Christmas Financial Fitness

This may not have much to do with the value of your home, but it does speak to surviving the Holidays with all your pennies spent wisely. This is a fantastic piece covering the main traps to avoid in gift-giving.

5 Holiday Shopping Traps to Avoid RISMEDIA, December 13, 2010—Finding the right gift at the right price can be challenging, especially during the holiday season when deep discounts and door-buster sales abound. A recent issue of Consumer Reports highlights five traps holiday shoppers can avoid. "Knowing how to navigate sales, comparison shop, and cut through salespeople jargon is half the battle to stress-free holiday shopping," said Tod Marks, senior editor at Consumer Reports. "Shoppers need to take precautionary measures before purchasing gifts to make sure they are getting the right product, for the right price, with no strings attached." 1. Deep discount come-ons. "Door-buster" sales promise big savings. Consumer Reports found an electric percolator "on-sale" at Kohl's stores and Kohls.com for $61.99, a discount from the regular $69.99. But those prices are higher than the $59.99 manufacturer's suggested retail price. Retailers, especially discount stores, commonly sell below MSRP. Using a Web search, Consumer Reports found better deals. The best price was $30.03 plus $8.21 shipping at Salestores.com. What to do? Comparison shop before buying and don't worry about missing a sale, it's likely that another one will come around before the season ends. 2. Gift-card gotchas. New federal rules for gift cards limit issuers' ability to charge certain fees and impose expiration dates. Inactivity and service fees can be charged only if a card hasn't been used for at least one year. But issuers can still charge fees to buy cards, as they do for bank-issued variety, those that bear a credit-card logo. For example, expect to pay $3 to $7 for an American Express gift card. Also, gift cards are not protected if an issuer goes bankrupt. If that's the case, the card could be worthless. Beyond that, many people never get around to spending their gift cards. A quarter of people surveyed by Consumer Reports in October 2009 who received gift cards the previous year said they hadn't redeemed their almost one year-old cards. What to do? Give cash or a check. Cash never expires or loses its value, and is good anywhere. If the check is never cashed, the money stays in your bank account. 3. Extended-warranty pitches. Salespeople push service plans because retailers keep 50 percent or more of what they charge for them, but they are notoriously bad deals. Some repairs are already covered by the standard warranty that comes automatically with the product. Consumer Reports' data shows that products seldom break within the extended-warranty window of coverage, when items do break, the repairs, on average, cost about the same as the warranty. What to do? Some credit cards automatically extend the manufacturer's warranty on anything purchased with them, so check the card's website. Even if the warranty expired, check with the retailer or manufacturer, which might choose or be legally obligated to repair and make good on a product that prematurely fails or otherwise shows signs of a defect. 4. Return-policy limitations. Some retailers relax their return policies during the holiday season, but don't count on it and always learn the rules before buying. Some companies have different return policies for in-store, online, or mail-order purchases. What to do? Keep the receipt and let the recipient know the return policy. If the store provides a special gift receipt, include that with your gift. 5. Restocking fees. Many items, especially electronics and special orders, are subject to restocking fees that range from 10–25 percent if they are not returned in a factory-sealed box. What to do? Don't open the package unless you're sure you want the item inside. Items such as computer software, music CDs, and movie DVDs generally aren't returnable if the seal is broken. If a fee is charged, try to negotiate a partial refund, but never pay a fee if the item is defective.

Click here for the current local housing trends:
http://lauri.housingtrendsenewsletter.com/

The Long-Distance Move

Not much has changed in the last five millennia where long distance moves are concerned. Sure, these days we don't have to circle our wagons to shield ourselves from Indian attacks. Instead, we circle bubblewrap around our valuables out of fear that the burly mover might enjoy his midday snack casually sitting on top of the box containing grandmother's ancient soup tureen, passed down for nine generations. But relocating to a new place that is economically different, culturally different, climatically different -- or any other kind of different -- is a shock to the system. It is good to know what can be done to ease into a new location as quickly as possible. Moreover, equipping yourself with a little knowledge and a helpful network may save you a whole heap of money and time, by knowing where to go for this, who to trust for that, and so on.

And so I thought it good to share the following article. Being an international real estate executive and a former temporary resident of the Middle East, India and South Africa, I am very sensitive to the needs of my international clients. It is important to note, however, that domestic moves can be just as difficult as international moves, and of the same reasons. Here is a good article  I found that addresses some of the things you can do to ease into your new environment, whether you are moving her to Texas from Oslo, Ontario, or Oregon.

Advice for Relocating Clients: How to Land on Your Feet After an International Move

By Sharon Harvey Rosenberg and Myscha Theriault

RISMEDIA, November 30, 2010—(MCT)—We arrived on Guam (from a relocation move) with emergency cash, documents and an advanced shipment of necessary belongings. Unfortunately, an 8.2 earthquake destroyed our hotel and damaged the unloading docks, leaving us—at least temporarily—with just a rental car and the clothes on our back. Clearly, it was time to re-evaluate our settling-in strategy.

Even under normal circumstances, unfurling in a new location requires more than just a simple unpacking strategy. Here are our top tips.

Networking: Check out international organizations that offer networking opportunities to global travelers. For example, Hash House Harriers, an international running club formed in the late 1930s, has chapters all over the world, including Guam, Saudi Arabia and Thailand. Meetup.com allows individuals of any interest category to connect throughout the United States. In Kuwait, there are both Canadian and American citizens groups, as well as a French language association.

Nora Dunn (www.theprofessionalhobo.com) is a member of Rotary International, a global service organization that not only provides her with immediate opportunities for service, but an instant network of local contacts that are happy to help a newbie. And don't forget university alumni associations, trade groups and other professional organizations, with chapters in the U.S. and abroad.

Infrastructure: During international moves, an ironing board, French press and chairs rank high on our must-have list. Other seasoned travelers, with special needs or diets, ease the pain of relocation by traveling with back-up supplies of medicine, medical equipment and cooking supplies.

During an extended stay in Scotland, Greenland and Iceland, one traveler filled individual Ziploc bags with coffee, spices and other nonperishable food items. The storage bags were stuffed into paper towel tubes and then stashed in her luggage. This strategy created a portable supply of kitchen ingredients.

With that stock, she prepared meals while staying in rented homes in Europe. Donna Frose, an international teacher whose career has taken her to the U.A.E., Singapore, Kuwait and Ecuador, has a different set of priorities. Arriving with one set of bed linens and a pillow, she immediately searches out a couch, membership in the local Canadian Women's League chapter and the nearest diet cola supply.

Routine: New digs mean new routines for everything from banking, grocery shopping and medical care. While living in Paris, we used an informal alumni association to help us find the best deals in entertainment, groceries and clothing. For example, an old college friend provided information about great parties and events, including a poetry reading at an elegant bookstore in the Latin Quarter on the Left Bank of Paris.

After moving from New York City to South Beach in Miami, a network of friends and family helped us find affordable housing, supermarkets, health care and restaurants.

Click here for the current local housing trends:
http://lauri.housingtrendsenewsletter.com/

And of course, visit Lake Conroe Realty Now's website for more information about Lauri Kent and her team. Contact Lauri Kent with your Houston Texas area real estate questions.

Renters: Grab A Stack Of 1099 Forms. Come January 1st You'll Be Needing Them

"Honestly, it's an outrageous burden for rental owners."

That's from Tom Schatz, president of the watchdog group Citizens Against Government Waste. This is the second thing he said after hearing about this burdensome requirement that really sticks it to home renters in The Small Business Lending Fund Act, which passed last September 18th. It stipulates that rental property owners must issue 1099 forms to any work done on their homes over $600. What was the first thing Tom Schatz said? "You've got to be kidding me!" No, we aren't kidding. It takes effect on January 1, 2011.


So, if you are a renter and need a plumber to fix a sink at your rental property,  Get ready to deal with more than plumber prices - get ready to deal with the Internal Revenue Service.


To read about this in-depth, go to Lake Conroe Realty Now with Lauri Kent Financial News where we have the whole article regarding this issue.

Capital Gains Double-Whammy On the Horizon

As if we weren't already exercising ultra-caution in the manner and timing of our property purchases and sales, Uncle Sam has put out another taxation land mine to avoid. Even though it's nothing but bad news, as usual, being forewarned is being forearmed, so here is a brief primer on the new Patient Protection Affordable Care Care Act, and how it may be funded in part by the sale of your home.

From Sandy Botkin, CPA:

There is a BIG nasty surprise awaiting a number of people starting in 2013 that has NOT been mentioned by the media. Under the new Patient Protection Affordable Care Act (PPACA), single taxpayers who earn over $200,000 of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) or married taxpayers filing joint returns who earn over $250,000 get hit with a major surprise. They will have to pay a new 3.8% Medicare surcharge on all interest, dividends, royalties etc. This seems to be covered by the media. What has NOT been mentioned is that this Medicare tax also applies to capital gains. Thus, it applies to stock and bond sales, mutual fund gains and sales etc. In addition, it could even apply to the sale of your principal residence on all appreciation beyond the first $500,000 of gain.

Example: John and his wife earn $275,000 a year. John sells his home for a $1,000,000 profit. He can avoid tax on the first $500,000 of gain. John not only pays capital gains tax on the remaining $500,000 but also pays an additional 3.8% surcharge.  If John were selling his second home, there is no exclusion. Thus, he pays this tax on all gain.
 
This is a major bomb for those of you with substantially appreciated real estate. You might want to consider selling your home or second home before 2013.

See this and more on Lake Conroe Realty Now with Lauri Kent Financial News.

Home Sellers Need To Know Home Buyers

Are you  in the market to sell your home? If you want to be  quick and successful about it, it is best to know the traits of today's home buyer. Especially if you live in a neighborhood that has a lot of homes that have not moved, doing a little extra research may give you the edge over comparables in the area.

A good real estate agent will be able to help you in that process. Or home sellers in the Houston, Spring, The Woodlands, Conroe/Lake Conroe Texas market areas, get a free evaluation of your home so you know what you have to work with. Start by completing our free form for initiating a free evaluation.

Ready for a little character sketch of that buyer? Here you go...

5 Traits of Today's Home Buyers

A survey by American Lives, a consumer research firm in California, conducted a study for the trade magazine Builder to answer that question. Here are their conclusions:

· They are young. Most are under 45. Half said they had annual household incomes of $75,000 or less. Two-thirds are married.
· They are frugal. They consistently told surveyors they were eager to live a simple lifestyle.
· They are concerned about their financial future. About 70 percent said the economy is “not so good” with 27 percent saying it was getting worse and 27 percent saying it was getting better, and two-thirds saying it would get better in a year. Some 55 percent said they were concerned that they might lose their jobs.
· They see themselves as energy efficient but not necessarily “green.” About 32 percent said they’d pay extra for energy-efficient features but only 16 percent said they’d pay extra for recycled or renewable construction materials.
· Neighborhood is important. Ninety-five percent said they thought the community was as important as the home itself. Seventy-nine percent wanted the most square footage they could afford, but 69 percent said they’d consider a smaller home in the right neighborhood.

Source: Inman News, Mary Umberger (10/27/2010)

This is just a short list, and does not include all the concerns that may come into play in your area. Here in the Houston  and The Woodlands, it is important to evaluate your school system. I have been finding that most of the buyers out there right now in the Houston area are young and first time buyers.  For home buyers in Spring, The Woodlands, and Lake Conroe markets, I have noticed that the average home buyer's age is around 25-27 years old, and they are looking for a newer home around 1800+ Sq ft. Their typical price range is 120,000-170,000

So how do you translate this information into how you can most successfully sell your Woodlands home or Lake Conroe-area home ? Give me a call and we can evaluate it. Also check out my website for some of the homes and properties of my clients. For higher end properties check out my Lauri's Featured Properties page. For properties that fit nicely into this market's Home Buyers' range, check out my listings on my website called Lauri's Super Affordable Real Estate Finds. No matter what your property type, there is someone out there who will be the perfect owner for it. Let me help you to put you together!

Don't look now, but do I see the housing market stabilizing?

Whether or not you are currently in need of buying or selling a home, it will be a welcome wind that blows stability back into the housing market. Since the housing market brought about the downfall of our national economy a couple of years ago, we have all suffered the consequences of it. The consequences, in turn, resulted in immediate reform of lending practices, and from then to now we have drudged through the valley of darkness, waiting for the redemption of our real estate investments. Waiting for the first glimmer of light to reach our eyes and reveal that a healthy real estate market is in our future.  At long last, is that a light I see up ahead? Let's take a look!

U.S. Commerce Department: Housing Starts Are Up

According to the U.S. Commerce Department, single-family housing starts edged up 0.3% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 610,000 units in September.

“Builders are cautiously responding to the small improvement they are seeing in interest among potential home buyers,” noted Bob Jones, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder from Bloomfield Hills, Mich. “However, as consumer demand for new homes rises, a major limiting factor for a housing recovery continues to be builders’ inability to access credit for new construction.”

“Today’s numbers are in line with our latest builder surveys, which indicate that stability is slowly returning to the new-homes market following the declines we saw upon expiration of the home buyer tax credits and the slowing of economic growth this summer,” added NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “Builders are receiving more inquiries from potential customers and are carefully responding to renewed consumer interest, although their limited access to credit for new housing production is definitely hampering this process.”

All of the increase in housing production in September was due to improvement on the single-family side, which posted a 4.4% gain to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 452,000 units—the strongest level since May of this year. Multifamily starts, which tend to exhibit greater volatility on a month-to-month basis, recorded a 9.7% decline to a 158,000-unit rate following a big increase in August.

On a regional basis, starts activity was mixed, with two regions posting gains and two posting declines for September. The Northeast and South registered gains of 2.9% and 4.8%, respectively, while the Midwest and West registered declines of 8.2% and 3.6%, respectively.

Permit issuance, which can be an indicator of future building activity, declined 5.5% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 539,000 units in September. This dip was due entirely to a 20.2% decline to a 134,000-unit rate on the more volatile multifamily side, while single-family permits remained virtually unchanged, edging up 0.5% to a 405,000-unit rate.

Regionally, permits fell across the board in September, with the Northeast posting a 1.5% decline, the Midwest a 4.3% decline, the South a 4.7% decline, and the West a 10.6% decline.

by RISMEDIA, October 27, 2010

I like this video: 5 Tips for a Successful Home Inspection

A good real estate agent works with a professional and reliable home inspector. If you are in need of a home inspection for any home in the North Houston, Spring, The Woodlands, or Lake Conroe area, and would like a reference, please call us and we will direct you to an inspector you can trust. Call 936.447.6000 or contact us through our website the Lake Conroe Realty Now Contact Form.

"If only this room were bigger..."

When sizing up the spaces in our home, which one do you have that needs to be bigger? Most of us can answer that question immediately. There is that one room - that difficult space - where things do not quite fit. If only there were just a few more inches this way or that way... that would make all the difference in its usability, its comfort level, its wow factor!

Before you spend the big bucks knocking down walls, to create more room, consider that the space might not need those added inches after all, with the help of some inexpensive fixes. Get more room in your room, AND increase the value of your home, by first reviewing these ten considerations on how to cure the case of your cramped room.

10 Ways to Make a Small Room Look Larger

 
RISMEDIA, October 25, 2010--Most people have one: that room in the house that they wish was just a little larger. What many don't realize is that with a little work and some TLC, they could have exactly what they're looking for.

Here, Lowe's offers 10 designer tricks to help you make any room look larger:

1. For the illusion of a larger room, use a color scheme that is light rather than bright or dark. Pastels, neutrals and white are all color possibilities.

2. Use a monochromatic color scheme on the furniture, rugs and walls. Select different shades and textures of your single color.

3. Lighting is a key element in opening up a space. Recessed spot lighting is visually appealing and is perfect for a small space. A torchiere light is great for bouncing light off of the ceiling and back down on the room.Skylights and solar tubes are natural alternatives for adding light to a room.

4. Limit the number of accessories to avoid the cluttered feeling.

5. The floor and the ceiling are the fifth and sixth walls of every room. A light-colored flooring such as light oak or a light-colored carpet will make the room appear brighter and more open. The same applies to the ceiling—use a light color or white to "open up" the space above.

6. Increase the appearance of the size of the room by adding wall mirrors. They not only reflect images, they reflect light and color. Be a little daring! Use mirror tiles to mirror an entire wall. Your room will appear to double in size.

7. Don't place too many pieces of furniture in a small space. A love seat may work better than a full-size sofa depending on the size and shape of the room. Add two medium-sized chairs or two small wood chairs. Place the chairs closer to the wall and then pull them into the area when additional seating is needed.

8. Add paintings or prints to the walls. One large painting works better than a group of small paintings.

9. The visual balance of a room is also important. A large, brightly colored element can overwhelm a room and decrease the appearance of space.

10. A glass table, whether it is a dining, coffee or end table, will keep the appearance of an open and free space.

Try out these pointers, and see your difficult space be transformed to a more useful and more appealing area of your home. Certainly, if your motivation for altering your "problem room" is because you are putting your home on the market and want to make the space more appealing to potential buyers  then be sure to have a real estate agent that works with an efficient and professional home stager so that all of your rooms can be evaluated. Call the Lauri Kent real estate team at 936.447.6000 for professional and reliable assistance. Also visit our website for information on this and much more at LakeConroeRealtyNow.com.

Why the Housing Market is Experiencing "Buy Shy" And Its Implications On Home Value

If you are looking to buy a home, it is important to keep up with the current trends of buyers currently in the market -- it can help you find incredible deals. If you are trying to sell your home and wondering where all the buyers have gone to, you certainly need to equip yourself with knowing the economic landscape potential buyers have to navigate these days, and how you can best position yourself in front of them. Here is an article that pinpoints a lot of factors that explain the current level of wariness experienced by so may hopeful homeowners.

If you are a hopeful homeowner looking in the Houston area that needs some questions answered about how to have a successful home buying experience, give us Lauri Kent a call or email Lauri Kent at Lake Conroe Realty Now. Lauri also searches for incredible homebuying values in the Greater Houston market, and showcases some great value homes on Lauri's Super Affordable Real Estate Finds.

RISMEDIA, October 12, 2010--Nearly two-thirds of Americans say the current economic situation is making them less likely to buy a house, according to a new national survey by FindLaw.com (http://www.findlaw.com), a popular legal information website.

Sixty-three percent of American adults say they are less likely to buy a house because of the current state of the economy. Despite record-low mortgage rates and an abundance of houses available on the market, only 8 percent of people say the current economic situation makes them more likely to buy a house. About a quarter of people – 28 percent – say they are neither more likely nor less likely to buy a house because of the economy.

In particular, the current economy is driving lower-income individuals and families out of the market. People with annual incomes less than $50,000 were significantly more likely to say they are less inclined to buy a house than people with higher incomes.

"The current economic situation has greatly changed the dynamics of the housing market," said Stephanie Rahlfs, an attorney and editor with FindLaw.com. "Although mortgage rates are near record lows, stricter lending requirements are often making it more difficult for many people to obtain mortgages. High unemployment rates are raising concerns about housing appreciation, affordability and foreclosures. Together, these factors are causing many people to shy away from the idea of buying a house. Buying a home, selling a home and owning a home are all becoming more complicated, and it's important to know the ins and outs of contracts, finances and your rights as a buyer, seller or owner."

Free Internet resources such as the FindLaw Real Estate center (http://realestate.findlaw.com/) can provide helpful information on buying, selling and owning a home, including obtaining a loan, borrowers' rights, finding the best mortgage, homeowners' rights, avoiding foreclosure and more. It also has useful information for renters, including negotiating a lease, tenants' rights, and fair housing and discrimination laws.

The FindLaw.com survey was conducted using a demographically balanced telephone survey of 1,000 American adults and has a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3 percent.

The Latest Information On National Flood Insurance: Extended to 2011

It lapsed. 

It lapsed again.

And just when in September it seemed duty-bound to be a three-time lapse dog,  those elected representatives in DC surprised us all and finally did something about it. They extended National Flood Insurance for a year.

During lapses, existing flood policies remained in force for those who have them, but new policies could not be written or renewed. But now that President Barack Obama signed S. 3814 into law Thursday, we now have a federal flood insurance program that is in force through Sept. 30, 2011.

As a real estate professional, I always caution home owners that one of the only things a homeowner can absolutely control is the maintenance of their home -- and ensuring that they have thorough home insurance coverage in the event of a disaster.  IF you are in need of some direction on who to call to evaluate what kind of coverage you have, call me at 936-447-6000 and browse the information available on my website at Lake  Conroe Realty Now.

Here is the official word from the National Association of REALTORS® about it:

National Flood Insurance Extended Through 2011
The National Association of REALTORS® is pleased to report that Congress has unanimously approved a one-year extension, until Sept. 30, 2011, for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). A long-term extension has been a top legislative priority for NAR. Earlier in 2010 the NFIP lapsed, causing major disruptions for REALTORS®, and with the Sept. 30 deadline fast approaching, NAR redoubled its efforts to extend the program.

REALTOR® advocacy efforts helped make the long-term extension a reality. When Congress returned to Washington, D.C. in mid-September, NAR was waiting with its federal political coordinators who came to D.C. to meet with key senators and urge the long-term extension. Additionally, on Sept. 22 NAR was ably represented by Maryland REALTOR® Nick D’Ambrosia. He stressed to the Senate Committee on Banking NAR’s commitment to extend and strengthening the program beyond 2011 for the long-term. While the one-year extension brings a level of certainty to the NFIP, there needs to be comprehensive reform measures to place the NFIP on more sound financial footing for at least another five years.

Flood Insurance Timeline

Sept. 21, 2010 S. 3814 Approved by Unanimous Consent in the Senate

Sept. 23, 2010 S. 3814 Approved by Voice Vote in House of Representatives

The bill now heads to President Obama for his signature as soon as next week. With program authority now extended for a year, it is expected that attention will turn to proposals to reform and ensure the financial soundness of the NFIP. While the House passed its reform bill (H.R. 5114) earlier this year, it is unlikely that a comprehensive reform bill will move until the 112th Congress goes into session next year.

Source: NAR

I would be honored to help you with real estate needs in the North Houston area. Feel free to give me a call at 936-447-6000 to set up a one-on-one consultation or a showing of the real estate properties that I have available.  You can also reach me with any real estate questions that you may have through my Contact Us page.

What You Can Learn From My Home Inspection Professional

As you might expect, even in the world of real estate each professional is only as good as the team of professionals that contribute to the objective of the successfully bought or sold home. I am delighted to have such a team. Integrity is a Lauri Kent Lake Conroe Realty Core Value, and integrity covers not just a general work ethic, but also involves evaluating and protecting that structure and quality of your home. A Total Inspection is my home inspection company, and they have offered a few tips that could help you!

Inspection Trivia

What contributes to some of the biggest problems with houses today?

A Total Inspection Answer: Water
From plumbing leaks to clogged gutters and poor grading. Plumbing leaks need to be repaired and outside rain water needs to be controlled. Water is the silent killer; mold, mildew, foundation failure and termites can be attributed to failure to control water.

Is high water pressure good or bad for a house?

A Total Inspection Answer: Bad
Water pressure should range between 40 and 80 PSI. Water pressure over 80 PSI can cause problems. High water pressure can find a weak link in the plumbing system and can burst. The weak link might be a plastic part in a dishwasher, toilet, or the black hoses on the washing machine. When the part burst, water will run until it is shut off. Running water can do a lot of damage in a very short period of time. The good news is water pressure can be corrected with a pressure relief valve for a very little amount of cost.

What are some of the causes of heat loss in a home?

A Total Inspection Answer: Un-insulated attic access hatches and fireplace dampers.
The attic access hatch should be covered with a piece of insulation. Fireplace dampers left open is like keeping a 48 inch window wide open during the winter; it allows warm air to go up the chimney. Also exterior doors that are not weather stripped and sealed properly.

Can you have too much insulation in your attic?

A Total Inspection Answer: Yes
It is recommended that you have 12 to 14 inches of insulation in your attic. The first 6 inches is most important as it retards 70% of heat loss. Over 14 inches of insulation isn't

necessary.

What is the biggest problem with Electric?

A Total Inspection Answer: Corroded and improperly sized circuit breakers.
Electric is very dangerous and is often ignored. Dampness in an electric box can corrode circuit breakers in the on position preventing them from tripping when overheated. Wires can be improperly sized to circuit breakers.  Also outlets that are within 6' of a sink or outlets in the garage and on the exterior part of the house should be protected By GFCI circuits to prevent possible electrical shock, (Remember safety, safety, safety)

So is your house ready to pass inspection?  Make sure that if you are selling your home, make sure you have a team of real estate experts that will make sure you don't have any last minute complications to the selling or the price point of your home. If you are in the market to buy a home, trust Lauri Kent with Lake Conroe Realty Now to help you find a house of high integrity!

In This Market, Is It Better To Rent Or Own?

For the sake of not investing in a home that might decrease in value, lots of families who are entering into today's real estate market have decided to rent rather than purchase a home. Sounds smart, but playing such a conservative card might not be best decision, from both the short-term and long-term perspecitives. Check out this little article from the New York Times:

5 Reasons Home Ownership Trumps Renting
The seemingly endless run of bad housing news is discouraging some potential home buyers from considering a purchase. But the truth is that the advantages of homeownership have very little to do with investment gains. The best things about owning a home have a lot more to do with personal comfort and satisfaction.

Here are five of them:

· Be your own landlord. The bank can only kick you out if you don’t pay; a landlord can be much less dependable – deciding to sell the property or choosing to live there themselves.
· Paying the principal is forced savings. Yes, it’s possible that home prices will fall further. It is also possible that your 401(k) will lose value. But over the long haul, both are likely to enjoy modest gains in value.
· Fixed-rate mortgages never rise – and eventually you pay them off. With mortgage rates at record lows, people who buy now are locking in real bargains.
· Good schools. Family-sized rentals are harder to come by in areas with excellent public schools.
· Spacious properties in pleasant neighborhoods. Sizable homes in attractive communities are almost always owned – not rented.

Source: The New York Times, Ron Lieber (08/27/2010)

Painting Your Home: No-Sweat Equity For Your Home If You Do It Right

Everybody knows that a fresh coat of paint is an inexpensive and easy way to boost the appearance of your house -- and the price that it may fetch on the market. Yet Sell-Your-Home Shows on TV are replete with homeowners that can't even get a showing because they dared to paint their walls in an interesting shade of chartreuse. Or, maybe they picked a more modest color that of itself is unobjectionable, yet it failed to compliment the size of the room, take advantage of available light, or did not pair well with the flooring. Anybody can paint, it is true, but homeowners could make do with a little "painting education." Knowing some painting basics will make your home painting project a winner and will boost your home's value. Here is a nifty little article that will give you the basics to make perfect your next painting project!

DIY Painting 101

By Stephanie Andre 

Looking to spruce up your home, but don’t know where to start?

From molding to choice of color, there’s a lot to consider before dipping your brush in the paint. Does a room really look smaller with a darker color on the walls? Should your ceilings be white? Do you want to add an accent wall?

Here are some tips from Lowe’s on how to getting started:

Getting Started • Size up your room. How you use color depends on where you use color. Each room has its own unique elements and function. First think about the structure of the room. Consider its shape and size. A lighter color can make a small room feel more spacious, while a darker color can help an immense room seem cozier.
• Take into account any architectural details, such as molding, trim, columns, and brackets. What's attractive and what's not? Varied intensities and hues can complement architecture, furnishings, and art. Remember, paint can accentuate a room's features or hide them.
• Your choice of color also depends largely on function. Will the main purpose of the room be eating, sleeping, working, entertaining, or something else entirely? A warm hue in the living room gives a more comfortable and inviting atmosphere for guests than a cooler color.

Selecting Interior Paint • Before choosing your paint, think about where your room fits into the scheme of things. Where is it situated in relation to other rooms? Is it a high- or low-traffic area? Flat paint, for instance, is best suited for ceilings, walls, surface imperfections, and anywhere else that a muted low-reflecting surface is desired. Because it takes more effort to remove stains from this type of paint, a flat finish is best suited for the low-traffic areas of your home.
• Use low-luster, satin, and eggshell paint on areas where a sheen is desired. These paints are easier to clean than flat paint and hold up better under repeated washings. They withstand the wear and tear of high-traffic areas-hallways, woodwork, kitchens, baths, children's rooms, and playrooms-more easily than other finishes.
• Semigloss and high-gloss paint and enamel are best suited for banisters, railings, shelves, kitchen cabinets, furniture, doorjambs, windowsills, and any other surface you wish to accentuate. But be careful-the higher the gloss, the more it emphasizes any surface imperfections.

Choosing a Palette • Having trouble deciding on your paint palette? Choose a design direction. If you've already chosen an interior décor or if you're working with a room that's already furnished, focus on a favorite fabric color, piece of art or furniture, or other object. If you still can't settle on a color you like, we offer free computerized paint matching and custom color mixing.
• Have color confidence-don't be afraid to paint bold and bright. If your room is unfurnished, a vibrant color can fill it until you can.
• Consider yourself above all. Paint color should reflect your mood and personality. What are your favorite colors? If you're having trouble selecting a color, try looking in your closet. The colors you enjoy wearing are the ones that make you feel good. You are the one who has to live with the color so live with the shades you love.

Making Your Purchase • Water versus oil. When selecting an interior finish, try choosing a water-based enamel instead of an oil-based gloss paint. Water-based gloss enamels have less odor than conventional oil-based paints. They are much easier to clean up after, and they wear better over time.
• Don't purchase low-quality paint. High-quality paint performs better for a longer period of time. It's less prone to yellow as it ages, goes on smoother, and won't leave brush marks. It is also easier to wash and dirt resistant.
• Purchase test quarts to review your color and finish selections at home. Paint a piece of scrap material such as cardboard, or even a portion of your wall, to study the effects of various light conditions.

If you are looking to sell your home in the Lake Conroe area, The Woodlands area, Spring, or Greater Houston, Lauri Kent and the Lake Conroe Realty Now Staff will provide you with a comprehensive assessment on what steps you can take, from interior painting to sprucing up curb appeal, to make sure you get the very best price for your home. A full evaluation of market comparables, our standard procedure for any home, is where we begin to help you determine what is needed to make sure you have the most successful selling experience possible!

6 Reasons it Pays to Shop Around Before Choosing a Mortgage

Becoming savvy about the Mortgage lending process is just as critical as becoming savvy about home value and housing trends when it comes to ensuring you are getting as much house possible for your dollar. However, understanding the mortgage process and mortgage rates is an area where most people feels completely uneducated. The following article is a great launch point for understanding the basics of the lending process - and how to make sure you are getting a good deal.

School Performance Can Increase Home Values, Buyer Interest

Across the country, school is back in session. This should bring to mind that the quality of the education of your local public school system has plenty to do with the attractiveness of your single family home to potential buyers. Those who are looking to buy your home are looking for a good deal, but not at the expense of their children's school environment. Consider the following while assessing your home's value:

Beware the Last Minute Credit Check

If you've been approved for a mortgage and you’ve found the home of your dreams, you might think it’s time to celebrate. We’re all for it, but beware of how you do so:  applying for more credit or a large appliance could put your whole deal in jeopardy.

In an effort to cut down on fraud and the sloppy underwriting that led to the subprime mortgage meltdown, this past June, mortgage giant Fannie Mae launched a “loan quality initiative” that requires lenders to get credit reports for each mortgage transaction at two different times, as well as additional verification. Your lender wants to see if you've obtained — or even shopped for — new credit. If you have, it could affect your rate or undo the whole deal. The lender might decide that the additional debt means you can’t afford the payments.

Waiting For Lower Home Prices Can Actually Cost You More

Boosting Your Home's Value For Sale - On The Cheap!

When selling your home, the object of the game is to increase the market value as much as possible while expending the least amount possible in upgrades and improvements. Lucky for all of us, the "less is more" concept is a good rule of thumb: Redesigning the master bath in Grecian marble is a bad idea, repainting and adding a few new fixtures is a good idea. But many homeowners don't know where to put their focus on these little improvements, so where should one put the smartest upgrades that will result in the biggest possible payoff? Here is an article we found that will give you a a clear view on this important subject.

Buy Now? You Bet! Now Is Perfect Timing.

The tough economy has lots of people shaking in their shoes over home values and whether or not to invest in a home right now. But market conditions are indicating that this is the very best time to invest. Here is more on that subject:

Hurricane Season: Protect Your Family, Protect Your home

For those of us who live near the Gulf Coast, we know all about keeping the list handy that details all the supplies we should have on hand in the event of a hurricane. But what is your preparedness for the protection of your home? Here is a great little overview that will point you in the right direction:

Keeping House Cool is Good For You And Your House

Are you looking for ways to keep yourself cool in your home this summer without breaking the bank on energy costs? Here are some tips you will enjoy -- and so will your house. Keeping your house cool and air conditioned prevents a host of difficulties like mold, wood expansion, and so forth. So read on and enjoy the dual energy savings and home value protection! Learn more tips at Lauri Kent's Website