Starting January 1, 2025, the EPA mandated that new air conditioning and heat pump systems must not use high-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants like R-410A. While this may sound technical, the changes affect real-world things like system costs, insurance, and your monthly energy bills. Here’s what Houston homeowners should know, and how to prepare.
When you think about your home’s roof, you probably picture shingles, gutters, and the occasional leak after a heavy Houston downpour. But did you know that your roof plays a major role in your homeowners insurance costs and coverage options? Whether you are a current homeowner or in the market to buy, understanding this connection can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of headaches.
Houston summers bring more than heat and sunshine; they also bring storm clouds, unexpected downpours, and the heightened risk of hurricanes. This time of year is unpredictable, which is why preparation matters so much for homeowners across the region. Even quick afternoon storms can knock out power or flood roadways, and hurricane systems can cause damage that takes months to recover from. Every summer, Houstonians are reminded how fast weather can shift and how important it is to prepare ahead of time – not just when a storm is already in the forecast. Whether it’s a surprise thunderstorm or a named system brewing in the Gulf, here’s how to protect your home, your family, and your peace of mind during Houston’s storm season.
Our hearts go out to the families affected by the catastrophic flash flooding in West Texas during early July. More than 119 lives were tragically lost, including 27 young campers and counselors at Camp Mystic near Hunt. The Guadalupe River surged between 22 and 26 feet in less than an hour, sweeping away cabins, cars, and cherished memories. Reports describe heart-wrenching scenes: bunk beds submerged in mud, personal belongings scattered, and heroic rescue efforts involving helicopters, boats, and drones. These heartbreaking moments remind us just how quickly nature can change everything and how important it is to be prepared, even when we feel far removed from the storm..
What happens when disaster strikes while a home is under contract? What do you do if your home was damaged and you still need to sell? We can absolutely help get you started in the right direction. Take a look at the following General Guidelines Regarding Insurance, Repair, and Pending Transactions after Hurricane Harvey. Everyone’s particular situation will be different, but everyone at CENTURY 21 Realty Partners will be on hand during the recovery process to make sure that our clients real estate needs are met.
Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by Hurricane Harvey and it’s aftermath. It is in times of peril and adversity that we come together to help our fellow human beings. Tomorrow, Wednesday August 30, our Lake Conroe office location will be staffed by our agents from 9-5 to help those in need. Please do not attempt to leave your house or shelter until it is safe to do so. Beware that flood waters are still moving. We will be a drop off point for those wishing to make material donations for those in shelters and those in need. Please keep in mind that money is the most useful donation, there is information on where to give money below. Here is a list of items that are currently being requested at George R Brown Convention Center. In BOLD is highest priority:
Here’s a similar list of shelters in Montgomery County and items needed.
Here are other ways to donate supplies:
It’s common knowledge that everyone wants to buy their own little piece of Texas right now, particularly international homebuyers. Just take a look at the 2014 Texas International Homebuyers Report released this month by the Texas Association of REALTORS®. Take a looks at some of the highlights below. We have already seen international buyers making significant impacts throughout the Houston Area housing market, this trend is very likely continue into the future.
Texas constituted 12% ($11.06 billion) of international home sales in the United States between March 2013 to March 2014. This is a 3% increase from the previous period and the highest level in the past five years.
Texas ranked third in the U.S. for total number of international home sales by state, after Florida and California.
More than half of all international home buyers in Texas originate from Latin America or the Caribbean.
By a significant margin, the majority of U.S. home purchases by Mexican buyers are in Texas, with 65% of purchases occurring in the Lone Star State.
If you are an international buyer who is interested in Texas real estate don’t hesitate to contact us. We have Certified International Property Specialists (CIPS) who are specifically trained on how to handle transactions with international aspects.
I’m sure by now you’ve heard the great news about CENTURY 21… We are the brand that has swept the 2014 J.D. Power Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction Study! Read all about it in the official press release below.
CENTURY 21 REAL ESTATE SWEEPS J.D. POWER 2014 HOME BUYER/SELLER SATISFACTION STUDY
MADISON, N.J. (August 6, 2014) – CENTURY 21 Real Estate, the iconic brand with the world’s largest real estate franchise sales organization, announced that it has been ranked highest in overall customer satisfaction by the J.D. Power 2014 Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction StudySM, released today. Specifically, CENTURY 21® Real Estate swept the awards by receiving the highest ranking among national real estate companies across all four customer satisfaction segments in the study, including: First-Time Home-Buyer Satisfaction, Repeat Home-Buyer Satisfaction, First-Time Home-Seller Satisfaction and Repeat Home-Seller Satisfaction.
“CENTURY 21 sales professionals understand that real estate is about developing relationships and building trust with their customers. Customer satisfaction is at the core of everything that they do each and every day,” said Rick Davidson, president and chief executive officer, Century 21 Real Estate LLC. “Our brand reputation is earned and measured with every customer interaction, and these J.D. Power results showcase the quality of our franchise broker network and their affiliated sales professionals.”
The study, now in its seventh year, measures customer satisfaction among first-time and repeat home buyers and sellers with the nation’s largest real estate companies. Overall satisfaction is measured across four factors of the home-buying experience: agent/salesperson; real estate office; closing process; and variety of […]
It is no secret that Houston’s economy just keeps pumping, throughout the region both transplants and locals are discovering that buying a home makes sense. Understandably, housing supply has been extremely tight throughout the year. All this growth has driven single-family home sales in the Houston area to the lowest recorded inventory levels. Ever. According to the latest Houston Association of Realtors monthly report, single-family home sales hit a record 73,232 closings in 2013, up an astounding 17.4% over 2012 (itself a very active year). Here’s a look at some statistical highlights from 2013:
See how the market is doing with our latest Montgomery County Residential Market Update. Click the link above to see a short video outlining the key market trends at the end of the summer. In case you are wondering, it’s been another white hot summer buying season here in Texas. Many buyers who waited have found fewer homes on the market and higher prices, despite mortgage rates creeping upwards after historic lows. If you would like a market video regarding your city or zip code, contact us and we will be glad to provide one.