02004 32 2 galveston ebook

Clear Lake / Galveston HOME & LIFESTYLE GUIDE Volume 32, Issue 2

ABSOLUTE MASTERPIECE SOUTH LOUISIANA FRENCH STYLE CUSTOMER BUILT

RealEstateBook.com

Request FREE MAGAZINES online, or call 800-841-3401

Text P755667 to 85377

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Listing Agent: Coreena Sims RE/MAX Space Center (281) 488-1212 (281) 768-0611 Soldwithsims@gmail.com 1/19/16 4:21 PM

BAYOU REALTORS速

281-337-4557 1-800-999-4557 Text BAYOU to 85377 & view all available listings!

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WATERFRONT

Call Ken Hufstetler 281-536-3265 Text P886405 to 85377 LARGE, BEAUTIFUL HOME on five acres.

4/3.5/3 2 partially cleared land, great decks, granite counters, 2 fireplaces, whirlpool tub, pond for backyard recreation and/or watering stock. MLS/ID: 80412979 $399,000

WATERFRONT

WATERVIEW

Call Carolyn Spencer 713-898-7386 Text T11848942 to 85377 25 ACRES overlooking Highland Bayou with 3550 sf 4/3/2 elevated waterfront home on.

Could be commercial RV park. Call for more information. MLS/ID:94026494 $350,000

Call Carolyn Spencer 713-898-7386 Text P824283 to 85377 LAKES OF BAY AREA. Dickinson 3/2.5/3 beauty features stone fireplace and breakfast bar, massive granite counters, abundant builtins/storage, high ceilings. MLS/ID:67796486 $345,000

Call Murlene Ware 281-734-1023 Text P117902 to 85377 STUNNING HOME 4/3/2 split plan with study. Grand entry, island kitchen, tray ceilings, crown molding, extended garage and lush, lush landscaping. MLS/ID: 86886345 $350,000

Call Ann Bragg 832-419-2777 Text P218393 to 85377 ALMOST 1/2 ACRE. 3-4/2/2+. Large living area with FP and bay window, wrap around deck, private deck off master. Garage big enough for a boat and/or a workshop. MLS/ ID:92654237 $175,000

Call Robert Bragg 832-534-0625 Text P205339 to 85377 INVESTOR FIXER UPPER opportunity. 3 bed/1 bath home with large back yard. Call for more details. $85,000

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Call Melissa Martin 409-795-1669 Text P880263 to 85377 NEW CONSTRUCTION 4/2/2 with all the builder extras. 42 inch cherry cabinets, granite counters, vaulted ceilings, high quality stainless appliances, cul-de-sac MLS/ID: 30984308 $229,000

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Call Carolyn Spencer 713-898-7386 Text P214031 to 85377 COUNTRY GUY CITY GAL. Rustic 3/3/2 on .8 acre will suit both. Open concept, new appliances, updated baths. Livestock pen, play set, downstairs quarters. MLS/ID: 69642467 $229,000

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Call Robert Bragg 832-534-0625 Text T747681 to 85377 5 ACRES, excellent location with well and septic, comfortable, bright and open 2 bedroom home, separate office space, and very large barn. Horses welcome! MLS/ ID:36947337 $240,000

Call Ann Bragg 832-419-2777 Text T881032 to 85377 COME SEE this pretty home! 3/2.5/2 on large lot with in-ground pool and nice patio. Many updates, gameroom, plus inside utility and 1/2 bath added. Call for details! $200,000

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Call Ann Bragg 832-419-2777 Text P235784 to 85377 SPECTACULAR 4/3.5/3 in gated subdivision.

Quality features include double fireplaces, study, game room, island kitchen, screened porch with outdoor kitchen, much more.

MLS/ID:39953464 $590,000

Call Eva Bray 281-909-7507 Text P705775 to 85377 GREAT OPPORTUNITY to live close to water.

1/1 with nice wood deck at entrance and rear. Storage shed. Long driveway. Bonus room, nice size kitchen & living area. MLS/ ID:67222164 $49,999

www.bayourealtors.com 1613 FM 517 East, Dickinson 02004.32.2.002.Bayou.indd 1

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ANCHOR R E A LT Y

Anchor Realty Assoc., Inc. 281-427-4747

1113 W. Baker Road, Suite D

Donna Rather

713-553-3019

www.har.com/ anchorrealtyassocinc

Patricia Chapa

Se Habla Español

Veroncia Gaytan

832-262-3646

Terry Callenius

713-419-5089

Jose Rodriguez

281-796-2231

Rose Searcy

713-855-9207

Raquel Palomo

713-447-4095

P624393

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TERRY CALLENIUS 713-553-3019 VERY CUTE 4-2-2 on cul-de-sac st. 2 LG storage closets, carpet, tile/laminate flrs, island kitchen, granite tops, game rm & master on main. Fenced backyard. Must see to appreciate! $179,900

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Owned & Managed By Donna Rather

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ROSE SEARCY 713-855-9207 GORGEOUS 4-3-2 w/2306 SF on LG Shady Lot in quiet N’hood.

Custom w/open plan, Silestone c-tops & Fridge. $204,500

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MARIA CORTES 832-597-5381 GREAT INVESTMENTMENT PROPERTY. Many Possibilities! Bldg includes cooking equipment, appliances & furniture. $200,000

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MARIA CORTES 832-597-5381 REMODELED HOME on extra lg lot in Lakewood. Spacious BRs, LG study/ office. Open living/kitchen/dining areas. LG workshop w/electricity. $99,500

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PATRICIA CHAPA 281-427-4747 WONDERFUL, Well Kept 3BR/2BA in Eastpoint. Open concept kitchen/dining, surrounded by windows. LG living w/tile flrs. Split Concept. Must See! $130,000

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LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL!!!

Text AnchorRealty to 85377 & View All Availab le Listings!

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P885086 MARIA CORTES 832-597-5381 BEAUTIFUL 2 STORY CUL-DE-SAC LOT. Near Barbers Hill ISD. LG Master on Main. 3 add’l BRs, 2 BAs & game rm on 2nd flr. Study, formal DR, open family & kitchen. $309,900

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ROSE SEARCY 713-855-9207 514 EVERGREEN - 3 - 2 - 2 updated bath & kitchen, stainless appliances. Many upgrades. $139,900

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ROSE SEARCY 713-855-9207 4903 WOODFORD - 3 - 2 - 1 Open concept, tile foors, carpet bedrooms, covered patio, fenced back yard. $129,500

Text the Property Codes to 85377 to View More Photos & Information!

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On The Cover...

This home is an absolute ‘’Masterpiece’’!

South Louisiana French Style Custom Built by ARCHITRAVE Construction and Design in the gated community of La Paloma. This Breathtaking Home is on a Cul-De-Sac Lot complete with a Circle Drive. Check Out the Chef-Style Kitchen, Lagoon Style Pool/Spa, Outdoor Kitchen, and Separate Guest Quarters. All living areas are on the first floor. There is a One-Of-A-Kind 1521 sq. ft. Soundproof Club at the top of the Stairs. Bring your pre-approved, serious clients.

Offered at $1,299,999 • MLS# 93107774

Text P755667 to 85377

Coreena Sims

(281)488-1212 (office) (281) 768-0611 (direct) Soldwithsims@gmail.com Coreena.Sims@ReMax.net 02004.32.2.005.OnTheCover.indd 1

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5

Questions to Ask Every Agent Before Listing Your Home

Scan code to shop for homes now!

As encouraging news of the reviving housing market gains momentum, many homeowners will again consider selling their home.

If you’re like most sellers, a home is your single largest financial asset, and the commission paid to a real estate professional is substantial.

Therefore, you should have high expectations of an agent, and fully understand the strategies and tools they use to market your home.

To be sure your home is sold quickly and for the best price, ask an agent these questions before listing your home with them:

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How will you market my home to local buyers?

Real estate remains hyper local. In 2011, the National Association of REALTORS® reported that home buyers only moved about 12 miles from their previous residence. That means there is a very good chance the buyer of your home lives in your town or one nearby.

Buying a home is not an impulse purchase and it takes about three months from the time a buyer starts their search to signing a contract.

During that time, they continue to work, shop, eat, and play in areas immediately adjacent to your home and community. Ask your agent what their plan is to reach out to that local buyer.

2

How will you market my home to out of market buyers?

Your home’s price and community could attract relocating buyers.

Listing your home on one of the many free Internet listing services like Realtor.com, Trulia.com or Zillow.com is a good starting point, much like a phone book listing, but it requires a buyer seek out the site, and sift through search results to find your home, which it’s not an aggressive marketing program. To get the best results, successful agents must use outbound marketing and other forms of media to reach out to buyers in other areas.

3

How will you market my home to other local top agents?

Holding open houses is always a good investment. Both agents and local home shoppers can actually see the unique character of your home versus just looking at online photos. It engages other local agents, which can also bring you a buyer more quickly. Additionally, professional quality printed materials like flyers and postcards keep your home in front of them long after they walk out the door.

What types of media will you use to advertise my home?

In today’s multi-media world advertising is everywhere, and the way consumers find information is constantly changing.

Be cautious of agents who use only the web to market your home. Your agent must understand the importance of multiple media, like social media, mobile apps, text codes, local real estate magazines, direct mail and other printed materials to actively reach out to buyers everywhere – not just passively hoping for buyers to find your listing online.

5

How are you going to realistically price my home?

Pricing a home requires an intimate knowledge of the market to get it right. You want to get the best price, but there can be a disconnect between your expectations as a seller and the price for which your home will realistically sell.

If an agent overprices your home, it may ultimately sell for less than it would have if priced correctly from the beginning. It could also create conflict with the bank’s appraisal when the buyer tries to secure a mortgage.

Ask to see a comparison of list price, sold price, and number of days on market for your agent’s ten most recent transactions. Homes that sit on the market too long and go through multiple price reductions are typically overpriced.

Calculate the commission you pay to get your home sold and we think you will agree that you have the right to expect a very aggressive campaign. The best agents in your town will meet or exceed the expectations that we’ve laid out here and you deserve to work with only the best.

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02004.32.2.006.5Questions.indd 1

April Goodson

Account Manager Direct: 770.824.3038 Email: AGoodson@RealEstateBook.com

1/19/16 6:55 PM

For Galveston Island contact:

John Sincox,

Broker Assoc, CPA, MBA (281)413-0222 For Clear Lake City area contact:

Holly Sincox, Realtor Assoc.

(281)413-0738

LEADING EDGE

3616 7 MILE RD GALVESTON, TX 77554 (409)744-3300

Galveston Beach House New construction in Terramar Beach with Ocean views. This beautiful 3 bedroom 2 full bath is expected to be complete in late April. Asking $289k.

Galveston Condo Unobstructed Beachfront Views! 3BR/3BA w/tile & carpet flrs. Spacious deck/patio w/ spectacular sunrises over the beachfront. Enjoy all the amenities of Pointe West - beach access, club pool, fitness ctr, restaurant & lazy river on the bay side.

Great rental income potential!

Lot in Pirates Beach Fabulous lot in Pirates Beach subdivision. This is one of the last remaining great lots near the beach front in this prestigious area of Galveston Island.

Build your dream vacation home here or hold as an investment.

Lot in Pointe San Luis Great beachside lot in Pointe San Luis on the West end of Galveston Island. Build your dream beach house & enjoy your very own ocean & bay views!

Lot in Pirates Beach Desirable Pirates Beach neighborhood on Galveston Islands West-end. Lot is on quiet culde-sac in main beachside section of Pirates Beach.

Build your vacation home here! Short golf cart ride to the beach.

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For over, 35 years, The Real Estate Book has been connecting home buyers and sellers through locally distributed magazines and online products in hundreds of markets across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean.

Why Real Estate Book?

Be your own boss Control your future Flexible schedule Home based business opportunity

Opportunities are available in select markets.

For more information, contact Patrick McGroder at 855-556-7544

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Remodeling Projects to Kick Off 2016 Do you have a New Year’s resolution? No matter what your long-term or short-term goals are for 2016, one thing is for certain: nothing gives you that “fresh start” feeling like a newly remodeled home. Based on home renovations and designs that have gained popularity in 2015, here are some remodeling trends that are here to stay.

1. Mix Modern & Artisan Goods Newer is not always better. A huge design trend in 2016 is the combination of old and new through eclectic décor. Wherever you may shop, be inspired by local finds. Interior design guru Nate Berkus persistently encourages shoppers to buy locally made and globally crafted goods.

Don’t be afraid to mix mass produced goods with vintage and artisanal items.

2. Embrace Natural Minerals It’s all about the texture of items in their natural state, and that’s what consumers crave because it exudes that feeling of authenticity and attractive imperfection. Throughout 2016, you’ll see more and more natural minerals that are incorporated into a room’s layout. These can range from accents like pyrite made bowls to large chunks of quartz.

3. Adopt Sustainability Over the past year, there has been increasing popularity of sustainability in homes. More and more consumers are adopting the “Do It Yourself” way of life in an effort to make the most out of what’s in reach. To reflect this, consider recycling, repurposing, and reinventing different ways to manipulate and creatively reuse decorative items in your home.

4. Softer Color Palette Get ready to see a huge popularity in soft colors this year. Jeanette Holmes, designer with Miller Homes, suggests using restful palettes that embrace shades of blue, green, purple, mushroom and pink throughout your home. According to a recent article in Furniture World magazine, you should expect an overall softening of the color palette.

5. Brass Accents Most notably in the kitchen on focal lighting and hardware, brass is predicted to become one of the major finishes, as reported by a study in House Beautiful. Old brass that looks more worn will continue to gain popularity in 2016.

Find ways to implement these features in your abode for a fresh start as well as interested homebuyers!

Source: Loretta J. Willis, Designer; Macala Wright

How Homeowners Can Achieve a Listing-Ready Home Want to sell your home quickly and for the best price? Making some small improvements can give buyers the best first impression and make a world of difference when selling your home.

1. CURB APPEAL The first thing that buyers will see is the outside of your house. Does the outside make them want to see the inside? A well kept yard, an inviting porch, a clean driveway – all increase the likelihood that buyers will want to see more, so start here. Clean up the lawn and the driveway. Touch up or repaint the exterior. Clean gutters and keep the porches swept and inviting. Showing that the exterior of your home is well-kept will lead buyers to the assumption that the home is well-kept in general.

2. CLEAN, DE-CLUTTER AND SIMPLIFY. Do a deep clean or hire a professional cleaning crew to make sure everything looks its best.

Keep carpets vacuumed and beds made. Make the rooms look larger by removing clutter and large furniture.

Packed closets and cabinets also lead others to believe there is inadequate storage, so clean those out, too. Make sure to keep all the dishes away, hang clothes neatly in closets, make sure all light bulbs work, and towels in the bathroom and kitchen need to be clean and folded neatly. Help buyers imagine their own things in your home by storing personal items such as photos and knick-knacks.

3. UPDATE This includes fresh paint, replacing outdated appliances and fixtures in the kitchen and bathroom. If it’s not in your budget to replace, you can add new hardware on cabinets and sinks. If you can, replace outdated flooring or stained carpeting – or at least have them professionally cleaned.

Interior paint is one of the easiest ways to freshen up your home and increase its value. And, while that dramatic purple wall in the dining room may have matched your chairs, it may be hard for buyers to imagine with their furnishings. Use light, neutral colors that make the

rooms look bright and large and that match any decor.

4. CONSIDER HIRING A HOME INSPECTOR. It’s very likely that a buyer will hire one anyway – after they’ve made an offer, so being honest about your home’s condition will help you avoid any surprises or complications with the contract and closing later. And, although you don’t have to make any non-essential repairs, you may discover essential ones of which you may be unaware.

5. INTERVIEW REAL ESTATE AGENTS AND ASK THEM ABOUT THEIR MARKETING PLAN FOR YOUR HOME. After you’ve done all the work to get it ready to list, an aggressive marketing plan will ensure that as many buyers as possible see it.

Most agents will list the home in the Multiple Listing Service database, on their website and on their company website. Ask them about also putting it on other top ranked real estate sites. Also, according to the National Association of REALTORS, most buyers move within 11 miles of their previous residence – so ask about local advertising as well.

The sign in your yard should include the agent’s information. Many add a brochure box, but it’s difficult to keep it full. Ask about adding a text code that leads buyers to a mobile site for your home that shows more information and photos, so the information is always readily available to interested buyers.

Best Ways to Spend Your Tax Return It’s always a pleasant surprise to get a big chunk of money back on your tax return.

How should you spend that money, though? Instead of hitting the mall, where you’ll most likely make an impulse purchase, put that money in a place worth spending.

Have you considered these ideas?

1. Update Your Home’s Fixtures.

Updating fixtures in your home is another simple, low-cost way to remodel in a small but big way. Replace door handles, hinges, faucets, and light switch plates for an updated look throughout your home.

Keeping up with new home design trends will resonate with new homebuyers because you’ll have all the latest styles.

2. Trim and Mouldings Installing crown moulding, baseboards or wainscoting is a sure-fire way to create a more refined look. Your new trim and moulding will add beautiful detail and elegance to your home as well as appeal to all types of homebuyers’ senses.

3. Make Kitchen Repairs Buyers want to be wowed by the kitchen, but that doesn’t mean you have to fork over tens of thousands of dollars to make that happen. Focus on making repairs

that cost well under $500, like tightening a leaky faucet or eliminating burn marks on countertops. For a cheap alternative to repainting your cabinets, consider updating your hardware in a modern finish.

4. Spruce Up the Exterior Your home’s exterior is the first impression for many buyers online and in person.

Aside from keeping up with maintenance like mowing the lawn and trimming shrubs, assess the outside of your home for any repair work – a fading front door, cracked siding or a loose step – that needs to be completed before selling.

5. Upgrade the Bathroom Bathrooms can become a point of contention for buyers if they’re not in tip-top shape. Rather than taking on an expensive renovation, make minor upgrades that have an impact. Caulk the tub, re-grout tile, and install new fixtures.

Whether or not you’re getting your house ready to sell, these remodeling tweaks are easy, cost-effective, and will result in a great new look. They may be small, but these renovations make a huge impact, making your home feel like new!

Your Winter Plumbing Guide Preparing your home's plumbing for the winter is vital to minimizing the risk of potentially expensive repairs. Burst pipes, faulty boilers and radiators all need an inspection to ensure they're in good working condition. Being prepared is better than being taken by surprise, so spend the time to ensure your home is completely winterized.

Radiators Your radiators are a key component, not only in your home's heating system, but also for your comfort during the cold winter. Bleeding your radiators is a good way to restore their performance and efficiency.

There is an easy way to determine whether your radiators need bleeding – check if they're hot at the top, but cold at the bottom. A simple home remedy is to get your radiator key and a cloth, and locate the square shaped bleed valve which is usually located near the top of the radiator. Turn off the heating, and gently turn the radiator key while holding the cloth underneath to catch any dripping water, and let the air escape until water starts flowing. Tighten the valve again and move on to the next unit.

Boilers Boilers can have a serious impact on your home's energy efficiency, so the first step is to ensure you have a modern boiler.

Older boilers tend to use a lot more energy than their modern counterparts.

If your boiler is older than 15 years, then it may be time for a replacement. If you

have a modern boiler, you should have it properly serviced before the winter.

Pipes Pipes, more specifically frozen pipes, are often hit hardest by winter. With some simple precautions, you should be able to avoid any damage to your home’s plumbing system. All exposed pipes need to be covered with good lagging.

Lagging provides protection to exposed pipes and taps during the cold winter and is more of a necessity than a good investment. Lagging helps reduce the risk of your home’s pipes bursting, keeping condensation build up around the pipes to a minimum, and improves energy efficiency. Good lagging could not only protect your heating and plumbing, but it could also save you some money in the process.

There are a number of plumbers and plumbing companies that will install lagging for you. However, be sure that the company you choose is a reputable and / or trusted authority—dealing with damaged pipes and a broken heating system in the middle of winter could be extremely inconvenient, not to mention expensive if not properly taken cared for.

Source: Dyno.com; RISMedia

Heartfelt Home Design to Impress Your

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Who says you have to celebrate love just one day out of the year? Why not every other day, too? Add some romance to your home with some new decorating techniques that will wow your valentine!

We’ll show you how to transform your home into a romantic paradise where love never fades. Here are some DIY home design tips to try:

1. Romantic Furnishings

Add luxury to a room with a chaise lounge or a four-poster bed. With a bed with soft and silky sheets as the focal point of the room, it will radiate with elegance and romance.

2. Soft Lighting

When you want romance in your home, be sure to stay away from bright lights.

Lighting should be soft to give off the right vibe. Try installing dimmer switches on lamps and chandeliers so you can easily adjust the brightness to match the room's mood.

3. Fireplaces & Candles The flickering flames from a fire bring out the romance in a room. Fireplaces and candles create subtle light to both invigorate and relax the occupants.

4. Satisfy the Senses Sense of Touch Take advantage of your sense of touch through soft fabrics, bath curtains and the use of velvet or similar materials for upholstered chairs. On lamps, opaque shades will give your skin a beautiful glow and soft, plush towels are a nice touch for a romantic atmosphere.

Sense of Smell Enhance the overall mood in the room with the power of scent. In every room of the house, use scented oils and candles while keeping a subtle smell that is not over-powering. Add lovely aromas by placing fresh cut flowers around your home.

Sense of Sight Captivate the sense of sight with lovely artwork of landscapes, sculptures, or still-life paintings. Place delicate vases on dressers or a stack a poetry collection on a piece of furniture to enhance the romantic aura.

Sense of Sound You can filter sound and keep noise levels down in your home’s romantic space by using curtains and soft, plush rugs. Keep the television off or in another room to minimize noise.

Using these home-decorating tips, you can create a romantic and elegant aura throughout your home this Valentine's Day and all year long. As you decorate your home, concentrate on captivating all the senses. Sight, sound, touch, and smell should be used in soft and subtle ways to provide both luxury and tranquility.

SO YOU BOUGHT A FIXER UPPER. NOW WHAT?

If you just purchased an older home, chances are that you have some work to do! After all, just because a home needs a little more love and elbow grease doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.

The term “fixer upper” refers to older homes that are in need of repairs, maintenance, and possibly some remodeling. You may even get a much better deal on a house purchase by addressing repairs or updates that the previous owner hasn’t or won’t address.

So what’s next? Before you grab all your bags and the family pet to move in, there are some important factors to consider, which we’ll discuss here.

1. Is this your forever home?

3. Tile Tips

On the other hand, if you’re living there for only a certain number of years, you may want to consider more classic styles that will stay current in popularity even as years pass. Choose hardwood floors in classic stains that can be refinished before listing the house to sell.

4. Check above, below, around, and within.

In addition to home repairs, there are certain improvements and renovations that are appropriate for the length of time you plan to own and reside in your home. For example, you’ll have much more freedom to select taste-specific options if this is your final home purchase.

2. Carpet or hardwood?

If your fixer upper has hardwood in poor condition, but only in certain sections, you have the more economical option of only replacing the parts that are damaged. Or, all you may need is to sand down the hardwood and apply a fresh stain.

When it comes to carpet, darker colors are always a safe bet because it will mask dirt and stains. Also, darker colored carpet can be cleaned frequently without affecting its overall quality and appearance.

Most importantly in bathrooms, you need to use a flooring material that resists water and moisture. It doesn’t end with buying the tiles, though. You will need to acquire some type of thinset or mortar to attach the tile to the subfloor, grout to fill in the cracks, and specific tools in order to get a professional, finished look.

According to a recent article by Home Depot, one of the most important steps after purchasing a fixer-upper is to check the basement below, the roof above, the siding around, along with the sewer pipes and HVAC ducts within.

These make up the foundation of your home and addressing any issues before moving in will set you on the path of enjoying your new home.

At the end of the day, if you’re prepared for a fixer-upper well before taking the leap, then you’ll undoubtedly reap the benefits and rewards.

Hard work really does pay off, but still never forget about all the resources at your disposal whenever you need a little extra help or advice.

Source: Home Depot; Washington Post; AmeriFirst Home Buyer Learning Center

t n o fr r e t a w s e m o h

SPECTACULAR

4/3.5/3 in Gated Community Screened porch w/Outdoor Kitchen & More!

MLS# 39953464 * $625,000 Text P235784 to 85377

Bayou Realtors速 281.337.4557 1.800.999.4557

SHOREACRES WATERFRONT

Best kept secret on Galveston Bay 3/4 BR - 2.5 BA - 4 Car Garage MLS# 18041068 * $585,000 Text P774640 to 85377

Edmonson & Associates, Inc 281.326.5544 norman@edmonson-realtor.com

TEXT PROPERTY CODES TO 85377 FOR MORE PHOTOS & INFORMATION! 02004.32.2.009.Waterfront.indd 1

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8/15/13 10:14 AM Coreena Sims

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(281)488-1212 (office) (281) 768-0611 (direct) Soldwithsims@gmail.com Coreena.Sims@ReMax.net

This home is an absolute “Masterpiece”! South Louisiana French StyleTemplate Custom. Built by ARCHITRAVE Construction & AM TREB_USA_HomeCampaign_TF43_Full: TRIM 8/15/13 10:14 Design in the gated community of La Paloma. Chef-Style Kitchen & Outdoor Kitchen. Offered at $1,299,999 MLS#93107774

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Text P824283 to 85377 LAKES OF BAY AREA Dickinson 3/2.5/3 Call Carolyn Spencer 713-898-7386 MLS# 67796486 $345,000

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Consider These Factors When Buying an Investment Home Whether your new home is an investment or intended for personal use, there are a few key factors that you should consider for the best possible outcome.

Here are some important considerations to take into account as you search for your new home.

Location.

Tax Benefits.

Visit the area you’re interested in multiple times at different periods of the day before making a decision on that specific locale. Be familiar with the area as well as the features and amenities that your potential community has to offer.

If you rent out your home fewer than 15 days during the tax year, you are still allowed to take the deductions for the interest and taxes. On the other hand, if you rent out the home for 15 days or more during the year, you must report all rental receipts to the IRS as income, but you can also deduct operating expenses such as utilities, repairs, insurance and management fees against that income.

Purchase & Maintenance Costs.

Add up and evaluate all costs associated with buying and maintaining your new home. This will give you an idea of what to expect down the road.

Rental Income.

Is this an investment property? Do NOT depend solely on rental income to pay your bills.

Remember, you’ll also be handing over money to pay for cleaning, maintenance, insurance, and possibly management fees.

Rental Potential.

Assess and research the potential of renting out your new home. Emotions aside, pick an investment home that will appeal to the largest target market and remember that money factors and demand tend to vary and fluctuate, depending on the economy’s state at the time. Also, find out if your homeowners’ association allows you to rent out a property in addition to using it for your own vacation needs.

This home buying tip brought to you by:

Rose O’Brobinak 281-224-7388 obrobinakr@gmail.com

02004.32.2.012.HomeInvestmentAdvert.indd 1

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Now Leasing This new development is convenient to 146 and 518.

Space available now ranges from 1,375 to as large as 3,000 sq.ft.

Features: • ac-heating systems

• convenient parking • Owner pays for water and CAM • office Call to view now as space is leasing fast!

Rose O’Drobinak Logos Real Estate 281-224-7388 odrobinakr@gmail.com

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Enjoy Country Living

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Text P563653 to 85377 GREAT STARTER HOME on nice city lot w/City Services. Fenced in backyard w/nice LG Shade trees. Four BRs. Two car carport. All electric.

Why rent when you can own! MLS# 473262

00

Text P504574 to 85377 BEAUTIFUL BRICK HOME on LG corner lot. 3/2/2 in est community. Open concept w/spacious living & kitchen area. Refrigerator Stays. NEW PAINT! High ceilings w/arch entries & wall niches for your favorite pictures. LG walk in closets, Master BA, garden tub.

Backyard is BIG w/nice cement patio. MLS# 2505403

$3 30 ,

$1 73 ,

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Text P563639 to 85377 IN HEART OF SANTA FE! Charming & Move in Ready! SS Whirlpool appliances & side by side refrigerator! Really clean & updated! Great starter or downsizer! MLS# 40639127

00 0

Text P702168 to 85377 BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM HOME ON 16.427 ACRES! Features 45X60 barn w/840 SF, 2/1 mother-n-law ste. Main home has 3/2.5 w/ garage & PORTE-COCHERE. Bring cattle & horses. MLS# 15565864

Text P809115 to 85377

Text P755669 to 85377

TAYLOR MORRISON HOME IN CHARMING SPRING PINES. THIS 3BR/2BA SPLIT FLR PLAN HAS BEAUTIFUL GRANITE ISLAND KITCHEN W/42� MAPLE CABINETS & TONS OF STORAGE. COVERED PATIO PERFECT FOR BBQs! MUST SEE! MLS# 13282651

BEAUTIFUL 2 STORY ON 4.59 ACRES. Country Living. Huge pecan trees & pond in back. House is Being updated & buyer can complete! Barn. Aerobic sewer system, water well and new roof. MLS# 23455861

TEXT PROPERTY CODES TO 85377 FOR MORE PHOTOS & INFORMATION! 02004.32.2.014.015.SantaFeAB.indd 1

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Lou Lou Shaw Hayes Roni Ryan Debbie Cahanin Pamela Evans Dave Hubbard

Shane Martin Hana Case Frank & Carol Greathouse Donna Moore Fritz Barnett

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12501 HIGHWAY 6 • SANTA FE, TEXAS •409-925-3562

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Text P598927 to 85377 BUSY HWY 6 FRONTAGE. Great for commercial use. Mature trees and 3 entrances off hwy 6. Check w/city for restrictions.

MLS# 56971164

00

Text P848041 to 85377 BEAUTIFUL 6 ACRE TRACT on the dead end of canal street. Very private. Lots of beautiful trees. Some Oaks and Pecans and Cedars. Middle of property is pretty pasture.

MLS# 61907084

Text P508635 to 85377 5 ACRE TRACT w/lots of mature trees! Well & septic on property, but not guaranteed. There is a mobile home that has no value to property.

MLS# 14474744

$3 2,

00 0

Text P755668 to 85377 COZY HOME W/COASTAL VIEWS for miles in lots of directions! SS appliances, unique cabinetry & granite countertops! Spacious!

Add’l lot for boat slip/parking. Garage w/lots of storage. MLS# 88047588

Text P855665 to 85377 NICE LOT ON DEAD-END ROAD. County Taxes!!! Bring your Mobile home & horses!

MLS# 32942964

Text SantaFe to 85377 to view all available listings.

TEXT PROPERTY CODES TO 85377 FOR MORE PHOTOS & INFORMATION! 02004.32.2.014.015.SantaFeAB.indd 2

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Text EDMONSON to 85377 & view all available listings!

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Text P698295 to 85377

WATERFRONT! 125 ft on Galveston Bay! Coastal living at it’s finest. Many windows & doors to capture the view. Maple floors throughout main living level.

Wonderful master suite with two walk in closets and master bath with large shower and spa tub. Kitchen features built in refrigerator, silestone counters and seed glass in upper cabinets. Huge veranda wraps two sides on the home.

Built ins in study. Separate guest home with 1 bedroom, kitchenette & huge living area. Outstanding in every way!!! $999,000 Call 281-326-5544 evenings 713-817-8911 MLS# 26994766

Text P334695 to 85377

Text P272548 to 85377 THE MERIDIAN-3 story townhome in waterfront gated community in Nassau Bay. 3 bedroom, 3 bath with huge garage. 1 year lease. Ready for move in. $2,500 Call 281-326-5544 evenings call 713-817-8911 MLS# 30026847

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UNIVERSITY GREEN-3 bedroom patio home in Clear Lake. Huge master bedroom. Island kitchen. Wetbar. Fireplace. Great deck for entertaining. Well landscaped courtyard. $199,500 Call 281-326-5544 eves 713-899-8911 MLS# NON

Text P757874 to 85377

Text P672202 to 85377 LAPORTE-8 wooded lots. Great location for several wooded home sites or a single home. Little Cedar Bayou Park is across the street and a golf course and park is behind. $75,000 Call 281-326-5544 evenings 832-723-8690 MLS# 96565814

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MARINER VILLAGE-Exceptional 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath 3 story townnhome on marina has been completely renovated. 6 or 12 month lease.

Ready for move-in. $2400 Call 281-326-5544 evenings 713-817-8911 MLS# 80291284

Text P299798 to 85377 KEMAH OAKS-4 bedroom home with huge gameroom up. Hardi exterior. Fresh interior paint. Kitchen has granite counters. Fireplace.

3 bedrooms have laminate floors. Huge backyard. $230,000 Call 281326-5544 eves 713-817-8911 MLS# 92803774

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Text P774640 to 85377 SHOREACRES WATERFRONT-This small town is the best kept secret on Galveston Bay. Just 30 min from downtown Houston or Galveston, 45 from Bush and 20 from Hobby. Catch fabulous sunrises, sailing regattas and ships from faraway places from the large 2nd flr balcony or almost endless wall of glass living area in this charming 3/4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 4 car garage waterfront home. Constructed with concrete pil ars & wood floors throughout. Truly a ‘’bedroom community’’ quietly tucked next to the Houston Yacht Club. $585,000 Call 281-326-5544 evenings 713-899-5859 MLS# 18041068

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