Merry Christmas from At Home in Katy!
by Brian Varvel
The year has nearly come to an end and once again we find ourselves in the throws of the Chrismas season, what with the shopping, the decorating, and the travel plans... and that's on top of our normal daily routines. In this season of busy-ness, it's often easy to forget that we have all been blessed, whether through our families, or jobs, our friends or through the simplicity of having the means necessary to read this very email. Last year around this time, I made a personal committment to involve myself in more activites from which I benefit only in so much as I take personal joy in my participation.

Our company's culture dictates that we should all leave a legacy in our own communities. To that end, our office officially founded Cinco Charities, a 501(3)c not-for-profit whose sole mission is to provide temporary housing in our community with a warm, safe environment for individuals and their families who are hospitalized or receiving treatment for a serious medical condition. It's an organization that is very near and dear to my heart for personal reasons (you can read about it on the website). So if, when you're done shopping and you have some spare change, won't you consider donating to our cause. You can do it online!.

Also, our offices are an official drop spot for Toys for Tots. Please consider dropping off a new toy for children in our community. Two years ago I got to tag along when these toys were delivered... and it remains one of my fondest memories of Christmastime.

On a last note before leaving, I want to take a moment to personally thank each and every one of you who made a difference in my life either personally or professionally. I try my best to be a great Realtor, but it all means nothing if I haven't made a friend in the process. My Christmas wish this year is for all of you to have a safe, warm and happy holiday season regardless of your religion. Let us all celebrate together!

HUD Offering $100 Down Payment Initiative
by Southwest Alliance
Effective November 30, 2007 HUD is offering a $100 Down Payment initiative. The $100 down payment is for owner occupants purchasing a HUD home with FHA financing, with full price or higher offers. This incentive is also available to owner occupant purchases who obtain a FHA Home Repair loan (203K). It's a great time to purchase a HUD home with FHA financing. The incentives will apply to properties listed on or after November 30, 2007.

If you have additional questions, please contact us at 281.712.2465.

Holiday Fire Safety Tips
Ripped from the Internet
Each year fires occurring during the holiday season injures up to 2,000 individuals, and cause over $500 million dollars in damage. According to the United States Fire Administration, there are simple life-saving steps you can take to ensure a safe and happy holiday. By following some of the following tips, individuals can greatly reduce the chances of becoming a holiday fire casualty.

How to Prevent Christmas Tree Fires
When selecting a Christmas tree, make sure the needles are green and hard to pull from the branches. The needles should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The tree trunk should by sticky to the touch. Do not place your tree close to a heat source like a fireplace. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or spark. Be careful not to flick cigarette ashes near the tree. Try not to put your tree up too early or leave it up longer than two weeks. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times. Never put tree branches or needles in the fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, dispose of it at a recycle center or have it hauled away.

Holiday Lights
Safely inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by approved testing laboratories. Do not overload electrical outlets. Do not link more than three strands, unless directions indicate it is safe. Connect strands to an extension cord before plugging them into an outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires, they should not be warm to the touch.

Holiday Candles and Decoration Safety
Use only non-flammable decorations. Avoid using lit candles. If you do use them, make sure they are in a stable holder and do not leave lit candles when leaving your home. Never put lit candles on a Christmas tree. Never put wrapping paper in the fireplace, it can throw off dangerous sparks and produce a chemical buildup in the home and cause an explosion. Test the detectors monthly.

Want a home for Christmas? Only $129,000
by Brian Varvel

   
This four bedroom, two and half bath home is just under 3,000 square feet and was built in 2004. It's a foreclosure in the Cy-Fair school district, but all it needs is a simple carpet cleaning and a few light fixtures replaced. It sits on a cul-de-sac lot in a popular neighborhood off Fry Rd. The bank has made drastic price cuts in an effort to sell before the end of the year. Call us now for more details at 281.712.2465! Homes at less than $45/SF just don't last very long. If nothing else, this would make a fantastic rental property!

You CAN Repair Your Own Credit
by Brian Varvel
As a real estate agent, 9 times out of ten, when a committed buyer is unable to buy a home the problem is usually related to their ability to obtain a loan. Sometimes it's an overabundance of existing debt but more often than not it's credit problems. We've seen it all, and often times buyers are left to repair their credit and try again at a later date.

Don't be tricked by companies offering to repair your credit instantly... it simply can't be done. There is however, a very methodical way to repair your credit - but it takes dedication and determination. The Electronic Credit Repair Kit, while not really a kit - is more of a useful website, and more importantly, it's FREE! We have directed clients to this website time and time again to help them work through certain credit issues, and the ones who actually used the website have recognized it's benefits. I myself have personally tried some of the suggestions and had three old blemishes removed.

If you're planning on buying a home this next year, and want to boost your credit first - check this site out. There is an abundance of information, tools and even sample letters that you can use to begin rebuilding your credit.
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