Pearland Texas Real Estate : December 2011

Arbor Day Celebration and Tree Give-Away

Keep Pearland Beautiful is planning an Arbor Day Celebration for Saturday, January 14, 2012 at the Pearland Community Center. The Center is located at 3523 Liberty Dr. Tree seedlings will be given away from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. as long as quantities last.

The celebration will include a tree seedling give-away with 500 seedlings available. Varieties to be given away this year are Southern Catalpa, Persimmon, Spicebush, Southern Waxmyrtle and Eastern Red Cedar.

The City of Pearland’s Urban Forrester, John Walters will be on hand to demonstrate proper planting and pruning techniques for trees on Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. at the Center. Other handouts at the event will include the Trees for Pearland Tree Guide.

View the Arbor Day Tree List

Great resource for tree selection and online planting tools. Visit texastreeplanting.tamu.edu

Call the Keep Pearland Beautiful office at 281-652-1659 or email cowles@mykpb.org with any questions. For more information about environmental programs in Pearland

Do you have a youth interested in flag football or basketball? Pearland Parks & Recreation is offering camps to help them learn more!

ABOUT
Pearland Parks and Recreation offers camps and youth athletic leagues in basketball and flag football. All participants must be between 7-14 years of age. Registration is available at the Pearland Parks and Recreation administrative offices (4141 Bailey Road) or online. For more information, contact Charles Payton or Chris Warnick at 281-412-8900.

ATHLETICS HOTLINE
For your convenience, an Athletics Hotline has been implemented to answer all your questions regarding field and court conditions. Please call 281-412-8989 and select Option #2 for the most up-to-date information.

COACHES NEEDED
Pearland Youth Athletics emphasizes fundamental skill development, teamwork and sportsmanship with the goal of providing a fun experience for all players. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer coach, please fill out a Volunteer Youth Coaches Application and fax it to 281-412-8911 or call 281-412-8900 to find out more.

RECREATIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE

Full court, 5-on-5, youth recreational basketball leagues are only offered during the winter/spring season. There are seven divisions: 3 for boys, 3 for girls and one co-ed. Please note that all players must be the required age by January 1, 2012. Recreational league participants must sign up as individual players. No team registrations will be accepted. Entry fee for resident players is $90 and $120 for non-resident players. The league includes a 7-game season. Jerseys are provided. All games are played at the Bailey Campus (4717 Bailey Road) and Pearland Junior High South (4719). League play is governed by the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF), University Interscholastic League (UIL) and Pearland Parks and Recreation. For schedules, scores and standings click here. 

Age Divisions:
8 & Under Co-ed (7-8 years)
10 & Under Boys (9-10 years)
12 & Under Boys (11-12 years)
14 & Under Boys (13-14 years)
10 & Under Girls (9-10 years)
12 & Under Girls (11-12 years)
14 & Under Girls (13-14 years)

Youth Basketball Parent Guide

Youth Basketball Rules Packet

FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Youth flag football leagues are offered only during the spring and fall seasons. Participation is open to boys and girls ages 5-12 years with four co-ed divisions. Please note that all players must be the required age by September 1, 2011. Registration runs May 14-August 12 with a $90 entry fee for resident players and $120 for non-residents players. Flag football participants must sign up as individual players. No team registrations will be accepted. League play is governed by the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation (TAAF), University Interscholastic League (UIL) and Pearland Parks and Recreation. For schedules, scores and standings click here.

Youth Flag Football Parent Guide

Youth Flag Football Rules Packet

Age Divisions:
6 & Under, Co-ed (5-6 years)
8 & Under, Co-ed (7-8 years)
10 & Under, Co-ed (9-10 years)
12 & Under, Co-ed (11-12 years)

Fantastic home for sale in Pearland, TX - perfect starter home or for someone looking to downsize! Living room is carpeted with a cozy fireplace, high ceiling, & lots of space. Kitchen is updated with black appliances & refrigerator to stay. Kitchen also has big breakfast bar to look over the living area. Master bedroom is spacious & master bath has double sinks, whirpool tub, & walk-in closet. Backyard has deck, storage shed & covered spa.Call today to make your appointment!

Maggie McFarland | RE/MAX Pearland | (281) 412-2022 2427 Colleen Dr, Pearland, TX Great Home in Pearland with Fantastic Curb Appeal! 2BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $109,900 Year Built 1980 Sq Footage 1,338 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors Unspecified Parking Unspecified Lot Size 7,000 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Great home from curb appeal to the spa/hot tub in the backyard. This home is just what you need for a starter home. Not too big but not too small either. Living room is carpeted w/ a cozy fireplace, high ceiling, & lots of space. Kitchen is updated w/ black appliances & refrigerator to stay. Kitchen also has big breakfast bar to look over the living area. Master bedroom is spacious & master bath has double sinks, whirpool tub, & walk-in closet. Backyard has deck, storage shed, & covered spa see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES - Central A/C - Central heat - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Tile floor - Living room - Dining room - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Attic - Laundry area - garage - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard - Jacuzzi/Whirlpool ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Landscaped Front Dinning Room Kitchen Kitchen Living Room Living Room Living Room 2nd Bedroom Has Walk-in Closet! Beautiful Master Master Master Bath Backyard Storage Building Covered Spa Contact info: Maggie McFarland RE/MAX Pearland (281) 412-2022 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Dec 28, 2011, 10:56am PST

The City of Pearland's Fire Marshal would like to take a moment to remind Pearland residents that open burning and the use of fireworks is strictly prohibited within the city limits of Pearland and the surrounding Pearland ETJ. This includes all areas normally serviced by the Pearland Fire Department within Brazoria County. Due to extreme drought conditions through the summer, a large amount of dead vegetation has accumulated in our area. This has increased the potential for grass and woodland fires. The use of prohibited fireworks or open burning in these areas is a class C misdemeanor which can carry a fine of up to $2,000 dollars per violation. 

If you have any questions regarding this Advisory or need to know if you are in an area affected by this ban, please contact the Pearland Fire Marshal's Office at 281-652-1954. If you need to report an open burning or firework incident, please contact the Pearland Police Department dispatcher at 281-997-4316.

Christmas Tree Recycling in Pearland:

You have Two Options

Its that time of year - time to get rid of the Christmas tree in Pearland!

First, in order to recycle your tree do not get a tree with flocking or add flocking to your tree. Please remove your tree from the stand, remove all tinsel, lights and ornaments.

Option one for those of you who want to help restore our “Brazoria County” sand dunes: from December 27, 2011 to January 14, 2012 bring your Christmas tree to the Stella Roberts Recycling Center, 5800 Magnolia Dr., Pearland, TX 77584 during the centers operating hours, M-F 8AM-5PM, Sat 9AM-1PM (the center will be closed Dec. 26, 31 and Jan. 2). Trees will also be accepted at the Brazoria County Precinct 2 Work Yard 7315 Corporate Dr, Manvel, TX Monday-Thursday 7:30AM-5:30PM. It is behind the Brazoria County Service Center (turn onto Corporate drive and pass the service center building). Trees collected at these sites in Pearland and Manvel will be used for the Brazoria County Dune Project on January 21, 2012. At 9:00AM Volunteers will meet at Quintana Beach County Park and Stahlman Park, Surfside to rebuild, restore and strengthen our dune line against storm surges. There will be a lunch following the staking of the trees. For more information about where to drop off your tree call our offices (281-652-1659). For more information about the Dunes Day project call James at (979) 864-1541.

Option two if you can’t transport your tree, you live in a single family dwelling and you are within Pearland City of limits. Your tree can be set out curbside on your Green Waste Day (second trash day of the week). These trees will go to a commercial composting facility or chopped up for mulch at the facility along with the rest of your green waste.

Let's be proactive and properly recycle those old christmas trees!

Do you or someone you know need help with preparing your tax returns? There are several sites that will offer Free tax preparation assistance in Brazoria County starting in January. Please make note of these sites and pass them along to anyone you know who could use this great service!

The following are the sites that will be opened in Brazoria County:

Alvin Community College

3110 Mustang Rd, Alvin

Sat Jan 28 9am-2pm

Alvin Senior Center

309 W Sealy St, Alvin

Jan 31—Apr 12

Tues & Thu 9am-12pm

Pearland Neighborhood Center

2335 Texas St, Pearland

Sat Jan 21 9am-1pm

Tue Jan 31 4:30-6:30pm

Tue Feb 7 4pm-6pm

Adult Reading Center

2246 Washington St, Pearland

Jan 31—Apr 12

Tue & Thu 9am-1pm

First State Bank

200 N Brazosport Blvd, Clute

Jan 13—Apr 12

Mon, Tues & Wed 9am-3pm

Thu & Fri 9am-6pm

Boys & Girls Club

311 W 4th St, Freeport

Sat Jan 28 9am-2pm

Christ Lutheran Church

86 Plantation Dr, Lake Jackson

Sat Feb 4 & Mar 4 9am-2pm

Don Jeter Elementary

2455 CR 58, Manvel

Sat Feb 4 9am-2pm

This is normally not a subject that I am an expert on, however, I recently had a client who had a couple beloved plants in her garden that she wanted to take with her after the sale.Together, we did some research to find out the best way she could move the plant with out any trauma to them.

I know there must be many instances like that of my client who would like to move a plant but are not sure what to do. Here are some Tips for Moving Plannts:

• Check with your local U.S. Department of Agriculture for regulations regarding moving 
  plants from one state to another. Many states restrict the transport of various plants and
  fruits.
• Research climate and soils at your new home.
• Approximately two weeks before you move, prune plants to facilitate packing. Consult a
  florist or a plant nursery for instructions.
  Approximately one week before you move, place your plants in a black plastic bag, along

  with a bug/pest strip, conventional flea collar or bug powder. Close the bag and place in a

  cool area overnight to kill any pests on the plant or in the soil.
• Seeds - gather and store in an airtight container.
• Bulbs - dig up during their dormant season. Pack in a mixture of loose dry peat moss and vermiculite to provide a lightweight and protective transport medium.
• The day before you move, place the plants in cardboard containers. Hold them in placewith dampened newspaper or packing paper. Use paper to cushion the leaves and place a final layer of wet paper on top to keep them moist. If you must leave your plants behind, take cuttings. Put them in a plastic bag with wet paper towels around them.
• On the day of your move, set the boxes aside and mark "DO NOT LOAD" so they won't be taken on the moving van. Close the boxes and punch air holes in the top before loading into your car.
• Upon your arrival, unpack the plants as soon as possible. Remove plants through the
  bottom of the box to avoid breaking the stems. Do not expose the plants to much sunlight
  at first. Let them get gradually accustomed to more light

NOTE: Per the Texas Earnest Money Contract a part of the contract landscaping and shrubbery is included. We recommend any plants or shrubbery to be removed prior to marketing the property for sale. You will need to exclude any plants or shrubbery that need to be in the ground until the day of closing.

Now is a great time to purchase a home with a large inventory of homes in many price ranges.  Plus, the interest rates continue to be at a ALL TIME Low.  Below are some Common Home Buying Mistakes.  By taking your time and doing a little homework now can save you money, time, and headaches in the long run

Common Home Buying Mistakes: Looking For A Home Without Being Pre-Approved

 Pre-approval and pre-qualification are two different things. During the qualification process, a loan officer asks you a few questions, then hands you a "pre-qual" letter. The pre-approval process is much more thorough.

During the pre-approval process, the mortgage company does virtually all the work associated with obtaining full-approval. Since there is no property yet identified to purchase, however, an appraisal and title search aren't conducted. 

When you're pre-approved you have much more negotiating clout with the seller. The seller knows you can close the transaction because a lender has carefully reviewed your income, assets, credit and other relevant information. In some cases (multiple offers, for example), being pre-approved can make the difference between buying and not buying a home. Also, you can save money as a result of being in a better negotiating situation. Many mortgage companies will help you become pre-approved at little or no cost. They'll usually need to check your credit and verify your income and assets.

Common Home Buying Mistakes: Choosing A Lender Because They Have The Lowest Rate

While rate is important, you have to consider the overall cost of your loan. Pay close attention to the APR, loan fees, discount and origination points. Some lenders include discount and origination points in their quoted points. Other lenders may only quote discount points, when in fact there is an additional origination point (or fraction of a point).

Common Home Buying Mistakes: Not Getting A Written Good-Faith Estimate

Within three working days after receipt of your completed loan application, your mortgage company is required to provide you with a written Good-Faith Estimate (GFE) of closing costs. You may want to consider requesting a GFE from a few lenders before submitting your application. With a few GFEs to compare, you can get a feel for which lenders are more thorough, and you can educate yourself regarding the costs associated with your transaction. The GFE with the highest costs may not indicate that a particular lender is more expensive than another--in fact, they may be more diligent in itemizing all fees. 

The cost of the mortgage, however, shouldn't be your only criteria. There is no substitute for asking family and friends for referrals and for interviewing prospective mortgage companies. Your real estate agent can also help you find a good mortgage company. You must also feel comfortable that the loan officer you are dealing with is committed to your best interests and will deliver what they promise.

Common Home Buying Mistakes: Not Getting A Written Rate Lock

When a mortgage company tells you they have locked your rate, get a written statement detailing the interest rate, the length of the rate lock, and other particulars about the program. The interest rate lock can be done once you have a property associated with your loan.

Common Home Buying Mistakes: Buying A Home Without Professional Inspections

It is highly recommended that you get property, roof and termite (Structural and Pest Control) inspections. These reports will give you a better picture of what you're buying. Inspection reports are great negotiating tools when it comes to asking the seller to make repairs. If a professional home inspector states that certain repairs need to be made, the seller is more likely to agree to making them. If the seller agrees to make repairs, you could have your inspector verify the completed work prior to close of escrow. Do not assume that everything will be done as promised. It is also, a good idea prior to closing to have the seller send over any paid invoices and warranty information for agreed upon repairs.

Your Realtor can provide you with a list of inspectors or you can view a list of Professional Real Estate Inspectors at the TREC website.

Common Home Buying Mistakes: Not Shopping For Home Insurance Until You Are Ready To Close

Start shopping for insurance as soon as you have a property you would like to make an offer. Many buyers wait until the last minute to get insurance and find they have no time left to shop around. The insurance company will be able to tell you how much the yearly premium amount will be and if the property is in a flood zone and if the home has windstorm coverage. When looking for an insurance company it is a good idea to have them send you the amount of the coverage along with the yearly premium.  You will also, want to make sure there is no outstanding claims on the property. Your Realtor can provide you with a list of insurance companies or you can visit the Texas Department of Insurance Website.

Common Home Buying Mistakes: Not Planning Your Move Carefully

You expect to move out of your current residence on Friday and into your new residence over the weekend. Also on Friday, your lease terminates and the movers are scheduled to appear.  Friday morning arrives: bags packed, boxes stacked, children under arm and the dog on a leash; you're sitting on your front door stoop awaiting the arrival of the movers. Your phone rings. Your loan closing is delayed until the following Tuesday. The new tenants turn into your driveway with a weighted-down U-Haul and the movers pull up across the street. You ask yourself, "Where's the nearest Motel 6 and storage facility? How much will the movers charge for an extra trip? Can we afford it?" Granted, this "disaster" is contrived, but problems can and do occur. How can you avoid such circumstances? Cancel your lease and ask the movers to show up five to seven days after you anticipate closing your transaction. Consider the extra expense an insurance policy. You're buying peace of mind--and protecting yourself from expensive delays.

Common Home Buying Mistakes: Making Major Purchases Before You Close

This includes furniture, jewelry, appliances, electronic equipment, and cars-- anything that will create a debt or cut into your cash reserves. Increasing your debts or decreasing your cash reserves may adversely affect your loan qualification. If you need to buy a car or furniture, wait till after you move into your home.

Common Home Buying Mistakes: Moving Your Money Around

Your lender is required to document the source of your down payment and closing costs. If you start transferring liquid assets among different accounts or banks--if only to consolidate--you could end up regretting it when you have to produce cancelled checks, deposit receipts, and other seemingly inconsequential information. If you do need to do this make sure you keep a good paper trail in case the lender needs the documentation.

Common Home Buying Mistakes: Changing Jobs

Talk to your lender before changing jobs. Changing jobs may adversely affect your ability to borrow. In the worst of case, changing jobs relatively soon or during your transaction can preclude you from closing the loan.

Although it can be stressful, with a little bit of homework and preparation the process of owning a home will be smoother. Buying a home can and should be a happy time. Try to avoid some of the common home buying mistakes.