Lubbock AJ Real Estate Section 2012-02-11 by Lubbock Avalanche-Journal

Real Estate LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 11, 2012

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Inside Real Estate:

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On The Web:

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Where did you grow up? The first part of my life was in Colorado City, and in the 6th grade, I moved to Big Spring.

What tips do you have for someone looking to buy or sell a home? A major part of the process is making sure a buyer is pre-approved for a loan – not pre-qualified, but preapproved. Then when you go into contract, there should not be any surprises. The seller should pre-approve his home by getting it inspected prior to putting it on the market. This prevents surprises to a buyer and seller when a contract is consummated. Both of these actions take the “gray” out of the process and make the transaction flow much smoother.

What is the most challenging aspect of what you do? The challenging part of this profession is making the transaction as smooth as

possible, including making sure the buyer is really qualified for the loan (this has become more difficult over the past few years). Appraisals also are a real challenge right now also; it seems that sellers, appraisers and Realtors don’t always agree on the value of a property. It is always a challenge when you work with a lot of different personalities on the same transaction. Count the buyers (husband/wife), the sellers (husband/wife), the Realtor for buyer; the Realtor for seller and that is six opinions right there. Then you add to that mix the inspector, the appraiser, the lender, the title company, the repair person, on and on – it is an absolute miracle that any transaction ever gets to closing. What is your specialty? My specialty in real estate is residential. There is so much fun in working with sellers and buyers. Sellers need to know what to expect from a transaction and what is happening in our current market. Buyers also need to know what to expect – surprises on either side are not fun. To find the perfect match for a buyer and a house is so rewarding.

Cheryl Isaacs, Coldwell Banker Rick Canup Realtors, Inc.

Photo by Misty Setzler

Why should someone choose you as their real estate agent? Choosing a real estate agent is sometimes the hardest part of the entire situation. Sellers and buyers should check out the credentials and the track record of

at its

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ing this sometimes emotional part of life. I feel I have proven to be professional in every aspect of the buying and selling process.

How long have you worked in real estate? I have been licensed since 1974. I was a Realtor in Austin from 1974 to 1981 and then moved to Lubbock and continued to be a Realtor, so this is nearing 40 years.

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Coldwell Banker Rick Canup Realtors, Inc. 806-784-3227 or 806-535-7077 cisaacs@coldwellbanker.com

Why do you like living in the Lubbock area? I left Big Spring to go to Lubbock to attend Texas Tech. I felt like I had moved to New York City. I was fascinated with such a large city. I’m still fascinated at how our city has grown and has a large population but still feels like a small community. People are still very friendly and it is a great place to raise children. The climate is awesome. Lubbock is so easy to get around – you just need to know your numbers and your alphabet, except for a couple of subdivisions.

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Realtor Revealed Cheryl Isaacs

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the agent they choose. References from past clients are the best way to know if you are making the right choice. You need to match yourself with an agent that has the same goal as you do and has a personality that you feel comfortable with in conduct-

What do you see in the future for real estate sales? The future of real estate is going to be good. I’ve been in it for so long, I’ve seen it really bad (17% and 19%) and I’ve seen to really good. I think the future is what a Realtor makes it. There is always business out there regardless of the perceived market. What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working? When not working, I love to travel. My favorite area is Italy. I work hard and then take off enough time to be able to go abroad every year.

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Homes.LubbockOnline.com’s Picks of the Week

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New on the market Varying in pricing and style This week’s featured picks from homes.lubbockonline.com highlight homes that have recently been put on the market in the Lubbock area. 1. 10510 Elkridge Avenue is a pristine three bedroom, two bath custom home in Stonebrook. This lovely southwest Lubbock home is nestled in a cozy cul-de-sac in the Cooper ISD and features rich hardwood floors in all living areas, granite counters, a tiled back patio, beautiful living room ceiling treatment, a large master suite with patio access an air-flow tub, and a separate shower. This home also includes an office with french doors, a large utility room with a desk nook and freezer space, plus much more. MLS# 9985223 2. Exciting is the word that describes this unique home at 3723 95th Street. Located on a large lot, this home invites you

into an open living area with a cathedral ceiling. A Florida room with a retractable ceiling includes an in-ground pool and a full bath. This home also has tile floors, a beautiful kitchen and dining area, a large master suite, an updated ballroom, a basement or media room, a five car heated garage with oil bay and lots of storage. This is home is ready to be moved into. MLS# 9985320 3. This home is an unbelievable new construction by Cole Thomas Homes. It has three bedrooms, three and a half baths, and a two car garage with an office. 4018 125th Street boasts a captivating courtyard entrance with custom cedar awnings and beautiful landscaping. This home features granite countertops throughout, exposed cedar beams, stainless appliances, hand-scraped hardwood tiles, eight-foot doors and a dry-stack stone fireplace. The energy efficient exterior walls

provide 50 percent more insulation. MLS# 9984717 4. A fantastic custom built home is waiting for some lucky owner in Ravenwood. With three bedrooms, two and a half baths, a two car garage, and 3,175 square feet of space, 4009 100th Place will certainly make you feel at home. Faux painting, soaring ceilings in the living room, a basement with a theater room, an office, gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, a formal dining, and a huge backyard are some of the amenities. MLS# 9984732

6. An exquisite new parade home by Jim Elliott construction in Lakeridge South is at 4508 102nd Street. This luxurious home features open concept living with hardwood and travertine flooring, JennAir stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a walk-in wet bar, an incredible open gourmet island kitchen with a sit-up bar for five plus people, and a butler’s pantry. The 5. In southwest Lubbock, backyard includes an outdoor come see this spectacular home kitchen and fireplace, fully complete with curb appeal, landscaped with large trees, trees, a circle drive and plenty a detached third garage, and of parking. 7201 87th Street more. MLS# 9985077 is located on 1.39 acres and features a large backyard inFor more information and cluding a pool with a hot tub, a pictures about these and other gazebo and fire pit. This home homes, go to homes.lubbockis light and bright with a great online.com and enter in the flow that’s good for social and MLS# provided.

What are the best ways to add value to your home? Which home remodeling projects are the best for those looking for a solid return on their investment — and higher profits come selling day? A Home Office Remodel – Home offices are becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity. Making sure that your home has a state-of-the-art space for potential teleworkers is a surefire way to increase your home’s value. Renovate or Add a Family Room – With open floor plans becoming more in demand, a family room is an excellent way to make existing homes more like new construction. Replace the Roof – The roof is one of the first impressions people have of a home. Make sure yours passes the test by replacing an old roof. You can also change the character of your home by looking into architecturally styled roofing tiles. Landscape Your Yard – Along the same lines of thinking as the roof, landscaping can give a great – or not so great – first impression. Backyard landscaping can transform ordinary spaces into incredible entertaining areas. You’ll find that your new landscaped yard adds value to your home and increases your living space. Replace Old Windows – Thirty percent of a home’s energy is lost through its windows.

family gatherings. It also includes a gourmet style kitchen, an office, a sunken wet bar, a basement with a full bathroom, three fireplaces, and a bonus room. MLS# 9984837

Replacing old windows with energy-efficient ones signals to home buyers that you really care about the house and it reflects on the quality of the house as a whole. Plus, who doesn’t like to save money on energy bills? Paint, Paint, Paint – Enough said. But remember to hire a professional if you need help and keep the colors neutral if you’re looking to sell. Nothing looks worse than a poorly done paint job in bright fuchsia. Remodel Your Kitchen – Small changes can result in big value. Upgrading appliances, door handles and painting tired walls can add new life to your kitchen. The general rule when doing a remodel is not to overdo it… unless it’s the kitchen. Kitchens sell a home. But a kitchen remodel is a long-term investment; you’ll see payback 10 years down the road. And if you are a DIYer, know your limits. Sometimes doing it yourself can save money, but always bring in a professional for the big jobs. Remodel or Add a Bathroom – A bathroom remodel can often mean simply making the most of current space, by upgrading fixtures, flooring and lighting. Have a little more money? Adding a bathroom is a great way to increase the value of your home. For information on adding value to your home, visit www.nahb.org/remodel.

Go online & view hundreds of listings in the Lubbock area, read home improvement articles, real estate tips, & local news. homes.lubbockonline.com “Your best source for housing in the lubbock area”

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Local Real Estate News – Lubbock Association of Realtors

Don’t curb buyers’ first impressions

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BY Debora Lopez, President Lubbock Association of REALTORS®

Even though the Lubbock weather probably has your yard looking less than its best, it’s important not to neglect your home’s exterior when you decide to put in on the market. When you’re selling your home, you’re selling LOPEZ the whole package, and a buyer’s bad first impression of the outside could influence their opinion of the interior. Fortunately, there are a few simple tasks you can add to

your to-do list to spruce up the exterior. Once your home is listed, buyers will be driving by to check it out and will definitely be looking at photos online. You can make a few improvements before your Realtor takes listing photos or puts a “for sale” sign in the yard and expect to see the greatest return on your investment. Don’t Add, Just Subtract Just as you should tidy up the interior of your home when you decide to sell, take this same approach with your home’s exterior. Get rid of any clutter, junk or toys left in the yard and clear out dead tree limbs and overgrown vines. You don’t necessarily have to landscape your entire yard to make it appear attractive. Instead, maintain what you

already have or add a few simple touches. A few flower pots filled with colorful blooms are relatively inexpensive and can instantly make a home more attractive. Spreading mulch is a great way to tidy up neglected or empty flowerbeds. A few bags or shovels full of new mulch can make a huge difference. Just be sure to keep the yard mowed and edged, rake leaves and pull weeds regularly. If you’ve been using your garage to store stuff other than your cars, now would be a good time to clear out items and make room for your vehicles. This task serves two purposes: buyers can more easily imagine their own vehicles in a two-car garage if they actually see that two cars fit, and you get a clear driveway.

Make a Grand Entrance Could the front door use a fresh coat of paint? This do-ityourself project takes little time, is relatively inexpensive and makes a great first impression. You can also easily spruce up the area around the entrance with some pots or planters full of seasonal flowers and a new welcome mat. If your porches have railings or steps, this is the ideal time to give them some attention, too. Tighten any loose screws, replace broken railings or steps and give them a good coat of paint to help make them look new again. Keep It Clean If your home’s exterior or siding is looking drab, consider using a pressure washer to

clean it and the walkways and driveway, and don’t forget your gutters. Clearing them out and inspecting them will help you identify any issues such as clogs, leaks or broken clips. You’ll need to get out the ladder or call in a professional. Even if you don’t do windows, take the time to clean the glass inside and out. You can take the labor out of it by using a cleaning product that attaches to a garden hose for the exterior. Talk with your Realtor about what projects you should and shouldn’t invest in before you begin. They can tell you what projects are most likely to bring you the greatest value. For more information on buying and selling in Lubbock, I invite you to visit LubbockRealtors.com.

Painting projects to update your decor in one weekend (ARA) – Updating the decor in your home doesn’t have to be a long, laborious or expensive process. Instead, get a little instant gratification by using paint to easily refresh areas and items throughout the house. With a little cash and a free weekend, you can makeover your house right now. Furniture Facelift Whether it’s an old pair of chairs in the attic or a desk that’s seen better days, it’s easy to breathe new life into pieces of forgotten furniture with a fresh coat of paint. You can add interest and a pop of color to any room. A semi-gloss finish works best when painting furniture because it’s easy to clean and hides any imperfections. How to: • Make sure the surface is clean, dull and dry. • Prime with a stain blocking primer to ensure the surface is properly sealed. This will help the paint go on evenly.

Painting is the easiest way to make an instant impact on a room. This weekend, get inspired and makeover with these simple and inexpensive projects. • With a high-quality mini-roller, like those from Purdy, apply the paint of your choice to achieve the best finish. These tools are versatile, lightweight,

and can quickly and easily deliver a perfect finish with smooth rolling action. • For extra protection, brush on two thin coats of water-based polyurethane.

Last quarter of 2011 features higher sales volume, stable prices AUSTIN – Consistency and stability were the key characteristics of the Texas real estate market in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to the most recent version of the Texas Quarterly Housing Report. Featuring a 6% increase in the volume of singlefamily home sales and a median price that was unchanged compared to 2010-Q4, the Texas real estate market has continued to show strength and stability amidst national economic uncertainty. For the period of October through December 2011, the volume of single-family home sales in Texas was 46,764 – 6% more than the same quarter in 2010. The median price for Texas homes during the quarter was $148,100, a figure that is statistically unchanged from 2010-Q4. “It’s encouraging to see continued stability in the Texas real estate market heading into 2012,” said Joe Stewart, chairman of the Texas Association of REALTORS®. “With increasing sales, stable prices and low mortgage interest rates, this report is more evidence that, in Texas, things are different … and better.” Jim Gaines, Ph.D., an economist with the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University, expanded on the report, “The fourth quarter of 2011 presents our first opportunity in several years to compare apples to apples because we are now looking back on a quarter unaffected by significant stimulus programs. With this clear view, we see stability and consistency compared to last year with the most significant change being in months of inventory.” During the fourth quarter of 2011, the Texas market had 6.4 months of inventory, a significant decrease from 7.6 months in 2010-Q4. Months inventory is an indicator of the balance between demand for homes and supply in the market and the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University cites 6.5 months of inventory as a balanced market. This measure may be somewhat misleading, Gaines points out, as the number of Texas listings in fourth quarter 2011 fell significantly due to sellers waiting on price increases and foreclosure/distressed listings being held back.

Texas Association of REALTORS® releases 2011-Q4 edition of the Texas Quarterly Housing Report Gaines continued, “Looking at the year as a whole, sales volume and median price in Texas were essentially flat compared to 2010. However, Texans should know that ‘flat’ is the new ‘up’ because our state still outpaces national averages by eight to 10% in both sales volume and median price.” Chairman Stewart concluded, “This familiar landscape of steady growth in Texas is in sharp contrast to other states. Heading into 2012, we’re expecting even more activity in the housing sector, which will continue to be a key driver of the Texas economy.” The Texas Quarterly Housing Report is issued four times per year by the Texas Association of REALTORS® with multiple listing service data compiled and analyzed by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. About the Texas Quarterly Housing Report – Data for the Texas Quarterly Housing Report is analyzed by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University using statistics compiled from 47 multiple listing services in markets throughout Texas. The report includes data for single-family home sales over the course of one quarter and is scheduled for release by the Texas Association of REALTORS® on the following dates each year (or the next business day): Feb. 1, May 1, Aug. 1, and Nov. 1. About the Texas Association of REALTORS® – With more than 80,000 members, the Texas Association of REALTORS® is a professional membership organization that represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. We advocate on behalf of Texas REALTORS® and private-property owners to keep homeownership affordable, protect private-property rights, and promote public policies that benefit homeowners.

Step To It For an unexpected update, paint an area of the house that doesn’t usually receive a lot of love – your stair risers. They can get

nicked and scuffed easily, so fresh can really perk up the staircase. If you’re unsure of which shade to choose, cut and paint cardboard pieces the same size of the risers and position them on the steps to get an idea of the effect. How to: • Dust risers and cover steps with masking paper. • Apply latex primer to wooden risers or metal etching primer to metallic ones. Brush horizontally and let dry. Mini rollers are a good tool, especially over metal. • Apply gloss, latex paint with a clean brush or mini roller. Let first coat dry two hours, then apply second coat. • Wait a day for the paint to cure and then add a third coat for the most durable finish. Door Do-over Changing the color of an interior door can make a big impact in any room. The key to getting this

update right: color selection. Choose color similar to your walls for the door, because you don’t want the contrast to be jarring. Be sure to paint the frame too, so the door doesn’t seem to float in space, and use a gloss or semi-gloss finish. How to: • Remove door and hinges from the wall. • Make sure the door is clean dull and dry. • Prime bare, sanded woodwork; there’s no need to prime previously painted surfaces if they’re in good condition. However, if you are going over an existing oil-based paint with a latex paint, follow the instructions on the paint can on how to prime. • When applying paint or primer, work from the center of the door outwards in the following order: molding, inside panels, rails, stiles • Once paint is completely dry, re-hang door using existing hinges.

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Featured Floorplan – S.C.O.R.E. Builders

8903 Temple – South Brook

8901 Temple – South Brook

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2009 89th St. – South Brook

he “American Dream” for most people is that someday they would own their own brand-new home. Well, that day is today with S.C.O.R.E. Builders. S.C.O.R.E. Builders, established in 2006 and a member of the West Texas Home Builders Association, is in the business of building homes for people who think they cannot afford a brand new home of their own. They are a business that makes your dreams a reality. S.C.O.R.E. Builders’ name is an acrostic for a Second Chance Opportunity A Rebuilding Experience, which is exactly what many people are doing when trying to achieve their “American Dream.” S.C.O.R.E. Builders is founded on the principles of helping those who are willing to help themselves. The company’s mission is to walk in God’s Kingdom

and to be physical proof of God’s Grace and Mercy as they manifest this mind set for those who cannot afford a traditional mortgage. As they demonstrate the Love of God to their home-buyers, they are helping to build a brighter future for the next generation. S.C.O.R.E. Builders provides the best value in a home and at the most affordable price. They believe that after paying all their vendors and suppliers, plus the overhead, that every penny of profit is best served by putting it back into the cost of the home and thus lowering the cost to the buyer. They believe their job, in developing the best home suited for each buyer, is to have you looking forward to going home every day. Their South Brook Brick Featured Homes are located in the 2000 block of 89th Street and come in

1,287 square feet, threebedroom floor plans with beautifully tiled kitchen, dining, and bathrooms. Each has a covered porch, as well as a patio. The eyecatching exterior features rustic red brick with garden areas for your own creative landscaping to design an oasis in West Texas. As you walk into the warm surroundings of the family room, carpet in a soft light brown and walls painted light taupe provide a perfect backdrop to any mode of decor chosen to embrace your style. The tan tiled areas in the kitchen and dining areas add to the home’s casually elegant appeal and lead into the open concept family room, which has a coffered ceiling. The functional kitchen,

including all the amenities needed for an active family, is complimented by the faux-granite look Formica countertops. In the bedrooms, plush carpeting and walk-in closets create a cozy feel and gives relaxing appeal of a place to come home to after a busy day. The baths provide privacy and convenience for everyone in the home. These homes start at just the upper $80’s. S.C.O.R.E. Builders’ South Brook Siding Homes offer the opportunity of a lifetime – brand new homes starting in the mid-$70’s in an amazing area of Lubbock! This new community is located in Southeast Lubbock, just off of 82nd and University, in the 8900 blocks of Ave T, Temple, and Terrell.

Choose either 2- or 3-bedroom floor plans. Each home is more than 1,020 square feet with an attached garage and wooden fences. There are a very limited number of lots remaining, so give S.C.O.R.E. Builders a call. S.C.O.R.E. Builders offers multiple avenues for financing, including rent, rent-to-own, self-financing, and conventional bank mortgages. They understand each buyer is different so they custom-fit their financing plans with each

buyer’s needs. S.C.O.R.E. Builders – “Building a Brighter Future for the Next Generation.” Visit them at www. scorebuilders.org. To view homes and visit with a S.C.O.R.E. Builders’ representative, call (806) 776-1000 or come by the office at 5438 40th Street, Lubbock, Texas. These S.C.O.R.E. Builders homes are sponsored by the West Texas Home Builders Assoc. in cooperation with the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.

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