Texas State Affordable Housing Corp. announces availability of new funds

On December 30, 2009, the Texas State Affordable Housing Corportation (TSAHC) announced the availability of up to $122 million for two mortgage loan programs for first time home buyers. The program offers a 30-year fixed rate mortgage loan at 5.25% plus downpayment and closing cost assistance (up to 3% of the mortgage loan amount) in the form of a grant to eligible homebuyers.



The two mortgage loan programs are Professional Educators or Texas Hero. The professional educators include full time Classroom Teachers, Teachers Aide, School Librarian, School Nurse or School Counselor employed by a public school district in the state of Texas. Also included are full time faculty members of either an undergraduate or graduate professional nursing or allied health program in Texas.



The Texas Hero program is defined as full time, paid Firefighter, EMS personnel, Peace Officer, Corrections Officer, Juvenile Corrections Officer, County Jailer, or a Public Security Officer working in the State of Texas.



Please contact me for additional qualifications regarding this program!

$8000 First-time Tax credit can be used on closing costs

Last Friday, the U.S. Housing and Urban Development announced guidance which allows home buyers to utilize the tax credit upfront. Under the guidance, FHA approved lenders can create bridge loans based on the tax credit. These loans would enable home buyers to buy down interest rates, help cover closing costs and for increasing the down payment over the minimum 3.5 percent. Buyers would still have to have the 3.5% minimum required for the down payment.


The first-time home buyer tax credit was enacted last year--and improved upon earlier this year--to help encourage households to enter the housing market while interest rates are low and affordability is high. The credit is worth up to $8,000 and is available to households that haven't owned a home in at least three years. The credit does not have to be repaid, and is fully reimbursable, so households can get their credit returned to them in the form of a payment.

Here's a waterfront lot I have listed on Lake Conroe. The MLS#61284788.

Spring on Lake Conroe

Well, spring has indeed sprung! There are lots of folks out on Lake Conroe these days enjoying all sorts of fun activities. There are plenty of people fishing. In fact, so many that I figure they must be catching something. Perhaps I should drop my line in the water. Since it has been nearly 80 degrees the past couple of days, there have been people tubing. I think those brave souls may be a bit youger than I because I consider it a bit too chilly for that activity. Although yesterday morning I got on the jet ski and took a little spin. I was very cautious not to get splashed or turn over but hot weather will be here soon enough. Seeing all these people out on the lake makes me wonder, what's your favorite thing about the beginning of spring?



If you are thinkg about buying a house in this area, please give me a call. Interest rates are really low and there are some great incentives for first time home buyers. And if you are planning on building your waterfront home on Lake Conroe, there are still some nice waterfront lots available. I look forward to hearing from you! Happy spring!

Date of elections

The EARLY voting begins on February 16th. The actual election is on February 18th at the Walden Yacht Club at 6:30 p.m.

Thanks to Steven Carr for correcting this!

Grand Harbor Elections

I serve on the Grand Harbor/Harbor Side nominating committee for the upcoming elections. Last night the committee certified a total of five people to fill four upcoming vacancies on the board. Those persons who will be on the ballot are: Joe Coleman, Gery Dobbins, Cecil Rankin, George Tolar, and Robert Yates. Congratulations to all of the candidates and we wish them all the best of luck! I know I appreciate people being willing to take time out of their busy schedules to help make our community better.

A reminder that we have a "Meet the Candidates" reception on Monday, February 2, 2009 at the POA office from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Y'all come meet these guys and be an informed voter!

The election will take place on Monday, February 16, 2009 from 8:30 am until 8:00 pm at the POA office. Please contact the POA office for more information about voting eligibility and the use of proxies.

Grand Harbor

Grand Habor kids are back in school. And the Grand Harbor Women's group will start backup with their first luncheon on September 18th.

We had some excitement over on Seashell Circle the other day. Another lawn mower took a dip in Lake Conroe. Luckily no one was hurt but I here that first step off the bulkhead is a doosey!

Lots of houses for sale in Grand Harbor. There are sixty-two active homes on the Houston Assocation of Realtors multiple listing service within Grand Harbor. There were two closings on homes in the subdivision during the month of August but several are currently pending sale.

September 15th marks the beginning of "click in" and "click out" at the back gate. Everyone should be aware of this, especially those of us who live in Section 01.

More later!