Home for the Holidays.

I don't know about you all, but Fall can't get here fast enough in my opinion. I just love this time of year... seasons changing, cooler weather (eventually), family gatherings, yummy food, all of the Holidays are just around the corner... AND Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back at Starbucks!

I thought I would take a minute to remind those of you that qualify for the first time homebuyer's tax credit (defined by the government as not having owned a home in the last 3 years)... you have until November 30, 2009 to close on a home to receive an $8,000 tax credit. More details about this incentive can be found HERE.

There are so many great homes available in the greater Houston area right now, and I would take great pride in the opportunity to help you find a wonderful home in time for the holidays. Maybe you're looking to SELL and be in a new home before a new year comes along... it would be a pleasure to aid you in that transition.

As a token of my appreciation to those of you out there reading my blog, keeping up with my real estate news, joining me at open houses, buying, selling, renting, or just learning about the real estate market here in Fort Bend County... and because they are just too tasty not to share, I am giving away at $10.00 Starbucks Gift Card to one lucky reader. You and a friend can share a Pumpkin Spice Latte, or whatever warms your soul... You can enter in 3 ways...

1. Leave me a comment, say hello, ask me a real estate question... I'm here to help! If you are not a blogger, you can email me directly: jdpgreer@yahoo.com

2. Become a follower of the blog!

3. Post about my Real Estate News blog & the giveaway!

You can enter in one, two, or three ways... I will select a winner this weekend. Thanks so much for being a part of this exciting journey in real estate!

Well, that would be GREAT!

Friends, family, readers, fellow agents, colleagues.... I have a favor to ask of you!

Do you live in GREATWOOD?

Have you been thinking of selling your home?

What would you say if I told you, I have a buyer, very anxious to find a home in Greatwood, in the $180,000-ish range, has their loan completed, and wants to close before October 31st?

It's not too good to be true... it's just what you needed to stick that sign in the yard. Give me a call if you or someone you know has been on the fence, my buyer is READY!

A big THANK YOU to all that came out to the Open House this week at 1903 Shadow Lane! Such a great turn out!

Hope you all have a blessed weekend.

You are Invited...

{Click on Image to Enlarge}

First comes love...

... then comes marriage... then comes an adorable home on Carriage!

This ready-to-move-into home is fresh on the market... a tucked away treasure in Pecan Grove;

you have to see 3407 Carriage House.

Spacious one story on cul-de-sac with open floorplan. Double sided fireplace lends a warm, cozy feel. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout. Open kitchen to breakfast/family room overlooking backyard deck. Granite countertops and tile backsplash in kitchen. Home is clean and move in ready. Fourth bedroom would make a great study or nursery. Exterior is brick on all 4 sides.

I'd love to show you this wonderful home, let me know if you want to swing by this weekend!

jdpgreer@yahoo.com or 281.723.7094

Good things come to those who wait...

Greetings bloggers, readers, co-workers, family & friends!

Since my last post, over a month ago, I've been a busy bee... the summer real estate market is still in full force, and I'm loving every minute of it. My last post was lengthy, so I'll keep this one short and sweet... how about a preview of two exquisite homes that just hit the market in Fort Bend County?

The Oasis... 4110 Woodlake Ln

The Country Estate... 1903 Shadow Ln

... and before I go, how about a few treats to beat the heat?! Both of these are simple, no-bake, recipes that are sure to help you cool off on these hot summer days!

Chocolate-Mint Icebox Cake

Blueberry Pops

Have a wonderful week full of joy & blessings!

10 Steps to SOLD!

Have you outgrown your home... ready for more space? Or, perhaps your kiddos have left the nest, and it's time to downsize? Regardless of the reason, if you are thinking about selling your home... follow these 10 Steps to SOLD and I guarantee a more pleasing atmosphere and quicker sale for the potential buyers that come through.

**The list is lengthy, but it should serve as a tool to get your home market ready or just clean, clutter free and updated! Keep reading for a fabulous giveaway at the end!**

1. De-clutter, de-clutter, de-clutter. If you do nothing else on this list, DE-CLUTTER! A potential buyer should never see stacks of mail and papers on the countertop, laundry piles, toys stacked in corners, shelves full of odds and ends... do you have a "catch-all" room? It's time to clear it out. Better an empty room than a room full of miscellaneous junk. Pack up the loose items around your home and store them in plastic containers, organized in the attic space or in the garage, or consider renting temporary storage space. The less a buyer sees of yours, the better... remember you want someone else to move in now! Which brings me to #2...
2. As much as you love your home, when you make the decision to put it on the market, you also need to make the choice to "de-personalize" it. A buyer should be able to walk into your home and begin to see it as their own. Without making your home look like a cold, empty vessel, remove as many family photos as you can. Remove diplomas & trophies, clear your refrigerator of graduation announcements, pictures of your family, or the latest drawing from Sunday School. Your home should be "anonymous" to the viewer. Remember, do not pack these things up and stick them in a closet, a corner, or elsewhere. Once they come down, they need to be packed away and stored.
3. Did you turn your dining room into an office? Or the 4th bedroom into a home gym? It's time to convert back to its intended purpose. For the sake of helping your buyer invision this home as their own, you need to set the stage, just as it should be. Remember, if they are in your home, it's because they like what they know about it... it's a 4 bedroom, or it has a study... or a gameroom upstairs. They want to see these elements of the home in their purest state, so that they can begin to imagine their families living there.
4. "They say" one investment in your home that you can always guarantee to get a return on is updating hardware and fixtures... especially in bathrooms and the kitchen. Do you have brass door knobs, cabinet & sink fixtures circa 1990? A trip to Home Depot can rid you of the dated look and give your home updated appeal for very little money.
5. Do you have unfinished projects, home repairs, or minor issues that you've put off? Now is the time to replace the cracked window, faulty door knob, or chipped bathroom tile. These little fix-it jobs can turn away a buyer or make them think the home is in disrepair. By getting out that honey-do list you've put on the back-burner, you can avoid potential issues and present a well maintained home.
6. Does your daughter have a pink princess bedroom? And your son a bright blue sports haven? Consider neutralizing the walls in your home. Have I said that a buyer wants to see this home as their own? A neutral palette will allow them to envision their furnishings, their decor, THEIR new home.
7. Keep your yard tidy, plant inexpensive colorful flowers, remove weeds or other obstructions from pathways, sidewalks, and entry ways. Curb appeal is key to selling your home quickly, and it will be the first thing your potential buyer sees when they pull up to your home.
8. Remember that remodeling is for new buyers... if you're ready to move, updating and getting your home in selling condition is your job. Flooring is very important to buyers, if you have carpet in your home... consider having it cleaned. Unless it is badly stained, an unusual color, or extremely outdated... let the new owners replace it.
9. Organize! Your cabinets will be opened, your pantry will be assessed, every closet will be entered... so it's time to stow away the personal items, neatly stack your dishes, clean out 10 or 12 cereal boxes and make the nooks and crannies of your home look orderly, cared for, and visually pleasing.
10. Odor control... do you have a pet? Chances are your home smells like your family... and that's not a bad thing. But to the potential buyer, you want a pleasing "homey" smell. No kitty litter boxes, no smoke, no pet dander. Consider sprinkling your carpet with freshener regularly, do not smoke in your home while it's on the market, and if possible (weather-permitting) keep pets outdoors during showings to minimize pet odor.

Do you have another tip for potential homeowners looking to sell their home? Leave me a comment, I'd love to hear your advice, insight, and personal success stories! Everyone who leaves a comment will be entered to win one of these adorable reusable totes by Haute Market Bags. Use it to pick up groceries, take it to the pool, or swing by Home Depot for some new doorknobs and instead of a plastic bag... take one of these! Your choice.

Remember that when you decide to SELL your home, you must be in a BUYER'S frame of mind. The same house you once fell in love with will soon become another family's home.

2009 1st Time Homebuyer's Tax Credit & 4th of July Recipes

I am sure you've heard about the $8,000 tax credit available to First Time Homebuyer's in 2009. But, what you may not know, are the details surrounding the legislation, and how this credit MAY apply to you, or someone you know! Specifically, did you know that a "first time homebuyer" is, by definition in this legislation, "someone who has not owned a principle residence in the past three years. Those three years are counted up to the date you take possession of the house you buy in 2009. This means that even if you’ve owned a home in the past, you can still take advantage of the tax credit as long as you haven’t purchased a primary residence since 2006."

Keller Williams has set up a very informative section on our website to help you learn more about this benefit. Visit this link to learn more about how you can take advantage of this credit.

If this piques your interest, I would love to talk to you about the credit and show you homes that you love in the area.

***

Now... how about this heat? I'd say there's no doubt that SUMMER is here in full force. Here's a few recipes that your family might enjoy for the 4th of July weekend.

Grilled Tomatoes with Basil Vinaigrette

Yields: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 3 yellow tomatoes
• 3 red tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• Garnish: fresh basil sprigs

Preparation

Cut tomatoes in half; thread onto skewers, alternating colors. Brush with 1 tablespoon oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Grill, covered with grill lid, over medium heat (300° to 350°) 10 minutes, turning skewers often.

Combine remaining 2 tablespoons oil, vinegar, and basil; drizzle over kabobs. Garnish, if desired.

*****

Martha Stewart's All American Potato Salad

• Ingredients:
• 4 pounds russet potatoes (about 8 potatoes)
• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons salt
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons Homemade Mayonnaise, or prepared
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 stalks celery, cut into 1/4-inch dice (3/4 cup)
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1/2 cup)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (1/2 cup)
• 10 cornichons, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1/4 cup)
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced (1/2 cup)
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1 teaspoon paprika Directions:

Place potatoes in a large pot with enough water to cover by several inches. Bring to a boil over high heat, add 1 tablespoon salt, and lower to a gentle boil. Cook until potatoes are tender when pierced with a knife, about 25 minutes. Drain into a colander. Using paper towels or gloves to protect your hands, peel potatoes, and cut into 1-inch dice while still hot. Drizzle with vinegar; set aside.

Place eggs in a small pan with enough water to cover by 1 inch, and place over medium-high heat. When water comes to a boil, turn off heat, cover, and let stand for 13 minutes. Drain, and place in a bowl with cold water to cover. When cold, peel eggs. Chop 2 into 1/4-inch dice. Slice the third egg into 1/4-inch-thick rounds, and set aside for garnish.

Combine diced eggs, mayonnaise, celery seed, mustard, 2 teaspoons salt, and black pepper in a large bowl, and whisk to combine. Add reserved potatoes to mayonnaise mixture. Add celery, red pepper, onion, cornichons, scallions, and chopped parsley. Stir to combine. Chill for 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with paprika and reserved hard-boiled egg rounds.

*****

American Flag Cake, a Greer Family Tradition

Simply bake your favorite white/yellow sheet cake; top with whipped cream topping, strawberries (or raspberries), and blueberries, and you're all set to serve a YUMMY and PATRIOTIC dessert that they whole family will enjoy!

Have a wonderful rest of your week, and a blessed 4th of July weekend!

... and the WINNER is!

(The winner was chosen by my adorable grandson!)

Congratulations to the beautiful and talented Hayley Hardcastle of hh design house! Hayley is the daughter of one of my life long dearest friends. She has her own stationary design business and is by far one of the most creative and enthusiastic gals you'll ever meet. Visit her website for to see some of her fabulous creations... she does invitations for all sorts of events, incredible Christmas Cards, even custom sketch drawings of your home. Congrats sweet Hayley!

Thanks so much to all who entered, commented, sent emails, and asked questions. Continue to visit Jill's Home News for more recipes, tips, giveaways, and... HOME NEWS!

Have a blessed week.

Jill's Home News Giveaway #1!

Friends, family, clients, co-workers, and blog readers... ENTER to win my first giveaway!

I value your opinions, your feedback, your ideas, your input... and want to THANK YOU in advance for your support of Jill's Home News. I want this to be a place that you can come to find a last minute recipe, a decorating tip for your home, an open house to browse over the weekend, the latest listings in Fort Bend County... and much more! 

Leave me a comment (it's really easy, even this Grandma can do it)... and tell me something! Have a suggestion or idea for a blog post, tell me. Want to learn more about a neighborhood in Ft. Bend, which one? Have a Real Estate question (market, home value, time to buy or sell?), let me know. Whatever comes to mind after browsing Jill's Home News... leave me a comment and you'll be entered to win a $25 Gift Card to Pappasito's! Who can resist their chips & salsa..

Thank you for helping me make this site a beneficial and enjoyable place to visit, blessings to you all. 

Winner will be chosen Sunday evening.

Happy Father's Day weekend, thanks so much for stopping by!

Pecan Grove Tradition: 5 Miles My Way

For over 20 years, my family has called Pecan Grove home. We've seen it grow and change, we've participated in cake walks at Pecan Grove Elementary, had softball practice in the empty fields where Randall's now sits, and joined in the yearly holiday traditions that are so much a part of this wonderful community. One of our family favorites has always been 5 Miles My Way, put on by the Pecan Grove Volunteer Fire Department. If you have never participated, haven't done so in a few years, or are an avid 5-Miler, here's some information to help you sign up for the big race!

The race kicks off the morning of the 4th of July. My girls used to decorate their bikes red-white-and-blue, while I pushed our youngest in the jogging stroller through the streets of Pecan Grove. Such wonderful memories to be made on this day! 

Details on registration, starting times can be found here, or at the PG Fire Department's website.

This event offers a fun race that can be competitive or just a personal challenge for

BICYCLIST, SKATERS, RUNNERS and WALKERS

A new five mile course for Bicyclist, Skaters and Runners. A new three mile course for Walkers. Registration Fee is $15.00 and includes a T-shirt while supplies last!

We encourage you to register early at the Valero Corner Store parking lot at Plantation and FM 359 on:

June 20, 2009  10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  &  June 21, 2009  10:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 27, 2009  10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  &  June 28, 2009  10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

at the Pecan Grove Volunteer Fire Department  Fire Station, 727 Pitts Rd June 28 through July 3 - 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day

You can register at the Starting Line on July 4^th before the race but T-shirts will be limited and on a first come, first-served basis.   Approximate Start Times

7:20 a.m. for Bicyclist & Skaters

 7:45 a.m. for Runners & Walkers

Dust off those tennis shoes and join in one of Pecan Grove's great traditions!

Like what you see? 

The Butch Watterson Team has a new listing in the neighborhood. It's move-in ready! Find out more about it HERE.

Pecan Grove is a wonderful place for families in all stages of life. If I can help you find your dream home in this lovely community, I would be honored to do so!

Memorial Day Weekend: Backyard Burgers

As a tribute to my husband, the grill master, I thought I would pass along some delicious recipes for backyard burgers, with a twist. Grill these up for your family this Memorial Day weekend!

You can't go wrong with Chef Bobby Flay's Hamburger with Double Cheddar Cheese, Grilled Vidalia Onion and Horseradish Mustard. Sounds good enough to eat! Visit THIS LINK for the yummy recipe.

Want an alternative to the traditional beef burger? The always adorable Rachael Ray has a delicious solution: Turkey Bacon Double Cheese Burgers with Fire Roasted Tomato Sauce.This juicy burger recipe can be found HERE.

This Family Circle contest winner sounds too good to be true, try the Southern Pimento Cheese Burger... the cheesy, yummy recipe can be found HERE.

Mini burgers are showing up on restaurant menu's all over town... try these Mini Blue Cheese Burgers- a bite sized snack the whole family will love. You can't go wrong with a Barefoot Contessa recipe: HERE. Mmm!

The weather this week is supposed to be beautiful... enjoy a long weekend with good friends, family, and food! And, if you're in the mood to see a beautiful home or two, give me a call on your day off!