Kelli Lowery Realtor

07/07/2024

8am Monday morning. Future cast college station/Bryan

05/01/2024

Two Stories (a really good read)

STORY NUMBER ONE

Many years ago, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago. Capone wasn't famous for anything heroic. He was notorious for enmeshing the windy city in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder.

Capone had a lawyer nicknamed "Easy Eddie." He was Capone's lawyer for a good reason. Eddie was very good! In fact, Eddie's skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time.

To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. Not only was the money big, but Eddie got special dividends, as well. For instance, he and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire Chicago City block.

Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on around him.

Eddie did have one soft spot, however. He had a son that he loved dearly. Eddie saw to it that his young son had clothes, cars, and a good education. Nothing was withheld. Price was no object.

And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach him right from wrong. Eddie wanted his son to be a better man than he was.

Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he couldn't give his son; he couldn't pass on a good name or a good example.

One day, Easy Eddie reached a difficult decision. Easy Eddie wanted to rectify wrongs he had done.

He decided he would go to the authorities and tell the truth about Al "Scarface" Capone, clean up his tarnished name, and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this, he would have to testify against The Mob, and he knew that the cost would be great. So, he testified.

Within the year, Easy Eddie's life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago Street. But in his eyes, he had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer, at the greatest price he could ever pay. Police removed from his pockets a rosary, a crucifix, a religious medallion, and a poem clipped from a magazine.

The poem read:

"The clock of life is wound but once, and no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop, at late or early hour. Now is the only time you own. Live, love, toil with a will. Place no faith in time. For the clock may soon be still."

STORY NUMBER TWO

World War II produced many heroes. One such man was Lieutenant Commander Butch O'Hare.
He was a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific.
One day his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized that someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank.
He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship.
His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly, he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet.
As he was returning to the mother ship, he saw something that turned his blood cold; a squadron of Japanese heavy bombers was speeding its way toward the American fleet.
The American fighters were gone on a sortie, and the fleet was vulnerable. He couldn't reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet. Nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger. There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet.
Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 caliber's blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another.
Butch wove in and out of the now broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until all his ammunition was finally spent.
Undaunted, he continued the assault. He dove at the planes, trying to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible, rendering them unfit to fly.
Finally, the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction.
Deeply relieved, Butch O'Hare and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier.
Upon arrival, he reported in and related the event surrounding his return.
The film from the gun-camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch's daring attempt to protect his fleet. He had, in fact, destroyed five enemy aircraft. This took place on February 20, 1942, and for that action Butch became the Navy's first Ace of W.W.II, and the first Naval Aviator to win the Medal of Honor.
A year later Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29. His home town would not allow the memory of this WW II hero to fade, and today O'Hare Airport in Chicago is named in tribute to the courage of this great man.
So, the next time you find yourself at O'Hare International, give some thought to visiting Butch's memorial displaying his statue and his Medal of Honor. It's located between Terminals 1 and 2.

So what do these two stories have to do with one another?

Butch O'Hare was "Easy Eddie's" son.

03/29/2024

Whoop!! We have electricity. Barn going up next. Exciting to develop a new property.

03/27/2024

I am sure everyone has heard the headlines about the recent real estate settlement and there is lots of confusion and questions out there to the public. Buyers will still need a buyer's agent to represent them in the most important transaction of their life and commissions are NOT changing! Commissions have always been negotiated and that has not changed. Don't believe everything you see on the internet, because it is just not true.

Changes to real estate per the settlement:
1. Agents can no longer list the commission percentage in the MLS.
2. Buyer's will have to sign a buyers representation agreement before an agent can show them a house.

-and that is all.

If you have questions please PM me or give me a call and I can answer your questions.

03/27/2024

If you do not think a Realtor has value to bring to our clients. Please read on what a Realtor does for their clients. Don’t try to navigate a real estate transaction by yourself. Let a experienced Realtor help and represent you.

Listed below are 184 typical actions, research steps, procedures, processes and review stages in a successful residential real estate transaction that are routinely provided by full service real estate brokerages in return for their sales commission. Depending on the transaction and particular agent, some may take minutes, hours, or even days to complete, while some may not be needed.

More importantly, they reflect the level of skill, knowledge and attention to detail required in today’s real estate transaction, underscoring the importance of having help and guidance from someone who fully understands the process – a REALTOR®.

👉Pre-Listing Activities

✅ Make appointment with seller for listing presentation
✅ Send seller a written or email confirmation of listing appointment and call to confirm
✅ Review pre-appointment questions
✅ Research all comparable currently listed properties
✅ Research sales activity for past 18 months from MLS and public records databases
✅ Research average Days on Market (DOM) for this property of this type, price range and location
✅ Download and review property tax roll information
✅ Prepare Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) to establish fair market value
✅ Obtain copy of subdivision plat/complex lay-out
✅ Research property’s ownership & deed type
✅ Research property’s public record information for lot size & dimensions
✅ Research and verify legal description
✅ Research property’s land use coding and deed restrictions
✅ Research property’s current use and zoning
✅ Verify legal names of owner(s) in county’s public property records
✅ Prepare listing presentation package with above materials
✅ Perform exterior “Curb Appeal Assessment” of subject property
✅ Compile and assemble formal file on property
✅ Confirm current public schools and explain impact of schools on market value
✅ Review listing appointment checklist to ensure all steps and actions have been completed

👉 Listing Appointment Presentation

✅ Give seller an overview of current market conditions and projections
✅ Review agent’s and company’s credentials and accomplishments in the market
✅ Present company’s profile and position or niche in the marketplace
✅ Present CMA results to seller, including comparables, solds, current listings & expireds
✅ Offer pricing strategy based on professional judgment and interpretation of current market conditions
✅ Discuss goals with seller to market effectively
✅ Explain market power and benefits of Multiple Listing Service (MLS)
✅ Explain benefits of web marketing & IDX
✅ Explain the work the brokerage and agent do behind the scenes and agent’s availability on weekends
✅ Explain agent’s role in taking calls to screen for qualified buyers and protect seller from curiosity seekers
✅ Present and discuss strategic master marketing plan
✅ Explain different agency relationships and determine seller’s preference
✅ Review and explain all clauses in listing contract & addendum and obtain seller’s signature once property is under listing agreement
✅ Review current title information
✅ Measure overall and heated square footage
✅ Measure interior room sizes
✅ Confirm lot size via owner’s copy of certified survey, if available
✅ Note any and all unrecorded property lines, agreements, easements
✅ Obtain house plans, if applicable and available
✅ Review house plans and make copy
✅ Order plat map for retention in property’s listing file
✅ Prepare showing instructions for buyers’ agents and agree on showing time window with seller
✅ Obtain current mortgage loan(s) information: companies and & loan account numbers
✅ Verify current loan information with lender(s)
✅ Check assumability of loan(s) and any special requirements
✅ Discuss possible buyer financing alternatives and options with seller
✅ Review current appraisal if available
✅ Identify Home Owner Association (HOA) manager if applicable
✅ Verify HOA fees with manager – mandatory or optional and current annual fee
✅ Order copy of HOA bylaws, if applicable
✅ Research electricity availability and supplier’s name and phone number
✅ Calculate average utility usage from last 12 months of bills
✅ Research and verify city sewer/septic tank system
✅ Water system: calculate average water fees or rates from last 12 months of bills
✅ Well water: confirm well status, depth and output from well report
✅ Natural gas: research/verify availability and supplier’s name and phone number
✅ Verify security system, current term of service and whether owned or leased
✅ Verify if seller has transferable termite bond
✅ Ascertain need for lead-based paint disclosure
✅ Prepare detailed list of property amenities and assess market impact
✅ Prepare detailed list of property’s “inclusions & conveyances with sale”
✅ Compile list of completed repairs and maintenance items
✅ Send “vacancy checklist” to seller if property is vacant
✅ Explain benefits of homeowner warranty to seller
✅ Assist sellers with completion and submission of homeowner warranty application
✅ When received, place homeowner warranty in property file for conveyance at time of sale
✅ Have extra key made for lockbox
✅ Verify if property has rental units involved. And if so:
* Make copies of all leases for retention in listing file
* Verify all rents & deposits
* Inform tenants of listing and discuss how showings will be handled
✅ Arrange for installation of yard sign
✅ Assist seller with completion of Seller’s Disclosure form
✅ “New listing checklist” completed
✅ Review results of curb appeal assessment with seller and provide suggestions to improve salability
✅ Review results of interior decor assessment and suggest changes to shorten time on market
✅ Load listing into transaction management software program

👉 Entering Property in Multiple Listing Service Database

✅ Prepare MLS profile sheet — agent is responsible for quality control and accuracy of listing data
✅ Enter property data from profile sheet into MLS database
✅ Proofread MLS database listing for accuracy, including proper placement in mapping function
✅ Add property to company’s active listings list
✅ Provide seller with signed copies of listing agreement and MLS ✅ Profile sheet data form within 48 hours
✅ Take additional photos for upload into MLS and use in flyers ✅ Discuss efficacy of panoramic and/or drone photography

👉 Marketing The Listing

✅ Create print and Internet ads with seller’s input
✅ Coordinate showings with owners, tenants, and other Realtors®. Return all calls – weekends included
✅ Install electronic lock box if authorized by owner. Program with agreed-upon showing time windows
✅ Prepare mailing and contact list
✅ Generate mail-merge letters to contact list
✅ Order “Just Listed” labels & reports
✅ Prepare flyers
✅ Review comparable MLS listings regularly to ensure property remains competitive in price, terms, conditions and availability
✅ Prepare property marketing brochure for seller’s review
✅ Arrange for printing or copying of supply of marketing brochures or fliers
✅ Place marketing brochures in all company agent mail boxes
✅ Upload listing to company and agent Internet site, if applicable
✅ Mail out “just listed” notice to all neighborhood residents
✅ Advise network referral program of listing
✅ Provide marketing data to buyers coming through international relocation networks
✅ Provide marketing data to buyers coming from referral network
✅ Provide “special feature” cards for marketing, if applicable
✅ Submit ads to company’s participating Internet real estate sites
✅ Price changes conveyed promptly to all Internet groups
✅ Reprint/supply brochures promptly as needed
✅ Loan information reviewed and updated in MLS as required
✅ Feedback requests sent to buyers’ agents after showings
✅ Review weekly market study
✅ Discuss feedback from showing agents with seller to determine if changes will accelerate the sale
✅ Place regular weekly update calls to seller to discuss marketing & pricing
✅ Promptly enter price changes in MLS listing database

👉 The Offer and Contract

✅ Receive and review all offers
✅ Evaluate offer(s) and prepare a “net sheet” on each for the owner for comparison purposes
✅ Counsel seller on offers. Explain merits and weakness of each component of each offer
✅ Contact buyers’ agents to review buyer’s qualifications and discuss offer
✅ Submit seller’s disclosure to buyer’s agent or buyer upon request and prior to offer if possible
✅ Confirm buyer is pre-approved by calling loan officer
✅ Obtain pre-approval letter on buyer from loan officer
✅ Negotiate all offers on seller’s behalf, setting time limit for loan approval and closing date
✅ Prepare and convey any counteroffers, acceptance or amendments to buyer’s agent
✅ Submit copies of contract and all addendums to closing attorney or title company
✅ When offer is accepted and signed by seller, send to buyer’s agent
✅ Record and promptly deposit buyer’s earnest money in escrow account
✅ Disseminate “under-contract showing restrictions” as seller requests
✅ Submit copies of signed contract to seller
✅ Submit copies of signed contract to selling agent
✅ Submit copies of signed contract to lender
✅ Provide copies of signed contract for office file
✅ Advise seller in handling additional offers to purchase submitted between contract and closing
✅ Change status in MLS to “Sale Pending”
✅ Update transaction management program show “Sale Pending”
✅ Review buyer’s credit report results — Advise seller of worst and best case scenarios
✅ Provide credit report information to seller if property will be seller-financed
✅ Assist buyer with obtaining financing, if applicable and follow-up as necessary
✅ Coordinate with lender on discount points being locked in with dates
✅ Deliver unrecorded property information to buyer
✅ Order septic system inspection, if applicable
✅ Receive and review septic system report and assess any possible impact on sale
✅ Deliver copy of septic system inspection report lender & buyer
✅ Deliver well flow test report copies to lender & buyer and property listing file
✅ Verify termite inspection ordered
✅ Verify mold inspection ordered, if required

👉 Tracking the Loan Process

✅ Confirm verifications of deposit & buyer’s employment have been returned
✅ Follow loan processing through to the underwriter
✅ Add lender and other vendors to your management program so agents, buyer and seller can track progress of sale
✅ Contact lender weekly to ensure processing is on track
✅ Relay final approval of buyer’s loan application to seller

👉 Home Inspection

✅ Coordinate buyer’s professional home inspection with seller
✅ Review home inspector’s report
✅ Enter completion into transaction management tracking software program
✅ Explain seller’s responsibilities with respect to loan limits and interpret any clauses in the contract
✅ Ensure seller’s compliance with home inspection clause requirements
✅ Recommend or assist seller with identifying and negotiating with trustworthy contractors to perform any required repairs
✅ Negotiate payment and oversee completion of all required repairs on seller’s behalf, if needed

👉 The Appraisal

✅ Schedule appraisal
✅ Provide comparable sales used in market pricing to appraiser
✅ Follow-up on appraisal
✅ Enter completion into transaction management program
✅ Assist seller in questioning appraisal report if it seems too low

👉Closing Preparations and Duties

✅ Contract is signed by all parties
✅ Coordinate closing process with buyer’s agent and lender
✅ Update closing forms & files
✅ Ensure all parties have all forms and info needed to close
✅ Select location where closing will be held
✅ Confirm closing date and time and notify all parties
✅ Assist in solving any title problems (boundary disputes, easements, etc.) or in obtaining death certificates
✅ Work with buyer’s agent in scheduling and conducting buyer’s final walk-thru prior to closing
✅ Research all tax, HOA, utility and other applicable prorations
✅ Request final closing figures from closing agent (attorney or title company)
✅ Receive & carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy of preparation
✅ Forward verified closing figures to buyer’s agent
✅ Request copy of closing documents from closing agent
✅ Confirm buyer and buyer’s agent have received title insurance commitment
✅ Provide homeowners warranty for availability at closing
✅ Review all closing documents carefully for errors
✅ Forward closing documents to absentee seller as requested
✅ Review documents with closing agent (attorney)
✅ Provide earnest money deposit check from escrow account to closing agent
✅ Coordinate this closing with seller’s next purchase and resolve any timing problems
✅ Have a “no surprises” closing so that seller receives a net proceeds check at closing
✅ Refer sellers to one of the best agents at their destination, if applicable
✅ Change MLS status to Sold. Enter sale date, price, selling broker and agent’s ID numbers, etc.
✅ Close out listing in management program

👉 Follow Up After Closing

✅ Answer questions about filing claims with homeowner warranty company if requested
✅ Attempt to clarify and resolve any conflicts about repairs if buyer is not satisfied
✅ Respond to any follow-up calls and provide any additional information required from office files

02/08/2024

Here are some tips for tidying up & staging your home 🏡 before listing it!

Or, if you just need to get some Spring Cleaning done 👌☘️🌼

Kelli Lowery, Broker Associate/Realtor
O’Hara & Company Real Estate
☎️ 281-352-9229
[email protected]

12/17/2023

Hi Hello 🔵 It's official. Signed at 12:53. It even came on tv.
Mine really turned blue. Don't forget, the new Facebook rule starts tomorrow (aka... new name META) where they can use your photos. Dont forget the deadline is today!!! I do not give Facebook or any company affiliated with Facebook permission to use my past and future photos, information, messages or posts.
With this statement, I inform Facebook that it is strictly forbidden to publish, copy, distribute or take any other action against me based on this profile and/or its contents. The violation of privacy can be punished by law.
NOTICE: Facebook is now a public entity. All members must publish such a note.
Whoever wants can copy and paste this version. Failure to post a statement at least once will be tacitly allowing the use of your photoins, as well as information in profile and status posts.

Hold your finger anywhere in this message and copy will pop up. Click the copy button. Then go to your page, create a new message and put your finger anywhere in the blank field. "Paste" will appear and click Paste.
This will bypass the system....
He who does nothing agrees.

11/11/2023

Real Estate is the best investment you can make. Contact me and let’s talk.

01/11/2022

11/11/2021

Please view the Information About Brokerage Services and the Consumer Protection Form. Ask me any questions you might have. Click Link below.

http://members.har.com/mhf/terms/dispBrokerInfo.cfm?sitetype=aws&cid=627700

https://www.trec.texas.gov/sites/default/files/pdf-forms/CN%201-2.pdf