News Archive
- September 2017 (1)
- April 2017 (1)
- March 2017 (2)
- November 2016 (1)
- September 2016 (1)
- December 2015 (1)
Texas Legislature Makes Changes to Homestead Exemption Requirements
September 25, 2011
The Texas Legislature has made significant changes to the requirements for homestead exemptions.
These affect all types of homestead exemptions, not just the regular homestead exemptions. The changes also affect over-65 exemptions, over-55 surviving spouse exemptions, disability exemptions, and the 100% Disabled Veteran exemptions (all of which are considered homestead exemptions). Any new applications as of September 1 must comply with all requirements.
Effective September 1, 2011, in order to qualify for a residential homestead exemption you must provide HCAD with a copy of either your...
/news/texas-legislature-makes-changes-homestead-exemption-requirements
Houston’s Median Home Price at All-Time High
September 8, 2011
According to the Houston Business Journal, "sales of single-family homes in Houston in June totaled 5,422, the highest number since August 2008, according to statistics released by the Houston Association of Realtors." A healthy real estate market normally has six month inventory of home, Houston has an almost eight month supply! The median home price as of June was $164,500 which is up 2.8 percent from June 2008.
The national median price is $173,000 according to the National Association of Realtors. Year to date sales continue to rise at 0.6 percent with single-family homes sales in...
/news/houston%E2%80%99s-median-home-price-all-time-high
Houston to Remember 9/11 Anniversary with Weekend of Events
September 1, 2011
The City of Houston has announced a full range of activities the weekend of September 9 to 11, that will pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the September 11, 2001 attacks ten years ago.
These events are intended to carry on the legacy of those lost by creating a weekend of community service projects throughout the Houston area.
The schedule of events is:
Friday, September 9, 2011 Weekend Kick-Off and Tribute, Hermann Square at City Hall, 12 PM. Mayor Annise Parker and community leaders announce the weekend’s activities Inspirational service at City Hall with music, readings...
/news/houston-remember-911-anniversary-weekend-events
Brazilian Festival Comes to Houston
September 1, 2011
The Houston area is renown for its great diversity of cultures and peoples moving here from across the world. Next week come out for rhythmic music, exquisite food and lively dancing of Brazil.
The 2011 Brazilian Festival is Sunday, September 4, at Jones Plaza in Houston, from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, sponsored by the Brazilian Arts Foundation.
Join a crowd of more than 2,000 people that gathers each year for this great event that coincides with Brazilian Independence Day.
There will be live music featuring both traditional and modern sounds from the a variety of Brazilian artists. The lineup...
/news/brazilian-festival-comes-houston
Ukrainian Treasures on Display at Museum of Natural Science
August 18, 2011
On tour for the first time in the United States at the Houston Museum of Natural Science is the exhibit “ДРЕВНЯ УКРАЇНА (Ancient Ukraine) - Golden Treasures and Lost Civilizations” until September 5.
Ukraine is home to some of the world’s oldest and greatest civilizations and cultural treasures from every era are on display, dating back 6,000 years.
Ukraine was a land of ancient trade routes for millenia. It features some of the richest soil in the world and since the dawn of agriculture has been a breadbasket for Europe and Asia. It was the birthplace of Russian culture...
/news/ukrainian-treasures-display-museum-natural-science
Houston PBS and the Dinosaur Train are Coming to the Houston Zoo!
August 11, 2011
Houston’s pint sized paleontologists will be thrilled to hear that their favorite PBS stars are headed to the Houston Zoo for a Big Screen debut! Everyone is invited to a special pre-screening event to see Buddy, Tiny, Shiny, Don and the entire Pteranodon family adventure into the city in their new one-hour special: Dinosaur Big City!, a Dinosaur Train movie.
On Saturday, August 20 the Houston Zoo will be partnering with Houston PBS/Channel 8 to host three screenings of this well loved animated children’s movie in the Brown Education Center at 10 AM, 12 PM and 2 PM.
The special...
/news/houston-pbs-and-dinosaur-train-are-coming-houston-zoo
Houston Foodies Invited to Attend Williams-Sonoma’s August Cookbook Club
August 9, 2011
It’s no secret that many Houstonians LOVE to eat and can quite literally “taste” the delicious fare they often see in cookbooks and on the cooking channels.
Now, thanks to Williams-Sonoma, area foodies can learn to cook many of these exciting new recipes – at the same time, begin or add to a bestseller cookbook collection.
The centrally located Highland Village Williams-Sonoma store invites you to join them each month for a monthly Cookbook Club class led by gifted culinary experts. Each month, their unique 1½ to 2 hour cooking class will showcase prepared...
/news/houston-foodies-invited-attend-williams-sonoma%E2%80%99s-august-cookbook-club
Texas Veterans Loan Program
August 2, 2011
As we recently celebrated Independence Day and honored those who have served our country, I was reminded of the wonderful program designed to help our service men and women attain their dream of homeownership!
The Texas Veterans Loan Programs was originally formed by Sam Houston and the Texas Republic to reward veterans land in return for their military service. Although Texas no longer gives land away to veterans, there are many housing opportunities including low interest loans for everything from land purchase to home improvements.
According to the programs website, here is a list of...
/news/texas-veterans-loan-program
Builders and Realtors Seeking Female Homebuyers
July 17, 2011
Amidst the recent housing bubble, an unpredicted buyer has emerged – Women.
Women, in particular younger women, are finding their most opportune shot at home ownership. In recent years, more men than women lost their jobs by a ratio of almost three to one, in the financial and manufacturing sectors.
Ellen Iggulden, a 27-year-old Chicago-based auditor, says “most of my guy friends are sitting on the buying sidelines. But among my female college pals, (I) was actually one of the last to take the real estate plunge.” Hearing about their successes, she says, was empowering...
/news/builders-and-realtors-seeking-female-homebuyers
A World Away, Close to Home
July 11, 2011
Are you looking for a way to save a little money this summer? Do you still want to experience an unforgettable family vacation? Look no further! La Torretta Resort and Spa is built around a vision of the ultimate lakeside retreat, this lush retreat just outside of Houston is packed with family friendly activities from a championship golf course for the pros to a miniature golf course for the kids. With so many of the luxurious amenities Mischer Development residents are accustomed to, you won’t be sorry you saved the airfare!
This four-star Texas resort is situated on the beautiful...
/news/world-away-close-home