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Texas Monthly ranked Tejas Chocolate Craftory at #6 on their top 50 list published in late May 2017.

The Tejas Chocolate Craftory is honored, humbled, and overwhelmed.  And they are cooking all that they can, but the popular items are getting sold out sometimes before 3:00 PM.  The Craftory no longer accept call in “to go” orders, in addition they must maintain the integrity of the line as a true first come, first serve operation.  Please come, meet someone new while in line, and try to have some fun with it. Let them make it a barbecue party. Remember, standing in a line for good barbecue is as much Texan as family pictures in fields of bluebonnets, cheese enchiladas, and kicking armadillos.

How did you come up with chocolate & barbecue together at the same place is a question we get often. Friends, we just followed the path. We started a hobby at home making bean to bar chocolate. Sales went alright at the farmer’s market and with some retailers. So much so that we decided to open our own store. Chocolate sales alone were not going to be enough to make it our livelihood, so we decided to add a cafe to the business plan. When we found the old house on North Elm Street in Tomball and looked at the market, we decided Old Town Tomball could use a good barbecue joint. That is exactly how we got here. We make chocolate and truffles from raw cocoa beans, and slow smoke USDA certified 100% all natural Prime Grade briskets at the oldest building in Tomball. We call it The Craftory. Pretty sweet and smokey is what we were thinking. We’d enjoy having you stop by and pay us a visit.  You will not be disappointed! http://tejaschocolate.com/the-craftory/

Come early, hang out, eat well!

#rubenandnancy #thevillarrealteam #tejaschocolatecraftory

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The Villarreal Team with RE/MAX Integrity were recognized by 2017 REAL Trends America’s Best Real Estate Teams in Houston, Texas

Ruben & Nancy Villarreal’s Team were named as one of America’s most productive real estate teams as a part of REAL Trends America’s Best Real Estate Agents.  The ranking report produced by REAL Trends and is sponsored by Zillow Group.  The Villarreal Team are now members of the “America’s Best Real Estate Agents,” and ranked amongst the Top Teams in the State of Texas.

REAL Trends ranked over 12,600 residential real estate agents solely based on their excellence in sales during a single calendar year.

All production numbers are verified by a third-party in order to ensure accuracy and report integrity.  “This team is a highly successful real state team and represents less than 1 percent of all real estate practitioners in the United States, ” says Steve Murray, president and publisher of REAL Trends. To qualify an individual agent must have closed at least 50 transaction sides or $20 million in sales volume.  For real estate agent teams, the minimum is 75 transaction sides or $30 million in closed sales volume.  Teams ranked had an average of 144 sides and an average sales volume of almost $61 million.  Which ensures that only the best of the best are included on this prestigious list.

“We are also pleased that two of the nation’s most prominent online real estate websites, Trulia and Zillow, have partnered with REAL Trends to bring a superior level of customer exposure of these sales agents’ performance,” Murray added.

As honored as The Villarreal Team feels by being recognized as part of REAL Trends America’s Best Real Estate Agents, they will all agree this ranking represents the loyalty and referrals that each of their customers provide them.  “It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to build a successful real estate team.  The level of sales it takes to qualify makes it a truly special recognition,” stated Ruben Villarreal.

About REAL Trends

A privately-held, Colorado-based publishing, consulting and communications company specializing in the residential brokerage and housing industries.  REAL Trends is recognized as the leading source of trends in the industry, REAL Trends, The Trusted Source, REAL Trends The Thousand, REAL Trends 500, which ranks the top brokerage firms in the United States. Visit REAL Trends at www.realtrends.com

#rubenandnancy #thevillarrealteam #thebestrealestateteam

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1. A realtor is to help the buyer understand the process – 60%

2. Pointed out unnoticed features/faults with the property – 56%

A Realtor will point out positives and negatives of each home.  They will also use their trained eye to see potentially disastrous hazards that may be hiding out of site.  Protecting your interests is their job!  Let them make sure your home buying experience is a good one.

3. Negotiated better sales contract terms – 47%

4. Provided a better list of service providers – 46%

5. Improved the buyer’s knowledge of search areas – 44%

Bottom Line

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Moving into a new home is an exciting time, and you’re probably daydreaming about decor and paint schemes and new furniture. But before you get into the fun stuff, there are some basics you should cover first.

1. Change the locks

Even if you’re promised that new locks have been installed in your home, you can never be too careful. It’s worth the money to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that no one else has the keys to your home. Changing the locks can be a DIY project, or you can call in a locksmith for a little extra money.
2. Steam clean the carpets
It’s good to get a fresh start with your floors before you start decorating. The previous owners may have had pets, young children, or just some plain old clumsiness. Take the time to steam clean the carpets so that your floors are free of stains and allergens. It’s pretty easy and affordable to rent a steam cleaner-your local grocery store may have them available.
3. Call an exterminator
Prior to move-in, you probably haven’t spent enough time in the house to get a view of any pests that may be lurking. Call an exterminator to take care of any mice, insects, and other critters that may be hiding in your home.
4. Clean out the kitchen
If the previous occupants wanted to skip on some of their cleaning duties when they moved out, the kitchen is where they probably cut corners. Wipe down the inside of cabinets, clean out the refrigerator, clean the oven, and clean in the nooks and crannies underneath the appliances.

Until Next Time,

Ruben and Nancy

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On Friday August 25th, 2017, Hurricane Harvey began to hit the Texas coast. Five days of relentless rain and wind devastated the greater Houston area and coastal cities. From flooded neighborhoods and highways, to houses and communities being flooded; it caused havoc across the entire state. Hurricane Harvey is being called the most devastating rain event in the US with an estimate of over 50 inches of rainfall. What happened during and after Harvey’s path of destruction is the true story and testament to the wonderful state of Texas’ strength and compassion for our neighbors and others. Before the storm even stopped, before any form of government began to render aid, Texans loaded up personal boats and began rescuing those who couldn’t get out themselves. Citizens took it upon themselves to save fellow citizens side by side with our first responders and risking their lives. Not because they were called to or asked to, but because they wanted to help their fellow man. It was inspiring and humbling that created a massive ripple effect. Once the storm finally did stop and people could move they did. Within a matter of 48 hours, people were waiting in lines to volunteer, and being turned away because they had too many volunteers, to neighbors going home to home helping flood victims begin clearing out their homes. Donations coming into every shelter by the truck full and first responders offices being over run with food to show their thanks and it has yet to cease. Hurricane Harvey may have ripped our state apart, but our Texan spirit will mend it up quickly! God Bless Texas!

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The Villarreal Team loves helping home owners sell their homes. We take this task very seriously. We take our clients down a 12 step process to ensure they understand, acknowledge, and respect the home selling process. Educating our clients on the process is a huge priority. As realtors, it is our job and passion to make sure you understand the process 100%.  There are many things that can happen when trying to sell your home, so knowing the process before you begin can make a huge difference on the timing of the sale of your home. Here are the the twelve steps:

1. Meet with your realtor (us) : There’s no commitment required on your part for the initial meeting. It will be educational and help you identify your next steps.
2. Establish a Price: We will provide a market analysis, which will help you set an asking price.
3. Strategic Price: As difficult as it may be, it’s important to review the market analysis and consider your home price objectively.
4. Prepare Your Home: View your home through the eyes of the buyer and ask yourself what you’d expect. Your agent will offer some useful suggestions.
5. List It For Sale: When everything is in place your agent will put your home on the open market. It’s critical you make it as easy as possible for potential buyers to view your home.
6. Showings: Potential buyers may ask to see your home on short notice. It’s best if you can accommodate these requests, you never want to miss a potential sale.
7. Offers and Negotiation: If everything goes well, a buyer and (most often the agent who represents them) will present your agent with an offer.
8. Choosing an Offer: Your agent will present the benefits and risks of each offer. You will have the opportunity to either accept or counter any offer based on its merits.
9. Under Contract: At this point, you and the buyer have agreed to all of the terms of the offer and both parties have signed the agreements.
10. Final Details: While under contract, the buyer will work with their mortgage provider to finalize the loan and perform other due diligence.
11. Inspection: The buyer will usually perform a physical inspection of the home. They may even ask you to make certain repairs. Your agent will explain all of your options regarding the inspection.
12. Closing: This is the transfer of funds and ownership. Depending on when the buyer moves into the home you will need to be all packed up and ready to move.

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HOUSTON REAL ESTATE POWER TEAMS

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YOU’LL FALL IN LOVE! CUSTOM home in GATED COMMUNITY mins from EXXON Campus! STUNNING STUCCO/STONE on HUGE CULDESAC LOT!THOUSANDS in UPGRADES to include* Extensive Tile* Wood Floors* DESIGNER PAINTS* Plantation Shutters* Stone Interior Accents*INCREDIBLE KITCHEN with Granite* Built in Fridge*ELEGANT MASTER w/Fireplace*Remodeled Bath w/Oversized Shower* travertine Countertops* Tile* Plush Carpets* Media Room*Gameroom* BACKYARD PARADISE w/Rock waterfall Beach Entry Pool/spa! OUTDOOR LIVING AREA!

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