Congratulations are in order for Robyn Gutierrez!  With help from Michael Ross of the Puryear Team, she recently purchased this charming home near the Heights!  We were happy to help, and here's what Robyn had to say about us:

"Michael Ross, of the Puryear Team, was my Realtor. Knowledgeable, capable and motivated, he guided me through all the steps, and I felt he always had my best interests at heart. I would heartily recommend him and the Puryear Team for all realty opportunities."

Thank you for those kind words, Robyn!  We strive to give all of our clients the kind of knowledgeable 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!

Kudos to Houston!  According to Forbes.com, we are ranked number ONE in the nation for providing young professionals diverse options for starting their lives after college.  We’re not surprised; by the how the Houston, TX real estate market is reacting to the needs of our working buyers.  Real Estate in Midtown, Rice Military and Montrose are in high demand, with their close proximity to Downtown and dynamic nightlife, these areas provide chic living spaces close to it all!  Don Puryear and his team of top-producing agents are experts when it comes to helping buyers and sellers in these areas.  Let us provide you with a great real estate experience.

Written by: Francesca Levy via Forbes.com

These metros offer the best chances for college graduates in a tough economy.

University valedictorians, overachievers and would-be entrepreneurs across the country graduated this month into a bleak economic landscape. Faced with 9.5% national unemployment, even the most ambitious young people are thinking carefully about how to find their best shot at success.

Our advice? Consider moving to Houston, Texas, Washington, D.C., or Minneapolis, Minn. These three cities top Forbes' fourth-annual list of best cities for young professionals--places where ambitious college grads can get a strong start on a high-powered career.

These metros boast affordability, good job prospects and larger-than-average incomes. And they're already home to some of the country's biggest companies and alumni from the prestigious schools--a recipe that offers well-educated graduates a best shot at upward mobility.

Behind the Numbers

To find out where young professionals have the best chances, we started by looking at all of the Metropolitan Statistical Areas across the U.S. Then we eliminated cities with fewer than 1 million people, and cities where Moody's Economy.com predicts job growth will be negative over the next year.

Since job prospects are so important to young professionals, next we ranked each city based on its current unemployment rate. Then we looked at what those people who have jobs actually earn, ranking all metros based on the average salary of college graduates, using data from Payscale.com. We also wanted to focus on places where those just starting out could stretch their salary the farthest, so we factored in the cost of living index from Moody's Economy.com. To measure the diversity of high-profile employment options, we ranked each metro based on how many of the 200 largest U.S. public companies call that city home.

Finally, in order to get an idea of where America's most promising young people are already living, we looked at where recent grads from six different elite universities have chosen to settle. We counted how many members of the Class of 2000 at Princeton University, Harvard University, Stanford University, Duke University, Rice University, and Northwestern University are currently living in each city. The presence of well-educated students from around the country points to both a concentration of talent, and a strong network of career-minded young people.

When ties appeared in our final ranking, we broke them based on which city had a higher average salary for college graduates.

The Lone Star Shines

There are good prospects for ambitious young professionals across the country, but Texas dominates our list, boasting three of the top 10 spots. Because of its business-friendly environment and abundance of oil money, 14 of the country's largest companies (as measured by market capitalization) are based in our No. 1 city, Houston. Only New York, N.Y., which ranks No. 4 on our list, boasts more big employers. Houston also shines thanks to high average incomes and a concentration of grads from elite colleges--and not just from local Rice University, but from across the country.

No. 6 city Dallas, where the technology and energy sectors boost the local economy, promises a healthy $63,000 median salary for college graduates. Austin, Texas, the seat of state government and a major recipient of government spending, makes the list at number 10. The city's 7% unemployment rate is well below the national average. Texans in these cities have reason to feel more confident about their prospects than in metros that were harder hit by the housing crisis.

"In Austin and Dallas job security concerns are probably less than in other places," says James P. Gaines, research economist at the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. "That's mainly because of the belief that the economy in Texas is not as subject to major implosion that maybe some other areas are susceptible to."

Regional Champs

On the East Coast opportunities await in our nation's capital. Thanks to its huge government presence, second-ranked city Washington D.C. is flush with jobs, and boasts the lowest unemployment rate of the cities we ranked, at just 5.9%. D.C.'s high cost of living is largely offset by generous paychecks--the city boasts the third-best average income for college graduates.

In the Northeast big cities benefit from access to so many great colleges and high-paying jobs. But high barriers to entry make it tougher for those young people to succeed: Fourth-ranked New York City and fifth-ranked Boston, Mass., were hurt in the rankings by their high costs of living.

The Twin Cities offer best career prospects in the Midwest. Our third best-ranked metro for young professionals, Minneapolis-St. Paul has a low unemployment rate, a cost of living just below the national average, and a robust business environment. Local employers include heavyweights like Travelers Co., US Bancorp and Medtronic.

Economically diverse Atlanta, Ga., is a hungry young professional's best bet in the South, where beverage giant Coca Cola Co. buoys local jobs. "Hotlanta" came in at No. 9 on our list.

 

1. Houston, Texas
(Metropolitan Statistical Area: Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown, Texas)

Cost of Living rank: 27

Large Companies rank: 2

Elite Graduates rank: 6

Average Income rank: 7

Unemployment rank: 18

2. Washington, D.C.
(Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, D.C.-Va.-Md.-W.Va.)

Cost of Living rank: 43

Large Companies rank: 12

Elite Graduates rank: 2

Average Income rank: 3

Unemployment rank: 1

3. Minneapolis, Minn. / St. Paul, Wis.
(Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Mn.-Wi.)

Cost of Living rank: 17

Large Companies rank: 6

Elite Graduates rank: 20

Average Income rank: 20

Unemployment rank: 3

4. New York, N.Y.
(New York-Northern New Jersey-Long Island, NY-NJ-Pa.)

Cost of Living rank:46

Large Companies rank: 1

Elite Graduates rank: 1

Average Income rank: 4

Unemployment rank: 22

5. Boston
(Boston-Cambridge-Quincy, Ma.-N.H.)

Cost of Living rank: 41

Large Companies rank: 7

Elite Graduates rank: 3

Average Income rank: 8

Unemployment rank:15

MAY USHERS IN THIRD STRAIGHT MONTHLY INCREASE IN SALES OF SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES IN HOUSTON

Local REALTORS® Credit Ongoing Effects of Federal Homebuyer Tax Credit

 

HOUSTON — (June 15, 2010) — May marked the third consecutive month of positive single-family home sales across the greater Houston area, as consumers continued to take advantage of the federal government's homebuyer tax credit. While the credit required homebuyers to have contracts in place by April 30, closings may take place until June 30.

According to the latest monthly data compiled by the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR), May sales of single-family homes throughout the Houston market rose 19.1 percent compared to May 2009. That follows increases of 10.8 percent in March and 26.7 percent in April. Sales volume showed increases in all single-family home pricing segments, with the largest hike taking place among homes priced between $80,000 and $150,000.

Pricing leveled off last month. After seven straight months of appreciation, the average price of a single-family home dipped 0.9 percent from May 2009 to $209,920. The May single-family home median price—the figure at which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less—slid 1.4 percent from one year earlier to $154,780. That followed 12 consecutive monthly increases in median price.

Foreclosure property sales reported in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) were flat in May compared to one year earlier. The median price of May foreclosure sales rose 3.5 percent to $89,000 on a year-over-year basis.

Sales of all property types in Houston for May totaled 6,659, up 20.3 percent compared to May 2009. Total dollar volume for properties sold during the month was $1.3 billion versus $1.1 billion one year earlier, representing an 18.9 percent increase.

"The homebuyer tax credit was a real shot in the arm for the Houston real estate market, but we are beginning to see sales volume trend toward more seasonal levels now that the incentive has expired," said Margie Dorrance, HAR chair and principal at Keller Williams Realty Metropolitan. "This is still an excellent time to buy a home, as mortgage interest rates are at the lowest levels in more than half a century, and the Houston market in particular offers so many different varieties of properties to meet every consumer's unique needs."

May Monthly Market Comparison
The month of May brought Houston's overall housing market largely positive results when all listing categories are compared to May of 2009. Total property sales and total dollar volume increased on a year-over-year basis while average and median single-family home sales prices showed slight declines.

The number of available properties, or active listings, at the end of May rose 13.0 percent from May 2009 to 51,185. That represents 2,316 more active listings than one month earlier, in April 2010, and reflects additional housing inventory that hit the market as a result of interest in the homebuyer tax credit as well as general confidence in improved market conditions.

Month-end pending sales for May—those listings expected to close within the next 30 days—totaled 2,991, down 17.8 percent from last year. This is likely an indication that the effects of the tax credit are beginning to taper. The months inventory of single-family homes for May stretched slightly to 6.8 months compared to 6.2 months one year earlier, but remains better than the national months inventory of single-family homes of 8.4 months, reported by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

 

CATEGORIES	MAY 2009	MAY 2010	PERCENT CHANGE
Total property sales	5,534	6,659	20.3%
Total dollar volume	$1,131,686,648	$1,345,627,871	18.9%
Total active listings	45,282	51,185	13.0%
Total pending sales	3,637	2,991	-17.8%
Single-family home sales	4,782	5,693	19.1%
Single-family average sales price	$211,897	$209,920	-0.9%
Single-family median sales price	$157,040	$154,780	-1.4%
Months inventory*	6.2	6.8	10.6%

* 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

May sales of single-family homes in Houston totaled 5,693, up 19.1 percent from May 2009. This marks the third consecutive month of increased sales activity. Broken out by segment, May sales of homes priced from $80,000 and below increased 7.3 percent; those between $80,000 and $150,000 rose by the largest amount of all pricing segments—28.0 percent; those in the $150,000 to $250,000 range climbed 19.2 percent; and those priced between $250,000 and $500,000 were up 13.6 percent. Sales of luxury homes—those priced from $500,000 to the millions—edged up 5.1 percent, a dramatic drop compared to a 53.4 percent increase one month earlier.

Slower sales activity in the high end of the housing market contributed to a slight decline in pricing last month. The average price of single-family homes in May was $209,920, down 0.9 percent compared to one year earlier. That followed seven straight months of appreciated average pricing. At $154,780, the median sales price for single-family homes dipped 1.4 percent versus May 2009, ending a 12-month string of median sales price increases. The national single-family median price reported by NAR is $173,100, illustrating the continued higher value and lower cost of living that consumers enjoy in the Houston market.

HAR also breaks out the sales performance of existing single-family homes throughout the Houston market. In May 2010, existing home sales totaled 4,864, a 23.3 percent increase from May 2009. The average sales price of $196,410 edged up 0.7 percent compared to last year while the median sales price of $145,000 dipped 0.7 percent from its May 2009 level.

Townhouse/Condominium Update
The number of townhouses and condominiums that sold in May jumped 39.7 percent compared to one year earlier. In the greater Houston area, 552 units were sold last month versus 395 properties in May 2009.

The average price rose 3.3 percent to $162,945 from May 2009 to May 2010. The median price of a townhouse/condominium was flat year-over-year at $127,500.

Lease Property Update
Demand for single-family home rentals rose 12.4 percent in May compared to a year earlier. Year-over-year townhouse/condominium rentals increased 23.5 percent.

Houston Real Estate Milestones in May

·  Single-family home sales rose 19.1 percent;

·  Total property sales increased 20.3 percent;

·  6.8 months inventory of single-family homes compares favorably to the national average of 8.4 months;

·  Townhouse/condominium sales jumped 39.7 percent;

·  Total dollar volume climbed 18.9 percent, reaching $1.3 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.

In a previous blog, Bargaining Smart for Buyers and Sellers, we discussed the keys to great negotiating on both sides.  A successful negotiation will then lead to a contract, giving the buyer an option period.  An option period is when the buyer is able to look further at the property via inspections.  If the inspections come back with some needed repairs, the buyers can ask for the seller to either give a contribution to get the repairs done after closing or to have the repairs done before closing.  If the seller and buyer do not come to an acceptable agreement, the buyer can opt out of their contract without losing any earnest money.  Usually, sellers and buyers can agree on terms that will satisfy both parties, bringing the option period to a close and bringing them to the final step – closing.  Neither party is in the clear however, more problems can arise the days leading to closing, but you can be prepared!  We have some tips for both the buyer and seller to help facilitate a smoother closing.

BUYERS

Your job is considerably harder, so make sure you are organized and very communicative with your realtor and mortgage broker.

Get Your Utilities Under Control: Obtain homeowner’s insurance; flood insurance if you are in a flood plain.  Your policy should take effect days before closing.  Also, make sure the name on the utilities, i.e. electricity, gas, phone, is changed and have your service activated the day of closing.  You might want to verify that the seller has cancelled their service.

Schedule a Walk-Through: If inspections call for repairs to be made by the seller, make sure you schedule a final inspection of your property.  No need to hire another professional inspector; your realtor should accompany you, and make sure everything  looks the way it should before you sign on the dotted line.  If there are several extensive repairs, it would be best to schedule your walk-through a few days before closing in case repairs have to be adjusted.

Read All The Documents: Make sure all of your documents are in order.  This means read them – all of them!  This will insure you know your interest rates, how long they are locked in and how much money you have to bring to closing.  If you cannot understand any of the documents, contact your lender; that’s what they’re there for.

Checklist for the Day of Closing – be sure you have the following the day you sign the closing documents:

• A Cashier’s Check or money order for the amount specified on your final settlement costs statement.

• Your personal checkbook in the unlikely event other charges come up at closing

• Proof of homeowner’s insurance policy.

• Your lender’s good faith estimate.

• Some form of official government identification – i.e. a driver’s license, passport, etc.

SELLERS

Your job is much easier!  Turn off your utilities the day of closing; not a moment sooner!  Utilities must be on to perform the final walk-through.  Lastly, be sure to bring the following to closing:

• Keys, padlock combinations and garage-door openers.

• Codes to security system (if applicable).

• Owner’s Manuals to all appliances left.

• Checkbook for closing costs or other expenses paid by seller (as agreed to bv your final contract with the buyer).

Your best ally in buying or selling real estate will be a licensed REALTOR.  Don Puryear and his team of agents will stay on top of all the ins and outs of finalizing your sale.  Any questions?  Contact us, we’ll be here for you every step of the way!

The Puryear Team are Inner Loop specialists in the Houston, Texas real estate market.  We do a lot of work in the Rice Military area, which boasts a newly revitalized Washington Corridor, featuring shopping, restaurants and nightlife!  However, if you live near the train tracks that run parallel to Washington Avenue, you're not getting the peace and quiet from the train whistles that blow through in the middle of the night.  But thanks to some grass roots efforts by annoyed residents, all will be sleeping tight whistle free!

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Quiet Zone Ordinance is Effective

By MIKE MORRIS CHRONICLE CORRESPONDENT

Residents in the western portion of the Washington Avenue corridor say they've been sleeping more soundly, since a ‘quiet zone' went into effect last month limiting train horns in the neighborhood.

The zone, which city workers said runs from Sherwin Street on the west to Harvard Street on the east, is the product of two years' work by civic leaders and public officials, some of whom gathered May 27 to mark the occasion.

“Thanks to the community members who had to endure the noise for so long, who were so overwhelmingly supportive of this process to making sure that we had the necessary support to go forward,” said city councilman Ed Gonzalez, whose district includes the area.

“We've heard reports that those even a mile away can rest much better at night because they cannot hear the trains.”

A federal rule requiring trains to blow their horns as a warning at road crossings took effect in June 2005, but also provided ways for neighborhoods to silence the horns by implementing other safety measures to compensate.

One example of those additional measures — a barrier in the middle of the street meant to prevent motorists from driving around lowered railroad gates — was visible on Patterson Street behind the officials as they spoke in a public park.

Jane West and Tom Dornbusch, president and vice president of Super Neighborhood 22, a council of 10 civic clubs along Washington Avenue, also attended the gathering and said they had heard positive feedback from neighbors.

Work that will lead to a similar quiet zone for the eastern portion of the Washington Avenue area is underway. Jeff Weatherford of the city's public works department said that half of the neighborhood should go quiet this fall.

The project wasn't simply a matter of putting small yellow poles on the center stripes of north-south streets. The city had to negotiate with railroad owner Union Pacific, meet federal guidelines and keep the project feasible and affordable.

As part of the process, Bonner and Thompson streets were closed at the tracks. Medians at three streets, including T.C. Jester and Heights boulevards, also saw construction.

The latter project caused some consternation among business owners who had not realized the median cuts allowing easy access to their business were to be removed.

This is the city's third quiet zone since it launched the program in 2008.There have been a total of 16 requests for such zones throughout the city, Weatherford said.

“I've gotten a lot of e-mails from people who say how great it is and how they didn't realize how the train horns had really affected their quality of life,” Taylor said. “They're sleeping much better. It's just wonderful.”

Now, if a train does blow its horn — as is still required if pedestrians or motorists are close to the tracks — Taylor is sure to receive a clump of e-mails.

The task to obtain a mortgage can be daunting, especially for those who are in business for themselves.  Especially in this economy, lenders need to feel just as confident in their investment as buyers do, so proof of stable income is a task hard to prove when it comes to the self-employed.  However, all hope isn’t lost.  There are still self-employed buyers obtaining mortgages.  Here are a few tips to boost your chances of getting a loan.

 

The older the business, the better the chance you will have to get a loan quickly.  If the business hasn’t been around for at least two years, getting a mortgage might prove difficult.  In the past, borrowers could depend on stated income mortgages – loans given without tax documents or bank records to verify income.  Now, lenders want proof of stability before they will lend to any Self-employed borrower.  According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, lenders now look at documentation for income patterns to see how the borrower will be able to handle making payments over a long period of time.  In order to make sure you don’t have issues, you must document every penny you make.  Every bank is different, so be sure you find out what their requirements are before formally applying for a loan.

 

You both will make a better impression in person.  When you are ready to apply for the loan, go to the bank to speak to the loan officer who specializes in Self-Employed loans.  A specialist will be able to listen to your situation and offer advice on what loan would be best.  Doing your own research might point you in a good direction, but a specialist can usually offer something better.  There are varieties of loan packages to assure you can qualify for at least one.

 

Stock up your bank account.  Being self-employed will often cause a fluctuation of income levels depending on volume for the particular product you are selling.  Lenders will look mostly at your income levels from fat to lean, making sure you will be able to handle your mortgage in times of downturn, so make sure your bank account and reserve savings accounts have plenty of money to handle mortgage payments.  Most mortgage companies recommend a year’s worth.

 

Obviously, buying a home is something that one must prepare for, so do not rush into this purchase.  It is, after all an investment, not only for you but for the mortgage lender.  Self-employed borrowers have to be prepared from initial meeting to closing day and beyond.

Congratulations are in order for Martin Hristov!  With help from the Puryear Team, he recently leased his retro-inspired condo in River Oaks!  We were happy to help, and here's what Martin had to say about us:

"Outstanding service from Brad Scarborough. Very impressed!!!"

Thank you for those kind words, Martin!  We strive to give all of our clients the kind of outstanding service he 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!

Military families seeking to buy a home in the Houston, TX real estate market can count on a little tax help. The Homebuyers Tax Credit, which provides eligible buyers with a tax credit of $8,000 for first time buyers and $6,500 for repeat home buyers, ended on April 30, 2010 for civilians. However, active duty military or those on extended overseas duty have until on or before April 30, 2011 to have a binding sales contract in place. The bill also exempts qualified service members on official extended duty from tax credit recapture rules.

"We honor those who serve our country and are glad that this bill acknowledges the unique circumstances they face," said Benjamin Clark, 2010 President of NAEBA, The National Association of Exclusive Buyers Agents. "This bill ensures that members of the military have equal opportunity to participate in the homebuyer tax credit and offers relief to struggling military families by making the mortgage payment tax deductible."

The Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009 provides a tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence and a tax credit of up to $6,500 for repeat home buyers who have owned a home for five consecutive years out of the prior eight years. The tax credit is available for eligible purchasers who have a binding sales contract in place by April 30, 2010, and close by June 30, 2010. However, realizing that members of the military, the Foreign Service and Intelligence Community have unique circumstances the bill has special provisions for this group:

-- Tax credit extended for one year for military personnel serving outside the United States for at least 90 days during the period beginning December 31, 2008 and ending May 1, 2010.
-- Eliminates the 36-month recapture requirement for military personnel, including members of the Foreign Service and intelligence community, forced to sell or move from a tax credit home as a result of an official extended duty of service.

Visit www.irs.gov for more information on qualifying and claiming the tax credit. To learn more about NAEBA and the benefits of using an exclusive buyer agent, visit www.naeba.org.

Hurricane season began June 1st, and it doesn’t end until November!  Our previous experience with Hurricane Ike pounding us in September 2008, and Hurricane Rita impacting our area the year before, indicates we need to take Hurricane safety seriously.  Just because we are not directly on the coast doesn't mean these giants will not affect us.  Hurricane hazards come in many forms:  the storm surge, high winds and flooding. This means it is important for your family to have a plan that includes all of these hazards, look carefully at the safety precautions necessary to take with each type of hurricane hazard, and prepare your family disaster plan accordingly.  But remember this is only a guide, and the first and most important thing anyone should do when facing a hurricane threat is to use common sense.

The first and most specific hurricane threat is the storm surge, because it directly effects the coast moreso than inland areas.  Storm surge is simply water that is pushed toward the shore by the force of the winds swirling around the storm. These wind driven waves combine with the normal tides to create the hurricane storm tide, which can increase the average water level 15+ feet. This rise in water level can cause severe flooding in coastal areas, particularly when the storm tide coincides with the high tides. The Gulf Coast’s coastlines lie less than 10 feet above sea level, which makes the danger from storm surge tides severe.

 

Hurricane-force winds are a threat that can impact all storm-ridden areas, because they can easily destroy poorly constructed buildings and mobile homes. High-rise buildings are also vulnerable to hurricane-force winds; particularly at the higher levels since wind speeds tend to increase with height. If “riding out” a storm in a high rise building, you should stay below the tenth floor, but still above any floors at risk for flooding. It is not uncommon for high-rise buildings to suffer a great deal of damage due to windows being blown out. Consequently, the areas around these buildings can be very dangerous. Debris such as signs, roofing material, and small items left outside become flying missiles in hurricanes as well.

While storm surge is always a potential threat to coastal areas, inland flooding can be a major threat to communities hundreds of miles from the coast as intense rain falls from these huge tropical air masses.   Inland flooding is the most catastrophic of all threats because it causes the most lives lost and the most property damage.  Tropical Storm Allison (2001) produced extremely heavy rainfall and catastrophic floods in the Greater Houston area.  Forty-one deaths were directly related to the heavy rain and flooding, as well as an estimated $5 billion in property loss and damages. 

These are serious threats that require a serious plan of action.  Don’t wait until the last minute to think about hurricanes or tropical storms, plan now!  Develop a family hurricane preparedness plan before an actual storm threatens your area.  Discuss the type of hazards that could affect your family. Know your home's vulnerability to storm surge, flooding and wind and try to make safety improvements before hurricane season, or as early as possible. If you decide to “hunker down” in the storm, the most important precaution you can take to reduce damage to your property and keep your family safe is to protect the areas where wind can enter. It's important to strengthen the exterior of your house so wind and debris do not tear large openings in it. You can do this by protecting and reinforcing the roof, shutters, doors, and garage doors.  Remember, building codes reflect the lessons experts have learned from past storms, so contact your local building code officials to find out what requirements are necessary for up-to-date storm safety.   Locate a safe room or the safest areas in your home for each hurricane hazard, and post emergency telephone numbers by your phones and make sure your children know how and when to call 911.  Check your insurance coverage.  Flood damage is not usually covered by homeowners’ insurance, so be sure to check your policy.  The National Flood Insurance Program is a pre-disaster flood relief and insurance protection program designed to reduce the rising costs of disasters. This government program makes federally backed flood insurance available to residents and business owners.  For more information, call 1-888-CALL-FLOOD ext. 445, TDD# 1-800-427-5593, or visit their website.

If you are in an area where the probability of storm surge causing major flooding is high, officials will order an evacuation.  If you plan to evacuate, do not hesitate or delay your departure.  City and county officials order these evacuations to reduce the risk of injury or death, so please take them seriously.  Select an evacuation route closest to your home preferably in the same county so you minimize travel time.  Make your accommodation plans as quickly as possible, and bear in mind that hotels and shelters fill quickly, so call ahead for reservations.  If you have to travel great distances, be prepared to sit in traffic.  Many people are being asked to evacuate, so have a full tank of gas and plenty of snacks and water.  Have an out-of-state friend as a family contact, so all your family members have a single point of contact if you lose contact with each other. 

Lastly and very importantly, make a plan now for what to do with your pets if you need to evacuate.  Specialized pet shelters, animal control shelters, veterinary clinics, friends and relatives out of harm's way are ALL potential refuges for your pet during a disaster.   Make sure that your pets are current on their vaccinations.  Pet shelters may require proof of vaccines and need proper identification before boarding your animal. Pets have amazing instincts and heightened anxiety just like you during storms and may hide or run away, so have a current photograph of your pet in case you lose track of them.  An even better precaution, keep a collar with identification on your pet and have a leash on hand to control your pet in the event they travel to a safe place with you. Have a properly-sized pet carrier for each animal - carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand and turn around. Whether you plan to board your pet or take them with you, make sure you have plenty of their medications if they are taking any.

Whether you evacuate or stay put, be sure to stock a Disaster Supply Kit.  We’ve made a handy checklist for you:

• Water - at least 1 gallon daily per person for 3 to 7 days                                                                   

• Food - at least enough for 3 to 7 days

non-perishable packaged or canned food / juices

foods for infants or the elderly

snack foods

non-electric can opener

cooking tools / fuel

paper plates / plastic utensils

• Blankets/Pillows, etc.

• Clothing - seasonal / rain gear/ sturdy shoes

• First Aid Kit / Medicines / Prescription Drugs

• Special Items - for babies and the elderly

• Toiletries / Hygiene items / Moisture wipes

• Flashlight / Batteries                    

• Radio - Battery operated and NOAA weather radio

• Telephones - Fully charged cell phone with extra battery and a traditional (not cordless) telephone set

• Cash (with some small bills) and Credit Cards - Banks and ATMs may not be available for extended periods

• Keys

• Toys, Books and Games

• Important documents - in a waterproof container or watertight re-sealable plastic bag: insurance, medical records, bank account numbers, Social Security cards, etc.

• Tools - keep a set with you during the storm

• Vehicle fuel tanks filled

• Generator to run household necessities

• Pet care items

proper identification / immunization records / medications

ample supply of food and water

a carrier or cage

muzzle and leash

Check out these online tools to further your hurricane prep:

FEMA ONLINE HAZARD MAPS – FEMA and Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) have formed a National Partnership aimed at providing multi-hazard maps and information for U.S. residents, business owners, schools, community groups, and local governments. Visitors can create custom hazard maps, by entering a zip code and selecting from a variety of hazard types to help determine disaster risks in any community.

NWS STORM-READY – Ninety percent of all presidentially declared disasters are weather related, leading to around 500 deaths per year and nearly $14 billion in damage. The National Weather Service has designed Storm Ready, a program aimed at providing a resource providing America's communities the communication and safety skills necessary to save lives and property.

Don and the Puryear Team want everyone to be safe, so please subscribe to our email updates for further Hurricane and Home prep tips.

 

Congratulations are in order for Ellis Tudzin!  With help from the Puryear Team, he recently sold his elevator-ready luxury townhome in Midtown!  We were happy to help, and here's what Ellis had to say about us:

"Easy and professional to work with."

Thank you for those kind words, Ellis!  We strive to give all of our clients the kind of professional service he 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!

In Real Estate, everything is negotiable - from price to furniture -  the more open both sides can be to settling the details, the better the situation will be for everyone.  After all, this is a business deal, not a war, and emotions need to be the last thing on the table.  The Houston, Texas real estate market is dynamic; both buyers and sellers can have stronger negotiating power, depending on the area.  Concerned you can't hack it at the negotiating table?  Fear Not!  Here are a few tips that will give you the confidence to make the best decisions for everyone involved.

Good Negotiating Begins with a Good Realtor:  You don't just hire an agent because they have the tools to market your home on the MLS and other Real Estate sites.  You hire them because of their knowledge of the real estate market and their ability to negotiate professionally and calmly for you!  Ideally, you should never meet with or talk to the potential buyer or seller of your property face-to-face; Realtors are the best mouthpiece for you, so use them!  Pick a realtor who has years of experience in buying and selling real estate ??" attorneys that are also Realtors are great negotiators!

Leave Your Ego at the Door: This is not an occasion where you want to beat the other side ??" this is a time where you want to meet them halfway.  Being difficult only makes enemies out of you and the other side.  Remember, you both want something from the other person; coming to an amicable resolution should be the goal!

Sign on the Dotted Line for Everything:  Nothing is more clear and concise than when it???s in writing!  Make sure you make no verbal agreements, because those can be more open to interpretation or miscommunication.  Even for something you consider a minor detail, putting it in writing prevents is from evolving into a major blow-up!

Three Times is Not Always the Charm in Negotiations:  Usually once there are two rounds of offer/counteroffer, it becomes hairy.  Neither you nor the other side might not see anything beyond annoyance or dollars signs at this point, so make sure you come with your best foot and intentions forward the first time, if you want it, go for it!

Give-and-Take:  If the other side is asking for a large concession, do not accept without asking for something in return.  Even if you are willing to give it freely, you want to make sure you prevent these concessions or provisions from happening too often.

Don't Kill Negotiation Momentum:  If you are hitting a wall on a point of the negotiations, move on to something you can agree on. Nothing kills deal making worse than getting hot and bothered over one problem spot; it will distract the rest of your motivations to make it happen.

FOCUS: Stay dedicated to the task at hand, which is, selling/buying the property in play, not outsmarting a perfect stranger who is a major component in getting you what you want!

Did you know that Don Puryear, Houston, TX Inner Loop Real Estate Specialist is also a licensed attorney, so he is well-versed in the art of negotiations!  He and his team of agents and support staff combine to create an ideal provider for all of your real estate needs.  Contact us if you have any more questions regarding buying or selling real estate in Houston, Texas.

We love MSN Real Estate because of these great articles that keep us informed of what's out there.

The 10 best affordable U.S. suburbs

By Venessa Wong of Bloomberg Businessweek

Life with children is expensive, but in some places a dollar goes a lot further. Bloomberg BusinessWeek evaluated information provided by community data company OnBoard Informatics to determine the best affordable suburb in each state.

While many of the places on this year's list are near amenities such as country clubs and golf courses, the focus is not luxury, but rather communities where families can live well for less and enjoy good schools, low crime and reasonable commutes. The selected suburbs were limited to towns within 25 miles of the most populated city in the state, with populations of 5,000 to 60,000, median family incomes of $51,000 to $120,000, and lower-than-average crime rates. We weighted a variety of factors including livability (short commutes, low pollution, green space), education (well-educated residents, high test scores), crime (low personal and property crime), economy (high job growth, low unemployment rate, high family income) and affordability (median household income, cost of expenditures). Affordability was most heavily weighted in our calculations. We penalized places with bad weather, a lack of racial diversity, high divorce rates and few children.

The results range from established high-income neighborhoods to growing middle-income communities. Despite their differences, all these places offer young families an attractive location to raise children and remain close to employment opportunities.

1. Fishers, Indiana

Nearest major city: Indianapolis
Population: 58,856
Median family income: $108,086
Median home price: $174,438
Unemployment rate: 6.5%
Violent crime index: 12

With reasonable property prices, an unemployment rate lower than average and a good grade for safety, Fishers is the best affordable suburb overall in this year's survey. The school district here has grown in recent years to accommodate the expanding population, and now includes 12 elementary schools, several intermediate and junior high schools, and two high schools. The town, on the West Fork of the White River, has 12 developed parks, five undeveloped sites totaling 152 acres, and more than 65 miles of multipurpose trails.

2. Papillion, Nebraska.

Nearest major city: Omaha
Population: 16,428
Median family income: $92,077
Median home price: $145,000
Unemployment rate: 4.5%
Violent crime index: 13

Papillion was one of the best affordable suburbs overall on this year's list. Golf courses, nature trails, parks and recreational opportunities near Papio Creek and Walnut Creek can be found. Many residents of this bedroom community commute to Omaha, about 20 minutes away. Students in the Papillion area score above the national and Nebraska average on the American College Test, according to the city's Web site.

3. Mililani Town, Hawaii

Nearest major city: Honolulu
Population: 26,790
Median family income: $98,384
Median home price: $370,000
Unemployment rate: 5.3%
Violent crime index: 3

This planned community has a golf course, tech park, community centers and shopping malls. There are several schools in this upper-middle-class area, which serves as a bedroom community for Honolulu. The area also has upscale communities, such as Mililani Mauka, and a very low crime rate. It was considered by Money magazine to be one of the best places to live in 2005.

4. Huntersville, North Carolina

Nearest major city: Charlotte
Population: 43,917
Median family income: $103,394
Median home price: $205,500
Unemployment rate: 11.2%
Violent crime index: 25

A fast-growing suburb 10 miles from Charlotte, Huntersville is along Lake Norman, a manmade lake with 520 miles of shoreline. There is an entertainment and shopping center, nature preserve and amusement park, and the mountains and beach are a short drive away. Education here is also exceptional: Huntersville Elementary School earned a Blue Ribbon Award in 2008.

5. Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania

Nearest major city: Philadelphia
Population: 11,848
Median family income: $108,071
Median home price: $258,750
Unemployment rate: 6.8%
Violent crime index: 11

Shopping is plentiful in Montgomeryville. There are several malls in the vicinity, including the Water Tower Square Shopping Center and the Montgomeryville Five Points Plaza Shopping Center, near Five Points, the spot where five roads intersect. The upper-middle-class neighborhood also has outdoor amenities such as its own golf course and is constructing a new trail system. The area's schools are part of the North Penn School District.

6. Hales Corners, Wisconsin

Nearest major city: Milwaukee
Population: 8,235
Median family income: $83,179
Median home price: $198,000
Unemployment rate: 9.3%
Violent crime index: 12

This village, only 3.2 miles square, provides residents with access to shopping centers, two pools in the Hales Corners County Park, Whitnall Park Golf Course, Boerner Botanical Gardens and Wehr Nature Center. It is a short drive to General Mitchell International Airport and the shore of Lake Michigan. It is part of the Whitnall School District, which has four public schools and a charter school.

7. Roxborough Park, Colorado

Nearest major city: Denver
Population: 8,211
Median family income: $94,084
Median home price: $230,000
Unemployment rate: 5.9%
Violent crime index: 16

The red rock formations near Roxborough Park, a community that developed in the 1970s, are considered some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in Colorado. The 3,339-acre state park offers residents hiking and biking trails, cross-country skiing and educational programs for Colorado geology and wildlife. The Douglas County School District is one of the best in the state.

8. Brandon, South Dakota

Nearest major city: Sioux Falls
Population: 9,056
Median family income: $79,040
Median home price: $138,400
Unemployment rate: 4.8%
Violent crime index: 21

Nature parks, wineries, a speedway and golf courses are some of the amenities enjoyed by the residents of Brandon, a fast-growing suburb of Sioux Falls. The Brandon Valley School District has a few elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. About 40% of residents are married with children and the average commute is 19 minutes.

9. Savage, Minnesota

Nearest major city: Minneapolis
Population: 27,976
Median family income: $102,025
Median home price: $213,750
Unemployment rate: 7.3%
Violent crime index: 28

The residents of this green suburb enjoy 304 acres of city-managed park space and more than 2,400 acres of state and county-managed parkland. South of Minneapolis near the Minnesota River, Savage is in one of the state's fastest-growing areas, Scott County. About 57% of residents here are married with children, according to OnBoard. Savage is part of three school districts: Prior Lake-Savage, Burnsville-Eagan-Savage and Shakopee.

10. Clark, New Jersey

Nearest major city: Newark
Population: 13,862
Median family income: $97,668
Median home price: $380,500
Unemployment rate: 9.7%
Violent crime index: 4

Formerly a farm community, Clark has grown into a popular suburb at nearly full capacity of occupied land, according to the town Web site. Its school district has a preschool, two elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. Clark is near several medical centers in neighboring communities. Amenities include a golf complex, community pool, tennis courts and parks. A new ranking by Monmouth University's Polling Institute named Clark one of the state's best places to live, according to a report on njtoday.net.

So, Texas didn’t make it on the top ten list, but Deer Park is considered the best affordable suburb in Texas!

Deer Park, Texas

Nearest major city: Houston
Population: 31,049
Median family income: $89,348
Median home price: $131,709
Unemployment rate: 8.3%
Violent crime index: 35

Founded in 1892, Deer Park grew from a town outside of Houston into a small city as companies moved into the area. One of the area's attractions is San Jacinto State Park, which has a battleground, the battleship USS Texas, a memorial museum anchored in Buffalo Bayou, and a monument to commemorate the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. Golfers can take advantage of the 18-hole Battleground Golf Course. The Deer Park Independent School District has 15 schools.