Single family home sales saw a 7.8 percent rise compared to a year ago, according to the Houston Association of Realtors®. The biggest sales improvement since last September was seen the previous month, in February, with a 15.6 percent increase.

Pointing to these great statistics, Wayne A Stroman, HAR chairman noted, “Inventory remains at its lowest level in more than three years and is outpacing the national real estate market. The moderation in pending sales in March could possibly translate to a leveling off of sales before we enter the summer buying season, but we will know for sure next month.”

During the month of March, Houston saw a total of 5,908 properties sold. Good News? Again this is a 7.4 percent jump since March of last year. This is welcome news, as the sales rose to $1.3 billion compared to the $1.1 billion from a year ago.

How did foreclosure property sales fare in the month of March? According to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) figures, foreclosure property sales fell 12.8 percent “year-over-year in March.” While foreclosures are 19.6 percent of all home sales, this is still down from the higher percentages seen over the last year.

What we are seeing here is an increase in total sales, total dollar volume, and average median pricing. What does all of this mean for homeowners and buyers in today’s market? It should be welcome news to both, as it speaks for an approaching healthier market in which both the seller and the buyer will benefit.

Contact us, and we can speak further about the market conditions in the Pearland area and what they might mean to you.

Additional changes are expected to take place by the end of the year. “FHFA and the Enterprises,” according to FHFA.gov, “are committed to enhancing the short sales and deeds-in-lieu process as additional tools to prevent foreclosure, keep homes occupied and help maintain stable communities.”

Requirements placed upon servicers will include:

• Requests for short sales must be reviewed and responded to within 30 calendar days (not business days) from their receipt of the offer and a complete borrower response package.
• If the offer continues under review after 30 days, servicer will provide weekly status updates to the borrower (nice touch).
• Within 60 days of receipt of the short sale package and offer, the servicer will inform the borrower of their final decision.

While this is good news to buyers in Pearland, it gets better. By the end of 2012, both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac plan further changes that will address documentation simplification in addition to many other welcome changes. The beginning stages of these strategies, aimed at facilitation of short sales, deeds-in-lieu, and deeds-for-lease, will begin in June of this year.

What does this mean for both buyers and sellers seeking and selling short sale property? This is welcome news for both. Should their lender approve their home for a short sale, sellers will be in a better position to consider whether a short sale might be to their advantage. Buyers will be benefiting from the required 30 day review and response time. This will eliminate some of the frustrations that might have held them back from purchasing a short sale.

Contact me for further information regarding whether you might benefit from purchasing short sale property.

Although bald eagles are no longer an endangered species they are still protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Golden Bald Eagle Act. These laws come with the possibility of fines or arrest if people get too close. There are signs posted that you can not get too close; you must stay 150 yards away from the nest.

In addition to the law protecting the birds, the residents of Cypress Village have also taken an interest in protecting their new neighbors. And as Pearland will only get to enjoy these birds until approximately the middle of May, if you want to see them you will only have about 1 month to do so. Luckily, anyone looking to move to the neighborhood will be a more permanent resident than the eagles.

If you would also like to find a new nest in Pearland, I would be happy to help you find the perfect place to call your home.

LOOKING FOR A HOME TO LEASE WITH APPLICANCES INCLUDED ? This lagre 2 story home has the washer/dryer & refrigerator included. Great location on a cul-de-sac street in Silverlake. This spacious home features a formal dining room for entertaining & a study for those who work from home. The large den has a gas fireplace for ambience. The kitchen has easy care Corian counters and lots of cabinet space. The master suite is down for privacy. Come see this one today. Ready for a May 1st move-in date.

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Spacious floor plan in good condition. Features incluse ceramic tile in the kitchen, breakfast and all bathrooms. Neutral colors throughout. The master is downstairs. There’s a large den and the kitchen is open to it. The formal dining could serve as a study. The game room upstairs makes a great kids retreat. Located close to schools, shopping and the new recreation center. Easy access to everything. Come see this ome today..

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LOOKING FOR A LARGE 2 STORY HOME AT AN AFFORDABLE PRICE ? This open floor plan features beautiful hardwood floors in the den & formal dining room. The kitchen is open to the den. The master suite is downstairs for privacy. Relax in the master bathroom’s whirlpool tub. There is huge walk-in closet too. Upstairs the kids will love the gameroom. There are 2 full bathrooms up so the kids won’t have to share. Quick access to 288/Belway 8. Make a splash this summer in the neighborhood pool. Come see !

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Thursday April 5th is the 2012 Business Showcase and Taste of the Town in Pearland. It’s an event that I personally enjoy every year. The event will take place at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 2320 Hatfield Road in Pearland Texas.

Your $5.00 admission will enter you in the drawing for more than 70 door prizes. From 5pm to 7pm you will enjoy the taste of the town from Carino’s Italian, Casa Ole, Dream Dinners, Edible Arrangement, Floyd’s Cajun Seafood & Steakhouse, HEB Plus, Lenny’s Subs, and Stadia Sports Grill.

I hope to see you there at this great event!