Houston is the beating heart of Texas’ and the nation’s oil industry.  With a specialized workforce, producers, drilling and service companies, refiners and pipelines and tankers to transport  the oil, Houston supports every sector the oil business.  Texas is home to about 280,000 employees in oil production and oil services.  Texas has 26.5% of U. S. oil reserves & 29.4% of U. S. natural gas.  Reserves are scattered throughout the state from EAST TEXAS to Eagle  Ford to the Permian Basis & Texas oil worker generally follow the drilling rigs.  With skilled geologists and engineers, along with an abundant supply of experienced workers is key to Houston’s role as the headquarters of the Texas oil industries.

Significant market for manufactured homes in TX, but this industry did not contribute to the subprime-lending situation that led to the housing crisis.  Yet the collateral damage inflicted on us will dramatically affect the way we serve these consumers.  The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was intended to protect low-income homebuyers, but may instead wind up limiting their housing choices.  Its expected the bill will seriously damage the manufactured home industry by making it more difficult for buyers to obtain financing.  MUST CHECK WITH A LENDER CLOSELY TO BE SURE YOU CAN GET A LOAN FOR THESE HOMES AND WHAT WILL YOU DO WHEN YOU WANT TO SELL A MANUFACTURED HOME?

One can spend an endless amount of money on pet products that can be bought almost anyplace now, not only including big box stores, but local small shops.  Scarves can be bought for dogs and the list goes on and on.  These are the items you want REMOVED from your home when it is on the market as they have NO appeal to a buyer and call attention to animals being in the house.  It is OK to put pets outside, but keep the yard cleaned up and warn buyers and agents dogs are in an enclosure in the back yard and may bark.  Again dogs can change disposition when the owners are gone, so BE WARY!  You can sell a house with pets, but must work ahead.

Barking dogs, cats that shed excessively and animals that cause harm are deterrents to the welcoming feel most people desire when they come to see a property.  Also move “pet  furniture”.  Consider “doggy daycare” or take the pet off the property during showings.  Have the pets bathed and ensure all shots, etc. up-to-date in case of an accidential release.  Be sure outdoor landscaping is cleaned up from pets, including chewed wood, fences in good repair and painted appropriately.  Remove scratches by doors where pets scratch.  Another solution is to crate the pet and have seen that and pets OK and seem to be used to that.  MORE TO COME TOMORROW.

A beautiful cat or friendly dog are just the thing for your family, but another STORY WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME!  Sometimes pets “rule the roost” and that is LESS appealing to potential buyers.  Serious problems when too many pets or owner looses ability to care for them properly.  Particular true of cats, as a few folks are allergic to cat fur and dander.  When the air conditioning/heating are adequate allergens should be almost removed from a home.  Gives you an ideal of the efficiency of the units.  Look for obvious signs such as bowls and toys, scratch marks, smell of feces and fur and carpet stains.  CONTINUED TOMORROW

The Texas economy gained 2.5% from November 2012 to November 2013, but 1.7% for the United States, according to the Real Estate Center at TX A&M.  The state’s nongovernment sector grew to 2.8% compared to 2.1% nationwide.  The state’s actual unemployment rate was 5.8%.  Midland has the lowest unemployment rate, followed by Odessa, Amarillo, Abilene and Lubbock.  All Texas metro areas except Wichita Falls and Texarkana had more jobs as well.  Texas’ professional and business services industry ranked first in job creation.  Tyler and East Texas are DEFINITELY included in the uptick of jobs, but lower employment.

GROUPS, each of which is responsible for evaluating the needs of the their region, monitoring supplies, planning strategies to conserve water and finding new sources of water.  A statewide water plan is compiled from the regional reports.  The bill to set-up the regional water planning groups (RWPFs) was set up in 1997 and in 2012 revised to address strategies for increasing conservation, building pipelines, buying water, building reservoirs and desalinization, to name a few.  Sources of funds still need to be sought.  The work of these groups and the state need to be encouraged to MEET TEXAS’ POPULATION GROWTH AND WATER NEEDS.

Few would argue that significant strides have been made in the quality of construction, wind resistance and aesthetic appeal of modern manufactured home.  Energy efficiency is also a major priority on these homes with insulation in the attic, before the roof is attached and in the walls.  Buyers who are looking for affordability often overlook the ENERGY EFFICIENT UPGRADES.  Tested Energy Star certified manufactured homes add about $8 per month to the typical mortgage while saving an average of $30 per month on heating and cooling bills.  All of this from Harold D. Hunt at the TX A&M Real Estate Center.

(4)  ENTERTAINING OPPORTUNITIES.  Your outdoor space can create an oasis for entertaining.  Whether hosting a holiday gathering, Friday night s’mores around a bonfire or an outdoor picnic-style potluck, you have the great space to do it in.  (5)  BENEFITS OF NATURE.  There are mounds of research demonstrating the many benefits of spending more time outdoors.  Such as reducing stress, improving mental clarity and mood, improving concentration and more.  Many folks find spending times outdoors the CHEAPEST FORM OF THERAPY for any age group!!

(1)  RESALE VALUE.  HGTV claims that homeowners recoup 65-90% by adding a deck.  Experts agree that investing in your outdoor living space will add value to your home.  Buyers like these outdoor spaces.  (2)  PERSONAL ENJOYMENT.  Just a great place to unwind and de-stress for you and your whole family together.  (3)  SAVE MONEY.  How many times have you left your home to entertain?  It could be done in your back yard.  A pool is helpful, but not necessary or going to the park.  Save the gas and fees to do those activities in your back yard.  More tomorrow.