Sure, things are slowing down. After all, fall is here, school has started, and holidays are coming soon. But the real estate market in The Woodlands has remained stable over the past few years, and we are excited about the months coming up! If you're interested in what's happening in our local market, here's the information for you!! Scroll to the bottom of this first screen and click "full" (on the left bottom corner). Click "Escape" to return to this blog.
What is YOUR home worth?? If you live in The Woodlands/Spring/Houston area, email us at drummond@thedrummondsdeliver.com and we'll give you a report -- for FREE!!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Friday, August 20, 2010
What's Happening in The Woodlands - Fall, 2010
If you live in (or near) The Woodlands, Texas, you will want to print this terrific Fall Activity Guide!! If you do not live in The Woodlands ... well, why not? (We know a couple of good Realtors!! :)
Scroll to the bottom of this first screen and click "full" (on the left bottom corner). Click "Escape" to return to this blog.
Friday, July 30, 2010
It's in your best INTEREST to buy a home now!!
Mortgages are low .... CRAZY low!! It's unbelievable that not too many years ago we were bragging about rates below 10%. Just look at them now! The following is from Associated Press, July 29, 2010, 4:09 PM:
Mortgage rates hit low of 4.54 percent. Average rate for 30-year mortgage hit record low, but better rates exist for stellar borrowers
NEW YORK (AP) -- Mortgage rates are the most affordable in decades for those who can qualify for a loan.
For many, the opportunity to buy a home or refinance at this time is lost because of the tough economy and tight credit standards. But those who have secure jobs, superior credit and strong finances could do even better than the 4.54 average rate that Freddie Mac reported Thursday, according to experts.
The latest rate is the lowest for a 30-year fixed loan since Freddie began tracking rates in 1971. It also marks the fifth time in six weeks that the mortgage company has reported hitting a new average low.
Still, it's possible to get an even lower rate if a borrower contributes more than 20 percent to the downpayment or has impeccable credit.
"Scores matter," said Ritch Workman, co-owner of Workman Mortgage in Melbourne, Fla. He can offer a rate of 3.375 percent on a $200,000 Freddie Mac loan. The caveat: The borrower must put down 20 percent, have a credit score of 800 and pay $1,400 in add-on fees. ......
Sometimes the best rates are offered by community banks or credit unions. They keep mortgages on their books instead of selling them to investors, said Greg McBride, a senior financial analyst at Bankrate.com. Other times, bigger banks or smaller mortgage bankers have the best deals.
Keep in mind that rates fluctuate significantly, even within a day, like airfares on a travel site. And the key to finding the best rate is to shop around online and in person.
Either way, borrowers are getting good deals. The last time home loan rates were lower was during the 1950s, when most mortgages lasted just 20 or 25 years.
The rate on 15-year fixed loans, a popular choice for refinancing, also are the lowest on records dating back to 1991. That rate fell to 4 percent from 4.03 percent last week.
It's true! It really IS in your best interest to buy a home now!!
Mortgage rates hit low of 4.54 percent. Average rate for 30-year mortgage hit record low, but better rates exist for stellar borrowers
NEW YORK (AP) -- Mortgage rates are the most affordable in decades for those who can qualify for a loan.
For many, the opportunity to buy a home or refinance at this time is lost because of the tough economy and tight credit standards. But those who have secure jobs, superior credit and strong finances could do even better than the 4.54 average rate that Freddie Mac reported Thursday, according to experts.
The latest rate is the lowest for a 30-year fixed loan since Freddie began tracking rates in 1971. It also marks the fifth time in six weeks that the mortgage company has reported hitting a new average low.
Still, it's possible to get an even lower rate if a borrower contributes more than 20 percent to the downpayment or has impeccable credit.
"Scores matter," said Ritch Workman, co-owner of Workman Mortgage in Melbourne, Fla. He can offer a rate of 3.375 percent on a $200,000 Freddie Mac loan. The caveat: The borrower must put down 20 percent, have a credit score of 800 and pay $1,400 in add-on fees. ......
Sometimes the best rates are offered by community banks or credit unions. They keep mortgages on their books instead of selling them to investors, said Greg McBride, a senior financial analyst at Bankrate.com. Other times, bigger banks or smaller mortgage bankers have the best deals.
Keep in mind that rates fluctuate significantly, even within a day, like airfares on a travel site. And the key to finding the best rate is to shop around online and in person.
Either way, borrowers are getting good deals. The last time home loan rates were lower was during the 1950s, when most mortgages lasted just 20 or 25 years.
The rate on 15-year fixed loans, a popular choice for refinancing, also are the lowest on records dating back to 1991. That rate fell to 4 percent from 4.03 percent last week.
It's true! It really IS in your best interest to buy a home now!!
Friday, June 18, 2010
A REAL Italian restaurant!!
We confess - we owe thanks to a friend who found this treasure. Who would dream that you can find real Italian (Tuscan-style) food, prepared from scratch - even the pasta! - on the feeder road just outside The Woodlands?!? It's the Capri Pasta Restaurant. No, the prices aren't the cheapest, but we can guarantee you won't find this kind of cooking at any of the chains around here! You can see the menu, map, etc by going to http://capri-pasta.com .Give it a try - let us know what you think. Buon appetito!! Wednesday, June 16, 2010
You can SAVE MORE than the Tax Credit if You Buy NOW!!
Missing the tax credit deadline
might have seemed like a big mistake for some buyers,
but waiting might have been the smartest thing to do!
might have seemed like a big mistake for some buyers,
but waiting might have been the smartest thing to do!
Who would have figured?!? Interest rates have fallen so dramatically since April 30th, that the typical buyer of a $350,000 home, financed with a $280,000 mortgage, would have saved a bundle by waiting until May!
At April's average rate of 5.34%, a home buyer would have locked in a 30-year fixed rate loan with a monthly payment of $1,561.82. The same borrower could have snagged a 30-year fixed rate loan at a rate of 4.625% in May, and paid $1,439.59 per month. That's a $1,467 annual savings. Over 30 years, it's a $44,003 savings, dwarfing the tax credit!
At April's average rate of 5.34%, a home buyer would have locked in a 30-year fixed rate loan with a monthly payment of $1,561.82. The same borrower could have snagged a 30-year fixed rate loan at a rate of 4.625% in May, and paid $1,439.59 per month. That's a $1,467 annual savings. Over 30 years, it's a $44,003 savings, dwarfing the tax credit!
But why purchase now?
Because Mortgage Rates might not be low for long!
Because Mortgage Rates might not be low for long!
Signs of improving economic conditions (more consumers are paying their bills on time, past-due accounts at American Express declined 34% compared to a year ago, Target reported its lowest delinquency rate in two years during the 2nd quarter, and fewer banks reported tightening lending standards this month), could lead the Federal Reserve Chair Ben Bernanke to raise key interest rates.
If you're in the market to buy or sell your home,
please contact us TODAY
while interest rates are still in your favor!
Information above from Informa Research Services (5/26/10), Bloomberb, Bob Willis and Anthony Feld (5/28/10), and provided through Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Taxes have been going .... DOWN!! (in The Woodlands, Texas)
The Woodlands Township collects an ad valorem property tax to provide important community services to cover public safety, fire protection, environmental services, parks, pathways, pools, covenant administration, etc. The former Community Associations of The Woodlands for many years collected "assessment fees" which were not tax deductable. Now that the Community Associations of The Woodlands and the former Town Center Improvement District have created The Woodlands Township (in hopes of becoming a city in a few years), assessments have been replaced with an ad valorem property tax. And guess what .... take a look at the chart .... taxes have gone steadily D-O-w-n!
Values are steady. Taxes are lower.
We are soooooooo lucky to be living in The Woodlands!!
For an up-close look at this graph, please click onto the link below:
http://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/index.aspx?nid=331
http://www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/index.aspx?nid=331
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
The Woodlands Real Estate Market is THRIVING!
How is the Market? Well, if you live in The Woodlands, Texas, it's GREAT! Comparing this year to two years ago, there is very little difference. Take a look at these recent Market Reports! (To enlarge, go to "Memo" (bottom left), then "View Full Screen")
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Eagles in The Woodlands 2010!
Once again, the eagles in The Woodlands raised two young'uns successfully. (That's ten times in eleven years!) It is SO important that these birds be watched discretely from a distance, or they will move and this lovely wooded area will be developed into business and homes. Here are some photos from the few times we checked on them this year. (Be sure to check on "FULL" at bottom left to enlarge!)
The Woodlands Texas Eagles 2010
View more documents from Mike & Jean Drummond.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
What are YOU Looking for in a REALTOR??
As REALTORS, we believe that our business is NOT about company awards or even selling a house. It’s about your family, your community and your life, and we will endeavor to provide you with excellent service, innovative marketing, and communication along the way! (To enlarge, click on "full" at the bottom left of the photo.)
Whether buying or selling a home, certain factors will always affect VALUE!
LOCATION - Nothing impacts value more than location. The local school system - the condition of neighboring homes - recent sales in the neighborhood - number of foreclosures and rentals - the reputation of the area - whether the home backs to the forest, a shopping area or a lake - can all affect the value of your home.
FLOOR PLAN - Some designs sell better than others. Currently, more “open” designs, studies, no formal living rooms, and master bedrooms downstairs are popular.
FEATURES - Certain features are preferred. The number and size of bedrooms and closets are important items. Extra space in the garage can make a difference. Sometimes the updating of a kitchen or bathroom can be the deciding factor.
CLEANLINESS and CONDITION - “Move in” condition sells! Most buyers don’t want to clean up or fix up a home after they buy it. Properties that are clean and well maintained ALWAYS sell quicker and for more money than others, including those offering a decorating or carpet “allowance.”
FLOOR PLAN - Some designs sell better than others. Currently, more “open” designs, studies, no formal living rooms, and master bedrooms downstairs are popular.
FEATURES - Certain features are preferred. The number and size of bedrooms and closets are important items. Extra space in the garage can make a difference. Sometimes the updating of a kitchen or bathroom can be the deciding factor.
CLEANLINESS and CONDITION - “Move in” condition sells! Most buyers don’t want to clean up or fix up a home after they buy it. Properties that are clean and well maintained ALWAYS sell quicker and for more money than others, including those offering a decorating or carpet “allowance.”
Sunday, February 28, 2010
An Irrepressible Bird - the Carolina Wren!
Who IS that loud bird singing even in the early morning before daylight?!? It's the tiny, irrepressible Carolina Wren that we have building a nest in our flower pot! We love these birds. They have a song that is ridiculously loud for such a small bird, and everytime we think we know all of their songs, they come up with another one! I like the "cherry cherry cherry" song , but they have as many as 40 versions, and (if you irritate them) one of the nastiest versions of the "raspberries" you've ever heard!
These birds are about 5-1/2 inches long with a cocked tail and a long, slightly curved bill. They are very inquisitive, checking out every nook and corner for bugs and spiders. The Carolina Wrens mate for life, and stay together throughout the year on permanent territories. Don't bother offering them a birdhouse, however. They'll ignore it for a potted plant or a barbecue grill or (as friends discovered) the back of your camper or car! They build a nest that looks like a little cave out of grasses and grass fibers; the eggs hatch in 2 weeks, and the babies leave the nest in another two weeks. Cheerful little fellows, even in the rain, they bring sunshine to our lives!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
"How's the real estate market?" - Our charts tell the story!
If you live in the Houston area (or even if you don't!) here's a fantastic site you'll want to make a favorite! Click on How's the Market in MY area? It shows average sold prices, average list-to-sold, average price per square foot ..... and on and on! You can make it specific to your own zip code or your own town. And more than that ... it automatically updates every month!!
This page comes up already set for "The Woodlands," but you can change that to your own zip code at the top. (Tip: To scroll down, use your "page down" key.)
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Market Report - 2010 - The Woodlands
The Real Estate Market in The Woodlands has continued to thrive and (with springtime) will be picking up! Buyers are viewing homes, and folks are getting houses ready to put on the market. In January, there were only 3 fewer contracts written than in January 2009.
With the possibility of higher mortgage rates, an end-of-April time limit on the Homebuyer/Homeseller Tax Credits, and leases about to expire, the next few months will be brisk. Now is definitely the time to make a move -- and we're ready to help! Call or email us any time!
Monday, February 8, 2010
The Waxwings have arrived!!
What crashed through our yard today with more commotion and noise than New Orleans' Bourbon street after the Super Bowl? Was louder? possibly more drunk? left a bigger mess? and was decorated with Mardi Gras mask and colors?!? It was the handsome and very social Cedar Waxwing! Within half-an-hour, they stripped our berry-laden yaupon (leaving quite a mess of dark splats all over the biketrail!) with much chatter and congeniality, even happily sharing with the (equally messy) robins that appeared with them. It's a great sign of springtime soon to come!!
HOUSTON - It's the place to be!!
Let's live it up, Houston and The Woodlands! This is one of the best places to live - play - and work!! We don't have 3 feet of snow at our doorstep when we wake up in the morning, nor 2 feet of mud in our houses. We have low unemployment, low housing prices, wonderful medical facilities both in Houston and in The Woodlands, great cultural events. Take a look at this video! http://su.pr/1Lj4vx
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