High Anxiety - Real Estate Taxes in Texas

A recent acticle from the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M (WHOOP) found that the overall tax burden in Texas is one of the lowest in the nation. "Texas property taxes are high compared with many other states. But when the overall tax burden for a family of three is considered, Texas taxes are among the lowest in the nation." It's a short read, but worth the look... http://recenter.tamu.edu/pdf/1956.pdf  

Kitchen "to die for"

YOU FOUND IT!!!! Your dream come true. Come see the most gorgeous, updated and yet affordable home in the area. The kitchen is "to die for". Luxurious dark granite complements the rich maple cabinets. Upgraded appliances include double convection oven. Tumbled tile backsplash and undermount sink. An abundance of tile throughout home (carpet only in home office, 2 BRs). Remodeled bathrooms. Doors replaced. Ceiling fans. And wait till you see the size of the HUGE backyard. UNBELIEVABLE. FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2102 Click here to see the photos.

Beauty in Cinco Ranch SW

Absolutely stunning Village Builder home in Cinco Ranch SW is located on a corner lot of a cul de sac with no backyard neighbors. Stone and brick exterior, front and back covered porches, heavy mahogany front door. Gourmet kitchen with granite, island, gas cooktop, walk in pantry. Owners just replaced all carpet (except stairs) with deep, rich hardwood floors. Chic travertine fireplace was custom made. Huge corner whirlpool tub in master suite. Minutes to Westpark Toll. Come on in a take a look. FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2 Click here to see the photos.

Ready to move in

What is the best reason to buy this home? 4 bedrooms; updated bathrooms and kitchen; quick closing; one of the lowest tax rates for Katy; attending excellent Katy/Memorial Parkway schools; central location; recent roof, carpet, granite counters, hot water heater, dishwasher and paint? Best of all it's only $120,000.  FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2218 Click here to see the photos.

Condo in West Houston

How many reasons do you need to buy your very own condo: LOCATION? Just blocks north of Westheimer, west of BW 8. PRICE? Probably less than you are paying for an apartment, especially since the fees are not sky-high like other complexes a little further east. You won't need a messy, irritating roommate to share the cost. SIZE? Spacious so invite your friends over for the evening. CONVENIENT? Downstairs unit with an attached garage; updated kitchen. TIMING? Rates are so low. Lock in now. FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2466 Click here to see the photos.

Affordable in Cinco Ranch

Here's your chance to move to prestigious Cinco Ranch and enjoy all the amenities. Affordable 3-2-2 plus home office and formal dining; great open floorplan with arches and decorator paint colors. Walk-in pantry, 42” cabinets, gas cooking, breakfast bar. Whirlpool tub, separate shower and 2 sinks in master. Surround sound and gaslog fireplace in den. Sprinkler system; brick on 4 sides; gutters. Best of all it backs to the reserve (see aerial photo). Excellent Katy schools. FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2503 Click here to see the photos.

Tree of Hope

Pick your ornament, and share your message!

Come check out Cinco Charities' Tree of Hope - our virtual, on-line Christmas Tree where you, our guest, can share a message of faith, hope and love with the world. You may hang a Christmas light with a message for FREE, but we hope you'll consider donating for an ornament, present, or other decoration!

Last year's Tree raised over $1,000, which is enough to house a single family in need for up to one month! Your donation goes straight to helping those families in the fight against life threatening diseases.

Please visit our Tree of Hope online, leave an ornament and share a message - give as little or as much as you can!

Thank you for your continued support, and have a great holiday season!

The Board of Directors of Cinco Charities, Inc.

About Cinco Charities, Inc.

Cinco Charities, Inc., a non-profit organization created and run by Keller Williams Realty Katy @ Cinco Ranch associates. We believe in doing more than selling real estate. Leaving a legacy in our community is a passion we share, continuing our dream to provide temporary housing in our community with a warm, safe environment for individuals and their families who are hospitalized or receiving treatment for serious medical conditions.

22762 Westheimer Parkway, Suite 430
Katy, Texas 77450

281.220.2188 Direct
281.220.6417 Fax


What is Cinco Charities all about???
Cinco Charities Tree of Hope

4 BR in Cinco Ranch with home office

Well maintained; affordable 1 story in Cinco Ranch; hardwoods, home office, 4 BR, granite; lower taxes, central location just minutes from Grand Parkway with easy access to West Park Tollroad or I-10; near Energy Corridor; highly acclaimed Cinco Ranch schools. FREE RECORDED INFO CALL 1-888-266-0724 CODE # 2054 Click here to see the photos.

Update on Foreclosure Holds

Since the previous announcment apparently caused a lot of alarm among Texas Realtors, the Texas Associate of Realtors has issued a FAQ. The FAQ basically states that the Texas AG has "asked" in legal terms to have the banks put a hold on the foreclosures...that means the banks aren't forced to comply. I know that BOA has put a halt while Wells Fargo has not.

Read the Letter Below:

http://www.texasrealtors.com/go/marcom/FAQForeclosureMoratorium100610.pdf

Texas Attorney General Places Moratorium on Foreclosed Properties

I am an avid Dave Ramsay fan and occasionally tune into AM 700 to listen to his program. Yesterday I just kept the radio on after Dave’s show was over and the next program on featured the Texas Attorney General, Greg Abbott. He was announcing that due to the influx of complaints filed by homeowners the state was putting a hold on the foreclosure of homes, eviction of persons from a home previously foreclosed on and the sale of foreclosed properties. They are investigating specific institutions where the complaints were coming from.


The Attorney General said the claims of “robo-signing” were rampant and may have resulted in the illegal foreclosure of properties. He also stated if this is found to be true then the compensation would be astronomical for the bank. They would need to compensate the persons evicted and those who purchased the properties from a foreclosure bank. The complaints are in many other states as well.

Here is the email I received from the Texas Association of Realtors shortly after I heard this on the radio:


_______________________________________________________________________
October 5, 2010

To: Texas REALTORS®

From: Texas Association of REALTORS® Legal Department


RE: Texas Attorney General halts foreclosures and sales of foreclosed properties

The Texas Attorney General's office has halted all foreclosures, all sales of properties previously foreclosed upon, and all evictions of persons residing in previously foreclosed upon properties, until mortgage companies have completed a review of their processes, including whether employees or agents "robosigned” affidavits and other documents recorded in Texas.


The AG suspension notices were sent to 30 mortgage-loan servicers doing business in Texas.

• AG letter to mortgage companies


List of mortgage companies receiving AG letter
__________________________________________________________________________
I think it is important to note that not all foreclosures were done illegally so if you have purchased a foreclosure I wouldn't worry just yet. The state will keep us informed of what is going on and we will be sure to pass that information along to all our current and past buyers.