Selecting a Tree in Odessa TX

Selecting a tree for your new Odessa home.

It's not always as easy as making a trip to the local home and garden center. Our area has unique qualities that require taking a good look at what will grow successfully in Odessa. When it comes to selecting a tree for our Odessa TX area there are many factors to consider.

A great resource for selecting a tree is the Texas Forest Service website - Texas Tree Selector. It also details how to plant your tree once you get it home.

Things to consider before you buy

Soil Conditions at your home - Alkaline Soil - Our soil is very alkaline and any plant you purchase must be hardy for our type of soil.

Annual Rainfall in West Texas - Drought Tolerent - Due to are arrid environment and current water situation; having a tree that is drought tolerent is essential.

Odessa's Quality of Water - Hard Water - In Odessa we have hard water which makes is stressful for trees not adapted to it.

Odessa's Extreme Temperatures - Heat Resistant - Not only should you consider if the tree can thrive with low water use but also if it is acceptable to a high heat index.

Growth Rate of the Tree - Moderate Growing - It may be tempting to plant a fast growing tree for quick results. Though they grow fast, their weak wood and insect/disease are a problem.

Chinese Pistache

I found the Chinese Pistache Tree to be an excellent choice that fits all the above criteria. A bonus feature is their fall color in shades of orange and red orange. Texas A&M horticulture has named it as a Texas Superstar.

Trees are a beloved feature of any Odessa home. Throughout the long summer days, a shade tree can provide a much needed relief to the heat. With the abundent sunshine and hot temperatures that West Texas is well know for, an established tree can provide not only shade for our yards but filter the air we breath and can also slash your cooling bills. Go ahead; plant a Chinese Pistache tree or even three - you will be glad you did.

Selecting a Tree for your New Odessa Home

href="http://http://odessamidlandhomes.com/tools.html" target="_blank">Ector County ISD - Permian High School.

Search the Odessa TX MLS for real estate & homes for sale

is your premier Realtor in the Greater Odessa - Midland TX area. A specialists in Odessa TX homes for sale and a great source of real estate located in communities in the Permian Basin throughout West Texas. When you plan to buy or sell Odessa area real estate, allow her to work for you.

Donna Edwards is a broker associate of DeRiso & Haynes Realty, a highly regarded boutique firm of Odessa Realtors - selling more homes annually than any other firm in Odessa! For more information on how we can best serve your real estate needs, please complete our online contact form below or give her a call at 432.934.4439 or by email at donna@OdessaMidlandHomes.com . Also, check out what fabulous clients have to say on her testimonials page!

LivingOdessa.com OdessaMidlandHomes.com

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Easily Calculate House Payment while You Search For a Home

I recently had a buyer client who is looking to search for a home for sale in Odessa TX. She and her husband are in the process of getting qualified for a home loan. They have a good idea about how much they want to calculate their monthly house payment but are a little confused about how the price of the house will affect their overall payment. This is a very common concern when the house they really want is, for instance, $5,000 more than what they had thought they wanted to spend.

All of this is with the assumption that the buyer can afford a price they are considering; if not they need to get realistic and shop for a home within their means.

The truth is, sometimes it is actually cheaper for someone to purchase the “right” house for a few thousand more. In the big scheme of things it may be better to purchase a home that has been well maintained rather than making ongoing repairs left neglected by the previous owner. It could be they save on the initial price but end up sending their child to private school because they didn’t buy in their favorite Ector County School.

I told them you can easily calculate house payment while you search for a home. So I worked up the following scenario for them that they found extremely enlightening and has freed them up to make the right decision for them so I decided to share it.

At your price range and interest rate you can use this rule of thumb: for every $1,000 (+/-) in the price of the house (+/-) $6 to your payment. So a house that is $10,000 less you can expect to save $60 a month. $10,000 more you can expect to pay $60 additional a month. The reason the difference is not large is because your payment doesn't only reflect what you paid toward the house but the bulk of your house payment is interest, taxes, insurance, mortgage insurance ect...

With the above in mind, I like to translate that into objects you want vs what you can live without. In my family, $60 is a meal eating out. So if I want to eat out one more time a month, I need to look at a house $10,000 less. If I want to spend $10,000 more toward a house, I better be looking at eating dinner at home. For some the give and take may be something else such as dance lessons or deluxe cable or _____________ (fill in the blank).

Don’t get stuck on a set house payment but look at how your quality of daily life will be affected; after all buying a house is a long term commitment.

Make It Your Own…



(432)934-4439

Search the MLS - Homes for Sale in Odessa – Midland TXServing West Texas & Permian Basin - Licensed Texas Real Estate Broker - DeRiso & Haynes Realty - Odessa, TX

LivingOdessa.com - OdessaHomeStore.com - OdessaMidlandHomes.com

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Odessa TX | Country Home at Southfork neighborhood

View details on this Odessa TX this home for sale and the Southfork Neighborhood   Over 300 other homes for sale in Odessa TX real estate at www.LivingOdessa.com

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Odessa TX | Super Clean in Kenwood neighborhood

View details on this Odessa TX this home for sale and the Kenwood Neighborhood   Over 300 other homes for sale in Odessa TX real estate at www.LivingOdessa.com

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Odessa TX | Full Update in Bellaire Heights neighborhood

View details on this Odessa TX this home for sale and the Bellaire Neighborhood   Over 300 other homes for sale in Odessa TX real estate at www.LivingOdessa.com

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Odessa TX | Cool Pool in Crescent Park neighborhood

View details on this Odessa TX this home for sale and the Crescent Park Neighborhood   Over 300 other homes for sale in Odessa TX real estate at www.LivingOdessa.com

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Odessa TX | Easy Care in Scotsdale neighborhood

View details on this Odessa TX this home for sale and the Scotsdale Neighborhood   Over 300 other homes for sale in Odessa TX real estate at www.LivingOdessa.com

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Odessa TX | Country Living in Westridge neighborhood

View details on this Odessa TX this home for sale and the Westridge Neighborhood   Over 300 other homes for sale in Odessa TX real estate at www.LivingOdessa.com

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Odessa TX | Easy Living in Plantation Oaks neighborhood

View details on this Odessa TX this home for sale and the Plantation Oaks Neighborhood   Over 300 other homes for sale in Odessa TX real estate at www.LivingOdessa.com

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Odessa TX | Big Beauty in Scotsdale neighborhood

View details on this Odessa TX this home for sale and the Scotsdale Neighborhood   Over 300 other homes for sale in Odessa TX real estate at www.LivingOdessa.com

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Odessa TX | Quite Street in Country Club neighborhood

View details on this Odessa TX this home for sale and the Country Club Neighborhood   Over 300 other homes for sale in Odessa TX real estate at www.LivingOdessa.com

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Odessa TX | Spanish-style in University Gardens neighborhood

View details on this Odessa TX this home for sale and the University Gardens Neighborhood   Over 300 other homes for sale in Odessa TX real estate at www.LivingOdessa.com

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Odessa TX | Tons of Room in Esmond Estates neighborhood

View details on this Odessa TX home for sale and the Esmond Estates Neighborhood   Over 300 other homes for sale in Odessa TX real estate at www.LivingOdessa.com

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Odessa TX | 2 Story in Stonegate neighborhood

View details on this Odessa TX home for sale and the Stonegate Neighborhood   Over 300 other homes for sale in Odessa TX real estate at www.LivingOdessa.com

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Cozy Fireplace in Western Manor | Odessa TX

http://livingodessa.com/Q&A/featured-homes/neighborhoods/
Call or txt (432)934-4439 . . . by appointment for qualified buyers

Lots of home for the money in Odessa TX. Move-in ready updated home with many extras including screened back porch workshop/storage.  Updated kitchen with tile, 2 Living areas, & big fireplace in family area.  Formal dining could be 4 bedrooms. Odessa TX real estate

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Open Floor Plan in Sherwood

View details on this Odessa TX this home for sale and the Sherwood Neighborhood   Over 300 other homes for sale in Odessa TX real estate at www.LivingOdessa.com

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Odessa TX | Duplex in Country Club

View details on this Odessa TX Home for Sale and the Country Club Neighborhood    Over 300 other homes for sale in Odessa TX real estate at www.LivingOdessa.com

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Odessa TX | Remodeled in Windsor Heights

View details on this Home for Sale and over 300 other homes for sale in Odessa TX.   View Windsor Heights Neighborhood  Odessa TX real estate from www.LivingOdessa.com      Donna Edwards GRI, ASP, RCC, CNHS                               Broker Associate                               (432) 934-4439     www.DonnaSellsOdessa.com  Deriso & Haynes Realty 4200 Maple Avenue  -  Odessa, TX 79762   Information About Brokerage Services

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Odessa TX | Plus Guest House in Beckland Terrace

View this Home for Sale and over 300 other homes for sale in Odessa TX.   View Beckland Terrace Neighborhood   Odessa TX real estate from www.LivingOdessa.com    Donna Edwards GRI, ASP, RCC, CNHS                               Broker Associate                               (432) 934-4439     www.DonnaSellsOdessa.com  Deriso & Haynes Realty 4200 Maple Avenue  -  Odessa, TX 79762   Information About Brokerage Services

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Odessa TX | Refurbished in Hollywood Manor

Click to View this totally refurbished 3 bedroom 2 bath 2 living area home in Odessa TX.   www.LivingOdessa.com

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Near School in Windsor Heights

Click to view  WORKSHOP w/ELECTRIC & RV parking too. This Odessa TX brick home has 3 bedroom 2 bath in a great neighborhood convenient to shopping & schools. Large living area, oak colored wood floors, newer windows & RO system. FRONT YARD- garage, plenty of covered parking & large covered patio. BIG BACK YARD- covered patio, BBQ area, Morgan Storage Building, cinderblock workshop, RV pad w/gate, well for yard. Price Below RPR. Odessa TX real estate   http://livingodessa.com/near-school-in-windsor-heights/

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Loads of New in Sherwood

http://livingodessa.com/Q&A/featured-homes/neighborhoods//
Loads of New in Sherwood
Call or txt (432)934-4439 . . . by appointment to qualified buyers

Nice 3 or 4 bedroom, 2 bath home in Odessa TX has updated kitchen countertops, floor tile, and carpet.  AC new in 2009 and heating new in 2007. Updated electrical, roof & sewer line. Large kitchen/dining area. Bonus room w/ heat/cool could be 2nd living area or 4th bedroom with nice closet. Circle drive. SELLER IS OFFERING $2500 FOR BUYERS’ CLOSING COSTS!  Odessa TX real estate

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Q & A - Owner Finance Homes in Odessa TX

Owner financed homes are a rare find in Odessa TX. Out of over 300 homes for sale in the MLS, only a little over 1% offer this finance option. With this in mind your chooses are limited; so you will need throw out the "wish list" and focus on "must have".

I am assuming that your are focusing on homes financed by the seller becauseyou have been turned down for a mortgage loan. Today's owners who are willing to finance are expecting larger down payments ($15,000 & more), charge a higher than market interest rate and many will only finance short term (usually only 2-3 years). This means that you will not only have to make monthly payments but you also need to get credit worthy because your loan note will become due and payable at the end of the loan period.

All this said, if you want the best deal:

Get into credit counseling - they can help you rebuild your credit.
Hire a good Realtor who can advise you on all your options and which is best for you.

Be patient, pay every bill on time and save as much money as possible in the mean time.

Donna Edwards, Realtor 432.934.4439
http://LivingOdessa.com
www.DonnaSellsOdessa.com

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VA Home Purchase

Being a military veteran in Odessa TX has some advantages. The VA Home Purchase program is designed to assist veterans, active duty military members, and certain surviving family members in the purchase of new homes.

  

A VA Loan

• often require no down payment
• have very low interest rates compared to a conventional mortgage loan
• maximum loan amounts vary by state and county, dependent on the current state of the housing market.
• specific requirements for both loan applicants and for the property purchased with the VA home loan
• criteria for who may apply for and receive a VA loan have been laid out by the government
• applicants must meet minimum length-of-service requirements
• must have been discharged honorably
• homes must pass a rigorous safety and construction inspection and any faults must be corrected prior to settlement  

While there are more requirements that must be met for a VA home purchase loan, the benefits received by those who qualify are well worth the extra effort.

 

To begin enjoying the benefits of working with a Texas VA Buyer Specialist in Odessa TX, call (432) 934-4439 today!

 

 

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Homeownership Matters

From Living Odessa| Odessa TX

In the spirit of the national campaign "Home Ownership Matters" I am gathering highlights / testimonials from people who live or are proud of their hometown Odessa TX.

If you believe Odessa TX is a great community, please share your story !

Please submit a brief description of why you love Odessa to donna@OdessaMidlandHomes.com. Awards will be given to submissions who are used in the final production.

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Q & A Buying a Fixer Upper in Odessa TX

Question

I would like to find a fairly cheap house to fix up must be a three bedroom, since finding a house to rent here in Odessa seems to be harder than it looks we are trying this option?

You are not alone. Many people find it difficult to find a house to rent in Odessa TX. If you can buy a home, now is the time. Interest rates are low and home prices are stable.

The first key thing is do you qualify for a loan. Unless you have enough savings to pay cash (most people do not) than you will first want to know if you can qualify for a loan and how much they will lend you based on your current debt and income.

Second, buying a fixer uper is a great way to get into a home with the lowest amount of upfront investment. It is called "sweat equity" because you can build equity in your home by buying low, put your own "sweat" into it and later selling a much more valuable property.

The third consideration is whether the the house qualify for a loan. I already described that you must qualify for a loan but the house must also qualify. Lenders have condition standards that the home must meet. They want to be assured that the property is in reasonable condition before they will be willing to loan the money for a purchase. The reason is that if you default on the loan, they want to know they will be able to recoup their investment when they have to re-sale it.

There are many scenerios to consider so unless you are experienced in real estate, you will want to hire a buyer's agent to assist you through the process of a home purchase. (see Why Hire a Buyer's Agent? )

To Learn More...

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What Your Home is Worth

Easy, what some one is willing to pay for it.  If you want an accurate idea of what that might be, you should contact your Realtor.  When you work with an experienced Realtor they can do a Comparative Market Analysis.

What factors are used to do a CMA?  The agent, using their expert opinion, will find closely related home similar to yours and then adding or subtracting for differences to come up with an accurate value.  These could include lot size, internal features such as number of bedrooms or baths as well as exterior features such as garages.  Also the type of financing can be a factor that must be considered.

Donna Edwards
Odessa TX Realtor - Broker
DeRiso & Haynes Realty

http://www.donnasellsodessa.com/

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Burrr, It's Cold Outside

In Odessa TX we rarely have a chance to really get to enjoy a good toasty fire in our homes but lately is the exception. 

Before you stoke up the fire, here are some great tips to have a safe and efficient fire.  

• Burn only dry, cured wood that have been split, stacked and dried for 8-12 months.  The best wood to use is hardwood such as oak, hickory or maple.  In our area we have an abundance of mesquite growing wild.  It is a fairly hardy wood but it has a strong smell that is not always welcome indoors.

• Burn only firewood not processed or treated wood such as treated lumber or painted wood or wood that has any chemicals on it.  You can use log starters from the store to help get your fire going.

• Open the damper only when the fireplace is in use.  It can be a source of energy loss when a fire is not present.  A top-mounted damper can double as a rain cap and provides a tighter closure.

• Keep the fireplace doors open when a fire is in use so the warm air can circulate into the room.

• Have your chimney cleaned every year or whenever you have burned 3 cords of wood (approx 2 full-sized pickup trucks full).

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Home Seller Statistics

Home Seller Statistics

• Home opn the market - 8 weeks median
• Sales Price to asking -  96% median

Number of Price Reductions

• 43% require none
• 27% require one
• 14% require two
• 9% require three
• 8% require four or more

Seller Incentives

• 56% had none
• 25% had a home warranty
• 20% had closing cost assistance
• 4% had credit to repairs / remodeling

Where did buyers find their home?

• 38% through an agent
• 37% through the internet
• 11% through yard sign/open house
• 6% through friend or neighbor
• 2% through print newspapers
• <1% through homebook or magazine

What do sellers want from their agents

• 23% want price home competitively
• 21% want help finding a buyer
• 20% want help marketing to potential buyers
• 19% want help selling home in a specific time period
• 7% want help selling for more

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REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-'Secret' Way to Lower Mortgage Payments

How to lower your monthly payment without refinancing.

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-'Secret' Way to Lower Mortgage Payments

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