This rare single-family home in the heart of Midtown is the perfect location for those seeking a quiet living minutes away from work. Located just nine blocks from downtown and a few blocks from light-rail, this gated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features a large master with full bath on the second floor, beautiful bamboo floors, kitchen island, outside patio, and much more.

Front view of home

Living room

Kitchen

1st room

2nd room

Master bedroom

 Most people don’t have a clue that their hot water heater needs maintenance until they receive that rude awakening of only cold water in the shower! The life of a water heater varies depending on use and the overall quality of water that is utilized. Many living in Houston Midtown, Rice Military, Montrose and other fast growing areas of Houston are shocked to discover that their water heaters already need servicing. One factor that is contributing to an increased need for service is the amount of new construction and subsequent increase in new water connections. While not the sole cause of sediment build up some suggest increased back-flushing of Houston waterlines as a big culprit to increased sediment build-up in Houston water heaters.

 Fortunately your hot water heater is generally an easy care appliance.  There are only three regular tasks to remember. 

 1. Once every three months you need to drain one gallon of water from the tank.  Having hard water, than you should drain one gallon every single month.  This will reduce the amount of sediment collecting at the bottom of the tank and will cause your burner or heating coils to work overtime.

 2. Once every two years have your hot water heater inspected by a professional.  This will keep you heater in its best performance.

 3. Once every five years have a service technician replace the anode rod.  It is a small metal device that sacrifices itself for the unit and saves the water and chemicals from attacking your tank itself.

 One of the most important rules is always shut off the power at the service panel and read the owners manual.

CREDIT- Is it likely that you’ll be able to re-pay the loan?  How are you with your existing credit?  Also are you making your payments on time?

CAPACITY- Can you re-pay the money that you borrowed?  What is your other personal outstanding debt?  Such as credit cards and car payments etc.  Do you have enough earning power to maintain the amount you’re going to borrow?

COLLATERAL- Collateral will be in your favor if you have any.  It is almost a promise to the lender of payment if for some reason you can’t meet your obligations of the loan.

Here are some other factors that are considered.

Monthly income

Homeownership and status history

Length of time at your job and your previous job history

You’re moving patterns or length of stay at your residence

It is important that you go into finding a loan with the knowledge of what their expectations are.  CREDIT CREDIT CREDIT!!

Just to understand one step more.  The credit bureaus will look for five main characteristics when they figure out a credit score.

1 Past delinquency. 

2 How your credit has been used.  Do you have your cards maxed out and what do you owe on.

3 How long you’ve established your credit.  They will check with all credit bureaus.

4 How many times your credit history has been checked.  Once a year is all that is recommended.

5 What do you have credit for….car, clothes and or personal loans.

It is important to understand all factors that determine your credit score.  It’s great to be able to control your own destiny with healthy spending and having these guidelines.

Houston was originally laid out in a residential pattern known as Wards. The modern equivalent in Houston would be a super-neighborhood. For the majority of Houstonians the ward classification system would only became familiar by means of sensationalism and crime reports. In the 1970’s on through the 90’s the Houston real estate demands were focused on the Suburbs and some argue that these types of reports in the popular media only served to increase suburban growth. Today because of expansion and development many looking for Houston real estate would be hard pressed to locate the various Houston wards on a map.

Here is a brief description of each Houston ward and what makes it special.

The First Ward is northwest of the downtown central business district. It was located in what we now know today as the Heights. Bounded on the east by North Main and on the south diagonally extending from the central business district out to the northwest.

The Second Ward included the waterfront and housing that extended east of Main and the central business district along the south bank of the Buffalo Bayou.

 The vast expanse known as the Third Ward is no stranger to change. The Third Ward has been home to many influential Houston neighborhoods. While the boundaries have changed over the years due to freeway construction, it starts south of Congress and east of Main Street. A portion of the Third Ward is now known as Midtown. Major landmarks include the University of Houston.

The Fourth Ward is located west of Main Street and south of the Buffalo Bayou. It is commonly known as Freedman’s Town as it was the first area of investment by African Americans in post civil war Houston. Fourth Ward has experienced a development boom that has resulted in new homes and town homes on its once vast expanse of vacant lots. The Fourth Ward has received considerable media coverage in the past based on the topic of its future direction as a community. The Fourth Ward contains many historical elements including original cobble-stone streets laid by its founders. Presently efforts are underway to restore these historical and significant elements to their former condition.

Fifth Ward is the northeast quadrant of Houston to the Buffalo Bayou and east of Little White Bayou close to Main Street.

The Sixth Ward is located on the north bank of the Buffalo Bayou, right below the First Ward. The Sixth Ward is commonly referred to as “Old Sixth Ward” when mentioned in the media or by its inhabitants. So if you are in driving mode then you’ll find yourself on Washington Avenue or Memorial.

Much of the attraction to moving your residence in one of the wards is more culture and better than that is to live right in the midst of it. Can I say location, location, location! Imagine, walk out of your house and in a few steps your at the Museum of Fine Arts. How about the Houston Zoo? Living in the Montrose or the Medical Center has proven to be profitable…no commute! Next Weekend when you want to go for a drive pick one of Houston’s six wards to explore! Who knows you might find residence there if you’re not an Urbanite already!

For more information about Houston inner-loop real estate contact Lorie Hood at loriehood@loriehood.com