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Apr
28

Katy Real Estate: Signs of a Real Estate Recovery

April 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

April 28, 2012 By Leave a Comment

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 2011… up 18.9% from the 586,900 starts in 2010… and up 25.9% from the record-low 554,000 starts in 2009.

Recovery Sign #2: Building Permits. In February, building permits – a proxy for future construction – climbed to an annual rate of 717,000 units. That was ahead of expectations. It also represents the highest level since October 2008.

Recovery Sign #3: Dwindling Inventory. Expect even more building on the horizon. Why? Because new home inventories plumbed their lowest level on record in January at 150,000 units.

Recovery Sign #4: Bidding Wars. The lack of inventory is creating a competitive bidding environment.

Recovery Sign #5: A Bottom in New Home Sales.  In most states new home sales have fallen.  Katy, Texas is lucky to be in an area of constant new growth!

Recovery Sign #6: A Rebound in Existing Home Sales

Recovery Sign #7: Prices.  Prices are typically the last sign of a recovery.  They are a lagging indicator like unemployment.

Recovery Sign #8: Rising Confidence. The National Association of Realtors/Wells Fargo Index of builder confidence climbed for the sixth month in March. It’s now at the highest level since 2007.

Recovery Sign #9: Historic Affordability.  With home prices down, and rent prices rising, it has never been cheaper to buy a home.  If fact a separate study by Trulia found it is now less expensive to buy than rent in 98 of America’s 100 most populous areas.

Recovery Sign #10: Employment.  Labor market is improving.  In the last eight months, the unemployment rate is down almost one full percentage point.

Recovery Sign #11: An Influx of “Smart Money.  Investors are making big bets on homebuilders.

Add all eleven of these factors together and it is clear, the real estate market has officially begun the road to recovery.

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

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

Apr
09

Katy Real Estate: Property Tax Appraisal Time is Here!

April 9, 2012 By 1 Comment

April 9, 2012 By 1 Comment

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 for the 2012 appraisal for your own property.  Please note:  not all appraisals have been posted yet, so do not be alarmed if your property has not been updated.  You can rest assured it is in the works.

If a property owner wishes to challenge their appraisal, they must postmark their Notice of Protest by May 31, 2012, unless otherwise announced by HCAD.  All appraisals are supposed to be completed and notices mailed to property owners by April 30, 2012.  Property owners have until January 31 of the following year to pay the taxes owed.

**At time of post, Fort Bend had not started posting appraisals but is expected to within the next few weeks**

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

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, Angela Kraushaar, at 713-253-5678 or at Angela@AngelaKhomes.com.

 

 

Feb
24

Cinco Ranch Real Estate: New Happenings!

February 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment

February 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Cinco Ranch has a new retail development coming and it is to be called Southpark at Cinco Ranch.  This new retail development will be anchored by Kroger and Academy.

  • This development is located in the “heart” of Cinco Ranch, and 8.074  acre Newland Communities Master-Planned Community
  • Cinco Ranch was named the Number 1 new home sales Master-Planned community in the U.S. in 2011
  • This is a regional site located at the intersection of 2 major roadways.  FM 1093 (Westpark Tollway) and FM 723/Spring Green, and is in close proximity to the Grand Parkway
  • The site is the “front door” on the south side of Cinco Ranch community. Fm 1093 (Westpark Tollway) is a major thoroughfare providing access from the east. FM 723 is a major north/south connector that runs south to Richmond/Rosenberg, bringing additional shoppers from that area. Spring Green runs north of FM 1093 and connects to Fry Road and Cinco Ranch Boulevard, major arteries within Cinco Ranch master-planned community.
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 page to view all MLS listings available in and around the surrounding areas!!

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.

 

 

Feb
09

Real Estate News: Houston Ranked Most Prosperous City

February 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

February 9, 2012 By Leave a Comment

For a while now we have all known how lucky we are to live in Katy, Texas. We have everything we need in our “little” community. Never do we have to venture far from the boundaries of the expansive Katy City Limits! The next best thing to living in Katy is to be within driving distance of Houston to find anything our city might be missing. Now Houston has an added bonus….

A new list that has come out today, ranks Houston as the most prosperous city in the whole United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics compared five years of data from the private sector employment of 100 cities. The Bayou City came in at number 1 (yes ONE!) for adding 109,000 private sector jobs in those five years. Three other Texas cities also made the top five–Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio.

Now the residents of Katy know for sure that they can live in the community of Katy, with the wonderful school district of KISD, and be within working distance of Houston, The Most Prosperous City in the United States!

View my Katy Real Estate page for more information on the homes in the area that might 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

Feb
07

Katy Real Estate: Are You in Danger of Being Foreclosed On?

February 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

February 7, 2012 By Leave a Comment

February 1, 2012, President Obama announced the details of a plan to help homeowners refinance their mortgages.  According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, this proposal will allow buyers to save an average of $3,000 a year by refinancing into loans backed by the FHA.  To be eligible, you must be current on your mortgage.

The plan is estimated to cost between $5 billion and $10 billion, which Obama plans to cover by charging a fee to large banks.

This refinancing plan is the most recent addition to Obama’s foreclosure prevention efforts, following the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) and the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP).  I blogged about this very program months ago, read my HARP blog.

Early indications are that the plan faces big challenges in Congress.  If you or someone you know are in mortgage trouble, please ask your lender to exhaust all options before going down the long foreclosure road!

View my Katy Real Estate page for more information on the homes in and around the area that may be of  interest you!

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.

 

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. 

 

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!!

 

 

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