Sara Goss's Real Estate Blog

YogurtBear: NEW Frozen Yogurt Restaurant in League City, Texas

SEP

2

YogurtBear, serving frozen yogurt, is a welcome addition to the HEB-anchored shopping center at I-45 and FM-646 in League City, Texas. The store opened on May 11 of this year, after the owners determined that frozen yogurt was not readily available nearby, and they wanted to share their love of it!

The unique "healthy, delicious and fun" concept flavors not only the delicious yogurt, but also the look and feel of the store. The greater League City area now has frozen yogurt, in 12 yummy flavors. Since YogurtBear is not a franchise, the owners had to research, develop and coordinate all the details of a business built from scratch, from product line development and implementation to logo design and the look of the restaurant space itself. Their efforts have paid off!

At YogurtBear you will find delicious yogurt, a friendly staff and a pleasant atmosphere to enjoy your yogurt while you linger inside or outside on the sidewalk patio.

Part of the "fun" concept is that at YogurtBear customers get to pump their own yogurt, and free samples are available to help with flavor selection. You can also choose from 40 toppings including fruits, nuts, candies and syrup. The possible combinations are endless and are entirely up to you!

Fruit flavored yogurt is nonfat, other flavors (such as coffee or cheesecake) are lowfat, and all contain probiotic live cultured frozen yogurt made from all natural ingredients. Customers are invited to sample the new flavors which are regularly introduced, and provide feedback so the flavor is always "just right". I predict that seasonal flavor selections may become favorites.

YogurtBear offers a complimentary punch reward-card for its customers and during Happy Hour Monday-Friday from 12-2:00 pm everyone gets a prize or a discount on yogurt. The convenient location, located next to the UPS Store, has plenty of seating and parking. It is open 7 days a week. Stop by soon and if you can't decide try the green apple, it's scrumptious!

SARA GOSS, REALTOR®
HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate

Helping frozen yogurt fans, home buyers and home sellers in the Houston Bay Area of Texas.

Post a comment...

A Door with Some Weight to It

JUL

7

Sometimes the best thing about selling real estate is looking at properties. Most of my buyers are looking for fairly new homes, or new construction. But recently, I have been showing a couple some older homes. They are are relocating from the east coast and want a home with a sense of history, a traditional home in their words.

I'm secretly jumping up and down because I love older homes. All those extra architectural details and built-ins are just plain cool.

In the greater bay area of Houston, Texas, we are still experiencing rapid growth, and that means there are dozens and dozens of fairly new homes and subdivisions. In all price ranges! I enjoy scouting the new ones and staying aware of progress on existing communities. Close-Out! Now that's a happy word here if you are looking for a
bargain in new construction.

Showing older homes is fun for me when I am a buyer's agent. Around every corner there may be more quirky built-in storage in the teeniest tiniest little section of wall. Or door hardware and fixtures that seem timeless and substantial. Wide framing around a doorway says "permanence" and in a way references the stability of families, jobs and commitment to a place that have deteriorated in subsequent times. Admit it, it's just plain satisfying to swing open a door that has some weight to it.

Older homes may not have been updated with energy efficient features or may have other attributes that a home buyer needs to consider and compare to a new home when they are looking.

Don't know what my buyers will ultimately choose, but glad we are of like minds when it comes to older homes . . . a strong fondness. Can't wait to view some more homes on their list!

Â©2009 Sara Goss All rights reserved

SARA GOSS, REALTORÂ®
HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate
Search Listings: www.har.com/saragoss

Serving the Houston Bay Area of Texas, helping families sell their houses and helping families find the home of their dreams, from new construction to historical homes.

Post a comment...

Fourth of July - local photos Houston Bay Area

JUL

7

I worked in the morning on the Fourth of July, and took some photos while traveling between clients. The greater Houston/Galveston area has a lot of smaller cities and communites and it's a lot of fun to drive around see what's going on. I admit I am not much of a landscape photographer, what interests me are people, or evidence of people and what they do. Here are a few pieces of evidence I found, Fourth of July style.

buffalo mailbox free flags!

©2009 Sara Goss All rights reserved

SARA GOSS, REALTOR®
HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate
Search Listings: www.har.com/saragoss

Serving home buyers and home sellers in the Houston/Galveston areas of Texas.

Post a comment...

Gallantly Streaming

JUL

3

Long may it wave, those broad stripes and bright stars.
Happy Fourth of July to you and yours.

©2009 Sara Goss All rights reserved

SARA GOSS, REALTOR®
HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate
www.har.com/saragoss

Proudly serving home buyers and home sellers in the Houston Bay Area of Texas.
Have a safe and happy holiday weekend.

Post a comment...

Positive Attitude

JUL

3

Do not Fear

They are only learning opportunities.

Stay Cool!

SARA GOSS, REALTOR®
HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate
Search Listings: www.har.com/saragoss

Serving the Houston Bay Area of Texas, helping families sell their houses and helping families find the home of their dreams.

Live Joy: The Recipe for Happiness

JUL

2

I don't cook a full meal every night but when I do, I immerse myself in the entire process of making a meal. First, the stage is set with recipe books spread out on the coffee table bookmarked with a dozen possibilities. The glossy photos look delicious and I start forming a meal in my head. My entree and its supporting characters are cast, and it's on to the grocery store.

Before the joy of cooking comes the joy of grocery shopping. This is the 2nd pleasurable step to joyful cooking. I love to food shop in a market that is bright, incredibly clean and well laid out. Pleasant colors on the walls and graphics are a plus, and wide aisles let me linger at the olive bar without having to move my cart for a shopper hasty to find quick meal items. The p

roduce area can almost bring a tear to my eye out of sheer appreciation for the beautiful mounds of polished, colorful fruits and vegetables. They might think I am their ideal shopper since I am so drawn in by the display. But, I refer back to my shopping list. Well maybe one or two little impulse items. Oh now really it's three things but that's all.

Back home in the kitchen I wash the produce and get out a large chopping board. Pans are on the stove, b

owls of cut vegetables sit at attention, and fragrant spices are pulled out of the rack. Ah, in step three there is the pleasure of being a well-coordinated food preparation machine. Timing and being able to pull it all together and make adjustments as necessary leave me feeling so darn competent I am elated. The smells that are happening now in my house beat any candle or air freshener.

I set the table to suit the season and the food I am preparing. Placemats, dishes, glassware and silverware are all considered but my selection is impulsive. The fun here in step four is to combine what I have in new ways, satisfying my appetite for visual composit

ion. Candles, flowers, pebbles, a scarf, or whatever will work I use to complete the table. My husband walks in and happily exclaims, "You're cooking!" (He can confirm that I don't cook meals every day.) "Yes!" I say.

Dining together is the culminating step. We compare thoughts on the results of my efforts and enjoy our time together, as we have made a pledge to keep dinner conversation about things other than our daily problems. Since my cleanup is ongoing as I cook, the dishes are manageable. Leftovers are tucked into the refrigerator nooks and crannies for lunches later in the week. Ah, life is good.

The joy of cooking. The joy of working. The joy of living.

Writing ©2009 Sara Goss All Rights Reserved
Grocery Store Photos ©2009 Sara Goss All Rights Reserved

Real Estate is my full-time job in the Houston Bay Area of Texas. I help sellers sell their homes and I help buyers find the home of their dreams.
.

SARA GOSS, REALTOR®
www.har.com/saragoss
HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate

FREE Summer Children's Activities - Friendswood, Texas Public Library

JUL

2

Please visit the Friendswood Public Library this summer. For quality summer children's activities it ranks at the top of the list. If you have just relocated to Friendswood, or haven't been to the library for awhile, now is a great time. Let your child check out some books to take home and get tickets for one or more Children's Events.

There are several programs each week and tickets are available starting one week prior to event, see details below. Tickets are free and are provided to reserve your child a place. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early, events start on time, and doors are closed to further entry for most events. Programs last for approximately 30 minutes unless otherwise noted. Start times are 1:30 and 2:30 unless other noted. Pick up a schedule at the library and events subject to change.

These events are FREE!

CHILDREN's SCHEDULE (remaining events through July as of today)

7/2 Gymnastics Live! by AA Gymnastics. Approx. 30 min. Tickets available June 25th.
7/7 Movie - The Jetsons. For all ages. Tickets available June 30th.
7/9 Color Your World Magic Show by Julian Franklin. For all ages. Tickets available July 2nd.
7/14 Pecos Bill's Wild West Tails by The Party Animal. For all ages. Tickets available July 7th.
7/16 Book Time with Ronald by Ronald McDonald. For all ages. Tickets available July 9th.
7/19 Swim Party for youngsters reading 30 books in the Texas Reading Club. Turn in
permission slips by July 16th. Approx. 2 hours. For ages 6 & up. 5 - 7 pm
7/21 Live Turtles! by Debbie Leppelt. For all ages. Tickets available July 14th.
7/23 Reading is Magical, Partner by Daisy the Clown. For all ages. Tickets available July 16th.
7/25 Live Ferrets! by Gail and Jimi Hummel. All ages. Tickets avail. July 18th. 1:30 pm only
7/28 Good Bugs in the Garden by Donya Camp. All ages. Tickets avail. July 22. 1:30 pm only
7/30 Clifford the Big Red Dog. Come see Clifford, bring your camera. For all ages.
Tickets available July 23rd.

Library Hours:
Mon-Tue-Wed-Thur 10:00 - 9:00
Friday-Saturday 10:00 - 6:00
Closed Sunday

Friendswood Public Library
416 S Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, TX 77546
281/482-7135
_____________________________________________

SARA GOSS, REALTORÂ®
www.har.com/saragoss
HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate

I am dedicated to assisting home buyers and sellers in Friendswood and neighboring areas.

-- Friendswood Relocation
-- Resale and New Construction Homes
-- Home Buyer Representation

See you at the library!

Houston TX: Bay Forest: Community Curb Appeal

JUN

29

Bay Forest is a neighborhood with curb appeal galore. Wouldn't you like to round the corner from city streets onto quiet, tree-lined avenues? A community in Houston, Texas for more than 20 years, Bay Forest has mature trees and deed restrictions that keep it attractive as a whole and for each individual home. Over 800 residences are located here, and residents find enough space sprinkled throughout the community that is dedicated to recreation and relaxation, in the form of 25 parks or common areas. If you want to find some inspiration to improve the curb appeal of your home, this is a great neighborhood to drive around in. If you want to live in a community that is all about curb appeal, this is a beautiful community to live in.

Over the years residents have formed clubs and groups for people to share similar interests. What a great way to relax after work, in the comfort of your own subdivision. Some examples are Mommies' Club, Gourmet Club, Garden Club, Blue Marlins (youth swim team) and Men's and Women's Tennis Leagues.

Several Pocket Parks throughout the community provide a shady respite during a walk or run.

The larger parks have shady spots for lazy relaxation, and also other playtime and recreation amenities. Picnic areas, a pool, tennis courts, sports field, basketball court and a "Big Toy"playground are some of the neighborhorhood favorites.

Bay Forest spreads out on both sides of of El Dorado Boulevard between Space Center Boulevard and Horsepen Bayou. It is part of the group of neighborhoods called Clear Lake City, in Houston's Bay Area. Single family homes, and that includes some patio homes, in a beautiful setting and a friendly neighborhood can be found here. Tempting?

Bay Forest Public Schools: (2008 Texas Education Rating)
Falcon Pass Elementary School . Exemplary
Space Center Intermediate . Exemplary
CLHS 9th Grade Center . (not available)
Clear Lake High School . Acceptable
______________________________

BAY FOREST Statistics
Median Appraisal $239,265
Ave. Sq. Ft. 2775
Avg. Yr. Built 1987
______________________________

SUBDIVIS

ION 2008 TAX RATES
Clr Lk City Wtr Auth 0.280%
Port of Houston Auth 0.018%
Harris Co Flood Control 0.031%
Clear Creek ISD 1.360%
City of Houston 0.639%
Harris Co Hospital 0.192%
Harris Co Dpt Educ 0.0058%
Harris County 0.390%

Sources: CCISD, Crawford Realty Advisors, Stewart Title

Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

SARA GOSS, REALTOR®
HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate
See listings: www.har.com/saragoss

Full-time realtor for home buyers and home sellers in the Houston Bay Area real estate market.

Post a comment...

Client, Friend . . . can you be Both?

JUN

28

I received an unexpected call today, from overseas. It was a friend of mine who has dropped out of contact for a few months, not even a couple of email keystrokes, since she landed a job there. I was overjoyed! "I've missed you!" We chattered away about family and life and musings on the little and the big things. Had to cut it short, used to wait until the cell phone was out of juice, but being an international call . . .

I met her wearing my real estate hat, was the listing agent to lease her house. This was a referral, so there was a referral fee. On a rental. (new agent you guessed it) I took the referral and proceeded to see what I could do with this small transaction. Since I was in the neighborhood on a regular basis I took the time to cruise slowly up and down the streets, comparing visual differences in the community sections, if any. Yep, I noticed a few trends from section to section. Did some walking too, handing out some marketing pieces and talking to neighbors. I watered the plants if they looked dry when I was there. Brought in a few things so the house had a human presence, not an empty feel. We talked to each other, off and on, not always business.

I leased the house, and was asked to help the family with another transaction (or two). Now they are friends as well as clients. I don't think I could pinpoint when that happened. Working as a real estate agent has led to other great friendships too, I wish I had entered the field sooner. I don't take the difficult things or especially difficult people personally, they were like that before they ever met me. I work for my clients and that has led to rewards far beyond the commission payments. Client, friend, and in the end they often become both.

©2009 Sara Goss All rights reserved

SARA GOSS, REALTOR®
HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate

Serving the Houston Bay Area of Texas, helping families sell their houses and helping families buy the home of their dreams.

Comments (1)

League City, Texas. TEEN Library Summer Activities

JUN

27

HELEN HALL LIBRARY is a public library that serves the city of League City, Texas.

Summer 2009 TEEN EVENTS
For teens going into 6th grade+ .. Ages 11-18
Registration starts JUNE 8

TEEN SUMMER READING CLUB
June 8 - August 3

Read for fun and win a prize! Prizes at each level are awarded, and sponsred by Chick-fil-A of League City, HEB, Half-Price Books, and Helen Hall Library. Participants who achieve the top level will be invited to a summers end PARTY:
Culminating Bash Party!
Tues, Aug 4 . 12-2 pm
Lunch and entertainment provided

READING BUDDIES
Tuesday to Thursday . 2-2:30 pm
June 16 to July 30

Were you a Reading Buddy for a kindergartener when you were in elementary school? If you would like to help a younger child build their reading skills this is a good volunteer program. Younger children will read to you and you will play skill booster games with them. Teens must commit to a weekly time slot and be willing to do other tasks if there are not enough younger children who drop in for this program. Training is required.
Reading Buddies Training Schedule
Sat, May 30 . 2-3 pm
Tue, Jun 9 . 3-4 pm
Mon, Jun 22 . 3-4 pm

HELEN HALL LIBRARY
100 West Walker, League City, TX 77573
281-554-1111

Regular hours:
Monday through Thursday 10 am - 9 pm
Friday & Saturday 10 am - 6 pm
Sunday 1 pm - 5 pm

SARA GOSS, REALTOR®
HatmakerGroup.com GMAC Real Estate