Diego Jaramillo, Houston Texas Homes for Sale

Houstonians are favored with having such a vast variety of nationally acclaimed restaurants and local eateries. Being a city of commuters, dining out has become a way of life in Houston. Never fear having to go to the same restaurant in Houston as new exquisite flavors are always sprouting about. One of my favorite parts of town is the Houston Galleria area. Real estate here is a mixture of single family homes, mid-rises and high-rise luxury condos. The Houston Galleria area is more commonly referred to as Uptown, a striving residential and commercial corridor in its own right. Of course, we refer to it as the Galleria area because of The Galleria, a Simon Mall, in the heart of the Uptown District. It is no wonder that the restaurants around the Houston Uptown area are some of the more popular. Staying in the Galleria area?

Here's a list of the restaurants that are walking distance within the Houston Galleria/Uptown area.

Restaurant	Cuisine/Dress	Address	Telephone
America's	South American /Business Casual	1800 Post Oak Blvd.	713-961-1492
Arcodoro	Italian / Business Casual	5000 Westheimer	713-621-6858
Mo's	Steak / Upscale / Dress Code	1801 Post Oak Blvd.	713-877-0720
RDG + Bar Annie	Continental / Upscale / Dress Code	1800 Post Oak Blvd.	713-840-1111
Canyon Café	Southwest / Business Casual	5000 Westheimer	713-629-5565
California Pizza Kitchen	Pizza / Casual	1705 Post Oak Blvd.	713-963-9262
Cheese Cake Factory	Continental / Casual	5015 Westheimer	713-840-0600
Del Frisco's	Steak / Upscale / Dress Code	5015 Westheimer	713-355-2600
Grandlux Café	American / Casual	5000 Westheimer	713-626-1700
Kenny & Ziggy's	Deli / Casual	2327 Post Oak Blvd.	713-871-8883
Jenni's Noodle House	Vietnamese / Casual	2027 Post Oak Blvd.	713-621-4200
Luby's	Café / Casual	1743 Post Oak Blvd.	713-622-1713
Maggiano's	Italian / Business Casual	2019 Post Oak Blvd.	713-961-2700
Oceanaire	Seafood / Business Casual	5061 Westheimer	832-487-8862
Morton's	Steak / Upscale / Dress Code	5000 Westheimer	713-629-1946
Willie G's	Seafood / Business Casual	1605 Post Oak Blvd.	713-840-7190
Mama Ninfa's	Tex-Mex / Casual	1650 Post Oak Blvd.	713-623-6060
Kona Grill	American / Sushi / Business Casual	5061 Westheimer	713-877-9191

Come for the food, stay for a lifetime!

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 newly listed homes for sale in Houston with complimentary New Listings Notifications. You'll receive updates via email to the properties that match your Houston Real Estate search criteria. 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 around you.

Sincerely,

Diego E. Jaramillo
Broker Associate, ABR, e-Pro
Keller Williams Houston Metropolitan
Cell: 832-282-2069
Online at www.HoustonHeritage.com
Facebook Fanpage: www.Facebook/RealtorDiego.com

Request a Free Market Snapshot!

Taking the step into home ownership is one of the most important financial decisions a person will make in their lifetime. There are many factors to consider when embarking on this venture. Literally hundreds of loan programs are available, and it is important to find the one that best fits your personal long-term goals.

First and foremost, you must have a mortgage consultant in your corner that is willing to take the time to know what your long-term goals are. Communication is the key factor here.

Curious prospective home buyers sometimes turn to Internet-based services just to see what current interest rates are. But a faceless web site will not take the prospect's future financial planning into consideration or guide the potential borrower through the many nuances of the loan process. When shopping for a home loan, be wary of web-based services that offer programs to reel prospects in with attractive rates that are based upon unrealistic time frames.

If a lender is offering a terrific rate based on a 10-day lock-in period, it is unlikely that the potential home owner would actually be able to find their dream home, get through the negotiation process and win approval from a lender within such a short period of time. This is called short-pricing, and when it comes time to close the transaction, the rate that was originally offered is simply no longer available. As a result, the unfortunate prospect is bulldozed into a loan program with a higher interest rate.

It is highly unlikely that a qualified loan originator whose business is based upon referrals will use unscrupulous tactics such as this to get new customers in the door!

Once you have found a mortgage consultant that you feel comfortable working with, lay your goals out on the table because it will have a tremendous impact on choosing a loan program that meets your specific needs. One of the most important factors to consider is how long you wish to borrow the money for. For example, if you know you will only be in the home for five years, it wouldn't make sense to opt for a 30-year loan program or pay points up front to secure a lower interest rate. You would not be in the home long enough to benefit from such action.

Your mortgage consultant should be able to narrow down a selection of programs based on the information that you have provided, and present you with an easy-to-read spreadsheet that clearly defines viable options for your interest rate and amortization schedule, monthly payment and any potential savings you may realize by paying points up front.

Moreover, a reputable loan originator will not hesitate to share this information with your tax consultant or financial planner so they may offer additional feedback on your behalf.

Home ownership imparts a rewarding vehicle for building wealth and a strong financial future. The mortgage consultant that you choose should be there not only when your loan closes, but should also provide you with ongoing service to assist you in managing that debt over time.

Seek a Qualified Mortgage Consultant to Ensure the Best Results!

A Special Thanks to a wonderful loan officer:

Ann Bennett
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS #260865
Tel: 832-594-0479
Fax: 281-605-4538
Email: ann@homeloansbyann.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 newly listed homes for sale in Houston with complimentary New Listings Notifications. You'll receive updates via email to the properties that match your Houston Real Estate search criteria. 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 around you.

Sincerely,

Diego E. Jaramillo
Broker Associate, ABR, e-Pro
Keller Williams Houston Metropolitan
Cell: 832-282-2069
Online at www.HoustonHeritage.com
Facebook Fanpage: www.Facebook.com/RealtorDiego

Request a Free Market Snapshot!

Original post located at:

I am most excited to share a recent personal, albeit business goal accomplishment. I am now a Texas Real Estate Broker. My license arrived yesterday evidencing the sign of the times, via email. Several years ago my Salesperson license came via mail and it was very exciting to receive a hard copy. The delivery of my Texas Real Estate Broker license was not the most ideal but definitely had the same effect. Yesterday culminated my achievement to pursue a higher licensing standard in real estate in the State of Texas of course. My next goal is to attain the prestigious CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Management) designation by Spring 2011. What does it really means to be a Broker or Broker Associate in Texas? Real estate is an ever-changing industry, from real estate law to the implementation of technology. The need for more educated real estate practitioners is essential to provide consumers with the best possible representation. After all, real estate is perhaps the largest monetary investment most people make in their lives.

The Texas Real Estate Commission (www.trec.state.tx.us) is the state's regulatory agency for the following:

- Real Estate Brokers and Salespersons
- Real Estate Inspectors
- Education Providers for Real Estate and Inspection Courses
- Residential Service Companies
- Timeshare Developers
- Easement Or Right-of-Way (ERW) agents

The Texas Real Estate Commission exists to protect consumers in Texas. The Commission's is there to ensure that real estate service providers are honest, trustworthy and competent. TREC requires that all Texas real estate brokers and salespersons meet and maintain specified levels of education to hold a license to act as a real estate agent.

The Salesperson

A person holding a Salesperson license in Texas has met the state requirements for becoming a real estate agent. The Texas Real Estate Commission requires the Salesperson to have the equivalent of 210 classroom hours (seven 30-hour classes) before you are able to apply for a Texas real estate license and sit for the salesperson exam. The individual must arrange for a Texas real estate Broker holding an active license to sponsor them as a Salesperson before they can practice as a licensed Salesperson. Applicants and inactive Salespersons are not authorized to act as real estate agents in Texas. Additional Salesperson Annual Education (SAE), Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE) and related coursework is required to maintain active status.

The Broker

The Texas real estate Broker's license is the highest licensing status issued by the commission. An individual or company who holds a broker license in Texas has fulfilled the additional requirements to practice as a Broker (of Record) or Broker Associate. In order to apply for your Broker license, you must have had your Salesperson license Active for 2 years in Texas or in any other state in the United States. TREC requires you to have the equivalent of 270 classroom hours (seven 30-hour classes & Brokerage Course) + an additional 630 classroom hours in related courses acceptable to the Commission (can use college degree towards credits if approved by TREC) before you are able to apply for a Texas Real Estate Broker license and sit for the Broker exam. A Broker Associate hangs their license under another Broker also known as the Broker of Record who owns, manages or operates their own brokerage. Additional MCE and related coursework is required to maintain active status.

Broker vs Salesperson

Both Salesperson and Broker must abide by the Texas Real Estate License Act also known as TRELA. TRELA establishes the ethical and practical limitations and licensing requirements. We must also abide by the Realtor Code of Ethics which establish the standards of practice. Individuals who attain a Broker license demonstrate the true entrepreneurial spirit of this industry. They demonstrate proficiency in real estate and pursue a higher level of business practice by committing to the higher licensing status. Most Brokers have more post-secondary education in specific courses as well as business savvy in running their real estate business. Brokers are committed to real estate full-time as opposed to some Salespersons who take up real estate as a part-time job or hobby. Regardless, Buyers and Sellers should be aware of the difference in levels of qualification and experience for each real estate license.

What is a REALTOR?

A REALTOR is a member of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the United States. A Realtor can be a Salesperson or a Broker but MUST be a member of NAR. Real estate agents who are not members of NAR and cannot use the term "Realtor" because it is a trademark of NAR. According to NAR, The terms REALTOR, REALTORS, and REALTOR-ASSOCIATE, as well as the REALTOR block "R" logo, are all federally registered collective membership marks owned by the National Association of Realtors.

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 newly listed homes for sale in Houston with complimentary New Listings Notifications. You'll receive updates via email to the properties that match your Houston Real Estate search criteria. 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 around you.

Sincerely,

Diego E. Jaramillo
Broker Associate, ABR, e-Pro
Keller Williams Houston Metropolitan
Cell: 832-282-2069
Online at www.HoustonHeritage.com
Facebook Fanpage: www.DiegoJaramillo.com

Request a Free Market Snapshot!

Original Blog Posting 6/3/10 at www.houstonheritage.com/blogs

The loan process has become more involved in the last few years and tightened lending practices pose new hurdles for buyers. Being informed is the best way to keep abreast of changes in the lending process. Having a great loan officer as part of your team during your purchase is essential. Larger banks and institutions are taking longer to close a loan so make sure you get information on their average closing times. We’re seeing 35 days on lenders who are their own underwriters and perhaps up to 45 days for the “BIG” banks. Here’s a good idea of the lending process lately. Feel free to email with questions if you have any during your buying process.

I. Prequalification

a. Information from borrower

1. Personal information

2. Supporting documentation

3. Automated Underwriting

4. Initial fees worksheet

II. House Under Contract

A. Update all information from borrower

1. Documentation

2. Agreement of loan terms

3. Initial Disclosures and Form Loan Application

4. Execute Floatdown Agreement (if rates are down, lock it once up to .375% less)

III. Option Period Ends

A. Order appraisal

B. Order title

C. Order survey if applicable

D. Submit to processing

1. Sometimes the file is submitted to processing prior to option period ending.

IV. Processing

A. Fraud guard (basically a background check)

1. Make sure DOB, Name, Addresses, Employment, SSN & other facts match.

a. This sometimes requires further explanation from borrower.

b. Will show if borrower owns other properties

B. Verifications

1. Employment and/or income

2. Verification of Rent (if applicable)

3. Tax returns (4506)--all loans

4. Social Security Number validation

C. Review Credit, Income, and Assets

1. Must make sure that the documentation we have meets underwriting requirements

2. Update documents that have expired

3. Request additional documentation not requested by Loan Officer

4. Ensure that appraisal is received

A. Did it make value?

B. Is it “as is” or “subject to”

D. Re-run Through Automated Underwriting

V. Underwriting

A. Reviews all documents submitted by processor

B. Validates automated underwriting findings

C. Determines approval ability based on underwriting guidelines set by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, & VA.

D. Creates “prior to document” conditions based upon review of findings.

1) Example—Bank Statement w/ large deposit (not employment) & to provide documentation and explanation.

E. Creates “funding conditions” based upon review of file

1) Example—Final Inspection of property or cash to close cannot be higher than a certain amount of money

VI. Closing

A. Reviews Legal Aspects of File

1) They work for a law firm employed by lender

2) Title

3) Survey

4) Insurance—sufficient coverage

B. Give Instructions to Title on Creating HUD1 and provides loan legal documents to sign at closing

C. Approve HUD1

D. Order Funding (wire)

VII. Funding

A. Reviews Funding Conditions

B. Verifies all documents have been signed properly by all parties

C. Release Funds for Closing

This of course means....LOAN IS OFFICIALY CLOSED AND PROPERTY SOLD!!!! :)

Special Thanks to Prime Lending:

Darrell Clifton	Roger Ryman
Loan Officer	Loan Officer
832-275-9161 Cell	713-446-9666 Cell
dclifton@primelending.com	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
Facebook Fanpage: www.DiegoJaramillo.com

Request a Free Market Snapshot!

Original posting at: http://www.houstonheritage.com/blogs/

We all deserve a second chance in life to be productive members of society. One of the best and most empowering words in the English language is "forgiveness". I deeply enjoy being in real estate and partnering with a company who embraces true culture and community involvement. Keller Williams Realty is now the third largest real estate company in the United States with great awards from JD Power & Associates for customer satisfaction. Even better, we aim for community satisfaction and involvement through agent participation and volunteer work. We believe in giving back where we live and this year we've partnered with the City of Houston to give back in a special way. A sea of red will surround a local mission that believes in second chances on May 13th in the Southwest Houston area.

Keller Williams Realty & City of Houston is proud to announce our Red Day 2010 project this year: Revitalize the Second Chance Refuge (SW Houston @ 14538 Minetta St). They currently house about 30 people that are socially and/or economically challenged including ex-offenders, homeless persons, alcoholics, drug addicts and troubled youths. The refuge provides housing, education, counseling, meals and supportive services such as life skills, job search skills, mentoring and more. Second Chance Refuge has a 90% success rate with many individuals having gone on to become productive citizens of our community.

The Second Chance Refuge building is in need of repair and on May 13th we will do what we can to improve the living situation.

1. Skills Needed: Carpentry, painting, landscaping/gardening, cleaning, wood fence repair, power washing, check-in, servers, etc.
2. Any builders or contractors that might lend their time and/or materials?
3. Would you be willing to donate money for supplies? $5, $10, $20, $50?
4. Would you be able to donate any of the following items? Linens, Hygiene products, toiletries, computer/software equipment, gently used furniture/ TV for living room, gym/exercise equipment, basketball goal.

I am the Co-Chair for the Kitchen remodeling project. The kitchen lacks adequate lighting and venting among other much needed improvements. The existing kitchen cabinetry needs a lot of work. The space is not conducive to the level of service that the Second Chance Refuge is providing. There is no ventilation in the room and no A/C. Here's a list of the following items that we need in the Kitchen Project:

1. Commercial vent (in good working condition)
2. Lightly used (or new) cabinetry for kitchen
3. Cutting/serving table
4. Shelving units for storage and pantry
5. Freezer
6. Standalone shelving unit (wood preferably)
7. Pots, pans, serving utensils, plates and cups

RED (Renew, Energize and Donate) Day is May 13th, 2010. RED Day is a Keller Williams Realty service initiative dedicated to improving our local communities. Take time out of your busy schedule and donate one day of your time and volunteer to renew and energize aspects of our local communities. All Houston area Market Centers will join in giving back to the community and filling the city with a sea of red t-shirt volunteers of Keller Williams agents, clients, friends and family. We would like to organize a city-wide support to give back where we live - right here in HOUSTON! Last year, Keller Williams Realty agents and friends in our region worked diligently to rebuild the sand dunes in Galveston, worked at the Houston Food Bank, AIDS Foundation Houston and other related efforts. Let's make 2010 the Houston's RED Day!

Location:

Date: Thursday, May 13, 2010
Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Location: Second Chance Refuge - SW Houston
Street: 14538 Minetta St.
City/Town: Houston, TX

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."