Kellie Jovane, President of Market Elite Appraisals, has a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Sam Houston State University. She is a certified residential real estate appraiser, serving the Houston and surrounding areas over the past 5 years. She has extensive experience in single family home valuations as well as townhomes, condos, multi family units and acreage properties. Kellie is an active member in Business Networking International, currently serving as treasurer, as well as numerous other business groups in the Houston area.

The Houston housing market shows an average single family home sales price for year end 2007 at $216,000.  This is up 5.7% over 2006.  This is great news for Houston considering the nation is down 6% versus this time last year.  The rates continue to be low and now is the best time to refinance those Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM's) to fixed rate loans. 

Watch for your property tax letters coming in the mail soon.  If your property value has increased considerably or if you haven't protested in a few years, it is probably too high.  A good market value appraisal can give you the tool you need to get your value lowered which will in turn reduce your taxes and mortgage payment if you escrow. 

For those of you that have Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) and you think your house has increased enough in value to drop that monthly payment, ask your mortgage lender how to get it removed. 

Here are some tips to help increase the market value of your home:  If you have an older home updated flooring, fresh paint and new light fixtures are some simple and inexpensive ways to keep your home looking great.