Posts tagged: Luxury Realtor

The Woodlands TX Luxury Real Estate – What You Need to Know

The Woodlands TX Luxury Real Estate – What You Need to Know

If you want to look into the Woodlands TX luxury real estate, then there are a lot of things you will have to consider before picking out the perfect home for your family. Although the style and the amenities of the house are always important, the majority of the other important things you need to consider actually involve the location of the house itself.

See, regardless of where you choose to live, you have to find a piece of property that will always be valuable. Think about it. What if you have to move someday? Won’t you need to have a piece of property that is easy to sell, if you ever need to sell it? Of course you do. This is why location plays such an important role when people look into the Woodlands TX luxury real estate.

Now, the first thing that you will probably think about when it comes to location is the surroundings of the house itself. Well, the surroundings of the house is definitely very important if you don’t want any noise ruining your time at home. Also, if you want to make sure your family enjoys their time at home as much as possible, then acreage would be another important factor. In fact, acreage would also be vital for the house’s overall value in the long run and will be what ultimately sets a piece of estate apart from just being a nice house with a bit of land.

The economy would be another important factor when it comes down to it. In general, if you choose a piece of the Woodlands TX luxury real estate, you can avail of a great kind of economy. Not only has the Woodlands economy made a strong comeback, but the time that its homes have been spending in the market has decreased lately, as well.

The last things you will need to consider are also prevalent in the Woodlands TX luxury real estate market: schools, recreational opportunities, and various other neighborhood services that will be important once you settle down. A lot of places in the Woodlands have golf courses, nature trails, and tennis courts, and there are a lot of gated communities, too. Plus, all of the neighborhoods are well-maintained and clean. if you have children, then there are also schools nearby that aren’t overcrowded. What more could you ask for from a piece of luxury real estate in the Woodlands TX?

WHO ARE YOU ?

Monday Morning Coffee

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

“If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll probably end up somewhere . . . else.”
- David Campbell, PhD


WHO ARE YOU?

In the book “Unstoppable” by Cynthia Kersey, a cartoon appears showing a ship loaded with unkempt, bearded galley slaves rowing their life away at full-tilt. One of them says to another, “I always wanted to be somebody, but I should have been more specific!”

Chances are good that you work 8-10 hours each day, have 6-8 hours of discretionary time, and sleep 8 hours each day. Whether or not you choose to be specific about your direction in life, it’s highly likely that the sun will come up and go down every 24 hours anyway. In other words, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll probably end up somewhere . . . else.”

The alternative is really so much easier. In fact, it’s downright exciting to think that you can be any “somebody” you want, just by deciding who that somebody will be. Really.

Instead of just fantasizing or daydreaming about the person you’d like to be, start acting like that person. Ask yourself how that person would act, talk, and walk. Begin taking on the characteristics of that person in your daily life, and then be passionate about it.

So often, we create our own limitations but simply fail to be more specific about our direction. We’re like the farmer who placed a small growing pumpkin in a mason jar, then rediscovered it at harvest time. When the farmer broke the mason jar, he had a pumpkin which had grown to the exact (limiting) shape of the jar.

We are as limitless as our imagination will allow. When we break the mold – the mason jar – in which we have contained our growth, we will finally learn to fly. In the words of Richard Bach from his book Illusions, “In order to live free and happily, you must sacrifice boredom. It is not always an easy sacrifice.”

The Woodlands Carlton Woods Homes

The Woodlands Carlton Woods Homes – Where to Find Help When Buying Luxury

Real estate transactions, in general, are highly complicated processes of business in today’s day and age. So, people who are not completely devoted to it might not have the tools that they need to successfully conclude a prifitible transaction in buying or selling homes. If you are looking for somebody to help you buy the Woodlands Carlton Woods homes, then here are some tools that this realtor will need to have.

Experience and Knowledge

First and foremost, buying or selling real estate is not the same as buying or selling shoes. Trained and professional agents happen to know every single requirement needed in making transactions legal to the communities of business and law. Finding a great one who will do everything for you is sure to be worth the money. In fact, you might end up saving more money by having a good Realtor by your side.

Having a professional with you from the Woodlands itself when looking at the Woodlands Carlton Woods homes will help even more because he would know the properties there better than other agents. So, instead of wasting time browsing the World Wide Web and looking through newspaper ads, simply look for efficient agents in the locality right away and you will end up with a list perfect for your requirements in mere minutes, no doubt about it.

By going through this route, you will end with lots of energy and time left to focus on comparing the Woodlands Carlton Woods homes and studying them.

Price Awareness

The prices of real estate tend to change on a regular basis. So, whatever you might have researched last month might no longer be applicable today. Since professional agents are aware of how prices work, they will have updated listings on-hand for you to look at when you pay them a visit. You can be sure that the professionals are highly efficient if their listings are the most up-to-date. Also, prior to actually going on with any transaction, they should double-check any sources to find out whether the prices still stand anyway.

Scam Protection

If you do not have enough real estate exposure, you might end up getting used by unscrupulous agents, brokers and sellers. Since professional real estate investors know about leading developments around to get the best profits possible, you should find yourself one and help yourself out. Yes, hiring a great real estate agent would be the only answer in getting what you want out of the Woodlands Carlton Woods homes. Do the smart thing.

The Advantages of Real Estate in the Woodlands

The Advantages of Real Estate in the Woodlands

When moving after college graduation or while job hunting, it is important to consider various things as you look at the possible states available for you to live in. Texas happens to be perfect for most people because of the warm weather that is present all year round. Not only that, but there is good value in house work, as well, because coatings and scaffolding simply do not experience the fury of harsh weather. The Woodlands doesn’t have an state income tax, either, so living there is much cheaper compared to other states, making it a good place to live in overall, especially because of the recession. These are only several advantages that come with the real estate in the Woodlands, though. Keep reading for further clarification.

The Woodlands’ weather is great throughout the entire year. Although it does get humid at times, it really isn’t too much of a problem for most of its residents. Besides, studies have shown that many people experience doldrums during the winter because of the cold and dreariness that come with the season. Therefore, if you would prefer to live somewhere less cold, then living in the Woodlands is sure to make you a much happier person altogether.

Because of this generally warm weather throughout the year, you will not be bothered by house repairs outside of the home as much as in other states, either. Roofs in other states get damaged pretty easily when it snows a lot in the internet or when water from snow ends up leaking through the roof. In fact, such weather problems could also ruin the insides of a house. Thankfully, these problems do not exist when it comes to real estate in the Woodlands.

Additionally, since state income tax does not exist for real estate in the Woodlands, living there becomes much more affordable, especially when compared to living expenses in other places. With no state  income tax, you will no longer need to shell out money for taxes from the pay that you get at work. That is just how this state’s economy survives and moves on. How great is that?

Many magazine articles and national rankings have shown up, proving how some cities have become immune from the recession. In fact, some cities have even grown despite it. Most of those cities happen to lie within Texas, and the Woodlands is one of them. This shows that many jobs will still be available here because real estate in the Woodlands has not been hit too hard. This also means that it will have great home values because they are still continuing to grow.

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.

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

Leukemia/Lymphoma Society “Light the Night Walk, The Woodlands” October 24 in Market Street

light the night cancer walk

Every 5 minutes, someone in the United States learns that they have
leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma – nearly 300 people a day.

Walk for a Cure. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual “Light the Night Walk” returns to The Woodlands, Sunday, October 24th, at Market Street in The Woodlands. The program will begin at 7:00pm and the walk begins promptly at 7:30pm. Light the Night Walk is the nation’s night to pay tribute and illuminating hope to people battling cancer. Funds raised enable scientists to continue their research. Great strides have been made over the last couple of years with new drugs developed to help battle blood cancers. 

Light the Night Walk is a national fundraising campaign that commemorates and celebrates all lives touched by cancer. Company teams, civic groups, neighbors and friends raise funds strolling on an evening walk along a two mile route carrying twinkling balloons . . . White balloons for survivors, Red balloons for supporters and gold balloons in memory of a life lost. Walkers carry dedication banners that provide an opportunity to display a name or message, honoring or commemorating a family member or friend with cancer. More than a walk, Light the Night is a community celebration with food, live entertainment and family activities – a community coming together to support people with cancer. In recent years, walks all over the country have raised tens of millions of dollars.

The 2 mile walk will begin and end in Market Street. The course will take the walkers through a leisurely stroll through Market Street and the Woodlands Town Center. The event will also feature live entertainment, activities for the kids including mascots, face painting and refreshments. Something for everyone, families are encouraged to bring the kids and strollers and join the fun!

Roxanne Davis, a committee member for Light the Night Walk The Woodlands, explains her involvement. “This event has a special place in my heart. I lost both of my parents to blood cancer. Light the Night Walk is truly a unique event. When the balloons are lit at dusk, your spirit is illuminated by all the white balloons representing cancer survivors. Your heart is filled with hope and fond memories of those lost to blood cancer represented by the red balloons. It is an evening you will not forget. For those than cannot participate in the walk, there are many opportunities to donate a gift. Please give when asked or you can make a donation online at www.lightthenight.org/txg”.

Team captains are encouraged to register their team, recruit walkers and begin raising funds. Set a goal for your team and encourage friends, family members and co/workers to join you. Representatives from the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society are eager and available to meet with you and your co/workers to set up FUN-raisers such as ice cream socials. Call Misty Moody, 713-680-8088, to set up an appointment.

Check in for teams begin at 5:00pm. The band will play 6:00 – 7:00pm. At 7:00pm the event begins with an invocation and program with the walk start time at 7:30pm. Following the walk, there will be a brief awards presentation.

Leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma are cancers that originate in the bone marrow and lymphatic tissues.

  • Every 5 minutes, someone in the United States learns that they have leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma – nearly 300 people a day.
  • Leukemia and lymphomas are the leading fatal cancers in young women and men under 35 while leukemia remains the leading cause of death in children.
  • An estimated 640,000 Americans are presently living with leukemia, lymphoma Hodgkin’s disease or myeloma.
  • Every 9 minutes, another child or adult dies from a blood-related cancer. This statistic represents 165 people daily.

If you are interested in sponsorship or volunteer opportunities, forming a team, make or donation or need additional information on the 5th Annual Light the Night Walk in The Woodlands please visit www.lightthenight.org/tx. or call 877.LTN.WALK. On site registration will be available on October 25th, beginning at 5:00pm.

The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is to cure leukemia, lymphoma Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Funds raised through the walk go towards finding a cure and supporting the mission of the society. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is one of the top rated voluntary health organizations and the leading resource for blood cancer information and services.

Jutta “Utah” Burden

Keller Williams Realty

Email: Utah@UtahBurden.com

Visit My Website at SellTheWoodlands.com

How to Eliminate Risk in Real Estate Investment! Avoid 12 Common Mistakes Made by Novice Investors and Guaranteed High Rates of Return!

Avoid Mistakes! Take my Advice!

Special Report From Jutta “Utah” Burden

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 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

Save time, money, and headaches by reading more “Buying Tips” at http://www.utahburden.com/Buyer-Resources/Buyer-Reports