• Recovery

    Katy Real Estate: Signs of a Real Estate Recovery

    Over the last six months, nearly every facet of the U.S. economy has shown improvement and the real estate market is no exception. Here is the proof: Recovery Sign #1: Housing Starts. In February, housing starts checked-in at an annual rate of 698,000 units. That’s up 14.7% from the 608,800 starts in … [Read More...]

  • Cross Creek Ranch Entrance (2)

    Cross Creek Ranch Real Estate: Johnson Development Acquires Cross Creek Ranch

    The 3,200-acre master-planned community located minutes west of the Grand Parkway off FM 1093 known as Cross Creek Ranch has been acquired by Johnson Development Corporation. Originally designed and developed by Trendmaker Homes, Cross Creek Ranch opened in spring 2008.  In 2011, new home sales in Cross Creek … [Read More...]

  • Wolman Elementary

    Firethorne Real Estate: Wolman Elementary School

    The new 2012-2013 school year will welcome a new Elementary School which will be a welcome sight for the residents of Firethorne Real Estate.  Ray & Jamie Wolman Elementary School will be located within Firethorne on the Northeast corner of North Firethorne Road at South Firethorne Road.  The school’s … [Read More...]

  • Tax

    Katy Real Estate: Property Tax Appraisal Time is Here!

    Each year around this time, people's minds begin to shift to taxes.  Not just income taxes, but property taxes as well. The Harris County Appraisal District has begun to post 2012 appraisals for properties within its jurisdiction.  If you live within Harris County, then you may go to www.hcad.org to search … [Read More...]

  • FHA MIP

    Katy Real Estate: FHA News Alert

    Attention buyers! Now is the time to purchase that home you have bee talking about. To counterbalance the Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 and strengthen the Federal Housing Administration's (FHA) Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund, borrowers will soon face higher fees. Effective April 1, 2012, … [Read More...]

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Jan
10

US Census Map: Interesting Demographics!

January 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment

January 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment

The 2010 US Census Map has been released in an interactive form.  See who is moving in around you and the rest of the country.  What areas do you see the most growth?  Zoom in on a state and glide your cursor over the map and it will display every counties demographic layout….browse population growth and decline, changes in racial and ethnic concentrations and patterns of housing development.

See where your Katy Real Estate falls…..  2010 U.S. CENSUS MAP

View my Katy Real Estate page for more information on the homes in the counties that interest you!

If you have any questions or would like to see any of the real estate in or around the Katy/Houston Area, please feel free to contact me at 713-253-5678 or at Angela@AngelaKhomes.com

 

Jan
09

Katy Real Estate: A Homestead Exemption Refresher!

January 9, 2012 By 1 Comment

January 9, 2012 By 1 Comment

Effective September 1, 2011, in order to qualify for a residential homestead exemption you must provide the appraisal district with a copy of either your Texas driver’s license or Texas ID card.

The address on your drivers license or state ID, MUST match the physical address of the residence for which your are applying.  This address must also be the same as the address on your vehicle registration. Attach a copy of your vehicle registration receipt to your homestead application.  The ADDRESS MUST BE THE SAME on all of your documents, your license or state ID, your vehicle registration and the homestead application.  Also note that the application form asks for the authorized signature(s) of qualified owner(s) so the husband and wife both purchased the home it is a good idea both sign the application in the event that there is a divorce or death, the remaining spouse can still maintain the exemption.

Listed below is important information to help you get an updated vehicle registration and/or and updated or new driver’s license or Texas-issued personal ID Card.   Other useful links and information to get the proper homestead forms and information for filing are also listed.

HARRIS COUNTY

http://www.hcad.org/pdf/forms/11-13.pdf

http://www.tax.co.harris.tx.us/

FT. BEND COUNTY

https://actweb.acttax.com/act_webdev/fbc/images/homestead.pdf

http://www.co.fort-bend.tx.us/getsitepage.asp?sitepage=5767

To Obtain a Vehicle Registration Receipt

In order to change the address on your vehicle registration and obtain a Duplicate Vehicle Registration Receipt to attach to your homestead exemption application, please contact the County Office in which you live by phone or mail. You will need to complete and submit Form MV-440, Request for Texas Motor Vehicle Information, which may be obtained at any county office location, by mail or the cad websites. There is typically a small fee for the Vehicle Registration Receipt.

If You Don’t Own a Vehicle

Please complete the Non-Ownership of Motor Vehicle Affidavit on your homestead exemption application. This must be sworn statement signed before a Notary Public. You also need to attach a copy of your homestead exemption application of utility bill for the homestead property showing the bill is in your name and the utility address matches the physical address of the homestead property.

Texas Driver’s License

If you have a current Texas Driver’s License and you move to a new location in Texas you have 30 days to change the address on your driver’s license. The simplest way to do this is online. Go to www.txdps.state.tx.us and follow the instructions changing your address. You will need to have a valid credit card for paying the $10.00 fee, and you will need access to a printer so that you can print out your temporary receipt. Otherwise, call or go in person to one of the Texas DPS locations.

For a new Texas driver’s license (first time license or moving to Texas from out of state) go in person to a DPS location. You will need to complete an application, provide proof of identity (proof of Social Security, birth certificate, or an out of state driver’s license), provide proof of vehicle registration, consent to be photographed, fingerprinted, and provide a signature. You will need to pass a vision examination. First time applicants need to schedule a time for taking the driving test and pass both the driving and written test. Out of state applicants should apply within 90 days after entry into the state and need to be prepared to surrender their valid out of state driver’s license upon application.

View my Katy Real Estate page for more information on the homes in the communities in which these tax offices serve!

If you have any questions or would like to see any of the real estate in the Katy Area, please feel free to contact me at 713-253-5678 or at Angela@AngelaKhomes.com

Jan
04

Katy Real Estate: Whole Foods Coming to Katy!

January 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment

January 4, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Katy Real Estate will soon be adding a new 122,439 square foot retail center that is being developed at the southeast corner of Grand Parkway and Fry Road.  Grand Lakes Marketplace will be anchored by Whole Foods, Stein Mart and a proposed Cost Plus!  The development will also feature approximately 38,000 square-feet of small shop space with prospects including Carrabba’s, Menchie’s and Massage Heights.  View my Grand Lakes Real Estate page to view listings that are in the area of this new development.

“It’s basically an extension of our development on the southwest corner of Meadows Marketplace, which is basically 25,000 square feet of retail including HEB, Palais Royal,  Hobby Lobby, along with some other retails,” said John Clinkscales, a marketing representative with Fidelis Realty Partners.  “That property is fully occupied, and we’re working with Seven Lakes to begin construction (of Grand Lakes Marketplace) during the early part of next year.” he said.  View my Seven Meadows Real Estate page to view listing in and around this up and coming area!

Construction is expected to be completed by late summer, and the development is hoping to open by Thanksgiving.  Note that there is a Wells Fargo that is existing on the corner and that is not part of the proposed shopping center.

View my Katy Real Estate Search to view all MLS listings available in an around the surrounding areas!!

If you have any questions or would like to see any of the real estate in the Katy/ Houston Area, I would love to be the agent you choose to make your dreams come true.  You may reach me at 713-253-5678 or at Angela@AngelaKhomes.com.

Dec
29

Katy Real Estate: The Dream of Owning versus Renting

December 29, 2011 By 1 Comment

December 29, 2011 By 1 Comment

Now is the time!  Own a home, rather than renting.  If you have been paying attention to the news over the past few years, you know that the housing market has been in a deep depression.  Luckily we live in Katy, Texas where the market is still above the nations average!   From a sellers perspective, sometimes a market like this makes life a lot harder.  But for a buyer, it can mean a wider world of options and limitless opportunities.

There are many factors that have contributed to the market’s instability, and one of them is that lenders are reluctant to give loans to homebuyers.  After a housing crisis, it is not surprising that lenders would be more demanding.  If you want to become owners rather than renters, you need to present a pristine financial profile.  Here are a few tips to take into consideration so that you may become a homeowner in Katy, Texas in 2012:

*Pay down your debt before you even apply for a mortgage.  The smaller your debt load, the better your debt-to-income ratio which lenders use to determine how much they will allow you to borrow.

*Check up on your credit.  Paying down your debt in the first tip, will have the added benefit of improving your credit.  Having good credit is another essential element in smart home buying.  The better shape your credit is in, the better your potential to get the mortgage of your dreams.

*Make the biggest down payment possible.  Zero down loans are out there but making a sizeable down payment can also save you money on mortgage insurance.  A minimum of 20 percent down is a good idea, and if you can do more, so much the better.  If you don’t think you can afford a down payment of 20 percent on the house you are considering, there are other options.  Make sure when CHOOSING; choose the option that is budget friendly to you and your income level.

*Be an informed buyer.  There is a seemingly endless list of things to know about buying a home, and the faster you want to buy, the faster you will need to learn it all.  One of the best things you can do is find a qualified real estate agent to help you in your process.  Agents have a wealth of knowledge and can assist you in every step of the way.  The more you know, the better equipped you will be to make smart decisions that will make you a happy homeowner for years to come.

View my Katy Real Estate Search to view all MLS listings available in an around the surrounding areas!!

If you have any questions or would like to see any of the real estate in the Katy/ Houston Area, I would love to be the agent you choose to make your dreams come true.  You may reach me at 713-253-5678 or at Angela@AngelaKhomes.com. 

 

Dec
02

Brandon Vos – Acrylic Painter

December 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

December 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Brandon Vos recently helped with a clients project and when speaking with him about paint selection I decided to turn our conversation in to a blog post.

Here begins Brandons thoughts on Acrylic versus Oil painting.

“When I was in my painting classes in school, they never told us the downsides to oil painting. Although oil paintings still have the respect of most artists and buyers, they do have some downsides.

They take a long time to dry. It’s theorizes that some of Van Gogh’s paintings my still have wet layers deep within.

Also, oil paintings give off an odor. This odor may be mildly annoying with the scent of linseed oil to violently annoying with the fumes of turpentine. No one wants a painting in their home of office to smell bad, be wet, and yellow over time.

Acrylic paint is my choice for today’s client. It dries in a fraction of the time. Also, when it dries, it has the same consistency as plastic, so its quite water resistant.

It doesn’t discolor easily and, in fact, it’s colors are vibrant in comparison to most oils.

Acrylic painting lasts longer when used in an office versus Oil Painting. Oil painting has the side effects of odor  such as linseed oil or as bad as turpentine.”

More about Brandon Vos

Brandon is a local Katy Photographer, Graphic Designer in Katy, and is also a very professional Illustrator and Artist.

You may reach Brandon Vos through his website and take a look at one of the pages such as the Graphic Designer in Katy page.

Dec
01

Falcon Ranch Real Estate: 24731 Cobble Canyon, Katy, Tx 77494 (For Lease)

December 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

December 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

This beautiful home has been updated with a sprinkler system, fresh landscaping, granite counter tops with new back splash, shampooed carpets and a fresh coat of paint. A new washer, dryer and Stainless Steel refrigerator are included in the lease price. Alarm system to be installed by owner and monthly monitoring will be tenants responsibility. Master bedroom is down with a huge game room located upstairs with 4 spacious bedrooms and a full bathroom. This is a great home with great schools!

 

Falcon Ranch Real Estate: 24731 Cobble Canyon Property Details

For More Information Or To Schedule A Showing Contact Angela Kraushaar

Listing Price: $2000 per month
Address: 24731 Cobble Canyon
Subdivision: Falcon Ranch
City: Katy
State TX
Zip 77494
MLS # (if any): 61924624
Square Feet: 2,791
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 2 1/2
Garage: 2 Car
Contact Name: Angela Kraushaar
Contact Number: 713-253-5678

If you have any questions or would like to see any of the real estate in the Katy Area, please feel free to contact me, Angela Kraushaar, at 713-253-5678 or at Angela@AngelaKhomes.com.

If you would like to view homes in all Katy subdivisions, check out my Katy Real Estate home page.

 

Katy Real Estate Photos

Nov
28

Information Affecting Katy Real Estate: 2011 Demographic Update

November 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

November 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Katy ISD

Katy ISD

During the October 24 Board of Trustees meeting, Dr. Pat Guseman, president of Population and Survey Analysts presented the 2011 Demographic Update that shows steady growth for Katy ISD, at a rate of approximately three percent each year over the next five years. While slightly slower than the rapid growth experienced between 2001 and 2009, the report shows approximately 23,000 additional students moving to the district during the next 10 years.

The district also announced that as part of the Long Range Facilites Plan process, Katy ISD has entered into the initial stages of the Attendance Boundary Modification process.

Last November, Katy ISD voters approved a bond referendum that included five new campuses -three elementary schools, one junior high and one high school. Four of the five campuses are set to open in fall 2012, and High School No.7 is slated to open in fall 2013.

As part of the attendance boundary modification process, Katy ISD has scheduled two public workshops, both to be held in the Katy ISD Educational Support Complex located at 6301 S. Stadium Ln. Public Workshop #1 was held on  Tuesday, November 15, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The first public workshop reviewed the 2011 Demographic Update, as well as the values, assumptions and data that will be used in creating the attendance boundary recommendation for the new campuses. Attendance boundary recommendations were not presented at this first meeting.

Public Workshop #2 is scheduled for Thursday, December 8, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. At the second public workshop, the district will present the proposed attendance boundary changes and solicit input from the community.

For those community members who cannot participate in one or both of the public workshops, the district will post on its website online surveys. Oetails about the online surveys will come at a later date.  Information about the ABM process can be found on the Katy ISD website.

Katy ISD is a TEA recognized district serving more than 62,000 students. Covering 181 square miles west of downtown Houston, Katy ISD is comprised of 53 campuses, and with more than 8,000 employees is one of the largest employers in the West Houston area.

View my Katy Real Estate Search to view all MLS listings available in an around the surrounding areas!!

If you are interested in any real estate in any of the areas in which these schools feed, please feel free to contact me, Angela Kraushaar, at 713-253-5678 for more specific information regarding the market area. 

Nov
13

Cinco Ranch Real Estate: Fun Facts

November 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

November 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

•Cinco Ranch Real Estate started selling homes in 1991. Cinco Ranch celebrated its 20th Birthday in 2011.

•Cinco Ranch Real Estate was the #1 selling community in Texas and the #3 selling community in the nation in 2010.

•Cinco Ranch Real Estate residents can enjoy 9 swimming pools in the community including The Beach Club, The Water Park, The Lake House Pool and 6 swim-team style pools.

•Cinco Ranch Real Estate currently features 13 tennis courts located at Rosewood Pool, The Water Park, The Beach Club and North Lake Village.

•Cinco SW residents have their own community Intranet: www.MyCincoRanch.com

•The Lake House is a 6,000 sq. ft. building that can be reserved by any resident in Cinco Ranch (Cinco I or II). The building can be subdivided in to 5 different rooms.

•Spring Lake is a 37-acre lake surrounded by walking trails. One lap around Spring Lake is 1.87 miles.

•Cinco Ranch Real Estate features an i8-hole daily fee golf course. Residents receive discounted greens fees.

•Cinco Ranch Real Estate residents attend 16 different KISD schools. 15 of those 16 schools are exemplary. Seven Meadows HS and Cinco Ranch HS are exemplary.

•Two new elementary schools will be opening in CSW in Fall 2012. The new schools are located along Falcon Landing Blvd. and Ranch Point Rd.

•A new junior high is currently under construction on the same campus as Seven lakes HS. It will also open in Fall 2012.

•A new high school will be opening in Fall 2013 on Falcon Landing Blvd., just north of Cinco Ranch. The school will be built to accommodate 3,000 students and it will include a 9th grade center.

•Cinco Ranch Real Estate currently has over 11,500 completed homes.

If you have any questions or would like to see any of the real estate  in the Cinco Ranch/Katy Area, please feel free to contact me, Angela  Kraushaar, at 713-253-5678 or at Angela@AngelaKhomes.com.

Visit my Cinco Ranch Real Estate page to view all of the areas homes and property for sale in this great subdivision!

View my Katy Real Estate Search to view all MLS listings available in an around the surrounding areas!!

 

 

Oct
31

Katy Real Estate: Important Information Regarding Schools

October 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

October 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Katy ISD

Katy ISD

Katy ISD has learned that the Texas Education Agency has granted the district’s appeal on behalf of Nottingham Country Elementary, resulting in an elevated accountability rating for the campus from Recognized to Exemplary.  Katy ISD filed the appeal in August, requesting that the TAKS mathematics commended performance for a specific student subpopulation be recalculated.  The appeal was based on the fact that the status for two students had changed prior to testing.

Katy ISD now has 19 campuses rated as Exemplary, 26 rated as Recognized and five rated as Acceptable.  Katy ISD as a district has been rated as Recognized for four consecutive years.

Katy ISD’s Exemplary campuses for 2010-11 are:   Alexander Elementary, Exley Elementary, Fielder Elementary, Griffin Elementary, Hayes Elementary, Holland Elementary, Katy Elementary, Kilpatrick Elementary, Nottingham Country Elementary, Pattison Elementary, Rylander Elementary, Schmalz Elementary, Stanley Elementary, Stephens Elementary, Williams Elementary, Winborn Elementary, WoodCreek Elementary, Beckendorff Jr. High, and McMeans Jr. High.

Recognized campuses are Bear Creek Elementary, Cimarron Elementary, Creech Elementary, Franz Elementary, Golbow Elementary, Hutsell Elementary, King Elementary, Mayde Creek Elementary, McRoberts Elementary, Memorial Parkway Elementary, Morton Ranch Elementary, Rhoads Elementary, Sundown Elementary, West Memorial Elementary, Wolfe Elementary, Beck Jr. High, Cardiff Jr. High, Cinco Ranch Jr. High, Katy Jr. High, McDonald Jr. High, Memorial Parkway Jr. High,, West Memorial Jr. High, WoodCreek Jr. High, Cinco Ranch High School, Seven Lakes High School, and Taylor High School.

Acceptable campuses are Mayde Creek Jr. High, Morton Ranch Jr. High, Katy High School, Mayde Creek High School and Morton Ranch High School.

If you are interested in any real estate in any of the areas in which these schools feed, please feel free to contact me, Angela Kraushaar, at 713-253-5678 for more specific information regarding the market area.  You may also view my Katy Texas Home Search to view all MLS listings available in an around the surrounding areas!

 

Oct
28

Home Affordable Refinance Program: HARP

October 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

October 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment

There are new HARP changes to be announced in the next 2 weeks. Below is an excerpt of an article that was found that might help shed some light on the “new” plan to assist people who are either upside down or need help with a refinance.

Some mortgage lenders say that since the Federal Housing Finance Agency announced changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program, or HARP, this week, they have been swamped with phone calls from underwater borrowers who want to use the program to take advantage of today’s low rates.

“My phone has been ringing off the hook with the people wanting to refinance” through HARP, says Derek Egeberg, a mortgage planner in Yuma, Ariz. That’s because the old HARP rules allow borrowers to refinance at up to 125 percent of their homes’ current values. The new rules will remove that cap and will allow borrowers who are current on their mortgages to refinance regardless of how deeply underwater they are.

But these borrowers can’t apply to refinance yet. Lenders will not adopt the new HARP guidelines until regulators provide more details, which are forthcoming by Nov. 15. After that, lenders will probably take a few weeks to update their internal rules.

Egeberg says he hopes the new version of HARP works, but he fears that when more details are released in November, many eagerly waiting borrowers will be disappointed that refinancing their underwater mortgage won’t be as simple as they thought.

The reason why some borrowers might be disappointed is because the new HARP guidelines don’t address second mortgages. Borrowers can’t refinance using HARP unless the lender on the second mortgage grants permission, which does not always happen.

If you have any questions or would like to see any of the real estate in the Katy/ Houston Area, please feel free to contact me at 713-253-5678 or at Angela@AngelaKhomes.com. You may also view my Katy Real Estate Search to view all MLS listings available in an around the surrounding areas!

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