Enjoy Early Morning Walks / Listening to Birds Sing - Grand Lakes  If you enjoy taking early morning walks on trails in your own neighborhood during the spring time or anytime of the year while listening to the birds sing then you should definitely consider  Grand Lakes in Katy TX as a place for you to move to. Grand Lakes in Katy TX is an established family and pet friendly neighborhood offering residents numerous amenities such as pools, putting green, hike and bike trails, playgrounds, dog park, man made lakes, parks and several others.  If you or someone you know are looking for or are in need of a home in Grand Lakes, Katy, Sugar Land or Cypress TX area then you need a REALTOR® to help you with the purchase or sale or lease of a home and please contact me as you will not be disappo... 03/20/2017

Sensitive Offer to You my Friend!  I suspect several of us received a message similar to the one below through Active Rain today. Altan has a sensitive offer to present to me and probably numerous others. Gosh I wonder if this could be my ticket to wealth! LOL.. How stupid do they think we are? I have recently received several supposed job offers sent to my Email account which state big salary and little work.. Spare me!  This is obviously another in a long list of scams that hackers and or thieves are sending out to probably millions of folks just like you and me. I am publishing this so not only my AR friends are aware but so are folks in the public who will read my post. It appears no water is safe to go into any more. Date03/15/2017 at 07:34 AMNameAltan C BalikEmailaltancansu.b@yaho... 03/15/2017

Working on Federal Taxes in Katy TX This weekend has found me working on our Federal Taxes so we can file for an extension.It takes me some additional time to put together the Real Estate data and expenses. I always file for an extension once I have inputted all the other data in Intuit Proseries tax software. Free plug for the software but customer service with this group not so much.. I will leave that to another post.  If you to file an extension, Form 4868 needs to be filed with the IRS by April 18, 2017 which is the due date for individual tax returns this year. This form requires a taxpayer to estimate the amount tax they owe and pay the difference if tax is indeed owed with the extension request.  I have a client I prepare the tax return  as the paid preparer and I have worked on... 03/12/2017

Wonder Why Katy/Houston has a Huge Homeless/Lost Pet Population? Hmmm.. The entire Houston metropolitan area has a huge problem of a large population of lost or abandoned and/or homeless dogs and cats. Last year I heard two different TV stations state there are over 1 million dogs roaming the streets of metropolitan Houston let alone the number of cats on the streets.  Every day I see several internet posts concerning lost dogs or cats. Sometimes these pets are found and returned to their owners but in my experience this does not happen all that often. This week I encountered an experience which may help to explain a small part of this large problem.  I was driving to our mailbox which located on the first street in our section of Grand Lakes Katy TX. I drive fairly slow on this street ... 03/10/2017

Sunday March 12, 2017 Spring Forward  Plus Spring 2017 To Do Items As most of us know but tend to forget, we need to spring forward on Sunday March 12, 2017 at 2:00 A.M. and turn our timepieces forward one hour. I like to remind folks early as there are many planners who might not remember and this can cause havoc. It is always easy to remember the time change if you think about spring forward and fall back when it comes to setting the time.There are several essential things most of us should schedule time to do to coincide with the time change. These tasks for the most part are items we all tend to forget or just ignore or realize this is a real pain and we wait until there is a problem before taking any action.  Call this a Spring Important To DO List. If we plan to add all these item... 03/09/2017

Annual Fishing Show in Houston Texas Fishing has a huge following of fishermen all across Texas and certainly in the Houston and surrounding areas.  Where:      George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida De Las Americas Exhibit Hall A, Houston Texas, 77010, 713-853-8000. This is in downtown Houston with easy accessTo all of the freeways. When:        Starts Wednesday(Today), March 8 2017 and runs through Sunday, March 12, 2017 Hours:        March 4 Wednesday through March 10, Friday 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m.          Saturday March 11, 2017 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.          Sunday       March 12, 2017 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.Admission Price:Adults - $9.00     Children under 12 - $2.00 This is the 42ND Annual Fishing Show and is the biggest consumer fishing show in the entire United Sta... 03/08/2017

Sick Yesterday in Katy TX Yesterday afternoon I became sick all of sudden. We were scheduled to go to dinner with my son, his fiancee, future step granddaughter and my sons future in inlaws . We had to cancel as whatever hit me did not go away quickly. I still do not feel that good today. We were going to have dinner at a highly rated South African restaurant located in northwest Houston.  I always say it is better to live to fight or enjoy on another day than it is to push any attempt at something when things are not right.  Have a great reminder to your Sunday afternoon and evening.  Below is a sunset picture ..    03/05/2017

Almost Wordless Wednesday - Aquarium PicturesEarlier this year we visited an aquarium and the below pictures were taken there. I really like the colors and the sea life. The ocean is a very complex life system without question.If you or someone you know are looking for or are in need of a home in Grand Lakes, Katy, Sugar Land or Cypress TX area REALTOR® to help you with the purchase or sale or lease of a home please contact me as you will not be disappointed. I am positive if you interview me you will be very happy. I am a Professional Realtor working for Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices - Anderson Properties in Katy TX and I have several years of successful corporate and real estate experience. I would love to hear from you and start working on finding your dream home. My cell number is... 03/01/2017

"Our Agents Take The C.A.K.E"C-CommitmentA-AltitudeK-KnowledgeE-Enthusiasm Licensed Realtor Looking To Enhance Your Business? Luxe Realty Group  We are looking for Licensed Real Estate Professionals with experience in the residential real estate industry. The successful candidates will be results driven, clients focused, experienced professionals possessing backgrounds in sales and OR the hospitality industry.  Responsibilities:  Conduct phone appointments creating listing activity to qualified sellers and decision makers working in our primary markets Greater Houston, Greater San Antonio, And Greater Austin Vicinities. Identify, qualify and record leads, contact information and notes regarding the new or ongoing development of new or existing client targets · Negotiate and execute cont... 02/27/2017

Almost Speechless Sunday - Our Pup Enjoying a Leisurely Sunday Morning Our little pup Miss Duchess is a family dog and she loves to hang out with us. Below she is shown enjoying a leisurely Sunday morning cup of coffee while checking her Email plus pictures on my laptop here in Katy TX. Sitting in my spot or Miss Yolanda's spot at or breakfast room table is one of her favorite things to do when we are home. She makes us laugh every day. Small dog with a huge personality.    02/26/2017

Don’t Let Student Loans Stop You from Buying a Home Buying a home is considered by many, to be an integral part of the American dream. But what happens if you have student loans, that means that you aren’t financially capable of buying a home, right? WRONG. Student loans may affect your monthly budget, but there are mortgages available for those with student loans. You still can qualify for a mortgage loan.   Please take the time to read the linked article shown below as it does a very good job of providing needed information.   Want to learn more? I am an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) in Katy TX, plus professional Realtor and have worked with first time homebuyers to manage their student loans and still be able to afford a home. Please let me know if you have any questions! ... 02/24/2017

Today is National Margarita Day! Enjoy!!  February 22 of every year is National Margarita Day and it is a time pay a tribute to this wonderful drink. I have recently read a survey which found margarita's are the most popular drink ( alcohol) in the US. I will not get into some type of debate as to the accuracy of this survey but certainly margarita’s are very popular all over the US and especially in Texas. In fact margarita’s are enjoyed all across the world.  If you the opportunity enjoy one today or maybe one over the upcoming weekend.  My wife Yolanda makes excellent margarita’s including cranberry, blue, and others. She is a lady of many talents. Next time she makes one I will take a picture and share it with everyone.  Enjoy your day and margarita.  Above picture courtesy of Bing ... 02/22/2017

Katy ISD Virtual School Registration is Open Katy ISD has created a virtual school and registration is now open for Summer 2017, Fall 2017 and Spring 2018. Katy ISD District feels online learning is an essential segment of today’s learning environment. Online courses can provide students with an opportunity to acquire required school credit from anywhere and at time the student is availble to learn. Online education is in high demand and is a very cost effective method to provide students with instruction.  All online courses are aligned with Katy ISD curriculum and are taught by Katy ISD teachers. The key is this type of school instruction and learning provides the student and their family with flexibility. Another advantage to students of this program is students can attend specialize... 02/20/2017

Eye Allergy Problem Spreads in Katy TX. I previously wrote a post concerning an eye allergy issue I was having back in November. I went to our eye Doctor and he told me to use over the counter cream with 1% hydrocortisone three times a day. I followed instructions and after about one week the problem appeared to disappear.  During December 2016 allergy issue on my eyelids came back. I followed the same instructions from the eye doctor but this time the condition never went away. Slowly but surely it spread to my face with the area below my right eye getting impacted. This area is is very red and looks horrible. The pain is like being stuck with tiny pins. Unfortunately the same stuff has now spread to the area around my left eye!  During the last 7-10 days the condition has gotten worse... 02/19/2017

Excel Series at Cinco Ranch Branch Library The Cinco Ranch Ranch Branch Library which is part of the Fort Bend County TX library system and which is located at 2620 Commercial Center Blvd Katy TX 77494 is offering a Microsoft 2010 Excel series of no charge classes during February 2017. I use Excel all the time but I can tell you there is always something new to learn and improve your skill set.  On Thursday February 16, 2017 MS Excel Intermediate is being presented and it starts at 10 AM. If you are a beginner this is not the class for you as of now. Take the basic class first and then practice.  Thursday February 23, 2017 at 10 AM the class is MS Excel: Advanced. This is a class I probably need to take to make the jump to the next level. Seating at all the computer related classes at t... 02/10/2017

Picturesque Neighborhood Scenery - Katy TX Katy Tx and the surrounding unincorporated areas have numerous neighborhoods where residents can enjoy picturesque scenery when they walk, run, drive through or ride a bike in the neighborhood.  These neighborhoods have numerous amenities available to residents which usually include swimming pools, hike/walking trails, putting greens, dog parks, man made lakes, parks, green areas  plus several other attractions.   If you are looking for a great place to live in a family and  a pet friendly neighborhood contact me and let us get started finding your dream home in Katy or the surrounding areas as there are still beautiful homes available.  Picturesque Neighborhood Scenery - Katy TX  02/08/2017

Home Buyers : Internet Use vs. In Person Don’t believe everything you see or read on the internet. You’ve heard that one before I am sure. It’s great to start out by conducting research if you’re interested in buying a home, but I strongly advise you to be conscientious of the websites you use to do your browsing. As an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) and professional Realtor, I can steer you in the right direction and better explain the online property portal process.  See the linked article shown below as it explains online web portals. I can design a custom home search which taps into HAR MLS data. This search will put all homes matching your criteria into your own web page and this can be accessed any time you want. I look forward to working with you and hearing from you! W... 02/07/2017

Katy Prairie Conservancy (KPC)  Owl Prowl and Coyote Howl KPS Indiangrass Preserve31950 Herbert RoadWaller TX. 77484 The Katy Prairie Conservancy ( KPC) is hosting on Sunday February 12, 2017 a special evening program out in the prairie in the greater Katy area. Participants will search for prairie night predators such as the owls and coyotes. How cool is that. Pretty cool I think! I Sorry kids but this program is meant for adults.  The cost is $50 per person. The night will start with a short talk followed and then Master naturalist and Bird Guide Glenn Olsen will take the whole group out in the prairie in search of predators. The group will be looking to find barn owls, great horned owls, screech owls, short eared owls and hopefully some coyotes. Coyotes usually travel in packs from w... 02/06/2017

Great News as 29 Dogs plus some Cats Adopted 2/4/17Yesterday was a phenomenal day at the Fort County Animal Services shelter as 29 dogs were adopted and several cats. I do not yet have a count on the cat adoptions. In addition, four (4) dogs on their PUSH list were adopted and this just leaves 2 dogs from the list to be adopted. One of those dogs was  totally abused as she was in Rosenberg, TX. She does not get along with other dogs at all but humans no issues at all.  She gave me numerous kisses when I stuck my hand in her pen to pet her. Her picture is the first one shown below. The two remaining dogs on the PUSH list have had their deadline  extended until Wednesday February 8, 2017. The adoption fees were dropped to a total bargain price of $12 per dog and $2 per cat. This very low ... 02/05/2017

Passport Fair in Katy TX On Saturday February 4, 2017 Annie Rebecca Elliott, Fort Bend County District Clerk, is holding a unique Passport Fair. This is a community service and its main purpose is to make it easier and more convenient to apply for a US Passport. The fair starts at 8 AM and lasts until Noon. This Fair is being held at the Fort Bend County North Annex which is located at 22333 Grand Corner Drive, Suite 105 Katy TX 77494. Appointments are NOT being accepted as this is on a walkin basis only.. All applicants have to appear in person.  If you want for information and an application go to Fort Bend County website.  Passport Fair in Katy TX  02/03/2017