It might come as a surprise but a whopping 72 percent of surveyed homeowners nationwide are
satisfied with owning a home. The other 28 percent, not so. They say they’re
dissatisfied and that’s likely due to the devaluation of their homes.

But surprisingly, of those who were satisfied with owning a home, only 24 percent said it was
because of home appreciation. The majority, 76 percent, had many other reasons
they were happy to own their own home including the one that proves the
American Dream is alive and well: pride of homeownership. Following closely
behind were the freedom to control their home improvements and upgrades. All
this according to HomeGain’s 2012 National Home Ownership Satisfaction Survey.

Of those who were unsatisfied with owning their home, 63 percent blamed depreciation as the root
of their dissatisfaction. However, the cost of owning a home, such as paying
for property taxes, homeowner’s association fees, upkeep, and routine repairs,
also sucked the joy out of homeownership and led this group of 37 percent to be
unhappy about homeownership. On the bright side,
most – three out of four – are very happy with homeownership even in spite of
such rocky real estate times where declines in home values have crippled some
homeowners severely.

The survey polled homeowners all across the country. So you might be wondering is there a
connection between where you live and how satisfied you are with owning a home?

The highest percentage of satisfied homeowners comes from the Northeast where there is 77-percent
satisfaction, according to HomeGain. Pulling in at a close second is the
Southeast at 73 percent satisfaction. The West and Midwest were at 71 percent and 68 percent, respectively.

Those who purchased their homes within a timeframe of the past three to eight years were the least
satisfied. If they bought more than eight years ago, they tended to be more satisfied.

The higher-end market was the least satisfied with owning a home, especially if they paid more
than $800,000 for it. This group’s dissatisfaction rate was 69 percent. But
those who purchased homes for under $75,000 are cheering. This group’s
satisfaction rate was 77 percent.

Of course, a lot of homes are sold through foreclosure and short sale, which, depending on the side
of the sale you’re on, can leave you satisfied or very dissatisfied. Those
purchasing a foreclosed or short sale had the highest satisfaction ratings; 79
percent and 83 percent, respectively.

New and existing homes didn’t fare so well with homeowners. They were fairly dissatisfied and
showed it in a 73 percent and 71 percent rating, respectively. Most seemed to
have expected an increase in the value of their home and when depreciation hit,
this highly disappointed them, making this the primary reason for their dissatisfaction.

An interesting statistic may reflect the need for freedom from being tied down to a home and
its maintenance as well as other costs. Homeowners ranging from 18 to 25 were
the least satisfied (45 percent) with owning.

On the other end of the spectrum, those homeowners between 55 to 65, were the most satisfied with
their homeownership. This group’s satisfaction rating was 76 percent.

HomeGain collected some comments from some of the surveyed homeowners. Here’s how one satisfied
homeowner summarizes homeownership, “Just knowing I own it.

I rented a house two times after owning a home for 16 years, and I do NOT like relying on,
and dealing with, a landlord! I also feel pride in owning my home. I just bought a house 8 months ago and am very happy!”

First of all, without a doubt, everybody has more time during the spring because every other season is much busier; there are summer vacations, Thanksgiving holidays and Christmas holidays, after all. The best thing about the spring is the weather. because it is so warm, it would be much more convenient to take a look at different homes within the area. Plus, if you have children, spring break will give you the perfect opportunity to take a look at how homes in the Woodlands and spring go well together.

Another reason why it would be best to look at the Woodlands homes during the spring is because down payments won’t be as much trouble during this season compared to the busier months. This is also the time when house sales remain steady while other months usually see a drop in house sales.

When looking at buying homes in the Woodlands and spring, you might come to notice that many more choices will be available to you. However, you will also have to remember that the competition is sure to be higher, too, and so sellers will be much more strict with the prices, whereas other months might give you cheaper prices because of the lower demand. Now, if it is a mortgage you are looking for, off-peak months would also be the best time to look for great deals.

It would also be much easier to negotiate during the off-peak months because the offers will be less overall. This may results in less choices when it comes to the homes, but they won’t exactly be extremely limited. There will still be many homes available for you; don’t worry.

One buyer tip you should really know: when selling your old home to make way for a new one in the Woodlands, you should think ahead and sell before anything else. This will help get rid of any unnecessary selling stress that might come about when time starts closing in and money starts becoming a problem. Remember: you won’t be able to pay off two mortgages together, so do something about it before that happens.

When you should look into buying or selling homes should ultimately depend on your own circumstances, though. However, if you want it comes to the Woodlands, looking into homes in the Woodlands and spring would usually be best.

Jutta “Utah” Burden’s Market Update

Real estate investment has provided many investors with positive cash flow, tax benefits and the satisfaction of making an impact in others lives. However like any investment, real estate has intricate nuances and market trends that when ignored can cause an investor tremendous heartache.

Unbelievably, many first-time investors are willing to part with their hard-earned cash without taking the time to study their investment. They rely on traditional trends and gut feelings. Before you risk your investment, take the time to learn all you can about your market. By aligning yourself with the right professional, you can avoid these 12 common mistakes and you’ll ensure an excellent return on your investment.

1. Failure to Determine Your Time Need- Cash flow, capital appreciation, tax benefits, loss of management, equity pay-down and pride of ownership are just some of the         things that need to be addressed before you make that investment. A service-minded real       estate professional can be a tremendous asset by taking the time to evaluate your needs and making sure you’ve got all your bases covered,

2. Not Checking out the Seller or Seller’s Agent’s Numbers- Claims of extremely high rates of return run rampant in real estate investment. Don’t get caught up in the excitement – check everything: rents, payment history, taxes, expenses, deposits, future modifications… everything! Make sure you have the right agent. It’s like having a good insurance policy against overlooking all the seemingly insignificant but very important details.

3. Forgetting You’re Buying a Business- Owning investment property carries great potential for creating wealth and… some potentially difficult decisions. Evictions, re-investment into the property and time management all need careful consideration. Remember this is not a “hands-off’ business.

4. Avoid Negative Cash Flow- Property that eats cash every month can drain your working capital. This creates stress, frustration and can become quite painful. Predicting constant appreciation is extremely difficult if not impossible for the unseasoned investor. A strain on your cash flow may cause you to sell the investment before the benefits of ownership are ever realized.

5. Failure to do a Thorough Inspection- Look under every rock! Hire a professional inspector. Ask the tenants about pest problems, structural damage or recurring problems. Don’t overlook anything! A value-driven real estate professional will help you find the right inspector and can help you avoid costly mistakes. When investing your hard-earned money, be sure and use sound business judgment!

6. Be Columbo- Check out all your costs and expenses before you sign: utilities, taxes, insurance, maintenance and homeowner dues, if applicable. Make sure all utilities are on (gas, electricity, and water), so you can inspect everything in working order. Ask lots of questions and be very detail conscious.

7. Do a Final Walk-Through- Visit the property after all the furnishings have been moved out to be sure there are no surprises. Be absolutely positive the property was left exactly as you had agreed upon in the contract. Many times, things are unintentionally overlooked that could have been spotted in a final walk- through.

8. Plan For Flexibility- Closing dates are not written in stone. Allow for contingencies and have a back-up plan. If you or the sellers need a little more time to conclude the final arrangements, don’t let these delays upset or frustrate you. These types of circumstances are not uncommon in a real estate transaction.

9. If It’s Not In Writing, It Doesn’t Exist- All promises and discussions are to be in writing. Don’t make any assumptions or believe any assurances. Even the best intentions can be misinterpreted. Have your real estate professional keep an ongoing log (in writing) of all discussions, and get the seller’s written approval for all agreements.

10. Loyalty Breeds Loyalty- Be open, honest and up-front with your team. Hard feelings and disloyalty will cause headaches, delays or may even keep you from getting into the home you worked so hard to locate. Take the time to select the right team in the beginning and your first home purchase will be a simple, easy and profitable experience you’ll have fond memories of… for years to come.

My hope with this report has been to educate you and help you avoid the pitfalls many home buyers go through. I hope you found the ideas valuable and if there is ever any way I can be of service to you or anyone you care about, please contact my office. Your initial consultation is always completely free of charj and you’re under no obliRation of any kind We’ll sit down for 15-20 minutes… no high-pressure, just plain, honest talk about what it’s going to take to achieve your personal goals. Go ahead, pick up the phone and give me a call. I’d love to hear from you!

Jutta “Utah” Burden

www.TheWoodlandsRealEstateBlog.com

In the real estate business in Magnolia Texas, it can be difficult to navigate the relationships between the three primary actors in the real estate industry. Sellers are attempting to regain every last dollar that they have previously invested in their homes, and possibly make a little extra on the side. Buyers, on the other hand, are hoping to encounter that awesome real estate property for a steal of a price. The real estate agents in Magnolia Texas simply play the role of ambassador between these two groups, attempting to assure that they find the right buyer for the right home at the right price. The real estate industry is extremely complicated due to the varying and sometimes clashing interests of these three groups. It is very important that a prospective buyer contact a real estate professional immediately after they decide to begin shopping for a new home. The process of house hunting can be lengthy and complicated and is best begun as soon as possible. As a specialist in the field, real estate agents in Magnolia Texas can dexterously navigate the complex network of interests and relationships that is the real estate industry.

The Best Deal

In the Magnolia Texas real estate business, sellers are looking to leave their old real estate property with the best deal that they can score for themselves. When they bought the home, it is possible that it was worth more than it is now at the time of sale. In this instance, the seller in Magnolia Texas is going to try to list the home at the price that they paid for the home, even when it is really worth less in today’s market. Another interest of a sellers interests could be that the seller sunk a lot of money into the home upgrading appliances and interior aspects, and is now looking to make that money back, on top of the price they paid for the home, in the sale. It is also possible that the seller is attempting to escape a major repair to the home by cutting their losses and selling it, so that they do not have to be the ones to take the hit for the maintenance. No matter what the contrary interests of the seller, real estate specialists are expert in decoding the language of the sticker price of a home. They know what homes in the particular area in which a buyer is looking should be priced at and they can skillfully translate the seller’s intentions out of their deviation from this standard price level.

Real Estate Agents

Buyers in Magnolia Texas, on the other hand, are most of the time bargain shopping for the best home at the best price possible. Real estate agents can assist here as well; by making sure to show each homeowner to the real esate listings that they feel are genuinely good deals. Looking at a home in Magnolia Texas on a strict numerical price basis can be misleading to a prospective buyer. Real estate agents can assist the buyer in this circumstance, as they know where all of the “catches” can be in a real estate deal. It is absolutely necessary for every buyer in Magnolia Texas to consult an agent before they hop on a real estate deal that they think is red hot. Sometimes, these deals can simply mean that a homeowner is desperate to get rid of their home because there is some sort of structural fault that they hope remains hidden. Real estate agents can pick up on these vibes and help uncover hidden issues with a sale that they frequently see in the business. No one wants to get stuck with a home that has so many issues that it was not worth the investment. By throwing red flags where they usually see price issues, real estate agents can assist prospective homebuyers to avoid that nagging feeling of regret after a bad purchase. Do not get tied up in what you think is a real estate steal and then realize that the home truly was a pit for your money, as it needed half the closing price in repairs.

Magnolia Texas Real Estate

Real estate agents are the go betweens for the industry that attempt to create a space in which the real estate interests of the buyer and the seller meet. Buyers want to feel as if they are getting their money’s worth. Sellers want to feel that they have made the money back that they have put into their homes as an investment. Real estate agents play the tough, yet essential, role of assuring that both sides of the transaction receive exactly what they deserve and want.

Dec. 27, 2011

On New Year’s Eve, many bid farewell to the old year by singing “Auld Lang Syne” lyrics that include, “Should old acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind.“

Apparently, it will be hard to forget 2011 because 2012 is expected to look pretty much like it.

If the experts are correct, however, Texans will again have more to sing about in the New Year than will their fellow Americans.

Texas: Slow but still leading

Real Estate Center Chief Economist Mark Dotzour, Ph.D., sees “modest, positive economic growth” for the nation in the next 12 months. Nationally, he expects 2012 to look something like 2003-06.

By comparison, Dotzour predicts a “much more robust economic outlook” for Texas in the coming year. He bases this on documented evidence that Texas dramatically outperformed the United States in 2011.

The state’s positive job growth came not only in the energy industry but also in construction, manufacturing, retail, transportation, professional business services, health care, and hospitality.

“Job growth is occurring in nearly all Texas metro areas and is likely to continue into 2012,” says Dotzour.

Wait-and-see election watch

Real Estate Center residential expert Jim Gaines, Ph.D., doesn’t expect major business and investment decisions until after the 2012 election. Even then, he predicts first quarter 2013 will be sluggish despite what should be low interest rates through 2013.

Gaines believes the U.S. housing market will remain steady with no major movement in 2012. He says Texas and local housing markets should show some modest improvement but no major upgrade.

“In general, Texas’s housing markets in 2012 are expected to show small, but nevertheless positive gains,” Gaines says. “The projected levels of home sales, prices, and new construction statewide for 2012 and into 2013 indicate gradual improvement. This gradual improvement should also prevail in most local markets, with some doing better than others based on local factors.”

Dotzour says buyers and sellers are aware there is a “shadow inventory” of between 4.5 million and 6 million homes that have delinquent loans and will soon need to be sold.

“It is unlikely that home sales volume will return until this overhang of distressed houses sells to investors,” he says. “Unfortunately, the foreclosure process is severely retarded from the normal pace.”

Distressed commercial sales going up

According to commercial real estate insiders, distressed sales are on the way up. Real Estate Center Research Economist Harold Hunt, Ph.D., talked with Texas commercial real estate professionals about the outlook for 2012.

Real Capital Analytics reports about $1.2 trillion in commercial real estate assets were traded nationally between 2005 and 2007.

“For the most part, these assets are still being held by those purchasers,” Russell Ingrum, managing director of investment sales in the CB Richard Ellis Houston office, recently told Hunt. “As a result, many of them will come up for sale in the next four years, depending on holding period, market conditions, and so on.”

These properties could represent $200 billion per year in transactions. Many of them will be in the distressed category because of when they were purchased.

“If you are a broker, you should consider focusing on what traded back then,” says Ingrum.

Stagnant land market

“The trouble is we have not dealt with the problems that caused 2008,” says Research Economist Charles Gilliland, Ph.D., the Center’s authority on rural land. “In the early 1980s, the Latin American sovereign debt defaults wrecked balance sheets.

“The solution was to pretend that nothing had really happened and let the economy come back to allow write offs of those bad debts. This time we are trying the same thing, but the recovery is not happening.

“Nobody knows how long it might be before a reckoning ensues. It would appear that an increasing number of observers are deciding that it is going to be a while. So, with that preamble, I’m thinking that the land market is likely to extend recent trends through 2012.

“Those are fewer sales than had been the norm. Smaller sales than had been the norm because larger properties still are not selling. Overall, it looks like a rather stagnant market.”

Oil shines bright in Texas

“The Texas story is brighter,” confirms Dotzour. “For the past 15 years, Texas seems to double the U.S. economy in terms of job growth. It will continue to do so in 2012.”

Dotzour sums up the Texas economic outlook heading into 2012 and beyond …

“The oil and gas industry is on fire,” he says. “We are experiencing job growth in all sectors except for government and information. Our population is expanding. People are migrating here from places like California and Illinois, where taxes are much higher and regulations more prohibitive. Businesses and investors are cautiously hopeful that the economic environment in America could become substantially more attractive in 2013.”

Do you sink thousands of dollars each year into hotels in the area of your family’s favorite vacation spot? Do you wish that those thousands could have been invested in a piece of real estate in Magnolia that could possibly increase in its value in the years to come? You should contact your Magnolia real estate agent to discuss options in the market of Magnolia real estate. For the family that has already paid off their home and is now looking to vacation in order to spend their slush money, a vacation home is an absolutely brilliant real estate investment. Not only will your family enjoy the time that they spend at your new piece of Magnolia real estate and you enjoy the benefits of renting out your home during the off season, but also you will be able to sell the property at a higher price later on as the property values rise in your favorite vacation town. A vacation home is a healthy and fun way to invest your cash in the Magnolia real estate market.

Your Family

You love every moment that you spend with your family on vacation, don’t you? It is always so hard to leave and you almost always wish that you could go back on vacation the very next day, as you strut through the door of the office, sporting your new suntan. Investing in a piece of vacation real estate in Magnolia will allow you and your family to remain on vacation longer and return to vacation more frequently. A large portion of travel expenses goes to the hotel or condominium in which you are staying. Imagine, years from now, when you have completely paid off your vacation real estate. You can return to your hideaway for free. No more hotel fees for you. This will allow you ultimate freedom to vacation when you want in the place that you love so much.

Real Estate Rental

During the weeks that you are not in your beloved new real estate property, you can rent it out to tourists who are begging to experience the comfort of your real estate. This will allow you to pay off the real estate’s mortgage and, eventually, will allow you to make money off of owning your own real estate. It does not get much better than returning to your vacation real estate property each season, knowing that you have paid for it all simply by allowing other people to come and enjoy your property. Owning your own vacation real estate is fabulous in this way. You benefit financially as much as you do emotionally. So, sit back in that beach chair, sip on your fruity beverage and bask in the fact that you are making money doing so. That is truly the best job in the world.

Real Estate Property in Magnolia

Eventually, once your secret hideaway vacation spot becomes well known and flooded with tourists, your property will be worth more than ever. At this time you are met with an opportunity. Continue renting out the place and raking in the benefits, or cash out and begin all over again in a less known vacation area. You see, you have full control when you purchase a piece of vacation real estate. If you decide that you now wish to vacation on the other coast, just sell your vacation real estate, pack up all those hundred dollar bills and go reinvest in a vacation real estate property that is more suitable for your vacation desires. There is no loss in this scenario. Continue operating the home and become that hotel owner that you used to pay to visit your beloved vacation spot, or sell out and get yourself a fresh new perspective. It is entirely up to you.

Magnolia Real Estate

Once you have paid off your traditional home, you do not merely have to pull away from the real estate market. Put yourself dead in the middle of it by purchasing a vacation real estate property. Take in all the cash that you used to throw away to hotel operators and enjoy doing so. Who wouldn’t want to vacation more and eventually make money doing so?

Look Beyond the Price

When it comes to securing a quality mortgage loan, it is important to look beyond the interest rate to the true cost of the loan, both now and in the future. Read the paperwork, including the fine print, carefully, especially if the interest rate is below market rates. Upon closer inspection you may find that the interest rate is guaranteed for only a short period of time, or that it is subject to rise sharply in the future. Your mortgage loan may be the most important contract you will ever sign, and it is essential that you understand your rights and your responsibilities before signing on the dotted line.

In many cases it will make sense to hire a lawyer to review the mortgage paperwork for you. Many communities provide some sort of first time homebuyer program designed to help renters become homeowners, and these organizations may be able to provide the legal advice you need at a price you can afford.

Every Situation is Unique

Every homebuyer will have a different set of circumstances, and it is important for the lender to consider those factors. Some homeowners may plan to move in a year or two, and they may be able to benefit from a variable rate mortgage. Others will plan to remain in their home for decades, and those home buyers may benefit from the stability of a fixed rate mortgage and its predictable and stable monthly payment.

It is also important for those buying a first home to factor in the additional costs of the mortgage when deciding how much they can afford to pay. Things like closing costs and the high price of private mortgage insurance can drive up costs and eat into funds that would otherwise be available for home improvements, furnishings and other essentials. In some cases sellers may be willing to pay some of the closing costs, and some lenders will be able to negotiate those closing costs downward. The key is to ask those questions before the closing date arrives, and to be prepared to search for a better deal if necessary.

First time buyers should also be on the lookout for any hidden fees. These small nuisance fees can add up to hundreds of dollars on closing day, so be sure to scour your paperwork for any such fees. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of any charge be sure to ask for a valid explanation. Again, an experienced real estate attorney can provide valuable insight into which fees are reasonable and which are out of bounds.

And of course first time home buyers should not lose sight of the home itself in the quest for the perfect mortgage. Any defects should be pointed out to the seller well before the closing is to take place. The costs of every needed repair should be carefully negotiated prior to the purchase, and buyers should always follow up to make sure that all requested repairs have been made. A home is a major purchase, and it is important to make sure that everything has been taken care of before moving in.

Enrich your idea about homes for sale the Woodlands and Spring

Homes are the most important requirements of the human beings as they need a home to live in it with his loved ones. It is the dream if every human being to have a dream home that can enable him to spend his life with his family and loved one. There are some people who love to build their dream home by themselves and at the same time, there are people who cannot afford time and money both required for building a home for themselves. In these situations, these people always look for opportunities for build  homes for themselves.

If you are living in Woodlands and Spring, two important cities in Texas in the United States of America, then buying a readymade house cannot be a problem for you ever. There are many attractive houses available on sale. These houses are extremely attractive and well-built that you cannot deny their class and make. Most of these houses are new and are waiting for their first occupants. These houses are available at a wide range of price that can be affordable to the people who belong to various income groups. However, it must be said that these homes for sale the Woodlands and Spring are highly attractive and are capable of providing their occupants great name and comfort at a very affordable price.

Most of these homes are available in medium and big sizes as they have more than three rooms in each of them. The area of these attractive homes varies between 1900 and 6000 square feet. All these homes are decorated nicely so that the occupants won’t be required to spend much money on their decoration all over again. These rooms can be used for various purposes as there are separate rooms for every purpose. You can find separate dining room, guest room, living room, drawing room, and store rooms apart for these main rooms. These rooms are also reasonably big, airy, and well-lighted.

These homes for sale the Woodlands and Spring are decorated tastefully. The setting of these rooms and other parts of the homes are also perfect and that is why they look very attractive from all possible angles. As a buyer, you can have a look at these homes for sale. The attractive pictures of these homes are available on the websites. You can select your home after getting fully satisfied with the features and appearance of the homes that are available on sale.