Beauty in Cinco Ranch SW

Absolutely stunning Village Builder home in Cinco Ranch SW is located on a corner lot of a cul de sac with no backyard neighbors. Stone and brick exterior, front and back covered porches, heavy mahogany front door. Gourmet kitchen with granite, island, gas cooktop, walk in pantry. Owners just replaced all carpet (except stairs) with deep, rich hardwood floors. Chic travertine fireplace was custom made. Huge corner whirlpool tub in master suite. Minutes to Westpark Toll. Come on in a take a look. FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2 Click here to see the photos.

Ready to move in

What is the best reason to buy this home? 4 bedrooms; updated bathrooms and kitchen; quick closing; one of the lowest tax rates for Katy; attending excellent Katy/Memorial Parkway schools; central location; recent roof, carpet, granite counters, hot water heater, dishwasher and paint? Best of all it's only $120,000.  FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2218 Click here to see the photos.

Condo in West Houston

How many reasons do you need to buy your very own condo: LOCATION? Just blocks north of Westheimer, west of BW 8. PRICE? Probably less than you are paying for an apartment, especially since the fees are not sky-high like other complexes a little further east. You won't need a messy, irritating roommate to share the cost. SIZE? Spacious so invite your friends over for the evening. CONVENIENT? Downstairs unit with an attached garage; updated kitchen. TIMING? Rates are so low. Lock in now. FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2466 Click here to see the photos.

Affordable in Cinco Ranch

Here's your chance to move to prestigious Cinco Ranch and enjoy all the amenities. Affordable 3-2-2 plus home office and formal dining; great open floorplan with arches and decorator paint colors. Walk-in pantry, 42” cabinets, gas cooking, breakfast bar. Whirlpool tub, separate shower and 2 sinks in master. Surround sound and gaslog fireplace in den. Sprinkler system; brick on 4 sides; gutters. Best of all it backs to the reserve (see aerial photo). Excellent Katy schools. FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2503 Click here to see the photos.

Tree of Hope

Pick your ornament, and share your message!

Come check out Cinco Charities' Tree of Hope - our virtual, on-line Christmas Tree where you, our guest, can share a message of faith, hope and love with the world. You may hang a Christmas light with a message for FREE, but we hope you'll consider donating for an ornament, present, or other decoration!

Last year's Tree raised over $1,000, which is enough to house a single family in need for up to one month! Your donation goes straight to helping those families in the fight against life threatening diseases.

Please visit our Tree of Hope online, leave an ornament and share a message - give as little or as much as you can!

Thank you for your continued support, and have a great holiday season!

The Board of Directors of Cinco Charities, Inc.

About Cinco Charities, Inc.

Cinco Charities, Inc., a non-profit organization created and run by Keller Williams Realty Katy @ Cinco Ranch associates. We believe in doing more than selling real estate. Leaving a legacy in our community is a passion we share, continuing our dream to provide temporary housing in our community with a warm, safe environment for individuals and their families who are hospitalized or receiving treatment for serious medical conditions.

22762 Westheimer Parkway, Suite 430
Katy, Texas 77450

281.220.2188 Direct
281.220.6417 Fax


What is Cinco Charities all about???
Cinco Charities Tree of Hope

4 BR in Cinco Ranch with home office

Well maintained; affordable 1 story in Cinco Ranch; hardwoods, home office, 4 BR, granite; lower taxes, central location just minutes from Grand Parkway with easy access to West Park Tollroad or I-10; near Energy Corridor; highly acclaimed Cinco Ranch schools. FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2054 Click here to see the photos.

Update on Foreclosure Holds

Since the previous announcment apparently caused a lot of alarm among Texas Realtors, the Texas Associate of Realtors has issued a FAQ. The FAQ basically states that the Texas AG has "asked" in legal terms to have the banks put a hold on the foreclosures...that means the banks aren't forced to comply. I know that BOA has put a halt while Wells Fargo has not.

Read the Letter Below:

http://www.texasrealtors.com/go/marcom/FAQForeclosureMoratorium100610.pdf

Texas Attorney General Places Moratorium on Foreclosed Properties

I am an avid Dave Ramsay fan and occasionally tune into AM 700 to listen to his program. Yesterday I just kept the radio on after Dave’s show was over and the next program on featured the Texas Attorney General, Greg Abbott. He was announcing that due to the influx of complaints filed by homeowners the state was putting a hold on the foreclosure of homes, eviction of persons from a home previously foreclosed on and the sale of foreclosed properties. They are investigating specific institutions where the complaints were coming from.


The Attorney General said the claims of “robo-signing” were rampant and may have resulted in the illegal foreclosure of properties. He also stated if this is found to be true then the compensation would be astronomical for the bank. They would need to compensate the persons evicted and those who purchased the properties from a foreclosure bank. The complaints are in many other states as well.

Here is the email I received from the Texas Association of Realtors shortly after I heard this on the radio:


_______________________________________________________________________
October 5, 2010

To: Texas REALTORS®

From: Texas Association of REALTORS® Legal Department


RE: Texas Attorney General halts foreclosures and sales of foreclosed properties

The Texas Attorney General's office has halted all foreclosures, all sales of properties previously foreclosed upon, and all evictions of persons residing in previously foreclosed upon properties, until mortgage companies have completed a review of their processes, including whether employees or agents "robosigned” affidavits and other documents recorded in Texas.


The AG suspension notices were sent to 30 mortgage-loan servicers doing business in Texas.

• AG letter to mortgage companies


List of mortgage companies receiving AG letter
__________________________________________________________________________
I think it is important to note that not all foreclosures were done illegally so if you have purchased a foreclosure I wouldn't worry just yet. The state will keep us informed of what is going on and we will be sure to pass that information along to all our current and past buyers.

Gourmet kitchen in updated home

Updated home with gourmet kitchen on spacious lot, great floorplan, master down. Well insulated, converted garage with tile floor, closets and ceiling fan (space not included in the stated square footage). City of Katy/no MUD taxes. Great location, not far from Harris County Library, Katy Police Station and Peckham Park-indoor swimming pool, miniature golf, fishing, playground, basketball, exercise machines, classes, etc. FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2475 Click here to see the photos.

3.3 acres in Katy with tons of oak trees

Welcome home. This 3.3 acre lot in the community of Remington Trails has the best of both worlds. Open spaces, trails, lakes, horses and livestock make you almost forget that the "real world" is just down the road. Ride your horse around the lake or stay near your house. The tranquil setting is an escape from the 9-5 rat race. Energy Corridor is approx 15-20 minutes away. Katy ISD schools; Katy Mills Mall; restaurants, hospitals, library are close, yet far enough away. FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2080 Click here to see the photos.

Huge yard, pool, Cinco Ranch, cul de sac

Showcase former model home in Cinco Ranch West. GIGANTIC backyard has sheer descent pool with plenty of green grass and fruit trees on either side. Stunning wall of windows in den. Stainless steel appliances in open kitchen; abundance of tile. Custom murals in upstairs BRs. Don't miss the ever popular MOUSE HOUSE downstairs. You’re going to love all the amenities Cinco Ranch offers, too. Zoned to Seven Lakes HS. You need to see this well maintained cul de sac home before it’s gone. FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2353 Click here to see the photos.

Only home for sale in Cornerstone Place

People line up to move into this neighborhood and homes don’t last long. Here's your chance. Cinco Ranch schools. Great location, convenient to the Energy Corridor centered between I-10, Westpark Tollroad and Grand Pkwy. Not only is this very functional home the one for you, but wait till you find out about the fabulous, yet small neighborhood with only 200 homes! There are BBQs, parades, swim parties, and cook offs. Best of all-the tax rate is only $2.61. What are you waiting for? Call now!!!  FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2457 Click here to see the photos.

1.152 wooded acre lot in Weston Lakes

1.152 acre lot in the Riverwood Forest section of the gated community of Weston Lakes. This wooded lot has a Great location directly across the street from a couple of beautiful homes. Weston Lakes has Mandatory country club membership and is a Golf course community with 24 hr manned gate. Enjoy Lakes, tennis courts, 2 pools, lots of trees. Plenty of community activities for you to choose from. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the BIG CITY on your own piece of terra firma. Build the home of your dreams. For more details on the building requirements give us a call. FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2360 Click here to see the photos.

Heated pool in Cornerstone Place

Buyers line up to move into Cornerstone Place; homes don’t stay on the market very long. Here's your chance. Cinco Ranch schools. Great location, convenient to the Energy Corridor. 3 BR, home office, island kitchen, covered patio plus your very own pool with a bath house. But wait till you find out about the fabulous, yet small neighborhood with less than 200 homes! There are BBQs, parades, swim parties, and cook offs, and one of the lowest tax rates in Katy. What are you waiting for? FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2626 Click here to see the photos.

10 Staging Tips to Help Your Home Sell

I found this absolutely informative article online. 

Posted By susanne On March 18, 2010 @ 3:50 pm In Homeowner's Toolkit, How to Sell Your Home, Real Estate, Today's Marketplace, Today's Top Story, Today's Top Story - Consumer
Comments Disabled
http://rismedia.com/2010-03-18/10-staging-tips-to-help-your-home-sell/print/


[1]RISMEDIA, March 19, 2010—(MCT)—Want to sell your home? Get out the bucket, mop and Mr. Clean. The key to making a positive first impression is simple, said Sandra Rinomato, host of HGTV’s popular “Property Virgins” show.


“Get it clean, clean, clean,” said Rinomato. “If your house isn’t clean, it instantly sends up negative thoughts that the home is not well maintained. If your house is spotless, you’re ahead of the game,” she said.


But don’t stop there, advised Rinomato. To increase your chances of making a sale, “stage” the house to make it as attractive as possible. Until recently, “Staging meant pulling out all the stops—setting the dining table with your best china and crystal, arranging flowers, lighting candles,” she said. “Now we take the minimalist approach. Basically, you want to strip the house to its bare essentials, depersonalize it so potential buyers can superimpose themselves and their lifestyle on the house.”



Rinomato offered the following tips for staging a home:



1. Visit model homes and examine shelter magazines for inexpensive decorating ideas. Always keep in mind you are not decorating for yourself but for the general public.



2. Start with the outside. Give the house a fresh coat of paint, add shiny hardware to the front door and plant a few flowers to send a subliminal message the house is loved and well cared for.



3. Declutter every room to make it look larger. Get rid of family pictures, trophies and knickknacks. Closets and drawers should be no more than 30% full.



4. Invest in eco-friendly but bright lights. Open the drapes or remove them completely. “Light, bright rooms give the impression this is a happy place—and everyone wants to move into a happy place,” said Rinomato.



5. Feature only a few pieces of furniture with mainstream appeal. Pull pieces away from walls to make rooms look bigger.



6. Make sure a room’s primary use is obvious. A bedroom should look like a bedroom, not an office, hobby center or gym.



7. Bedrooms and kitchens are difficult to stage because they are in daily use, but make the effort. Clear everything off the counters and nightstands, roll up the rugs and hide the laundry hamper. Buff the cabinets with car wax and clean under the sinks. Invest in pristine white bed linens and towels.



8. Minimize the “pet effect.” Remove food bowls and litter boxes to the utility room. Deodorize thoroughly.



9. Organize the utility room and garage. Hang up the bicycles, roll up the hose. Renting a storage locker is worth the cost if it helps you sell faster and for a higher price.



10. Once your house is staged, invite your friends or Realtor over and walk them through to get an objective opinion.



(c) 2010, The Orlando Sentinel (Fla.).



Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.



RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com [2].



For more top headlines on RISMedia.com, be sure to see:

Foreclosures Take Heavy Toll on Hearts and Minds [3]

Even in Tough Times, 77 Percent of Americans View Homeownership as a Part of Their Own Personal American Dream [4]



[5]



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Article printed from RISMedia: http://rismedia.com



URL to article: http://rismedia.com/2010-03-18/10-staging-tips-to-help-your-home-sell/



URLs in this post:



[1] Image: http://rismedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/home_staging.jpg



[2] realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com: mailto: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com



[3] Foreclosures Take Heavy Toll on Hearts and Minds: http://rismedia.com/2010-02-03/foreclosures-take-heavy-toll-on-hearts-and-minds/



[4] Even in Tough Times, 77 Percent of Americans View Homeownership as a Part of Their Own Personal American Dream: http://rismedia.com/2010-02-03/even-in-tough-times-77-percent-of-americans-view-homeownership-as-a-part-of-their-own-personal-american-dream/



[5] Image: http://www.addmarx.com/

Awesome Home for First Time Buyers

This is what you have been waiting for. It won't be here very long, though. Fabulous 3 BR-2 BA-2 Gar home has so many recent updates: roof with 40 yr shingles, fresh paint inside and out, kitchen cabinets, microwave, dishwasher, countertops, several of the light fixtures, kitchen sink and faucet, tile floors, carpet, both bathroom vanities and sinks. Make your appointment now before it is too late. This is one home you better not "sleep on it". Only $105,000.  FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2247 Click here to see the photos.

This Month in Real Estate

This Month in Real Estate-a monthly update on the health of the real estate market.

Cornerstone Place in Katy Texas

Curious how 2009 in real estate stacked up in Cornerstone Place in Katy Texas? Were things as bad as everyone expected them to be? Have we lost all of the equity in our homes? Well let’s take a look and see.
During 2009 there were six homes that sold in Cornerstone Place with an approximate average sale price of $175,000. The six homes that sold in our neighborhood in 2009 were a whopping two thirds less that the 18 homes that sold in 2008, but with a slightly higher sales price, up from $173,000. The chart below shows the historical average sales price in Cornerstone Place since 1997. The low number of homes sold in our neighborhood in 2009 is not surprising given the fact that 2009 was an extremely difficult year for the U.S. economy in general. Unemployment in this country reached staggering levels while those who still had jobs worried about losing them.
However, it seems that the outlook is improving somewhat. While I am not ready to declare that what many are calling “The Great Recession” to be completely over, it does seem that many are starting to emerge from their hiding places with renewed determination to move on with their lives. I read an article, (I can’t remember where) that said that people are tired of being scared and are just deciding that they are not going to be anymore. Economic activity seems to be on the rise, including in the real estate segment of the economy. To me this seems to be a testament to the optimistic spirit of the American people. You just can’t keep them down for long. It seems like we are trying to claw our way out of the recession despite all odds.
MLS area 36 (Katy south of 1-10) saw a 1.5% increase in the number of home sold in 2009 over 2008 with a 2.5% increase in the average sales price. That is also another indicator that things aren’t as bad as they seem to be.
I recently saw a study on Forbes.com that ranked the top 10 cities in the US for buying homes. Of course I was looking to see where Houston ranked on the list. Since it focused on things like market stability, foreclosure rates and inventory to determine the list, I wondered how we fit in. There are two ways to look at a housing market. One would be “can I get a home for a steal because the foreclosure rate is so high”, a bottom feeding mentality. While there are definitely some opportunities like that out there, that doesn’t seem like a healthy, sustainable market to me. The other way to look at a market would be “is there a fundamentally sound home buying market, and are there good opportunities to purchase affordably priced homes”. The Forbes study focused on the latter as a basis to determine their list. In this type of analysis Houston ranked number 3. Dallas/Ft. Worth and Austin were also on the list at numbers 9 and 10 respectively. That’s not bad, if you ask me, particularly since I live in Houston and I own a home. We know that homes are more affordable than they have been in decades thanks to low home prices and bottom-of-the-barrel-scrapping interest rates. In fact according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) the payment on the median home is only 15% of median home buyer’s income as of the end of 2009. That is an incredible number when you consider that the 40 year average is over 21%. If you combine that with the soon-expiring tax credits for home buyers then it’s probably never been a better time to buy a home. According to Forbes.com, Houston is the 3rd best city in the US in which to buy that home.

But nothing lasts forever. Part of the reason Forbes.com ranked these cities as good places to buy homes is because of rising home prices. After all, who wants to buy a home that is going to decrease in value? Combine that with the expectation of rising interest rates and the best opportunities to own a home may soon be coming to an end. There is a saying among real estate investors that you “make your money when you buy.” Now might be the best time in our lifetimes to do that as homeowner. Most people wait for the bottom of the market to buy and miss the opportunity because unfortunately the bottom is almost always viewed in the rearview mirror.
So to answer our opening question it appears that 2009 wasn’t all that bad in our little corner of Katy. Cornerstone Place is a great place to live. 

SHOWS LIKE A MODEL

We know you have so many choices right now but you owe it to yourself to see this gorgeous yet practical home before the tax deadline arrives. Extremely convenient location near Hwy 290, Hwy 6, West Rd with schools, shopping, medical facilities just down the road. 4 BR-2.5 BA apprx. 2728 SF. Fresh paint in many rooms and great floors mean you can move right on in and unpack. Lots of storage, whirlpool tub, high ceilings, huge gameroom, elegant staircase, island kitchen, abundant counterspace, plus more. Also for rent.  FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2620 Click here to see the photos.

Convenient cul de sac location

Charming single story brick 4 BR Perry home on cul de sac in Waterside Village. Custom cabinets; ceramic tile in den and kitchen; pantry; island; sep tub/shower/2 sinks in master bath. Formal dining room.  Convenient location: Grand Pkwy-Westpark Toll; Pecan Grove C/Club just minutes away! FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2536 Click here to see the photos.

Classy Condo in Sugar Land

Located in the heart of thriving Sugar Land, just ½ mile from Sugar Land Town Square and First Colony Mall, this 2 BR–2 BA condo has a panoramic view of lake fountains. No neighbors above or to one side. Updated unit includes granite, w/d unit, refrigerator. Loft up/screened patio down. FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2269 Click here to see the photos.

Deerfield Village Cul de sac

Located on a cul de sac in desirable Deerfield Village, framed by stately trees. Centrally located to I-10, Hwy 6, Hwy 529, Hwy 290 with a short drive to the Energy Corridor. This 4 BR, 3½ bath home has a gameroom upstairs. Recent updates: roof ’03, furnace ’04, a/c up ’07, ext paint ’05, hot water heater ’08 plus more. Check out the sizes of all the rooms, especially the bedrooms and the yard. Come see it yourself to appreciate this home’s beauty. FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2129. Click here to see the photos.

Top 10 Cities

by David Rozier

I saw a new study today on Forbes.com that ranked the top 10 cities in the US for buying homes. Of course I was looking to see where Houston ranked in the list. Since it focused on things like market stability, foreclosure rates and inventory to determine the list, I wondered how we fit in. I suppose there are two ways to look at a housing market. One would be “can I get a home for a steal because the foreclosure rate is so high”. You know, sort of a bottom feeding mentality. The other would be “is there a fundamentally sound home buying market, and are there good opportunities to purchase affordably priced homes”. The Forbes study focused on the latter as a basis to determine their list. In this type of analysis Houston ranked number 3. Dallas/Ft. Worth and Austin were also on the list at number 9 and 10 respectively. That’s not bad, if you ask me, particularly since I live in Houston and I own a home. We know that homes are more affordable than they have been in decades thanks to low home prices and bottom-of-the-barrel scrapping interest rates. In fact according to the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) the payment on the median home is only 15% of median home buyer’s income as of the end of 2009. I don’t think it has ever been that low. If you combine that with the soon-expiring tax credits for home buyers then it’s probably never been a better time to buy a home. And according to Forbes.com, Houston is the 3rd best city in the US in which to buy that home.


But nothing lasts forever. Part of the reason Forbes.com ranked these cities as good places to buy homes is because of rising home prices. After all, who wants to buy a home that is going to decrease in value? Combine that with the expectation of rising interest rates and the best opportunities to own a home may soon be coming to an end. There is a saying among real estate investors that you “make your money when you buy.” Now might be the best time in our lifetimes to do that as homeowner. Most people wait for the bottom of the market to buy and miss the opportunity because unfortunately the bottom is almost always viewed in the rearview mirror.

(Photo of the Houston skyline during the Power of Houston event from the City of Houston Website).

MAGNIFICENT MEDITERRANEAN STUCCO

We just RELISTED a relocation home WITH SIGNIFICANT PRICE REDUCTION!! Custom home; backyard tropical paradise. Epicurean kitchen opens into den and breakfast room with full view of pool. Palatial master bath features corner whirlpool tub graced by stately columns. Abundance of travertine floors. 2nd BR down has full bath, walk in closet, 4 additional BRs up, with 2 hollywood baths between. Separate garages (one double, one single). Two formals, butler’s pantry, gameroom, plus more.  Free Recorded info call 1-888-266-0724 CODE 2491 Click here to see the photos

Homestead Exemptions

By Barbara Rozier

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION NOTICES:  Everyone should have received their postcard from Harris County verifying their homestead exemption for 2010.  If you did NOT get your card yet you might want to go to their website (www.hcad.org) to look up your account and confirm that your exemption is in place. Don't pay more taxes than you have to.  If you don't know what I am talking about give me a call at 281-395-0680 and I will help.  Don't pay an outside company to file this for you when you can do it yourself for FREE. 

2010 Census Tips for the Public

The Better Business Bureau recommends the following ways to protect yourself as the census workers begin to make their rounds. Be sure you read the following so you can identify a real census worker and not a con-artist or thief attempting to get other personal information for you.

 How to Identify a Census Field Representative

If a U.S. Census Bureau employee knocks on your door, here are some recognition tips to assure the validity of the field representative:

1. The field representative must present an ID badge that contains: photograph of the field representative, Department of Commerce watermark, and expiration date.

2. The field representative will provide you with supervisor contact information and/or the Regional Office phone number for verification, if asked.

3. The field representative will provide you with a letter from the Census Bureau Director on official letterhead.

4. The field representative may be carrying a laptop and/or bag with a Census Bureau logo.

 
 

What the 2010 Census DOES NOT Ask

Field representatives will never ask you for your social security number, bank account number, or credit card number. Census workers also never solicit for donations and will never contact you by email.

 

The Census is Safe

1. The 2010 Census will ask for name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, and whether you own or rent your home – just 10 simple questions that will take about 10 minutes to answer.

2. Your answers are protected by law and are not shared with anyone.

3. The Census Bureau safeguards all census responses to the highest security standards available.

Don’t Believe The Negative Hype – It’s a Great Time to Buy

• Do I qualify for the $8000 tax credit or the $6500 expanded credit?
  
• Why is the home buying process taking so much longer than before?
  
• Are foreclosures or short sales a good deal?
  
• How the loan application and approval processes work?
  
• Why use a REALTOR® to purchase a new home or "for sale by owner" home
  
• Can I get a loan now with all the "mortgage" turmoil?
  
• The benefits of home ownership.
  
• Why a home inspection is important.
  
• Need to sell first?  We can help you determine how much money you will clear to avoid surprises at closing.
  

 

1-3 pm on Saturday, January 9^th at Keller Williams Realty, 22762 Westheimer Pkwy, Ste 430; Katy TX  77450.   Limited seating to provide opportunity for your questions.  Call Barbara at 281-395-0680 to reserve your seat.