Register Real Estate Advisors

Have you heard about Energy InSight SM that is being offered by CenterPoint Energy?  There was a flier hanging on my door last week that explained it.  Basically, they came out and installed a new smart meter on my home and the flier included the details below.  I did not know they were planning to upgrade my meter, but it sounds like it will be beneficial to them and to me!

Smart meters make a new energy future possible.

• Remote meter reading – CenterPoint Energy will be able to read your smart meter remotely, virtually eliminating the need to come to your house to read the meter, which means fewer trucks on the road.
• Smoother transactions – Remote connection and disconnection of electric service should reduce the time it takes to process service orders for most home and some businesses.
• Automatic outage notification – Smart meters will automatically notify CenterPoint Energy about power outages, helping us restore power more quickly.
• Energy efficiency and savings – See your electric usage history to better manage your energy costs by making small changes such as adjusting your thermostat.
• Environmental benefits – If consumers conserve energy, less power may have to be produced, which is good for the environment.
• New products and services – Retail Electric Providers (REPs), who sell you
  electricity, can now offer new, innovative products and services.
• Home Area Networks (HAN) – Smart meters can interact with ZigBee-compatible HAN devices such as thermostats or other electric appliances so you can better manage your electricity use.

Would you like to have your meter upgraded?  You can call your Retail Electric Provider using the number on your electric bill.  Watch for additional features and benefits as these meters are deployed.

By using this new meter, you accept the terms after two weeks and can log onto www.SmartMeterTexas.com to check your usage.

What’s the catch??  It costs you money!

Texas law allows utilities to assess REPs a surcharge to recover the cost of smart meters.  The surcharge for each residential consumer, from February 2009 to February 2011, was $3.24 per month.  The surcharge has been reduced to $3.05 per month.  To learn more about these charges, visit CenterPointEnergy.com/EnergyInSight and click on Frequently Asked Questions or call 713-207-2222 or 1-800-332-7143 or visit CenterPointEnergy.com/EnergyInSight.

You may come home to a new meter and a flier on your door very soon!

A great time was had by all at the 2011 TREPAC Bowl-a-thon.

Team RREA did their best. What they lack in bowling skill, they more than make up for in enthusiasm!

This event raises money for the Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee.

This weeks White Board Monday is on the “Do’s and Don’ts of Qualifying for a Mortgage.” There are several things you can do to improve your chances of qualifying for a mortgage. Don’t forget, RREA has an in-house lender ready to get you qualified today! Enjoy.

Call or email today for a showing! 281.288.3500 or info@rrea.com

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 14109314 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

Call or email today to see this amazing property. 281.288.3500 or info@rrea.com

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 50694857 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

White Board Monday #19 – Samantha Chelette brings you this week’s White Board Monday about income properties. Are they right for you? 281.288.3500

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We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 50694857 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

Bring the country lifestyle to the city limits with this beautiful home on the lake. You will love the pool and spa, chef’s kitchen, and all the details in this fabulous luxury home. Call today for a private showing. 281.288.3500.

We're sorry, but we couldn't find MLS # 50694857 in our database. This property may be a new listing or possibly taken off the market. Please check back again.

If you are a first time homeowner, or are purchasing a home after a major life change such as marriage or having children, what should you consider to be sure your new home can grow with your changing family? The time and effort that go into purchasing and decorating a new home, not to mention finding it in the first place, means that you’ll want to ensure that your home will be right for you and your family for years to come. So what should you look for in your new home so that it will give you enjoyment and be functional both now and in the future?

Size

Though a cute two-bedroom home may be right for a newlywed couple, this type of space will likely soon be outgrown if there are any children in your future or if you and your spouse like to entertain. You will also want to consider the number of bathrooms and the facilities in them. Having only one toilet or shower can certainly put stress on a growing family.

Features

Special features of a home, such as a finished basement, central air, and a large yard can make your home a more functional and enjoyable space, especially if you have or are considering starting a family in the near future. You may also want to consider the age of the home you purchase and its features or appliances, as this may lead to future costs that may put stress on your financial situation at a time when one spouse may be at home caring for the children.

Location

Location is also an important consideration when choosing a home that can grow with your family. Choosing a safe neighborhood is always an important point when selecting a family home, but you will also want to consider the proximity of good schools, community centers, and shopping. Also, facilities such as parks and libraries can make a neighborhood truly a great place for families.

As the old adage goes, home is where the heart is, and choosing a family home that is right for your family can really make all the difference in having a happy, fulfilling, and safe family life.