Don Puryear's "Service for Life!" newsletter is available.  If you are not apart of our normal email list to receive a PDF version of it, contact us, and we will be happy to add you to our list.  Don's newsletter is not only full of interesting tips about the Houston real estate market or how to go about improving the value of your home, or advice about certain aspects of being an active part of the real estate market; be it buying or selling, but he also has fun trivia, contests, local events, decorating or entertaining tips, and useful information about healthy living.  Check out our latest issue and see for yourself!

In an effort to reduce our use of paper, we are relying more on our email version and less on our standard mail version of the newsletter.  We will begin sending a paper version of the newsletter on alternating months, as opposed to every month.  Don Puryear is going a little greener each day, so this seems to be the logical starting point!

Interested in seeing past issues?  Go to "Our Newsletter" tab and click on the "Past Issues" tab.

Congratulations are in order for Ken and Rinata Simien!  With help from the Puryear Team, they recently bought their first home in Sugar Land!  We were happy to help, and here's what Rinata had to say about us:

"Michael Ross of the Don Puryear Team was an exceptional Realtor, and I would recommend him to anyone!  If I could give the Don Puryear team more than 5 stars I would!"

Thank you for those kind words, Rinata!  We strive to give all of our clients the kind of exceptional service she speaks of.  Check out our testimonials page for more comments from our clients.  The Houston, TX real estate market is full of unique homes for sale from Downtown Lofts to Woodlands Mansions, from West University mid-rises to Clear Lake traditionals  - let Don Puryear, Houston Inner Loop Real Estate agent help you find what you are looking for!

On average, Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors - of that 90 percent, about 65 percent of that is spent at home. Indoor air pollution, including household allergens, is one of the leading causes of health problems in the United States.

A number of everyday products and activities can be making your home sick. With a few simple changes and better practices, Americans can immediately manage the quality of air in their homes.

According to Dan Stih, Certified Indoor Environmental Expert, retired engineer and author of Healthy Living Spaces: Top 10 Hazards Affecting your Health, indoor pollution can be just as harmful as outdoor pollution. "The last thing any person wants is to live in a sick house, full of triggers that end up affecting their overall well-being," says Stih. "Paying attention to how your appliances work, the ingredients in cleaning supplies and your overall atmosphere will help combat pollutants and reduce allergies to improve your home environment."

Asthma and allergies strike one in every four Americans, approximately 60 million people.(2) With experts predicting this year will be the worst allergy season in a decade, Stih recommends evaluating what's happening in your home and investigating simple ways to manage allergy levels.

Indoor allergens come from a number of sources such as pet dander, dust mite feces and mold spores. As an indoor air expert, Stih explains "the technology and design behind appliances play a key role in maintaining a healthier home."

Vacuums. Pay attention to what they promise: Investing in a good vacuum cleaner can make all the difference. Many vacuums not only underperform but can do more harm than good. Look for a machine that captures dust and does not blow it back into the air. I've tested a number of machines and found that Dyson vacuums reduce allergen particles. They are certified asthma & allergy friendly(TM) by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). (3)

Don't be fooled by marketing lines. You need a vacuum that has a HEPA filter, but make sure it is a post motor filter.

Air purifiers.  Air purifiers that do not require filters produce ozone, a gas that can cause health problems and affect our lungs and respiratory system. Often you can smell the ozone. Purifiers with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters, on the other hand, are the best option given they remove at least 99.97 percent of airborne particles. If you air purifier doesn't have a filter unplug it and go buy one that does.

Mold. Don't just kill mold, remove it. Since mold causes allergies, part of getting rid of household allergens is to get rid of mold and fix the water problems that are causing mold to grow. Applying bleach or other biocides to mold may actually induce the mold to produce toxins as part of its last fight to survive.

Instead, soap, water and hydrogen peroxide can be used in cleaning the affected area. The Environmental Protection Agency states that dead mold may still cause allergic reactions in some people so for a healthy home, it is not enough to kill mold, it must also be removed.

Scents. Be as scent-free as you can be. Unplug air-fresheners, wash clothes in non-fragrant laundry soap and minimize the use of perfume. According to the United States Food and Drug Administration, more that 70 percent of allergy sufferers develop respiratory symptoms when exposed to perfume.

Household Cleaners. Read the label! Cleaning supplies can sometimes increase allergen levels. Reading the label to identify hazardous chemicals is important when looking for cleaning supplies. If ingredients are not on the label, do not purchase it. Avoid cleaning products that say flammable, active ingredients, and contain alcohol as these airborne particles can ultimately affect our health. A healthy cleaning product will always list all its ingredients.

Are you spending too much time indoors?  Why not take a peak at all offered to you in Houston, Texas outside!  There are so many activities available for everyone.  We send out weekly newsletters featuring outdoor activities you might love!  Click here to receive email updates!

HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT PUSHES HOUSTON SINGLE-FAMILY HOME SALES UP FOR A SECOND CONSECUTIVE MONTH IN APRIL

Prices appreciate further with strong sales volume reported in all pricing segments

HOUSTON — (May 18, 2010) — Sales of single-family homes across the greater Houston area rose for a second straight month in April, apparently buoyed by transactions incentivized by the federal government’s homebuyer tax credit that expired on April 30. Prices of single-family homes also maintained their months-long appreciation. April sales of single-family homes across the Houston market climbed 26.7 percent compared to April 2009, according to the latest monthly data compiled by the Houston Association of REALTORS (HAR). Sales volume soared in all single-family home pricing segments except the under-$80,000 market, which was flat. The largest increase took place among homes priced from $500,000 and above. Sales of all property types combined rose 26.7 percent in April on a year-over-year basis. The average price of a single-family home appreciated for the seventh straight month, reaching $206,414, up 6.8 percent versus April 2009. That represents the highest pricing level for an April in Houston. At $153,500, the April single-family home median price—the figure at which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less—rose 2.4 percent from one year earlier. That represents the 12th consecutive monthly increase in median price and is the highest dollar figure for an April in Houston. Foreclosure property sales reported in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) increased 3.9 percent in April compared to one year earlier. The median price of April foreclosure sales rose 8.4 percent to $90,000 on a year-over-year basis. Sales of all property types in Houston for April totaled 6,200, up 26.7 percent compared to April 2009. Total dollar volume for properties sold during the month was $1.2 billion versus $915 million one year earlier, representing a 34.8 percent increase. "The Houston real estate market seems to have truly benefited from homebuyers who acted by April 30 to take advantage of the tax credit as well as low mortgage interest rates," said Margie Dorrance, HAR chair and principal at Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan. "Seasonality also served our market well, as the spring and summer months are traditionally when most real estate transactions take place." April Monthly Market Comparison The month of April brought Houston’s overall housing market positive results when all listing categories are compared to April of 2009. Total property sales, total dollar volume and both median and average single-family home sales prices all increased on a year-over-year basis. The number of available properties, or active listings, at the end of April rose 8.0 percent from April 2009 to 48,869. That represents 161 fewer active listings than one month earlier, in March 2010, and is considered a reflection of increased activity stemming from the homebuyer tax credit. Month-end pending sales for April—those listings expected to close within the next 30 days—totaled 4,613, up 25.2 percent from last year. The months inventory of single-family homes for April extended slightly to 6.5 months compared to 6.0 months one year earlier, but remains better than the national months inventory of single-family homes of 8.0 months, reported by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

CATEGORIES April 2009 April 2010 PERCENT CHANGE Total property sales 4,895 6,200 26.7% Total dollar volume $915,561,348 $1,234,121,017 34.8% Total active listings 45,269 48,869 8.0% Total pending sales 3,685 4,613 25.2% Single-family home sales 4,199 5,321 26.7% Single-family average sales price $193,289 $206,414 6.8% Single-family median sales price $149,900 $153,500 2.4% Months inventory* 6.0 6.5 7.7%

* Months inventory estimates the number of months it will take to deplete current active inventory based on the prior 12 months sales activity. This figure is representative of the single-family homes market.

Single-Family Homes Update April sales of single-family homes in Houston totaled 5,321, up 26.7 percent from April 2009. This marks the second consecutive month of increased sales activity. Broken out by segment, April sales of homes priced between $80,000 and $150,000 rose 31.4 percent; those in the $150,000 to $250,000 range climbed 30.3 percent; and those priced between $250,000 and $500,000 were up 30.6 percent. Sales of luxury homes—those priced from $500,000 to the millions—rocketed 53.4 percent. April sales of homes in the below-$80,000 segment were flat compared to one year earlier. Heightened sales activity in the higher end of the housing market drove pricing up again in April. At $153,500, the median sales price for single-family homes rose for the 12th consecutive month, up 2.4 percent from April 2009. The national single-family median price reported by NAR is $170,700, illustrating the continued higher value and lower cost of living that consumers enjoy in the Houston market. The average price of single-family homes in April was $206,414, an increase of 6.8 percent from one year earlier. That represents the seventh straight monthly jump in the average price. Both median and average pricing reached the highest levels ever recorded for an April in Houston. HAR also breaks out the sales performance of existing single-family homes throughout the Houston market. In April 2010, existing home sales totaled 4,526, a 30.0 percent increase from April 2009. The median sales price rose 4.3 percent to $145,000 compared to last year. The average sales price of $192,930 increased 8.9 percent from its April 2009 level. Townhouse/Condominium Update The number of townhouses and condominiums that sold in April jumped 25.7 percent compared to one year earlier. In the greater Houston area, 480 units were sold last month versus 382 properties in April 2009. The median price of a townhouse/condominium slid 1.1 percent year-over-year to $132,500. The average price dipped 1.7 percent to at $162,529 from April 2009 to April 2010.   Lease Property Update Demand for single-family home rentals rose 13.6 percent in April compared to a year earlier. Year-over-year townhouse/condominium rentals jumped 34.2 percent. Houston Real Estate Milestones in April Single-family home sales rose 26.7 percent; Total property sales increased 26.7 percent; The average price of a single-family home appreciated for a seventh straight month by 6.8 percent to $206,414—the highest pricing level for an April in Houston; The median price of a single-family home rose for the 12th consecutive month, by 2.4 percent, to $153,500— the highest dollar figure for an April in Houston; 6.5 months inventory of single-family homes compares favorably to the national average of 8.0 months; Townhouse/condominium sales increased 25.7 percent; Total dollar volume climbed 34.8 percent, reaching $1.2 billion.

The computerized Multiple Listing Service of the Houston Association of Realtors® includes residential properties and new homes listed by 25,000 Realtors® throughout Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties, as well as parts of Brazoria, Galveston, Waller and Wharton counties. Residential home sales statistics as well as listing information for more than 50,000 properties may be found on the Internet at http://www.har.com. The information published and disseminated to the HAR Multiple Listing Services is communicated verbatim, without change by Multiple Listing Services, as filed by MLS participants. The MLS does not verify the information provided and disclaims any responsibility for its accuracy. All data is preliminary and subject to change. Monthly sales figures reported since November 1998 includes a statistical estimation to account for late entries. Twelve-month totals may vary from actual end-of-year figures. (Single-family detached homes were broken out separately in monthly figures beginning February 1988.) Founded in 1918, the Houston Association of Realtors® (HAR) is a 25,000-member organization of real estate professionals engaged in every aspect of the industry, including residential and commercial sales and leasing, appraisal, property management and counseling. It is the largest local association/board of Realtors® in the United States as well as the largest individual membership trade association in Houston.

As a homeowner, you have captured a piece of the American Dream, but dreams change and yours might need a facelift!  Perhaps you are updating because you want to sell in the near future – a few years or a few months – and know there are things that need to be done in order to attract persnickety buyers.  However, these renovations might be for you to enjoy, but either way, you want to think smart when spending the money.

The main rule of thumb is to remove personal tastes when deciding to do some serious cosmetic changes.  Remember that any remodel project will cost more than the amount your home’s value will increase, and some remodels will decrease the value of your home if poor decisions or quality of work is done.   Making too personal of a change, like putting in a built-in aquarium or a bold tile color in bathrooms will make a home harder to sell, so be smart! 

The most obvious and necessary improvements to make are the things that need to be fixed.  If something’s broken, no matter how small, that will be what stands out amid all the improvements you make.  Even if you’re not selling in the near future or at all, these minor problems can become costly, big problems very quickly!

Before your start ripping out cabinets and floors, do some research.  Watch home improvement shows, visit model homes or your neighbors’ homes to see what you like.  Then make a list of projects you would like to tackle in order of importance…your priorities might depend on your budget.  Here are a few tips or guidelines to follow for smart remodels.

For the Indoors

• The kitchen is considered the “heart of the home,” so an updated kitchen will be where the most return for your money will come.

• If you have older countertops, consider granite, marble DuPont Corian or Silestone.  These items are hot right now and are what buyers are looking for.

• If you have older cabinets, replace them with birch, maple or cherry or freshen them up with new paint and contemporary hardware.

• Appliances are have quite an impact on buyers, so consider upgrading your dated ones to stainless steel/professional quality and energy efficient appliances.

• Tired of your floors?  Try updating your laminate patterns with a contemporary laminate look or go for the real thing – stone tiles or hardwood.

• Bathrooms are considered the in-home retreat for many people and now the more spa-like the bathroom, the better!  Adding luxury baths to master bedrooms, perhaps a jetted garden tub or steam shower would be a consideration!

• Another rule for a bathroom – if it has carpet, change it!

• Updating the floors to a natural material (or synthetic that look natural) like stone tiles in the entry or hardwoods in the living/dining areas is a plus.

• A simple fix, fresh paint on the walls and trim can change your whole home!

For the Outdoors

• Well-planned landscaping, like mature trees and cleanly trimmed hedges and yards can add thousands of dollars to your home’s value, because they make your home look so much better.

• In Houston, especially in the loop, having a usable greenspace is a huge plus in the Houston, Texas real estate market!  If you have a porch, clean it up and add some seating.  Same with your patio, making it a great space for entertaining or relaxing by adding plants, furniture, lighting or a grill will improve your home’s selling capability!

• Take a look at your neighbors curb appeal.  If you like their yard, write down what you like about it and make it work for your own yard.

Ready to sell or need more advise on pricing, improvements you can make, or how to stage your home for showings?  Let Don Puryear, Inner Loop Specialist help you!  He and his team of top producing agents and support staff create a team that can get you where you need to be!  Contact us today, and we'll be happy to help!

Congratulations are in order for Bronson and Karen Evans!  With help from the Puryear Team, they recently sold their classic townhome in the Galleria area!  We were happy to help, and here's what Karen had to say about us:

"Our REALTOR was Michael Ross and he was great!  He thought of everything and did an unbelievable job for us.  We love him and would recommend him to any of our friends."

Thank you for those remarks, Karen!  We strive to give all of our clients the kind of unbelievable service she speaks of.  Check out our testimonials page for more comments from our clients.  The Houston, TX real estate market is full of amazing homes for sale from Downtown Lofts to Woodlands Mansions, from West University mid-rises to Clear Lake traditionals  - let Don Puryear, Houston Inner Loop Real Estate agent help you find what you are looking for!

With energy costs on the rise at the gas pump, we as consumers are trying to find ways to make our lives run on a little less, but not just on the road.  Cutting back at home can make your utility bills smaller and our lives a little more helpful to the planet.  In the Houston, TX real estate market, buyers aren't just asking the typical questions like, "how many bedrooms and bathrooms," but also "how close is it to work or other life necessities," and "can I see some utility bills?"  Buyers nowadays want an energy efficient home in close proximity to all they need to live, work and play.

Buyers should realize that closing costs aren't the only things to consider when purchasing a home.  Utility Bills and pressure at the pump need to be factors you look into; far beyond your closing date to see how to balance out a mortgage and other monthly costs.   

Buyers - here are some tips to show you what steps you can take to assure you are getting the most for your money.

If you find a few homes that pique your interest, make sure you exhaust all pros and cons of each house.   If the first home is less expensive than the second home but several miles farther out than the second, there could be accruing monthly costs you should think about.  Adding 10 miles more to a commute to work can be an additional 100 miles each week, which means an additional tank of gas per month.

Also consider the home that has more energy efficient upgrades, like double-paned windows, energy star appliances or tankless waterheaters.  Even though they seem more expensive now, the energy bills will be significantly less expensive, not to mention the benefit of having newer appliances; you won't have to replace them for years!

Sellers - if you are considering putting your home on the market, or have it there already, consider making some energy efficient upgrades to sweeten the deal.  Buyers really are looking for these bonuses.  If you are feeling overwhelmed, consider having a Home Energy Rating Audit performed.  This report is a review of your home's efficiency prepared by a trained professional.  In this audit, a certified energy rater will check insulation levels, window efficiency, the integrity of ducts, ventilation, weather stripping, the HVAC unit, the water system and appliances.  The results of the report show the areas your home could improve its energy efficiency.

Still have questions?  Ask your REALTOR if they hold the National Association of REALTORS Green designation or are an EcoBroker.  They should be able to answer any other questions you may have in either making these upgrades to sell your property or buy a "green" home.

Don Puryear is holds the Green Designation, among other accreditations.  Contact Don and the Puryear Team for committed and helpful service for your real estate needs.