The Grant Meadows neighborhood in Cypress, TX features Ryland Homes.
Grant Meadows – Cypress, TX
January 20, 2012 -
Ryland Homes video featuring their “Canton” floor plan. Building in the Grant Meadow Neighborhood of Cypress, TX.
Towne Lake – Cypress, TX
January 10, 2012 -
“Triesta” floor plan by Ryland Homes is featured in the Towne Lake neighborhood of Cypress, TX.
Choosing a Cypress Mortgage Broker
December 13, 2011 -
If you’re buying a home in Cypress, it’s a good idea to make as many preparations in advance before you begin the actual home search. Think of it as building a homebuying “team” that works to make your decision easy and stress-free. One key member of your team is the mortgage broker. A good mortgage broker will work with you in advance to help you decide how much you can afford, the best terms for your situation, and get the best rates on your new loan. Finding the mortgage broker for you requires a little effort, but it will definitely pay off in the end.
You can get a wealth of information on mortgage brokers just by picking up your phone. Friends and family are a great resource when choosing a mortgage broker. Ask if they felt they got a good rate, were treated well, and are happy with their loan. Don’t rely on just your Cypress real estate agent for advice—while they are a good source, your friends and family know you best. If you are moving to a new town and don’t know anyone, speak to your mortgage broker from your home city. They may be able to refer you to a broker in your new location.
Once you have a list of potential brokers, give them a call. Do the same even if you must choose from a provided list or the yellow pages. Your first clue about whether or not you’ve found the right person can be found in whether they answer your call right away. Everyone has commitments, so if you have to leave a message, how long does it take them to respond? Are they polite, helpful, and willing to work with your schedule?
The next step is to schedule some interviews. Yes you’re interviewing them. This is someone who will be working for you, it’s important you be able to ask the questions you have before hiring them to do their job. Wondering what to ask? Here are a few possibilities to get you started:
- What fees do you charge? – There are several different price structures for mortgage brokers. Do they charge according to the size of the loan? Are there extra fees for points paid? Is there a flat fee? Do the fees depend on the loan provider?
- What kind of loans/different companies do you use? – Do they only deal with one or two loan companies, or can they search extensively for the best loan for you? Some brokers will only deal with refinances, or avoid FHA loans. You want someone who will tailor your loan to your specific situation.
- Can you explain this loan? – If the broker can’t tell you how a particular loan works in language you can understand, don’t use them. They should be able to easily calculate the amount you will need to put down and monthly payments (including estimated escrow for taxes and insurance!). They may also be able to give an idea of how much in closing costs you will pay, so there are no surprises when you get to the closing table. If the loan looks too good to be true, probe a little more to make sure there are no hidden charges or surprises down the road.
- What are my options? – If you aren’t provided with more than one option, you need to try someone else.
If you need help finding a Cypress Mortgage Broker, please visit our Service Providers page.
When all is said and done, the most important thing for you is that you trust your mortgage broker. Go with the person who you feel most comfortable with. Getting a mortgage is a big decision; you want to make sure that the broker you work with is on your side with your best interests in mind.
Seller’s Inspections- A Good Plan For Your Cypress TX Home
October 25, 2011 -
The seller’s home inspection—a great investment!
Many Cypress Realtors automatically check the “buyer” box on the purchase contract when it comes to deciding who will obtain and pay for a home inspection. While common practice, this is not necessarily the easiest or best option for the seller. A more productive (and increasingly encouraged) approach for the seller is to obtain an inspection before their home goes on the market.
The first reason to have the home inspected pre-showings is to help determine your price. A licensed Cypress home inspector should be familiar with Cypress, TX subdivisions and the type of amenities a purchaser will expect when buying in your area. For instance, have most of the homes on your block had their windows recently replaced? Do they have central heat and air? Are the homes in your area well-maintained and up-to-date? If the homes in your neighborhood all have similar characteristics, then your inspector can help you and/or your Realtor determine the selling price based on those factors. You will also be made aware of any possible out-of-pocket expenses that may be required to get your home repaired before the sale.
If you think your home may be in need of some repairs, or if you are a “do-it-yourselfer” an inspection can point out areas that will need to be fixed (either damaged or not in compliance with building codes) before a buyer will be willing, or able, to close. In fact, some types of loans will not allow closings until very specific repairs are made—repairs that you may not realize were problems in the first place. Your plumbing may run perfectly well, but if it is an older home with galvanized pipe, the buyer’s loan may require replacement of the entire system before closing. Knob and tube or aluminum wiring are also items that may function in your home, but will restrict a buyer on the loan or type of insurance they buy. Why wait until the last minute to find out?
Real estate is a buyer’s market right now; that means that people who come to look at your home will have many options to choose from. A seller needs to do everything in their power to make their home more appealing than the rest. It can be scary for a new buyer when they are searching for their perfect fit. Horror stories of hidden problems abound, and what looks like a great home can be a nightmare to close when the inspection report comes in. Providing an inspection report from the very beginning shows that your home is safe and sound, ready for a new buyer. The trust you gain from the potential buyer can mean the difference between getting a contract, or more weekends filled with open houses.
The biggest objection to obtaining a seller’s inspection report is the up-front cost. Inspections can range from $250 and up, depending on the size of your home and the accessibility of your systems, especially if you add on an extended warranty. But, if you keep in mind the monthly mortgage payments that can pile up, the stress caused by your home lingering on the market, and the worry that something will come up at the last minute to stop the closing, it is well worth the money. The up-front cost may well save you money when all is said and done.
Obtaining a seller’s home inspection before putting your Cypress, Texas home on the real estate market is an excellent investment of your time and money. For a reasonable price, you can troubleshoot your home from the very beginning, prepare for showings, gain the trust of potential homebuyers, and shorten the amount of time your house is on the market. So the big question is, “Why wouldn’t you?”
If you’re looking for a Cypress, TX home inspector, please visit our Service Providers page.
What Type of Pipes Does Your Home Have?
October 24, 2011 -
What kind of plumbing pipes does your home have?
Over the years, plumbers and builders have used different types of pipe when installing or repairing plumbing. It is important to know what kind is in your home, as not all pipe is created equal. Depending on the age of your home, you may find that a particular pipe is no longer used or requires special care to keep it functioning well. An easy way to tell what type of pipe you have is to find the spot where it enters your home and scratch the surface. You can also check under the kitchen sink if you think more than one variety has been used. The color of the scratched area will help you know what you’ve got, and if it needs attention. Below are five different types of pipe you may find in your home.
- Copper—The scratched surface of copper pipe is the color of a new penny. Copper has been the preferred metal pipe for many plumbers for years. It is flexible and fairly easy to install. It resists corrosion and bacterial growth, and can be used outdoors. Copper is recyclable, but unfortunately it is also somewhat expensive and can easily freeze in cold weather. Though resistant to corrosion, it can occur in highly acidic or basic conditions.
- Plastic—Scratching the surface of plastic pipe results in a variety of colors: black, gray, white, blue, or red. There are several different varieties of plastic pipe, generally a polybutyline or polybutyline hybrid. Older plastics (they tend to be the black or gray pipe) can be difficult to work with, resulting in controversy and lawsuits in the past. Newer, cross-linked plastics are easier to work with, use fewer couplings, and are flexible so less likely to burst in cold conditions. Plastic is not recyclable and is unsuitable for outdoor use where it can be exposed to sunlight.
- Galvanized Steel—If your pipe is a dull silver-gray and does not mark easily, you probably have galvanized steel. This type of plumbing can last approximately 40 years, and has not been used in homebuilding since the 1960s. It can corrode from the inside out, resulting in a plaque buildup and cracking. Some insurance companies will not insure homes with galvanized steel plumbing. Directly linking copper or brass to galvanized steel can accelerate the corrosive process.
- Brass—Not as commonly used, brass pipe will be a dull gold to orange color. Brass is a combination of copper and zinc, the higher the copper component the better. Brass can easily corrode if over 33% zinc. It is softer than iron or steel, requiring special tools for installation. However, it does not rust easily and is especially good for hot water distribution lines.
- Lead—Lead was often used before 1970; it will be a dark gray color and will easily mark when you scratch it. When this pipe corrodes, the lead is released into your water. Prolonged exposure to lead can have extremely adverse effects on your health, so regular testing of your water is advised to make sure levels are safe. While some pipe and fixtures will have trace amounts of lead, it is no longer used in homebuilding and repair.
The type of plumbing used in your home can make a big difference in how plumbers repair or replace it. It can affect the value of your home and the ability to get it insured. The pipe used in your home can even affect your health. If you have any concerns about the type of plumbing you have, you should call in a licensed Cypress plumber to make a thorough inspection. Your plumber can then address any questions you may have, and advise you on the best way to care for your pipes, assuring the longevity and safety of your system for years to come.
If you’re looking for a Cypress plumber, please be sure to check out our Service Providers page.
5 Reasons You Should Hire a Cypress, TX Home Inspector
October 17, 2011 -
Look in any phone directory in the Cypress, Texas area under “home services” and you will see ads for home inspection providers. Home inspection is a well-respected career requiring years of study and apprenticeship in order to gain certification and licensing, but why would you need to hire one? There are many reasons to bring in a home inspector to get a professional opinion of the state of your home. Here are five of the top reasons:
1. You are buying a new home—The most common reason to hire a home inspector is because you are considering purchasing a house. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, a licensed home inspector is necessary to help you determine if the systems and structure of a house are in good working order or need repairs. A good inspector will also advise you on possible future problems and upgrades needed. Your inspector will look at everything from foundation to roof, electrical and plumbing systems, even windows and chimneys.
2. You are selling your home—While many sellers will wait until they get an offer, it can be to your advantage to obtain a home inspection before you put your home on the market. Getting an inspection in advance will ensure that you know what might be a problem when it comes to closing, what type of repair items may be negotiable when drawing up a contract, even how your home compares to those in your neighborhood. Taking care of repairs in advance of any showings will help you sell your home quicker and make closing a breeze.
3. You suspect you may have mold—Cypress residents know that living on the Texas Gulf Coast means moisture, and moisture can mean mold. Mold in your home can be a health risk, from agitating simple allergies to causing severe chronic illness. While all homes have some forms of mold present, excessive moisture, leaks, a musty smell, and allergy symptoms can indicate that you have too much mold, or an illness-causing strain (such as the gray-green Black mold). The assessor should do more than just visually inspect your home. Air quality tests, moisture meters, and infrared thermography are all tools that can help determine levels of mold. If mold is found, your inspector can advise you on the best ways to remediate the problem. Make sure that your inspector has the proper certifications to write a remediation plan- not all home inspectors are qualified to do this.
4. You want to save energy and money—Many Cypress home inspectors will come to your home for the specific purpose of advising you on how to save money. Improper wiring, insufficient insulation, and gaps near in- and out-bound plumbing are just a few of the ways that your home can lose heat or cool, driving up your energy bills. Because of their thorough knowledge of building codes and the use of tools like thermography, inspectors can give you hints on repairs and upgrades that can save hundreds over the course of a year.
5. You are building a new home—It is important to realize that each step of the homebuilding process is essential to constructing a safe, sound home. Everyone can make mistakes; planning a phased inspection of your new Cypress home will make sure that your new home meets your standards from start to finish. The inspector will begin with a pre-pour inspection of your foundation to make sure the basic structure is properly completed. An inspection before drywall is installed lets you know that internal systems like wiring and plumbing are safe and to code. If not, changes can be made without having to ruin your brand-new walls. Finally, there will be a thorough walk-through before you move in. This will let you know if there are any of those last-minute “we’ll-get-to-it” items have slipped through the cracks before the moving van arrives.
Whether you are buying, selling, building in Cypress, TX– or just making sure your home is safe and affordable, hiring a licensed home inspector is a good idea. Their years of experience and knowledge of best practices for home-building can help you avoid common mistakes that can jeopardize your family’s safety or cost you money and time.
Towne Lake Homes In Cypress Texas
October 16, 2011 -
Towne Lake is one of the fastest growing subdivisions in Cypress TX. Unlike many communities that are built around a golf course or park, Towne Lake is designed around a 300 acre beautiful lake. Towne Lake is the only subdivision that I know of in the Houston area that is connected by water. While it’s not a reality yet, eventually you will be able to run your daily errands by boat. If you are looking for waterfront homes in Cypress, TX or Northwest Houston, you should check out the Towne Lake subdivision.
Check out the video below to learn more about Towne Lake:
And if you are retired or have family you want to move close by, Towne Lake even has an over 55 community, The Heritage at Towne Lakes.
You can learn more about Towne Lake, including all of the amenities and builders and more at their website.
Coles Crossing Subdivision Cypress, TX
October 14, 2011 -
The Coles Crossing subdivision in Cypress, TX is really nice. I have been inside a few of the houses over there and they are definitely worth looking at if you searching for homes for sale in Cypress TX.
Coles Crossing is a “Master Planned” community located in Cypress, TX, near the intersection of Barker Cypress and Hwy. 290. The Coles Crossing is full of families. I know people who live there who have young kids and people who are empty nesters, so there’s something for everyone. Coles Crossing has around 3,000 homes, which range in price from the $250′s to $900′s.
There are many activities for residents who live in Coles Crossing. In addition to maintaining an active events calendar, there are several sports teams for neighborhood youth, clubs for all ages and even an organization dedicated to supporting U.S. troops. There are also walking trails, pools, tennis courts, a fitness center and more. There really is something for everyone.
To learn more about Coles Crossing, you can visit their HOA site.
Leyland Shores Estate Homes in Cypress, TX
October 10, 2011 -
If you are looking for new custom homes in Cypress, TX, then check out Leyland Shores Estate Homes in Cypress, TX. Leyland Shores is a secluded, smaller subdivision with ponds and a golf course for those looking for a golf course community in Texas. It is sometimes listed as part of Villages of Cypress Lakes. Leyland Shores is a gated part of Villages of Cypress Lakes, which provides private streets. There are walking trails, and Leyland Shores is located close to the Golf Club.
It is located on Cypress Lakes Golf Course, designed by Jim Fazio. The golf course is considered challenging and fair.
