Katy Texas Real Estate News & Listings Presented By Keller Williams Realty

7803 Shangrila Ln., Houston, TX 77095

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:32:54 GMT

One story nested on a corner lot with mature trees! This home offers 4 bedrooms, a formal dining, crown moulding, high ceilings and solar screens. Large family room with slate fireplace. Spacious island kitchen looks into the family room. Master suite with master bath offers his and her sinks, whirlpool tub and separate shower. Laminate wood floors in family room and formal dining.

Gated Subdivision!

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:43:27 GMT

Gorgeous 2 story home nestled on a cul-de-sac lot in a gated subdivision! This home offers 3 bedrooms, formal dining, gameroom, high ceilings and archways. Spacious kitchen w/tons of cabinets & counter space. Tile backsplash and 42 inch cabinets. Entertain friends and family in the family room w/gas fireplace. Relax in this roomy master suite. Master bath offers his & her sinks, separate shower and garden tub. Large backyard w/patio & mature trees.

Upgrades Galore!!!

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:54:51 GMT

UPGRADES GALORE this David Weekly home is better than new & shows like a model! Upgrades include dark wood floors in formal dining & study, light fixtures, faux wood blinds & so much more! Gourmet island kitchen with granite countertops, travertine backsplash, undermount sink & stainless appliances. A wall of windows in the family room allows natural sunlight to pour in. Granite counters in all full baths. High ceilings and sprinkler system. Spacious bedrooms with huge closets. Large backyard with covered patio is great for summer BBQ!

5.2 Acres

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:00:49 GMT

Gorgeous 5.217 acres to build that custom home that you have always dreamed of. Horses are allowed.

For Lease!

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:16:39 GMT

Gorgeous one story all brick home with 4 bedroom and 2 baths. This home offers both formals, island kitchen with lots of cabinet space. Kitchen opens to the den which is perfect for entertaining! Spacious master suite with master bath. Master bath with double sinks, separate shower and tub. Katy schools! Sprinkler system! WASHER, DRYER, AND REFRIGERATOR INCLUDED!

7 car garage!

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 19:15:47 GMT

This Immaculate home is better than new! Recent int/ext paint, carpet, tile, light fixtures & so much more! Kitchen has been remodeled w/ granite counters, gas cook top, undermount sink & faucet. Recent double pane windows in sunroom. Family room w/ gaslog fireplace. Spacious master suite w/ luxurious master bath offers his & her sinks, whirlpool tub & extended separate shower w/seat. Out back you will find the screened in pool w/spa & waterfall! Don t forget to check out the 7 car garage!

Great starter home!

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 00:38:43 GMT

Great starter home offers 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 baths. Tile floors throughout except for bedrooms. Kitchen with lots of cabinets and counter space opens to the family room. Ceiling fans in all bedrooms. Enjoy your morning cup of coffee out on the patio in this large backyard.

Needs some TLC!

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:54:25 GMT

This 1 story home needs some TLC but has a lot to offer. Tile flrs in the entry, family room & all wet areas. Large family rm w/ lots of natural sunlight, high ceilings & gaslog fireplace. Spacious kitchen w/ tons of cabinet space, gas cook top & laminate wood flrs. Roomy master suite with French doors. Master bath w/ his & her sinks, tub w/ shower & skylight. French doors off the sunroom lead out to the large backyard w/ pergola. Perfect for summer BBQ! Easy access to Hwy 99 & I-10.

Enormous backyard!!!

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:25:45 GMT

ENORMOUS BACKYARD...Perfect for that dream pool you have always wanted! Nestled on a quiet street in Fawnlake with neighbors only on one side. This home offers 3 spacious bedrooms, formal dining and high ceilings. Gameroom upstairs. Family room with fireplace is great for entertaining. Kitchen with lots of counter and cabinet space. Within walking distance to the lake where you can enjoy watching the ducks swim!

NEWSWEEK names four KISD high schools among America's best

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:58:00 GMT

NEWSWEEK recently released the 2010 list of America’s Best High Schools, naming four Katy Independent School District high schools among top 1,622 schools in the nation.

The four KISD high schools ranked this year are Cinco Ranch High School, No. 478; Seven Lakes High School, No. 689; Taylor High School, No. 982; and Katy High School, No. 1387.

The schools listed in the America’s Best High Schools 2010 report represent only 6 percent of all American public high schools.

Rankings are determined by a combination of the number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate or Cambridge (AICE) tests given at the schools, compared to the number of graduating seniors.

Go to www.newsweek.com/feature/2010/americas-best-high-schools.html to see the full list of NEWSWEEK’s America’s Best High Schools 2010.

For Lease

Wed, 23 Jun 2010 19:56:35 GMT

Beautiful one story home offers 4 spacious bedrooms, formal dining and high ceilings. Kitchen is open to family room and makes entertaining easy. Recent interior and exterior paint. Move in ready!!!

Wealthy spending again on luxury homes

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 08:54:00 GMT

Two home sales, each exceeding $45 million set U.S. records for 2010

In April, Texas Energy executive Kelcy Warren purchased a Colorado property for $46.5 million. Hot on the heels of this transaction, an un-named Indonesian buyer contracted in May for a 48,000 square foot Bel-Air mansion for an amount reported to be close to $50 million. If the Los Angeles transaction closes, it will bump the Colorado sale to set the newest record for this year’s priciest residential transaction. Some brokers speculate that these transactions illustrate a return of the wealthy to the upper-tier housing market.

Laurie Moore-Moore, Founder of The Institute for Luxury Home Marketing – which trains agents in the luxury market and awards an international designation to the most successful –reports that, “Institute members from many markets across the country are telling us that buyers at the top of the market are looking again and that many are cash buyers. We believe this anecdotal evidence may herald the return of the very affluent to the national residential market.” But is this the case in our local market?

Mickie Cioccia, a luxury home professional with Mickie C and Company Realty in association with Keller Williams Katy, says, “We are slowly seeing the return of the upper-tier buyer locally. Our local luxury market starts at $500,000 and many local upscale homes are such good values that smart buyers should reappear soon. The average sales per sqft for a luxury home is $128.40 with average days on market being 100. Currently listed there is approximately 120 properties from $500,000 to $1,450,000. The average listed price is $152.07.

“In the recent economic downturn, the wealthy experienced substantial drops in their portfolios and felt the uncertainty of global economic conditions, said Moore-Moore. “As a result, the luxury market shrank across all product and service categories, including housing. In addition, many wealthy converted investments to cash and have been watching and waiting on the investment sidelines. Today, many are looking at U.S. home values and deciding to buy another residence as both a lifestyle decision and a portfolio play. Although the current turmoil in global economies is a wild card which could change things, we think the luxury home buyer is re-entering many market and shopping for fabulous homes as smart investments.”

Contact: Mickie Cioccia

Mickie C and Company Realty

In association with Keller Williams

22762 Westheimer Parkway, Suite 430

Katy, Texas 77450

Telephone: 281-220-2100

Fax:832-201-8325

Email: Mickie@kw.com

Announcing RED Day Blood Drive

Wed, 05 May 2010 11:09:00 GMT

On May 13, 2010 our local office will be participating in the 2^nd Annual Keller Williams Realty R.E.D. (Renew, Energize and Donate) Day. All of our associates will donate one day to projects related to renewing and energizing their local communities. One way our office and its associates will be participating on this day will be our 2^nd Annual Blood Drive benefiting the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. At this time we are looking to you as a member of our community for assistance.

You Can Give the Gift of Life

May 6, 2010 through May 20, 2010

You can donate any time between May 6^th and May 20^th at any Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. Location information is available at www.giveblood.org and use Group Code U728 when registering and donating.

Alternatively, you can register to give on May 13^th at the mobile coach that will be located at our office at 22762 Westheimer Parkway from 9am to 3pm. You can register at https://www.commitforlife.org/gcrbc/login.php use Group Code U728.

Who Can Donate?

All potential donors must be at least 17 years old to donate, 16 with parental consent.
You must bring a valid picture ID prior to donation.
Donors must weigh at least 110 pounds; 16 year old donors must weigh 122 pounds.
Donors must be in general good health, without any cold or flu symptoms.
Learn more at www.giveblood.org

Our goal is 200 units that will save 600 lives.

Announcing RED Day Food Drive

Wed, 05 May 2010 02:00:00 GMT

On May 13, 2010 our local office will be participating in the 2^nd Annual Keller Williams Realty R.E.D. (Renew, Energize and Donate) Day. All of our associates will donate one day to projects related to renewing and energizing their local communities. One way our office and its associates will be participating on this day will be by our 2^nd Annual Food Drive benefitting Katy Christian Ministries (KCM). Thus, we are looking to you as a member of our community for assistance. You can help by dropping off needed items to the Red Day Locations. Food will be collected on Monday, May 10th and delivered to KCM on May 12th.

Drop Locations

Ace Hardware

9825 South Mason

Richmond, TX 77406

Amegy Bank

919 Avenue C

Katy, TX 77493

Amegy Bank

3020 South Mason

Katy, TX 77450

Hutsell Elementary

5360 Franz Road

Katy, TX 77493

2000 Dryclean

2944 South Mason

Katy, TX 77450

Keller Williams Realty 22762 Westheimer Pkwy, Suite 430

Katy, TX 77450

CITGO Petroleum

1293 Eldridge Parkway

Houston, TX 77077

Woodforest Bank

8195 Barker Cypress

Cypress, TX 77433

Chiropractic Center of Texas

1145 Hwy 6 South

Houston, TX 77077

OMSH – Oral, Maxillofacial Surgeons of Houston

8800 Katy Freeway Suite 210

Houston, TX 77024

Non-perishable food and personal care items needed

Canned Vegetables	Canned Fruit	Canned Pork & Beans
Canned Tomato Sauce	Canned Tuna	Macaroni & Cheese
Baby Formula & Food	Diapers & Wipes	Rice, Flour, & Sugar
Bath Soap, Shampoo	Toothpaste & deodorant	Feminine Hygiene Products

Keep Cool this Summer with Preventative Maintenance

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:35:00 GMT

Here are some tips you can do to help maintain your air conditioner, but remember you still need to have your A/C checked by a HVAC Technician.

Ensure the filter is clean and/or replaced regularly. Disposable filters are inexpensive and should be replaced once per month during periods of high usage.
Trim back plants so there is at least one foot of clearance around the A/C unit - this will allow proper air flow and prevent motor strain.
Sand and other debris can get sucked into the condenser coils. To clean the coils, first disconnect the power to the A/C and then use a garden hose to spray the coils.

Around the Home – Recycle Your Way to Less Waste

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:00:00 GMT

RISMEDIA, February 6, 2010—(MCT)—The easiest way to do your part and help the environment is to simply recycle. It’s also one of the most effective ways to conserve natural resources, create less pollution and reduce the amount of waste sent to the landfill.

Seventy-five percent of the waste we generate in American homes is recyclable but less than 35% is actually making it to a recycling center. The following steps are simple practices you can put into place to help you do your part and make a habit of recycling.

Make It Easy: Most of us keep our recycling bins outside or in the garage, which isn’t always convenient. Put other containers throughout your home to serve as recycling bins—especially in places where it’s easy to forget to recycle. One of those places is the bathroom. Think of all the empty shampoo bottles, toilet paper rolls, and even those cardboard soap boxes that usually get tossed in the trash. In your home office, have another basket to collect paper for recycling. By spreading out small containers for recycling around the house, the entire family will be more inclined to think twice before throwing something in the garbage.

Know Your Numbers: All plastic containers have a little number inside recycling arrows located on the bottom which identifies the type of plastic used to make the product. Many local curbside recycling programs accept products marked with a No. 1 or No. 2 but some take all seven types of plastic.

It Makes Cents: Throwing aluminum cans in the trash is like throwing money out the window. Recycled aluminum is turned into new cans in less than 90 days and it can be recycled over and over again. It takes 95% less energy to make a can from recycled materials and produces 97% less water pollution. So choose beverages in aluminum and recycle every can.

Speak With Your Wallet: Filling your curbside-recycling bin is just the beginning. Complete the circle by seeking out products made from recycled content—especially post-consumer content. That’s the materials you recycle and not the scraps on factory floors.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

KVPAC recognizes Mickie C and Company

Fri, 22 Jan 2010 09:42:00 GMT

Books Alive! Gets a Much Needed Lift from Mickie C
Local Real Estate Company Helps KVPAC's Touring Literacy Program Get the Show on the Road

Katy, Texas (January 21, 2010) - Books Alive!, a dynamic literacy program at Katy Visual & Performing Arts Center (KVPAC) hit the road with the help of Mickie C and Company donating the use of their moving truck to transport sets and equipment to serve more than 7,000 children in 43 locations this past fall. The professional musical theatre production of If You Give A Mouse A Cookie based on the book by Laura Numeroff delighted young audiences at Ronald McDonald House, Texas Childrens Hospital and House of Tiny Treasures Homeless Daycare Center and others. Kristin Miller, Books Alive! Coordinator said, "Mickie C and Company's donation made it so much easier to take our production to children who really need something fun in their lives and I am grateful for their willingness to serve the community". Mickie C and Company offers unparalleled service to all clients in the Katy Texas real estate market and is located at 22762 Westheimer Parkway Suite 430 in Katy. This spring Books Alive! is set to open in February with Boo Who Moo based on the book by Margie Palatini and KVPAC has been awarded Texas Commission on the Arts grants for performances at schools, libraries and non-profit organizations. Those interested in booking a performance or grant information should contact Kristin Miller at 281-829-2787.

The Expanded Home Buyer Tax Credit Could Chase Away the Winter Blues

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:12:00 GMT

By Ken Trepeta, Director, Real Estate Services Print Article

RISMEDIA, January 7, 2010—As we begin 2010, both real estate professionals and home buyers have something to look forward to and more importantly, take advantage of—the extended and expanded home buyer tax credit.

Originally created in 2008, the home-buyer tax credit has evolved from a $7,500 credit, which had to be repaid by the home buyer over the course of 15 years, to an $8,000 tax credit with no repayment required in 2009. Now, for a limited time in 2010, the $8,000 home buyer tax credit will still be available to first-time home buyers and certain current homeowners will also be eligible for a $6,500 credit.

To help everyone better understand the extended and expanded home buyer tax credit, here are some highlights of the changes.

Who can claim the credit?

“First-time home buyers” who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010 are eligible for the credit. To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

For current homeowners purchasing a home during the same time frame, they are also eligible for a tax credit, so long as the home being sold or vacated was their principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight. To elaborate, it must be the same home; it is not enough that they have been homeowners for five consecutive years, they must have been in the same home for five consecutive years.

Another key point is that the existing home does not need to be sold. One must, however, occupy the new home as a principal residence and do so for three years or risk recapture of the credit. Also, the new home does not need to cost more than the old home despite the concept that it is directed at “move up” buyers.

How much is the credit and what are the income limits?

The maximum allowable credit for first-time home buyers is $8,000 or 10% of the sales price, whichever is less. For current homeowners, it is $6,500 or 10% of the sale price, whichever is less. Under the extended home buyer tax credit, single buyers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 may receive the maximum credit.

The credit decreases for single buyers who earn between $125,000 and $145,000 and between $225,000 and $245,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit deceases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income – over $145,000 for singles and over $245,000 for couples – are not eligible for the credit.

What are the deadlines for qualifying for the credit?

Under the extended home buyer tax credit, as long as a written binding contract to purchase a home is in effect on April 30, 2010, and the deal is closed by July 1, 2010, one can claim the credit.

Will the tax credit need to be repaid?

No, the buyer does not need to repay the tax credit if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during this three-year period, the full amount of the credit will be recouped on the sale. Another provision of the law waives the recapture provisions for service members who receive orders that require them to move.

Are there any other critical provisions?

-There are three provisions people should be aware of:
-There is an $800,000 limitation on the cost of the home
-The purchaser must be at least 18 years old on the date of purchase
-For a married couple, only one spouse must meet this age requirement and dependents are not eligible to claim the credit

Finally, as an anti-fraud measure, purchasers must attach documentation of purchase to his/her tax return claiming the credit. Normally this would be a copy of the HUD-1, but could include other documents memorializing the settlement.

As with all tax matters, responsibility for complying with the tax code belongs to the taxpayer. Real estate professionals should recommend that their buyers consult their tax professionals to ensure eligibility for the credit and the proper way to claim the credit. For more information including the required IRS forms please contact the Internal Revenue Service at 800-829-1040.

Ken Trepeta is the Director, Real Estate Services for the National Association of REALTORS® Real Estate Services program.

Katy Ranks #5 for 2009

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 03:00:00 GMT

Katy Area EDC Links

About Katy Area EDC

Vision

The Katy Area will be the western cornerstone of Greater Houston, providing opportunities for excellence in business, education, healthcare, recreation and living.

Mission

The Mission of the KAEDC is to establish the Katy area as the premier location for families and businesses through planned economic growth and development.
most interest.

www.katyedc.org

Location Intelligence Firm Announces the '9 from 2009'
Katy Ranks 5th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Anita Smith · Neapolitan Agency · 501-454-3374
Larry Martin · Gadberry Group · 501-907-7100

Recession-Resistant Growth: Location Intelligence Firm Announces the '9 from 2009'

Gadberry Group names the nine most notable high-growth areas in the nation from 2009

LITTLE ROCK, AR - January 5, 2010 - Gadberry Group today announced its list of last year's nine most notable high-growth areas in the US - Gadberry Group's 9 from 2009.

Gadberry Group's 9 from 2009

Braselton, Georgia (Atlanta suburb)

Atascocita, Texas (Houston suburb)

Spring Hill, Tennessee (Nashville suburb)

Lincoln, California (Sacramento suburb)

Katy, Texas (Houston suburb)

Wake Forest, North Carolina (in the Raleigh-Durham triangle)

Mansfield, Texas (Dallas suburb)

Wylie, Texas (Dallas suburb)

Buckeye, Arizona (Phoenix suburb)

"Compiling the 2009 list was especially interesting as we anticipated the impact of current economic conditions," said Gadberry Group principal Larry Martin. Headquartered in Little Rock, Gadberry Group provides location intelligence services and data for the world's top retail brands.

This year's list averaged household growth of 170% from 2000 to 2009, compared to last year's list average of 267% for the same period. Martin noted that, in light of current economic challenges, the 2009 list might well include the most resilient areas featured yet.

Texas appears to be bucking national economic trends, capturing four of this year's nine slots. Industry research indicates that a comparatively stable housing market is likely a contributing factor.

According to Martin, most researchers agree that Census data has been the standard for understanding the distribution and demographic makeup of the U.S. population. "But Census data is more than nine years old, so changes in demographic characteristics can't be identified or measured accurately using only Census-based estimates," he added.

The firm uses proprietary products to employ a statistical ranking system that evaluates the 17,000 Census Places. Selection criteria and ranking methodology include percent change, absolute change and emerging Census blocks (those growing from less than 10 households in Census 2000 to over 100 in 2009). The analysis considers total growth from 2000 to 2009, as well as that from 2008 to 2009. Gadberry also weights the analysis using key demographic variables such as ethnicity, household income, net worth, economic stability, length of residence and age.

"The number-one spot went to Braselton, Georgia, whose impressive household growth was only surpassed by its economic strength," Martin said. "Braselton topped the list with an average household income increase of 67% from 2000 to 2009."

Many of this year's finalists repeatedly make the top 25, including: Lehi, UT; Indian Trail, NC; Queen Creek, AZ; Summerlin, NV; Helotes, TX; Frisco, TX; Goodyear, AZ; Brighton, CO; McKinney, TX; Wentzville, MO; Enterprise, NV; and Bluffton, SC.

By the Numbers - 9 from 2009: Atascocita and Katy (see links above for other Places)

Atascocita, Texas
Atascocita, a nearby neighbor to Humble, Texas, sits on the banks of Lake Houston. Since 2000, households here grew 108%, from 11,475 to 23,917. Average household income grew from $79,054 to $99,272, placing Atascocita third for income growth.

Gadberry's demographics also revealed that Hispanic households represented the largest growing segment of the population at 278%.

Katy, Texas
Katy was one of the Top 25 candidates in 2008 and occupies the number five position in this year's list. The area is second for absolute household change, adding 15,699 households since 2000, and was third for percent household change, increasing from 6,585 households in 2000 to 22,284 households in 2008, or 238%.  Katy tied with Mansfield for highest percentage of children compared to total population at 42%. It is also the most ethnically diverse of this year's places, with no ethnic group having less than 6% of total households and all major ethnic groups growing more than 150% since 2000.

"Katy has one of the lowest costs of living in the nation and consequently offers an extremely high standard of living for its residents," notes Lance LaCour, president and CEO of the Katy Area Economic Development Council. "Combine this with the abundance of professional jobs and access to higher education and all of the key ingredients are present to create a true boomtown. These ingredients become even more important in an economic recession where opportunity is scarce and therefore makes Katy an even more attractive place to live and work."

Maps and Demographics

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Pop that cork: Study says champagne is good for you

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 03:00:00 GMT

Sarah Rufca/Culture Map Houston

December 31st, 2009 at 2:00 AM

Just in time for our New Year's celebrations (click here if you still don't know where to bring in 2010), research out of the University of Reading in the United Kingdom suggests that two glasses of champagne per day could improve your heart and your circulation.

Like red wine, tea, blueberries, olive oil and other so-called "super foods," champagne (and other sparkling wines like cava and prosecco) contains polyphenols, which appear to slow down the natural removal of nitric oxide, a vascular active molecule which controls blood pressure. Got that? Basically, the polyphenols lead to higher nitric oxide levels in blood, which can increase blood flow and decrease blood pressure and the likelihood of blood clots forming, reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

This discovery builds on the medical recommendation that two glasses of red wine are beneficial to the heart and circulatory system, though white wine has not been shown to offer similar benefits.

Like you needed a reason to break into the bubbly.