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RE/MAX Lubbock (806)543-5050 stevegwinn@remaxlubbock.com Where did you grow up? I was born in Matador, Texas, and lived there until I was 16, at which time my family moved to Levelland, where I met my wife, Beth. We married in 1970 and made our home in Levelland before moving to Lubbock in 1998. Why do you live in the Lubbock area? What do you like most about it? Since we made our home in this area and raised our family here, it was the natural choice for us. Now, we wouldn’t think of living any place else, especially since our three children and nine grandchildren all live in this area! Lubbock is the “city with the small town feel” – everything that we need is here, without the traffic. Lubbock also has the best folks you will ever meet anywhere! How long have you worked in real estate? Beth and I both became licensed Realtors® in 2001, almost 12 years ago. Since that time, we have continued to work as a team. Why should someone choose you as their real estate agent? Well, I would choose us, if I had real estate needs! We’re a
can be a very complex and stressful process. Doesn’t it only make sense to rely on a Realtor® who has the knowledge and experience to anticipate problems and pitfalls before the transaction is derailed? We try to help educate our clients from the get-go.
team and you get two agents for the price of one! Seriously, our goal is to serve our clients well and help them enjoy the process by reaching the culmination as smoothly as possible. We tell our clients and past clients that the highest compliment that they can ever give us is to refer someone else to us. And that is how we continue to build our business.
What do you see in the future for real estate sales? This area has been truly blessed. When the housing market was hit hard in other areas and states, our local market only took a small dip. We were able to maintain our values during that time. Home values appear to be back on the rise, and I am optimistic that the local market will remain strong. Lubbock is a very diverse area with farm and ranch, the oil industry, Texas Tech and LCU, the medical community, and lots of small businesses, making for a strong local economy. Interest rates are still at alltime lows. There has never been a better time to buy or sell real estate!
What is your specialty? We are primarily Residential Specialists, working with both buyers and sellers. We also work with investors. I have a working knowledge of investment property because of previously owning and managing rental housing. Selling land and rural properties are also a passion because of our agricultural background. What are the most gratifying and most challenging aspects of what you do? Our highest goal is to serve our clients with integrity and skill. We strive to find the best choice in a home for each buyer and serve our sellers by selling as quickly and for the highest price possible. We have made lifelong friendships with people and have been blessed to serve them.
Steve Gwinn, RE/MAX Lubbock
What is the most unique property you’ve listed or sold? One of the most interesting homes that I have sold was in Lorenzo. It is one of the oldest structures in town and was at one time a boarding house. Photographs found
Photo by Misty Setzler
show changes in the exterior over time. It is great old home with lots of character. What tip do you have for someone looking to buy or sell a home? Seek out a professional. Buying and selling real estate
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What is the most interesting place you have been? In 1979, I participated in the American Agriculture Movement and drove a tractor from Lubbock to Washington, DC. The trip took several weeks, and I got to view lots of this beautiful country up close and at only 16 miles per hour. It was one of the highlights of my lifetime.
homes. lubbock online .com Search 1000s of MLS and classified listings in the Lubbock area Search for farms, ranches, and foreclosures throughout the US View open houses complete with a map every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Read local news articles, featured, Realtor Revealed articles, floor plans, home improvement articles, and much more
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Homes.LubbockOnline.com’s Picks of the Week
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New Listings! This week’s featured picks from homes.lubbockonline.com are new listings now available on the market. There is a tremendous variety of homes now available in different styles, sizes and price ranges. 1. Located at 4612 96th Street, this beautiful five bedroom, four and a half bath home is located on the 17 Fairway of Lakeridge Golf Course! Priced at $430,000, the home has 4,005 square feet of living space and is immaculate in every way. Features include beautiful landscaping, granite countertops, wonderful backsplash, stainless steel appliances, two living areas plus a basement, two isolated bedrooms downstairs, two dining areas, surround sound in part of the house and the patio, alarm system, large utility room and an in-ground spa! MLS# 9989843 2. There are lots of nice updates in this home at 515 N. Kline Ave. in Lubbock. The floorplan features three bedrooms and two baths in 1,461 square feet. The
interior features fresh designer paint with new Karastan carpet, neutral tile in the kitchen and both baths, new ceiling fans, custom faux wood blinds, and a new garage door. Beautiful landscaping accompanies a lush, green backyard. This home, priced at $110,000, is located in a great neighborhood with convenient access to Texas Tech, LCU, the medical district, and much more. MLS# 9989836 3. Located at 2712 110th Street, this is a super home in the Cooper school district. Light and bright throughout, the home is 1,183 square feet with three bedrooms and two baths. There is a front living area with special ceilings and a corner fireplace. The updated kitchen comes with a stainless appliance package, while the spacious master bedroom has a private bath. Other notable features include nice ceramic tile, fresh paint, an oversized garage, an extended patio, and a storage building. The price on this home is $91,350. MLS# 9989854
4. Priced at $270,000, this new listing is located at 1303 Monticello Avenue on a quiet street. The home has four bedrooms and two and a half baths in 3,070 square feet. This is a great home for entertaining on approximately 3/4 acre in Frenship School District. There is lots of living area, including a basement, with high ceilings and crown moulding. With an office off the master, this is a great home for someone who works from home. The home also has a metal fence, oversized garage, dual fuel heat pump, and an abundance of insulation. MLS# 9989847
the surplus of storage, including shelving, cabinets and the spectacular storage area in the garage. This home is priced at $112,000. Don’t miss it! MLS# 9989806
6. Last but not least is a totally updated four bedroom, four bath home in Kingsgate. Listed at $339,000, the home is located at 4008 88th Street and features 3,758 square feet in a traditional two-story plan. Updates include new granite countertops in kitchen, bathrooms, and utility, as well as new paint, tile, and hand-scraped wood floors. There are two large living areas and 5. This is a charming home two bedrooms upstairs, each with character in a great central with a private bath. The bedroom neighborhood! You will fall in downstairs could be a nice home love with this home at 3109 46th office. The exterior of this home Street once you see the functional has a metal roof, beautiful trees, living area, the large family room and landscaping with a sprinkler with a fireplace, and the backsystem. MLS# 9989798 yard with landscaping and a nice covered patio area. Featuring For more information and three bedrooms and two baths in pictures about these and other 2,171 square feet, this is a light homes, go to homes.lubbockonand bright home with plenty of line.com and enter in the MLS# windows! And don’t forget about provided.
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
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Is it time for you to move? BY Debora Perez Ruiz, President Lubbock Association of REALTORS®
and what prospective buyers are looking for – and willing to pay for – in your area.
Our needs change as we go through various stages of our lives. This is true in many aspects, including where you live. Whether your lifestyle has evolved or your family has expanded or left the nest, here’s how to determine if it’s time to find a new place or make modifications to your current home.
What To Do When It’s Time To Pack Up Moving presents different factors to consider. There are expenditures and time investments associated with moving and getting your home ready to sell, so preparing to move can be challenging. Luckily, a Lubbock REALTOR® can handle the responsibility of listing, marketing and showing your own home. Working with a Lubbock REALTOR® can help your home sell more quickly, and fewer days on market saves you from incurring additional monthly expenses for utilities and the mortgage payment. Your Lubbock REALTOR® can also help you by guiding you through the transaction and negotiating on your behalf. And since you’re moving out, that means you’re looking for a new place to move into. To get started on the home buying process, get pre-approved for a loan by a lender so you’ll have an idea of your price range. Next, you should share with your Lubbock REALTOR® the information from your lists about what you’re looking for so he or she can search for properties that meet those needs.
Determine What You’re Looking For Everyone has different requirements and RUIZ priorities for housing. The couple expecting their first child might have substantially different needs than the family with three teenage boys, as will the person whose aging parent needs in-home care. Make a list of what you need and want in a home and a list of what you like and dislike about your current home. Then compare the two lists. If renovating is an option, get a contractor or an architect to look at your house, explain your options and provide you with an estimate. Keep in mind there are things you can’t renovate, like neighborhood, lot size, quality of schools and other environmental factors. A Lubbock REALTOR® can also help you evaluate your renovation options. They will know what improvements and additions can do for the value of a home
Make a Smart Choice Housing is one of the most important decisions you can make. Spending time to think about what your needs are and getting the right help on your side is what will make your decision a smart one. For more advice about buying and selling real estate, visit LubbockRealtors.com and TexasRealEstate.com.
Mortgage applications decrease WASHINGTON, D.C. – Mortgage applications decreased 2.5 percent from one week earlier, according to data from the Mortgage Bankers Association’s (MBA) Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey for the week ending August 31, 2012. The Market Composite Index, a measure of mortgage loan application volume, decreased 2.5 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from one week earlier. On an unadjusted basis, the Index decreased 3 percent compared with the previous week. The Refinance Index decreased 3 percent from the previous week to the lowest level since May 2012. The seasonally adjusted
Purchase Index decreased 0.8 percent from one week earlier. The unadjusted Purchase Index decreased 3 percent compared with the previous week and was 1 percent higher than the same week one year ago. The refinance share of mortgage activity remained unchanged at 79 percent from the previous week. The adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) share of activity increased to 5 percent of total applications. The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances decreased to 3.78 percent from 3.80 percent, with points decreasing to 0.37 from 0.42.
New homes are getting smaller From the early 1990s to the beginning of this century, “bigger is better” certainly was the mantra of the home-building industry. All across North America buyers could browse among home developments boasting homes of 3,000 square feet or larger and multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. But according to new data, home buyers are seeking less space today but more in green amenities. Research by housing industry experts has found that many people now desire smaller homes with multipurpose rooms and energy saving features. They’re not ready to trade in their two- and three-car garages just yet, though. Plus, a survey of International Furnishings and Design Association members forecasts that McMansions will become a thing of the past and more emphasis will be placed on smaller, more eco-friendly homes. Family rooms will grow larger, as will kitchens. Other rooms in the home will disappear, including the living room. Many homeowners and potential home buyers realize that with girth comes a cost. In today’s fragile economy, the ability to cash in on the dream of homeownership may come at the compromise of a smaller, better-planned home. Here are some things that you are likely to find or not find in newer homes moving forward. • The dining room is becoming extinct, with larger, eat-in-kitchen/entertaining spaces the norm. The kitchen will be the main room of the home and be renamed the “kitchen lounge.” • Separate rooms are evolving into spaces
that serve many different purposes. • Although the sizes of bathrooms may be scaled back, the amenities will not. Spastyle bathrooms with luxurious products, high-tech features and televisions will be on the rise. • The master bedroom suite may not shrink in size, but it could be combined to form a home office and exercise space. • Expect to see more high-tech offerings, such as voice- or motion-activation devices in the home. Lighting, entertainment gear, heating/cooling systems, and even blinds could be hooked up to a master control system. • Thanks to an increasing number of people working from home, the presence of a dedicated home office is a given in newer homes. Nearly 40 percent of industry forecasters say that they expect one in every home. • Home storage solutions will also be a vital component of new homes. Builders will create clever solutions for mixing storage into more compact spaces. Part of what is driving the trend toward smaller homes is the cost in relation to space and the increased interest in environmental conservation. Smaller, more efficient homes require less in terms of heating and cooling energy. They need less furniture, and new materials made from sustainable products help further fuel green initiatives in the building industry. Although the homes may be smaller, they will not be miniscule. And home buyers can expect a host of amenities that will make the smaller size of homes barely perceptible.
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Keller Williams Realty ranked highest in customer satisfaction among home buyer, seller segments by J.D. Power Updating kitchen cabinets can give your kitchen a dramatic new look. Consider your budget, then opt for the style and price range which fits your needs the best. Don’t forget to change out the hardware and faucets for a finished look!
Give kitchen a fresh face (ARA) – With the kitchen at the heart of the home, it’s an obvious place to take time for a few updates this season. Here are a few ideas to help give your kitchen a fresh look without spoiling the budget. • Overhaul cabinetry – Although replacing kitchen cabinetry can be a very costly home improvement project, it usually makes the biggest impact. With unlimited options to choose from and varying price points, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and discouraged. Even if your budget is small, don’t give up on the idea of updating your kitchen cabinetry because there are plenty of affordable solutions. • Add some personality and shine – Hardware and faucets are touched
every day, and wear and tear are inevitable. Just switching out these pieces can make a dramatic difference by adding a fresh shine, some personality and even greater functionality to the space. If your cabinetry hardware seems a bit dated, opt for one of many modern options for an instant, low-cost update. Replace the kitchen faucet with a sleek, better-functioning style to elevate the kitchen design, but also introduce a newer water-saving solution. • Don’t underestimate the power of paint – With color trends constantly changing, and the focus on color in the home becoming more prominent, a fresh coat of paint can change the look and feel of a space almost instantly. With the changing season, opt for
colors that add warmth and comfort or choose a bright color to combat the gray of winter. Paint can also help cover up unsightly wall marks and stains and provide the backdrop for new decor and furnishings for a whole new look. To ensure your new look has staying power, make sure to purchase a quality paint specially formulated for the kitchen. • Lighten up – Kitchen lighting is easy to overlook. If there are outdated lighting fixtures in your kitchen, or simply not enough light, consider adding new pendant lights or splurge on a chandelier to create a focal point. Simply adding lighting under the wall cabinets and dimmer switches can introduce new ambiance to the space.
New owners introduce WIN Home Inspection Lubbock James Price (TREC # 20477) and his wife, Jessica, are pleased to announce that they are the proud new owners of WIN Home Inspection Lubbock. They invite you to contact them today to learn more about the newest name in home inspection services in Lubbock. WIN Home Inspection was founded in 1993 in Seattle, WA, and has expanded to 28 states with more than 168 locations. “We are thrilled to bring WIN Home Inspection to the Lubbock area,” says James. “The superior service provided by WIN Home Inspection must be
experienced rather than described. At WIN Home Inspection Lubbock, we work in accordance with our vision: We see more. Clearly. We look forward to meeting with you and providing you with more information.” After serving as a member of the Texas National Guard during Operation Iraqi Freedom, James pursued a degree in business from Wayland Baptist University in Lubbock. While working hard and maintaining President’s list recognition, he began searching for small business opportunities to pursue after graduation. “I stumbled upon Vet Fran, an
organization which connects veterans with franchises willing to offer special opportunities to vets,” he explains. “WIN Home Inspection stood out, and after months of interviews and preparation, I was selected as the first recipient of the WIN Home Inspection WIN For America Award.” More information about the incredible work WIN Home Inspection is doing to assist veterans can be found at www.winforamerica.com. Contact James Price at (806) 500-2236 or (806) 470-7013 (cell), or online at www.winhomeinspectionlubbock.com.
AUSTIN – According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction StudySM released earlier this month, Keller Williams Realty, Inc. ranks highest in customer satisfaction in both the home buyer and home seller segments. Keller Williams Realty, Inc. achieved the highest scores in all measured factors across both segments, receiving the highest JDPower.com Power Circle RatingSM among its competitors overall. “We are so proud to have our associates be recognized once again for leading the industry with the influence and reputations they have in their local communities. They continually demonstrate not only their level of talent, but their commitment to serving our communities with the utmost integrity and highest level of service,” Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc., stated. “Congratulations to all Keller Williams Realty associates. They have certainly earned this prestigious distinction.” The fifth annual J.D. Power and Associates study measures customer satisfaction with the largest national real estate companies within the home buyer and seller segments. Scores are determined by examining three factors of the home-buying experience: agent/salesperson; office; and variety of additional services. For the home-selling segment, agent/salesperson; marketing; office; and variety of additional services are examined. “Keller Williams Lubbock continues to focus on putting our clients and customers first and works diligently to train our agents on having the highest level of customer service and knowledge on the local real estate market,” said Tara Newton, Team Leader of Keller Williams Lubbock. J.D. Power and Associates stated, “[The uncertain economic times] present a challenge for the real estate companies to really work closely with the customers and really hold their hand through the entire process to make them feel more comfortable in the decisions. Keller Williams has set itself apart by performing high in all the areas that are most important to customers specifically with the agent, the offices, and the services that they provide.” “Our agents go above and beyond to help their clients at one of the most personal times in their lives – when they are buying or selling a home. We are incredibly honored and humbled that our associates have been recognized yet again for their incredible levels of service,” said Mary Tennant, President of Keller Williams Realty, Inc. About Keller Williams Realty, Inc.: Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty, Inc. is the second-largest real estate franchise operation in the United States, with 675 offices and almost 77,000 associates across the globe. The company, which began franchising in 1990, has an agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. The company also provides specialized agents in luxury homes and commercial real estate properties. For more information, or to search for homes for sale, visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com). Information about Keller Williams Realty’s international expansion can be found at (www.kwworldwide.com).
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Featured Floorplan – Rice Horkey Custom Homes
4007 112th St. – Orchard Park
Choose a professional to build your new home BY Texas Association of Builders
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his one-of-a-kind Southwest Lubbock home, located at 4007 112th Street in exquisite Orchard Park, was built by Rice Horkey Custom Homes. This Featured Home is sponsored by the West Texas Home Builders Association in cooperation with the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Rice Horkey Custom Homes is about satisfying their customers time and time again. Rice Horkey has been building commercial and residential construction in West Texas for three decades, which has given him a unique insight into building a stronger, more reliable home. Rice Horkey Custom Homes are designed for each client’s individual needs, and the personalized customer service Rice Horkey Custom Homes provides to each client leaves them feeling the Horkey Home Difference! Rice Horkey’s extensive building experience ranges from single family homes to duplexes, apartments, commercial buildings, convenience stores and restaurants. All custom homes feature “Energy Star” rated appliances and mechanical equipment, and each is built with quality and detail as top priority from start to finish. Rice Horkey Custom Homes is known for going the extra mile. Examples of this include 2” x 6” exterior walls allowing for superior strength and extra insulation, termite and insect chemical treatments performed before each slab is poured, and walls/rafters foamed for the highest R factor available today. Rice Horkey Custom Home’s attention to detail and finishes are what truly separates them from the average home builder. This week’s Featured Home is a charming three bedroom, three and a half bath, three car garage garden home in Orchard Park, one of Lubbock’s most prestigious neighborhoods. It combines quality craftsmanship and energy saving ideas throughout. The gourmet kitchen displays custom designed cabinets, a gorgeous oversized island for entertaining, beautiful granite countertops, stainless steel Jenn-Air professional grade cooking appliances, and much more. The lovely isolated master bedroom features a cozy sitting area, custom box ceiling, and crown molding. Upon entering the master bathroom, you will find his and her sinks, elegant tub, separate shower, and spacious walk-in closet. The well designed living area features 14 foot ceilings with three step crown molding, hand scraped hardwood floors, custom built entertainment center, and a stunning stone fireplace. Looking out from the living area, you will notice a large outdoor covered patio with a stone fireplace and outdoor grilling area, perfect for entertaining. You will find all of this with tons of curb appeal including the exquisite brick and stone exterior, attractive landscaping, and outdoor lighting. This 2,640 square foot home is priced to sell at just $390,000. Come by the open house this Saturday from 2-4 p.m. Please contact Mark Oatman of RE/MAX Lubbock for your private showing at markoatman@remaxlubbock.com, (806) 543-8568 or (806) 799-4200.
Anyone interested in buying a new home wants to find a quality house built by a professional. While professionalism may mean different things to different people, generally there are guiding principles by which home building professionals conduct business. Look for these qualities in any home builder you choose to build your dream home. • Building professionals believe that homes should be well designed, well constructed and well located in attractive, accessible communities. • They feel a strong responsibility to their customers and their community. • Honesty is their guiding business policy, and they believe in dealing fairly with their customers, employees, subcontractors and suppliers. • They try to build high standards of health, safety and sanitation into every home. An important indicator of professionalism is whether or not the builder or contractor belongs to a home builder association or other professional organization. Builder associations encourage their members to research and develop new materials, building techniques and equipment, and improve methods of home financing so that home buyers receive the greatest possible value for their money. Home builder associations and their members care about their industry and building a quality product that will serve the homeowner and community for years to come. The quality of a new home will in large measure be determined by the skill of the building professional that constructs it.
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