Here are your Mortgage Rates for the Houston Area Conventional 30 year Mortgage: 3.625%Credit score:740LTV:80%Loan Amount:$200kAPR: 3.82%FHA 30 year: 3.5%Credit Score:740LTV:96.5%loan amount:$200kAPR:4.66%Conventional 15 year: 2.875%Credit score:740LTV:80%Loan Amount:$200kAPR:3.12% Rates are Subject to ChangeCall me today if you are thinking of refinancing or buying a home, for the best mortgage rate possible. 09/28/2016

Rice Harvest Festival Parade 2016 in Katy Texas                 Above picture taken by and copyrighted by Bob Gilbert with all rights reserved. Prior to the actual Katy Rice Harvest Festival, a Rice Harvest Festival Parade will take place that features bands, classic cars, several floats, local Katy Texas schools, youth organizations, local churches and large crowds of people while it proceeds through numerous blocks of Old or Historic Katy TX. This is annual event that precedes the actual festival by approximately one week. The parade will be held on Saturday October 1, 2016 beginning at 10 AM in downtown Katy Texas. The actual lineup of Parade participants will start at 9 AM. The Parade begins at  the intersection of Fifth Street and East Avenue at the Katy Church of Christ 5458 5TH S... 09/27/2016

Eight Months 2016 Market Report for South Katy TX- MLS Area 36 I always prefer to examine year-to-date data throughout any given year and look at year to year comparisons for discovering market trends as I think there is too much volatility on a month to month basis to make any good conclusions. My primary market is South Katy or MLS area 36. Of course I also am interested in MLS 25 or North Katy; MLS area 37 Fort Bend West; MLS 29 Fort Bend-Sugar Land and Stafford plus a few others in Cypress TX. I posted on Monday September 19, 2016 Houston Association of Realtors August 2016  MLS Report for single family homes which indicated August was a bounce back month for this huge market segment being Houston and the surrounding area. The South Katy market also had a better August than July 201... 09/26/2016

Almost Speechless Sunday - Antique Phone  This antique phone is located in our friend’s Condo in New York City. The phone still is operational and is connected to a direct line to the reception desk. I like antiques of just about any nature and especially old phones or phone booths.  If you are looking for a family oriented and pet friendly neighborhood and want/need a local Katy Real Estate Expert contact me and let us get started on your journey to living the luxurious lifestyle dream in Katy TX. Katy has excellent schools plus Katy has something of interest for virtually for everyone of any age. It is a great time to buy as inventory levels of available homes is higher now than they have been in at least 3 years.  Almost Speechless Sunday - Antique Phone  09/25/2016

Chirp, Chirp, Chirp.. said the Smoke Detector at 3 AM  Yes indeed we were awaken this morning at about 3 AM in Katy TX to the very unpleasant sound of a fire/smoke detector telling us its battery needed to be replaced. We guts it out as Yolanda did not tell me to get up and shut off that horrible noise. I did get up at 5:30 AM to workout. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out which of 10 or so detectors we have was the culprit this time. I cancelled my workout plans as time slipped away quickly. I made several passes and as normal for me  I could not figure which detector needed a battery pull job. I even stood underneath each one and waited for the noise to start and still could not figure which was the troublemaker!  My ladder for reaching the fire/smoke detectors on the ceilings... 09/22/2016

Conventional 30 year Mortgage: 3.625%Credit score:740LTV:80%Loan Amount:$200kAPR: 3.82%FHA 30 year: 3.625%Credit Score:740LTV:96.5%loan amount:$200kAPR:4.76%Conventional 15 year: 3%Credit score:740LTV:80%Loan Amount:$200kAPR:3.22% Rates are Subject to ChangeCall me today if you are thinking of refinancing or buying a home, for the best mortgage rate possible. 09/21/2016

Almost Wordless Wednesday - Hanging out with the Roosevelt's   The above picture was taken at the location for FDR’s home and Presidential Library in Hyde Park NY. The grounds are absolutely gorgeous and this is a fascinating place to visit with so many things to see and so much to learn. I think you could easily spend a few days visiting and not see everything. FDR is one of my favorite Presidents. How about you? He accomplish a huge amount in so little time!  Almost Wordless Wednesday - Hanging out with the Roosevelt's 09/21/2016

Annual Triathlon being held at Firethorne Katy TX   The 24th Annual Katy Triathlon will be hosted once again by the Katy Rotary Club. The event will be held in and around the Firethorne neighborhood in Katy Texas and  will take place on Sunday October 2,2016 with the starting time at 7:00 AM. Firethorne is a Master Planned Community located on FM 1463 about 2-3 miles south of I-10 and this event has been held in Firethorne for the last several years. I have written blogs about this Triathlon in the past as it is a huge local event where all the proceeds benefit local college scholarships awarded by the Katy Rotary Club.This Triathlon will consist of a new (course) 14.8 mile bike ride, 500 meter lake swim and 3 mile run. Individuals as well as teams are competing. There are several brack... 09/20/2016

Photowalking in Grand Lakes Katy TX #2 I read our friend Roy Kelley 's post last weekend suggesting an excellent way to end the week is post a picture from your photowalking in your neighborhood of flowers. Roy always has wise suggestions and I thought if I got the opportunity I would do just what he suggested. I am sort of watching the Broncos and Colts play ( go Broncos) and ready to call it a day for the internet. I have to get gas at Costco and start dinner.  Good night!Photowalking in Grand Lakes Katy TX #2  09/18/2016

Katy Sip N Stroll at Villagio Katy, TX The Katy Sip N Stroll is being held on Saturday September 17, 2016 starting at 5 PM. and lasting until 8 PM. at the Villagio Town Center. This event raises funds for Cinco Charities being  The Ballard House which serves as a hospitality house for patients being treated at local hospitals.   The featured items at this fundraising event include food, wine samples, craft beer, silent auction and wine pull. The Robert Hartye Band will perform on the Aruba Tourism Stage in the main courtyard while Gabe Montoya will entertain folks at the Street Music stage near the Kroger Beer garden. It is expected that in excess of 1,500 people will attend this adult only event. Ticket prices and various options  information can be found by clicking here.  We have att... 09/15/2016

Almost Wordless Wednesday - Clouds in Katy TX #2 I really like pictures of the sky, clouds,sunrises, sunsets water shots and mountain views. I took the below picture this week in Katy and I really appreciate the colors as we usually do not have this type of color shown in the skies of Katy TX and with a reflection off the water.     If you are looking for a family oriented and pet friendly neighborhood and want/need a local Katy Real Estate Expert contact me and let us get started on your journey to living the luxurious lifestyle dream in Katy TX. Katy has excellent schools plus has something of interest for virtually for everyone of any age. It is a great time to buy as inventory levels of available homes is higher now than they have been in at least 3 years.  Almost Wordless Wednesday... 09/14/2016

Katy ISD Education Foundation Hosts Fireflies and Food Trucks Sept. 2016Katy ISD Education Foundation  is hosting its annual Fireflies &Foodtrucks fund raising event on Thursday September 15, 2016. This event is being held at No Label Brewery which is located in Old Katy at the address shown below. This event will benefit the foundation’s Inspiring Imagination Teacher grant program. Over the last 3 plus years in excess of$ 500 K was awarded to deserving Teachers.The foundation’s fourth grant cycle begins this fall and awards grants to Teachers in May 2017. The Fireflies & Foodtrucks special event starts at 5:30 PM and lasts until 8 PM. Ticket prices are $75 per person at the door as advance purchase tickets are Sold Out! . This includes live entertainment and all food and beverages.  Ra... 09/13/2016

  Home Buyers - Don’t  Forget To Get  Home Inspected Purchasing a home is a huge investment which maybe the largest investment you will ever make. You don’t want to incur buyer’s remorse because you moved into a home and then realized it has some major structural flaws or other significant issues. Getting a home inspection before signing the final paperwork goes hand in hand with the saying, “better safe than sorry!” As an Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) and Realtor Pro, I will be there for you at every step of the home buying process . I attend all my client’s inspections. I make sure all my clients know the value of having a home inspected before closing. See the linked article below which talks about home inspection. Please let me know if you have any questions! Contact me n... 09/12/2016

Photowalking in Grand Lakes Katy TX #1 I read our friend Roy Kelley 's post this evening suggesting an excellent way to end the week is post a picture from your photowalking in your neighborhood of flowers. Roy always has wise suggestions and I thought if I got the opportunity I would do just what he suggested. I am sort of watching the Patriots and Cardinals play and ready to call it a day. I have to get up early to work out tomorrow morning.  Good night! 09/11/2016

Today is September 11, 2016 - Never Forget in Katy TX and Everywhere!  Another year has gone by and today is the fifteenth anniversary of 9/11 or September 11 which has now been named Patriots Day. We all need to take time to remember all the folks who died in this horrible tragedy, were injured, were First Responders, Firefighters and Policemen who were heroes, friends, family and coworkers who were personally affected  and all the folks all across this land who were impacted  by this act of cowardly terrorism.   I hope most people remembered to have a moment of silence at 8:46 AM ( EDT) to pay their respects. If you miss this exact time then do it later in the day when you remember. I am sure many folks who are alive and had loved one's, family, friends who perished will want to lay f... 09/11/2016

Working on 2015 Taxes this Weekend in Katy TX. I am working on our 2015 Federal Income Taxes this weekend in Katy TX. as we filed an extension several months ago. The normal due date is October 15, 2016 if you have filed for Form 1040 extension. This year the due date is Monday October 17, 2016 as the October 15 is a Saturday. I usually have our taxes completed and filed during august but that is not the case this year. The delay for us is finding support and completing a spreadsheet for my Real Estate business expenses to use for my Schedule C. I find this to be tedious work in spite of the fact I am a CPA.  I received an offer from another CPA to prepare my taxes and he quoted a minimum price of $500 per return. I had a very short brief moment of insanity when I said maybe I should lo... 09/10/2016

New Bandana for Miss Duchess in Katy TX. We were not able to post or comment for several days and I am just starting to get back to participating in the Rain. Here is our little dog buddy Miss Duchess with her new bandana she was wearing during our walk this morning in Grand Lakes Katy TX. I took it off her after the walk as she is a jumper and I did not want her to hang herself by catching her  new bling.. I hope  everyone is well and had a great week.. She is such a sweet and loving little pup! 09/09/2016

2016 Safe Driving Tips for this Labor Day Weekend    Every Holiday long weekend find the roads in Katy TX and all across this great country are very crowded with people traveling and unfortunately numerous accidents occur including way too many fatalities. The National Safety Council issues fatality estimates for these holiday periods to draw attention to the fact that it is very dangerous to be on the road. Here are a few tips for safe driving this weekend: Establish and enforce a driver's no distraction zone where the driver has no access to cell phones, GPS devices, radio controls, video equipment and computers/tablets. Enforce no texting, no cell calls, no fixing makeup, no playing Pokemon Go, no drinking or eating while driving by the driver. Pets should not sit in the driver’s la... 08/31/2016

Almost Wordless Wednesday - Bob and New Friend If you are looking for a family oriented and pet friendly neighborhood ( no Goats) and want/need a local Katy Real Estate Expert contact me and let us get started on your journey to living the luxurious lifestyle dream in Katy TX. Katy has excellent schools plus has something of interest for virtually for everyone of any age. It is a great time to buy as inventory levels of available homes is higher now than they have been in at least 3 years.  Almost Wordless Wednesday - Bob and New Friend 08/31/2016

Many Reasons to Love Living in Katy, TX There are numerous reasons why numerous folks love to live in Katy, TX. Katy is made up of old or historic Katy which is a old city dating back to the 1890’s and  a very large unincorporated geographic area made up of numerous neighborhoods. As a generality Katy and the surrounding areas are approximately 25-35 miles west of Downtown Houston depending on where exactly you live. Katy is close enough to Houston to allow residents the ability to enjoy all the things there are to do in a large and spread out major US City. George Bush airport is about 45 miles from our home in Katy and depending on the time of day a very doable drive. There is also Hobby airport and several other local airports to choose from.  Leaving the Houston area is usually not ... 08/30/2016