Mary Benton

I am working with three buyers now. Customer one is looking for homes to flip, likes to find 3/2/2 homes under 80,000.00. They don't come along often, but can be found. Client two is looking for a 3/2/2 in south Lubbock. Her main criteria is that the kitchen have sufficient cabinets, the master bedroom be larger than 13 x 15, and that the at least one of the other bedrooms be a good size. Client three wants a three or four bedroom home of at least 1900 square feet in the Cooper school district.

Every buyer is looking for something special, that suits their lifestyles and family. There are a number of good search engines and Lubbock home buyers can get started looking on the internet. Please visit www.searchlubbockhomes.com to start your search. Around 88% of home buyers begin their home search on the internet. However, once you get serious, give me a call. You will need a REALTOR to make appointments and get you access to homes. Also the information I have available can save you time and help eliminate some homes, allow you to focus on and find homes that best match your needs.

If you or someone you know is in the market for a Lubbock home send me an email or call me. I'll give you professional guidance and help you find that just right home.

Mary Benton, Lubbock REALTOR

Keller Williams Realty

806 790 1026

marybenton@kw.com

January 2, 2012

Happy New Year and welcome to 2012. Things are happening in Real Estate now that the holidays are behind us.

Tech Terrace remains a popular neighborhood for those who want to have a home near Texas Tech University. Even for Lubbock home buyers without a TTU connection, Tech Terrace is a wonderful place to live. You will not find any cookie cutter homes here. Instead Lubbock home buyers find bungalows, cottages, and a great variety of architectural styles.

Lubbock's multiple listing service shows 32 properties for sale in Tech Terrace as of today. Prices range from $74,977.00 (hmmmm) to $600,000.00. I have been so fortunate to get to show the historic Underwood home on 19th street a number of times. This fabulous home has 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and almost 6000 square feet and is priced at $600,000.00. The house pictured above is actually one of a number of Tech Terrace homes that is newer construction - you will even find one brand new home for sale in Tech Terrace. So for someone who wants the wonderful Tech Terrace neighborhood but likes newer homes you can have your cake and eat it too.

If you or someone you know is interested in buying, selling, or investing in Lubbock real estate in 2012 I can help you! Give me a call, or send a text or email. Particularly if you like Tech Terrace or have a home to sell in the U.N.I.T neighborhood in Lubbock, you owe it to yourself to contact me. I am a Lubbock Realtor who understands the appeal and value of older homes.

I wish you and yours a Happy and Successful New Year!

Mary Benton, Lubbock Realtor

Keller Williams Realty

(806) 790-1026

marybenton@kw.com

We are two days from a new year...the diapered baby and old man with a beard about to pass in the hallway of time. Are you thinking about buying or selling a home in 2012? Will this be the year you downsize and simplify your life? Has your family grown out of your current home?

Call on me (or text or email) and I will save you time and work hard to help you achieve your real estate goals!

In case you are a first time home buyer, here is a synopsis of the process:

· Contact me and put me to work for you!

· I will get you in touch with a mortgage loan specialist. You get pre-qualified for a home loan (unless you may be paying cash)

· We meet and go over your needs and wants in a home and sign a few papers

· We look on the computer and narrow down the homes on the market to the ones that suit you best.

· I make appointments and we go see homes and you choose one! (by the way, there is no charge for my services to you as a buyer)

· We prepare a contract with the amount you offer, the date you want to take possession, etc. You put up a small option fee for the seller and earnest money that goes to the title company.

· Negotiations may now take place.

· Once all are in agreement we have an 'effective contract' and it is time to order an inspection.

· When the report comes in from the inspector you may choose to ask for some repairs and this is another time that negotiations may take place.

· With this resolved we move forward toward closing which is typically around 30 days from the 'effective date' of the contract.

· An appraisal is ordered and the home needs to appraise for at least the sales price.

· Oh! During this time a buyer should NOT quit their job, make any major purchases, or do anything that might negatively affect their credit. Your credit will be checked again shortly before closing.

· One the day of closing you will bring a cashier's check for the amount you need to pay upfront - the title company will let you know this amount a day or two before closing.

· Once the loan is funded (same or next business day) then you GET YOUR KEYS and begin an exciting new chapter of your life in your new home!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOURS!

Mary Benton, Lubbock REALTOR

(806) 790-1026

marybenton@kw.com

FIND ME ON FACEBOOK! MARY BENTON, REALTOR * ANSWER THE POLL TO BE ENTERED IN DRAWING FOR A STARBUCKS GIFT CARD!

Who knew that in addition to real estate one could purchase judgments and account receivables at auction! Yesterday there was an auction and a lone participant bid $30,001.00 and won almost $3 million dollars in account receivables and judgments tied to swindler Benny Judah. So for the 30K investment the bidder has a potential for a tremendous return IF he/she can collect. The court apparently collected over 15K from these accounts. The bidder may have a good lawyer on retainer who will go halves with him on collections and a big tough guy enforcer.

In the newspaper there was posted a list of numerous Lubbock, Shallowater, Ransom Canyon properties that will be auctioned off on the courthouse steps in early December. These are NOT associated with Judah. If you are interested in information about this auction, send me a note, text, or give me call.

And if you or someone you know is looking to buy, sell, or invest in Lubbock real estate, I can help!

Have a happy weekend all!

Mary Benton, Lubbock REALTOR

Keller Williams Realty

(806) 790-1026

Packed? Check!

Movers? Done!

Dogs to Lubbock? Check!

Improvements made? Check!

Carpets cleaned? Yes!

Professional house cleaning done? You betcha!

Painting complete? Will be by tomorrow

Garage Sale? Planned for this weekend despite the cold!

Workshop emptied? Work in process!

Our terrific 2800+ square foot Ransom Canyon home will be on the market this weekend! It has three bedrooms, three full baths, a two car garage and lots of extra paved parking. Some of the highlights of the home include a gorgeous updated kitchen with granite countertops and a super neat coffee bar and 'butler's type' pantry. The home now has three living areas and could easily have two living areas and an extra dining space or bedroom. Our grandkids have loved having their own space- the basement - to watch television, play and stay overnight. The backyard is large, lovely, and park-like with lots of trees a huge heated in-ground pool and a party-sized patio. MAN CAVE ALERT! There is a detached workshop that has space galore for wood working, crafts and hobbies, or could be converted to an enormous game room. Stairs lead to a 2nd floor storage area. In addition, the Ransom Canyon community is a nice place to live. We have fantastic neighbors and kids in our neighborhood go to school in Slaton, at Roosevelt, and some drive in to Lubbock schools. Lots of options. I'll be posting pictures soon. This wonderful home on almost an acre in Ransom Canyon will be priced at $269,000.00.