There are no classes in life for beginners: right away you are always asked to deal with what is most difficult.                                                                        ~Rainer Maria Rilke      Did you know you have a choice every morning? You and only you can decide the mood or attitude you will have that day. Remarkable isn't it? I don't care if the kids are fighting or if your loving spouse left a towel on the bathroom floor. It's your choice to either laugh about it or blow a gasket. If I could give a small piece of advice, choose to laugh it off and be playful with the situation. For starters they had the same choice you had and maybe they just weren't thinking or simply made a bad choice that day. You however are a true winner and will deal with whatever this day br... 04/09/2009

It is official, we are in a recession!  Just from looking at the real estate market in Texas, it appears that the recession started months ago.  Very few Texas cities didn't have a decline in home sales and/or an increase in median price.  Tyler, TX sales were down over 20% but the median sales price increased to $139,000. Information obtained from Real Estate Center, MarketWatch and CNNMoney indicates that a total of 16,711 existing homes were sold in Texas last month, a 17 percent decline from October 2007, according to MLS data compiled by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. The median price dropped 0.8 percent to $142,300 during the same period, and the state finished the month with a 6.8-month inventory of existing homes.  Here is how select Texas cities fared in Octobe... 12/04/2008

The current real estate market is tough but in East Texas, it is not as bad as other areas.  We have seen a decline in sales and home values and the unemployment rate is increasing due to some major manufacturing job layoffs. It has been my experience that Homebuyers are being more selective now and want the most for their money.  I always recommend to sellers that they can offer incentives like $500 gas card or plasma TV in lieu of decreasing their listing price.  This tactic has worked and is a win-win for both buyers and sellers.  Sellers are able to sell their home and help the neighborhood values to stay strong and buyers are not only getting a new home but are gaining a new piece of equipment to go along with their new home.  An incentive that a seller recently offered was a $500 ... 10/28/2008

(Saturday nights in October and Halloween)   McClendon House 2008 Spirit Tours 806 W. Houston Street in Tyler, Texas   Step back into the history of the Bonner-Whitaker-McClendon House and Tyler. Hear a brief history portrayed by three generations who lived through the life of this majestic house. Hear the family tales as they relate to Tyler and Texas.              Dates                   Continuous Tours     Oct.  4                7:00 pm - 9:30 pm      Oct. 11     Oct. 18                        Cost     Oct. 25                $10.00 per person     Oct. 31    For further information or to book a group tour Call (903) 592-3533 09/24/2008

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words.  Then is it true, that the more pictures the better?  That truly depends on the quality of the pictures.  That is where the expertice of the photographer comes into play.  A photographers experience is the primary qualifer.  At EleView360 our experience comes from over 40 years that includes, wedding, portrait, event, commercial, insurance, sports, aerial, animal, home portrait, and freelance photography.  As a Real Tour Vision dealer our goal is to use our experience and the technology provided by Real Tour Vision to help you market your properties, business or profession to the utmost advantage.  Our system produces clear, properly exposed 360 degree panoramic and still shots as well as elevated views of your property or venue. Wynd... 09/03/2008

I will begin volunteering at the Bonner-Whitaker-McClendon Home in Tyler this week.  This is the final week of the famous Azalea Trails held in Tyler every spring.  Tours are conducted during special weeks and weekends in Tyler or always by appointment.  A guided tour cost $7.00 per person.  Bus Tours are welcome.  Reservations are requested.  Weddings, receptions, reunions, meetings, Christmas Parties and Garden Parties are just some of the fun events that you can reserve the house for.The home was the birthplace to Sarah McClendon.  It was described by Texas Governor R.B. Hubbard as "like living on 5th Avenue".  The home was built in 1878.  The family donated the home for historic presentation.  You may contact the Mcclendon House at 903-592-3533McClendon Historic Estate806 W. Houston... 04/01/2008

Spring has sprung in Tyler, Texas!  This weekend starts the 49th annual Azalea and Spring Flower Trail.  This is a great time of year because all the flowers are starting to bloom and everything is coming alive!  The center of Tyler becomes the focal point of East Texas.  The Azalea Trail is located in the part of Tyler known as the Azalea District.  It's a area of Tyler that has real red brick streets.  Most of the homes were built in the early 1900's.  Some are Craftman's, while others have a Victorian flair.  But all the homes have huge Azalea bushes with gorgeous pink and white flowers.  People come from all over to view these homes and flowers.  This year the city of Tyler is predicting 110,000 visitors!  As you drive to Tyler from the DFW area you will begin to see the beautiful f... 03/15/2008

It seems that milions of US taxpayers will be receiving a Rebate soon.  All to help speed up the slowing economy.  Those eligible are:Single tax payers w/ Adjusted Gross Income below $75k - $600Joint filers w/ Adjusted Gross Income below $150k - $1200  (Parents will receive an additional $300 per child).  There is no limit for the number of children.If you make more than the income cap, then you might get a partial rebate.  The rebate checks will not have to paid back and should start rolling out in May.  To make sure that you don't miss your rebate, you must file your 2007 Tax Return.  For those looking to purchase a home, a wise decision would be to save the rebate for your down payment or closing costs.  If you are still not quite ready to purchase your home because of credit issues,... 02/10/2008

Does anyone have any success stories working with short sales?  I have been doing some loss mitigation work for homeowners who are on the verge of losing their homes to foreclosure.  I have one client who just signed a lease for a property that I have for sale or for lease.  After asking her a few questions, I found out that the home that she is living in is scheduled for foreclosure in Feb.2008.  She stated that her deceased husband has borrowed against the house and now her and her children are moving out without a fight.  I am advising her to call her lender and try to work something out or at least ask for a short sale.  I would love to see her make some money on the home.  I am amazed at the many homeowners that will just walk away from their homes and say goodbye to their equity. ... 01/28/2008

HUD is offering a $100 Down payment initiative for owner occupants purchasing a HUD Home with FHA financing.  HUD bids must be full price or higher offers. The $100 Down payment initiative is also available on Rehab loans or FHA Home Repair loan (203K). This initiative won't last forever.  For more information on bidding, contact Tanya Redic at Tanya@SoldByTanyaRedic.com.  Tanya is the managing broker for Harold Carter, REALTORS - Tyler and the HUD Listing Broker for 18 counties in Northeast Texas. 12/24/2007

It's time to welcome the king of financing back to it's throne:  FHA.  With the demise of the subprime market, FHA is again the financing choice for first tiime homebuyers.  FHA stands for Federal Housing Administration and is under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  FHA has been around since 1934 and guarantees the loan if the borrower defaults.  Why FHA?  Homeowners need only 3% of the sales price for their down payment and can ask for the seller's to pay their closing costs.  FHA also offers Rehab Loans also known as 203(k) loans, which allows you to finance the cost of repairs into your loan.  12/23/2007

Good news for Tyler and East Texas homeowners, the buyers are coming.  We have seen a sudden increase buyers looking at homes in the last week.  How much you ask, 350%.  After a few weeks of slow activity, we have received a surge of activity, with contract numbers increasing as well.  Interest rates have fallen over the past two weeks, and that seems to have fueled much of this renewed interest in home buying.     10/02/2007