House Prices Increased in April

Home prices increased 0.8 percent from March to April according to Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) data released today, the first monthly increase since May 2010.  This headline figure is from FHFA’s seasonally adjusted price index—a measure that adjusts for the fact that the housing market has very strong seasonal patterns.

>> More

Federer Out in Quarterfinals at Wimbledon

For the second straight year Federer is out before reaching the Semifinals at Wimbledon. Once a dominating force on grass Roger Federer appears to be sliding. Although Federer took the opening two sets he was unable to prevent Jo-Wilfried Tsonga from firing off incredible serves and powerful forhands to take the final three sets. Federer's response will be interesting going into the US Open. >> More

Minneapolis Fed Chief Questions Tax Incentives For Household

Lowering the fraction of mortgage interest households are allowed to deduct from their taxable income would help protect the financial system in the event of another housing boom and bust, Minneapolis Fed President Narayana Kocherlakota said.  This is a very dangerous statement as the Fed Chief apparently believes that by allowing home owners to deduct interest from their mortgages that the same homeowner is more willing to take on higher risk in the form of increased debt. Personally I do not agree with this statement, and by making any changes to the current tax code that reduces the home owners ability to deduct interest would harm the housing market. For more information on the Fed Chief's remarks go here.

Sugarland Real Estate Overview

In Sugarland the current single family average market value is $262,000.  This is an increase of 1.3% from the prior year and 6% from 2009.  There are currently 865 single family homes listed for sale.  While the majority of the United States has shown price decreases over the past two years Sugarland, Texas has continued to grow.  Combined with it's fantastic location, ammenities, and highend schools families have continued to move to the area.

Houston GolfersGuide.com

An excellent source for golfing information in and around the Houston metroplex.  There are schools, news, coupns and much more.
>> More

A Slow-Motion Real Estate Recovery

Jed Smith, managing director of quantitative research for the National Association of Realtors, characterized the economic upturn as "a mediocre recovery," and a "very slow recovery ... largely because of job issues. We're looking at up to a four-year recovery." >> More

Treasury Punishes Top Servicers for Failing Troubled Homeowners

The Treasury Department announced on Thursday that it will withhold incentive payments to Bank of America (BAC, Fortune 500), J.P. Morgan Chase (JPM, Fortune 500) and Wells Fargo (WFC, Fortune 500) until they substantially improve their performance in the federal Home Affordable Modification Program, known as HAMP. >> More

Proposed Changes to Qualified Residential Mortgage Requirements Would Impact Most Home Buyers

The proposed QRM rule is a risk retention rule required under the Dodd-Frank reforms that is intended to ensure that lenders have “skin in the game”.  It would require loan originators to retain risk equal to 5 percent of all but the safest mortgage loans.  The loans that would be exempt from the risk retention requirements would have a minimum down payment of 20 percent or more.. >> More

This proposed rule change is significant and opposition to these changes is increasing.

Sugarland Residents Asked to Limit Water Usage

Sugarland is asking for voluntary water limits to avoid placing restrictions.  Due to the severe drought the sity has provided a schedule for watering you lawn.  >> More

Ten Most Popular Real Estate Websites

Yahoo Real Estate reclaimed the top spot in May on a list of the most popular real estate websites compiled by Experian Hitwise, bumping the National Association of Realtors' official listing portal, Realtor.com, into second place. >> More

Great Texas Golf Blog

Here is another great place to check out what's happening in the golf community in Texas! Check it out! Texas Golf

Foreclosure Activity Continues Free-Fall in May

Year-over-year foreclosures have decreased 33% and 2% since April.  The Real Estate market continues to show slow signs of improvement even with continued difficulty in obtaining credit for many buyers.  However, bank's have struggled selling these REO properties.  This means buyers have many opportunities to find houses at fantastic prices especially in the Houston markets. >> More

The Houston Real Estate Market Concludes 2010 with a Further Appreciation in Home Prices - Houston REALTOR Online

On a year over year basis the average price of a single family home in Houston rose 0.4%. While the majority of country is showing a decline or overall flat level in prices Houston has continued to out perform the majority of the country. With Exxon building a large faciliy in Houston and the employment figures showing growth it would appear Houston has a strong potential. >> More

Country Club Lifestyle Realty Website

Our new website is up and running.  It is still in the construction phase with additional information continually added so check back often as it continues to grow!
Country Club Lifestyle Realty

Kenny Rogers Country Club Estate

Kenny Rogers is not only a singer but also a golf enthusiast and realtor.  He has designed the ultimate country club estate including an 18 hole championship golf course called Beaver Dam Farms modeled after several PGA courses.  Check it out!  It's for sale! >> More

Successful Facebook Business Pages

Like any piece of your business plan puzzle, your Facebook Business Page needs to be monitored, it needs your attention and – at the risk of sounding a little more touchy-feely than even I am comfortable with – a little TLC. 

Here are a couple of tips to help you revitalize your Facebook Business Page and turn it from drab to fab: >> More

Texas Outperforms in Job Growth

Texas' economy continued to outperform the U.S. economy, gaining 254,000 jobs from April 2010 to April 2011, an annual growth rate of 2.5 percent. Over the same period, U.S. nonfarm employment rose 1.1 percent. The state's private sector also exceeded U.S. figures, posting an annual employment growth rate of 3 percent compared with 1.7 percent for the U.S. private sector from April 2010 to April 2011. >> More

How droughts impact foundations!

Very important for all home owners! Watering your yard helps prevent foundation problems during periods of high drought!

Texas drought starts to nick houses - Beaumont Enterprise

Country Clubs in Sugar land Texas

Country Clubs located within Sugarland. >> More

Sugarland Developers and Builders

From Sugarland Magazine Online. >> More

Picking the Right Production Builder

Residential construction in Houston's outer sphere is dominated by themed master planned communities with pretty lakes, family amenities and green spaces promising a picture perfect family life. That means fashionable people drinking wine around a fab kitchen while the kids play mischievously outside with the dog. 

Model home "amusement parks" are becoming the norm, where homes of all sizes and price ranges appear one after the other in a row. It's a one-stop-shop for home seekers. But synthesizing the information and differentiating between builders can be daunting and overwhelming, if not outright impossible. >> More

Houston Country Club Scholarship Winners

The Royal Oaks Country Club recently announced the scholarship winners for its employee scholarship fund.

Congratulations to the winning recipients! >> Read More

Former Country Club Burns Down

The Clear Lake Country Club, which was a part of Clear Lake City history for many years, burned to the ground Thursday as Houston Fire Department fought the blaze in vain while hundreds of residents looked on. >> More

Amid ups and downs, Houston real estate market has pockets of strength

Certain houses, if priced right, can attract a slew of buyers in today’s market. “This year, we’ve had many properties with multiple offers, which was unheard of last year,” says Tim Surratt of Greenwood King Properties. “Buyers are realizing that the window is closing on the opportunity that has existed since the 2008 market adjustment.” >> More

FHA Loan Limits Set to Drop

Buyers of new residential homes may want to race to complete deals as FHA loan limits are set to drop around the nation. According to an analysis by the FHA, loan limits on government-insured mortgages are likely to decline in 669 of the 3,334 counties or county equivalents when the ceilings revert back to the levels determined under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.  Unless Congress says otherwise, the shift will take place on Oct. 1. >> More

Proposed Government Program Requiring 20% Down

With all the mortgage reform news flying around these days, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest developments.  There is, however, one issue of which consumers need to be very aware – a proposal from federal regulators mandating that private lenders require a 20 percent down payment on mortgages for all but the most credit worthy borrowers.  >> More

Housing Shortage Is Likely Coming - RealtorMag

Within the next decade, 16 million new housing units will be needed to meet population growth and shifting demands, according to Harvard Univerity's Joint Center for Housing Studies in the latest annual State of the Nations Housing Report.  That means that housing growth which has dropped drastically in recent years, will need to greatly reverse it's trend to meet the forecasted spike in demand. >> More

Zillow Unveils Mortgage Marketplace App - DSNews

Zillow, a Seattle-based mobile and online real estate information company, launched its Zillow Mortgage Marketplace iPhone app Tuesday for a mobile loan shopping experience. The app combines personalized loan quotes with calculators and tools to help borrowers ascertain home affordability, monthly payment amounts, and whether refinancing makes financial sense. >>More

Clear Capital: Stability Ahead as Distressed Property Prices Rise - DSNews

The real estate valuation firm Clear Capital sees signs of market stability as we move into the summer months. New data released Thursday by the company shows that U.S. home prices continue to fall, but the 2.3 percent drop recorded for the three months ending in May was half the decline seen in the previous month’s report. >> More