Houston Real Estate Blog - Diego Jaramillo, Realtor®

I am most excited to share a recent personal, albeit business goal accomplishment.  I am now a Texas Real Estate Broker.  My license arrived yesterday evidencing the sign of the times, via email.  Several years ago my Salesperson license came via mail and it was very exciting to receive a hard copy.  The delivery of my ...

The plan was for today to be like any other work day.  The middle of the week is usually a logistical war zone with scheduling client appointments and keeping things in order.  A call this week changed the flow of the morning as an REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) was considering placing several of their portfolio properties on the ...

  The time of reckoning has come, as I stand in front of the room and state, "My name is Diego and I'm an email junkie".  The 8X8 or 33 touch program unfolds as I start to acknowledge the symptoms and the inception of my addiction.  An epiphany of sorts clears my mind as I identify the source of ...

The national news tends to make investors uneasy, sellers relentless and buyers get off the bus and throw their hands in the air.  As dismal as the present economy on a national level, Houston real estate is coasting by.  In part due to one of the largest medical centers in the world, it being the energy capital ...

As the old saying goes, “everything is bigger in Texas,” including problems associated with asbestos. With a large petroleum industry based in the state, many problems have occurred as a result of oil companies using asbestos at their facilities. Giants such as Mobil, Shell and Gulf have been stationed in Texas. This industry has been ...

Happy New Year to Everyone!  Here are the 2008 Tax Rates for Greater Houston and Villages for your records.  Please make sure you pay your property taxes on time to avoid being charged additional fees. TAX YEARCITIES AND VILLAGESTELEPHONE2008Tax Rate for the City of Houston is .638750. Allowance For Homestead Exemption is 20% of ...

1. Find a Trustworthy Insurance Agenta. Install that person as a key member of your team!b. Find someone you trust and likec. Find an agent that can handle most of the business you refer 2. Use the HECK out of your Insurance Agent:a. Run CLUE reports and Flood Zone Determinationsb. Strategize if there are existing claims on propertiesc. Discuss ...

Inspections are usually paid by buyers during their Option Period as part of their due diligence process.  The buyer sends an inspector who acts on their behalf and prepares a detailed inspection report with pictures detailing the areas of concern.  The report is usually presented to sellers as a way of further negotiating the price or ...

Harris County Revised Flood Maps Go Into Effect June 18, 2007 On June 18th many unsuspecting homeowners in the Houston area will be required to buy flood insurance if they have a mortgage on their home.  Why?  Because the flood maps are changing.  After Tropical Storm Allison, the Harris County Flood Control District realized that ...

Buying a new home is exciting and emotionally taxing.  Many buyers feel that by selecting to purchase new construction over resale homes they are getting the best of it all.  It is a common misconception that newer is always better - especially in real estate.  Builders provide many incentives for individuals to purchase new ...