Dale Ross's Blog

Five Tips When Negotiating the Sale of Your Home

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:15:42 -0700

1. Don’t get emotional. So you get a low offer. Don’t let it hurt your feelings. It’s better than no offer and often, using the right negotiation tactics, you can get the buyer up to a reasonable price. Buyers often “test the price.” Just be sure to have an experienced and educated negotiator on your side.

2. Be prepared to compromise. You will usually not get everything you are hoping for, but neither will the buyer. Decide what aspects of the offer are important to you. Consider more than just the sales price. Sometimes the timing of closing has some value to it.

3. Let the buyer feel like he won. That statement does not mean letting the buyer win everything. Letting the buyer feel like he won something makes him feel good. A great negotiator knows how to get what you want while letting the buyer feel like he won.

4. Support your position. This has to do with the way your home is marketed. An in-depth and widespread marketing program supports your asking price. If you don’t have a great marketing program in place, your price will not be supported.

5. Hire the right listing agent. This is the most critical part of the home selling process. It’s obvious which agents are successful because you see them selling homes and advertising. Some real estate agents and even companies are just this side of broke, so they can’t afford to advertise. If they need the deal worse than you do, then you are in trouble when you hire them. Whether you choose a highly successful agent or not, you will pay about the same in fees, but you could lose in other aspects of the transaction.

The Katy Texas real estate market continues to impress! Most properly priced homes are still selling with 14 days and only the properly priced homes are selling. If you want the first glimpse of the newest listings in Katy Texas, then you need to be on a customized search so that you immediately know when houses like you are looking for hit the market. Don't wait to go see the house you want or you may miss it.

If you would rather wade through the thousands of homes for sale in Katy Texas then settle in and start your search.

It's always easier with some help but the Houston Multiple Listing Service is easy enough to navigate if you have some time on your hands.

Looking in Cinco Ranch or in Kelliwood? How about Grand Lakes?

You know there are dozens of great neighborhoods in Katy to choose from. If you are not familiar with which part of Katy Texas you want to live in, then allow me to help you find the area that suits your needs. I am an expert in Katy Texas real estate.

Buying a Katy Texas home is easy when you have me doing all the work for you while you enjoy the process.

Dale Ross, Katy Texas Real Estate Expert since 1981. 281-599-6575.

Keller Williams Signature Realty

Katy Texas Real Estate, Six Seconds and Your Listing is Dead...or not

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:24:55 -0700

In the time it takes to click and load your house photo online, the buyer decides whether or not to look at it in detail. What makes a buyer click through on your listing and not pass on it? The number one reason is the quality of and staging of your homes photos. When buyers conduct a search for a home online, they structure the search by inputting the area, the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, other rooms, sometimes schools, and the price range. Your home can offer everything they are looking for; however, because your photos are not a good representation of your home, it is passed over. Your photos can be of great quality and still be a bad representation of your home if the angle is not perfect or if your home is not staged for the photos.

Some agents think they have the photographic skills to take professional quality pictures of your home. Is this fair to you? After all, you do want to hire someone who will sell your home for the highest price, right? Can they really do it using their “do it yourself” methods and get top notch results? I don’t think so.

I make every effort to sell your home for the highest possible price. I hire a professional stager and a professional photographer for every listing. I guess that is why my listings sell quickly and at 100% of market value. Will you settle for anything less when you know something better is available? I guess that is up to you. Dale Ross.

The Katy Texas real estate market continues to impress! Most properly priced homes are still selling with 14 days and only the properly priced homes are selling. If you want the first glimpse of the newest listings in Katy Texas, then you need to be on a customized search so that you immediately know when houses like you are looking for hit the market. Don't wait to go see the house you want or you may miss it.

If you would rather wade through the thousands of homes for sale in Katy Texas then settle in and start your search.

It's always easier with some help but the Houston Multiple Listing Service is easy enough to navigate if you have some time on your hands.

Looking in Cinco Ranch or in Kelliwood? How about Grand Lakes?

Buying a Katy Texas home is easy when you have me doing all the work for you while you enjoy the process.

Dale Ross, Katy Texas Real Estate Expert since 1981. 281-599-6575.

Keller Williams Signature Realty

Katy Texas Real Estate Blog December

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:28:33 -0800

The Katy Texas real estate market continues to impress! Most properly priced homes are still selling with 14 days and only the properly priced homes are selling. If you want the first glimpse of the newest listings in Katy Texas, then you need to be on a customized search so that you immediately know when houses like you are looking for hit the market. Don't wait to go see the house you want or you may miss it.

If you would rather wade through the thousands of homes for sale in Katy Texas then settle in and start your search.

It's always easier with some help but the Houston Multiple Listing Service is easy enough to navigate if you have some time on your hands.

Looking in Cinco Ranch or in Kelliwood? How about Grand Lakes?

Buying a Katy Texas home is easy when you have me doing all the work for you while you enjoy the process.

Dale Ross, Katy Texas Real Estate Expert since 1981. 281-599-6575.

Keller Williams Signature Realty

Katy, Texas serves up Happy Holidays

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 14:47:05 -0800

Have you started making a list or checking it twice? More importantly have your children? I know that the December Toy R Us Toy Catalog maybe among the most loved “books” in our household right now. But before you stress over the giving of the gifts why not have a little fun this holiday season?

Share the joys of the season

Stuff the Sleigh of Katy, Texasat the Firethorne Community Center located at 28128 N. Firethorne Rd. Visit the community center for a wish list and deliver unwrapped gifts by Dec. 15. This community toy drive benefits local children with cancer. Monetary donations can be mailed to: Firethrone Community Association c/o Stuff the Sleigh, 4707 Ingersoll, Houston, TX 77027. Checks can be made payable to the Firethrone Community Association. For more information, contact Katie Sparkman at 281-693-0003 or stuffthesleigh@gmail.com. Willowfork Fire Department’s Toys for Tots Drive

Now through 12/16 the Willowfork Fire Dept. located at 24655 Westheimer Pkwy. will be accepting donations of new and unwrapped toys. Groups collecting large amount of toys can arrange for the Department to pick up the donation by contacting the department at 281-395-0011 or Fire Chief Wilson at 832-731-3031. Toys can be dropped off at the Station anytime between the hours of 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. This event is to benefit the United States Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” drive in the Katy, Texas area.

Holiday performances

Dec. 17-18 at Taylor High School PAC, 20700 Kingsland Blvd. The Allegro Ballet of Houston presents its 10th Annual full-length production of “The Nutcracker.” There will be three performances, Dec. 17 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Dec. 18 at 2:30 p.m. Reserved tickets are available at allegroballetofhouston.com.

Many area churches are also offering special holiday events. Here a just a few:

Is There Any Wonder? A special worship service on Dec. 18 at Kingsland Baptist Church located at 20555 Kingsland Blvd. at 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.
10th Annual Live Nativity and Puppet Show on Dec. 18 at Victory of the Lamb Lutheran Church located at 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Kidz Christmas on Dec. 23 at Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church located at 2655 S. Mason Rd. at 4:30 p.m. Kidz Christmas is a fun filled family event including music, puppets, a living nativity and more.

Here comes Santa Claus!

Throughout the month of December Santa will be available for a visit and for pictures beginning Nov. 12 until Saturday, Dec. 24. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (hour break at 1 p.m., 45 minute break at 5:15 p.m.) and Sunday, 12-6 p.m. (hour break at 2 p.m.) at the Katy, Texas Mills Mall. For more information, call 281-644-5000.

You can also find Santa at Heritage Square at La Centerra. The jolly old elf will be available from 12/3-12/24 from 1-5 p.m. For more information visit La Centerra online.

La Centerra is also home to many other holiday activities including:

Family Movie Night and Holiday Quote-Along on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. featuring “A Christmas Story,” hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Complimentary popcorn will be served while supplies last.
Holiday Brown Bag Lunch and Story Hour with Santa on Dec. 24 12 – 1 p.m. Bring a bag lunch or pick up one from the many restaurants located at the shopping center and enjoy a holiday story hour hosted by Santa himself.

Mark your calendars for these special days in December:

Katy, Texas Independent School District will be out of school beginning with an early dismissal on December 16 and students won’t be returning until January 4, 2012.

Need some helpful hints and tips this year to keep the holiday’s happy ones?

Keep the happy in your holiday: The most stressful time of the year with these tips for avoiding holiday stress.

Homemade Christmas Gift Tags - Tag, You're It! – make your own gift tags.

14 Can't Miss Quotes for Christmas Gifts and Cards: Humorous, All Occasion and Religious for your calendar, scrapbooking and greeting cards.

Which way is the value of your home headed?

Search for real estate in Katy Texas.

What you may not know about smoke detectors. Katy, Texas

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 09:59:25 -0800

People say that their smoke detectors always go off in the middle of the night when there is a low battery or when one of the devices goes bad. Well, my experience was no exception. 1:10 AM on a Saturday morning to be exact. Not the chirp from a bad power source but the screeching alert of smoke detection. I got up and searched the house and garage inside and out and detected no signs of danger so I went back to bed. 2:10 AM, here we go again. I get up; go check the entire house, garage, inside and out again and again found nothing out of the ordinary. Well, like, any red blooded male, I was determined to not be awakened to this again. I unplugged all (seven) of the detectors and removed the batteries . Ahh, sweet slumber the rest of the night.

The next day I am off get new batteries. I install them and one hour later, they alarm again! Knowing it can't be the batteries, I decide to replace all of them.

I am one who researches everything before I make a purchase so to the internet I went to learn which detectors are the best and why. I discovered some important things about smoke detectors.

I was concerned to learn the smoke detectors I had in my house were ionization detectors. Most smoke detectors work either by optical detection (photoelectric) or by physical process (ionization). I discovered that the ionization style is great for high flames but photoelectric detectors detect smoke which is usually what kills people and is the first sign that a fire is eminent. From my research, I found that fires usually smolder for a while before they become (super) flames. The photoelectric will detect and alert you to smoke much sooner than the ionization detectors. Both styles are sold and there are even combination detectors which have both photoelectric and ionization features combined.

Smoke detectors last anywhere from 7-10 years and then they should be changed. If yours are older than that, then you should consider changing them to insure the safety of your family. I am no expert, but that was my experience. Dale Ross, Home Marketing Expert. 281-599-6575

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Search for real estate in Katy Texas.

Katy Texas

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:19:21 -0700

Much to be Thankful for in Katy, Texas

Halloween is over and the rush begins for all your November and December events and holiday planning. There is a great deal of activity in Katy, Texas to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Visit the Celebrations Christmas Market, Nov. 3-5 at Second Baptist Church located at 19449 Katy Fwy. This event is host to an exclusive shopping experience. Entry is free. Event includes the Salvation Army Harbor Light Choir, door prizes, photos with Santa, and more. For more information, visit second.org.

Remember Nov. 6^th is the end of Daylight Savings Time and set your clocks back one hour to make it “to the church” or wherever else you may be going the next day on time.

Angels and Icons, an Art Mixer hosted by the Katy, Texas Culture and Arts Alliance will be on display Friday, Nov. 11, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at V: The Gallery at the Villagio Town Center. Visit the Katy Alliance for more information and details.

Meet Houston grandfather and author Joe Sutton at the Learning Express Katy, on Nov. 16^th at 10:30 a.m. as he reads his book "Wanda and the Oblahlahs."

The award winning Baylor Wind Ensemble will be at Katy High School PAC located at 6331 Highway Blvd. on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. The Baylor University Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Eric Wilson, is the premiere wind band of the Baylor School of Music and has been praised as one of the flagship programs in our state, and because of that, the nation. This event is free and open to the public.

Here comes Santa Claus to the Katy Mills Mall 5000 Katy Mills Cir. on Nov. 12 and to remain throughout the holiday season, until Saturday, Dec. 24. Hours are Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (hour break at 1 p.m., 45 minute break at 5:15 p.m.) and Sunday, 12-6 p.m. (hour break at 2 p.m.). For more information, call 281-644-5000.

LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch in Katy Texas located at 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd. is hosting its annual Home for the Holidays Festival and Tree Lighting on Nov. 19, from 3 – 6 p.m. This Katy tradition will feature holiday music performed by Katy ISD students, free children’s activities, a Christmas tree lighting, and a visit from Santa himself!

Before you eat the turkey, dash for it at the Katy, Texas Family YMCA Turkey Dash on Nov. 24. Located at 22807 Westheimer Pkwy. the YMCA Turkey Dash is one of Katy’s largest fun runs! The event features a chip-timed 5K, one-mile race, and a family walk/run. After the race, enjoy the kids fun zone, live band, games, and food. Proceeds benefit the Katy YMCA Partners Campaign. To register, visit ymcahouston.org/turkey-dash

Holidays in November

November 11 is Veterans’s Day.

Don’t forget with Thanksgiving Katy ISD will be closed November 23-25, 2011 for the holiday. The full instructional calendar is available on the Katy ISD website.

Need ideas to help you with your Thanksgiving holiday planning?

Fun and easy DIY with the family Thanksgiving craft decorations

My secret recipe for Cranberry Sauce that isn’t such a secret

Recipes for your leftover Thanksgiving Feast

Do you have a Katy person, place, activity of event that you are thankful for that you would like to share?

Which way is the value of your home headed?

Ask me how to get a client rebate of up to $9,250.

History, Harvest and Halloween in Katy Texas

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 14:44:05 -0700

With October the Katy area starts to really enjoy milder temperatures and some not so mild Halloween happenings. Do you wonder where you should go and what you should do in October? Be sure to mark your calendars for these interesting, entertaining and fun events.

Celebrate History

Katy Heritage Park 5990 George Bush Dr. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

On October 1 and 2, 2011 visit Katy Heritage Park offers free tours of their historic homes. For more information visit www.katyheritagesociety.com

Celebrate the Harvest

The31^st Annual Katy Rice Harvest Festivalwill be held October 8^th and 9^th, 2011 from 10am-6pm in Historic Downtown Katy. This year’s festival offers family fun, entertainment, food, crafts, games and carnival rides and so much more. “Today, the Rice Harvest Festival has over 300 craft and food booths and 45,000 to 50,000 visitors.” Tickets are $7.00 for adults and free entrance to children 10 and under to the Rice Festival. Free parking and shuttle service is available. Once you are there, purchase your $20.00 unlimited carnival rides arm bands and let the fun begin! To purchase your tickets in advance, visit the Katy Rice Festival online at www.riceharvestfestival.org or call 281-391-5289.

La Centerra 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd # B200 Katy, TX 77494-3117

On Saturday’s throughout the month of October, look for the fresh Farmer’s Market, home to many locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy as well as a number of other products, goods and services. Return in the evenings to enjoy life music at Baker Street Pub, Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille, and Las Alamedas.

Take some time this Fall to "dew" Dewberry Farm

October brings with it the opening of one of the area’s most popular places, Dewberry Farm located at: 7705 FM 362, Brookshire, TX 77423 • Phone (281)934-3276. Pick pumpkins, play in the hay, ride go cars and so much more is available. Contact Dewberry Farm for ticket prices and purchases as well as group information.

Katy Mills Mall Walk MS Katy

On October 22, 2011 join 500 other Katy residents as they walk to raise money for MS research. Visit www.walkmstexas.org to register to walk, volunteer or donate. There is no cost to register, and online registration is currently open. There is no registration fee and no minimum pledge commitment; however, the average walker raises $225 to support research initiatives, programs and services of the Society. Event day activities will begin at 7:30a.m., followed by a 9:00 a.m. start time for the walk.

Villagio Town Center 22756 Westheimer Parkway, Katy, Texas 77450 281-363-1336

Ever Monday in October, the Villagio will be offering a Katy Area Artist Mentor Series. A variety of artists will be presenting their work and providing you with tips and hints on how to create our own work of art. Visit Villagio Town Center online for a list of artists being featured.

Firethorne Subdivision Swimmers, Cyclists & Runners, Katy Triathlon

On Sunday, Oct 30, 2011 at 8am join other Katy area residents who enjoy triathlons and compete against your neighbors individually or even as a relay team - one cyclist, one runner and one swimmer! Contact Susan Farb Morris for details at 713.661.7377

Mark your calendars for October 10 as a Professional Learning Day for Katy ISD, so there will be no school. Don’t forget all the little ghosts and goblins in our Katy area neighborhoods on October 31 trick or treating for Halloween. Days and times for some areas may vary so be sure to visit your subdivision website to know when to be prepared for all the tricks and treaters.

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Katy Texas Real Estate and September Blog

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 09:28:27 -0700

September begins with a bang! Not only are all our children back to school, including preschoolers, but this Labor Day weekend brought with it yet another series of destructive wildfires in Central Texas and throughout our region. Unfortunately, without several inches of rainfall and high winds the Harris and Fort Bend County areas have issued a burn ban. Find out about the burn ban and tips for keeping your family safe during this dangerous season at “10 wildfire safety tips for Houston families.”

As we being to enjoy milder weathers this month there are many opportunities for special events and activities throughout the Katy area. Here are a few favorites according to venue.

Cinco Ranch High School Performing Arts Center, 23440 Cinco Ranch Blvd.

September 15-17, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. “The Magic of Musicals” comes to the Cinco Ranch High School stage as the talented group of singers, dancers and musicians from Bravo Show Choir presents their fall show. This exciting and fully choreographed musical will feature performances from classics such as “Hairspray,” “Pippin,” “My Fair Lady,” “Guys and Dolls,” “The Butcher’s Wife,” “Billy Elliott,” “Footloose,” “Annie Get Your Gun,” “Mary Poppins,” “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang,” “Miss Saigon” and “Les Miserables,” to name a few. Reserve your tickets by contacting choir director Dorothy Wilson at dorothywilson@katyisd.org or 281-237-5204. Katy ISD Gold Cards are honored, and discounts are available for groups of 12 or more.

La Centerra 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd # B200 Katy, TX 77494-3117

On Saturday’s throughout the month of September, look for the fresh Farmer’s Market, home to many locally grown fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy as well as a number of other products, goods and services. Return in the evenings to enjoy life music at Baker Street Pub, Perry’s Steakhouse and Grille, and Las Alamedas.

On Wednesday’s throughout the month of September at 5:00 AM visit the “Women’s Adventure Boot Camp” free class. Visit the website for more details.

September 11, 2011 6:30-7:30P 911 Remembrance Day with The Katy Area VFW Post 9182 presents a special remembrance ceremony on the 10-year anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks to be held at LaCenterra in Cinco Ranch. A reading of the names of those who died will begin at noon.

September 12, 2011 10:30 am meet with Monday’s for Mommy (or daddy, grandpa or even your babysitter). This month features a “Carnival of Fun” with games and activities for parents, toddler and preschool children.

Methodist West Houston Hospital 18500 Katy Fwy. Houston Texas

On September 7, 6-7 pm Visit this free seminar on sports medicine, featuring representatives from Katy ISD and Spring Branch ISD. Medical representatives will include: orthopedic surgeons Dr. Winfield Campbell, Jr., Dr. Pedro Cosculluela, and Dr. Christopher K. Smith, and physical therapist Chrysta Lloyd, PT, DPT. Register by calling 713-790-3333.

Willowfork Country Club 21055 Westheimer Parkway, Katy TX 77450

September 19, 2011 at 11:00 AM HLSR Go Texan! Katy 21st Annual Classic Golf Tournament
Go Texan! Katy committee is hosting it's 21st annual classic golf tournament. Registration begins at 11 a.m with a shotgun start at 1 p.m. and awards given to top 3 teams.

Villagio Town Center 22756 Westheimer Parkway, Katy, Texas 77450 281-363-1336

September 10, 20011 12:00 pm Children’s stories and songs with Spaghetti Eddie presented by the Book Worm with dancing from Connelly Dance Studios and spaghetti cake from the Tree House.

September 19-21, 2011 Katy Area Artist Mentor with Scott Matlin from Colorado on hand to host an oil painting workshop. Times vary, visit their website for more information.

Sept. 22, 2011 10:00 am The Villagio is home to a sip and stroll with beer tastings in the gallery and featuring local artists work.

Don’t forget to check the Katy ISD academic calendar for important dates at your child’s school. September 30, 2011 is an early dismissal day.

Which way is the value of your home headed?

Search for a home in Katy Texas.

Contact Dale Ross in Katy Texas.

Katy Texas Real Estate

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 16:11:35 -0700

The Katy Texas real estate market continues to impress! Most properly priced homes are still selling with 14 days and only the properly priced homes are selling. If you want the first glimpse of the newest listings in Katy Texas, then you need to be on a customized search so that you immediately know when houses like you are looking for hit the market. Don't wait to go see the house you want or you may miss it.

If you would rather wade through the thousands of homes for sale in Katy Texas then settle in and start your search.

It's always easier with some help but the Houston Multiple Listing Service is easy enough to navigate if you have some time on your hands.

Looking in Cinco Ranch or in Kelliwood? How about Grand Lakes?

Buying a Katy Texas home is easy when you have me doing all the work for you while you enjoy the process.

Dale Ross, Katy Texas Real Estate Expert since 1981. 281-599-6575.

Keller Williams Signature Realty

Cinco Ranch Katy Texas

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 15:33:49 -0700

Cinco Ranch Katy Texas.

Cinco Ranch in Katy Texas currently has over 400 houses for sale and they sell at the rate of about 120 every month year round. If you are looking for a home in Cinco Ranch Katy Texas then you have found the right place. Just follow the link and see every house for sale in Cinco Ranch Katy Texas. Cinco Ranch is the most successful master planned community in Katy Texas. From lakes, to pools, hike and bike trails, community centers, splash pads and shopping, Cinco Ranch has it all. Cinco Ranch is still growing. Last year, over 800 new homes were built and they do sell quickly when they are finished. Get a custom search designed especially for your needs. All new listings that meet your criteria are emailed to you immediately as they hit the market. The best houses in Cinco Ranch sell within 3 days of coming on the market, so don't miss out!

Contact the Cinco Ranch Katy Texas Realtor today for more details.

Six "Worth the Price" to do's BEFORE listing Your House For Sale. By Dale Ross, Katy, Texas

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 16:05:38 -0700

When preparing your house for the market, there are some fix-ups that cost a lot if you do them and some that will cost you a lot if you don’t. While some of these items are not inexpensive, the return you will realize will be more than the cost of the fix-up.

1. Staging – The aesthetic preparation to enhance the emotional feeling of your house. Buyers buy on emotion then logic. When they FEEL your house is for them, then they will use logic to either enforce or eliminate that feeling. Staging usually costs about $300. It has been proven to return up to 30 times the cost. This is one cost I pay for you when you list your house with me because like you, I want your house to sell for the highest possible price. Call in the stager when YOU think the house is ready to show and let them add the final touches.

2. Paint – If you think your paint is tired or the wrong color, then so will a buyer. This is one of those not so cheap items that comes with an easy 150% return on your money or will cost you as much as 1000% of the cost of a paint job if the paint is poor. Touch up only if the paint matches perfectly, otherwise repaint the entire wall(s). Always paint a neutral color and hire a professional painter. Bad paint jobs have the same value as worn out paint.

3. Landscaping – It’s all about curb appeal. If the lawn looks great, the first impression will be a good one. If the lawn looks sad….need I say more?

4. The front door – A weathered front door is just plain ugly. It’s a $250 expense that changes the complexion of the entire front of the house and is a component contributing to the first impression.

5. Clean it – This is common sense. Closely inspect your light fixtures, baseboards, shower glass, and faucets. Look for dusty counters, drapes, blinds and ceiling fan blades. If it is supposed to shine, then make it shine. If it is supposed to be clear, then make it clear. HINT – Use “Bar Keepers Friend” on soap scum, shower glass and tile.

6. The Floor – Clean enough to eat from. Well, no one is going to eat from the floor but you get the picture. Shine up your wood floors, have your tile grout cleaned, clean your carpet unless it is worn out and then replace it and don’t let the pets back on it.

Obviously, these are just a few items that really matter when hoping to sell your house. With so many houses on the market, not all houses will sell. If you want yours to sell, it MUST have an advantage over the other dozens of houses to choose from.

Why do my listings sell? Because when you list your house with me, I provide a 64 item checklist of the most important items that your buyer will scrutinize, I am upfront about what you MUST do in order to sell AND I pay for the stager. I only want your house to sit on the market as long as YOU want it to sit on the market. Otherwise, let’s sell it fast AND for top dollar! Dale Ross. 281-599-6575.

Which way is the value of your house headed? Find out instantly, click HERE.

How much is your house worth today? Click HERE.

Find out what other agents refuse to offer. Click HERE.

Contact Dale Ross, click HERE.

Instantly learn the year over year price trend in your neighborhood.

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:36:51 -0700

If you are wondering how the house values in your neighborhood have performed in Katy and Houston Texas, then you have come to the right place. To instantly learn this important information enter the name of your subdivision in the provided space and the chart will pop up on your browser. Click HERE.

To learn which way the value of your house is headed, click Realty Price Trends.

To learn how much your house is worth today, click HERE.

Dale Ross

Keller Williams SIgnature Realty

Katy, Texas

281-599-6575.

Another Way I Lost a Listing

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 16:07:43 -0700

Ok, I go on about 110 listing appointments per year and get about 73% of them. Some of them I decline and some of them list with a higher promised price, and then some sellers just don't like my style. But last week, I lost one for the first time for this reason.

The other agent actually agreed to donate 8 hours of their time to help the seller physically move out of the house after it sells. I have been upstaged! I coud not help chuckling audibly when the seller informed me of their decision to go with that agent. 8 hours of my time is worth about the same amount as the commission would have been and although I am called a mover and a shaker, that's not the kind of mover I am.

I admire the agents commitment to keep from starving as the agent has two other listings and 4 sales for 2011. On this listing, I have to say...Better him than me!

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Schools OUT!

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 11:18:30 -0700

Congratulations to all Katy ISD Graduates!

It's the sweet summertime in Katy, Texas and one of the best places to be in June is one of the many splash pads. While many subdivisions such as Cinco Ranch, Westheimer Lakes and Pine Mill, offer splash pads as part of their amenities you can also get out and about in the area by visiting:

Cullen Park- located at 19008 Saums Road offers a splash "pad", playground equipment, walking and bike trails.

Nottingham Park near Nottingham Country subdivisions offers a splash park, area for Frisbee golf, walking trail, and new playground equipment.

Visit LaCenterra where kids can play in the fountains and moms can get a few errands run. Stop by one of the sit down restaurants and have dad join you for dinner or grab a quick lunch or snack at Mission Burrito, Jamba Juice, the Nestle Tollhouse Café or Starbucks.

Summer reading programs begin in June and many of them have some really great incentives to encourage your children to read this summer. Use this helpful list of summer reading programs including those at your local Ft. Bend and Harris County libraries, Half Price Books, Katy Budget Books and many other locations to help you get started.

If you haven't registered for summer camps already there are still some spaces available at many area Katy summer camp programs. Katy Magazine offers this easy to use downloadable summer camp program list to find out more about summer camp programs in the area. Some of our favorites include Young Chef's Academy on Highland Knolls, The Little Gym Katy, KVPAC (which offers summer camp programs for all ages from pre-K to high school) and the YMCA Katy. The Katy area offers a variety of summer camp programs from sports to cooking and everything interest in-between.

Pack a picnic lunch and head out to one of the many beautiful Katy area parks:

Katy Heritage Park Open for Free Public Tours begins June 5 at Katy Heritage Park, located at 5990 George Bush Dr. Visit the historic homes at Katy Heritage Park from 1- 4 p.m. today, or any first weekend of each month. Katy Heritage Park is located in historic Katy. Visit ww.katyheritagesociety.com for more information.

Mary Jo Peckham Park

In the Cinco Ranch area why not visit the Cinco Ranch Golf Club 23030 Cinco Ranch Boulevard, Katy - (281) 395-4653 or the Lakes at Cinco Ranch at 2855 Commercial Center Boulevard, Katy?

Are you thinking about college this summer? Why not visit the Open House at UH System Cinco Ranch on 6/29 and 7/27 (5-7pm) at the campus located at 4242 S Mason Rd. Drop in to speak to advisors about how to start or complete your degree. Bachelor's and master's degrees offered in offered in business, education, nursing, arts and sciences. Visit www.cincoranch.uh.edu for more details.

Save the date!

If you need a little time out on a date and enjoy country music you may want to get your tickets purchased for Country Music Legend Mickey Gilley at Mo's on June 24. Tickets are $15.00. Contact Mo's directly to purchase tickets or for more information at (281) 392-3499.

Other dates to remember in June:

Tuesday, June 14^th 2011 Flag Day

Sunday, June 19^th 2011 Father's Day

Where are your favorite places to go in Katy to beat the heat?

School is OUT in Katy Texas.

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Fri, 27 May 2011 10:37:55 -0700

School is Out! June Events in Katy, Texas

Schools out, schools, out, well we all know this song and all its variations. Starting June 3 school is out for the Katy Independent School District, and the first weekend in June celebrates some exciting graduation events.

June 3 Mayde Creek High School Graduation

June 4 Morton Ranch, Taylor, and Katy High Schools Graduation

June 5 Seven Lakes and Cinco Ranch High School Graduation.

With school out you may be looking for ways to keep your children entertained and safe. The Katy area offers a variety of summer camps, vacation bible schools, summer reading programs and library activities. So as you are looking for fun, entertaining, safe, and educational things for your children to do this summer keep in mind:

Educational activities

Tutor Doctor offers not only ways to avoid summer learning loss, but opportunities to pursue enrichment activities you may have time for during the academic year. Contact Tutor Doctor at 832-350-9133 for more information on tutoring and upcoming workshops. Ask them about the $50.00 of coupon and free consultation.

Be sure to visit your Cinco Ranch and Maude Smith Marks libraries for reading list, story times, teen time and other activities.

Some summer camps in the Cinco Ranch area to keep in mind are:

Camp Katy Computer Camp 281-391-0007

Ft. Bend Tae Kwon Do 281-599-3331

Katy Family YMCA 281-392-5055

Soccer TOTS (remember Moxie Moms get a discount here) 713-429-5312 or 832-497-4193

The Little Gym 281-347-1400

AMC Movie Camps may be offered again at the Katy Mills Mall so be sure to visit the AMC theater times on their website.

Vacation Bible Schools are offered at many area churches. Be sure to contact your church or one of these listed:

VBS at Grace Fellowship United Methodist Church- 2655 South Mason Rd, Katy, TX 77450: 281.646.1903

VBS at Grand Lakes Presbyterian Church- 6305 S. Fry Road, Katy, Texas 77450: 281.646.7500

VBS at Grand Parkway Baptist Church - 12000 FM1474; Richmond, TX 77407: 281.277.2200

VBS at Parkway Fellowship- 27403 FM 1093: 832.222.9282

Other June dates to remember include:

Tuesday, June 14^th 2011 Flag Day

Sunday, June 19^th 2011 Father's Day

While it has felt like summer time during parts of April and May, June 21 marks the official first day of summer.

And if you need a little time out on a date and enjoy country music you may want to get your tickets purchased for Country Music Legend Mickey Gilley at Mo's on June 24. Tickets are $15.00. Contact Mo's directly to purchase tickets or for more information at (281) 392-3499.

Don't forget many of your favorite water parks, splash pads, pools, parks and even the famous Cinco Ranch "beach" or now open.

Movies and music, to camps and education, Katy, Texas offers many opportunities for fun in the summer time.

Which way is the value of your home headed?

How much is your home worh today?

Dale Ross

Keller Williams Signature Realty

920 S Fry Rd

Katy,TX 77450.

281-599-6575.

Why You MUST Protest Your Property Taxes Every Year.

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 13:09:28 -0700

The time of year to protest your property taxes is upon us again. Remember, you should protest your property taxes every year whether or not your assessed value increases, decreases or stays the same. If you do not protest them every year, the taxing authority can raise your assessed value by up to 30% in a single year going back three years if you did not protest any of those three years (10% per year increase for every year a protest was not registered and your assessment was not increased). Why protest every year?...Even if your protest is unsuccessful, it counts as measure against a dramatic future increase.

You can protest your taxes online, in person or by hiring someone to do it for you. The people I suggest to do it for you this year are AppealPropertyTax.com . This company charges you 33% of the savings and only if they are successful in reducing your assessment. Other companies charge up to 50% of the savings so this is a pretty good deal. Don't wait long; the deadline to protest is May 31.

If you plan to protest yourself, I am happy to provide comparable sales in your area to help you. Email me at rdr@daleross.com if you have any questions, comments or would like some help.

I NEED YOUR HELP!!!!....Being ranked as one of the Top 20 Real Estate Teams in Houston, I have been challenged in a national top producer contest to make hundreds of voice contacts with past clients and future prospects. I want to make 3,000 contacts by June 1st and be a winner. If I can answer ANY questions for you, or someone you know, about anything real estate related, please call or email me (please include your phone number in your email as email contact does not count). If I have your current phone number, I may be calling you. The call will last about one minute. If you would help me out and welcome my call, please email me your phone number and I will call you for sure. Thank you so much for your help!

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April Calendar Events in Katy: E is for Easter and Earth Day

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:30:52 -0700

Join the Cinco Ranch High School at Cougar Stadium, 23440 Cinco Ranch Blvd. on April 9^th at 9 a.m. at The Cinco Ranch High School class of 2012 will host a walk-a-thon to benefit Texas Children's Hospital's dialysis unit. All proceeds will go towards improving dialysis facilities including comfortable chairs for patients undergoing treatment and much needed medical supplies. This event was inspired by former CRHS classmate, Tory Bolin. Tory had a kidney transplant on October 27, 2009 and was a patient at the TCH-Dialysis Unit. The student's goal for this year is to raise $20,000 for the purchase of two dialysis chairs

The Texas Children's West Campus Grand Opening is being held Saturday, April 9, 2011 from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM at the I-10 and North Barker's Cypress location. The Texas Children's Hospital West Campus is excited to be fully operational and is having a free Grand Opening Celebration and Children's Festival. This free community festival is for all ages and will be held outdoors on the grounds of West Campus where families will enjoy an afternoon filled with entertainment, food and children's activities that focus on nature, creativity, adventure, education and wellness. For more information contact Contact: Kristin Cook at 713-524-8170.

Also on April 9^th you can get much of your summer fun planned with the SummerFest! Find out what your children will be doing this summer? Parents can visit with local businesses offering summer camps and classes and ask your questions. Of course no fest would be fun without the opportunity to shop, listen to live entertainment, participate in a treasure hunt, and enjoy lots of family friendly activities, especially those in the FREE Kids Zone area with Face Painting & Balloons by Katy Mae the Clown, Bounce House, Rock Wall, and Petting Zoo. Chick-fil-A will be on site selling your favorite food items in the courtyard. Visit the The Villagio Town Center FREE Family Fun online for more information.

This Shred Day Benefitting Katy ISD PTAs is good for our school and for the environment as Tradition Bank hosts this event on April 16 at 1515 S. Grand Pkwy. From 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. A $5.00 donation per box is requested for documents that will be shredded in the bank's parking lot. Residents are asked to place old documents for shredding in a banker's box. Staples, paper clips and binder clips need not be removed from the documents. Plastic binders are not accepted. Assistance will be available at the event to help unload heavy boxes. For more information, please call 713-666-2511.

The YMCA Healthy Kids Day is scheduled for April 16 2011 at the Katy Family YMCA located at 22807 Westheimer Pkwy. From 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Come to this free community celebration of healthy kids featuring activities that include moonwalks, face painting, kid-friendly games, fitness demonstrations, and information about youth and family services and programs offered in the Katy area.

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny

On April 16, 2011 you can attend Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at either the Harvest Plaza located on 5701 Third St. from 9 - 11 a.m. This event includes Easter activities, photos with the Easter bunny for $5 and more. This event coincides with Downtown Market Days and the city wide garage sale. For more information call 281-391-4840. Or you can visit Katy Mills Mall - Rainforest Café from 8 - 10 a.m. to Enjoy breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Rainforest Café. Reservations for this event are encouraged. For more information, visit katymills.com or call 281-644-500.

Katy Easter Egg Hunts

Many area churches, neighborhoods and organizations are hosting their Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Visit the websites of St. Peter's United Methodist Church, Trinity Baptist Church, Epiphany of the Lord Catholic Church and Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. Contact other Katy area churches for more information on their events.

The 2011 Houston Easter Egg Hunting Guide offers ideas for Easter Egg hunting all around our area. Do you have a local Easter Egg Hunt at your Katy area church, business, or neighborhood to share?

Need ideas that go beyond candy for your child's Easter Basket? These 20 Quick, Easy, Cheap and even Free Easter Basket Gift Ideas can help you get started.

Do you have an Easter Egg Hunt in Katy, Texas event to share? If so, let me know and I will post it for you.

Katy, Texas Things to do in March

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 17:49:32 -0800

Spring has sprung! March Spring Time Events and Activities in Katy, Texas

Finally, the freezing temperatures (and pipes) of this winter are leaving us and the beautiful spring weather that we love has arrived. Sure, there may be some cold mornings or evenings but with all the wonderful weather Katy-ites are ready to get out and about. Dale Ross at Keller Williams brings you this helpful calendar of events:

Visit the Katy, Texas Mills Mall on March 5, 2011 from 12-6 pm for the Yu-Gi-Oh! National Tour and experience the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game. Fans of this game will explore with you the exciting world of Yugi, Jaden and Yusei, create Spells and Traps, summon monsters and more. Participate in hands on demonstrations and play games with Yu-Gi-Oh! experts. Test your Yu-Gi-Oh knowledge in trivia contest with a chance to win Yu-Gi-Oh! card packs. Some demo packs (quantities are limited) will also be given away! This event is free. For more information, call Guest Services at 281-644-5000.

Are you a Selena Gomez fan? If so you may want to head over to Pigtails and Crewcuts for their Selena Gomez Concert Ticket Giveaway on March 5^th. With your purchase you are automatically entered to win two free tickets to see Selena Gomez in concert at the Houston Rodeo on March 6. The lucky winner will be announced on Facebook after close of business on March 5.

Have you considered adopting a pet? If so, let Subaru and the Citizens for Animal Protection help you find the pet you have always wanted. On March 19, 2011 the West Houston Subaru joins with CAP located at 17109 Katy, Texas Fwy. From 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. to host a Pet Adoption Special Event. During this event, Subaru will pay 50 percent of all adoption fees of animals adopted through CAP at the West Houston Subaru location and the CAP Adoption Center, 17555 Katy, Texas Fwy. Each adoptive pet owner will receive a gift bag from West Houston Subaru.

Travel the world at the McMeans Jr. High School International Festival on March 25, 2011 from 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. This event will include spotlights on many cultures of the workd, fun, family friendly games and activities. For more information call 281-644-1660.

KVPAC presents the ARTS for ALL! Family Festival March 26, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as a community service in partnership with LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch. Enjoy musical and theatrical performances and artistic demonstrations staged throughout the day. Admission and all activities at this event are free!

Your princess doesn't have to be dressed in yellow to participate in the Cinderella Scholarship Program on March 27, 2011 at the Falcon Point Country Club, located at 24503 Falcon Point Dr. The Cinderella Scholarship Program, is celebrating 35 years and will be holding a preliminary pageant in Katy, Texas. As the world's largest youth development program of its kind, Cinderella invites girls ages 0-26 and boys ages 0-6 to participate in fun, family oriented natural pageants with the motto "Real kids in real clothing." Contestants compete in areas of competitions such as playtime, interview, talent, casual wear, on stage introduction, and party wear. For more information, contact Jennifer Clayton at twirliebug@yahoo.com or 281-690-8017 or visit texascinderellapageant.com.

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95% of Katy Texas residents wrongly charged on utility bills. How to get YOUR rebate.

American Idol Comes to Katy, Texas

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 10:34:31 -0800

The popular television show "American Idol" comes to Katy, Texas when finalist Jason Castro performs at the Second Baptist Church on Feb. 10, 2001. Tickets are on sale for $5 or will be $10 at the door. To pre-purchase tickets, call 713-722-1803.

There is no need to go to downtown Houston for great play performances as Katy Visual and Performing Arts Center presents which tells the story of a Jewish family in hiding from Nazis in Germany during World War II in "The Diary of Anne Frank." Performances are at 8 pm on Friday Feb. 11 and Sat. Feb 12. Sundays' performance is at 2 p.m. Presale tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors. For more information, visit kvpac.org.

Show at little heart to your Katy community at the Christus St. Katherine Heart of Katy Fun Run on Feb. 12. This is Christus St. Catherine Hospital's 5th Annual Heart of Katy Fun Run/walk. The event includes a 5K run, one mile kids run and one mile family walk/run. Each dollar raised stays in Katy, supporting the area's first comprehensive heart program. For more information or to register, contact Dana Mersiovsky at 281-599-6696 or dana.mersiovsky@christushealth.org.

Isn't it romantic? Texas Romance writer Donna Grant will be visiting The Solana for a Valentine's Day program. The Solana is located at 24001 Cinco Village Center Blvd. and the event will be held on Feb. 14^th from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Be sure to pick up a signed copy of her newest book "Wicked Highlander" from the Dark Sword series. A light brunch will be served and Katy Budget Books will be selling Grant's novels. RSVP to 281-395-9600 by February 11.

Plan a party or a date night at the newly opened Pinot's Palette located at 2910 Commercial Center Blvd, Ste 102. This recently opened facility brings art, fun and friendship together with opportunities to pick up a brush and explore your creative side. Plan a Girls' Night Out, Date Night or just a fun night out with friends with art classes featuring a different painting. You bring the refreshments; we provide the canvasses and our local artists to guide you step by step as you create your own masterpiece!

The 2011 Katy ISD FFA Livestock Show & Rodeo ("Katy Rodeo") will celebrate its 68th year with a three-night rodeo event beginning Thursday, February 24th through Saturday, February 26th. Katy Rodeo is one of the few remaining youth and professional rodeos still supporting FFA in the great state of Texas!

At the Katy Rodeo see local youth participate in the crowd pleasing calf scramble, mutton bustin', and stick horse races! Junior competitors will participate in break-away roping, and junior barrel racing, too! But the fun doesn't stop there, as the professional rodeo takes the "stage" with events like bull riding, saddle bronc & bareback riding, team roping & more barrel racing. Our very own Katy Cowgirl mounted drill team will open each night's events with their skilled horsemanship performances!

Rodeo tickets will be available for purchase at the arena gates each night. Check the Katy Rodeo website for ticket prices. Rodeo times are:

Tuesday, February 22, 2011, starts at 7 p.m. 2nd Annual Katy ISD Area Alumni Team Roping event.

Thursday, February 24 - Starts at 7 p.m. - Katy ISD Area Students' Spirit Night

Friday, February 25 - Starts at 7 p.m. - "Tough Enough To Wear Pink" Night

Saturday, February 26 - Starts at 7 p.m. - Award Presentation Night

Carnival tickets will be available after February 1st. Check our website for details. Carnival times are:

Thursday, February 24 - 5 p.m.-midnight; Friday, February 25 - 5 p.m.-midnight; and Saturday, February 26 - 12 noon-midnight

Saturday morning, February 26th - Join spectators along the route from Rhodes Stadium to the Leonard E. Merrell Center on Saturday, at 9:30 a.m. for the 2011 Katy FFA Livestock Show & Rodeo Parade. Community participation encouraged!

Looking beyond Katy for some great date ideas for Valentine's Day? Then "Let CityCentre be the center of your Valentine's Day plans" or take a walk in the park and have a romantic "picnic" with Tapas and Trails at the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center.

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There's a lot to do in January in Katy, Texas.

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 10:20:06 -0800

January events to remember in Katy, Texas: Charity and preschool registration

Just because the holidays over, doesn't mean the charitable contributions need to stop. This month carry on your charitable efforts and help those in need with a coat drive at the Katy, Texas VFW Coat Drive for Homeless Veterans, now through Jan. 15 at the Copperfield Estates Retirement Community, 16820 West Rd. Through Jan. 15, 2011, Katy, Texas VFW is partnering with Copperfield Estates Retirement Community to collect winter coats for the DeGeorge House Shelter for Homeless Veterans. Donations can be dropped off at Copperfield Estates. At 10 a.m. on Jan. 15, residents of Copperfield Estates will hold an informational seminar on Veterans' Aid and Attendance benefit for wartime veterans and their spouses. After the seminar, the coats will be presented to a representative from the DeGeorge House.

Bass Pro Shops has some great workshops coming up beginning in January for those interested in Fly Fishing and Camping. Contact the Bass Pro Shop at Katy, Texas Mills Mall for more information on these upcoming classes Beginning Fly Tying, Intermediate Fly Tying, Turkey Frying Made Easy, and Advanced Fly Tying.

ARTreach's popular Texas Music Project will move to Fridays at the Villagio Town Center in Cinco Ranch. The Texas Music Project works with local artists and musicians and ARTreach volunteers offer free art activities at each event to enlighten and entertain children. For more information, call 713-444-1897.

It's Girls Scout Cookie time! This month marks the beginning of Girl Scout cookie sales. Don't be surprised to find a girl scout at your favorite Katy, Texas Wal-Mart store selling one of these delicious varieties Thin Mints, Peanut Butter Patties, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Shortbread, Thanks-A-Lot, Caramel deLites, Lemonades, and Shout Outs for $3.50 a box. This is the largest fund raising event for the Girl Scouts organization and the most important for them to continue their efforts and special programs.

January in Katy, Texas also means planning ahead, for the next fall, especially if you have preschool aged children. Many schools begin their registration process this month and spots fill quickly. Need help deciding on a preschool for your child? Katy, Texas Magazine offers this helpful list of schools in the area and contact information to help you decide if it's cool to go to school for your toddler or prekindergarten aged child.

Even more preschool help can be found this month at the 8th Annual Preschool Fair on Jan. 22 at the Crosspoint Community Church, 700 S. Westgreen Blvd. from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. The MOMS Club of Katy, Texas - SE will host their 8th Annual Preschool Fair for parents in Katy, Texas. Parents looking for preschools or Mother's Day Out programs in the area will find information from a variety of organizations and school in the Katy, Texas area. Talk directly to teachers and directors, pick up program and pricing information and learn more about the preschools in our area. Attendees are asked to bring baby supply donations, which will benefit the Pregnancy, Help Center of Katy, Texas. Admission is free.

Next month brings Valentine's Day and with it maybe some interesting choices of special events and date nights. Be sure to return to our page and find out about events in the Katy, Texas area.

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Did you feel the bounce?

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 17:39:02 -0800

For many months the interest rates have been trending down, down, down...until the first week of November 2010 that is. That week they hit their lowest point in recorded history at about 3.75% for a thirty year loan. Many people got lucky and got in on this great rate. As of this writing they have rebounded and have hit as high as 5% for a 30 year loan. My first mortgage was at 11.5% back in 1979 so I still think 5% is a fantastic rate!

Let's compare how much money someone borrowing $300,000 over 30 years saves when comparing the two rates. At 3.75% the principle and interest would be about $1,389 per month. At 5% the payment on the same amount would be about $1,610 or $221 more per month or $79,727 over the life of the loan. In 2009 and 2010 while rates were at all time lows, many people decided to wait to sell their house and buy another until they could get a little more money for the house they were selling.

Do you already understand how waiting is not always the best strategy? Even if you only stayed in the next house 15 years it would still cost close to $40,000 more in the long run in the hopes of maybe selling your old house for $10,000 more in a few years. If you wait for the value of your house to increase, chances are that the house you want to buy will increase in value also. So, if prices go up and interest rates go up, it could cost you close to $100,000 in the long run just by trying to gain another few thousand dollars on the sale of your old house. As the economy recovers, interest rates are bound to close in on 6% as soon as the end of 2011. I got this from Businessweek.com... "Lending Tree chief economist Cameron Findlay recently sat down with Fox Business News to give them his mortgage rates forecast, predictions for the mortgage refinance market and more. Cameron says economic conditions lead him to expect mortgage rates will rise 180 basis points to 6% by the first quarter of 2011."

Always keep the "big picture" in mind when thinking about selling and buying a house. I would be happy to provide a private analysis regarding your personal situation if you have any questions about your "big picture". Dale Ross, Keller Williams Signature Realty. 281-599-6575. RDR@DaleRoss.com.

Christmas Time in Katy Texas

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:26:55 -0800

The holidays are rapidly approaching and the time will definitely fly by even faster with all of the entertaining activities available in the Katy Texas area this December!

Looking for a quality real tree to decorate your home with? Dewberry Farm is open for its annual Christmas tree farm where families can not only relive the "old tyme" tradition of choosing and cutting down their very own Christmas tree but also enjoy the many activities that Dewberry Farm is known for. Who knows what interesting and unique gifts you may find in the Country Store and Sweet Shoppe? Visit Dewberry Farm online for hours and pricing.

The Cinco Ranch Lake House, located on 25202 Springwood Lake, Katy Texas, Texas is now offering Kinderdance® classes, join them for a free trial class. Classes are available on Tuesdays at 9:30/Kindertots®/Ages 2-3 and Wednesdays at 9:30/Kinderdance®/Ages 3-5. For more information call 281.970.8018 or visit http://www.danceandprance.com.

Cottage Charm is hosting its 2010 Christmas Light Show "The Reason for the Season" in Historic Downtown Katy Texas. Cottage Charm, together with Thom Polvogt Agency Group and The McKenzie Group is offering a one of a kind holiday light show and food drive benefiting Katy Texas Christian Ministries. Watch the light show full of color and light as well as listen to the accompanying music on 89.9 FM. The light show is free, however, visitors are asked to drop off a non perishable can(s) to benefit Katy Texas Christian Ministries, a local charity for Christmas and New Years. The show will repeat every 15 minutes between 6pm & 11pm, 7 days a week.

On December 2, 5:00-7:00 p.m Katy Texas celebrates its 38th year of the official lighting of the City Christmas Tree and photos with Katy Texas's Santa Claus. The Parks and Recreation Department will have children's activity booths with holiday activities including letters to Santa to making your own Christmas Ornaments and Candy Cane Reindeer! Photos with Santa are available for $5. The event hosts local entertainment from church and school choirs, dance teams and the community favorite Katy Texas Tiger Mascot. Where: Katy Texas Heritage Park- 6001 George Bush Drive; Katy Texas, TX.

Saturday December 5^th Events in Katy Texas

Have breakfast and photos with Santa from 7:30am - 11:00am at Westwood Gymnastics, located at 23333 Taswell Dr. Join the Houston Metro Go Texan Committee - Katy Texas for breakfast and photos with Santa. Cost is $5 per person and includes breakfast and one photo per family. Additional photos can be purchased. Proceeds from this event benefits a college scholarship fund for Katy Texas ISD student. For more information contact Lori Karol at 281-757-4192 or ldkarol@aol.com OR Karen Winkler at 281-782-2401 or harleygirlwink@yahoo.com.

From 7:00pm - 8:30pm Celebrate Christmas with "A Drive Thru Life of Christ" at River Bend Baptist Church, located just 5 minutes west of Grand Parkway and 3 minutes east of Fulshear on FM 1093. Come anytime during these hours and experience this presentation of the life of Jesus in 11 dramatized scenes with live animals. Come inside and hear live music and enjoy tasty refreshments following the presentations. For more information call 281-346-2279 or visit River Bend Baptist Church online.

Saturday December 11^th Events in Katy Texas

George Ranch Historical Park is hosting a historic holiday celebration! Enjoy a progressive Campfire Christmas dinner, music, hay ride, exclusive evening tours of the 1890s Davis Victorian Mansion and 1930s George Ranch Home and finish up with dessert around the campfire with the George Ranch cowboys. Reservations are required: Tickets are $40 for adults and $35 for children, seniors and groups of 10 or more. (Please note: Reservations are non-refundable. Campfire Christmas is held regardless of the weather conditions.) For more information, please call (281) 343-0218 x.220. Campfire Christmas sells out quickly. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind Texas celebration. Call the George Ranch Historical Park at (281) 343-0218 or e-mail education@georgeranch.org for more information about Campfire Christmas 2010 today! Interested in a private Campfire Christmas for your group? Call (281) 343-0218 or e-mail education@georgeranch.org for more information

Get rid of some of that energy that may be building up with these cold days we have been experiencing and do something good for the community at this Toy Drive at Bounce U: $1 Bounce with donation. Come bounce with us and help needy kids (ages pre-K thru middle school) get a toy for Christmas. Just bring a new, unwrapped toy (min. value $5) to BounceU Houston WEST during a scheduled session between November 29th - December 7th, 2010 and for each toy donation you'll get admission for just $1. BounceU's Kids Helping Kids toy drive is an excellent chance to give back to the community while teaching children the significance of helping those less fortunate. Kids can have fun, stay fit, active, and truly make a difference.

Look forward to many more exciting activities to do in the Katy Texas area during the month of December, activities and events that are not only fun to attend but can help the community too especially during this most busy of seasons.

Which way is the value of YOUR home headed? Find out NOW.

One Minute Housing Market Update Katy Texas

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:05:48 -0800

Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you're in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general.

Please click on this link to view the Housing Trends NOVEMBER - 2010 Newsletter:

The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau, Realtor.org reports and other sources.

Housing Trends eNewsletter is also filled with local and national real estate sales and price activity provided by MLSs and the National Association of Realtors, U.S. Census Bureau key market indicators, housing market video reports, blogs, real estate glossary, maps, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, community reports that map shopping, schools, recreation and more.

If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click "Home Evaluator".

.Sound decisions can only be made with accurate and reliable information, and I am happy to be a trusted resource for you. Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with this monthly eNewsletter, and I look forward to answering any questions you may have and to the opportunity to be your REALTOR® in the future.

Sincerely yours,

Dale Ross
Keller Williams Signature Realty

920 S Fry Rd Katy TX 77450
(281) 599-6575 |
rdr@daleross.com

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Holiday Season in Katy Texas

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Wed, 03 Nov 2010 17:24:27 -0700

It's the holiday season in Katy, Texas and with Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner the whole area is coming alive with festivals, shopping, and a look towards the area's educational future.

Nov. 4, Visit the Sugar Plum Market Preview Night at the Stafford Center from 6-9 p.m. The Fort Bend Junior Service League and Methodist Sugarland Hospital is hosting this special sneek peek first look at the 10^th annual Sugar Plum Market. This special event is to benefit Fort Bend County Charities. Purchase your tickets and enjoy dining sponsored by Pier 36 Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar, PF Changs, Texas Land & Cattle Steakhouse, Escalante's, Zorro's Mexican Diner, Black-Eyed Pea, & The Rouxpour Resturant & Bar. The Friday Luncheon Fashion Show is sold out, but there is still time to purchase Fashion Show Tickets for Friday Night and Saturday Luncheon. Purchase your Preview Night, Fashion Show and General Admission Tickets online.

On Nov. 6, The Kelsey-Seybold Clinic - Cinco Ranch is hosting a Family Fun Day at their new location at 23000 Highland Knolls Drive from 9 a.m. - noon. This family fun and free event offers something for the whole family with yoga and healthy cooking demonstrations, a Teddy Bear Clinic and more. Attendance is free, but families are asked to bring two two non-perishable food items to be donated to Katy Christian Ministries Food Pantry to help them with their needs providing a valuable service to the Katy community this holiday season. Call 713-442-5455 or e-mail rsvp@kelsey-seybold.com to reserve your place.

Mommy, "When I grow up, I want to be a...firefighter!" Mondays with Mommy, parents can bring their children to LaCenterra, on Cinco Ranch Blvd. on Nov. 8^th at 10:30 a.m. where LaCenterra's "Mondays with Mommy" November presentation offers children a chance to meet Willowfork Fire Department's finest, get up close and personal with a fire engine and learn valuable fire safety tips. The free series of events and activities for preschoolers, parents and playgroups focuses on popular professions and acquaints kids with familiar faces in the community

Join in the Katy Mills MS Walk at the Katy Mills Mall - AMC Theatres Court on Nov. 13, at 7 a.m. Welcome Santa's arrive to Katy and participate in the participate in the 2nd Annual MS Walk inside the mall. This walk is benefitting the Lone Star Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The walk is free and open to the public. After the walk stick around to visit with the jolly old elf himself, have your picture taken with Santa in the Katy Mills Mall Winter Wonderland and ride the train through the mall. or details on picture pricing, call guest services at 281-644-5000 or visit katymills.com.

Katy goes green in honor of America Recycles Day. Visit the Family Recycle Day on Nov. 13 at the HEB at Pin Oak & I-10, 25675 Nelson Way from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. America Recycles Day is the only nationally recognized recycling day and your opportunity to show your children all the good that green can do while having fun too. Bring your plastics, aluminum, cardboard, cooking oil, electronics and glass to recycle. The day also includes green vendors, a rock wall, petting zoo, pony rides, music, face painting, balloons and more.

Parents, before you know it the school year will be ending and your high school seniors will be off to college. That's why this fall is so important because it helps them to prepare for those all important SAT tests that they will need to take to get into their college of choice. Sylvan of Katy is offering a Free Practice SAT Test on Nov. 13, at their center located at 19734 Katy Fwy from 9 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. After the SAT practice test, Sylvan provides a personalized evaluation of your performance along with suggestions for ways to improve your score. To register, call Anthony at 281-492-7084 or e-mail katy@sylvanofhouston.com.

Sylvan didn't forget about parent's anxiety about the SAT scores, as they are offering a Test Stress: A Parent's Real Guide to College Test Prep workshop on Nov. 13, at 9 a.m. If you have a teenager preparing to take the SAT/ACT/PSAT/NMSQT or starting to think about college then this free, fun, interactive seminar will provide tips on helping your child deal with stress and anxiety of taking the test. This fact-filled seminar delivers advice and pointers from leading college admissions experts to help navigate through the test-taking season and develop a high school action plan to be college ready. To register call Anthony at 281-492-7084 or e-mail katy@sylvanofhouston.com.

Need more advice on the SAT? Read "SAT Test Prep: Tips, Advice and Resources from a Test Prep Expert and University Professor"

Join in the Canine Country Club Grand Opening located at 1440 Katy Fort Bend Rd. from 12 - 4 p.m. The community is invited to tour Canine Country Club and meet its dog trainers, behavioral specialist and award-winning master groomer at the grand opening party. Check out the facility and enjoy free food and drinks. There will also be a bounce house for kids, and dogs are welcome.

The fun has just begun in Katy, Texas, be sure to bookmark this page to visit again to find out what exciting opportunities are available to our community during the rest of November!

Things to do in Katy Texas in November, By Dale Ross

Dale Ross (Keller Williams Signature Realty) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 15:00:15 -0700

Looking for things to do in November? The Cinco Ranch area offers many exciting, family fun, dining and shopping activities for singles, couples and the whole family.

On Monday, Nov. 8^th at 10:30 am at the LaCenterra Courtyard, join Mondays with Mommy: When I Grow Up, I Want to Be a... Firefighter! Volunteers from the Willowfork Fire Station will be on hand to show children (and their parents) what it is like to be a firefighter, get a look at the engine and learn how firefighters can help us.

Find out how to pay for college in these challenging financial times with this workshop at the Cinco Ranch High School on Nov.9^th from 7:00-8:10 p.m. The workshop will be held in the 9^th grade cafeteria and is free. No registration is required. This workshop will help Katy area families

Plug into $10+ billion dollars of grant money

Learn how private colleges may be less expensive than state schools

Identify forgivable loans exceeding $46,000

Learn about out of state public schools which often waive out of state tuition

Learn how to improve your financial aid awards

Identify schools more generous with their aid dollars; and

Learn how higher income families can qualify for "need based" financial aid.

For more information contact Ross Raymond at: 832-877-7557 or by e-mail at RossRaymond1@aol.com.

KVPAC takes the opportunity to remind us this month of all we have to be Thankful for as it hosts the Kids Feeding Kids Empty Bowl Project on Nov. 11 with dinner seatings starting at 5:30 and continuing every half hour until 7:00 p.m. During this community effort guests enjoy a simple soup kitchen style dinner. Families will choose to take home a previously painted hand-thrown bowl as a heart-felt thanks and may leave it empty at this, and all future dinner tables, as a reminder there are people in our community whose bowls are empty every night. 100% of Dinner Ticket Proceeds from this event will be donated to SEARCH House of Tiny Treasures Homeless Daycare Center for homeless children, and Katy Christian Ministries' Food Pantry. This event will be held at the Westland Baptist Church, 1407 W. Grand Parkway, Katy TX 77494.

The Villagio Town Center is host to ArtReach Gallery on Nov. 19^th at 7:00 p.m. Featured artist and photographer Fatima Donaldson will be presenting and be sure to visit the marketplace for the "Within My Reach" culinary art program for adults with special needs. For more information visit villagiotowncenter.com/events.

Nov. 25 The Katy Family YMCA located at 22807 Westheimer Pkwy is host to a "Turkey Dash," from 7:30-10:30 am. This is Katy's largest fun run with awards in various age groups, a kids fun zone, post race party, door prizes and more. Proceeds benefit the YMCA Partners Campaign which provides scholarships and helps to fund outreach efforts of the YMCA.

For family friendly dining, visit Berry Hill at 22756 Westheimer Pkwy Suite 100 (281-392-8400) where kids eat free all day Sunday with the purchase an adult entrée. La Finca located at 23930 Westheimer Pkwy. (281-693-0140) offers Kids eat free Mon-Wed with the purchase of an adult entrée.

Don't forget with November there will be school closings for the Thanksgiving holiday Nov. 24-26. Visit KISD.org to get a complete listing of early dismissals and school closings for your Katy Elementary, Middle and High Schools.