Due to the recent rain we received, we are experiencing one of nature's cruelest jokes: the mosquito!  I don't know about you, but out of every bug, I loathe the mosquito the most!  I thought a blog about how to combat these pesky creatures were just the way to start off the week!  While it will be impossible to get rid of every mosquito, these tips will help ensure that you take proactive measures to gain the upper hand!   First, remove every source of standing water you can find around your home. This includes water sitting in old tires, in flowerpot saucers, in tin cans, children's pools, in barrels or in birdbaths, which should be cleaned thoroughly once a week. Also make sure rain gutters are cleaned out so that a blockage doesn't allow standing water to form.  Some also suggest t... 07/21/2010

A recent article, "America's Best Cities for Singles" on yahoo.com ranked the Top 10 U.S. cities for single adults to live. Citing Houston's sheer energy, its relentless Texas pride, and above all, its refusal to take itself totally seriously, lends it no small appeal, Houston, Texas was ranked # 8 for single adults to live. The article also mentioned the area's well-endowed museums, highly regarded performing arts scene, and abundant nightlife!   So how does that make Pearland a great place for single adults to live?   First, owning a home in Pearland offers an affordable and stylish alternative for single adults.  Renting in the Houston metropolitan area can get very pricey. Yet Pearland home ownership can offer affordable housing in a great area!   Second, owning a home in Pearland,... 07/19/2010

This Newmark home features a formal dining area, formal living/flex room, den with fireplace, huge kitchen with island and lots of cabinets, a master suite with large seating area, master bath has an updated seemless shower, 3 secondary bedrooms and 2.5 baths.  Beautiful lancscaping on this corner lot and you will enjoy the swimming pool with rock waterfall.  Extra Parking available.  Call Pam Miller for your showing.  713-269-9017 07/18/2010

Thinking of buying a home in the Pearland area?  This is a fantastic time!  Interest rates are very low and we have a good selection of  inventory of new homes and resale homes.  Pearland continues to grow and that says something about the City of Pearland and what a fantastic area it is.   With Hwy 288 and Beltway 8, Pearland is near to the Medical Center and Downtown areas.  Visit the Pearland Towne Center and do some shopping or eat at one of the many restaurants in the area.  Call me if you are interested in a Pearland area home.  Don't let these interest rates pass you by.  I am ready to help you find your dream home.   Pam Miller --713-269-9017 07/17/2010

Here is your weekly mortgage rate update: Conventional 30 year Mortgage: 4.25% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR: 4.875% FHA 30 year:4.25% Credit Score:640 LTV:96.5% loan amount:$200k APR:5.05% Conventional 15 year:3.875% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR:4.25%   Call me today if you are thinking of refinancing or buying a home, for the best mortgage rate possible.  07/14/2010

I have been asked a lot lately about short sales in Pearland. In particular, people want to know, "What exactly is a short sale?"   First, a short sale in a sales transaction in which the seller's mortgage lender agrees to accept a payoff of less than the balance due on the loan. In essence, a short sale occurs when your lender agrees to accept a lower price on your home than the current mortgage balance, provided you meet the lender's requirements and have a qualified buyer. A short sale is something for people to consider if you are unable to make the house payment.  A successful short sale will prevent foreclosure on the home.   Who should have a short sale? Short sales are for those individuals who have documented evidence of a hardship. To prove your case, you'll need to explain y... 07/13/2010

  The Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) invites residents to attend and provide comments on the development of the proposed Park & Ride facility.   H-GAC's mission is to serve as the instrument of local government cooperation, promoting the region's orderly development and the safety and welfare of its citizens.  Many of you have expressed interest in the development of a Park & Ride Facility, so please, make plans to attend one of the two meeting offered this month on the proposed facility!   Tuesday, July 20, 2010 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Church of the Harvest 7505 Wilson Road Manvel, TX 77578 Thursday, July 22, 2010 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Hilton Garden Inn-Pearland 12101 Shadow Creek Parkway Pearland, TX 77584 07/12/2010

  The Pearland Neighborhood Center Food Fair July 16, 2010   The Pearland Neighborhood Center, in conjunction with the Houston Food Bank, is hosting a Food Fair next Friday, July 16th. Services offered during the Fair include The free glucose testing and blood pressure checks by the HEB Plus! pharmacist as well as nutritionist services provided by the Houston Food Bank. The Pearland Neighborhood Center is in need of diapers, baby wipes and non perishable food items. The Pearland Neighborhood Centeris Pearland’s only multi-service facility. Established in 1987, its mission statement is “to provide a foundation of effective services and responsive programs to facilitate the development of individuals and families”. Pearland Neighborhood Center maintains a food pantry providing low income... 07/11/2010

If you want a large home with a swimming pool, I have the perfect home for you in West Oaks.  This home features Formal Dining Room, Formal Living Room/Flex Room, Den with Fireplace and Built-Ins, Extra Large Kitchen with lots of Cabinets and Counter Space, Master Suite with sitting area and an updated seemless shower in Master Bath, Swimming Pool with Rock Waterfall all on a corner lot with extra parking.  Call Pam for your showing!  713-269-9017 07/07/2010

Are you thinking of moving to Pearland, TX? Pearland is one of the fastest growing areas just a few minutes south of Houston of Highway 288. With its close proximity and easy commute into Houston, major employment centers in the area such as NASA, The Port of Houston, Texas Medical Center, Downtown Houston, The Galleria and the Energy Corridor are an easy commute. In 2007, Pearland was voted the 34th fastest growing city in the country by Forbes Magazine. School ages children attend highly acclaimed schools in Pearland ISDand Alvin ISD. The projected growth of Pearland is impressive but there is no doubt that it will maintain its small town charm. For more information on Pearland, please see this video from the Pearland Economic Development Council. For the big city conveniences found i... 07/06/2010

Free/Inexpensive Summer Family Activities- Just Minutes From Pearland!   Summer has been in session for a few weeks now, and I'm sure that your kiddos (and possibly you) are getting a little restless. I thought it would be nice to give you some ideas for fun, free/inexpensive family activities that are close to home. If you have more ideas to share please let me know - I would love to add them to the list.   • Pearland Library- http://www.bcls.lib.tx.us/branches/pea/pearland.asp. The Pearland Library has a variety of book clubs, story times, movie matinee’s, and family activities appropriate for all ages, and free to the public. • Centennial Park Water Park- http://www.pearlandparks.com/index.html. Along with great walking trails, basketball, tennis, and baseball playing areas, Centenn... 07/05/2010

Breaking News! Homebuyer Tax Credit Closing Deadline Extended to September 30After a close brush with the deadline, Congress has passed an extension of the Homebuyer Tax Credit closing deadline, the Homebuyer Assistance and Improvement Act (H.R. 5623). The extension applies only to transactions that have ratified contracts in place as of April 30, 2010 that have not yet closed. The legislation is designed to create a seamless extension. The new closing deadline for eligible transactions is now September 30, 2010, pending the President's signing the bill into law.NAR worked closely with Congressional leaders on both sides of the aisle to enact this important legislation. Extending the Tax Credit Closing deadline will help provide additional stability to real estate markets across the nat... 07/01/2010

JUNE - 2010 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general. The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau and Realtor.org reports, videos, key market indicators and real estate sales statistics, a video message by a nationally recognized economist, maps, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, plus local neighborhood information and more. Please click here to view the JUNE - 2010 Newsletter Housing Trends eNe... 07/01/2010

Pearland Real Estate is Hot!  Pearland, Texas offers homebuyers several great communities to live in such as  Shawdow Creek Ranch, Silverlake, Sunrise Lake, Rodeo Palms, Southfork Ranch, Southwyck, Banbury Cross, Corrigan and more!  Buying a home in Pearland offers close proximity to shopping, restaurants, the Texas Medical Senter, Downtown Houston and more!  Below are a complete list of Pearland HomeTeam's Homes for sale in Pearland, TX.  If you are interested in learning more about the below properties, please feel free to give me a call!       3412 Dorsey Lane - $154,900. This Cypress Village home in Pearland is a must see! Built in 2004, this house looks brand new. With 2,352 square feet, 4-5 bedrooms and 3 baths, this house offers plenty of room for the needs of your growing famil... 06/30/2010

4th of July ~ Drive-in-Movie & Fireworks   Are you looking for something family friendly to do for the 4th of July in Pearland?  New Hope Church has a great event happening!   To celebrate the 4th of July New Hope Church is hosting a Drive-in-Movie for the family! It is open to the public, and admission is free. There will be loads of fun and attractions for the family to enjoy. So if you don’t already have plans mark your calendar and come out for what is sure to be a great event. For more information, email New Hope Church or call at 281-604-4000 WHERE: New Hope Church, 288 Campus 3640 CR 58 Manvel, TX 77578 WHEN: July 4th   Event Details • Drive-in-Movie: Movie Sandlot starts at 7:30 p.m. • Food Vendors • Dunking Booth • Snocones • Face Painting • Fireworks Show after the Movie 06/30/2010

PLUS, YOU GET TO HAVE AN EXCLUSIVE BUYER'S AGENT ON YOUR SIDE ! Get Up to 2% Cash Back REBATE For A New Pearland Home How It Works   $150,000 - $199,999 1% Cash Rebate   $200,000 - $299,999 1.5% Cash Rebate   $300,000 + 2% Cash Rebate     Your rebate will be a credit to you at the closing of your new home which will reduce the cash you need to bring at closing ! For more information about this fantastic new homes rebate program, visit our new homes rebate website 06/28/2010

Join Pearland in celebrating our country's independence! Come out for Pearland's annual Celebration of Freedom on Sunday, July 4th at the Pearland High School Football Stadium, 3775 South Main Street. This is such a GREAT event for the entire family! I know we certainly look forward to it each year!   Gates for the FREE event open at 6:30. A military salute will begin the evening's entertainment at 7pm, followed by the winner of our Let Freedom Sing talent search singing the National Anthem. Then, sit back and listen to one of Texas' newest music stars - Zona Jones!   At sundown enjoy a fabulous fireworks display from your seat inside the stadium. Food for purchase, face painters and other activities will be on-hand for your enjoyment. A carnival will be open all weekend long starting ... 06/28/2010

  The Greater Houston Area Market Report May-10Source: Houston Association of REALTORS�   Houston Association of REALTORS reports median single-family home price up 1.3% in May-10 over Apr-10, sales continue to climb to 5,446. Click here to view additional Market Reports May-10 Quick Facts: The median price of existing single-family homes increased to $155,000 up 1.3% vs Apr-10 Existing single-family home sales increased 2.9% from Apr-10 for a May-10 total of 5,446 Condos decreased in price to $134,750 down -6.4% vs Apr-10 Existing condo sales increased 9.2% in May-10 over Apr-10 for a total of 584   Powered by Clarus MarketMetrics®   Single Family Median Home PriceMay-09 vs May-10 Clarus MarketMetrics® 06/10/2010 Click to enlarge image   The Number of Sold Properties by Month May-09 v... 06/25/2010

There is no dispute - the real estate market in Pearland, TX is HOT! The Pearland community offers several benefits to those who own a home.  Here are some of the reasons why you should consider buying a house in Pearland: 1. Pride of Ownership - There is a lot of pride in owning a home in Pearland.  Home ownership in Pearland gives you and your family a sense of stability and security. It's making an investment in your future.    2. Higher Property Value - Pearland homes tend to not only retain their property value, but to increase.  Medium home values in Pearland increased from $114,100 in 2000 to $174,700 in 2008!  That is a significant increase!    Although property values tend to move in cycles, Pearland real estate has continued to be steady.  Houses that retain their value alway... 06/22/2010

  There has been so much talk lately about going green that the very thought of it can be a little overwhelming.  However, there are several really great opportunities for you to do your part right here in Pearland!    Did you know that Pearland has a Recycling Center? Located at 5800 Magnolia, the Stella Roberts Recycling Center in Pearland offers you the opportunity to recycle a the things you use daily.    The Recycling Center offers curbside pick up of plastic, paper, glass and metal cans if you live within the Pearland city limits.   For all residents living in single family homes and residing inside the city limits of Pearland, you may now recycle more paper products curbside.  Waste Management has agreed to accept these new items immediately in your curbside bin: Magazines Catal... 06/21/2010