Scott Jones

According to recent studies apartment managers report a 68% tenant turnover rate in the spring and fall of each year. This means that over two-thirds of their tenants move in May and Sept.

Since they will be moving during those months, it's critical that you mail your marketing pieces at least 50-60 days ahead of time - or February and July!

Here are a few example:

1. Why Rent When You Can Own, Be Part of the American Dream……Homeownership!!
2. Get with a lender and have them create a amortization chart which illustrates how much money a renter throws away each month renting verses how much equity you build owning. Do this for 1 5 and 10 year increments, the numbers are mind boggling.
3. DID YOU KNOW! The average two bedroom apartment in this area leases for $1,000 dollars a month. The Government provides assistance up too $8,000 for first time home buyers……for what you are paying in rent you could own a $150,000 home with as little to “NO” money down. CALL ME TODAY FOR QUALIFICATION.
4. ATTENTION! THE REAL ESTATE MARKET IS HOT, JUST LIKE THE HOT DAYS OF SUMMER…….CALL ME TODAY FOR A “FREE” MARKET ANALYSIS.
5. Do your kids need a back yard? Call me today. I specialize in first time home buyers and have partnered up with various lenders which specialize in helping individuals just like yourself be part of the American Dream..Home-ownership.

Dealing with the Swine Flu Outbreak

Although it's easy to feel panicked by what you read and see through media coverage and notices from public agencies, it's important to remain calm and get informed. No matter how virulent an outbreak seems at the beginning, understand that public health departments will always react aggressively to contain the spread of disease. The number of confirmed cases has grown, but is currently low and prevention is the best way to keep the numbers low. Here is some information and resources to help you get informed and prepared.

About Swine Flu

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans; however, human infections with swine flu do occur, and cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses have been documented.

The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild to severe. Allergies won't cause a fever, and run-of-the-mill stomach bugs won't be accompanied by respiratory symptoms.

Prevention

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. Here are some tips to help you avoid getting sick:

• Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work and school, and don't run errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. And by all means, if you or a family member experiences upper respiratory, flu-like symptoms, please contact your physician.

• Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

• Clean your hands. Washing your hands often with soap and water will help protect you from germs. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also recommended.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. Use sanitizing wipes to keep your computer, phone, and desk clean.

• Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

• Be prepared at home. Make sure you have ample food, medicines and supplies available should this flu spread. You can visit the following Red Cross link for a checklist of items: http://www.redcrossstl.org/Portals/0/Pandemic%20Flyer%208-22-06.pdf

The Houston Real Estate market and surrounding areas are still very strong! We are seeing more and more Realtors from other states relocating their clients to Texas. The Woodlands is one of the most popular cities in Houston for relocating because of it's proximity to Downtown Houston, Bush Continental Airport and the Houston Ship Channel. People are also moving to The Woodlands for the lifestyle. The Woodlands offers Movie Theaters, Shopping, The Woodlands Mall, Market Street, Restaurants, Lakes, Golf courses, Hike/Bike trails and great Schools. If you are a Realtor or you’re working with a Realtor and thinking about moving to The Woodlands, please choose First American Title The Woodlands or contact Scott Jones for all your title insurance needs.

First American Title The Woodlands is seeing a rush with homeowners eager to lower their interest rate and mortgage payments. The Mortgage Bankers Association said Wednesday that mortgage-refinance applications rose to almost triple their level a year ago. The average contract interest rate for 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages stood at 4.73%, down from more than 6% a year earlier. About 80% of all mortgage applications are for refinancing.

If your a Loan Officer in The Woodlands area First American Title The Woodlandswould love to work with you on your refinances. Please contact me for our escrow fees.

In the past couple of months First American Title The Woodlands branch has seen a 20% increase in orders over this time last year. Business is deffenantaly picking up in The Woodlands. We are seeing a lot of refinance oreders because the intrest rates are still very low. Residental resale is steady and prices are stable. I feel we are going to have a great summer in The Woodlands.

If you are thinking about buying,selling or refinancing please contact me for your title needs!