Texas Growth Slows but Remains Healthy

I just read an article from SOUTHWEST ECONOMY called "Texas Growth Slows But Remains Healthy". Some key points the article shared:

-The single family housing sector remains weak. Builders continue to pull back on new-home construction.

-Sales of existing homes remain on a downward track. Inventories of existing homes for sale have risen to just over the equilibrium mark of the six months.

-Delinquent subprime mortgages continue to inch up in Texas. The state's delinquency rate is higher than the national average, but its foreclosure rate remains below the nation's.

-The Texas economic outlook is positive moving in to 2008. Housing woes are beleaguring the national economy, but Texas markets, while weak, have held up better than many other areas of the country.

As a realtor, I think this is very important information to share with my buyers and sellers. There are many homes on the market, so it is vital to differentiate your home from others. There are several ways to do this, but the most important is having exceptional drive-up appeal, a non-cluttered home, and CLEAN!!!! I am still amazed at how many homes I visit where beds are unmade, dishes are left in the sink, garbage cans are overflowing, and dirty laundry is in piles where potential buyers can see. Pet smells are another turn-off, especially dirty kitty litter boxes - YUCK!!! Remember that in order to sell your home in this weak economy, you need to set your home apart from the others. Take a little more time each morning to straighten your home. Visit model homes in the neighborhood and try to mimick what you see. Wal-mart and Target have nice home decor departments, as do Ross, Marshall's and T.J. Maxx. Another store that has great home decor and storage solutions for less is Tuesday Morning. And remember that a little extra yardwork, some fresh flowers in containers by the door, a nice welcome mat and sparkling windows can make all the difference and not cost a lot of money.

Also, as realtors, we get calls frequently wondering why a listing hasn't shown. First of all, realtors spend a lot of money marketing a property, but if the home is the same as ten others for sale in the neighborhood, you need to consider your price and how you can make your home stand out. Offering home warranties or incentives to buyers is another great way to increase traffic to your home. Declining showings is also something else that amazes me. It isn't always convenient to show, but do your best to allow an agent to show your home when you are asked. The person she is bringing may only have one day to make a decision - this happens often with relocations.

Sellers need to understand that they play a vital role in the sale of their home. Realtors spend a lot of time and money marketing a property, but it is the seller's responsibility to have the home show ready and available to show at anytime. We have to work as a team to get the best results - SOLD!!!

Make it a great day!!!

All my best,

Laurey West

RE/MAX Platinum REALTOR/www.laureywest.homesandland.com/469-586-7596