Houston Scores!

Credit: reliantpark.com

Touchdown Houston! Houstonians are still celebrating the announcement made recently that the Bayou city will play host to the “big game” in 2017. But this isn’t Houston’s first time under the big lights. The city has hosted two previous times, the most recent being back in 2004.

This recent news just adds more fuel to the argument that H-Town is on the rise. This city remains the number one city in the nation for relocation for the 4^th city year in a row per U-Haul, one of the top places to do business per Forbes magazine, and now it looks like it will be the place to be once again in 2017.

Both the local and national media have certainly been voicing its opinions about the announcement. But one common theme among most is the economic impact it will have on a city that is already on the uptick. Some are even speculating an economic impact totaling hundreds of millions of dollars and hundreds of jobs.

Even with the steady stream of news that should have people clamoring to move here, many city officials believe this is our time to show once and for all why Houston should not be underrated. Ric Campo, Chairman of the Houston Super Bowl bid Committee, explained it best to the Houston Business Journal’s Collin Eaton earlier this week. “One of our biggest assets is we’re a welcoming, open city with a can-do attitude,” he said, adding that the city’s fast-growing population base testifies to that argument. We want to mention that also being recognized by Forbes magazine and The New York Times for being “the coolest city” in America and one of the Top 10 cities in the world to visit certainly doesn’t hurt the argument.

Texans like things big and so does the NFL. That’s why it’s only fitting that plans are in the works for a 10-day run-up to the game at Discovery Green. City officials will also focus on making everything we love about Houston front and center to the thousands of visitors who will flood the city. And the cherry on top, the big game will be played at Reliant Stadium, where two brand new high definition LED scoreboards have just been installed making them bigger than what they have at Jerry World. Sorry Cowboys’ fans.

Houston is an international business city that welcomes any and all visitors. Those of us who are fortunate to call this city home, just can’t wait for 2017 when our city will get the opportunity to shine on the world’s biggest stage.

Tips to Stay Ahead in Houston’s “Boom Town” Market

The old saying goes, “if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”  I think it’s safe to say that this is how many home buyers are feeling about the current market in Houston, nonetheless first-time home buyers. The news about this historical housing market can be scary, but it should not deter anyone from jumping in head first. But before you do, you need to have a game plan.

If you’re a first-time home buyer, we here at John Daugherty, Realtors want you to know that it’s completely normal to be a bit nervous and maybe even overwhelmed with the idea of scouring for a home. This is, at the end of the day, one of the largest purchases you will make in your lifetime. But on the other hand, it’s also one of the most rewarding and exciting decisions as well.

So to help you find your way, below are some useful tips and links to help you reach success in your first home search.

1.       Don’t bother keeping up with the Jones’

One of the biggest mistakes that many first-time home buyers make is purchasing a home they can’t afford.

Don’t rely fully on the banks to determine what you can comfortably afford. Why? Because banks only look at a portion of what your spending each month.  They determine the amount of monthly debt by only looking at expenses such as mortgage, insurance, credit cards, student loans, etc.  What they don’t account for is how much you spend a month on items like groceries, entertainment and utilities, which we all know can add up quickly.

                With that said, make a list of all monthly expenses, excluding your rent or current mortgage payment. Whatever is left is what you truly can afford to put towards a mortgage payment and housing expenses, such as insurance and maintenance. By doing this, you not only avoid potentially putting yourself into a financial mess, but you also save time by eliminating the homes that you can’t afford right out of the gate.

2.       Get Pre-Approved

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage will help prevent a contract on your dream home from falling apart. Do your homework and compare loans from several lenders to see which one is best for you.  Also, by having a pre-approval letter, you’ll have an edge over competing buyers who don’t.  Sellers want to know that you are serious and may be more likely to negotiate if you’re pre-approved.

3.       Get your Priorities Straight

Before you hit the pavement, make a list of what you need and want in a home. Needs may include number of bedrooms, commute time and school districts.  Wants, on the other hand, are something you would like and that can be changed or added. These may include a pool or hot tub, hardwood floors and landscaping.

Making a list of wants and needs, will help you focus on what is really important. 

4.       Location, Location, Location

Finding a neighborhood that suits you is just as important as the home itself. Because the neighborhood makes up a large part of a home’s value, take your time and do your research. Important considerations to think about are crime statistics, insurance rates, property taxes, school quality and job commute; which for many Houstonians is number one on the list.

To help get a real feel for the neighborhood, do a drive through at various times during the day and night. Also, talking to potential neighbors will give you a wealth of knowledge that you may have otherwise not had.

Another helpful tool in your search is going to www.har.com and clicking on “Consumer Tools.” There you’ll find several links to statistics and information on individual zip codes and even neighborhoods. For those of you with kiddos, a great research tool for schools visit www.greatschools.org/texas/houston/

5.       Finding the Right Home Inspector

Not having your potential home inspected is just bad news, so don’t do it. Shop around and talk to several inspectors before hiring one. Main areas covered by the inspection should include quality of construction, integrity of the foundation and condition of plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems.

Hopefully these home buying tips will help ease your worries and prevent a few gray hairs from appearing. Remember this can be a stressful and lengthy process, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Your real estate agent is there to guide you every step of the way. We here at John Daugherty, Realtors have an agent to fit every personality and business style.

Remember getting started in your home search is just a click away. So get to it and happy hunting!

If you have any questions, would like more information about John Daugherty, Realtors or would like to receive a “Welcome to Houston” resource package, send us an email relocation@johndaugherty.com.

We went. We saw. We conquered. And now we’re spreading the news!

We went. We saw.  We conquered. And now we’re spreading the news!

John Daugherty, Realtors has a new award to add to the trophy case after taking home the Award of Excellence-Incoming Conversion Rate (101-200 Associates) for 2012 at this year’s Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Annual Conference in Las Vegas.

Several on our team joined me at the conference including John Daugherty Jr., Cheri Fama, Steve Thistle, Alason Connell and a dozen other JDR agents.  In all, the weeklong event drew almost 2,000 of the top real estate professionals from around the world. Those in attendance are members of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, a global network of 500+ market-leading real estate firms.

The conference provided an opportunity for relocation professionals, brokers and managers to explore the trends and issues impacting real estate worldwide.

It was my honor to be among a distinguished line-up of speakers that included Pulitzer Prize winning humor columnist and best-selling author Dave Barry, and author of the international bestseller “The Happiness Advantage” Shawn Achor.

Noteworthy presenters from within the real estate industry included Vice President and Chief Economist for the California Association of REALTORS, Leslie Appleton-Young, and REAL Trends Editor, Steve Murray. Addressing the area of social media and marketing were Brian Boero, of 1000Watt Consulting, word-of-mouth marketing authority, Spike Jones, and internet marketing expert, Jim Marks, of Virtual Results.

John Daugherty, Realtors is one of the Houston representatives of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, the largest network of premier locally-branded firms producing more than $234 billion in annual home sales.

LeadingRE provides its members, including John Daugherty, Realtors with an extensive range of brokerage services, which includes lead generation, cross-market referrals and industry-leading professional development.

It is thanks in part to our affiliate Brokers that this year so far has been record breaking for not only John Daugherty, Realtors’ expanding Relocation Department, but the entire network itself! And it is awards like our most recent that really give us reason to be thankful for the hard work our agents and staff put in each and every day.

For a glimpse into the conference click HERE 

Tags | Las Vegas

John Daugherty, Realtors invades LAS VEGAS!

With all of us staying so busy in the real estate industry we welcome the opportunity to travel together, learn, laugh and network with fellow professionals from around the world.  This week John Daugherty, Jr., Cheri Fama, Tess Chaney, Steve Thistle, Alason Connell and twelve of our agents are taking over Las Vegas for the 2013 Luxury Portfolio Summit and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Annual Conference.

We would like to thank our fellow Brokers for trusting John Daugherty, Realtors with their outgoing referrals in 2012.  With the continued hard work our agents and staff, we are proud to announce our nomination for the Award of Excellence – Incoming Conversation Rate (101-200 Associates). Congratulations to all of the nominees for a great year!

We hope you can attend the panel presentations Chairman, John A. Daugherty, Jr., and Relocation Director, Tess A. Chaney, will be speaking on. John will be part of the closing presentation for the Luxury Portfolio Summit on Tuesday morning, February 26^th,  entitled Words of Wisdom from Top Professionals. This discussion is designed to give attendees a final take away from the best of the best. Then, Tess will be discussing Relocation Training Strategies for Positive Agent Buy-In.  This will panel take place during the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Annual Conference on Wednesday February 27th from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in the Mont-Royal 1.

We look forward to seeing everyone there… perhaps even up on stage!

Tags | Cheri Fama, John A. Daugherty, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, Luxury Portfolio, Relocation, Tess Chaney

Pigskin Perfection

With summer vacation in the rear-view mirror and a new school year upon us, I ask…

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL?!

As a native Texan, the bright lights, cooler weather, and roar of the fans have always been a source of nostalgia for me. From cheering on my brother as a kid, to marching with the band at halftime, I have always loved the game of football!

Whether you prefer NFL, NCAA or High School, the common thread within football is that of community. Think game-watching parties, pridefully donning your team colors, and delicious tailgate food. Smear on your eye-black, fire up those fantasy football engines, and tune up your team’s fight song because football is back once again. Very few events bring people and community together like the sport of football can.

With pride, the Houston Texans fans claim the ranking of one of America’s Best Tailgating Cities by Food & Wine for 2012. Bulls on Parade! Need help finding your next crowd-pleasing pre-game recipe? Check out The Food Network – Tailgate Recipes. If you are headed to a home game and need a ride, check out The Houston Wave. Houston’s Jitney Shuttle Service is picking up from three convenient locations. Take them to any home game for $30 round-trip. Get your tickets HERE.

What is all the hoopla about fantasy football? Find out more by diving into the Beginner’s Guide to Fantasy Football. Are you a weekend warrior, wanting to know more about recreational (flag) football leagues in the Houston area? Have a look at Sports Monkey.

Football is in the air and everywhere you look there is an abundance of anticipation and excitement! With TCU joining the Big 12 Conference this year, Thanksgiving weekend at my house will be filled with purple football fever for the big game against UT. We’ve got a lot to look forward to! Let’s go Houston Texans and let’s go TCU Horned Frogs!!!

So, cheers to your home team and Happy Football Season, Y’ALL!