How to stop paying rent…Own your home!

Paying rent is like pouring money down the drain. But it’s true, buying a home can be a “hair-raising” experience.. It can be a roller coaster of emotions… finding the right place…. securing the loan._ moving in. And if you’re like most of us, your home will be your largest investment The emotions over such a large and personal purchase can often cloud good business judgment..

Many home buyers do very little research before “diving in” and investing their hard-earned money. Before doing that, it make sense to be as informed as possible. That’s what this report is all about.. It’s designed to help you avoid 10 common, critical mistakes many home buyers make. If you follow these 10 suggestions, with the help of the right real estate professional, you’ll stop paying rent and make a good sound business decision that you’ll be happy and proud of for years to come.

I. Inspect, Inspect and Inspect- Go over the inspection report with a fine tooth comb. Make sure the report was done by a professional organization. For condo purchases, go over the by-laws, and association fees. Don’t take anything for granted…. inspect everything!

 4. View Several Homes- See at least 3-5 properties Don’t move on the first property you see but…… don’t move too slowly either. With your agent’s help, you’ll be able to view enough properties to get a good overall perspective of your market.. And when you find the right property, all the legwork will be worth it.

5. Utilize Your Team- By aligning yourself with the right real estate professional, you’ll have an entire team working for you, Top real estate professionals have lenders, title reps, inspection teams – an entire group of trained professionals making the whole buying experience simple and easy for you..

 6. Be CoJumbo- 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 anangements, 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.. Haid 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 alugs completely free of charge and you’re under no obligation 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

Keller Williams Realty

Email: Utah@UtahBurden.com

Check out homes for sale in The Woodlands and surrounding area at http://www.listingthewoodlands.com/

Spring Texas – Real Estate & Information

Spring, Texas is a unique shopping village located approximately 20 miles north of the bustling city of Houston. Originally established around 1745 as a trading station by the Orcoquisac Indians, Spring got its name from the railroad men who laid the train tracks to Houston in the 1870s. The winter before the men reached the town was a particularly harsh one, and the workers were anxiously awaiting warmer temperatures. As soon as they came upon what later became the Spring region, the seasons changed. In their excitement, the men called the area “Camp Spring.” Later, “Camp” was dropped from the official name, but “Spring” stuck.

Today, more than 250 years after the Orcoquisac Indians established it as a place to buy and sell fish, game, and a variety of goods, Spring remains a thriving center for trade. Though the name now applies to a relatively large geographic area reaching across northern Harris County and into southern Montgomery County, the original town of “Spring” was a fairly small area now referred to as “Old Town Spring.”

Shopping and Dining
Well known throughout the region for its annual festivals, historic buildings, and specialty shops, Old Town Spring boasts more than 150 antique stores, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants, including Amish Barn, Ellen’s Café and Gifts, That Chic Boutique, and The Drunk Artist. Vamp Vintage Wear sells rare couture clothing from the 1950s as well as vintage resale.

For options from fine dining to casual, Spring has something to please the palate. The White Flamingo Restaurant serves up fresh seafood, elegant entrees, and extravagant desserts in an inviting atmosphere with live piano music. Founded in 1902 as a hotel and saloon, the Wunsche Bros. Café is a long-time favorite for classic American cuisine. A number of big-name chain restaurants, such as P.F. Chang’s and The Cheesecake Factory, are located just 15 minutes away in The Woodlands.

Parks and Recreation
Spring’s parks offer residents various ways to relax and rejuvenate outdoors. At 180 acres, Meyer Park has 26 soccer fields, two softball fields, a three-acre fishing lake, a duck pond, a basketball court, two children’s playgrounds, 15 exercise stations, paved walking/jogging trails, and one of the area’s most popular nature trails: Gourley Natural Trail. The half-mile long, asphalt trail connects Meyer Park with Collins Park. In addition to the standard children’s playground and athletic fields, Collins Park features a sand volleyball court, a skate park, a canoe launch, an amphitheater, and a natural-surface off-road bicycling trail.

The heavily wooded Cypresswood Golf Club features 36 holes spread across 800 acres. During the summer months, residents can cool down at SplashTown, Spring’s own waterpark. For enjoyment and cultural enrichment, the Spring Historical Museum and the Civil War Museum are both in Old Town Spring.

Living
Situated in the midst of the East Texas Piney Woods, Spring is a town of tree-lined streets and wooded parks. Famous for its unique shops, the town also hosts five popular festivals each year, including the Texas Crawfish and Music Festival.

Schools, Health, Transportation
More than 36,500 students attend the Spring Independent School District, which operates 38 schools in the area, including six middle schools; three high schools; one middle school that focuses on math, science and fine arts; an early college academy; and a high-school career academy. Eighteen of the district’s 38 campuses were built in the last decade.

Only 15 minutes from Spring, the Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Woodlands has been named one of the top 100 hospitals in the nation. The area also offers numerous dental and medical offices.

Spring is conveniently located off the Hardy Toll Rd. and very close to I-45. For air travel, George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport are within 40 miles of Spring. Interstate 45 provides easy access to both The Woodlands and downtown Houston.

Secrets Lenders Don’t Want You to Know! Read This 11-Point Report Before you Sign Anything!

Special Report From Jutta “Utah” Burden

The right or wrong decision when signing your home mortgage can mean thousands of dollars difference in interest paid. There are very important considerations to evaluate before you commit to a 15 or 30 year note. For many of us, our mortgage payment is the most important financial decision we’ll ever make. Doesn’t it make sense to know as much as possible about the financing of our home? Take the time to thoroughly investigate all of your options!

Unbelievably many of us sign the first mortgage placed in front of us. Typically the excitement of the new home purchase reduces the mortgage to not much more than an afterthought. What you read here could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Your real estate professional has established relationships with the top lenders in your area. By aligning yourself with a professional agent you ensure all the financial steps are taken care of properly and economically.

1. Utilize a Lender With Established Ties to an Agent- Lenders are much more flexible with the real estate agents who have done business with them previously. Their relationship establishes them as a team member. The lender and agent work effectively together. That’s why a good agent can make substantial difference in setting up the most economical financing. And the right financing can, literally, save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan!

2. Don’t Attempt Paperwork Alone- All the paperwork required to complete the purchase of a home can be quite intimidating and frustrating for a home buyer. Make sure you have your lender help you with all the paperwork. Get help from your team, your lender and agent. Their expertise will help alleviate the stress and it will prove to be invaluable before you sign your mortgage.

3. Look at All Your Options- Make sure you see at least 3 loan programs for your mortgage. Lenders have at least 5-7 programs and should work with you and your agent on deciding what is best for your circumstances. Evaluate all your options. After all, it’s your money you’re spending – not theirs!

4. Demand Service- There is little difference between a bank, savings and loan, or a mortgage broker when it comes to the competitiveness of their loan rates. The difference is in the service they provide. It is their job to serve you! You want to get the loan approved and move into your new home as quickly as possible, but don’t overlook the fact that you are the one spending the money and they are the ones who should cater to your needs. Don’t let the process become so intimidating that you lose that understanding.

5. Stay in Complete Touch- You should receive a written report from your lender concerning every step. This will ensure that no details are overlooked and there will be no surprises.

6. Negotiate a Flexible Loan- Don’t just accept the terms they lay down in front of you. Lenders are in the business of loaning money and they want your business. Make sure you examine every option available to you. If you negotiate a variable rate loan, many lenders have the ability to move you into a fixed loan if rates start going up. Make sure that you understand whether or not that is an option in the package you are looking at.

7. Don’t Give Up on the First No- Initial decisions are not always final decisions. Going to a higher authonty can sometimes get you the loan, but do so with the assistance and compliance of your lender and agent. Many times, special circumstances, when explained properly to the person in charge, will win you the loan.

8. Don’t Wait for the Bottom of the Market- The odds of your hitting the bottom of your market are about like the odds of you hitting your state lotto! You will almost never hit the bottom of a market. And trying to time it exactly right is often costly. It usually causes a person or family to miss out on the opportunity to purchase a very nice property. You’re better off simply negotiating the best rate and terms you can at the time you find a property. If interest rates go down, you can refinance. This is a much better approach because you won’t miss out on the property you’ve spent so much time locating.

9. Be Honest With Your Lender- Your lender wants to help you with your loan. The only time they get paid is when you get approved. The more information (good or bad) you provide your lender, the easier it will be for them to get an approval. It helps them present the loan in the best light. This in turn helps the loan get the highest approval rating.

10. Become Completely Educated- Pick your lender’s brain. Lenders will teach you all about your various options, even if you haven’t found the right property yet. They will be very patient with you while you are looking, especially if you have aligned yourself with the right agent. They understand all the up- front work will pay off in future business. Your agent will then continue to refer people to the courteous and service-minded lender on down the line.

11. Get Pre-qualified- Lenders will provide you with a certificate of pre-qualification. By getting pre qualified, you know exactly what financial parameters to stay within. Your agent and lender will consult with you and help you get qualified for the loan that best fits your needs. Many times, they are able to get you a larger loan than you may have thought possible.

Getting approved for a loan is often times much easier than you might think. I sincerely hope this brief report has been a help to you. If you would like a free, no-obligation consultation, contact me!

Jutta “Utah” Burden

Keller Williams Realty

Email: Utah@UtahBurden.com

Find more crucial buying tips at   http://www.utahburden.com/Buyer-Resources/Buyer-Suggested-Reading

How to Guarantee You’ll Get Your Home Sold This Time!

Answer:  Focus In On The Major Key Issues And… Ask The Really Tough Questions When You Interview Your Next Agent! When You Do,You’re Guaranteed To Sell Your Home Faster And For More Money!

So, your listing has expired and you’re wondering: “What am I going to do?” You need your home sold!

The most important thing you can do right now is ask, “where did I go wrong?”

You see, marketing a home takes more than just sticking a sign in your yard and putting your property up on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service).., any agent can do that! It takes aggressive, innovative marketing to sell your home in today’s market place!

What do I mean?

Well.., in today’s market place there are only so many buyers out there who are ready and able to purchase a home. So, if you want to sell your home this time, your new agent has to aggressively identify these potential buyers before other agents “get their hooks into them” and guide them into a different property

The fact is, when you enter the market to sell your home, you enter one of the most competitive businesses in existence… anywhere! Competition is fierce and if you’re not ready for it… your home just sits on the market. So, the first major key to effectively market your home is to identify potential buyers.

Remember, there are only so many buyers to go around… and your agent has to find those buyers first… before one of the hundreds of other agents out there reaches them and guides them into a different property!

So, how does an agent identify these “hot” prospects before the competition? This is where the “rubber meets the road”! This is what separates the weak agent from the shrewd, business-minded marketing professional you want to hire.

Your Agent Absolutely Must Have An Aggressive Marketing Strategy!

The best agents use eery available marketing tool, technology, approach, contact or potential avenue to generate prospective buyers for your property!

One key element is they understand the value of “effective” advertising! They realize that in today’s competitive market they have to create ads that generate a response. They can’t just splash their name out there and expect people to call.., they have to craft their ads… and give prospects a compelling reason to call.

Advertising is a crucial factor in the success of marketing anything! Your home included. So, how does the agent you’re considering separate him or herself from competitors? All their ads look virtually the same. So, what’s unique about your new agent that’s going to grab prospects and get them to pick up the phone and call?

In today’s market place, it’s tough! Potential buyers have been harassed, high-pressured and pushed around so much… it’s no wonder that it’s hard to get them to call! I’m tired of pushy salespeople too… I can relate!

They use razor-sharp strategy & cutting-edge technology as THE ADVANTAGE!

The best agents overcome this huge obstacle with a razor-sharp marketing strategy, combined with cutting-edge technology, to generate buyer after buyer!

Remember, the major key to generating a buyer for your home is to reach your prospect first ! And… with the soft, gentle, service-minded way I follow up… people simply love it! So, don’t worry about that part… again, the professionalism of your agent makes all the difference!

With more potential buyers, it only makes sense… you’ll sell your home faster and for more money! It’s supply and demand… plain and simple.

So again remember, the first one to reach your prospect wins the sale. So, if you want to get your home sold this time… don’t settle for anything less!

The first two questions then are: 1. How are they going to make the phone ring with lots of new prospects for your home? 2. What’s going to give them the edge and get thçm to the “starting block” first?

Then comes the next question. How sharp are your agent’s negotiating skills? What kind of results have they produced for past clients? This is so crucial!

Most people think that selling a home is like being a tour guide. Show the prospect around, ask if they like it and write up the paperwork. Well, if that’s all there was to it, your former agent would have closed on your house already!

Your Agent Absolutely Must Have Strong Fundamental Negotiating Skills!

If you want to get your home sold this time, your next agent absolutely must have a deep understanding of “The Art of Negotiating”. These skills are vitally important! Without these skills, you could lose big! With these skills, your agent will ensure you get the highest possible price for your home.

So, how do you find out about your prospective agent’s negotiating skills? Investigate! Check references. At the very least, call two or three of your agent’s most recent clients. In fact, call at least one or two of your agent’s cun clients. See what kind of effort he or she makes to get the job done!

So, in conclusion, really think these things through! This is such an important decision. Get prepared! Really fire away with questions when interviewing an agent. Make them stand the test of fire… the best agents thrive on it! They can’t wait to tell you all about the innovative methods that separate them from the agent that’ 11 poke a sign in the ground and act like that’s enough! In today’s market, it’s most definitely not enough!

Thanks for taking the time to read this information. I hope you found the ideas thought provoking and beneficial.

My entire aim with this report is to help point you in the right direction and give you some common sense guidelines to help you make the right decision this time.

If there is ever any way I can be of service to you or anyone you care about… please give me a call.

Your initial consultation is always under no obligation and completely free of charge. We’ll sit down for 15-20 minutes and I’ll show you the latest strategies and technology for selling your home. No high-pressure, just plain honest talk about what it’s going to take to get your home sold this time.

I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Warmest regards,

Jutta “Utah” Burden

Keller Williams Realty

Email: Utah@UtahBurden.com

Read more important information for selling your home at http://www.utahburden.com/Seller-Resources/Seller-Tips

How to Buy Your First Home the Easy Way! Avoid 10 Common Potentially Devastating Mistakes First Time Home Buyers Make.

Special Report From Jutta “Utah” Burden

Buying a home can be a “hair-raising” experience. It can be a roller coaster of emotions… finding the right place… securing the loan.., moving in. And, if you’re like most of us, your home will be your largest investment. The emotions over such a large and personal purchase can often cloud good business judgment.

Many homebuyers do very little research before “diving in” and investing their hard-earned money. Before doing that, doesn’t it make sense to be as informed as possible? That’s what this report is all about. It’s designed to help you avoid 10 common, critical mistakes many homebuyers make. If you follow these 10 suggestions, with the help of the right real estate professional, you’ll make a good sound business decision that you’ll be happy and proud of for years to come.

1. Inspect, Inspect and Inspect- Go over the inspection report with a fine toothcomb. Make sure the report was done by a professional organization. For condo purchases, go over the by-laws, and association fees. Don’t take anything for granted… inspect everything!

2. Imagine the Property Vacant- Your furnishings and decorations will be the ones filling this new residence. Don’t be swayed by beautiful furniture … it leaves with            the owner.

3. Income Plus Lifestyle Equals Mortgage Payment- Sit down with a competent real estate professional and honestly discuss your income level and living expenses. Take into account future considerations like: children, add-ons, amenities or fix-ups. Your dream home is certainly worth a sacrifice but don’t mortgage your entire future.

4. View Several Homes- See at least 3-5 properties. Don’t move on the first property you see but… don’t move too slowly either. With your agent’s help, you’ll be able to view enough properties to get a good overall perspective of your market. And when you find the right property, all the legwork will be worth it.

5. Utilize Your Team- By aligning yourself with the right real estate professional; you’ll have an entire team working for you. Top real estate professionals have lenders, title reps, and inspection teams – an entire group of trained professionals to make the whole buying experience simple and easy for you.

6. Failing to Have Adequate Insurance- Investment property brings liability. Tenants, cars, parking lots, and property liability — the list is quite extensive. Adequate insurance coverage is an absolute must! Be sure to consult with an insurance professional and protect your hard earned assets.

7. Inspect, Approve, and Confirm All Documents- The list of documents that need to be proofed can be overwhelming to the first time investor. Building permits, zoning laws, rental and lease applications, health licenses, laundry leases, underlying loan documents, by-laws, title policies, mineral leases, inspection reports, purchase contracts, insurance., don’t attempt to do it alone. The right professional can remove most of the stress and bring the transaction to a conclusion smoothly.

8. Get a Bill of Sale For All Property Involved- Many types of personal property (appliances, furniture, fixtures, etc.) can be involved in an investment sale. Be very detailed… know who owns what!

9. Charge Fair Rents- Vacancies, turnovers and lease terminators are your biggest expense. Charge fair rents, treat your tenants with respect and respond as quickly as possible to their needs. It’s a lot less costly in the long run to take care of the little problems before they become big problems. Vacant property is your Achilles heel.

10. Select Qualified, Good Tenants From the Start- Take the time to check references. Previous landlords, employers, financial references, credit, judgments are all vitally important. If there are any questions, investigate fully. Drive by their previous residence. A little work up-front can save tremendous problems later on down the line.

11. Make Sure You get Estoppels Letters- Get letters from tenants confirming the status of tenancy. Make sure their version of the rental or lease agreement corresponds with the seller’s interpretation.

12. Don’t Spend Positive Cash Flow- Most of successful investors have free and clear properties. Be sure to re-invest your cash flow back into the property payment and speed up the amortization schedule. This decreases your debt load and increases your equity…, which builds your net worth.

Investment property can be one of the most rewarding aspects of your financial portfolio. Be certain to have all your “ducks in a row” before you invest. Do your homework! Consult with a professional real estate agent and relieve yourself of the hidden troubles that can plague first time investors.

I hope this brief report has been of value to you. It is my ultimate desire to help you achieve your real estate investment goals and provide you with the most professional, efficient and effective service possible! If you have any questions or there is any way I can help, please give me a call.

Jutta “Utah” Burden

Keller Williams Realty

Email: Utah@UtahBurden.com

The Woodlands is an exceptional place to live! Find Out More by Clicking Here

Staging Your Home for an Optimal Sale

When it comes to selling your home, every little thing you do to enhance the appearance of your home will have a positive effect on a potential buyer. Buyers notice and register things such as whether the flowers are in bloom or weeds are sprouting between the cracks in your driveway. Take advantage of small details to boost your chances for making a good impression.

To set up your home for quicker sale at a great price, you will need to set the stage. First, take care of all crucial things that your realtor recommends and then plan on keeping your home neat and tidy for the duration of its listing.

Curb appeal is a must. A neat lawn and a fresh coat of paint make a great first impression. A bowl of colorful seasonal flowers neat the front entry is always a nice touch.and always keep it swept and cleared of debris.

Next, step away emotionally from your home and realize that it’s no longer just your home but rather a commodity. While you may love and get comfort from all the knick-knacks you’ve collected over the years, your hallway filled with family pictures and the various nostalgic items scattered all around, your buyers will see only clutter.

When buyers see clutter, they think the house is too small or doesn’t have enough storage space. Do yourself a favor and clear it away. Rent a small storage unit and pack your knick-knacks, photos, collections and other items that are taking up counter space, away while your home is on the market.

Patch the nail holes in the walls and repaint. This isn’t to say you should keep the walls completely bare. A well placed framed mirror adds beauty and gives the illusion of more space.

Closets are another good spot to clear out. If you think no one would dare look inside something so personal, think again. Buyers want to know where they’ll be storing their own clothes, shoes and sports equipment. Get busy and clear out your closets. Store your off-season clothes in a storage unit and gain quite a bit of closet space.

While you’re clearing away the clutter, separate items into throw away, donate and storage boxes. Throw away the junk, donate items to charity and haul the rest to your storage unit. This will give you a head start when it’s time to move out.

Stay on top of the household laundry and keep your laundry room cleared of piles of clothes. You want the area to look clean, pleasant and efficient.

Now that the clutter is gone, go for some carefully selected touches that will dress your home up just enough to show its charm but not distract. Walk through a few model homes to get an idea of how their designers set the stage. Notice the lack of clutter? Notice the carefully selected items that keep the home feeling warm? That’s the effect you want to achieve.

Create a homey focal point for each room. Fresh flowers are wonderful so long as you are committed to keeping them fresh. Wilted or dead flowers have the opposite effect. A cozy throw on the couch near the fireplace and a well placed bottle of wine might suggest how romantic this room can be. A bowl of fresh fruit in the kitchen is fragrant, beautiful and homey.

Finally, don’t overlook lighting. Let the light shine in! Wash all windows, inside and out and open blinds and drapes to let as much natural light in as possible. Turn on key lights such as track lighting or wall sconces. Create a bright, inviting environment.

You want the buyers to be able to picture themselves in your home and to picture where they’ll hang their own precious photos. Help them see the home you fell in love with by presenting it in all its glory.

Jutta “Utah” Burden

Keller Williams Realty

Email: Utah@UtahBurden.com

Get your home ready to sell! Find more information here:  http://www.utahburden.com/Seller-Resources/Seller-Reports

Exxon Campus moving to Spring, Texas

Exxon Mobil Corp. is planning a major expansion of its corporate campus under construction near The Woodlands, bringing thousands more workers to the area and deepening the economic impact the complex is expected to have on the region.

The oil and gas behemoth said Wednesday that an additional 2,000 employees — many from out of state — will be housed in the new development near Interstate 45 and the Hardy Toll Road.

Most of the jobs will come from the company’s offices in Fairfax, Va. where Exxon Mobil employs about 2,100 people. Additional positions will relocate from Akron, Ohio, and around the Houston area. In total, the complex will house 10,000 people when it opens in 2015. About 8,000 are being consolidated from Houston-area offices.

The new jobs will create a “multiplier effect” on the region, said economist Barton Smith, explaining that the area could see twice as many jobs as a result of increased spending from the relocating Exxon Mobil employees.

“Clearly this is an important step for the northern metropolitan area in terms of solidifying its position as a growth area,” said Smith, professor emeritus of economics at the University of Houston.

He also notes the planned northern extension of the Grand Parkway, which is making the area more desirable for development.

Exxon Mobil has not made public exactly how much space will be built on its 385-acre tract, but it will include multiple low-rise office buildings, a laboratory and conference and training centers, as well as employee amenities like a child care facility and wellness center.

Construction is well under way, and there are more than 1,000 people working at the site.

The company’s Irving headquarters is not part of the relocation and consolidation, said spokesman David Eglinton.

The impact of thousands of new jobs moving north of town has already seeped into the housing market.

“It’s great news for The Woodlands,” said Paul Layne, executive vice president for master-planned communities at the Howard Hughes Corp., which controls development of 28,400-acre master-planned community. “Our sales are up this year and we believe it’s not only Exxon, but more specifically the improvement in the overall Houston economy.”

One of the largest new developments under way in the area is Springwoods Village, an 1,800-acre housing and commercial development adjacent to the Exxon Mobil campus.

Keith Simon, senior vice president and director of development for the project’s developer, said he’s received strong interest from grocery stores, medical providers, hotels and others for commercial tracts in Springwoods Village.

Two parcels, he said, are already under contract for new corporate headquarters. “They are companies that are widely recognized,” said Simon of CDC Houston, subsidiary of Coventry Development Corp. of New York.

Although the Exxon Mobil project is outside Houston’s city limits, the Mayor Annise Parker addressed it Wednesday in her weekly press conference.

“We are very happy that Exxon Mobil has expressed this kind of confidence in what’s available here in Houston,” Parker said.

Exxon Mobil announced the project a year ago. It did not release the construction cost, but said the development would be built to high standards of energy efficiency and provide opportunities for more employee collaboration.

Indeed, the consolidation is part of a larger trend of combining workers in offices in an effort to improve collaboration amongst workers.

The some 8,000 local employees slated to move into the new campus include most of the people who work in the company’s upstream and chemical offices, along with various support staff. The campus will also house refining, specialities marketing, research and engineering groups from the Fairfax offices. The Akron office houses chemical operations.

The company also said Wednesday that select local relocations will come from ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Co. and ExxonMobil Chemical Co. now located at the Baytown refinery complex outside of Houston.

Nancy Sarnoff

Springwood Village-New subdivision in Spring

Spring woods Village is being designed as a sustainable master planned community in Spring, just south of The Woodlands and 30 miles north of downtown Houston. The community is located directly west of I-45 in north Harris County.
The planned Grand Parkway will intersect the community, providing direct access to communities and destinations to the east and the west.
Bush Intercontinental Airport is less than 10 miles away.
Springwoods Village will encompass 2,000 acres and the mixed-use community will unfold carefully and methodically to balance nature, urbanism and diversity. The existing forest and Spring Creek ecosystems will be protected and preserved utilizing best practices in sustainable design and infrastructure. Springwoods Village will be user friendly, earth friendly, connected and current.

Springwoods Village will offer a range of homes, from luxury rentals and urban-style compact housing, to single-family dwellings with yards. A variety of price ranges will keep the homes diverse and interesting. The community master plan accommodates 4,500 – 5,000 housing units.
As the Springwoods Village community grows, land will be donated to provide essential community services. Schools, civic and recreation facilities, libraries, and emergency services will be integrated in a timely manner.
The land for Springwoods Village has been owned outright for more than 50 years. As Houston has grown and the metropolitan area become more linked, the time is right to embrace a thoughtful blend of nature, community and commerce. The community will bring new texture, vitality, and inspiration to north Harris County.
This walkable community will also be home to workplaces, shopping, dining, parks and other natural gathering places. It’s about creating a community with smart, sustainable elements.
Builders include Sullivan Brothers, Taylor Morrison, and Martin Fein Interests.
Springwoods Village is about preserving the natural integrity of its land. A careful balance will be created between developed acreage and protected natural habitats.
In addition to the woods and water, there are savannah and wetlands ecosystems that will be fostered as essential connections to nature within the community.
Spring Creek flows through the Springwoods Village Community, creating a two-mile long natural open space border that will be integrated with Houston’s premier regional Spring Creek Greenway. Our slated 150-acre Nature Preserve will contribute to the beauty of the Greenway as well. Spring Creek also provides access to 33 miles of trails, recreation and natural ecosystem in the Spring Creek Greenway.
Springwoods Village is also home to a thriving forest. Our development will respect, enhance, and retain as much of the forest as possible, so that the community incorporates the character of this invaluable natural resource.

First home inspections!

I realized a lot about house inspections. Listed below are just a few Inspection 101 questions that Texas REALTOR® answered for me when it came time to kick the metaphorical tires on our first house.
Who pays for it?

As the client, you choose the inspector, pay him instantly for the inspection, and the inspection report he generates is yours. In the event you don’t have already got a house inspector in thoughts, ask your family and friends members for a referral, or your Texas REALTOR® might advocate someone. Whoever you chose, he have to be licensed by the Texas Actual Property Commission.
What does an inspector do?

An inspector will conduct an “goal visible examination of the physical construction and systems of a home, from the roof to the foundation,” in accordance with the American Society of House Inspectors. He’ll go through your entire home and make word of any harm, want for repairs, or upkeep points, and then give you a duplicate of the completed report based on his findings. It’s important to know that there could be defects a home inspector is not going to find and wouldn’t be expected to search out if the defects are in areas with restricted or no access.
When should I get an inspection?

Your Texas REALTOR® will discuss together with a termination option interval in your contract. This is an period of time during which you can conduct inspections, negotiate with the seller for repairs, and you continue to have the choice to terminate the contract.
Where ought to I be throughout the inspection?

You don’t must be on the property throughout the inspection, but it surely’s in your best interest to be there. Your inspector might not mind should you accompany him and ask questions as he checks all the things out, however ask him first.
Why should I’ve this carried out?

Shopping for your private home is probably the biggest funding you will ever make, so that you wish to know as a lot as you’ll be able to up front. A house inspector will point out items that need regular maintenance and identify any problems.

After your inspection is complete, talk with your Texas REALTOR® to determine if there are any points you want to ask the seller to deal with before you move forward. She has expertise with the home-buying process and can make recommendations which can be proper for you.

Tips To Buy Real Estate; the Woodlands and Magnolia Texas Properties

Tips To Buy Real Estate; the Woodlands and Magnolia Texas Properties

The economy is slowly seeing a resurrection after the
collapse that happened some years back. So these are the times to invest in
real estate. The Woodlands and Magnolia Texas regions have experienced a real
estate boom. Over the past decade, people have preferred these places due to
various factors.

When buying real estate, you have to consider some
basics. The following are some tips to buy properties without overshooting your
budget.

Pre-approved
home loan

Apply for a loan from a bank. Get it ready. By doing
this, you are ready to shop for real estate. The Woodlands and Magnolia Texas
real estate scene is blooming. When you have your loan papers ready, all you
need to do is find a property. This is better than finding a property and then
checking your loan eligibility.

When you already know your loan eligibility, you know
which properties to look for. You will look for real estate that is within your
buying power.

Find
out about financing options

Banks provide numerous financing options for the
benefit of their customers. Get information on low down payments. Some banks
provide first time purchaser schemes. There is a new type of financing called
interest-only financing. You may get this loan faster, but read the fine print
before you commit on anything.

You can also avail down payment grants to buy real
estate. The Woodlands and Magnolia Texas real estate prices could also be a
touch expensive. A high down payment should not crush your dreams of buying a
property. And down payment grants help you navigate through this situation.

Sell
your home before buying a new one

When you sell your existing home, you have cash in hand
to purchase a new one. You can make an offer to a prospective seller if you
have cash in hand. A seller would need some immediate cash to pay off a bank
loan. When you have cash in hand, the seller views you as a potential buyer and
a way to pay off the existing bank loan on the property. And in the bargain,
you may also get a lesser buying price.

Vacant
real estate has more value

There is no doubt that there is more value for vacant
real estate. The Woodlands and Magnolia Texas property prices appreciate or
depreciate based on economic conditions. But vacant real estate always has
increasing value.

Consult a realtor who can help you see vacant real
estate sites. Within the urban regions it could be expensive. So don’t rule out
the opportunity to look for vacant sites on the outskirts. What are outskirts today
could become residential, urban, sub-urban and commercial centers in the
future. Spread your investments wisely. If you are new to the area, you may
have to rely on real estate agents.

Buying properties is not easy as it looks. It is a huge
investment that you are making. Probably an investment of your lifetime. So
invest wisely in real estate. The Woodlands and Magnolia Texas real estate prices
are sure to reward you in the future.