About Conroe's Lake Conroe

My co-worker Teri Bonnel and I attended the Montgomery County Chamber luncheon yesterday. The speaker was news anchor Art Rascon from Channel 13 news. Art shared the highlights in his career and spoke of some very touching moments that he has had. A story that really touched us all and is such a great reminder of how blessed we are is the story he shared about a boy he met in Nicaragua.

While on location in Nicaragua, Art saw a group of boys playing in the city dump. Most of the boys actually lived in the dump. They were happily playing a game with a crude stick and a ball of twine. Art asked the boys is they had ever played with a real baseball before. They said that they had yet they played with the baseball until it simply fell apart. They had not seen a baseball in years. Art asked the boys where the nearest store was and they told him there was one just a few miles up the road.

They loaded up the truck and Art and the boys sped off down the dusty road in search of the store. Upon arriving, the boys hopped out of the truck before he could even pull it to a complete stop. The boys rushed up to the window and to their complete surprise, the coveted baseball was still sitting there. Art went into the store and asked if they had any more baseballs but alas, this was the only one.

Art bought the baseball and took it out to the boys. He describes the scene as complete happiness. The boys were jumping up and down and smiling ear to ear. This one little thing had brought intense joy to the boys. They couldn't wait to get back and play baseball.

Years later, Art returned to Nicaragua and found the boy whom he had given the ball to. He asked him if he still had the ball. The boy smiled sheepishly and pulled the old worn ball out of his pocket!

What a powerful reminder of all of the wonderful blessings we all have here. We take so much for granted and we want for very little. I loved this story as it reminds us as Thanksgiving approaches to give thanks for all that we have. And mostly it reminds me to be thankful for even the little things - even as small as a baseball.

May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day with friends and family.

Lake Conroe Real Estate

I had the great honor and pleasure of attending an out of town baby shower over the week-end. Our own Marion Franke has TRIPLET grandchildren. First let me say, WOW! I can't even imagine 3 brand new babies needing diapers, feeding, rocking, etc., etc., all at one time. Let me give you a little back story on these babies. First the Momma & Poppa thought they would not have babies of their own after going all possible routes, so they adopted a toddler from Russia. This was quite a long and arduous affair. But Christina arrived shortly after Christmas last year; a beautiful healthy 2 year girl. Well, Momma & Poppa had some frozen whatevers left over from previous attempts, so they decided what the heck. Low and behold they were pregnant with multiples. As with all multiple pregnancies we were not sure how things would progress. Well with a lot of medical attention, months of bed rest and many, many prayers the triplets were born September 3^rd, with an original due date of November 4^th. After a few scares, they are all healthy, happy, beautiful babies. They were at the shower as was their sister, now 3 years old, Tina.

I don't know about you, but I have never been around triplets, lots of twins, but never triplets. Well, let me tell you, it will take your breath away just observing all the hubbub that accompanies any baby, much less three, count them 3 babies! There are 2 girls; Heather and Delaney and one boy; Jay Bruce (named for his Grandpa). Momma somehow seems to remain calm in the midst of everything and was gracious to all her guests. Obviously with 3, there was 3 of everything plus lots of diapers as gifts. I'm not sure how she will fit all the gifts as well as the babies into her home.

Back to the shower. Everything was absolutely perfect. The food was awesome (Weight Watchers was taking a break) and Marion's out-of-town friends could not have been any nicer. It was a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon among friends, family, and those beautiful babies. The champagne was pretty good too.

Article by: Carol Hawkins

Lake Conroe Real Estate

The Woodlands, Texas - On October 24, 2008, I attended a Continuing Education class on 1031 Exchanges at Perry's Steakhouse in The Woodlands. If you don't know what a 1031 Exchange is, you are not alone. 1031 Exchanges are a reference to the Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 which provides that neither gain nor loss is recognized if property held for investment or productive use in a trade or business is exchanged for property held for investment or productive use in a trade or business.

Essentially, you can have an investment property and when selling it defer your capital gain taxes and roll that deferment into your new property using the deferred gain to help leverage your new investment. Internal Revenue Code (IRC) 1031 proves that, to qualify for tax-deferred treatment, the relinquished property must be exchanged for replacement property that is like-kind. Like-kind means similar in nature and character notwithstanding differences in grade or quality. As such, raw land held for investment may be exchanged for single-family rentals used for a trade or business.

Of course there are specifics and particulars as to time and processes. The most popular is the Delayed Exchange which has 3 steps in order. Step 1 is the sale of the relinquished property. Step 2 is identifying a replacement property within 45 days. Step 3 is purchase of the replacement property within 180 days.

There are four other ways to effectuate a deferred exchange and they are: a Reverse Exchange; The Simultaneous Exchange; The Improvement Exchange; and The Personal Property Exchange. Please call or email with any questions. As always, check with your tax advisor and financial advisor to see if a Deferred Tax Exchange is right for you. (For Jay Mac's contact information, please click on his name below)

Article by: Jay Mac Sanders

The Woodlands Real Estate

How many times have you driven by a house that was on the market, only to say, "That really looks like the owner cannot afford it anymore. I wonder how much less they will take for it?"

Is your home on the market? What would a potential buyer think if they were to drive by? How about the inside?

Here are a few tips to maximize first impressions:

OUTSIDE:

• Remove unsightly tree limbs, dead leaves and clean out flowerbeds.
• Be sure the lawn is well manicured at all times.
• Curb appeal is very important, plant some colorful flowers to enhance the landscape. Also, fresh mulch adds a nice touch.
• Power washing is necessary to remove dirt, spider webs, etc. Paint if necessary.
• If you have a pool, be sure it is sparkling clean!
• Clean entrance. Place a flowering plant by entrance. Be sure the entrance is not blocked with toys, bikes or other unsightly items.

INSIDE:

• DECLUTTER! Potential buyers are looking for space, space and more psace! Your home must appear spacious. Get rid of items you have not used in a while (a year is a good guide line). If you cannot part with them, store them away from your home. Rent an inexpensive storage building if necessary.
• Before you place your home on the market, perform spring-cleaning. Make it sparkle:

1. Wipe down all windows, blinds and ceiling fans.
2. Vacuum the carpet in all rooms.
3. Dust all baseboards.
4. Clean all mirrors.
5. Remove grease stains in kitchen-walls, back spashes, countertops, cabinets and appliances.

• Paint is inexpensive! Fresh paint speaks volumes.
• Repair any leaks or squeaks.
• Replace all burnt out light bulbs.
• Keep the house fresh, clean, bright and well maintained.

TIPS: Spotlessly clean homes sell faster!

• Keep the kitchen free of dirty dishes and clutter
• Fresh flowers in a vase emanate a homey feeling.
• Traffic flow is very important, rearrange furniture to give a better flow (if necessary)
• Keep pets in the back yard or in a pet crate when buyers are coming to view the house.
• When cleaning becomes overwhelming, hire a cleaning service.
• If you have a problem with declutter, hire a professional stager.

ALWAYS REMEMBER: It only takes one time to make a first impression!

List your home with me and you will receive two free hours of staging, and your home will receive maximum exposure on more than 50 real estate websites for viewing all over the globe.

Article by: Dixie Estep

Sell Your Lake Conroe Home