The Battle for Texas Real Estate

Today, February 23, 1836 (a leap year), was the day the Texians barricaded themselves in the mission building and began the 13 day siege.

It still chokes me up to think about it and the outcome. I have never seen, but I am sure it exists somewhere, a "what if" history that speculates what would have happened if Bowie and Travis had obeyed the commander of the Texas Army to abandon San Antonio. All of the historians I have read say that the delay caused by the Alamo siege and attrition of the Mexican army was crucial to the organization of the Texas government and army that was in chaos when the Alamo battle began.

Tip your hat to a Mockingbird today and Remember the Alamo!

Texas Real Estate Broker License

Did you know that the only real estate designation that the general public recognizes is "Broker"?

I learned recently that Champions School of Real Estate® wants guys like me to become a Texas Real Estate Broker by obtaining our brokers license. Why? A real estate broker license is the only designation the general public recognizes and they claim it gives me instant credibility.

A 2007 National Association of REALTORS® Member Profile study shows the median gross income for real estate agents with a broker license is $39,100 more than an agent without one. It is only an additional $7.67 per week or $33.33 per month ($400 annually) to renew with the state as a broker-associate versus a salesperson.

It is now a national trend in every state. Why? All of the above reasons and then some! I'm ashamed to say that NO COLLEGE HOURS ARE REQUIRED TO BECOME A TEXAS REAL ESTATE BROKER! What? That explains a few things...

Well, I'm off to school. I hope my bottom is ready for the next two days!

Got $500,000? Move to Murphy & Plano!

Where to Live on Less Than $500,000. I mean, if you work for GM, Citibank, etc. you'll have difficulty cashing checks for much more than that. That's right, Uncle Obama has just capped your salary at $500K. So, what are your options?

Matt Woolsey, with Forbes magazine has compiled a list of cities where $500,000 will still buy an exceedingly comfortable lifestyle. Yup. Apparently it takes a guide to live comfortably on $500K. I am SO in the wrong business.

To choose these 10 locations, the gurus at Forbes examined the cost of the "typical" four-bedroom, two-bath, 2,200-square-foot home. They also factored in the amount of patent and venture capital activity, average commute, and an average cost of living below $100,000.

The top cities were:

1. Irvine, Calif.
2. Raleigh, N.C.
3. Bellevue, Wash.
4. Portland, Ore.
5. Sunnyvale, Calif.
6. Redmond, Wash.
7. Austin, Texas
8. Chandler, Ariz.
9. Rochester, N.Y.
10. Plano, Texas

So... as I've said before, it's a great time to move to Murphy!

Source: Forbes, (02/12/2009)

Good News? Can it Be True?

The News: Nationally, inventories are down which means properties are selling and the market is less stagnant. That's great news if you are trying to sell a home. Of course, here in Texas, we've been able to do that all along--but even our local buyers have lacked confidence in the real estate market. Progress!

Housing Inventories Fall in 29 Major Markets
The inventory of existing homes for sale in 29 major markets covered by ZipRealty declined an average of 2.5 percent in January 2009, compared to December 2008 and down 13 percent compared to January 2008.

This is a good sign, especially when considering that typically inventories rise in January after the holidays. In the last 25 years, the average increase in inventory in January has been 8.7 percent, according to Ivy Zelman, CEO of research firm Zelman & Associates.

Housing-market analysis Altos Research reached similar conclusions, saying that the listings in its 10-city composite index declined 3.3 percent in January compared to December 2008.

This data doesn’t include New York City, where appraisal firm Miller Samuel Inc. reports that inventories were at the highest level in the last decade, up 6 percent from December and 36 percent from January 2008.

Source: The Wall Street Journal, James Hagerty (02/10/2009)

J.T. Oden (the Real Estate Man): On what would you spend it?

J.T. Oden (the Real Estate Man): On what would you spend it?

Senator John Cornyn

For a foreclosure list that is updated several times an hour, go to the Powerpage on my website at www.jtoden.net

Going Green in Style!

See also:

Go Green for the sake of your $Green$ (2.0)

Go Green for the sake of your $Green$

For a foreclosure list that is updated several times an hour, go to the Powerpage on my website at www.jtoden.net

NAR Mourns the Loss of Habitat for Humanity Founder Millard Fuller

WASHINGTON, February 04, 2009

The following is a statement by National Association of Realtors^® President Charles McMillan:

“The National Association of Realtors^® mourns the loss of Habitat for Humanity International founder Millard Fuller, who died Tuesday, Feb. 3 at the age of 74. We extend our sincerest sympathies to his family and friends.

“Mr. Fuller’s tremendous contribution to increasing decent, affordable housing and helping more than a million individuals achieve the American dream of homeownership will live on as a tribute of his life’s work and passion.

“NAR has worked together with Habitat for Humanity for the past eight years to build a home in the host city for NAR’s annual conference and in a major city abroad. Realtors^® have also contributed to Habitat for Humanity’s post-Katrina homebuilding efforts along the Gulf Coast as well as in Southeast Asia following the 2004 tsunami.

“Although we are saddened by this news, Realtors^® look forward to continuing our work with Habitat for Humanity and helping even more families on their path to homeownership.”

Realtors® Recognize Importance of Keeping Big Banks Out of Real Estate

From My Friends at Realtor.org

WASHINGTON, February 02, 2009

Allowing large national banks to enter into real estate brokerage and property management could be devastating to the safety and security of the nation’s economy, which is why the National Association of Realtors^® has been calling for legislation that would permanently ban banks from entering into real estate transactions.

“We thank Sens. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and Richard Burr, R-N.C., for their leadership in introducing legislation to prevent big banks from expanding their business to act as real estate brokers and managers,” said NAR President Charles McMillan.

During the introduction of the Community Choice in Real Estate Act on Friday, Sen. Boxer said, “Permitting banks to engage in commerce could compromise their lending decisions and create conflicts of interest while restricting consumer choice and competition among mortgage lenders.”

Some national banks had petitioned the federal government for the power to own and operate local real estate brokerage or property management companies. Since 2003 language has been included in annual appropriations bills to temporarily block implementation of these actions. The Community Choice in Real Estate Act would make the prohibition permanent.

“Imagine how much worse the crisis in the financial sector and our overall economy would be if banks had been permitted to enter into commercial activities such as real estate,” McMillan said. “We hope that Congress will work quickly to close any loopholes and pass laws that maintain the separation of banking and real estate and protect our nation’s economy from unnecessary and avoidable risks.”

A Recipe for a Great Year!

1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.

3.When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to__________ today. I am thankful for______________'

4.Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5.Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

6.Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7.Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8.Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9.Life isn't fair, but it's still good. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

10.Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

11.You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

12.Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

13.Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is allabout.

14.No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

15.Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

16.Forgive everyone for everything.

17.What other people think of you is none of your business.

18.GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.

19.However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

20.Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch!!!

21.Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

22.Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for__________. Today I accomplished_________.

23.Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

24.When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You'll be smiling before you know it.

December Sold Stats

Happy New Year!

This report on home sales in area communities for the month of December 2008 is brought to you courtesy of JTOden Realty.

City -- Average Days on Market, Number of Homes Sold
Murphy -- 168, 19 homes sold
Sachse -- 69, 10 homes sold
Rowlett -- 117, 40 home sold
Rockwall -- 139, 39 homes sold
Dallas NE -- 122, 159 homes sold
Dallas Lake Highlands -- 94, 31 homes sold
Garland -- 93, 128 homes sold
Plano -- 92, 140 homes sold
Richardson -- 80, 60 homes sold
Mesquite -- 111, 104 homes sold

What about your specific subdivision? Curious?
What about that house down the street? Interested?
Just ask J.T.! You don't have to be moving to talk to your REALTOR(R).
Just ask J.T.

http://www.jtoden.net/
jt@jtoden.net

Count your blessings.... that's right. I said it.

Folks, we live in the Land of Plenty if ever there were one. An economic downturn is nothing compared to the riches and wealth we enjoy. I hope you can find very, very much to be thankful for this Christmas season. As Hanukkah begins, remember those before us who have struggled for freedom and the One true God. Remember His ever abiding love for us.

Then, have a holly-jolly laugh at the email below, that I intercepted from two of my friends. They are discussing the Christmas Holiday menu at Grandma's house this year. Tell THEM that these are hard times!!!! Ha!

Merry Christmas to All!!!

___________________________________________

Hey Mel, I talked to mom about the non-primary meals for Christmas gatheringa at their house. This is what she’s planning to make just for snacks…

Mom’s Desert List:

* 2 blueberry pies

* 1 long dish cherry delight desert (really is 2)

* Milky Way candy bar cake

* Cheesecake

* White Christmas salad frozen desert

* Peanut Patties

* Pralines

* Fudge w/ nuts

* Fudge w/o nuts (for you)

* Chocolate chip cookies
* Sugar cookies

* (she thinks there's another desert she's forgetting)

Mom Snacks:

* Cheese dip

* Huge special bean dip

Mom Breakfast:

* Couple of big "Matt Dill" kind of breakfasts after duck hunts, etc. w/ huge "Granny Gilmore" buttermilk biscuits and/or sough dough biscuits

Dad is making:

* Grilled jalapenos stuffed with cheese

Mom suggested you could bring:

* Sunny D

* White powder donuts

* Little muffins

* Breakfast sausages wrapped in crescent rolls (pigs n blanket)

You and I could bring:

* Sausage balls

* Breakfast quiche

* Mint cookies (for Kathy)

Aunt Betty will fix her usual huge pot of shrimp gumbo for Christmas Eve just in case there isn’t enough to eat.

I can't wait!!!!!

November 2008 Sold Stats

Here's the sold statistics for area communities for the month of November 2008.
Courtesy of JTOden Realty.

City -- Average Days on Market, Number of Homes Sold
Murphy -- 93, 17 homes sold
Sachse -- 106, 19 homes sold
Rowlett -- 106, 45 home sold
Rockwall -- 103, 42 homes sold
Garland -- 100, 132 homes sold
Plano -- 84, 126 homes sold
Richardson -- 59, 62 homes sold
Mesquite -- 104, 82 homes sold

What about your specific subdivision? Curious? What about that house down the street? Just ask J.T.! You don't have to be moving to talk to your REALTOR. Just ask J.T.

http://www.jtoden.net/
jt@jtoden.net

Third Quarter Days on Market Stats

Average Days on Market for Third Quarter (July-September) for homes in the Northeast Dallas Metro Area: Collin, Dallas, and Rockwall County by City. MLS Statistics provided courtesy of JTOden Realty.


City -- Average Days on Market, Number of Homes Sold
Murphy -- 105, 86 homes sold
Sachse -- 94, 89 homes sold
Rowlett -- 96, 260 home sold
Rockwall -- 100, 219 homes sold
Dallas NE -- 101, 528 homes sold
Lake Highlands -- 71, 145 homes sold
Garland -- 102, 554 homes sold
Plano -- 80, 1,002 homes sold
Mesquite -- 97, 428 homes sold
Richardson -- 78, 285 homes sold

What about your specific subdivision? Curious? What about that house down the street? Just ask J.T.! You don't have to be moving to talk to your REALTOR. Just ask J.T.

http://www.jtoden.net/
jt@jtoden.net