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Why Homes in the Woodlands are Great Choices to Live in

Why Homes in the Woodlands are Great Choices to Live in

If you are looking to move to Houston, Texas to make it your home, you should really take a look at a homes in the Woodlands first. This city happens to provide a ton of opportunities to its residents and is, in general, a wonderful place to live in. The community is tight and the environment is absolutely stunning. Filled with trees that tower above you, this city offers up the peace and quiet that you will need away from retail stores, prominent buildings and freeways otherwise found in other cities. Plus, living in the Woodlands would be a much easier thing to do overall.

Here are several other reasons as to why you should take homes in the Woodlands into consideration:

The Nice Shopping Areas

The malls in the Woodlands happen to boast several nice retail stores and boutiques to cater to your wants and needs. Located not far from Interstate 45, you will be able to get all of your shopping done in no time at all. If you still cannot decide, there are several other stores that can be found nearby, as well, that should satisfy your every demand.

The Low Crime Rate

Practically everybody is worried about crime. However, if you live in a community where the people are close, you will feel much safer; thus is the case in the Woodlands. A lot of statistics prove that crime is very low in the Woodlands compared to anywhere else in the country. Yes, the Woodlands can offer you the security that you need.

The Activities

If you love leaving the house to enjoy what the city has to offer, this would definitely be the place for you. In fact, there are a lot of options available in the Woodlands. For one, there is the open-air amphitheater where a lot of live events and concerts are held. And, if you like to golf, go canoeing, or hike, you an do all of this mere minutes from home.

The Growth in School and at Work

Texas has a good economy, in general, thanks partly to the Woodlands. Both health care and education have shown job strength as of late, as well. Also, you will love to learn that a lot of great award-winning schools and fine institutions exist within the area for your children to go to.

So what are you waiting for? Look into homes in the Woodlands today!

Check this link and we will send you listings

What is The Woodlands Market Street ?

What is the Woodlands Market Street?

The Woodlands Market Street refers to the most upscale fine dining, shopping and entertainment hub in the North Houston and the Woodlands area. Not only will you find more than seventy retailers, restaurants and specialty stores here, but there is also a comfortable central park that has fountains and wireless internet, not to mention eye-catching art on offer.

The Woodlands Market Street proves to be the ideal shopping, entertainment and dining experience for anybody who finds themselves in the area as they have the best theaters, restaurants and stores available that you can possibly think of. It also proves to be a great place for families to relax and congregate. Plus, since it is set outdoors, you can simply walk around and breathe in some fresh air as you shop. The Woodlands Market Street happens to be a modern development in the Woodlands area of Texas, but it is still constantly growing by getting new recognized stores added to it.

Styled like a main street, the Woodlands Market Street should definitely be your number one entertainment and shopping destination today. By strolling outside, you will catch glimpses of the past in your head when town centers were still abundant. The fountains, the art, the music and the stage for live performances, in general, are very welcoming for people to gather for entertainment and events, so you are sure to see something to your liking when you go.

If you do not live in the Woodlands and are still just considering what there is to offer there, you can even choose to stay at some great hotels nearby. Most hotels in Texas are full of color anyway and are nestled in the trees, so you can enjoy the best of what the Woodlands has to offer in nature and in city life all at once.

There is no wonder as to why so many people love the Woodlands Market Street. Beautifully executed as a town square entertainment and shopping area, it has already become very popular, thanks to its mix of eclectic businesses. After all, with movie theaters, excellent restaurants, book stores, wine bars, coffee houses, high-end shopping, grocery stores with great gourmet sections, dynamic fountains for kids, free square concerts and even a public library – what more could anyone ask for?

For information on homes for sale in The Woodlands


Find Homes in Spring Texas

     Homes in Spring Texas

Spring Texas has been in existence for more than thirty years.  This town is situated north of Houston, bordering the Montgomery County.  Whether you are looking for a luxurious home, an apartment, single family home an inventory home or one in the planned communities, you are sure to find the best house here. The area is covered with various species of trees and vegetation making the place suitable for building a large house to live in. The place is properly wooded and makes you feel like you are inside a forest except for the elegant houses.

The main reason why this place attracts many people is because it is extensively developed. Residents of Spring Town are able to access and enjoy its facilities easily. Shopping facilities like the Wal-mart, Wal greens and a Kroger are available and have full stocks of items and equipment.  The vibrancy of business in the town is best exemplified by the creation of Spring Klein Chamber of Commerce. 

For the people who want to own their homes and have families, there are excellent public schools and recreational facilities, all in a natural environment. One of the locations where you can find homes for sale in Spring is North Crest Village. It is a community of single family homes where each homes is built on an area ranging between 1470 and 2600 square feet. These homes are designed on Esmart features’ meaning the environment is critically conserved thus creating a clean and wonderful area for children’s growth. Living in these homes, you will feel comfortable in the knowledge that you are playing your part in environmental conservation.

The Carlton Woods is another gorgeous area to look for when you are in Spring.  It is a prestigious place having a lot of single family homes. If you are looking for the latest houses, you can visit 3 rambling Spring Way. Here you will get fancy houses which smell new because they have just been constructed.  Most of the houses here have 5 bedrooms and are built in the traditional style.

 At Spring Tx, there are affordable state of the art houses that have more than what you desire.  In the master planned community of Spring Trails, for example, lies a beautiful 2 story house with a stunning pool and 3 car garage. You will love its close proximity only ten minutes away from a great Woodland shopping Mall.

Aside from that, there is a beautiful condo 77388 Devonshire woods. This place is very convenient because it’s located 2.5 miles from downtown Houston. You will easily buy groceries and other household amenities at nearby stores. The houses have 4 bedrooms, 2 car garages, a game room and formal dining rooms.

Spring town is definitely the place of choice for anyone who is planning to purchase or rent a house.  If you are searching for homes for sale in Spring Texas, you can consult a realtor who knows the area and has a vast experience on dealing with sale of homes.

Why the Woodlands Homes are Good Choices

Why the Woodlands Homes are Good Choices

Thursday, July 08, 2010 by Jutta “Utah” Burden

Why the Woodlands Homes are Good Choices  

Renting usually makes people feel like they have spent a lot of money for nothing when it comes to investing in the long run. This is usually because they rent places to stay in without having a place to call their own at the end of it all. Plus, it might be inconvenient to get another house to live in after the owner asks them to leave. This is why the Woodlands homes are so convenient.  

Because renting is no longer a fun thing to do, the Woodlands homes can be very beneficial as you can find an ideal place to live while making an investment at the same time. The greatest thing about buying a home in the Woodlands would be the fact that the entire process in doing so is now exceedingly simple and various properties exist in the Woodlands that you can choose from to fit your personal needs and budget.

 This would mean that whether you have a very tight budget or whether you wish to just save some money, buying the right the Woodlands homes for sale would depend on your personal needs, as well. Budget aside, you will also get to choose the ideal home for your family to live in, regardless of how big your family may be.  

The Woodlands homes happen to be famous for their great quality in design, among other things. So, if you buy a property in the Woodlands, you are sure to feel like you got your money’s worth by investing in one. The entire neighborhood in the Woodlands is also considered as a very safe place for its residents, which means that you have no need to worry about things like security, most of all if you have children that you need to protect with your life.

 Security aside, the Woodlands homes are all located in places that have access to various establishments for personal needs; yes, everything is just a very short ride away. Buying the Woodlands homes for sale also provides a very basic process for every buyer. You simply need to ask your agent for help, so you can find the ideal one for your family. Good luck,

Jutta “Utah” Burden- broker Associate Keller Williams

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.

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

From Mega Agent to Broker—always dedicated to her career and clients

Jutta “Utah” Burden

From Mega Agent to Broker—always dedicated to her career and clients 

by pamela hammonds 

You might not remember when The Woodlands was considered “country,” but when Jutta (pronounced Utah) Burden moved with her husband to the area over 30 years ago, that’s exactly what it resembled. “I couldn’t believe he was moving me out there,” she said, laughing. 

But change is exactly what motivates Jutta. She moved to America from Germany in 1966 and left behind her homeland and family. Fully embracing her new home, she went on to run a successful travel agency in The Woodlands, with three area locations. 

Twelve years ago she parlayed her love of The Woodlands—its homes, families, amenities, shopping—into a second successful career as a real estate agent. Today, as a broker associate of Keller Williams, she has taken the extra step to learn as much as she can about the industry. “I wanted to be the best, to distinguish myself in this business, so I could best serve my clients,” she said. “My business is centered on service, service, service.” 

Jutta holds many achievements and designations, including prestigious membership in The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. “But I’m just as happy selling first-time homeowners their houses as I am selling a multi-million dollar property,” Jutta said. 

If you’re looking for that perfect home to call your own, your first call should be to Jutta. She’s not just a sales agent, but a broker associate with industry knowledge to best serve you. 

Call: 832-482-2047 or 713-515-7847

UtahBurden.com

Keller Williams  Broker Associate

1401 Woodlands Parkway The Woodlands, Texas 77380

Tax Credit Expires April 30

Looking for a great deal on a home in The Woodlands,Texas ? April may be your best chance! The Extended Home Buyers Tax Credit offers current homeowners and first-time home buyers alike an incredible tax-saving opportunity when they buy a home through April 30, 2010. First time buyers, who haven’t owned a primary residence in the past three years, are eligible for a tax credit of 10 percent of a home’s purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000. Current homeowners are also eligible for a tax credit of their own. Homeowners who have lived in their primary residence for 5 consecutive years of the past 8 are eligible for a tax credit of 10% of a home’s purchase price, up to maximum of $6,500.

The following conditions apply:

  • The tax credit is only awarded on homes purchased for $800,000, or less.
  • Full tax credit is available to buyers earning up to $125,000 a year, or $225,000 for married couples filing jointly.
  • Partial tax credit is available to buyers earning between $125,000 to $145,000, or for married couples earning between $225,000 to $245,000.
  • Under the rules, as long as a written binding purchase contract is in effect on April 30, 2010, the buyer has until July 1, 2010 to close.

Under the rules, as long as a written binding purchase contract is in effect on April 30, 2010, the buyer has until July 1, 2010 to close. National Association of REALTORS president Vicki Cox Golder said some buyers are just starting to realize the urgency involved. “If home buyers want this tax credit, there is literally no time to waste,” she said.

The tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the buyers tax liability, and does not have to be paid back as long as the buyer remains in their home for three years or more. This is a once-in-a-lifetime offer to have Uncle Sam help you buy a house. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!

The Woodlands Texas Real Estate has been stable compared to other area of the contry. Feel free to call or e-mail me with any questions. You can always reach me on my cell 713-515-7847