Charlotte Stilwell, Broker-Associate

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It's a time of comfy sweats, falling leaves, maybe even cold weather (wouldn't that be nice for a change?). It's a time of reflection on all the many blessings I have in my life and a time of thinking about how I can be a blessing to others. I love cooking a big meal for the people I love most in the world. I love football games, snoozing on the couch, listening to Jack play with his cousins. I love the smells, the comfort food of my youth...the memories. I LOVE THANKSGIVING.

Today, as I'm driving to work and leaving the neighborhood, can you guess what I saw? CHRISTMAS LIGHTS. It's November 16th. How is it even possible that people are already decorating for Christmas?? I get to work and low and behold, a humongous Christmas tree in the lobby and the house (our office is a beautiful Victorian house) is covered in lights. I can understand that a little more because we are gearing up for a big Christmas celebration that the city of Magnolia is putting on (see http://www.magnoliahometownchristmas.com for more info - it's going to be awesome!) - we are in the heart of it all and the house has to look impeccable (and it does). But my neighbors?

Ugh. The pressure.

My son and I have been joking for a couple years now about this and he always cracks up when I yell, "Can't we just get through Thanksgiving first??" as we see Christmas decorations come out three days before Halloween.

Now, don't get me started on the commercialism of Christmas. That's a vent for another day. But as I was thinking about all this on my drive in this morning, it occurred to me that I've rushed things in my business in a similar fashion.

I get so excited to write a contract. I love the paperwork (I know, I know). But I really do. I love getting everything in order and turning in the packet to our admin. At that point, I put the file back on the shelf and move on to the next thing. I find myself feeling bogged down in the details that come between the contract and closing and have to remind myself, just enjoy the ride. The process is more difficult these days but I'm being paid for my negotiating skills, my educating the buyers and sellers, and most of all, being the human connection in a business transaction. And it's the relationship fostering that makes the difference in my referrals, my business, and the overall enjoyment of what I do for a living. You've heard it before, it's a people business.

So, take a moment to enjoy the process. Even that parts that aren't so enjoyable! And please, whatever you do, don't forget about Thanksgiving!!!! What better time to have an attitude of gratitude?

Charlotte

I was reading another blog this morning about the phrase "buyers are liars". It's not always true but no matter the circumstance, I'd always rather home buyers just tell me the truth. But how did this phrase come to be so commonly known anyway? Well, let's take a look.

First, I think there is a lot of distrust of Realtors in general. The truth is there are many ethical, compassionate, honest Realtors out there, but as in any profession, the one bad apple spoils the bunch. I remember a number of years ago reading about how the public perceived Realtors. Turns out Realtors were right above used car salesmen in trustability.....in other words we were just right above the bottom of the list. YIKES! Is it any wonder home buyers sometimes withhold all the information?

"What can I do to get you in a car (house) today"??? Would YOU trust this guy?

(disclaimer: not all used car salesmen/women are like this guy!!!)

Second, I think that home buyers are afraid to be completely honest about their situations. For a few years there, it was pretty doggone easy to get a mortgage. Today, not so much. Buyers are worried that their circumstances may hamper their ability to get a mortgage so they keep quiet about things a Realtor really does need to know (and this is why it is so critical to get approved by a lender BEOFRE starting the house hunting adventure). This is one of those situations where I REALLY prefer home buyers just tell me the truth! I can help you find a credit repair specialist that can help if that's the issue. If there's a problem, let's find a solution. We have to be a team.

Thirdly, and this is in regards to what buyers are looking for in a home, things change along the way. What starts out as mandatory at the beginning of the home search may be downgraded to preferable after seeing a few homes and realizing that their expectations may be too high. It's the Realtors job to educate the buyers about the entire process and I always make sure to tell my buyers it's ok if things change as we go through the process. I only ask that home buyers tell me the truth and keep me in the loop. It's all about communication and if a buyer doesn't trust their Realtor enough or feel comfortable enough to communicate when things change, the buyer isn't working with the right agent. This is a huge deal, buying a house. It's emotional, expensive, and can be either thrilling or depressing depending on the circumstances. Find a Realtor you can trust and be open and honest - I promise it will make a world of difference for the whole experience.

So, are buyers really liars? I'm sure there are some, just like there are some bad apple Realtor's, too. The key is to find the right match for you and enjoy the process. Interview agents before you decide on one - see if you click. Eventually, we can change the stereotypes of buyers being liars. Now sellers are yellers? That's a topic for another day!!

Wondering what's going on with Magnolia, Texas real estate these days? Let's start with some statistics. As of this second, there are 471 single family home listings in Magnolia. Of those, 76 are either option pending, pending continue to show, or pending. So far, in 2009, there have been 503 home sale closings. What does that mean for Magnolia real estate? Well, last year, 2008, there were 602 closings of single family homes for the same time frame (Jan 1 through November 5). Obviously that shows a decrease, but is it as bad as the media reports? Not at all! We are surviving this market and still going strong.

So, what makes the Magnolia real estate strong? Great prices, a beautiful location, excellent schools, and easy access to several major freeways. People who move here typically want to move to the country, but still be close enough to urban areas for shopping, sports (Go, Rockets, Texans, Astros, Aeros!!), etc. They want some peace and quiet. They want beautiful scenery. Magnolia has it all. So if you are looking for Magnolia real estate, now's a great time to buy!!

This is a picture of the incredible Victorian style Magnolia real estate office I'm so blessed to work in for the #1 Century 21 office in the Houston area: Century 21 Hardee Team Realty. My broker built this house (www.texstarhomes.com) - isn't it amazing? We are on Magnolia Blvd. right in the heart of downtown Magnolia, which is undergoing some incredible renovations. Downtown Magnolia is going to be fabulous!! Be sure to check out the Christmas Market - http://www.magnoliahometownchristmas.com. It's going to be magical and you should just see my office covered in Christmas lights!!

So...check out Magnolia real estate and see what our beautiful city has to offer!! I'd love to help!

Looking for Indigo Ranch properties in Magnolia, Texas? You've come to the right place! Welcome!

Indigo Ranch is a small, custom home, gated community located on the west side of Magnolia. Indigo Ranch properties lie within the Magnolia Independent School District. Elementary age children will attend J.L. Lyons Elementary School, currently rated exemplary. Middle schoolers will attend Magnolia Middle School and high schoolers will attend the new Magnolia West High School. There are several private schools in the area, such as Rosehill Christian School (pre-k through 12th grade), Salem Lutheran Elementary and Middle Schools, and Concordia Lutheran High School, as well as others.

Indigo Ranch properties consist of 1 - 20+ acre lots and are governed by a Home Owners Association, CKM Properties. Your property values are of the uptmost concern so there are deed restrictions in place. One story homes must be at least 2200 square feet and two story homes must be at least 2400 square feet. Horses are welcome here, one per acre, and there is a nature trail for riding or hiking. There are two parks in Indigo Ranch, both 5 acres. The community hosts an annual Christmas Party as well as other functions throughout the year.

There is no Municipal Utility District (MUD) so taxes are low. Indigo Ranch properties utilize a private water system. The homeowner is responsible for installing an aerobic septic system.

What I love about being an Indigo Ranch property owner is the feeling of being in the country but still only being minutes from both Tomball and Magnolia. If that's what you are looking for, call me today and let me show you what Indigo Ranch has to offer!