by Carson Coots, Guest Author and Publisher, of
OnlyKaty.com
the definitive Katy blog
If you live in Katy, you may have gathered that it seems like we are never going to see the end to the 23 mile concrete and steel wasteland otherwise known as the Katy Freeway. According to the the Katy Freeway Public Information team, the completion is near.
The $2.7 Billion construction project has been going on in phases since 2003, and the final road is expected to be complete in early 2009, with the final phase (AKA contract G) of I-10 East of 6-10 to Washington Ave. The freeway is expanded up to 18 lanes wide in some areas (including frontage and Toll/HOV lanes).
The most noteworthy part of this new freeway is the Katy Tollway. It is the first of it’s kind in Texas with “dynamic pricing”, meaning pricing will be based on Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
When my little ones were transferred to a brand new elementary school, Schmalz, they went “kicking and screaming”. The mascot wasn’t right and the colors were unacceptable. They missed their old principal and school song. A great deal of their friends were still districted to the old school. It was not a pretty picture at my house.
Are you facing the same resistance this year? Our wonderful school district is exploding in size with four new school opening on Monday, August 25th. Two elementary schools and two junior highs will be added to the school roster. A Ninth Grade Center is also opening. Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, the most sweeping housing legislation since the Depression era, was passed by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives at the end of last month and was signed into law by President Bush. The new law addresses various aspects of the housing downturn, including assistance for homeowners who are behind on their mortgages, federal oversight of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and funding for cities to buy and fix up foreclosed properties.
Many of the provisions of the new law go into effect October 1, 2008 but for first-time home buyers who bought, or will buy, their home between April 9th of this year and July 1, 2009, there’s an immediate bonus — a tax credit of up to 10 percent of the sales price, up to $7,500. Note that this is a tax credit, not a tax deduction. A deduction is an item that is subtracted from your annual income before income taxes are calculated. A tax credit is Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
My new Katy Woodcreek Reserve listing is an absolutely spectacular Trendmaker with incredible features and many upgrades. ‘Southern Living’ interior reflects the owners’ traditional taste. There are wide plank wood floors, upgraded tile & carpet. Granite everywhere, not only in the kitchen but on one of the two fireplaces.
The romantic master has a sitting room with its own fireplace. The master closet is “to-die-for” with wall-to-wall built-ins.
All brick, the house has a 3-car garage and an automatic iron gate. The yard has oak & pecan trees. This is one of the few lots in the natural wooded section; the house faces Buffalo Bayou, below is the view from the front door.
It’s an easy walk to the pool, playground & putt-putt course. Woodcreek Elementary is just down the street. The new Woodcreek Jr. High opens this school year.
Call me for a private tour, 713-818-2404.
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
Last weekend, August 9-10, Perry Homes debuted their new model in Cross Creek Ranch, a 3,000 acre master-planned in Fulshear. An amenities full one-story, the floor plan has four bedrooms and three baths. It’s 2,974 square feet.
Perry Homes in Cross Creek Ranch now offers buyers a choice of large one and two-story home inspired by Georgian architecture. The houses feature hand-crafted kitchen cabinets, Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
What? You ask! Look, lady, are you keeping livestock in your backyard? What about the deed restrictions? Where do you live?
Simmer down, I’m not running a suburban ranch; I’m pursuing a country life-style passion by boarding my alpaca herd on an alpaca ranch in Navasota. I’m a Katy resident and Realtor for nearly 20 years. My children Evan and Elizabeth, pictured above, attend Katy schools and I work for Keller Williams Katy.
Then, you wonder, what in the world is an alpaca? They’re wonderful animals in the camel Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
Friday, August 15th, 2008 – Please join us at The Golf Club @ Cinco Ranch for a taste of Wine & Foods from around the World. This is a community style Happy Hour event where wines are showcased in a fun & casual environment. Perfect for those just entering the world of wine, friends out on the town or the enthusiast hunting new finds. You don’t have to drive into Houston to find great wines. Mix, mingle, and enjoy right here in Katy and in the process, help a good cause!
The Garage Dwellerz will be Performing!
The Garage Dwellerz are lifetime lovers of blues, rock, and folk music, who live a secret life Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
Katy is a vibrant, growing community whose spirit dates back to the celebration of rice harvests and beyond. Today Katy is an international and diverse city. As it continues to grow there are those who want to insure that the strength found in its humble beginnings continues to make Katy a community where people truly care about one another. That love and care not only touches its residents but also those who are visiting or just passing through.
After all, unless they were born here, those of us who call Katy home were at one time “visiting or just passing through” and found that special something that causes people to Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
A few? None? Way too many? How many blind dates have you gone on? Since my parents, happily married for their lifetimes, met on a blind date my heart always erred toward hope.
One of my blind dates actually peeled shrimp and put the shells directly on a linen table cloth. Another brought his brother who “just got in from out-of-town”! Still another, took me to the most depressing movie I have ever seen and I go to a lot of movies. I couldn’t make these things up.
When I list a Katy house, I always tell my Katy sellers that the first impression Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
At least 10% of American homeowners handle their own sales. Your success will be determined by a good, working knowledge of what’s involved. The basics include pricing your house by comparing it to other similar properties that have sold. Asking price is irrelevant, you must use sold prices.
Fix your house up before it goes on the market. Do not put off any repairs or cosmetic fix-ups. It’s imperative to do these tasks before you go on the market; it will cost you less than a buyer will discount.
Look at your house as a prospective buyer will; be super critical. It is important that you stop Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
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