Tomball, TX

11338 Log Cabin Ln is a great starter home! Beautiful kitchen with upgrades. Silestone counters, tile backsplash. Designer paint colors. Large front porch. Large backyard.

This property is listed at $109,900. For more information click on the Address/Picture or contact Christian Tewes.

It's that time of year again when we all start making lists, checking them twice and brave the crowds to find that perfect gift for our loved ones. The media says we aren't spending enough. They say we are keeping our money under our mattress because of the economic issues. Well I was at the mall over the weekend and to that I say HOGWASH! There were more people out this year than any other if you ask me. Were they spending money or just looking? I don't have the answer to that but I know the stores were crowded but mostly pleasant and courteous unlike other years when I wasn't feeling the Christmas spirit.

Perhaps the economy is reminding us of what is important. That would be a good thing. It seems to many have forgotten.

Christmas is supposed to remind us of God's gift to us. It's supposed to remind us of Christ's ultimate gift of his life. He gave his life which was free of sin to make up for us and our sinful ways because otherwise there'd be no hope for most of us. How amazing is that!?!

When you are out in the crowds, keep in mind the true reason for the season. You might not find that perfect gift. It might have been sold out already. It might be over your budget. But what is really important is that we give of ourselves. Volunteer your time. It will go further than a new pair of gloves or house-shoes ever could.

Also keep in mind that in order to help the economy, we have to keep businesses, well.... IN BUSINESS. Try and purchase gifts at stores whose merchandise is made in the USA. Buying a bunch of stuff made in China, helps China. Buying things made in the USA, helps the USA. No, I am not anti-Walmart. I do a lot of shopping there myself, but I understand the effect of buying nothing but imported goods on our economy and for the sake of our country I am here to remind you to purchase goods that will help keep America thriving or help it to become a thriving rather than floundering nation again. We consumers can accomplish more in one month than congress can in 12 months if we just support local businesses!

My two favorite places to shop during the holidays are Old Town Spring in Spring Texas and The antique district of Tomball. It just feels like Christmas as you walk through the shops full of goods and smell the pine candles and cinnamon potpourri and are reminded of the Christmases past as you browse the antiques and homemade items as well as the new items available. It's like stepping into another time. A time when gas prices weren't in the headlines and electronics weren't at the top on everyone's lists. It just makes you warm and fuzzy inside! Much better than linoleum tiles and long check out lines at the big box stores.

So Remember, BUY LOCAL. It's helpful to the environment to buy local because it saves gas. Buying an antique is even greener because it's recycling. So spend a dollar or two, but do it wisely with the economy and environment in mind.

I wish all of my fellow Active Rainers a Very Merry Christmas!! May your hearts be full of gladness and joy and may there be a twinkle in your eye as well as on your tree.

In August of this year, I began the search for a new mortgage company to work with / work for. I've made the comment more than once, that we were working 3 times as hard to close mortgage loans with about half of the revenue of previous years.

There is a natural expansion and contraction in business. While we have continued to be profitable and have delivered the highest level of customer service available, we have also faced significant challenges in the credit market and continued scrutiny at various levels of underwriting. Programs and products that we once accessible to brokers are either discontinued or are no longer available. The cheese moved. So as a business owner, I had to change my approach.

Here are 10 reasons why I chose and why you should choose Patriot Bank Mortgage. David Letterman drum roll please.

•10. We have $940 Million in assets and use our money to fund all closings. We will always have money available to fund loans!

•9. We have 3 Direct Endorsement underwriters at our corporate office on San Felipe and Voss and we're capable of underwriting all FHA loan programs internally.

•8. Our team of experienced processors and underwriters look for creative ways to approve and close "make sense" loans.

•7. We have a construction lending department for One Time Close construction loans as well as Purchase Plus financing for the "fixer up" projects.

•6. Because of our volume incentives, we offer better interest rates in comparison to brokers or any other mortgage company.

•5. We've maintained a fiscally responsible attitude towards spending and pass along those savings in significantly lower closing costs.

•4. We are licensed to lend in any state.

•3. Our FastTrack system can close a loan in 24 hours when necessary.

•2. We issue preliminary closing instructions to the title company at least 5 days prior to closing so the HUD-1 Settlement Statement is ready days before closing, not hours.

•1. You will receive the highest level of customer service from a team that is dedicated to making homeownership a reality for those who choose it.

The company name has changed. But the people and the commitment to helping families purchase, refinance, or build the home of their dreams remains the same. It has been 8 great years owning and operating New Horizon Mortgages and Truemark Lending, Inc. I thank each of you for your patronage and referrals. And I look forward to helping you and those that you refer to us in the future.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey N. Anderson

Mortgage Banker

Patriot Bank Mortgage