Do I Rent or Do I Buy?

There is uncertainty in the housing market and there is no doubt that obtaining a loan can be tedious and elusive to some.  There are pros and cons to renting a place just as there are pros and cons to owning a home. Renting has...

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Early Mortgage Payoff

What is the wisdom advanced by paying your mortgage principal early?  There are many reasons why people pay off a mortgage early. They may want to be debt-free, for example. They may want the house paid off before retirement. From a strictly financial point of view,...

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New Tools for Gardening and More

Spring is around the corner.  Garden centers are buzzing.  While some areas of the country are still shoveling snow, Texas homeowners are hitting the garden centers and planning for spring arrivals. Garden hoses and sprinklers will be coming out of storage. It is a good...

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Business Loves Houston

Even first-time visitors here can tell that Houston is growing rapidly. Construction cranes overhang office and apartment sites all along the Katy Freeway, a stretch of Interstate 10 that connects a string of booming submarkets west of the 610 Loop. This expanse includes the Westchase...

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Painting 101

There is nothing that adds sparkle to a home like a fresh coat of paint.  It gives a home a new look and updates on an otherwise tired looking home.  There are things to consider as you choose your color palettes for your home.  Primer...

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Tax Deductions for Homeowners

That dreaded time of the year is quickly approaching – tax time.  It is time to gather W2’s, 1099’s, receipts, and bank statements.  If you own a home, you are most likely entitled to substantial tax breaks.   First thing to look at is your mortgage interest...

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Let’s Get Organized

Most of us strive to keep our lives orderly and neat.  Nowhere is it more important to maintain order than your home. Storing and organizing your life can help to reduce stress.  There are tips that will help you organize your home in a way...

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The Long and the Short of it

There are circumstances that occur that force happy home owners to sell their homes unexpectedly.  The economy has been fragile. Unfortunately, job losses occur.  A short sale sometimes becomes necessary to ward off foreclosure.  The title "short sale" is somewhat misleading; many assume that "short"...

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On the Beach or Near the Water

Many of us dream of living by the water or on the beach. Buyer, beware!!  There are issues that come with waterfront property.  Knowing what to expect will make your lifelong dream be everything you dreamed it would be.  As with any home, try to...

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Driving Up

Driveways are an essential component of a home.  Most homeowners own more than one vehicle, so it is important for the driveway to function accordingly.  Some home owners use their driveways for play areas and work areas.  But, most importantly, a driveway must provide a...

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