Conventional 30 year Mortgage: 3.625% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR: 4.01% FHA 30 year:3.25% Credit Score:640 LTV:96.5% loan amount:$200k APR:4.08% Conventional 15 year:2.875% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR:3.31%   Rates are Subject to Change Call me today if you are thinking of refinancing or buying a home, for the best mortgage rate possible. 02/06/2013

Unusual and probably not so smart things I have noticed the last two days; A Ford Expedition with towed 20' lowboy trailer trying to go through the Mc Donald's Drive-thru. Did the driver really think he could make that tight of a turn with 40' of vehicle behind him? Is he that lazy that he couldn't park and walk into McD's? My at the pizza buffet Wednesday night not putting cheese on my small salad as I was worried about calories the cheese might have in it, right before I knew I was going to devour about 9 pieces of pepperoni and sausage pizza. Yes I am a man and sometimes I guess the D for dumb is still on my forehead. Two vehicles on the road today both having gas poured into their tanks from the big red "I ran out" of gas cans. One vehicle was a corvette and the other a jacked up pi... 01/31/2013

My seller can't believe that the buyers looking at his home won't make an offer because of the "cat odor".  Here are a few facts I managed to dig up that I hope will convince him that somting has to be done about the "cat odor". 40% of home buyers do not own a pet 58% of home buyers do not own a dog 60% of home buyers do own a cat Please remember that not everyone loves pets! As you probbly can tell from the pictures I am not a big cat lover. Sorry but my ex had one. Memories. Have a great day!! Ron www.lakeconroegroup.com www.ronwickes.com                                                 01/29/2013

I was showing a home to a wonderful young couple last week. This couple had two beautiful young girls ages 3 and 4 who were with us at the showing. The couple and I had all looked at the MLS listing and pictures on the internet. The home looked great. (We all know how that goes, right?) Anyway we entered through the front door into a very nice foyer with a dining room to the left and a study to the right. Very nice and I am starting to cross my fingers. We viewed those two rooms and transisted the rest of the way through the foyer into the living room. All of a sudden the three year old starts screaming, crying and pointing at the right wall. Naturally all three of us adults turn our head that way and what do we see.....yep the big cowhead on the wall. It was huge....I mean Texas HUGE! ... 01/16/2013

Conventional 30 year Mortgage: 3.375% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR: 3.53% FHA 30 year:3.25% Credit Score:640 LTV:96.5% loan amount:$200k APR:4.35% Conventional 15 year:2.75% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR:3.15%   Call me today if you are thinking of refinancing or buying a home, for the best mortgage rate possible. 10/24/2012

I  used to love the television show Mac Gyver. The tricks he came up with using nothing but his Swiss Army knife and ordinary household items were absolutely unbelieveable. Now we put up with some televison show featuring "boo boo", whatever or whoever that is and Mac Gyver languishes in Hollywood purgatory. Apparently I am not the only one who misses Mac Gyver. Houselogic, brought to you be the National Association of Realtors, recently came up with ways to fix some things around the house using toothpaste that they called "Mac Gyverish". Are you ready for these? Get out your Swiss Army knife before you read these. Use toothpaste to patch small holes in the wall. Using a butter knife (or one of the 100 blades in your Swiss Army knife) to smooth the toothpaste into a small hole. Let it ... 10/01/2012

    Conroe Back to School Shopping As we head back to school in Conroe, maybe you are concerned about your budget.  Thrift Store shopping is an excellent way to cut a few corners.    Here are a few ideas of how to incorporate a few basic Thrift Store pieces into your wardrobe. Blue Button Down Shirt, Thrifted ….. $3.99 Floral Skirt, Thrifted ………. $3.99 Cowboy Boots, Thrifted ……. $7.99 TOTAL PRICE ………… $15.97 The button down shirt (found in the boys section) can be worn either untucked or tucked in.  The vibrant colored floral skirt can be worn with all different types of t-shirts for a casual yet comfortable style. See more thrifting ideas at www.ShopwithPippa.com   Be sure to check out a few of my favorite Thrift Stores in Conroe, Texas: Assistance League of Montgomery County 126 North... 08/13/2012

Here is your weekly interest rate update: Conventional 30 year Mortgage: 3.375% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR: 3.6% FHA 30 year:3.25% Credit Score:640 LTV:96.5% loan amount:$200k APR:4.15% Conventional 15 year:2.75% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR:3.25%   Call me today if you are thinking of refinancing or buying a home, for the best mortgage rate possible. 07/25/2012

Conroe Thrift Store,Conroe Assistance League of Montgomery County is full of FABULOUS Thrift Shopping Deals!!!!!!!!!! One of my Favorite place to Thrift Shop in Conroe (its only a few minutes North of The Woodlands) is the Assistance League of Montgomery County . They have weekly specials that you CAN NOT BEAT anywhere else!!!!!!!!!!!!  (click HERE to sign up for the weekly specials) Here are a few of the things that I have found recently: (this romper was only $2.00! .... HERE)     (All Men's Shirts were on Clearance for only $1.00!  ..... HERE)       (Fabulous deals on Jewelry! )     (High End Name-Brand Clothing for a fraction of Sale Prices you will find in a store!)     You would not believe the prices on these gorgeous outfits!!!!     To see more Thrift Store Shopping Ideas for al... 07/20/2012

Looking for a little convenient seclusion?  Want comfort coupled with beautiful natural setting?   In a fabulously forested  area just  south of Conroe and East of The Woodlands you will find a soothing sight for the weary.   Well maintained roads All around make the coming and going easy .   Well thought out placement and beautifully constructed building on this acre and a half lot.     Imagine a luxuriously appointed main house with over 2000 sq ft.  Add a low upkeep 2 bedroom guest house,  an inground salt water pool, a barn with up to four stalls and a Huge metal shop/warehouse with air conditioning and insulation, built on a slab.  Could you think of someone who would like to work , live and entertain all from one location?  Oh.... and don't forget the giant party patio!   It is an... 07/18/2012

Here is your weekly interest rate update: Conventional 30 year Mortgage: 3.625% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR: 3.9% FHA 30 year:3.25% Credit Score:640 LTV:96.5% loan amount:$200k APR:4.15% Conventional 15 year:3% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR:3.35%   Call me today if you are thinking of refinancing or buying a home, for the best mortgage rate possible. 06/20/2012

As a former Music Educator, I am well aware of how music enhances a child's overall development and education. Music is an integral part of leveling the playing field in the ability and desire for a child to learn.  It gives kids a chance to blossom..............many who would not have had that chance without it. Music is the language without borders.  Share music in your Conroe Home, Huntsville Home, Lake Livingston Home, or wherever you live! Check out this event--it's a pretty cool opportunity. Kindermusik Classes with The Wiggle Factory When Monday Apr. 23, 2012 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM   Description THE WIGGLE FACTORY offers music and movement classes with Kindermusik.Classes forming now in Conroe, Kingwood, and Montgomery for children infant - age 7.Upcoming demo classes (FREE)Regular c... 04/19/2012

Here is your weekly interest rate update: Conventional 30 year Mortgage: 4% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR: 4.315% FHA 30 year:3.75% Credit Score:640 LTV:96.5% loan amount:$200k APR:4.85% Conventional 15 year:3.375% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR:3.75%   Call me today if you are thinking of refinancing or buying a home, for the best mortgage rate possible. 03/14/2012

First, I must proclaim that I am NOT an Attorney and in no way am I attempting to give legal advice.  My question is, "how SAFE is it to owner finance in Texas?"   I received a call from a friend yesterday and she was asking me about the potential of OWNER FINANCING her Texas home. She explained that a couple had viewed it and said their credit was not up to par and would the Seller consider holding the note. This answer was a no-brainer. It was a big fat "NO".  Their home is still mortgaged which caused the obvious problem.  ARMS LENGTH MORTGAGES ARE ILLEGAL IN TEXAS. In fact, if you go into a contract stating you will finance the home for them and you consider it a sale, it is my understanding that your note holder will call your note due and payable immediately!!!  If you've sold the... 03/01/2012

Here is your weekly interest rate update: Conventional 30 year Mortgage: 3.875% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR: 4.25% FHA 30 year:3.75% Credit Score:640 LTV:96.5% loan amount:$200k APR:4.85% Conventional 15 year:3.25% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR:3.65%   Call me today if you are thinking of refinancing or buying a home, for the best mortgage rate possible. 02/29/2012

If your dream lifestyle includes an upscale setting with occasional glimpses of Lake Contoe and the secure feeling of living in a gated community.  We now have an offering such as that at a true bargain price. To visit it,  you need to treat yourself to a trip down League Line Road to "Pebble Glen on Lake Conroe."   The lot is not water front, but the trip to it is filled with thrills for your senses.  Easy access off I-45N, close proximity to a large outlet mall, a Cracker Barrel and other eateries plus lovely forested rolling hills are just a few of the pluses this location affords.   Several other high end communities are also close by.  The French Quarter development, Bella Vista and Piney Shore Resort feature homes that  are pleasant to see.     A new home has just been built acros... 02/08/2012

Here is your weekly interest rate update: Conventional 30 year Mortgage: 3.875% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR: 4.25% FHA 30 year:3.75% Credit Score:640 LTV:96.5% loan amount:$200k APR:4.85% Conventional 15 year:3.125% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR:3.5%   Call me today if you are thinking of refinancing or buying a home, for the best mortgage rate possible. 02/01/2012

As noted in my previous post the HAP $10,000 Down payment assistance program ran out of money in late 2011. First the Good news the HTF- HAP $10,000 Texas Down payment assistance program is coming back within the next few weeks.  The not so good news is that TDHCA will only be allocating $1,000,000 and that is enough for less than 100 loans across the state of Texas.   Once this funding is gone the program will be discontinued and it will NOT come back.  Of the down payment assistance programs in the state of Texas the HAP down payment assistance program is by far the best and has the lowest fees of any down payment assistance program in the state of Texas for First time home buyers. The most uptoday information on this program and other first time home buyer programs in Texas is locate... 01/28/2012

CLOSED: Lease Home on Lake Conroe! The above photo shows the beautiful view that now greets my client Anna each day as she relaxes on her back patio or in her living room at 854 Lake View Dr.! A lease home on Lake Conroe is an exciting residence for those who love the open water- and there lovely homes available for under $2,000/month. Anna and I met recently at my church following her relocation to the Houston area from Hawaii. Hawaii is difficult to leave behind, she tells me, and water views were something she didn’t want to be without. We began searching for lake front homes for lease on Lake Conroe and visited several, but none could compare with the amenities and gorgeous view at 854 Lake View Dr., a listing held by a local Lake Conroe real estate broker. After negotiating a sati... 01/27/2012

On January 23, 2012 FHA published a memo recommending a reduction in the amount that a seller can assist home buyers  with their costing costs from 3% to 6%. Foreclosures Lower with FHA but FHA is in Denial It was brought up in 2010 and commentary from the public was an overwhelming NO.  So the Proposal was shelved.  However with the new year this proposal has gained new life with the Federal Housing Administration and HUD.  As the refinement in home mortgage lending has occurred over the past 5 years.  Delinquencies are down sharply as noted in this article by Housingwire. So who will this impact the most?  First time Home Buyers who use down payment assistance on more affordable homes.   As it stands now using down payment assistance programs such as Bond 77 and it's higher costs woul... 01/27/2012