One of the first mistakes first time home buyers make, is to try and buy to MUCH home. As a first time home buyer you may qualify for a lot more home than you need to buy. I advise my clients to buy a home that fits their needs and still allows them to have a quality of life. You need to have a balance between monthly payments of your new home and the quality of life you want to live.  Take into account all of your monthly outflow of cash of all of your bills.  If you the max amount you where qualified for you might not be able to have cable TV, Internet, new blinds or be able to the furniture you want in your new home... You need to ask yourself "how much do I want to afford" and come up with a plan BEFORE you start looking for that new home. Check out these sites: http://nhl.gov/buyin... 01/13/2010

Due to the arctic front that has moved into Pearland the time and place of Winterfest scheduled for this Saturday, January 9th has Changed. Winterfest, January 9th this Saturday - New Time 12 noon - 5 pm Event has been moved to 4717 Bailey Road Campus (The Old Dawson High School Location) Continue Parking at Pearland High School on 3775 South Main - FREE Shuttles will take you to the event. Admission:2yr and under are free3yr - 16yr are $1017yr - adult are $4  Bring a can good and get $2 off the ticket price Pearland Winterfest 2010 Activities 200,000 lbs of snowThress Lane Snow Tubing Hill                         Exotic Petting Zoo                                       Live Entertainment                     Flumpa & Friends                        Rock Climbing                         ... 01/07/2010

Looks like it will be a perfect time for this weekends Pearland's 2010 Winterfest. No doubt it will feel like Winter with the freezing temperatures.  My son Jayden and I have gone to the Pearland Winterfest the last couple of years.  Honestly, I can't wait to go back this year! There is something for everyone.  Jayden loved the Petting Zoo and the snow hill last year and I loved the carnival style food.   Date: Saturday, January 9, 2010Rain Date: Sunday, January 10, 2010Location: Independence Park Time: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Admission:2yr and under are free3yr - 16yr are $1017yr - adult are $4  Bring a can good and get $2 off the ticket price Pearland Winterfest 2010 Activities 200,000 lbs of snowThress Lane Snow Tubing Hill                         Exotic Petting Zoo                   ... 01/06/2010

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. Please click on this link to view the JANUARY-2010 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter: http://budurl.com/NewsletterJan09 The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau, Realtor.org reports and other sources. It also includes press releases with charts and videos, key market indicators and real estate sales and price statistics, a video message by a nationally recognized economist, maps, mortgage rates and cal... 01/06/2010

The Recycle Snowman Contest is a fun community event in Pearland, Texas (Houston area) that will be part of Winterfest 2010 on January 9. Snowmen from the beginning have been constructed from natural and "recycled" items such as snow(!), a carrot, that old scarf with holes in it or a worn out broom. In the spirit of re-use/re-purpose your snowman can be built out of recyclable products only. Families, school classes or clubs must pre-register for $5 by January 5, at Pearland Parks and Recreation office.Entry Form Please adhere to the guidelines for entering the contest, size restrictions and delivery or pick-up dates. Awards will be given! Categories are: Best Use of Recyclables, Best Winter Theme and Best Overall. There should be some creative snowpeople entries of all sorts. WINTERFES... 01/03/2010

DECEMBER-2009 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 DECEMBER-2009 Newsletter Housing Trends ... 12/28/2009

DECEMBER-2009 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.Please click on this link to view the DECEMBER-2009 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter:http://danfrank.housingtrendsenewsletter.com?Newsletter_ID=238&Period_ID=180The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau, Realtor.org reports and other sources.It also includes press releases with charts and videos, key market indicators and real estate sales and price s... 12/22/2009

Exclusive Buyer's Agent, James Potenza,ABR,EBA, knows what to look for and what to LOOK OUT for in a home. James does not SELL homes. He Represents Clients. Home-Buyer Representation at it's Best On The Buyer's Side "Bringing the Service BACK in Real Estate"   "This Realtor climbs in the attic !"   Over the years, James has learned how to "pre-inspect" homes for his clients.  It is easy to notice obvious problems like cracks in the wall and missing shingles. It takes an expert to determine if it will be a costly repair. He can point out potential problems at the first home visit.   James provides a visual inspection and his expert opinion on all of the homes he visits. Foundation Cracks in the slab, cracks in the brick/mortar, cracks in sheetrock, previous foundation repairs Air Conditi... 12/07/2009

The Pearland area received a nice snowfall today. This is a very descriptive sign that the city of Pearland placed.     12/04/2009

MAGNOLIA PHASE 3 EXPANSION UNDERWAY 　 Work begins this week on the final phase of the Magnolia Road Expansion project. The work will include construction of the extension of Magnolia Rd. from Harkey Rd. to Cullen Parkway (formerly CR 89); the widening of Southfork Rd. from Cullen Parkway to Morgan Rd.; and the widening of Cullen Parkway from Southfork/Magnolia to Northfork. The 15-month project will also feature major improvements to drainage and city utilities; a four-lane boulevard with landscaped medians; bridges on Southfork at the Silverlake detention and over Mary's Creek west of Harkey Rd.; intersection signals installed at Morgan Rd., Cullen Parkway and FM 1128; and installation of sidewalks. During Southfork-widening construction, traffic will be maintained on the existing road... 12/03/2009

The December 2009 Houston Housing Trends Newsletter is now available. Please click on the picture below. 12/02/2009

 The November Houston Housing Trends Newsletter is now available. Please click on the picture below.   11/09/2009

The vote is in!  The Alvin ISD bond election has passed.   Early voting showed 60% of voters in favor of the bond, which will provide funds for a third elementary school in Shadow Creek Ranch, Pearland.  Alvin ISD has also purchased land for a third high school to be built near the Pearland Towne Center on Broadway.  Even with current economic conditions, Alvin ISD is still growing in subdivisions along the 288 corrider ( Rodeo Palms, Southfork and Sedona Lakes in Manvel and Shadow Creek Ranch and Southern Trails in Pearland).  One reason for the growth is most likely the area's convenient access to Houston, specifically the Medical Center.   For all Brazoria County election results go to http://thefacts.com/index.lasso. 11/04/2009

Stunning all brick exterior home in Sunrise Lakes is ready for you to call home. Light & bright entryway, crown molding, chair rail & custom drapes enhance the formal dining room. Kitchen hosts gas stove, butlers pantry & decorative backsplash. Downstairs study w/ bay window could be used as 5th bedroom. Master suite w/bay window & high ceilings & extra large closet. Spa-like master bathroom with corner garden tub, double sinks & separate shower. Relax w/ friends on back covered patio.Full Detailshttp://www.servingsugarlandtx.com/listing/mlsid/113/propertyid/9970248/syndicated/1/?ts=crgClick on photo to see more photos!Listing Courtesy of Bernadette Hurley, Keller Williams Realty -SW   Pearland Real Estate 10/28/2009

Pearland Trick or Treat Trail Independence Park  October 31, 2009 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.   Pearland Home Owners it is time for Halloween and Pearland's Trick or Treat Trail.    The night will prove to be lots of fun for everyone in the family.   *Costume Contest (0-12 years old) *Inflatables*DJ*Food Vendors  No Parking in the Park Pearland Home Owners MUST take advantage of the Free Parking and Shuttle Location of Parking and Shuttle Service: Pearland High School, 3775 South Main   Pearland's Annual Trick or Treat Trail is a FREE event at Independence Park in Pearland.  For Weather Updates Call 281-652-1787  For more details about event visit http://www.pearlandparks.com/   Maggie McFarland RE/MAX One 281-412-2022 www.PearlandHomeTeam.com             10/22/2009

Luxury and elegance await you in this stunning one-story Meritage Inventory Home. In this open design, the family room flows into the breakfast area and kitchen. Kitchen with island, granite countertops, ceramic tile backsplash, 42' cherry cabinets. Master suite has ample space for sitting area with bay window. Master bath with tub, glass in enclosed walk in shower and dual sinks. 5 ft extension on the garage and porch adds to the appeal of this home.

Full Details

http://www.servingsugarlandtx.com/listing/mlsid/113/propertyid/31961272/syndicated/1/?ts=crg

Click on photo to see more photos!10/21/2009

This stunning two story home features a beautiful stone elevation and is located on a corner lot leading into a cul-de-sac. This plan has both formals as well as an open kitchen with a large island leading into the family room. Upstairs you will find a large gameroom with seperate media area and study. Full Details http://www.servingsugarlandtx.com/listing/mlsid/113/propertyid/31596443/syndicated/1/?ts=crg Click on photo to see more photos! Listing Courtesy of Bernadette Hurley, Keller Williams Realty -SW Pearland Real Estate 10/21/2009

SEPTEMBER-2009 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 SEPTEMBER-2009 Newsletter Housing Tren... 10/02/2009

Pearland home on ALMOST 1 ACRE!! Cozy 3 bedroom home with large family room with french doors and cathedral ceiling! Breakfast room has bay window bench storage! Lots of storage space with walk-in closets. This Pearland Property has large patio cover that is perfect for entertaining. Take a look at this home TODAY! Priced at $99,900   Call Maggie McFarland with RE/MAX One today! Pearland Real Estate agent! 281-412-2022 Direct to Maggie McFarland 281-997-0707 Office Click HERE Search all MLS listings at PearlandHomeTeam.com 09/30/2009

For years I have giving this talk before church groups, Rotary Clubs, book signings and the like.  The title is "What's Important Is Who Plays the Part of Arthur Fonzarelli."  And the story is even one that's featured in my book Bill Cherry's Galveston Memories. It's an important lesson that I learned by observing the character and actions of my friend of more than fifty years, Victor J. Damiani. More often than not, the talk brings a standing ovation, not because I do a particularly good job of telling it, but because the story of Victor and what we learned from him is so poignant. Today is Victor's birthday.  It's number 71.  And he's still teaching us by his own example how God expects us to live our lives.   BILL CHERRY, REALTORS DALLAS-HIGHLAND PARK 214 503-8563 WEB 09/11/2009