Montgomery County's single family residence (SFR) year-to-date sales numbers for the first two months of 2009 are not pretty. In fact you might just say they are ugly. In fact you can probably say they are down right ugly. Okay I said it they are down right ugly. So let's all gag now get over it and get on with a new and refreshed attitude. It is getting better!!! Here are the numbers.

Please remember that when you are looking for Lake Conroe Real Estate.........call me.

Thanks and have a great day!

Ron

Happy St. Patrick;s Day!!

The February numbers just came out today. What does a quick snapshot show for Montgomery County?

Hotness ratio stays level.

Monthly Single Family Residence Unit sales tick upward.

Average and Median prices tick upward.

The number of Active Listings rise.

Days on the market drop.

Months Inventory rise slightly.

These are all county wide numbers. I will add that it appears that MLS area 15 (The Woodlands and west to the county line) did take a beating. A big beating unfortunately.

I will have more information after I digest the full fifty page report.

I may also have some comments after I check my crystal ball.

Thanks and have a great day!! And please do not forget if you

are looking for Lake Conroe real estate please call me!!

Ron

Do not forget about the First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Take advantage of it today!!!

Who:

•• First-time home buyers or anyone who has not owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase

Amount:

•• $8,000 Tax Credit

•• Can be claimed on buyer's 2008 federal tax return using Form 5405

Purpose:

•• To encourage first-time home buyers to purchase; to reduce larger-than-normal inventories of homes for sale

Provisions:

•• Must be a primary residence

•• Does not have to repay unless home is sold within three years of purchase

•• To earn full tax credit, income (adjusted gross) cannot exceed $75,000 single or $150,000 joint

•• Eligible Homes:

•• All single family residences/condos/co-ops/townhomes

Effective Date:

•• Jan. 1, 2009 - Dec. 1, 2009

Use it today. Please send me an email if you have any questions about the program. And please do not forget to call me if you are interested in Lake Conroe real estate.

Have a great day!!

Ron

PS The sun is back!!!!

We have a fair number of condos in my market area. Consequently I think about them often. If you are thinking about buy on here are some things put together by the National Association of Realtors that you should keep in mind.

1. Storage. Some condos have storage lockers, but usually there are no attics or basements to store belongings.
2. Outdoor space. Yards and outdoor areas are usually smaller in condos, so if you like to garden or entertain outdoors, this may not be a good fit. However, if you hate yard work, this may be the perfect option for you.
3. Amenities. Many condo properties have swimming pools, fitness centers, and other facilities that would be very expensive in a single-family home.
4. Maintenance. Many condos have on-site maintenance personnel to care for common areas, do repairs in your unit, and let in workers when you're not home.
5. Security. Many condos have keyed entries and or even door attendants. Plus, you'll be closer to other people in case of an emergency.
6. Reserve funds and association fees. Although fees generally help pay for amenities and provide savings for future repairs, you will have to pay the fees agreed to by the condo board, whether or not you're interested in the amenity or not.
7. Resale. The ease of selling your unit is more dependent on what else is for sale in your building, since units are usually fairly similar. Single-family homes usually are more individual.
8. Freedom. Although you have a vote, the rules of the condo association can affect your ability to use your property. For example, some condos prohibit home-based businesses. Others prohibit pets. Read the covenants, restrictions, and bylaws of the condo carefully before you make an offer.
9. Proximity. You're much closer to your neighbors in a condo or townhouse. If possible, try to meet your closest prospective neighbors before making a decision.

I am not saying these items should or should not influence your decision about buying a condo versus a single family residence but rather are just things to keep in mind.

Please remember if you are thinking about Lake Conroe real estate please give me a call!

Have a great day!

Ron

Spring is here! The weather is fantastic! Taken together those two things mean it is time for spring cleanup work. What are some things that you can do cheaply that will enhance the value and look of your home? Consider these ten easy and worthwhile ideas.

1- Look at your front door. Does it need painting or possibly replacing? This one simple thing can make a huge difference in the look of your home.

2- Have you looked at your garage lately? Why not paint the walls, organize the clutter or paint the floor. Remember it is not a big storage room room but rather an addition to your home designed to garage your valuable vehicles.

3- Plant some seed or grass sprigs and add some color by planting some cheap annual flowers. This combined with a refurbished front door will make your home seem brand new.

4- Put some inexpensive wood trin around your interior windows. This simple work will add some elegance to those otherwise plain metal or vinyl windows.

5- Replace a couple of bathroom or kitchen fixtures. If you take a few minutes to check out the selection of faucets at our favorite home repair store you might be amazed at how cheap they are. Depending on your skills you might want to consider calling a plumber.

6- Pick one room in your house and paint the whole room. Just one room. You will be amazed at how you feel and how the room looks.

7- Lighting will make a huge difference in your home. Consider putting dimmers on strategic switches in your home. This simple procedure can make a wonderful difference in the ambiance of your home. Please turn off the power to that circuit before starting this job!!

8- Think about professionally cleaning the carpet or hardwood floors in your home. This is probably not as expensive as you think.

9- Rearrange two rooms in your home. Try moving the furniture, pictures, mirrors, and other items in these rooms. A look for these rooms may just give you a new attitude.

10- Forget all of the above and go play golf, go shopping or go fishing. Your spouse may not like you but you will feel better.......at least until you get home.

Please remember that if you are thinking about Lake Conroe real estate give me a call.

Have a great weekend.

Ron