Where are the majority of home buyers going to coming from in the most near future and what are they going to be looking for? Statistics show they will be leaning towards a "GREEN HOME" the highest rating a home can earn within the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. A link you might want to visit is:
http://blog.hgtv.com/greenhome/2011/03/07/hgtv-green-home-earns-platinum-status/
Young families from ages 31 to 45 are going this way according to the National Association of Home Builders. With so many foreclosures, short sells and enticing low interest rates, many are ready to buy and have a pretty good idea of what they want.
The older baby boomers are still waiting for the market to improve and many delaying retirement until it does before they purchase their second home or retirement home.
85 to 89 percent of potential buyers in the larger metro areas are very optimistic about purchasing a new home and feel that now is a good time to buy. Only 13 percent said they thought home prices would continue to fall
The younger Generation X has strong opinions about the design and structure of their new home and it will be definitely “GREEN” home surveys show.
HAVE FUN WITH THIS INTERACTIVE HOME TOOL
http://www.hgtvpro.com/hpro/pac_ctnt/text/0,2595,HPRO_20196_101012,00.html
Have a wonderful productive day!
Tax planning for homeowners should start well in advance of the april 15 filing deadline each year. If you delay until the last minute, it might be too late to maximize tax credits and tax deductions. These tax tips for homeowners looking ahead to 2010 returns explain some of the things you can do now that will pay off later on your 1040.
Take a day to formulate a tax plan for the year. Depending on your circumstances, you night want to take advantage of energy tax credits or max out your vacation home deductions. The "What's New in 2010" section of IRS Publication 17 offers a sneak peek at tax changes that might affect homeowners.
We hope you found this article helpful.
Good Day!
Ron Harmon, Broker
Texas has steady home value appreciation. Places like California, Florida, Nevada, and Arizona had enormous increases, then however, has had rapid drops in values.
Texas stands above the nation in new jobs created, stabilized real estate values, and relocation of people moving to the Lone Star State. For the most part, Texas real estate values were never over inflated. Texas prices have remained relatively steady.
Economists at the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M say inventory of homes is a balanced market with about 6.5 months of inventory on the market. Homes are being sold and prices continue to increase at a moderate pace.
A recent quote from TexasRealEstate.com is:
“Texas homes are affordable. People come here because their housing dollar buys a lot more. That’s why Texas is the most “moved-to” state in the country for the fourth consecutive year.”
According to the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, Abilene is a true “metropolis on the plains,” … “we have everything to offer, without the hustle and bustle.”
Shared by Ron Harmon, Broker, TriWest, Realtors – Visit TexasRealEstate.com 
Questions or Comments about my BLOG? We'd love to hear from you.
Have a wonderful day!
Ron Harmon/Broker
Home-ownership, for many Americans, is a big part of what we call, "The American Dream." Around 1950 that dream consisted of a house, a dog, 2-3 kids and apple pie--I'm not sure a contemporary definition of the phrase would change all that much. Home-ownership still remains at the center of "The American Way" and has become for many the highest expression of our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. Therefore, being a Real Estate Broker gives me somewhat a Patriotic feeling.
In reading Fortune Magazine's article by writer-reporter Nin-Hal Tseng it only confirms my strongest opinion in regards to buying a home versus renting. I agree that due to the crumbling housing market many are still choosing to rent rather than buy. but from everything I've seen and read, housing prices are continuing to decline and in many cases and rents keep rising. Unless you own your own home free and clear, you're still paying rent so you might as well own your own property. However long you rent, your money is still gone when you leave. The longer you are an owner, the higher profit when you move vise versa.
I admit that with home ownership comes occasional maintenance costs but a responsible home owner will be careful when hiring a carpenter, plumber,electrician, etc. Instead of hiring the first one that comes along, get at least three estimates and check the company's credentials. Alot of older people have been taken advantage of simply by being being so gullible.
With the use of the Internet all the information you need is at your fingertips. From how to articles to numerous products and tools. Repairs can be done at a minimum for those that don't mind learning the tricks of the trade and aren't afraid to get their hands dirty.
Its a know fact that the majority of renters do not maintain their properties and if anything abuse the property. Having been a landlord myself, I've seen the aftermath of renters that have no respect for a property simply because it doesn't belong to them. At least when you own your own property you can have some control on who your neighbors are.
Home-ownership provides a broader range of benefits to individual homeowners and to society as a whole:
- Owning a home is a powerful economic stimulus.
- Home-ownership benefits the community and the national economy.
- Homeownership stimulates healthy neighborhoods thus providing economic and social capital.
- Homeowners state they are more satisfied with their living conditions than renters.
- Having a tax break is better than no break at all! You can't argue with that benefit.
- Home-ownership stimulates character and the pride of accomplishment.
- Home-ownership gives you control over your own environment.
- If done wisely, home-ownership can change your life!
I welcome any input or comments you might have in regards to home-ownership during these trying times. I still believe that nothing can compare with owning your share of this great land we call America.
A good site to visit is http://www.thisoldhouse.com but there are numerous sites that offer step by step instructions on repairs and remodeling.
Ron Harmon, Broker
TriWest, Realtors
January 26, 2011
A Home Warranty is basically an insurance policy. It insures the mechanical, electrical and plumbing parts and systems of a house. A Home Warranty provides the same comfort as any insurance against unforeseeable events. Many homeowners claim that their warranties have more than paid for themselves. At TriWest, Realtors, we encourage all of our clients to purchase a home warranty that fits their budget.
Your home is most likely one of your largest investments. Unexpected repair or replacement costs can easily strain your budget and members of your family. Finding an approved and insured contractor to solve your problem can be stressful and inconvenient not to mention costly. A home warranty cannot prevent systems or appliances from breaking down, but it can help make covered repairs or replacement easier and less costly. I found the best deal at American Home Shield for my home but there are numerous other companies that offer competitive prices.
While each Home Warranty company operates a little differently, there are some basics that apply. Each has a "basic" plan that covers routine heating, plumbing and electrical systems. In addition, they offer optional coverage for air conditioning, pools and spas, appliances, etc. charged on a per item basis. Some companies offer more comprehensive "basic" plans than others, including such features as irrigation systems and garage doors openers.
Many homeowners don't realize that Home Warranties can be quite affordable. The amount of security it provides makes for a better nights sleep. Just knowing that if the heating unit breaks down, a small deductible will take care of the service call and the repairs.
American Home Shield may not be at the top of the list but they have been good to me. Their number is 866-406-0440.
To see reviews on home-warranty companies click on the link below. Good luck to you!
http://www.home-warranty-reviews.com/
We hope this article has been helpful to you. We look forward to hearing your comments about this article as your opinion means alot to us.
Have a good day!
Ron Harmon/Broker
Cell: 325.669.5770
January 1, 2011
At TriWest, Realtors we feel that the Marketplace for Christian Real Estate professionals is essential in these trying times.
In the world of Real Estate you see the good, the bad, and the ugly. Within the business culture itself, all of us are looking, observing and evaluating the competitive marketplace.
The US has changed dramatically over the last hundred years. I'm afraid that today's business owners are lacking in character and integrity. There was a code of honor and character in business that ruled and a man's word was as good or better than the paperwork attached to it. Back then, a man's character wasn't based on what he owned but by the very words he spoke. Sadly enough, that wonderful sense of fairness and loyalty that made him great has been replaced with greed and dishonesty.
I think for anyone to have peace in business, they must continually pray for wisdom and strength to meet these challenging changes and not be afraid to profess the gospel to all who desperately need the hope of the cross. In Billy Graham's prayer for 2011, I particular liked this passage:
And in the midst of our daily preoccupations and pursuits, open our eyes to the sorrows and injustices of our hurting world, and help us to respond with compassion and sacrifice to those who are friendless and in need. May our constant prayer be that of the ancient Psalmist: “Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end” (Psalm 119:33). http://www.billygraham.org/
Every day is a challenge but with God's help, hopefully I will be the Real Estate Broker with no regrets in how I respond to my clients. Mutual respect and a Love for God are two ingredients that could change the world.
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
“By implementing faith in God, our mission is to serve with compassion, lead with integrity, and to inspire clients in realizing their real estate dreams.”
We welcome your comments and input.
Have a Blessed Day!
Ron Harmon
SOLD
THE NUMBER ONE REASON that homes don't sell is from overpricing. Are we doing our job when we agree to our client's question, "Can't we just try?" or, are we doing them a great injustice. How do you impress on them that their peak of activity will be in the first 3-8 weeks? Overpricing will just hinder the whole marketing process and the result is, the seller always looses.
I think from the start you should impress on your clients what will be the end result of overpricing. We should explain to them upfront that:
1. The buyer will go elsewhere to stay within the market even though they're very interested in the your home. The result is you've already lost that buyer.
2. High market price will assuredly keep them from looking in the first place and if they don't come, you won't sell. You've got to get them there in the first place.
3. Potential buyers will wonder what is wrong with your home if it sets on the market too long and word gets around. Possibly the buyer will think that they can offer you even less since your home hasn't sold.
4. Competition is great and with so many homes on the market, can you afford for your listing to be old news?
I stress to my sellers that their first showings will have the most impact. These showings will be from Real Estate Agents with clients that haven't found their dream home yet. They may have already lost an offer due to under bidding, a home inspection issue or some other reason. I wish they knew what we know! They need to keep in mind that lenders today base their loans on accurate appraisals and appraisers must base their price on comparable properties that have sold. So staying within the market is crucial. Why not price slightly under the market price and increase the your traffic right from the start?
For me, I'd rather lose a client from the start then to agree with them that they are right when I know they are wrong. I'd rather them remember me as the HONEST BROKER and not the greedy one! To be the Broker they can trust, well to me that is the ultimate!
TriWest, Realtors will create a Competitive Market Analysis and review this to discuss market strategy, and advice on possible ways to minimize time on market and maximize your return. By researching property tax records, recent homes sold and currently for sale, an accurate fair market price can be determined. I'll walk through your property and give you advice on how to improve the visual impact of each room, yard, and your overall home.
Call for an appointment today by calling our office at 325.692.6000 or my cell at 325.669.5770. If you have questions about this BLOG, send us a comment and we will respond immediately!
Good day!
There are dozens of ways to come up with a wrong listing price, but only one proven way to get it right -- through the knowledge and local experience of the Abilene and Big Country communities market which has been our forte for 25 years.
Many offer a free Comparative Market Analysis which is past sales. However, we also compare with current active listings, and then take it a step further, giving value to the concept that your property has a unique address on planet earth. This 3 step process is the only way to get top dollar in the shortest amount of time.
The impact that FACEBOOK has had on the real state world has been staggering. If you want to stay on top of technology, it would be wise to educate yourself about Facebook and Twitter. It could be the highway of hope for many small businesses looking for ways to advertise and expand.
Did you know that it took 13 years for television to reach 50 million viewers. It took Facebook barely 5 years to get to 500 million. Looks like FB and Twitter will be on my agenda for the weeks to come.
Be on the lookout for "The Facebook Movie" which will be released by the Social Network on October 1, 2010. It tracks the early days of the site that would grow to become hands down, the biggest name in online social media. Similar to the movie "Accidental Billionaires", this Facebook movie focuses on the early years of Facebook which was founded in 2004.
Feel free to leave a comment and write about your experience with Facebook and or Twitter or email us at triwest3@sbcglobal.net. Good or bad, we respect your opinion.
Have a good day!
Ron Harmon, Owner/Broker
TriWest, Realtors
My whole life has been built around real estate. I bought 160 acres when I was only 19 years old. I suppose this has been the influencing factor in my becoming licensed 30 years ago as a real estate agent; 7 years in New Mexico, and the last 24 years in Texas. I still cherish the belief that there is no greater investment for most than their housing needs.
Being a Real Estate Broker is not one of the easiest ways to make a living. We're simply freelance contractors and we are on our own when it comes to making it in this industry. I'm learning some valuable life skills for stretching the dollar and some have been for the best. It hasn't been easy but I've hung in there and looking back, I'm proud of what I have accomplished in these last several months. I've learned new ways of advertising that capture a larger audience of prospects have drilled down on this "Technology" thing that appears to be where the heart of Real Estate is going.
Althought my expertise is "Contract Negotiations" I consider myself the jack of all trades if you will. I've learned to say YES to just about every aspect of Real Estate broadening my horizons such as working a broader geographic area, learning all I can about pre-foreclosures, foreclosures, and short sells.
Residential first-time buyers are still favorites of mine because they make me feel so needed. It is amazing how little most people know about the process of buying a home and if their not knowledgable in a specific area, they can be misled into spending more money than necessary. With me, its not about the money as much as it is about helping couples achieve a better lifestyle and looking out for the financial interests of my clients.
Did you know that for every job lost in construction and real estate -- 3 more jobs are lost. Real Estate truly is the heart of our nation and it is time we all worked together to bring it back once again. Many realtors and brokers have chosen other avenues for their survival but I feel confident that worst is over. Home prices are going to rise and when they do, realtors once again will be doing their thing. Its going to get better -- it always has!