Katy City Limits

Has The Market Stabilized?

METROSTUDY: HOUSTON POINTING TOWARD ECONOMIC RECOVERY

HOUSTON (Metrostudy, Houston Business Journal) – Houston’s economy is showing signs of recovery, according to a recent Metrostudy report.

The annual 2009 Census Household survey showed that the Houston-Sugar Land-Baytown area added over 140,000 to its total population, a 2.5 percent increase over one year.

“The continued arrival of people in Texas fuels demand for housing markets,” said David Jarvis, director of Metrostudy’s Houston division. “This, coupled with a more optimistic employment outlook, signals continued stability in the Houston housing market.”

For the 12 months ending in June 2010, the Houston region lost 17,100 jobs. As recently as December, the 12-month loss exceeded 100,000 jobs. By year’s end, year-over-year comparisons are expected to show moderate gains.

Houston ranked tenth among major U.S. metros for high-salary jobs, according to employment website TheLadders.com.

“We’re seeing hiring in the energy (oil and gas) sector,” said TheLadders.com Editor-in-Chief Matthew Rothenberg. “Considering the makeup of the local economy, it is not a surprise that there are a large number of engineering and consulting positions opening in Houston as well."

The Houston housing market has continued to show stability through 2nd quarter 2010. Home starts for the quarter were at 5,942, a more than 12 percent increase over the first quarter. And home closings have outpaced new supply, indicating a higher housing demand and reducing total inventories of homes. At current absorption rates, the level of housing supply stands at 6.1 months.

But, all Real Estate is local.....Order a Market Report for your neighborhood.....

I Wasn't Born In Texas But I Got Here As Fast As I Could

  It's the thing we all know but, few (not currently in Texas) will admit.....we all want to be Texans.  Now we have the proof.

According to Movers.com, an online relocation service, people in the following eight states love to move: whether it's to another state or within the same:
1. California
2. Florida
3. Texas
4. New York
5. Georgia

6. Illinois
7. Virginia
8. Arizona

California had the most total moves, but the population remained flat because about the same number of people moved in as moved out. Texas saw the largest population increase - nearly 50 percent more people moved in than left. New York had the most significant decrease, losing 33 percent more people than it gained.

Source: Movers.com (05/24/2010)

The Smith Family Team in Firethorne

Check out this great home in Firethorne.

MLS#61676994 $324,000

Smith Family Team in Austin

We're in Aistin Texas attending the Prudential Real Estate Sales Conference. We were just reminded that this may be the first time that both homes and mortages are both on sale....

Katy Farmers Market - LaCenterra

Smith Family Team is interested in the freshest and finest foods. Check out the Farmers Market Saturday mornings at LaCenterra in Cinco Ranch. Impressive....and we want them to stay and increase  the number of vendors.  That will happen if they are supported by the community.  Tired of cooking and want delicious food?  I recommend Diamond B Country Store coming to us from Columbus, Texas.  I've served the King Ranch Chicken and Roast Chicken with green beans and yams....unbelievable.  I may never cook again. For more information about the Farmers Market, click here.  See you there Saturday!

Bike Ride for Ducks Unlimited at Katy Mills Mall

 

Katy Mills mall will host the third annual Puddle for the Ducks on Feb. 6 to benefit Ducks Unlimited, which promotes wetlands conservation.  Check out Utimate Katy for details.

Where in Katy Are The Smith Family Team

Today we are in Lakes of Bella Tara - stop by and see us at 11507 Via Fontana Ct.

Smith Family Team in Firethorne Today

Today the Smith Family Team will be working in Firethorne a subdivision located about 32 miles west of Houston Tx.  It consists of 1400 acres of beautiful homes and amenities.  The development includes a resort-style, multi-level swim center, sports fields, tennis courts parks, playgrounds, and community center with meeting rooms and indoor exercise facilities. 

Katy Area Listings

Lakes of Bella Terra

Were is the Smith Team in Lakes of Bella Terra?  This afternoon we will be at hosting Open Houses in the Custom Section of Lakes of Bella Terra........stop by if you're in the area.

A Day In The Life-

I'll be outside the Katy City Limits today in Cinco Ranch. About 4 times a year, the grandkids do sleep over with Grandma Ellen & Grandpa Gary. Tonight's the night..... There are five of them 1 girl and 4 boys ranging in age from 1st grade to a senior in high school.  Do you remember visiting Grandma's house?  Was everything covered in plastic or sheets?  Well, I just move all the furniture (uncovered) against the walls and hope for the best.  Were do 5 kids sleep in a house where the 2 extra bedrooms are set up as a hobby room and a library.  And, I'm a 'not in my bed' kind of grandma. I'm open to suggestions.  I'm not even sure what kids eat....remember 'Auntie Mame'?  Of course not, you're too young.  Try googling it......I'm Grandma Mame.   Anyway, I'm open to any and all suggestions.  Just make sure they don't involve money.....with 5 grandkids, I'm broke.