, cloudy water, swimming pool illnesses and chlorine smells are covered. Please feel free to request help on topics not covered on this site.

A section is devoted to the Pool Wizard, a fully patented revolutionary swimming pool accessory using natural minerals, which dramatically reduces pool maintenance and the associated pool chemical costs (such as chlorine, flocculant and algaecide). Never again will you have algae in your swimming pool. It even prevents and destroys the most stubborn black algae found in pool water. It kills bacteria and fungus too, with no maintenance required (apart from half an hour every 7 to 9 months).

A comprehensive glossary of swimming pool and pool maintenance terminology has been added. If you can’t figure out the pool manuals or maintenance guides, then this can really help to solve your problems.

Why not check out some of the satisfied users of the Pool Wizard and view some of the before/ after photos, or explore web sites in our pool and spa directory containing useful information relevant to swimming pools, swimming and pool water quality, hot tubs and spas (as well as a few of my own personal favourites).

Complements  of your Woodlands Pool Builder   Pools by Design

Relaxing Backyard Ideas

Jutta ” Utah ” Burden from The Woodlands Real Este Blog  would like to give you some relaxing backyard ideas .If you are like many Americans, your backyard is your oasis from the world. This is the spot you choose to spend your time off with your family and friends. It is a place where you will do a lot of your living. Unfortunately, many Americans also find their backyards to be places that aren’t comfortable and relaxing. Often by lack of knowledge or even lack of creativity we create formal spaces that really aren’t quite suitable for relaxing.

If you are one of the many Americans seeking relaxing backyard ideas for your home and garden there are a few ideas below that may help you accomplish your goal. The first thing you must do however is identify what things you find relaxing. Just as many things in life, relaxation is not one size fits all.

Bird Paradise

The first suggestion is to create an area in which birds will come to rest. Many people find that bird watching is not only entertaining and enjoyable but also very relaxing as a hobby. You can do many things with your landscaping that will attract birds and other wildlife to your backyard. Some of those things include adding bird feeders that are kept well stocked to your backyard, landscaping with plants, bushes, trees, and shrubs that are attractive to birds, and providing a nice bird bath from which birds can drink and play. These types of backyards are very relaxing to bird lovers and can be enjoyed all seasons if you have a sunroom overlooking your backyard. Be sure to have a hammock where you can lie back and relax while waiting for those rare birds to make an appearance.

Natural Oasis

Mother Nature is a wise designer. If you take some of her greatest creations and features and have them in use on some scale in your back yard you should find a very organic and relaxing atmosphere from which to escape your day. I prefer using materials that are natural, particularly when landscaping or designing an outdoor living space. I find nature in and of itself to be quite relaxing. That doesn’t mean that I do not find a cedar hot tub relaxing I most certainly do (I also find the cedar to be a great fit for my backyard), it simply means that using materials that are natural for a good portion of the features is a great way to blend them all together. Wood fences, stone tables or birdbaths, slate fountains, and wood furniture are also great backyard additions.

There are many other fantastic and relaxing backyard ideas all around you. Just look around and see what you think will create the atmosphere you are hoping to achieve and remember that some people find a basketball goal as relaxing as you may find a nice quite place to read in the shade. By this I mean that there is no absolute right or wrong way to go about creating your relaxing backyard space. There is only the discovery or what is or is not right for you.

Search for some listing with pools in The Woodlands, Spring and Magnolia

For those hot Texas Summer Month call us at Pools by Design so we can give you a free estimate from your Woodlands Pool Builder.

Pools by Design is owned and operated by Roy Burden

Enjoy your summer

http://www.pools-by-design.com

Pools-by-design.com

Existing Home Sales On The Rise

Existing Home Sales On The Rise

Existing-home sales got a boost in April with reported 7.6 percent increase in units sold, according to a report by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). A number of factors played into the increase, including low interest rates, increased consumer confidence, and the expiring tax credit. Existing-home sales are on pace to reach 5.77 million units sold for 2010, which is 22 percent higher than the 4.70 million unit pace set one year ago.

Existing Home Sales By Region

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, expected the increase. “The upswing in April existing-home sales was expected because of the tax credit inducement, and no doubt there will be some temporary fallback in the months immediately after it expires, but other factors also are supporting the market,” he said. “For people who were on the sidelines, there’s been a return of buyer confidence with stabilizing home prices, an improving economy and mortgage interest rates that remain historically low.”

First time buyers accounted for 49 percent of April’s market activity, while repeat buyers accounted for 36 percent of transactions; the remaining sales were attributed to investors. All-cash sales held steady at 26 percent, compared to 27 percent the month before.

Distressed home sales were down 2 percent in April, accounting for 33 percent of reported sales. NAR President Vicki Cox Golder explains that buyers are still active, despite the expired tax credit. “It looks like the level of home sales that close in May and June will stay elevated, but many buyers remain in the market even without the tax credit,” she said. “Some Realtors tell us they are very busy with clients who are entering the market now as a result of improved conditions, while others are welcoming a slowdown from frantic market conditions in recent months.”

Freddie Mac reported 30-year, conventional, fixed rate mortgages were up slightly at 5.10 percent, compared to 4.97 percent in March.

Looking For The Best Mortgage

Shopping around for a home loan or mortgage will help you to get the best financing deal. A mortgage — whether it’s a home purchase, a refinancing, or a home equity loan — is a product, just like a car, so the price and terms may be negotiable. You’ll want to compare all the costs involved in obtaining a mortgage. Shopping, comparing, and negotiating may save you thousands of dollars.

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a free brochure to help guide you through this process. Download a free copy today, and please contact us for a list of preferred mortgage professionals in our area.

Summer Selling Opportunity

Sellers, you have an excellent opportunity to sell your home this season, if you have the right pricing strategy in place from the start! Studies show that the longer a property stays on the market, the less the seller will net upon the sale. It is very important to price your property at a competitive market value at the signing of your listing contract. The market is so competitive that even over-pricing by a few thousand dollars could mean that your house will not sell.

An Overpriced Home:
· Minimizes offers
· Lowers agents response
· Limits qualified buyers
· Lowers showings
· Lowers prospects
· Limits financing
· Wastes advertising dollars
· Nets less for the seller

When you are ready, contact me today for a personal market value analysis of your home. No hassles

Pool Season Opens in The Woodlands

The hot summer months are just around the corner and now is the perfect time to make your plans to become a lifeguard or to get your pool pass to enjoy all of The Woodlands’ 13 community pools!

New season pool pass holders must visit The Woodlands Township Recreation Center to obtain a photo identification pool pass. The Recreation Center, located at 5310 Research Forest Drive, is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pool pass forms are available either at the Recreation Center or online at www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Those who want to renew their season pool passes may do so online or in person. To renew a season pool pass online, visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov and click Residents then Pools. At the bottom of the page is a link to renew pool passes. There are no service fees to renew online! Season pool pass holders can also visit the Recreation Center to renew their passes. Pool pass renewal forms are available at the Recreation Center or on the Township Web site.

Season pool pass fees:
Residents ages 0 -2 years $6 each
Residents ages 3 – 54 years $40 each
Residents ages 55+ $10 each

Non-Residents ages 0-2 $20 each
Non-Residents ages 3 + $100 each

During the regular pool season, which runs from June 4, 2010, through August 22, 2010, the following pools will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, and closed one day each week for service:

Alden Bridge Pool (Closed Mondays)
Windvale Pool (Closed Tuesdays)
Cochran’s Crossing Bear Branch Pool (Closed Wednesdays)
College Park Harper’s Landing Pool (Closed Thursdays)
Creekside Park Rob Fleming Aquatic Center (Closed Mondays)
Grogan’s Mill Sawmill Pool (Closed Tuesdays)
Indian Springs Falconwing Pool (Closed Wednesdays)
Panther Creek Ridgewood Pool (Closed Tuesdays)
Sterling Ridge Cranebrook Pool (Closed Thursdays)

In addition, the following pools will be open from noon to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday and closed one day each week for service:

Alden Bridge Lakeside Pool (Closed Fridays)
Cochran’s Crossing Shadowbend Pool (Closed Fridays)
Indian Springs Forestgate Pool (Closed Mondays)
Panther Creek Creekwood Pool (Closed Thursdays)

HOT JOBS, COOL BENEFITS! The Woodlands Township is still accepting applications for lifeguards. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age and successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen. Training classes will be provided at a reduced rate to successful candidates. Applications may be obtained from The Woodlands Township, 8203 Millennium Forest Drive, The Woodlands, 77381. For additional information or to apply online, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

Source: The Woodlands Township

Tiffany & Co. is Opening in Market Street!

THE WOODLANDS, TexasMarket Street has announced that world famous jeweler Tiffany & Co. is set to open this November at the retail and dining center.

The Market Street location will carry Tiffany & Co.’s collection of engagement rings, diamonds, watches, men’s items, accessories and gifts, all presented to shoppers in the treasured Tiffany Blue Box®, a retail tradition that dates back to founder Charles Tiffany who mandated the coveted boxes could only be acquired with a Tiffany purchase.

“We’ve studied The Woodlands and Market Street, in particular, for quite some time,” says Kerry Tropeano of Tiffany & Co. “Market Street presents an impressive collection of retailers and restaurants – one we’re proud to be a part of.”

The new store will be located in the space previously occupied by Z Gallerie. Renovation to the 4,000-square-foot space, which includes the addition of a dramatic new entrance, is expected to be completed by November. Z Gallerie has relocated to a corner space across from Tommy Bahama Café & Emporium.

“We are always looking to create an experience that presents a collection of retailers unlike any other shopping destination in the region,” explains Market Street General Manager Jill Liccioni. “To be successful as a leisure destination, you need a real ‘wow’ factor. Certainly the addition of Tiffany & Co. gives us that.”

To find beautiful homes for sale in The Woodlands, Click Here. If you have any questions about any of The Woodlands, Texas homes for sale or rent, please contact me.

S0urce: Market Street and WOL