Debbie Russell Realtor with UTR - Texas Realtors

06/08/2026

Think about it....

06/04/2026

1 minute audio/video regarding Clear Lake Area Monthly Market Report.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GCrM1mPVt/

Residential real estate activity in Clear Lake Area

06/03/2026

https://www.har.com/leadform/debbieru/40PO12

Let me create a customized Comparative Market Analysis for you! The report will include an estimate of your property's current market value based on local market data!

06/03/2026

The small details are just as important as the larger ones, and in some cases, they hold even greater significance.

Consider both the exterior and interior of your front entryway and your back door. Are your doors spotless on both sides? Ensure that your light fixtures, including the bulbs inside and out, are gleaming and bright. If purchasing new items isn't an option, then make sure that existing ones are impeccably clean. If there's any minor rot or scuffing on your front or back doors, consider installing an attractive kick plate. Use wood putty to fill in any rotted areas, and remember to disclose this repair on your seller's disclosure form, noting that there was a minor issue that has been addressed with a kick plate. This will enhance the appearance and maintain transparency.

Ensure that your light switches are pristine. Remove the cover plates, clean and dry them thoroughly, and reinstall them, making sure there are no dirt streaks visible in the crevices.

Eliminate any dust bunnies from corners, ceiling fans, and other areas where they might accumulate. A new broom can be an effective tool for these cleanups.

Pay attention to your windows, both inside and out, and make sure the blinds are free from the grease and grime they can easily collect. If your windows are old, check for missing or damaged screens. These issues can pose problems if you're selling to a buyer using a HUD-backed product, such as FHA, VA, or a Reverse Mortgage.

An older bathroom can appear more modern with some simple updates. Consider hiring a professional to re-caulk areas as needed, and replace shower curtains, throw rugs, and hand towels. Upgrading the hardware on sinks, tubs, and showers can also make a significant difference.

Ensure your home is well-lit and inviting. Depending on the sun's direction, you might need to open blinds or drapes and leave some lights on. A dark home doesn't show well, so think of new builds and model homes, which are always bright and welcoming. Unlike many resales where buyers and their agents fumble for light switches, ensure your home is well-lit and easy to navigate. Keep it bright and inviting.

06/03/2026

With Legal Beef - Loren Zitomersky – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

06/02/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CtUqgb9mn/

A new Listing-Income Alignment Score finds “a shortage of options” for buyers looking to purchase a home they can afford, according to NAR and Realtor.com.

06/01/2026

What is a real estate "Terminator"? In the industry, this term refers to either a seller or an agent who believes that repeatedly terminating a listing every 20 or 30 days and then re-listing it will create the illusion of a low number of days on the market, thereby making the property more appealing to potential buyers. However, this approach is fundamentally flawed for several reasons.

Firstly, today's buyers are savvy and can easily see through these tactics. Secondly, every time a listing is terminated and re-listed, any members of the public who have bookmarked the property as a favorite will lose their saved information, as it gets erased. Moreover, the process of terminating and re-listing requires considerable time, energy, and effort to manage the necessary paperwork, not to mention adhering to the requirement of retaining files for a minimum of four years.

Ultimately, this is not an efficient use of time and can give the impression of being less than straightforward. In essence, it resembles the concept of 'participation trophies'—a superficial attempt that doesn't add real value.

Ask me... have I ever terminated a listing only to relist it for this purpose?

This is a clear, no - not in 34 years as in never.

05/30/2026

This article covers our entire country listing the 5 highest/lowest states as it relates to cost of homeowners. I was thrilled when my plan went from $6,500 annual January 2025 to $6,627 January 2026.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CwcngrLGQ/

Rate Insurance says average homeowners insurance rose 9.16% in 2025 to $2,205 and is up 107.6% since 2019, based on 265,000 policies.

05/26/2026

What IS Texas?

05/23/2026

What????