For over 22 years, we have been VA Loans in Lubbock TX specialists! We will teach you how to qualify for your VA home loan benefits in this article.     #1:  Obtain your Certificate of eligibility.     The first step to obtaining a VA loan is to verify your eligibility. First, order your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through VA which will also confirm how much you have available for eligibility. If you are an honorably discharged Vet, or are active duty or reserves currently, then you are likely eligible.     You might be asking, how do I order my COE? The easiest way is that your lender can help you get your COE fast, usually the same day you request it. You can also order the COE through the VA either by mail or online. If you are an honorably discharged Vet, you will need a copy... 05/14/2013

A Special Government Home Renovation Loan Program with Lubbock Texas FHA 203K Renovation Loans.      The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers a special government loan program that a lot of people are not aware of. This FHA loan program allows the buyer or existing owner of a home to do significant amounts of remodeling or updating to their home without a higher cost second lien.         "Luxury items" like a hot tub and a swimming pool are not allowed by this FHA loan program. But you can repaint, replace flooring, remodel cabinetry in kitchens and bathrooms, add wallpaper, replace appliances – even add a room to an existing structure (which can significantly add to value as you increase the square footage of your home).      Many advantages exist with this government loan progr... 05/09/2013

If you live in the Tech Terrace neighborhood, adjacent to Texas Tech University, you certainly live in one of the most popular Lubbock neighborhoods.  I have been giving frequent updates on the real estate market in Lubbock in general and in Tech Terrace in particular and I've been amazed to see the dwindling supply of Tech Terrace homes.    If you want to buy a home in Tech Terrace your options are limited since there are only 13 homes for sale here today, listed on Lubbock's MLS.  There is a nice variety still!  Homes here range from a 936 square foot cottage for $92,000.00 to a home with over 5000 square feet, priced at $549,000.00.  Want to see a home in Tech Terrace?  Call me and let's set a time.  Want to sell a Tech Terrace home?  This is an amazing time, seller's market, buyers ... 04/27/2013

Tech Terrace homes are selling like hotcakes!  Today there are only 17 Tech Terrace homes left on the market.  This is about half of what the inventory has run since 2008. This is a CALL TO ACTION for Tech Terrace Home Buyers and Tech Terrace Home Owners! If you own a home in Tech Terrace and would like to sell but have been waiting for the right time, this is it!  If you want to buy a Tech Terrace home and haven't started looking yet, you'd better get started! Lubbock's real estate market throughout the city has shifted to a SELLER'S MARKET.   There are fewer homes available than there are buyers so seller's don't have to make as many concessions or keep their home on the market for as long as in recent years.  (condition and pricing will still impact how long it takes your home to sel... 04/20/2013

If you are planning to buy a Lubbock home in the next few weeks or months you should call and talk to lenders about loan options.  I hear that big changes are coming soon in FHA loans. If you are looking for a home and plan to get an FHA loan, get under contract by April 1 to save some money (the percantage of mortgage insurance premium jumps from 1.25 to 1.35%). And you shoud ABSOLUTELY get under contract before June 1st because as of that day, the mortgage insurance premium will be around for the life of your 30 year FHA home loan. Lots of money at stake.  So let's see...lots of homes in Lubbock available and affordable, incredibly low interest rates, and now FHA loan terms changing.  If you are buying and don't have to wait...don't wait!  Call your lender and call me!   Mary Benton, ... 03/23/2013

Today there are 24 homes for sale in Tech Terrace and I have enjoyed touring many of them.  If you really want to be close to TTU or Covenant, Tech Terrace may be the place you want to call home.  This neighborhood touts two parks, two schools, and two churches.  Cafe J's is a popular eatery located on the North edge of Tech Terrace, just across the street from Texas Tech University.  At 26th and Boston there is a favorite coffee shop, retail establishments and a remodeled neighborhood Lowe's grocery store.   Another calling card of the area is the mature landscaping (I'm talking TREES) and a great variety of architectural styles.  While there is the occasional newer home in Tech Terrace, the neighborhood features primarily homes built from 1928 through 1960.  There are some real mid-ce... 03/02/2013

Pass the syrup.  Lubbock's housing market isn't dealing with the extreme rush to buy and shortage of listings that our neighbor, Midland is experiencing.  However, we are busy, balanced, and helping lots of individuals on both sides of the table find win-win deals.  The past couple of months our market has leaned more toward a Seller's Market, but again, nothing like what is happening in Midland. Do you have a Lubbock home you want to sell?  NOW IS THE TIME.  There are fewer homes on the market, interest rates are still incredibly low, and we are entering our busiest selling season.  If you are in the market for a home, NOW IS THE TIME to buy.  Home prices are inevitably going to increase and while I expect that increase to be gradual, it makes sense to lock in a home at the price you w... 03/01/2013

100% financing on USDA mortgage loans are available for home purchasing in Lubbock,TX.   A 0% down payment option for home buyers looking to purchase a home in Lubbock,Texas is available.   Of significance to home buyers is the ability for them to keep their cash reserves rather than spend it on a down payment for a new home.   Home buyers are afforded with a unique USDA home loan government program that can assist them.   Home buyers success is greatly influenced by the post closing cash reserves that they keep in their own accounts.   Generally, home buyers want to have 6 months of reserves such as hot water heaters, heating and air conditioning units, oven, stove, disposal as well as other appliances like a washer and dryer on hand in case any emergency happens.   Afterwards, new win... 02/20/2013

A very dynamic neighborhood in Lubbock, TX is Tech Terrace which is situated just south of Texas Tech University.  If you are a student, parent of student, or member of Texas Tech's faculty or staff you may wish to look for a home in this area.  One big draw for the neighborhood is convenience to campus - you can walk or bike and save on gas and parking expense!  Many Tech Terrace homes were built prior to 1960 and the variety of styles of homes, the mature landscaping, the parks and schools all hold great appeal for many home buyers in Lubbock - even those without ties to the University. Today there are 27 homes for sale in Tech Terrace!  The prices range from $87,000.00 to $549,000.00.  If you want small and inexpensive I can show you a 2/1 with 1192 square feet that was built in 1938... 02/05/2013

Lots of folks today see home ownership as the land of milk and honey. Home ownership is great and important for families, communities, and on a larger scale for our economy. But owning a home is not the best thing for everyone right at this very moment. I have done some research and published some blogs about purchasing owner financed homes in Lubbock. Therefore, I get a lot of referrals and phone calls from people who for one reason or another can't purchase a home with a traditional home mortgage. I truly want to help you people find a home to buy but the harsh reality is there just aren't many sellers willing to owner-finance their home.  Today in Lubbock's MLS, looking at Lubbock homes priced between 50 - 150K, there were 8 homes available for owner finance purchase. The Not So Pret... 09/14/2012

The average interest rate (Lubbock AJ, 8/31) is now 3.59% on a 30 year note.  Anyone not jumping into home ownership now is certainly NOT waiting on a better interest rate.  Re-fi business is booming also.  Average on a 15 year note is under 3%.  I believe that in Lubbock, TX we saw many 'buy up' clients, climb down off the fence last spring. Through the spring and early summer business was brisk.  Late summer doldrums has now impacted us and my business has tapered off.  After all, focus for the past few weeks has been on back-to-school, tax free weekend, and last of summer vacations.  Outlook for Lubbock home sales for the fall is like the fall season always is in that most families just got their kiddos settled into school and don't find this an appealing time to move, particularly i... 09/01/2012

Homes are selling!  This spring to early summer has been record breaking for many in the real estate business in Lubbock.   I have been delighted to have the opportunity of working with several new buyers.  Friends who I helped with a sell/buy a few years ago are selling again and moving on.  I am grateful to my many friends and clients. PLEASE take a look at two special listings I have.  Google them to find them on Trulia OR follow the link below to my website.   11010 Canton - This super cute 3/2/2 is in the Cooper School District and is priced to SELL at $115,000.  It has beautiful cherry stained cabinetry in the kitchen, an open floor plan and is just blocks from the elementary school.  WARNING - it is not for rent and scammer swine have put it on Craigslist as a rental.   3304 39th... 06/10/2012

  What a wonderful way to learn about Lubbock Realty then to spend lunch listening to the professionals at Lubbock Land Company talk about the Lubbock realty market.   Is down a good thing for Lubbock realty?   The amount of permits issued for builders to build new residential homes in Lubbock was down 22% in 2011 from 2010.   Although Lubbock realty is performing wonderfully compared to the rest of the United States, the residential permits that have been issued are down for the 8th consecutive year. They are actually currently at a 20 year low with only 497 permits being issued for the county of Lubbock in 2011. The positive news is that by holding the number of permits down has allowed the unsold Inventory of new homes to recover. At the end of the year in 2009 Lubbock realty had 269... 02/16/2012

Wonderful home under 100,000 across from the park! Open floor plan with 3 bedrooms, an isolated master bedroom, fireplace in living room, and great kitchen. Don't miss out, make an appointment to see today. Full Details http://www.homesinlubbocktx.com/listing/mlsid/537/propertyid/9985247/syndicated/1/cgltguid/56A88640-0167-4613-BD5C-6CCFC6FD6F77/?ts=crg Listing Courtesy of Tara Newton, Keller Williams Realty 02/15/2012

This wonderful home shines with pride of ownership. Incredible curb appeal and entertaining backyard w/ extended patio, landscaping, and sprinkler system, laminate hardwood floors throughout living, beautiful tile in all wet areas, hallways, and 1 bedroom. Open floor plan - you will love it! Full Details http://www.homesinlubbocktx.com/listing/mlsid/537/propertyid/9985213/syndicated/1/cgltguid/16F58961-C5FD-4763-816E-66455E0BDA72/?ts=crg Listing Courtesy of Tara Newton, Keller Williams Realty http://www.facebook.com/buyinlubbock http://twitter.com/#!/buyinlubbock http://buyinlubbock.blogspot.com 02/14/2012

January 2, 2012 Happy New Year and welcome to 2012.  Things are happening in Real Estate now that the holidays are behind us.  Tech Terrace remains a popular neighborhood for those who want to have a home near Texas Tech University.  Even for Lubbock home buyers without a TTU connection, Tech Terrace is a wonderful place to live.  You will not find any cookie cutter homes here.  Instead Lubbock home buyers find bungalows, cottages, and a great variety of architectural styles.  Lubbock's multiple listing service shows 32 properties for sale in Tech Terrace as of today.  Prices range from $74,977.00 (hmmmm) to $600,000.00.  I have been so fortunate to get to show the historic Underwood home on 19th street a number of times.  This fabulous home has 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and almost 6000 squa... 01/02/2012

We are two days from a new year...the diapered baby and old man with a beard about to pass in the hallway of time.  Are you thinking about buying or selling a home in 2012?  Will this be the year you downsize and simplify your life?  Has your family grown out of your current home? Call on me (or text or email) and I will save you time and work hard to help you achieve your real estate goals! In case you are a first time home buyer, here is a synopsis of the process: ·         Contact me and put me to work for you! ·         I will get you in touch with a mortgage loan specialist.  You get pre-qualified for a home loan (unless you may be paying cash) ·         We meet and go over your needs and wants in a home and sign a few papers ·         We look on the computer and narrow down the ho... 12/30/2011

I have an appointment to show a home in South Lubbock this evening.  But the winds are cold and howling.  What is a real estate agent to do?  Bundle up and go show the home!  Look forward to seeing this great family and hope we can find them a perfect Lubbock home! Do you or someone you know plan to buy or sell a Lubbock home in the next few months?  Not many people actually WANT to move during the holidays (how many days till Christmas?) but some do because right house comes along, or because of a significant life event, or in preparation for new job in the new year.  If you need a REALTOR now or just want to ask some questions about Lubbock's real estate market, I would like to talk to you.  You can contact me via email, phone, or text!   11/02/2011

The Lubbock Keller Williams office is dedicated to giving back to the community. One of our projects is to provide a fun and safe place for you to bring your children when you want to take them Trick & Treating. We want to invite you to bring your children to the Keller Williams office at S. Loop 289 and Utica Ave. tonight, October 31st, 2011 between 5:30 and 7:30 for a safe fun time. WE HOPE YOU HAVE A GHOULISHLY AWESOME HALLOWEEN!!!! BROUGHT TO YOU BY RACHEL TOWNSLEY AND THE TOWNSLEY GROUP     10/31/2011

There are some HAPPY elementary school kids in Lubbock, TX! Less than a year ago a $198 million bond package was approved for the Lubbock Independent School District. Around $3 million of that money is being used to install new playground equipment at all of the elementary schools, which is making for some very happy kids! Nine of the playgrounds have been installed so far and the kids are having a ton of fun, as are the residents of nearby neighborhoods. At Whiteside Elementary they said while the playground was being built "The kids would go outside and watch the workers, and they would just salivate". Luckily, they didn't have long to wait since it only takes about one week to install the equipment. Prior to this, there was not any playground equipment at any of the schools, so you c... 10/30/2011