Don Burns Team- Houston Real Estate

New Year! New Home for 2018! Contact us now for showing! (281) 734-8715 DON BURNS TEAM- REAL ESTATE as one of the TOP 500 Top Producing Teams/Individuals in Texas CDPE, CRS, ePRO® www.donburns.com http://www.har.com/donburns don@donburns.com (281) 491-6274 (281) 734-8715 Houston, Texas Sugarland, Texas Richmond, Texas Missouri City, Texas Katy,Texas

2018 is on our way. New Year! New Home! New Environment! Best Homes in 2018. Contact us now for showing (281)734-8715

Some police departments report as high as 98% of calls are false alarms. Not only is this an incredible waste of police resources that could be available for legitimate emergencies, it annoys neighbors, startles pets and results in expensive false alarm fees. Know your codes – entering an incorrect keypad code is a common mistake leading to false alarms. The solution is to create codes that are easy for all members of the family to remember without them being obvious to potential burglars like your street number. Let everyone know when you change your code. Secure windows and doors – be sure that all windows and doors are closed before activating your alarm. Disarm your system before opening a window or door. House guests – tell visitors that you have an alarm system and when you normally arm it. Housekeepers, baby sitters, outside family and close friends also need to be aware of your procedures and possibly give them a code to disarm the system if it is accidentally activ...

A ½% increase in interest rate may not sound like much but it is roughly equivalent to a 5% increase in price.  It becomes obvious when you compare the payments. If you financed 100% of the cost of a $250,000 home at 4.5% interest for 30 years, the payment would be $1,266.71 per month.  If the mortgage rate went up to 5%, the payment would be $1,342.05.  If the home increased 5% in value, the $262,250 loan at the lower 4.5% rate would have payments of $1,330.05. The two payments are close enough to justify the statement that a ½% change in interest is approximately equal to 5% change in price. Each time interest rates go up, fewer people can qualify to buy a seller’s home.  The mortgage rules that went into effect this year require buyers to meet specific payment to income ratios.  As demand picks up for the seasonal market, most experts expect rates to increase. Buyers will be doubly challenged in the current market because prices are rising (NAR reports 11...

During the holidays as throughout the year, getting cash from an ATM is normal for many people. ATM’s are available 24 hours a day and they’re located in bank branches, convenience stores, grocery stores, malls, airports, sports venues and on street corners. Unfortunately, the convenience aspect can compromise personal safety especially if you are distracted on not paying attention. Planning for an ATM withdrawal and applying common sense can help you avoid trouble. Be aware of your surroundings throughout the entire transaction like people sitting in a nearby parked car or someone offering to help you. Safeguard your PIN. Don’t share it with anyone. Don’t write it down. Don’t use your birthdate, last four digits of your phone number or other obvious numbers. If there are other people at the ATM to make a withdrawal, shield the keypad when entering your PIN number. Keep your car doors locked and windows raised, except for your driver’s window, when using a drive-up ATM. Min...

It’s part of holiday tradition to celebrate with family and friends and to share gifts with our loved ones.  There’s no measuring how much is spent on the combined effort and money to find the perfect gift. The challenge is to identify the right gift in the right color and size; something they really want and need; and something that won’t break the budget. “Eight Gifts That Do Not Cost a Cent” are suggestions that have been offered on numerous Internet sites attributed to an anonymous writer.  They may be just what you need to find the perfect gift. • THE GIFT OF LISTENING...but you must really listen. No interrupting; no daydreaming; no planning your response; just listening. • THE GIFT OF AFFECTION...be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds.  Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends. • THE GIFT OF LAUGHTER...clip cartoons and share articles and funny stories.  Your gift will say “I love t...

If you’re beginning to feel the pressure of running out of time to find the perfect gift, here are a few suggestions that may not be on their “list” but will certainly be appreciated. The gift of really listening without interrupting, daydreaming or planning your response can be exactly what people want when they have something important to say. The gift of affection with appropriate hugs, kisses and pats on the back can demonstrate your love for family and friends better than words. The gift of laughter by sharing articles, cartoons and funny stories will say "I love to laugh with you." The gift of a simple, written note shows sincerity and real heartfelt sentiment that may be remembered for a lifetime and could even change a life. The gift of a sincere compliment supports a person’s need to be accepted and appreciated. "You look great in that color", "That was outstanding" or "I really enjoyed that" can make someone's day. The gift ...