Gregg County, TX Real Estate News

Longview TX VA Loans - the best loan program in Texas!  VA Mortgage Loans are one of the best mortgage loan programs available today for both honorably discharged Vets and active duty military personnel.  Here are some of the great features of this fantastic program:  - Zero Down Payment, 100% financing.  - Monthly mortgage insurance is not tacked on to your payment.  - Easier credit qualifying compared to other types of mortgage loans.- VA Mortgage Rates are low compared to other types of home loans.   How do you know if you qualify for Longview TX VA Loans.  You must first verify your eligibility. Eligibility is verified by ordering your Certificate of Eligibility or COE. A Texas VA loan lender can order your COE quickly for you, or you can go directly to the VA to obtain a copy. If d... 05/28/2019

We offer a Special Government Home Renovation Loan Program with Longview TX FHA 203k Renovation Loans.     Many people are not aware of a special government loan program that is part of the Federal Housing Administration or FHA(a department within HUD). A buyer or existing home owner can do meaningful amounts of remodeling or updates to their existing home without having a higher cost second lien thanks to this special FHA loan program.         The loan program does not allow for “luxury items” which are defined as items like a swimming pool or hot tub, etc. Repaint, remodel cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms, add wallpaper, replace appliances and flooring and even a add a room to an existing structure (which will increase the value of the homes square footage).         Many advantages... 07/21/2014

    Are you looking for trees in your own forest?  I own all the real estate how to books and read about the new latest and greatest how to get more sellers or buyers from time to time.   However, I am finding that looking at other successful businesses totally unrelated to real estate gives me some fresh ideas or in many cases confirms some I may have already. You see as a small business owner, I feel it’s always my job to look for fresh ideas that can give our team an edge in the market.                With the internet today, a small firm can offer as much as those big franchised corporations, but more importantly, a small firm can change directions quickly without regard to the cost of the corporate ego. You know what I’m talking about, the guy at the top that thinks it’s a great i... 05/12/2014

There is a Special Government Home Renovation Loan Program with Longview TX FHA 203K Home Loans.     The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers a special government loan program that a lot of people are not aware of. A buyer or existing home owner can do meaningful amounts of remodeling or updates to their existing home without having a higher cost second lien thanks to this special FHA loan program.         "Luxury items" like a hot tub and a swimming pool are not allowed by this FHA loan program. Repaint, remodel cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms, add wallpaper, replace appliances and flooring and even a add a room to an existing structure (which will increase the value of the homes square footage).         This loan program has many advantages but one of the biggest is that yo... 11/18/2013

Cyclists ready to take on the hills and valleys of East Texas have a new trail to hit. A ribbon cutting ceremony held Saturday morning, near the Maude Cobb activity center in Longview, officially opened the Grace Creek mountain bike trail. The city of Longview, and the Longview bicycle club, organized the trails to allow users to mountain bike, hike, or run. The trails go through three miles of wooded property owned by the city of Longview. Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail, and pets must be kept on a leash at all times.   06/02/2013

         One of my favorite inspirational quotes is… “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”  This has been proven true many times over for me. I am lucky to have a family full of Heroes and feel so honored to participate in a program that holds this quote as a key value.  Saying “Thank You” to my clients that have sacrificed so much has never seemed to be quite enough.  I am genuinely blessed to be able to offer the Homes for Heroes program to all the Heroes I can. In 2007, after years in Marketing and Public Relations I made the decision to follow my passion and begin my Real Estate career. As a consistent Top Producer, I can honestly say…I love what I do! Each of my clients holds a special place in my heart. It is such a blessing to connect with ... 02/28/2013

  Here are a few things to keep in mind if you decide to protest your appraisal. Meet the deadline According to the Texas comptroller, you have to file a written protest (for single-family residences) “ by April 30 or no later than 30 days after the appraisal district mailed a notice of appraised value to you, whichever date is later; however, an owner may file a notice before June 1 if the ARB has not approved the appraisal records. Note that it is 30 days after mailing the notice, not its receipt.” Depending on when your district mailed notices or approved the appraisal records, you may still have time to file. Follow the rules You can’t protest your appraisal on the basis that your tax bill is too high. Not successfully, anyway. You have to show that your property has been appraised ... 11/27/2012

Event Date(s) and Time(s) Friday, November 30th, 2012 @ 7:00pm - 10:00pm The Lonestar Cowboy Christmas Concert with Tracy Byrd & Michael Martin Murphey will be held on Friday November 30th at the Belcher Center in Longview, TX. All proceeds benefit Parenting Today’s Teens. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, Oct 17th, at 10:00 a.m. Prices: $45*$40*$30*$20**plus applicable fees Visit BelcherCenter.com or contact the Box Office (903-233-3030) to purchase tickets. 11/20/2012

Event Date(s) and Time(s) Friday, December 7th, 2012 @ 7:30pm Saturday, December 8th, 2012 @ 2:30pm Saturday, December 8th, 2012 @ 7:30pm Sunday, December 9th, 2012 @ 2:30pm He’s back!  Captain Hook returns to the Belcher Center Stage to take on Peter Pan.  Can Hook and his motley band of Pirates overcome Peter Pan, Tinkerbell and the Pixie Hollow Fairies?  And what about the Crocodile?  Will he finally succeed in dancing Hook to the bottom of the ocean? Longview Ballet Theatre and seven professional guest dancers continue the adventures of Peter Pan this holiday season. Ticket Prices: $13, $23, $28 and $40. ***TIMES MAY VARY*** Event Contact Information:Belcher Center Box Office(903) 233-3080http://www.belchercenter.com 11/20/2012

Don't Miss the GUN SHOW .. This Weekend!! Date: Saturday, November 17, 2012 Start Time: 9:00 am   End Time: 5:00 pm (Time Zone: US/Central) Location: Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex - Exhibit Building (weather)Description  Buy-Sell-Trade-Browse! Bring your gun and trade for the gun you have always wanted. See the hundreds of displays of new and old guns, ammo, gunparts, books, knives, knife sharpening, coins, jewelry, camouflage, militeria, and related items at discounted prices. Show times are November 17th 9 AM - 5 PM November 18th 10 AM - 4 PM. Tickets are$8 for adults,$2 children 6-11, and under 18 is permitted with a parent only. Tickets aresold at the door. For more information call Sondra Bean-Hewett (985) 624-8577.Contact: Sondra Bean-HewittMore Info: http://www.capgu... 11/14/2012

Date: Thursday, November 8, 2012 Start Time: 7:00 pm   End Time: 10:00 pm Join us for an unforgettable evening with the multi-talented Travis Tritt. Travis fell in love with music as a child, teaching himself how to play guitar when he was eight and beginning to write songs when he was 14. "Growing up just outside Atlanta, to the north of us you've got the Grand Ol' Opry in Nashville," Tritt explains. "A little bit South you've got Macon, Georgia - home of the Allman Brothers, the Marshall Tucker Band and Capricorn Records. And off to west you've got Delta blues. Sprinkle Southern gospel over the top of that, and you're talking about where I came from. I love all of that music." An acclaimed actor as well, Tritt recently wrapped production on the upcoming film ?Fishers of Men? in which ... 11/05/2012

For a long time I did pretty good…. I’m not a computer genius and don’t really enjoy spending my time in front of one, however, time with the mysterious box that can reach billions of people instantly, seems to be a necessity to compete in today’s market.    Honestly, I do most of shopping online so I can relate to my clients who are internet based and try to accommodate their electronic needs.  I’m constantly looking for the latest and greatest to make them and myself efficient.  After all who has an extra second these days to waste? I started active rain blogging by a friend’s suggestion to help promote myself and web visibility; it worked.  While that’s great, it is just like anything else in sales that successful… you have to be consistent.  I will admit, I got distracted with my cl... 10/30/2012

This question is more common then you think... no you're not the only one that has the desire but doesn't have direction.  Just this month I found clients that had relocated to my area to start their careers after college, and found themselves in an apartment because that's what they knew how to do.  They were under the impression that you had to save for several years before they would ever be able to purchase a home and they would never have a shot at getting into anything anytime soon. Luckily he responded to one of my drip campaigns that lead him to ask for help.  Within 2 weeks he was preapproved and had found a home that would suite their needs perfectly within their budget.  Now they’re packing and exciting to be on the road to home ownership. Is it always this easy… no.  However... 06/10/2012

Longview Real Estate is not exempt The first thing we have to understand is home buyers have a good understanding for what they are willing to pay and a poor understanding of what homes should sell for in any given market and Longview Texas is not exempt. So buyers are going to first evaluate the price of a home based on what they can afford and then compare it to the other homes they view. So what if a buyer was shown one home that was in the buyers price range and they really liked it, but upon the suggestion of their Longview Real Estate Professional they then viewed a comparable home for $10,000 or more less. The second home they viewed would seem like a much better deal and is more likely to get a full price offer because of the percieved value based on the first home they were sho... 05/22/2012

Everyday there is a new rule in the mortgage world.  Programs start and stop so fast even the professionals struggle to keep up.  If you're thinking about purchasing a home but don't know where to start this is a great resource that the Texas Association of Realtor put together to help.  It has useful and current information about budgeting, what to expect to be able to borrow, programs that suit your needs, and links to several other sites. http://www.txhomeprograms.org/ Check it out.  The first step to buying a home is sorting through the financials.  Let the us help you prepare!! 05/21/2012

Ok so a lot of people make the majority of their money representing both sides of the deal.  It makes it a lot easier to get along with the other agent :).... My broker had a attorney come in and explain the legal risks with this practice and highly recommended us refer off clients that would cause us to represent both parties.  I understand the basis of what he is saying, I'm just not sure I'm ready to completely right off the idea of being able to.  I personally have referred buyers to other agents when they have chosen a house I have listed with someone I also have an personal relationship with.  I feel like I'm able to recognize when there could be a conflict and prevent it from happening. I'm just curious what other peoples thoughts and experiences are. 03/22/2012

Kenneth success has been attributed by his passion for homeowners and consistently being a student of his profession. Kenneth has a wide range of product knowledge to help consumers in making the right decisions for the largest financial transaction that most people will make. Kenneth loves working with people and knows that he is in the business to make home ownership a reality. In 1994, Kenneth began his career by first serving his country for 8 years in the United States Marine Corps. He believes in serving his clients like he served his country, with honor and commitment. Kenneth continues his service by providing discount services for Homes for Heroes, his way to say “THANK YOU” by helping people save money who have work everyday to make the communities safer, cleaner and better pl... 12/12/2011

Home prices have taken such a beating and demand for rental units has increased so much that it's now cheaper to buy a two-bedroom home than to rent one in most major U.S. cities. According to real estate web site Trulia, buying was cheaper than renting in 74% of the country's 50 largest cities in July. In just 12% of the cities, including New York, Seattle and San Francisco, renting was cheaper. In the remaining 14% of cities, renting was less expensive but close to the cost of buying.   In addition to a continuing decline in home prices, rock-bottom interest rates have added a lot of weight to the buy side of the scale. The overnight average rate for a 30-year fixed was just 4.19% on Monday, according to Bankrate.com. A 15-year fixed averaged just 3.43%. Add in the tax perks of home o... 09/23/2011

Graystone Haunted Manor LLC Ribbon Cutting    Jointhe Longview City Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting ceremony   September 24th - 7:00PM.     You will be treated to a special showing of our Haunted House. The Manor is located at 13481 FM 968 W, Longview.     Experience Longview’s newest and most exciting attraction, while enjoying a bit of wine, champagne, and hors d'oeuvres. Our ghouls and ghosts will scare you out of your wits!    Please visit their website at www.Graystonehauntedmanor.com    to read about the history behind the estate.    Sit in our outdoor theater and watch a good ol' scary movie!       R.S.V.P. to Sue@Graystonehauntedmanor.com    Call Sue directly with your R.S.V.P or with any questions or concerns at   903-918-3889.      Please respond by September 10th   Your na... 09/08/2011

If you believe the latest headlines, the economy fluctuates from recovery to ruin on a weekly basis.  in reality, real estate is cyclical, and the market is on its way to recovery in most areas.  Although you may feel nervous about home ownership, property is still your best long-term investment. In more than two-thirds of the county, housing affordability has dipped to pre-housing bubble levels, creating opportunities for those looking for a bargain.  Home prices are expected to rise in 2013 due to fewer distressed sales and the impending housing shortage. Just a few quick facts: Despite a decline, home values are still at historically high levels. More people own homes now than ever before. Mortgage interest rates are at the lowest level in 30 years. Property is more affordable now th... 09/08/2011