Houston’s Top 5 Outer Loop Neighborhoods

At a certain point in our lives, it’s time for some of us to leave the city behind. We trade the bustling streets of downtown for quieter communities outside the 610 loop. While suburbs have long been thought of as havens for soccer moms and bored teens, Houston’s outer loop communities have grown in atmosphere and amenities.

Many outer loop neighborhoods have become top spots for prime real estate and for good reasons. These growing communities often offer small-city life with only a half-hour drive from the excitement within the loop.

1. Cinco Ranch, a master-planned community known for its top-notch schools, used to be a suburb of another suburb, Katy. Now, it boasts a city center, La Ceterra, that hints at city life with bars, a Torchy’s Tacos and Trader Joe’s grocery store and a growing string of businesses off of I-99. As for the homes themselves, they’re often custom-built and on large lots - and are snapping up quickly.
2. Houston may be the energy capital of the world, but many of its oil and gas headquarters are well outside the loop. The Energy Corridor is home to many of these companies and their employees. The area has homes in a wider price range and lot size.
3. Looking for something a little more on the posh side? Try Bay Oaks. Further out than most, it’s located in Clear Lake and consists of large, luxury homes around a plush green golf course and country club.
4. Sedona Lakes and its 900 homes were designed to provide a small-town atmosphere not too far from the city. It prides itself on its “Arizona ambience,” derived from the natural stone imported from the region.
5. Meyerland is right on the outskirts of the loop. Just 15 minutes from spots like the Texas Medical Center and Downtown, it offers city living at somewhat lower housing prices and family-oriented neighborhoods. 

City life isn’t for everyone, but the suburbs can be just as exciting, especially with the rate of greater Houston’s growth. Do you live outside the loop and love your community? Tell me where and why in the comments!

Falling Oil Prices and Its Impact On the Mortgage Industry

The current environment surrounding falling oil prices has affected consumers and producers around the globe, with fear that the recent plunges could cause the home prices to fall as well. However, that’s not the case.

Energy stocks are being compared to the housing market in the U.S. after the subprime mortgage crisis. Triggered by a large decline in the prices of homes, this lead to mortgage felonies, foreclosures and deflation. 

Real estate economists are predicting that mortgage rates will rise in 2015 and investors are buying now instead or waiting for oil and gas companies to regain strength, unlike the housing market during the energy crisis of 1980s.

Still unsure if it’s the right time for you to buy a home? Zeus Mortgage is here to answer your mortgage questions. Let me know your current mortgage concerns in the comments!

Top 5 Neighborhoods To Watch: Houston’s Inner Loop

Houston’s inner loop properties have long been sought after, but there are a few areas in particular that are quickly bought off the market. If you’re in the market for a new home, take a look at these five hot spots:

1. Braeswood Place, a little piece of livable luxury in the southwest loop, is mainly single-family homes. With close proximity to the Medical Center, it may just be the last and best bang-for-your-buck in the loop. Large lot sizes and well-constructed homes are abound – but they’re snapped up quickly by eager buyers.
2. Originally an independent city, Cottage Grove is now home to many young professionals and empty nesters. It’s close to Memorial Park, offering up a natural landscape against the expanding business community in the Memorial area.
3. Just east of the oh-so-popular Heights and north of Downtown, Lindale Parkis one of Houston’s oldest neighborhoods. With much thanks to its active, community-oriented civic club, it remains a hidden gem filled with 1940’s bungalows and families young and old.
4. The First Ward is in the midst of a transition – with no real end destination in sight. Newly constructed townhomes make this a popular destination for young professionals, but it still fights to maintain its historical factor with its older, industrial buildings.
5. Between the lofts, new yoga studios and fusion restaurants, EaDo (East Downtown) is hip and filling up fast. You won’t find many single-family homes here, but townhomes and contemporary mid-rise condos are plentiful.

Which neighborhoods are you looking at for your next home? Inner or outer loop? Trendy or traditional? Let me know in the comments!

Three Ways To Motivate Your Employees

Summer is here and with it comes a lack of concentration and possibly even the summertime blues in the office. It’s hard not to think about European escapes, a weekend getaway to Galveston for a quick beach trip or even just a day off for a staycation. When employees spend most of their time longing to get away from the office, it hurts productivity and workplace morale – but there’s still hope 

Here are three ways to motivate employees to come to work excited and ready to get their work done during those lazy summer days.

1. Team bonding:
   This may seem like a given, but many companies don’t know how to execute this well. Zeus Mortgage implements a new team exercise every month. On Friday afternoon, their team participates in a specific challenge chosen for that month. For example, one month focused on yoga and another month they sampled various types of coffee from around the world. It doesn’t have to be big, and there doesn’t necessarily need to be money spent, but when people know they are apart of a team, it makes them feel more connected and promotes a positive atmosphere. 
2. Open environment:
   An open environment doesn’t necessarily mean having an open floor plan, but focuses on encouraging open communication. If employees feel like they can’t join a conversation or are too afraid to voice their ideas, opinions or grievances, there is a problem. It may sound cliché, but having a team that works in harmony can never lead to disrupt in the work place. This is something that helps not only during summer, but all year long. 
3. Summer hours:
   Many businesses already incorporate this, but it can be a successful tactic if done correctly. Hours may vary – half day Fridays, no working on Fridays at all, etc. – but if employees can look forward to an incentive, they will work harder during the week to finish projects on time and produce great work.

It doesn’t take too much to encourage employees to stay in the work frame of mind, but remember they aren’t machines – everyone needs a break. Plus, there’s plenty to do in Houston during the summer, and no one wants to be left out!

Open Carry in the Workplace is Bad for Business

I’ve said it before, this is nothing but continued self-fulfilling negative PR, and unfortunately for everyone in Baltimore, perception is reality. Just when I was hoping “open carry” wouldn’t get to the goal line in Texas the internet begins to use the Baltimore riots as an example of why we “need” open carry – but they’re wrong.

“You can’t get ahead when you’re trying to get even.” – Unknown

Q: What’s open carry in Texas have to do with Baltimore?

A: Nothing directly, but showing young black men rioting in the streets is all the PR you need to get such a counterproductive and silly bill, put forth by another minority and then voted into a law. There was a sliver of hope that the governor wouldn’t sign before the Baltimore riots. Now it’s just justification for the proponents.

Q: Why the opposition to open carry?A: There are a lot of good people that carry openly. You cannot tell from looking at someone if they are currently carrying a concealed weapon. This is helpful because the element of surprise is better than potentially becoming a target.

If you currently have a CHL, then you can carry your gun (concealed) in most places during your daily routine (gas station, restaurant, etc.). When a bunch of idiots of any race start to show off their guns at those places, that leads to these establishments prohibiting ALL guns. This basically eliminates the advantage and privilege given to current CHL holders.

Have you noticed who gets shot first in movies and even actual robberies? The guy with the gun – because he’s the obvious threat. If you want to rob someone then you identify and eliminate the threats first, so I suspect many more unassuming open carry citizens to get into unnecessary situations that will be dangerous for themselves and others.

I don’t want my daughters at a toy store standing next to an idiot with his 45 on his hip. A lot of CHL holders do not carry because it’s hard for the to conceal their preferred carry weapon, but with open carry we will see much larger, much more dangerous weapons in public.

You cannot identify a real-life situation where an open carry scenario would be better than a concealed carry scenario.

Q: Are you defending the criminals that are rioting and not the law abiding citizens that want to protect their families and businesses?A: No, I’m not.

Q: Why not support open carry? I’d feel more comfortable seeing other open carriers in my midst.A: Police and military practice open carry for access, not as a deterrent. For example, many detectives and federal positions do not open carry since they do not need access the same way as a soldier or police officer does. It’s a small business owner’s right to not alienate a majority of their customers for the preferences of the few, and I’ll unfortunately be lumped in with that group. I do not and will not feel comfortable with open carry in the midst of my daughters. There is more safety in concealment. Like I said above, there are almost no real-life scenarios where an open carry would be more beneficial to a concealed carry.

All of the questions and answers I’ve stated can be applied to the workplace. I would not feel comfortable letting my employees open carry – let alone would I want to alienate an employee who feels the same way.

Join the discussion! Let me know what you think of open carry in the workplace policies.

Napoleon Hill - How to Raise Your Own Salary

How to Raise Your  Own Salary – Napoleon Hill

The Ten Habits of Personal Power

1.) The habit of definiteness of purpose (The money maker)

2.) Promptness of decision 

3.) Soundness of character (intentional honesty)

4.) Strict discipline over one’s emotions

5.) Obsessional desire to render useful service (MY FAVORITE)

6.) Thorough knowledge of one’s occupation

7.) Tolerance on all subjects

8.) Loyalty to one’s personal associates and faith in a supreme Being

9.) Enduring thirst for knowledge

10.) Alertness of imagination 

The Coolest Rabbi in Houston - Rabbi Yossi Zaklikofsky

Who is the coolest Rabbi in Houston, Texas?

You've heard of the man, the myth, the legend.... it's none other than Rabbi Yossi Zaklikofsky the amazing leader of the Shul of Bellaire.  This Detroit born Super Jew is taking over the Jewish and Chabad scene.  From his innovative outreach strategies to his impactful messages, this guy is the man when it comes to spreading and teaching Judaism.  What's more, he's able to get the message out to Jews and gentiles alike.  His awesomely amazing wife might be the strength behind the success so let's not leave out this amazing woman.  Esty Zaklikofsky is the woman behind the man.  

In closing, if you haven't met the coolest rabbi in Houston, Texas then you are missing out!  You have to meet this man, to see for yourself, what all the hype is about.

See him online at this link or go see him live in person!  http://www.jewishbellaire.com/ 

~Shalom

Becoming a Man! - If... by Rudyard Kipling

Perhaps, the greatest motivating poem in the world!

If—

BY RUDYARD KIPLING

    If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And—which is more—you'll be a Man my son!

   

Rudyard Kipling

Source: A Choice of Kipling's Verse (1943)

Courtesy of The Baldest Guy in Houston

Zeus Mortgage – Houston, Texas

Zeus Mortgage is Giving Back to the Houston Community - More than Mortgages

Is it better to rent or buy? Houston Mortgage Loans

HOMEOWNERSHIP BEATS RENTING IN 74 PERCENT OF MAJOR U.S. CITIES

Trulia Releases Summer Rent vs. Buy Index, Revealing Housing Market Rebound in Miami and Continued Setbacks in Detroit, Fresno and Sacramento

SAN FRANCISCO, August 16, 2011 – Trulia today released its Summer 2011 Rent vs. Buy Index, which compares the cost of buying and renting a two-bedroom apartment, condominium or townhouse in America’s 50 largest cities based on population. Based on current market conditions, buying a home is cheaper than renting in 74 percent of major U.S. cities.

“Many aspiring homeowners are on the fence about renting and buying in today’s market. Should they take advantage of falling home prices and low borrowing costs, or should they continue to rent until the economy stabilizes?” said Ken Shuman, Head of Communications at Trulia. “Price alone should never be the sole factor in deciding to purchase a home. Instead, buyers should first ask themselves if they plan to live in the home for at least seven-to-10 years, could make monthly payments on the house, and have enough cash in the bank for a down payment and an additional six to eight months worth of mortgage payments. If you can answer ‘yes’ to each of these questions, then the cost of buying a home definitely outweighs renting in most cities.” Houston mortgage loans at Zeus Mortgage is a great place to start. With the lowest interest rate on home loan mortgage refinances and incredible first time home buyer mortgage loan programs.

• Lower your mortgage payment

• Prevent your existing payment from rising

• Combine your first and second into one low payment

• Payoff credit cards and other debt

• Get cash from your home

• Get cash from your investment property

Zeus Mortgage

The Baldest Guy In Houston

Zeus Mortgage Complaints

www.zeusmortgageblog.com

How does the credit rating of Fannie and Freddie impact mortgages

So, everyone wants to know... okay, not everyone, but many home owners/buyers want to know how the credit ratings of the United States and Fannie and Freddie will impact their purchase or refinance, or sale. Here's a clip from my interview with ABC News anchor Jeff Ehling on how interest rates, home prices, refinancing, fast home purchasing, credit scores, jumbo financing, and FHA financing will be impacted by the credit rating changes. Zeus Mortgage reviews complaints

Is Facebook Wasting your Time?

You know you're addicted to Facebook If

You check your facebook account more then one time every hour

You visit sites that list reasons about being addicted to facebook.

Your profile has so man applications that it takes several minutes to load

Your long distance boyfriend broke up with you by posting a comment on your facebook page.

Your dreams involve people writing messages on your wall

You're one of the few people who actually use facebook chat

Your relationship status is only official if its been updated on facebook

You tag photos immediately after taking them with your camera phone

You have several facebook friends that you've never actually met in person

Before you accept a job you have to find out about their Facebook policies!

People don’t invite you out without facebooking you about it first.

You tell more (....force) people to join facebook.

The world "poke" is no longer considered something physical to you

You like to receive meaningless gift icons and you like sending meaningless gift icons in return

You've already checked your Facebook account three times before finishing this list!

You join a new facebook group on a daily basis/

You make posts about knowing if you're addicted to Facebook...

Have Fun!

Steven Kaufman

The Baldest Guy in Houston!

Zeus Mortgage reviews complaints

Cell Phone Numbers Go Public This Month!

REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public this month.

REMINDER..... All cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls.

.... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone: 888-382-1222.
It is the National DO NOT CALL list It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

It takes about 20 seconds.



Who is the "Baldest Guy in Houston" and what is the "Coolest Non-Profit in Houston"?

The Coolest Non-Profit in Houston

The votes are in and there's no doubt who the coolest non-profit in Houston is the Fanatical Change Foundation. We just had our Hollywood Halloween Party and it was incredible. There were several obstacles in making event a huge success. Matt and Mark Smith were gentlemen with the Houston Motor Club. In the end we made it incredible. Thanks to great folks at The House of Blues, Verizon Theatre, and Houston Motor Club we rocked that venue unlike any party they've ever had.

The painting of Ali was something so incredible that I was inspired to paint! Okay, maybe not, but I was inspired. Martin is an incredible artist and his work is amazing. Everyone that came out loved the party and we raised enough money to help 6 families. I hope you'll check out the video below that was on Fox who was live at our event and the videos of us helping the families at our website at www.fanaticalchange.org. Thank you to every person who's ever supported this amazing cause. On behalf of the volunteers and the families... THANK YOU!



Keep the Change!
The Baldest Guy in Houston
The Coolest Guy in Houston

Coolest Attorney in Houston is Matt Wright

Hello Ladies and Gentlemen!!!!!

Please allow me to introduce you to my great friend Matt Wright. This dude is amazing. He is the coolest attorney in Houston. There are lots of attornies in Houston, but not all of them are cool. Matt Wright is the man. I've been his friend for a long time now and continues to impress me time and time again. Matt didn't become the coolest attorney in Houston overnight. I mean those boots need to go, but the cool glasses are a keeper.

Oh yeah, Matt Wright is the "coolest attorney in Houston" because he knows the "baldest guy in Houston".

Zeus Mortgage reviews complaints

Houston Low Rate Mortgages?

How low will interest rates go? That's the big question today when foreclosures hit an all time high while mortgage rates hit a low for the same time period. Here's a brief interveiw with the local FOX news on this situation. It's the best I could do with little preperation and being the "baldest guy in Houston" who's trying hard to become the "coolest guy in Houston". Stay tuned...

Who's the "Coolest Guy In Houston"? kidding!

Here's my latest video for CBS local news on the how real estate prices and families are impacted by the recent stop in foreclosures.



Not bad for the "Coolest Guy In Houston" who happens to be the "Baldest Guy in Houston" too!

You're not too old for this Halloween Party!

How long has it been since you went to a Halloween Party? Save this date. You won't want to miss this part. Guaranteed!











The Baldest Guy in Houston

Best Dallas Cowboys Jokes - For the Houston Texans

Breaking News – Training at Cowboy stadium was delayed after a player found an unknown white powdery substance on the ground. Training was suspended while police were called in. After analysis, experts determined that the white substance, unfamiliar to most of the players, was in fact the goal line. Practice will resume this afternoon after they decided the team was unlikely to encounter the substance again.
www.zeusmortgageblog.com


Schaub: Knock, knock

Romo: Who’s there?

Schaub: Owen

Romo: Owen who?

Schaub: Owen 3 bitch!



Tornado warning issued for Dallas. Residents are advised to go to Cowboy’s Stadium for shelter, as the possibility for a touchdown there is highly unlikely.



What’s the difference between Linsay Lohan and Tony Romo? Linsay Lohan has a good line in front of her.



What does Dallas and Brokeback Mountain have in common? They both have cowboys that suck!



How do you keep a Dallas Cowboy out of your yard? Put up a goal post.

The Baldest Guy In Houston

Extending the First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

As of right now there is very little chatter in DC about extending the credit. So, we basically have 72 hours to have a complete (executed) sales contract. That's not much time, but it's doable. I had the opportunity to speak on ABC news last night about the pending deadline. Here is the link for the short clip:

ABC Nightly News - Clip on Expiring First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Of course, you have until June 30th to close and fund on your new contract. There's always the lingering question about finding another house after the April 30th deadline because of repairs or option period reasons.

The 60 days you have close on the house is plenty of time for a fha or conventinal mortgage. Houston FHA loans at Zeus Mortgage are are taking 3 weeks and low rate refinances are taking about the same time.

The Baldest Guy in Houston - Steven Kaufman at Zeus Mortgage.
www.askzeus.com

Zeus Mortgage reviews complaints