Ever felt like you may know this person?
Jun 30, 2009
Jun 27, 2009
Solar Powered Attic Fans
I'm thinking of installing a couple of solar powered attic fans on my roof. Whoever invented these is a genius.
Since the sweltering Texas sun turns our attics to ovens, why not get something like a solar fan to make that same sun work in our favor?And the good old feds are giving a 30% tax credit for placing these on your home in 2009. They are pretty pricey, so its a great incentive (in addition to the savings on cooling your home). [where: 75230]
Labels: Dallas, home improvement, real estate
Jun 23, 2009
Jun 21, 2009
What do Russians have to do with Dallas Real Estate?
Not as much as the Japanese and Chinese.
I struggle for an answer when people ask me what is going to happen in the local residential market and if their house is going to sell. Because right now, it really depends on many factors beyond our control. We can't control the economy, the competition, the weather, the stock market, etc. Here is an example of what I mean: Foreign governments have an effect on our interest rates. And mortgage rates drive a lot of real estate transactions because the change in rate can mean a difference in what you get for your money. And one of the leading indicators that drive interest rates is the purchase of Treasury debt. Mortgage rates are inching up because investors are worried about the record amount ($104 billion) of T-bills that the government plans to sell this week. If foreigners buy strongly, then rates will likely hold steady. If they stay home from the sale, then rates may to go higher. Recently the Russians said they aren't going to buy our debt any more and are going to sell off their current US debt holdings. Meanwhile, the Japanese and Chinese (our big buyers) say they will continue to buy our debt. We'll see if they open their pocketbooks this week. So one of the many factors in whether your Dallas home will sell is based on what the Russians, Chinese and Japanese do. The factors that you can control (and should focus on) are price, condition and the marketing of your property.
Those are things we can do something about.
[where: 75230]Labels: buyers, Dallas, mortgage rates, real estate, sellers, statistics
Jun 20, 2009
Don't listen to the Critics
Jun 16, 2009
Luckiest Place to Live in the World
Thank God we live in Texas. This video was shot earlier this year. But according to today's statistics, everyone is still moving here in droves. Fortunately, they are buying homes.
Labels: buyers, Dallas, real estate, sellers, statistics
Jun 14, 2009
Least & Most Expensive Dallas Homes for Sale
About 10 miles southeast is the least expensive property for sale. It is also near a creek and Lake June. This townhouse at 9406 Olde Village Court features 2 bedrooms with a bath and a half in 1,110 square feet. The condition may be questionable and it is a foreclosure being sold 'as is'. But at $7,000 - at least it has 4 walls and a roof.
[where: 75230]Labels: Dallas, real estate, sellers
Jun 13, 2009
Happy Birthday Dave
My baby turned 21 today. Boy do I feel old.
He's turned out to be a fine young man. In his junior year at UT, he is working this summer as a writer for the Daily Texan and at the Pot and Plant Center of Austin. Wondering if his law school application will include this summer selling pot? I mean pots.Jun 12, 2009
New Protection for Tenants of Foreclosed Homes
A new law is offering protection to tenants of foreclosed properties. This new law exposes some of the issues of how to handle a tenant occupying a property that has been foreclosed on.
The Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009 grants protection to tenants of foreclosed properties. The tenant is allowed to stay in the home for a minimum of 90 days after foreclosure. Additionally, tenants with a current lease that extends beyond 90 days are allowed to remain in the property for the remainder of their lease unless the new owner plans to occupy the property as a primary residence. The tenant must continue to pay rent and abide by all existing lease terms.
[where: 75230]
Labels: buyers, Dallas, real estate, Realtors, sellers
Jun 11, 2009
How to Text like a Teen
BTW (by the way), since I've got 1 kid in college, 2 kids in high school and 2 assistants in college, I feel somewhat qualified to say that this list is not only helpful, but accurate. IAC (In any case), HTH (hope this helps) you. TTFN (ta ta for now).
[where: 75230]
Jun 9, 2009
House of the Week
Even in a slow market, this pretty place shouldn't last long.
Labels: buyers, Dallas, North Dallas, Preston Hollow, real estate, sellers
Jun 7, 2009
First Sign that the Real Estate Market is rebounding
How can you tell when we've reached the bottom of the real estate market? The mortgage rates start to go up and the number of sales start to rise. Well, the interest rates have started up and so have pending sales. So if you have been waiting for the bottom, we just passed it.
Over the next 20 to 50 days, the market will tell us whether the real estate recovery is genuine. Consumer spending and confidence should start a slow rise. The end of this month will mark the end of the 2nd quarter and the release of corporate earnings. If the top line growth for stocks stays steady, and the economic growth stays anywhere on the positive side, we're good. If that doesn't happen, and the economy softens, we may see mortgage rates drop back a little. Current economic indicators are a little bullish. The experts are indicating that the market is starting a slow rise. I agree.
[where: 75230]
Labels: buyers, Dallas, mortgage rates, real estate, Realtors, statistics
Jun 6, 2009
Do not open a 'tagged' email
DO NOT open the email or register to open the photos. It is a virus and will open your email up for loads of spam in addition to sending it to everyone in in your email data base. [where: 75230]
Jun 2, 2009
Leasing a Haunted House?
True or False?
A tenant cannot terminate his or her lease early by claiming that a house is haunted. The Texas Association of Realtors puts out a monthly newsletter to members that usually includes a trivia questions. This this the June question. So did you make a guess? The answer is: True The tenant may not terminate a lease based on ghosts. The landlord may exercise his or her default remedies as detailed in the lease. Just thought you might want to know in the event you ever try to weasel your way out of a lease around Halloween.
[where: 75230]
Labels: real estate, Realtors