Design & Real Estate

2011-11-04T09:21:00.000-07:00

www.har.com/49802384 $1175/month, UTILITIES INCLUDED!
www.har.com/99005041 $1300/month, UTILITIES INCLUDED!

Galleria, Memorial Park, Downtown

WHO DO YOU KNOW
THAT IS LOOKING FOR A NEW PLACE TO LIVE?
Call or email me
Lacrima Cosnean 713. 851. 7774 lc@LacrimaCosnean.com
REALTOR with Champions Real Estate Group

Back in Texaplex

2011-11-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

Hi I am back in Texaplex! After an awesome summer in Europe (Romania) with family , we are back in town.
In Romania, Transylvania, we scouted out Real Estate opportunities as far as the Carpathian Mountains as well as Danube Delta and found some exciting properties & opportunities ... more about that at a later time.

Right now I wanted to share this exiting new video with you about opportunities and growth that Houston has to offer as well as it's three brothers/sisters. Austin, San Antonio & Dallas/Fort Worth.
All four have become famous by a new name of the TEXAPLEX.

Enjoy the good news and please contact me with any of your Real Estate questions!

Lacrima 713.851.7774 c lc@LacrimaCosnean.com www.LacrimaCosnean.com

Rice Military - Open House April 10th, 2011 – 3pm-5pm

2011-04-07T09:27:00.000-07:00

Rice Military - Open House April 10th, 2011 – 3pm-5pm

First 5 people to come to see my listing on 501 Leverkuhn St., 77007 Rice Military Area www.har.com/24295641 will receive each a $10/ Starbucks Gift Card.

LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION

Magnolia Grove - Rice Military Area

2011-03-31T19:09:00.000-07:00

My favorite Neighborhood: Of course it is the one I live in: Magnolia Grove! Adjacent to Rice Military. Visit my new listing at www.har.com/24295641 and let me know who you know that is looking to buy a home in Magnolia Grove!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for Open House April 10th, 3pm – 5pm.

Why I love my neighborhood? It is super close to major parks I can get to any major destination, like Downtown, Galleria, Medical Center within 15-20min. New Whole Foods is going to open up Summer 2011, minutes away on Waugh and West Dallas. Favorite River Oaks Shopping Center is close by. I can get to any major freeway within minutes or avoid major traffic by knowing the back roads. The property values have consistently gone up, meaning Real Estate is still a great investment in Magnolia Grove.

AND I love that it is very walkable. See why the Walk Score is 72 out of 100 on this website http://www.walkscore.com/score/501-leverkuhn-77007

CALL OR EMAIL ME with questions or showing requests!

Lacrima Cosnean 713.851.7774 lc@lacrimacosnean.com

Eastwood, Houston TX

2010-10-11T14:42:00.000-07:00

I AM BACK ... and my 'Neighborhood info marathon' continues... This Month I concentrate on Eastwood.
Eastwood is one of Houston’s first master-planned subdivisions. It was designed and developed in 1913 by William A. Wilson, who also developed the sister neighborhood, Woodland Heights. The Arts & Crafts neighborhood is unfashionably east of downtown, and has attracted the sort of artsy crowd that signals an early stage of gentrification.

Visit their home tour this weekend, Oct. 16th & 17th. The tour includes five restored houses, one work-in-progress, a brand-new foursquare that looks 100 years old, and a cutting-edge 2003 house that appeared in Dwell - as well as the 1916 Dora Lantrip Elementary School and the 1920 Church of the Redeemer.

For more information, see www.eastwoodcivicassociation.org.(Sources : Eastwoodcivicassociation.org and Chron article by Lisa Gray)

Also watch this great video.

If you are interested in viewing some homes for sale, give me a call or email me and I will arrange viewings for you!

Lacrima lc@lacrimacosnean.com 713.851.7774

NNO- Big Success

2010-10-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

Our National Night out was a big success! We had a great turnout from our sponsors and lots of neighbors came to meet and greet, share 'Magnolia Grove' neighborhood stories and have a good time.

Meanwhile, we also had our little baby boy, Mateo, who is now the 'youngest Member of our Civic Association in Magnolia Grove'.

Special thanks goes to the sponsors that contributed to my team effort:
Dr. Brando with Brando Chiropractic Clinic www.brandochiropractic.com (they have done wonders for my back problems)
Chatters Restaurant www.chatterscafe.com (we love their food and they are minutes from our house - off Waugh and Washington Ave.)
Tech Auto Maintenance 37 Waugh Dr,Houston, TX 77007,713-863-8244 (they are our trusted Auto Mechanic for our BMW).

Pamela with, Personal Chef www.feedingyouwell.com (not only did I learn a lot from her about preparing Vegan food, but also how to run your own Personal Chef business).

Fox Inspections for the cute 'talking bags' - (well respected home inspector)

Fox Inspection Group Gordon Fox - President

email: office@foxinspectiongroup.com

phone: 713.723.3330

Thanks again to all my neighbors and our team at the Magnolia Grove Civic Club for a successful National Night Out.

Need help with National Night Out Event-Oct. 5th, 2010

2010-09-01T10:19:00.000-07:00

In the mids of getting ready for our new baby… delivery is any day now … I am working with our Civic Association, (we live in Magnolia Grove, close to Rice Military, 77007), to organize the National Night Out. It will be held at Cleveland Park (Jackson Hill & Memorial Drive) on October 5th from 6pm to 8 pm.

The purpose of the event is to get out and meet your neighbors and help each other have a safer neighborhood. Our theme is “Magnolia Grove takes off” honoring our Space City.Neighbors with their kids and dogs are encouraged to join us by wearing theme related clothing or costumes if desired.

The reason I am posting this info on my blog and facebook, is because we are still looking for more donations, gift certificates and gifts for the raffles. It is a great opportunity for you to be featured on our Facebook Fan Page, on flyers and promotional material, on our website as well as even have a booth at the event if you choose to do so. With a minimum donation of $50 you get all this… and your donation also tax deductable (Magnolia Grove Civic Association is a 501(c)(3).

Please spread the word and let me know if you are interested in this opportunity to give back.

Regards,
Lacrima
www.LacrimaCosnean.com

Houston Texaplex

2010-08-25T16:57:00.001-07:00

This video is not only great for us that live here in Houston, TX, to remind us how great of a City it is, but also for your friends and family that might be thinking of moving.

Feel free to share this link with them!

And remember I would love to help them with their Real Estate needs!

July 2010 - Houston Real Estate Sale

2010-08-20T13:47:00.001-07:00

July 2010 - Houston Real Estate Sales - we had a decline in Pending Sales ...

BUT, couple of positive highlights:

good news is that interest rates are historic low (qualified buyers can obtain 4% -5% for 30year and under 4% for 15year loans)
inventory is great for buyers, meaning with more homes on the market, buyers have better choices and more negotiation power
affordability: with average homes prices of 225K

Contact me for any questions :

Lacrima 713.851.7774 lc@lacrimacosnean.com

Houston Heights

2010-07-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I did an open house in The Houston Heights and was pleasantly surprised how many people are looking to move 'back into town'. Most visitors came from 'out of the loop area' and they are looking for shorter commutes, proximity to cultural events, parks, groceries, schools, restaurants and major highways ...

Said that 'Houston Heights is a great place to live'!

The Houston Heights is located in northwest-central Houston, TX

(Boundaries: N. Shepherd on the west, Loop 610 on the north, N. Main/Studewood on the east and I-10 on the south. Area along Heights Blvd. that extends to Washington.)

Market History shows that the Houston Heights has not only maintained property values, but

they continue to go up! (per Houston Association of Realtors-see graph)

If you are looking for a great place to invest, The Houston Heights is it!

Price ranges vary between approx. $230,000 - $1.5 Million. so there is something for everyone!

Call or email me if you are interested in more detailed information about the Heights!

Lacrima - Realtor with Keller Williams Realty 713.851.7774 or lc@lacrimacosnean.com

Hyde Park Market Statistics

2010-06-13T09:11:00.000-07:00

MLS Statistics, from June 13th, 2010 show that Active Homes on the Market in Hyde Park, Houston TX are listed between $225,000-$1,275.000.

Pending Sales range between $350,000-$379,900.

Sold Properties in Hyde Park, range from $299,000 to $540,000 at an average sales price of $393,700.

Looking to buy or sell Real Estate in Hyde Park, Houston, TX

call or email me today so I can consult with you!

LACRIMA COSNEAN -Realtor- 713.851.7774 c lc@LacrimaCosnean.com

Hyde Park is one of the Neighborhoods located in Neartown, Houston TX.

Neartown is an area located in west-central Houston, Texas, United States and is one of the city's major cultural areas. Neartown is roughly bounded by U.S. Highway 59 to the south, Allen Parkway to the north, Bagby Street on the east, and Shepherd Drive to the west.

Neartown neighborhoods include Montrose, Courtlandt Place, Winlow Place, Hyde Park, Cherryhurst, and First Montrose Commons.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rice Military Open House June 6th, 2010

2010-06-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Lacrima Cosnean- presents Home For Sale in Rice Military, Houston TX. Home is located in desirable location, close to Houston Downtown and Galleria, close to shopping, restaurants and nightlife.
Rice Military / Memorial Park area continues to be one of the most sought-after Houston's Inner Loop neighborhoods.

Contact me for more information! (home is currently listed with KW Metropolitan-Gray Home Team)

713.851.77774 c lc@LacrimaCosnean.com www.LacrimaCosnean.com

Rice Military, Houston TX

2010-06-05T14:25:00.001-07:00

To get more detailed information on specific neighborhoods, please contact
Lacrima Cosnean – Realtor ® with Keller Williams
713.851.7774 — lc@lacrimacosnean.com — www.LacrimaCosnean.com

More info on Rice Military, Houston TX 77007:
……………………………………………………………………………………
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rice Military is a neighborhood in Houston, Texas, United States.
The boundaries of the Rice Military neighborhood are Washington Avenue on the north, Memorial Drive on the south, Shepherd Drive on the east, and Westcott Street on the west. Rice Military, which is inside the 610 Loop, is next to Memorial Park. The area was named "Rice" as the people who owned it were members of the Rice family; the Rice family included William Marsh Rice, who founded the Rice Institute (now Rice University). The term "Military" is a reference to the neighborhood's bordering of what was once Camp Logan, a World War I-era U.S. Army training camp. The area is now mostly upper-middle class.

Great Article on Houston - Forbes.com

2010-06-01T19:25:00.000-07:00

Do cities have a future?
Pessimists point to industrial-era holdovers like Detroit and Cleveland. Urban boosters point to dense, expensive cities like New York, Boston and San Francisco. Yet if you want to see successful 21st-century urbanism, hop on down to Houston and the Lone Star State.
You won't be alone: Last year Houston added 141,000 residents, more than any region in the U.S. save the city's similarly sprawling rival, Dallas-Fort Worth. Over the past decade Houston's population has grown by 24%--five times the rate of San Francisco, Boston and New York. In that time it has attracted 244,000 new residents from other parts of the U.S., while older cities experienced high rates of out-migration. It is even catching up on foreign immigration, enjoying a rate comparable with New York's and roughly 50% higher than that of Boston or Chicago.
So what does Houston have that these other cities lack? Opportunity. Between 2000 and 2009 Houston's employment grew by 260,000. Greater New York City--with nearly three times the population of Houston--has added only 96,000 jobs. The Chicago area has lost 258,000 jobs, San Francisco 217,000, Los Angeles 168,000 and Boston 100,004.
Politicians in big cities talk about jobs, but by keeping taxes, fees and regulatory barriers high they discourage the creation of jobs, at least in the private sector. A business in San Francisco or Los Angeles never knows what bizarre new cost will be imposed by city hall. In New York or Boston you can thrive as a nonprofit executive, high-end consultant or financier, but if you are the owner of a business that wants to grow you're out of luck.
Houston, however, has kept the cost of government low while investing in ports, airports, roads, transit and schools. A person or business moving there gets an immediate raise through lower taxes and cheaper real estate. Houston just works better at nurturing jobs.
It's not just smug coastal places getting smoked by Texas. Since the collapse of the housing bubble Houston has outperformed Sunbelt counterparts like Phoenix, Las Vegas and Los Angeles. A big factor has been that manufacturing, professional services, international trade and technology industries have been the primary drivers of the city's economic growth--rather than construction and speculation. Ironically, this has increased home values. Since 2007 prices of homes in Houston have ticked slightly higher, while those in Las Vegas, Phoenix, Los Angeles and the Bay Area each are down by more than 35%.
Some traditional urbanists will concede these facts but then try to shift the focus to "qualitative" factors: the best-educated residents, the highest salaries, the most expensive real estate. Although it also attracts a large number of low-skill migrants, Houston has considerably expanded its white-collar workforce. According to the Praxis Strategy Group, Houston's ranks of college-educated residents grew 13% between 2005 and 2008. That's about on par with "creative class" capital Portland, Ore. and well more than twice the rate for New York, San Francisco or Los Angeles.
But Houston's biggest advantage cannot be reduced to numbers. Ultimately it is ambition, not style, that sets Houston apart. Texas urbanites are busy constructing new suburban town centers, reviving inner-city neighborhoods and expanding museums, recreational areas and other amenities. In contrast with recession-battered places like Phoenix, Houston remains remarkably open to migrants from the rest of America and abroad.
Houston, perhaps more than any city in the advanced industrial world, epitomizes the René Descartes ideal--applied to the 17th-century entrepreneurial hotbed of Amsterdam--of a great city offering "an inventory of the possible" to longtime residents and newcomers alike. This, more than anything, promises to give Houstonites the future.

Article by Joel Kotkin. He is a distinguished presidential fellow in urban futures at Chapman University, adjunct fellow at the Legatum Institute and executive editor of Newgeography.com. His latest book, The Next Hundred Million: America in 2050, was published in February by Penguin Press.

Lacrima's notes:

Know anyone that is looking to move to Houston and needs to buy or lease a home? I can help!

Contact me at lc@lacrimacosnean.com or 713.851.7774 c

FORBES.com MAGAZINE ARTICLE

5 To Dos Before Marketing Your Home

2010-05-21T12:46:00.000-07:00

5 To Dos Before Marketing Your Home

1. Flower up curb appeal. Do the lawn and bushes look neatly manicured? Could it use more? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrance? Is the walkway free from cracks? Does it smell like blooms or manure as you approach the front door? Are the windows clean? Is the paint peeling? Is the grass healthy? Weeds are green, too, you know, so by healthy I not only mean green, but I also mean no weeds. Does your front door have a fresh coat of stain or paint? Curb appeal can be a chore or a fun family event. Either way, it has to happen before the sign goes in the yard! And, by the way, continue it 'til the closing. It's just the right thing to do.

2. Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive. An inspector will give you a good indication of what will stand out to potential buyers. Plus, it is highly likely the buyer will hire one themselves and why not eliminate everything he would otherwise report? You'll be able to make repairs before buyers start charging you 10 times the price in the low offers they would bring unmaintained or before their inspector gets there and the repair requests start flying in like rockets. The best way to avoid insulting low offers or nagging repair requests is look like a million bucks to begin with -- get things done before-hand.

3. Get replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn out or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof, old foggy windows or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace them, even if you don't plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home and will be handy when negotiations begin. Don't play poker. They will see your foggy window and raise you ten.

4. Find warranties. Gather up the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other items that will remain with the house.

5. Organize and clean. De-clutter! Items like kitchen tools, out-of-season clothes,toys, and exercise equipment need to GO. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in storage areas. Clean windows, floors, fixtures, walls and baseboards to make the interior shine.

Sellers, the beauty of a tough economy is a lot of homes are neglected, abandoned, abused or otherwise show like poo. This is your chance to shine! Plus, none of the recommendations above are bank busters.

When hiring me as your Real Estate Agent to sell your home, I will have my TEAM of Contractors, Cleaners, Inspectors available for you to use!

Contact me for a FREE market analysis of your home and when you are ready to list it for SALE, we are here to get that job DONE!

Source:Active Rain by Kristen Ueckert

MAY-2010 Newsletter by Lacrima Cosnean

2010-05-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is full of national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general.

Please click on this link to view the MAY-2010 Newsletter Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter:http://lacrimacosnean.housingtrendsenewsletter.com?Newsletter_ID=248&Period_ID=185

Houston Real Estate Report for January 2010

2010-03-12T11:19:00.001-08:00

MLS Report for January 2010

Houston’s Luxury Home Market Gets a Boost in January
Surge in sales of homes priced $500K and above promotes double-digit price appreciation

HOUSTON — (February 16, 2010) — The Houston real estate market opened 2010 with a mixed bag of readings, making it difficult to determine a clear direction for the months ahead.
January sales of single-family homes across the greater Houston area slid 12.3 percent compared to January 2009, according to the latest monthly data compiled by the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR). When broken out by segment, sales of single-family homes priced from $500,000 and above showed dramatic gains in January while sales of homes on the opposite end of the spectrum, those priced from $80,000 and below, fell. Sales of all property types declined 7.4 percent in January on a year-over-year basis.

For the full report click here http://www.har.com/MLS/dispPressRelease.cfm

Roll in your renovation cost!

2010-03-04T14:42:00.000-08:00

Looking for a Mortgage Loan option that lets you roll in Renovation Cost?
This loan does not only allow rolling in repair costs, but it is the ONLY loan available that allows financing of a home that needs FOUNDATION repair!

Please read through the Highlights below and call or email me with any questions.
Lacrima Cosnean – REALTOR® at Keller Williams Realty
713.851.7774 C lc@lacrimacosnean.com

Highlights:
• With this loan, a borrow can purchase or refinance a home and include additional money for repairs and/or renovations
– ALL IN ONE LOAN WITH ONE CLOSING
• Minimum of only $5,000 in repairs
• Maximum = FHA loan limit ($271,050)
• 30 – 90 days for completion of repairs
• Up to 5 draws are allowed
• Only one closing! Repairs done AFTER closing
• Repair $ is escrowed at closing, construction can begin 4th day after closing with money disbursed on a draw basis as progress is made

More advantages:
• Appraisal is done on hypothetical “as-repaired” basis
• Buyer can include optional renovations if qualified (required repairs must be done first)
• Loan amount can go up to 110% of the “after-improved value”
• House payments can be financed if unable to occupy home during construction
• Consultant is required = takes the guesswork out and lessens client confusion/stress! (Handles all inspections, supplies bid on repairs for contractors, performs post-close inspections, draws, releases, etc.)

Examples of Repairs/Renovations:
• Foundation Repair
• Repair/ Replace Roof
• New Flooring
• Remodel kitchen/bath
• Paint interior/exterior
• Upgrade to or replace central heat/air
• Repair termite or moisture damage
• Energy Efficiency improvements
• Landscaping/exterior repairs
• Handicap accessibility
• Enclose Patio
• Fencing
• Appliances

Items not allowed:
Any luxury item and/or improvement that does not become a permanent part of the subject property is not eligible, including:
• Recreational or luxury improvements, such as hot tubs, whirlpool baths and swimming pools (up to $1500 can be allocated for repairs if there is an existing pool)
• Barbeque pits, bath houses, tennis courts, satellite dishes or tree work
• Additions/alterations to support commercial use or to equip or refurbish space for commercial use

The Process can be made very easy with a professional like me, that works with the best loan consultants, understands the process and is committed to successful transactions, every time.

Lacrima Cosnean – REALTOR® at Keller Williams Realty
713.851.7774 C lc@lacrimacosnean.com

America's Fastest-Recovering Cities

2010-02-24T12:05:00.000-08:00

Forbes.com projects a FAST RECESSION RECOVERY & BILLIONS IN ECONOMIC GROWTH for Texas in 2010!

San Antonio, Austin, Dallas and Houston are ranked in THE TOP TEN FASTEST RECOVERING CITIES NATIONWIDE, due to Jobs, Thriving Tech and Energy Industries and Texas's Stable Housing Market.

Cheers to you and us in 2010!

Click here for the full report America's Fastest-Recovering Cities

Call or email me for more info on Houston's Real Estate Market!

Lacrima-713.851.7774 c lc@lacrimacosnean.com

Homebuyer Tax Credit: What You Need To Know

2010-02-22T13:26:00.000-08:00

COUNTDOWN .....up to $8000 Tax Credit...for Home Buyers... Deadline: April, 30th, 2010.

To claim your benefit:
Close on a new principal residence between Nov. 7, 2009, and April 30, 2010. You can settle as late as June 30, 2010, as long as you have a binding contract by April 30, 2010.

Click here for more info:

Homebuyer Tax Credit: What You Need To Know

Courtesey of NAR (National Association of Realtors)

Contact me for any questions and to start looking at homes.

Lacrima 713.851.7774 c lc@lacrimacosnean.com

Read up some of my past Client Testimonials and note that 1/3rd of my buyers

took advantage of the up to $8000 Tax Credit so far.

If you are or know someone that is in a situation to take advantage of this Opportunity,

please let me know,

I would love to earn your business!

Regards,
Lacrima

Houston Real Estate - Market Snapshot Jan.2010

2010-02-02T15:16:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a year! 2009 was...

2010 will have lots of challenges, BUT also lots of opportunities!

As a buyer, you have low mortgage interest rates, a good variety of homes on the market as well as the federal housing tax credit of up to $8000 (read more about that on my blog post dated Dec.28th, 2009).

NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY!

if you are looking to sell....give me a call, I can get the job done!

This Market Snapshot by Houston Chronicle is a great overview of what is going on with Real Estate Sales in Houston.....please contact me with any questions!

AND for any referrals (buyer or seller) between February 3rd, 2010 to February 10th, 2010 you'll get $25 gas gift card!

Looking for homes near the "City Center" Houston TX ?

2010-01-26T17:10:00.000-08:00

Do you know about the City Center?

A new 37-acre mixed-use urban development, conveniently located in West Houston at I-10W and Beltway 8 in the Memorial Villages area. Some say, it is destined to become one of Houston's iconic centers."http://www.citycentrehouston.com/

With that in mind, I put together this map to give you an idea on price ranges in neighborhoods close by and if you know anyone that is looking to buy, sell or lease near the City Center. Call me at 713.851.7774 or email at lc@lacrimacosnean.com

Important Deadline - Homestead Exemption

2010-01-25T10:58:00.000-08:00

The time has come again to remind you, your friends and family about the Homestead Exemption.

A homestead exemption helps you save on taxes on your home. Harris County currently provides a 20% optional homestead exemption to all homeowners. This means, for example, that if your home is valued at $100,000, the exemption will reduce its taxable value for Harris County taxes by $20,000 to $80,000.

Application Deadline: In general, the last day to apply for a homestead exemption for the year is April 30 of that year. If you mail an application, it should be postmarked by that date.

So remember, if you or anyone you know bought a home by December 31th 2009,
now is the time to send in the paperwork for the homestead exemption and save 20% off the property taxes.

These are two helpful links to Harris County Appraisal District's website (HCAD):
http://www.hcad.org/forms/default.asp
http://www.hcad.org/Resources/Exemptions/Homeowners.asp

Feel free to give me a call if you have any questions on this or any Real Estate matter.

I consider referrals from my friends, clients and associates to be the greatest compliment that I could receive.

Thank you for keeping me and my team in mind whenever a referral presents itself.

Best regards,
Lacrima Cosnean Realtor®

Housing Trends Nationally and Locally

2010-01-07T19:29:00.000-08:00

Please click here to view the JANUARY-2010 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter.

This eNewsletter has valuable information about national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general.

The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau and Realtor.org reports, videos, key market indicators and real estate sales statistics, a video message by a nationally recognized economist, maps, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, plus local neighborhood information and more.

CALL me at 713.851.7774 or email me at lc@lacrimacosnean.com for any Real Estate Related Questions!

Vote TODAY!

2009-12-28T16:40:00.000-08:00

Click on the jpg below to read more about the revised $8000 Tax Credit - email me with questions at lc@lacrimacosnean.com and Vote TODAY! ... is the Tax Credit going to help you make a decision on buying a home before the deadline? (April 30th, 2010)

I am here to help and my promise is to 'Deliver the World of Real Estate to You'!

$8000 Tax Credit 2010

2009-12-28T16:37:00.001-08:00

A Card for You...

2009-12-21T14:18:00.000-08:00

2009 Tax Credit for First Time Home Buyers

2009-08-10T11:39:00.000-07:00

We've been hearing a lot of questions about the new tax credit. Who qualifies? How does it work? How long will it last? In this special edition video, we’re taking an in-depth look at the $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers.

We need to stay positive...

2009-07-07T03:02:00.000-07:00

INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE The Pending Home Sales index came in last Wednesday a blip UP for May over April. This was the first time we had four consecutive monthly gains in the National Association of Realtors index since October 2004. And May's number was up 6.7% over a year ago.

Also on Wednesday, the government announced that homeowners who are underwater up to 125% can refinance under the Obama administration's Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). They have to be current with payments and the loan must be owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. They're boosting the program's loan-to-value (LTV) ceiling from 105% to 125% so more homeowners can take advantage of lower mortgage rates. The idea is to have HARP prevent more foreclosures to help stabilize the market. Details are available at www.makinghomeaffordable.gov.

Another sign of hope came last week from the S&P Case-Shiller home price index. We feel this index is negatively biased in tough times, yet April's reading showed the third straight month of DECREASING home price declines. There were even HOME PRICE INCREASES in some of the 20 US cities included in the index. Moody's Economy.com chief economist Mark Zandi chimed in: "The long and painful crash in the housing market is coming to an end."

Info in collaboration with
Roger Ryman
Certified Mortgage Planner

6575 West Loop South, Suite 225
Houston, TX 77401
Phone: (713) 446-9666

LET ME KNOW HOW I CAN HELP YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS with their Real Estate Needs.
Email me at lc@lacrimacosnean.com

What Interest Rates are doing...

2009-06-21T20:59:00.000-07:00

"THE WORLD IS BUT A PERPETUAL SEE-SAW." Michel de Montaigne. And that sentiment was especially true in the world of Stocks and Bonds last week, as money see-sawed back and forth between the two markets, halting the improvement that Bonds and home loan rates mustered up in the first part of the week.Bonds and home loan rates began the week looking good - and remembering that inflation is bad news for both Bonds and rates, they were helped along by good news on the inflation front. Inflation at the wholesale or producer level remained tame in May, and at a consumer level, inflation readings came in lower than expected, with a year-over-year reading at its lowest level since 1950. These are good signs that inflation hasn't become an issue yet. However, inflation will be a concern down the road, due to the massive stimulus being injected into the economy. It is said that rates are like a boat floating atop the sea of inflation...as inflation rises, so will home loan rates. If you or someone you know should be acting on today's still low home loan rates, please get in touch soon. Also helping Bonds rally in the early part of last week was the fact that the New York State manufacturing index came in weaker than estimates, indicating that the US economy is still very weak. And since bad economic news often causes money to flow from Stocks into Bonds, this piece of news helped Bonds start the week on an improving trend.However, Bonds and home loan rates reversed course midweek and worsened, as money see-sawed back over to Stocks. They were also pressured to worsen by the enormous amount of Bond supply hitting the markets - as too much supply of anything will naturally cause the price to move lower...and in this case, has caused home loan rates to move higher. As you can see in the chart below, Bonds have worsened when additional supply has been announced, causing home loan rates to climb.-----------------------Chart: Fannie Mae 4.5% Mortgage Bond
While the Fed is continuing to purchase Mortgage Backed Securities, their efforts are just not enough to absorb the flood of new closed and securitized mortgages that are hitting the market after the heavy refinance activity recently - not to mention all the Treasury Securities being auctioned in order to pay for all the stimulus plans.And speaking of activity in the housing market, Housing Starts rose a whopping 17% in May to come in better than expectations. In addition, Building Permits, which are a sign of future construction, also came in better than expected. These are good signs that the affordable home prices, tax incentives and low home loan rates are attracting buyers to the market.After all the see-sawing action back and forth last week, including a late week rally in Bonds and fizzle in Stocks, home loan rates ended the week slightly higher than where they began.

IF YOU ARE READY TO BUY< href="mailto:lc@LacrimaCosnean.com">lc@LacrimaCosnean.com

Special Thanks for this info to: Roger RymanCertified Mortgage PlannerPrime LendingMobile: 713-446-9666 Fax: 866-424-1827Email: rryman@primelending.com

HOW is EU Economy- interactive map

2009-06-11T05:35:00.000-07:00

Since I am in Europe at the moment, I was interested to see what the EU Economy is doing... and ran across this great info from Dutch News Site :
"EU Economy Matters How is the economic crisis affecting the European Union? This interactive map from the Dutch news site NRC shows the figures for all the member states by year and quarter and lets you compare budget deficit, unemployment rate, national debt and economic contraction. Click on the map to select an EU country and figures will be updated by country, or click on 'Show EU Figures' for entire region. Not doing business in the EU? Doesn't matter. Europe's troubles are the world's troubles. The EU accounts for almost a quarter of the world's economic activity, and its sluggish emergence from the crisis is likely to slow any rebound in world trade and foreign investment."
Email me at lc@LacrimaCosnean.com if you want more info on Real Estate in Europe/Romania

Fan Club photos

2009-05-28T08:13:00.001-07:00

2009-05-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

Our first FAN Club Happy Hour was Friday May 8th, 2009 and we had a blast.
The idea started by us wanting to thank our past clients , but inviting them to a relaxing evening of wine and cheese at the Tasting Room on West Alabama.
We had a great turn out and be assured this will be not the last one, it is just the beginning. If for some reason you were not on the list, and you would like to attend our next event , please email me at lc@LacrimaCosnean.com

Design and Real Estate

2009-02-05T19:49:00.001-08:00

All right! My New Year resolution is coming to life! I always loved writing and sharing with others.... sharing about new adventures, new discoveries and places or events that market my life. So now that I have my own blog. I'm hoping that I can stay connected to all of you that know me and hope to have a long lasting 'blogging' relationship with you. Traveling from Romania to Germany and finally to USA, Houston TX, I've learned a lot about people and different cultures, languages and lifestyles. This blog is going to concentrate on Design and Real Estate. Mostly Interior Design, mixed with my passion for Green Architecture, and Real Estate. Our home is our sanctuary and we can improve our everyday life with simple and easy solutions that are already out there, and we can implement right away! Said that, there is lots of good information to come in my weekly blogs… so stay tuned and please keep me 'posted' to what interests you and how I can make this 'blog' informative and fun!