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Produced ByAdvertising Editorial Staff

lubbockonline.com homes.lubbockonline.com LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL

Inside Real Estate: Decorative Painting - Page 3Local Real Estate News - Page 6 On The Web: Follow us on Facebook & Twitter

View Full MLS Listings & Open House ListWTHBA Featured Floorplan - Page 7Getting Finances in Order - Page 9

Where did you grow up? I was born in Lubbock and

raised in Muleshoe.

How long have you worked in real estate?

This is my tenth year in the business.

What did you do before that?

After graduating with a business degree from Abilene Christian University in 1999, I worked writing tax software at a company in Dallas.

What is your specialty? I help people invest in real

estate. It is the commodity of wealth. Lubbock is a stable and growing market that offers low risk and a very at-tractive return. I specialize in helping clients build a portfo-lio of investment properties to meet their financial goals for retirement or sending their kids to college.

What designations do you have and what does that mean for the people you work with?

I have a Texas Broker’s license and I am a gradu-ate of the Realtor Institute (GRI). During a real estate transaction, there are many pitfalls where an agent might compromise a client’s best

interest. Advanced education helps you learn to negotiate on your clients’ behalf with-out putting them at risk.

Why should someone choose you as their real estate agent?

I have the experience and knowledge to help my clients make a good financial deci-sion. As a real estate investor, owning multiple properties in Lubbock, I can speak from experience about the rates of return that are possible in our market.

What are the most gratify-ing and most challenging aspects of what you do?

The most challenging aspect is time management. Realtors are pulled many dif-ferent directions throughout the day and must meet time sensitive deadlines. The most gratifying aspect is helping someone build a future for themselves and their family through real estate.

What is the most unique property you’ve listed or sold?

The most unique property I have sold is ranchland near Childress that had some farmland, abundant wildlife and a two story hunting lodge.

What tips do you have for someone looking to buy or sell a home? For buyers, my advice is to take advantage of the current low mortgage rates. Don’t let this tremendous opportu-nity pass you by. For sellers, my advice is to price your

home within the market. Conventional wisdom is to price it high knowing you can always come down. This logic is faulty and almost always results in the sellers netting less money for their home. In this economic climate, sellers are very competitive. In order

to obtain the best price in the shortest amount of time you must price your home correctly.

What do you see in the fu-ture for real estate sales?

This depends on govern-ment manipulation, but sales seem to have stabilized and this trend is likely to continue. I believe that both prices and interest rates will rise with inflation. The time to buy real estate is now! We are in the perfect storm of record low interest rates and affordable prices that we may not see again for a long time. The investor market is very strong and should continue as people seek non-currency assets that are indexed for inflation.

Why do you live in the Lubbock area? What do you like most about it?

I love West Texas. The people here have a strong work ethic and a commitment to family values. I wanted to raise my boys in a place where they are encouraged to follow Christ.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

My passion is my family. My wife, Alison, and I are blessed with three young boys. They are my pride, joy, and second job. So, I spend my time outside of work changing diapers, building towers out of Legos, and play-ing hide and seek.

Russell McGuire ExiT REAlTY of lUbbock(806) 239-6852 Russell@ExitLubbock.com

Realtor Revealed

Russell McGuire, Exit Realty of LubbockPhoto by Misty Setzler

Broker, GRI

JULY 7, 2012The South Plain’s #1 Real Estate Source ● Visit our mobile site @ m.homes.lubbockonline.com

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806-766-8687

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Real Estate

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Real estate2 SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2012 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL lubbockonline.com

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ReAL eSTATe SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2012 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL 3homes.lubbockonline.com

(ARA) – Paint can do more than change the color of a room – it can add texture, pattern and visual interest. Today’s decorative painting techniques are simple and sophisticated alternatives to wallpaper, and a far cry from the dated sponge painting from years past. Whether you’re a painting pro or a DIY beginner, here’s how you can transform a room with a few simple strokes.

TexTured Techniques

Give any room an extra bit of “oomph” with textured techniques. Easy to do and requiring few supplies, they’re an excel-lent option for new DIYers. One simple technique is simulating the texture of fabric on walls – it makes any space feel warm and homey. To add a more mas-culine feel to a bachelor pad or study, use paint to create the appearance of leather on walls – apply a mix of glaze and brown paint to walls using a scrunched-up plastic bag to give the right texture. Once it is dry, use a roller to add a layer of brown glaze over it. You can also use textured techniques to easily create the look of linen for a light and airy feel, or to transform your walls to seem like wood or stone for an outdoorsy atmosphere.

A technique called comb-ing is also great for those new to decorative paint-ing – it’s simple to do and mistakes are easy to fix. To “comb” your walls, paint your base coat of color and let it dry completely, use a paint roller to apply a thin layer of clear glaze, and “comb” through the glaze with a special paint comb. If you don’t like your

first attempt, simply apply another coat of glaze with your paint roller and start over.

sophisTicaTed sTripes

Simple but stylish, stripes are an easy way to update your space. Vertical stripes create the feeling of high ceilings, making rooms feel spacious, while horizontal stripes add a modern, funky touch. For a subtle look, paint two-toned stripes in neutral hues – such as cream and taupe – or use the same color in two different sheens (i.e. glossy and flat). For a more dramatic redo, choose two contrasting colors, create multicolored stripes or paint stripes in a variety of widths to add extra interest.

When painting stripes, measure carefully and use a laser level to apply tape to ensure the lines are straight. Always remember to paint your base coat with the lightest color first since it will eventually become one of the stripes, and it is much easier to paint your darker colors over the lighter base. Then add the darker colored stripes, in order from light-est to darkest.

To create stripes with the sharp, crisp lines you’re looking for, choose a good quality painter’s tape. Look for a brand that’s treated to react with the water in latex paint to cre-ate a barrier that prevents paint bleed and helps ensure clean lines. There are also brands which can be applied to fresh paint after only 24 hours, mak-ing them a good choice for decorative painting.

conTemporary chevron

A chic alternative to tra-

ditional stripes, chevron, or zig-zag stripes, is a way to make a big impact on your room with minimal effort. Create a pattern of many chevron stripes, or go for major drama with fewer, wider stripes. Paint the pattern around the entire room, or add chevron to one focal wall. To get the look, use pencil or chalk to create a grid on the wall; use a level to make sure the grid lines are straight. Then, apply painter’s tape to create the chevron pattern, utilizing your grid lines as a guide. After the painter’s tape is applied firmly to the sur-face, paint in-between the taped design. Lastly, make sure to remove the tape as soon as you are finished painting.

sTylish sTencils

Make an ordinary space extraordinary with stencils. Nowadays, stencils are available in

almost any shape and size. Buy them precut at your local craft store or online at etsy.com, or create your own for a design that is completely unique. Add floral designs for a feminine look, or go classic with preppy polka dots. Stencil a chande-lier shape for instant sophistication or paint a meaningful quote to add a personal touch to your space. Geometric patterns, damasks and paisleys also add spice to boring walls. Some retailers even offer wall size stencils, helping you to cover a large area with ease.

Whether you consider yourself shabby chic, prefer sleek modern looks or adhere to a more tra-ditional style, decorative painting is a simple way to add flair to any space. With just a few supplies and a free weekend, you can transform any room into a space you adore.

Decorative painting: How to transform a room with a few simple strokes

DECORATIVE PAINTING TEChNIquES can add style, depth and texture to otherwise plain walls. Make an ordinary space extraordinary with stencils (left). Buy them pre-cut or design your own. Simple but stylish, stripes are an easy way to update your space (below). use a good quality painters tape to ensure clean lines and choose either coordinating or contrasting colors to achieve the desired look.

The savvy shopper knows there is no reason to pay full price if you don’t have to. Timing is everything when bargain hunting, and with a little patience, most people can find deep dis-counts on items that might have broken the bank just a few weeks prior.

Shopping with coupons often requires clipping the coupon and then trying to match it up with a dis-counted price being offered by the store to maximize your savings. All of this has to be done prior to the cou-pon’s expiration date. Many veteran bargain hunters prefer to shop seasonally, instead. This means wait-ing until stores put items on clearance or run large sales.

Knowing the best times to buy certain products can save consumers hundreds or even thousands of dol-

lars over the course of a year. The following is a list of items and the seasons during which those types of items are most likely to be sold at a discount.

Appliances – The new models for most appli-ances arrive in the autumn. Therefore, most retailers are looking to clear out older inventory over the winter. Between October and January, expect to find deep discounts on major appliances. If shoppers can wait to replace an older unit, they will be rewarded with very good prices.

Carpet and Flooring – Prior to the holiday season, many homeowners are busy making home im-provements so their home is welcoming and pristine for visiting guests. After the holidays end, however, such DIY projects often get placed on the back burner.

To boost activity, home improvement stores usually cut prices on carpet and flooring during the month of January.

Furniture – Although fur-niture is usually updated in stores biannually, many furniture retailers also run sales close to major holidays. Independence Day and the rest of July is a popular time for sales.

Garden Tools – Although many homeowners still may be cleaning up from winter storms and shoveling snow, those who want to get ready for spring can go shopping for garden tools in March.

Electronics – Economists urge American and Cana-dian consumers to purchase

major electronics in the spring, notably April. This is when the Japanese fiscal year ends, and many Japa-nese companies coincide the release of new models at this time of year. There-fore, older models might be slashed in price. Those interested in a computer may want to wait until Au-gust, when stores cut prices to coincide with back-to-school season. Shoppers interested in televisions should do their shopping in January, when products are discounted prior to the Super Bowl.

Automobiles – Consumers interested in purchasing previously owned cars can shop in April. For those who

are waiting to purchase a new vehicle, October is the best time to buy because this is when dealerships receive new inventory and are looking to clear out last year’s models.

Summer Seasonal Prod-ucts – Lawn mowers, air conditioners, patio furni-ture and pool equipment typically go on sale around September and October. Stores are switching over to their fall merchandise and are looking to clear out any remnants of summertime, even if the weather is still quite warm. Some stores do this as early as August, when they are already get-ting ready to make room for halloween and Christmas

displays.Weddings – It is well-

known that the summer months are peak times for weddings – and expensive prices. Budget-conscious couples can consider a November wedding, where costs may be much less and vendors not in much demand. Try to have the wedding prior to the holi-day season, when catering halls start booking rooms for Christmas parties.

Knowing when to buy items during the year can add up to considerable savings.ShOP FOR PATIO SETS in the late summer when stores are making room

The best time of year to find bargains

for autumn merchandise.

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Rising fuel costs and a suspect economy has forced many homeowners to look for ways to cut costs around the house. Conserving energy is one way to do just that. And in addition to saving money, conserving energy also helps save the planet.

Though preserving energy around the house might sound difficult, it’s actually quite easy, and you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to conserve. The following are a few ways to conserve energy around the house and help your bottom line and the planet at the same time.

* Cool it with the hot water. Heating water for the home accounts for a significant percentage of your monthly utility bill. But many homeowners might not know just how simple it can be to reduce the costs of heating the water. You can trim between 3 to 5 percent off your utility bill for every 10 degrees you dial down the thermostat on your water heater. A water heater set in the range of 130 F won’t require as much energy to heat and hold water as one set around 140 F or above, and a setting of 130 F is enough to prevent bacteria from grow-ing within the tank and still provide water that’s hot enough for a shower or bath.

A water heater set around 130 F might also extend the life of the tank. That’s because chemical reactions speed up in tanks that are hotter, accelerating the buildup of rust within the tank.

* Install a digital thermostat. A digital thermostat makes it easy for homeowners to automatically turn down their thermostats during times of the day when no one is home. The thermostats can be programmed to turn up the heat shortly before you typically arrive home, so you won’t be forced to sit in a cold house when you get home, nor will you be forced to pay to heat a home while no one is there. The thermostat can also be set in the summer to allow the temperature in the home to rise

without automatically triggering the air conditioning. When shopping for a digital thermostat, be sure to

purchase one that is compatible with your HVAC system. Otherwise, the thermostat might not work properly.

* Turn off the lights (and change the bulbs!). Perhaps the simplest way to conserve energy around the house is to turn off the lights in empty rooms. It’s easy for all residents of a home to turn on a light when entering a room, only to leave that room but keep the lights on. But electricity used for lighting can constitute as much as 10 percent of a monthly utility bill. How much of that electricity is being used to illuminate empty rooms? Get in the habit of turning lights off whenever you leave a room. Though the savings here might not be substantial, turning off the lights will help conserve energy.

In addition to turning off the lights, be sure to use compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs, instead of tra-ditional incandescent bulbs. CFLs consume less energy, don’t give off nearly as much heat as incandescent bulbs and can last as long as 10,000 hours, which is roughly 10 times as long as the best incandescent bulb.

* Make use of nature. Homeowners can also employ their landscape to help conserve energy around the house. A strategically planted tree, for example, can shade a room that is exposed to the sun throughout the day. That shade can make it cooler inside the home, allowing residents to stay cool inside without having to rely too heavily on their air conditioning unit. During the winter months, open the curtains during the day to allow sunshine in, naturally adding a few degrees to the home so you won’t have to crank the temperature on the thermostat.

Homeowners hoping to conserve energy around the house can do so in a number of ways without having to sacrifice comfort or luxury.

People rely on fire and smoke detectors to help keep them safe in their homes. Though fire and smoke alarms are effective, a firm fire safety plan that will keep everyone calm should a fire occur could make the difference between life and death.

The U.S. Fire Administration says that more than 3,500 Americans die each year in fires, while roughly 18,300 more men, women and children are injured each year. Cooking accounts for the greatest percent-age of residential fires, followed by arson. Dryer vent fires are also a big concern. FEMA says that smoke, rather than the fire’s flames, is responsible for 75 percent of all deaths by fire.

In addition to physical injury and material dam-age, fires can cause a host of problems. Psychological distress, monetary damages and loss of pets may come with fires. Loss of irreplaceable personal items is also a concern. Although fires can be devastating, they’re also highly preventable, and smoke alarms and a home fire safety plan are two precautionary measures everyone should take.

Creating an evacuation plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Such a plan can be established in a few minutes and then reinforced through practice every so often to keep everyone fresh on what to do.

• Begin by assessing the layout of the home. Figure out the two best exits from the home.

• If your home doesn’t have two doors, invest in a fire ladder so that one of the windows can be a point of exit.

• Know how to gain access to the exits, including the best path to take to avoid injury. It’s a good idea to consider a few different scenarios. A kitchen adjacent to the upstairs staircase may become engulfed in flames and make exit by way of staircase impossible. Just because you have doors to the outside doesn’t mean they’ll present the best type of exit.

• Sketch out the layout of the home and the escape plan. Smoke can make it difficult to know up from down. Be sure everyone can reach the exits even if vi-sion is obstructed. Try it with your eyes closed.

• Check fire alarms routinely, and change batteries at least every year.

• Make sure windows can be easily opened if they are an exit point.

• Make note of who will be helping children or the elderly out of the home.

• Establish a place where the family will meet out-doors. This area should be far enough away from the home so that everyone will be safe from smoke, flames and falling debris. Fires may ignite fuel explosions, so be sure the meeting spot is a good deal away.

• Children should be instructed to run to the meet-ing spot immediately without waiting behind for anyone to catch up. No one should reenter the home after arriving at the meeting spot.

• Do a few practice runs so that everyone will be accustomed to getting out quickly.

• While in most cases it is better to escape and let the fire department extinguish a fire, in the event of a small fire, occupants may be able to stanch it with a personal fire extinguisher. Follow the acronym PASS to properly put out the fire.

- PULL the pin in the extinguisher.

- AIM the nozzle or hose at the base of the flames.

- SQUEEZE the trigger.

- SWEEP the foam across the fire base; do not just aim in one place.

Fire safety is very important. In conjunction with smoke alarms, a fire safety plan can help everyone get out alive.

How to conserve energy around the house

Establish a home fire safety plan

OPENING THE BLINDS OR CURTAINS to allow

natural light in is one way to conserve energy

around the house.

(ARA) – It goes without saying that the kitchen is one of the hardest-working rooms in the home. For most, it’s the heart of family life and usually the one room where everyone gathers together. With so much hustle and bustle, it’s no wonder that the kitchen runs the risk of looking overworked.

A remodeled kitchen not only reinvigorates the space, but the home overall. This isn’t always easy to accomplish though, as a full-blown renovation can be quite expensive and time-consuming. However, even on a tight budget, there are plenty of ways to spruce up the room without breaking the bank.

As dirt and grease build up over time, appliances around the kitchen can ap-pear old and dull. The easi-est way to rejuvenate those appliances without spend-ing a fortune on new ones is by giving them a thorough cleaning. Since the stove is often used most, it’s a good place to start. Clean the entire surface inside and

out using a product that is safe for all surfaces. Try a de-greaser to cut through the baked-on grease and stuck-on grime clinging to your stove. Get into every nook and cranny until it sparkles.

After the stove is clean, repeat the process for the microwave, backsplash, oven hood, sink and coun-tertops. All of your kitchen appliances will begin to look like new again, and your kitchen won’t seem so worn and outdated.

Once finished with the kitchen surfaces, consider some other affordable up-dates that can make a huge impact:

Paint the cabinets – A lackluster room can quickly become re-energized with a vibrant new color. Repaint the cabinets a lively hue to brighten the space or freshen the existing paint color with a new coat.

Update fixtures – Don’t expect that the faucet handles you installed more than 10 years ago will last another 10. In addition to being practical, kitchen

fixtures can add style and enhance overall design. Look for fixtures that fit your kitchen motif, whether it’s modern and sleek or shabby chic.

Change existing hard-ware – Think of hardware as jewelry for the kitchen. Add new glass or metal knobs, or bars to highlight cabinets and enhance the overall style of the room. If using metal hardware, choose one type and stick to it for a clean, uniform look.

Create shelving – Re-moving cabinet doors to create shelving can provide a sense of openness and additional space. Simply remove cabinet doors and fill in holes with wood filler. Then, sand until smooth and paint as desired. You can also paint the inside of the newly open cabinets as a decorative treatment.

Introduce new fabric – Are your cushions looking dingy and outdated? Re-cover chairs or stools with bright, patterned fabric that reflects your personal-ity. Also consider framing the space with new curtains

that liven up your “new” kitchen.

Find your green thumb - Instead of buying fresh herbs at the grocery store or farmers market, plant them in pots in your kitchen. They will help add freshness to both the atmo-sphere and your food (while saving you money).

Don’t forget about the floor – Update floors without the significant cost associated with new floor-ing by simply adding a rug. Find a rug that’s durable to high foot traffic, but also complements your kitchen style.

Complete all the updates, or pick and choose to make a difference even on the smallest budget. This pro-cess will certainly work on other areas of the home as well. Your home will have a fresh appeal in no time!

Easy kitchen updates that won’t break the bank

Start your KItChEn rEnovatIon projECt with a good cleaning of all the appliances. Built-up grease and grime can make the entire kitchen look dull. Use a multi-surface de-greaser to tackle the job.

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Real estate attorneys are fond of saying that verbal agreements are worth as much as the paper they’re printed on. Real estate deals are complicated, expensive transactions, and mis-understandings occur all the time. Buyers think sellers promised to make certain repairs. Sellers claim that buyers said they could stay in the home after closing.

It doesn’t matter if you’re outlining your relationship with an agent, making an offer on a home, negotiating repairs, or some other element of a real es-tate transaction. Get it in writing, or face an increased risk of ending up involved in a lawsuit.

Start With Good Form

The best way to obtain a writ-ten record of an agreement in a real estate deal is to use a form specifically created for your trans-action. This form, when filled out properly, provides a clear state-ment of everyone’s intentions and responsibilities. Such contracts, forms and addenda exist for many types of real estate transactions, and you can access forms for common activities related to real estate from the Texas Real Estate Commission’s Web site. As public records, these forms are available to anyone. However, there is no substitute for having a profes-sional help you. Filling out the forms incorrectly could result in a contract as useless as a verbal agreement.

JuSt For You

While the Texas Real Estate Commission puts out forms that cover some real estate transac-tions, its forms library has holes – no listing or buyer-representation agreements, property manage-ment contracts, forms for commer-

cial property, or residential leases.Many of these other types of

forms are created by attorneys and associations. For example, Texas Realtors – real estate agents and brokers who choose to

join the Realtor associa-tion and abide by a pro-fessional Code of Ethics – regularly use the Texas Real Estate Commis-sion’s forms. However, Texas Realtors have about 100 additional forms in their arsenal for every type of real estate situation imaginable. These additional forms

are available only to members of the Texas Association of Realtors.

For example, Texas Realtors have forms that indicate whether mineral rights convey with the sale of a property, specify whether a buyer walked through the prop-erty and accepted its condition prior to closing, and state contin-gencies such as the sale of one property being contingent on the buyer selling his existing home.

more FormS, more Protection

When you work with a Lub-bock Realtor, you benefit from his access to all those forms. You can put in writing all the details of your transaction exactly as you want them on a form specifically created for your type of deal. That means that your intentions and responsibilities are clearly stated for the record.

If you want to avoid surprises, hassles, misunderstandings and lawsuits, make sure every detail of your real estate transaction is in writing. Your Lubbock Realtor has the form designed for your transaction and the expertise to fill it out correctly.

For more information about buying or selling property or to find a Lubbock Realtor, visit Lub-bockRealtors.com and for more information about buying and selling across Texas, visit Texas-RealEstate.com.

An easy way to avoid lawsuits

Ruiz

Lubbock AssociAtion of ReALtoRs

BY Debora Perez Ruiz, PresidentLubbock Association of REALTORS®

WASHINGTON – Pending home sales bounced back in May, matching the highest level in the past two years, and are well above year-ago levels, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Both monthly and annual gains were seen in every region.

The Pend-ing Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indi-cator based on contract signings, rose 5.9 percent to 101.1 in May from 95.5 in April and is 13.3 percent above May 2011 when it was 89.2. The data reflect contracts but not closings.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said longer term comparisons are more relevant. “The housing market is clearly superior this year compared with the past four years. The latest in-crease in home contract signings

marks 13 consecutive months of year-over-year gains,” he said. “Actual closings for existing-home sales have been notably higher since the beginning of the year and we’re on track to see a 9 to 10 percent improvement in total sales for 2012.”

The national median existing-home price is expected to rise 3.0 percent this year and another 5.7 percent in 2013.

The PHSI in the Northeast in-creased 4.8 percent to 82.9 in May and is 19.8 percent above May 2011. In the Midwest the index rose 6.3 percent to 98.9 in May and is 22.1 percent higher than a year ago. Pending home sales in the South increased 1.1 percent to an index of 106.9 in May and are 11.9 percent above May 2011. In the West the index jumped 14.5 percent in May to 108.7 and is 4.8 percent stronger than a year ago.

Low inventory could hold back some contract activity. “If credit conditions returned to normal and if we had more inventory, especial-ly in the lower price ranges, more people would become successful

buyers. In an environment of his-torically favorable housing afford-ability conditions, it’s frustrating to see some consumers thwarted in the process,” Yun said.

Low inventory results partly from underwater homeowners who are unwilling to list their homes, which would require a lengthy short sale process, or additional cash to complete the transaction. NAR estimates 85 percent of homeowners have posi-tive equity, with 15 percent in an underwater situation.

“Low inventory can be cured by increasing new home construc-tion,” Yun said. He projects hous-ing starts to rise by 26 percent this year and another 50 percent in 2013.

“If housing starts do not rise in a meaningful way over the next two years due to the difficulty in getting construction loans, and barring an unexpected shift in the economy, the steady shedding of inventory could lead to shortages where home prices could get bid up close to 10 percent in 2013,” Yun said.

WASHINGTON – As Ameri-cans celebrate Independence Day, thousands of them will flock to places like Mount Vernon, Monticello and Peacefield to learn and understand more about our country’s history and the men and women who shaped its future. The homes of founding fathers like George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams were more than shelter; they were places of respite, reflection and inspiration.

“Homeownership is an invest-ment in our future, but it’s also a gateway to our past,” said NAR President Moe Veissi. “The homes of our country’s founders offer insights into their characters and values, and reflect the spirits of their owners, just as our homes do for us today.”

In some ways, historic home-owners bear little resemblance to the homeowners of today. George

Washington inherited Mount Vernon when he was 20; only 4 percent of recent home buyers were between the ages of 18-24, according to the 2011 NAR Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. John Adams was born in the house that would remain in the Adams family for four generations. Today, fewer than 3 percent of families in this country have received their primary residence as an inheri-tance, according to the Federal Reserve Board.

Women’s rights to own prop-erty in America’s early days were often based on their relationships with men, so it’s not surprising that many women today view homeownership as its own form of independence, with single women representing more than one-fifth of all home buyers in the current market.

Homeowners across U.S. history do share some common ground,

of course. Most of the founding families lived out their lives close to where they were born, and the same is true today. The U.S. Cen-sus Bureau reports that nearly 60 percent of Americans currently live in the state in which they were born, and NAR research shows that the typical buyer moves only 12 miles from his or her previous residence.

“I am as happy nowhere else and in no other society, and all my wishes end, where I hope my days will end, at Monticello,” said Thomas Jefferson of his home. Al-though today’s economic environ-ment has postponed homeowner-ship for some, numerous surveys show that most Americans still aspire to homeownership. In the NAR Profile, a full 60 percent of recent first-time home buyers cited the desire to own a home of their own as the primary reason for purchasing a home.

Pending home sales up in May, continue pattern of annual gains

Home is where the history is

Yun

ReAL eSTATe SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2012 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL 7homes.lubbockonline.com

This week’s Featured Home, sponsored by the West Texas Home Builder’s Association in coop-eration with the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, is a 1920s design built by Johnny Mosser Custom Homes and designed by architect Dan masters. The home is located at 4418 103rd Street in the Lakeridge South addition and is being featured in the Lakeridge Builder’s Showcase, going on this Saturday and Sunday, July 7-8, from 2 to 6 p.m.

This single story home has a gross square foot-age of 5677 feet, with a total living area of 3664 square feet. The brick home features large front and porches, with extended posed overhangs com-pete with decorative wood trim, thus creating an aesthetic look for superior curb appeal.

As you enter the home through the generous foyer, which features a home ceiling and wood floors, is the family room. A large fireplace and a ceiling with trimmed beams and a 12’6” ceiling make this a room any family can enjoy. The kitch-en has a large island, butlers’ pantry, breakfast area, and huge walk-in pantry, complete with its own appliance bar. Granite countertops are fea-tured throughout the home, including utility room and powder bath. The formal dining room and its beautiful faux finishing are the perfect place for a dinner party.

The master suite includes more of the trimmed beams and high ceilings and an excellent view of the backyard. There you will find an outdoor fire-place to enjoy on those chilly nights. The master bath has his and her vanities, garden tub, large walk-in shower with rain can, and a huge closet, to please any couple.

The guest quarter has its own private bath and wood floors, with a view of the lovely front porch. A perfect retreat for family and friends in for a visit, or could be used for the private office space needed in your home. There are three additional bedrooms, each with their own private bathrooms making this a great home for any family.

Other features of this home are a basement and a three-car garage, one of which is detached. There is lots of storage space and the home is ready to occupy. The selling price of the hoe is $579,000 and if interested in learn more, please contact Trish McClure with McDougal Realtors at 806-368-2201 or Johnny Mosser at 806-773-8888, a member of the West Texas Home Builder’s Association.

4418 103rd Street – Lakeridge South

Featured Floorplan – Johnny Mosser CustoM hoMes

Real estate8 SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2012 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL lubbockonline.com

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ReAL eSTATe SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2012 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL 9homes.lubbockonline.com

(ARA) – For those considering buying a home, the current real estate market presents some unique opportunities. One of the side effects of the economic roller coaster ride of the past few years is that home prices have gone down and more homes have gone on the market. For buyers, that means more choices and better deals. However, those same tumultuous years also can also teach buyers a lesson: Make smart buying decisions and be wise with your finances.

Impulsive buying is never a good idea when it comes to a pur-chase as significant as a home, but it was something of a trend at the height of the mid-2000s. Now, with banks lending far more cau-tiously, you need to be absolutely certain that your finances are in order – and healthy – to be able to get the best deal on your purchase.

There are a number of steps

you can take to get ready to buy a home, and you might need to work on them simultaneously. Consider that you’ll need to start saving, if you haven’t already, but you’ll also need to review your credit score and do what you can to either maintain it or work toward healthier credit. Both of these tasks will help make the home-buying process better for you.

Your credit is an important factor in determining the terms under which you can get a mortgage. Broadly speaking, the better your credit is, the more positively you’ll be viewed by lenders – and that can lead to better interest rates. And because you’ll be paying off your home for years to come, it’s important to get the best rate possible.

Start by checking your credit report. You’re entitled to one free check of your report, from Tran-sUnion and other credit reporting

agencies every year. As much as you need to check your report to find out what shape your credit is in, it’s also essential to review it for inaccuracies or fraudulent activity, both of which can have a negative impact on your score.

If your credit health needs some work, start taking action immediately. Paying bills on time, reducing your overall debt and limiting new credit inquiries can all help to build your credit – but be patient as it can take time for your positive actions to take ef-fect. Nevertheless, the sooner you make the effort, the sooner you’ll see results.

Making a prudent decision about buying a house comes down to an honest assessment of what you can afford. Keep in mind that you might be approved for a loan that’s larger than what is practi-cal for you to afford. While it may be tempting to buy a pricier house, the stress of struggling to

make payments could diminish your enjoyment of your new home and even put you at financial risk. One rule of thumb is that most borrowers can afford a home loan that runs about two and a half times their annual salary.

Buying a home is a complex

process, but one that is ulti-mately very rewarding when done right. By organizing your finances well in advance, you’ll help set yourself up for success. For more information about credit and buying a home, visit www.transunion.com.

(ARA) – Have you ever ac-cidentally left a candle burn-ing unattended? Or left home without turning on the security system? You probably made a mental note to yourself to not do it again, but otherwise didn’t think much about it.

But next time, you might not get so lucky. A simple “uh oh” could lead to thousands of dol-lars in damage to your home.

“We recommend homeown-ers adopt a mindset of think-ing about the consequences of things, of what could go wrong,” says Dr. Tim Reinhold, senior vice president of research and chief engineer for the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.

Here are five tips to avoid common homeowner mistakes:

Tip 1: Clean out the filter on your clothes dryer

Why? Fire. Those wads of lint that get caught in your dryer’s filter can pose a major fire haz-

ard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that dryers cause more than 15,000 fires a year.

Your strategy: Be sure to completely empty the lint trap every time you use your dryer. Also, make sure your dryer ducts are metal, since they’re less likely to sag and allow lint to build up.

Tip 2: Trim tree branches that hang close to your home

Why? Roof or other property damage. A storm or high winds could sweep through your neighborhood and knock those branches onto your roof, causing serious damage.

Your strategy: Consult an arborist or tree surgeon about any trees in your yard that might present a hazard.

Tip 3: Don’t put cardboard boxes from recent big-ticket purchases out on the curb with the garbage

Why? Theft. By placing boxes in a visible location, you’re send-ing a signal to burglars that you have valuable items in your home.

Your strategy: Cut boxes up and put them into the garbage or recycling bin.

Tip 4: Make your house look occupied when you’re on vacation

Why? Theft. An empty home can be an easy target for thieves.

Your strategy: Have your mail and newspaper deliveries suspended or have a trusted neighbor retrieve and safeguard them until your return. “Not only do piles of mail signal that a house is vacant, but thieves can sift through letters to steal your identity,” says Joe Vahey, vice president at Erie Insur-ance. “You also may want to arrange for someone to main-tain your lawn if you’ll be gone for more than a few days, and consider installing central alarms, motion detectors, or timed lights that will illuminate the area around your house at night.”

Tip 5. Check appliance water hoses

Why: Water damage. Hoses for washers and refrigerators wear out and need to be re-placed before they spring a leak.

The water supply line to the icemaker can also be a water leak waiting to happen.

Your strategy: Replace wash-ing machine hoses every five years. If you see the plastic line along the back of the refrigera-tor becoming discolored (yellow or brown), have an appliance repair expert check it out.

Despite your best efforts to properly maintain and protect your home, accidents and mis-haps still happen, which is why it’s also important to know what your homeowners insurance does, and doesn’t, cover. For example, no homeowners insur-ance will cover flood damage from natural disasters, so you may want to seek federal flood insurance if you live in an area prone to flooding. In addition, check to see if yours is a guaran-teed replacement cost policy, which would pay to rebuild your home if it’s severely damaged or destroyed.

Buying a home: Prepare by getting your finances in order

Avoiding five mistakes that even good homeowners makeEven good homeowners make

mistakes when it comes to taking care of their biggest investment.

Real estate10 SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2012 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL lubbockonline.com

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