Friendswood, TX

Thankful Thursday - I am thankful that spring is coming early to Friendswood, Texas! We have had enough rain to stir up the wildflowers, and there are many open spaces in Friendswood that are covered with the pretty yellow blooms. Here is another photo I snapped of the yellow wildflowers growing in a field between Friendswood and Alvin. I made a quick stop to take the picture, and I was wearing heels…otherwise I would have gotten closer to the longhorns for a better shot!

Happy Spring from Friendswood, Texas!

You can tell spring has arrived in Friendswood, Texas! I was showing houses in a neighborhood between Friendswood and Alvin today, and as I drove past this small ranch on FM 518, I noticed the beautiful wildflowers covering the open fields on both sides of the private farm road. I stopped to take this picture through the gated entrance to the property.

Happy Spring!

Here in Texas, the real estate sales contract allows the buyer to pay a small fee (usually $100) for the right to terminate the sales contract for any reason, for an agreed-upon amount of time. This period of time is known as the Option Period. Many buyers are not familiar with the Option Period, and have a lot of questions about how it works.

The Option Period begins on the day the contract is executed, and usually lasts for 7-10 days on a residential sale. During this time, there are several things the buyer needs to take care of, including the following:

• Have a licensed inspector inspect the home for any deficiencies. This needs to be scheduled as soon as possible once the Option Period begins.
• Have a termite inspection done on the home. Sometimes the home inspector will do the termite inspection, but usually a separate licensed pest-control company will do the termite inspection. This usually takes place at the same time as the home inspection.
• Have a pool inspection done if the home has a private pool.
• If you have plans to put in a pool after closing, you would want to have a pool company come out to look at the layout of the land and discuss design and price. You would also want to contact the city to make sure there are no city ordinances that would restrict your pool plans.
• If the home shows signs of foundation movement, the buyer might need to get the advice of a foundation repair company during the Option Period.
• If you have plans to do any remodeling on the home you are trying to buy, you might want to have your contractor come out during the Option Period to look at the scope of work and give you an estimate.
• You can have any other inspections done during this period, including environmental testing if you feel it is necessary.

During the Option Period, you will negotiate repairs with the seller, and provide documentation from your inspections to back-up your repair requests.

The best thing about the Option Period is that you can withdraw from the contract during this time FOR ANY REASON. As long as you withdraw from the contract before the Option Period is up, you will receive your earnest money back, but the seller keeps the fee you paid for the right to terminate. If you do not terminate the contract, and continue with the purchase, the Option Fee applies to the purchase price.

Time is of the essence when it comes to the Option Period. Your Realtor will keep you advised and not let the Option Period expire before terminating the contract, if that is what you want to do.

If you are looking for a home, be sure to use a Realtor who can guide you through the Option Period without a hitch.

For assistance buying a home

in Friendswood, Pearland, League City,

Alvin, Manvel, or the Clear Lake Area,

call local Realtor Rose King for excellent service!

Want to learn to dance, or paint a beautiful picture? How about learning to play the guitar, or to plant a vegetable garden?

You can sign up for these adult enrichment and recreation classes, as well as many others, through the Friendswood Community Education program. These classes are offered at various times, and for various durations this spring. Most are held at Friendswood High School, and the cost is very reasonable.

For example, you can take a class on using rainwater in your landscaping on April 10 from 7-9 p.m., and the cost is just $14. Or, you can sign up for an eight­-week adult karate class that meets on Thursday nights from April 12 to May 31, and the cost is only $30.

There are classes in computer skills, composting, knitting, journaling, yoga, watercolor, and much more. Some classes are offered online. Those classes include accounting, writing, web page creation, and photography.

For college-bound students, courses are offered in the college application process, financial aid and scholarships, and choosing a college major or career path.

There are also classes specifically for youngsters ages 5-12. They can sign up for karate and Red Cross babysitting.

To sign up for the program, or get more information, just click HERE.

The Friendswood Community Education program is just one of the reasons that Friendswood is a great place to live!

If you are looking for a home in the Friendswood area,

please let local Realtor ROSE KING

assist you in your search for a home!

The City of Friendswood has many established and new construction residential subdivisions to choose from, if you are moving here. One of the better established subdivisions, in my opinion, is Windsor Estates. The subdivision has a scenic walking trail and a lovely reflection pond.

West of this subdivision and within walking distance is Friendswood Sports Park, 27 acres for all you baseball and soccer enthusiasts. The golfer in the family can enjoy Championship Golf Center driving range, which is also located to the west and within walking distance of Windsor Estates.

Windsor Estates has an active Home Owner Association to ensure continued property values.

There are currently six beautifully landscaped homes for sale in Windsor Estates.

The Prices range from $249,500 to $374,900.

Home square footage range from 2,827' to 4236'.

Lot square footage range from 11,700' to 13,664'.

Friendswood for the most part is a residential community and a great one to live in. There are many specialty shops and fabulous restaurants to enjoy. The City of Friendswood was named in 2007 & 2009 one of the Top 100 Best Places to Live in the United States and one of the best towns for families!

Something that most young families are concerned with is the school district. Friendswood Independent School District is rated EXEMPLARY. Click on the school districts web site link for any additional question you may have. I have provided for you here... http://www.fisdk12.net/aboutus.html .

Sussie Says...if you are interested in living in this great community please contact me your local Realtor® at 713-822-1655 or at sussiesutton@yahoo.com . If you enjoyed this post please click on the subscribe button for future posts.