Diego Jaramillo

Everyone who knows me clearly knows that I’m no stranger to food. Houston is one of those cities with exceptional culinary extravaganzas and delicious eateries. From restaurants with lavish settings to giant aquariums, you’ll usually find somewhere to delight your senses. To delight your palate, sample the refined cuisines of area chefs from specialties ranging from American to Indian to South American food. Because service the Houston area and Houston Inner Loop, here is a little list of Houston Downtown restaurants and eateries for your leisure.

Dining Out in Houston Downtown

Angelo’s Italian		711 Main		713-225-3500
Azuma Sushi & Robata Bar		909 Texas		713-223-0909
Bangkok Room Lounge		914 Main		713-658-0950
Birraporetti’s Italian		500 Louisiana		713-224-9494
Bistro Lancaster		701 Texas		713-228-9502
Cabo Mexican Grill		419 Travis		713-225-2060
Café Express		650 Main		713-237-9222
Charivari Restaurant		2521 Bagby		713-521-7231
Chipotle Mexican		909 Texas		713-225-6633
Cielo Mexican		300 Main		713-229-9500
Downtown Aquarium		500 Dallas		713-223-3474
Downtown Hunan Café		613 Clay		713-759-0515
Farrago		318 Gray		713-523-6404
Flying Saucer Pub		705 Main		713-228-7468
Franks Pizza		417 Travis		713-225-5656
The Grove		1611 Lamar		713-337-7321
Guadalajara del Centro Mexican		1201 San Jacinto		713-650-0101
Hard Rock Café		570 Texas		713-227-1392
House of Blues		1204 Caroline		713-652-5837
Hunan Downtown Chinese		812 Capitol		713-227-8999
Jimmy John’s Gourmet Deli		820 Main		713-222-9995
Little Napoli Italian		1001 Texas		713-225-3900
McCormick & Schmick’s		1201 Fannin		713-658-8100
Mia Bella Italian		320 Main		713-237-0505
Morton’s Steakhouse		1001 McKinney		713-659-3700
Red Cat Jazz Café		924 Congress		713-226-7870
Sambuca Jazz Café		909 Texas		713-224-5299
Table 7 Bistro		720 Fannin		713-227-4800
Timpano Chophouse & Bar		610 Main		713-223-2622
Vic & Antony’s Steakhouse		1510 Texas		713-228-1111
Zula New America		705 Main		713-227-7052

For other things real estate, let me show you the way...

I understand that finding your new home is just one of the tasks that face you when you're purchasing a new house. I can assist you in the home buying process which includes offer negotiations, assisting in the inspection and negotiations process after inspections. Beat other home buyers to the hottest new homes for sale in Houston with my New Listings Notifications. You'll receive updates via email to the properties that match your search criteria in the Greater Houston area. Considering selling down the road? Learn the market value of your home with no obligation. An estimate of your home's value will be sent to you by email. Receive a Complimentary Home Market Analysis via email with properties that have sold in the last six months.

Sincerely,

Diego E. Jaramillo
Realtor, ABR, e-Pro
Keller Williams Houston Metropolitan
Tel: 713-980-5115
Online at www.HoustonHeritage.com

Visit my Blog at www.TheHoustonBlog.com

Visit Facebook Fanpage: www.DiegoJaramillo.com

Request a Free Market Snapshot!

"Because my business is primarily based on referrals, I thank you in advance for your endorsement. If you or anyone you know are considering buying or selling a home, please think of me."

Inspections are an essential component of the Due Diligence period during your Houston home buying experience. The Due Diligence period is also known as your Option Period or Termination Period. This period provides buyers with the unrestricted right to terminate their contract. One major item to take care of during this Due Diligence period is a residential real estate inspection. Sometimes negatively referred to as “deal killers”, inspections are an essential part of your discovery and negotiations. Inspection reports should point out the various aspects of the property condition beyond the more obvious visual evidence.

Different types of inspectors

• Professional Home Inspector
• Engineer/Forensic
• Wood Destroying Insect (WDI)/Termite
• Mold
• Stucco/EIFS
• Thermal Imaging/Energy Audits
• Well & Septic
• Swimming Pool
• Lead Based Paint
• Environmental/Phase

Selecting and Scheduling Inspectors

• Ask Questions
• Cost Estimate
• Who and When

Questions to Ask an Inspector

• How long have you been in business?
• How many inspections do you schedule a week?
• How long is your average inspection?
• How soon can I schedule my inspection?
• How fast can I get my report?
• What format do you send your report in?
• How many pages is your average report?
• What areas do you service or are most familiar with?
• What is included in the price you quoted?
• Are there any discounts available?
• How many inspectors work with you?
• Do you carry insurance?
• Do you have a Supra access key?

Property Inspection Reports

• Checklist (lease informative)
• Narrative Report
• Combination of both including COLOR pictures of property and defects

Rules and Standards of practice required of Inspectors

• Texas Administrative Code – Title 22 – Part 23 – Chapter 535 – Subchapter R – Section 535.206 – Section 535.233

Recommended forms pertaining to Property Condition that could be added to contract

• For Your Protection Get A Home Inspection (TAR 1928)
• Inspector Information (TAR 2506)
• Texas Real Estate Consumer Notice Concerning Hazards and Deficiencies (TREC OP-1)
• Environmental Assessment, Threatened or Endangered Species, and Wetlands Amendment (TAR 1917)
• Broker Notice to Buyer/Tenant (HAR 410)
• General Information and Notice to a Buyer (TAR 1506)
• Information About Property Insurance for a Buyer or Seller (TAR 2508)
• Information About Special Flood Hazard Areas (TAR 1414)
• Protecting Your Home From Mold (TAR 2507)
• Notice of Information From Other Sources (TAR 2502)

Standard Property Inspection Report and Other Property Inspection Forms

Form #	Form Caption
REI 7-2	Property Inspection Report
REI 7A-1	Property Inspection Report
REI 1-3	Inspection Log
OP-I	Texas Real Estate Consumer Notice Concerning Hazards or Deficiencies

Getting what you pay for

Remember the saying...."you get what you pay for"? I find it to be very true with residential home inspections in Houston. A very basic inspection is about 6 pages long using the promulgated forms provided by TREC. Inspection reports in Houston range about $250 to $500 for residential properties under 3000 sq. ft. homes. A less detailed inspection report may save you some money but may cost you later in unreported items that could have easily been reflected on a more thorough report. I ask buyers to insist their reports be in full color (NO FAXES) and in PDF format. I enjoy receiving 30-40 page reports to review with buyers that detail condition of the property and the inspector’s professional observations. A great inspection report allows buyers to negotiate (unless foreclosure/REO) repairs or receive seller contribution towards buyer’s closing costs.

Let me show you the way...

I understand that finding your new home is just one of the tasks that face you when you're purchasing a new house. I can assist you in the home buying process which includes offer negotiations, assisting in the inspection and negotiations process after inspections. Beat other home buyers to the hottest new homes for sale in Houston with my New Listings Notifications. You'll receive updates via email to the properties that match your search criteria in the Greater Houston area. Considering selling down the road? Learn the market value of your home with no obligation. An estimate of your home's value will be sent to you by email. Receive a Complimentary Home Market Analysis via email with properties that have sold in the last six months.

Sincerely,

Diego E. Jaramillo
Realtor, ABR, e-Pro
Keller Williams Houston Metropolitan
Tel: 713-980-5115
Online at www.HoustonHeritage.com

Visit my Blog at www.TheHoustonBlog.com

Visit Facebook Fanpage: www.DiegoJaramillo.com

Request a Free Market Snapshot!

"Because my business is primarily based on referrals, I thank you in advance for your endorsement. If you or anyone you know are considering buying or selling a home, please think of me."

The time of reckoning has come, as I stand in front of the room and state, "My name is Diego and I'm an email junkie". The 8X8 or 33 touch program unfolds as I start to acknowledge the symptoms and the inception of my addiction. An epiphany of sorts clears my mind as I identify the source of my addiction...I'm a Realtor® in Houston, TX. I am spending more time being "connected" and checking email these days. Houston real estate has started to show signs of a healthier market coming in the near future and it is important for me to offer listings and information via email. Is it a sign of better times to come?

As Realtors, we see the need to constantly be in front of someone via phone, in person or electronically (email, text, social media, blogs). Yet email has its place among one of the most useful means of contact with clients, colleagues and prospects. It is amazing what a simple personalized two line note saying "I was thinking of you" means to our sphere and clients. Or perhaps the evite that reads, “Please come to my client appreciation gathering.” The emails keep stacking with active negotiations, due diligence, attachments and advice that we provide our clients. Scanned documents alleviate the paper documentation and make the intent of going paperless.

Agents who understand online lead generation will be able to empathize with me. Everyone we meet goes into a database where we can establish email campaigns related to their specific needs. We then also place them into an email group for when we have those great PDF's or scanned documents we feel they "must" have. We email them market snapshots, market activity, home listings, area demographic reports, tax reports, etc to keep them informed. We are their Houston real estate resource and their one stop shop. Touch systems are very important to be followed up with phone calls but as people have busier lives, it is easier to follow up via email or when you see them on Facebook. Incubation normally takes 6-8 months on average for online leads as they tend to be more educated and informed of the general areas and criteria or want to take their time to explore Houston areas.

Remember to answer your emails and website inquiries...they can sometimes uncover the unexpected. The buyer who accidently asked to get information for $2 Mil homes that closed six months later on their $250k home and referred you three friends who you've now closed in similar price ranges. The follow through is important and sometimes email is all you have to go by until they are comfortable enough to give you their phone number. Until such time, I will continue to be a Houston real estate email junkie and provide as much information to buyers and sellers looking for an agent who is just as connected as they are.

Sincerely,

Diego E. Jaramillo
Realtor, ABR, e-Pro
Keller Williams Houston Metropolitan
Tel: 713-980-5115
Online at www.HoustonHeritage.com

Request a Free Houston Market Snapshot!

"Because my business is primarily based on referrals, I thank you in advance for your endorsement. If you or anyone you know are considering buying or selling a home, please think of me."

Why use FHA?

Buyers need to have a better understanding of FHA financing solution and confidently see it as a viable option. First time home buyers especially can use FHA financing to their advantage because of the flexibility and accessibility of it. So, what is FHA financing? How can you inform yourself about it?

A few tips on FHA:

• FHA has been around since 1934
• FHA was created to stabilize the US economy during the Great Depression
• Millions of home buyers have used FHA loans in every state

Is FHA still relevant in 2009?

• FHA will likely be used on more homes in 2009 than any other loan solution.
• FHA has been used in every market - soft or not.
• FHA is buyer and seller friendly.

High Points: Buyer Perspective

• Investment Requirement is low (only 3.5% down payment)
• May use gift for entire investment
• Gift income from family, employer, or other sources
• Generous qualifying ratios
  • 33 Housing (Newer Home)
  • 45 Total Debt (Newer Home)
  • 31 Housing (Older Home
  • 43 Total Debt (Older Home)
• Expanded ratios with an AUS approval
• Minimum 620 Credit Score
• Properties built before 1978 must have lead based paint disclosure
• Investor driven (FHA supported)
• Credit and Bankruptcy
  • Approval Chapter 7 Bankruptcy in 24 months with re-established credit.
  • Approval Chapter 13 Bankruptcy in 12 months with re-established credit.
• Non Occupying Co-Borrower can help
  • Occupying borrower does not need income, employment or assets.
  • This is often used by parents helping their children buy first home.
• Certain repairs/improvements can be financed into purchase (203K Streamline)
• Energy efficient items may be financed into the purchase transaction.
• Eligible on 1-4 family home purchases
• Eligible on condominium purchases
  • 51% Owner Occupancy Required
• Great interest rates available
• 15 year and 30 year terms available
• ARMS with caps:
  • 1% annual
  • 5% life of loan
• Temporary interest rate buy downs
  • Lowers payments in first few years
  • Must qualify at note rate however
• Refinancing
  • Borrower may be able to refinance to a lower interest rate without credit or appraisal
  • FHA may help homeowner in financial distress
    • Loss Mitigation
    • Partial Claims
    • Pre-foreclosure sale
    • Deed in lieu of foreclosure

High Points: Seller Perspective

• Increased the number of buyer prospects.
• No requirements for the seller to pay any special closing costs (same as conventional).
• Takes no additional time for appraisal or processing.
• No additional paperwork.
• Properties built before 1978 must have lead based paint disclosure
• Seller can contribute to buyer's transaction costs and reduce total cost for buyer.
• Seller can fund a temporary interest rate buy down.
  • This helps reduce the monthly payment making the purchase more affordable during the first few years.
• Repairs can be financed
  • Some repairs can be taken care of after closing.
  • This helps sellers that can't afford to repair the property before closing.
• FHA appraisers are selected rather than assigned.
  • This helps keep the appraisal process competitive
  • Cosmetic repairs are no longer required.
  • Repairs concerning health and safety are required.
• FHA appraisals are now like conventional appraisals.

Take advantage of FHA when making your offers

•· 203B for Single Family Homes

•· 234C for Condos

•· 203K Rehab (Streamline)

Seller Contributions

• Seller may contribute up to 6% (higher contributions are possible but generally not practical)
• Contract should state the contribution will be applied to buyer's closing costs in the following order:
  • Recurring transaction cots (escrow items like home owner's insurance, property taxes)
  • Discount points and buy down funds
  • Non-recurring transaction (appraisal, credit report, processing fee and related title work)

Personal Property

• The sales contract should not reflect the sale of the personal property.
  • If contract reflects personal property, the impact can be mitigated by including it in a separate addendum for Non-Realty Items.

Additional Forms

• FHA Real Estate Certification
• HUD Amendatory Clause
• HUD Inspection Disclosure

A special thanks to:

Roger Ryman
Certifed Mortgage Planner
Prime Lending
550 Post Oak Blvd Ste. 350
Houston, TX 77027
713-446-9666 Cell
rryman@primelending.com

Let me show you the way...

I understand that finding your new home is just one of the tasks that face you when you're purchasing a new house. I can assist you in the home buying process which includes offer negotiations, assisting in the inspection and negotiations process after inspections. Beat other home buyers to the hottest new homes for sale in Houston with my New Listings Notifications. You'll receive updates via email to the properties that match your search criteria in the Greater Houston area. Considering selling down the road? Learn the market value of your home with no obligation. An estimate of your home's value will be sent to you by email. Receive a FREE Home Market Analysis via email with up to 4 properties that have sold in the last six months.

Sincerely,

Diego E. Jaramillo
Realtor, ABR, e-Pro
Keller Williams Houston Metropolitan
Cell: 832-282-2069
Online at www.HoustonHeritage.com

Request a Free Market Snapshot!

"Because my business is primarily based on referrals, I thank you in advance for your endorsement. If you or anyone you know are considering buying or selling a home, please think of me."

The national news tends to make investors uneasy, sellers relentless and buyers get off the bus and throw their hands in the air. As dismal as the present economy on a national level, Houston real estate is coasting by. In part due to one of the largest medical centers in the world, it being the energy capital and being located in one of the healthier states. We take center stage with recent announcements from MetroStudy for 2009 Q2 and I was all smiles. Here's my blog to boast about Houston *grin*.

Different market studies were presented at a recent commercial training at South Texas College of Law for brokers and attorneys. It was of course the "state of the union" for Texas as a whole and highlighting Houston's impact in this present market. We had a good KW Commercial turn out representing our market center, The Metroplitan. There were some very prominent speakers ranging from Oil & Gas, Economists to Bankers and Developers. A great presentation was one provided by Dan Bellow from the Greater Houston Partnership and the topic was "Where's the Business & How to Get It!". Browse through the recent Houston Headlines and preview the unveiling of the Certified Property Program, an industry leading certification that will expedite relocation/expansion process and reduce the risk associated with the unknown.

You think Real Estate is bad here in Houston????? Hmm...let's review.

The statistics provided from MetroStudy for 2009 Q2:

1. 25,000 new construction homes sold in last 12 months in Houston

2. Only 19,000 new homes are being built presently (we're hoping to see this increase)

3. Houston-Sugar Land - Baytown, TX population growth 1,012,726 that's 21.5% GROWTH RATE from 2000-2008 (we're #4)

4. There's an estimated 5.8 million living in the Greater Houston Area.

5. Houston-Sugar Land - Baytown, TX population growth 130,185 that's 2.3% GROWTH RATE JUST FOR 2008 (we're #2)

6. Houston ranks NUMERO 1 in MSA Rank - Permits of most ACTIVE New Home Markets in US! (19,339 Annual SF Starts/Permits)

7. Houston saw 55,000 new apartment complexes in last 3 years

8. Class B apartment occupancy is over 90% in Houston

9. Metrostudy showing Houston Single Family Homes per MLS getting stronger since July 2009.

10. Distressed residential properties is 17% VS 37% in January 2009 in Houston (FHFA)

TOP 10 COMMUNITIES IN GREATER HOUSTON 2009 Q2:

1. The Woodlands - 810 Closings

2. Cinco Ranch - 721 Closings

3. Telfair - 440 Closings

4. Shadow Creek Ranch - 390 Closings

5. Sienna Plantation - 317 Closings

6. Eagle Springs - 297 Closings

7. Westheimer Lakes - 290 Closings

8. Riverstone - 275 Closings

9. Kingwood - 258 Closings

10. Fairfield - 221 Closings

HOUSTON in the MEDIA for 2009!!

• "Best City to Get Ahead"
  Forbes.com - June 19, 2009
  
  
• "Top Metro in the Nation
  (For Corporate Expansions & Relocations)"
  Site Selection Magazine - March 2009
  
  
• "Best City to Live, Work and Play"
  Kiplinger's Personal Finance - July 2008
  
  
• "Top U.S. Manufacturing Cities"
  Manufacturers' News Inc.
  (as reported in the Houston Business Journal) - May 19, 2009
  
  
• "Best City to Get Ahead"
  Forbes.com - June 19, 2009
  
  
• "Top Metro in the Nation
  (For Corporate Expansions & Relocations)"
  Site Selection Magazine - March 2009
  
  
• "Best City to Live, Work and Play"
  Kiplinger's Personal Finance - July 2008
  
  
• "Top U.S. Manufacturing Cities"
  Manufacturers' News Inc.
  (as reported in the Houston Business Journal) - May 19, 2009

Selected 2009 Announcements by Greater Houston Partnership

• Anheuser Busch, malt beverages
  $100 million to modernize Houston operations, retaining 700 existing jobs
  
  
• Farouk Systems, hair care products
  1,000+ jobs as manufacturing relocated from China and South Korea
  
  
• Grocer Supply, food wholesaler
  $150 million to improve efficiencies to its Houston facilities
  
  
• HP, information technology
  $196 million in a new Houston-area data center.
  
  
• NATCO Group, wellhead equipment and services
  $9 million R&D center and 25 new employees
  
  
• URS Corp, engineering
  Consolidating into Houston, employment to exceed 1,000 by year's end

Let me show you the way...

I understand that selling your home is just one of the tasks that face you when you're selling a house. I will help you decide which specific projects will maximize your home's sale price. I can assist you in the home selling process which includes offer negotiations, assisting in the inspection and proactive marketing. Buying? Beat other home buyers to the hottest new homes for sale in Houston with my New Listings Notifications. You'll receive updates via email to the properties that match your search criteria in the Greater Houston area. Considering selling down the road? Learn the market value of your home with no obligation. An estimate of your home's value will be sent to you by email. Receive a FREE Home Market Analysis via email with up to 4 properties that have sold in the last six months.

Sincerely,

Diego E. Jaramillo
Realtor, ABR, e-Pro
Keller Williams Houston Metropolitan
Cell: 832-282-2069
Online at www.HoustonHeritage.com

Request a Free Market Snapshot!

"Because my business is primarily based on referrals, I thank you in advance for your endorsement. If you or anyone you know are considering buying or selling a home, please think of me."