Amarillo, TX

While no one has a crystal ball that they can magically gaze into and declare with absolute certainty that 2009 will be the comeback of the real estate market, there has been some positive news that deserves attention. Thanks to the aggressive tactics the US government has taken to keep interest rates at a 50-year low (hovering around 5% and sometimes lower for 30-year fixed rate loans and even lower for 15-year loans), veteran financial analysts, such as Richard Bove with Ladenburg Thomas, believe that the current real estate market is on an upswing and looks to be continuing such into 2009. When you add in the stimulus package in the works from the new administration, it appears that housing prices will begin to stabilize and may even begin to rise slowly in 2009. More signs of a possible real estate turnaround in 2009 are that there has been an extreme increase in mortgage applications (both for refinancing and homebuyers taking advantage of the more affordable prices in the market), we are all paying lower prices at the pump, for retail goods and even for new automobiles and the national savings rate in America has increased, even in these unsteady financial times. Bottom line is that there are plenty of positive signs in the real estate market to indicate that it is beginning to stabilize. If you're looking to buy an Amarillo home, get in touch with me and I'll point you in the right direction.

The holidays are definitely here and this is the season for giving. For over 30 years, the Amarillo Empty Stocking Fund has been providing hope and joy for those less fortunate, people down on their luck and the displaced. With so many people out of work this year, it's more important than ever to give a helping hand.

The Empty Stocking Fund helps provide the basic necessities for living to individuals and families. Sometimes, if possible, the fund provides a small gift for children. So, please keep in mind this holiday season that if it were not for the generous support of Amarillo residents, these people would have nothing for Christmas.

Every penny given to the Empty Stocking Fund goes directly to those who need it. The Amarillo Globe newspaper has absorbed all the operation costs of the fund annually since 1972 when it was created by the newspaper. And this year, the Amarillo College Community Band and two Amarillo Youth Choirs will be providing a free Christmas concert for the community. The concert has become an annual tradition for Amarillo . It provides entertainment and helps a worthy cause.

The Empty Stocking Fund receives hundreds of applications each year which volunteers screen. Once approved, the client will receive a voucher that is redeemable at the Downtown Women's Center Thrift Town , Wal-Mart, and United Supermarkets to buy the items they have requested.

The Empty Stocking Fund is hoping to disperse the uncertainty and cloud of gloom that seems to be hanging over this Christmas season with your help. Donations can be mailed to the Empty Stocking Fund, PO Box 2091 , Amarillo , TX 79166 . If you are interested in donating items such as adult diapers, Ensure, etc., please bring them to Susie Self at the Globe, building 900 South Harrison Street . If you have questions about donating, want to donate by phone, or are in need yourself, you can call (806) 345-3363.

Happy holidays to all.

Amarillo, Texas Real Estate

Amarillo Homes for Sale

Amarillo, Texas Realtor® Connie Taylor

The holidays are a special time of year for just about everyone and Amarillo , Texas residents really know how to do it up right. Amarillo features a variety of events around the holidays for everyone to enjoy. This time of year every family can find events to fill their free time.

Amarillo really goes all out. Bring your kids to have breakfast with Santa, or take your loved one on a romantic evening stroll around the community listening to Christmas hymns.

Some great events you can enjoy this holiday season are:

· Holiday in the City Parade - This is one of Amarillo 's most exciting holiday events of the year. The parade is filled with floats that are decorated with lights, garland and everything else you can imagine. The parade starts in downtown Amarillo and ends at the Amarillo Civic Center . Amarillo 's Christmas tree will be lit at 7:00 pm.

· Panhandle Plains Historical Museum Holiday Open House - This museum provides any and every type of holiday entertainment you can imagine, from musical entertainment to storytelling and much more. This is a free event for everyone.

· A Christmas Carol - The Amarillo Little Theater is the perfect place for the whole family to enjoy this classical performance. It's sure to be a festive way to celebrate the holidays in Amarillo .

· Annual Bishop Hill Light Tour - This is one of Amarillo 's best events. You will find some of the most breathtaking and elaborate Christmas lights in Amarillo . You will ooh and ahh the entire time.

· The Nutcracker - This is a world renowned performance that is sure to evoke the spirit of Christmas in everyone. Tickets begin at $15.

· Breakfast with Santa - An Amarillo tradition is to have breakfast with Santa at the Don Harrington Discovery Center . Kids of all ages can enjoy visiting the North Pole Village and meet Santa. They get to eat breakfast with Santa and his elves and participate in crafts and games.

I'm guessing you can see for yourself just how much Amarillo offers it residents. There is truly an activity for everyone, unless you're an old scrooge. The only problem you will have is choosing which ones to attend. So bring the family out and start your own holiday traditions. There's no better time than Christmas to make new memories.

Amarillo, Texas Real Estate

Amarillo Homes for Sale

Amarillo, Texas Communities

Amarillo, Texas Realtor® Connie Taylor

For the last 34 years, Amarillo Globe-News newspaper has sponsored the Empty Stocking Fund. The fund provides some basic necessities for local Amarillo families as well as individuals, which may include a small gift for needy children. Every penny donated to the Empty Stocking Fund goes directly to the fund. The newspaper absorbs all the operating costs of the fund. To help raise funds, the Amarillo College Community Band and two choir groups from the Amarillo Youth Choir will give a concert on December 7th from 3-5pm at the Globe-News Center. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted. All proceeds benefit the fund. If you would like to send a donation, please make checks out to:

The Empty Stocking Fund

PO Box 2091

Amarillo, TX 79166.

If you would like to donate online using your credit card, please click here. For more information or to donate over the phone, please call 806-345-3363. If you are a family or individual in need of some assistance this weekend, please click here to download an application for help. Thank you for any help you can give this holiday season.

Everyone wants to find an affordable home, especially first-time buyers. So, a great place to begin your search is in Amarillo , Texas . The community has some wonderful little fixer-uppers. A fixer-upper is a home that needs repairs or upgrades. These types of properties are usually small, but can also be a cost-effective way to buy a home.

Okay, I know what most of you are thinking. Size matters. But in today's economy, you have to ask yourself, "How much does size really matter?" Affordability is what most first-time buyers are looking for, so they will have to expect less space and expect the property to need a little tender loving care.

If you're a first-time buyer looking for an affordable home, you may want to consider a fixer-upper. Of course, you will also have to overlook the imperfections. That's why it's called a fixer-upper. One of the top benefits to buying a fixer-upper is the equity you can build over time. Hey, face it; the equity you build now can put you in your dream home later.

As always, when buying a home, it is important to get an inspection. This is even more important when buying a fixer-upper. You don't want to get stuck in a money trap. Some basic repairs to expect with a fixer-upper is new flooring, paint, window treatment, landscaping, and other minor repairs. Anything more than that, you will have to use your better judgment and weigh the price of the home versus the repair costs.

Just remember to take your time when buying any home. It would not hurt to look at 10 to 20 homes before making a final decision. Good luck with your house-hunting experience.

Amarillo, Texas Real Estate

Amarillo, Texas Homes For Sale

Amarillo, Texas Neighborhoods

Amarillo, Texas Realtor