Time is Everything: When to Make Big Buys

Designed & Delivered by Outbound Engine, Inc 

Wondering when is the best time to upgrade your appliances or spring for a new mattress? When it comes to getting a great price on your major purchases, timing is everything!

Swimming Pools – Wait until off-season to start that swimming pool project. The best time to book your swimming pool contractor is when the weather turns cooler and things slow down for the season.

Mattresses – Plan your mattress purchase around the holidays when retailers have their big blowout sales. The biggest sales are usually on holiday weekends like Presidents Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Furniture – Start your search for that new sofa in January or February as the new stuff starts coming out in the spring. July is the other big furniture clearance month.

Patio Furniture – Outfit your backyard and deck on a bargain basement budget by waiting for the fall patio furniture sales. The fall is also a good time to upgrade your backyard grill.

Television and Electronics – Take advantage of the pre-Super Bowl sales in February, or wait until Spring when Japanese manufacturers start their new fiscal year and blow out the old models in preparation for the new. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are also good days for discounts.

Carpeting and Flooring – Upgrade your carpeting and flooring in January when prices drop after Christmas holiday rush.

Appliances – Buy you appliances in September and October when manufacturers start unveiling new models and clearing out the old stock. The exception to the rules is refrigerators, which come out in the summer, making spring the time to buy.

House hunting shouldn’t be hard in League City. It isn’t if you know where to look. Start here…

 

What Do you Need to Create a Useful Home Office?

Working from home has serious benefits. You can’t beat the commute or the flexibility you have when to structuring your day. But there are also drawbacks. Creating a makeshift office at the kitchen table could mean important documents end up with a coffee ring or worse, go missing.

Lighting – Ensure you have both general and task lighting to prevent eyestrain. Ideally, office lighting should illuminate your work space without adding glare to your computer screen.

Ergonomics – Arrange your desk, chair and the computer screen so you’re sitting in a neutral position while typing. Avoid any positions that require twisting or leaning forward, as both out strain on your back.

Cable Management– Keep control of cables with color-coded ties and clips. Don’t forget to include a charging station for all of your electronic devices.

Aesthetics – Consider the view from your office window. If you don’t have the luxury of overlooking beautiful outdoor space, add decorative touches indoors to create an office you’ll love spending time in.

Storage – Integrate functional storage into your office space, especially if other members of the family will also be using room. If space is at premium, go vertical, adding storage boxes and file holders to shelves.

Contact me so I can keep you updated on the latest real estate activities in our community and answer any questions you may have. #‎houstonrealtyteam‪ #‎listwithchristina ‪ #dickinsontxhomepricing #friendswoodtxhomepricing #leaguecitytxhomepricing #getthefacts ‪#‎realestatebroker‪ #‎getmarketingdone #probaterealtor #estatesale

Christina E. Osborne, ABR, ALHS, CHMS, CNE, GRI, MCNE, SRS, SRES, SFR, SMP, TAHS # 0591704

christina@houstonrealtyteam.com

☏ (281) 793-5193

✯ The Most Important Accomplishment: Helping People’s Dreams Come True!

Why use a Realtor?

All real estate licensees are not the same. Only real estate licensees who are members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® are properly called REALTORS®. They proudly display the REALTOR “®” logo on the business card or other marketing and sales literature. REALTORS® are committed to treat all parties to a transaction honestly. REALTORS® subscribe to a strict code of ethics and are expected to maintain a higher level of knowledge of the process of buying and selling real estate. An independent survey reports that 84% of home buyers would use the same REALTOR® again.

Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Transactions today usually exceed $100,000. If you had a $100,000 income tax problem , would you attempt to deal with it without the help of a CPA? If you had a $100,000 legal question, would you deal with it without the help of an attorney? Considering the small upside cost and the large downside risk, it would be foolish to consider a deal in real estate without the professional assistance of a REALTOR®.

But if you’re still not convinced of the value of a REALTOR®, here are a dozen more reasons to use one:

1. Your REALTOR® can help you determine your buying power — that is, your financial reserves plus your borrowing capacity. If you give a REALTOR® some basic information about your available savings, income and current debt, he or she can refer you to lenders best qualified to help you. Most lenders — banks and mortgage companies — offer limited choices.

2. Your REALTOR® has many resources to assist you in your home search. Sometimes the property you are seeking is available but not actively advertised in the market, and it will take some investigation by your agent to find all available properties.

3. Your REALTOR® can assist you in the selection process by providing objective information about each property. Agents who are REALTORS® have access to a variety of informational resources. REALTORS® can provide local community information on utilities, zoning, schools, etc. There are two things you’ll want to know. First, will the property provide the environment I want for a home or investment? Second, will the property have resale value when I am ready to sell?

4. Your REALTOR® can help you negotiate. There are myriad negotiating factors, including but not limited to price, financing, terms, date of possession and often the inclusion or exclusion of repairs and furnishings or equipment. The purchase agreement should provide a period of time for you to complete appropriate inspections and investigations of the property before you are bound to complete the purchase. Your agent can advise you as to which investigations and inspections are recommended or required.

5. Your REALTOR® provides due diligence during the evaluation of the property. Depending on the area and property, this could include inspections for termites, dry rot, asbestos, faulty structure, roof condition, septic tank and well tests, just to name a few. Your REALTOR® can assist you in finding qualified responsible professionals to do most of these investigations and provide you with written reports. You will also want to see a preliminary report on the title of the property. Title indicates ownership of property and can be mired in confusing status of past owners or rights of access. The title to most properties will have some limitations; for example, easements (access rights) for utilities. Your REALTOR®, title company or attorney can help you resolve issues that might cause problems at a later date.

6. Your REALTOR® can help you in understanding different financing options and in identifying qualified lenders.

7. Your REALTOR® can guide you through the closing process and make sure everything flows together smoothly.

8. When selling your home, your REALTOR® can give you up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace and the price, financing, terms and condition of competing properties. These are key factors in getting your property sold at the best price, quickly and with minimum hassle.

9. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. Often, your REALTOR® can recommend repairs or cosmetic work that will significantly enhance the salability of your property. Your REALTOR® markets your property to other real estate agents and the public. In many markets across the country, over 50% of real estate sales are cooperative sales; that is, a real estate agent other than yours brings in the buyer. Your REALTOR® acts as the marketing coordinator, disbursing information about your property to other real estate agents through a Multiple Listing Service or other cooperative marketing networks, open houses for agents, etc. The REALTOR® Code of Ethics requires REALTORS® to utilize these cooperative relationships when they benefit their clients.

10. Your REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. A REALTOR® will generally prescreen and accompany qualified prospects through your property.

11. Your REALTOR® can help you objectively evaluate every buyer’s proposal without compromising your marketing position. This initial agreement is only the beginning of a process of appraisals, inspections and financing — a lot of possible pitfalls. Your REALTOR® can help you write a legally binding, win-win agreement that will be more likely to make it through the process.

12. Your REALTOR® can help close the sale of your home. Between the initial sales agreement and closing (or settlement), questions may arise. For example, unexpected repairs are required to obtain financing or a cloud in the title is discovered. The required paperwork alone is overwhelming for most sellers. Your REALTOR® is the best person to objectively help you resolve these issues and move the transaction to closing (or settlement).

Courtesy of NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

 

“Most Recommended, Ask Why?”

 

Contact me so I can keep you updated on the latest real estate activities in our community and answer any questions you may have.

Christina E. Osborne, ABR, ALHS, CHMS, CNE, GRI, MCNE, SRS, SRES, SFR, SMP, TAHS

# 0591704

christina@houstonrealtyteam.com

☏ (281) 793-5193

✯ The Most Important Accomplishment: Helping People’s Dreams Come True!

 

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New-Home Design Trends Can Up Your Home’s Value

Perhaps you’re in the market for a newly built home. Or maybe you’re in the process of having a home built. Or maybe you’re considering a remodeling project to your existing home. No matter what your scenario is, taking the latest home-design trends into consideration will make any home pop and give it some unique flavor. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), these home-building trends are not just about style but functionality, and can serve to increase the resale value of your home as they reflect consumer preferences in housing moving forward. Check with a real estate expert to see if and how these trends can affect a home’s value in your particular neighborhood:

• Reworked Spaces: New homes are being designed to allow plenty of space for family interaction in high-traffic areas such as the kitchen, and to eliminate rooms such as formal dens and home offices that aren’t frequently used. Small spaces devoted to home management, also known as “pocket offices,” are being included in large pantries or spaces nearby the kitchen or family great room. Window seats and alcoves are being used to provide an area for private time, without taking up a lot of space. A popular and efficient location for laundry facilities is now added onto the master bedroom’s walk-in closet.

• Multigenerational Living: Many families are all living under one roof due to increasing cultural diversity and the state of the economy during the past few years. New single-family home designs reflect this with “shadow” units that are built alongside a home, separate living units that access the main floor plan through a door, or by having at least two master suites; one is usually located on the ground floor to be more accessible for elderly occupants.

• More Impact, Less Cost: Rectangular home designs are more cost effective, so new homes no longer have the formerly-popular feature of multiple roof lines or the resulting unnecessary interior volumes they created. But home designs now include innovative modifications that are still visually stimulating, such as using two windows in a corner with mitered glass to allow unobstructed views and maximum light to come in. Another example is using a mix of materials in the home’s facade such as metal, wood and stone to give the home a modern look.

 

Check out our Website for all your Real Estate needs!!

We love what we do! Call us today @ 281-793-5193 for all of your Real Estate needs! Don’t make a move….. without the Houston Realty Team.

#‎houstonrealtyteam‪ #‎listwithchristina ‪ #dickinsontxhomepricing #friendswoodtxhomepricing #leaguecitytxhomepricing #getthefacts ‪#‎realestatebroker‪ #‎getmarketingdone #probaterealtor #estatesale

Update Your Kitchen for $1,000 or Less

Want to give your kitchen a makeover but also stick to a budget? You may have to skip the custom cabinetry, but a few key changes can make a huge difference. Here are a few cost-effective ideas to freshen up your kitchen.

Swap out the hardware
New hardware isn’t expensive, but it can make a big difference in the overall look of your kitchen. Kitchen hardware ranges from rustic to modern, so you won’t have a problem finding the perfect addition to your existing decor.

Buy a new faucet
A new faucet is an easy way to create a stunning focal point in your kitchen. Look for a finish and style that works well with your kitchen’s aesthetic.

Try a stainless steel laminate backsplash
Many homeowners love the sleek, contemporary look of a stainless steel laminate backsplash. Stainless steel laminate works with most kitchen styles and color schemes, and doesn’t cost a fortune to install.

Think outside the box
Don’t be afraid to get creative if you’re working with a limited budget. Repaint or refinish your old cabinets for an entirely new aesthetic. Or, update your lighting fixtures with stylish, modern replacements.

Christina E. Osborne News Hub

 

What is a Homestead Exemption?

A Homestead exemption helps you save MONEY on your yearly taxes.

You may apply for homestead exemptions on your principal residence. Homestead exemptions remove part of your home’s value from taxation, so they lower your taxes.For example, if your home is valued at $100,000 and you qualify for a $20,000 exemption, you pay taxes on your home as if it was worth only $80,000.                                    

 

Do all homes qualify for homestead exemptions?

No, only a homeowner’s principal residence qualifies. To qualify, a home must meet the definition of a residence homestead: The home’s owner must be an individual (for example: not a corporation or other business entity) and use the home as his or her primary residence on January 1 of the tax year. If you are age 65 or older, or disabled, the January 1 ownership and residency are not required for the age 65 or disabled homestead exemption.

What is a homestead?

A homestead can be a separate structure, condominium or a manufactured home located on owned or leased land, as long as the individual living in the home owns it. A homestead can include up to 20 acres, if the land is owned by the homeowner and used for a purpose related to the residential use of the homestead.      

What homestead exemptions are available?                        

There are several types of exemptions you may receive.

• School taxes — If you qualify for the homestead exemption, you will receive at least a $15,000 homestead exemption on the value of your home for school district taxes.

• County taxes — all homeowners.Harris County currently provides a 20% optional homestead exemption to all homeowners. This means, for example, that if your home is valued at $100,000, the exemption will reduce its taxable value for Harris County taxes by $20,000 to $80,000.

• Optional exemptions — all homeowners.Any taxing unit, including a school district, city, county or special district, may offer an exemption for up to 20% of your home’s value. The amount of an optional exemption can’t be less than $5,000, no matter what the percentage is. For example, if your home is valued at $20,000 and your city offers a 20% optional exemption, your exemption is $5,000, even though 20% of $20,000 is just $4,000.
  

  Application Deadlines:

  You should file your regular residential homestead exemption application between January 1 and April 30. Early applications will not be accepted. If your application is postmarked by April 30, this will allow the district time to process it before your tax statement comes out in the fall. If you miss the April 30th deadline you can still apply:

  For a general exemption: up to one year after the date taxes became delinquent for the year (usually February 1 of the year following the tax year).

  For an over-65 or disabled person: if you turn 65, become totally disabled, or acquire a property during the year, you can apply and have the over-65 or disability exemption activated for that year. The deadline to apply for an over-65 or disabled person’s exemption for the year in which you qualify is the first anniversary of the date you qualify. In other words, you have one year from the date you qualify to apply. For example:

  1. If you are already qualified and you purchase a different home, you have one year from the date you occupy the new home to apply.
  2. If you turn 65 during the year, you have until your 66th birthday to apply for the year in which you turn 65.
  3. If you become disabled during the year, you have one year from the date you became disabled to apply.

  Otherwise, the deadline for applying for the over-65 or disability exemption is the same as the deadline given above.

Click on your County below to get started on your Homestead Application!

Harris Co. Homestead Form

Galveston Co. Homestead Form

Brazoria Co. Homestead Form