League City Blog

Selling a Home at the Very End of the Year?

League City, TX - Worrell Team, REALTOR, GRI, CNE (Prudential Gary Greene) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:36:30 -0500

Many sellers want to make sure they have paid their property taxes in the current calendar year so they can claim this benefit when filing their Income Taxes for the same year. Your League City Real Estate Experts have the answers! Call The Brian Worrell Team if you need any clarification, 281-948-7042.

There are a few options for paying property taxes:
There are a few options for paying property taxes... This example is based on assuming a scheduled closing date of 12/30/2011.

Option 1. Pay each of these yourself with CASHIER'S CHECKS to each tax entity in at each of their offices respectively in person. Get a copy of each cashier's check. And get a copy of the paid receipt. This would ensure all taxes are paid in 2011.

Option 2. Do not pay anything now. If on the 30th, it looks like we are not closing on time, then pay the taxes online yourself. The title company will need to retain the total amount of taxes from your proceeds until they can verify through each tax entity that they have been fully paid. They they will send you that money once verified which may take several weeks. This would ensure all taxes are paid in 2011.

Option 3. Taxes will be paid at closing on the 30th from your proceeds. If the closing is delayed for whatever reason, taxes would be paid in 2012 from your proceeds. The Income Tax benefit of paying for 2011 property taxes would have to be claimed at the end of 2012 with this option.

Thoroughly confused?? Please feel free to email me any specific questions, brian@brianworrell.com

Friendswood, Texas -- New Medical Clinic Breaks Ground in Downtown

League City, TX - Worrell Team, REALTOR, GRI, CNE (Prudential Gary Greene) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:04:38 -0500

New Medical Clinic Breaks Ground in Downtown Friendswood, Texas

Friendswood Family Chiropractic Clinic and Spuhler Medical Associates began construction on their new 10,250 square foot building at 1111 S. Friendswood Drive and the corner of Whispering Pines. Earlier this year, City Council approved a $15,000 municipal grant for the construction of this $1.3 million medical clinic. In addition, approximately $14,700 of City-related development fees will be waived since the project is located in the City's Downtown Neighborhood Empowerment Zone.

The Downtown area of Friendswood, Texas has sure seen some very significant growth in that past 1-2 years. This should be another great addition!

How to Protect your Pool in a Freeze

League City, TX - Worrell Team, REALTOR, GRI, CNE (Prudential Gary Greene) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:21:13 -0500

Great advice from Platinum Pools!

Freeze Warning Tonight:
DON'T WRAP YOUR PIPES

1. Have Freeze Protect?

Pool owners with freeze protect: Your equipment should turn on automatically and may cycle on and off throughout the day. This is normal.

2. Don't have Freeze Protect?

Run your pool equipment during the freeze. Change your timers to run the pool equipment at night, and keep the equipment running if freezing temperatures continue into the day.

DO NOT WRAP YOUR PIPES: The pool pump will get hot and will catch the blankets or whatever you use to wrap on fire.

2310 Azahar - Mar Bella, League City, TX

League City, TX - Worrell Team, REALTOR, GRI, CNE (Prudential Gary Greene) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 22:19:47 -0500

2310 Azahar - Mar Bella, League City, TX

Gorgeous home on private cul-de-sac street takes advantage of scenic water views from nearly every room - both upstairs and downstairs! Covered front porch and Porte Chochere with a stone and brick elevation. Back yard features a 2nd story balcony overlooking the water and views of numerous fireworks shows in the area through the summer and at various holidays. Upstairs gameroom. Large island kitchen with 5 Gas Burner Stove. Stainless Steel Appliances. Home Warranty Included! VIRTUAL TOUR

Mar Bella Neighborhood Website!

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1808 Claiborne - Clear Creek Village, League City, TX

League City, TX - Worrell Team, REALTOR, GRI, CNE (Prudential Gary Greene) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 22:15:37 -0500

1808 Claiborne - Clear Creek Village, League City, TX

Upgraded to the max - Rheem Tankless Waterheater. Top of the line kitchen remodel with Brookhaven cabinetry, stainless GE appliances with double oven and 5 gas burner stove. Undercabinet lighting and electrical receptacles. Tons of storage. Covered screened/windowed patio. Foundation repairs/piers with transferable warranty. Home Warranty Included. VIRTUAL TOUR

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Internet Lenders Vs. Friendswood / League City Lenders

League City, TX - Worrell Team, REALTOR, GRI, CNE (Prudential Gary Greene) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:02:20 -0400

I recently sat down with Jason Holter over lunch at Perry's in Friendswood, Texas. Not much can beat the Wednesday Pork Chop Special... Jason one lender that I use for my clients in the Friendswood, Leauge City, and Clear Lake areas of Houston, Texas. We got to talking about buyers that use the Internet to find their lender, and here's what he had to say:

An increasing number of astute borrowers are using the Internet to shop for the best mortgage rates. Unfortunately, it is easy to forget that the rates reflected on the rate monitor web sites are advertisements, specifically designed to generate leads for the companies who pay fortunes to have their rates listed.

I received a call from a valued client who had just come to us for mortgage financing for the 3rd time. Although she had always been a very loyal client she expressed some concern that the zero point rates she found on the Internet were around 3.125%. What's the deal Jason? After all these years, and all the customers I've referred to you, why are you trying to rip me off??

Everyone had heard the old adage about things that "sound too good to be true" and Internet mortgage rates are no exception. Upon hearing the doubts created by the Internet mortgage advertisements, I felt compelled to research the credibility of the rates quoted. I logged onto a mortgage rate monitor website and found a rate of 3.125% and zero points listed by a number of Internet mortgage factories. I then proceeded to each individual website as if I were going to apply for a mortgage and acquitted quotes for rates and closing costs. The rates were a half to a full percent higher than advertised, the zero points did not pertain to the excessive lender fees and there were more disclaimers than the fine print on a new prescription drug advertisement. So why are these companies flooded with business?

Why are people willing to pay more and trade in personal service for technology? Would we rather deal with a drop-down click than an uplifting visit with a mortgage professional that can help us make the best choices? How did something called a mouse come to wield so much power? Your home mortgage is one of the biggest decisions in your life and the smallest mistake can cost you and your family a fortune. Surfing is no way to navigate through the maze of mortgage products available today. There is nothing wrong with doing your best to get a great deal, but remember... There is no secret pool of cheap money, and you cannot go directly to the manufacturer to get a mortgage. The best mortgage lenders have access to the most programs at the lowest rates.

If you would like additional information of mortgages in Texas please visit the website www.HoustonMTG.com. You may also email Jason at jason@houstonmtg.com

Jason Holter at Premier Nationwide Lending in Friendswood, Texas

Main Number: 281-993-3727
Fax Number: 832-213-0362
Email: jason@houstonmtg.com

Address
Premier Nationwide Lending
907 S Friendswood Dr. Ste 209
Friendswood, TX 77546

Human Cloning for League City Realtors - 3 Open Houses at Once!

League City, TX - Worrell Team, REALTOR, GRI, CNE (Prudential Gary Greene) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 15:19:00 -0400

Right now, The Brian Worrell Team is conducting 3 Open Houses at the same time. We prefer not to comment on where we stand politically on the matter of human cloning. I do feel sorry for agents that can't be in 3 places at the same time. The Brian Worrell Team does just that.

This has been a great weekend for buyers to get out and look at open houses. If you are interested in stopping by to see one of our homes, or just want to say hi, you can find me at 210 Sutherland in Westover Park, 3137 Indian Summer in Autumn Creek, and also I'm at 1808 Claiborne in Clear Creek Village.

The Brian Worrell Team is comprised of several licensed agents and assistants who make help make "human cloning" possible!!

Open House - 3137 Indian Summer, Friendswood, TX

League City, TX - Worrell Team, REALTOR, GRI, CNE (Prudential Gary Greene) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 14:40:01 -0400

Come by and visit my open house today! It's open right now and will be until 3PM!

We would love to answer any questions for you about this house, Autumn Creek, or Fiendswood/League City in general.

Beautiful one-story on a cul-de-sac street with no back neighbors! Open floor plan with tile floors in family room, dining, kitchen and all bathrooms. Oversized gourmet island kitchen with avanza countertops and breakfast bar. Spacious master bedroom with sitting area overlooks backyard. Split floor plan. Study with French doors and built-ins could be a 4th bedroom. Large covered back patio with ceiling fans. Home Warranty Included.

PICTURES

We're there until 3PM, or call us anytime for a private viewing!

Open House - 1808 Claiborne in League City

League City, TX - Worrell Team, REALTOR, GRI, CNE (Prudential Gary Greene) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 14:26:26 -0400

I just opened the door for my open house in Clear Creek Village, a beautiful home upgraded to the extreme in League City, TX!

- Tankless Water Heater

- $50k Kitchen Remodel

- Covered front porch

- Covered and Screened back porch

- Double-Pane Widows

- Hardwoods

- New frieze carpet added 1 month ago!

- Recent roof and AC

PICTURES

Stop by and see for yourself!!! I'm here until 3PM, but feel free to call me anytime for a showing...

Galveston County Homeowner's Insurance - Windstorm / Hurricanes

League City, TX - Worrell Team, REALTOR, GRI, CNE (Prudential Gary Greene) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:37:44 -0400

I sat down again with Lane McKinney, a local insurance expert... and here's what he had to say about Hurricanes and how it relates to pricing on insurance in the Galveston County, League City, and Clear Lake area:

It has been over 3 years since Hurricane Ike put a direct hit on us in the Galveston-Clear Lake area. You would think that not having a direct hit for almost 25 years prior to Hurricane Ike and nothing happening within the last 3 years would help lower our home insurance rates.

NOT SO !!.... With weather forecasters constantly predicting "Record Storms This Year" at the beginning of each year,the insurance companies have been raising their prices to offset these forecasts.The forecasts of numerous storms also raises the cost of re-insurance rates which all carriers purchase for themselves to spread out the risks in areas of high risk.Once again this passes on higher costs to the consumers.

While you would normally think that no storms would bring in more competition, it has not happened and the trend looks as though the coastal insurance risks are steadily rising in price. This is very disturbing news as typically more competition breeds better pricing.We are all facing tough times in this recession and the insurance outlook has insurance agents and customers alike very worried about the future and future prices.

Here is hoping that our lawmakers will put in mandatory guidelines that ALL insurance carriers must actively and properly quote ALL risks and quit picking only the risks they WANT and leaving everyone else out to dry. As we speak there are standard insurance carriers constantly non-renewing policies and saying they do not want any risk towards the coastal areas. This pick and choose mentality is killing the consumers and we are forced to go through surplus insurance lines which are very costly.

Shop your policies as this is the only way now to see if you are getting the best rate possible !!

Special thanks to:

Lane McKinney

McKinney Insurance TWFG

W (281-996-0040)

F (281-996-0480)

Scented Candles Can Backfire

League City, TX - Worrell Team, REALTOR, GRI, CNE (Prudential Gary Greene) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:26:02 -0400

Scented Candles Can Backfire

Often, a scented candle or wax warmers can make a home feel more welcoming and cozy, but beware...some of your clients are going WAY overboard. I walked into a home the other day that had such a strong floral scent, my client and I immediately got a headache.

Not only does it make a buyer uncomfortable, it also makes you wonder what the owner is covering up (even when they aren't actually covering anything up). Often, the owner of the home is so used to the scent that they don't even notice it, but it is worth stopping by your listings every once in a while to make sure you aren't turning people away inadvertently. Every little thing counts...especially in this market.

I support year-round daylight savings time, and Congress should too.

League City, TX - Worrell Team, REALTOR, GRI, CNE (Prudential Gary Greene) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:17:49 -0400

I support year-round daylight savings time, and Congress should too.

NOVEMBER 6th, SET CLOCKS BACK 1 HOUR at 2:00AM....

Daylight savings time ends next week which means it will be getting dark earlier. Most people see this as an inconvenience and a sign of winter, but I think it can actually lead to a weaker economy...or at least a weaker real estate market. Many League City Realtors I know have a policy of only showing houses during daylight hours. Houses show better when it is light, and often times I am meeting people I don't know at vacant homes, and I think that it safer to meet strangers in empty buildings during the day (maybe that's just me).

Since people don't get out of work any earlier once daylight savings time ends, earlier darkness means one less hour available to show houses during the week. The upshot is that either fewer houses will get shown, or Realtors will have to work more on the weekends. I, for one, do not care to put in any additional weekend hours, so I propose that Congress extend daylight savings time....maybe that would solve the budget crisis.

Kandiland at Westover Park - 1/2 day preschool programs!!!

League City, TX - Worrell Team, REALTOR, GRI, CNE (Prudential Gary Greene) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 21:49:56 -0400

Kandiland at Westover Park in League City, Texas is now offering half-day preschool programs!

Kandiland has been in business since 1985. We are a family owned and operated
Christian-based preschool with an infant and afterschool program, as well. Our
preschool program meets the state of Texas’ Pre-K Guidelines.To better serve our
community, we are now offering a half-day preschool program for ages 3-5 years.
We want to allow children of stay-at-home parents’ the same opportunity to learn
and grow with Kandiland!

For more information call or stop by for a tour. Tours are available from 9 a.m.-2
p.m. or by appointment. Reserve your child’s spot today!

Kandiland Day School
180 Westover Park Ave.
(281) 338-9625
www.kandiland.com

For more about Westover Park subdivision, visit www.MyWestoverPark.com -- Thanks!

Why have mortgage rates dropped further today?

League City, TX - Worrell Team, REALTOR, GRI, CNE (Prudential Gary Greene) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:30:50 -0400

Richard,

Great points you make. I get asked why rates go up and down all of the time. I think these are great answers, but on some level, I suspect the correct answer is that there is a dude with a marionette controlling all the markets. He is toying with us. ;-)

Brian

Via Richard Weeks, REALTOR®, Broker, Vice President General Manager - Texas (Morris Williams Realty):

Mortgage rates have dropped further today due to:

a. Fall in the stock market

b. lower inflationary expectations

c. Federal Reserve purchase of mortgage backed securities

d. Federal Reserve purchase of long term bonds

e. Federal Reserve sale of short term bonds

f. all of the above

Lender Craig Jerrell says
The correct answer is f. "all of the above". 30 year fixed rates have fallen to 3.75% from 4.00% with the Fed actions.

It is hopeful this will spur sales, but unemployment, deflationary thinking and consumer confidence are still dragging the purchase market.

In the abstract

League City, TX - Worrell Team, REALTOR, GRI, CNE (Prudential Gary Greene) — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 00:25:02 -0400

Richard,

Thank you for the laugh. I needed that after a long day. As much as I love my kids, I can totally relate to what this guy is feeling sometimes! Cheers!

Brian

Via Richard Weeks, REALTOR®, Broker, Vice President General Manager - Texas (Morris Williams Realty):

So this guy has a new driveway poured and the neighborhood kids thought it would be fun to write their names and put their hand prints in the wet cement.

When the home owner discovered what had happened he became so angry his wife thought he was going to have a heart attack. She asked “why are you so upset? I thought you loved little children”. He replied “I do love little children but I love them in the abstract not the concrete”.