Michelle Hatmaker, Serving Houston Galveston Area

Wow! Things have been hoppin' around Houston! Although the Houston area has seen a decline in home sales for several months....it seems our office has noticed an increase in activity. With the FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT getting more and more attention, renters and "new" buyers are eager to learn about what the incentive actually offers...and, how they will benefit from it.

Below is some really great information for anyone interested in learning more. GMAC Real Estate has put together an informative outline to answer many of the questions in consumers' minds....

1. What is the credit?
2. Who qualifies?
3. How do I get the FTHB tax credit?
4. Are there income limits?
5. Can I get the money in cash, or is it only available if I OWE taxes at the end of the year?
6. Do I have to pay the money back to the governenment?
7. What is the deadline for using the tax credit?

Let's take a look at what the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit means for Buyers....

First-time homebuyers have been given a great opportunity! Take advantage of the $8,000 incentive before it's too late!

Here it is...my first, official blog post on my new ActiveRain Outside Blog! After a couple of "technical difficulties" and a few weeks of construction distractions at our office, I'm FINALLY getting the opportunity to work on the incredible gift offered by Pat and Wayne Harriman, and Bob Stewart. Thank you, Pat and Wayne...and thank you ActiveRain! Mother's Day just seemed an appropriate time to relax, get creative, and "give birth" to my new endeavor. So, here goes...

For those of you that missed the contest, let me share how RealEstateCafeNews.com was born. A couple of months ago a generous couple by the name of Pat and Wayne Harriman, fellow Active Rain members, offered to donate their "extra" outside blog to an ActiveRain member that demonstrated a need and desire to grow their AR presence through blogging. They decided to take the first 100 entries, review the stories (begging, pleading, bribing, etc.) and award the blog to one "winner." Since I was a little "preoccupied" during the launching and grandfathering phase of the AR Outside Blog (dealing with post Hurricane Ike issues and the unexpected loss of my youngest son) I entered in hopes that I might have a second chance at joining all the AR Blogging Pros. I needed something to help jump start our business again and thought blogging could be just the answer. There were so many wonderful comments during the contest. Each entry was funny, creative...touching. I know the decision must have been difficult. All were quite deserving. Many were entertaining. In the end, I was the blessed individual that received Pat and Wayne's prize blog. I am quite honored and hope to make them (and the rest of the group) "proud" of the selection. And, although I was a little delayed in getting started, I'm ready to go. I still have a lot to learn about dressing up my site with pretty pictures, widgets, tagging...I look forward to building a blogging presence, making new friends, sharing wonderful information about the Houston and Galveston Bay Area, and most of all hearing from YOU!

When I began thinking of about the "feel" and "tone" of my blog, I wondered if I should go in a strictly professional direction giving market statistics, local information, Buyer/Seller information, and real estate news featuring me as the "Local Real Estate Expert"...or, did I want to create a softer, more personal blog interjecting important and substantive real estate information about the Houston-Galveston area along with a local perspective of our community. As I reflected on the important things in my life...God and family, friends, community and career...I knew I could only go one way. My thoughts kept going back to The Diner...a local hangout on 61st St. in Galveston situated right next door to my office. The Diner was the first real eating establishment visitors would see as they exited from I-45 South and headed to the beach. Your typical small town diner, it has been recognized as one of the Top 10 Breakfast Places in Texas. Only open 6:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. (and closed on Wednesdays), The Diner was THE place for coffee and catch-up...catch-up on politics, catch-up on friends, catch-up on local gossip. It was also a place LOTS of business deals were born, developed, and wrapped up...many times over that last cup of coffee and a hand shake. The Diner, as most businesses in Galveston, suffered greatly during Hurricane Ike...and it's still not open yet. I really miss those mornings of sitting around the table with my friends, Locksmith Dennis, Doc, Bonnie, Larry, Jim and old Calvin. I loved being there. It was "normal"... comforting... secure, and quite entertaining. You never knew who might drop by...anyone from tourists and families with kids in swimsuits...to our Galveston County Judge, Jim Yarbrough...to Pink (yes, THE Pink). (Personally, I kept waiting for Clay Walker or Beyonce (who both have homes in Galveston) to drop by. Maybe some day.....)

I decided I really want my blog to reflect all the important things in life. In an odd way, The Diner encompassed much of that. Hopefully, as we journey through cyberspace together you'll find the time to drop by, chat a bit, see who's been here, and maybe do a little real estate business. Have that cup of coffee, an ice cold Coke, or fix yourself that big, fat, juicy cheeseburger...and join in! Welcome to Michelle Hatmaker's Real Estate Cafe.

GROW GALVESTON: THE $500 GALVESTON STIMULUS INCENTIVE is here! The Galveston Association of Realtors and the Galveston Multiple Listing Service recently announced it will pay up to $500 to buy down the interest rate on a third party mortgage used to purchase a primary residence (single family home or condo) listed in the Galveston Multiple Listing Service. The fund is limited to $50,000.00...and is DEFINITELY a great way to assist those looking to purchase a home on Galveston Island. The Realtor(s) involved shall submit a completed application at least 72 hours before closing. Applicants will be asked to provide the address of the property being bought, the GAR MLS number, Listing Agent name and phone number, and Selling Agent name and phone number. Additionally, the Buyer will need to include the mortgage company and Loan Officer, as well as the Title Company contact information (including the Closer's name and file number) and projected Closing Date. The Buyer must affirm the property is being purchased as Buyer's primary residence and homestead. A check payable at closing will given be to the lender. Applications can be obtained through the Galveston Association of Realtors...or, give me a call or email me. I'll be glad to help!
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As we move forward in rebuilding our office, so many decisions must be made. Not only has the physical landscape of my career been altered by not having an office, but the professional component has changed as well. Several months ago, GMAC Home Services was purchased by Brookfield Residential Property Services of Canada...a move that is supposed to improve our position in the market and provide even greater support services for our respective franchises. Being relatively new to the real estate industry, I'm a little "inexperienced" in the whole franchise-thing...and whether, or not, it's actually beneficial being a part of a relatively "new" franchise situation. For the most part, Brookfield is an "unkown" to most of us in the US. As we rebuild the HatmakerGroup.com office, many questions run through my mind...

Is it worth having a physical location? After all, most clients don't even visit real estate offices any more. The web is the preferred source of information. With all the techno-gadgets, social networking groups...and, of course Starbucks...who needs an office?!

Location, location, location...does it really matter in a hurricane stricken area? We now have an opportunity to locate HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate on a main corner, on a main street that is the first link to the beaches and Seawall. Hundreds of cars pass by daily, heading to the beach or the West End (where beautiful beach side, luxury homes are located). Does it matter? After all, it may be awhile before real estate traffic increases in Galveston due to weather concerns about the Texas Gulf Coast lingering in the public mind.

To Franchise, or not to franchise...that IS the question! I'd love to hear opinions on this one! If I'm not mistaken, some of the "real estate gurus" have suggested that being with a franchise during these turbulent times is the only way to go. With franchise fees taking so much of our GCI, do we actually get a return on our investment? Is there enough overall support from corporate to substantiate the fees? Does a franchise relationship go beyond "business" and make you feel like you are truly part of a "family?"

If franchising IS the way to go...which one is the best? I must say I was incredibly impressed with KW's handling and support of their local offices following Hurricane Ike. Certain other franchises (which shall remain nameless), on the other hand, did little to assist Houston and Galveston area offices with any of their damages. Very disappointing.

I somewhat "inherited" this business from a partner that decided to branch out on their own...so, I figured I'd had have a run at it and do my best to succeed. We'd grown to over 25 agents in just 12 months before Ike...and Sales Volume increased dramatically. But, with so many changes...which direction do I go now? What would YOU do? I'd love to hear your stories and opinions!

Galveston beaches...a place where memories have been made for decades. It was amazing to see how much sand was reclaimed by Mother Nature during Hurricane Ike. Beaches basically gone...washed back out to sea. And now, it's even more amazing to see the beaches being rebuilt. Day by day, truckload by truckload sand now fills in the gaps and gullies left as a reminder of Ike's visit. The process reminded me of a "tug-o-war" game -- Mother Nature vs. Galveston! From what I can see, Galveston is definitely winning!

Not too long ago, I was driving along the Seawall enjoying one of our beautiful Galveston days when I noticed all the activity. Truck after truck...organized, methodical and steady...seemed to be feeding the sand-starved areas from 61st St. to 49th St. They reminded me of an over sized army of ants (yes, everything really is BIGGER in Texas!) as they rumbled along, then left their gift to the Island's coast. I was so enthralled, I had to stop and chronicle the event. Our Houston ABC affiliate was on hand to capture the activity as well: http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=6668204. Now weeks later, the sand reconstruction has continued to grow our beaches toward the 16th St finish line...with the exception of a few stretches not conducive to beach re-nourishment at this time. The Texas General Land Office, and Commissioner Jerry Patterson, have just announced beginning October 1, beach reconstruction will cover areas from the end of the Seawall and extend 6 miles west. That's wonderful!

Galveston beaches are such an important part of the local and regional economy. But more importantly, the beaches are a place where memories are made. Family picnics, romantic walks, Mardi Gras Parades, Landry's 4th of July Celebrations, and simple moments of relaxation in the gentle gulf coast breeze...our beaches are an integral part of who we are and who we want to be....Galvestonians.