Monday, August 27, 2012

Determining Home Value in Pearland

Pearland House Values

Knowing the current value of your home is important when you're considering a move, refinancing or getting a home equity loan. Prices are determined by recent sales and the supply and demand of current inventory.
The process of selecting comparable properties involves matching similar features like bedrooms, baths, square footage and updates. In addition to price, there are other factors that affect the value and ultimately, the sale of a home.
Location plays a significant role because by the unique combination of improvements and land. Beneficial considerations would be convenience to schools, shopping, transportation and proximity to freeways. Undesirable concerns could include being in the vicinity of busy streets, high-tension lines, commercial property and other things.
To receive a computerized estimate on the value of your home that includes prices of comparable homes that have sold recently and homes currently for sale, click here.
Value is not totally objective and does require a certain amount of subjective considerations. If you have questions after you receive your report by email, contact us and we'll be happy to talk to you about your concerns.

Dated homes don't sell

(or, More Confessions from Pearland Sam)

I went on a listing appointment in Silverlake on Saturday to a very nice 2-story home that has been impeccably maintained.  This home was built in 1999 and is currently vacant (the owners bought a newer, larger home nearby) and has been on the market for over 6 months with no offers.  And I must say, "it's nice."

From the original white carpet (no shoes have ever touched it) to the lovely vinyl floors in the kitchen, all intact and in mint condition!  The oak finish cabinets are trimmed with beige Formica countertops and 4"x4" white ceramic tile backsplash -- all like new! 

The splendid polished brass chandeliers glisten and gleam in the entry, formal dining, den (with fan kit), kitchen, and breakfast nook.  The carpet and vinyl flooring in the bathrooms (with tile "step-outs") are spotless! 

And it's the lowest price in the neighborhood!  But really . . . who wants it?  (Simple answer:  no one.)  Why?  It looks like it did 13 years ago when new.  It's dated.  Today's buyers are rejecting dated homes in favor of farther commutes and crummier neighborhoods to get granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, laminate/wood floors, nickel-plated or other shades of silver fixtures and door knobs.   And it's nearly impossible to discount the home enough to sell it as-is!

Buyers want to buy a home with no up-front repair costs -- which translates to "the house must be updated and in good condition in order to sell it."  There.  I've said it.  It's true.  Believe it or stay put. 

Need help getting yours ready for sale?  Let our professional design/stage/shoot team help you get yours ready for market.  Call TheSamTeam today at 832-200-5656 and let's get started.  That is, IF you want to sell it. 

Sunday, August 26, 2012

The Torch is Passing . . .

(or, "Pearland Sam Confesses")

I returned from a three-day business trip to Denver Friday night, a trip I took with my daughter Katie to meet our newest client, PEMCO.  For those of you who don't know, PEMCO is one of three HUD contractors who manage HUD-owned homes.  For a long time, Katie and I have serviced HUD Homes for HomeTelos, but we recently got the opportunity to apply for a PEMCO contract.  Out of over 1200 applications received from eager listing brokers, only 63 were selected as "LLB's" or "listing brokers" for their organization -- we were one of the 63.  (If I sound "bragadocious," maybe I am a little, but my team and I worked hard to build an amazing application presentation both in print an online, so I am very proud of them all!)  The addition of PEMCO to our HUD base that we've previously built with our outstanding association with HomeTelos, will allow us to bring more options to our future -- and existing -- customers and clients.  

But more interesting than that, was what I observed from my "outsider-looking-in" approach to what we experienced.  In my 37+ years as a Realtor, Appraiser, Trainer, Speaker, etc., I am quite used to the attention I get at Realtor conferences.  Frankly, I've learned to like and expect it!  But that's not what greeted me in Denver!  Instead, the attention was focused on my "up-and-coming" 25-year-old protege, my beautiful daughter Katie.

In the past few years, I've seen her grow into what I now see as a smart, savvy businesswoman.  From the little girl who graduated from Pearland High School, to the young woman who graduated from Houston Baptist University (some 30 years to the date after I did), to the smart young businesswoman who obtained her Texas Broker License at a young age . . . I confess that I really didn't see it coming.  And why not? 

Did I not want to see my baby grow up?  Did I get too involved with all the "little" issues of growing up and overlook the big picture?  Possibly all of the above . . . but the Denver trip "opened my eyes." 

In November, Katie is getting married to her long-time sweetheart, another amazing young person who works at RE/MAX Top Realty, Travis See.  (See photo above.)  Travis started working with us when he was 17 years old, and a student at Pearland High School.  He was an office boy, intent on finishing his degree.  When our bookkeeper suddenly quit in May, Travis stepped into the position (with no bookkeeping experience at all) and has handled it in a way even I couldn't have done!  (In case you're reading this, Travis, I am very proud of your achievement.)  There.......I said it.......and those who know me know that I'm not one to "coddle" anyone! 

And so, the beat goes on.  I grew up in a real estate office under the watchful eye of my mother, (last known as "Lou Johnston,") and now Katie has grown up in this business, becoming the third generation Realtor in our family.  The torch is passing . . . .


Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Own Part of Pearland

Pearland Real Estate Ownership

The American Dream of owning a home is still alive. People still want a place of their own; where they can raise their family; share with their friends; feel safe and secure. Homeownership creates emotional and financial benefits.
The government supports that dream by allowing deductions for mortgage and home equity interest as well as property taxes. The capital gains exclusion on profits from a home is incredibly generous and a low long-term capital gains tax rate applies to excess profits.
It's reported that some of the social benefits of owning a home include higher voter participation, better physical health, higher student test scores, lower teen delinquency, neighborhood stability and pride in the community.
If for no other reason, the decision to buy a home should be considered when it costs much less to own a home than it does to rent. With the unusually low available mortgage rates, the payment is generally less than comparable rent. However, the decision becomes more obvious when the other benefits are considered like amortization, appreciation and tax savings.
It's not uncommon for the net cost of housing to be half of the actual mortgage payment. In most cases, it is significantly more to rent than to own which could amount to more than the down payment in the first year alone. Calculate your cost of Renting vs. Owning.

I've got the Pre-Election Blues! :-(

The presidential election isn't until November, and I'm already sick of it.  And frankly, what's really going to change for me?  NOTHING!  NADA!  NO MATTER WHICH ONE GETS ELECTED!

What are the real issues?

1.  Huge Medicare cuts?
2.  Gay marriage?  (a/k/a Eat More Chik'n)
3.  Roe v Wade?
4.  Spending cuts?
5.  Tax breaks for the wealthy?
6.  No more social security?  (I haven't been counting on that one!)

Will any of this actually have an effect on my life?  It could, but it won't!  And I've voted in every election since Jimmy Carter!  And yes, I'll vote again. 

By election time, I'm sure that the media and each of the candidates will have exposed each other for the low-life filthy cheats that they will be made out to be.  All their skeletons will come out of the closet...........ugh! 

Is anyone willing to run for that office who is actually capable of handling it? 

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Brazoria County MLS Stats for July 2012

Pearland Home Sales | Brazoria County | July 2012

Well, July sales sizzled in the Brazoria county market.  Sales are up for July this year over July last year.  In this side-by-side comparison, you can see a slight improvement for July 2012 over July 2011.  These include lower inventory, higher number of pendings and closings (ie, more sales!), higher closed price to list price ratio, and lower days on market! 

Are you ready to buy or sell?  Call me at 832-200-5656 and let's see where you fit in today's market.

Take a look at the statistics directly from MLS (or you may know it as HAR.com):
Monthly Activity Report: 7-2011
Property Type: Single Family
Office Code: RTOP01 Sam Ferreri
Area New Avg LP Pending Avg LP Closed Avg CP %CP/LP Avg DOM
5 411 $190,243 287 $178,376 249 $168,331 96.02% 87

Monthly Activity Report: 7-2012
Property Type: Single Family
Office Code: RTOP01 Sam Ferreri
Area New Avg LP Pending Avg LP Closed Avg CP %CP/LP Avg DOM
5 381 $195,954 303 $180,617 276 $186,654 96.20% 66


Monday, August 13, 2012

How Long Do I Have to Wait to Buy in Pearland?

How Long Do I Have to Wait to Buy in Pearland? - 8/13/2012

The question concerning people who’ve had a foreclosure, short sale or bankruptcy is when they will be able to qualify for a mortgage loan. It takes different amounts of time to heal credit scores based on the event.
The following chart is meant to be a general guide for how long a person might have to wait. During this waiting period, it’s important that the person be current on all payments and maintains a history of good credit.
FHA
VA
USDA
FNMA/Freddie Mac
Jumbo
Foreclosure
3 years
2 years
3 years
7 years
7 years
Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure
3 years
2 years
3 years
2 years<80%
4 years81-90%
7 years> 90%
7 years
Short Sale
3 years
2 years
3 years
2 years<80%
7 years81-90%
7 years> 90%
7 years
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy
2 years
2 years
3 years
4 years
7 years
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
1 year
1 year
1 year
2 years
7 years
A recommended lender can give you specific information regarding your individual situation and can make suggestions that will improve your ability to qualify for a mortgage. We want to be your personal source of real estate information and we're committed to helping from purchase to sale and all the years in between.
Ready to get started? Call The Sam Team today at 832-200-5656, or email SamF@Remax.net. www.TheSamTeam.com

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Get Prequalified In Pearland for NO DOWN PAYMENT financing!

Pearland No Down Payment Homes

If you've been thinking of buying a home, but were unsure of your finances, read Sam Ferreri's special report, "How to Buy a Home with Little to No Money Down." 

Learn about USDA loans, VA loans, HUD Homes (with $100 down payment options), FHA financing with 3.5% down payments, and much more!

Sam Ferreri, a 37+ year Realtor, wants he and his team to help you to become a homeowner and take advantage of the lowest home prices and interest rates in years!  Call today.  832-200-5656 or email Sam at SamF@Remax.net.

Homeownership Rules in Pearland

Homeownership Rules - 8/9/2012

Most people agree that homeownership rules! When asked, people say they want a home they can call their own, to raise their family, share with their friends and to feel safe and secure. It also accounts for the majority of most people's net worth.
These rules can help protect your investment and make homeownership more enjoyable.
  1. Don't overpay for your home
  2. Maintain your home's condition
  3. Minimize your assessed value to lower property taxes
  4. Make extra principal contributions to save interest and build equity
  5. Validate the insured value of improvements and contents
  6. Stay current on surrounding property values
  7. Make mortgage interest payments deductible
  8. Invest in capital improvements that increase market value
  9. Don't over-improve the neighborhood
  10. Keep records of capital improvements and other maintenance
We want to be your personal source of real estate information and we're committed to helping from purchase to sale and all the years in between.  Call Sam at 832-200-5656 or email SamF@Remax.net.  Interested in the Pearland community of Silverlake?  Check this out!