John Daugherty, Realtors Press Releases

John Daugherty, Realtors, First Real Estate Company in Houston to Offer Live Chat

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0500 GMT

John Daugherty, Realtors is taking their customers' website experience to a whole new level with the addition of live chat. Now, anyone visiting the John Daugherty, Realtors site can chat with a real estate agent online if they have any home buying questions or if they need help in selling their home

"Implementing live chat on our website provides potential home buyers and sellers an alternative way to communicate with us. In today's fast moving world of technology, the real estate industry has been revolutionized and our multi-generational clients need options to communicate the way they prefer. With 87% of home buyers starting their search on the Internet, live chat was a natural progression for us. Our website is continuously evolving with the goal of making it as easy as possible for customers who are searching for homes and market information," stated, Darren Moore, Web Marketing / IT Manager at John Daugherty, Realtors.

Live chat allows website visitors to connect instantly to a real estate agent at John Daugherty, Realtors and have their questions answered instantly from the hours 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. John Daugherty, Realtors real estate agents are excited about being on the forefront of cutting-edge technology, so visitors to the web site are very likely to find an agent available online as early as 6:00 am and as late as 11:00 pm to answer real estate questions. John Daugherty, Realtors will continue to take a forwarding thinking approach by providing their agents, clients and website visitors the latest use of technology.

We invite you to visit johndaugherty.com and click on the Live Chat button to experience this new service for yourself.

John Daugherty, Realtors Opens Doors in the Texas Hill Country

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0500 GMT

     John Daugherty, Realtors is now answering the call (literally) of buyers and sellers of destination homes in the Texas Hill Country. Within easy driving distance from Houston, a Hill Country weekend, retirement, or vacation homes can be enjoyed frequently. The relaxing appeal of the beautiful hills, trees, rivers, lakes and wild flowers is a magnet to people who want to ‘get away' to a more rustic setting for a few days, weeks, or even months. The Texas Hill Country lifestyle is a great change of pace for Houstonians who work hard, accomplish much, and like to reward themselves with down time in a casual, comfortable setting.

Houstonians love the Texas Hill Country home buying experience, and it makes economic sense. John Daugherty, Realtors can help you.

     It is a recognized fact that more Hill Country home buyers come from Houston than any other city. Each year the number of people from the Houston area who buy second homes there for vacations or retirement grows larger and larger. The driving distance is on average 2 hours and 45 minutes from Houston, so getting there and back by car even on a weekend is do-able, and the drive is scenic.

     Buying a property in an unfamiliar area can be confusing and getting professional Realtor assistance is always a wise decision. John Daugherty, Realtors has agents with extensive knowledge and experience in Texas Hill Country property, and also has associations with Realtor affiliates all over the Hill Country who can be helpful to anyone who is interested in buying a home there.

When Hill Country homeowners want to sell their property, they call John Daugherty, Realtors.

     John Daugherty, Realtors has been approached by sellers with Hill Country homes because they know we have relationships with buyers who have the interest and the ability to buy. From quaint Round Top, to the magnificent Lake Travis in Austin, to the fun-loving New Braunfels area, John Daugherty, Realtors has listed individual homes and top notch vacation home developments priced from the $300s and up. From magnificent lakefront villas to new construction cabins and condos on the Guadalupe River, there is a wide range of possibilities at almost any investment level.

     If you have ever considered a move to the Texas Hill Country, please contact a sales professional at John Daugherty, Realtors either at johndaugherty.com or 713.626.3930.

Houston Ranked First in Home Starts

Fri, 22 May 2009 00:00:00 -0500 GMT

TEXAS (Dallas Morning News) - Two Texas metros ranked highest in the country on Metrostudy's latest list of new home starts and sales.

Ranking first in the year-long survey was Houston with 22,502 home starts and 28,326 sales. Dallas-Fort Worth ranked second with 17,638 starts and almost 24,000 sales.

Austin was sixth with 8,617 starts and 10,627 sales. San Antonio came in at number 11 with 7,761 starts and 9,847 sales.

Houston Area Real Estate Home Prices Reach Seven Month High

Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 -0500 GMT

Houston Business Journal - by Allison Wollam Reporter

Houston-area home prices reached a seven-month high in April as the area also experienced its 20th consecutive monthly drop in the number of single-family home sales.

April sales of single family homes in Houston totaled 4,200, down 22.5 percent from April 2008, according to statistics released by the Houston Association of Realtors.

Month-end pending sales totaled 3,685 - 25.3 percent lower than last year - suggesting the likelihood of a decline in sales when the May numbers are tallied.

At $194,222, the average sale price of a single-family home dropped 5.8 percent from April 2008, when it was $206,239. However, the figure is at its highest level since last September.

The median price of a single-family home in April was $149,050, unchanged from one year earlier. The national single-family median price reported by the National Association of Realtors is $175,200, illustrating the continued lower cost of living in the Houston market.

Meanwhile, demand for single-family rentals increased again in April, demonstrating that rentals remain a viable option for buyers who may not yet be qualified or comfortable making a home purchase in this economy.

Vicki Fullerton, HAR chairwoman and broker of record at a Houston area real estate office, said the housing industry recovery will be a gradual process, but that Houston continues to demonstrate the strength of its home values compared to other communities around the country where pricing ballooned and then bottomed out.

She noted that many HAR members are reporting growing activity among first-time home buyers who are taking advantage of historically low interest rates and the federal government's $8,000 tax credit.

Stability and Affordability: A Perfect Storm of Opportunity for Area Homebuyers

Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 -0500 GMT

Stability and Affordability: A Perfect Storm of Opportunity for Area Homebuyers

"Now is a great time for buyers to take advantage of not only the market stability we have in Houston, but also home affordability," said John A. Daugherty, Jr., president of John Daugherty, Realtors.

"Homeowners are becoming more realistic right now about home pricing", Daugherty explained. "They understand that if a home is priced to the market, it will sell quickly."

While most of the country's real estate market is in less than favorable condition, the Houston area has been nearly immune for several reasons. Houston's strong economy and stable home prices locally and statewide are two factors that have countered the double-digit appreciation that other markets across the country experienced. Buyers also have more choices in Houston than most other cities with steady development of single homes, condominiums, high-rise living units, and lofts.

In addition, Daugherty points out, Houston buyers continue to view real estate as a long-term investment and also noted that most buyers buy for life-style. Statistics from the National Association of Realtors show that the average first-time homebuyer plans to stay in the home for ten years as compared to last year's survey of seven years. Daugherty explained, "Maybe people have become more realistic about how long it takes to earn equity or maybe they have more confidence in real estate assets they can see and feel than other market assets."

Possibly the greatest economic incentive to homebuyers is interest. Mortgage rates are at a 50-year low. There is no crystal ball that tells us what the rates will be this summer or fall, but at the current levels, the rates can only go up.

Another benefit of home buying now is the tax credit. A tax credit of up to $8,000 has been made available for qualified first-time homebuyers who purchase a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. And this year, unlike the tax credit enacted in 2008, the new credit does not have to be repaid.

"One phenomenon we are seeing is buyers making very low offers, thinking they will get a "deal" on a property. After they lose out on a few homes, they too get more realistic with their offers and they soon are in the home they want," stated Daugherty.

The affordability, the market stability, the benefits from owning real estate, the incredible interest rates, and even the first time home owner tax credit all result a perfect storm for homebuyers.

Contact a John Daugherty, Realtors sales professional today.

John Daugherty, Realtors is a Proud Sponsor of Lemonade Day

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500 GMT

Houston Chronicle - April 28, 2009, 12:34PM

John Daugherty, Realtors will sponsor Lemonade Day on May 3.

The free event is designed to teach Greater Houston-area youth how to start, own and operate their own lemonade business.

John Daugherty, Realtors will have 100 lemonade stands built, manned and/or sponsored by its sales associates and staff.

"It's been heartwarming to see our family of sales associates, staff and management join together to support this very important event," said John A. Daugherty Jr., president of John Daugherty, Realtors.

For more information or details on this event, go to prepared4life.org.

John Daugherty, Realtors Sponsors Lemonade Stands for Community Youth

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500 GMT

John Daugherty, Realtors Sponsors Lemonade Stands

for Community Youth
Thousands of budding entrepreneurs set up shop

to learn the art of business

John Daugherty, Realtors, with a long tradition of community involvement, is proud to sponsor Lemonade Day, Sunday, May 3rd. Lemonade Day is a citywide event designed to teach Greater Houston-area youth how to start, own and operate their own lemonade business.

This year's Lemonade Day expects thousands of budding entrepreneurs to set up lemonade stands providing an opportunity for businesses and families to partner together to train the next generation of entrepreneurs through a fun, family activity. John Daugherty, Realtors will have many lemonade stands built, manned, and/or sponsored by our sales associates and staff.

"It's been heartwarming to see our family of sales associates, staff, and management join together to support this very important event," said John A. Daugherty, Jr., president of John Daugherty, Realtors. "I couldn't be more proud to be a sponsor of Lemonade Day."

"Many of our Open Houses on May 3rd will have a Lemonade Stand in front of them," said Lynne Skinner, Senior Sales Manager for John Daugherty, Realtors and serving as the company's organizer of Lemonade Day. "Look for the Yellow Smiley Face next to the Open Houses in our May 3rd Chronicle ad and come support this wonderful effort."

Created by Prepared 4 Life (P4L), the event is designed to reach the many youth that P4L cannot reach through after-school programming. It transforms not only the youth who participate, but the entire community. It is free for each youth to participate, and they may either donate all or part of their earning to Prepared 4 Life, or they make keep all of their earnings.

The group's ambitious goal this year is to register 25,000 lemonade stands. In the wake of Hurricane Ike, P4L is committed to ensuring that this school year is not one characterized by devastation but one marked by hope for as many youth as possible.

For more information on Lemonade Day visit www.lemonadeday.org and for more information about Prepared 4 Life, visit http://prepared4life.org.

The Real Estate Transaction in 137 Steps - What Your Realtor Does for You

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500 GMT

Based on a list prepared by Belton Jennings, Orlando Regional REALTORS^® Association

Why Was This List Prepared?

Surveys show that many homeowners and homebuyers are not aware of the true value a REALTOR^® provides during the course of a real estate transaction.

This list is just a baseline since the services may vary within each brokerage and each market. Many REALTORS^® routinely provide a wide variety of additional services that are as varied as the nature of each transaction.

By the same token, some transactions may not require some of these steps to be equally successful. However, most would agree that given the unexpected complications that can arise, it's far better to know about a step and make an intelligent, informed decision to skip it, than to not know the possibility even existed.

The Critical Role of the REALTOR^® - 137 Steps

	Pre-Listing Activities
1	Make appointment with seller for listing presentation
2	Call or email to confirm presentation appointment
3	Review pre-appointment questions
4	Research all comparable currently listed properties
5	Research sales activity for past 3-6 months from MLS
6	Research "Average Days on Market" for this property of this type, price range and location
7	Prepare "Similar Market Analysis" (SMA) to establish fair market value
8	Research property's ownership
9	Research property's public record information for lot size
10	Research and verify legal description
11	Verify legal names of owner(s)
12	Prepare listing presentation package
13	Take photo of property - assess "Curb Appeal" of subject property
14	Compile and assemble formal file on property
15	Confirm current public schools and explain impact of schools on market value
16	Review listing checklist to ensure all forms have been completed

	Listing Appointment Presentation
17	Give seller an overview of current market conditions and projections
18	Review agent's and company's credentials and accomplishments in the market
19	Present company's profile and position or "niche" in the marketplace
20	Present SMA results to seller, including availables and solds
21	Discuss goals with seller - time frame and seller motivation
22	Explain market power and benefits of Multiple Listing Service
23	Explain market power of web
24	Explain the work the brokerage and agent do "behind the scenes" and agent's availability on weekends
25	Explain agent's role in taking calls to screen for qualified buyers and protect seller from curiosity seekers
26	Explain the market power of our affiliations
27	Review and explain clauses in TAR Listing Agreement & Addendum
28	Obtain seller's signature

	Once Property is Under Listing Agreement
29	Measure interior room sizes
30	Confirm lot size via owner's copy of certified survey, if available, have T-47 signed by seller
31	Review Sellers Disclosure with seller
32	Obtain house plans, if applicable and available
33	Review house plans and make copy
34	Prepare showing instructions for buyers' agents and agree on showing time window with seller
35	Obtain current mortgage loan(s) information: companies and & loan account numbers
36	Review current appraisal if available
37	Identify Home Owner Association manager if applicable
38	Verify Home Owner Association Fees with manager - mandatory or optional and current annual fee
39	Order copy of Homeowner Association bylaws, if applicable
40	Research electricity availability and supplier's name and phone number (on Seller's Disclosure)
41	Verify security system, current term of service and whether owned or leased
42	Verify if seller has transferable Termite Bond
43	Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure
44	Prepare detailed list of property amenities
45	Prepare detailed list of property's "Inclusions & Conveyances with Sale"
46	Compile list of completed repairs and maintenance items with receipts if possible
47	Explain benefits of Home Owner Warranty to seller
48	Assist sellers with completion and submission of Home Owner Warranty Application
49	When received, place Home Owner Warranty in property file for conveyance at time of sale
50	Have extra key made for lockbox
51	Verify if property has rental units involved. And if so:
52	* Make copies of all leases for retention in listing file
53	* Verify all rents & deposits
54	* Inform tenants of listing and discuss how showings will be handled
55	Arrange for installation of yard sign, if allowed
56	Assist seller with completion of Seller's Disclosure form
57	"New Listing Checklist" completed
58	Review results of Curb Appeal Assessment with seller and provide suggestions to improve salability
59	Review results of Interior Décor Assessment and suggest changes, if needed

	Enter Property in Multiple Listing Service Database
60	Prepare MLS Profile Sheet
61	Add property to company's Active Listings list
62	Provide seller with signed copies of Listing Agreement & MLS Profile Sheet Data Form within 48 hours
63	Take additional photos for upload into MLS and use in flyers.

	Marketing The Listing
64	Submit property information to Advertising
65	Coordinate showings with owners, tenants, and other Realtors^®. Return all calls - weekends included
66	Install electronic lock box if authorized by owner. Program with agreed-upon showing time windows
67	Prepare mailing and contact list
68	Generate mail-merge letters to contact list
69	Prepare e-flyers
70	Review comparable MLS listings regularly to ensure property remains competitive in price, terms, conditions and availability
71	Prepare property marketing brochure for seller's review
72	Place marketing brochures in all company agent mail boxes
73	Send "Just Listed" mailers
74	Advise Relocation Department of listing
75	Submit ads to company's participating Internet real estate sites
76	Price changes conveyed promptly to all Internet groups
77	Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed
78	Feedback e-mails/faxes sent to buyers' agents after showings
79	Review weekly Market Study
80	Discuss feedback from showing agents with seller to determine if changes will accelerate the sale
81	Place regular weekly update calls to seller to discuss marketing & pricing
82	Promptly enter price changes in MLS listing database

	The Offer and Contract
83	Receive and review all Earnest Money contracts submitted by buyers or buyers' agents
84	Evaluate offer(s) and prepare a "net sheet" on each for the owner for comparison purposes
85	Counsel seller on offers. Explain merits and weakness of each component of each offer
86	Contact buyers' agents to review buyer's qualifications and discuss offer
87	Deliver Seller's Disclosure to buyer's agent or buyer
88	Confirm buyer is pre-qualified by calling Loan Officer
89	Obtain pre-qualification letter on buyer from Loan Officer
90	Negotiate all offers on seller's behalf, setting time limit for loan approval and closing date
91	Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance or amendments to buyer's agent
92	Fax or email copies of contract and all addendums to closing attorney or title company
93	When Offer to Purchase Contract is accepted and signed by seller, deliver to buyer's agent
94	Forward buyer's earnest money to title company
95	Deliver copies of fully signed Offer to Purchase contract to seller
96	Fax/deliver copies of Offer to Purchase contract to selling agent
97	Fax or email copies of Offer to Purchase contract to lender
98	Provide copies of signed Offer to Purchase contract for office file Complete Sales Worksheet
99	Advise seller in handling additional offers to purchase submitted between contract and closing
100	Change status in MLS to "Sale Pending"
101	Update Data Processing of Pending status
102	Verify all inspections have been ordered (termite, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical)
103	Verify mold inspection ordered, if required

	Tracking the Loan Process
104	Confirm verifications of deposit & buyer's employment have been returned
105	Follow loan processing through to the underwriter
106	Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track
107	Request in writing final approval of buyer's loan application and forward to seller

	Home Inspection
108	Coordinate buyer's professional home inspection with seller
109	Review home inspector's report with seller upon receipt
110	Ensure seller's compliance with Home Inspection Clause requirements
111	Recommend or assist seller with identifying and negotiating with trustworthy contractors to perform any required repairs
112	Negotiate payment of all required repairs

	The Appraisal
113	Schedule appraisal when requested by lender
114	Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to appraiser
115	Follow-up on appraisal
116	Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low

	Closing Preparations and Duties
117	Contract and all amendments have been completed
118	Coordinate closing process with buyer's agent and lender
119	Update closing forms & files
120	Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale
121	Confirm closing date and time and notify all parties
122	Assist in solving any title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc) or in obtaining Death Certificates
123	Work with buyer's agent in scheduling and conducting buyer's final walk-thru prior to closing
124	Research all tax, HOA, utility and other applicable prorations
125	Request final closing figures from closing agent (attorney or title company)
126	Receive & carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy of preparation
127	Forward verified closing figures to buyer's agent
128	Request copy of closing documents from closing agent
129	Confirm buyer and buyer's agent have received title insurance commitment
130	Provide "Home Owners Warranty" for availability at closing
131	Reviews all closing documents carefully for errors
132	Request title company to forward closing documents to absentee seller as requested
133	Review documents with closing agent
134	Coordinate this closing with seller's next purchase and resolve any timing problems
135	Have a "no surprises" closing so that seller receives a net proceeds check at closing
136	Refer sellers to one of the best agents at their destination through John Daugherty, Realtors Relocation Department
137	Enter closing information to Data Processing

Daugherty, "Houston�s Real Estate Market Today Doesn�t Compare To 1986"

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500 GMT

Houston Business Journal

Having brokered his first sale in 1966, third-generation Houstonian John A. Daugherty Jr. has seen firsthand how economic cycles affect Houston's real estate market.

Daugherty, who founded John Daugherty, Realtors 42 years ago, at first concentrated on the close-in areas such as River Oaks, Memorial, Bellaire and Rice University-Medical Center because he knew there was considerable inner movement between those neighborhoods. Realizing later that the inner movement had grown to include the Sugar Land, Katy and Montgomery County areas, Daugherty expanded, and since 1999 the company has served the greater Houston area. Today, it has more than 160 real estate professionals and 60 staff members in its two offices.

Below, Daugherty answers questions about 2009's real estate market.

Q What was the worst of times, in your experience, for real estate sales? How does today's market compare?

A My worst time in real estate sales was February 1986, when OPEC made a very negative announcement about the oil/energy business. The Houston residential real estate market went through eight months of prices going down every month, and the hard part was getting the sellers to understand the changing in the market and getting out in front of the market before the market went down again - and also dealing with 18 (percent) to 20 percent interest rates at that time. That does not compare with the Houston market today. The markets we specialize in are very stable-selling markets. There are quite a bit of overpriced homes for sale, based on what the buyers are telling us. However, once sellers listen to the market and become realistic in their asking expectations, they can sell their homes in a reasonable period of time.

Q Who is to blame for the subprime mortgage crisis?

A The main portion of the blame falls on the lenders for offering the most hazardous loans, such as loans with no documentation or proof of income, no down payment and giving these loans to borrowers with poor credit.

Next in line are the home buyers themselves. They gambled on buying homes they could barely afford, hoping the housing market's continued appreciation would allow them to refinance at lower rates with the equity. However, instead of appreciation, the housing bubble burst, and you know the rest of the sad story.

Q Do you agree that our real estate market is buffered from the economic troubles facing the rest of the country?

A The Houston market is somewhat insulated from the rest of the country, as is most of Texas. We did not have the 10, 20 and 30 percent appreciation in the housing market on an annual basis in recent years and with very few exceptions, we have had a steady 4-plus percent increase in the housing market overall.

Q Some Realtors in Houston have said their clients tend to hold out for the "best deal," based on falling home values they have seen in the national news. Do you think media reports from the rest of the country ultimately hurt home prices here?

A Real estate is a local market. I do believe the media is confusing the public about real estate in Houston. Yes, there are a number of other cities around the United States that have had a tremendous amount of inflation/appreciation in the housing market - much different than what we have had in Houston - and they are confusing the public.

Q What area of Houston is hottest now in terms of sales?

A I believe that purchasing a home is always a good investment for the long term, regardless of the specific area. The Houston area has proven to be an appreciating and stable housing market over the years.

Q In 43 years of experience in real estate sales, what has changed the most?

A The biggest change to have ever hit our industry is the use of the Internet, the technology tools available and certainly e-mail. Real estate information is so easily accessed that we are dealing with very educated clients, which often makes our jobs easier. What hasn't changed is that buying and selling your home is a very personal transaction. The process requires a salesperson with market knowledge and expertise in the local markets and the negotiating skills of an experienced professional.

Nicole Bradford

Relocation.com: Texas showing steady immigration despite recession

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500 GMT

Houston Business Journal

A new report from online consumer resource group Relocation.com backs up recent Census data showing that Texas continues to see a population influx as people move from other parts of the country being more seriously affected by the recession.

The report, which analyzes interstate moves involving Texas from the beginning of 2007 through the first quarter of 2009, shows that 62 percent of such moves over the 27-month period were people moving to Texas, while just 38 percent were leaving. For 2008, Texas ranked fourth in the country for percentage of moves into the state.

The report shows that all major Texas cities apart from El Paso have more people moving in than leaving.

In Houston, 54 percent of moving quote requests were incoming, while 46 percent were for moving out of the city. Austin had 60 percent of requests for moving in and 40 percent for leaving, while San Antonio had 57 percent incoming and 43 percent leaving and Dallas-Fort Worth had 56 percent inbound and 44 percent outbound.

"With many consumers moving to find better job opportunities or standard of living, we are seeing strong interest in Texas," said Sharon Asher, chairman and founder of Relocation.com. "Our analysis of the data over the last couple of years shows the state is continuing to move in a positive direction."