The Landry Team's Blog

  I have been involved in quite a few discussions lately regarding open houses. Should you do them? Are they a waste of yours and the sellers time? Are they even worth the effort in this shifting market.  I this market you need all of the advantages you can get to sell a home. Its a market with a lot of picky buyers and a sea of competition. Open houses are a good way to get people out..(read more)

If you listen to the news you would be inclined to think that the sky is falling and that your home is worth absolutely nothing. It seems like we always hear these "experts" who say that it is a terrible time to invest in real estate or even buy a home of your own. I heard an ad on the radio yesterday that you should move your money to the bond market for more security. While I am no financial..(read more)

Are you are sitting around and wondering "when should I buy a home? Is the market as low as it is going to go?" If this is you, take a look at these statistics:               a.   Home Sales                                          ..(read more)

In this challenging market the buyer is back in the drivers seat  when it comes to the home buying process. For the past few years the sellers could dictate the price of the home and usually get it. Now sellers are seeing prices falling and their equity disappear right in front of their eyes...Or are they?  I am often perplexed by the notion that people are losing equity and if..(read more)

As part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 first time home buyers may now be eligble for a tax credit of up to $7,500. This has been available in Washington DC for years but now it is a nationwide program until it expires in 2009. To be eligble you must buy a home that is used for your princple residence and have not of owned a home as a primary residence in the previous 3 years. The..(read more)

Hiring a real estate agent is a very important decision. You want to make sure you get the right one  and someone who has the ability to service your needs. There are listing specialists, buyer specialists, single agents and teams, which one is best for you? Here are some questions that you can ask when you are interviewing a..(read more)

I was talking to a couple of buyers last week and I went thorugh a list of things NOT to do when applying for a home loan. I was suprised when they never thought of some of these things, so I thought I would list them for everyone. 1. Do not change jobs, become self-employed or quit your job. 2. Do not buy a car, truck or van (or you may be living in it!) 3. Do not use charge card excissively..(read more)

Most home buyers start their home search on the Internet. Alot of them look for homes while on break at work and due to company software can't look at virtual tours. They go on sites like Realtor.com and browse pictures looking for the best homes they can find in their price range. So can we all agree that the Internet and multiple photos are important in the marketing of a home? Realtor.com..(read more)

As someone who has seen alot of shortsales and forclosed properties, I can tell you that there are ones in good shape and ones that need work. The  shortsale and forclosure market can be an opportunity for people who want to get a good deal on a home that not to long ago was out of there price range.  The good ones go fast even in this market, so what do you do with the ones..(read more)

So you've decided to sell your home.....in a buyers market. There are some things that you need to know and some things to be aware of before making this leap. First off, there is still a lot of inventory to compete with. In order to be competative you've got to have a great marketing plan, be top third in condition, and bottom third in price.  This is not the market where sellers get to be..(read more)