Ron Wickes

I'm back. I know that may not be a good thing but here I am anyway. It has been a hectic two months since I last wrote. I promise I won't vanish for that long again. So what is on the horizon now that i am back? What else but my annual Montgomery County Single Family Residence Real Estate Review.

This report will contain information on units sold, hotness index, average price, median price, days on the market and monthly inventory for each month and MLS area in Montgomery County. It will show YTD figures for each month of 2008 versus the same month in 2007. If you are thinking about buying or selling real estate in Montgomery County or just interested in this real estate market this is a must have document. The report will be furnished in a easily readable and printable PDF format.

If you are a consumer and interested in receiving this report and are not already on my email list please let me know. I will be more than happy to send you a copy. The report should be ready at the end of this month.

Other than that I hope 2009 is starting off great for everyone!

Have a great day!!

Ron

Here are some facts, predictions and bits of information I have stumbled across the past couple of days while catching up on my reading. You may or may not find them interesting but you just might be surprised.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) predicts existing home sales of 5.02 million in 2008, 5.32 million in 2009 and 6.2 million in 2010. (Optimism, I love it! All I want is 53 of those closings next year.)

Texas is one of the major states still posting home price increases. (Does buy low and sell high ring a bell?)

U.S. foreclosures are up 27% YTD in 2008 while Texas is down 18% YTD 2008. (Our foreclosure boom is over if it ever got here.)

NAR predicts 30-year fixed rate mortgages to average 6.2% in the fourth quarter of 2008, rise to 6.5% during the second half of 2009 and average 6.7% in 2010. (Get those credit scores up and buy now.)

Zillow.com accuracy statement indicates that its' median error for Galveston County was 20.9%! That's huge and over $40,000 on a $200,000 home. (Would you use a surgeon whose error rate was that high?)

Texas properties posted for foreclosure in the first half of 2008 were down 17.7% from the same period in 2007. (Please stop asking me to find that foreclosure you can get for half of list price and sell within 30 days for triple what you paid for it.)

Prime and subprime ARM mortgages represent about 20% of all mortgages but 60% of all foreclosures. (Knowing our government they probably commissioned a $10,000,000 study to figure this out.)

The average homeowner can save $180 per year with a programmable thermostat. (Another item for the honey-do list.)

In CNBC's rankings of states' economies Texas came in first. (And Texas Tech will be first in next weeks coaches poll.)

I am off to the races!! That's right BMX racing at Armadillo Downs in Conroe. The BEST BMX racing around. This is where I recent olympian Kyle raced. I will pass along a race report tomorrow. My grandson is racing!! Best wishes to all the racers! Hey they even have an over age 50 group. I think I'll pass. Come on out and enjoy the racing!

It is that time of the year again. School starts in twelve days and that also means it is time to sign-up for fall sports. I highly recommend the Conroe Family YMCA Fall Youth Sprots Program for all kids ages 3 - 15. This fall the Y is offering tackle football, soccer and volleyball. Almost all of the games are played at the Conroe Family YMCA. You will find information on each of the sports below.

Soccer: Ages 3 - 15 boys and girls. Registration is going on now and ends Sept. 13th. Practice starts the week of Sept. 22nd and the first game will probably be played on October 4th. Most games are played on Saturday. Players must have shinpads and cleats are recommended. The season is eight games.

Football: Ages 6 - 12 boys and girls. Registration is going on now and ends on Aug. 30th. Practice starts the week of Sept. 8th, scrimmages Sept. 20th and the first game will be played on Sept. 27th. The season ends on Dec. 6th. There is 10 games in the season. Participants are required to have helmet, shoulder pads, pants and pant pads and cleats. Limited equipment rental is available from the Y starting Aug. 30th.

Volleyball: Ages 8 - 15 boys and girls. Registration is going on now and ends on Sept. 13th. Practice starts the week of Sept. 22nd and the first game will probably be played on October 4th. Most games are played on Saturday. The season is 8 games.

AGES: Ages for all sports are as of 9/1/2008!!!

COACHES: The YMCA can always use coaches. I'm 58 years old and have coached three sports for three years. I know some of you younger ladies and gentlemen can help out. PLEASE!! The kids are GREAT!! And it is good exercise also.

For information on costs please call the YMCA at 936-441-9622. The Y is located just off South Loop 336 West (by the blinking yellow light) at 10245 Owen Drive, Conroe, TX. 77304.

The CONROE Family YMCA is a GREAT place for your kids to play fall aports!!!

And now for the advertisement: Please remember to contact me for all of your real estate needs!