Team DiMuria Katy Texas Blog: July 2007

La Madeleine's, the French countryside restaurant, is opening in Katy before the holiday season. It will be located in The Grand Shopping Center on Grand Parkway (99) and I-10. La Madeleine's is very popular at the Town and Country Mall and will be a welcome addition in Katy. The Grand also includes a free standing JC Penny, and will be joined in 2009 by a Dillard's and Macy's. A Barns and Noble Bookstore is also planned. This outdoor styled center will  become the third area mall in Katy.

We have begun giving our clients florescent bulbs to replace the regular light bulbs to our clients who purchase a home with us. It usually costs us around $50 dollars and has been very well received. It can be a real win-win for the agents. You demonstrate to your client that you care about the environment and neighborhood you work in, while also showing the client that you are concerned with them personally and want to help them lower energy costs (one regular light bulb equals the same energy usage as about four to five florescent bulbs)! We feel that if could convince the entire Activerain community to consider doing the same we could make a real impact on energy usage as well as global warming!!

 JUST A THOUGHT!

Greatwood Woodhaven, Greatwood  -  Announcing a price reduction on 1706 Oak Shade Dr, a 7,811 sq. ft., 5 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story. This home has a beautiful pool and spa, a separate cabana house with bathrooms and dressing room as well as an outdoor kitchen and full bar area. The media room is one of the finest in the area. You will love the peace of mind you will have with the safe room located in the pantry!  You will also be right around the corner from your elementry school...and within shouting distance of a pocket park. The nearby golf course is available to all Greatwood residents.

  MLS® #2965011   $1,250,000 - Tynan Custom Home.

• 3,369 sq. ft., 4 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story - MLS® $350,000 - Location, Location

Cinco Ranch, Katy  -  Look no further for your dream home! Located in the heart of Cinco Ranch, this gorgeous 2 story home has it all-Formal entry with hardwood floors, formal study with french doors, plantation shutters throughout, beautiful island kitchen with avanza countertops and large tile, large breakfast area that overlooks the pool and spa and private backyard oasis, complete covered patio, and close to I-10, the Westpark Tollway, and the new La Centerra Mall! The award winning KISD schools top off this wonderful community!

We receive quite a few questions about MUDs. We figured it was time to share some of our knowledge on the subject so that people who are considering a move to the Houston or Katy area will have a better understanding. 

A municipal Utility District (MUD) is a political subdivision of the State of Texas authorized by the Texas Water Code (TWC) to provide water, sewage, drainage, and other services within the MUD boundaries. The publicly elected Board of Directors manages and controls all of the affairs of the MUD subject to the continuing supervision of the Texas Water Commission. The board establishes policies in the interest of its residents and utility customers. A MUD may adopt and enforce all necessary charges, fees, and taxes in order to provide district facilities and service.

Some older established MUDs have tax rates much lower than those of a city. MUD tax rates, like all property tax rates, vary according to property values and debt requirements. MUD rates generally decline over time as the MUD is built out and operating and debt service costs are shared by more homeowners.

Keep in mind...the total tax rate that is quoted from the HAR MLS includes the taxes from all taxing entities including the MUDs.