Photo Tips for the Holidays-Make your Photos POP!!!

Easy Photo Tips for the Holidays

The holidays are rapidly approaching and that means family gatherings, holiday parties and plenty of precious memories in the making. Here are some helpful hints from the experts in creating visually appealing photos that everyone will love.


Check out these easy to implement tips that should make your holiday photos the center of attention.

Read more: http://rismedia.com/2009-12-05/around-the-home-photo-tips-for-the-holidays/#ixzz0a5ES9ME9

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Exterior Remodeling: Best Bang for Your Buck

Exterior Remodeling: Best Bang for Your Buck

Despite a slow market the smartest home improvement investments may also be some of the least expensive. Results from the 2009 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report show that small-scale exterior projects are the most profitable at resale. Some of those projects include Certain types of door and siding replacements, as well as wood deck additions. For more information and other exterior projects in the top 10 go to:

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Exterior Remodeling: Best Bang for Your Buck

Going to your Company's Holiday Party?

Planning on going to your companies Holiday Party this year? Read this first!


“To what extent do you think an employee’s behavior at an office holiday party can affect—either positively or negatively—his or her career advancement prospects?” 


Read their responses at:

Read more: http://rismedia.com/2009-12-08/5-tips-to-help-make-a-positive-impression-at-company-parties/#ixzz0ZzQAyKmn

Holiday shopping? Is that item REALLY a good price?? Check here!

When you’re out shopping this holiday season, you may wonder if the price of the item you’re holding in your hand is really a good deal. Here are five ways to use your smartphone to find out if you can buy that item cheaper online or somewhere else.

Read more: http://rismedia.com/2009-12-13/use-your-smart-phone-to-get-best-holiday-deal/#ixzz0ZgR3GYmV

December Housing Trends eNewsletter

Want the latest information on housing trends...

To view DECEMBER-2009 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter, click on the link or cut/paste to your browser:
 http://annmariegarganoparks.housingtrendsenewsletter.com?Newsletter_ID=238

December Housing Trends eNewsletter

"Please click on this link to view DECEMBER-2009 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter: http://annmariegarganoparks.housingtrendsenewsletter.com?Newsletter_ID=238"

New listing on 18327 Arbormont Dr in Cypress Mill in Cypress TX

Check out this new listing in Cypress Mill on Arbormont

Cities that are Unaffected by the Recession...Houston in mentioned!

Some Cities Unaffected by Recession

Some U.S. cities with stable housing and diversified employment have been virtually untouched by the Great Recession.

Analysts say cities that are most likely to leave the recession in the same or better condition than they started it are those where home prices didn’t fluctuate wildly, which spared them the devastating effects of foreclosure, lost jobs, and lost productivity.

If there is a lesson to be learned, experts say, it is that families looking for long-term economic stability should settle in locales with diverse employment and minimal shifts in housing values.

To identify these cities, Forbes magazine ranked the 100 largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas by employment rates, the conventional mortgage home price index, and the average days on the market for properties currently for sale.

The top cities on Forbes list were:
Omaha/Council Bluffs, Neb.
San Antonio, Texas
Austin-Round Rock, Texas
Pittsburgh
Harrisburg/Carlisle, Pa.
Dallas/Fort Worth
Rochester, N.Y.
Houston
Raleigh/Cary, N.C.
Baton Rouge, La.

Taken from: Daily Real Estate News | November 24, 2009 |

Social Networking..what is it?

What is Social Networking? Ever wonder what the buzz is all about? Here's some information you might find useful in your attempt to make sense out of this growing phenomenon.

Your family, friends and business connections are using many different social Websites to locate and share content. Some are reviewing articles, uploading photos and videos in addition to writing Blogs.

What is a Blog? An online diary; a personal chronological log of thoughts published on a Web page; also called WeBlog, Web log. Typically updated daily, Blogs often reflect the personality of the author. Related terms: Blog, Blogged, Blogging v, Blogger n (dictionary.com)
Other people use Blogs to write restaurant and product reviews. Social networks have become quite popular and very common among both the public and professionals. Many of your clients and business connections have accounts in one or more of social networks. Some of the more effective for real estate are:

LinkedIn: Is designed as a professional network. Build a network of past colleagues, friends, and industry experts. The Answer section helps you build a reputation as an industry expert. Ask people to write recommendations of your work and endorse you.

Plaxo Pulse: Is a public profile that is not static; it’s constantly changing with an enriched aggregated stream of the content that you are creating all over the Web. You’ve have refined control of what content and information you include in your profile. The result is that you have control and portability of your public identity.

Yelp: Use Yelp.com to find good restaurants, review insider information and perspective, obtain helpful tips and tricks for wherever you may be traveling to. Contribute to the community with your own reviews. This is a site where consumers are reviewing information from real estate professionals, especially what’s going on in the area.

Facebook: Try not to get caught up with the extraneous applications like “poking”, and “throwing sheep”. This site is very attractive to the X and Y generations. Post what you have to offer as a professional and invite consumers to read your Blog post. This site is where people want to be introduced and get to know you on their terms. Keep the information quantitative and professional until they feel comfortable to reach out proactively.

MySpace: Another social network for the X and Y generations. If you have a strong client base in this area, you should consider having a profile page on this site as well.

Read more and view:
6 Actions Steps to Social Networking Success
Read more: http://www.realtown.com/articles/view/social-networking-and-the-connection-with-real-estate#ixzz0XnI8FqNu

Junior League Holiday Market in The Woodlands this weekend.

The Junior League Holiday Market will be held November 6 – 8, 2009 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in The Woodlands Town Center, The Woodlands, Texas.

The Market will feature over 100 unique merchants from across the country selling specialty holiday items, home accessories, clothing, gourmet foods, jewelry and much more. Ticket prices are $10 each and good for all three days of shopping. Holiday Market hours are as follows: Friday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Congress extended HOME BUYER'S TAX CREDIT!

It is VERY exciting to report that Congress extended and expanded the homebuyer tax credit!

Both the House and the Senate have passed an unemployment insurance bill, which includes an amendment that expands and extends the tax credit. That bill will be sent to President Obama for his signature in the next day or so.

Listen to a special edition Podcast, with details on the new tax credit and when it takes effect.

http://www.realtor.org/about_nar/presidents_report/_podcast_archive/mcmillan_taxcreditextended_20091105

Daylight Savings Time. THIS Sunday November 1st

It's that time again...Daylight Savings Time and time to "fall back" one hour. So before going to bed this coming Saturday, set your clocks BACK one hour so you'll wake up on time Sunday morning.

It's also a good time to change the batteries in your SMOKE ALARMS!

Towne Lake Craft Show This Weekend

Towne Lake is having their first annual Craft Show this coming weekend October 31st from 10am till 3pm. It will be held in the Towne Lake Welcome center at 9214 West Bridgeport Pass Circle. Get a head start on your holiday shopping. No admission fee. Bring family and friends! Towne Lake is bordered by 290, West Road and Barker Cypress Road, right in the heart of the Cy-Fair area.

REMAX "LET'S GO BALLOONING" this weekend

"LET'S GO BALLOONING" Ballunar Liftoff Festival this coming weekend Oct 23-Oct 25th.

This weekend of fun takes place at NASA/Johnsons Space Center. It's a one-of-a-kind tribute to human flight-from the beauty of mass hot air balloons ascensions to the high-tech world of modern space flight.

For more information: http://www.ballunarfestival.com/

Come enjoy family fun with exhibitions, food, arts and craft plus much more.

Houston sales statistics for September now available

The latest residential sales statistics for Houston has been released. For your convenience, you may also view the video at:

http://www.har.com/hartv/?v=1809 (cut and paste link into your browser)

In an effort to keep Houston as informed as possible about the real estate market, I want to make you aware of the latest statistics. Obviously, it is important to remember that "all real estate is local," and these figures are for the aggregate of the greater Houston area.

Harris County Early Voting Starts Today!

Harris County early voting starts today. Check out early voting locations near you and hours of operation at http://www.HarrisVotes.com

Also available is a SAMPLE ballot of what you are voting on.

Confused about the PROPOSITIONS? For clear pros/cons of the 11 Propositions go here: http://www.lwvtexas.org/2009VG/2009CAVG[FINAL].pdf

Are you confused as how you will vote in Nov?-Texas Constitutional Amendments

Want simple language discussing Texas Constitutional Amendments on November Ballot

The San Antonio Tea Party has done some preliminary research on the amendments to the Texas Constitution, and has shared them on their site http://sanantonioteaparty.org/701/constitutional-amendment-election-november-3-2009/ . Their helpful analysis has made it easier to find out what all of the amendments say, and how they could affect Texans. This is important: when the Texas Constitution is changed, it affects us all, and we have to know about the proposed changes and VOTE in November!

http://www.lwvtexas.org/2009VG/2009CAVG[FINAL].pdf

Are you concerned about losing your home?

If you are concerned about losing your home, read below:

Times are trying right now with layoffs, wages being cut, companies cutting staff and a variety of other factors we are all in some shape or form being hit with. Foreclosures are once again inching their way up and if at all possible, you want to save your home.

Below is some information I hope you find useful. Please feel free to pass this blog to others you feel would benefit. Ann Marie


REGARDING PRE-FORECLOSURE WORK OUTS

Many of the servicing lenders are offering “forbearance” on their loans to borrowers that are in trouble. No one wants a foreclosure so if you are in trouble- contact your lender IMMEDIATELY and ask to speak to someone about “forbearance”. If you can show reasons for the delinquency (laid off from work, medical or some cause that is not permanent) the lender may consider waiving your payment for a few months and adding them to the end of the loan. This gives you time to find another job, recover from an illness or whatever needs to be done to get back on track.

A representative from FNMA stated they have seen this happen numerous times over the last few months and it has saved homes. If you have a government loan (FHA or VA) and the servicing lender is not cooperative, then you should contact FHA or VA directly and see if they can get help that way. Both agencies have counselors and can sometimes work out a solution with the lender.

Just remaining silent or quietly giving up your home is not the answer. If you can show good cause, most of the lenders are willing to work with you.

Moving to Houston? Check out Cypress Texas!

Thinking of moving to Houston? Then you have to check out Cypress Tx. Cypress is an unincorporated area of Northwest Harris County, located along U.S. Highway 290, twenty miles northwest of Houston.

New housing and business development is rapidly transforming the formerly rural area into an affluent suburban area of Houston with new neighborhoods to established one... the choice is yours. Cut and paste link to learn more about Cypress in Northwest Harris County, Houston Texas: http://neighborhoods.realtor.com/TX/Houston/Cypress/426478/Summary

Current Houston Housing Trends eNewsletter for October is Available NOW

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.

Please click on this link (or copy/paste)to view the OCTOBER-2009 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter:
http://annmariegarganoparks.housingtrendsenewsletter.com?Newsletter_ID=231&Period_ID=178

The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau, Realtor.org reports and other sources.

It also includes press releases with charts and videos, key market indicators and real estate sales and price statistics, a video message by a nationally recognized economist, maps, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, plus local neighborhood information and more.

If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click the “Home Evaluator” link for a free evaluation report:
http://annmariegarganoparks.housingtrendsenewsletter.com/dispContent.cfm?loadid=2&loadtype=0

Sound decisions can only be made with accurate and reliable information, and I am happy to be a trusted resource for you. Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with this monthly eNewsletter, and I look forward to answering any questions you may have and to the opportunity to be your REALTOR® in the future.

Sincerely yours,

Ann Marie Gargano-Parks
RE/MAX Lakeland
(281) 460-5994
thatgirl@annmariegargano-parks.com

Fall Maintenance Tips for your home

Fall is officially here... and that means getting your home ready for cooler days. It mean switching from A/C to heat. Check here for some fall maintenance guidelines: http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20021007_fallmaintenance.htm

Buyers: Want a Cash Rebate at Closing?

Buyers: Want cash toward your closing? Call me and let's talk. Rebate is based on your loan. You can get between $250 - $1750 toward your closing costs. Also remember, if you are a first time home buyer you can still take advantage of the $8000 tax rebate! There's still time. Call 281-460-5994

First Time Home Buyers Program_Texas

First Time Home Buyers Texas Program.
* Down Payment Assistance
* Mortgage Tax Credits
* Low Interest Rates
I have the answers for you. Call or email me and together we can see if you qualify.

Nature Fest coming to Bridgeland September 26

Nature Fest is coming to Bridgeland on Saturday, September 26 so mark your calenders! Open to the public from 10am to 6pm in Bridgeland's Oak Meadow Park. There will be music, Houston ZooMobile, educational programs along with rock climbing wall for the kids train rides, petting zoo and a multitude of other activities. Also planned is a farmer's market. Come on out for a day of fun. For more info go to www.bridgeland.com

Not Real Estate related..just for fun and food

Not a Real Estate entry here, rather a great place to eat, drink and talk with friends. Have you been to Cheddars? Folks, check it out. Value for your shrinking dollar, good food in abundance and huge drinks. A client told me about it and we go as often as possible and split a meal...adding even more value. But, get ready to wait, wait, wait. Try to go on an off time. Our closes one is located in Spring on Louetta at 45. It's a drive for us but hey, it's fun and worth it. Let me know what you think.

Foreclosures Rise, Driven by Loss of Jobs and Income

Interesting reading below about the rise in foreclosures being driven by job loss.

Posted By susanne On August 23, 2009 @ 1:06 pm In Real Estate, Today's Marketplace

RISMEDIA, August 24, 2009-(MCT)-Delinquency and foreclosure rates for U.S. mortgages continued to rise in the second quarter, with loans to the most qualified borrowers going bust at an unnerving clip, especially in hard-hit states such as Florida and California.

“The reason people are defaulting on these (loans) is they simply don’t have income, and there aren’t any loan modification programs for someone who does not have income,” said Rick Sharga, the vice president of the Irvine, Calif., firm RealtyTrac, which specializes in foreclosure research. The trend will grow worse.
“The rising levels of unemployment will probably, over the next nine to 12 months, become the primary impetus for foreclosure activity,” Sharga said. “That’s the wave that is just starting to hit and we’re just starting to see the problems now.”

Read the full article (may need to cut and paste): http://rismedia.com/2009-08-23/foreclosures-rise-driven-by-loss-of-jobs-and-income/print/

Home Maintenance Tip-Conserve Water and Save Money

This Home Maintenace Tip on water conservation is brought to you courtesy of Old Republic Home Protection.

Today we are all concerned about conserving, going "Green" and saving money. Maybe not all in that order. Here are some great tips I ran across and want to share them with you.

1. While waiting for your shower to warm up, catch excess water in a bucket and use it to water houseplants or outside potted plants

2. Only run the dishwasher when it is fully loaded

3. Installing aerators on your faucets, showerheads and toilets is said to cut your annual water consumption by more than half

4. By cutting your shower by 2 minutes will save 1000 gallons a year

and my favorite:

5. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth and shave.

New Listing in Riata Ranch at 17515 Lone Wolf Pass in Northwest Houston

Check out this brand new listing in Riata Ranch at 17515 Lone Wolf Pass. Riata Ranch is located very convenient to 290 and Lone Star College off Barker Cypress.

This lovely home was a previous DR Horton model home so you know its a looker plus it is located on an oversized, premium lot. Look, semi-private back yard and you can look out your front kitchen window are view the beautiful park.

Check it out at www.AnnMarieGargano-Parks.com

Price reduction 7918 Adagio in Beautiful Woodwind Lakes

7918 Adagio in Woodwind lakes has been reduced in price to $268,000. This is a beautiful Trendmaker built home located in Northwest Houston. The home is convenient to 290 and Beltway 8 with only (approx) 20-25 minutes to The Galleria, downtown Houston and Bush Intercontinental Airport.

2 story home-4 bedrooms-3 baths-formal dining-formal living or study-private backyard-lush landscaping and so much more. Check it out at www.AnnMarieGargano-Parks.com

Easy Ways To Improve Curb Appeal

Interesting article on EASY WAYS TO IMPROVE CURB APPEAL. Also check out:
6 Landscaping Tricks That Wow Buyers.

http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009072704?OpenDocument