Advancing Education: Friendswood ISD's Forward-Thinking Initiatives for 2023-24Friendswood Independent School District (FISD) is taking a leap into the future with the introduction of several innovative initiatives aimed at advancing the quality of education and fostering a more personalized learning environment for its students.Focus on Community Engagement: Introducing the "Focus Team"In an effort to foster community engagement and gain valuable insights, FISD officials have inaugurated the “Friendswood ISD Focus Team”. This initiative invites 25 community members to participate in discussions revolving around various aspects of education and learning. The team, consisting of a diverse group selected through a lottery system, will attend sessions throughout the school year, providing ... 09/26/2023

The process of moving can be exciting, but it also comes with a lot of logistics and planning. One of the most important details to take care of is finding a reputable moving company that will help transport all your belongings to your new home. In this blog post, we'll give you some tips on how to find a good movers.1. Get references from friends and familyThe best way to find a good moving company is to get recommendations from people you know and trust. Ask your friends, family members, and co-workers if they have any recommendations for movers in your area. Once you have a few names, you can start doing some research on each company.2. Check online reviewsIn addition to getting personal recommendations, it's also a good idea to read online reviews of different moving companies. Site... 09/04/2022

The end of August and early September always bring a bit of rain to the Houston area. This year has been no exception, as we have had a couple of weeks of rainy weather, and this coming week looks to be a damp one as well.When the rain comes, the grass grows super fast, and mushrooms pop up in yards overnight. Last week while I was waiting for the grandkids to get off the bus after school, I noticed some unusually pretty mushrooms in a neighbor’s yard. These mushrooms were not the light beige variety that always pop up here and there in damp weather. These mushrooms had yellow stems and pink tops. I’ve never seen this type of mushroom before, so I had to snap a picture!I’ve been keeping an eye out for more of those pretty mushrooms, but have not seen them again. Maybe next week! 08/30/2022

Police chiefs from Pearland, Alvin and Friendswood were the featured speakers at the quarterly networking breakfast for the PAF Realtor Network held in Pearland on August 4.The three chiefs spoke to Realtors from the surrounding areas about crime statistics, prevention programs, and much more.“Y’all are really blessed,” Friendswood Police Chief Robert Wieners said. “Police in the surrounding cities are still policing… We want to work.”Roberts said that Friendswood City Council has mandated the Friendswood police department to maintain a crime rate of no more than 10 crimes per 1,000 residents. “We are at 6.1 per 1,000 residents, a rate that is lower than in the 1970’s,” Roberts said.Friendswood Police Department is in the process of transitioning to a new public safety software which wi... 08/05/2022

Friendswood, Texas is a charming community that offers first-class schools, a vibrant economy, great amenities and lovely homes. The City of Friendswood covers just 21.2 square miles, and land in this desirable location is becoming more and more scarce. Homes on acreage in Friendswood are also hard to find. There are a few available, however.Currently (on November 15, 2020) there are eight homes on an acre or more for sale in Friendswood, within the Friendswood Independent School District.Prices for Friendswood homes on larger lots range from $675,000 for a 2,200 square foot home, to $2,950,000 for a 12,000 square foot home.These homes have an average size of 5,317 square feet, with an average lot size of about three and a half acres.The lot sizes range from about an acre to just over 1... 11/15/2020

We all appreciate getting recommendations from friends and colleagues. And, as Realtors, we have many opportunities to make recommendations, and pay it forward to other businesses. One way you can pay it forward to others is to create a list of your favorite vendors and businesses for buyers and sellers. This is a great tool to help your clients and your favorite vendors, and it helps with marketing also. Most of the businesses on the list should be ones that will benefit your sellers or buyers who need to fix up their house. For example, you will want to include a roofer, AC/heating company, insurance agent, mortgage lender, house cleaner, power-washer, carpet cleaner, painter, pest control company, etc.  You should also include some of your favorites that are not necessarily for home ... 10/27/2020

If you are looking for a new-construction home in Friendswood, Texas, you do not have many choices. Friendswood is mostly built out. There are only two neighborhoods with new-builds still available, and one of the two is very limited.Fortunately for folks who are looking to move to Friendswood, there is a new neighborhood with lovely homes at affordable prices.Friendswood Trails is a new development near the old Sunmeadow golf course. DR Horton is currently building on 55-foot lots, and 65-foot lots with prices ranging from the mid $300,000’s to the upper $500,000’s.Friendswood Trails is located in one of the best school districts in the state of Texas – the Exemplary-rated Friendswood ISD. Children in Friendswood Trails are zoned to attend Cline Elementary School, Windsong Intermediate... 09/08/2020

We fly “Old Glory” in our front yard every day. Displaying the flag shows the pride and love we feel for our great country. Unfortunately, the harsh Texas elements (extreme heat, rain and wind) eventually take their toll on our US Flag, causing it to become faded, tattered and worn. About every six months we have to purchase a new one. The old one is properly folded, and set aside for retirement.The government has specific guidelines on how to properly dispose of the US flag. It can’t just be thrown away. It must be retired properly, either by being burned during a dignified ceremony, buried in a dignified box, or respectfully recycled. None of those options work for us, so we have had to rely on others to help us dispose of our old and worn flags. Fortunately, the local Boy Scout Troop... 07/22/2020

Finding the Right Homes for sale in Friendswood TXTime comes when you need to get your own house. Let's say your mortgage request has been approved or you saved  enough to buy a home, maybe you fianlly found a credit solution. Friendswood, TX is one of the places to conduct a house hunt, the real estate business is booming here and there is a thing for everyone.As always, many people are new and that is not a problem. Friendswood real estate agents are always ready to help you find the best homes, suited for your lifestyle. However, even with the help of real estate agents and Friendswood realtors, buying a home will entirely depend with on personal tests and preferences. Consider the following before investing in homes for sale in Friendswood TX.Hire a professional to inspect the premi... 06/01/2020

Being a Friendswood TX First Time Homebuyer makes you have to consider your options before you buy. The first thing you will need to consider is what your long-term goals are with being a home owner and how your goals fit in with that plan. One goal could be to stop paying rent that just increases after every lease you renew.Buying your own home first is one of the happiest times of your life! However, a lot of paperwork and time goes into it and finding a lender with great reviews will ease much of the stress. But, the satisfaction you get from your first home closing is something you will never forget! The benefits of being a Friendswood TX First Time Homebuyer greatly outweighs renting for the following reasons:          Greater privacy.          Homes typically increase in value the... 02/24/2020

Veterans now have access to a new VA renovation loan to refurbish or remodel their homes.  This loan program is available for new home purchases as well as for remodeling homes currently owned by the veteran.  It is estimated that over 50% of homes nationally are 40 years or older, and in the current housing market many homes are in need of updating, addressing deferred maintenance, or improving the energy efficiency of homes to lower utility costs.VA loan benefits include the following unique advantages:  a.  up to 100% financing, b.  no mortgage insurance, c.  up to $ 35,000 in renovation funds escrowed, d.  all renovations must be completed within 60 days of closing, e.  you can close on a purchase or refinance in the “as is” condition, f. you can borrow against the future value of t... 06/13/2019

Memorial Day is a day to honor our military men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice. Here in Friendswood, Texas, residents joined together to create a beautiful memorial to honor those who served. Right next to Friendswood City Hall is the Friendswood Veterans' Memorial, which honors all men and women who have served in the armed forces of the United States. The memorial was constructed without the use of tax dollars, and was fully funded by donations from local residents. The eight by sixteen-foot stainless steel flag at the center of the memorial was designed by Jay Horecky, a Friendswood resident and former city councilman, to honor and commemorate the service and sacrifices of Friendswood veterans. The inscription on the base of the flag reads, “Honor, Gratitude, Respect... 05/24/2019

Spring is the busiest season on the real estate calendar, and it is not far off. It may still be cold outside, but many people just like you are gearing up to start looking at houses soon. There will be lots of buyers out looking at the same homes you look at, and making competing offers. In order to be successful, buyers will need to make some good decisions when starting their hunt for a new home.Here are a few tips for spring-time buyers:Be prepared. Get your loan pre-qualification and pre-approval in advance. Visit with a lender you trust, or ask for a recommendation from your Realtor. You will need to provide several documents to the lender so he/she can pull your credit, verify your income and debts, and issue a pre-approval letter. Without that letter in hand when you start looki... 01/25/2019

Pets are treasured members of the family, but they can be a problem when you are ready to list your home for sale.There are many potential buyers who just do not like pets, are afraid of them, or are allergic to them. Those people do not want to see any sign of a pet in the home they are considering purchasing.If you have pets, and want to sell your home, there are some guidelines you should follow.First, you need to remove your pets for showings. Put Fido in the car and take him to the dog park. Don’t just leave him in a crate in the utility room. Put the cats in a pet carrier and take them to the neighbor’s house for an hour or two while there are buyers in your house. Potential buyers should not have to worry about accidentally letting your cat or dog out, or worry about being scratc... 09/07/2018

 Here is a quick staging tip for sellers that they might not think about. If the child’s bedroom has the child’s name on the wall as part of the décor, it is best to remove it before pictures are taken, and before the house is shown.A stager will recommend de-personalizing the home anyway. But, it really boils down to safety. Since the pictures are on the internet, and are associated with the seller’s address, perfect strangers will know where the house is located, and what the child’s name is. So, play it safe! Take down the children’s names, and de-personalize the room. 07/10/2018

We have all had it happen. You drive up to a listing you are supposed to show, and your buyer decides not to waste his/her time looking at the house because the outside of the home is not attractive. The buyer says, “Let’s skip this one.”Curb appeal makes that first impression and if a home does not have good curb appeal, buyers might decide not to take a look.There are some easy things sellers can do to spruce up the curb appeal of their home. Hang easy-to-read house numbers that can easily be seen from the street. It might mean replacing the existing numbers, or it might be all that needs to be done is to brighten up the ones that are there. Make it easy to find the house. Power wash the walkways, driveway and siding. If the sidewalks and driveway are dirty, or the sides of the house ... 06/29/2018

Affordable living in the the Heart of Friendswood! This adorable condo is on the ground level and boasts tile flooring throughout. Den has ceiling fan. Spacious bedrooms with generous closets! Kitchen has ample counter and cabinet space and includes the refrigerator. Stackable washer & dryer stay with the unit! Unassigned parking provides easy access into the property. Sparkling pool to cool off on a hot Summer's day. Makes a great rental or property for someone downsizing! Call to see it!View More on RealtyByMonica.com 09/14/2017

Village's ''Van Gogh'' floor plan has 2 downstairs bedrooms!! Towering entry with art niches & a dramatic staircase that leads your eye to the beautiful chandelier. Study features French doors, built-in bookcase & crown molding. The kitchen is sure to please the cook in the home w/stainless appliances, double oven, gas range, breakfast bar & butler's pantry. From the large covered patio in the back yard to the game room & media room upstairs, you'll have wonderful space for entertaining!View More on RealtyByMonica.com 08/18/2017

Look no further! Spacious 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath brick townhouse in the highly sought after Friendswood ISD. Fresh paint, neutral tile & brand new carpet make this truly move-in ready. Downstairs master is large, w/ generous ensuite. Granite countertops, stainless appliances & mosaic backsplash are sure to please the chef in your family! Secondary sized-master up, with Hollywood bath .Low-maintenance backyard, w/ corner lot for utmost privacy. No monthly HOA maintenance fees! Don't miss out!View More on RealtyByMonica.com 08/15/2017

You won't find many homes with this incredible view of the lake, on the side & back of the home! Fabulous curb appeal to greet you each day. Entry showcases 8' leaded glass door, coffered ceiling & tile flooring that extends throughout much of 1st floor. With it's open floor plan, this light & airy home is perfect for entertaining! Chef's Kitchen boasts oversized island w/seating, double reverse osmosis filtration & whole house water softener. Generous Master Suite & Luxurious Bathroom!View More on RealtyByMonica.com 07/21/2017