tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86388267444801158212023-11-16T10:35:31.781-06:00Coffee and Pye.. a glance at real estate todayColleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-68287666945037865802016-02-09T16:40:00.001-06:002016-02-09T16:40:45.902-06:00Creating Curb Appeal<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">If you're selling your
home, there are a number of things you can do to improve your property's
potential value and appeal. Creating
curb appeal is one of the most effective and easy ways to accomplish this and
to increase the interest of potential buyers in your home. Here are some simple and inexpensive ways you
can increase your home's curb appeal.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><b>Use Color Effectively</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Color can be a power tool
in attracting people to your home. If
the exterior of your home could use a fresh coat of paint or a new door, this
is a great opportunity to add some points of interest to your property. Always remember, however, more is less-choose
colors that are similar to other homes in the area. You can infuse more vibrant and interesting
colors through accent features and flowers or plants.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><b>Create An Inviting
Entrance</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Making the entrance to
your home attractive and inviting will give potential buyers an instant sense
of welcome the moment they walk through the door. Make the door the focal point of the exterior
of your home, and think about elements such as lighting and color to make it as
attractive as possible. Also think about
details such as including a nice welcome mat on your front step, some flowers
in attractive pots or urns flanking the entrance, and even consider adding a
chair with a small table if you have a larger porch area.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;"><b>Landscaping Is A Must!</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">Making your lawn and yard
attractive, free of clutter and debris, and nicely landscaped can really make
all the difference in adding curb appeal.
First remove all weeds, fix any areas on your lawn that need repair, and
mow it carefully. If you have any
unsightly items or clutter in the yard, remove it and replace it with
well-placed flowers and plants. If you
have a large front yard with no trees, consider planting one or two to add
interest and value to the property.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana;">These are just a few of
the many ways in which, with a little effort and a small amount of money, you
can increase interest in your home. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-71828903085006858112012-09-03T16:49:00.000-05:002012-09-03T16:50:35.025-05:00A note from Diane Rafai with Cornerstone Mortgage about Condos and Townhomes<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am starting to see more contracts on condominiums so
thought a little refresher on things to watch for would be good information to
share with my realtors.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First, a townhome has no special requirements- it is
considered a single family residence and is treated just like a regular
home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">How can you tell if a property is a townhome vs. a
condominium? One way is to look at the legal description- in most cases, a
townhome has lot/block legal and a condo will show “unit __” of “Building ___”
or on tax records it will show style as being condo . But this is not always
the case. The next step would be to have title company pull title and docs to
see how it was recorded.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If it is determined the
property is a condominium, then here are the important things you need to be
aware of:<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Condominiums are considered high risk properties because the
condition and value depend as much on the neighbors as the owner. For this reason,
owner occupancy is very important. This means how many owners actually
live on site vs. those that are using the condo as an investment or
second home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Different types of loans
have different requirements</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b>Conventional</b>- <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If the borrower is putting down at least 20% so there is no
mortgage insurance required, then you can usually get a conventional loan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">If the borrower is putting down less than 20% so mortgage
insurance is required, then owner occupancy must be at least 75%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">FHA and VA:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The government rules state that the condo association must
be on the approved list for either FHA or VA before you may do a loan for
them. The approved lists are available online. If the property is not shown as
approved already, then it can be submitted to FHA or VA for approval. It takes
about 6 weeks to get a response and during that time, you cannot order an
appraisal or do any other property related work on the file because a case
number cannot be issued if the property is not on the approved list.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">To get a property approved they require:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Owner
occupancy of at least 50%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Property
cannot be involved in any lawsuits<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Past
dues on assessment cannot exceed 15%<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Other
documentation based on their current guidelie4ns<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">I have managed to get 3 properties added to the
approved list in the last 2 years so I know how to get it done. If you have a
borrower who is interested in condominiums, check with me first so we can
determine if the borrower is qualified, the property is qualified or if
we can get the property qualified based on occupancy and past due percentages.
Then we can evaluate the time needed to close and if the HOA is willing to work
with us to provide the required information. A little time and effort upfront
doing the research on the property can save</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> some disappointment later.</span>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-72189895167701317532012-08-17T17:42:00.001-05:002012-08-17T17:42:17.212-05:00<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_bCo5ck-yDk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-64485676403615937162012-02-22T14:38:00.001-06:002012-02-22T14:38:40.546-06:00Videos on You Tube<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Pye Team now has a You Tube Channel! Check it out at: </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/pyeteam1"><span style="font-family: inherit;">www.youtube.com/user/pyeteam1</span></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And just a little taste...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pre-Qualified vs. Pre-Approved</span><br />
<br />
<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KLXYwe5xTos" width="480" height="360" scrolling="auto" frameborder="0"></iframe><BR><BR>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Colleen Pye and Debby Colson, the Pye Team talk with Doug Luza of CORE Lending about the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval in the home loan process.</span><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-27678839156878820672012-02-06T14:31:00.001-06:002012-02-06T14:31:55.328-06:00Home Warranties - Are they worth it?Apparently so. Recently, I've been made aware of two instances of using a home warranty to avoid costly repairs. First, Fidelity National Home Warranty repaired a pool and a refrigerator saving the homeowner over $1,800.00. In the second instance, a homeowner had their entire gas furnace replaced by American Home Shield amounting to a total savings of $1,500.00. Both homeowners report a positive experience and were happy to have the home warranty to rely on.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-43830908004482579222012-02-01T14:15:00.002-06:002012-02-01T14:16:38.772-06:00Down Payment Assistance Programs offered by our friend Diane Rifai<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our friend Diane Rifai now offers</span> <span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">down payment assistance programs through TSAHC
for Professional Educators and Homes for Heroes such as firemen, policemen,
etc. (see definition below). <br /><br />Here's a brief summary:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">1. There is a Household Income Limit -see attached chart</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">2. There are Home Purchase Price Limits</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">3. Must be a first time homebuyer (not had an ownership interest in a principal residence in last 3 years)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">4. Meet standard underwriting guidelines for a loan</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">5. Intend to occupy the home as a primary residence</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">6. Complete a HUD approved homebuyer education course prior to closing</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br />Homebuyer must be one of the following:<br />
§ A Professional Educator: Defined as a full time Classroom Teacher, Teacher Aide, School Librarian, School Nurse or School Counselor employed by a public school district in the state of Texas; or a full time faculty member * of either an undergraduate or graduate professional nursing or allied health program in the State of Texas; or <br />
§ A Texas Hero: Defined as a full time, paid Firefighter, Emergency Medical Services Personnel, Peace Officer, Corrections Officer, Juvenile Corrections Officer, County Jailer, or a Public Security Officer working in the State of Texas (click here for detailed Texas Hero definitions : <a href="http://www.tsahc.org/pdfs/2010_Homes_For_Heroes_%20Eligibility.pdf">http://www.tsahc.org/pdfs/2010_Homes_For_Heroes_%20Eligibility.pdf</a> ).<br />
<br />
Call Diane Rifai for more details -- <br />Residential Mortgage Loan Originator<br />Cornerstone Mortgage<br />cell: 713-304-2660</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-71188200680568548592012-02-01T14:07:00.002-06:002012-02-01T14:07:31.280-06:00Mirror Makeover!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just had my three bathroom mirrors updated - wow! The effect is eye-popping. Check out the vendor I used at: <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=60569445&msgid=461692&act=TXGV&c=526722&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mirrormakeover.com%2F"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;">www.MirrorMakeover.com</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> You can also check out customer comments by visiting: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=60569445&msgid=461692&act=TXGV&c=526722&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fmirrormakeover%23p%2Fu%2F0%2FGJo6L-YzSJI"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.youtube.com/mirrormakeover#p/u/0/GJo6L-YzSJI</span></span></a>
</span></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-66604750277739331512012-01-11T12:29:00.000-06:002012-01-11T12:33:00.545-06:00New HCAD Rules for Initial Homestead Exemption<span style="font-family: inherit;">If your home does not currently have a homestead exemption, now is the time to file it for 2012. You have up until April 30th to send it in. You can also file for exemptions on disability, over 65 and other types of residential exemptions at this time - check your county appraisal district office to see what is offered in your county.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">New rule for 2012 - you must present a driver’s license and vehicle registration showing the current home address - so get that done first. See below for a link to the new rules for Harris County (and some surrounding counties).
To file your exemptions, go to your county appraisal district and the forms should be on the web site.</span>
<br />
<br />
Here's the link for a PDF of the new HCAD rules: <a href="http://www.hcad.org/pdf/HB-252.pdf">http://www.hcad.org/pdf/HB-252.pdf</a><br />
<br />
Below are some additional links for the forms to file at various county offices:
<br />
<br />
Harris County <a href="http://www.hcad.org/">http://www.hcad.org/</a>
<br />
<br />
Montgomery County <a href="http://www.mcad-tx.org/html/forms.html">http://www.mcad-tx.org/html/forms.html</a>
<br />
<br />
Brazoria County <a href="http://www.brazoriacad.org/Forms.htm">http://www.brazoriacad.org/Forms.htm</a>
<br />
<br />
Fort Bend County <a href="http://www.fbcad.org/Appraisal/PublicAccess/OtherOption.aspx?MenuOptionID=1&SelectedItem=51&PropertyID=&PropertyOwnerID=&NodeID=11">http://www.fbcad.org/Appraisal/PublicAccess/OtherOption.aspx?MenuOptionID=1&SelectedItem=51&PropertyID=&PropertyOwnerID=&NodeID=11</a>
<br />
<br />
Liberty County <a href="http://www.libertycad.com/forms.html">http://www.libertycad.com/forms.html</a>
<br />
<br />
Thanks to our friend Diane Rafai for sharing this info with us. Visit her on the web at: <span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.dianerifai.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">www.DianeRifai.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-32223518734068544492012-01-11T12:12:00.001-06:002012-01-11T12:12:55.579-06:00Your Tax Refund Could Mean a New HomeDo you remember what you spent last year’s income tax refund on?
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoQ92GaxNfl27ARRkq66gM6N0Pzypf7TsiTBlkF5fYF0yfBY299c7PBsdtZ_owEdKpAYiv2sRsHwwj2s2mDt80TVCR7DL3kultQdFD3DkHJcFML9b9tCt9eBpIu1CBYTpeQWtRZJ3_Zs/s1600/FrontDoor.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIoQ92GaxNfl27ARRkq66gM6N0Pzypf7TsiTBlkF5fYF0yfBY299c7PBsdtZ_owEdKpAYiv2sRsHwwj2s2mDt80TVCR7DL3kultQdFD3DkHJcFML9b9tCt9eBpIu1CBYTpeQWtRZJ3_Zs/s320/FrontDoor.png" width="203" /></a></div>
Yeah, neither do we. Instead of spending it on something frivolous, why not put it towards
something that matters, something that you and your family will appreciate for years to
come ~ a home! There is no greater feeling than owning your own home; and by using your tax refund for your home down payment, you eliminate the bigger hurdle!
Combining a down payment assistance program with an FHA first mortgage could lead to little or no money out of pocket.
<br />
<br />
Contact Jenny Matthews, Loan Consultant with iMortgage<br />
to learn about these programs.
<br />
Direct 713 395 6915
<br />
Mobile 713 395 6915
<br />
Fax 855 433 2896
<br />
NMLS ID 621639
<br />
<a href="mailto:jenny.matthews@imortgage.com">jenny.matthews@imortgage.com</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-17291760185146978882011-12-31T11:34:00.001-06:002011-12-31T11:34:36.210-06:00<div id='cm_iframe'></div><script type='text/javascript' src='http://houston.culturemap.com/news/republish.js?slug=12-30-11-09-47-fireworks-ban-cuts-into-holiday-festivities&width=420&theme=light'></script><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-59665215520067323412011-12-31T09:10:00.000-06:002011-12-31T09:10:08.726-06:00Towne Lake is building out a waterfront center<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="a2apage_sm_ifr" src="http://static.addtoany.com/menu/sm7.html#type=page&event=load&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8638826744480115821&referrer=" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: none; height: 1px; left: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px; width: 1px; z-index: 100000;" transparency="true" width="1"></iframe><div style="position: static;">
The folks over at Towne Lake are set for a busy new year...the developer is moving forward on a planned waterfront center called The Boardwalk of Towne Lake that is to include restaurants, retail stores, office buildings, a hotel, a green area, a 3,000-seat amphitheatre. Check out the details here: </div>
<a href="http://impactnews.com/northwest-houston/328-news/15750-towne-lake-builds-out-waterfront-center">http://impactnews.com/northwest-houston/328-news/15750-towne-lake-builds-out-waterfront-center</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-56896683907251158592011-12-31T08:57:00.000-06:002011-12-31T08:59:26.899-06:00Christmas Tree RecyclingEvery year, Houstonians discard thousands of used Christmas trees that could be
recycled into useable items. The City of Houston is encouraging residents to recycle their
Christmas Trees to give them a new lease
on life and make the recycling of Christmas trees a family tradition.<br />
<br />
Click here for more info: <a href="http://www.houstontx.gov/solidwaste/christmastree_recycling.html#.Tv8ijK7D41Y.blogger">Christmas Tree Recycling</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-74544227043972656452011-12-27T11:33:00.000-06:002011-12-27T11:33:29.889-06:00FHA Extends Waiver of Anti-Flipping Regulations Through 2012<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">In an effort to continue stabilizing home values and improve
conditions in communities experiencing high foreclosure activity, Acting <span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">Federal Housing Administration
(FHA) Commissioner Carol J. Galante will extend FHA’s temporary waiver of the
anti-flipping regulations.</span> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">With certain exceptions, FHA regulations prohibit insuring a
mortgage on a home owned by the seller for less than 90 days. In 2010,
FHA temporarily waived this regulation through January 31, 2011, and later
extended that waiver through the remainder of 2011<span style="background: yellow; mso-highlight: yellow;">. The new extension will permit buyers to continue
to use FHA-insured financing to purchase HUD-owned properties, bank-owned
properties, or properties resold through private sales. It will allow homes to
resell as quickly as possible, helping to stabilize real estate prices and to
revitalize neighborhoods and communities.</span></span><span style="background: yellow; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-highlight: yellow;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="background: yellow; color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-highlight: yellow;">The extension is effective
through December 31, 2012,</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> unless otherwise extended or withdrawn by
FHA. All other terms of the existing Waiver will remain the same.
The Waiver contains strict conditions and guidelines to prevent the
predatory practice of property flipping, in which properties are quickly resold
at inflated prices to unsuspecting borrowers. The Waiver continues to be
limited to sales meeting the following conditions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">All transactions must be arms-length, with no identity of interest
between the buyer and seller or other parties participating in the sales
transaction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">In cases in which the sales price of the property is 20 percent or
more above the seller’s acquisition cost, the Waiver will only apply if the
lender meets specific conditions and documents the justification for the
increase in value.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The Waiver is limited to forward mortgages, and does not apply to
the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) for purchase program.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">-- This information was originally shared with us by our friend Diane Rifai,
Residential Mortgage Loan Originator. Visit her on the web at: </span><a href="http://www.dianerifai.com/"><span style="color: #336699; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.DianeRifai.com</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-60898225510895640222011-12-26T16:46:00.002-06:002011-12-26T16:52:51.840-06:00Wow...<iframe width="480" height="274" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xHkq1edcbk4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-62992922126861486292011-12-19T11:43:00.000-06:002011-12-19T11:43:22.352-06:00Property Flipping rules and FHA<span style="font-family: Calibri;">On December 31,2011 FHA’s Temporary Flipping Waiver expires.
For over a year, FHA had waived their requirement for 90 day ownership prior to
purchasing a property using FHA insured financing. But that waiver expires
December 31, 2011. If FHA does not renew it this means we go back to the
regular policy. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Calibri;">FHA flipping policy:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">FHA requires a property to be owned by the seller for 90
days before re-sale (this means the contract date cannot be prior to the 91<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup>
day of the seller’s ownership). No work can be done by lender on the property
prior to the 91<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> day- this includes ordering an appraisal or
ordering a case number from FHA on the borrower). So if you have an investor
property under a listing agreement, then you need to prepare your seller for
this. The 91 days is calculated from the date title transferred to seller (not
necessarily the same as the purchase date) to the date of a new sales contract.<br /><br />-- This information was originally shared with us by our friend Diane Rifai, Residential Mortgage Loan Originator. Visit her on the web at: <a href="http://www.dianerifai.com/">http://www.DianeRifai.com</a></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-14553306385975229102011-12-19T11:39:00.004-06:002011-12-19T11:39:41.102-06:00Hot On Homes - Albury Trails<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Pye Team was recently featured in a Hot On Homes! segment. Click the picture
below to view:</span><br /><a href="http://www.hotonhomes.com/houston-new-homes/builder-videos/dr-horton-americas-builder/2161/albury-trails-estates/6166" target="_blank"><img _height="350" _width="523" align="center" alt="The Pye Team is Hot On Homes" src="http://content.remaxtexas.com/dyna_images/agents/225/128673/20111206113802.jpg" style="display: block;" title="The Pye Team is Hot On Homes" /></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-56338928555943146432011-12-19T11:38:00.005-06:002011-12-19T11:38:55.514-06:00Preparing for the Holidays<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A few good tips from our friend Diane
Rafai...<br /><br />This time of year everyone is focused on the holidays: gifts,
trips, parties...so much fun but so expensive. Be careful as you navigate
through the next few months- you do not want to ruin the good credit scores you
spent the year maintaining. Here are some tips to keep in mind about credit
scores:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Inquiries: every time a creditor
pulls your credit, it can hit your credit score 4-8 points PER INQUIRY according
to the credit bureaus. So applying for new credit at department stores to get a
discount on a purchase can cost you more than the discount it worth. Be careful
about applying for new credit.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">New credit: every time you do get
approved for new credit, you get a new hit to your score for the following
reason: length of time since new account established - and depending on what
type of account it is, you could see too many revolving accounts, or too many
department store accounts or too many open accounts any of these can have
negative effects on your credit scores.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Credit limits: even if you keep your
credit cards paid on time, if your balance at the time of the statement exceeds
30% of the available credit on the card, you may have points taken away from
your score. (This shows up under your credit explanations as proportion of
balances too high or ratios of revolving credit too high.) Many people believe
as long as they pay the credit card off monthly, they are ok. But the fact is
the balance used to evaluate your score on the credit report is the amount shown
on the monthly billing statement. So if your plan is to pay the credit card off
monthly, and you want to maximize your credit score, then you need to pay the
balance BEFORE the bill comes out so the statement reflects an amount less than
30% of the available balance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Use
your credit wisely this season so you start 2012 in as good or better shape than
you end 2011. Credit scores are so important to all aspects of your financial
health that proper management insures a solid foundation. </span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-81485388083065174062011-12-19T11:38:00.002-06:002011-12-19T11:38:27.325-06:00How long does a borrower have to wait to get another loan when they have had a financial issue?<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Download this PDF prepared by Diane Rifai to answer that question: </span><a href="http://content.remaxtexas.com/dyna_images/agents/225/128673/20111107122030.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Download the PDF</span></a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-24562765713180108852011-05-09T18:43:00.001-05:002011-05-09T18:43:48.177-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EvQ9TfB-Vied8_syCS5Qng82Wbige9-_2w8EUUQrIbvS0LKdQXUxnKqOBZWAC8YecvB88KNHIlO4gkVcJjIDOWpbG_GPNkRHQ-pLKw0ICE3h009blEKSGtAcrhOxR44OxCC0e_J9jh4/s1600/barbaracorcoran051011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EvQ9TfB-Vied8_syCS5Qng82Wbige9-_2w8EUUQrIbvS0LKdQXUxnKqOBZWAC8YecvB88KNHIlO4gkVcJjIDOWpbG_GPNkRHQ-pLKw0ICE3h009blEKSGtAcrhOxR44OxCC0e_J9jh4/s1600/barbaracorcoran051011.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-59439151057722062172011-04-06T23:54:00.001-05:002011-04-06T23:54:46.162-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFHkhNU8TozZji0E6ZofJ387RmQtlsSXYUH5BMElJz3fd-nsan0hUxIyZnfE4Q5lkstyZMLDzwDtF1W_uSDeOvHrNtqemLKQmsKBf3ppEgjUmeaxAmOCU_R9146D51dohjx8U9kLY2cM/s1600/barbaracorcoran040711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFHkhNU8TozZji0E6ZofJ387RmQtlsSXYUH5BMElJz3fd-nsan0hUxIyZnfE4Q5lkstyZMLDzwDtF1W_uSDeOvHrNtqemLKQmsKBf3ppEgjUmeaxAmOCU_R9146D51dohjx8U9kLY2cM/s1600/barbaracorcoran040711.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-62548344040436261572011-04-05T20:56:00.001-05:002011-04-05T20:56:49.883-05:00What's Happening in Houston...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iC9LaL0rEuwvoWe8g_DFx8IzDonmOU-fBKg6F2tC-mHOctZwDBOxrzqxwoP7zeHGzYgKCmySjbhLng66C0XYHNkucv_XffkGJUVmMbQZe4iKIWHyvthyWBn5I4bKnEr9HGKXdIDN-bM/s1600/1409AllstonV2_biz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6iC9LaL0rEuwvoWe8g_DFx8IzDonmOU-fBKg6F2tC-mHOctZwDBOxrzqxwoP7zeHGzYgKCmySjbhLng66C0XYHNkucv_XffkGJUVmMbQZe4iKIWHyvthyWBn5I4bKnEr9HGKXdIDN-bM/s1600/1409AllstonV2_biz.jpg" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/cypree-texas-real-estate/190587203945
Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-60579009185581563052011-03-19T21:54:00.000-05:002011-03-19T21:54:03.924-05:00Presentation is Everything!In a competitive market with more inventory than we've seen in some time, presentation is everything! By eliminating points a potential buyer may find fault with and bringing out the positive amenities, you are more likely to sell your home and get the price you want. Here are just a few tips that further your efforts:<br />
<br />
* Let There Be Light. Buy some 100-watt bulbs to brighten rooms, and open curtains or blinds to let light in. Unless a window faces a brick wall or some type of eyesore, open the drapes!<br />
<br />
* Garage, Not Garbage. Have a garage sale to clean out the clutter and make the garage more spacious. You're moving and probably need to start organizing anyway, so why wait until the last minute? Clean up oil spots in the garage or carport with a good cleanser to remove that "lived-in" appearance. The home may not be brand new, but it's new to a potential buyer.<br />
<br />
* Make Scents. Get a nice potpourri air freshener, or keep some refrigerated cookie dough on hand to throw in the oven when a prospect is coming over. Make the house smell like a home.<br />
<br />
* Paint-relief. Consider re-painting any areas that need to be touched up, especially the front door and entryway, and any appliances that are showing their age.<br />
<br />
* Power Plants. Trim down any jungles outside, especially if they cover the house. Get rid of any half-dead houseplants. Water the lawns briefly before any visit, and keep the lawns mowed and edged.<br />
<br />
* The Price is Right. Price may be a sensitive issue, but with increased inventories and declining home values in many neighborhoods, every shopper in a buyers' market is determined to get the best deal possible. Now is a good time to compare your house with others on the market in the same area, because the right price is the one thing that will sell your house faster than anything else.<br />
<br />
* The World is Your Stage. Professional staging can help to showcase the best side of a home, create more interest, and get you top dollar. With increased inventories, staging could provide the competitive edge you need. <br />
<br />
These tips were derived from 33 Ways to Sell Your Home Fast! and shared courtesy of James Ricks, Bluewater Mortgage. Thanks James!<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
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Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-69823368349187555612011-03-19T17:41:00.000-05:002011-03-19T17:43:09.124-05:00Open house tomorrow.. in Fairfield.. on 700AM<span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">My listing on 15131 Red Cedar Cove Cypress, TX 77429 wil be on KSEV radio.. 700 am.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">You can listen on line starting at 1PM... <a href="http://ksevradio.com/schedule/sunday/open-house">http://ksevradio.com/schedule/sunday/open-house</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0f243e; font-family: "Calibri", "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Just going the extra mile for my clients... Home buying and selling as easy as PYE... it's not just our slogan it's our PASSION</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTKvXDCdc1Yjw-zh8mCgJZGOVOOPyXrtMV3ugJxBdyGyi0jLGg3oSxapMqPUrDUDyB_hbcKn3eID4h4R9oD0a9fzkuI-t3O7j-bkHBpfGDbmKnzgNPzRcH61KrIBenLETxfaQXLvP0bg/s1600/radio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTKvXDCdc1Yjw-zh8mCgJZGOVOOPyXrtMV3ugJxBdyGyi0jLGg3oSxapMqPUrDUDyB_hbcKn3eID4h4R9oD0a9fzkuI-t3O7j-bkHBpfGDbmKnzgNPzRcH61KrIBenLETxfaQXLvP0bg/s320/radio.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
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Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-32314162458364541692011-03-15T07:07:00.001-05:002011-03-15T07:07:35.729-05:00What to do???<table align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="mod_events_latest_table"><tbody>
<tr><td class="mod_events_latest_first" style="border-bottom-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; border-right-color: #000000; border-top-color: #000000;"><span style="color: #9e2214;"><span class="mod_events_latest_date">Tue Mar 15</span></span><span class="mod_events_latest_content"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/northwest-houston/calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2011/03/11/27062/547/qyou-cant-take-it-with-youq-">"You Can't Take it With You" </a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mod_events_latest" style="border-bottom-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; border-right-color: #000000; border-top-color: #000000;"><span style="color: #9e2214;"><span class="mod_events_latest_date">Tue Mar 15</span></span><span class="mod_events_latest_content"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/northwest-houston/calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2011/03/10/27061/547/cirque-du-soleil-presents-ovo-">Cirque du Soleil presents OVO </a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mod_events_latest" style="border-bottom-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; border-right-color: #000000; border-top-color: #000000;"><span class="mod_events_latest_date"><span style="color: #9e2214;">Tue Mar 15 @ 6:00PM</span></span> - <span style="color: #9e2214;"><span class="mod_events_latest_date">07:00PM</span></span><span class="mod_events_latest_content"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/northwest-houston/calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2011/03/15/12545/547/mended-hearts-support-group">Mended Hearts Support Group</a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mod_events_latest" style="border-bottom-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; border-right-color: #000000; border-top-color: #000000;"><span style="color: #9e2214;"><span class="mod_events_latest_date">Wed Mar 16</span></span><span class="mod_events_latest_content"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/northwest-houston/calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2011/03/11/27062/547/qyou-cant-take-it-with-youq-">"You Can't Take it With You" </a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mod_events_latest" style="border-bottom-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; border-right-color: #000000; border-top-color: #000000;"><span style="color: #9e2214;"><span class="mod_events_latest_date">Wed Mar 16</span></span><span class="mod_events_latest_content"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/northwest-houston/calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2011/03/10/27061/547/cirque-du-soleil-presents-ovo-">Cirque du Soleil presents OVO </a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mod_events_latest" style="border-bottom-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; border-right-color: #000000; border-top-color: #000000;"><span style="color: #9e2214;"><span class="mod_events_latest_date">Thu Mar 17</span></span><span class="mod_events_latest_content"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/northwest-houston/calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2011/03/11/27062/547/qyou-cant-take-it-with-youq-">"You Can't Take it With You" </a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mod_events_latest" style="border-bottom-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; border-right-color: #000000; border-top-color: #000000;"><span style="color: #9e2214;"><span class="mod_events_latest_date">Thu Mar 17</span></span><span class="mod_events_latest_content"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/northwest-houston/calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2011/03/10/27061/547/cirque-du-soleil-presents-ovo-">Cirque du Soleil presents OVO </a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mod_events_latest" style="border-bottom-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; border-right-color: #000000; border-top-color: #000000;"><span style="color: #9e2214;"><span class="mod_events_latest_date">Fri Mar 18</span></span><span class="mod_events_latest_content"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/northwest-houston/calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2011/03/11/27062/547/qyou-cant-take-it-with-youq-">"You Can't Take it With You" </a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mod_events_latest" style="border-bottom-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; border-right-color: #000000; border-top-color: #000000;"><span style="color: #9e2214;"><span class="mod_events_latest_date">Fri Mar 18</span></span><span class="mod_events_latest_content"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/northwest-houston/calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2011/03/10/27061/547/cirque-du-soleil-presents-ovo-">Cirque du Soleil presents OVO </a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="mod_events_latest" style="border-bottom-color: #000000; border-left-color: #000000; border-right-color: #000000; border-top-color: #000000;"><span style="color: #9e2214;"><span class="mod_events_latest_date">Sat Mar 19</span></span><span class="mod_events_latest_content"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/northwest-houston/calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2011/03/10/27061/547/cirque-du-soleil-presents-ovo-">Cirque du Soleil presents OV</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
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Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8638826744480115821.post-11938385991148744882011-03-15T06:50:00.000-05:002011-03-15T06:50:44.193-05:00Cy-Fair ... BUdget cuts.. Greatly affecting our system<em><strong>This will have an effect on our education system- attend a meeting.. </strong></em><br />
<br />
<br />
The Cy-Fair ISD Board of Trustees discussed potential budget cuts at its work session and board meeting the week of March 7.<br />
At the work session March 7, Stuart Snow, associate superintendent for business and financial services, presented an oral report on the 2011-12 school year budget.<br />
Snow said that although exact budget numbers are unknown, the district has been planning for a significant cut in revenue from the state.<br />
Gov. Rick Perry is calling for a budget with a $10 billion cut to public education in the next two years. This translates to a $65 million to $116 million revenue shortfall in CFISD each year for the next two years.<br />
Snow said if there was a $116 million state reduction in funding, 23,000 CFISD employees making $50,000 a year would need to be laid off. However, he also said the district does not plan on balancing its budget just by reducing its number of employees.<br />
In order to deal with the cuts, the district is considering plans to reduce its health plan, administrative staff, support personnel and electricity costs, and it could increase the cap for the number of students in each K—4 grade classroom to 25 students per teacher.<br />
Despite the cuts, the district still has included plans in its budget to open a new middle school in the fall 2011 and have available staff for an increase of 1,500 new students. Also, many of the employees in positions that could be eliminated in the budget cuts could be used to fill vacant positions in the district.<br />
CFISD superintendent David Anthony did not shy away from the gravity of the budget shortfall.<br />
"We have to understand that the support...will be impacted by these budget reductions," Anthony said. "It is going to put a strain on the system [from] the teachers through the board of trustees."<br />
At the March 10 board meeting, the Community Legislative Committee, a group of community members committed to educating the residents and legislators about the needs of the school district, invited the community to 10 public meetings. The meetings will discuss the potential effects of state budget cuts to education.<br />
Each meeting will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. and will include a presentation about state education funding and a question and answer period.<br />
<strong>Meeting dates:</strong><br />
<strong>Monday, March 21 </strong><br />
Cypress Springs High School<br />
7909 Fry Road, Cypress<br />
Jersey Village High School<br />
7600 Solomon St., Jersey Village<br />
<strong>Tuesday, March 22 </strong><br />
Cypress Lakes High School<br />
5750 Greenhouse Road, Katy<br />
Cy-Fair High School<br />
22602 Hempstead Highway, Cypress<br />
<strong>Wednesday, March 23 </strong><br />
Cypress Falls High School<br />
9811 Huffmeister Road, Houston<br />
<strong>Thursday, March 24 </strong><br />
Cypress Creek High School<br />
9815 Grant Road, Houston<br />
<strong>Monday, March 28 </strong><br />
Langham Creek High School<br />
17610 FM 529, Houston<br />
<strong>Tuesday, March 29 </strong><br />
Cypress Ranch High School<br />
10700 Fry Road, Cypress<br />
<strong>Wednesday, March 30 </strong><br />
Cypress Ridge High School<br />
7900 N. Eldridge Parkway, Houston<br />
Spillane Middle School<br />
17500 Jarvis Road, Cypress<div class="blogger-post-footer">Please visit me on my FACEBOOK FAN PAGE.
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Thanks for visiting.. if there are questions you want to ask... please do so</div>Colleen Pye.. Cypress Realtorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14240366056697526416noreply@blogger.com0