30 year fixed mortgage rate is averaging 3.62% with an average of 0.6 points for the week ending 2/25/2016.  A year ago at this time, it was 3.8%.  The 15 year rate is now averaging 2.95% with an average 0.5 point, down from a year ago at 3.07%.  Adjustable rates are of course, lower.  All this according to Freddie Mac in McLean, Virginia that were recently released.

(1)  Start with the CEILING.  Crazy, but a ceiling will make a room sparkle!  We did this with a listing, as the owner was short of money, and it sold.  (2)  Avoid loud colors.  Go to a paint store and see what is popular there.  No red dining rooms now.  (3)  Change front door if necessary.  (4)  Clean the bathrooms WELL,  (5)  Be sure all lights in and out are working as they should, to make the property bright and cheery.  THIS IS JUST A BEGINNING, BUT ELBOW GREASE CAN WORK WELL in selling the home.

What we are seeIng in Texas is that student loan debt levels are actually lower than what we have seen in other areas such as the west, south-central regions.  Partly for this reason younger buyers can now visit with a lender and look to buy something while interest rates are still low, but less inventory in lower priced homes.  Just takes a while to find something, but most Realtors are glad to work with you, IF A BUYER STAYS WITH THEM TILL CLOSING.  Now is a good time to buy!  Sorry this last sending was about Valentine’s spending, but just too good a holiday to pass up.

Americans will spend $1.6 billion on candy, 51% of Americans will buy red roses  and 151 million cards will be exchanged.  Consider sharing your LOVE with the school you love by supporting some part of that school, such as the alumni association, new building or equipment for the discipline of your choice.  WHAT A CHANGE OF SPENDING MONEY CAM DO TO OUR COUNTRY!!   HAPPY VALENTINE’S 2016.

Conventional wisdom has it that student loan debt and difficulty finding jobs largely keep millennials out of the home-buying market. Not necessarily, says a researcher with the National Association of Realtors (NAR).  And numbers point a more positive picture in Texas.  According to NAR’s Jessica Lautz the millennials are the largest generation of homebuyers for the 3rd  consecutive year and Texas has the “financial edge” over other states.  MORE TO COME.

Elder law as practiced by an attorney could include:  (1)  Asset protection,  (2)  Tax law,  (3)  Age discrimination,  (4)  Retirement and/or pensions,  (5)  Trust planning (including special needs trusts), and (6) Contract law (for example, reviewing a continuing care retirement community’s contract).  Interview a capable attorney for these services.  Many, many websites t o lead you to sites for information and be sure to check your state laws, American Bar Association and more resources.  NEED TO BE EDUCATED!

Fairly new legal field.  Most usually deal with civil vs.  criminal cases, instead of particular type of client (usually elderly, but also younger people with special needs).  Included are (1)  Guardianships,  (2)  Long-term care planning,  (3)  Government benefit programs (Medicare/Medicaid/Veteran’s benefits),  (4) Advance health care directives,  (5) Competency and mental health Issues,  (6)  Estate planning,  (7)  Elder abuse (physical, emotional and financial).  MORE TO COME

More than 3,500 taxing entities across the state are expecting property owners to pay by February 1.  Collectively $49 billion will be levied for 2014,  according to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.  Over 1,000 school districts across the state will collect $27 billion in 2014.  more than 1,200 special districts will levy $6 billion, according to       texastransparency.org          The state’s 254 counties house an average of 14   taxing entities each.  Homeowners provide the biggest slice of the property tax pie, making up about 42% of the total property tax value in Texas.  SO JUST PAY!

Identify one, then make an appointment to visit him/her and ask questions.   (1)  Why do I need an elder law attorney?  (2)  How many years have you focused your practice on elder law issues?  (3)  Why did you choose elder law?  (4)  How many clients have you had in the past 5 years with needs similar to mine?  (5)  What was the most challenging aspects of those cases and what were the outcomes?  (6)  What percentage of your annual caseload involved elder law issues?  (7)  What elder law issues do you handle most often and least often?  (8)  Are you accredited by VA to handle Veteran’s claims and how many do you file annually?  (9)  What are your fees?  Need those in writing.  (10)  Can you provide references?   MORE ON ELDER CARE COMING UP.

(1) Low cost of living.  (2)  Warm climate.  (3)  Abundant recreation.  (4)  Educational opportunities.  (5)  Housing options.  (6)  Financial services.  (7)  Cultural attractions and events.  (8)  Fine dining and convenient shopping.  (9)  Medical resources.  (10)  Spiritual and worship opportunities.  JUST JOIN US!