Category: Homeowner Tips & Advice

Shank Wealth Management to Run Series of Health and Wealth Seminars

The Keller Williams Northeast Concert Series was most recently sponsored by our friends at the Kingwood company, Shank Wealth Management.  Shank Wealth Management is an independent Asset Management firm with more than 50 years of combined experience helping clients meet objectives well beyond their investment goals.  As you look to make your dreams come true, Continue reading

In Today’s Real Estate Market it’s More Important Than Ever to Work With a Real Estate Professional

Based on the complexities of today’s real estate markets, including tough price negotiations in a down economy, foreclosures, tax deductions, first-time homebuyer credits, (should we continue); it’s more important than ever to work with a trusted real estate professional.  Buyers and sellers need to rely on an expert to help them navigate complex scenarios who Continue reading

Houston Association of Realtors (HAR) Releases June Market Update

During the month of June, sales of single family homes in northeast Houston varied widely versus the Houston market overall, according to the Multiple Listing Service Market Update released by the Houston Association of Realtors (HAR). While the Houston market had a three percent gain in single family homes sold over last year, HAR Area #1 (Atascocita/Humble) declined 11 percent, HAR Area #40 (Montgomery County Southwest) increased by 18 percent and Area #32 (Kingwood) was flat with exactly the same number of homes sold in June 2010 as in June 2009.

Government Program Provides Alternatives to Foreclosure

The U.S. Treasury Department is now offering help for America’s homeowners who are on the brink of foreclosure on their home. Effective April 5, 2010, the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program (HAFA) provides financial incentives to homeowners and lenders who utilize a short sale or a deed-in-lieu to avoid a foreclosure.

Mortgage Rates See Record Lows

The Mortgage Bankers Association reports that most customers are taking advantage of the low rates to refinance their current loans.

There are two primary reasons to refinance a mortgage: to get a better interest rate or to secure cash from a home’s equity. Correspondingly, the demand for loans to purchase a home is down after a busy spring due in part to the expiration of the federal home buyers tax credit on April 30.

HAR Releases March Housing Statistics

As predicted by a surge of mortgage applications nationwide last month, closed sales of single family homes in the Houston market climbed 11 percent in March versus a year ago.

The three HAR areas served by Keller Williams Realty Northeast saw sales gains as well. Nine percent more homes were sold in both Area 1 (Atascocita/Humble) and Area 32 (Kingwood) compared to last year. Area 40 (southeast Montgomery County) exceeded the market’s results with a hefty gain of 17.4 percent more homes sold this March.

Fed Expected to Stop Mortgage Subsidy: Real Estate Experts Urge Consumers to Buy Now

Next Wednesday (3/31) is a monumental day for the mortgage industry. It is the day that the Federal Reserve has said it will stop buying mortgage-backed securities in an effort to keep mortgage rates low and bolster the housing market. The expected outcome of this move is an increase in interest rates which have been hovering around 5 percent this week for a 30 year fixed rate loan.

April Showers Bring Appliance Rebates

If you are thinking of buying a new appliance, you may want to wait until April. That’s when Texans will be eligible for $23 million in federal rebates on purchases of energy-efficient appliances.

The rebates are part of the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the same government stimulus program that instituted Cash for Clunkers, which offered rebates for trading in old cars.