Breanna Ochoa, Houston Realtor Houston, Sugar Land, Pearland, realtor

Hurricane Ike is on its way and expected to make landfall on the East coast of Texas sometime between Friday night and Saturday morning. Mandatory

The National Hurricane Center warned the storm could make landfall this weekend in Texas- possibly not far from Corpus Christi. Perry also put 7,500 National Guard members on standby. However, storm paths are hard to predict several days in advance, and forecasters said the storm could come ashore anywhere from Louisiana to Mexico.

Mandatory evacuations began for residents in the following area ZIP codes: 77058, 77059, 77062, 77520, 77546, 77571, 77586, 77507 and 77598. Those ZIP codes are located in evacuation zones A and B. That evacuation was scheduled to begin at 12 p.m. Thursday. Many local businesses are closed today, Thursday, through Monday in anticipation of the storm.

Anyone still trying to write a contract using NEHEMIAH loan programs? Contracts must be in to lender by no later than this Friday 09/12/2008 in order to close. Loans have to be through underwriting by the end of the month. That means anyone wanting to buy a home using the NEHEMIAH 100% + closing cost program.... you've got two days to finalize a contract and get it to your lender! Best of luck. Otherwise there are still a few 100% programs left. I have one right now which can be used for low-moderate income buyers in outlying areas and another that can be used in any area but requires high credit scores. Both are government backed loans.

The city of Sugar Land has launched a new website with information on area local air quality. The site address is www.sugarlandtx.gov/public_works/air_quality/index.asp

The site has educational information and links to federal agencies that are involved in air quality control. The site also gives a map showing the location of Houston area air monitoring sites. Although there are no sites located in the city of Sugar Land, there are multiple sites in the surrounding areas. New data for each site is reported hourly detailing ozone measurement.

Ozone pollution is usually an issue during the daytime especially during the Summer due to the combination of sunlight and heat. This can cause ozone levels to become more concentrated. Ozone level reporting continues through November 30th.

For more information about air quality, ozone or how residents can be notified about the ozone in the area, contact Sugar Land Public Works at 281-275-2450 or visit the City's Web site www.sugarlandtx.gov.

I know it sounds too good to be true....... but I have checked it out. For qualified applicants buyers can receive 100% no down payment financing for their home purchase. AND the kicker is these loans do NOT require mortgage insurance which can make your monthly payment $10-$150 less in many cases! This government loan program does have certain guidelines and is geared towards middle to low income families. The loans can be used to purchase a resale home or to purchase a new construction home from a builder. A family of four needs to make about $70,000 or less per year (after deductions) in the Fort Bend area. A family of four can make up to about $78,000 (after deductions) in the Brazoria/ Pearland area. For specific calculations, email me and I can let you know if you qualify.

Here are some of the other qualifications:

1. The home purchased must be for your family to live in - not an investment

2. You can not already own another home within commuting distance of your work

3. Any bankruptcies must be 3 yrs old or older

4. Any foreclosures must be 3 yrs old or older (other traditional loans require foreclosures to be 7 years old!)

5. There is no minimum credit required, but if your score is 620 or above the process is easier. If your score is below 620 your credit may be required to pass certain other guidelines.

This program can NOT be used for homes in Houston city proper, but can be used in many of the outlying areas like south Sugar Land, Richmond, Sienna Plantation in Missouri City, and the areas of Pearland near 288.

For specific details, email me to find out if you qualify. Realtors, have a client needing 100% financing and looking to buy in the areas mentioned? Refer them to me and we can work together to help your client get into a home! 832-414-0063 Call me - Breanna

The 2008 Sugar Land Rotary Shrimpfest is set for September 13 at 5:30 pm. This event offers a shrimp and boild catfish dinner, raffle, auction, and kids games. All proceeds go to Rotary charities.

Entry tickets can be purchased from a Rotarian or at the door. Prices are Adults - $15, Children 12 & under $10 at the door, Seniors 55 and older are the same as children prices. Children under 5 are free and will be served a hot dog. Raffle tickets are $100 each which includes 2 meal tickets. The raffle is a reverse raffle with every 25th ticket drawn receiving a prize of $100, the second to last ticket receiving $500, and the last ticket drawn receives the grand prize of a 2008 Cadillac CTS.

The festivities are being held at the Fluor Building Complex on Highway 6. More information can be found at www.Shrimpfest.org