Do You Know What Your Credit Score Is?  Here is a Simple Way To Get An Estimate.  Here is a link to a program that asks about 8 questions and can give you an estimate of your current credit score.    Your credit score is very important and can make a difference in how much you pay for interest rates and loan charges.  Sometimes it can even make the difference being able to qualify for a loan for a home or not.   The credit score calculator is only 8 or so questions and takes less than two minutes.    02/20/2011

10 Big Deductions Many People Miss -- By Your Houston Real Estate Professional. I ran across this article and thought it might be beneficial. Are you ready to do your taxes?  This article may help you.  Here is a list of the ten deductions: Charitable non-cash contributions Points on refinancing Old points on refinancing Health insurance premiums Educator expenses Student higher education expenses Energy Savings Home Improvement Credit Investment and tax expenses Casualty deductions Retirement tax credit If you need more information on how to qualify for any of these deductions, please see the full article.   02/18/2011

Today I ran across a great article called "5 steps to slash your property tax" by  SmartMoney.com.  If your  home's value was assessed during the peak of the housing bubble, it may be time to look into having the valued adjusted.  Here are the 5 steps: Understand how your town assesses their properties Get the proper paperwork for a property tax adjustment (you can have agencies do this for you for a fee)  Check to see that there are no mistakes (# of bedrooms, baths, etc.) Find out how much similar houses sold for in the last 6 months (ask a realtor) Make your claim (or appeal) for a lower property value  If you are in the Tomball, Magnolia or Northwest Houston area and need assistance with recent sales, please contact me and I would be happy to assist you.   02/15/2011

"Just Go With It",A Movie Review by Your Houston Real Estate Professional.  I went to this movie with rather low expectations, but was pleasantly surprised,  I even laughed out loud several times.  There were some cute one liners, as well as some corny ones.  The scenery in Hawaii was spectacular, lush rain forests, waterfalls and beautiful beaches.  I might buy the DVD when it comes out, just for the scenery.    And, the movie did a good job of threading themes all through the movie.  For example, the little girl was an aspiring actor and used a British accent throughout most of the movie, and her warm up exercises were funny.  Jennifer Aniston's character had a rivalry with a college friend/enemy (a frinemey) resurface in Hawaii, and Nicole Kidman was great as the frinenemy.   This is... 02/13/2011

I ran across a great article about things first time home buyers should be on the look out for.  Here is a condensed version: Inspect the foundation Check the HVAC equipment Check the electrical system Look for past water damage Get a home inspection Consider that if the price is "too good to be true" then it probably is I want to add, it is a great idea to arm yourself with the additional protection of getting a realtor.  A realtor has seen lots of transactions and knows the ins and outs of the contracts you may not be familiar with.  A realtor can also come in handy because they know the process of buying an home,  and can make the transition go smoothly for you.   And besides, the cost of using a realtor to the buyer is $0 -- that means the service is FREE to you.    If you are ready... 02/09/2011

  Tomball Employers   Below is a list of some of the larger employers in and around Tomball:   BJ Services Companyhttp://www.bjservices.com/Careers - Intro to BJ Services City of Tomballhttp://www.ci.tomball.tx.us/human-resources/index.html     Devasco International, Inc.http://www.devasco.com   Harris Countyhttp://www.hctx.net/hrrm/employment.aspx   Hewlett PackardHP Jobs Klein Independent School Districthttp://www.kleinisd.net   L & S Cryogenics, Inc.www.lscryogenics.com    Lone Star College Systemhttp://www.lonestar.edu   Lowe'shttp://www.lowes.com/   Polyfoam Products, Inc.www.polyfoam.cc/wp   RPM Advantage, Inc.www.rpmadvantaqge.com   The Methodist Hospital System WillowbrookCareers Tomball Independent School District http://www.tomballisd.net   Tomball Regional Medical CenterJob O... 02/06/2011

FREE Tax Help at Lone Star College -- Tomball -- Here Is The Schedule! Monday from 12pm - 4pm Wednesdays from 10am to 2pm Saturdays from 11am to 3pm Bring these documents with you: Valid picture id with current address Social security cards for you and dependents Last Years tax return W2s and 1099's The amount you paid in property tax in 2010 The amount you paid in sales tax on a new vehicle Documents for deductible expenses Documents for tax credits Any other documents you think might be needed This FREE service by AARP volunteers started on February 2nd of 2011 and will continue until April 18th of 2011.  The address and phone number for Lone Star College Tomball is: 30555 Texas 249Tomball, TX 77375(281) 351-3300 If you have a refund check coming and are ready to purchase land or a ho... 02/06/2011

Tomball Roads are treacherous, Be Careful!  The road conditions here in Tomball and Northwest Houston are bad, but they may be improving as the temperature rises to a high of around 40 degrees today. The good news is that somebody (TX dot or the county) has put sand on the bridges so they are not quite as slippery as they could be.   And, if you live in Tomball you probably have used our new overpass since it was built.  It is closed today because of the icing situation.  That's fine with me, I have been avoiding overpasses all day.  Drive safe out there if you need to leave your houses. Don't forget about the Pancake Supper (and silent auction) in Magnolia tomorrow from 5pm to 8pm at the Magnolia Junior High School to benefit the Magnolia Lions Club.  All proceeds go to help charitible... 02/04/2011

Recording of Jack Stockton, an 11-Yr. Old Boy, Goes Viral A recording of Jack Stockton, reciting "Jesus in Every Book of the Bible," which he memorized, has gone viral.  It was recorded during a recent church service at Salem Lutheran Church in Tomball.  According to the The Tomball Potpourri, it has had over 500,000 views since it was recorded in early December, 2010 (almost 200,000 of those are YouTube). Watch the awesome video by Jack Stockton, an 11-year old, homeschooled 6th grader:             02/01/2011

Tomball Restaurants: There are lots of wonderful local and family-owned Tomball restaurants and eating places that you may not know about if your aren't from the Tomball area.  Below is a list of some of my favorite local restaurants.  Do yourself a favor and try any one (or several) of them.  I think you'll find the food is great; and the service friendly.   Of course, Tomball Restaurants include  Arby’s, Burger King, Chili’s, Ci Ci’s Pizza, Church's Chicken, Dairy Queen, Denny’s, Dominoes Pizza, Five Guys Burgers & Fries, Hartz Chicken, Jack in the Box, Luby’s, McDonald’s, Panda Express, Papa John’s Pizza, Pizza Hut, Popeye’s, Chicken, Schlotsky’s, Smoothie King, Sonic, Schlotzky’s, Taco Bell, Taco Cabana,  Whataburger  and many of the other chains, but if you're  looking for those To... 01/25/2011

Rib Tickler - Re-Opening by Original Owners on January 26, 2011 If you haven't already read it in the local papers, the Rib Tickler (281) 255-8119 is scheduled to be re-opened  by the original owners, Ted and Sylvia, tomorrow - January 26, 2011.  I, for one, can't wait!  And I know a lot of other people in Tomball feel the same way.   As I drove by today, I saw Rib Tickler putting up the sign.  Their address is the same as it has always been, 28930 Tomball Parkway (S.H. 249) and their phone number is (281) 255-8119. It has been awhile (a few years -- I am not sure how many but it seems like forever) since the Rib Tickler was sold and then sold again.  Now it is being re-opened by the original owners, and I am sure we will once again have a great hometown BBQ Restaurant in Tomball with ... 01/25/2011

  Villages of Northpointe & Villages of Northpointe West Home Sales and Market Report  Year-End December 31, 2010   No. of Homes CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET:  27 Homes Price Range                                                           $133,900 to $270,000 Average Days on the Market:   ..                      . . .  128 Days Average Price Per Sq. Ft.: $72.70    No. of Homes CURRENTLY IN PENDING:  2 Homes Price Range:        .            ........   . . .             $130,000 & $180,000 Average Days on the Market:  .. ...                 41 Days    No. of Homes SOLD  in 2010 -- (January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010):    49 Homes Price Range:     .....................                 . . .    $120,000 to $264,000 Average Days on the Market:     .                 . .  68 Days Average Price pe... 01/18/2011

  Villages of Northpointe   COMMUNITY INFORMATION   Villages of Northpointe is near State Highway 249 and Northpointe Blvd. in Tomball, TX and is in the highly acclaimed Tomball Independent School District (281-357-3100).   It is just minutes from Houston suburbs and shopping.   Lone Star College Tomball is approximately 3 or 4 miles north on Highway 249 and Lone Star College University Park is approximately 3 or 4 miles south on Highway 249.  Lone Star College has multiple locations in Houston and surrounding areas.  Also, within driving distance are the University of Houston and Rice University.   The Villages of Northpointe has a subdivision lake and walking trails as well as recreational facilities that include swimming pool, playground and tennis courts.        Some of the many are... 01/17/2011

  Canyon Gate at Northpointe Market Report Year-End Report December 31, 2010   Active Listings in Canyon Gate at Northpointe (Always up-to-date)   As of December 31, 2010 . . .  No. of Homes CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET:  23 Homes Price Range                                                    $140,000 to $265,000 Average Days on the Market:   .                 . . .  113 Days    No. of Homes CURRENTLY IN PENDING: 5 Homes Price Range:     ..............                      $159,900 to $229,000 Average Days on the Market:......             50 Days    No. of Homes SOLD  in 2010 -- (January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010): 61 Homes Price Range:  ............................................ $108,520 to $259,500 Average Days on the Market:  .......             55 Days     Canyon Gate at Northpointe... 01/11/2011

Spectacular Sunset Photos -- From Your Houston Real Estate Professional. Last night the sunset was one of the most beautiful I had ever seen.  The golden colors were just vibrant. These pictures were taken from the Century 21 Real Estate office at 30310 Tomball Parkway, Tomball, TX  77375, which is also the location of our TexStar Model homes. The sun and clouds really put on a wonderful show last night.  It really makes you appreciate the beauty in nature.  01/06/2011

 Your Dream Home Is Ready For You! By Your Houston Real Estate Professional. This lovely TexStar country-look home can be built in a matter of months to your exact specifications.  We have about 24 basic floor plans to choose from, or you can select one from the internet and bring us the plans to bid on.  These two model homes are located in Tomball at 30310 Tomball Parkway, Tomball, TX 77375.  We are directly across from Lone Star College -- Tomball.  Just look for our red flashing sign.    The top model home is the Rockport and this one is the Austin II model.  Both are very energy efficient, built to save you dollars on your electric bill.  If you let me know when you are coming by, I will be happy to have the bulding on-site to answer any questions you may have. 01/06/2011

Major Stress Relief -- Lunch With The Baby Ducks -- By Your Houston Real Estate Professional.  Aren't these ducks adorable?  The brown ones in the middle and on the left are new, I don't remember ever seeing them at this pond before.  Their feathers look very soft and their necks are a little longer than the ducks I've normally seen at this pond.    Here is a view of the pond with a lone duck swimming toward the side of the pond with the office building.  This is one of the baby ducks that was born in the spring of 2010.  He has a cute multi colored mohawk.  I was able to get my camera to do a close up on this turtle that was sunning on the edge of the pond.  Here is another of the baby ducks.  He has some beautiful colored feathers and a great red mask. Call me or email me when you ar... 01/06/2011

I happened to look at the number of blog posts and was struck by the number 411.  That is the local number we dial for information, so the number 411 next to my number of posts was semi-important to me.  I hope I have shared some information, pictures and stories that some of you might find interesting, amusing or educational.  Here is to the next 411!      By the way, realtors in the Houston, Tomball & Magnolia area, if you have a client interested in building one of our TexStar Homes, just send them by to look at the models (located at 30310 Tomball Parkway, Tomball, TX).  You do not have to accompany them to receive your 3% commission at closing. 171,620points Members Invited: 0 Blog Posts: 411 Rank in Texas: #44 Rank in Harris County: #7 Rank in Houston: #4 Featured Posts: 1 Comment... 12/26/2010

BRING YOUR UNWRAPPED TOYS TO TOMBALL. REMAX Platinum, 735 E Main St., Tomball, TX 77375, is a designated toy drop-off location for the children of the Tomball community.  Please bring unwrapped toys for children of all ages. The drop box is available between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday through Saturday through December 20, 2010.  If you are unable to bring your gifts, please call Pam Sitterly at 281 723 0324 and arrange to have them picked up. Questions? Call Pam at 281 723 0324. Your support is greatly appreciated! 12/11/2010

The Villages of Northpointe Market Report shows that home sales are moving and that there are not many foreclosures or short sales in the neighborhood.  (November 30, 2010)   Market Report  Villages of Northpointe Home Sales November 30, 2010 Active Listings in Villages of Northpointe (Always Up-to-date)  As of November 30, 2010 . . . No. of Homes CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET:  32 Homes Price Range                                   . . . .                   $129,900 to $309,000 Average Days on the Market:   .                 . . .  114 Days   No. of Homes CURRENTLY IN PENDING: 4 Homes Price Range:     ..............                      $136,900 to $264,900 Average Days on the Market:......             96 Days     No. of Homes SOLD since January 1, 2010: 45 Homes Price Range:  ................ 12/05/2010