Mary Benton

Our months are mixed up in Lubbock and Ransom Canyon. We had a dry April. So we have revised the diddy to "May Showers Bring June Flowers". The rain this month has been wonderful and things are really greening up.

I have shown and previewed some interesting homes this month. Homes either speak to me or they don't. And I've learned that just because it isn't speaking to me, the house may be speaking to my clients so I keep my mouth shut. Sometimes.

One home that spoke to me this month is located at 4003 47th, MLS#9957081. This is a Rose Taylor, Keller WIlliams listing. The home has a few issues and needs updating in some rooms but I could move right in because it spoke to me. It's animal print carpets made a statement about being bold and making daring design choices. The house talked about fun with friends and family. And the screened porch out back brought back memories of my childhood and whispered about lovely lush green places far from Lubbock. I'd buy this home. If I hadn't just bought my Ransom Canyon home and moved. The price is $129,900. Call me if you want to see it! I'd love to sell this home and live here vicariously through a new owner.

My home on 22nd Street in Lubbock is for sale now. And it spoke to me from the first time I drove by and saw the desert willow in bloom. The address is 3301 22nd, MLS#9958496. The price is $229,000. We updated the house to the level we were comfortable and at home with. A new owner could walk in and live happily ever after just as it is, or update and make the bungalow on 22nd feel more their own. If you want to live close to Texas Tech or the hospitals, the location is ideal. Or if you just prefer an established neighborhood, this is one of the most sought after areas in Lubbock. Call me if I can show you my home.

On a personal note we got to travel to Frisco in early May to spend time with my son and his wife who are expecting in July! It was a great visit with kids and grandkids.

Have a marvelous May and if I can help you find a home or sell a home, give me a call!

We have had a good month here in Lubbock. The weather has thrown us a curve ball or two with a few snowflakes and a near 90 degree day but of course this is West Texas.

I have been privileged to work with several buyers this month and unfortunately the best homes, the ones we made offers on, got away. The good news is that homes are definitely selling in Lubbock. We were just a day late and dollar short but we will find the right home.

I love referrals! A dear friend of MANY years has been gracious in introducing me to friends and giving my name to those who might need a realtor. One of her referrals became my first listing and for that I'm grateful and thrilled. I also reward referrals and haven't decided yet what to do for this special friend.

Two other good friends from my Texas Tech days have contacted me about listing their homes. I feel truly blessed to have so many good friends, people who care enough about me and have enough faith in my abilities as a Realtor.

In the midst of all this I have been packing and moving. So thanks to my family, friends, co-workers, and clients for putting up with me being more than a little scattered much of the time. Like the day I met a buyer at the KW office. We drove to the house across town she wanted to see ONLY to discover I left my supra key at the office. Fifteen minutes and many apologies later, we did get to look at the house.

So even though March has been a good month...I'm looking forward to April!

March 2008 is going to be my busiest month on many moons. Here is how it is looking.

M is for moving. I'm packing and will be moving next week!

A is for animals. Tater (dog) and Maggie (cat) are highly suspicious that something is going on. They can't figure out why the dining table is in the den and what all the boxes are for. I hope our sweet pets adjust okay to living in a new place.

R is for Ransom Canyon. This is where our moving van is headed!

C is for challenges. Moving and unpacking while providing excellent customer service to my real estate clients is my challenge for March but I think I can, I think I can!

H is for house becoming a home. I know I will miss my bungalow home but I'm really looking forward to making our new house OUR HOME.

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I completed my GRI 1 class on Thursday and the exam was challenging but I think I passed. I learned so much from our great instructor, Pat Strong. While this GRI course dealt primarily with ethics and contracts, Pat gave several good, practical tips of services and information to provide to clients. There were around 40 students in the class and I enjoyed getting to know Lubbock Realtors from other firms. I'm looking forward to GRI 2 and 3 and may travel to Odessa in May to take another class with Pat.

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I'm very excited that a buyer client of mine contacted Brooke at Prime West. This client was feeling really confused about financing and had concerns about the information she got off the internet and from another lender. When I talked to her yesterday I could tell she felt more confident and at ease about the entire home buying process after talking with Brooke. This client and I have been looking twice and have already seen two homes that she really likes. I think we are close to finding her "just right" home.

I have had the pleasure of showing some out-of-towners the sights of Lubbock and telling them about the real estate market here. It was more of a pleasure earlier in the month because Lubbock had some windy, sandy days and those are not pleasant. But the GOOD NEWS is that Lubbock is a wonderful place to call home with lots of blue skies, sunny days, and gorgeous sunsets.

It is fun to drive visitors through the Tech Terrace area. There are so many different types and sizes of homes in all price ranges. Historic homes from grand to cozy, mid-century homes, and even newly constructed homes are available. For buyers who work downtown, at Texas Tech or in the Medical district, Tech Terrace is very convenient. There are two great schools, Roscoe Wilson Elementary and Hutchinson Jr. High, located in the neighborhood.

I have to say one of my favorite homes in Tech Terrace is the most unexpected home in the neighborhood. It is the Upe Flueckiger home on 21st Street. I got to walk through the home during the Fall Tech Terrace home tour in 2004. (it may have been 2005) The colors, clean lines, central courtyard and pair of studios thrilled me. And I really never thought that modern or contemporary architecture would appeal to me. I had the pleasure of meeting Upe last year. He is a Swiss-licensed architect who teaches architecture at Texas Tech University. He told me that some of the neighbors were not thrilled to see his home, which is constructed of cinder blocks and bright red corrugated metal.being built. I dream of building a 21st century ranch house inspired by his 21st Street home.

Follow the link below to see photos and read an article about this outstanding and unique Tech Terrace home.

http://mocoloco.com/archives/003015.php

I love being a Realtor, exchanging ideas with other realtors, researching real estate trends, and previewing many of the great homes on the market in Lubbock.

Yesterday I held an Open House at 10601 Vicksburg in Suncrest Villas. I had a good turn out and enjoyed visiting with Lubbock folks and showing them the features of the home.

This home is a Hust home, built by Herbie Hust and marketed by Connie Hust. It is approximately 2700 sq. ft, has 4 bedrooms (or 3 and an office), 3 baths, 2 car garage but aside from the facts there is so much to see. Hust's interior elevations and lighting in the foyer and his use of distressed wood flooring in the living room makes a fantastic first impression.

I heard many compliments from those touring the home. The area receiving the most praise was the kitchen which has beautiful wood stained cabinets, granite counter tops, and so many fine details such as a walk-in pantry with etched glass door. Many shoppers also gave a big thumbs up to the built in work spaces and wood stained bookshelves in an alcove near the bedrooms. I had two friends come by and their favorite area was the master bath and the enormous closet. This room has high ceilings and features a whirlpool bath, walk-in shower, and his and hers vanities.

I am now a huge fan of Hust Homes. If you would like to see any of the Hust homes on the market now, please call me for a private showing. I can also show any home in Lubbock that is listed in MLS so if you are in the market for a house, please let me assist you in your home shopping adventure.