Spring Refresh: Your Essential Guide to a Clean Home

As spring blossoms, it's time to rejuvenate your living space. This blog post is your go-to guide for a quick and effective spring cleaning that not only clears the clutter but breathes new life into your home.

1. The Essence of Renewal:

• Connect the season of spring with the idea of a fresh start and positive energy.

2. Streamlined Cleaning Plan:

• Provide a concise checklist, emphasizing customization based on individual needs.

3. Declutter for Clarity:

• Stress the mental benefits of decluttering and offer practical tips for letting go.

4. Let in the Light:

• Emphasize the importance of clean windows for inviting natural light.

5. Kitchen and Bath Brilliance:

• Guide readers through a quick kitchen and bathroom deep clean.

6. Outdoor Retreat:

• Extend the cleaning to outdoor spaces with quick tips for a spruced-up patio.

7. Gadget TLC:

• Remind readers to clean electronic devices with safe and efficient methods.

8. Fresh Flourishes:

• Encourage the addition of fresh flowers or plants for an instant lift.

9. Green and Clean:

• Promote environmentally friendly cleaning products and practices.

10. Revel in Results:

• Encourage a moment to appreciate and suggest easy habits for maintaining the freshness.

Conclusion: As you embark on this spring cleaning journey, envision your home as a canvas for positivity and renewal. Dive in with enthusiasm, knowing that a little effort can go a long way in creating a vibrant and refreshed living space. Happy cleaning!

Embrace the New Year: Your Guide to Real Estate Resolutions

Embrace the New Year: Your Guide to Real Estate Resolutions

As we step into a brand-new year, we want to express our gratitude for entrusting us with your real estate needs. The beginning of the year marks a perfect time to reflect, set new goals, and embark on exciting journeys. Whether you're a homeowner looking to make changes or a prospective buyer eager to find your dream home, we're here to support you every step of the way.

1. Define Your Real Estate Goals:

Take a moment to clearly define your real estate goals for the year. Are you looking to buy, sell, or invest? Having a clear vision will help us tailor our services to meet your unique needs.

2. Assess Your Financial Position:

Understanding your financial standing is crucial in the real estate journey. Review your credit score, set a budget, and consider consulting with a financial advisor to ensure you are well-prepared for your real estate endeavors.

3. Explore New Neighborhoods:

For those considering a move, let's explore new neighborhoods together. Discover the amenities, schools, and unique features that each area has to offer. We're here to provide insights that empower you to make informed decisions.

4. Attend Real Estate Workshops:

Knowledge is power. Consider attending real estate workshops or seminars to stay informed about industry trends and changes. Whether you're a seasoned homeowner or a first-time buyer, these events offer valuable insights to guide you.

5. Enhance Your Home's Appeal:

If you're a homeowner, boost your property's curb appeal. Small improvements like landscaping, a fresh coat of paint, or minor upgrades can significantly increase the value and attractiveness of your home.

6. Embrace Sustainability:

Consider incorporating sustainable practices within your home. From energy-efficient appliances to eco-friendly building materials, embracing sustainability not only benefits the environment but can also add value to your property.

7. Review Your Mortgage Terms:

Homeowners, take a moment to review your mortgage terms. With fluctuating interest rates, refinancing might be a beneficial option. We can assist you in navigating the process and ensuring the best financial fit for you.

8. Organize Important Documents:

Stay organized by keeping essential homeownership documents in one place. Having quick access to property deeds, insurance policies, and other documents streamlines future transactions and saves you time.

9. Stay Informed about the Market:

Regularly stay informed about real estate market trends. Our updates on local market conditions, interest rates, and relevant factors will keep you well-informed, empowering you to make confident decisions.

As we embark on this journey together, know that our commitment to your satisfaction and success is unwavering. The RG Team is excited about the opportunities the new year brings, and we're honored to be part of your real estate adventure.

Wishing you a year filled with joy, prosperity, and successful real estate ventures!

Warm regards,

Ricardo Gonzalez

Thanksgiving Family Fun!

Thanksgiving Family Fun: Memorable Activities for All Ages

Thanksgiving is more than a feast; it's a time to bond as a family, express gratitude, and create lasting memories. Elevate your celebration with these heartwarming family activities:

1. Gratitude Jar:

Share thankful moments by writing them on slips of paper and placing them in a Gratitude Jar. Read these notes during dinner for a simple yet meaningful family tradition.

2. Family Recipe Cook-Off:

Turn cooking into a family affair with a friendly cook-off. Teams can put their spin on traditional dishes, creating a collaborative and delicious Thanksgiving feast.

3. Thanksgiving Crafts Corner:

Unleash creativity with a crafting station. From handprint turkeys to gratitude banners, these crafts become festive decorations and treasured keepsakes.

4. Outdoor Adventure:

Enjoy the fall weather with an outdoor adventure. Whether it's a nature walk or a game of touch football, spending time outdoors adds joy to the holiday.

5. Family Photo Booth:

Capture moments with a DIY photo booth featuring Thanksgiving props. The photos become cherished memories of warmth and togetherness.

6. Storytime Tradition:

Establish a Thanksgiving storytime tradition. Whether reading family favorites or creating a collaborative story, it fosters connection and reflection.

7. Thanksgiving Pictionary:

Add fun to the day with Thanksgiving-themed Pictionary. It's a lively way to engage the whole family in laughter and friendly competition.

8. Giving Back as a Family:

In the spirit of gratitude, volunteer together or organize a charitable activity. Giving back adds a deeper meaning to your Thanksgiving celebration.

9. Family Talent Show:

Create a stage for a Thanksgiving talent show. Showcase singing, dancing, or jokes for a delightful celebration of your family's unique talents.

10. Thanksgiving Movie Marathon:

End the day with a cozy Thanksgiving movie marathon. Snuggle up with blankets and popcorn for a cinematic end to your celebration.

These activities, from crafts to outdoor adventures, will foster connection, gratitude, and joy, creating cherished moments that define the true spirit of Thanksgiving. Embrace the love and togetherness, and may your Thanksgiving be filled with warmth and laughter.

Baseball is Life!

Baseball is Life! 

It was a pleasure to experience something special about baseball over the weekend and it is largely due to the baseball team of my 7-year-old son, Nico. 

Last Spring, we found out that he was a natural at baseball and decided to sign him up for his 2nd year. He loves to hit the ball hard and is becoming a better and better player every day. As a result, we signed him up at a baseball academy with a more competitive roster and elevated coaching. 

With over 42 runs scored and only 3 runs against us, this team is the real deal for their age. It's true... These boys allow only one run per game on average!

At their fourth game of the season, things took a sharp turn south. They had a terrible start, as the boys got beat quickly on both sides of the ball. Although we have good hitters, the other team had an excellent defense. As a result, multiple hits by our players were caught mid-air for immediate outs, and we were unable to get things going as usual. We then encountered another snag once our top player was so frustrated that he had a meltdown on the field. We were nearing the end of our allotted playing time when the opposing team scored multiple runs. I could see the look on their faces as they realized their undefeated season had come to an end. 

The umpire confirmed with both teams at the end of what could have been the last inning played that the score was 5-3. We confirmed it and the parents of our team started looking at each other acknowledging we lost to a very good team. At that point, the umpire informs both coaches that there are technically four more minutes of play left on the clock after which the other team can hit again. If they do, we will get another chance to hit to make it a full inning. 

The coach for the opposing team said “Yes, we want to hit again.” 

We were somewhat surprised and my initial reaction was they must feel very good being on top by 4 they are not concerned about us making a comeback. Either way, we have another chance, and apparently in baseball that can make all the difference. A small chance against a confident, well-playing team that had our number all game long. 

The last inning quickly started and after their 3 outs, they scored an additional 2 runs on us to go up to 7-3. We were now down by 4 and with 3 outs left in the bottom of the final inning of playing time. That is when the magic happened before our very eyes. 

Our first players up to bat made quick work and showed so much grit it was truly electrifying. We had one player hit by a ball and after showing signs of wanting to cry from the pain of the ball hitting his ankle due to an unintentional bad throw. He settled in, shook it off, and made a huge hit to help two of our players get home to shorten the scores to 7-5 with only one out left. 

After a few more at-bats, we manage to get two more players on bases and our next batter comes up to bat and “WHACK” he hits a line drive that rolls extremely deep past 2nd base. Our two players that were already on base make it home quickly but our hitter on that play runs hard to 1st… then 2nd… then as he is approaching 3rd the ball is coming into play from the outfield and in the hands of the pitcher position player. Our player never stopped running and decided to take it all the way home. He was running full speed like the kid in the dog chasing scene from the movie, The Sandlot!

At this point, it was a foot race and as I was watching and shouting “GO, GO, GO” at the top of my lungs with all of the parents we saw our player close in and make a huge slide onto the home plate, and only a few inches away from the opposing player he was called “SAFE” by the umpire! We walked off with the win and we could not believe our eyes! The final score was 8-7 for our team, The Renegades! 

We did what they never expected us to do and that is finding a way to come back and WIN! We enjoyed this win so much more than any of the other wins this season. After the game, I spoke to my son and I asked him what he learned. His answer was heartwarming to me as he said “Dad, this is the best day of my life… I am going to the MLB one day!” As a father, I don’t have any concern if he ever comes close to playing in the majors. I am just glad he had such an incredible day playing a classic sport and has already learned so much. 

Thank you baseball for this amazing opportunity for me and my son. We both look forward to many more amazing experiences and will share more of the fun with all of you.

Our End of Summer Happy Hour!

The RG Team had a great time hosting our End of Summer Happy Hour!

My First Born Graduates!

My Son Graduated!

I fondly remember the day I graduated from High School how eager and excited to walk across the stage and get my diploma. At the time, it felt like I reached the finish line, but it was only the beginning! I was thrilled to get started on my life after high school. The music on the way to the graduation ceremony was on blast, and I felt damn good about myself.

Fast forward 18 years, I feel blessed to watch my oldest son have his name be called and walk across the stage to receive his High School diploma. After I screamed, “Yeahhh, Gordo!” At the top of my lungs, I took a deep breath and just soaked in the moment. There he was, my oldest kiddo, now a full-fledged graduate getting ready to start his life in the real world. It was a rainy day which was not unusual in Houston. We were delayed about an hour and a half at his ceremony due to the heavy rain. I’m very grateful the rain finally let up just enough to call all 800+ graduates that included my boy too.

After the ceremony, we high-tailed out of the Klein Memorial Stadium, which was the perfect backdrop. It brought back memories of the numerous football games my family and I attended to see my son and my brother Lalo play in the years past for Klein Oak. As we pulled out of the parking lot, there was a lighting show that emulated fireworks for the class of 2021 to enjoy as we drove home!

After the ceremony, my family and I decided to eat at Whataburger, where we shared many laughs with a damn good burger in hand. It was the perfect day with a memorable ending for the night.

As parents, we want to help mold and prepare our children for life as best as possible. There are so many factors to being a parent. Life throws so many things at you, starting from the day our kids are born into this world.

In my heart, I believe I raised my son to treat everyone with genuine decency. He has a great heart and a genuine character. I wish him all the best as he embarks on his future journey! He will be going to college next fall at the University of Houston. Congrats to all the 2021 graduates!

Godspeed Son. I love you.

-Ricardo Gonzalez

2020... The new norm!

Dear Friends,

If there is one thing that we can ALL agree on is that this year has been different and not at all what we expected!

The circumstances that took place due to the COVID-19 pandemic from the shutdown of the economy, schools, and jobs, forced us all to adapt to a new normal. For some, this new normal has been a complete breeze and for others, it’s created chaos in their everyday lives. But one thing we can all agree on is that we all miss human contact and socializing with one another, hopefully, one day we’ll be able to have parties again : )

As I reflect on how COVID-19 has affected me personally, I realize that every situation, regardless of how bad it is, always has a positive. Yes, it was hard planning a funeral in the middle of a pandemic, after my little brother passed away earlier this year. Grieving his loss with so much uncertainty, fear, and darkness around us, has also been challenging; but I’m also reminded of the good this pandemic has given us. It’s given us time to stop and reflect, it’s given us time with our loved ones, and it’s forced us to slow down in a world that is so fast-paced.

Earlier this summer, my family and I spent 3 weeks quarantined together due to my son testing positive with coronavirus. What started as an exciting extended stay-cation quickly turned into what felt like house arrest. I may be exaggerating a bit, but things were definitely challenging after the first couple of days. I remember on one particular morning, as I was sitting at my home office trying to get some work done; I had a client on the phone when my 2-year-old and 5-year-old came running in both crying at the top of their lungs! They were fighting over a toy and causing chaos in the house, while at the same time, my wife was trying to focus on an important conference call for her work. At that moment we realized that we would need to work together in order to survive the next couple of weeks quarantined with the kids. We immediately made a pact to better help each other by trying to create a schedule that allowed both of us to work while one took care of the kids. It was not pretty and I had a tendency to slip-up on my duties as my work can be sporadic with issues and action items changing, but somehow we survived that short “stint” at home!

There is so much that I am sure you are all going through but my hope is that you and your family are all managing to find your way. We are officially in the last quarter of 2020 so let's keep pushing and get past all of this. As always, I am here to help you in any way possible. Your support, trust, and friendship means so much to me and I am thankful for our relationship. Call or text me anytime!

Sincerely,

Ricardo Gonzalez

Local Business Highlight: Poolside Designs INC.

We caught up with one of our favorite local vendors, Poolside Designs INC, and asked them a couple of questions.

1. How has Covid-19 impacted your business?

   Although we are aware of the devastation in our communities due to COVID-19 we have been extraordinarily fortunate to be one of the industries to be impacted positively. The addition of pools to homes has long been considered a luxury to increase property value. During these very trying and isolating times, they have added exponential value in regards to safe outdoor activities and an oasis in the brutal summer. I very much look forward to working with new clients with the expectation that we can create a getaway in their own homes.  

2. What are the popular trends in the swimming pool industry?

   What I’m noticing more is the desire to really make pools more of an all-around experience. Whether our clients want a sleek lined modern look or our free-form lagoon-style much is being taken into consideration to make the pool a hang out as much as for swimming. Lately, we have been adding more beach entries and tanning ledges for toddlers to play with their parents and bar stools for adult/cocktail time. Sometimes swimming isn’t enough to satisfy all that energy and imagination kids have so for the big and small we are creating more boulder features and raised beams to jump from so kids can play safely. Our custom water features from water-slides to custom boulder waterfalls to enhance the sensory experience by contributing soothing sounds of water in movement. 

3. What should we look for in a pool builder?

   When looking for a pool builder, experience, portfolios, and references go a long way. 90% of our clients come from word of mouth. In instances where the client wants to reach outside of their circle, the experience is one of the better indicators of quality of service. In this industry, there can be setbacks with utilities or inventory needed for the job, the more established a company is, the more likely they are to have dealt successfully with any probable delays. Licensing and certificates are important since they are evidence of the hours taken towards learning industry requirements. Be wary of companies asking for large down payments and lack of detailed warranties. 

   Best of luck in your pool building experience!

If you are looking to build a pool to beat the summer heat and stay safe during the pandemic contact Poolside Designs INC. today!

832-368-6470 

www.poolsidedesignsinc.com

In Loving Memory of Gerardo Gonzalez

One of the differentiators of The RG Team is that it operates as a family. The internal RG Team, anyone who has ever sold a home with the RG Team, purchased one, or both - finds themselves a part of this family. Currently our family is in mourning with the passing of our fearless leader’s youngest brother, Gerardo Gonzalez. Below is a note from Ricardo himself about the loss of his brother.

FROM RICARDO

Our baby brother Gerardo Gonzalez went to be in heaven April 28th, 2020. He’s no longer in any pain and as much as it will hurt me, my brothers as well as my family to no longer have him in the physical form, we are clear that this was Gods way of curing him. Never again will he feel any pains or sorrows of this life. Our baby brother came last into this world of me and my other brothers but somehow went first to the kingdom of heaven. We are thankful for his 22 years with us. At the young age of 22 years old - he did so much!! If you knew him well you knew he was always in a rush to get things done and wanted to badly make his mark in life. He fought his battle with cancer with all his might and with all his courage. In the end his doctors said even though he was willing to keep fighting - his body could no longer bare it. We are all so proud of him and love him with all our hearts. In his final days he said to us to please never forget him. How could we ever forget all he has taught us and shown us to appreciate in this temporary world. He lived to have fun and he lived to enjoy life. We will do that and so much more in his honor for the rest of our lives. My brother, Lalo, we will miss you so so much.

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10 Ways to Entertain your Family in Quarantine

Being stuck at home is one thing, but having a full house of kids to entertain is another! You and much of the rest of the world are out of work and kids out of school which means you are probably in need of some tips to keep the kids from being stir crazy.

We all know the basics of selecting a good movie or show, but that only holds them over so long. Here are 10 unique ways to keep your family entertained!

1. DIY projects

   Pinterest has a huge gallery of ways to get creatives. Some might require stuff you don’t have on hand, but you might find some with simple supplies you can find in a junk drawer or closet. Click this link to check out some of our favorite DIY’s!

   https://www.pinterest.com/ricardogonzalezremax/diy/

2. Group Activities

   Take up the day with some coloring books, puzzles, board games, card games, or even hide and seek.

3. Learn a skill or take a class

   While you can’t attend a classroom there are tons of online lessons to learn just about anything. This is a great way to learn as a family and help the children think critically while out of school. You can do an exercise routine, dance lessons, teach them an instrument, or even a new language.

4. Bake or Cook

   Instead of ordering in, teach the family how to create their favorite meal or dessert. If you want to get really crafty, host your own cooking or baking competition like Chopped!

5. Play In the Yard

   If you have a backyard, pull out some classic activities to keep them entertained and wear them out a little. If you are lost on activities look up some games such as Red Light Green Light or Mother May I.

6. Clean or Rearrange their room

   They may not love this, but this is a great way to feel productive during this time. You can use this as an opportunity to deep clean and declutter each room in the house and maybe rearrange somethings. I know for me I loved when I could change my room around as a kid.

7. Online games

   There is other education content online that kids like such as FunBrain, CoolMath, PBS Kids. Most of these sites are free and offer tons of options for all grade levels.

8. Read

   You probably have several books on the shelves that have yet to be open. If you don’t, Im sure you can also buy virtual ones or borrow some. If you can’t get everyone to sit down and read maybe pick up an audio book or podcast.

9. Garden

   Start growing your own herb garden in your home or yard. This a good project to involve everyone and it also makes food taste better as its fresh from your home!

10. Movie Marathon

    You now have all this uninterrupted time to complete a movie marathon. Pick a series and binge the entire thing while you snack on a side of buttery popcorn. Some good ones are Shrek Series, The Incredibles, Spy Kids, and The Chronicles of Narnia!

Our Real Life Ironman

One of my favorite movies of all time is the Marvel Comics - Iron Man series. If you watched them from the beginning you will recall that in the first one, Tony Stark, was a wealthy business magnate, living the dream with not a care in the world. He was immediately put in a tough spot after being kidnapped and suffered a severe chest injury. With the help of another prisoner, he was forced to find a way out by inventing the Iron Man suit to escape his captors. From there, he went on to fight off the bad guys that entered his life and in the process changed his entire outlook on life. He became a more conscious and caring character but still true to his charismatic, crazy self. He needed the Iron Man suit more than he knew along with the life-threatening situation that happened to him to become a better version of himself. My brother Lalo is my Iron Man.

As you all are aware from my last letter, my brother Lalo, has been battling cancer since September of 2019. He has completed a total of 7 rounds of chemo at MD Anderson in the Medical Center and most recently underwent major thoracic surgery to remove the remaining tumors in his chest and liver. I’ll never forget the day of his surgery, in the midst of fear and anxiousness, my brother was strong and resilient. He insisted on driving himself to the hospital, since he knew he wouldn’t be able to drive for a while after surgery, and even when he arrived he remained calm and collected, with his headphones on listening to his music. It reminded me of the suit up scene when Tony Stark added more technology to his suit and was ready for battle! My brother arrived and basically said, “let's do this”. Thanks to God, the doctors and medical staff, his surgery was a success and they were able to remove the tumors as planned.

Though his tumors have been removed, the scars will forever be there to remind him of his journey. However, his fight is not over yet due to a recent discovery of a new mass near his hip bone, but we are confident that with God’s grace, his medical team will be able to once again find a treatment for him. Just like Iron Man, my brother has been faced with a life-threatening situation and has had to dig deep to find the courage to overcome it.

When I saw him after surgery, I said to him “What’s up, Iron Man!”. He looked up at me and just smiled like I was exaggerating. Very little does he know that to me he is the real-life Iron Man. We are truly thankful for all of you that continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers. This has been a true test for him and my family. He is leading the way and is doing it so courageously. We have no choice but to keep up with him as best that we can.

Thank you all again and again. - Ricardo Gonzalez

February Fav's with The RG Team

Get to know what favorite things fueled The RG Team this month! Learn what song hasn’t left our heads and the month long cravings!

Ricardo’s Fav’s

1. Current song on Repeat?

"The Weeknd / Blinding Nights is my jammy jam right now"

2. What food have you been craving/eating a lot of?

"Chipotle, I get a bowl with beef and chicken but I put a bunch of veggies in so dont judge me!"

3. What show are you currently Binging?

"Narcos Mexico Season 2, my son says I look like Miguel Angel in the show... I took it as a weird compliment lol"

4. Favorite Purchase of February?

"Warby Parker Glasses because they not only make me look smarter than I am I look cool too"

5. What item can you not stop wearing?

"My Cole Haan Casual Dress Shoes because they are so comfy and sharp looking to me!"

6. What are you looking forward to in March?

"We are having a record month in sales for March and look forward to closing many happy buyers and sellers!"

Victor’s Fav’s

1. Current song on Repeat?

"Dance Monkey by Tones and I it’s my daily! Morning jam lunch time and driving back home!"

2. What food have you been craving/eating a lot of?

"Pho! Its adddicting!"

3. What show are you currently Binging?

"Narcos Season 2, finished it in like 3 days lol"

4. Favorite Purchase of February?

"New Suit it’s my birthday month needed it!"

5. What item can you not stop wearing?

"Apple Watch, goes with everything and helps a lot to communicate quicker."

6. What are you looking forward to in March?

"Rodeo Season, one of my favorite seasons of the year the food and concerts!"

Rosa’s Fav’s

1. Current song on Repeat?

"Never Give Up-SIA"

2. What food have you been craving/eating a lot of?

"I’ve been trying to eat healthier so oatmeal with blueberries and raspberries"

3. What show are you currently Binging?

"Goliath"

4. Favorite Purchase of February?

"I purchased a spot for my cousins paint party, she provides the wood, paint and we paint away... it was a lot of fun and relaxing."

5. What item can you not stop wearing?

"Apple Watch for sure, I like to keep up with my fitness level."

6. What are you looking forward to in March?

"Closing some deals and getting new clients!"

Autumn’s Fav’s

1. Current song on Repeat?

"The acoustic version of "Sure Thing" by Miguel"

2. What food have you been craving/eating a lot of?

"Wings! For some reason I can't stay away from Garlic Parmesan and BBQ"

3. What show are you currently Binging?

"...Love Island Australia"

4. Favorite Purchase of February?

"Probably my CauseBox because I got some really cute stuff or my new Iphone 11 Pro!"

5. What item can you not stop wearing?

"New Black Cardigan find from Marshalls"

6. What are you looking forward to in March?

"Tapping into more creativity and projects!"

Christina’s Fav’s

1. Current song on Repeat?

"Don't you worry by R.City. Reminds me not to stress about life. It will work itself out."

2. What food have you been craving/eating a lot of?

"Combo Grilled Skewers from The Olive Oil. One of my favorites during lunchtime"

3. What show are you currently Binging?

"Love is Blind. Interesting to see singles enter this experiment and meet each other without seeing one another. They build a connection and finally meet the person they choose. It gets real after that. Love me some good drama."

4. Favorite Purchase of February?

"Groceries! Love spending $160+ in groceries a week and still find myself going back to the store for more the same week. Life of a mom with hungry kids."

5. What item can you not stop wearing?

"My jean jackets. Actually wearing one as I'm writing this. Goes with everything."

6. What are you looking forward to in March?

"My income tax money to hit my bank account!"

Join along with your February Fav’s in the Comments or on Instagram Stories!

Homestead Exemptions in Texas

What are Homestead Exemptions?

Homestead exemptions remove part of your home's value from taxation, so they lower your taxes. Homestead exemptions are a progressive approach to property tax relief—that is, the largest tax cuts as a share of income go to lower- and middle income taxpayers.

Who is eligible for Homestead Exemptions?

The exemptions apply only to property that you own and occupy as your principal place of residence on or before Jan. 1st 2020. If you qualify as someone of the age of 65 or older, disabled, surviving spouse of an individual who qualified for age 65 or older, 100 percent disabled veteran, surviving spouse of a disabled veteran who qualified or would have qualified, donated residence homestead of partially disabled veteran, surviving spouse of a disabled veteran who qualified for the donated residence, surviving spouse of a member of armed services killed in action, or surviving spouse of a first responded killed in the line of duty you are eligible for additional exemptions but additional documentation is required.

How do you apply for Homestead Exemptions?

The Homestead Form should be available on your county website. From there you complete the form and send in with a copy of your ID. Below are the links to Montgomery County and Harris County Homestead Exemption Forms.

https://mcad-tx.org/Forms

https://hcad.org/hcad-forms/hcad-popular-forms/

When do you complete this?

Generally, the completed application and required documentation is due no later than April 30th of the year for which the exemption is requested and can start the 1st of January. The due date for person age 65 or older, disabled, or partially disabled veterans with donated homesteads to apply for the exemption is no later than the first anniversary of the qualification date.

A Frozen Christmas Event 2019

Thank you “Snow” much to everyone who came out and joined us for our Annual Christmas Event! Below is a gallery from the event! Find your family and post your favorite moments. Tag us, we would love to see!

2019 Holiday Gift Guide

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Thankfully, our Holiday Gift Guide is thoughtfully organized to save you time without sacrificing any Christmas morning magic. Follow along on our Pinterest Board for ideas for this years holiday season!

https://pin.it/j53mqhezabqsa6

1.Wamsutta® Unisex Terry Personalized Bathrobe in White- Gift your loved one with irresistible comfort and style with this Wamsutta Unisex White Terry Bathrobe. Made of extra-plush, zero twist cotton, this super-soft bathrobe will quickly become a favorite. Its cozy, luxury look makes it a perfect bathrobe for him or her.

2. Color Theory Votive Gift Set-Compose the perfect fragrance palette for every occasion, from a me-time bath to a romantic dinner, with this set of scented candles poured in Minnesota. Votive-sized glass candles waft five different scents: warm, woodsy Oud Wood; lighthearted Santal Fig; exotic Tonka Noir; heady Gardenia; and seductive Blackberry Absinthe. Each gift set is packaged in an art-inspired box brushed with a sunny mix of colors.

3. SpaRoom® Mysto™ Ultrasonic Essential Oil Diffuser in Marble-This Diffuser combines function and elegance to any room. The contemporary mesh design has continuous flow and intermittent settings with a bright or warm white light offering powerful aromatherapy around the room.

4. Ring Video Doorbell 2 in Satin Nickel/Venetian- Help your loved ones protect their home with the Ring Video Doorbell. With the power of Wi-Fi and HD video, the Ring Video Doorbell 2 enables you to see and speak with visitors from the comfort of your smartphone or tablet. The doorbell also has built-in motion sensors that detect movement up to 30'.

5. Unwind Live Well Gift Set-Treat someone to the gift of sleep with this soothing gift set. With its serene packaging, this set makes a thoughtful gift for someone who deserves a beautiful night's sleep.

6. Infinity Round Picture Frames-Highlight special moments for a special someone with these frames. A photograph inserted between the frame's two panes of glass floats within a ring of black-finished iron. Position on a bedroom dresser or entryway table for a pop of modern, or remove the stand to hang the round picture frames on the wall.

7. Staub ® White 4-Qt. Round Cocotte-A timeless standby that goes from stove to oven to table, this four-quart Dutch oven is perfect for cooking and serving all your holiday dishes! To ensure moist and flavorful results, the spiked lid creates a rain-forest effect that returns juices back on the food, providing continuous, natural basting.

8. Host: A Modern Guide to Eating, Drinking, and Feeding Your Friends- Host is a contemporary guide to eating, drinking and entertaining. From intimate weeknight dinners to festive large-scale gatherings, Eric and Josh show how to be a better host with inspired-yet-approachable recipes and advice for creating delicious meals and unforgettable experiences all with an eye towards how people eat and drink in today's urban centers.

9. Denim Kitchen Textiles-Blue and white cotton yarns weave together to create a beautifully rugged denim kitchen linens. Genuine leather provides natural accents to the chunky, chambray-like fabric. Coordinate an elegantly industrial look for your kitchen with matching apron, pot holder, oven mitt and dish towels.

10. AeroGarden Harvest -Plant to plate - up to 6 plants grow at a time, up to 12" Tall with this indoor garden. Grows in water - no soil, no mess, Made simple. Easy to use - control panel tells you when to add water, reminds you when to add plant food (included), automatically turns lights on and off for your Hydroponics growing system. Help your friends and family gain a green thumb faster!

11. Dundee Low White Planter with Stand-Made of sturdy iron, this handcrafted planter with stand showcases all kinds of greenery. With a minimalist design of slender legs and tripod crossbar supports, this planter looks modern indoors and out.

12. Custom Door Mat- Gift a custom door mat made with high-quality 100% coir. They are hand painted with outdoor industrial paint with built in UV protection. They offer a variety of sizes, and all are .5 to .75 inches thick perfect for any entry way!

13. KitchenAid® 5 qt. Artisan® Design Series Stand Mixer with Glass Bowl-This unique 5-quart tilt-head stand mixer is part of KitchenAid's Designer Series. This stand mixer features a premium metallic finish in a multitude of colors with a glass bowl so you can see the legendary planetary mixing in action.

14. Google Nest Hub-The innovative Google Nest Hub delivers all the functionality of the Google Assistant app. This device features a bright LED screen, allowing you to access events, reminders, smart devices, and all of your favorite media from a single dashboard. Perfect assistant for booking holiday events, cooking delicious meals, setting reminders or alarms, and running your home form one beautiful spot!

15. Rapid Beverage Chiller-Unlike other units that operate with chill-packs, this patented chiller circulates water and ice for the fastest cooling times on the market, from room temperature to "refrigerator cold" (43 degrees) to ice cold (34 degrees) — all at the touch of a button. Event host friends will thank you for helping them keep beverages on tap with the perfect temperature.

16. Hydropod-Grow fresh, fragrant basil with no need for soil—or even much space. Fill the petite frosted glass globe with water, then nestle seeds and the coconut husk growing medium in the white cap. As the plants sprout and flourish, simply pour water through the top as needed. The self-contained, mess-free Hydropod is a lovely addition to windowsills, kitchen tables and desks at every stage of the growing process. This ready-to-grow set includes plant food powder and basil seeds, but feel free to inspire your gift-ee to grow fantastic fresh herbs of their choosing.

The Power of Prayer

How often have you heard this simple phrase and thought long and hard about it? I recently came to a realization that I had no idea how powerful this action can actually be or why people truly do it. However, when someone is given grim or terrible news it is one of the most common actionable items one can resort to doing, praying.

My baby brother, Gerardo, at 22 years of age was recently diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that consists of a germ cell tumor. This type of cancer only occurs in 3-5% of all cancer patients, and treatment plans are effective but very challenging. Taking all of this in has been overwhelming and hard to cope with but it’s in times like these that we must overcome our fears with faith and be grateful we are dealing with this together - as a family.

Before my brother's diagnosis, he was a regular young man, with many goals and aspirations for the future. It’s hard for him to keep sight of those goals when he is suddenly having to fight the biggest fight of his entire life. It is our job to constantly remind him that those goals are still there and he will achieve them, because he will come out of this a more resilient version of himself. Cancer is now a part of his story, but we will not let it define him.

There are so many things about cancer that are beyond our control, but how we react is entirely up to us. The bible states that pain and problems are opportunities to demonstrate our trust in him. Which lead me to understand that even in our darkest moments we cannot let go of his steady hand, for he is walking us through every moment of our lives, even the paths that are cold, dark and scary. We must have faith that God has this all under his control. He has a plan, even if we can’t see it now. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:10).

We are confident that he is holding my brother’s hand at this very moment. It is no coincidence that we live in Houston, where one of the top cancer hospitals in the world is located and has an amazing team of doctors and nurses caring for him. We are also grateful for family, friends, countless prayer chains, cards and genuine support received from everyone. Words cannot illustrate the depths of our gratitude to you all. We persevere knowing that the power of prayer truly works and we ask that you all continue to pray for Gerardo as he continues to fight so he can be healthy and happy again.

9 Reasons Why Some Homes Sell Faster

Check out the Top 9 Reasons Why Some Homes Sell Faster than others.

Teen Driver Alert!

My oldest son turned 16 years old in December, and though I’ve had sixteen years to prepare for this moment I don’t think you’re ever really ready. For sixteen years now, I have been the one in the driver's seat. I have wracked up hundreds of thousands of miles driving him to football practices, friend's houses, restaurants and school. I have always made sure he was strapped in, prepared for whatever we were doing. I have done whatever I could to keep him safe. But now the time has come for him to get his own car and take off on his own. There is so much that goes through my mind  when imagining my son now being a teen driver in our household. There' s a big part of me that is nervous and worried but  we trust him and know he is technically ready. He’s taken his drivers ed courses, has had his permit for a year, and has been practicing his driving with us as much as possible, but the idea of him driving alone is still so nerve-wracking!

My wife and I  have been discussing if we give him one of our old  cars that we have kept around or if we should buy him another car such as a small pickup. I’ve been told by many before me that I definitely should not get him anything nice as odds are they will  end up dinging it a few times here and there. Heck, If it were all up to me… I would buy him a beat up pinto with manual roll-up windows and no a/c with busted up speakers. Which is not too different from what MY  first car looked like until I purchased one on my own.

However, my wife will not allow me to do that as she insists he needs a reliable, safe car that won' t leave him stranded somewhere. I don’t see what the big deal is since he’s a strong, capable teenager that can easily push a car if it left him stranded… The odds are he will be 10 min from our house either at Whataburger or at Klein Oak HS, so worst case scenario he can walk home. But I do also see my wife’s point and since it’s two against one, he’ll probably end up getting a good, reliable car.

The last thing I  need to figure out are what rules I need to implement for him. Should I set a curfew, boundaries of where he can drive too,  who he can drive around with him,etc..?. I don’t want to be too strict but he needs to understand that one little mistake could cause you to swerve far off course. When it comes to making mistakes on the road, the cost could be significant. I worry that no matter how much we drum this into his head, he--like almost every other teenager--are insulated with some self-protective mechanism that tells them "it won't happen to me." I know. I remember when I was the one sloughing off my own parents concerns with the right words on the surface. Parents out there with current or past teen drivers please enlighten me with helpful advice!

Overall, I’m looking forward to no longer being his UBER driver and making those late night trips to Whataburger for a Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich meal or a box combo from Raising canes, or both at the same time if he’s extra hungry. Then again, I’ll probably end up missing just that, as that was our time to catch up and talk about his day while I see him devour a whole meal before we make it back home all while he messes with my playlist to listen to his choice of music. Ahhhh… getting old definitely has its price, I guess!

As always, I hope my letter finds you great and somehow helps you with any upcoming milestones, remember “The days are long, but the years are short.” I know we’ve raised a good son and we have to trust that regardless of what car he drives he will be careful and respectful of the road. Drivers beware of another teen driver on the road that frequents burger and chicken fast food drive-thrus!

Top 5 Home Staging Tips for Sellers

By – Lindsey Savell, Home Staging Specialist & Marketing/Brand Manager Simple Solutions Home Staging

The busy season in real estate is in full swing and with buyer’s standards on the increase, it is more important than ever to incorporate home staging if you are planning to sell! Thanks to networks like HGTV, buyers have higher than ever expectations of what they want to see in a home. Proper staging before the listing goes live, whether it is occupied or vacant, could mean the difference between your listing sitting on the market for weeks or months. In fact, more than 77% of buyers find it “easier to visualize the property as their future home” when its staged, according to National Association of Realtors.

To help you put your best foot forward, we’ve come up with five simple solutions to help you prepare to list your home. The ultimate goal is to not leave any money on the table, so let’s get to work!

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1.       Declutter

Buyers find it difficult to visualize themselves living in a cluttered home. It is important to eliminate any distraction that could pull the focus away from the home itself. When a home appears clean and tidy, buyers automatically assume other items in the home have been well maintained. So detach from the stuff and get a head start on the packing process!

2.       Depersonalize

While your family wall may be your favorite feature in the home, buyers find it difficult to see past the feeling of “invading someone’s space”. To help potential buyers become emotionally connected to your house, it is critical for them to be able to see the home as their own. Remove any personal pictures, wall art with names, etc. and think about where those will go in your NEW home!

3.       Create Space

Whether it is a 1500 sq ft home or a 5000 sq ft home, buyers want to see space! Lots of large or over-sized furniture in any room gives the appearance of little space. The potential buyer will assume that their things won’t fit if the room appears small. Consider removing furniture or anything else that may be obstructing windows or arrange furniture in a way that creates the illusion of more space. Here is a perfect before and after example of the power of proper furniture placement. By moving the sofa to the center of the room, we create a cozier space while also giving the illusion of a larger living room.

4.    Less is More… But Don’t Go Overboard!

 In the first three tips, we focus on depersonalizing, decluttering and creating space – all of which involve removing things. However, it is also important for the space to look warm, inviting and livable! If you remove too much, you end up with a house that looks cold and empty. Be strategic and create a space that you would want to live in. It should be neutral, comfortable and livable so that potential buyers can “feel” themselves living there.

5.       Keep it Up!

It is important to make sure the home look exactly like those amazing listing pictures of a beautifully staged home for all of your showings and open houses. Buyer’s will fall in love with your listing online, call up their agent and want to “feel” the house in person. Make sure what they see online matches the reality and I promise you will have offers rolling in!

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The key takeaway here is that simple changes can have a profound impact on the quality and effectiveness of your listing pictures, which ultimately drives foot traffic to your front door. The more buyers who see your house, the better your odds are of selling quickly and not leaving any money on the table! A little work on the front end can mean a BIG payout in the end! And you can sit back with confidence knowing you’re putting your best foot forward.

About Us:

At Simple Solutions Home Staging, we offer vacant home staging and staging for occupied listings in and around the Greater Houston area. If you are planning to sell, we would love the opportunity to put our knowledge of what motivates a buyer to work for you!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Home

You have decided to buy a new home, Congratulations! Buying a new home can be overwhelming and stressful, we are here to make this process something you want to remember. Before you hand over your hard-earned cash, there are a few things you should know about the home-buying process. We have made a full guide that walks you through the approval process, home selection, and finally the steps to get to the closing table.

Pre-Approval

Inside the guide you will find a complete list of paperwork you need for your loan officer. They will asses your credit, income, assets, and taxes to see what your loan approval amount and with what interest rate. This step is crucial for not only figuring your budget but for making sure no hiccups come up later in the process.

Wants & Needs

I’m sure you have a dream vision of what home you want and the must have items. Create a list of all the wants and needs for your dream home. You need to know these things to ensure you buy the right home without any of the headache!

Meet with a REALTOR

You can expect a REALTOR to be a guide during your home buying process. Take time to interview potential candidate and see if they have the experience to get the job done. Things to consider when finding a realtor are how long they have been in business, if there are any reviews on the agent, how well they know your desired neighborhood, etc.

Home Search

Once you meet with a REALTOR you can start the exciting times of touring homes and attending open houses. It is easy to get overwhelmed with viewing so many homes and even forgetting that last house to the next. Its good to keep notes on what you do and don’t like about each home and even taking photos or videos. Remember to keep your eye on the prize and keep your eye out for neighborhood appearance, work commute, parking, and so on.

Monthly/Yearly Cost

First-time home buyers should consider all costs of owning a home. Other expenses include insurance, property tax, homeowners association (HOA) fees, and maintenance and upkeep. Including all of these cost will give you a better idea of your monthly and yearly dues. To prevent a rude awakening, add these up.

Money for Down Payment and Closing Cost

A down payment is the money you spend upfront to purchase a home. Typically, you pay around 3.5% for a deposit and then you will also need additional funds for closing.

Inspections

During inspection, you will really dig deep into everything about the home and its history. Every home comes with maintenance and that is just part of being a home owner. Inspections will help you understand the pitfalls and repairs you might have to take on. This is true whether you’re buying a fixer-upper or not.

Closing Table

Everything is complete and you are now getting to the closing table. You are a home owner. Congratulations!

Want a Full Printable Guide for your home buying experience? Click the link below to have a Free Guide sent right to your inbox!

Resources for Buyers