You don’t have to go to Baskin Robbins or The Marble Slab to get The INSIDE SCOOP on FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER PROGRAMS (down payment assistance, etc) - (What are they? How do I get them?)  - PART 1: The Basics for getting down payment assistance, closing cost assistance, monthly/annual assistance on new homes in Katy, Cypress, Spring, Dickinson, Rosenberg, Houston, Tx. If you have you been asking yourself “What are first time homebuyer programs?  What are down payment assistance programs?”  “How do I get a special program for first time homebuyers?“  “Can I get down payment assistance or other special programs on a purchase of a new home?”   Then here are the basics 1)    What are these special first time programs that people are talking about? When someone wants to know about first time ho... 01/29/2011

  Do I need follow up staging appointment after DIY staging? I appreciate sellers who make a step forward and hiring Professional Home Stager for the staging consultation. Owner takes our advice and starts preparing their home for sale. It's a DIY project for them. We tell them what to buy and where, suggest color and accessories choices and furniture placements. I answer their questions in my e-mails and send them pictures of how certain spaces should look like. It sounds easy but when it comes to décor choices a lot of time sellers are not sure if they are buying right accessories or are not buying some important items at all. Than this is what we often see at the end. Nothing exiting! Does this house stand out in a competition? From many people the hose shows well. Yes that house is ... 01/11/2011

Part 3 of Mortgage Credit Certificates:  Tell me some more gol-dern details about that, dagnabbit! I want to know if I can use it when I purchase my GreenECO Builders home (Katy, Cypress, Spring, Dickinson, Rosenberg, Bacliff, Houston) - with the help of GreenSTART Home Club. Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC) Program Requirements All mortgage loan types are eligible to have Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCCs) attached to them BUT they have to be a part of the closing package. -  FHA, VA, USDA/RHS or conventional loan criteria and will be at prevailing market rates.. Purchase price and income limits, adjusted by household size apply. The homebuyer must also occupy the property as their principal residence.   Tax Credit (Mortgage Credit Certificate MCC) versus Tax Deduction All homebuye... 01/05/2011

Spring, Texas, TX, in Harris County, Time to File your Homestead Exemption .. Save on Taxes!    For those of you who purchased and occupided your new home in 2010, it is time to file your Homestead Exemption for Spring, TX. Do not be fooled by anything you get in the mail where companies offer to do it for you, it is so easy to do it yourself, do not pay to have it done! Do not miss this opportunity for a Tax Break! Property Tax Exemptions for Homeowners A homestead exemption helps you save on taxes on your home. An exemption removes part of the value of your property from taxation and lowers your taxes. For example, if your home is valued at $100,000 and you qualify for a $20,000 exemption, you pay taxes on your home as if it was worth only $80,000.   An Application for Residential Hom... 01/03/2011

FAQS-Purchasing a New Home with Down Payment Assistance, Closing Cost Assistance, Mortgage Credit Certificates, and other Special Programs in Katy, Cypress, Spring, Dickinson, Rosenberg, Houston, TX).  PART 3 Part 3:  How do you qualify for down payment assistance programs and other special first time homebuyer programs?           The Individual has to qualify for the down payment assistance program or other first time homebuyer program.      Each down payment assistance program or 1st time homebuyer program is different.  In general, of course you have to qualify on credit, and income.  Same as on a regular program.  But this states both too much, and not enough.  Each special program is different. In some ways, qualifying for a special program is stricter.  In some ways, it is easier.... 12/23/2010

I attended the Spring Klein chamber luncheon today.  Our speaker was Carl Pittman a Criminal Investigator/Deputy Sheriff at Harris County Sheriff's Office.  He spoke to us about business safety. He started out asking if there's was any CSI watcher's in the room.  Of course a bunch of hands went up.  He went on to say it is television; crimes are not solved in 38 minutes. As a criminal investigator he wants to make sure that he has solid evidence to make the most solid case possible so criminals are locked up for a long time. DNA is the fastest growing science in law enforcement.  Many cases would have gone unsolved except for DNA.  He told us that if we got up from our chairs his investigators could come in and swab the chairs and decipher who was sitting where.  Fingerprints use to be ... 12/07/2010

Take the Green STANDARD Challenge. Does YOUR New Home have these green features as standard? GreenECO Builders does. ENERGY STAR Builder in Katy, Cypress, Spring, Dickinson, Rosenberg, and Houston Texas  And GreenSTART Home Club can help you own one of them! 14 SEER Carrier HVAC with Puron  - Environmentally friendly refrigerants and 26% more energy efficient Radiant Barrier Decking  - Energy-Star rated, blocks up to 97% of radiant heat in the roofing materials from entering a home's attic in warm weather and helps keep heat from escaping during cold weather, can reduce the monthly energy required for heating and cooling by up to 17% Digital Programmable Thermostat - Honeywell Pro 8000 with humidity control R-38 Blown Insulation in Flat Ceilings - Superior insulation to reduce energy lo... 11/24/2010

Ducks at Hooks Airport.  This friendly ducks were having a fine time today in this beautiful weather here in Texas.  It was cool and crisp this morning about 55 degrees when I went past a bank in Tomball this morning at 10am. I think these ducks are smart enough to stay off the road at the airport, but when I left I drove very slowly through the parking lot, just in case. These ducks seem very content at their private lake at the airport. Here are some fall colors that are across the lake from the parking lot. The duck closest to me was a riot to watch, it was swimming, or should I say outswimming the other duck and opening and shutting his beak the whole time.  It was very cute.  It was almost like he was talking to her while he was swimming past her. 11/13/2010

    Old Town Spring 30th Annual Home for the Holidays in Old Town Spring begins on November 6, 2010 and runs through Christmas.  Old Town Spring is open year-round and there are plenty of things going on for the whole family - moms, dads and kids.  You can enjoy shopping at over 150 shops, listening to barber shop quartets and strolling musicians.  You can tour the museum.  There are train rides as well as horse and carriage rides.  And, during the Christmas holidays, of course, Santa will be on hand for photos.   Old Time Spring's annual Christmas tree lighting will begin around 6:00 p.m. (at dusk) on November 6.  It's literally like a step back in time.  Come out and escape the madness of the malls!   In case you have never been there, it's not your traditional shopping experience! Th... 10/31/2010

Danny's Trix and Kix is located in Spring TX at the corner of FM 2920 and Meadowhill. (between I-45 and Falvel) Halloween is of course their busy time of the year as you can see by the full parking lot. I had to drive around the store twice to find a place to park. They both rent and sale costumes and have all the accessories to go with your costume including wigs, beard's, masks, eyelashes, boas, scarves, makeup, hats etc. They have sizes from infants to plus sizes. They also have a large gift selection. They have over the hill gifts, novelties and gag gifts. With a large selection of theatrical supplies this is the place to go if you are in the theater.  They have a large selection of make up etc. for stage productions. If you are interested in magic they have a large magic trick and ... 10/28/2010

Click on the interactive map of new homes just listed for sale in Spring Texas, suburb of Northwest Houston, Texas. Homes in Spring Texas See these 77379 Homes for Sale on Zillow Get this widget 10/25/2010

Glenn Haven Estates in Spring TX is a small well kept community conveniently located off of Spring Cypress Road between Champion Forest Drive and Stuebner Airline Road.  This makes easy access to State Highway 249. As you drive in off of Spring Cypress you will notice the serene water fountain with reflecting pond. As you drive a little farther you will find the community park with gorgeous huge oak trees that provide shade for the children at play. With only 181 homes Glenn Have Estates has that small subdivision feel you just don't get in the mega subdivisions. Home prices range from $200,000 to $450,000.  Square footage ranges from a low of around 2400 square feet to homes with almost 5000 square feet. Homes were built between 2000 and 2007. If you are looking for a subdivision that ... 10/23/2010

What would be the motivator to get one up early on an Autumn Saturday morning to go across town to sit in the sun? Easy! Grandsons! For him it is a major event. For us, a semi weekly T ball game.   Getting there early enough to park is of major importance. Being able to park close to the appointed field is however an impossibility. When you think about that many kids on that few fields which in this case were where a once forested area was, the sheer numbers will boggle your mind. Under the circumstances, one should be happy to be parked in the same hemisphere.   The kids were all brightly arrayed in red shirts, belts and red socks with white trousers. White is the all time perfect color for playing a game spent rolling and sliding. It keeps the Clorox industry in business. Wonder if th... 10/16/2010

Spring Trails continues to be a strong performer even though we are in the slower fall season.  Here are the year-to-date statistics: ACTIVE LISTING FOR RESALES:                           47 ACTIVE LISTINGS FOR NEW HOMES:                    23 PENDING CONTRACTS FOR RESALES:                     4 PENDING CONTRACTS FOR NEW HOMES:              14 SOLD RESALES AS OF OCTOBER 15, 2010:           30 SOLD NEW HOMES AS OF OCTOBER 15, 2010:      64 New home sales are outpacing resale properties which is to be expected.  Buyer incentives, long-term warranties that come with purchasing a new home, and the simple fact that buying a new home is very appealing to most buyers are some of the reasons supporting the overall strong performance of new home sales in Spring Trails. Pricing, added amenities a... 10/15/2010

 SOLD, 22777 Lain Road, in Spring, Texas.  This beautiful home in Spring is on 1 acre of unrestricted land and includes its own pasture.  This property closed on September 30th, 2010.  It has a great covered porch on the front so the owners can sit and watch the ducks in the pond across the street. This view of the HUGE living room shows the wonderful flooring and fireplace.  You can see a bit of the raised ceiling as well. A great country kitchen with an island and corner pantry.   Here is a shot of the pasture.  I asked the new owner if they had horses, and she said they didn't, but now they can if they choose to later on. My listings are selling and I would be happy to help you sell yours too.  Call or email me today so we can get the process started. 10/02/2010

The Retreat at Gleannloch Farms is a new upscale gated townhome community in Spring, Texas.  For maintenance free  luxury townhome living, come view the new Brighton Homes in the piney woods of Spring, Texas at Gleannloch Farms.  The Retreat at Gleannloch Farms is part of the well established Master Planned community of Gleannloch Farms in Spring, Texas.  Gleannloch Farms abounds with all the amenities that new homebuyers are looking for. From the golf course to enjoy everyday to the miles of hiking and biking and 41 acres of lakes provide a healthy and active lifestyle for your entire family! An equestrian center, built as a tribute to the original Arabian horse farm from the 1950's, is conveniently located inside Gleannloch Farms.       Children will attend Klein Schools, one of the t... 09/14/2010

Texas Magnolias are now budding in Spring Texas! 09/08/2010

Pico de Gallo is a Mexican relish consisting of mainly tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and lime juice.  My husband Gerry has made his own special version by adding more ingredients as follows: 1 small white onion 2 medium tomatoes 2 medium jalapenos 1 small avocado 1/2 tsp minced garlic 1 small mango juice of small lime Cut up all the ingredients above into small pieces (diced), except garlic (minced).  Combine in a bowl, add salt & pepper per taste and sprinkle with lime juice.  Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for all the ingredients to macerate. It's delicious topped on a burger, as a complement to grilled chicken, baked fish, or your favorite dish. Double the recipe for a party size quantity. Enjoy a great taste without the calories! 09/06/2010

My tenant in Spring Texas called last Thursday evening saying that there was water all over the floor in the bathroom & water was also dripping down from the A/C vents downstairs!  When my husband Gerry and I arrived at the house that evening, sure enough water had saturated the carpet upstairs and about an inch of water was standing in the bathroom.  The tenant had already placed towels around the floor to soak up the water, but the water was still high. I told her to mop up the excess water, but she said " I don't have a mop."  Really?  I thought everybody had a mop! She said, "I'll have to go buy one." I immediately contacted the insurance company in the morning and I was told to call a water extraction company to clean up the water damage.  They came out that afternoon & installed s... 08/27/2010

Just in time for back to school!  Move into your new home before school starts August 23, 2010! One story brick home in well established Colony Creek subdivision in Spring, TX.  Enjoy all the amenities of Colony Creek - swimming pool, tennis courts, community center, free WIFI, jogging trail and children's playground. Kleb Elementary school is within walking distance.  Klein Independent School District is one of the top 3 highly acclaimed school districts in Harris County! Open House Sunday August 15 from 2-5pm.  For Sale at $139,000 or for least at only $1,275 plus deposit.  Owner has added a jacuzzi and decking in the private backyard.  Outdoor lighting, sprinkler system.  Front porch. Very clean! 9207 Prairie Trails, Spring TX 77379 Colony Creek Subdivision Entertain with style in yo... 08/14/2010