Texas real estate

Texas is a huge state; it encompasses over 260,000 square miles making it the second biggest state in the Union. Needless to say, with this much square footage there is a lot of Texas land to go around. Some of it is taken, having been transformed into the illustrious cities of San Antonio, Dallas, Houston and others. Much of it remains unremarkable and insignificant, just sitting there waiting for someone to claim it. Could that person be you? Texas land is a valuable investment, at least in the eyes of many people. There are so many reasons why the investment is a smart one, and one that even beginners should be fairly confident in its return.

People Want to Live in Texas

One of the more obvious reasons why Texas land is a good investment is because people want to live in Texas. Texas land information can be made available to anyone; people want to build homes or start businesses and with the troubles the United States economy has seen so far this century, people are moving around to get a fresh start. Texas is one of the prime locations, as are other spots around the southern United States. Land that can be developed into a home or farming is a good investment.

People are Doing Business in Texas

It seems obvious to say that people are doing business in Texas; after all, people do business everywhere, right? Not exactly; while many state economies have experienced a slump in business of every sort just because people aren’t buying and selling, land property and real estate are the first to be hit. This isn’t the case in Texas. As a matter of fact, the economy in Texas has managed to remain rather strong even through the country’s economic troubles. Texas has the second largest economy in the United States, second only to New York.

Agriculture is an Active Part of Texas Economy

Land sold for agricultural purposes can bring in a lot of profit. This is because people tend to need a lot of acreage at one time if they want to use it for agricultural purposes. If you have acquired land in the right area, it may be sold for agricultural purposes which allows larger plots of land to be useful to one buyer as opposed to dividing the same acreage among several buyers.

There are so many reasons to buy land in Texas. It is a great investment for those who don’t want to take a lot of risk when it comes to buying land. People are always moving into Texas, and there are so many uses for Texas land. It would be silly to pass up on a potential investment in Texas land if things were right. Is there a plot of Texas land calling your name?

By: Gregory Akerman

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Central Texas is Hill Country, a scenic region with amazing natural attractions, quaint country towns and lovely hills and valleys. Austin is the gateway to this fantastic recreational area steeped in history and Southern charm. The Texas Hill Country welcomes more than 5 million tourists each year, and the clear rivers, towering forests and abundant wildflowers are just a few of the reasons they return again and again. From water sports and outdoor activities to shopping and golfing, Texas Hill Country provides a wealth of activities for all ages and interests.

The Texas Hill Country, just minutes from Austin, is full of natural attractions that provide the outdoor enthusiast with many chances to admire the scenery and recreate in Mother Nature’s playground. One of the top attractions is Enchanted Rock, a large natural rock formation more than 400 feet tall. Also top of the list is the Longhorn Caverns, where tours recall the days when outlaws, Native Americans and soldiers used them as shelter. Cool off at Barton Spring Swimming Hole and check out the wildlife at the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch.

Quaint Southern Texas towns provide a glimpse into the rural heritage of the Texas Hill Country. Villages such as Wimberley, San Marcos, Buda, Burnet and Johnson City are all nestled in the rolling hills and provide tourists with shops brimming with handicrafts and antiques and fine dining in restaurants overlooking the natural beauty of the region. Enjoy Texas history at several museums that instruct and educate visitors on everything from early Native American life to cowboys and ranchers. Visit the towns of Bandera, Dripping Springs and Taylor for true historical attractions.

When folks are looking to get out of Austin for a few hours, they head to Hill Country and participate in just a few of the many things to do in the area. There are lakes and rivers that are perfect for swimming, fishing, sailing, boating or tubing. Staying in a bed and breakfast is a wonderful way to get away for a day or a weekend. Check out historically important architecture in any of the Main Streets in the smaller cities in Hill Country, or hike, bike and camp in any of the national and state parks in the area. Visitors to the area can even take wine tours, guided ranch tours and art gallery tours if that is the kind of recreation they enjoy.

While Hill Country is located in the center of Texas, it’s easy to see why the area is considered the heart of this great state. The lush abundance of natural resources and Southern hospitality creates a unique combination of relaxation and rejuvenation. Using Austin as a base to explore this amazing region is a wonderful idea for those seeking to maximize their time in Texas Hill Country.

By: Eric Bramlett

Real estates have different laws and terminologies. One of which is a quick sale. This is the most commonly used term in this field of business. Better understanding of what a quick sale is quite important. As a businessman, you can determine how to make a huge amount of profit if you have enough knowledge about the more common real estate terms. For debtors on the other hand, there are some benefits that they could get from knowing this information as well.

There are quite a number of things that you need to know before you get yourself fully engaged into this kind of business. Some of these things would include the benefits both to debtors and businessmen, function of a short sale, the whole process and its effects.

To start with, a quick sale is a form of a business deal which involves buying a property for a price lower than its normal value. This normally happens when the mortgage loan could not be paid by the borrower, or home owner. After a couple of months that the debtor failed to pay for the loan, the lender decides to sell the property for a lower price, rather than putting too much pressure on the borrower.

The whole quick sale process starts when both parties agree to sell the unpaid property for an amount relatively lower than the outstanding balance. Since this involves a huge amount, real estate lawyers for both parties should be present. By doing this process, it guarantees both the borrower and lender that the whole process will be taken care off legally. This is an added insurance that no one gets ripped off and that these two parties will equally benefit from it.

The debtor should sign a consent form saying that he/she agrees to the short sale agreement. The bank will also sign another consent form to if the institution agreed to the price offered. The bank has the power to object to the amount offered. There are instances that the buyer has to wait for the bank’s decision – it may range from two days up to five months.

Once everything is settled, including the legal papers, the property will not undergo foreclosure, thus, less bank fees and other expenses will be spared. Borrowers on the other hand will benefit since having a poor credit score can be avoided.

With regard to business, most people take the advantage of a quick sale to earn huge profits. Say for instance, there is a property with an outstanding balance of $300,000. You and the lender can agree to pay the remaining balance at $250,000. After which, the businessman is not obliged to pay for the remaining $50,000.

Since you have agreed to pay for a lump amount, the bank agrees that the debt has already been paid. After which, they grab this great opportunity to sell the property for a higher price.

Understanding the process will help in creating profits. You just have to understand the process better and seek the help of experts for your better appreciation of the whole picture.

By: John Carlstrom

Located in north Austin, the Quail Creek subdivision is made up of two neighborhoods – Quail Creek and Quail Creek West, both of which were established in the late 1960s. It’s bordered by Burnet Road to the west, Braker to the north, I-35 to the east, and Highway 183 to the south. And, residents will enjoy a short commute to downtown that’s just nine miles away.

A stroll through the neighborhood will reveal several modest, one-story homes with large lots. Although most homes were built in the late 1960s, several have been updated to reflect current styles, with features like new kitchens, wood floors, and sprawling outdoor patios. Many Austinites are drawn to the neighborhood because of its affordable prices. From January 2009 to June 2010, sold prices ranged from $70,000 to $207,500.

Residents will find themselves in the midst of several recreational opportunities. Quail Creek Park spans 16 acres and is home to picnic areas, a playground area, volleyball court, and soccer field. There’s also a short hike and bike path that winds through it. Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is another popular destination just north of the neighborhood. It features several barbeque pits within a picnic area, a playground, basketball court, softball field, and community swimming pool. This park also has a significant trail that spans 15 miles.

The Domain shopping center is less than three miles away and is a popular attraction for those who live in the subdivision. The complex spans 1.3 million square feet and is home to several luxury retailers and dining venues. From Tiffany & Co. and Neiman Marcus to restaurant options like McCormick & Schmick’s and Daily Grill, there’s something for everyone. There’s also a Westin Hotel high-end apartment community surrounding the area. For groceries, there’s an H.E.B. on North Lamar less than a mile from the neighborhood.

Quail Creek is served by the Austin Independent School District, which has several schools in the area. Children can choose from several schools including Woodridge Elementary School, Cook Elementary School, Burnet Middle School, Lanier High School, Anderson High School, and McCallum High School. There are also a few private schools nearby including House Sparrows Academy, St. Louis School, St. Francis School, Holy Ward Lutheran School, and Brentwood Christian School.

By: Brian Talley

You may be surprised to find out that there are millions of people in the United States that have a fear of tests.? If you are one of them then you shouldn’t feel alone.? Plenty of preparation and strong study habits are all you need to score an A+ on that piece of paper.

Taking and passing the real estate exam is crucial for those of you that hope to become a licensed agent.? While the questions asked on the exam are left up to your local commission, they are in most cases, comprised of multiple choice questions that are easier for students and easier for teachers to grade.?

There are a few things that you should plan to take to the testing facility with you, and those items are:

Two to three sharp pencils with good erasers. A good basic calculator.? Graphing calculators are usually not allowed. Plenty of blank paper for scribbling and problem solving.

You will want to make sure that you get plenty of sleep the night before your big day.? Numerous studies have shown that a well rested person tends to score higher on exams than a person who was up late studying.? I typically recommend that you get at least eight hours of sleep, although nine to nine and a half hours would be even better.

On the morning of your testing day, try to make a little bit of time to review the information that you have studied up to this point.? Consider this to be somewhat of a quick refresher course, just to make absolutely sure that you are ready for the questions that will be asked.

Some medical studies have proven that drinking a cup of coffee before taking your exam will help you score a passing grade.? Why?? Because caffeine makes your brain more alert and responsive.? This increased alertness allows you to focus more on each problem .

We all have our own methods of preparing for tests, but these simple tips combined with your devotion and hard work will help increase your odds of high score.? Hard work and a little confidence are all you need to go from your tired old job to an exciting new career in real estate!

By: Jessica Donnovan

The Northpark Center area is seeing a lot of activity by real estate developers. Several underutilized buildings are being demolished to make room for new, highest and best use projects. The proximity to White Rock Lake and the convenient access provided by the North Central Expressway continue to make this a highly desirable area. The addition of the new Lake Highlands DART Station will further improve access to and from this area.

Park Lane – Harvest Partners and Sapphire Properties are building a mixed use project across the North Central Expressway from Northpark Center. The development encompasses 33.5 acres and will build out to about 2.9MM sqft. Details include 700,000 sqft of retail space, 750,000 sqft of class A office space, a 250-room 4 star hotel, a 75,000 sqft fitness center, and approximately 625 luxury residential units. Project costs are reportedly in the $750MM range. The first deliveries are scheduled for fall 2009.

The Glen at Preston Hollow – Provident Realty Group and the Red Sea Group are planning to redevelop a 42-acre site at the intersection of Walnut Hill Lane and Weeping Willow Drive. Plans include 100 single family homes, 100,000 sqft of mid-rise office space, 175,000 sqft of retail and up to 1,100 apartments. Total project costs are estimated to be $300MM. Phase I of construction is scheduled for completion in summer 2010.

Lake Highlands Town Center – Prescott Realty Group is building a mixed use project on 69-acres at the intersection of Skillman and Walnut Hill Lane. Plans call for a 20 acre park, 300,000 sqft of retail, 1,700 residential units, and 50,000 sqft of office space. The project will be complemented by a DART light rail stop. Vertical construction is scheduled to commence in 2009, with the first deliveries in 2010. The DART station is scheduled for completion in 2010.

Midtown Park – Valencia Capital Management is building a mixed-use, master planned project on an 83-acre site that straddles Manderville Lane. Buildout plans include high rise condos, luxury townhomes, a senior living facility, medical office space, a hotel and retail space. Demolition commenced in November 2008. Phase I of construction is scheduled for delivery in late 2009.

Koll Development Site – Koll Development is planning to build a 12-story medical office building on the corner of Walnut Hill Lane and the North Central Expressway. The building will include approximately 250,000 sqft of medical office space with ground floor retail. Conditional approval was granted by the planning commission in January 2008.

Cambridge Apartments – Fath properties is planning to redevelop the Cambridge Apartments at 5959 E Northwest Hwy and build approximately 797 new apartments in a 79 foot tall building. Conditional approval was granted by the planning commission in March 2008.

White Rock Trail – Prescott Realty Group is planning to redevelop the White Rock Trails Apartments on Skillman Street at Merriman Parkway. Plans include a four story building to be built in 2 phases. Conditional approval was granted by the planning commission in February 2008.

Trammell Crow Retail Center – Trammell Crow is building a retail shopping center on the site of the former Timber Creek Apartments (Melody Lane at Eastridge Drive). Demolition of the apartments commenced in February 2008.

Zom Site – Zom Inc. is redeveloping the Village View Apartments on Skillman Drive at Fisher Road. The developer is planning to build a new 422 unit apartment community on the parcel. Construction was scheduled to commence in June 2008.

By: Scott Richter

When it comes to hard money lenders Texas real estate investing is one area where they can come in handy. Particularly if you are interested in rehabbing houses or taking over some incomplete projects, sometimes it is difficult to get conventional financing. And, even when you can, sometimes they do not offer the best options.

Banks will only finance 80% of the purchase price. Meaning that out of your own pocket, you must come up with 20%, plus closing costs, plus money for construction. If you have done your research and put in your time looking for a deal that can turn a true profit, you can sometimes double your investment, but until you resell that house, all of your capital is tied up. If you find another great deal, you won’t be able to buy it. That’s why hard loan money Texas providers are a better choice.

Unlike bank loans, Texas hard money loans can be used to cover 100% of the purchase price, if the after repair value is high enough. Conventional lenders never look at the after repair value, since it is an estimate and sometimes difficult to calculate. But, there are many ways to improve the value of a property and appraisers can tell how much those improvements are worth on the fair market. In short, you can borrow more money, if you are truly making a good investment.

Because of the internet, it is pretty easy to find hard money lenders Texas is just one state in which they operate. It’s also easy to compare what they have to offer. There is no need to limit your search to that state alone. There are great companies that make loans throughout most of the United States. It really doesn’t take a lot of time to weed out the bad ones. By looking for a few simple things, you will likely be left with a very short list of groups that specialize in rehab funding.

First, you should know that when you look for hard loan money Texas has no regulations regarding what fees they can charge. One of the most annoying and sometimes most costly is the early pay-off penalty. Companies that use it are penalizing you for doing what you do best. Fixing up a home and reselling it quickly. Cross off anyone that charges that fee. There are good ones that don’t.

So, first you compare the fees and then you compare what they have to offer. There are Texas hard money loans that can be used to cover repairs, as well as purchases. They may be a little harder to find, but it is well worth the effort, because you will keep more of your own capital for other investments.

The market is just starting to turn up. Sales are improving throughout the country. One suggestion for upgrading is to look for older homes that are less energy efficient and improve their rating. More people are looking for “green” houses. You can look for “hard money lenders Texas style” before or after you find the right property. The best ones offer pre-approvals and proof of funds letters, but whether you look for them now or later, the most important thing is to consider what they have to offer. They could help you make more money on your next rehab project.

By: James Whitmore

Young families do require different needs. There are school districts to be concerned with, crime average in the area, the class of citizens which reside in the area and the amenities that the neighborhood offers. Many neighborhoods and towns have long been considered to be some of the best places in the United States to raise children such as the neighborhoods that are in the Melissa School District.

Prime Neighborhoods and Towns for Raising Children

Villages of Melissa: Villages of Melissa is schools are in the Melissa Independent School District which is one of the most outstanding school districts in the nation. Villages of Melissa is a master planned community that feature stunning homes with marvelous landscapes, shopping a park area and convenient to shops and dining. Homes in the Villages of Melissa begin in the $100,000s and feature luxurious master suites, gourmet kitchens, attic and much more.

Hunter’s Creek: Hunter’s Creek is also serviced by the Melissa Independent School District and is a wonderful small town community with all the charm of the country. Homes range in the mid $100,000s and feature gourmet kitchens, back and front patios, luxurious master suites and more.

University Park: University Park is a prestigious neighborhood in Dallas that features many highlights for young families. Over 82.8% of its residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher making it the “most educated town” in Texas. The area offers many amenities such as a wide range of cultural, recreation, shopping and outdoor activities and home to the Southern Methodist University. Homes range in price from the high $100,000s into the multi millions

Highland Park: Highland park is another small community in Dallas and ranked the 40th wealthiest neighborhood. There are features parks, recreation restaurants and shopping with homes ranging from the $200,000s into the multi millions.

Richardson: Richardson is a unique area with most of its residents being computer specialists and engineers. Properties are affordable in Richardson and the area is convenient to shopping, fine restaurants, and entertainment. Richardson has been awarded the 69th safest cities in America, the 28th best place to live in the United State and the 2nd best place to raise children in the United State.

Irving: Irving is an older neighborhood with much charm and appeal. The property values are good with home beginning in the $100,000s. Irving features Los Colinas which was the first master planned community in the United States that also highlight attractions for horse lovers such as the world’s largest equestrian statue. Many of Irving’s residents are employed in the construction, finance, management and insurance fields.

Perry Heights: Perry Heights is a beautiful, established neighborhood with wonderful landscaped parks and homes. The median priced home in Perry Heights is in the $200,000s however there are homes that are priced as high as the multi millions. Perry Heights offers suburban neighborhoods and up-scale condos with security and gated entrances.

Bluffview: Bluffview is a wonderful community for young family with many single family residences and luxury lofts. Neighborhoods in Bluffview are established with beautiful landscape and rich community involvement. Homes can be found in the $200,000s and up.

By: Ashlee Pannell

Whether you live in Austin or you are just visiting, you will be thrilled by all of the entertainment and recreational opportunities the city and the surrounding areas provide. Whether you want to get closer with nature, shop, or take in a good movie, there is always something to do in Austin.

Aquarena Center

The Aquarena Center features over 100 different species of aquatic life. In addition, tours on glass-bottom boats are also available.

Cave Without a Name

The Cave Without a Name features six large underground rooms that guests can explore through an hour-long guided tour.

Lone Star Riverboat

The Lone Store Riverboat is a double-deck riverboat that is paddle wheel powered. The riverboat offers cruises to guests on the beautiful Town Lake.

Old Bakery and Emporium

Created in 1876, the Old Bakery and Emporium is listed on the National Register of Historical Places. In addition, it features a confectionary and a gift shop.

Paramount Theatre

The Paramount Theatre has been around since before World War I and is located just down the road from the State Capitol, making it a great place to take in a great movie as well as a little history.

Peter Pan Mini Golf

Peter Pan Mini Golf offers the choice of enjoying two different golf courses and also features video games.

Playland Skate Center

As the name implies, the Playland Skate Center offers opportunities for in-line skating as well as roller skating.

Ramp Ranch

Like the Playland Skate Center, Ramp Ranch offers opportunities to enjoy in-land skating. In addition, BMX biking and skateboarding can be enjoyed at the ranch. For those that are new to the sport or want to take their skills to the next level, lessons are available.

Texas State Cemetery

With burials dating back to 1851, the Texas State Cemetery includes the graves of a number of significant writers, jurists, and elected officials. The cemetery also features many monuments, including works from Elisabet Ney, Charles Umlaug, and Pompeo Coppini.

Texas Union Underground

Texas Union Underground is located on the campus of the University of Texas. This recreational center offers opportunities to play billiards, bowling, and arcade games. In addition, it features a laptop lounge where visitors can hook onto the Internet with their laptops.

Zilker Botanical Garden

With 31 acres of land, the Zilker Botanical Garden features a number of themed gardens as well as a butterfly trail. In addition, the area includes a prehistoric village and a pioneer village.

By: Ryan Lynch

Brokerage comes in many forms and wears many professional hats. Some brokers serve as the go-between for import/export businesses, and help to negotiate such things as customs fees, shipping arrangements, and certification of documents. Other brokers work to find exotic cars for customers. And there are even those who make a living by arranging marriages in some cultures.

But most of us know of brokers through two basic fields of expertise, namely stockbrokers and Realtors. Those who work on Wall Street arrange for sellers and buyers to meet and exchange stocks and bonds – thus the important word “exchange” in the famous name “New York Stock Exchange”. Similarly, real estate brokers specialize in finding buyers for those who want to sell property, and then help to negotiate the transaction to a successful close, for a commission fee.

Brokerage can be a lucrative and simple business, because the broker gets paid each time goods or services are traded, bought, or sold – but they don’t need to own property or inventory to take advantage of a profitable market. They enjoy a freedom and independence not found in other kinds of business endeavor, and those with skill can amass great wealth without investing hardly any money for start-up expenses, overhead, or equipment.

One of the most interesting opportunities in brokerage combines the skills of both the stockbroker and the Realtor, and involves trading mortgage notes (which are similar in many ways to bonds or high-yield stocks) that are tied to the ownership of property. For almost every piece of real estate sold, a note of debt is created. But many of the people or companies who own these notes want to sell them for a lump sum, rather than holding on to them to receive monthly payments.

For instance, many homes are sold with owner financing. Say, for example, that a middle aged retiree decides to sell his home in Texas, and he finances the sale for the buyer with 15-year owner financing, as a way to ensure that he will get steady monthly income for 15 years into the future. Maybe he is getting payments of $1,500 every four weeks, but he changes his mind and decides to sell the loan because he needs to raise a large amount of cash to pay for an unplanned heart surgery.

One option for him is to enlist the services of a broker to sell the note to an investor. The new owner of the note will probably get a good investment at a nice discount, and the seller will get a lump sum of cash to pay his medical expenses. And the broker who arranges the whole thing will pocket a handsome fee for performing the valuable service of bringing the buyer and seller together in a timely manner.

Through real estate note brokerage, you can make money in the real estate business without every actually owning any physical “brick and mortar” property. Whereas you might need a security patrol to protect your investment in an apartment building, you only need a buyer and a seller to earn a profit as a broker.

Keep in mind that those who broker houses have to make appointments to do property showings, spend weekends holding Open Houses, and take care of annoying details like digging holes to place For Sale signs in their clients’ yards. But those who broker the mortgages for those houses do most of their work with an ink pen and a telephone, from the comfort of their own home or office.

Note brokers have the opportunity to take advantage of all sorts of market climates because both bull and bear markets create the need for buyers and sellers of mortgage paper to swap and trade. No matter what profit margins the transactions represent to the buyer or seller, the broker is always guaranteed payment at the point of sale.

By: Troy Fullwood