Getting to know your neighbors at a traditional new homes community entails more than just borrowing eggs or a cup of flour. It could be more than collecting their mail when they are out of town. There are times in our lives which present perfect opportunities to get acquainted with each other, to work together to build a sociable community, and to build trusting relationships with neighbors with whom you feel you can always turn to.  Vintage Township invites you to learn how a traditional neighborhood can add so much more value to your life…schedule a visit with them today at (806) 771-1117!   Town Assemblies – Traditional neighborhoods, like Vintage Township, have neighborhood town assemblies for you to bring yours and your family’s thoughts to the table. Join this committee and relat... 05/22/2008

Our months are mixed up in Lubbock and Ransom Canyon.  We had a dry April.  So we have revised the diddy to "May Showers Bring June Flowers".  The rain this month has been wonderful and things are really greening up. I have shown and previewed some interesting homes this month.  Homes either speak to me or they don't.  And I've learned that just because it isn't speaking to me, the house may be speaking to my clients so I keep my mouth shut.  Sometimes.  One home that spoke to me this month is located at 4003 47th, MLS#9957081.  This is a Rose Taylor, Keller WIlliams listing.  The home has a few issues and needs updating in some rooms but I could move right in because it spoke to me.  It's animal print carpets made a statement about being bold and making daring design choices.  The hous... 05/20/2008

We have had a good month here in Lubbock.  The weather has thrown us a curve ball or two with a few snowflakes and a near 90 degree day but of course this is West Texas.  I have been privileged to work with several buyers this month and unfortunately the best homes, the ones we made offers on, got away.  The good news is that homes are definitely selling in Lubbock.  We were just a day late and dollar short but we will find the right home. I love referrals!  A dear friend of MANY years has been gracious in introducing me to friends and giving my name to those who might need a realtor.  One of her referrals became my first listing and for that I'm grateful and thrilled.  I also reward referrals and haven't decided yet what to do for this special friend. Two other good friends from my Tex... 03/29/2008

Lubbock County Sheriff David Gutierrez announced Monday that Dallas County Assistant Chief Deputy Danny Downes has joined the Administration of the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office as the Major over the Detention Branch. The major's position at the Sheriff's Office had been held since 2001 by the late Jerry Baggs who passed away last fall. Most recently, Kelly Rowe had been serving in the position. The Commissioners' Court recently assisted the Sheriff's Office in establishing the position of Chief Deputy over the Detention Branch. Kelly Rowe has been promoted into this new position directly under the Sheriff, overseeing the Detention Branch.Sheriff Gutierrez knows the value of these men in his administration, "The Detention Branch of the Sheriff's Office is growing at a rapid pace as we... 02/05/2008

Lubbock, Tech health officials recommend flu shotsIt's the sniffling, sneezing, aching, coughing, stuffy-headed, fever time of year again, and the Lubbock Health Department and the Texas Tech Student Wellness Center are reporting more cases of influenza in the last two to three weeks."Tis the season," said Tigi Ward, public health coordinator for the City of Lubbock.She said reporting a case of the flu is not mandatory, but many physicians and hospitals do so in order to monitor the trends. Although activity has increased in the last two to three weeks, it is not out of the ordinary for this time of the year.Ward said statewide, influenza is widespread, but there does not seem to be any signs of an epidemic in Lubbock.Juli McCauley, the clinical department administrator for Student Heal... 02/05/2008

Lubbock's outer loop project put on hold  The state's transportation department has suspended studies on Lubbock's outer loop project because of the department's continued cash struggle.Cuts in federal funds to all state transportation departments, as well as the rising cost of construction materials and less state revenue, have forced the Texas Department of Transportation to cut some projects."We need to pay for what we have, we need to maintain what we have and spend money on (the state's) most important needs," said Randy Hopmann, TxDOT's district engineer in Lubbock."I know community leaders are going to be disappointed by that," he said.An outer loop - encircling Lubbock beyond Loop 289 - has been discussed for several years. There are housing additions platted all the way to FM 1... 02/05/2008

 The Downtown Redevelopment Commission will unveil its plan for revitalizing the city's central business district at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Lubbock Civic Center.The 11 member commission was appointed in 2005 by the City Council to develop a strategy to revitalize downtown."At one time, downtown Lubbock was the hub for entertainment, commerce and culture," said Jim Cummings, co-chair of the Downtown Redevelopment Commission. "Today, downtown is showing promise again with the energy of the Depot Entertainment District and creation of a new arts district."The commission raised more than $320,000 to hire EDAW, an international consulting firm specializing in urban design, to develop a long-term redevelopment plan. The firm held three public meetings to gather input on design concepts, gre... 02/05/2008

I have had the pleasure of showing some out-of-towners the sights of Lubbock and telling them about the real estate market here.  It was more of a pleasure earlier in the month because Lubbock had some windy, sandy days and those are not pleasant.  But the GOOD NEWS is that Lubbock is a wonderful place to call home with lots of blue skies, sunny days, and gorgeous sunsets.It is fun to drive visitors through the Tech Terrace area.   There are so many different types and sizes of homes in all price ranges.  Historic homes from grand to cozy, mid-century homes, and even newly constructed homes are available.  For buyers who work downtown, at Texas Tech or in the Medical district, Tech Terrace is very convenient.  There are two great schools, Roscoe Wilson Elementary and Hutchinson Jr. High... 01/30/2008

Welcome to my Lubbock Real Estate Blog! 01/29/2008

Yesterday I held an Open House at 10601 Vicksburg in Suncrest Villas.  I had a good turn out and enjoyed visiting with Lubbock folks and showing them the features of the home.This home is a Hust home, built by Herbie Hust and marketed by Connie Hust.  It is approximately 2700 sq. ft, has 4 bedrooms (or 3 and an office), 3 baths, 2 car garage but aside from the facts there is so much to see.  Hust's interior elevations and lighting in the foyer and his use of distressed wood flooring in the living room makes a fantastic first impression. I heard many compliments from those touring the home. The area receiving the most praise was the kitchen which has beautiful wood stained cabinets, granite counter tops, and so many fine details such as a walk-in pantry with etched glass door.  Many shop... 01/21/2008

Real Estate Agents in Texas can REBATE their commissions to their clients. To read more please see http://The Texas Real Estate Commission’s webitehttp://rebateontexashomes.com Get up to 5% cash back at closing if you buy a new home in Texas I have been a agent in Texas for over 10 years with over 1100+ homes under my belt. Get a great deal on a new home in Texas just by hiring me. How does this program work? Almost all Home builders in Texas will pay a Real Estate commission to a licensed real estate broker. As a Discount Real Estate Agent in Texas I can share this commission with you, the buyer, and give this to you as a Cash Refund. Most people don’t understand that the price of a house is the same regardless of whether you have an agent or not. This is how I can offer you this servi... 01/10/2008

The real estate market in Lubbock is moving but moving a little slower than in the previous few years.  Realtor Magazine puts out a Weekly Book Scan with reviews and comments about real estate books.  One in particular caught me eye, as I think it applies to Lubbock as well as much of the nation.  The title is "Making Hard Cash in a Soft Real Estate Market".  This book reminds us - both realtors and home owners/investors - that the market doesn't have to be hot to make money in real estate.The article recaps five tips for investors in a slower market.  Those tips focus on timing, being financially ready, and the buy and hold strategy, finding the best deal, and having an exit strategy.  Like the stock market, buy low, and sell high applies.  In order to recognize the lows and highs we n... 01/04/2008

I read online that the Oak Cliff area of Dallas is being redeveloped a block at a time, with homes being refurbished or renovated.  And I'm sure some of the worst are falling away to make room for new construction.  Here in Lubbock Delbert McDougal et al., have done much in redeveloping and recreating the Overton area.  There are now luxury apartments and condominiums.  I wonder about the occupancy rate or sales info of the condos there in McDougalville and the Vintage Township brownstones in south Lubbock.   Even before my knees grew creaky I didn't want a home with stairs.   Now if someone twisted my arm and gave me a 2-story home, condo or loft, I bet I'd manage to get up and down the stairs.  But I'm not buying one.  I believe that builders and developers in this market of 2 and 3 s... 12/30/2007

Though the National Association of Realtors reported sales of existing homes nationwide fell for the eighth straight month (as of end of October), Lubbock's sales rose by almost 6%.  Nationally, the median price (the price where half the homes sold either below or above) fell 5.8%.   The median price in Lubbock actually rose by 15%.  At the end of October one year ago the median price in Lubbock was $117,260 compared to $134,905 for 2007.Admittedly, the inventory in the Multiple Listing Service has risen.  Last year at this time there were 1608 single family properties on the market.  This year there are 1700--not an alarming figure.  Volume is down by a modest 2.4% for the year, but the good news is that there actually has been appreciation as the numbers above reflect.What continues t... 12/07/2007

WOW!  Can you even believe that our interest rates have dropped so much?  A loan officer just told me that FHA loans are around 5.875 and Conventional at 6.125.  WHAT A GREAT TIME TO BUY THAT NEW HOME, INVEST IN RENTAL PROPERTY OR SELL THAT HOME YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING TO SELL!  Buyers are beginning to come back out due in large part to lower interest rates.  Our current level of inventory has come down significantly, making it easier now for sellers to sell their properties.  In other words, we have a pretty balanced market now.  We do not have the severe buyers market that some cities are experiencing.  However, it is also not a big sellers market.  Buyers and sellers are both in a win-win situation.  The homes that are priced fairly and in good condition are selling at fair prices to b... 11/29/2007

Recently a San Francisco investment group, Dwares Group, Inc., purchased Briercroft Center at 5302 Ave. Q.  The Dwares Group specializes in refurbishing distressed retail properties.  Briercroft Center is a 77,000 square foot retail facility built in 1966.  The Dwares Group have hired Lubbock contractor G. Greenstreet Inc to evaluate and propose ideas to give the facility a much needed face-lift.  Spring of 2008 will be the start date for the project.  The facility currently has a colonial look which is out of date and the company plans on including pad sites to the large parking lot and plenty of green area.  Cost of the investment will exceed $1 million.  Lubbock continues to provide great opportunities for 1031 exchanges, commercial and residential investments. 11/28/2007

Real Estate blogs have been around for sometime, but like many other things have taken awhile to catch on here in the great city of Lubbock, Texas.  Real Estate blogging is fairly time consuming, but can be an incredible tool for REALTORS, clients, mortgage lenders, inspectors, appraisers, you name it.What you read on nationwide blogs may or may not be the same of Lubbock real estate blogs.  We try to present the local facts and opinions to the best of our abilities.  It would be really neat to see more local REALTORS take part in blogging on activerain.com and/or any other blog sites.Please feel free to read all or our blogs and contact us for more information.Sincerely,The Sellers,Jeff and Lisa Sellersthesellers@exitlubbock.comExit Realty Lubbock   11/26/2007

Coaching is a valuable asset when you are new to the real estate business.  As a new agent you start your business from scratch and usually are thrown out to the sharks to sink or swim and to fend for yourself and figure out the business all by yourself.  Can you imagine trying to write your first contract and not know what to do?  Not at Keller Williams....Here at Keller Williams you have the opportunity as a new agent to receive coaching/consulting for your first year of business.  You meet weekly with the coach to discuss your business, goals, questions, problems, and even get a pat on the back when you do something great.  The door is always open when you have questions or problems arise.  Here at Keller Williams we have year round training classes to help new and seasoned agents st... 11/19/2007

One of the single biggest factors in sellers not being able to sell their homes at the price they want or need....or be able to sell it at all has to do with DECLUTTERING!  Why do so many skip the significance of this job?  DeCLUTTER is NOT a DIRTY WORD!!!  JUST DO IT!  Your home will actually sell.  Not only will it sell, but it will sell for much more money in a much shorter amount of time.....Don't you know that your mother or father knew best when they told you and taught you to be neat, clean your room,etc.  I bet you never knew that it could help your pocketbook so much.Don't even worry about hiring the PROFESSIONAL STAGER or DECORATING!  Just roll up your sleeves, clean your house and rent a storage building!  You are moving anyway right????  Why not start now and maximize your p... 11/16/2007

There is a new office in town...THE SELLERS REALTY...   Whether Buying or Selling...It's Always a SELLERS Market!!! Call Jeff and Lisa Sellers at 806-778-6699...806-778-2486....806-445-3639 www.thesellersrealty.com jeff@thesellersrealty.com lisa@thesellersrealty.com thesellers@thesellersrealty.com     11/16/2007