The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) told Congress today that it will work with lawmakers to make changes to the Protecting American Taxpayers and Homeowners (PATH) Act legislative proposal to ensure that it provides the federal support necessary to maintain a strong and liquid housing finance system. Testifying before the House Financial Services Committee,… Continue Reading
Innovations in technology, along with our ever increasing on-the-go lifestyle, have shifted real estate marketing away from traditional practices toward an online approach with more visual stimulation including video. Among all of the online tactics used by marketers, videos are proving to be the most valuable way to reach home seekers. In fact, according to the National Association… Continue Reading
Have you ever wondered what an energy rating is and how it works? RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network) posted an infographic to explain how energy ratings work. Courtland Building Company, Inc’s., Green Design Features include both natural ventilation, through the use of opening windows, wind pressure aided ventilation, and attic vent fans…. and is based upon the positioning… Continue Reading
As sales improve and prices rebound, another housing component is showing growth: square footage. During the real estate lull, the average home size shrunk. However, while the housing market shows signs of recovery, larger and more luxurious homes are also making a comeback. Over the past year, the average size of new homes has grown… Continue Reading
There is a lot of competition when it comes to selling your home this summer. Avoid these turnoffs so you don’t have potential buyers walking out the door before they have a chance to say YES! 1. Bad Odors This is the number one no-no when selling a home. Top odors on the list: cigarette… Continue Reading
The more than 100 major real estate brokers who attended RISMedia’s Mid-Year Power Broker Forum earlier this month virtually all reported first quarter gains in transactions and dollar volume from 2012. Consumer confidence combined with near historic low mortgage interest rates is fueling the residential real estate industry’s resurgence, and industry leaders are reporting that… Continue Reading
As home prices begin to rebound – as much as 9.7 percent this year by some estimates – more home sellers are purchasing extended home warranties (also called service contracts) to give themselves a competitive edge. “Securing your home with an extended warranty is a great way to set yourself apart from other sellers,” says… Continue Reading
The Appraisal Institute, the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers, advises homeowners to properly maintain their landscaping, which can significantly affect property values. “If a landscaping change is positive, it can often enhance price and reduce a home’s time on the market,” said Appraisal Institute President Richard L. Borges II, MAI, SRA. “But… Continue Reading
It’s hard to tell that the spring home buying season has started in Houston, because real estate transactions throughout the greater Houston area never slowed down during the traditional quieter winter months. The month of March marked the 22nd consecutive month that Houston has experienced positive home sales. Houston added approximately 119,000 jobs over the… Continue Reading
If you’re in the energy business and have been looking for an excuse to move to Houston, now you have one. ConocoPhillips recently signed a lease for a total of 850,000 square-feet office space at Energy Center Three and Energy Center Four. Trammell Crow Company and Principal Real Estate Investors confirmed this. The exploration and… Continue Reading