Register Real Estate Advisors

SAN ANTONIO (San Antonio Express-News) – At least four large Texas cities had increases in the number of home starts during third quarter 2011, according to the latest findings from housing research firm Metrostudy.

Home starts increased 30 percent over the same quarter last year in Austin, 20 percent in Houston, 6 percent in Dallas and 3 percent in San
Antonio.

Jack Inselmann, vice president of the U.S. Central Division of Metrostudy, told the San Antonio Express-News that he expected Alamo City home starts to
increase 15 to 20 percent during the quarter but also said “we’re in good shape.”

Currently, the area has 1,206 completed vacant homes on the market, down from 1,349 in the second quarter.

Below are some interesting seller facts from 2010…I found these in the Brian Buffini Real Estate Report and thought you would enjoy them.

The median age of a home seller is 49

The typical seller has owned their home for 8 years

The median time for a home on the market was 8 weeks (that’s fast ya’ll!)

Of sellers, 50% traded up while 28% purchased a comparable home

21% of home sellers traded down when they sold in 2010

The typical home sold for 96% of the final listing price

The main motivation for sellers to move in 2010 was the size of their home

15% of moves in 2010 were due to job relocation

COLLEGE STATION (Real Estate Center) – Sales of existing single-family homes in Texas in May were down 15 percent from a year ago, according to the most recent Multiple Listing Services (MLS) data compiled by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.

Just over 19,500 existing single-family homes were sold.

The median home price was up 1 percent to $149,800, and the state’s overall inventory was at 8.2 months.

May 2011 MLS data for many Texas cities are available on the Center’s website. Here is a sampling (data current as of June 30, 2011):

1.  It protects your ownership right to your home both from fraudulent claims against your ownership and from mistakes made in earlier sales, such as mistake in the spelling of a person’s name or an inaccurate description of the property.

2.  It’s a one-time cost usually based on the price of the property.

3.  It’s usually paid for by the sellers.

4.  There are both lender titles policies, which protect the lender, and owner title policies, which protect you.  The lender will probably require a lender policy.

5.  Discounts on premiums are sometimes available if the home has been bought within only a few years since not as much work is required to check the title.  Ask the title company if this discount is available.

Reprinted from REALTOR Magazine Online by permission of the National Association of REALTORS. Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.

Just Listed in Spring Lakes Subdivision

Moving to Houston?  This spacious four bedroom home in the exclusive gated community of Spring Lakes was just listed.  It offers lush landscaping with a sprinkler, a heated pool, and swingset.  This home includes a two car garage that has a built in workspace.  Village Built, it is an open floorplan with lots of natural light.  The master bedroom is downstairs and master bath includes dual sinks, a whirlpool tub, glass shower, and huge walk in closet.  The formal dining room and living room have high ceilings.  The living room offers a gas fireplace and breakfast bar.  The kitchen includes a pantry, tile backsplash, gas stove, and built in microwave.  There are builtins and french doors on the study/library.  The gameroom is upstairs with three bedrooms.  There are art nitches, wood floors, and tile floors.  Please call me to see it today 832.628.7355.  You are going to love this exclusive gated community that offers several lakes with fountains, walking paths, and ducks.  It has parks with play equipment, two lighted tennis courts, and volleyball.  You will love this quiet distinguished community.  The location of this home in Spring, Texas is perfect for shopping in Old Town Spring, The Woodlands, or  Downtown Houston.  Situated between the Hardy Toll Road and I 45 it is perfect for commuting North to The Woodlands or South to Houston.  This home is priced to sell at $198,900.00.  Make us an offer today, because it could be gone tomorrow!