December 2018 - Page 2 of 2 - Gulf State Homebuyers

Baytown

7 Family Fun Outings Happening in Baytown This December

11Dec2018

The holiday season is here and it is the perfect time to get out of the house and spend some quality time with your friends and family. Whether you are looking for culture, food, or theater, there is bound to be something everyone can enjoy. Let’s take a look at some of the most recommended events happening in and around the Baytown area this season.

1 – Visit the Annual Christmas Gift Gallery

Hosted by The Art League of Baytown, this unique market will provide you with the opportune time to buy your loved ones a handmade gift this season. Not only will you get the chance to experience local art and culture, but you will also be supporting your local artists.

Step into the artisan’s workshops anytime Monday through Saturday between 10 and 4. Even if you are not looking to purchase any gifts, an afternoon at this gallery can bring the family together.

2 – Go to the Theater

Don’t miss your chance to see A Little Christmas Spirit presented by the BaytownLittle Theater. The last shows are happening December 14 – 16.

The show is great for those of all ages. The holiday tale tells the story of J.D. Morse, who “has been looking high and low for a Christmas gift for his grandson. Finally, as a last resort, he wanders into Nick’s Emporium, an old-fashioned store chock full of all sorts of gifts and knickknacks…Just when Morse is about to buy something, he runs to the street to chase kids away from his car. When he returns, he finds the store suddenly dark and quiet…This full-length Yuletide fantasy is full of holiday spirit and humor and makes us all wish we could find ‘Nick’s Emporium,’ where life stands still and we can all truly enjoy a little Christmas Spirit.”

3 – Get Out on the Rink

Head to the Town Square off Texas Avenue and enjoy the magic of ice skating. Surrounded by Christmas decorations and a forty-foot Christmas Tree decorated in bright colorful lights, this outdoor skating rink will bring a smile to the whole family. The rink is open daily until 10 PM up until January 13^th, so you have plenty of time to get out and enjoy the cool winter weather.

4 – See “The Nutcracker Ballet”

An old-fashioned tradition, the ballet is being hosted by the Bay Area Houston Ballet at the Theater at Lee College Performing Arts.

“The Nutcracker Ballet” is based on the story “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice,”written by E.T.A. Hoffman, and outlines the story of a young German girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and his fierce battle against a Mouse King with seven heads. This show is one not to be missed. Last performances will run on December 16^th.

How About in Houston?

If you are open to a little road trip with the family, there are also a collection of fun events happening in Houston as well.

5 – Breakfast with Santa

Happening every Saturday and Sunday until December 23^rd, the kids can get a chance to sit down and share a meal with the man himself.

6 – Magical Winter Lights

Catch a site that will amaze the eye. After driving around your local community to see which neighbor has outdone Chevy Chase, visit Gulf Greyhound Park for their fourth annual Magical Winter Lights. Also included in admissions is a Christmas Market with a festival food court and shopping area, as well as an opportunity to visit with Santa Clause.

7 – Campfire Christmas

Get away from the traditional theater and Christmas markets and visit George Ranch Historical Park for the last occurrence of Campfire Christmas this Saturday. This unique event takes you back to Christmases past, and provides attendees the chance to enjoy ancient traditional meals and dance the night away. This event is recommended for those ages eight and over.

Let’s Support Our Local Communities

We here at Gulf State Homebuyers are strong advocates for supporting the local economy, which is why we wanted to share with you these family fun events happening nearby. We also know that the holiday season can be financially challenging to some; so, if you are looking for a way to get cash before the years end, and you are considering selling your home, contact us today. If the home is right,we may be able to help you close by the end of next week. This may be the perfect chance for you to start the new year off fresh!

Tips

New Technology for Your Home

6Dec2018

For the last century, Americans have witnessed continuous improvement in the technological products that keep their everyday lives running smoothly. From electricity, which made heat and power household staples, to microwaves, which provided quick and easy family dinners, each technological innovation has served as a way to improve the efficiency of American households. Today, we have moved into the realm of “smart homes,” or home automation – that is, the ability for all household items to connect to the internet of things and function on voice command or via web-based applications. Remember the Disney flick Smart House? Well, that sci-fi home is today’s reality.

As the year ends, it may be an opportune time for you to review the technologies you currently use in your home and to consider upgrading to smart appliances. You can stop worrying about chores you’ve forgotten, reduce stress related to unnecessary wasted expenses, and increase the amount of time spent with your family. Let’s take a look at the “Must-Haves” of 2019.

1 – Home Surveillance Cameras

Home surveillance used to be a complex system of cameras and separated monitors wired together through the walls. However, today’s technologies offer a wide range of security systems. Most surveillance cameras can link directly to your smartphone, so you can always see who is at the door. For those who are looking for a more secure system, you can set up cameras inside to track intruders for facial recognition.

2 – Robot Vacuum Cleaners

Don’t waste another precious weekend sweeping the floors! No matter the type of flooring, there is a system that is designed for your home. Newer robot vacuum cleaners have sensors to detect obstacles and reach the most challenging places. They even have a scheduling feature, ensuring that your home is cleaned daily.

3 – Wireless LED Light Bulbs

Today, you can connect even your lighting with an application on your phone, which can be controlled via a WiFi connection. You will no longer need to turn on and off your lights with a switch, but rather with the tap of your finger. The benefits go beyond ease; if you forget to turn the lights off, you can shut them off once you leave the house so that you do not waste money on unused electricity.

4 – Smart Faucets

Both hygienic and economically friendly, smart faucets are saving thousands of gallons of water each year. The concept is that the faucet operates with a sensor which detects when you are trying to wash your hands. You no longer have to turn on/off the water, but rather lather your hands with soap and wave them in front of the sensor.

5 – WiFi Air Conditioner

Much like the benefits that come with wireless light bulbs, you can now connect your AC unit to your smartphone. This set-up is simple, cost effective, and provides homeowners the opportunity to cool a home before entering the door.

6 – Smart Refrigerator

The smart fridge transcends energy efficiency and provides consumers an internal camera in the fridge so that the content inside can be viewed anywhere by your smartphone. No longer will food be wasted by double purchasing, and no longer will you have to second guess whether you have enough for this weekend’s dinner party; smart technology will ensure you save time in preparing for the meals that bring together family and friends.

7 – AMAZON ECHO, or a similar device

This is a typical addition to millions of households today and probably the most useful to consumers on a daily basis – you may know it as “Alexa.” This device allows you to use voice commands to have Alexa complete tasks – anything from sharing the local weather to ordering flowers for Mother’s Day. Today, you can even connect AMAZON Echo to your lights, thermostats, and televisions, which allows you to use one accessible, centralized hub to customize your home and refine your comfort.

THE COMMON GROUND….

A you can see, there is one device that is essential to transforming your home to a smart home – the smartphone. You can control devices while away and watch to ensure the security of your home. The future of our homes appears to be changing into a one-stop shop… your phone.

THE FUTURE!

With smart homes on the rise and an increased cultural emphasis on personal wellbeing, MIT has been exploring the possibility of collecting and tracking the health records of the members living in smart homes – researchers have even discussed monitoring details like the way we walk and how we eat. The future is here, and it’s the modern smart home. Take some time today to reflect on your day-to-day interactions with your home and consider an upgrade.

Uncategorized

Roadblocks to Millennials Purchasing Homes

5Dec2018

Many reports label millennials lazy, suggesting that they are averse to working and lack the motivation to pursue the American Dream. Unbeknownst to many, over the last 50 years, the United States economy has undergone a major shift that is deeply impacting the ability of millennials to achieve the so-called American Dream, reducing their chances of owning a home.

A recent study completed in October by Bank of America found that 72% of millennials, which they identified as individuals born between 1978 and 1995, have listed being a homeowner as a “top-priority” in their lives. With such high number, why aren’t millennials purchasing more homes?

The Impact of Student Debt

Most millennials were pushed to enroll in college following high school, which generated enormous debt for student’s post-graduation; understandably, when you already have $50,000 or more of looming debt, taking on a mortgage is frightening.

The Belief that We Are Approaching Another Recession

Many analysts are forecasting that by 2020, the United States will be hit with another recession. Most argue that it will not be as severe as that of 2007; however, as millennials were witnesses to the economic impacts that the 2007 downfall had on the population, they are wary of purchasing a home at this time. The fear is that they will lose the home not long after the purchase. And although interest rates have been moderately low, few have acted.

Low Pay and High Cost of Living

If you take a closer look at many postings for job openings, you will see employers hiring people at $10 – $15 per hour and requiring a college education; many master level positions are paying below $20 as well. Compared to the cost of living in most major areas, including the Houston area, this pay rate does not enable someone to purchase a home. The average rent is 30% of the renter’s income – but those who earn near minimum wage end up paying nearly 50% of their income toward rent! This high cost of living makes it challenging for individuals to save the money for a down payment on a new home.

Lifestyle Changes

We can also gain some insight by shifting lenses and looking at the social aspects of millennials’ lives. There is a noticeable difference in their values and life trajectory compared to those of baby boomers. First off, they are marrying later in life. While twenty years ago, it was common for someone to marry in their early 20’s, it is now more common for couples to marry in their early 30’s. One major contributing factor is the transition from skilled jobs to professional careers, which demand years to develop rapport and professionalism. No longer are people satisfied at entry level positions; rather, there is a higher percentage of men and women committed to building their career prior to getting married.

Another lifestyle change that is impacting the pattern in which home buying occurs is that millennials are less interested in material items and more interested in spending their income on experiences. With this mindset, they are struggling to save the capital for a down payment.

Lastly, there is also the trend towards digital nomads. This professional decision to build a company online, or work as an online freelancer, is reducing the number of people dedicated to purchasing a home. Instead they are utilizing their income to fund a nomadic lifestyle built around working abroad. There are even companies devoted to organizing digital nomad groups, which meet for anywhere from one a week to one year, providing people with the essentials they need to comfortably work and live abroad.

High Home Prices

The real estate market has been a seller’s market for some time now. This means that homes are selling at higher prices, inventory is low, and competition is tough. Additionally, due to the increased price of homes, those who already own homes have been hesitant to sell. Although interest rates have seen a decline over the last few years, the increase in home values has made it challenging for millennials to transition to their own home.

Looking at The Future

There is no simple answer to the question of why millennials are not purchasing homes. There are both economic and social influences that have had a major impact on the shift in home buyers in the United States. If the economy can push through the expected recession and provide millennials with more confidence in their future with buying a home, we may anticipate an increase in home buyers. If you are in the market to sell or buy a home, contact us today!

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