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Posted on Jun 24, 2009 | Tagged in: economy , City of Friendswood
The City of Friendswood has its eye on a juicy piece of land that it plans on turning into a park and ball-sports area. It’s all a go, too, but only if Alvin says so.
The land in question is 60 acres of prime undeveloped property located in Brazoria County within Alvin city limits and therefore under the city’s control. If the deal goes through, the land ownership will be transferred to Friendswood, but as of right now the city won’t know if they can purchase it until next month when a state judge issues his ruling in Austin.
Friendswood only wishes to provide a fun and close area where youth residents “can play ball in Brazoria County.” Alvin city officials think it’s a great idea, but have yet to formally meet with Friendswood council members and officially go over plans. Both cities have “expressed optimism that an agreement will be reached,” but as of yet, the plans are still in their initial development stages.
“For what they're using it for, I think it's going to be a great thing. I think it's going to be awesome,” said Alvin City Council member Charles Batty. The friendly optimism was also reciprocated by Friendswood’s Mayor David Smith: “Alvin, they've been great neighbors," he said. "We have inter-local agreements with them, we work wonderfully with them on many different things and I don't expect it to be any different with this.”
To learn more, read the full article at Houston Community Newspapers.
Both the Hometown Bank of Friendswood and the Friendswood ISD Education Foundation are celebrating their own 10-year anniversaries. In honor of the event, Hometown Bank maintains its tradition of donating $5,000 to the Foundation every year. So far, the Bank has given $50,000 to the organization that rewards grants to recognized teachers and the school district, all for the betterment of the children.
“We are happy to partner with Friendswood ISD to impact children and teachers in the exemplary district,” said Vice President Allan Rasmussen. “As both of us celebrate 10 years, we stand together and look forward to the next 10.”
This positive attitude is echoed in the bank’s optimistic outlook for the economic future. “I am very excited about the local economic outlook for 2009. The performance of a community bank is a direct reflection of the local economy we serve. Our citizens have a strong will and a determined heart, and their positive attitude will move our economy forward,” said Bank President and CEO Jimmy Rasmussen.
Source: Friendswood Journal
Posted on Jun 9, 2009 | Tagged in: economy
Economists Brian S. Wesbury and Robert Stein, CFA of
First Trust Portfolios highlighted some positive economic points in their "Monday Morning Outlook" on June 8, 2009. According to the economists, American investors, spectators, prospective homeowners, and citizens in general may look forward to a pre-crisis return by the end of this year.
Key Points
- Since February, consumer confidence has had the fastest three-month increase on record. This heightenin g signals an overall economic growth.
- Container shipments both into and out of the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports - key measures of international trade - have traced a V-shaped recovery. This signals that shipments were only briefly low and proceeded to have a rapid recovery.
- The yield on the 10-year Treasury note is back up to 3.86%, almost exactly where it was in August 2008, just before the current economic issue became overwhelming.
Posted on Jun 8, 2009 | Tagged in: economy
In a recent speech before the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Board of Directors, HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan today unveiled new rules that will help spur the housing market by allowing consumers to use the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit to help cover the costs of closing on an FHA-insured home.
“We believe this is a real win for everyone,” said Donovan. “Today, the Obama Administration is taking another important step toward accelerating the recovery of the nation’s housing market. Families will now be able to apply their anticipated tax credit toward their home purchase right away.”
“With the spring home buying season in full bloom, Secretary Donovan’s move to enable buyers to access the tax credit at the time of closing could not have come at a better time,” said NAHB Chairman Joe Robson, a home builder from Tulsa, Okla. “This new rule will further encourage state housing finance agencies to develop programs to monetize the tax credit.”
source: The National Association of Home Builders
Posted on May 27, 2009 | Tagged in: economy , City of Friendswood
The City of Friendswood was recently given $2 million as part of the federal government’s Economic Development Administration investment.
The EDA’s mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, these funds will go toward the development of the Clearwood Business Park, and specifically for building water and sewer infrastructure.
The project is expected to create 100 new jobs and generate $10 million in private investment, which will benefit the whole area in the future to come.
Friendswood has continued to earn local and national recognition because of its small-town surrounds, appealing mix of housing and outstanding Friendswood Independent School District schools. Recently, Friendswood was named Best Affordable Suburb in Texas by BusinessWeek magazine.
Posted on May 12, 2009 | Tagged in: economy
The housing market in Texas remains one of the most solid and stable in the nation and while many people are now in the market to buy a new home, they are faced with the challenge of selling their existing home. And for many, selling their existing home means having the ability to purchase the new home they have wanted. The key to selling a home successfully remains the same despite the economy and housing market conditions – make your home more appealing than any other on the market.
A home listed for sale will often be seen by many different potential buyers so it’s important to make a home appear clean, uncluttered and neutral in color. In other words – make it a place in which someone could picture themselves living.
Posted on Apr 27, 2009 | Tagged in: Graystone Hills , economy , Conroe
By: Beth Kuhles, Chronicle Correspondent
Conroe has built 43 new subdivision and more than 3,000 new homes since 2004. According to the Department of Community Development, following are the top subdivisions for new building permits in the last three years:
2009 (through February)
• Graystone Hills: 13
• Pinewood Forest: 5
• Hidden Creek: 4
• Woodhaven: 3
• Sterling Place: 3
2008
• Graystone Hills: 106
• Hidden Creek: 33
• Briar Grove: 22
• Stewarts Forest: 19
• Sterling Place: 18
Posted on Apr 27, 2009 | Tagged in: Houston , honors , economy
The National Association of Realtors® and the U.S. Conference of Mayors have named Houston a 2009 Ambassador City for its Houston HOPE Homes program, an initiative to reinvest in some of Houston’s historic neighborhoods with housing development and infrastructure improvements.
The Houston HOPE Homes is a program of the city of Houston. The city has identified hundreds of vacant or foreclosed properties in nine historic neighborhoods that are currently undergoing revitalization. Those properties are sold to area home builders who are committed to building quality, affordable single and multifamily housing.
To help residents purchase the newly built homes, the city has also established a down payment assistance program. Low- and moderate-income individuals who qualify can receive up to $37,500; Houston police officers, firefighters, and teachers can qualify for nearly $40,000.
Posted on Mar 18, 2009 | Tagged in: honors , economy , City of Friendswood
Business Week magazine has named Friendswood the Best Affordable Suburb in Texas for 2009.
Cities taken into consideration had to be within 25 miles of the most populated city in their state and have populations of 5,000 to 60,000 people, low crime rates and median family incomes of $51,000 to $120,000.
Other factors included commutes, education (test scores), crime, economy (job growth and income), green living and overall affordability.
City Manager Roger Roecker said that when people factor in the 20 percent homestead exemption and compare tax rates, they will understand why Friendswood is more affordable than other areas. He also said that tax rates remain low, the police department is one of the finest and the Friendswood citizenry is well educated.
In the heart of the city of Friendswood is the new Friendswood Development Company community of West Ranch, where new homes by top Houston builders are priced from the $300,000s.
Posted on Jan 1, 2009 | Tagged in: Lakemont , economy
Lakemont's prime location at the entrance of the West Park Tollway, outstanding builders and new school within the community, have all helped it earned the ranking among the top most active residential communities last year. Lakemont was ranked No. 12 in the most active residential communities based on housing starts. Lakemont's new home sales have remained strong.
A new recreation center opened late last year in Lakemont, which is close to the Energy Corridor and is easily accessible to the Texas Medical Center, downtown and the Galleria via the tollway.
The 900-acre master-planned community is home to lakes, parks, walking trails, neighborhood pools and more than 1,300 homes. New homes are priced from the $130,000s to the $300,000s.
