Government Foreclosure deal in Spring Texas - deeply discounted 20% below market value. When you purchase this great home you can lock in over $66,000 in equity. Home needs some minor cosmetic repairs (paint, carpet and fixtures) and it's a great value. 

This is a Daily Auction so hurry before the house is gone. Once an offer is received that's acceptable, the home will be sold. Only HUD approved brokers can make offers on these properties. We are HUD foreclosure specialists and I will be happy to assist you with touring the property and making an offer. 

If you are interested in this great opportunity, call me today to setup an appointment:

Danny Rocha
Real Estate Agent

Cell: 832-454-4415
Email: [email protected]

If you are wondering when is a good time to sell your home, it's NOW!  Warmer temperatures are just around the corner for Texas which means more active buyers. If you want to get the best price and fast, you will need a solid strategy.

THE APPROACH

Sellers typically will try one of two approaches to selling their home.  Price it high with the thought that you can lower the price if needed. Price it lower than the competition in hopes to sell fast or even start a bidding war.  It’s a tough choice to make when pricing your home to sell.

Price your home too high and your home may sit on the market for months. Pricing it too low could mean you miss out on well-deserved $$$’s. That’s why it's important to hire a real estate agent to help you figure out how to price your home.

THE CMA

No two homes are alike. Your agent will compare homes in your neighborhood and prepare a Comparative Market Analysis, or CMA, to estimate the value of your home. A CMA is a side-by-side comparison of homes that have recently sold in your area and price range. The information is sorted by data fields such as the type of home, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, square footage, and other factors. The purpose of the CMA is to show fair market value based on recent sales. These statistics will give you a clear understanding of what is hot on the market now in order to price your home competitively.

THE COMPETITION

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Location, Location, Location! You can change many things about a house, but you can't change the neighborhood. You may be thinking, ‘I want the best location but I also want it to be affordable.’ So you’ve picked out some locations you’re interested in. You have thought about the style of home that is the best fit for your family. But you have a budget you need to stick to.  Where do you begin? Take a look at these gorgeous Houston area homes that are currently on the market to get an idea of what you can purchase for just $300,000.

 Inner Loop, Houston, Texas 

This stunning 3 story townhome is just minutes from the Museum District, Montrose and the Medical Center. This home is perfect for living in the heart of downtown with convenient access to a variety of entertainment shopping and dining!

Northside Houston 

Located just north of the Grand Parkway, this upgraded 4 bedroom home will not disappoint! Can you see yourself preparing meals in this kitchen? Absolutely stunning!  

Northside New Construction

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Top 5 Katy Neighborhoods

Situated just west of Houston, the city of Katy, Texas is popular for its strong heritage with its small town vibe. See what the buzz is all about that makes Katy, Texas the best place to live. 

Cinco Ranch

Situated within the 8,100 acre master planned community, Cinco Ranch in Katy, TX blends up-town style with old-world charm and is ranked the #2 in Best Places to Live in Houston Area by niche.com.  Cinco Ranch offers residents luxury with a down-to-earth twist. Enjoy all that the community offers from nature trails and gardens to tennis courts, golf club, water park and pools. You will love to come home to Cinco Ranch located south of I-10 off the Grand Parkway.

Search Cinco Ranch Homes

Cross Creek Ranch

Just west of Katy, TX,  Cross Creek Ranch is picturesque community for children to grow up. Cross Creek Ranch is nationally recognized as #25 of the top master-planned communities in 2018 by RCLCO. Enjoy 32+ miles of hiking and biking trails, splash pads for the kiddos, golf course, ponds, fishing docks and water access points, tennis courts and much, much more.

Search Cross Creek Ranch...

Top 5 Best Neighborhoods in Magnolia, TX

Escape the high pace of the city and enjoy coming home to your beautiful retreat in one of these top Magnolia communities!

Northgrove

The Northgrove community welcomes you home with over 200 acres of preserved green space, an extensive trail system with three small lakes and luxury outdoor gathering spaces. Take advantage of the community’s 7.5-acre recreation center that includes a contemporary, lodge-style clubhouse. Enjoy the amenities in the exclusive clubhouse that features a resort-style swimming pool, indoor/outdoor entertaining areas, a 24-hour fitness center, a gathering room with a catering kitchen, and a children's play area. This gem is located minutes away from all the dining, shopping and night life of The Woodlands. Home range from $250’s to $700’s.

Search Northgrove

Grand Lakes Estates

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Our clients often ask us where should they buy in Tomball, Texas. So we have put together a list of the top 5 newer neighborhoods in the Tomball, Texas area.

Albury Trails Estates

Surrounded by hardwoods and pines, Albury Trails Estates in Tomball, TX is conveniently located minutes from the Grand Parkway, Highway 249 and FM 2920. Walking trails, exclusive recreation center, pools, excellent schools, and great shopping are among some of the many charms you will find when you live in Albury Trails Estates.

Search Albury Trails Estates

Creekside Park

Looking to get away from all the frenzy of city life but still have easy accessibility? Then look no further than the Creekside Park community in Tomball, TX. You will appreciate the picturesque setting with walking trails winding around six peaceful lakes. Community splash pads, pools, tennis courts, and picnic areas await you!

Search Creekside Park Homes

Inverness Estates

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What is a Homestead Exemption?

Homestead exemptions remove part of your home's value from taxation, so they lower your taxes. For example, your home is appraised at $100,000, and you qualify for a $25,000 exemption (this is the amount mandated for school districts), you will pay school taxes on the home as if it was worth only $75,000.

Filing for your Homestead Exemption is a simple process and can save you tons of money.

Most Houston area counties have the same requirements. To file your Homestead Exemption in Montgomery County, Fort Bend County, and Brazoria County, you complete the Residence Homestead Exemption Application, and mail it in to your County Appraisal District at the addresses below:

Montgomery County Appraisal District
PO Box 2233
Conroe, Texas 77305

Fort Bend Central Appraisal District
2801 B.F. Terry Blvd.
Rosenberg, Texas 77471

Brazoria County Appraisal District
500 N Chenango St.
Angleton, Texas 77515

Download the Homestead Exemption Form here.

If you live in Harris County, you...

The Houston Texans have a bye week this week! Why not spend this weekend searching for your dream home! Just in time for The Holidays!

Our Featured Listing this week is 6634 Gentle Bend in the highly sought after Champions Park North Subdivision!

What to do in Houston this Weekend 

Let’s pretend for a minute that Houstonians have seasons, and Fall is one of them. Fall is made for Festivals and This Holiday weekend does not disappoint with tons of great events for people of all ages! So, bundle up, and check out some of these great events!

Vehicles for Vets-Spring Texas Music Fest-Saturday, November 10th at Noon

This Saturday is the 4th Annual Spring Texas Music Fest. This is a super organization that each year, gives a decked out truck to a deserving Veteran! They will also be celebrating The Marine Corps Birthday with a special ceremony commemorating their 243rd Birthday! Tickets are $25 in advance and $40 at the door! Get your discounted tickets here. 

17th Annual Rockets Run at Toyota Center-Saturday, November 10th 7:30am

Register for the Kids’ 1K, 5K run, or a 2 mile walk that finishes across center court inside Toyota Center benefiting Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital All registrants will receive a ticket voucher for an upcoming Rockets game. Get your discounted tickets here. Ticket prices go up the day of the event. 

Children’s Festival in The Woodlands Saturday & Sunday, November 10th and 11th...

Selling your home is a huge undertaking and you want to get the best possible price for your home as quickly as possible. You may think that paying commission to a Realtor seems like  a loss of profit, there are benefits for hiring a professional to help you sell your home instead of For Sale by Owner (FSBO).

Price

Doing the work on your own to sell your home is not a good substitute for an experienced Realtor who knows the business, local market and the process. You gain their experience in determining the best price you should list your home at. Your Realtor will provide current information on what is happening with your competition in the marketplace.

Marketing

Listing your home with a Realtor gains exposure for your home through a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). An MLS is an invaluable source to which all things real estate go. A FSBO will not be listed on an MLS. If you sell on your own you may attract a buyer from a Craigslist ad or someone driving by. But if you list with an agent you take advantage of being exposed to a pool of thousands of buyers. Which way do you think would have a better chance of selling?

Negotiations

You may think that selling on your own will save you six percent of the sales price by not paying commission. But consider this...most buyers will work with a real estate agent to look for a house. If you are not going to pay the buyer’s agent a commission, you are losing  all those potential buyers. If you do pay the buyer’s commision, the buyer is represented by and agent and you are NOT. Who is going to have the upper hand in negotiations?

Final Thought…

Hiring...

Change is good! Possibly you have found your dream job in your dream town finally getting what you have worked so hard for. Or perhaps you are sick and tired of [insert extreme weather here] and want an alternate climate. Maybe you just want to be closer to someone, or something that you care about

How do you get the kids on board with the move? Here are a few ways to make the transition easier and maybe even a little fun for the kids.

Accentuate the Positive 

If you are moving from an area that has harsh Winters and shorter Summers to a more tropical climate, you can point out to the kids that now they can play their favorite sport, go swimming, or generally be outside nearly year-round. Going in the other direction? SNOW. Play up the snowmen, snowball fights, and ice castles that can and will be made.

Do your Research

Is one of your children really in to a particular activity? Make sure that you have information on all of the local versions of that. Do they play an instrument? Check out the the local age-appropriate music scene. Maybe your child follows a certain sport religiously. Get some tickets and root, root, root for the home team!

Compromise

Never underestimate the power of giving in a little to get a lot. Younger kids are a little more resilient and adaptable. It is a little tougher for the older ones. Teenage years are tough enough, so presenting this as an opportunity to re-invent themselves may do the trick. Is there a particular style of dress or hairstyle that you have been resisting? Give in within...

Often, we get the question “What can I do to increase my home’s value?”. A few simple things can make the world of difference.

First Impressions Matter

Curb appeal is important. It is the first impression that buyers will get of your home. Making sure that the yard is clean, manicured, and the screens and shutters are free from disrepair goes a long way. Power washing the facade and the driveway, and adding a little color with some seasonal flowers and mulch goes a little further.

Make sure your home is clean. Really clean. Messy homes bring forth images of potential maintenance problems. If you never change your AC filters, the units won’t have as much life left on them as they should. Dirty dishes in the sink, and overflowing garbage left out for extended periods of time indicate a potential pest problem. Essentially, if you don’t take care of what can be seen, one can only imagine how neglected the items that can’t be seen are. Hire a professional service to make your home shine and have everyone pitch in to keep it that way.

De-clutter your home

Less is more. People need to be able to see themselves in your home as their home. Photos of your family are what makes your house yours, but detract from the Buyer’s ability to see themselves there. The same is true for overly personalized items. Collections, trophies, and personal keepsakes should be packed away until you find the perfect spot in your new home.

Paint

This is an area where a little can go a long way. Tastes differ, so neutralizing bold and dramatic colors will serve you well....

This adorable two bedroom, one bath home is a perfect starter home for a small family. The home has been completely updated with premium laminate throughout the living areas and bedrooms. Tile adorns the bathroom. The cozy kitchen has been upgrades with new stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. The dining nook is the perfect spot to sip your morning coffee as you look out the bay windows out onto the landscaped front lawn. The bathroom has been completely remodeled with new cabinets, tub, granite countertops and designer tile. Backyard has plenty of room with a deck and covered patio. Commuting will be a breeze with quick and easy access to Beltway 8 and Cypress Creek Parkway. Located in Harvest Bend Village, minutes to Willowbrook Mall and tons of dining options, this home is a must see!

Click here for more information and photos of this adorable home!

More homes in the Willowbrook area.

This week's featured listing is a three-bedroom, two bath home in highly desired Mason Lakes subdivision in Katy, TX.

Zoned to Katy ISD, this home is located just north of Interstate 10 off the Grand Parkway at Clay Road.

This split floor plan home has been beautifully upgraded with hand scraped laminate flooring in all the living areas and bedrooms. The island kitchen is tiled and boasts granite countertops, tile backsplash and black appliances. The spacious living area has an open feel with vaulted ceiling that are repeated in the Master Bedroom.  Master features en suite bath with separate shower and soaking tub. Plenty of space is provided with the elongated sink, vanity and walk-in closet. Privacy is a bonus with the gorgeous french doors leading into the office/study. Large backyard is perfect for entertaining.

Follow the link below for more photos and details.

21526 N Boundary Peak Way

Call 936-714-6913 to schedule an appointment to view this or all Katy TX Homes for Sale today!

Take a look at this beautiful 3 bedroom home in Houston's Energy Corridor just reduced to $278,000!

Our latest featured listing is 1726 S. Kirkwood Dr. in the Country Village Subdivision. 

Energy Corridor Home for Sale

Get the best of all worlds! Right in the middle of one of Houston's hottest, most sought-after areas this completely remodeled 3 bedroom home has it all! Remodeled Island Kitchen with premium maple cabinetry and high end beveled granite countertops. New Energy Efficient windows throughout the home keep utility bills low. Heating and Air Conditioning systems replaced in 2015 with upgraded energy efficient units. Fresh paint throughout the home with modern designer colors (including garage). Brand new plush carpet just installed. Wood-look tile in downstairs bedroom. Updated master bath suite with granite countertops, framed mirrors and modern fixtures + Separate tub and shower. Two-inch faux wood blinds throughout. Lovely back yard with lots of trees and tile patio. Great curb appeal with brick exterior and spanish tile roof + long driveway. Fabulous location within minutes of City Centre, Memorial City Mall, and nearby West Houston Medical Center!

This is the home that you have been looking for! Follow the link below to see more photos and get additional details:

1. Improve Your Credit Health

No one has perfect credit. Whether you have great credit or bad credit, we all have room for improvement. Having responsible credit habits will go a long way towards building your credit health.

Lenders like to see that you pay back your debts so it is extremely important to pay your bills on time, not just credit cards, but all your monthly bills such as cell phone bills, rent and utilities. Lenders also like to see that your credit utilization ratio is below 30 percent. Credit utilization ratio is the amount of outstanding balances on your credit cards divided by the sum of each card’s limit. A low ratio suggests that you are using credit responsibly which in turn adds to your credit health.

Be careful to not open too many new credit accounts. A hard inquiry, or hard pull, takes place every time you apply for a loan, credit card or mortgage. It can lower your credit score by a few points. It may not seem so bad but when a lender sees multiple hard inquiries within a short timeframe you may be considered a high risk customer that is short on cash with a lot more debt coming.

While not opening new credit card accounts is important, it is significantly more important to keep your old credit card accounts open even if you no longer use them. Not only does it affect your overall age of your credit history but it could also increase your credit utilization ratio.

2. Figure out what you...

So you tried to sell your home in Houston and it didn't work out - you hired an agent who listed your home on the MLS and then ... crickets. You are rightfully concerned and might be wondering why. There are 7 probable reasons why your Houston home didn't sell:

Your Home Was Priced Incorrectly

There's a good reason why your home's price is first on this list. When you price your home above its true market value, the chances of a sale are severely impacted. No matter how pretty or how masterfully marketed, an overpriced home will struggle to sell. Or worse, it will help sell the competition because in comparison other homes will look like a good value. Don't misunderstand my point: If your home's upgrades are nicer than average, you should try to maximize the sales price within the range of prices in the area. However, what you shouldn't do is price it above that level. 

Prospective Buyers can't Access Your Home

All the greatest marketing in the world can do is to get a prospective buyer interested in looking at your home.  But until they get to see it, there’s no hope for an offer. Lose lengthy prior notice requests, restricting showings to weekends only etc. Make your home as easy to access as possible and maximize your selling chances. 

Your Home Doesn't Show Well

The way your home is presented to prospective buyers during showings is crucial in getting that offer. Lose the clutter, give every room a purpose and arrange the furniture to allow for pluses in your home to show and shine. Or you can hire a staging pro and have them do it for you. Staged homes sell faster and for more money. Presentation is all about giving Buyers a glimpse of what their life in the home might be like.

Your Home has Been Overcustomized

Our Featured Listing this week is a three-bedroom, two and a half bath home in highly sought-after Stablewood Farms in Cypress, TX.

Zoned to Cy-Fair ISD, this home is located just north of Hwy. 290 off Huffmeister Rd.

The open floor plan features laminate wood flooring downstairs. Custom cabinets, tile backsplash and all black appliance adorn the kitchen. Gather your family at the breakfast bar or around the table in the breakfast room for a quick morning breakfast. You will love dining in the evening in your formal dining room. Enjoy solitude in the comfort of your master suite which boasts a separate soaking tub and shower, double sinks, and walk-in closet. Snuggle together in the upstairs game room for family movie night. This home is the perfect home for a growing family!

Follow the link below for more photos and details.

15535 Echo Stable Ln.

Call 936-714-6913 to schedule an appointment to view this or all Cypress Homes for Sale  today!

At the start of 2017, the Houston economy was showing positive signs due to the recovery of the struggling energy sector. As oil prices stabilized around the $50/barrel mark employment numbers improved. The stronger job market resulted in an increase in demand for properties for sale and rent in the Houston Area and the real estate market reaped the benefits.

WTI Crude Oil Prices - 10 Year Daily Chart

In late August, Hurricane Harvey brought unprecedented rainfall and flooding to the Houston area. As a result, the local economy was disrupted as companies put hiring on hold. At the same time, the supply of available properties was reduced overnight and the demand for unaffected homes to buy or rent skyrocketed. Houstonians banded together, helped each other in this time of need and showed the world what it means to be #HoustonStrong.

Just 45 days later, home sales recovered and the rental market hit record territory. The Houston real estate market ended the year on a positive note entering 2018 with plenty of momentum.

Houston Real Estate Market Key Points in 2017

According to the latest report released by the Houston Association of Realtors:

• Sales of all property types in 2017 totaled 94,726 units, a 3.5-percent increase over 2016’s volume.
• The average price of single family homes rose 2.9 percent to $291,340 while the median price increased 3.8 percent...