Sara Goss, Realtor, Houston Bay Area, Texas

It is fun to help people buy brand new homes.

When buyers contract with a builder from scratch, they get to make the upgrade and color selections themselves at the design center. Choosing
everything from the exterior brick to the faucets can be overwhelming - even exhausting, but the home is put together to your specifications, as allowed by the builder.

Buyers get to see the whole process: the slab and flat work, the "bones" of the house aka framing, the exterior cladding whether brick, siding, stucco or other, and the interior being finished out piece by piece.

New home buyers can also purchase spec homes. The upgrades and color selections have already been chosen by the builder, and sometimes the home is even move-in ready. There is less waiting time for the buyers and often the pricing is great.

Some options are easy to improve or install after move-in: things like light fixtures, ceiling fans, knobs, 2" blinds and of course custom painting. Check pricing and whether these upgrades or options are even offered by a particular builder.

Some upgrades are more difficult to get customized to your needs, such as sprinkler systems. They may be installed per builders sub-contractors thoughts, not your future gardening plans. Confirm before purchase that you can submit in writing your sprinkler system layout plan and then turn it in for written approval right away, so it will be installed per your specifications.

If you build from scratch, there will probably be several buyer meetings during the construction process. You should get a chance to talk with the construction manager as he explains the process to you. Near your closing date, you will develop a punch list. This is a list of items, cosmetic, functional, etc., that you wish the builder to correct before you bring money to the closing table.

A good time to create your punch list is when the home inspector you have hired (Yes! for new construction!) is inspecting the property. Methodically go through the home room by room and take notes on any and all desired corrections. Use all your "senses" to detect any errors. Some items to consider:*

• FLOORING
  Ceramic Tile: grout applied evenly and without gaps, grout color even (be aware that builders may stain the grout instead of using colored grout)
  Carpet: stretched taut or are there rooms that already need to be stretched (not a good sign), bumps or lumps underfoot?
  Wood: smooth, even surface with no damage?
  Baseboard: Level, well-mitered, and no gaps between flooring and baseboard?
  
• KITCHEN
  Cabinets: surface is smooth and free of paint, uneven stain or other damage? A piece of blue painters tape next to the damage signals the need for repair (check with the builder on this)
  Counter: whether granite, corian, laminate or other man-made or natural surface, run your hands along the entire surface, feeling for pits or blobs that indicate a repair is needed. View the surface of the counter at a low angle to see if it is scratched and needs to be buffed or smoothed.
  Appliances: installed well, level and no damage?
  Sink: installed properly, no damage to surface, drain plug and any other accessories included?
  Outlets: are they level, evenly installed, or do they need to be adjusted? GFCI, to code per inspector?
  Can Lights: are bulbs centered in the can? Your inspector can check for insulation that is too close to the fixture in the attic (one-story).
  
• CEILING FAN(s)
  Are they making a clicking noise? Ask for an adjustment so they are centered, level and quiet. All speeds and the light work?
  
• BATHROOMS
  Counters free from damage or scratches? Light fixtures installed appropriately, centered over sinks or counters, level? Towel rack and shower curtain rod level? Cabinets without damage and all knobs in place? Toilets flush properly and faucet water flow is good?
  
• LIGHT SWITCHES and ELECTRICAL OUTLETS
  Many light switches are double or triple in new homes. Is the electrical feature turned on by the switch logical? If not, ask for a correction. Do you want to turn on the fan in the laundry room every time you think you are going to turn on the light?
  Outlets throughout the home may be askew. Mark them with blue tape (or per your builders instructions) so they get adjusted.

There are many other details to check for your Punch List. The inspector will also talk to you about his finindings and give you a report that you can mention as one of the items on your list: correct (specific), or correct (all) items in the inspection report. See if the builder will accept a copy of the inspectors report to work from. Any handwitten list needs to be LEGIBLE.

Go over the punch list with the builders construction manager, who should tell you whether certain items will not be corrected, or not. Make sure you know, well before closing, if they will make cosmetic repairs after closing. It varies. This may be your only chance. Either way your punch list should be as thorough as possible.

Building a new home from the ground up is a rewarding, but sometimes aggravating process because you are not in control of it, experience. True joy comes when you get the keys and head to your new home.

Welcome home!

*Please note that punch list items are only for you to consider, you would be wise to talk with experts in your area, such as your home inspector, and if you get a chance also talk with sub-contractors who install specific items, they do that all day long. Builders may vary their process from above.

SARA GOSS, REALTOR®
HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate
Search Area Listings: www.har.com/saragoss

Helping home buyers find the home of their dreams in the greater Galveston/Houston area of Texas.
I also represent home sellers when they want to sell their home.

When you purchase a new construction home, as your buyers representative I can assist you during the whole process. (selecting a builder and a home, negotiating price, design center visits, and so on, for as long as it takes . . . .
until you have the keys and I am congratulating you!)

On the island of Galveston, Texas this week you will find Revival and Reflections, events to commemorate Hurricane Ike last September. The people who live on the island and the area as a whole have made great progress in putting their lives and their properties back together.

If you are at a point, like many, where the repairs on your home or property are complete or nearly complete, it is now time to consider your landscape. The saltwater that damaged or destroyed your plants may still remain in your soil. Consider having your soil tested if you have not done this already, to see if any nutrients need to be replenished, and what the level of salinity is.

Soil Testing form. For instructions, fee, drop off or mailing address contact: Galveston County Extension Office, 5115 Highway 3, Dickinson, Texas. Ph: 281-534-3413, ext. 1, 2.

____________________________________

On SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2009
from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
there is a FREE presentation to help Residents ReBuild Galveston County!

LANDSCAPE REVIVAL:
what to plant after Hurricane Ike and how to plant it
at:
The Galveston Island Convention Center
at The San Luis Resort
5600 Seawall Blvd, Galveston TX

• Assessing the Damage - Where do we go from here?
• Replacement of Landscape Trees - What we learned from the storm
• Palm Selection - Making the Right Choice
• Overview - The survivors, moving on
• Soil Preparation and Planting - Getting off to a good start

Program is sponsored by: Texas AgriLife Extension Service - Galveston County Office, Galveston County Master Gardeners, Texas Forest Service, City of Galveston, Galveston Island Convention Center

I will see you there!


SARA GOSS, REALTOR®
HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate
Search Listings: www.har.com/saragoss
Helping home buyers and home sellers in the greater Galveston/Houston area of Texas.

Live well! Use chemical fertilizers and pesticides with care. Enrich your soil with organic soil amendments such as composted plant materials and composted manure.

I recall seeing notices of the "Annual Clear Creek Clean-up" in various publications in the Clear Creek/Houston Bay Area of Texas for years although I admit I have never participated. Today I heard Rex Ward speak at a local club meeting. He is Chairman of the Board of Clear Creek Environmental Foundation, an amazing, all-volunteer, organization. He started the foundation in 1999, and today they are into their eleventh year.

Calls for volunteers are answered by community members and community business partners. The volunteer efforts benefit the health of the inland waterway called Clear Creek and the Clear Lake environment. Board members are also volunteers, and since the beginning over 5000 volunteers have participated.

The Foundation seeks to clean-up and restore Clear Creek. The creek runs through several counties, including Galveston and Harris counties (Houston).

When speaking to a group, Rex Ward does not solicit financial donations, he simply speaks about the efforts made by the volunteers. However, the Foundation's efforts require funds to cover expenses such as insurance, gas and rental of heavy equipment like barges, cranes and other vehicles. (large items get dumped in the creek or nearby environment). Contributions are obviously greatly needed and appreciated to continue the work.

According to Rex Ward after Hurricane Ike the Creek was in surprisingly decent shape, the debris that washed in was largely washed back out again. However the city of Kemah asked for support to remove mountains of storm debris. Rex answered the call, managing to rent the necessary heavy equipment even though rentals were in short supply and rental costs were at a premium, and also organized the volunteer manpower for several weekends of intense clean-up. The need was there and the foundation offered its support.

Volunteers Needed: ADOPT-a-BEACH .
September 26, 2009
Seabrook-Galveston clean-up

2010 Volunteers Needed:
Every Saturday and Sunday in January & February CCEF needs volunteers to help clean the creek.

February 20, 2010
2010 Clear Creek Annual Clean Up.

CCEF website : click for more information
on these volunteer opportunities and other details about the foundation.



SARA GOSS, REALTOR®
HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate
Search Listings: www.har.com/saragoss
Helping home buyers and home sellers in the greater Galveston/Houston area of Texas.
Live well! Use chemical fertilizers and pesticides with care. Enrich your soil with organic soil amendments such as composted plant materials and composted manure.

The staff of the League City, Texas, Animal Shelter are guided by a commitment to community service and professionalism. They provide protection and service to all the citizens of the community. Education about humane and responsible pet ownership, enforcing city/state ordinances and ending unnecessary euthanasia are some of their goals.

The League City Animal Care & Adoption Center (LCACAC) is one of the best things about the Animal Shelter. They want the animals in their care to have that life-changing experience - - -

to go from being sheltered to being received into loving hearts and homes.

The Center has limited space! Dogs and cats, all sizes, ages and breeds are here, waiting to be your new best friend. The Center connects individuals and families with a dog or cat that is a good match with the owners lifestyle.

Dogs and Cats ready for a New Home: Adoptable Pets

Rescue Groups and: Other Animal Sanctuaries

VOLUNTEERS: are always needed, at the shelter and as foster parents for animals.

WISH LIST: certain pet care items are needed, the need is ongoing.

League City Animal Shelter : See website for further information

League City Animal Shelter
821 North Kansas Street
League City, TX 77573
Tel (281) 332-2566 x1
Shelter # 281-554-1377
Fax (281) 554-1379

Tuesday - Thursday 10 am - 6 pm
Friday & Saturday 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday & Monday Closed

o

SARA GOSS, REALTOR®
HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate
Search Listings: www.har.com/saragoss

Helping home buyers and home sellers in the greater Galveston/Houston area of Texas.

Live well!

An article in the Sept. 4, 2009 online Daily Real Estate News presented by NAR/Realtor.org discloses the top 10 cities in the U.S. to earn a living, according to Forbes magazine.

Houston is #2 ! Click the link to article to read the cities selected and criteria.

The greater Houston area is enormous, encompassing multiple cities, and multiple counties. Here are my FIVE picks about what makes the Houston area unique and high on my list of places to live, during the hours when I'm not making a living. (not necessarily in my order of preference) All of these are in addition my fondness of our sky here being a dramatic and ever-changing major component in our landscape.

1. GREAT DAY HOUSTON, Houston, Texas: 1945 Allen Parkway
This local am TV Talk Show is a lot of fun. The host Deborah Duncan investigates and presents a wide range of topics, from fashion trends, infertility, music, Galveston fire department, and a too many more to list, along with reporter Cristina Terrill. You may get reservations to attend a taping, but be prepared to get up early and arrive early in the day. Rebroadcasts are available online if you miss your Monday through Friday morning fix. Deborah Duncan is a favorite host for various events throughout the Houston area during her non-tv hours. Information: GreatDayHouston

2. MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE, Houston, TX: Hermann Park: 100 Concert Drive
Their slogan "it's free, it's fun, it's for everyone" reveals what Miller Outdoor Theatre is all about. Professional caliber music, theatre, dance, international performers and festival celebrations are offered most of the year. Shows are diverse and appeal to people of all ages. Sounds Like Fun in June this year provided not only music produced by the Houston Symphony, but also an instrument "petting zoo" before the concert. Most performances are held in the evenings, but some childrens shows start at 11:00 am. Seating is open air on the hillside, no tickets or reservations required, and byob (blanket or lawn chair). Limited covered assigned seating for some performances is first-come, first-serve. Tickets for assigned seating is available 10:30am - 1:00 pm while supplies last, the day of the show. Only 4 tix/person. See website for Schedule, Directions, Rules and Regulations, and more! MillerOutdoorTheatre

3. GEORGE RANCH HISTORICAL PARK, Richmond, Texas, Fort Bend County
What is more fun than a 480-acre living history site . . . this one is hard to beat for family entertainment. This working ranch contains the original home(s) where costumed pioneers bring to life daily activities from the 1824 to the 1930s. Pioneer, Victorian, and Ranching lifestyles are presented at this Texas treasure. Open Tues - Sat. Onsite at the park you will find The Dinner Belle Cafe and a General Store. Check out the link for more information and special events. GeorgeRanchHistoricalPark

4. THE GRAND 1894 Opera House, Galveston, Texas: 2020 Post Office St.
Galveston's historical landmark and multiple hurricane survivor The Grand offers season- and individual tickets for performances of all types. Comedy, music, theatre and international perfomances are offered in a delightfully intimate theatre setting, and box seating is available. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a delightful step back in time. Find more information at: TheGrand or call 800-821-1894.

5. SPORTS! Astros, Rockets, Texans! Houston, Texas
Okay I decided to put the big 3 all in one for year-round sports fans. Sports, Eats, and Beer. Enough said.
Find them at: HoustonAstros . HoustonRockets . HoustonTexans

Move here to work! Stay here to play!

SARA GOSS, REALTOR®
HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate
Search Listings: www.har.com/saragoss
Helping home buyers and home sellers in the greater Houston area of Texas.
Live well!