Last month in August, home prices rose to the highest peak that we've seen since 2007 despite a projected decrease caused by rising interest rates.  In fact, the actual impact of the rising interest rates from May to June has only just become clear.  The National Association of Realtors' home sales report basis statistics off of closed transactions, typically contracts that were signed two months prior to the posted statistic.  Therefore, previous reports did not show the actual impact of increasing rates until recently creating a surprised stir in the market.  The expected adjusted annual rate had been approximately 5.25 million, but the actual rate was clocked at 5.39 million.  Home sales have also been higher than last year's levels for a continuous 26 months. The chief economist ... 10/14/2013

Looking for a fun time in The Woodlands this October?  There are several events open to all ghouls and goblins of every age this fall from trick or treating, vendor booths, children's activities, performances, costume contests, games, etc.  Take a peek here at our list of haunted happenings: 1st Annual Make Your Own Scarecrow Competition Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive Sunday, October 6, 2013- 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fee: Free Do you think your family has what it takes to make the best scarecrow? Bring an old set of clothes (long sleeve shirt and pants) to make your own! Scarecrow making begins at 5:30 p.m. and judging at 6:30 p.m. Produced by The Woodlands Township, this event is held in conjunction with Concert in the Park. The Great Pumpkin Hunt Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodl... 10/10/2013

Conventional 30 year Mortgage: 4.375% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR: 4.67% FHA 30 year:3.875% Credit Score:640 LTV:96.5% loan amount:$200k APR:5.07% Conventional 15 year:3.375% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR:3.67%   Rates are Subject to Change Call me today if you are thinking of refinancing or buying a home, for the best mortgage rate possible.   10/02/2013

The economy in Texas has seemed to be on a level all its own in the past decade, un-phased by the economic downturn that affected the rest of the country back in 2008.  From August of 2012 to August of 2013, the number of nonagricultural jobs within Texas increased by 258,500, an annual growth rate that is .7 percent above the nation's current rate.       This year, all industries within the state, sans transportation, warehousing and utilities, had more jobs in August 2013 than August 2012.  Texas' number one job creating industry was mining and logging subsequently trailed by construction, leisure and hospitality services, and professional and business services. Aside from Texarkana, the number of jobs in all metropolitan areas in Texas rose over the past year.  Areas ranking first i... 09/30/2013

Conventional 30 year Mortgage: 4.5% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR: 4.87% FHA 30 year:4% Credit Score:640 LTV:96.5% loan amount:$200k APR:5.27% Conventional 15 year:3.5% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR:3.77%   Rates are Subject to Change Call me today if you are thinking of refinancing or buying a home, for the best mortgage rate possible.     - See more at: http://activerain.com/blogsview/4196184/mortgage-rate-update-sugar-land-katy-houston-the-woodlands-09-18-13#sthash.rLJtjn97.dpuf 09/25/2013

As summer ends and autumn begins, are you looking in the right places to buy a home?  Here are five quick tips on looking for your best deals when real estate shopping in the fall: 1.  Discount Me In: Typically, according to the National Association of Realtors, after Labor Day there is a natural “discount” of around $7,000 and Midwest real estate prices drop about $10,000 between the months of August and September while Northeast prices diminish by $20,000 come October.  The oncoming cold months lessen demand and therefore price reductions follow in these areas. 2.  Be Your Only Competition:  The best places to look for these discounts are ones that people seasonally forget about.  While everyone else is focused on looking for a ski cabin just in time for winter, keep your eye out for... 09/17/2013

Conventional 30 year Mortgage: 4.75% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR: 5.09% FHA 30 year:4.375% Credit Score:640 LTV:96.5% loan amount:$200k APR:5.47% Conventional 15 year:3.875% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR:4.17%   Rates are Subject to Change Call me today if you are thinking of refinancing or buying a home, for the best mortgage rate possible. 09/05/2013

Forecasting is always risky business, whether you're trying to pin down the weather for the end of the week or looking for trends in the housing market.  According to the New York Mainstreet, home prices are expected to raise just under 7% over the next twelve months.  What does that mean for those looking to buy or sell in the real estate market? For buyers, a potential increase in prices suggests that now is the time to buy.  For sellers, you may want to hold off before listing a house: higher prices can mean bigger profits. "Short-term expectations for home value appreciation through the end of this year are consistent with a nationwide housing market recovery that is both strengthening and widening, but still coping with high levels of negative equity, high demand and low inventory... 08/29/2013

Conventional 30 year Mortgage: 4.625% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR: 4.89% FHA 30 year:4.25% Credit Score:640 LTV:96.5% loan amount:$200k APR:5.47% Conventional 15 year:3.625% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR:3.9%   Rates are Subject to Change Call me today if you are thinking of refinancing or buying a home, for the best mortgage rate possible. 08/28/2013

Here at the Brownstone Group, we talk constantly about our booming economy and flourishing real estate market.  And although the rise in business gives Sellers more power in the market, they must not take this power too lightly!  It is very important to prepare your home for selling.  We'll give you six tips regarding  remodeling for sales-driven home improvement: 1.  Don't Exclude With Your Improvements When making improvements for potential buyers, it's easy to make assumptions and generalizations that can steer you in the wrong direction.  Alex Veiga uses the example of a pool as a possibly unwise renovation.  Richard Borges, president of the Appraisal Institute, a professional association of real estate appraisers, agrees stating that a pool carries maintenance costs that some buye... 08/24/2013

08/09/2013

Whether you are looking for an early morning boot camp or a relaxing evening on a patio, the upscale area known as Market Street has it all. Located in The Woodlands, this one of a kind shopping experience is known for its diverse retail shopping opportunities. More than 90 luxury retailers, 17 restaurants, and a swanky boutique hoteloffer a little something for everyone. If you are looking to do some retail shopping therapy then make sure to visit and enjoy all that Market Street has to offer. Stores such as Tiffany & Co., Michael Kors, Brooks Brothers, LuLuLemon, Tommy Bahama and Z Gallerie,  just to name a few, offer unique shopping experiences. (For a full listing of the retailers in Market Street visit: http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/Explore/Indulge) With exquisite resta... 08/05/2013

Conventional 30 year Mortgage: 4.625% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR: 4.85% FHA 30 year:4.25% Credit Score:640 LTV:96.5% loan amount:$200k APR:5.37% Conventional 15 year:3.75% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR:3.93%   Rates are Subject to Change Call me today if you are thinking of refinancing or buying a home, for the best mortgage rate possible. 07/31/2013

07/10/2013

Cognitive intervention – why would I think that has anything to do with sales?  My answer comes from listening to public radio and an experiment that was talked about where they were trying to “re-program” kids who came from tough areas to get along.  The experiment went like this; they gave a ball to one of the kids and then told the other kid to get the ball.  Each experiment had the two kids fighting over the ball – they all went after it aggressively.  Finally the person leading the experiment stopped everyone and then asked one of the kids, “Why didn’t you just ask for the ball?”  His response was, “I didn’t want him to think I was a punk and couldn’t take it away.”  The experimenter then asked the other kid, “what would you have done if he just asked you for the ball?”  His respon... 07/01/2013

  JUST SOLD IN AUGUSTA PINES IN 19 DAYS FOR $183,000 7706 POST BRIDGE, SPRING, TEXAS 06/25/2013

Just when you thought The Woodlands had reached new home building capacity, the master planned community continues its expansion with continued growth in the newest village, known as Creekside Park. The 3500 acre addition is located just south of the heart of The Woodlands, in Harris County.  The new home construction began back in 2007 in the gated community of Carlton Woods Creekside - home of the Tom Fazio Championship Golf Course. And with plans of 7,000+ homes at the completion of this village, there are different housing options to match the needs of most families. Homes in Creekside Park range in price from $180K to the $3 million+. The list of accomplished builders include Chesmar Homes, Coventry Homes, Darling Homes, D.R. Horton Homes, Gracepoint Homes, Highland Homes, J. Patri... 06/24/2013

Conventional 30 year Mortgage: 4.125% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR: 4.45% FHA 30 year:3.625% Credit Score:640 LTV:96.5% loan amount:$200k APR:4.77% Conventional 15 year:3.25% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR:3.43%   Rates are Subject to Change Call me today if you are thinking of refinancing or buying a home, for the best mortgage rate possible. 06/12/2013

Whether you choose a leisurely walk,  a scenic boat cruise, or enjoy a trolley ride, The Woodlands Waterway District has a little something for everyone. Officially opened in April of 2008, The Waterway connects four major attractions in The Woodlands - The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, Waterway Square and The Woodlands Mall. On weekdays, you will find the area bustling with the activities of corporate America, since the area is home to such notable corporations as Anadarko Petroleum, Woodforest National Bank, and U.S. Oncology, to name a few.  Whether shopping or out to enjoy a relaxing day along the waterway, folks enjoy many amenities and activities.  Evenings and on the weekends you will find this a place people use to get away an... 06/02/2013

JUST SOLD 3127 Rustic Gardens Drive, Spring, TX Had the Pleasure to represent the sellers of this home in the gated community of Legends Ranch.    Schedule a Showing Spring Homes For Sale Search All Homes For Sale The Woodlands Homes For Sale Homes Close to Where You Work What is Your Home Worth? Mortgage & Refinance See Property Details Call 281-772-3060 for more information on this or any other property. Visit Property Website Well Maintained One Story in the Gated Community of Legends Ranch. This home is 3/2 with formals, large study, family room which opens to island kitchen with granite. Large master with double vanities. One of the best features of this home is the large covered patio. Great for entertaining. An additional deck has recently been added and would be great for the n... 05/10/2013