Pearland Texas Real Estate

Now is a great time to purchase a home with a large inventory of homes in many price ranges.  Plus, the interest rates continue to be at a ALL TIME Low.  Below are some Common Home Buying Mistakes.  By taking your time and doing a little homework now can save you money, time, and headaches in the long run

Common Home Buying Mistakes: Looking For A Home Without Being Pre-Approved

 Pre-approval and pre-qualification are two different things. During the qualification process, a loan officer asks you a few questions, then hands you a "pre-qual" letter. The pre-approval process is much more thorough.

During the pre-approval process, the mortgage company does virtually all the work associated with obtaining full-approval. Since there is no property yet identified to purchase, however, an appraisal and title search aren't conducted. 

When you're pre-approved you have much more negotiating clout with the seller. The seller knows you can close the transaction because a lender has carefully reviewed your income, assets, credit and other relevant information. In some cases (multiple offers, for example), being pre-approved can make the difference between buying and not buying a home. Also, you can save money as a result of being in a better negotiating situation. Many mortgage companies will help you become pre-approved at little or no cost. They'll usually need to check your credit and verify your income and assets.

Common Home Buying Mistakes: Choosing A Lender Because They Have The Lowest Rate

While rate is important, you have to consider the overall cost of your loan. Pay close attention to the APR, loan fees, discount and origination points. Some lenders include discount and origination points in their quoted points. Other lenders may only quote discount points, when in fact there is an additional origination point (or fraction of a point).

Common Home Buying Mistakes: Not Getting A Written Good-Faith Estimate

Within three working days after receipt of your completed loan application, your mortgage company is required to provide you with a written Good-Faith Estimate (GFE) of closing costs. You may want to consider requesting a GFE from a few lenders before submitting your application. With a few GFEs to compare, you can get a feel for which lenders are more thorough, and you can educate yourself regarding the costs associated with your transaction. The GFE with the highest costs may not indicate that a particular lender is more expensive than another--in fact, they may be more diligent in itemizing all fees. 

The cost of the mortgage, however, shouldn't be your only criteria. There is no substitute for asking family and friends for referrals and for interviewing prospective mortgage companies. Your real estate agent can also help you find a good mortgage company. You must also feel comfortable that the loan officer you are dealing with is committed to your best interests and will deliver what they promise.

Common Home Buying Mistakes: Not Getting A Written Rate Lock

When a mortgage company tells you they have locked your rate, get a written statement detailing the interest rate, the length of the rate lock, and other particulars about the program. The interest rate lock can be done once you have a property associated with your loan.

Common Home Buying Mistakes: Buying A Home Without Professional Inspections

It is highly recommended that you get property, roof and termite (Structural and Pest Control) inspections. These reports will give you a better picture of what you're buying. Inspection reports are great negotiating tools when it comes to asking the seller to make repairs. If a professional home inspector states that certain repairs need to be made, the seller is more likely to agree to making them. If the seller agrees to make repairs, you could have your inspector verify the completed work prior to close of escrow. Do not assume that everything will be done as promised. It is also, a good idea prior to closing to have the seller send over any paid invoices and warranty information for agreed upon repairs.

Your Realtor can provide you with a list of inspectors or you can view a list of Professional Real Estate Inspectors at the TREC website.

Common Home Buying Mistakes: Not Shopping For Home Insurance Until You Are Ready To Close

Start shopping for insurance as soon as you have a property you would like to make an offer. Many buyers wait until the last minute to get insurance and find they have no time left to shop around. The insurance company will be able to tell you how much the yearly premium amount will be and if the property is in a flood zone and if the home has windstorm coverage. When looking for an insurance company it is a good idea to have them send you the amount of the coverage along with the yearly premium.  You will also, want to make sure there is no outstanding claims on the property. Your Realtor can provide you with a list of insurance companies or you can visit the Texas Department of Insurance Website.

Common Home Buying Mistakes: Not Planning Your Move Carefully

You expect to move out of your current residence on Friday and into your new residence over the weekend. Also on Friday, your lease terminates and the movers are scheduled to appear.  Friday morning arrives: bags packed, boxes stacked, children under arm and the dog on a leash; you're sitting on your front door stoop awaiting the arrival of the movers. Your phone rings. Your loan closing is delayed until the following Tuesday. The new tenants turn into your driveway with a weighted-down U-Haul and the movers pull up across the street. You ask yourself, "Where's the nearest Motel 6 and storage facility? How much will the movers charge for an extra trip? Can we afford it?" Granted, this "disaster" is contrived, but problems can and do occur. How can you avoid such circumstances? Cancel your lease and ask the movers to show up five to seven days after you anticipate closing your transaction. Consider the extra expense an insurance policy. You're buying peace of mind--and protecting yourself from expensive delays.

Common Home Buying Mistakes: Making Major Purchases Before You Close

This includes furniture, jewelry, appliances, electronic equipment, and cars-- anything that will create a debt or cut into your cash reserves. Increasing your debts or decreasing your cash reserves may adversely affect your loan qualification. If you need to buy a car or furniture, wait till after you move into your home.

Common Home Buying Mistakes: Moving Your Money Around

Your lender is required to document the source of your down payment and closing costs. If you start transferring liquid assets among different accounts or banks--if only to consolidate--you could end up regretting it when you have to produce cancelled checks, deposit receipts, and other seemingly inconsequential information. If you do need to do this make sure you keep a good paper trail in case the lender needs the documentation.

Common Home Buying Mistakes: Changing Jobs

Talk to your lender before changing jobs. Changing jobs may adversely affect your ability to borrow. In the worst of case, changing jobs relatively soon or during your transaction can preclude you from closing the loan.

Although it can be stressful, with a little bit of homework and preparation the process of owning a home will be smoother. Buying a home can and should be a happy time. Try to avoid some of the common home buying mistakes.

Oakbrook and Oakbrook Estates in Pearland, Texas

Located off Dixie Farm Rd between Highway 35 & FM 518.

    

 Oakbrook/Oakbrook Estates now has three convenient entrances to the neighborhood(s) off of Dixie Farm Road.  The neighborhood location provides quick access to Highway 35, FM 518, as well as Highway 45.  The “original” Oakbrook has an abundance of mature trees from the front entrance and throughout.  They have a strictly enforced deed restriction policy to ensure the prestige of the neighborhood.  The sidewalks are well lit for safety as well as ambiance.    

There is a community pool and cabana located in the “Oakbrook Estates” section that features a relaxing cabana too.  The neighborhood is family friendly often holding activities for pumpkin carving, decorating contest, Bunco groups, exercise groups, etc.

    

There is always a great supply and demand of homes for sale in Oakbrook/Oakbrook Estates, and at this point there is an availability of new home construction in the neighborhoods also.  The new home builders have a vast variety of floor plans, amenities, and price ranges to suite. 

Oakbrook & Oakbrook Estates are zoned for the following Pearland ISD schools and listed below is the direct links to each campus to access any additional information. 

·         Pearland ISD Home Page- http://www.pearlandisd.org/

·         Rustic Oak Elementary- http://www.RusticOak.org Exemplary Rating

·         Alexander Middle School-  http://www.AlexanderMiddleSchool.org  Exemplary Rating

·         Pearland JR High East-  http://www.JuniorHighEast.org Recognized Rating

·         Pearland Searcy 9^th Grade Center- http://Searcy9thGradeCenter.org Recognized Rating

·         Pearland High School- http://www.PearlandHigh.org  Academically Acceptable Rating

 

While the list of restaurants in close proximity are endless, below are a few close Restaurants that are well established and always have impeccable food to offer with great reviews from their customers…

·         Perry & Son’s-Market & Grill 281-482-2842

·         Stefano’s Pizzeria 281-992-2233

·         LaCasita Mexican Restaurant-281-482-2206

·         Floyd’s Seafood- Cajun Seafood and Texas Steakhouse 281-993-8385

·         King’s Biergarten & Restaurant- Australian & German Cuisine 832-569-4141

·         Baytown Seafood- Restaurant & Market 281-997-9805

·         Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen- Tex Mex Cuisine 281-485-3844

If you are interested in learning more about Oakbrook & Oakbrook Estates, please feel free to call me at 281.412.2022!

OCTOBER - 2011 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter

Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general.

The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau and Realtor.org reports, videos, key market indicators and real estate sales statistics, a video message by a nationally recognized economist, maps, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, plus local neighborhood information and more. Please click here to view the OCTOBER - 2011 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter.

If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click the Home Evaluator link for a free evaluation report.

 

Silverlake Real Estate Market in Pearland, TX remains strong and steady.  At this time there are 67 homes active on the MLS.  Last month I reported on September 15^th in my Silverlake Market Report Update that there were 83 homes active on the mls.  The price range of the homes active on the market is $99,000 to $599,000.  There are many opportunities for homes buyers given the large range of prices. 

 

Pending Sales are up this month from 15 in September to 24 in October.  This shows a positive Real Estate Market for Silverlake.  The average price for the homes pending is $210,882.00. The price range of the homes is $108,900 to $619,900. The average time on the market was 105 days.

 

The number of homes SOLD and closed was a slightly down from last month but, expected to go back up next month with the large number of pending home sales.  There were 12 homes that closed since September 14, 2011.  The average adjusted price range of the homes was $106,100 to $346,500. The average time on the market was 96 days.  The sellers received an average of 97% of the sales.

Silverlake Featured Home for Sale or Lease

2807 Newbury Court

$274,999 for Sale or $1975.00 month for Lease

Approximately 3990 Square Feet

 

This home is exquisite on all ends! Offering 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths there is so much room you won't know what to do. Hardwood and tile thought-out the dining, kitchen & living room. Over sized Kitchen has granite counter tops and double oven. Master Suite is huge and has his/her sinks w/ a whirlpool garden tub. Two Staircases! BIG Gameroom and four BIG bedrooms upstairs with Jack/Jill bathrooms. Also there is an extra room can be used as computer niche or nursery. Backyard is nice size and has porch.

 

 

 

The Lakes at Highland Glen Market remains strong and steady.  At this time there are 24 homes active on the mls.  Last month I reported on September 15^th in my The Lakes at Highland Glen Market Report Update that there were 32 homes active on the mls.  The price range of the homes active on the market is $174,900 to $529,000. The average list price is $287,432. The average time on the market for the homes is 125 days.

Pending Sales are up this month from 2 in September to 7.  This shows a positive Real Estate Market for The Lakes at Highland Glen.  The average price for homes pending is $261,243.00. The price range of the homes is $175,000 to $440,000. The average time on the market was 97 days.

There were 2 homes that closed since September 14, 2011.  The average adjusted price range of the homes was $182,828 to $371,901. The average time on the market was 68 days.  The sellers received an average of 96% of the sales.

Spotlight on The Lake at Highland Glen.

 

Vic Coppinger YMCA in Pearland, Texas is having their 16th Annual Fall Festival this Friday, October 21, 2011. My husband and I took Jayden the last couple of years and he had a blast.   We are looking forward to taking him again this year.   The cost is $10.00 which includes the admission to all the activities except the Road Gamers and concession stand.

The Fall Festival is 6pm-9pm and the entire Pearland Community is invited

Face Painting                    Concessions       

  Haunted House                 Games

Live Music                         Inflatables

Road Gamers                    Petting Zoo

 

For more information for the Fall Festival contact Vic Coppinger YMCA @ 281.485.6805

 

Are you looking for Rental Homes in Pearland Texas?

 

3238 Autumn Forest Dr located in Westwood Village in Pearland, Texas $1400.00 Per Month. 

Great 3 bedroom 2 bath home! Kitchen is spacious and opens up to the living area as well as the breakfast room. Formal dining and den as good size as well. Master bedroom is HUGE! Master bathroom has his/her sinks, tile floor, and glass shower plus separate garden tub. Backyard has a little patio. Appliances to stay are washer/dryer and refrigerator. Make your appointment today!

 

                  6037 Manry Avenue located in Brookside Village in Pearland, Texas $1500.00 Per Month.

 

This home is a MUST SEE! From the inside out. Beautiful kitchen w/ granite counter tops,travertine backsplash,stainless appliances,& HUGE island. Dining room has built-ins and bench seat. 2 Master suites! Both have WHIRLPOOL tubs.Large living area with pergo wood floors. Outdoor kitchen w/big covered patio & built-in grill & oven! Extra large 24 x 16 workshop in back of property.Huge Garage/Gameroom is a must to see.Energy efficient with updated insulation and windows. SEE TODAY!

 

2807 Newbury Court located Silverlake in Pearland, Texas $1975.00 Per Month.

 

This home is exquisite on all ends! Offering 5 bedrooms and 3.5 baths there is so much room you won't know what to do. Hardwood and tile thought-out the dining, kitchen & living room. Kitchen has granite counter tops and double oven. Master is huge and has his/her sinks w/ a whirlpool tub. 2 Staircases! Gameroom and 4 BIG bedrooms upstairs with jack/jill bathrooms. Built in shelves for TV. Also there is an extra room can be used as computer niche or nursery. Backyard is nice size and has porch.

 

Search all Rental Homes in Pearland Texas at PearlandHomeTeam.com 

 

 

 

 

October - 2011 Pearland Real Estate Market Report

Welcome to the most current Pearland Real Estate Market Report. This Report is specially designed for you, with local housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in the Pearland Real Estate Market.

This Market Report contains the latest information from the homes listed on HAR.com Pearland continues to show that this Town is a great place to live and own Real Estate. An outstanding 166 homes are pending and waiting to go to closing. Last Month there were 96 homes that closed. I am often asked if this is still a buyer’s market. My answer to this is YES but, even in a buyer’s market homes do sale and they are selling in Pearland, Texas. Why not this is a great location and the interest rates are still at an ALL TIME LOW. If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click the Home Evaluator link for a free Market Analysis for your Pearland Home.

Come see this cute home located in Sagemont. This 3 bedroom 2 bath is on a corner lot has been updated with beautiful hard wood floors and new carpet, even the garage has been updated with new paint. Nice size backyard with a covered patio.

 

                                    Priced At $104,900

SqFt: 1638/Appraisal District

Lot Size: 8750/Appraisal District

Year Built: 1970/Appraisal District

 Home for Sale in Sagemont listing Details

Sagemont is located just minutes from Beltway 8 and I45.  Easy and quick access to work, schools and restaurants makes this a preferred location.

 

 

DON'T Forget about curb appeal of your home it is the first impression, just like a job interview. In a job interview they say you only have seconds to make a good impression.

How is your curb appeal? Will your home pass the initial first impression test? These are questions to ask yourself each morning and evening your home is active on the market for sale or lease. Having a quick checklist will help to insure your home is ready.  The fact is a lot of buyers like to take a drive by the home before they make an appointment.  You want your property to be on the buyers appointment list to come inside to take a look.

Here is the Daily Curb Appeal List

 

Does the lawn need to be mowed?

 

Do the hedges need to be trimmed?

 

Any weeds or dead plants or flowers need to be removed?

 

Remove any trash, recycle bins, newspapers, etc..

 

Make sure all walkways, porches, steps and driveway are swept and tidy

 

Take time to prepare for the picture day for your home.

 

Picture day is an important day.  These are the pictures the public will see.  The front of the property will most likely be the first picture they see on the MLS and different internet sites.  I always tell my sellers to take their time in getting the home ready.  One or two days will not hurt as bad as a home that is not picture ready and has bad curb appeal.

 

In addition to the above items, it is strongly suggested to have fresh bark mulch in the flower beds.  If the home needs fresh paint and wood repair now is the time to take care of these items.  Also, make sure the front porch is ready.  A couple of items to purchase which won’t cost much but, will make things more welcoming would be a front porch mat and a nice potted plant. Last but not least make sure the front door is tidy & clean. 

 

Just remember curb appeal is from day one until you go to closing. While waiting to be let in by their Realtor, the first thing a buyer looks at closely is the front of your home. Take a walk across the street and take a look.  Ask yourself what you would see if you were a buyer.

 

For more tips, check out Seller Resources on our website. . If it is time for your home to go on the market you can’t afford not to spend some time and in some cases a little money on curb appeal.  Remember the main goal is to distinguish your house from others.