But what do I know about Real Estate…

But what do I know about Real Estate. . .

This fabulous insightful blog entry provided by Ashley Cox from Dallas Forth Worth area.  It spells out some things I know as well as sometimes just can't understand why people do not take advantage of 20 years of experience.   But what is it they say "you can't make people smart"

We find ourselves saying this over and over.

Greetings from Innerloop Houston Texas

Linda Jamail Marshall, Independent Broker

713-523-4600

Via Ashley Cox, Keller Williams Realty (972.978.3109 www.DFWHeroes.com):

An open letter to customers and clients in the real estate game. 

 

Look. I like you. And hopefully you like me. We don't have to agree on everything, but let's go ahead, from here on out, and respect each other as individuals, knowing that we can't possibly understand the extent of the others experiences without having been along for the ride.

 

As a client, you hired me to do the job. By signing some papers and working with me, you have implied a trust in my abilities to help you reach your goal, whether that is to buy or sell a home. And just as you would put your trust in a dentist, lawyer or trainer, my services are best rendered when you listen to my advice, heed my warnings and follow prompts.

 

You see, real estate is a funny thing. We in the industry agree to complete certain courses, read certain materials and practice before taking a state exam (which is all followed by routine continuing education). We pay dues to a board to be a part of an elite bunch that separates us from the herd. We network and socialize with other industry professionals. Sounds fun, right? Well, it is - but it comes with the high cost of something that separates us, you and I. It comes with experience

 

Climbing the Mountain and picking up the morsels along the way.You are unique in your situation and circumstances. But chances are, we've had a client very similar to you with very similar financial background, moving need, credit bruises, etc. "This ain't our first rodeo," as the saying goes. And with each transaction, comes a morsel of experience, whether nightmare or ideal, that gives us another tool to approach the world with the goal to better serve the next individual that comes into our lives. 

 

If you want specifics, I'll break it down for you… I, nor any other professional, will instruct you to use one service provider and not offer the options of other resources. As a precaution, I may warn you about the casualties experienced when a Buyer utilizes a BIG Bank lender that's known nationwide - yes, they'll send you a calendar in the mail but files tend to be dropped, loan officers quit and the package is shuffled from one state to another during the course of underwriting.  

 

I cannot and will not force your hand. But if you so choose to use individuals other than those that I have suggested, I cannot guarantee their professionalism or work ethic, nor can I prevent the headache that might accompany. Ignoring my recommendations for smaller, relationhip-driven service providers is only doing you a disservice. My experience with the BIG lenders, my experience with the shotty home inspector and my experience with Title and Home Warranty reps is there to protect you - I've taken the bumps and bruises so that you don't have to.

 

So the next time your Realtor or representative offers recommendations for resources you need, consider their experience and know-how.  They've been through a lot to get to where they are and it is their goal to offer you a smooth and happy transaction, every step along the way.

Ashley Cox Myers, Dallas Realtor (972) 978-3109

Ashley Cox Myers, Dallas Realtor (972) 978-3109

Search Homes Here!

Ashley Cox is a Realtor® with Keller Williams Realty and strives to provide excellent service and assistance to Buyers and Sellers in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. If you are in the market to buy or sell and need the assistance, guidance and support of a professional, call (972) 978-3109 today.

Are you a teacher, firefighter, public safety officer, health care worker or military personnel? See what having the representation of a Homes for Heroes Affiliate can save YOU!

Linda Jamail Marshall, Broker,ABR,OSC,RECS

Innerloop Houston Tx. Specialist

2011 FIVE STAR Agent-Texas Monthly Magazine

713-523-4600, info@LindaMarshallRealtors.com

Pet Spay and Neuter Assistance Update Houston Texas

Pet Spay and Neuter Assistance update Houston Texas

 

 

http://www.snapus.org/site/R?i=sVohYCgKvscn9_h3Y3337Q..

      The monthly newsletter of the Spay-Neuter Assistance Program, Inc.

 
In This Issue
 
March 1, 2011  
Rockets Tux & Tennies Gala Just Days Away
  Join SNAP for AIDS Walk Houston
  Uncle SNAP Wants You!
  Rampage Plans 2nd Annual Pucks & Paws
  SNAP Sterilizes 238 on Spay Day
  Prodigious Profits Produced by Painterly Pups
  Upcoming SNAP Events
  A Dog's Life by Hedda Hound
  New SNAP Grants
  A Purrrfect Night for Raven St. James
  Fabulous Felines by Madame Astrocat
  Quote of the Month

- 4,045 -
The number of
dogs and cats
helped
by your gifts
in January 2011.

SNAP has sterilized over
360,000

dogs and cats since being
founded in 1993.


 

Rockets Tux & Tennies Gala Just Days Away
Annual Charity Event Benefits SNAP and Boys & Girls Clubs This Year

http://www.snapus.org/site/R?i=wPl255y6TiXW78ZPglAXDQ..

The Houston Rockets Tux & Tennies Charity Gala is just a week and a half away, so if you are planning to attend, you should buy your tickets today. This year the annual event benefits both SNAP and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston. The event is attended by Rockets players and management and typically by other nationally known figures, including celebrities, political figures, and other athletes. The name of the event refers to the dress code, which requires a decidedly cool-chic blend of class and athleticism, involving black tie/cocktail attire paired with tennis shoes. Don’t be surprised if some of the tennis shoes you see at the event are not strictly off-the-shelf models. Full story.


 

Join SNAP for AIDS Walk Houston
Portion of Funds Benefits SNAP Animal Aid Program

http://www.snapus.org/site/R?i=6uNH2XfeQEjO6NDmvnFxQg..

It’s time to put one foot in front of the other for AIDS Walk Houston 2011. The SNAP team needs you to strap on your walking gear and join us to raise money for those affected by HIV/AIDS. This is no marathon trek but a short five kilometer (3.1 mile) jaunt through Houston’s scenic streets.

AIDS Walk Houston takes place on Sunday, March 13, 2011. The walk starts at Sam Houston Park at 1100 Bagby St. in downtown. Check-in begins at 8:00 a.m., opening ceremonies are at 9:00 a.m., and the walk begins at 10:00 a.m. Don’t want to walk? You can also sponsor a walker on the SNAP team by visiting the team webpage. 
Full story.


 

Uncle SNAP Wants You!
Volunteers Needed for Spring Bayou City Art Festival Fundraiser

http://www.snapus.org/site/R?i=orvVtni3B9rSH7uNxnv2KA..

You know that spring has arrived when SNAP issues the call up for volunteers to work the Bayou City Art Festival! Make no mistake. We need your help more than ever to staff the many beverage booths at the festival. We do this to raise money for SNAP spay-neuter programs to fight animal overpopulation. It takes hundreds of you to cover all of the shifts. The spring festival takes place in Memorial Park on Friday, March 25, through Sunday, March 27, 2011. Sign up today via email or by calling 713-862-3863. Full story.


 

Rampage Plans 2nd Annual Pucks & Paws
Dogs Welcome at San Antonio Hockey Game and Adoption Event

http://www.snapus.org/site/R?i=iMr06tbd3lnjvPzu2CYGlA..

The San Antonio Rampage ice hockey team is inviting all dog lovers to join them for Pucks & Paws, their second annual dog day and adoption event. The Rampage and Spurs Sports and Entertainment are teaming up with the city of San Antonio and the Alamo Area Partners for Animal Wellfare (AAPAW)  to find ‘forever homes’ for companion animals in the San Antonio community. Tickets are $20 and include one human ticket and one dog ticket. A portion of the proceeds goes to AAPAW. Full story.


 

SNAP Sterilizes 238 on Spay Day
Day of Awareness Has Passed, but Photo Contest Continues

http://www.snapus.org/site/R?i=cf9hw4dHuGJFZK4qGfgG2g..

SNAP clinics spayed or neutered 238 dogs and cats for free (or nearly so) in several separate events commemorating Spay Day 2011. Each clinic put its own twist on the day to help serve different parts of the community. The SNAP Spay-Neuter and Animal Wellness Clinic in San Antonio opened up the doors to dogs too and sterilized 84 animals, including 33 dogs and 51 cats. The Houston Spay-Neuter and Animal Wellness Clinic offered services for cats only but accepted males as well as females. They sterilized a total of 97 cats, including 93 males and three females. The Houston mobile clinic focused on male cats only, neutering a total of 57 for just five cents apiece. Full story.


 

Prodigious Profits Produced by Painterly Pups
Picassos by Paws Fundraiser Raises Over $2,000 for SNAP

http://www.snapus.org/site/R?i=HiZwY0eOGUMiMk9kYXjrDw..

Painting pooches (and their human friends) raised over $2,000 for spay-neuter at the latest Picassos by Paws fundraiser held on Sunday, February 20, 2011. Dozens of masterpieces of modern canine art were created by a variety of talented dogs and put on displayed (to dry) in the front window of Archway Gallery at 2305 Dunlavy St. in Houston. Some of the artists were full of excitement at the prospect of putting paw to paper while others seemed a bit more fretful. Everyone had a good time in the end though, and each artist went home with her or his own work of art suitable for framing. Full story.


 
Upcoming SNAP Events
 
Sunday, March 13, 2011 – Houston, TX
  AIDS Walk Houston
Join the SNAP team and help raise money for the SNAP Animal Aid Program!
Sunday, March 20, 2011 – San Antonio, TX
  SA Rampage Pucks & Paws Night
You and your canine friends are invited to this festive event by the San Antonio Rampage.
Friday, March 25 – Sunday March 27, 2011 – Houston, TX
  Bayou City Art Festival
The success of SNAP’s biggest annual volunteer fundraiser depends on you. Sign up today!

 
http://www.snapus.org/site/R?i=qlXDCUV_Gfq8xPTOfUr5sA..http://www.snapus.org/site/R?i=qlXDCUV_Gfq8xPTOfUr5sA..

Hello Darlings,

Dogs love to eat, but sometimes we eat things that give humans pause -- if not nausea. You might think our keen sense of smell would deter us, but it has more to do with our sense of taste than our sense of smell, and that is not nearly as keen as one might expect. Read this month's letter to learn more.
Full story.


 

New SNAP Grants
A Monthly Review of New SNAP Grants
 
SNAP recognizes the wonderful organizations that provide grants to fund SNAP special projects and daily operations. Full story.


 

A Purrrfect Night for Raven St. James
Miss Purrrfect Event Raises $200 for SNAP Animal Aid Program

http://www.snapus.org/site/R?i=mA6Sd_39gJvNvqBKtdbT3g..

SNAP congratulates Miss Raven St. James on being the newly crowned Miss Purrrfect 2011 and is excited to announce that the annual fundraiser brought in $200 for the SNAP Animal Aid Program (AAP). This is an admirable total considering the event took place on a bitterly cold Tuesday night in February. Congratulations also go to Miss Ashleey Houston who was the 1st runner up at the event. The Miss Purrrfect 2011 pageant was hosted by the fabulous Kourtney Paige Van Wales of Jacksonville, Florida, and Houston’s own Kara Dion. The event also featured performances by Vivica Perry, Jasmen Pierce, Gia Elektra, and others. Full story.


 
http://www.snapus.org/site/R?i=sTJK1hreaBOzPJj1TqN6Vw..http://www.snapus.org/site/R?i=sTJK1hreaBOzPJj1TqN6Vw..


Dear Readers,
 
Think you know everything there is to know about cats? You might be surprised at how much there is to know. Become imminently well informed by visiting the websites listed in Madame Astrocat's top ten list of educational and informative cat-related websites. 
Full story.


 

Quote of the Month
 

"Cats seem to go on the principle that it never does any harm to ask for what you want." ~ Joseph Wood Krutch


 
 

http://www.snapus.org/site/R?i=FdSGougSnSs7knTSTpSKDA..

 SNAPtales Stationery Footer - 2009 Update
 Unsubscribe from receiving email, or change your email preferences

Copyright 2007-2010, Spay-Neuter Assistance Program. All rights reserved. Right to copy is granted subject to the condition that this copyright notice and the name, address, phone number, and email address of Spay-Neuter Assistance Program, Inc. appear, and copies are not sold.

 

Linda Jamail Marshall, Broker,ABR,OSC,RECS

Innerloop Houston Tx. Specialist

2011 FIVE STAR Agent-Texas Monthly Magazine

713-523-4600, info@LindaMarshallRealtors.com

Historic Property Research Workshop Houston Texas

Historic Property Research Workshop Houston Texas

Being an Innerloop Houston Texas Specialist and assisting buyers and sellers with older homes, this caught my eye in the City of Houston information services notifications.

To help Houstonians do  Historic Property Research The Houston Historic Association, The Greater Houston Preservation Alliance, Houston Public Library, and the City of Houston will present a FREE Neighborhood History Workshop 9a.m.-12 on Saturday February 26th at the Houston Community College Central Campus learning Hub, Rm 101 1300 Holman St. at Austin.

The Historic Property Research Workshop will includes discussions on specific properties, neighborhoods, historical markers and desinations.

According to the City notification everyone who attends the Historic Property Workshop will receive a FREE copy of the Houston History Association's 60 page Guide to Researching Your Neighborhood.

Reservations are required, to reserve it indicated a call to the Houston Historic Association at 713-837-7924 or email to info@houstonhistoryassociation.org.

Good Luck with your research, it is always interesting to know more about our innerloop neighborhoods.

 

 

Linda Jamail Marshall, Broker,ABR,OSC,RECS

Innerloop Houston Tx. Specialist

2011 FIVE STAR Agent-Texas Monthly Magazine

713-523-4600, info@LindaMarshallRealtors.com

2011: The Year a House Again Becomes a Home

REBLOGGED WITH PERMISSION FROM THE KEEPING MATTERS CURRENT NEWSLETTER, DATED 12/29/2010

2011: The Year a House Again Becomes a Home

by The KCM Crew on December 29, 2010 ·

For almost a decade now, every time we talked about real estate we immediately discussed money. We didn't talk about the value of a home but instead about the price of the house. We didn't worry about a roof over our heads but instead the ceiling on our interest rate. We didn't care as much about where we raised our family as we cared about how much we increased our family's net worth.

That will change in 2011. The KCM Crew believes very strongly that real estate will return to what it has been for the 200+ year history of this country: a place for us and our families to live comfortably. It will also prove to be a great long term investment as it always has been.

Our parents and our grandparents didn't buy their homes as a short term financial investment. They bought it so they had a place of their own to come home to at the end of the day; a place to raise their family; a place they could feel safe.

Sure they dreamed of a ‘mortgage-burning' party. They realized it was a form of forced savings. They were taught that, if they paid their mortgage every month, they would wind up with a little retirement account decades later.

And, they realized that wouldn't happen if they rented.

However, in the last decade, we somehow forgot that the financial aspect was the serendipity not the major reason to buy. We believe that 2011 will be the year that people return to the historic reasons families purchased a home. This is the year when we again remember that homeownership is a major part of the American Dream.

What about the challenges to a housing recovery? Let's look at them.

The Economy

Most reports are showing that the economy is doing better than expected. This shopping season provided additional proof of this point. As the economy recovers, so will consumer confidence. This will be great news for housing.

Unemployment

There is much talk about a ‘jobless recovery'. We agree that unemployment will continue to be a challenge. However, when you talk about housing, it is not the unemployment rate that is all telling. Instead, it is the change in the rate. As unemployment skyrocketed, people started to worry about their own job. Any change creates concern. Unabated concern turns to fear. Fear causes paralysis. The spike in unemployment has plateaued. People no longer have the felling that ‘they are next'. The fear will diminish and people will start moving on with their lives. This too will be great news for housing.

Interest Rates

It seems the bottomless pit in which rates have been falling does have a floor after all. And it seems we have found it. Those purchasers who had been waiting for the best interest rate may have already missed it.

Prices

Economists are projecting that prices will not see any appreciation in 2011. Sellers who had been waiting for 2006 to return will come to the realization that waiting any longer makes little sense. They will instead decide to get on with their lives and sell this year.

Prices probably will soften further. However, the possible savings to potential buyers will be minimized by a rise in interest rates.

Bottom Line

This is the year that normalcy returns to real estate. People will buy and sell based on the desire for a better life for themselves and their families. They will realize that is the true value of homeownership and they will be willing to pay for that value.

Linda Jamail Marshall, Broker,ABR,OSC,RECS

Innerloop Houston Tx. Specialist

2011 FIVE STAR Agent-Texas Monthly Magazine

713-523-4600, info@LindaMarshallRealtors.com