The Woodlands Real Estate

As we have seen and continue to experience, Home Loan Interest Rates are at an all time low. With the market being what it is, it is up in the air as to when they rates will start to go back up, but they are guaranteed to increase. If you are looking to buy or sell, now is definitely the time.

30 YEAR FIXED CONVENTIONAL 4. 25%                     

 15 YEAR FIXED CONVENTIONAL  3 .75%

 30 YEAR FIXED FHA  4 .375%
       
15 YEAR FIXED FHA 4. 00%

JUMBO RATES AS LOW AS 5.25% 30 year fixed!!

The Woodlands E-Neighbo newsletter has reported that Market Street has leased more than 10,000 square feet of space to five new retail and dining spots as the shopping, dining and entertainment destination rounds out its tenant mix in anticipation of the fall and holiday shopping seasons.

Openings scheduled by this fall include Schilleci’s Cajun Kitchen where diners can enjoy the restaurant’s unique taste of New Orleans with great-tasting gumbo and other favorites. Another Market Street newcomer is The Cupcakery, a family-owned business with locations in Las Vegas and Dallas where more than one million cupcakes have been enjoyed.

Besides the additions of these two new dining spots, Market Street is expanding its collection of health and beauty tenants with the addition of the European Wax Center, opening between Massage Envy and Glo Sun Spa, and Xtreme Lashes, a global leader in eyelash extensions, opening next to Lenscrafters.

The Woodlands Art Gallery will return and open an art gallery and workshop in August across from Aaron Brothers. One other Market Street fashion tenant, Hemline, will re-open in fully remodeled space in August next to Bath Junkie.

These openings follow Market Street’s announcements of Tiffany & Co. as well as the fashion boutique, Couture Lounge. For more information, visit www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) published its 2010 Accountability Ratings on Friday, July 30. Schools attended by children living in The Woodlands have achieved educational excellence. All of the elementary schools that children in The Woodlands attend have been rated Exemplary.

The Woodlands is comprised of three different school districts: Conroe Independent School District; Tomball Independent School District for children who reside in the Village of Creekside Park; and Magnolia Independent School District for students who live in the 400-acre area of May Valley in the Village of Sterling Ridge.

Conroe ISD has been named an Exemplary District by the TEA. Collins Intermediate and Mitchell Intermediate have been rated Exemplary. Wilkerson Intermediate has been rated Recognized, the second highest rating. Knox Junior High School and McCullough Junior High have been recognized as Exemplary. The Woodlands High School and The Woodlands College Park High School (top photo) have been rated Recognized. All of the Conroe ISD elementary schools attended by children in The Woodland have been rated Exemplary.

Magnolia ISD is a Recognized District by the TEA. Smith Elementary has been rated Exemplary. Bear Branch 6th Grade Campus, Bear Branch Junior High and Magnolia High School have been rated Recognized.

The TEA rated Tomball ISD as a Recognized District. Creekside Forest Elementary K-6 School (bottom photo), located in the Village of Creekside Park, is rated as an Exemplary school. Tomball Junior High and Tomball High School have been rated Recognized.

For more information on the TEA 2010 Accountability Ratings, click here.

Rates are mantaining their LOW status, but notice that the 30 Year Fixed FHA loan had dropped EVEN LOWER!!

The Houston Association of Realtors (HAR) has released the housing numbers for June and the numbers are good!

Domestic Workers United

On July 1, the New York State Legislature passed the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights (A1470B/S2311E). After 6 years of organizing by domestic workers together with unions, employers, clergy and community organizations, the New York State Legislature came down on the side of justice. Finally, domestic workers are recognized as real workers under the law. The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights is expected to take effect in January 2011.  If it does, it is expected that California and Colorado are expected to follow suit…and if this happens, we can expect it to spread throughout the US.

“Historically those employed within a private residence were often excluded from many employment rights afforded to other work sectors. Homeowners will now be faced with regulations and possible fines, and diligent record keeping and documentation will be required.  New York is the first state to make major changes in the establishment of employment rights for domestic workers and other states are expected to follow suit. With help from the National Domestic Workers Alliance and other local organizations, California andColorado are drafting similar legislation to the NY Bill of Rights. Hundreds of organization across the U.S. are working to make changes to state laws and hope to eventually change federal law. Employers will have to be vigilant to keep up with employment law changes. Those employers with domestic workersin multiple states will especially suffer as they try to stay on top of the changing employment laws.

Provisions of the NY Bill

It is still an unbelievable time to be in the market for a home loan. Here are today’s Home Loan Interest Rates. Please Call The Chappell Team for more information! 281-863-9134

Stay Cool

Summer is here and it is HOT in Houston. The summer can be the most challenging season for cooling systems. With Houston’s high temperatures, combined with our humidity, it is vital that we take the necessary precautions to make sure our A/C units are running well and efficiently! Summer has just begun and yet many of our air conditioners are already working overtime to keep our homes cool. That extra work can wreak havoc on the many moving parts inside your air conditioning system – especially if they aren’t running at peak efficiency. So take the time to do some preventive maintenance. This can be the difference between enjoying cool comfort and sweating a costly service call.

• Check and Change the Air Filters – This should be done at least once a month in the summer
• Keep Outdoor Unit(s) Clean and Clear – Remove any plant growth, grass clippings, or debris caught in the coil walls. The coil can be cleaned using a soft-bristle brush to gently sweep the fins. Always brush in line with the fins, and be gentle because the fins can bend easily.
• Check Drain for Clogs – Another important thing to check for is a clogged condensate drain. This is the drain that comes from the cooling coil drain opening on the furnace and runs to the floor drain. Clogs are usually caused by bacterial slime that grows in the water. With the A/C running, check where the line drains into the floor drain to see if water is draining. If no water is present, you most likely have a clog. If there is water visible on the furnace and/or pooling at its base, you definitely have a clog. Turn off the A/C right away to avoid water damaging any furnace components, and have a licensed mechanical contractor inspect and unclog the drain.

Lynn Wilson, The Chappell Team

We have exciting news!  We have a new member of The Chappell Team.  Lynn Wilson is a top producing agent from Washington D.C. and has joined the team as both a listing and a buyer’s agent.  After building one of the top real estate teams in D.C. she and her husband Bob have relocated to The Woodlands to be closer to their family.  Lynn is mother to both Elizabeth and Brian, so The Chappell Team has become even more of a family business!  Lynn’s experience marketing luxury properties as well as her energy and drive make her a perfect match for The Chappell Team. We are so excited to have her –  Welcome to The Woodlands, Lynn!

Successful Closings...

I just read a great article that really hits on the key points to a smooth and successful transaction.

In this article, Dirk Zell points out that “Like a train, a transaction can get derailed at any point on the track. A closing can be hit by a clouded title, a home not appraising for value, a rapid change in interest rates, an undisclosed credit or income issue, or one of countless other unanticipated issues.