RE/MAX Marks 40 Years of Real Estate History

RE/MAX Marks 40 Years of Real Estate History

Global Real Estate Leader Celebrates Anniversary with More Success

Denver, CO – RE/MAX LLC is marking its 40^th year by celebrating extraordinary growth and success at a time when the recovery in the nation’s housing market is gaining momentum. As the real estate industry overcomes market challenges, RE/MAX continues as a leader in market share, agent productivity and international expansion. Co-founded by Dave and Gail Liniger on January 30, 1973, the company has attained countless achievements throughout four decades.

“This company was built on the strength of individual entrepreneurship and innovation. Gail and I recognized in the beginning that we would succeed only if our agents succeeded,” said Dave Liniger, RE/MAX Co-Founder and Chairman.  “So much has changed in 40 years, but what hasn’t changed is our commitment to customer service and our dedication to supporting our agents and offices.”

RE/MAX was born in a single brokerage office in Denver, based on an innovative agent-centric philosophy that attracted the industry’s top performers.

RE/MAX achieved number one market share in Canada in 1987.  A decade later RE/MAX sold more real estate than any competitor in the United States, and has held number one market share in both countries every year since.

With a strong emphasis on improvement through education, the revolutionary RE/MAX Satellite Network broadcast to offices across America in 1994 with a new standard of agent training.  RE/MAX is also the long-time industry leader in national TV advertising and website visits.

“RE/MAX is a true American success story.  Everyone involved at the beginning came from modest backgrounds, and we just worked really hard to make our dream a reality,” added Gail Liniger, RE/MAX Co-Founder and Vice Chairman.

In 2012, RE/MAX continued to grow around the world, adding 739 new franchises and six new countries, including mainland China. RE/MAX now has a presence in more than 85 countries, a number greater than all of its competitors.

Florida led RE/MAX growth in the U.S. with 35 new franchises.  California added 33.  Internationally, the number of new franchises in South Africa, the fastest growing country, was up 88% over 2011, and Turkey increased by 68%.

Also in 2012, for the 10^th time in 14 years, RE/MAX, LLC was recognized as the highest ranking real estate company in Entrepreneur magazine’s 34^th annual “Franchise 500.”   RE/MAX also earned the #1 real estate ranking in the Top 200 survey as published in the October 2012 edition of Franchise Times magazine.  And, RE/MAX was named one of the “Top 50 Franchises for Minorities” by the National Minority Franchising Initiative through the World Franchising Network.

Other prominent achievements in 2012:

• Dave Liniger was named by Inman News as the “People’s Choice” Most Influential Real Estate Leader, with a record number of votes.
• RE/MAX agents continued to be the most productive in industry surveys. Both the 2012 REAL Trends 500 and the RIS Media Power Broker surveys showed RE/MAX agents the clear leaders with respect to agent productivity among the national franchise companies.
• RE/MAX launched the new remax.com, becoming the first real estate franchisor to provide consumers with a personal, consistent web experience across desktops, tablets, and smartphones.
• The “What Moves You” social media contest attracted thousands of consumers to share their personal stories online and vote for the winner of the $10,000 grand prize.  Monica May of St. Louis, Missouri won for the inspiring story of her young granddaughter Sophie’s battle with cancer.
• A redesigned RE/MAX University launched a revolutionary learning platform that promises to set the standard for the real estate industry.  The new platform is a full-fledged, interactive learning experience that RE/MAX Associates can tailor exactly to their needs.

On Wednesday, January 30, RE/MAX employees and guests will mark the 40^th anniversary with a special event at the Headquarters building, located at 5075 South Syracuse in Denver.  And, beginning on February 25, thousands of RE/MAX affiliates from around the world will gather at The MGM Grand Hotel and Casino for the annual RE/MAX R4 convention.

Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX.  For more information, please visithttp://www.remax.com  or www.joinremax.com.

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About the RE/MAX Network

Celebrating 40 years of real estate history, RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger.  These two real estate industry visionaries still lead the Denver-based global franchisor today.

RE/MAX is recognized as one of the leading real estate franchise companies with the most productive sales force in the industry and a global reach of more than 85 countries. Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX.

With a passion for the communities in which its agents live and work, RE/MAX is proud to have raised more than $120 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, Susan G. Komen for the Cure^® and other charities

LAKE SHORE HARBOUR BUILDERS HAVE FANTASTIC HOMES

Lake Shore Harbour has homes you HAVE to SEE!

Lake Shore Harbour, is one of the last lakefront communities left in Ft. Bend County in Missouri City, Texas.  The community features waterfront home sites ranging from 1800 to 3600 square feet with prices ranging from the $160s to $280s. Lake Shore Harbour is located minutes off the Fort Bend Tollway on Hwy 6 creating an convenient commute to anywhere in Houston!  This fully bulk-headed lake features homes that extend to the lake’s edge, lighted fountains, boating, fishing, clubhouse, infinity pool that runs into the lake, and a playground area for the kids to die for,.  If you are looking for a community that brings a lot to the table for the buck you get it right here states John Rogers with RE/MAX Top Realty.  The community has fantastic builders.  The homes that they are building in Lake Shore Harbour have the charm that you would see in much, much more expensive community.

Lake Shore Harbour is the perfect blend of resort living and luxury lifestyle. Driving through the community you will quickly see children playing all around.  The area is zoned to the Exemplary Palmer Elementary School, Lake Olympia Middle School and Elkins High School which are all a part of the award winning Fort Bend Independent School District.

Located just six miles east is Hwy 288 which connects to Pearland, Texas for great shopping which is the home to a number of new retail centers, such as Macys, Dillards, Acadamy Sports and many more.. Also located eleven miles west off Hwy 6 is the First Colony Shopping Mall which features the beautiful town center with lots of fun activities to engage in. Across from Lake Shore Harbour is a Signature Kroger with lots of shopping areas for your conveniences.

Rogers states that  “You just won’t find a better place to call Home.”

Check out the Video of the Princeton Model Home and what all Lake Shore Harbour was to offer.

Top Ten Things You Need to Know About the 3.8% Investment Tax on Home Sales

Top Ten Things You Need to Know About the 3.8% Investment Tax on Home Sales

by DAVID MENDEL

Almost immediately following passage of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 and Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in 2010, a series of emails began circulating around the Internet, most with a kernel of truth but largely made up of misinformation. A new round of emails has recently begun to circulate.
REALTORS^® are not CPAs or professionals who are necessarily proficient in tax law, so with the new year upon us and as you begin to consider your 2013 tax obligations, HAR recommends that you consult your own tax advisor about your particular circumstances. That being said, here are the general details of the legislation that will potentially impact some home sellers.
The Acts impose a 3.8 percent investment tax on unearned income above certain levels to help fund Medicare. Prior to the U.S. Supreme Court’s upholding the Acts in July 2012, there was much uncertainty whether the tax would actually go into effect.  Now we have certainty, and beginning with the 2013 federal tax year, the 3.8 percent investment tax on unearned income is law.

1) When you add up all of your income from every possible source, and that total is less than $200,000 ($250,000 on a joint tax return), you will NOT be subject to this tax.
2) The 3.8% tax will NEVER be collected as a transfer tax on real estate of any type, so you’ll NEVER pay this tax at the time that you purchase a home or other investment property.
3) You’ll NEVER pay this tax at settlement when you sell your home or investment property. Any capital gain you realize at settlement is just one component of that year’s gross income.
4) If you sell your principal residence, you will still receive the full benefit of the $250,000 (single tax return)/$500,000 (married filing joint tax return) exclusion on the sale of that home. If your capital gain is greater than these amounts, then you will include any gain above these amounts as income on your Form 1040 tax return. Even then, if your total income (including this taxable portion of gain on your residence) is less than the $200,000/$250,000 amounts, you will NOT pay this tax. If your total income is more than these amounts, a formula will protect some portion of your investment.
5) The tax applies to other types of investment income, not just real estate. If your income is more than the $200,000/$250,000 amount, then the tax formula will be applied to capital gains, interest income, dividend income and net rents (i.e., rents after expenses).
6) The tax took effect on January 1, 2013. If you have investment income in 2013, you won’t pay the 3.8% tax until you file your 2013 Form 1040 tax return in 2014. The 3.8% tax for any later year will be paid in the following calendar year when the tax returns are filed.
7) In any particular year, if you have NO income from capital gains, rents, interest or dividends, you’ll NEVER pay this tax, even if you have millions of dollars of other types of income.
8) The formula that determines the amount of 3.8% tax due will ALWAYS protect $200,000 ($250,000 on a joint return) of your income from any burden of the 3.8% tax. For example, if you are single and have a total of $201,000 income, the 3.8% tax would NEVER be imposed on more than $1000.
9) It’s true that investment income from rents on an investment property could be subject to the 3.8% tax. BUT: The only rental income that would be included in your gross income and therefore possibly subject to the tax is net rental income: gross rents minus expenses like depreciation, interest, property tax, maintenance and utilities.
10) The tax was enacted along with the health care legislation in 2010. It was added to the package just hours before the final vote and without review. NAR strongly opposed the tax at the time, and remains hopeful that it will not go into effect. The tax will no doubt be debated during the upcoming tax reform debates in 2013.

Source: National Association of REALTORS®

PEARLAND FASTEST GROWING- TEXAS' 50 LARGEST RETAIL MARKETS

Pearland Retail is Growing

For the third consecutive year, Pearland is ranked the fastest growing among Texas' 50 largest retail markets, according the Texas Retail Survey, which ranks cities based on annual retail sales growth rate for the previous five years.

"Pearland has seen a tremendous amount of retail growth in recent years and these numbers are evident of this growth," said Matt Buchanan, president of the Pearland Economic Development Corporation. "We have had outstanding developers construct multiple shopping centers that have been successful in making Pearland a regional shopping destination."

The study compared retail market growth rates for the 50 largest city retail markets in Texas, ranked by the average five-year percentage growth in retail sales from 2006 - 2011. During that five-year period, Pearland was the fastest growing retail market at 9.2 percent. Other local cities in the Top 50 include #10 - Houston (4.1%), #27 - Sugar Land (2.6%), #27 - Pasadena (2.3%), #35 - Conroe (1.3%) and #36 - Baytown (1.2%).

Pearland's strong retail centers including Pearland Town Center by CBL & Associates (937,000 SF), Silverlake Village (750,000 SF), the Crossing at 518 by Cencor (500,000 SF) and Shadow Creek Ranch Town Center by AmREIT (616,000 SF) have certainly contributed to the community's strong retail growth.

Recent developments, such as the Sam's Club that opened last year in the Reserve at Shadow Creek Ranch and Burlington Coat Factory, demonstrate the continued strength of the retail market in Pearland.

PEARLAND FARMERS OFFERS MORE THAT YOU THINK

Pearland Old Town Farmers Market

Have you ever thought of growing your own garden or wish you could purchase local vegetables and products.  The Farmers Market is for you.  The market has everything from fresh vegetables to gourmet doggy treats. 

John Rogers with RE/MAX Top Realty said "This is a great Saturday activity for all ages. It is a great way to support local charities and local small business.  This is what makes Pearland different from other cities.  Just look around, every weekend there seems to be any where from 200 to 600 people come through here.  I am not counting but that seems like alot of people. " 

Come out the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month from 8 am til noon the booths are open.  Below is a list of a few vendors.

 Buddy Bites

Buddy bites is a strives to provide the best prepared and healthiest treats to your furry friends. 

Buddy Bites- Reanna Hammer, Ronald Boyd Jr., Sean Somoano
Friendswood, Texas

 Gardener's Corner

Gardener's Corner is a booth that allows local residents to sell their extra produce. Are you a backyard gardener or have a small farm and do not harvest enough produce to support a booth. Then this may be the option for you.. Visit our Gardner's Corner page to see how you may sell your produce.
                

Pearland Coffee Roasters

Pearland Coffee Roasters is a local coffee house that offers roasted coffee beans by the pound, fresh brewed coffee and iced tea, and home brewing equipment. Their coffee beans are roasted at their shop only a few miles away.

                                                 Antigua Coffee House/ Pearland Coffee Roasters

 Proverbs Farm and Soap Shoppe

Proverbs Farm is located in Alvin, Texas, on just a little over two acres and run by Tammy K. and her family. They raise dairy goats, laying hens, guineas, and rabbits.   Expect to see handmade goat milk soaps, lotions and cherve cheese at the market.

Proverbs Farm and Soap Shoppe

Rose of Sharon- Honey

The Rose of Sharon is run by a local family. They will be bringing raw honey to our market. They also have many bee products from to lip balms to candles all made locally from the raw honey and beeswax.

Rose of Sharon- George and Yolanda Rodriguez
Pearland, Texas

     Sebastian's Beef Jerky

Sebastian's Beef Jerky offers local pecan smoked jerky.     Jerky is a healthy protein packed snack that every Texan is sure to love. They are also a Go Texan Member and make their Jerky in Alvin, Texas.

                                              Sebastian's Beef Jerky- Sebastian Morales

Tea Essentials

Tea Essentials offers a wide variety of locally blended tea in loose leaf and pyramid bag packaging as well as tea accessories to help make that perfect cup of tea...

Tea Essentials- Forrest Simmons
Pearland, Texas

Pearland Community Gardens

Pearland Community Gardens is a community project that is being organized by Cassie Johnson- Mitchel with Bay Area Homesteading, Kate Wilczek with the Pearland Radical Vegetable Gardeners, The City of Pearland Parks and Recreation Department and the Vic Coppinger YMCA in Pearland, Texas.  Funds raised by produce sold at this market goes towards building gardens and community outreach. 

Georgia's Grass-Fed Beef

Georgia's Grass-Fed beef offers a variety of choices in beef, pork, and chicken. Their beef is raised on grass, not grain, and is not given any hormones. They also have a variety of other products available for sale.

Georgia's Grass-fed Beef
Waller, Texas

Bella's Kitchen

Bella's flourless muffins are a nutritious source of fiber while being lower in fat. Everything is made fresh without additives, preservatives, or artificial sweeteners.

Bella's Kitchen- Susan Schatz
Bellaire, Texas

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Turner College and Career High Enrollment Ahead of Projections

Turner College and Career High School

Turner College and Career High School last community information meeting Feb. 4 and 5

Looking for a fast track to college and career success?

If so, Turner College and Career High School is looking for you.

Opening in August 2013, Pearland ISD's third high school welcomes students who are interested in earning professional certifications, up to 60 college credits or an associate of arts degree in four years.

The last scheduled community information nights are Feb. 4 and 5 at 6:30 p.m. in the TCCHS auditorium at 4717 Bailey Road. Both sessions will be available in English and Spanish.

Enrollment Soaring

TCCHS has picked up steam, with enrollment projections already exceeding the initial goal of 400.

More than 300 students zoned to Pearland High School and 100 to Dawson High School have already signed declarations of intent to enroll.

TCCHS encourages all interested students to complete the declaration of intent to enroll form (visit www.pearlandisd.org/TurnerHS.cfm) before spring break to ensure placement in the program of their choice.

Families who have completed the online form should call 281.727.1602 to schedule a personal planning conference.

Benefits of Attending TCCHS

TCCHS students choosing to pursue an associate of arts degree will graduate as college juniors and save up to $43,000 on the first two years of college.

High school elective classwork will be specialized to lead to professional certifications and/or associate of arts degrees.

Currently, 17 career pathways are available with certifications:

Medical Science:
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA Certification)
• Dental Assistant (Registered Dental Assistant Certification)
• Emergency Medical Technician (prepare for EMT Certification)
• Pharmacy Technician (PT and IV Certifications)

Business/Finance:
• Hospital Administration (Medical Billing and Coding Certification)
• Finance (Quick Books Certification)
• Office Administration (Microsoft Office Specialist Certification)

Agriculture Science:
• Veterinary Technician (Veterinary Assistant Certification)
• Plants & Design (Texas High School Floral Design or Master Gardener Certification)
• Environmental Studies (OSHA 501 Certification)

Arts and Technology:
• Animation (Adobe Certification)
• Audio and Video Production (Final Cut Pro Certification)
• Game Art & Design (Adobe Certification)
• Information Technology (A+, Net+ and Dell Certifications)

STEM:
• Engineering (Project Lead the Way)
• HVAC (HVAC-R Technician)
• Metal Technologies/Welding (AWS Certification)

For other helpful TCCHS information and documents, visit www.pearlandisd.org/TurnerHS.cfm.

Pearland FFA wins a national two-star rating

Pearland Future Farmers of America students recently won national acclaim for their achievements as a chapter in 2011-12

The National FFA Organization selected the Pearland chapter as a two-star winner in the National FFA Chapter Award Program.

The national award program recognizes FFA chapters that have won state gold ratings for developing and conducting a detailed program of activities. Chapters may earn a one-, two- or three-star rating at the national level.

The Pearland FFA ranked among the top 10 percent of chapters in Texas and numbered among only 251 chapters nationwide to receive the two-star award.

Areas judged in the award program include
• Student Development: Leadership, healthy lifestyles, career success, scholarship and personal growth
• Chapter Development: Chapter recruitment, finance, public relations, cooperation and support group
• Community Development: Economic development, environment, human resources, citizenship and agriculture promotion

From community service projects to agricultural education, the Pearland FFA makes a positive difference by developing students' potential for leadership, personal growth and career success.

At the beginning of the 2011-12 school year, the Pearland FFA organized a clothing donation drive for the fire victims in Montgomery County.

In fall 2012, the FFA hosted its first-ever Livestock Show & Career Expo, with students raising $61,000 at auction for livestock, culinary and art entries and $14,000 in scholarships.

During FFA competitions and Texas livestock shows, Pearland FFA students frequently bring home top awards for leadership and showmanship skills.