Hello from New York City. I just wanted to send out a short message this morning and give you a quick update on our website and blogs.  First off our blogs have been fully restored and we are up and running at 100%.  So blog followers, readers and admirers – comment away!

Secondly the framework of our core website (CondoDomain.com) has been restored and successful moved to a brand new server environment.  In hopes to eliminate all of the bugs, errors and downtime we were experiencing, the new site is lightning fast giving you all a much better consumer experience.  Search 10X faster today!

Left to be done over the next week.

1.  Reinstall our core MLS search functionality on Boston, Chicago, DC, Baltimore & NYC

2.  Prepare MLS installations on the remaining 15 new markets.

3. Install our new “Condo Forum” and more features we have to surprise you!

On behalf of CondoDomain I would like to apologize for anyone who has experienced technical issues or website performance over the past few weeks.  I can assure you the problems are behind us now and we look forward to providing an even better experience, starting today!

Any questions – as always – contact your City Vice President and of course feel free to drop me a line as well!

Sincerely,

Tony Longo
CondoDomain/CEO
ajl [at] CondoDomain.com

The Rice University neighborhood in Houston is home to a well regarded academic community, traditional buildings, and newer homes. Just steps away from the Zoo and Herman park, the neighborhood is a great home for faculty and students of Rice University, and employees of Texas Medical Center.

The condo housing that is for sale now in this Houston neighborhood includes homes that are in a wide price range. From modern to traditional design, you’ll find comfortable, spacious, contemporary Houston condos convenient to Rice University. Take a look at these:
Sonoma Condominium
Spires
1400 Herman

Find out why CondoDomain is different from other real estate brokers.

The area near the Houston Galleria is an upscale community with many choices in luxury homes. It’s a prime spot for building. Located in Houston’s Uptown district, the Galleria area is home to many fine restaurants and shops, as well as nearly a quarter of Houston’s Class A office space.

Houston’s uptown condos are in a great area for combining living and working. Because it is the 17th largest business district in the United States,it’s easy to get to work, and come home – and do plenty of shopping along the way.

On the Boulevard, The Cosmopolitan and Lofts on Post Oak offer sophisticated, chic, ultimate high end living in a stunning metropolitan area. The Briarglen, on Briarglen drive, also features luxurious contemporary homes in this exciting neighborhood. Highland Tower on Bancroft Lane is still under construction, but pre-sales have be going well and the building is expected to be completed in 2010. At the Highland Tower, a limitation on the number of investors has been put in place, with a condition that a unit cannot be resold within the first year the building is open, unless the entire development sells out. Also, buyers cannot “flip” by assigning their contract to another person.

Call me to tour these Uptown Houston condos today.

According to Trulia, the percentage of Houston condos with price reductions is 17 percent. This compares with 31 percent for single family homes. While the news is not encouraging, it certainly does not indicate a price dive for Houston condos.

Houston is a city that holds its value, since it is growing and job opportunities are growing with it. For many urban dwellers, purchasing a Houston condo in this economy makes sense. There’s the live-work lifestyle – living, working, and playing all within the same area, or with a limited commute – and there’s also the amenities that come with Houston condo living.

Here are some Houston condos that are attractive prospects for the live-work lifestyle:
The Edge
St Germaine Condominiums
Washington Place
The Rise
Capitol Lofts

Find out why CondoDomain is different from other real estate brokers.

Galveston is a popular destination for people who love urban living, great nightlife, and waterfront lifestyle. Spectacular views of the ocean and the bay are a desirable feature of many Galveston condos.

There are two notable luxury developments in Galveston. Take a look at Palisade Palms, the two 27 story towers on Galveston Island. Resort style living, luxurious amenities, and on site property management are just a few advantages of this Beach Street high rise. The second development is Emerald by the Sea.  Spectacular views, four separate pool areas and a pool spa are some of the luxuries here, along with double thermal paned windows and impeccable finishes.

Call us about Galveston condos. Find out why CondoDomain is different from other real estate brokers.

Houston Lofts are attractive to buyers of midtown Houston condos right now. Many Houston lofts are designed to accomodate the live/work lifestyle, and offer spaciousness and contemporary design at prices far more affordable than high rise condos and town homes.

Take a look at these Midtown Houston lofts:

The Mercer Condominium

The Rise Lofts

Find out why CondoDomain is different from other real estate brokers.

And remember, we give you money back at closing.

River Oaks is one of the most prestigious commmunities in Houston. A River Oaks address is certainly desirable for the professional, the successful, and for those wish all the amenities in life. Most homes are priced at well over a million dollars, but select River Oaks condos are available for far less – and now is a great time to get a super deal on these.

Select River Oaks Condominiums are listed here. Take a look at these, and give us a call for a tour and more information.

The Piedmont at River Oaks

The Monaco Condo

Lofts on Post Oak

Find out why CondoDomain is different from other brokers.

Foreclosures are on many people’s minds lately.  Since the Federal Government has offered incentives to lenders to restructure people’s loans, local and state governments are encouraging home owners to seek help sooner rather than later and work with their lender to avoid foreclosure.  Help includes restructuring loans, and the purchase of homes by municipalities and non profits.

Foreclosure is the last stop on the money crisis train for home owners.  Once a home is foreclosed, the lender really does not want to own it.  This is why for the savvy buyer, these homes can be a great deal.

Houston foreclosures are no longer just in risky neighborhoods.  The foreclosure crisis has hit all sorts of homes in all types of areas.  Pre-foreclosure, many homeowners and developers are willing to negotiate with a buyer/investor.  If they can walk away with a little cash and satisfied liens, and you have a property for less than the market value, it can be a win – win proposition.

How do you find pre-foreclosure opportunities?  By searching for them on our site!  Our partnership with RealtyTrac enables you to search all Houston foreclosure listings.  Pre-foreclosures, foreclosure auctions, and bank owned properties are all at your fingertips on our site, and we can help you make sense of the entire process.  We can also assist you with obtaining financing.  Contact us today to learn more about Houston foreclosure opportunities.

Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States of America and the largest city within the state of Texas. As of the 2007 U.S. Census estimate, the city has a population of 2.2 million within an area of 600 square miles (1,600 km²). Houston is the seat of Harris County and the economic center of the Houston–Sugar Land–Baytown metropolitan area—the sixth-largest metropolitan area in the U.S. with a population of 5.7 million. (via wikipedia)

Looking to live downtown Houston, TX?  You probably want to start searching on the #1 Houston Condos website that provides not just New Construction developments and MLS listings but Houston Foreclosures and Houston Auctions too!

Here is the kicker — and the BIG POINT on why to buy your next Houston Condo with us!

When you buy your new condo with CondoDomain Houston – you are automatically signed up to get thousands back via our “CASH BACK” commission refund model.  Yes – CASH BACK!   Want to learn more on how to get CASH BACK when you buy a Houston Condo?  Check this out!

Got it now?  So now you know when searching for Houston condos – make sure you call us before you visit any properties to insure that you will get CASH BACK when you buy your next  Houston condo!

Got more questions regarding our special refund model on Houston Condos – feel free to contact us!

Houston lofts are a popular lifestyle choice right now.  Whether built brand new, or converted from formerly commercial and industrial space, the convenient locations, ample space, soaring ceilings and light pouring in through large windows make an attractive choice, and are a magnet for urban designers.

The 20 loft units of 6007 Memorial are authentic loft style homes.  Exposed brick, concrete floors, and 18 foot soaring ceilings are the features that are classic loft design.  In these two story Houston lofts, large windows overlook beautiful greenspace on the west side.  In addition to the wonderful open floor plans inside the lofts themselves, 6007 Memorial features large open common areas as well.

Call us to tour 6007 Memorial and remember, with CondoDomain, we give you money back at closing.

There’s been a lot of attention to nationwide foreclosures in the news lately. The number of foreclosures is up this month, and looks pretty drastic. This is partly because of the moratorium on foreclosures in December and through February, awaiting word from the White House on how the federal government would intervene. Now that the moratorium is over, foreclosed properties that were already set for auction have been again scheduled for sale, and now there is a backlog of them.

Foreclosures are pressuring the real estate market in many cities, but providing many opportunities for home ownership. Formerly investors and “house flippers” were the majority at Houston foreclosure auctions. But now, regular home buyers who want a chance at an affordable home are flocking to Houston foreclosure auctions.

While foreclosures in huge numbers hammer housing prices, efforts to sell the homes and get them off the market have two benefits. One is that once the large inventory of Houston foreclosures is off the market, housing prices can stabilize and a true market value can again be established, with homeowners once again building equity. The second benefit is obvious – the buyer gets a home at a low price.

Buying a Houston foreclosure is not without risk, since the buyer is responsible for repairs and all liens against the property, including taxes, construction liens, and second mortgages. When it comes to Houston condos, it’s possible to have less risk exposure than with a freestanding house.   We can help you with this. We can give you information about the building, the community, and assisting you in finding out the truth about all outstanding liens. We can also assist you with purchasing any foreclosure you choose, not just a condo.

Here at CondoDomain, we have partnered with RealtyTrac so that you can search all available and pending foreclosures in the Houston area. Take a look at these, and then call us with your questions.

Good news for FHA loans! As of last week, there are new maximum loan limits that are available due to the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act. These new loan limits are for new and existing loan applications that are submitted with credit approval on or after March 12, 2009.

Here is a list of the 2009 FHA Maximum Mortgage Limits*:

$729,750 for one-unit properties
$934,200 for two-unit properties
$1,129,250 for three-unit properties
$1,403,400 for four-unit properties

These new limits open up the possibilities for many new buyers! Now lenders can go as high as a $729,750 loan amount with only 3.5% down! So if you are in the market to buy and have previously been unable to put 10-20%  down, this is excellent news!

Contact Christina Longo immediately for more information at 978.886.9359

View the all-new Condo Loan Center to learn more information. The Condo Loan Center offers everything from first-time homebuyer programs with down payment assistance, to private mortgage banking with unlimited loan amounts. In addition, the Condo Loan Center has the ability to act as a broker gives clients even more loan programs. Through the Condo Loan Center, you can rest assured that you will be provided with a competitive loan that meets your individual needs.

A complete schedule of FHA’s maximum county mortgage limits can be viewed through the HUD website by clicking here
*the list excludes financed UFMIP or EEM cost