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Cypress Assistance Ministries – Our Cypress Non-Profit for the Month of May

May 1, 2012 -

Each month on Cypress Homes TX, we want to bring attention to one of our area non-profits. This month we’ve chosen to highlight Cypress Assistance Ministries. We were honored to talk with Assistant Director, Kelly Thomas.

Kelly, could you please give me a bit of background about Cypress Assistance Ministries?

CAM focuses its efforts on helping families in financial and/or emotional crisis become self-sufficient by offering a variety of life-enhancing services including the CAM Food Pantry, financial assistance, Operation Jobs, GED/ESL classes and Angels’ Attic Resale Shop.  We interview families in need to determine specific areas of need.  Utility and rent assistance, groceries, school supplies, clothing, furniture and Christmas gifts are a few examples of the help that we provide.  Donations from area churches, civic organizations, corporations and individuals, as well as proceeds from Angels’ Attic fund this ministry work.

What are the requirements to volunteer?

Over 250 volunteers help with our mission each week.  CAM is a rewarding and fun volunteer experience and there is something for everyone here.  Opportunities include clerical work, sorting food in the pantry, processing donations from the community and more.  We ask that you be 16 years or older, enjoy performing a variety of tasks and do it with a smile!  Most jobs include some physical activity.

Other than volunteering, how else can Cypress residents help?

We appreciate the support of Cypress residents!  Monetary donations are always welcome and can be given online at www.cypressassistance.org.  We especially need your household donations, clothing, toys, books, furniture, home décor, etc.　 Items may be dropped off at 11202 Huffmeister (behind Hartz Chicken).  Tax receipts are available.  Supporting our award-winning resale shop, Angels Attic, is another great way to help CAM families. 

Thank you so much to Kelly for taking time to share information with us about Cypress Assistance Ministries. If you’d like to learn more about Cypress Assistance Ministries, please call Kelly at 281-955-7684 or visit their website www.cypressassistance.org. If you know of a non-profit in Cypress, TX that you would like to see highlighted, please send us the info through our contact page.

Filed Under: Cypress Texas, Cypress TX, Cypress TX Homes, Cypress TX Non-Profit

Make Gardening Easy and Affordable with Container Gardening

February 20, 2012 -

The month of March brings the greater-Houston area an enjoyable combination of mild temperatures and what is, historically, the driest month of the year. It is a great time to enjoy being outside. It is also the perfect time to add color to your yard by incorporating flowers into your landscape. But does your thumb wilt at the thought of planting a garden?

If so, a “container garden” may be the fast and easy solution for you. As the name suggests, your “garden” consists of a collection of containers that hold your plants. There is a wide range of growth-stages for you to select your starting point from, depending upon your skill and ambition levels. Do you want to try your thumb at growing flowers from seeds but do not want to commit yourself to planting a traditional garden? You can buy empty pots (or make them) and plant seeds.

Do you want instant gratification with minimal effort? You can buy potted plants and flowers that are already in full bloom. With that approach, you only have to decide how many plants you want, which plants you like, take them home then arrange them. Of course, you will still have to water them.

Container gardens offer a number of advantages compared to traditional gardens.

They are easier to start, maintain and change.

      • A quick trip to your local lawn and garden store can give you a container garden in minutes. And unlike a traditional garden, you can add, remove or rearrange plants any time you want to without digging or risking causing damage to them.

They can be very affordable.

      • Instead of buying expensive pots, you can use many leftover items as containers—such as empty buckets or empty jugs of milk.
      • Seeds and potting soil are inexpensive.
      • You do not need special tools to work in the garden.

They require little space—and that space does not have to be in the yard.

      • Have plants wherever you will most enjoy them. If you spend a lot of time on your patio, put them there. Do you enjoy waking up to colorful flowers? Many window sills are well suited to holding a few plants.

They increase “curb appeal”.

      • Adding flowers to your landscape can improve “curb appeal”. Curb appeal benefits homeowners by improving their yard’s aesthetics. If you are trying to sell your home, it can attract buyers and positively influence their buying decision.

They make a smaller impact to the water supply.

      • Container gardens use water more efficiently than traditional gardens because they do not require watering dead spots where there are no plants. Additionally, it easy to learn how much water your plants need and give them just that amount instead of over-watering.
      • In the case of a drought and watering restrictions, you do not have to try to keep a large garden alive. Even if your lawn is turning brown you can still keep your container garden vibrant with relatively little water. This is especially true if you buy plants that are drought tolerant.

Container gardens are portable.

      • If you love your container garden and decide to move, you can take the plants with you.

Container gardening can be easy enough for most people and offers many benefits. It requires only a little bit of money, some creativity and as little as a couple of hours. It is a great way to make the beauty of spring a year-round part of your home.

You can find service providers for Cypress by visiting our Service Providers page.

Filed Under: Cypress Texas, Cypress Texas Homes, Cypress TX Homes

Grant Meadows – Cypress, TX

January 31, 2012 -

The Grant Meadows neighborhood in Cypress, TX features Ryland Homes.

Filed Under: Cypress Texas, Cypress Texas Homes, Cypress Texas Real Estate, Cypress TX, Cypress TX Homes, Cypress TX Neighborhoods, Homes in Cypress Texas, Subdivisions in Cypress TX

Grant Meadows – Cypress, TX

January 20, 2012 -

Ryland Homes video featuring their “Canton” floor plan. Building in the Grant Meadow Neighborhood of Cypress, TX.

Filed Under: Cypress Texas, Cypress Texas Homes, Cypress Texas Real Estate, Cypress TX, Cypress TX Homes, Cypress TX Neighborhoods, Homes in Cypress Texas, Subdivisions in 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.

Filed Under: Cypress Texas, Cypress Texas Homes, Cypress Texas Real Estate, Cypress TX, Cypress TX Homes, Cypress TX Neighborhoods, Homes in Cypress Texas, Subdivisions in 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:

  1. 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?
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.

Filed Under: Cypress Texas, Cypress Texas Homes, Cypress Texas Mortgage, Cypress Texas Real Estate

Child Advocates – Our Cypress Non-Profit for the Month of November

November 22, 2011 -

Each month on Cypress Homes TX, we want to bring attention to one of our area non-profits. This month we’ve chosen to highlight Child Advocates. We were honored to talk with Claire Sabatier, who is in charge or recruiting and training volunteers for Child Advocates, and Child Advocates volunteer Barb Kelley.

 

Claire, could you please give me a bit of background about Child Advocates?

Child Advocates has become a leader in the ongoing fight against child abuse. Twenty-five years ago, three individuals, armed with $5,000 and using a kitchen table as headquarters, created the organization. We served 18 children that first year. This year we plan to serve more than 2,000. Our vision is to help every abused child in Harris County who needs us. Our challenge is to find the volunteers, resources, commitment and compassion that will get us there.

 

What one thing do we need to know about your mission?

Child Advocates, Inc. mobilizes court appointed volunteers to break the vicious cycle of child abuse. We speak up for abused children who are lost in the system and guide them into safe environments where they can thrive.

 

What are the requirements to volunteer?

STEP ONE: Register for orientation 
Sign up now to attend a one-hour orientation session at our office. You will get all of the information you need to get on your way to making a difference for an abused child.

STEP TWO: Attend orientation
You’ll be introduced to our program and find out the requirements for becoming a court appointed advocate volunteer. Have all of your questions answered and begin your paperwork to enroll in Advocacy University (AU).

STEP THREE: Attend Advocacy University
Our 30-hour training course is offered several times each year and will prepare you for this incredible volunteer experience. You must attend an orientation session prior to beginning AU.

 

Barb, what is it like to be a volunteer for Child Advocates?

I’ve been a Court Appointed Child Advocate for 2 and half years.  My case involves 4 teenagers.  They were abandoned by a drug using mother and their father had made a new life in California. Neither of them attempted to complete CPS’s ‘Family Plan’ to reunite the family and therefore all parental rights were terminated.

 

These children had not been in school for two years and had to fend for themselves most of their lives.  When they came into CPS custody, they didn’t even have a toothbrush.  Now, they are all doing well in school, are involved in extracurricular activities and have adapted quite well in their foster home.

 

There is much more to the story, but suffice it to say, it has been a very frustrating road for all of us, but being a volunteer and working in so many capacities shows the Judges that we are only advocating for the children. In most cases, they support our recommendations which is very rewarding.

 

Every Child Advocate and the entire organization ARE making a difference in the lives of thousands of children. I believe that ending the cycle of abuse and neglect, one child at a time, is crucial to our society and that all of my children will become responsible adults with bright futures.  In addition, they will always be ‘my kiddos’.

 

Claire, other than volunteering, how else can Cypress residents help?

Our special events are excellent opportunities to participate in done-in-a-day volunteer roles. Whether you choose to volunteer a few hours per week in our office, or provide volunteer support for one of our special events, your time and talents are valuable to us. (toy drives/run in the marathon/join Friends or YPC)

 

Thank you so much to Claire and Barb for taking time to share information with us about Child Advocates. If you’d like to learn more about Child Advocates, Claire will be speaking to the CYFEN Chapter of American Business Women’s Association. Visit the CYFEN website for more information and to RSVP to attend that meeting. If you know of a non-profit in Cypress, TX that you would like to see highlighted, please send us the info through our contact page.

Filed Under: Cypress Texas, Cypress TX, Cypress TX Non-Profit

Cypress TX Plumbing – How Green Is Your Plumbing?

November 2, 2011 -

With Cypress, Texas under terrible drought conditions, more homeowners are seeking out plumbers that are environmentally conscious, or “green.” A green plumber can give valuable advice that helps the environment, saves water, and saves you money. The use of efficient appliances and fixtures, along with green materials and methods means your plumber is doing what’s best for you, and the Earth.

 Go green, save water and money

More and more, builders and service providers are making the choice to become environmentally conscious, or “green.” Many homeowners are making the effort to choose a green plumber; not just to help protect our environment and conserve resources, but to get the added benefit of saving money.

This year, Texas residents have been subjected to the very real problems that come with drought. Water conservation is at the top of homeowners’ lists, and many call in plumbers who use green practices to help them make sure that they get the best usage possible with the least amount of waste.

Many green plumbers will be happy to come to your home and advise you on the many ways you can conserve water and save cash. They can begin with your outdoor plumbing—checking for leaks around spigots, attaching a rain sensor to an irrigation system, or advising on the different effective ways to collect rainwater and runoff. Inside, there are a myriad of little changes you can make that will help your home be more efficient and environmentally friendly. You may be advised to add a low-flow aerator to your faucet or make sure those small drips get taken care of immediately. A slow leak may not seem like much, but a constant drip can mean gallons of wasted water over a month’s time.

A major waste of water can be found in the bathroom. Toilets manufactured as recently as 1992 can use up to 7 gallons of water per flush. Replacing your old model with a new, EPA approved Water Sense® toilet can save up to 5 gallons of water per flush. That means hundreds of gallons a year, and an estimated $90 in savings on your water bill. If you can’t replace your toilet, a simple measure is to place a brick in the tank so less water is used.

The environmental impact of your water heater may not be something you’ve thought about, but consider that studies show if you replace your standard heater with a tankless option, you could save up to 50% of your water heating energy costs. (Not to mention the benefit of hot water on demand whenever you want!) Depending on your need and area, your plumber could also recommend a solar water heating system that can cut your costs even further. Think about how much savings there would be if everyone on your street chose a more environmentally friendly water heating system

EPA estimates show that U.S. water treatment and supply facilities use the same amount of energy yearly as 5 million homes. If just one percent of the homeowners in the U.S. replaced their fixtures and appliances with water-efficient models we could save about 100 million kWh of electricity per year and 3 trillion gallons of water. That’s about 80,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions and more than $18 billion dollars per year.

Making the effort to find a plumber that uses green practices is a sensible idea when it comes to helping the environment, conserving water, and saving money. Even if you are not interested in making drastic changes to your home and lifestyle, a plumber that is well-informed about EPA-approved, efficient products and methods and LEED certification can make a difference in water conservation and help keep more “green” in your bank account.

If you need help finding a Cypress Plumber, please visit our Service Providers page.

 

Filed Under: Cypress Texas, Cypress Texas Homes, Cypress TX, Cypress TX Homes, Plumber Cypress TX

MBJ Foundation for SIDS- Our Cypress Non-Profit for the Month of October

October 31, 2011 -

Each month on Cypress Homes TX, we want to bring attention to one of our area non-profits. This month we’ve chosen to highlight MBJ Foundation for SIDS, started by Randy and Jaime Connell in memory of their daughter, Jordan. I talked with them about their vision and their mission.

Please give us a bit of background about MBJ Foundation for SIDS:

Here is a little history behind our drive to raise funds for S.I.D.S .

2 years ago Randy and I had our first daughter Jordan Patricia Connell born on June 16, 2009. Jordan was born within a week of her full term due date as healthy and perfect as can be, 8lbs  3oz with flaming red hair and chubby cheeks just like her older brother.

Our sweet angel was a vibrant, loud healthy baby girl and focal point of all our lives. Chase was so excited about his baby sister and about being a big brother. She grew over the next couple weeks eating and barely sleeping like most newborns. Jordan doubled her birth weight smiled and made our lives complete……….Then less than a week after her three month doctor’s appointment on August 21, 2009 Randy and I received the WORST phone call of our lives. Our daughter had stopped breathing during her nap at the sitters with no sound, and no warning.

In the next few surreal hours there were seemingly endless waves of doctors and nurses working feverishly on our Baby Jordan at the hospital as we watched and prayed frantically to no avail. After the doctors concluded what we feared the most Randy and I had a quiet moment alone with our Baby and a couple of our dear friends to say goodbye one last time when Randy had to do what no parent should ever have to do and that is covering Baby J’s lifeless body with the bed sheet. The hours after seemed like days and months as friends, family, and neighbors gathered to pray and remember her short time with us, and all I remember knowing at that moment is that life would NEVER be the same…..

After a complete autopsy the medical examiners informed us our daughter died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. All organs were perfect and there was no indication as to WHY which is exactly what S.I.D.S is – the silent killer that has yet to be recognized before death is the outcome. This is exactly our reason to call attention to the unknown cause and hopefully find a cure, an explanation, warning signal, and spread awareness to all new mothers.

Life has slowly gone on and became worth living again we now have two children having Hope Elizabeth last year. We see Jordan every day through Chase and Hope and they help us get through each day. Our life altering experience has led us to the people and parents that we are today, we truly believe in living for the moment and day as you never know when that opportunity will be gone.

The M.B.J. (My Baby Jordan) Foundation for S.I.D.S allows Jordan the opportunity for everyone else to know who she was and for us to be able to give back and maybe save someone else from going through the same tragedy.  Randy and I thought there just simply isn’t enough attention on S.I.D.S. awareness and research.  Why are these babies just quietly dying?

I have met several mothers, fathers, sibling and grandparents over the past couple of years who have experienced this same painful loss. As hard as this letter has been to share our experience with all of you I sincerely hope it proves to be beneficial in helping to spread awareness, finding a cure, and cause.  I think we all share the same wish to put an end to S.I.D.S. and find out why? This event is for all the babies yet to be born, our newborn babies, grandchildren, nieces and nephews – our future.

 What are you plans for the Foundation for the upcoming year?

Our plan for the upcoming year is to hold a Golf Tournament (“Birdies for Safe Sleep”) sometime in April, a Walk (“Footsteps for Safe Sleep”) to be held in June, and our 4th Annual Benefit BBQ/Auction in October. (Event titles have not been confirmed yet.)

 What one thing do we need to know about your mission?

Our primary goal is to bring public awareness and prevention of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) by Joining Organizations, Doctors, and Researchers together for Answers Now and not giving up until we find a cause and cure.

 How can Cypress residents help?

 Cypress residents can help through volunteering their time and/or participating at any of our events throughout the year.  We are always looking for local business sponsors to help with our events.  They can also help us spread the word by sending new mom’s to our website at www.mbjsids.org.  Residents can also contact us directly at info@mbjsids.org with any questions they may have.

 

Thank you so much to Randy and Jaime for taking time to share information with us about their organization. If you know of a non-profit in Cypress, TX that you would like to see highlighted, please send us the info through our contact page.

Filed Under: Cypress Texas, Cypress TX, Cypress TX Homes, Cypress TX Non-Profit

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.

Filed Under: Cypress Texas, Cypress Texas Homes, Cypress Texas Real Estate, Cypress TX, Cypress TX Event, Cypress TX Homes, Home Inspection Cypress TX, Homes in Cypress Texas
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