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Where did you grow up? It’s true, I am a Yankee; my

mid-west accent comes out from time to time. We lived in Salt Lake City, Utah and Laramie, Wyoming, which was beautiful country, but I consider myself a West Texan.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

I love the outdoors. We just got a couple four wheelers and they are too much fun. My husband rides a Harley and I’m the girl on the back. We like to take country rides and short road trips. I’m a grandma, so we are always squeezing in time around all of our busy schedules to hang out with our grandkids. Right now we have a 9-, 7-, and 6-year-old. We also have one that will be here any day!

How long have you worked in real estate?

I was licensed in 2006 and joined Keller Williams after talking with several other of-fices. When I read the Keller Williams values (win-win or no deal and integrity) posted on the wall in the team leader’s office, I asked her if she believed that statement. She responded with, “We would not have it any other way.” I knew I was joining the right place for me.

What is your specialty? I work with sellers and

buyers and am continuing my training in the commer-cial area. I have completed my first CCIM course and do plan to continue pursu-ing that aspect of real estate as well. I really love work-ing with rural properties; they have so many different aspects and challenges.

Why should someone choose you as their real estate agent?

Service. My goal is to become their Realtor for life. I hope to provide my clients with service that will make them feel comfortable calling me with any needs or ques-tions, and then be available for them with a prompt response. I keep a good list of reliable sources to refer clients to in order to keep the buying process seamless. There are so many things that come up in the buying of a property. With the process of repairs, insurance, and lenders, it can be overwhelm-ing, even for seasoned buyers.

What tips do you have for someone looking to buy or sell a home?

For buyers, don’t call the name on every sign you see; interview and find a Realtor

you can trust and let them guide you. They will give you the time and energy you need to really find what you are looking for. So often that absolutely perfect property is hidden behind something you didn’t think was right. I have seen some spectacular

properties that were hidden behind an unassuming first impression. Likewise for sell-ers, do you homework. Check out the agent’s Internet pres-ence and websites and find out if they have a marketing plan and are keeping up with the latest technology.

Anyone can put a sign in the yard, but staying on top in this business means constant training and implementing new technology as it comes along. I think it’s important to feel confident in your agent and be able to discuss a home’s progress.

What is the most unique property you’ve sold?

I would maybe say the burnt house with only bricks and framing. My first ques-tion was, “How do I market this?” We sold it in a very short time; I think there is a buyer for every property – it’s just a matter of finding them.

What do you see in the fu-ture for real estate sales?

Lubbock is so blessed to have such a stable market. With the growth of TTU and other developments in Lubbock, home sales have remained consistent and home values have stayed fairly stable.

What local organizations and charities are you involved in?

I was active in the Lubbock Lions Club for a number of years. During that time I was involved in seven optical mis-sions. I have been to Hondu-ras three times and it is an amazing place; the people are incredible and the experience was life changing. Working with the Lions Club, we set up optical clinics that are still serving the communities.

Wendy Jones KelleR WilliAmS ReAlTY806-928-9463 wendyjones@kw.com

Realtor Revealed

Wendy Jones, Keller Williams RealtyPhoto by Misty Setzler

Jason Whittle 806-766-2196Josh Horsey 806-766-8653Kendall Krohn 806-766-8646

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Real Estate

BEST!at its

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REAl ESTATE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2012 LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL 5homes.lubbockonline.com

Anderson Fine Homes invites you to visit this week’s Fea-tured Home, sponsored by the West Texas Home Builders

Association in cooperation with the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.

This spacious, custom-designed home located in the new and admired upcoming neighborhood, The Trails, boasts approximately 2,612 square feet, consisting of four bedrooms, three full baths, and an oversized two-car garage, plus a detached car garage. The exterior of the home has a beautifully landscaped yard plus an ideal outdoor kitchen and fireplace for entertaining a gathering of friends or simply relaxing with family.

Upon entering the home you will find the open and spacious floor plan striking, evidence that this home was built to cater to a lifestyle desiring the utmost comfort and tranquility. You will find that spaces are luxurious yet thoughtfully planned. The delight-ful gourmet kitchen with stained maple cabinets, solid surface countertops and professional grade appliances is sure to please any chef in the family. The open plan is completed with a cozy round dining nook with a dome ceiling. Interior finishes and colors are warm and inviting and include hand scraped wood floors, wood beams, and stone fireplace.

Additional amenities of this home include a concrete block storm shelter, energy efficient spray foam insulation, and pre-wiring for data and security.

Designed to develop relationships that last, The Trails commu-nity is one that stands apart. Each home in this development has one-of-a-kind architectural curb appeal and charming character. Unique features of this neighborhood include hundreds of trees lining the parks and streets, as well as shaded walking trails, a stone pavilion, wood trellises and streaming water in Lubbock’s only public Wi-Fi park.

Mitchell Anderson, Vice President of ADC, Inc. and Ander-son Fine Homes, and his team provide every customer with the unsurpassed experience, service, and quality the companies were founded upon. Mark G. Anderson, AIA, President, has been build-ing custom homes in Lubbock and the greater West Texas for more than 30 years and has dependable knowledge in design and the construction industry. Mark or Mitchell would be delighted to visit with you concerning any custom home design or construction needs that you may have. Contact them today at (806) 793–3317 or at www.andersonfinehomes.com.

6106 90th Street – The Trails at Regal ParkFeatured Floorplan – anderson Fine Homes

‘Maison de Campagne’

The West Texas Home Builders Asso-ciation is proud to host this year’s Home and Garden show entitled “Create Your Space.”

The show, which takes place Friday, March 2, from 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 3, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sun-day, March 4, from noon to 6 p.m., will be held at the Lubbock Civic Center. Tickets are available at the door and range from $5 for adults to $2 for children 12 and un-der. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Children’s Miracle Network.

This year’s show features multiple vendors with booths on display highlight-ing everything from electronics to storage sheds, landscaping to drapes, spas to bathrooms.

There will be a kitchen makeover pack-age giveaway, valued at $7,500, sponsored by Alexis Homes, Ashley Furniture, Bud-get Blinds, Capricho Interiors, and Fergu-son Bath, Kitchen and Lighting, as well as Surface Innovations and Yates Flooring Center. Persons interested in registering for the makeover must attend the show, have each sponsor stamp their ticket, complete the information on the back of the ticket, and return it to the “Kitchen Makeover” booth on their way out. You do

not need to be present to win.Be sure to come out for a variety of

fascinating speakers and demonstrations on topics ranging from extreme landscap-ing in light of the drought and new water restrictions to multiple “Ask The Experts” sessions where professionals in building and remodeling will answer your indi-vidual questions.

The Parade of Homes will also have a booth at the show to promote the upcom-ing June event. Representatives from Lubbock Homes for Heroes will be on hand to discuss the new home currently under construction and set to debut in the June Parade of Homes for local war hero, Specialist Louis Flores and his family.

West Texas Home Builders Association spokeswoman Gena Godinez said, “With the wide selection of booths and vendors, as well as engaging speakers and great presentations, there is truly something for everyone at this year’s Home and Garden Show. We at the West Texas Home Builders Association are proud to host the event and look forward to seeing you there.”

For more information and to download the smart phone app, visit us online at: LubbockHomeandGardenShow.com.

WTHBA to host 2012 Home and Garden Show

(NewsUSA) – Despite the sputtering economy, consumer spending on home renovation remains healthy. Across the nation, homeowners are investing in home remodeling projects – especially kitchen makeovers – either to make their homes more appealing to buyers or more comfort-able and enjoyable while they ride out the housing slump. And one of the most popular home improvements is, once again, granite countertops.

A recent study of 10,000 consumers, conducted by the Research Institute for Cooking and Kitchen Intelligence, found that kitchen renovations remain at the top of the list for consumers seeking to add value to their homes. When the study asked homeowners, “If you were chang-ing your kitchen now and had no budget constraints, what improvement would you make?”, granite countertops were among the kitchen features they coveted most.

Many consumers are tightening their belts but remain eager for granite coun-tertops, according to Garis Distelhorst, executive vice president of the Marble In-stitute of America. “Historically, consumers

recognize that granite countertops enhance the value of a home in ways few other improvements can. No other countertop surface can measure up to granite in terms of practicality, timeless beauty, durability and safety.”

Consumers continue to invest confidently in kitchen makeovers because the projects typically increase the resale value of their homes. In the last five years, kitchen re-modeling projects have generally returned 80 to 85 percent of consumers’ investments, according to the “Cost versus Value Report” from Remodeling magazine.

Because kitchen renovations increase resale values, experts agree that if consum-ers can only afford to renovate one room in their homes, it should be the kitchen. In fact, an all-new kitchen was the top prior-ity of 2,200 home enthusiasts surveyed recently by Better Homes and Gardens magazine. “What we’ve discovered is that the home continues to be our emotional cen-ter and the sweet spot of everyday life,” said Gayle Butler, Better Home’s editor in chief. “Economic uncertainty aside, we won’t stop spending, improving and dreaming.”

Granite countertops still top list of home improvements

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For many consumers, getting involved in any sort of real es-tate transaction is a lot like rid-ing a roller coaster. You get on, and then it’s one wild ride to-ward closing day: securing financing, locking in the best rate, finding the home that works for your needs, making an offer and the flurry of activity on closing day – the process can leave all parties exhilarated and ex-hausted.

Buying or selling real estate can indeed be a crazy journey – and one that can try even the calmest homebuyer’s or seller’s patience – but there’s a lot you can do to ensure a smooth ride from start to finish that won’t derail the whole transaction. To begin with, I recommend you

work with a Texas Realtor to keep you on track.

Be FlexiBle

One of the biggest mistakes buyers and sellers make is not being flexible when it comes to real estate transactions. A rigid countenance might be great for playing poker, but it’s usually not helpful when buying or sell-ing real estate.

If you can’t find a house in the neighborhood you want, be will-ing to expand the parameters of your search. For example, if you absolutely must have a home with four bedrooms, you may have more luck if you also con-sider homes with three bedrooms and a study.

Disclose Material Facts

If you’re selling, don’t omit material facts about your house. Material facts refer to anything that could affect the sale price or influence a buyer’s decision to buy it – like a leaky roof, flood-ing problems or other defects that aren’t readily apparent in a simple home tour. The major causes of post-sale disputes and

lawsuits center on defects and disclosure. Getting an inspec-tion and providing the report to potential buyers will save you many headaches – physical and financial – down the road.

stay on top oF iMportant DeaDlines

There are many deadlines that simply can’t be missed in a real estate transaction. Locking in your mortgage rate is one ex-ample. Miss a deadline or delay a signature and it could make a huge difference in your monthly mortgage payment. When a mortgage company tells you they have locked your rate, get a written statement detailing the interest rate, length of the rate lock and program details – and don’t delay getting paperwork back to them.

Also, be willing to cooperate when it comes to seeing houses and following up on questions or paperwork. If your dream house is in a particular area of town where homes tend to sell quickly, do what you can to see those houses when your agent calls. After all, your Texas Realtor is

working to find a house that fits your needs.

Be Honest witH your realtor anD lenDer

Honesty is the best policy with your agent and your mortgage broker when it comes to what you can afford and the type of house you want. It’s a waste of time for everyone when your Tex-as Realtor shows you homes out of your price range, so be honest about what’s in your financial ballpark. Also, this is not the best time to make any major pur-chases. Doing so could jeopardize your mortgage approval.

plan aHeaD

If you’re buying, one of the best steps you can take is to get pre-approved for financing before you even look at a house. As a potential buyer competing for a property, you’ll have a better chance of getting your offer ac-cepted by being as prepared as possible – and sellers tend to look more favorably on potential buy-ers who already have financing secured.

If you’re selling, plan for the

possibility that you might not be moving for a while, especially if you’re selling an expensive house. Higher-end homes have fewer potential buyers, and consequently, may spend consid-erably more time on the market; it might be wise to expect delays from the outset.

coMMunicate clearly – anD Be realistic

Above all, be sure you’re clear in what you want – to yourself, to your family, to your Realtor and to your mortgage broker or bank-er. By identifying a few things that you won’t compromise on (schools, for example) from the beginning, you’ll be better able to bend where needed (number of bathrooms, for example). Be real-istic: buying or selling real estate is a process – and finding what you want takes time. Be realistic in your expectations, and you’ll be a much happier homebuyer or seller come closing day.

For more helpful information about buying or selling real es-tate in the Lone Star State, I in-vite you to visit TexasRealEstate.com and LubbockRealtors.com.

Make your real estate transaction smoother

LOPEZ

LOcaL REaL EstatE NEws – LubbOck assOciatiON Of REaLtORs

BY Debora Lopez, PresidentLubbock Association of REALTORS®

(NAPSI) – Learning a few facts about a refrigerant com-monly used in air conditioners could help you keep your cool. The refrigerant, R-22, is being phased out as part of an international environmental agreement to discontinue the use of HCFCs, or hydrochlorofluorocarbons.

If you own an R-22-based air-conditioning unit, here are a few facts you need to know:

• If your system does not leak or need repair, it may not necessarily have a negative impact on the environment. So there is no need to replace your system until you are ready for a new unit.

• Most air-conditioning systems are designed to last at least 10 years. Because R-22 is available until 2020, it’s wise to budget accordingly.

• R-22 is still one of the most energy-efficient refriger-ants on the market. Purchasing a new unit costs three to four times more than repairing existing units and may not be mandatory.

Reputable heating and cooling dealers should disclose this information. Please plan ahead before you pay for a costly replacement.

For more information, visit www.ACfastfacts.com.

Cooling systems: better to repair or replace?

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