Form Follows Function the Design Theme for 2016

“Form follows function,” an idea that Louis Sullivan, the founder of modernism, brought to light with his breakthrough in building design. Form Follows Function the Design Theme for 2016 and adapting existing form to fit more tightly to the new function of rooms is a trend we will continue to see in real estate in general, but also on the small-scale of patterns for particular rooms.

Kitchens and bathrooms have historically been areas of the home that see the results of adaptability first. Countertops get replaced with more “modern” materials, cabinets are like a Rubik’s Cube for personal preference. In bathrooms, sink fixtures and bath or shower enclosures evolve along with innovation. The introduction of necessary accessories like low-flow toilets or showerheads have led movements based on environmental concerns, with adaptations of the original to follow.

“Micro-housing” is dotting the unique culture of urban landscape. This minimal-space dwelling might not be the ideal scenario for everyone, but we can see it influencing broader trends in interior design. Micro-housing is the ultimate exercise in function determining form and design.

The ensuing trends encompass five essential aspects:

1. Effortless user experience. We see this phrase related to e-commerce shopping surveys, because if the site were difficult to navigate, we wouldn’t be returning anytime soon. Kitchens are embarking on the same journey. Make the space accessible and user-friendly.

2. Open shelving. In micro-housing, shelf or cabinet doors take up space, so why not just remove them? For bathrooms and kitchens alike, open shelving provides sleek, clean design lines as well as a flexible structural component.

3. Uber-neutral color palettes. The resurgence of black, white and gray continues into 2016 for both kitchens and bathrooms. Variations of white for wall colors with accents or hardware/appliances in grayscale remain perpetually chic design aesthetics.

4. Incorporation of technology. Mobile devices are just that — mobile. They go everywhere. Kitchens and bathrooms are using technology both in design and accommodation. Docking stations and Bluetooth-enabled controls will find their way into more kitchens and bathrooms. Invest now in power strips or showerheads that play music to stay current.

5. Furniture-look pieces. Countering the adaptation of technology is the continuing trend of furniture in the kitchen and bathroom. Furniture pieces like dressers provide shelving options while softening potential overly rigid design schemes.

Kitchens and bathrooms are the forerunners of reusing existing spaces in the house. High-use areas demand the judicious application of alteration. In other words: change it up, make it yours.

Clean lines and simple colors add a rejuvenated ambiance to any room. Plus, for you to appreciate this new space, clutter has to be minimal. In the new year, you will win the clutter battle!

Rayford Crossing Shopping Center

Residents along the Grand Parkway and Riley Fuzzel corridor can look forward to many new stores coming soon. Several restaurants and business are planned for the Rayford Crossing Shopping Center. The proposed plans include: Walmart, AT&T, UPS, Chipotle, Whataburger, Bank of America, Pollo Loco, Starbucks,Today’s Vision, Mattress Firm, and Pet Supplies Plus.

The Rayford Crossing Shopping Center once complete will be located at the corner of Rayford Road and the Grand Parkway. According to site plans, several spaces remain available for lease.

Grand Parkway Builders of the next major stretch of the massive third freeway loop, from U.S. 290 to U.S. 59 north of Houston, confirmed that significant rains earlier this year pushed back the opening of any new segments in 2015. The focus now remains on Grand Parkway Plans to Open First Quarter 2016. Read here for more details.

Grand Parkway - Hopes of opening First Quarter 2016

Builders of the next major stretch of the massive third freeway loop, from U.S. 290 to U.S. 59 north of Houston, confirmed that significant rains earlier this year pushed back the opening of any new segments in 2015.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle

“We had 60-to-90 days where we pumped water out,” said Joe Wilson, construction manager for Zachry-Odebrecht Parkway Builders, and despite “a great September and really strong October,” they could not make their end of the year goals.

The focus now remains on opening in the first quarter of 2016. The details of each segment opening dates are still being worked out.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle

The 38 miles of construction zone on the Grand Parkway, has come with challenges, particularly the enormous amount of rain the Houston area received in May and June. Segment G of the parkway – the current project encompasses segments F1, F2 and G – was “totally exposed” during the rainy months, said Wilson.

Excavations and clearings from Interstate 45 to U.S. 59 basically became mud holes. Additionally the underpass at FM 2920, also fared poorly in the storms.

Photo: Michael Ciaglo, Houston Chronicle

Along the project, tasks such as new curbs and medians at local street crossings are underway including final checks of overpasses. It is a welcome sign to see the last phases come together and an indication of things to come. Source: Chron.com

Breakfast and Pictures with Santa - December 5th

December 05, 2015 @ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

The South Montgomery County YMCA at Creekside, the Montgomery County Food Bank and the Woodlands Online, are joining forces to bring you the ultimate Christmas celebration at the Annual Breakfast & Pictures with Santa event on Saturday, December 5 between 9:00 a.m. and noon located at 6464 Creekside Forest Dr., Spring, TX 77389.

Breakfast will be served from 9:00 and 10:00 a.m. Admission will be a non-perishable food item for donation to benefit the Montgomery County Food Bank.

Bring the entire family to enjoy breakfast and photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus, balloon artists, face painting, holiday movies, arts and crafts, the Kids Holiday Play Area, and much more to get you in that holiday spirit!

We look forward to seeing you at the Annual Breakfast & Pictures with Santa!

First Time Home Buyer Mistakes - Diamond Homes Realty

First Time Home Buyer Mistakes

If you are a first time home buyer, it can be a bit intimidating. Purchasing a home is a huge investment. As your expert real estate team, we are here to guide you along your journey to home ownership. We make sure you are fully aware of the in’s and outs when purchasing your first home.

Don’t Look For A Home Before You Get A Loan– When you finally make the decision to purchase a new home, the excitement sets in! Often times first time home buyers go into purchasing a home without fully thinking about the financial commitment they are about to get into.

This is one of the biggest mistakes 1st home buyers make. Often time’s people go out searching for a home based on a price they think they could qualify for. The problem is many times that number is way off from reality. Don’t be afraid to ask what you can qualify for, even if you can’t qualify for a loan for the type of home you are looking for at least you’ll know and won’t waste your time. Also, most seller’s require a pre-approval letter to be submitted with any offer. If you are a pre-approved buyer it gives you a big advantage since there are no guessing games. That way you have more leverage in negotiations.

Don’t Jump Into Buying A Home Without A Professional– Many times 1st time home buyers get overly excited with purchasing a home and over look this very important thing. The home buying process is full of tiny details and fine print, so going into blindly can really cost you. We pride ourselves in giving you the best advice and make sure you are not walking into anything you don’t want or need. Also it is important to know the local housing trends. They change constantly and we have the knowledge and expertise to make sure you get the best deal for your budget.

Buying a home is usually one of the biggest investments in anyone’s life, make sure you are well informed. As your 5 STAR rated real estate team, we will guide you in the right direction. Click Here to read what our clients have to say!

Don’t Use Your Entire Life Savings For A Down Payment – This is another huge mistake 1st time home buyers make. Don’t let the excitement of owning a new home put you in a bad financial situation. Life has a strange way of giving us surprises and the last thing you want is to be in a situation where you don’t have any money because all of it went to into your down payment. Every situation is different, but it might be smarter to pay less on a down payment, and then have slightly higher monthly payments, rather then putting all your money in on a down payment.

Consider All Aspects of a Home– Sometimes 1st time home buyers find a home and focus in on only one aspect they love about the home. It could be the neighborhood, it could be a pool in the yard or newly remodeled kitchen. This however could make them blind to other issues in the home. The important part is to remember when you are purchasing a home you buy the whole house. While everything in the home doesn’t have to be 100% perfect, try to take the emotion out of the process, and keep a non-biased view of every property you look at.

The Woodlands Market Street Annual Tree Lighting

The Woodlands Market Street Annual Tree Lighting Event is tonight, November 19th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM!

Kick off the holiday season with a soaring, 70-foot Christmas tree, synchronized to twinkling lights and holiday music! This gorgeous giant will be unveiled on Thursday, November 19 at 6 p.m. as part of the “Luxury in Lights” celebration.

Hundreds once again will gather to witness the first “performance” of Market Street’s Christmas tree and the more than 25,000 multi-colored lights adorning the destination’s Central Park. The “Luxury in Lights” presentation will continue nightly throughout the holiday season.

This event is free and open to the public!

As part of the evening’s festivities, one deserving family or individual, nominated as the 2015 Official Lighting Luminary, will light the tree in front of the cheering crowd.

Kicking off a holiday season of events, the celebration continues with live musical performances, entertainers and holiday carriage rides.

Traditional horse-drawn carriage rides will be available in front of the Cinemark Theater and will operate from 6 – 9 pm. Rides are $10 per person; children ages 12 and under are $5.

Veterans Day 2015- Restaurant Freebies in The Woodlands, TX.

Veterans Day 2015- Restaurant Freebies in The Woodlands, TX.

Many Houston-area restaurants and businesses will be rolling out the red carpet for former and current military personnel.

In all cases, diners will need to provide proof of service.

If the restaurant is part of chain, call ahead to make sure the store is honoring the promotion. Also ask about the hours of availability.

Del Frisco’s Grille – Free appetizer. Also Saint Arnold Brewing Co is taking over the taps and 25% of beer sales will go to the non-profit Operation Homefront. Location: 1900 Hughes Landing, The Woodlands 281-465-0300

Olive Garden-Enjoy a free entree that includes unlimited salad and breadsticks. Family member dining with them receive a 10% discount on their meals. Check your nearest location Olive Garden.

IHop-from 7 am to 7 pm, veterans and active military will receive one free stack of Red, White, and Blue pancakes. Find the nearest location atihop.com

Bar Louie-Receive your choice of a free appetizer or entree for active military or veterans. Located at 24 Waterway Ave, The Woodlands 281-719-1900

Texas Roadhouse- Free lunch from select menu. Dine-in only. Find the nearest location here.

California Pizza Kitchen – Veterans and active military will receive a free entree from a select menu. Dine-in only. Find the nearest location at cpk.com

Proposition 1- Texas Homestead Exemption

The Texas Homestead Exemption for School District Property Taxes Amendment, Proposition 1 is on the November 3, 2015 ballot in Texas as a legislatively referred constitutional amendment.

Voting yes would increase the homestead exemption from $15,000 to $25,000.

Voting no would not change the current homestead exemption of $15,000.

Introduction

Depending on their district, homeowners would save an average of between $120 and $130 per year, which would cost the state about $1.2 billion in tax revenue for school districts over two years. Senate Joint Resolution 1, the enabling legislation, would make up for the lost revenue by entitling school districts to additional state aid from the Foundation School Fund.

The proposition also maintains the additional $10,000 exemption for seniors and disabled homeowners already awarded under current law, along with the proposed increase for all other homeowners.

The exemption was last increased in 1997, when voters approved Proposition 1.

The amendment would take effect January 1, 2016.

Click Here to find out more

How will that impact homeowners’ tax bills?

How much Texas homeowners would save depends on the tax rate of their school district, averaging between $120 and $130. The Texas Tribune created an interactive database found here that allows users to calculate how much they would save based on their district. The database uses 2014 data collected from the Comptroller’s Office and the news organization reported that school districts unlikely changed their rates in 2015. However, because property values are quickly rising, homeowners might not have a lower property tax bill, but one that increased slightly less because of the savings from the homestead exemption.

Ballot title

The official ballot title is:

“

The constitutional amendment increasing the amount of the residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes from $15,000 to $25,000, providing for a reduction of the limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed for those purposes on the homestead of an elderly or disabled person to reflect the increased exemption amount, authorizing the legislature to prohibit a political subdivision that has adopted an optional residence homestead exemption from ad valorem taxation from reducing the amount of or repealing the exemption, and prohibiting the enactment of a law that imposes a transfer tax on a transaction that conveys fee simple title to real property.

”

 Summary analysis

The council’s summary analysis reads:

“

S.J.R. 1 proposes an amendment to the Texas Constitution to increase the portion of the market value of a residence homestead that is exempt from ad valorem taxation for public school purposes from $15,000 to $25,000. In addition, the proposed amendment provides for a reduction of the limitation on the total amount of ad valorem taxes that may be imposed for those purposes on the homestead of an elderly or disabled person to reflect the increased exemption amount. The proposed amendment also authorizes the legislature to prohibit the governing body of a political subdivision that has adopted an exemption from ad valorem taxation of a percentage of the market value of a residence homestead from reducing the amount of or repealing the exemption. Finally, the proposed amendment prohibits the legislature from imposing a transfer tax on a transaction that conveys fee simple title to real property.

”

Enabling legislation

The amendment was placed on the ballot via SJR 1. However, Senate Bill 1 was the enabling legislation for SJR 1. SB 1 will become void if voters reject the constitutional amendment. The enabling legislation would amend the Tax Code and Education Code. Changes to the Tax Code would be made to bring the statutes in line with changes made to the constitution. Modifications to the Education Code would primarily address making up revenue reductions caused by increased homestead exemptions by increasing the state’s share of education funding.

Tax bill

In Texas, local tax bills are sent out to residents around October 1 each year. This is before voters cast their ballots on the proposed constitutional amendment. However, the amendment would apply to the 2015 taxes. To remedy this issue, SB 1 requires a school district’s tax assessor to compute a provisional tax bill for property owners using the current $15,000 and the proposed $25,000 homestead exemption. The provisional tax bill would include a statement about the proposed exemption increase. The tax bill will read:

“

If the amount of the exemption from ad valorem taxation by a school district of a residence homestead had not been increased by the Texas Legislature, your tax bill would have been $____ (insert amount equal to the sum of the amount calculated under Section 26.09(c-1) based on an exemption under Section 11.13(b) of $15,000 and the total amount of taxes imposed by the other taxing units whose taxes are included in the bill). Because of action by the Texas Legislature increasing the amount of the residence homestead exemption, your tax bill has been lowered by $____ (insert difference between amount calculated under Section 26.09(c-1) based on an exemption under Section 11.13(b) of $15,000 and amount calculated under Section 26.09(c-1) based on an exemption under Section 11.13(b) of $25,000), resulting in a lower tax bill of $____ (insert amount equal to the sum of the amount calculated under Section 26.09(c-1) based on an exemption under Section 11.13(b) of $25,000 and the total amount of taxes imposed by the other taxing units whose taxes are included in the bill), contingent on the approval by the voters at an election to be held November 3, 2015, of a constitutional amendment authorizing the residence homestead exemption increase. If the constitutional amendment is not approved by the voters at the election, a supplemental school district tax bill in the amount of $____ (insert difference between amount calculated under Section 26.09(c-1) based on an exemption under Section 11.13(b) of $15,000 and amount calculated under Section 26.09(c-1) based on an exemption under Section 11.13(b) of $25,000) will be mailed to you.

”

If the amendment is rejected in November, tax assessors will send new bills explaining the tax exemption will remain $15,000.

Education spending

Since SJR 1 would increase the homestead exemption on property taxes levied by school districts, schools would lose about $1.24 billion statewide over two years.SB 1 was designed to remedy this funding decrease. A school district would be entitled to additional state aid from the Foundation School Fund. In other words, SB 1 would increase the state government’s share of funding education.

Background

Proposition 1

Texas School Property Tax Relief, Proposition 1 (August 1997)

The last time the homestead exemption on school property taxes was increased was 1997. Nearly 94 percent of voters approved Proposition 1. Like the 2016 Proposition 1, this measure was referred to the ballot by the legislature and increased the exemption from $5,000 to $15,000. It costed the state $511 million to keep schools from losing tax revenue.

Be Our Guest Fall Fest

The Woodlands First Baptist Church – On Saturday, October 31 from  5:30 – 8:00 pm, you are invited to a fun, free, family event.

There will be inflatables, rock climbing, snow play with Olaf, Princess and Star Wars Character Signing, and candy to take home after all the fun!

Come dressed as your favorite character and bring a friend!

Location: 11801 Grogan’s Mill Road, The Woodlands, TX 77380

Visit the Official Facebook Page for more details.

Would you like to VOLUNTEER? Click here to sign up!

Houston Housing Market Despite Oil Slump

Houston Housing Market Despite Oil Slump

According to the Houston Association of Realtors, Houston’s housing market appears to be “holding its own,” although there are some signs of a slowdown amid the oil slump.

In the Houston metropolitan area, there were more homes listed and sold at higher prices this year, according to the recent monthly housing report. Here is a snapshot from HAR’s September report, released Oct. 14:

6011 N Ossineke – $509,900 Benders Landing Estates

Home prices: Houston median home prices increased 4.5% over the last year, to $208,000, a new September record high. Homes priced between $150,000 and $500,000 saw moderate sales increases..

Home supply: Home buyers may not have to compete as hard for homes, as the supply of homes on the market is growing. Months of inventory is steady at 3.5 months since July, up from 2.6 months in January. Active listings rose 17.6% compared to September 2014.

“September showed a bit more vitality than August, and considering that we are comparing to a record 2014 sales year and remain in a climate of energy-related layoffs, I’d say that the Houston real estate market is truly holding its own,” said Nancy Furst, HAR Chairwoman and Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway. “Sales inventory has been stable for the past three months and we expect it to grow in the last quarter of 2015.”

According to HAR, Houston’s housing market saw gains across the board in September, however, there are signs that the market is cooling.

Longer days on market: Houston homes are staying on the market a little longer. The average number of days it took to sell a home was 49 days in September 2015, compared to 48 days in September 2014.

Lower sales among low- and high-end homes: Fewer homes were sold below $150,000 and above $500,000. Townhomes and condominium sales fell 4.5 percent in September. In addition, Houston’s luxury market is slipping, although it is still among the hottest nationally.

In September, Houston Realtors sold 8,024 single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums worth about $2.1 billion. Source: Paul Takahashi Houston Business Journal.

The Woodlands Children's Festival 2015

The 20th Annual Children’s Festival

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — The 20th Annual Children’s Festival presented by ExxonMobil takes place Nov. 14 & 15, 2015. Families are invited to come out and play as The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion is transformed into a giant playground. With performers on multiple stages, characters meet and greets and activities located all around the venue, there’s surely something for everyone to enjoy.

Performing on the Pepsi Main Stage is Riff Rockit, a live action children’s entertainer who performs music the entire family can enjoy. Best described as part of the growing musical genre known as “kindie rock,” Riff Rockit’s songs are both inspirational and educational, set to rockin’ music that is not dumbed down. Also on the Pepsi Main Stage, grab your hardhat and tool belt! It’s time to go to the construction site with Bob the Builder. Both Riff Rockit and Bob the Builder perform on Saturday and Sunday with meet and greets available after their performances.

One of only six certified LEGO® Master Builders in the world, Brandon Griffith will be in the CB&I SEAD Zone (Science, Engineering, Arts & Design) on Saturday and Sunday with some of his elaborate creations. Griffith will be building two commissioned pieces while on site, including a replica of The Pavilion. He will also have an interactive area where kids can play with LEGO® bricks and learn how to become a master builder.

In the Meet & Greet area, kids have the opportunity to meet the Teenage Mutant Nina Turtles and Barbie multiple times per day. For meet and greet times, visit the website atwww.thewoodlandscenter.org.

Kids are encouraged to unleash their inner artist and create their own masterpieces in The Villager’s Arts Alley. They will learn about lines, colors, shapes, patterns,unity, balance and more by using these elements to make imaginative creations.

Just around the corner from the Pepsi Main Stage, enjoy hands-on arts and crafts, games, costumed characters and more in the amusing creative zones all around The Pavilion. Experiment with science-related activities in the FMC Technologies STEAM Zone (Science Technology, Engineering, Arts & Mathematics) featuring the Houston Children’s Museum and Fidelity Investments, with free balloons, hat making, performances on the Aramark Community Stage and more.

Take a walk through the Anadarko Adventure Zone for wild outdoor activities including a petting zoo and fun inflatables. Interact with professional sports teams like the Houston Texans and Houston Dynamo and test your speed with Bubble Runners. Stop by the Texas Children’s Hospital Healthy KidZone, where kids can learn about health and physical fitness in a fun, interactive way from a variety of local businesses and organizations. Explore an ambulance and enjoy games and activities like martial arts, gymnastics and more.

The Activity Tent is the place to be for train rides, more hands-on activities and games organized by local businesses including brain teasers, a coloring contest, instrument petting zoo and more. At the top of The Pavilion hill, the iFly Zone is filled with excitement. Build and fly your own kite, dig for gold and participate in parachute races.

For everything you need to know about Children’s Festival, please visit www.woodlandscenter.org or call 281-364-3010. You don’t want to miss it!

Admission is $8 per person in advance or $10 per person at the door. Children age 2 and under are free of charge.All activities and performances are included in the price of admission. Tickets can be purchased at The Pavilion Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com, by calling 800-745-3000, or the day of the event. Children age 2 and under are free. Picnics are welcome, but beverages cannot be brought into the venue. Concessions will be open.

Preferred parking is available in the on-site Town Center Garage, located along Six Pines Drive. Parking is $10 per vehicle and tickets for on-site parking can be purchased in advance at all Ticketmaster locations and The Pavilion Box Office. Guests also may park in any of the five free parking lots on the southwest side of The Pavilion. The free, color-coded lots are connected to The Pavilion by corresponding pathways with signs leading across The Waterway.

If you would like more information about The Pavilion, please visit www.woodlandscenter.org or look for The Pavilion on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+ and Blogger. Or download The Pavilion’s iOS or Android app. Source: The Woodlands Online

Memorial Hermann 10 for Texas traffic impact

THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS  – The 10th Annual Memorial Hermann 10 for Texas 10-mile road race is set for Saturday, October 10, 2015, beginning at 7 a.m.. On this day, up to 3,100 runners will race through The Woodlands, as they make their way to the finish line in Market Street.  To ensure runner and spectator safety, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office will be responsible for closing and re-opening lanes. There will be deputy officers at every intersection along the race route. The officers will allow cars through when there is a safe opportunity. Please allow extra time if you have somewhere to be on Race Day.

2015 Lane Closures:  The outside lane of the following streets will be closed to automobile traffic from 6 to 10:30 a.m. to accommodate runners:  Six Pines Drive: southbound, Lake Woodlands Drive to Riva Row Riva Row: westbound, Six Pines Drive to Grogan’s Mill Road The inside lane of the following streets will be closed to automobile traffic from 6 to 10:30 a.m. to accommodate runners: Grogan’s Mill Road: northbound, Riva Row to Lake Woodlands Drive Lake Woodlands Drive: westbound,Grogan’s Mill Road to Cochran’s Crossing Drive Lake Woodlands Drive: eastbound, Cochran’s Crossing Drive to Six Pines Drive If you plan to travel on Race Day morning, please allow yourself extra time. Traffic flow is estimated to be interrupted for 15 to 20 minutes until 10:30 a.m.

To view current route maps, please visit The Woodlands Township. For more information, please call the dedicated traffic hotline at 281-210-2099 for traffic-related questions. This number will be answered 24 hours a day. Inquiries may also be emailed to races@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

A Professional Home Inspection Is Key when Selling a Home

A Professional Home

Inspection Is Key when Selling a Home

When selling a home in The Woodlands, TX, a homeowner will likely have to agree to a professional inspection before the sale is concluded.

Generally, a home buyer pays for the inspection, which is performed by a licensed home inspector. There is usually an agreement that the buyer of the home can terminate a contract if serious mechanical or structural problems are detected during the inspection.

Professional conducts a home inspection

Because a home inspection can be the deal breaker for any sale, it’s important for the seller to prepare properly. Sometimes, homeowners opt for a pre-inspection, to find problems in advance and have them fixed prior to the official inspection, so they can assure a buyer — as well as themselves — that the price they are asking is fair.

Common Defects

A number of issues can cause an offer to be withdrawn, but these defects should be righted and repaired before the inspection:

• Untidy property —Make sure the house is clean and neat indoors and out, and the yard is well kept.
• Ceiling stains —Don’t just fix the stain; find the source of leaking water and fix it.
• Bathroom vented improperly —Some homes vent moisture into an attic rather than outdoors, and that moisture can cause mold. Any place where mold is found should be cleaned up, and the source of moisture eliminated.
• Leaking and slow drains, dripping faucets and backed-up toilets — Hire a professional plumber to address issues with pipes, water flow, and plumbing issues.
• Foundation cracks — Cracks in walls or foundation may signal foundation and structural problems.

Preparing for an Inspection

Before the professional inspector comes, there are some things the seller can do:

• If the home is vacant, leave the power on so that systems can be turned on.
• Light bulbs and fixtures should be working so the inspector can easily look at all areas of the home.
• 
• Thin out closets and clear clutter. If you have a basement, move furniture or boxes away from walls so the inspector can look for cracks.
• Leave service tags on the furnace for inspection.

For more on selling a home in The Woodlands TX, be sure to contact The Texan Realtor Team today. Our dedicated team of real estate professionals stands above the rest.

Home Search by School

Home Search by Schools in The Woodlands and Spring, TX

The Woodlands and Spring, TX

When searching for a new home, sometimes the hardest part is deciding where to focus based on which school your children will be going to.

Here at The Texan Realtor Team, we have made it easy to find current homes for sale, based the school district or individual school you choose. Visit our free tool by clicking the image below to help you get your home search started today.

We are more than happy to help you with your home search and can customize a website just for you, filled with current homes for sale based on your wants and needs. Send us your Dream Home criteria, we’re ready to work to find you the perfect new home in The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe and surrounding communities!

Concert Series at The Woodlands Waterway Square

Concert Series at The Woodlands

Waterway Square

Live At Night

The popular concert series “Live at Night” returns this fall to Waterway Square in The Woodlands with live outdoor music every Saturday, September 12 – October 10, 2015, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Hazy Ray presents its alternative and funk-rock sounds on September 19 followed by Blues Brothers songs from tribute band The Rubber Biscuits Band on September 26 and the acoustic and rock tunes of The Guppies on October 3. The fall “Live at Night” schedule wraps up on October 10 with sounds from The .07 Blues Band, a unique blues show band.

All ages are welcome at this free, family-friendly event produced by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Paid covered parking is available in the 24 Waterway Parking Garage (located at corner of Fountain Plaza & Lake Robbins Drive), the Waterway Square Parking Garage (between Fountain Plaza and Woodloch Court) and the surface parking lot along the corner of Waterway Avenue and Timberloch Place. “Live at Night” attendees will also find limited, free curbside parking along Lake Robbins Drive, Waterway Avenue, Waterway Square Place, and Timberloch Place.

Source: Woodlands Online

Counties and Nonprofit Piece Together Spring Creek Greenway

Spring Creek Greenway may already be one of the longest contiguous forested greenways in the nation. Harris County and the Bayou Land Conservancy, however, continue to work on land acquisitions and trail projects to connect the land preserves and trail systems along the entire 30-plus-mile stretch of the creek.

Harris County projects
Dennis Johnston, parks director for Harris County Precinct 4, said there are six tracts of land left to acquire along Spring Creek to connect all adjacent land in Harris County from Hwy. 59 to  FM 2978, including two tracts near Willow Creek and The Woodlands and another four tracts between Burroughs Park and FM 2978. 

Johnston said the county has already begun discussions with a developer regarding the two tracts near Willow Creek and has plans to purchase land west of FM 2978 through Tomball to Hwy. 249. However, that piece of the greenway may be years away from becoming reality.

“These things are always dependent on money,” Johnston said. “If we had the money right now, we’d go ahead and do it. We should have the piece from Hwy. 59 to [FM] 2978 done in the 

next year.”

In addition to the thousands of acres of land already acquired by the county, Harris County has built 12 miles of asphalt trails and has several other trail projects in the works to improve trail connectivity across the region.

Design has been completed on a trail that would connect Dennis Johnston Park to the Northgate Crossing subdivision, but construction on the Grand Parkway could prevent the project from breaking ground until early next year, Johnston said.

Another segment—from Northgate Crossing to Springwoods Village—could be a year away from breaking ground, he said. Design and engineering on the segment would be funded by the county. The project, which includes a bridge and undercrossings at a railroad and at I-45, could total upward of $2 million.

The county expects to go out for bid in August for a two-mile trail connecting Hwy. 59 to Jesse H. Jones Park, Johnston said. The project could cost the county about $1.7 million and break ground some time in early 2016.

Additional funding for parks and trails along the greenway could soon be available if voters approve a road and parks bond in November. The Harris County Commissioners Court approved an $848 million bond proposal for the Nov. 3 ballot that would provide $60 million for parks projects, including $15 million for projects within Precinct 4, if it passes.

“If we are able to get a bond, a part of that would go to parks,” Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Jack Cagle said. “There are a number of things we will be able to launch that the public will see an immediate benefit from. That could tie together our greenways and trail. We’re also in desperate need of fields.”

Other partners
Harris County is not alone in acquiring land and building trails and parks along the greenway. Miles of trails along Spring Creek have been built by The Woodlands, and Springwoods Village developer Coventry Development Corporation has agreed to construct trails along the creek within the master-planned development in Spring. At least three miles of trails have already been constructed in Springwoods Village, CDC officials said. “In our opinion, the Spring Creek Greenway is a great amenity,” said Keith Simon, executive vice president of CDC Houston. “We have the ability to connect it with the Springwoods Village Nature Preserve. When we first learned about it we thought, ‘Wow, that makes Springwoods Village better.’”

Perhaps the most significant partners on the Montgomery County side of the project have been Montgomery County Precinct 3 and the Bayou Land Conservancy, a nonprofit conservation organization that has helped acquire and preserve several tracts of land along the greenway over the last 16 years.

“Even though we’re based in Harris County, a lot of our work is in Montgomery County,” BLC Executive Director Jennifer Lorenz said. “The reason is because there is no parks department for Montgomery County. We help provide manpower, and provide millions of dollars to connect the greenway and pieces of that puzzle.”

The BLC has begun marking the location of a potential 11-mile trail on the Montgomery County side of the creek that could stretch from the George Mitchell Nature Preserve to a portion of the Montgomery County Preserve near I-45 and Rayford Road, Lorenz said.

The project has received a $100,000 grant from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, while The Woodlands Township has provided $25,000. Montgomery County Precinct 3 is funding another $30,000 for the project, she said.

The marking project began in February and is estimated to take about three years to complete. The timeline of construction of the trail will depend on how quickly the historical and cultural surveys are completed.

Lorenz said the partnering entities on the greenway have purchased about 82 percent of all land adjacent to the greenway. When it is completed, the project will total 33 miles and feature 12,000 acres of forested preserve, she said. The greenway not only helps mitigate flooding and provides recreational space for the community but it also provides economic benefits to the region as well, local officials said. “We are permanently forever protecting the land we work on,” Lorenz said. “The large swatches of land we work on will never, ever be developed. When I know I buy here this [area] is always going to be the same—that is a huge economic boost. Having these greenways increases the value of your property because your resale value ticks up higher.”
Source: Matt Stephens Community Impact Newspaper

For more information on the Spring Creek Greenway visit www.springcreekgreenway.org