DavidTheLocator: 39 Tips For Every Homeowner: Week 5

DavidTheLocator: 39 Tips For Every Homeowner: Week 5: 39 Tips For Every Homeowner: Week 5 It’s hard to account for everything that comes with buying a new Houston home . We hope ...

39 Tips For Every Homeowner: Week 5

39 Tips For Every Homeowner: Week 5

It’s hard to account for everything that comes with buying a new Houston home. We hope this week of tips will help prepare you for the responsibilities that come with homeownership.

34. Take a video of each room. You can present that or photographs to the insurance company as evidence of the contents of the room in case of a fire or other damage.

35. Expect expenses to be more expensive than you thought. You never truly understand how much money you will spend on your home until you own one. Factor in necessary purchases like window coverings, landscaping equipment and a well-stocked toolbox, plus periodic maintenance items like air filters.

36. Prepare for the worst.  You always need to know what potential hazards can occur in your market. Are you on an earthquake fault, are you in an area susceptible to brush fires, hurricanes, or do tornadoes happen often?

37. Think security. Protecting your family is critical. 

38. Know your renewals. If the home has a termite or stucco bond in place or an alarm system contract, “don’t depend on the company to notify you prior to the renewal date. Know your renewals.

39. Enjoy your home!

Purchasing a Houston home? Selling? Give us a call at 281-326-HOME and visit our website at www.davidthelocator.com 

At Innovative Realty Group we can help you with all of your needs. Looking for a Houston apartment? We also specialize in Apartment Locating and our service is FREE!

Content provided courtesy of USAA.

Stupid Spoon Game!

Had to laugh... This was 4 years ago...just acting silly & having fun! What things have you done to create a good laugh???

39 Tips For Every Homeowner: Week 3

39 tips for every homeowner: Week 3

From paint color to property tax, Houston homeownership is all in the details. When you’re deliberating over those details, make sure you’re familiar with state and local regulations.

Know your Houston neighborhood rules.

16. Will a change in exterior color, siding or roof style require special approval from your city or homeowners association?

17. Does the neighborhood have restrictions on the type or height of a fence?

18. Are there any rules on the number or type of vehicles, such as campers and boats that can be parked at a property?

19. Are there restrictions on the types of business you can run out of your home?

20. Are particular types of animals, sizes or breeds prohibited in the neighborhood?

21. Can sheds or outbuildings be built on your property?

Learn your state’s tax rules. It might save you some cash, like in these examples:

22. South Carolina: Soon after closing, new homeowners should head to the county assessor’s office to apply for the discounted 4 percent property tax for permanent occupants. If not, their tax bill comes out at 6 percent, which can be a large difference.

23. Maryland: First-time homeowners are exempt from state transfer taxes, which are usually split 50-50 between the seller and the buyer.

24. Texas: Seek a homestead tax exemption. Homeowners could end up saving as much as 20 percent on their property tax each year if they file for it.

Purchasing a Houston home? Selling? Give us a call at 281-326-HOME and visit our website at www.davidthelocator.com 

At Innovative Realty Group we can help you with all of your needs. Looking for a Houston apartment? We also specialize in Apartment Locating and our service is FREE!

Content provided courtesy of USAA

  

39 Tips For Every Homeowner: Week 4

39 Tips For Every Homeowner: Week 4

Just like anything in life, Houston homeownership has its do’s and don’ts. We cover those, and more, in today’s installment.

25. DON’T touch your retirement savings. Never put yourself in a situation where you have to dip into your retirement assets to buy, maintain or improve your house. That’s a good indication you've stretched yourself too thin. Try to have an emergency fund that covers three to six months of expenses to avoid this.

26. DO re-evaluate personal documents. Major life changes such as a Houston home purchase are great reasons to review and possibly update your life insurance and important estate planning documents.

27. DO consider a home warranty.  If you didn't negotiate one at closing, buy one. Many policies cover problems with appliances, heating or cooling systems, and interior plumbing. You pay a small cost annually, which is so much less than if you had to pay $3,000 to replace a furnace.

28. DON’T expect a major tax refund.  Most people believe they will have a significant tax refund the year they buy a house. That’s not always true, especially if you purchase your house in the second half of the year and only have a partial year’s worth of deductions.  

29. Ask the listing agent for past utility costs. This way, you won’t be surprised by how much it may cost each month for electricity, gas and water.

Maintain the exterior

30. Appearances matter. Curb appeal helps maintain property values. Take pride in your new investment.

31. Watch the heat. It can cause foundation problems. Consider placing a soaker hose 12 to 18 inches from the home’s outer edge during spells of extremely high temperatures.

32. Water rules. In many southern cities, homeowners can be fined for watering their lawn on the wrong days of the week.

33. Meet the landscaper. The lawn care vendor knows the yard. Ask sellers for contact information and fees.

Purchasing a Houston home? Selling? Give us a call at 281-326-HOME and visit our website at www.davidthelocator.com 

At Innovative Realty Group we can help you with all of your needs. Looking for a Houston apartment? We also specialize in Apartment Locating and our service is FREE!

Content provided courtesy of USAA.

39 Tips For Every Homeowner: Week 2

39 tips for every homeowner: Week 2

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Buying a Houston home is a big step, and there is so much to cover. Here are some simple things that could slip through the cracks if you’re not careful.

9. Always have your locks re-keyed immediately.

10. Stay updated on Houston schools.  Call the school district and find out if there will be any boundary changes regarding schools, especially in new neighborhoods.,

11. Understand your homeowners insurance coverage.  A lot of times when people buy a house, they don’t understand all of the liability limits. Really look at your policy again and see if there are any changes that need to be made. I’ve talked to a lot of people who have a 1 percent deductible but didn’t really think about what that means. One percent of a $400,000 home is a lot of money for most people. 

Quiz your home inspector about maintaining your new investment.

12. What do I need to prepare and protect the home against freezing weather?

13. How do I properly maintain drainage and moisture around the home to prevent foundation issues?

14. How often do I need to have the HVAC system serviced to keep it in proper working order?

15. Which items would you repair or replace if you were buying the home?

Purchasing a Houston home? Selling? Give us a call at 281-326-HOME and visit our website at www.davidthelocator.com 

At Innovative Realty Group we can help you with all of your needs. Looking for a Houston apartment? We also specialize in Apartment Locating and our service is FREE!

Content provided courtesy of USAA.

39 Tips for Every Homeowner: Week 1

39 Tips for Every Homeowner: Week 1

Preparation and care can make the difference between costly headaches and home sweet home. Here are 39 tips to help you enjoy your big investment. Today, tips 1-8.

Get to know your home’s systems...

A lot of things make a Houston house a home. Understand the systems in your home and how they operate.

1. Change air filters for improved cooling and heating efficiency.
2. Find the water shut-off valves to help protect against damage from leaks.
3. Ask how your sprinkler system operates to reduce water waste.
4. Know the location of your heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.
5. Understand how your kitchen appliances work.
6. Locate all the smoke detectors and change the batteries regularly.
7. Familiarize yourself with the alarm system keypad and contact the monitoring company.
8. Learn where your gas meter is and who provides your service.

Purchasing a Houston home? Selling? Give us a call at 281-326-HOME and visit our website at www.davidthelocator.com 
At Innovative Realty Group we can help you with all of your needs. Looking for a Houston apartment? We also specialize in Apartment Locating and our service is FREE!

Content provided courtesy of USAA.

DavidTheLocator: Halloween Safety Tips for Trick or Treating

DavidTheLocator: Halloween Safety Tips for Trick or Treating:                                           Halloween Safety Tips for Trick or Treating Kids look forward to Halloween  for many reason...

Halloween Safety Tips for Trick or Treating

                                          Halloween Safety Tips for Trick or Treating

Kids look forward to Halloween for many reasons. They like the dressing up in costumes but mostly they like it for the candy and treats! Who wouldn't? Even some adults still like to go our trick or treating. It makes them feel young and happy again. While this section sticks mainly to guidelines for kids, they are just as useful for adults.

Some parents like to take first dibs on some of the candy that the kids have picked up during the night. It's their reward for taking them around from house to house! We suggest that you watch the candy intake when you all get home, too much at one time can lead to stomach aches and indigestion. That includes mom and dad as well!

Make your child's Halloween a memorable holiday and they'll have good memories that last a lifetime! If you are taking your kids out for the night, dress up as well. Mom and dad should get into Halloween as much as the kids do!

Trick or Treating should be one of the great adventures of Halloween for kids! They can get dressed in scary costumes and go door to door, begging "Tricks or Treats!" from neighbors or at the local mall. Lots of small towns have a Halloween Safe Night at the community center or school so kids can Trick-or-Treat safely but going door to door is the stuff of childhood memories! It should be a fun time, without trouble and pain, so following some easy tips can keep your child safe every Halloween.

	Children should always go out trick or treating accompanied by a responsible adult. If you have a group of kids going, the parents should choose two or three of them to go along and keep an eye on things.
	Some towns set a curfew for trick or treating which makes it easier for townsfolk to know who's coming to their door. Make sure and stick to the curfew times and stick to subdivisions and areas with a lot of homes so your kids can get in as much trick or treating as possible in a few hours time.
	Plan a safe route so parents know where their older kids will be at all times. Set a time for their return home. Make sure that your child is old enough and responsible enough to go out by themselves. Make sure that they have a cell phone.
	Let your children know not to cut through back alleys and fields if they are out alone. Make sure they know to stay in populated areas and not to go off the beaten track. Let them know to stay in well lighted areas with lots of people around. Explain to them why it can be dangerous for kids not to do this. If they are going out alone, they are old enough to know what can happen to them in a bad situation and how to stop it from happening.
	Instruct your children not to eat any treats until they bring them home to be examined by you. This way you can check for any problem candy and get the pick of the best stuff!
	Instruct your child to never go into the home of a stranger or get into their car. Explain why this is not a god idea and what to do if someone approaches them and tries to talk to them.
	Make sure your child carries a flashlight, glow stick or has reflective tape on their costume to make them more visible to cars.
	Let them know that they should stay together as a group if going out to Trick or Treat without an adult. That being said... use common sense and...enjoy!

Use these tips (and your senses) to create a home that’s naturally calming.

Use these tips (and your senses) to create a home that’s naturally calming.

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When creating a calming environment, you might first think of simply finding a room in your Houston home that’s free of distractions. We rarely think about home decorating affecting how we actually feel on a day-to-day basis, but it can make a difference.

Get inspired by these tips to help you pick the right color and the perfect, relaxing fragrance.

Choose Cool, Soothing Colors

We choose colors for our bedrooms based on our personal preferences. Although you could choose any neutral shade (beiges, tans, soft browns or grays), cooler colors, such as greens and blues, work best because they have a soothing effect on the senses. For rooms in which you want to feel calm and at the same time alert (i.e., a home office), consider darker shades, including deep burgundy, a color recognized for its ability to create a studious environment.

Sniff Out the Right Scent

Experts believe one of the single most popular essential oils is lavender. It is believed to be good for calming the nervous system, relaxing the body, and enabling better sleeping patterns. Although there are many essential oils you can wear and wash your clothes with to help you relax and make it easier to sleep, the top five aromatherapy scents are lavender, chamomile, bergamot, sandalwood and mandarin.

When shopping for a home fragrance, sniff out those that include relaxing ingredients, such as lime (to relieve anxiety), pine (to stimulate deep breathing), cedar (to uplift), vanilla (to lighten your mood) or orange (to reduce tension).

Hope this helps and keep us in mind when looking for an apartment to rent or to purchase/sell your Houston home! We would love to help you!

Spring cleaning only lasts so long! Use these 5 tips to keep your house clean this summer.

Spring cleaning only lasts so long! Use these 5 tips to keep your house clean this summer.

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Although the weather’s nice and the sun is shining, summer often presents some unique messes. From grass stains to dollops of melted ice cream, summer can be challenging — unless you know the tricks of the trade.

Use these five tips to keep your house clean and organized throughout the hot season.

1. BathroomWhether it’s washing off the dirt from a day in the garden or sweat from your kids’ sports game, your shower is likely to see more use during the summers. Be sure to remind everyone to keep a window open or the fan on during every shower to prevent humidity (which is the perfect environment for mold).

That being said, summer is a great time to go through what’s in the shower rack and under the sink. Toss out any empty bottles and take inventory of things you need (sunscreen for instance).

If you live in an area especially humid during the summers (Like Houston!), be sure to wipe down any surfaces that accumulate moisture to prevent hard-water stains and mildew.

2. Patio/Deck FurnitureSummer is the time for eating outdoors. Whether you’re firing up the grill or hosting a potluck, you’ll most likely be spending a lot of time on your patio this season.

Cleaning the patio isn’t hard, either! You only need 30 minutes and a little elbow grease, and you’ll be on your way.

When it comes to patio furniture, you can use a gentle mixture of detergent and clean water give it a good scrub down. Check cushions for laundering instructions.

If you find any rust on metal furniture, sand it down and rinse it off. This might require multiple rounds depending on how much rust there is.

Spring rains can cause corrosion on a lot of equipment outside. 

3. Laundry RoomThe key to prepping the laundry room for a summer full of washing, drying and folding grass-stained T-shirts and shorts is organization.

Clear the laundry room of empty bottles and boxes that may have accumulated, and be sure to pack away any cold-weather clothing to make room for the inevitable baskets and hampers of dirty clothes. The less cluttered the room, the easier it will be to sort clothes. The easier it is to sort clothes, the faster the process will be.

Since summer presents an entirely different set of stains you’d encounter in most other seasons (condiments, ice cream, grass, dirt), you’ll no doubt need to be able to sort what clothes needs pretreating and those you can simply toss into the washer — which may require more room than you’d think!

4. Kitchen

Hot temperatures cause a stinky reminder that this is a great time to give your garbage can a scrub down. While spring cleaning is all about organizing and surfaces, summer is the perfect time to get into the nitty gritty of everything else in the kitchen — like appliances.

While cleaning the toaster involves just removing a bottom plate that catches crumbs and shaking out any bits of bread between the slots, appliances that see heavier use, like a microwave, need a little more attention. The biggest, of course, being your oven.

5. The Pantry

Even if your house is sparkling clean when you walk through, there’s something about a pantry that gets overlooked. This is the perfect time to organize all the usable items (after throwing away the expired or “why-did-I-buy-this?” kinds of foods, of course) for easy access — because there’s nothing worse than a house full of people rummaging for something in the very back of the pantry and knocking everything over in the process!

Cleaning the pantry is more than organizing! Pantries are renowned for collecting mysterious crumbs and debris. 

Good luck and get that house "show ready!!!"

It's Hurricane Season... Are You Prepared?

www.davidthelocator.com It is hard to believe, but the 2014 Hurricane Season is already upon us.  If there’s one lesson that we on the Texas Gulf Coast have learned repeatedly, it is the importance of early and thorough preparation. I want all of our families to appreciate the importance of hurricane preparation and to have the information they need to be ready for this hurricane season.   Here are five tips from NOAA’s National Hurricane Center on how to best prepare and survive a hurricane: 1. Know the difference between hurricane and tropical storm “watches” and “warnings.” A hurricane watch is a notification for residents to be on alert of a potential storm. Areas that are reported to have a storm warning are required to take immediate actions against safeguarding life. 2. Keep emergency contact information handy. Phones numbers for local emergency management officers, local law enforcement, hospitals, utility service providers and insurance information are recommended to be kept nearby during storms.  3. Pack emergency kits ahead of time. Packing essential items such as bottled water, snacks and canned foods are useful and at times, life-saving after storms frequently cause homes to lose gas and electricity. Items such as batteries for hand radios and flashlights are also helpful and difficult to find following hurricanes and tropical storms. 4. Prepare an emergency evacuation plan. Create a plan regarding where you can stay and temporary housing locations for your animals prior to a storm warning. In the event of an evacuation, follow FEMA’s Evacuation guidelines. 5. Stay alert in case of other natural disasters. The passing of the hurricane eye is not the end of a storm. NOAA warns that tornadoes, high winds and the possibility of a hurricane changing its course makes it important to remain alert following a storm. Tips For Hurricane Preparation: Before a hurricane - Board up windows - Set freezer & refrigerator to coldest setting to make food last as long as possible without electricity. - Fill bathtub with water for cleaning & flushing toilets. Don't leave small children unattended near full tub - Bring in all loose objects from the backyard. - Charge your cellphone & buy a car charger. - Program emergency contacts into phone. After a hurricane - Remove wet carpets, padding, mattresses & upholstered furniture. Ventilate with fans & air conditioning - not windows, air encourages mold. - Disinfect floors w/solution of 1 part bleach/10 parts water. - Sagging ceilings could be water. Poke holes in side of the sag to release the water. - If you suspect sewer or waterline damage, don't use toilets or drink tap water. Call a plumber. - If your home has been flooded, have your electricity checked before attempting to turn it back on. - If you smell gas or hear hissing, open a window and leave. Call the gas company. Protect documents Store important documents in clear, air-proof and waterproof containers that you can take with you. Develop a plan for communication - Establish a place to meet near home. - Select a friend or relative who lives outside the region to be your contact. - Take a cellphone charger when you evacuate. Prepare your pantry Stock up now to avoid last-minute panic shopping. Plan for one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Purchase canned food for at least three days. Don't forget a hand-held can opener. *Courtesy Houston Chronicle

Pearland Celebrating Independence Day With "Celebration of Freedom" Event, Fireworks

Pearland, Texas –The City of Pearland hosts its annual "Celebration of Freedom" event in observance of Independence Day on Friday, July 4 at Pearland High School football stadium, located at 3775 South Main Street in Pearland.

            The event features a "Kid Zone" play area and a live concert by the Drywater Band on the HEB Plus! Entertainment Stage, followed by a 20-minute fireworks display sponsored by Westside Veterinary Hospital. Stadium gates will open for this free community event at 6 p.m. and the concert begins at 6:30 p.m. VFW Post 7109 will present a salute to the nation's military, followed by the singing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" by the winner of the City's "Let Freedom Sing" competition.

            Attendees can bring food and drinks or visit one of the many food and beverage vendors. Alcohol, glass containers, pets and tobacco are prohibited.

            Parking for the event is free on-site or at Pearland Junior High South, located at 4919 Bailey Road in Pearland. Complimentary shuttle service provides round-trip transportation to and from Pearland High School.  "Celebration of Freedom" is produced by The City of Pearland Parks & Recreation Department. For more information on this and other special events, visitpearlandparks.com.

Article by: HNG

Kemah Boardwalk, Kemah Texas

Value of a Realtor With a MRP Designation. (Military Relocation Professional) If you are in the military how does that help you?

I'm proud to say that I recently acquired my MRP certificate in order to be a more knowledgeable representative for U.S. service members and their families and to veterans. I have had the pleasure and true privilege to work with current and former personnel in the past and decided to pursue this designation so that I could be an even better advocate. Here is a little bit of information about the MRP certificate.

What is it?

The Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification is for real estate professionals who want to work with current and former military service members. The MRP certification program educates REALTORS® about working with U.S. service members and their families and veterans to find the housing solutions that best suit their needs and to take full advantage of available benefits and support.

What You Gain

• A Realtor with understanding of the processes and procedures involved in a military relocation and how these impact service members’ relocation and housing choices
• A Realtor with the ability to provide information to help members through a rent or buy, sell or rent decision-making process
• A Realtor with the ability to identify and provide services that help service members sell or find and purchase suitable homes
• A Realtor with the knowledge of the military relocation process needed to guide service members through the real estate transaction
• A Realtor with the ability to explain the basics of VA financing
• A Realtor with access to the members-only marketing tools and resources

If you are in the U.S. military and need assistance in purchasing or selling a Houston home, or if you want our assistance with renting a home or relocation, I have the confidence and knowledge needed to best assist you.

Houston Realtor- DavidTheLocator ABR,GRI,MRP,SRS

Make St. Patrick’s Day a Family Affair!

      Food, crafts and activities you and your brood can use to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day!

Surprise your children this St. Patrick’s Day with a special lunch at school, and continue the festivities when they get home with a true celebration...

1. A Touch of Green in Food...A little green food coloring can go a long way on St. Patrick’s Day. From green milk in cereal to a four-leaf clover on your children’s sandwich bread, it’s easy to turn your everyday meals into a fun treat.
2. Rainbow Cake...Start the cake with vanilla cake batter (buy the box in the baking aisle or make from scratch) and split it into a few small bowls based on how many colors will be in your rainbow. The classic rainbow, remember, is red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet.
Add food coloring to your batter to make a variety of colors, and then pour them one by one into the center of a round cake pan and bake as normal. What comes out of the oven will be a treat — and one you can use beyond St. Patrick’s Day.
3. Go Traditional...If you opt to skip the leprechauns and rainbows this year in favor of a traditional Irish dinner, try a few Irish-inspired dishes you’ve never had before. Irish stew and Irish mashed potatoes (with bacon and kale) are sure to please kids and adults alike.
4. Blarney Stone...Known as the Stone of Eloquence, visitors come from around the world to lean down and kiss the Blarney Castle’s famous stone.
Luckily, you don’t have to travel to Ireland. Just make your own! Take any small, smooth rock you can find and decorate it with green paint, glitter, and anything else you’d like and you’ll be awarded with the gift of oration.
5. Paper-plate Leprechaun...Children love making paper-plate leprechauns; they’re the perfect St. Patrick’s Day decoration to hang on the fridge.
Use the paper plate as the leprechaun’s head. Paint the plate’s border orange, glue on googly eyes and draw in a smile. Make a hat out of construction paper and glue this to the leprechaun’s head to pull the face together.
6. Lucky Clovers...Any clover-making craft will be a hit with the kids — whether it’s making thumbprint clovers or clover stamps (made from a cut green pepper dipped in green paint).
For a project you can display as art, simply place your child’s painted hand onto a canvas four times to make four leaves and then paint a stem. The hand prints come out much smoother if you paint your child’s hand instead of having her dip it in the paint.
7. Scavenger Hunt...Hide treasures around your house or yard with clues for your children to follow. You can even make leprechaun footprints from construction paper to leave a trail they can follow. They’ll have tons of fun trying to find the next pot of gold or yummy treat.
8. Leprechaun’s Gold...You and your kids will have a great time trying to see who can slip the leprechaun’s gold through their fingers. Place your hands together and fold your middle fingers. Have someone place a coin between your ring fingers and try not to let go of it.
9. Movies...Snuggle up on the couch with the kids and some of your St. Patrick’s Day treats for a movie. There are plenty of family-friendly options to choose from that range from children’s cartoons to movies teenagers and adults can enjoy.

St. Patrick’s Day is a great reason to celebrate your good luck and gratitude while teaching your kids a bit of Irish history (and pride for Irish families!) and spending some quality time together. Enjoy!

DavidTheLocator