Williamson County Real Estate
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May Events in Texas - Things to see and do!
- Looking for Property Management in Round Rock?
- Investment in Texas Can Help You Retire Early!
- It's Time to Invest in Real Estate, Conservatively!
- Why Flipping Homes Can Carry Strong Liability
- Foreclosures are Always a Bargain! Yea, Right!
- Texas is a GREAT Place to Live and Invest!
- Round Rock Real Estate makes the News...
- The Tale of the Foolish Real Estate Investor
- Looking for Property Management in Round Rock?
- Investment in Texas Can Help You Retire Early!
- It's Time to Invest in Real Estate, Conservatively!
- Why Flipping Homes Can Carry Strong Liability
- Foreclosures are Always a Bargain! Yea, Right!
- Texas is a GREAT Place to Live and Invest!
- Round Rock Real Estate makes the News...
The Tale of the Foolish Real Estate Investor- Once a bank has foreclosed on a property, the real property becomes what is known in the banking world as an REO (real estate owned by a bank). Banks have complete departments that work maintaining their inventory of properties and often these properties are purchased at the same cost as what the bank had loaned against the asset with other costs added on top when they calculate the value of that property.
- I suspect that in many areas of the country the market is moving down so fast that banks are much more flexible on what they will sell these REO properties for, since they could be loosing value every day as the market values deflate. This is NOT the case in Central Texas and the bankers know it. They also know that we have many active RE investors here that are in the market buying properties now.
- The bank REO departments have very little maintenance costs associated with an REO property. They turn off all the utilities, and really only have taxes and HOA dues to maintain each property, so costs to let them sit are almost nill. Since the market here is fairly stable, holding a property for longer term is not a problem for a bank. When my job depends on how much money I make for the b, I am much less motivated to wheel and deal here than in other areas. Further, there are usually several signature authorities that approve deals for the bank, making it harder to get all the parties within the bank to come to agreement when the deal is a money loser.
- Some of the toughest deals I have been involved in recently are bank deals because of these reasons. Even when the banks are involved in negotiating a short sale, the motivations are just not there to reduce price to the point where it is attractive to most investors. We see many properties here that end up in foreclosure because of bank inflexibility. And before the properties go to auction, the banks buy them up at the mortgage amount and take them into REO inventory to wait out the process to get their whole investment sums back.
- I talk to brokers all over the country and they all tell me things are more loose where they are. Banks are flexible; often willing to take a loss than to go into foreclosure and my team and I have just not seen that in this area.
- Make sure you have the patience of Job - the wheels of bankdom grind VERY slowly!
- Expect that you will not get a steal of a deal! There just are not many out there. Invest for the long term to get appreciation which in this market is steady and solid.
- Remeber that many of the short sale and foreclosed properties here were taken with 100% finance situations in place, so the "deals" are even less in this sort of world, especially when the banks are looking for 100% recovery of their losses.
- Home buying (new or resale).
- Home sales.
- Trade-up / trade-down.
- Real estate investing.
- Commercial properties or Farm & Ranch.
- Leasing and management.
MAY 2008
1 CONROE Free Concert in the Park, (936) 522-3014, www.cityofconroe.org
1 KERRVILLE Symphony of the Hills, (830) 792-7469
1 AMARILLO [1-3] Greater Southwest Music Festival, (806) 373-5093, www.gswmf.com
1 HELOTES [1-4] Cornyval & PRCA Rodeo, (210) 695-2103, www.cornyval.com
1 ODESSA [1-4] Fiesta West Texas, (432) 580-8112
1 PORT NECHES [1-4] Riverfest & Classic Car Show, (409) 722-9154
1 HENDERSON [1-31] Wildflower Trails, 1-866-650-5529, ext. 800, www.hendersontx.us
2 AMARILLO Art Walk, (806) 352-7262
2 COLEMAN Ag Day, (325) 625-2361
2 EMORY [2-3] Founders Day Festival, (903) 473-2465, ext. 112, www.foundersdayfestival.org
2 LOCKHART [2-3] Cinco de Mayo, (512) 398-9600
2 ABILENE [2-4] Cinco de Mayo Festival, (325) 672-1794
2 HUNTSVILLE [2-4] Sam Houston Folk Festival, (936) 294-1832, www.samhouston.memorial.museum
2 JEFFERSON [2-4] Pilgrimage Tour of Homes & Spring Festival, (903) 665-3733, www.jefferson-texas.com
2 LLANO [2-4] Hawgs N Hills Rally, (325) 248-6070, www.hawgsnhills.com
2 LUCKENBACH [2-4] Hill Country Run, (830) 997-8515, www.hillcountryrun.com
2 TEXARKANA [2-4] Cinco de Mayo (870) 773-2941, www.fourstatesfair.com
2 WEATHERFORD [2-4] Greenwood Farms Spring Horse Trails, (817) 599-8159, www.greenwoodfarmonline.com
2 WINNSBORO [2-4] Texas Woodstock Festival, (903) 342-5267
3 BANDERA Charity Trail Ride, (830) 796-0500
3 BLANCO PBR Bullriding, (830) 833-4418
3 BRENHAM Country Flavors Festival, 1-888-273-6426, www.downtownbrenham.com
3 BRONTE Citywide Garage Sale, (325) 473-3501
3 BRONTE Fort Chadbourne Living History Event, (325) 743-2555, www.fortchadbourne.org
3 CORPUS CHRISTI Catch the Cure Fishing Tournament, (361) 949-7719, www.catchthecure.org
3 DECATUR Show & Pull, (940) 393-3273
3 DRIFTWOOD Mayfest, (512) 847-9338, www.driftwoodumc.org
3 DRIPPING SPRINGS Heritage Gala, (512) 694-0874, www.drpoundpioneerfarmstead.com
3 GAINESVILLE Spring Fling, (940) 668-4530, www.gainesville.tx.us
3 GREENVILLE Chili Cook Off, (903) 886-6924
3 HARPER Bull Ride & Dance, (830) 864-4912
3 HUNTSVILLE Airing of the Quilts, (936) 295-8322, www.tallpinesquiltguild.com
3 INDIAN SPRINGS BBQ Cookoff, (936) 327-3544
3 JACKSONVILLE Fiesta, 1-800-376-2217, www.jacksonvilletexas.com
3 LOCKHART 4-H Horse Club Open Show, (512) 601-1075, www.chisholmtrailhorseclub.com
3 LUBBOCK Annual Iris Show, (806) 797-6913
3 LULING Indian Artifact & Collectible Show, (512) 227-1872
3 MARBLE FALLS Howdy-Roo Chili Cookoff, (830) 693-3492
3 NEW BRAUNFELS Wein and Saengerfest, (830) 221-4091, www.nbtexas.org
3 PATTISON 25th Annual German Sausage Dinner, (281) 934-8218
3 PEARL Bluegrass Event, (254) 865-6013, www.pearlbluegrass.com
3 ROXTON Hawg Waller, (903) 346-2939
3 SAN ANGELO Arts & Crafts Show, (325) 653-7785
3 SHEPHERD Spring Fling Festival, (936) 628-3890
3 TEXARKANA Heart Walk, (903) 832-3248, www.heartwalk.kintera.org/texarkana
3 ATHENS [3-4] Lone Star Cutting Horse Show, (903) 677-6354
3 BURTON [3-4] Trade Days, 1-888-693-1243
3 COMFORT [3-4] Spring Antiques Show, (830) 995-3670, www.texasantiqueshows.com
3 CONROE [3-4] Custom Car and Truck Show, (936) 203-7216, www.gatordrag.com
3 LIVINGSTON [3-4] St. Joseph Church Bazaar, (936) 967-8385
3 LOCKHART [3-4] Cinco de Mayo Celebration, (512) 398-2818, www.lockhartchamber.com
3 MONTGOMERY [3-4] Antique Show and Sale, (713) 501-3561, www.thefriendshipcenter.com
3 SAN MARCOS [3-4] Roses of San Antonio Street, (512) 392-4362, www.heritageassociationsm.org
3 STONEWALL [3-4] Texas Bison Festival, (713) 213-4230, www.texasbisonfestival.com
3 WHITEWRIGHT [3-4] Rose Tour, (903) 364-2000
4 ATHENS Best in Texas Barrel Racing, (903) 677-6354
4 BANDERA St. Stanislaus Annual Festival, (830) 796-3573
7 COLEMAN [7-11] Juried Fine Art Show, (325) 357-4775, www.fineartsleaguecolemantx.com
8 ABILENE ArtWalk, (325) 677-8389
8 CONROE [8-10] Montgomery County Lone Star Stampede, (281) 413-5961, www.conroerodeo.com
8 CROCKETT [8-10] Lions Club PRCA Rodeo, (936) 544-0999
8 ABILENE [8-11] Western Heritage Classic, (325) 677-4376
8 MARBLE FALLS [8-11] MayFest, 1-800-759-8178, www.marblefalls.org
9 BRENHAM [9-10] Maifest, 1-888-273-6426, www.maifest.org
9 MINEOLA [9-11] Art Show 2008, (903) 569-8877, www.mlota.org
9 TEXARKANA [9-11] Big Bass Classic, (903) 791-2770
9 NEW BRAUNFELS [9-29] Free Fishing, (830) 221-4350, www.nbpard.org
10 LA GRANGE Savor the Flavor of Texas, (979) 968-6913, www.hospicebrazosvalley.org
10 ANDERSON Stagecoach Days, (936) 851-0167, www.birthplaceoftexas.com
10 BOERNE Historic Homes Tour, (830) 249-7277, www.visitboerne.org
10 COLEMAN Walk for Cure, (325) 625-3455
10 DENTON Master Gardener Association Walk, (940) 349-2883, www.dcmga.com
10 FAYETTEVILLE Texas Pickin' Park, (979) 378-2753, www.texaspickinpark.com
10 LLANO Spring Fling Starving Artist Sale and Show, (325) 247-4963
10 LUND Blackland Prairie Festival, (512) 281-2174
10 WEIMAR Gedenke! Festival, (979) 725-9511, www.weimartx.org
10 WIMBERLEY ArtWalk, (512) 847-6392
10 YANTIS Catfish Fry, (903) 383-7506
10 BOERNE [10-11] Market Days, (830) 249-5530 or (210) 844-8193, www.mainstreetinboerne.com
10 KERRVILLE [10-11] Team Roping, (806) 499-3584, www.otrc.net
10 WILLIS [10-11] Momma Mia Paddle, (936) 203-2697, www.northlakeconroepaddlingco.com
10 STEPHENVILLE [10-11, 23-24] Chicken House Flea Market, (254) 592-6674
11 GRUENE Gospel Brunch, (830) 629-5077, www.gruenehall.com
11 STONEWALL Mother's Day Brunch, (830) 644-2681, www.beckervineyards.com
15 FLOMOT [15-17] Bluegrass Festival, (806) 269-1578
15 MONTGOMERY [15-17] Bluegrass Music Festival, (281) 636-9419, www.bayareabluegrass.org
16 TEXARKANA Cruisin' Downtown T-Town, (870) 779-1655
16 GIDDINGS [16-17] Lee County Fair, (979) 542-2753, www.giddings.net
16 PLANTERSVILLE [16-17] Armed Forces Day Music Festival, (936) 894-3716, www.endoftheroadjam.com
16 SANTA ANNA [16-17] Funtier Days, (325) 348-3535
16 TEXARKANA [16-17] Jump Jive & JamFest, (903) 792-8681, www.trahc.org
16 TEXARKANA [16-17] Relay for Life, (903) 831-7913, www.cancer.org
16 WAXAHACHIE [16-17] Mini Grand Prix, (972) 938-9617
16 FREDERICKSBURG [16-18] Trade Days, (830) 990-4900, www.fredericksburgtradedays.com
16 GRAPEVINE [16-18] Main Street Days, (817) 410-3185, www.grapevinetexasusa.com
16 HENDERSON [16-18] SWRA Go-Kart Races, (903) 836-4557, www.swra.org
16 LIVINGSTON [16-18] Trade Days, (936) 327-3656, www.cityoflivingston-tx.com/tradedays
16 SAN ANTONIO [16-18] Charity Antique Show, (254) 865-8210
17 LAKEHILLS Medina Lake Barbecue Cook-Off, (830) 612-2700, www.medinalakebarbecuecookoff.com
17 AUSTIN Mighty Texas Dog Walk, (512) 891-9090, www.servicedogs.org
17 BOERNE Art in the Park, (830) 249-4616, www.ciboloarts.org
17 COLEMAN Heartland Harmonizers, (325) 625-4136
17 FLOMOT Hardin & Turner Western Trade Day, (940) 585-8085
17 FREDERICKSBURG Dog Trot, (830) 990-9085, www.hillcountryspca.com
17 FREDERICKSBURG Roots Music Series, (830) 997-2835
17 GREENVILLE Garden Tour & Plant Sale, (903) 455-9885
17 HONDO Old Iron Trail Ride, (830) 741-8922, http://old-iron-trail-ride.0catch.com
17 LBJ RANCH 1960s BBQ on the Pedernales, (830) 868-7128, www.nps.gov/lyjo
17 MARSHALL Stagecoach Days, 1-800-953-7868, www.marshall-chamber.com
17 NEDERLAND Cajun Celebration, (409) 983-5118
17 PLAINVIEW Pioneer Round-Up, (806) 296-6440
17 VALLEY SPRING VFD Fish Fry, (325) 247-3158
17 WASHINGTON Children's Fishing Derby, (936) 878-2214, www.birthplaceoftexas.com
17 ABILENE [17-18] Texas Gun & Knife Show, (325) 676-6211
17 GRUENE [17-18] Old Gruene Market Days, (830) 832-1721, www.gruenemarketdays.com
17 PORT NECHES [17-18] Trade Days, (409) 722-4023
17 STONEWALL [17-18] Lavender Fest, (830) 644-2681, www.beckervineyards.com
17 MOUNT PLEASANT Moonlight Jubilee Festival, (903) 572-8567
18 BUFFALO GAP Vintage Base Ball, (325) 572-3365
18 GRUENE Americana Music Jam, (830) 629-5077, www.gruenehall.com
18 TEXARKANA Four States Triathlon, (903) 614-4441, www.christusstmichaelfitness.org
18 LA GRANGE Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church Homecoming Picnic, (979) 968-3938, www.mtcalvary-lcms.org
20 ATHENS 44th Annual Farm & Ranch Tour, (903) 675-5181, http://athenscc.org
22 KERRVILLE [22-July 6] Southwest Gourd Fine Art Show, (830) 895-2911, www.kacckerrville.com
22 KERRVILLE [22-June 8] Folk Festival, (830) 257-3600
22 GUSTINE [22-24] Homecoming, Rodeo and Run, (325) 667-7417, www.gustinehomecoming.com
23 FREDERICKBURG [23-24] Crawfish Festival, 1-866-839-3378, www.tex-fest.com
23 KERRVILLE [23-26] Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair, (830) 896-5711, www.tacef.com
24 COLEMAN Sesquicentennial Military Program, (325) 625-2163
24 JACKSBORO Guys & Gals Car Show, (940) 845-2515
24 MANOR Chip Fest (512) 272-5699, www.manorchamberofcommerce.com
24 MARSHALL Lone Star Wing Fly-in, (903) 687-4695
24 STARTZVILLE Chili Cook-Off, (830) 899-7774
24 WHITEWRIGHT Fiddle Fest, (903) 364-2000
24 ELLINGER [24-25] May Festival, (979) 378-2311
24 KERRVILLE [24-25] Market Days, (830) 895-4655, www.kerrmarketdays.com
24 PORT ARTHUR [24-25] Salt Fishing Rodeo, (409) 963-0433
24 ROCKPORT [24-25] Festival of Wine and Food, 1-866-729-2469, www.texasfestivalofwines.com
24 WILLIS [24-26] Remembrance Paddle, (936) 203-2697, www.northlakeconroepaddlingco.com
24 LUCKENBACH [24-26] 150th Birthday Celebration, 1-888-311-8990
26 HONEY GROVE Memorial Day Celebration, (903) 378-7211
29 BOERNE Concert Band, (830) 249-7277
29 TEXARKANA [29-31] Bulldog 100, (903) 838-4541
30 BRYAN [30-31, June 1] Texas Shoot-Out Miniature Donkey Show, (830) 868-4645, www.southwesterndonkeymulesociety.com
30 PORT ARTHUR [30-June 1] Redfish Tournament, 1-800-235-7822
30 ATHENS 77th Annual Old Fiddlers Reunion, 1-888-294-2847
31 BURTON Half Pint Rodeo, (979) 255-4870, www.freewebs.com/halfpintrodeo
31 TEXARKANA Balla Bash, (870) 773-2941, www.fourstatesfair.com
This information is brought to you as a public service of the The HBH Group Realty Team with Keller Williams Realty. You may learn more about us at our websites located at: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/ and http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/ or contact our offices at (512) 439-3772 or toll-free at (877) 268-1877. We teach a monthly real estate investment seminar in the Greater Austin area and YOU ARE INVITED to this FREE event. Simply call our offices to reserve you seats! Also ask about the investors club that we are forming in the North Austin markets currently - We would love to have you participate!Want more GREAT INFORMATION LIKE THIS? Just CLICK HERE:
CLICK HERE to view our current Virtual Tours of properties on one of the team?s web sites.
Here are some other Buyer's Resources from Our Website: Seven steps to buying your home
Deciding how much house you can afford Making your home wish list Opting for new home construction
How can a real estate agent help me? 10 things you should ask a real estate agent
Location, Location, Location Mortgage Calculator Contact us about buying your home
And some seller's resources as well:Eight steps to selling your home
How can a real estate agent help me sell my home Practicing good seller's etiquette
How to price to sell and still make a profit Understanding the buyer Increasing your home's appeal
Mortgage Calculator Contact us about selling a property
The HBH Group/HBH Property Management
101 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Suite 190
Round Rock, TX 78664
To contact us:
Phone: 512-439-3772
Toll-Free: 877-268-1877
Fax: 512-579-4248
E-mail: [email protected]
Websites: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/
http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/
Blogs: http://wcrestate.blogspot.com/
http://www.activerain.com/blogs/stevehomer
Free Real Estate Investing Training and Seminars - from The HBH Group
The HBH Group offers FREE monthly seminars to teach the principles of "The Millionaire Real Estate Investor", the groundbreaking new book that offers the novice real estate investor proven models and systems to create wealth with real estate. Here are some examples of the success stories that are shared in our seminars as well as a synapsis of the book:
When Wendy Patton bought her first investment property she was living in a hotel, made $20,000 a year, and owed that much in student loans. Today Wendy has bought and sold more than 600 houses.
Jimmy and Linda McKissack struggled for years to turn a restaurant and nightclub into a sustainable business. They began supplementing their income though investment properties. Within five years they went from a handful of investment homes to 83 residential properties worth over $10 million.
When Danny Williams accepted an early retirement package from Delta, he owned 11 rental properties and had two children in college. Danny says he's now "totally unemployable" by choice and in complete control of his destiny.
Based on extensive research and interviews with over 120 millionaire real estate investors like these, Gary Keller's new "how to" guide reveals the models, strategies and fundamental truths millionaires use to become wealthy through real estate investing.
His latest book, The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, written with Dave Jenks and Jay Papasan, hits bookstores just as real estate investing has gone mainstream. According to the National Association of REALTORS, in 2004 nearly a third of all sales were second homes or investments.
"By tapping the wisdom of millionaire investors from across the country, we're sharing investment models that can be duplicated by anyone in any market." Keller explains, "These are the foundational strategies every investor must know in order to maximize their financial wealth."
But the book isn't just about real estate. Through his research Keller discovered that millionaires think about money quite differently than others. As a result, this book also takes a hard look at the money myths that hold some people back and the money truths that lets others soar. The book begins by exploring the "MythUnderstandings" about the way people view investing. For example, Keller explains despite what most people think, investing by definition and design isn't risky. Millionaire Real Estate Investors employ time-tested strategies to avoid risk and, in the end, take luck out of the game.
By the end of the book readers will be able to:
? Think a Million: Develop the financial literacy and mindset of a millionaire investor
? Buy a Million: Amass a real estate portfolio with a market value of a million dollars or more
? Own a Million: Turn investments into an asset-based business with ever-increasing net worth
? Receive a Million: Build an investment empire that provides a million dollars a year in passive income
Keller concludes with twenty-one inspiring and enlightening profiles of real-life Millionaire Real Estate Investors whose wisdom permeates the book, as well as appendices containing a series of easy-to-use worksheets.
According to Mike Summey, co-author of the bestselling The Weekend Millionaire's Secrets to Investing in Real Estate, "This book is not just a bargain, it's a steal. It's filled with practical, workable advice for anyone wanting to build wealth."
Call (512) 439-3772 today to reserve your seat in our next FREE seminar. The next few months will hold some great opportunity to purchase properties at deep discounts. Don't pass up this chance to get a head start on financial freedom through real estate investing.
Want more GREAT INFORMATION LIKE THIS? Just CLICK HERE:
Other articles on Property Investment:
Here are some other Buyer's Resources from Our Website: Seven steps to buying your home
Deciding how much house you can afford Making your home wish list Opting for new home construction
How can a real estate agent help me? 10 things you should ask a real estate agent
Location, Location, Location Mortgage Calculator Contact us about buying your home
And some seller's resources as well:Eight steps to selling your home
How can a real estate agent help me sell my home Practicing good seller's etiquette
How to price to sell and still make a profit Understanding the buyer Increasing your home's appeal
Mortgage Calculator Contact us about selling a property
The HBH Group/HBH Property Management
101 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Suite 190
Round Rock, TX 78664
To contact us:
Phone: 512-439-3772
Toll-Free: 877-268-1877
Fax: 512-579-4248
E-mail: [email protected]
Websites: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/
http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/
Blogs: http://wcrestate.blogspot.com/
http://www.activerain.com/blogs/stevehomer
Investment opportunities are coming on strong in coming months. Now is the time to prepare. Listen to Dave Ramsey's advice about creating wealth with your lifestyle. Watch this video:
Today Does Matter - What are You Doing With It?
Dr. John Maxwell is one of the most recognized business and motivational speakers of our day. He has authored more than thirty books, focusing his work on leadership and its impact on business, church and personal life. I have been a student of Dr. Maxwell's works for years now and would like to focus this article on one of my favorite books by him: Today Matters.
"Successful people make important decisions early in their life and then manage those decisions the rest of their life." - John C. Maxwell
This book centers around this theme and the truth in it. If you want to accomplish something in life, you have to have goals and a direction to carry you there. Most people spend their lifetime "wishing" they could achieve certain dreams and aspirations, when the secret to achieveing those things is in simple planning and organization.
This book, Today Matters, focuses the reader on 12 simple policies that a successful person must master to achieve their life's mission and their goals. These principles are:
1. Today's attitude Gives Me Possibilities.
2. Today's priorities Give Me Focus.
3. Today's Health Gives Me Strength.
4. Today's Family Gives Me Stability.
5. Today's Thinking Gives Me an Advantage.
6. Today's Commitment Gives Me Tenancity.
7. Today's Finances Gives Me Options.
8. Today's Faith Gives Me Peace.
9. Today's Relationships Give Me Fulfillment.
10.Today's Generousity Gives me Significance.
11.Today's Values Give Me Direction.
12.Today's Growth Give Me Potential.
What a powerful collection of life habits are featured in this book. I am still in process of mastering these concepts, but what I have already learned and implemented has changed my life, my family and my business. I not only have several copies of the book, but have the CD version and listen to it frequently in my car.
If you ramble aimlessly from day to day, please get a copy of this book and start to put these concepts to use in your life. You will not be sorry!
If I can help you in any way along your walk in life, please don't hesitate to call me. Take a look at Dr. Maxwell in action in the following video:
Want more GREAT INFORMATION LIKE THIS? Just CLICK HERE:
Other articles on Property Investment:
Here are some other Buyer's Resources from Our Website: Seven steps to buying your home
Deciding how much house you can afford Making your home wish list Opting for new home construction
How can a real estate agent help me? 10 things you should ask a real estate agent
Location, Location, Location Mortgage Calculator Contact us about buying your home
And some seller's resources as well:Eight steps to selling your home
How can a real estate agent help me sell my home Practicing good seller's etiquette
How to price to sell and still make a profit Understanding the buyer Increasing your home's appeal
Mortgage Calculator Contact us about selling a property
The HBH Group/HBH Property Management
101 E. Old Settlers Blvd., Suite 190
Round Rock, TX 78664
To contact us:
Phone: 512-439-3772
Toll-Free: 877-268-1877
Fax: 512-579-4248
E-mail: [email protected]
Websites: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/
http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/
Blogs: http://wcrestate.blogspot.com/
http://www.activerain.com/blogs/stevehomer
Amber Alerts Go Wireless!
Country Home on 1/2 acre lot in Thorndale, TX
Welcome to 306 W. Moerbe St in Thorndale, TX. CLICK HERE to see a virtual tour of this lovely home. Located on a large .5 acre lot within the city limits, this home is close to schools and in a wonderful. quiet country setting. Offering 3 spacious bedrooms and large, open living areas, the seller has recently replaced much of the carpet and repainted the interior of the home. The large lot has been used to build a huge workshop with electrical, plumbed out for a half-bath within an office space. Compressed air is also installed in the shop.
This home is offered at only $175K and is the lowest with these features, size and shop included within the Thorndale, Taylor and Thrall markets. Call today to schedule a showing!
This information is brought to you as a public service of the The HBH Group Realty Team with Keller Williams Realty. You may learn more about us at our websites located at: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/ and http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/ or contact our offices at (512) 439-3772 or toll-free at (877) 268-1877.
Foreclosures are Abundant! And YOU CAN BUY THEM CHEAP!
Yea, right! I work a good bit with investors and most seem to think that foreclosures are a steal and you can rob the bank when you purchase them. Well I would like to act as the Texas Mythbuster when it comes to foreclosure properties in the Austin area. There are several reasons why foreclosures in this area are not as attractive as the general public believes and I would like to use this article and possibly a few more to dispel this myth. Here are a few important points:
For these reasons and more, I encourage my investors to get the properties from an individual BEFORE they go to a bank or even to a short sale. The deals are better and more flexible. Closing go smoother. Everyone walks away happier.
If however you choose to shop for REO/Foreclosed properties in Central Texas, remember the following:
Thanks for reading!
Steve Homer
Broker-Associate, The HBH Group/Keller Williams Realty
Round Rock, TX
This information is brought to you as a public service of the The HBH Group Realty Team with Keller Williams Realty. You may learn more about us at our websites located at: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/ and http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/ or contact our offices at (512) 439-3772 or toll-free at (877) 268-1877.
This will bless you!
To all my Christian Music readers:
If you love great Christian music, this group recently presented concerts at my church here in Round Rock, TX and they so blessed me that I thought I would share their ministry with you. The name of the group is Testify and they are from West Monroe, LA. Their music has many different tints and flavors, and you can sample many of their numbers by checking them out on YouTube.com - search for the term testifyfan and you can find several. One of my favorites is: "The Deeper The Valley" (See video below) which inspires me in my personal and business life. You can also learn more about where to get their music at Their Website.
I hope this group and their music is a blessing to you and if you have any clients or investors interested in the Austin Texas area, please contact me!
Thanks!
Steve Homer
The HBH Group Real Estate Team
Keller Williams Realty
Round Rock, TX - The 8th fastest growing area in the USA per Entrepreneur Magazine (2008)
FREE report on The Austin-RR Real Estate Markets in 2007
Originally a buffalo-hunting ground favored by Tonkawa Indians, Austin was permanently settled in 1838 as a trading post. The Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is now part of the I-35 growth corridor in the heart of Texas. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Austin MSA experienced the largest increase in income in the state and was one of the country's fastest-growing cities during the 1990s, growing by nearly 48 percent.
Austin, the capital of Texas, is home to the University of Texas, the largest university in the nation. The city supports a politically charged and culturally rich environment. The Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University offers a free report on real estate performance projections for the Austin-Round Rock MSA. This is great reading to help you understand the great real estate potential in our general area.
This information is brought to you as a public service of the The HBH Group Realty Team with Keller Williams Realty. You may learn more about us at our websites located at: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/ and http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/ or contact our offices at (512) 439-3772 or toll-free at (877) 268-1877.
Panda Express Review on SH 79 in Round Rock
Panda Express has landed in Round Rock, on a pad site at the site of the Super HEB on the corner of SH 79 and FM 1460. My wife and I had the opportunity to dine there last night and have nothing but good to say about the food. I tried their new Bejing Beef (which was amazing), Chicken and Mushrooms, and Chicken and Green Beans with a side of Fried Rice. The wife had Broccoli Beef and the Bejing Beef with a side of steamed vegetables.
We also shared a Chicken Egg Roll. The food was delicious and FAST and much more healthy than most places you get fast food! We highly recommend this new place to eat in Round Rock.
This information is brought to you as a public service of the The HBH Group Realty Team with Keller Williams Realty. You may learn more about us at our websites located at: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/ and http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/ or contact our offices at (512) 439-3772 or toll-free at (877) 268-1877.
Country Home on 1/2 acre lot in Thorndale, TX
This information is brought to you as a public service of the The HBH Group Realty Team with Keller Williams Realty. You may learn more about us at our websites located at: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/ and http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/ or contact our offices at (512) 439-3772 or toll-free at (877) 268-1877.
First Time Homebuyers Get a Break in Texas!
How Did the Sub Prime Loan Mess Get to This Point?
From late 2001 until 2005, mortgage lenders had a huge refinancing boom as rates declined. Then refinancing came to a halt abruptly. Many lenders, especially mortgage companies were wondering how they would stay in business. Unlike banks, mortgage companies do not have their own money to lend; they borrow money on a short term basis and resell the loan shortly after they originate the loan. Their profit is derived from origination fees, discount points and closing costs, but this income stream suddenly decreased when the refinance boom ceased, so they became more creative. They lowered the down payment requirement from 10% to 0%. They offered teaser rates to borrowers a full 3% below the market rates and they loosened the qualifying criterion to make it easier for buyers to qualify. The long standing qualifying income and debt ratios of 28% income and 36% debt ratios were relaxed. They also entered into providing sub prime loans to borrowers with poor credit histories; these people previously were denied home mortgage loans. The teaser rates offered are similar to the zero-down, zero-interest rates offered by auto dealer and furniture stores. They are designed to get buyers to purchase homes and get mortgages. The problem is the teaser rates only last one year to three years then they automatically reset to market rates. The difference in payments can be shocking to the homeowner. For example, monthly payments on a $200,000, 30-year mortgage at 3% would be $844 for principal and interest. At 5%, the payment increases to $1,074. If it goes up to a typical sub prime rate of 9%, the payments are $1,610, that's up $766 a month from the teaser rate, or $9,192 per year.
Builder Offering Close Out Prices in Pflugerville!
Another reason to move now is that mortgage rates have slipped again in the past week and are now back into the 5 percent range on 30 year fixed. We are not sure how long this will last, so now is a great time to check out the options.
The HBH Group Realty Team can represent you as a buyer with no builders and at NO COST to you. We are experts at representing your interests to get you the very best deal, protect you in the building and inspection process AND we can assist you with a discount trade-up package to sell or lease your current home. Learn more about us at our websites: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/ and http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/ or call our offices at (512) 439-3772 or toll-free at (877) 268-1877.
405 Neill St., Thrall, TX 76578 - Country Home for sale
This home is brought to you by The HBH Group Realty Team, experts in real estate marketing and sales. To learn more about us, check out our websites at http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/ and http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/ or call our offices at (512) 439-3772 or toll-free at (877) 268-1877.
15291 FM 86, Dale, TX 78616 - 30+ acre Ranch for sale
This information is brought to you as a public service of the The HBH Group Realty Team with Keller Williams Realty. You may learn more about us at our websites located at: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/ and http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/ or contact our offices at (512) 439-3772 or toll-free at (877) 268-1877.
Personal Property vs. Real Property
We always ask our sellers what permanent fixtures they intend to remove and remind them to spell it out clearly in the required disclosure forms. We will help you define what built-in appliances are real or personal property. What about a shelving system? A chandelier? Window coverings? If the buyer wants furniture or other nonpermanent items as a part of the deal, we will work with you to spell out these details in the contract to minimize dispute and problems that can result.
Ask us to go over the standard contracts with you before you receive or make a purchase offer. That way, you?ll know what to expect and be prepared to negotiate the best deal you can get. This offer also goes for FSBO's. If you need our assistance, please call us for a no obligation visit to assist you in being as safe as possible in selling your home.
The Tale of the Foolish Real Estate Investor
We live in an information age where there are always "experts" wanting to sell you a new course on how to get rich in:
1. Real Estate
2. Your Own Business
3. The Internet
4. You Name It!
Wisdom comes as we get more mature and realize that there are really no "quick" solutions to anything and that includes creating wealth. A few years ago here in Williamson County, we saw loads of investors who swarmed into the area and purchased real estate by the bunches. The lenders were handing out 100% finance deals like the money would never end. Many of these "investors" went directly to local builders and bought 2-10 properties in specific subdivisions all at one time and all at 100% financed. I like to refer to this as "the era of irrational exuberance". Many of those of us who work this business full time knew that this was a recipe for disaster and the disaster is here now. We are seeing most of these properties now going to foreclosure right and left and although our foreclosure numbers here are dwarfed by many other areas of the country, they are still greater than we have seen in a long time.
Searching for Homes in the Era of the Internet
Next comes the ?real? home hunt. Who do you take with you? If you?re married, you take your spouse. There is always the chance you?re going to find something perfect and you cannot make a decision without your spouse. Well, you can?but you?ll pay later. If you?re a couple, then take your partner for the same reasons. If you?re single and using your own money, then take a friend whose judgment you trust. Give thought to whether you should take a parent (smile). Oh yes. There is one other person you take along with you (hint, hint) ? your experienced, capable, professional, friendly neighborhood REAL ESTATE AGENT.
A Bright Idea for Your Bathroom
To avoid this lighting pitfall, use a soft-focused or diffused light fixture and mount it at eye level or just above. Positioning light this way will cause it to shine at your face, not down from above. Other types of light, such as decorative or recessed lamps also can combat shadows. If you do choose recessed lighting, place the lights close to the mirror and center them above the faucet. A dimmer switch at the vanity area helps control the lighting, allowing you to adjust for day and nighttime levels. Follow these steps and you'll be brilliantly pleased with your new bathroom.
This message is provided as a public service by The HBH Group, the premiere real estate group in Round Rock and Georgetown Texas. Contact us through our websites at: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/ and http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/ or call our offices at (512) 439-3772 or toll-free (877) 268-1877.
Are You Still Paying PMI? Why?
Typically, if you?ve reached the 20% equity level, you?re eligible. If your mortgage is less than 5 years old, it?s 25%. You also need to have a good track record for making mortgage payments. That means having had no more than one late-payment penalty in the past year; no payments over 30 days late in that same time frame; nor, any notice of default recorded against the property.
If that sounds like you, and if you haven?t gone through the process, there are user-friendly resources to help you get the cancellation process started. First, you?ll need to confirm your eligibility. The Mortgage Insurance Companies of America (MICA), the trade association for mortgage insurers, sponsors an excellent website that offers an eligibility calculator, as well as sample letters to send to mortgage servicers that will help you jump start the cancellation process.
"FIRE" Power
If you don?t have a fireplace in your home, it?s easier than you might think to add one ? without undergoing a complete remodel or major construction. Gas and electric models are more popular and affordable than ever and easy to install. And with so many options for every space and budget, the hardest part is choosing one that best suits your needs.
This message is provided as a public service by The HBH Group, the premiere real estate group in Round Rock and Georgetown Texas. Contact us through our websites at: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/ and http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/ or call our offices at (512) 439-3772 or toll-free (877) 268-1877.
Carpet 101 - Maintenance Tips for Home Owners
The season of holiday entertaining is over. But did the increased foot traffic and occasional spill wreak havoc on your carpets? If your floor is looking a little worse for wear, it may be time for a deep cleaning. But should you try to tackle the job on your own or bring in the professionals? The Carpet and Rug Institute suggests that carpet be professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months, before it begins to show soiling. Regular vacuuming can keep your carpet looking like new, but deep extraction cleaning is necessary to remove ground-in dirt and stubborn stains.
If your carpet needs cleaning, first check with the manufacturer to see what it advises ? some cleaning methods could void your carpet?s warranty. extra care. Also be aware that carpet made of natural fibers (e.g. wool, silk, cotton/rayon or plant fibers) can be damaged by certain cleaning methods and may require extra care.
If you choose to go the do-it-yourself route, be sure to vacuum thoroughly before cleaning. Choose cleaning agents that are made specifically for stain-resistant carpet, never use a generic household detergent or cleaner. Follow directions closely and pay special attention to instructions regarding dilution and application. After cleaning, open windows or bring in a fan to speed up the drying process.
If you?d prefer to leave this job to professional carpet cleaners, look for recommendations from your local carpet retailer or the Better Business Bureau. Most cleaning fees will be based on square footage, and there is usually no extra charge for furniture removal, pre-conditioning and routine stain removal. As always, be sure to obtain a written agreement before any work has begun.
This message is provided as a public service by The HBH Group, the premiere real estate group in Round Rock and Georgetown Texas. Contact us through our websites at: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/ and http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/ or call our offices at (512) 439-3772 or toll-free (877) 268-1877.
Take a Byte Out of Cyber Crime
This message is provided as a public service by The HBH Group, the premiere real estate group in Round Rock and Georgetown Texas. Contact us through our websites at: http://www.TheHBHGroup.com/ and http://www.TheHBHGroup.biz/ or call our offices at (512) 439-3772 or toll-free (877) 268-1877.
What is a CRS?
However, there are two of these designations that I would like to define clearly to my readers. The first is the broker designation. The general public recognizes that the broker designation carries more weight than an salesperson license. To qualify as a licensed broker in Texas, an agent must actively practice real estate for two or more years within the state. Further, they must attend 270 classroom hours of core real estate classes approved by the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC requires this for the salesperson license) AND have an additional 630 hours of courses related to real estate logged and on file with the commission. If you are counting, that means they have spent 20 weeks in a classroom within a 2+ year practice! That is a great amount of training. Finally, the broker-candidate must successfully pass the state and national exams for the license.
The state recognizes a broker as not only able to practice real estate, but also able to manage other agents in the sales process. They are thus allowed to open their own brokerage or property management businesses. If you will note, I have taken the time to earn the broker designation and I believe it offers me the ability to be the best I can be for my clients! This has also allowed me to open a property management company for my real estate investment clients. We currently manage property under the business name of HBH Management.
The second designation I would like to make you familiar with is the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) designation. This is also a training and experience-intensive designation. To qualify for my CRS designation, I had to present proof that I have worked in over 75 real estate transactions, had to attend several CRS-approved courses in buyer, seller and referral strategies and techniques. Finally, I had to present another designation that I hold from the National Association of REALTORS® (Graduate REALTOR® Institute - The Master's Degree in Real Estate). The CRS designation is held by less than 5% of the REALTORS® in the United States and is a prestigious award of which I am extremely proud. Out of 1.1 million REALTORS® in the USA, less than 50,000 care enough about the quality and professionalism that they offer to clients to spend the time and money to become a CRS. I DO care and hope that this will earn me the right to be your referral partner when friends, co-workers and relatives need a REALTOR®!
If my team and I can assist you today in any of the following, give us a call:
You can learn all about what we do for our clients as well as a great wealth of information about real estate and the Austin, TX area by checking out our websites at:
Or you can call our offices at (512) 439-3772 or toll-free at (877) 268-1877. We look forward to hearing from you. As always, the highest complement we ever receive is the referral of your friends, customers, co-workers and family. They will always get "World-class service with a Home Town feel" from us at The HBH Group.
Tips on Saving Money in an Era of Higher Prices
"I don't know what you guys are paying for gasoline.... but here in California we are also paying higher, up to $3.50 per gallon. But my line of work is in petroleum for about 31 years now, so here are some tricks to get more of your money's worth for every gallon.
Here at the Kinder Morgan Pipeline where I work in San Jose, CA we deliver about 4 million gallons in a 24-hour period thru the pipeline. One day is diesel the next day is jet fuel, and gasoline, regular and premium grades. We have 34-storage tanks here with a total capacity of 16,800,000 gallons.
Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an important role. A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.
Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up--most likely the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom. Hope this will help you get the most value for your money."