• 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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Sep
14

Firethorne Real Estate: Host 2 Triathlons in One Weekend, Saturday Oct. 29

September 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

September 14, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Firethorne will host two triathlons in one weekend this October with its first-ever KiwanisKids Triathlon Series Race #9 for children on Saturday, October 29, 8 a.m., followed by the 19h Annual Katy Triathlon at Firethorne Sunday, October 30, 7:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.  Both USA Triathlon-sanctioned races will be positioned in and around the 1,400-acre Firethorne residential community on FM 1463, near the crossroads of the I-10 West corridor, Westpark Tollway and Grand Parkway in Katy/Fulshear.

“We are pleased to introduce the Kiwanis Kids Triathlon to Firethorne this year and welcome back the Katy Triathlon for the third year,” said Firethorne General Manager Wayne Meyer.  Organizers expect approximately 200 participants for the children’s race and 900 in the Katy Triathlon at Firethorne coming from throughout the Houston metropolitan area and the state.

The Katy Triathlon at Firethorne encompasses a 16-mile bike race, a three-mile run and a 500-meter swim in Lake Firethorne. Rotary Club of Katy has sponsored the Katy race for more than 10 years, according to President-Elect Dr. Ralph Brock.  The Club organizes more than 40 of its own member-volunteers, in addition to helpers from Cinco Ranch High School FBLA, Rotary Interact Club and Boy Scouts to orchestrate the Katy Triathlon.

The KiwanisKids Triathlon Series Race #9, open to children ages 6-12 (birth years 1999-2004), will vary its course length according to birth year/age group.  The swimming leg will be held in Firethorne’s new competitive lap pool.

The Sunday cycling route for adults will include sections of FM 1463 and US Hwy. 90 within the Katy city limits.

“Firethorne opened a six-lane, 25-yard-longcompetitive lap pool earlier this summer that is an ideal place for residents to train,” noted veteran Race Director Dave Rainey.

Katy Triathlon registration is open and continues through October 25.  The complete fee structure and deadlines are posted on the event website, www.katytriathlon.com.

The Rotary Club of Katy donates event proceeds to the Katy Rotary Fund, which supports local charities for their work in providing essential health, recreation and educational services to children in Katy ISD.  In July, the Rotary Fund awarded $21,000 in scholarships, $1,500 each to 14 graduating
seniors from the district’s six high schools. Race sponsorships, underwriters and in-kind underwriters are available.

View my Firethorne Real Estate page for more information on this up and growing community!

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

 

Sep
02

Katy Real Estate: Important Information Regarding Homestead Exemptions

September 2, 2011 By 1 Comment

September 2, 2011 By 1 Comment

The Texas Legislature has made significant changes to the requirements for homestead exemptions. These affect all types of homestead exemptions, not just the regular homestead exemptions. The changes also affect over-65 exemptions, over-55 surviving spouse exemptions (all of which are considered homestead exemptions). Any new applications as of September 1 must comply with all requirements, which are outlined here.

• The recent session of the Texas Legislature imposed rigorous new standards of mandatory disclosure for those property owners who apply for any one of several kinds of homestead exemptions.

• In order to receive a homestead exemption for property tax purposes, applicants must now provide a copy of their Texas driver’s license or Texas state-issued identification card and a copy of their vehicle registration receipt with their application for a homestead exemption.

• Moreover, the addresses shown on each of the documents must be the same as the address for which the homestead exemption is sought.

• Applications for the exemption that are submitted by August 31 will be processed under the pre-September 1 guidelines.

Homestead exemption documents are to be filled out after January 1 and before May 1st.   It is my understanding that you can not get a General Residential Homestead Exemption unless you owned the property on January 1st and you occupied it as your principal residence on January 1st and you or your spouse have not claimed a residence homestead on any other property.  This is a Texas Law!

View my Katy Real Estate page for more information on the homes in this continually growing community!

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

 

 

Aug
18

Firethorne Real Estate: 19th Annual Katy Triathlon Set for Sunday, Oct. 30

August 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

August 18, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Firethorne Homes will host the 19h Annual Katy Triathlon at Firethorne Sunday, October 30, 7:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.  The USA Triathlon-sanctioned race, the third largest co-ed triathlon in Texas, will be positioned in and around the 1,400-acre Firethorne residential community on FM 1463, near the crossroads of the I-10 West corridor, Westpark Tollway and Grand Parkway in Katy/Fulshear.

“We are pleased to welcome back the Katy Triathlon for the third consecutive year,” said Firethorne General Manager Wayne Meyer. Organizers expect approximately 900 participants from throughout the Houston metropolitan area and across the state.

The Katy Triathlon at Firethorne encompasses a 16-mile bike race, a three-mile run and a 500-meter swim in Lake Firethorne. Rotary Club of Katy has sponsored the Katy race for more than 10 years, according to President-Elect Dr. Ralph Brock.  The Club organizes more than 40 of its own member-volunteers, in addition to helpers from Cinco Ranch High School FBLA, Rotary Interact Club and Boy Scouts to orchestrate the Katy Triathlon.

The cycling route for adults will include sections of FM 1463 and US Hwy. 90 within the Katy city limits.

“Firethorne opened a six-lane, 25-yard-long competitive lap pool earlier this summer that is an ideal place for residents to train,” noted veteran Race Director Dave Rainey.

Katy Triathlon registration is open and continues through October 25.  The complete fee structure and deadlines are posted on the event website, www.katytriathlon.com.

View my Firethorne Real Estate page for more information on this up and growing community!

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

Aug
02

Katy Real Estate: 903 Fish Creek For Lease/Sale

August 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

August 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Tenants/Buyers, this home is better than new and has never been lived in! This 2 BR/ 2 1/2 bath Maplebrooke II floor plan has a 2 car garage! This townhome is
located in a prestigious gated community, Mason Creek Village,  located near hospitals, schools, shopping and major roadways. Kitchen features granite countertops, tile backsplash and all appliances including refrigerator. This complex has a community pool as well for those hot summer days!

Katy Real Estate: 903 Fish Creek Property Details

For More Information Or To Schedule A Showing Contact Angela Kraushaar

Listing Price: $1300 per month
Address: 903 Fish Creek
Subdivision: Mason Creek Village
City: Katy
State TX
Zip 77450
MLS # (if any): 12549465
Square Feet: 1,312
Bedrooms: 2
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

Jul
20

Seven Meadows Real Estate: 7122 Thistlewood Park Court

July 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

July 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Charming move-in ready one story David Weekley Home. This home features a covered patio, a childrens retreat and the Home Pest Defense capilary system.  Upgrades in this home include crown molding in the entry and master bedroom & tile laid on a 45 from the front door to the back door. This home is located in the award winning KISD, close to community parks, pools, trails, tennis and golf. Location, Location, Location! The added bonus w/ this home, a new GE SS French Door Fridge!

Seven Meadows Real  Estate: Thistlewood Park Court Property Details

For More Information Or To Schedule A Showing Contact Angela Kraushaar

Listing Price: $179,900
Address: 7122 Thistlewood Park Court
Subdivision: Seven Meadows
City: Katy
State TX
Zip 77494
MLS # (if any): 12653649
Square Feet: 1,975
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 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 Seven Meadows/Katy Area, please feel free to contact me, Angela Kraushaar, at 713-253-5678 or at Angela@AngelaKhomes.com.

Visit my Seven Meadows Real Estate page to view all of the areas homes and property for sale in this great subdivision!  If you would like to view homes in all Katy subdivisions, check out my Katy Real Estate home page.

Seven Meadows Real Estate Photos

Jul
13

Firethorne Real Estate: New Builder

July 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

July 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Firethorne Homes in Katy, Texas has added a new homebuilder to its team, M/I Homes.  M/I Homes is a Columbus, Ohio-based company, publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange.  M/I Homes has built more than 78,000 homes since 1976 in the Midwest, mid-Atlantic, the Carolinas and in Florida.  M/I Homes now build in both Houston and San Antonio.  The builder’s 60-foot lot model home will be constructed in the new Firethorne West Model Park.

“We are excited about our opportunity to partner with an established developer in a premier community like Firethorne.   This coveted area of Houston with easy access to I-10, beautiful amenities and nearby shopping has all the attributes that today’s homebuyers are seeking to satisfy their quality of life needs,” said Craig Westmoreland Area President, M/I Homes, Houston Division.  “It is our privilege to offer M/I quality built homes in Firethorne, along with other renowned builders.  We seek to complement the integrity of the Firethorne community,” he added.

M/I Homes’ one- and two-story homes, available in brick, stone and stucco exterior elevations, will range from 2,000 to 3,400 square feet and priced from the $220,000s. The builder’s signature features include soaring windows, rotundas, structural and designer options and a 30-year transferable structural warranty.

“We hand-select each of our builders based upon their high standards for design, quality, customer satisfaction and reputation,” said Firethorne General Manager Wayne Meyer.  Currently completing the Firethorne builder team is: Ashton Woods Homes, Coventry Homes, Highland Homes, Partners in Building, Perry Homes, Plantation Homes and David Weekley Homes.

View my Firethorne Real Estate page for more information on this up and growing community!

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

Jun
11

Katy Proper Real Estate: 929 Victoria Lakes Drive

June 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

June 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment

This home has two great views. Lake views from the covered front porch, and bayou views from the back porch! The downstairs study can be used as a 5th bedroom with a full bath. Bedroom 4 upstairs can be used as a gameroom! New 16 sear AC installed in 2010, as well as new outside paint and upgraded dishwasher. Sprinkler system front and back. All ducts have been cleaned, sanitized and sealed. Owners have also added a 1 year home warranty for your peace of mind. Wanted All Katy Tiger Fans!  This home is zoned to the highly acclaimed Katy Elementary, Katy Junior High and Katy High School!

Katy Proper Real Estate: Victoria Lakes Property Details

For More Information Or To Schedule A Showing Contact Angela Kraushaar

Listing Price: $165,000
Address: 929 Victoria Lakes Drive
Subdivision: Victoria Lakes
City: Katy
State TX
Zip 77493
MLS # (if any): 42495934
Square Feet: 2,406
Bedrooms: 4/5
Bathrooms: 3
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 Proper/Katy Area, please feel free to contact me, Angela Kraushaar, at 713-253-5678 or at Angela@AngelaKhomes.com.

Visit my Katy Proper Real Estate page to view all of the areas homes and property for sale in this great subdivision!  If you would like to view homes in all Katy subdivisions, check out my Katy Real Estate home page.

Katy Proper Real Estate Photos

Jun
09

Firethorne Real Estate: Firefish Swimmers Launch New Firethorne Competitive Pool

June 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

June 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Close to 90 Firethorne children are making a big splash on the Katy/Fulshear aquatics scene this summer as members of the first-ever Firethorne Firefish swim team. The fired-up Firefish, coached by former Katy High School swimmer and U.S. Swim Team Coach Erin Robichaux, enthusiastically jumped into their glistening new home team pool — feet first.

“We want the kids to enjoy the water during summer break,” said Firethorne Firefish Board President Doug Sturgis. “Recreational summer leagues are about having fun, not about how many yards a child can swim in a day,” said the former swimmer and coach who has been actively involved in recreational aquatic leagues for more than 20 years.

Firethorne Real Estate Amenities

The Firethorne Firefish team will host its first swim meet Saturday, June 11, 9 a.m. in their newly launched six-lane, 25-yard-long competitive swimming pool. The Firefish, whose members range in age from the “6 and Under” (20 children) to “13-14,” are one of 26 teams in the West Houston Aquatic League.

According to Firethorne Marketing Director Janet Burkett, Sturgis embodies the true spirit of community at Firethorne. “His children are on the Firethorne Firefish team and he stepped forward to preside over its board to share his expertise both as a former competitive swimmer and coach,” she said.

Sturgis first took to the water in sixth grade, inspired by 1972 Gold Medal Olympic Swimmer Mark Spitz. “I loved it from ‘Day One’,” he said. The young freestyle and backstroke swimmer joined an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team on the Navy Base where his family lived in Groton, CT in 1973. He practiced two to three hours a day.

During his high school years, Sturgis competed in summer swim leagues for his subdivision, Corey Woods, located in a suburb of Charleston, South Carolina. As a chemical engineering student at Clemson University, he returned to his former Corey Woods swim league as coach.

A resident of Firethorne since 2008, Sturgis, a logistics leader for Dow Chemical in Houston, has close to 90 young Firethorne residents signed up for a first-year team, with 20 under the age of six. “It’ll be interesting to see how the team grows,” said Sturgis, whose children, Tarin, 13, Luke, 11 and Noah, 9, are on the co-ed Firefish team. In some form or fashion, all eight of the Sturgis children have been on swim teams, including Katy High School graduate Levi, 19, who swam competitively for the school.

Sturgis noted how fortunate the Firefish team is to have such a high-level coach as Erin Robichaux. Born and reared in Katy, Robichaux swam on Katy High School varsity team for four years. She was awarded All-American, All-State, and All-District Honors three years in a row. A graduate of Texas State University with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science, she has served as the assistant coach and the head coach of the Cimarron Swim Team. She has been a coach with Katy Aquatics since October 2008.

In addition to the regulation lap pool and clubhouse, Firethorne’s Competitive Swim Center features a community center.

View my Firethorne Real Estate page for more information on this up and growing community!

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

Jun
01

Words of Wisdom: Storm Season and Buyers/Sellers of Katy Real Estate

June 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

June 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The time of year is here!  Storm Season…whether this includes tropical depressions, tropical storms or full blown hurricanes, you as a home buyer or seller of Katy Real Estate need to be aware of a few things that can affect your transaction.

Once the National Weather Service (NOAA) announces that a storm has crossed into the Gulf of Mexico 80 degree west longitude and 20 degree north latitude, basically just southeast of Cuba, the property insurance carriers (homes, buildings, equipment, auto’s, etc.) start the processing of restricting changes to existing insurance policies as well as suspending the writing of new policies, until 48 hours after the storm makes landfall or is downgraded from storm status.

Thankfully some, but not all, insurance carriers recognize that property closings (new acquisitions) do happen within the above suspension window and will allow the writing of some type of properties.

Katy Real Estate Insurance Facts

Please remember most insurance companies use the 80/20 box, (80 degree west longitude and 20 degree north latitude) but some have a larger box, meaning their suspensions start sooner, and also not all carriers will allow a home going through the closing process to be written.

As you would also suspect, nobody gets very much warning from Mother Nature, suffice to say plan ahead for delays in the home closing process from June 1st through November 1st which NOAA says and most carriers follow as the normal storm season.

Every carrier has various rules of what they will do and won’t do and I have not even touched on the subject as to when a given carrier determines when a “storm is a storm”.  Is it 50 mph wind, 45 mph, 65 mph, every carrier is different, some even don’t use the word storm, they say tropical depression.

The easiest way to avoid any delay is to tell your agent or the agent representing the other side to start the process ahead of time and to bind the coverage to start on a given day, that way it is technically already issued with a future date, if the closing date changes that is OK, the date can always be adjusted by a few days.  Buyers and sellers have been known to get to their closing date and have no insurance coverage delaying their closing for days and even weeks.  Be prepared!

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 atAngela@AngelaKhomes.com.  You may also view my Katy Real Estate Search to view all MLS listings available in an around the surrounding areas!

 

 

May
29

Falcon Ranch Real Estate: 24706 Cobble Canyon, Katy, Tx 77494 (For Lease)

May 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

May 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment

This beautiful home has been recently updated with new carpet and paint. Open floor plan with high ceilings and windows! Stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, iron staircase and tile flooring are just a few of this homes great features! Master bedroom down with dual vanities and sinks, whirlpool tub and separate shower. Huge gameroom upstairs with 3 spacious bedrooms and a full bathroom. The huge backyard is a plus. This home is in Pristine condition! It wont last long!

Falcon Ranch Real Estate:  24706 Cobble Canyon Property Details

For More Information Or To Schedule A Showing Contact Angela Kraushaar

Listing Price: $2000 per month
Address:  24706 Cobble Canyon
Subdivision:  Falcon Ranch
City: Katy
State TX
Zip 77494
MLS # (if any):    83570833
Square Feet: 2,510
Bedrooms: 4
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

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