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Scaling Down to a Smaller Home
Published on 2012-11-19 14:58:00
Whether you’ve been planning it for years or the economy has forced your hand, losing square footage can be both invigorating and a challenge. For the sake of your emotional health – and your packing efforts – remain focused on the
Home De-Cluttering Tips
Published on 2012-09-11 15:34:46
De-cluttering your home can help you to become more organized and less stressed. There are many rooms in the home that just seem to collect clutter. Clutter can cause discord and stress in families, but thankfully there are many options available for de-cluttering in each room of the home, making life much simpler. Wondering where to begin? To avoid becoming overwhelmed, it's best to start slow and small. By scheduling regular times to de-clutter in fifteen minutes per day, you can get a good st [..]
Understanding Your Responsibilities as a Landlord
Published on 2012-08-29 16:54:18
If you have decided to get your feet wet with commercial real estate you'll first have to learn about your responsibilities as a landlord. While it may seem like an easy task and you'll be able to allocate most of the tasks to a property management company, you will ultimately be the one who has to take on the responsibility of ownership.Your first responsibility will be to provide a secure and safe environment to the tenants occupying your rental. All building codes must be in place and you nee [..]
Buy a Home Without a Down Payment in 2012
Published on 2012-08-28 00:27:55
It's been a rough ride for the house market, and those who are looking to upgrade their home or buy their first home have had a rough time of it, too - often for no reason other than the intense new banking standards. Today's standards require that you have 20 percent of the home's value upfront as well as excellent credit.While certainly good in theory, this policy gets a bit sticky in practice - especially when you stop to consider that the hardships that hit many families in 2008 may linger o [..]
HOA Reform Means Changes for Houston Texas Homeowners
Published on 2012-01-02 16:14:59
When I was shopping for my first house, my dad pulled me aside for a bit of fatherly wisdom. "Find a place with a strong Homeowners' Association and plenty of deed restrictions. Trust me, you want a lot of deed restrictions." And to a point, he was right. It's those HOA rules which ensure that the neighbors all maintain their homes at a consistent level. HOAs can help ensure the neighbors don't let the yard get full of weeds, park junked-out cars in the driveway and generally let their homes [..]
New Ways Houston Home Builders are Selling Houses
Published on 2011-12-28 17:21:08
No one can dispute the buying power of the Internet. All we have to do is enter a credit card number and boom, we're the proud owner of shoes, books, music, clothes, toys and … houses? "The latest trend," says one of the 567 million Google hits I found on this very topic, "is to buy a house online."You can't really buy a house online. But you can look at photos, watch video, print listings – or simply scan a QR barcode while out and about – to help narrow down the choices. "Ba [..]
Mortgages Underwater, Housing Recovery Stalled: Bring Out the Bulldozer
Published on 2011-09-23 01:46:32
In recent months, discussions on the economy have been dominated by two topics: the national deficit and jobs. And rightly so. Mushrooming debt casts a pall on our long-term financial outlook and unemployment is a singular focus for anyone looking for a job. As the economy continues to sputter, though, many economists and analysts are reaching the conclusion that, just as the housing market was at the core of the economic crisis, it is also the key to recovery.Currently, 1 in 5 mortgages is [..]
Making Your Houston Home Energy-Efficient can be Easy Peasy Money Squeezy
Published on 2011-09-23 01:03:27
This is the time of year that makes even seasoned Houstonians want to hide from the heat in an air conditioned cocoon; and as temperatures soar, our electric bills do, too. In fact, thanks to our sultry summers, Houstonians have among the highest utility bills in the country.Luckily, there are things you can do to ease the pain - and that doesn't mean packing up to move north. (You don't want to live there come winter anyway.) With changes to your home big and small, you can slash your energy [..]
Glenbrook Valley In Houston Texas Gets Groundbreaking Historic Designation
Published on 2011-08-17 10:59:22
In 1956 Glenbrook Valley was just hitting its stride. The Parade of Homes had singled out the residential area, exclusively featuring Glenbrook Valley for all 30 homes on their annual tour. The development had previously been included in a citywide Parade of Homes in 1954, but not for the entire event.Nestled along Sims Bayou between I45 and Telephone Rd., Glenbrook Valley originally opened in 1953 with a lot of fanfare. It was designed by the renowned Kansas City landscape architecture firm Ha [..]
Montrose - One Funky Neighborhood in Houston Texas
Published on 2011-08-07 13:42:29
Look at an early picture of Montrose Blvd., circa 1911, and you'll see a grand avenue complete with wide, treed esplanade and sidewalks, freshly carved out of Houston dairy farmland. You'll also see echoes, however faint, of the Montrose we know and (mostly) love today.When the area we now call Montrose was still being grazed by cows, in the late 19th century, suburbs were starting to come into favor in other cities around the country. New York City, in fact, had had commuters traveling to and [..]
The Montrose Area Whole Foods in Houston Texas - Built to Suit
Published on 2011-08-02 23:06:45
Judging by all the press the new Whole Foods at 701 Waugh has received, you’d think that the natural and organic foods store has revolutionized grocery shopping. The store not only offers its standard wholesome selections of foods, but its building design and functionality sets it apart from all of its utilitarian carbon-copy counterparts. Whole Foods broke ground April 2010. After three years of various construction and placement changes, the Austin-based company celebrated with the grand [..]
Keep Your Emotions Out of the Real Estate Selling Process
Published on 2011-08-02 22:21:35
If there’s one thing that will always get in the way of selling your home, it’s your emotions. So, how do you remain objective when selling something in which you have an emotional investment? Below are several important tips to aid you in this process. Hire a Realtor to help you set an objective price – The truth is that, most of the time, you will think your is worth more than it really is. And rightfully so; after all, you’ve likely invested a good deal of time, money [..]
A Lean, Mean, Environmentally Green Home
Published on 2011-07-29 16:53:27
Environmentally friendly, "green" & more eco-conscious are sizzling hot topics in homes and businesses across the U.S. Families and people all over seem to more aware and concerned with the beautiful Earth we live on. Most folks want to conserve energy in their homes, and the subject is often a major topic of discussion as home buyers start looking for their dream home. Not only does energy conservation save homeowners money and make their home more appealing, but it also has a significant posit [..]
Texas Cyclone, Greased Lightning, Snow, and Fresh-Baked Bread: Astroworld USA in Houston Texas
Published on 2011-06-26 10:48:19
For almost 40 years, summer in Houston meant two things: air conditioning and Astroworld. Our own private Disneyland, the Astroworld theme park was a requisite childhood destination, someplace everybody went at least once and a repeat trip for
Divorce Can Lead to Owning Two Homes - Or Living with Your Ex and their Spouse and more Kids and Step-Pets
Published on 2011-06-26 10:03:48
I know! How about you, me, stepdad, dad, stepmom, sibling, half-sibling, step-sibling and the dogs all live together in one big house?There's probably not a divorced parent out there who hasn't heard their kids ask for something like this.They'r
Hurricanes, Fires and Floods - Review Home Insurance Before an Emergency Hits
Published on 2011-06-24 10:15:30
Hurricanes, Fires and Floods ...OMG! This stuff happens in Houston, Texas. Get an Insurance Check-up Before an Emergency Hits. When was the last time you looked at your homeowners’ insurance policy? Was it, say, around the time you purcha
Green Grass in Houston - Extreme Makeover Sod Addition
Published on 2011-06-14 00:46:50
It happens... Maybe you forgot to water the yard during last summer's vacation, or your kids have played "buried pirate's treasure" one too many times. Now you have a major case of Lawn Pattern Baldness, and trying to patch it here an
Houston Texas, Taxes and Houses. A Harris County Property Tax Overview
Published on 2011-05-09 12:54:34
If you own Houston property, chances are you recently received a "notice of appraised value" in the mail from the Harris County Appraisal District ...or you will soon. Spring is tax appraisal season in Texas, and although what we're r
Rice, Oil and Mudbugs. The Cajun Journey from Canada to the Houston Bayou
Published on 2011-04-27 14:50:44
Aiyeee, y'all! Eh? One look at your grocer’s seafood counter will tell you - it’s officially mudbug season in Houston (that’s crawfish for you recent transplants). This is the time of year when we break out the boi
Houston Downtown Alliance Showcases Skyline Living with Home Tour
Published on 2011-04-27 14:04:33
Houstonians got a glimpse into downtown living on Saturday, April 16, during the Downtown Home Tour hosted by the Houston Downtown Alliance.HDA members and nonmembers alike purchased tickets that granted access to dramatic residences with up close an
Rights and Laws of Renting a Texas Apartment with Children
Published on 2011-04-27 11:45:41
The Texas law for apartments, with landlords and tenants is very detailed. It establishes limitations and parameters that a landlord is allowed to implement and the amount of restrictions they can make to their tenants. Among the long list would incl
Home Letting, Leasing or Renting - It All Spells Property Management
Published on 2011-04-15 17:52:21
Even though the real estate market is showing small signs of improvement, it’s still tough to sell a home out there - which is one of many reasons people are turning to leasing these days. Potential buyers who would’ve once qualifie
Houston Backyard Brouha Heard Around the World
Published on 2011-04-13 17:56:13
Last month, Texans celebrated 175 years of independence; nearly two centuries ago Texas settlers shook off the yoke of Mexican rule to become a sovereign republic (how many states can say that?), and later the 28th state of our union. And while
Six Kitchen Redesign Trends for 2011
Published on 2011-04-13 17:33:24
A kitchen is still the place reserved for cooking, however, it also serves as the epicenter to many homes. Today, more than ever, professional designers acknowledge its role and their design trends re
Quick! Hurry Fast to the Bat Cave Before the Neighbor Talks to Me
Published on 2011-04-09 00:04:24
We work longer hours just to make ends meet. We build taller fences to feel safer in our own yards. We know the make and model of our neighbor's car, but nothing about the person who drives it. We crave our cave, and ignore our community.We're suppos
Eight Secrets to Getting your House SOLD this Summer in the Houston Real Estate Market
Published on 2011-04-07 14:21:34
We’ve all heard the basic rules of staging your home for sale: Declutter your tschotchkes, pack up personal photos and artifacts, etc. But what are the secret tricks home stagers use, that they don’t want you to know about? Home Staging e
Green Gardening and Being Eco-Friendly - Not Just for Hippies Anymore
Published on 2011-04-04 00:47:54
Yard Madness has officially gripped the area: Lawn mowers and farmer’s tans are once again a familiar sight, and gardening stores are hives of activity. In the midst of it all, though, how many of us think about the impact we’
The Real Estate Transaction | For Sale to Sold
Published on 2011-03-29 00:28:25
So much goes into a house before a “For Sale” sign can turn into “Sold” sign. The real estate transaction begins when the seller puts the house on the market and ends when the buyer and seller meet at the closing. First time h
Unintended but Harmless Neighbors ...and then there is Crazy
Published on 2011-03-28 15:23:12
I have crazy neighbors. To my left is a single mom breeding Pit bulls in her back yard. To my right is a lady who lets her big, black Lab do the #2 on our yard.Across the street is the house that never sleeps. People are constantly coming a
Homeowners Committed to Green Homes, Recycling and Eco-Living
Published on 2011-03-27 14:49:46
Going ‘green’ is not only good for the environment, but it’s good for real estate. More and more homeowners are going ‘green’, boosting their chances for a quick sale by adding ‘green’ features to their homes
Looking for the Elephant in Your Next Home
Published on 2011-03-21 18:40:22
Buying a home is a huge undertaking, and no one needs to be reminded how significant a financial decision this is. Suffice it to say, buying a home that you soon outgrow, learn to hate after a couple of years, or has a proverbial elephant&n
When Leasing Office Space It Often Pays The Landlord When You Wait Until the Last Minute
Published on 2011-03-20 17:33:42
Often I get calls from business owners who are either considering leasing office space for the first time, renewing an existing lease, or interested in relocating their office altogether. One thing that a lot of them have in common is that they have
Tips on Getting Your Home Ready to Sell
Published on 2011-03-20 17:05:44
Selling a home is all about getting top dollar for your property in the shortest time possible. Getting the home ready to list indeed takes a lot of time, and certainly involves careful planning, but is a sharp move and in doing so gives potential bu
Are You Considering a Move to Austin Texas
Published on 2011-03-18 10:55:24
Are you considering a move to Austin, Texas? Wondering if it’s the right place for you to live? As a long-time Austin resident, I feel these are just a few of reasons to support such a decision. Here’s a list of reasons to live in Austin
The Long and Winding Road ~ A History of Houston Freeways
Published on 2011-03-17 01:46:58
As the last section of the Sam Houston Tollway opened last month, nearly 23 years after its first section opened, it seems an apt time to take a look back at how Houston’s freeways came into being.At once a salvation and the bane of our existen
Six Tips For A Modern Home Office Conversion
Published on 2011-03-14 15:00:48
You know the feeling, you have put all of your office supplies out, neatened up your small desk or table, rolled up your sleeves (either literally or figuratively) and just as you're about to start that long delayed project, your spouse yells out tha
March Madness Means Lawn Mower Maintenance
Published on 2011-03-08 00:27:19
Five Home Improvement Tasks You Should Do Before Spring - and One You Should NotJust like our cars, certain things around our house need regular maintenance. Of course, it’s tempting to put off with Spring break within sights, the Sweet Si
Real Estate School, the Recession, and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Published on 2011-03-04 01:01:30
This dude is has ideas, ambition and he has the hunger of a champion.He is not out to climb the corporate ladder or collect a paycheck, but has the spirit to be his own boss."I wasn't the kid who wanted to play football," sai
Buying a House: Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck
Published on 2011-03-03 17:54:20
If you’re one of the lucky ones out there with a steady job, a nice cushion in savings and an opportunity to buy a new home, you’re shopping in the best house-buying environment available. In many areas where the prices were exorbitantly
Old Stone Homes: Energy Efficient and Green since the Days of Stone Henge
Published on 2011-03-03 17:37:36
These remnants of the past dot the countryside. Some of these homes date back to the 1600's, when Dutch settlers shared a peaceful co-existence with their neighbors the Delaware Nation (whom the Dutch called "The River Indians"*). Many if n
Spiffy Home Office Decor on a Budget
Published on 2011-03-01 15:36:52
A home office can be considered the heart of many homes, these days. With the economy as it is, as many people as possible are trying to save money on commuting costs, and with the every-increasing popularity of the Internet and the work and income b
Houston Real Estate Could Be Bright Spot in the Housing Market Sluggish Recovery
Published on 2011-02-28 23:23:35
It’s not news that Texas, and Houston in particular, have fared better than most of the nation during the economic turmoil of the last few years. While Texas home prices appreciated at a healthy pace in the 2000’s, none of it approa
Four Steps Before Meeting a Realtor
Published on 2011-02-28 14:06:34
Looking to buy your dream home? Then you have to have a plan. Before making this major purchase, there are 4 steps to consider before meeting with a realtor that can save you and your realtor time, and keep all parties focused.Get Pre-Approved The fi
Watch Out for Mortgage Reconstruction Scams and the Thieves That Use Them
Published on 2011-02-25 15:08:49
These past two years have been brutal for homeowners. After the housing market collapsed, they thought things couldn’t get any worse. That was before scam artists have added insult to the injury and started taking advantage of desperate people
The Ins and Outs of Realtor Open House Marketing
Published on 2011-02-25 14:52:29
The debate rages on about whether or not open houses are effective at selling homes. Some Realtors avoid them, stating that they are a waste of time, while other agents tout their ability to connect with buyers in the area and sell their listings. If
The Changing Face of Riverside Terrace: The Other River Oaks of Houston
Published on 2011-02-24 12:40:15
Tobias and Simon Sakowitz were something akin to local celebrities around Houston. Their store, Sakowitz, was a local institution - known for its high-end wares and genteel service. They gave frequently to local charities and regularly ma
Del Webb's Sweetgrass Grand Opening Showcases the Sweet Life
Published on 2011-02-20 15:57:45
People came from all points around Houston to Richmond, Texas, Saturday, February 12, for the grand opening of Sweetgrass, Del Webb’s newest active adult development in Texas. No less than 1500 visitors streamed into the subdivision, with
One Story or Two, Sprawl or Tall: What is Your Houston Home Flavor
Published on 2011-02-13 15:40:36
Single or double, up or out, tall and towering or low and sprawling.How to decide between a 1-story or 2-story house?Really, it seems to be whatever floats your boat."Cleaning stairs sucks so bad," said Spring resident Karen Edgerley, who l
The Future of Mortgage Interest Rates and What It Means for Housing Recovery
Published on 2011-02-06 12:49:10
A lot of attention has been paid in recent weeks to mortgage rates: after plunging last spring and staying at historic lows for six months, they started to rebound in November. With rates up to 5.11% at the beginning of the year according
House is Sold ...Now Hurry Up and Get Out: Moving Day Experiences
Published on 2011-02-04 14:12:13
You sold the house! Yay you!Now you have to move. And it's going to cost money one way or the other. Did you budget for that? ...don't worry, I never did either. But I moved anyway.I've moved every which-way possible. Hauling boxes in the 1986
Houston Home Builder ZK Homes Discusses Homebuilding Outlook
Published on 2011-02-04 13:18:59
Homebuilders in Houston have had to be creative to keep their businesses profitable. Due to the lackluster housing market, homebuilders like ZK Homes have become more innovative in their business strategies. Established in 2004, ZK Homes, owned by Le
The Woodlands Build-out and New Springwoods Village Development
Published on 2011-01-31 12:14:45
People are wondering ...wassup in the woods? The Woodlands, a master-planned community in south Montgomery County, has several developments and upgrades underway, including the widening of Kuykendahl from FM 2920 north to Woodlands Parkway
Texas-Sized Personalities - and Wallets - Shaped the Texas Medical Center
Published on 2011-01-31 00:27:28
For those casually familiar with Houston, the city conjures a number of images: oil fields, cowboy hats, barbecue, perhaps even spaceships. But for those needing medical care, Houston means one thing: the Texas Medical Center.
Sharing is Nice, Saving Money is Better: Start a Neighborhood Tool Library
Published on 2011-01-22 23:08:44
It’s a lesson we were all taught early on: share. Share your toys. Share your snack. Bring enough to share with the class. That simple wisdom is showing up in a new way in communities across the country - tool shar
Ways to Combat Crime in Your Neighborhood
Published on 2011-01-18 17:29:09
When real estate agents help homebuyers find a perfect home, the homebuyer provides a list of what they want. One thing an agent is not going to hear is “I’m looking for a two bedroom, two story home in the most crime ridden neighborhood
Houston Real Estate Observer Introduces Line-Up of Expert Contributors
Published on 2011-01-17 17:02:54
Company-Neutral Contributors, Including Veteran Real Estate Journalist Ralph Bivins, to Publish Commentary, Insight and Opinions on Houston’s Real Estate Market HOUSTON – January 18, 2011 – The Houston Real Estate Observer (HR
Ambience, Amenities, Rules, Risk and Neighbors: Things to Consider When Buying a Condo
Published on 2011-01-17 12:10:40
There are many good reasons to purchase a condominium - the amenities, the community, the simplicity of not having to take care of a yard. For some, it’s about easy access to urban shopping and restaurants. For others, it’s a
Pros and Cons of Zoning in Houston Texas
Published on 2011-01-10 13:51:04
Many Houstonians take for granted the patchwork of properties that intermingle within the city. Retail spaces coexist next to residences, heavy industry next to hotels and even franchises by farms. This is because Houston does not have a
Houston Heights Homes Make Old New Again
Published on 2011-01-08 10:50:19
Take a stroll through the Houston Heights neighborhood and you’ll find home after home built at the turn of the 20th century - Greek revival homes with expansive porches and Victorian mansions with soaring turrets and gabled roofs. Given
What To Do If Your Homeowners Insurance Claim is Denied
Published on 2011-01-05 10:37:48
Homeowners buy insurance because it gives them peace of mind. The moment they sign their policy they think they aren’t financially liable for any damages to their home. This helps them sleep easier at night, at least until they actu
Should You Build A New Home or Buy An Existing Home
Published on 2011-01-04 17:48:25
There are two kinds of homes in this world – the kind that are already standing and ready for you to make your own and the kind that you have to build from the ground up and get to personalize along the way. Fortunately, both are readily availa
Improving Credit Scores
Published on 2011-01-04 14:02:02
It is not easy to increase your credit score but a good rating is essential for a number of life choices including buying and obtaining a mortgage. Although not an easy process, the logic behind increasing your credit rating is quite simple. Make sur
Turn Your Second Home to Positive Cash Flow
Published on 2011-01-02 23:57:54
With the state of the current housing market, it may prove to be a good investment to keep your current house rather than selling it when you buy the next one. A second home can be a source of revenue if you are smart about how you man