real estate & resource guide

• For Sale • For Rent

• Open Homes• New Homes

• Easily Find Local Realtors

and much more!

Inside:

FOOT-FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOODS

homehomewelcomeReal Estate & Resource Guide

SUNDAY | JANUARY 12, 2014

HARD TOGO JUMBO

Ask our broker

L O O K F O R U S O N L I N E W W W . B R O W N S V I L L E H E R A L D . C O M

803 Old POrt Isabel rd.

1-877-212-5124www.b-townrealty.com

956-541-2200

roland Guerrabroker/Owner

956-204-6587

We advertise more than our competitors, We won’t

just list your home…Will sell it!! For FREE CMA

call today!

sergio GonzalezRealtor Associate

rolando acevedo Realtor Associate

elizabeth PerezRealtor Associate

Norma GarzaRealtor Associate

Claudia ramirezRealtor Associate

edward GonzalezRealtor Associate

Frank GarciaRealtor Associate

Iliana OrtizRealtor Associate

Jose l. GardaRealtor Associate

laura salinasRealtor Associate

for rENT/LEASE

RESACA VIEW/CONDO RANCHO VIEJO. SWIMMING POOL/RESACA 2/2 ………......................………….$775ACACIA LAKES/SWIMMING POOL 2/2/2 ……....$750CONDOS 3/2 ………………………………………....$875

Seller say bring all reason offers! Charming home all brick with tile and carpet flooring, over 1036 sq.ft of living area! Corner lot with privacy fence and mature trees! Only minutes away from the SPI & Boca Chica beach! Home is being sold AS-IS, All reasonable offers will be entertain!

GrEAT PrICE! $63.900BrICK HoME/3/2/1

Very cozy townhome that show well. This 2 bedroom and 1 full bath is over 980 sq. ft. of living area which has a great view of the resaca! Central located near Brownsville airport and shopping center and only minutes drive to Mexico and TSM College! A must see!

for SALE/ for rENTrESACA VIEW! 2/2/2 $54.900

Honey, stop the car! Very appealing home with warm colors and ceramic tile throughout! Situated in a stable establish neighborhood! Easy access to freeway, medical service, shopping center and sit across from playground which includes a basketball court and walking trails! Garage converted to extra room! Don’t miss out on this beauty!

421 TrAILWINd WAyTrAILWINd WAy

Beautifully updated home, hardwood floors throughout, very bright & airy, new kitchen cabinetry with countertops done in tumbled marble all stainless steel appliances pass with sale, bathrooms have also been updated. Lush landscaping, circular driveway & driveway done in inlaid brick pavers, original ebony trees surround the property and professional lighting has been installed in the trees. Backyard has nice covered patio.

oWNEr fINANCE!!!LoCATIoN!!5/3/2 1/2 AC

Gorgeous 2 story home offers excellent value! Upon entering this home you will notice laminated wood flooring/ceramic tile with high ceiling and very appealing with warm coloring! This 3/2.5/2 has over 1618 sq. ft of living area, open kitchen, breakfast area, ceiling fans, mini-blinds and huge backyard enough room for a swimming pool and cover patio for family entertainment! Walking distance to school and near by shopping center! A must see!

GATEd SUBGrEAT PrICE! $124.900

Beautiful home that sit on premium corner lot with great floor plan! Formal living, 2 living area & big gorgeous open tile kitchen with granite counter tops, huge downstairs master suite with whirlpool, his/her walk-in closets, double vanity also sitting area, mini-blinds, ceiling fans! Huge backyard with cover patio enough room for swimming pool! This beauty has it all. A must see!

CrEEK WoodGorGEoUS 3/2/2

Beautiful luxury 2 story home that sit on a premium corner lot with mature trees! Over 3344 sq. ft. of living space that includes 2 living areas, high ceiling, cantera pillars inside and out! 4 huge bedrooms with 4 full bath with granite counters tops and shower! Gorgeous tile kitchen, granite tops, master suite w/large relaxing master bath which includes Jacuzzi & shower & his/her closet. Also Relaxing cover patio and gazebo with 1/2 bath. This home has it all. 3 -car garage plus much more!

THE WoodS/4/3/2GEoUGoUSE HoME!

E xce l lent Locat ion ! Ready to rent o r put your own car lo t bus iness . Ca l l Ro land G 956 -20 4 - 6587

EXPrESSWAy 77CAr LoT

Gorgeous home, a 3/2/2 this home sits on a 2.9 Acs with a beautiful view of the resaca from almost every room of the house, 2 huge living, 2 dining areas etc, a must see!

669 EdGEWATEr ISLEoPEN HoUSE 1 To 3

Gorgeous home ready for move in! This lovely home will wow you over 1807 sq. ft. of living space, upon entering you will notice ceramic tile flooring, crown molding, open kitchen with island, high ceiling, dishwasher, microwave, & spacious rooms! Master bedroom with double vanity, walk in closet, glass shower! Excellent value for this area! A must see!

6864 PALo AzUL dr.oPEN HoUSE 1 To 5

REDUCED...REDUCED...REDUCED!!! CLOSE TO FM 511 & HWY 77-83............... BRAND NEW HOME IN LOS VECINOS. OUTSTANDING MODERN STYLE HOME * 3 SPLITTED BEDROOMS * 3 BATH * A STUDIO * 2 (CAR OR PICK UP) GARAGE * GRANITE COUNTER-TOPS * HIGH CEILINGS * PORCELAIN TILE FLOORS * ALL CONSTRUCTION IS INSULATED INCLUDING THE GARAGE * GARAGE DOOR INSULATED * PATIO * FENCED * WINDSTORM CERTIFIED * Total building square footage is 2675 sf. SELLER IS A REALTOR LICENSED BY THE STATE OF TEXAS.

7224 SWEETGUM CToPEN HoUSE 3 To 5

MIXED-USE, WALKABLE

COMMUNITIES ARE ALL THE RAGE FOR

MODERN HOMEBUYERS – AND FOR GOOD REASON

L A V O Z D E L V A L L EL A V O Z D E L V A L L E

ElNuevoHeraldolNuevNuevNuevoo


homewelcome


• For Sale • For Rent • Open Homes • New Homes • Easily Find Local Realtors • and much moreInside:

Real Estate& Resource Guide

Information call: 956-982-1555

2pg:

Specializing in Professional Management and Leasing •Residential Homes •Apartment Complexes

•Commercial Properties •Homeowners Associations

1, 2, and 3 bedroom duplexes features

granite counter tops, tile floors and includes a

fridge, stove, and washer/dryer connections.

FOR RENT - 674 N. Central Ave.

Christina Leal Owner / REALTOR®

(956)546-8481

Larry Jokl Broker

(956)778-7181

Manuel Leal REALTOR®

(956)648-4744

Clarissa Leal-Peña REALTOR®

(956)579-8123

Property list and additional photos at www.bremcoinc.com

BREMCO Property Management & Real Estate

FOR RENT 6161 Lynx

3 bedroom, 2 bath house RENT - $750.00

Deposit - $700.00

Vista Verde Condos #133 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage

RENT - $850.00 Deposit - $750.00

2716 Cairo 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1 car garage

RENT - $1150.00 Deposit - $1000.00

FOR RENT

144 Robins Ln. 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with a Great Room over looking the backyard. Fridge, stove,

dishwasher, and washer/dryer connections included.

$1,250

FOR RENT

3282 Ticonderoga 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2 car

garage two story house with family room.

Stove, refrigerator, and washer/dryer are included.

$1,350

FOR SALE

2429 Lisbon 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car

garage with 1400 sqft, built in 2005 off of Alton Gloor.

Contact Clarissa Pena at 956-579-8123 for more

information.

$95,000

1 bedroom /1 bath - $650



546-3378Visit us at www.AllStarRealtorsTX.com Email: [email protected]

Beautiful 3/3/1 on Resaca, remodeled, marble floors, great garden, all appliances included,

gorgeous view.

200 BALBOA, RANCHO VIEJO$295,000

RESIDENTIAL LOTSHeron Cove, Arroyo City- waterfront p r o p e r t y … … … … … … . . . . . . . . . … $ 1 2 9 , 5 0 0San Carlos Rd., Los Fresnos- 1.237 ac. w/strg shed on slab, Resaca…..................…..$149,900Garden Woods Subd., Sec. 2- affordable lots, Owner Financed!................................Each $21,000Santa Ana, Rancho Viejo- on Resaca w/beautiful view…………..................……….$120,000

5.889 acres priced well below appraised value- can be ranchette or

sectioned into smaller lots.

ILLINOIS AVE.$329,500$125,000

Medical office currently used as adult day care w/6 lrg rms, 1 office, kitchen, 6 commodes w/sinks & 1

full bath. Lot size 100 x 100.

4115 OLD HWY 77$150,000

Sora sushi bar restaurant. Monthly lease $3,200, all equipment &

accessories included, 2 bars, seating for 70 people.

4920 N. EXPRESSWAY

3/2.5 frame home on 0.7151 ac. On corner next to Lopez High School w/commercial

potential. Value in land.

3228 S. DAKOTA$150,000

4/4/2 completely re-done, tile/wood floors, granite counters, split bdrm plan & open floor

plan, cov’d patio, fenced.

2066 MADERO, BCC$89,000

$275,000

For Large Family. 6/2.5/0 on 1.43 ac., B/V, split bdrm plan, cov’d patio, mature trees, stove, refrig, ample

room for kids & pets!

5713 SOUTHMOST ROAD$159,900

New Construction. 3/2.5/2, office, porcelain floors, granite counters, security system.

New subdivision.

5495 BARBWIRE LANE

Property taxes are a burden for home-owners in these tough economic times. But, they are also an important revenue source for governments, making up 34.6 percent of total local revenues, and nearly 64 percent of local own-source revenue.

A recent study released by the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center examined property tax rates across the country and their impact on homeowners.

Authors Benjamin H. Harris, policy director of the Hamilton Project and Brian David Moore, research assistant at the Tax Policy Center, show that taxes consti-tute one quarter of homeownership costs over the median length of ownership.

The good news for homeowners is that found that many counties and states have attempted to reduce taxpayers’ burden through homestead exemptions and other laws.

The study also discovered that taxes vary substantially across the nation. In most communities, they cost about $1,000 per homeowner and are below 1

percent of the home’s value. Sixty percent of counties nationwide had an average tax burden between $500 and $1,500 per homeowner.

However, the burden is substantially higher in certain counties in California, Illinois and the Northeast, where home-owners pay closer to $3,000 each.

New York and New Jersey have the most counties with the highest property tax burdens. Westchester, Nassau, and Bergen counties in New York had the three highest average tax burdens, all more than $8,500.

The Mountain West region and Southeast regions have lower tax bur-dens: Alabama and Louisiana lead the nation on the lowest property taxes. In these states, 24 counties have average taxes below $250.

Taxes will continue to be a critical reve-nue source for local governments in the future, and thus, property taxes will con-tinue to affect the cost of residential investment, the housing sector and the

personal finances of homeowners, the study finds.

— Madhusmita Bora

© CTW Features

TRENDS

PROPERTY TAX BURDENA study shows how property taxes vary and affect homeowners across the country

Honey! No Grass to Cut!

3/2/1 Very well-kept home, quiet subdivision, custom built, near hospital, schools, and shopping centers. Wind-storm certified,

eco-pest control, patio, Hurricane Fence. Must See! $83,900.

Mary Tamayo 266-4998.

2793 Madrid Ave.


homewelcome


• For Sale • For Rent • Open Homes • New Homes • Easily Find Local Realtors • and much moreInside:


3pg:

Principal BrokerDiana Villarreal-Bakalem

Connection of Trust & Professional Service

www.nexusrgv.com504-2727

185 FM 802, Brownsville TX, 78520

Follow us on:

@NexusRGV

HOME IN LOS FRESNOS $289,900 TOWNE NORTH SUBD $92,000

MISSION TRAILS $125,000Great location and potential! House features 3 bedrooms, 2 baths plus a guest/pool house with full bath. Maid’s quarters in the garage area! Nice pool and large backyard! Call Zaida Trevino @ 455-5956

FOR RENT IN RANCHO VIEJO $1,200 /moNice 3 bedroom 2 bath corner condo centrally located! Tile and carpet fl ooring! Recently remodeled! Fully furnished! Ready to move in! Call Anna Domene @ 639-6269

FOR RENT IN EL VALLE GRANDE $875 /moRefurbished: New stainless steel appliances, granite and slate kitchen. Granite master and guest vanities - Baths have all tile fl oors, wood patio arbor. Security system and fenced in yard. Call Estela Balli @ 455-8850

LA ALHAMBRA $145,000Great and secure gated community. The complex has a walking track and a pool. The unit has hurricane shutters and security system. Hard wood floors and carpet in bedrooms. On second floor is a loft and an office or studio! Call Stella Ruiz @ 551-3481

Beautiful 4 bedroom 4½ bath home with lots of land! High ceilings, custom inlaid tile, fireplace, wall niches and luxurious granite in great kitchen with natural gas. Home is on practically a full acre with tropical landscaping, two patios and plenty of open space! Call Leo Toribio @ 832-2225

Cute 3 bedroom 2 bath home with plenty of room! Very nice living room, a lot of woodwork! Carpet and laminated flooring! Close to shopping center, schools and restaurants! Call Agustin Lopez @ 459-2695

830 W. Price Rd.541-7867

OneStopRealtyInc.com

Linda Villarreal 266-6765GeneVoorhies 371-7261

SteveGerhardt 543-7093MelissaSantos 525-3887

NancyHarden 371-4219GloriaGonzales 459-7334

WilliamBodden 908-2698DianaRivera832-880-1146B

kr

.

35 CHERYL LN.

ONLY $99,900! 3 bedroom 2 bath home withcustomwoodwork forextrastoragespace,plusabonusroomthatcouldbeusedasanofficeor4th bedroom. Large backyard fully fenced withmature trees & patio slab great for entertaining.Call Melissa for more details!

ToDay, opeN HouSe 2-4pM!

ToDay, opeN HouSe 3-5pM!

6049 BLANCO RIVER ST.

Only $110,900! New Construction 3 bedroom 2bathhomewitha1cargarage,fullyfenced,granitecountersinkitchen&baths,alltilefloors,zonedLFschoolswithgreatcurbappeal. Call Melissa for more details!

prICe reDuCeD

62 MCFADDEN DR.

494 PALM HAVEN DR.

ONE STORY CONDO: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths,Appx1500sfliving+2cargaragew/extrastoreroom,coveredpatio,stormshutters,fencedyard,all appliances, & ceramic tile floors. $144,900! Hosted by Virginia (owner) 956-459-1629

LIKE NEW! Fullyrefurbished,centrallylocatedbyFruitdaleDr,3bedrooms,2baths,2gar,allceramictitlefloors,pricetosell $109,000!

FOR RENT – 1033 Vamonos, 5bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 gar, big fenceyard, north of 802, off Hudson Blvd. $1,250 p/mo. Call Gloria 459-7334.

FOR SALE – NEW LISTING AT 3676 Calle Nortena only $69,000! Big backyardwithoversizedslabpatio,3bedrooms,allceramictilefloors.Call Gloria 459-7334.

5550 GULF BLVD, UNIT 308

FLORENCE I at South Padre Island, studiocondowith Gulf of Mexico beach access, communitypool,buildingelevator,freshlypaintedinterior,allceramic tilefloors,Appx368sf,Bank repo,only $80,000! Call Linda!

e.p.s. RealtoRs 544-5151

sellingbrownsvilletexashomes.comVIsIt oUR WeBsIte

price reduced!!NeW LiSTiNG!!NeW LiSTiNG!!

Recently remodeled home. All Porcelain Tile flooring, beautiful kitchen opens into family room, kitchen has top of the line appliances, + granite counter tops. On cul-de-sac. Only $180,000!! Also for rent @ $1600 per month

Beautiful Island Condo on SAIDA III …2/2 Condo is on Gulf waterfront with over the top views! Ceramic Tile, Split Bedroom Plan, Furnished, in great condition. Just Amazingly Beautiful Setting. Only $340,000!!

Great Opportunity… on this property that offers a 2 bedroom 3 bath main house, a 1/1 apartment with income as a rental, warehouse, carport plus Hacienda style front entry. Only $64,900!!

price reduced cOMMerciAL cOuNTrY SeTTiNG OFFice SpAce!!

North of Brownsville with

Resaca frontage on 1.5 acres.

Surrounded by Elegant Homes.

Priced right at only $69,900!!!

Owner Finance with Large Down Payment! 2800 sq ft. of a superbly remodeled professional bldg. with quality craftsmanship throughout. Handicap Accessible. Location a Plus; across Sharp Elementary on Palm Blvd. Call for other extras. $299,500!!!

Near Post office… Office Space as low as .85 cents per sq. ft. Landlord pays water, sewer & yard care. Will not last! Call for an appointment.

rANcHO VieJO!SuNriSe cONdOS!

Ranch Viejo… 3/2.5 Townhouse, ceramic tile floors, spacious and clean , Use of pool!, Covered patio + more Only $850 per month!!!

NeW reNTAL!

New Rental… 2/2 Nice Contemporary Style Condo fully furnished w/ kitchen appliances very clean. Will not last! $800!! per month

PRICE REDUCED!!! This 3BR- 2BATH, remodeled. At Sunrise Condos is a great buy and is move-in ready. Has all Kitchen appliances + Washer and dryer. It’s only $75,000!!

QUESTION: Is it true that jumbo mortgages will be more difficult to get in 2014? If so, how will this impact real estate in more expen-sive communities?

ANSWER:

Jumbo mortgages are big loans that, because of their size, do not meet conform-ing loan standards or FHA rules.

There is no jumbo financing shortage, but the type of jumbo loans avail-able in 2014 is expected to

change, as will the ability to qualify. These changes will undoubtedly impact some potential borrowers and thus high-cost real estate markets in areas such as California and along the East Coast.

The country is now coming out of a massive foreclosure meltdown that began in 2006 and 2007, the worst since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Nobody wants a repeat of this event and one result is that new lending rules are in effect in 2014.

Under the new guide-lines, most new loans will

be “qualified mortgages,” loans that limit lender lia-bility under Wall Street reform laws. There are a variety of standards used to define what is and what is not a “qualified mort-gage,” and several impact jumbo financing.

For instance, as much as 43 percent of a borrower’s income can generally be devoted to recurring monthly debts such as mortgages, car payments, student debt and credit card bills under the new rules. That’s a problem for some jumbo borrowers, because often they have

been allowed to devote more than 43 percent of their income to such costs.

Another potential prob-lem is that some jumbo loans start out as interest-only mortgage products, meaning that initial month-ly costs are lower than with a self-amortizing loan because only interest is paid. Under qualified mort-gage rules, interest-only loans are generally a no-no.

Under the new rules, jumbo loans will still be available in the form of self-amortizing mortgages to well-qualified borrowers. However, some potential

borrowers who may have qualified in the past for jumbo financing will now only qualify for smaller loans, something that could mean fewer bidders in high-priced markets.

© CTW Features

Email [email protected]. Due to volume, not all questions may be answered.

HARDTO GOJUMBO

WITH PETER G. MILLER [email protected]

Ask our broker

Commercial Real EstateSales, Consulting, & Management

LARRY JOKL, BROKER956-778-7181

[email protected]

MELBA MEYN956 551-1867

[email protected]

ANGELO KOTSOVOS956-592-6318

[email protected]

WE SPECIALIZE IN LISTINGAND SELLING COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES.

2765 CORIA ST. GREAT 2 STORY CONDO WITH 2 BEDS

AND 2 ½ BATHS. TILE FLOORS UP AND DOWN, COVERED PARKING AND

CENTRAL LOCATION. $84,900.

2765 CORIA ST. 715 E. JACKSON ST. CALL FOR THE INVESTMENT

OPPORTUNITY YOU HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR. THIS 4 UNIT RENTAL HAS SEPARATE ELECTRIC AND A GENEROUS

RETURN ON YOUR INVESTMENT. OWNER FINANCE TO QUALIFIED

BUYERS WITH 25% DOWN. $95,000.

536 E. 12 TH ST. NICE INVESTMENT PROPERTY IN

DOWNTOWN BROWNSVILLE WITH AN EXISTING TENANT AND SEPARATE WATER

AND ELECTRIC METERS. $95,000.

536 E. 12 TH ST. 401 DELEON ST. RANCHO VIEJO 3 BED , 3 BATH

AND AN EXTRA ROOM GUESTS, IN LAWS OR HOUSE KEEPER. MASTER

BED IS UPSTAIRS. CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT. $128,000.

6846 TENAZA DRIVE LOOKING FOR A HOME WITH ALL THE UPGRADES AND FINISHING TOUCHES. 3 BEDROOM,

2 1/2 BATHS OVER 2,000 SQ. FT. OF LIVING SPACE. MOVE IN READY. $179,000.

[email protected]

6846 TENAZA DRIVE

OPEN HOUSE 1-4 PM


homewelcome


4• For Sale • For Rent • Open Homes • New Homes • Easily Find Local Realtors • and much moreInside:


pg:

Vanessa TillmanRealtor Cell: (956) [email protected]

Tim TillmanRealtor Cell: (956) 346-7789

[email protected]

REALTOR MLSMULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE

TM Victor Garza, Broker868 W. Price Rd. Brownsville, TX 78520

Ph: (956) 574-9009

25 San Diego avenueGreat home in a very desirable neighborhood. This is an open floor plan 3 bedroom, 4 bath, 2 car garage. It has a large pool 18 x 35 with a hot tub and built in BBQ/ Grill on the patio. It is over 2,300 sq. ft. with a very open floor plan. Call Tim (956) 346-7789

huge pool

34069 loS FreSnoS FM 2893 Country Elegance with city amenities! This is a custom built home. It sits on .698 of an acre. 3 bedroom, 2 bath; 2,016 sqft. The master is an oversized 20 x 20 and all appliances pass with the sale including washer/dryer and most TV’s! Too many extras to mention so come by and take a look. Call vanessa (956) 346-5096.

3871 MeMorial TrailSThis is a great two story 5/3, that has lots of space, 2850 sqft. Kitchen

has granite counter tops, a large pantry and a breakfast nook. Formal

downstairs. Master bedroom is 27x21 with a large walk in closet. A large

covered porch that is tiled with ceiling fans. Call vanessa (956) 346-5096

priCe reDuCeD

3511 Calle BuenoS aireSWow! Over 1900 sq. feet, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage, and loft upstairs. Large covered patio with big back yard.Nice area close to schools, restaurants, and shopping righto f Pa r e d e s L i n e R o a d . C a l l va n e s s a ( 9 5 6 ) 3 4 6 - 5 0 9 6

3000 arBor park BlvDBeautiful custom built home on a corner lot. 3 bedroom, 2.5 Bath, and formal. 2260 sq. ft. Granite counter tops in kitchen. Large Master w/ sitting area & Jacuzzi Tub, large walk-in closet. Great neighborhood close to schools, shopping, and restaurants. Call vanessa (956) 346-5096

reDuCeD $116,000

0 MySTiC BenDBuild your dream home in this exclusive neighborhood. This lot is .36 of an acre. A beautiful view of the Resaca withoutpaying the price. Call Tim (956) 346-7789

The WooDS

Sun Valley REALTORS®

1681 E. LOS EBANOS BLVD, Suite 100 (956) 546-5053Joe de la Fuente

Broker/Owner(956) 541-3003

Nelda de la FuenteREALTOR® Associate(956) 546-5053

Miriam R. RodriguezLic. Admin Asst/REALTOR

(956) 372-0262

Francisco OrozcoBroker Associate

(956) 589-3158

6052 RUSTY NAIL DR. - BEAUTIFUL 2 STORY HOME WITH OVER 3,000SQ FT!!! OFFERS 5 BEDROOMS 3.5 BATHS 2 CAR GARAGE. OPEN AND SPACIOUS LIVING AND DINING ROOM AREAS. TILE FLOORING THROUGHOUT ENTIRE HOME. NICE OPEN KITCHEN WITH BAR!!! MASTER BEDROOM AND AN EXTRA BEDROOM DOWNSTAIRS, ALL OTHER BEDROOMS UPSTAIRS. NICE FAMILY LIVING AREA UPSTAIRS WITH FRENCH DOORS LEADING TO BALCONY!! HOME HAS BEEN COMPLETELY REMODELED!! COME SEE FOR YOURSELF!!

NEWLY REMODELED!!!

$199,0005680 HUNTERS BREAK DR.- BEAUTIFUL 4 BEDROOM 2 BATH 2 CAR GARAGE HOME IN FOREST NORTH!!! HOME SHOWS VERY WELL, RECENTLY REFURBISHED. HOME OFFERS SPACIOUS LIVING AND DINNING AREAS, TILE THROUGHOUT, NEW A/C UNIT, NEW WATER HEATER AND MUCH MORE!!! STAINLESS STEEL APPLIANCES AND FURNITURE ARE NEGOTIABLE. HOME IS SITUATED IN A GREAT DEVELOPING AREA ZONED TO GREAT SCHOOLS!!! VERY CENTRALLY LOCATED CLOSE TO SHOPPING CENTERS, RESTAURANTS AND HOSPITALS.

VERY WELL MAINTAINED!!!

$135,0001049 JUAN DIEGO ST. - COME SEE THIS SPACIOUS HOME IN RIVERA HEIGHTS!!! HOME OFFERS 4 BEDROOMS 2 BATHS!!! OPEN FLOOR PLAN, KITCHEN AND LIVING ROOM ARE VERY SPACIOUS!!! GARAGE WAS CONVERTED INTO A BONUS/FAMILY ROOM!! HOME DOES NEED SOME TLC. VERY CLOSE TO HIGH SCHOOL, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND CONVENIENT STORE. BACKYARD IS FULLY FENCED IN!! DONT MISS OUT ON THIS GREAT DEAL....CALL TODAY!!!!

4 BEDROOMS!!!

$79,900

2358 W LOS EBANOS BLVD.- COME SEE THIS

TOTALLY REMODLED HOME ON W LOS EBANOS!!!

HOME OFFERS 3 BEDROOMS 2 BATHS, NICE WOOD

FLOORS THROUGHOUT, TILE IN KITCHEN, HIGH

10FT CEILINGS, FENCE AND HAS MINI-SPLIT A/C

SYSTEM. PROPERTY IS LOCATED IN A COMMERCIAL

AREA. CALL US TODAY!!! DONT MISS OUT!

$79,9004425 DEO VOLENTE DR.- CUSTOM BUILT 3 BEDROOM 2 BATH 1 GARAGE HOME IN VILLA VERA SUBDV. HOME OFFERS TILE FLOORING AND BEDROOMS HAVE BEEN STRIPED OF CARPET, NO FLOORING,SPACIOUS LIVING AND DINING AREAS, FENCED IN BACKYARD (CHAINLINK AND WOOD), NICE COVERED PATIO,NICE LANDSCAPING AND MUCH MORE. OFF SOUTHMOST RD. CALL FOR MORE INFO. DONT MISS OUT!!!

SELLER-MOTIVATED!!!

$69,500

NEW LISTING!!!

6785 STONE OAK DR.- VERY NICE 3 BEDROOM 2 BATH 2 GARAGE STUCCO HOME IN THE WOODLANDS SUBDV!!! HOME OFFERS GRANITE COUNTER TOPS, TILE FLOORING THROUGHOUT, NEW PAINT, SPACIOUS LIVING AND DINING AREAS! HOME SHOWS VERY WELL. NICE , FULLY FENCED BACKYARD WITH COVERED PATIO. HOME IS LOCATED IN A VERY NICE AREA CLOSE TO GREAT SCHOOLS AND SHOPPING CENTERS!!

THE WOODLANDS!!!!

$138,500

By ERIK J. MARTINCTW Features

Americans favor walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods that provide shorter com-mutes, per the results of a National As-sociation of Realtors survey. According to the study, 60 percent of those polled prefer a community with a blend of houses and stores and other businesses that are easy to get to on foot versus communities that involve more driving between work, home and recreation.

Additionally, the survey revealed that, although a property’s size does matter to consumers, they’re willing to sacrifi ce size for a coveted neighborhood and less time commuting.

NEW SACRIFICESFifty-two percent fancy a single-family

detached home with a large yard. However, more than half said they’d sacrifi ce a home with a larger yard if it resulted in a shorter work commute or it meant living within walking distance of stores, schools and restaurants

And, 78 percent indicated that a house’s size is less important than their chosen

neighborhood.Eric Fredericks, a Rancho Cordova,

Calif.-based urban planner and founder of website/blog Walkable Neighborhoods, says the latter statistic surprises him the most.

“The trend for decades in America was larger and larger houses to accommodate additional belongings, but I think with the popularity of walkable neighborhoods and the aging population, Americans are start-ing to realize that driving to places may not always be an option,” Fredericks says. “Also, a lot of folks have learned about the benefi ts of having options within walking distance.”

CONVENIENT SCORESAs to why 60 percent favor neighbor-

hoods with a mix of homes and retail offerings, “the old adage, ‘location, location, location’ has, in part, given way to ‘conve-nience, convenience, convenience,’” says Jon Stewart, agent with John L. Scott Real Estate in Seattle.

“With the lives of those in both urban and suburban areas becoming more complex by the day, the trend of viewing areas offering a mixture of residential housing and com-mercial convenience with shorter commutes will, in my opinion, only increase,” Stewart

says. “Anything to reduce time in the car and increase time concentrated on living will be prioritized.”

Lindsey Kinnsch Michael, mortgage loan consultant with Kinecta Federal Credit Union in Manhattan Beach, Calif., says living in mixed-use, walkable communities offers several advantages to homeowners.

“You can get exercise easily and conve-niently, you can save a ton of money on gas and car maintenance, and you will most likely take advantage of more opportunities the community affords you because you’re exposed to them daily,” Michael says.

She adds, “There is also a comfort in knowing that you can rely on your own two feet, as opposed to a vehicle, to get where you need to go on a daily basis.”

INDIVIDUAL PREFERENCEHowever, the decision to compromise

home size for easy accessibility and proximi-ty is not an easy one for every home shopper to make, Stewart says.

“It’s as individual a decision as those mak-ing the choice. There are still consumers who are looking for the 4,000-plus square foot home on two acres of land. But in areas that offer mixed-use neighborhoods, there is a

trend toward either bungalow living or larger homes designed to encompass most of the lot. In urban areas, there is no short supply of clients who are very willing to compro-mise size for the sake of convenience,” Stewart says. “It’s a matter of the individual’s defi nition of ‘quality of life.’”

Before selecting a neighborhood, experts recommend considering several important criteria.

“Ask yourself,” Michael advises, “will you feel safe in the neighborhood and the home? Does the home’s layout and storage capac-ity make sense for your life? Do you have guaranteed parking? And can you walk easily to places you would frequent and that would fi t into your lifestyle?”

Also, before choosing a mixed-use area, “consider noise,” says Rob Anzalone, CEO of Fenwick Keats Real Estate in New York City. “Is there commercial traffi c? Are there noisy restaurants or bars? What is the neigh-borhood zoning? And will you have close proximity to parks and green public areas?”

These additional aspects can change the way people view walkable and mixed-use communities.

© CTW Features

FOOT-FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOODS

MIXED-USE, WALKABLE COMMUNITIES ARE ALL THE RAGE FOR MODERN HOMEBUYERS – AND FOR GOOD REASON

TRENDS

real estate & resource guide

Documents