November 2024 Newsletter Gratitude and attitude are not challenges; they are choices. - Robert Braathe       Create Your Own Family/Friends Game Night   Every second week of November, libraries around the world celebrate International Games Week, inviting their communities to come to the library for games, fun, and community building. It’s a terrific way to meet new people in your community and connect with your local library. And if your local library doesn’t host an International Games Week event yet, you could be just the person to volunteer to organize one!If International Games Week reminded you that you like playing games and wish you had more fun in your daily life, it may be time for you to set up your own Family/Friends Game Night to strengthen your connections and have some fu... 11/01/2024

Candela, a 578-acre master-planned community by Johnson Development Services, offers an exceptional living experience in Richmond, TX. Located just 30 miles southwest of Houston near FM 359 and the Westpark Tollway, Candela provides convenient access to major highways like Hwy 90, Grand Parkway, and Westpark Tollway. Major employers in Houston, Katy and Sugar Land are only a short drive away. Residents can also enjoy nearby stores, restaurants, and shopping centers.Since its development in 2021, this community has been growing rapidly, offering a range of beautiful homes and amenities.  As I was taking photos of Candela for my blog, I thought I might as well do a short video giving you a tour of the beautiful amenities offered here including a model home tour.Check out my YouTube video:... 09/17/2024

Are you planning to relocate in Richmond, TX, and you’re yet to choose which neighborhood to settle in? Worry no more because this is the ultimate guide to Richmond, Texas, neighborhoods! Richmond is a cozy city just southwest of Houston, blending historical charm with modern conveniences. It's got a little something for everyone, from vibrant community spots to tranquil retreats. Whether you're a growing family, a busy professional, or looking for a peaceful place to retire, let's dive into the neighborhoods that make Richmond unique.Richmond, Texas, Quick Real Estate Market OverviewIn 2024, the real estate scene in Richmond, Texas, is buzzing with activity. The median home price here is around $359,000, which is quite reasonable given the city's charm and proximity to Houston. Homes i... 08/22/2024

Go the extra mile. It’s never crowded there. - Dr. Wayne D. Dyer       Labor Day - US   We often think of Labor Day as the unofficial end of summer, signaling the beginning of the school year and fall sports, the end of festival season, fair seasons, and tourist season. Amid the family picnics, vacations, sporting events, and back-to-school routines, you may be wondering why we have a holiday to remind us of work. Let’s take a look at some interesting facts about the history of Labor Day. The BeginningsLabor Day was officially established on the first Monday of September in both Canada and the USA in 1894, but the labor movement was well underway far before then. The first origins of Labor Day are attributed to a significant demonstration for worker’s rights by the Toronto Trades Assem... 08/01/2024

Protect Your Home: 10 Essential Security Improvements for Peace of MindYour home is your sanctuary, but without proper security measures in place, it can be vulnerable to intruders and threats. Fortunately, there are many steps you can take to enhance the safety and security of your home. Whether you’re looking to deter burglars, safeguard your family, or simply enjoy greater peace of mind, consider implementing these ten essential security improvements: 1. Install a Smart Security SystemA smart security system allows you to monitor your home remotely and receive instant alerts in the event of suspicious activity. Look for systems that include features such as motion detectors, door and window sensors, and video surveillance cameras.2. Upgrade Door and Window LocksStrengthen the securit... 07/14/2024

Nestled within the heart of Richmond, TX, lies the vibrant enclave of Indigo, a testament to the art of community living meticulously curated by Meristem Communities. As the newest gem in Richmond's real estate landscape, Indigo epitomizes a profound commitment to fostering meaningful connections and embracing the essence of neighborly camaraderie. So, if you're excited to delve deeper into the allure of Indigo Richmond, TX Homes for Sale, let's dive in!Crafting a Neighborhood Embrace: The Vision of IndigoIndigo is all about putting people first in every design aspect. Meristem Communities has created a sanctuary where residents easily come together, making every nook a place for shared experiences and lasting memories. Right from the start, Indigo has been carefully planned to capture ... 02/29/2024

Come experience the peaceful retreat of Del Webb, Fulshear, homes for sale in Texas! It's a special community for residents aged 55 and up, tucked away in the lovely town of Fulshear, TX. Created by the well-known Del Webb team in partnership with PulteGroup, Inc., this place offers a whole new way to enjoy life in Texas. Imagine beautiful one-story homes, excellent resort-style facilities, and tons of fun things to do!At Del Webb Fulshear, you'll feel right at home. They have various activities to unite people, like workshops and social gatherings. Plus, they've got a dedicated lifestyle director who plans exciting events for everyone to enjoy. And if you're into shopping and dining, you're in luck! The Katy Mills Mall and Fulshear Town Square are just a quick 10-minute drive away. And... 02/28/2024

Located near U.S. 59 and the Grand Parkway (99), Veranda is a sprawling 710-acre master-planned community in Richmond, TX, developed by Johnson Development Corporation in 2016. Veranda offers a diverse range of homes built by eight award-winning builders. Home prices in the Veranda community range from $350K to over $750K.Property taxes in Veranda vary from 2.6% to 3.1%, depending on the section in which you reside. If your home is in the section where water and sewer services are provided by a municipal utility district, your property tax rate is 2.8%. Alternatively, if you reside in the section where these services are provided by the City, your annual property tax rate is 2.6%. Annual property taxes are subject to change.What makes Veranda a great place to consider home?Variety of Ho... 02/22/2024

**Windstone on the Prairie**Is an exciting new subdivision located in **Richmond, Texas 77469**. Here are some key details about this community:- **Available Floorplans**:    - Ranging from **1,574 sq ft** to **2,941 sq ft**    - Offering **3 to 5 bedrooms** and **2 to 3 bathrooms**    - Garage options: **2 to 3 spaces**    - Single-story and two-story homes- **Community Amenities**:    - **Lamar ISD**: A highly acclaimed school district    - **Randall High School**: Just a short walking distance away    - Upcoming nature walking trails and a playground- **Pricing**:    - Homes start from **$302,990**    - Various financing options availableWhether you're a growing family or looking for a comfortable starter home, Windstone on the Prairie offers a range of floorplans to suit your needs.... 02/04/2024

What is the real estate market like in Richmond, Texas?December 2023When it comes to evaluating the real estate market, several metrics play a crucial role in understanding its dynamics. For buyers and sellers, understanding these metrics can help them make informed decisions. Let's dive into the correlation between the following real estate metrics: Months Supply of Inventory, 12-Month Change in Months of Inventory, Median Days Homes are On the Market, List to Sold Price Percentage, and Median Sold Price.First, let's examine the Months Supply of Inventory, which currently stands at 2.24. This metric represents the number of months it would take to sell all the homes on the market if no new listings were added. A lower supply indicates a seller's market, where demand exceeds supply, pot... 01/16/2024

So, after searching for homes, you finally found that dream home you want to buy, and you've signed the contract, sealing the deal with the seller. But what happens next? The first major step you need to focus on is the option period. This is a crucial phase that can impact your journey to homeownership. In this blog, I will explain why the option period is a big deal and why having a trusted REALTOR ® by your side can be a game-changer during this critical time.The Option PeriodDuring the option period, you have a specific window of time to get the home inspected and to negotiate any needed repairs with the seller. The key factor to remember here is that any repairs that you request must be negotiated and agreed upon during the option period. If the option period expires and no agreeme... 11/09/2023

Welcome to Harvest Green, a one-of-a-kind community tucked away in the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) of Richmond, Texas right in the heart of Fort Bend County. You'll find Harvest Green just off Harlem Road and at the crossroads of West Airport Road and the Grand Parkway (99). Harvest Green isn't your run-of-the-mill neighborhood. It's actually considered Houston's first "agri-hood," where rural living meets the comforts of modern life.Designed by Johnson Development in 2015, Harvest Green spans 2,000 acres and has truly won the hearts of its residents. In this blog, I will show you what makes Harvest Green truly unique from its on-site farm to the amazing amenities it offers, along with essential real estate information about this stunning community. Let’s take a closer look!Exp... 11/07/2023

Tired of the hustle and bustle of big city life? Are you longing for a calmer and more tranquil place to call home? Well, look no further than Pecan Grove in Richmond. I lived in Pecan Grove for 12 years, and absolutely enjoyed it here.Pecan Grove is aptly named after its beautiful pecan groves that add a touch of natural serenity to the neighborhood. Surrounded by large pecan trees, Pecan Grove Plantation is a 1,400-acre master planned community located off of Plantation Drive and FM 359 and built around a 27-hole private golf course. The price range of homes in Pecan Grove Plantation varies from $200,000’s to $650,000, depending on where you live in the neighborhood. The Grove is an older subdivision where homes are priced between the $200,000 to mid $400,000. Most homes you'll find i... 08/03/2023

Richmond Texas Real Estate Market Trend July 2022 compare to July 2017 Five (5) years ago!   Click here on link below to view Houses / Homes For Sale in CITY today!www.ftbendhomesearch.com  Click here on link below to discover your House / Home's Market Value!www.ftbendhomesearch.com    09/05/2022

Tips for Adding Your First A/CThe weather is heating up, and so is your house. In many areas, this summer may be yet another record-breaker, and the thought of adding an air conditioner to your climate control system has probably crossed your mind more than once. But how do you get started with such an undertaking? What should you keep in mind as you shop for a system?Your FIrst Air Conditioner: You Have Options Before you even start to look around at systems, it’s important to understand your options. Until recently, the most popular home system was a unit that integrated with your central heating system. These air conditioners use an outside condenser to cool fluid that moves through a copper tubing system, and move it back into an air handler, so the air passing over the copper coils... 07/20/2022

Housing Experts Say This Isn't a BubbleWith so much talk about an economic slowdown, some people are asking if the housing market is heading for a crash like the one in 2008. To really understand what’s happening with real estate today, it’s important to lean on the experts for reliable information.Here’s why economists and industry experts say the housing market is not a bubble ready to pop.Today Is Nothing Like 2008The 2008 housing crash is still fresh in the minds of many homebuyers and sellers. But todays market is different. Odeta Kushi, Deputy Chief Economist at First American, says:“This is not the same market of 2008. . . . It’s no secret the housing market played a central role in the Great Recession, but this market is just fundamentally different in so many ways.”Natalie Camp... 07/18/2022

Installing a Pool? Tell Your Insurance!Swimming pools can be a lot of fun. They give you a way to cool off during the summer, have fun with friends and family, and even get some low-impact exercise that feels more like play than work. Unfortunately, they can also be a hazard if you aren’t careful around them. As a result, your homeowner’s insurance company is going to want to know about that pool, since it creates a new point of liability.If your home already had a pool when you bought it, your insurance company would have wanted to know about it when you first took out the policy. If you’re installing a new pool, you’re still going to have to tell them, and they’ll adjust your rate accordingly. Let’s take a look at pools and insurance to give you a better idea of how your insurance com... 07/17/2022

Is Homeownership Still the American Dream?Defining the American dream is personal, and no one individual will have the same definition as another. But the feelings it brings about success, freedom, and a sense of prosperity are universal. Thats why, for many people, homeownership remains a key part of the American dream. Your home is your stake in the community, a strong financial investment, and an achievement to be proud of.A recent survey from Bankrate asked respondents to rank achievements as indicators of financial success, and the responses prove that owning a home is still important to so many Americans today (see graph below):As the graph shows, homeownership ranks above other significant milestones, including retirement, having a successful career, and earning a college degree.... 07/15/2022

How Your Equity Can Grow over TimeIt's true that record levels of home price appreciation have spurred significant equity gains for homeowners over the past few years. As Diana Olick, Real Estate Correspondent at CNBC,says:The stunning jump in home values over the course of the Covid-19 pandemic has given U.S. homeowners record amounts of housing wealth.Thats great for your homes value over the last couple of years, but what if you've lived in your home for longer than that? You may be wondering how much equity you truly have.The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has done a study to calculate the typical equity gains over longer spans of time. The data they compiled could be enough to motivate you to move. Just remember, to find out how much equity you have in your specific home, y... 07/14/2022

Do Plants Help Sell a Home?When you’re looking to sell your house, there are a lot of little things that you can do to increase the likelihood that some prospective buyer is going to make an offer. Many of the tips you’ll find to improve your home’s appeal focus on things inside the house, ranging from paint colors to furniture and a variety of other little tweaks. There is something else that you can do to improve the appeal of your home that’s often overlooked, though: add some plants.A lot of people don’t put much thought into the plants around their home when prepping for a sale, and this can be a big missed opportunity. From fixing up your lawn and garden to adding splashes of greenery indoors, there are several ways that you can leverage plants to help sell your home when the time... 07/10/2022