Saturday, August 30, 2014

Just Sold: 2369 Calypso in Harbour Pointe

Brockway Realty proudly represented the buyers in this transaction. Congratulations to the new home owners of 2369 Calypso!

By Dinah BuPane, Real Estate Agent of Brockway Realty - Friendswood Specialist

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Friday, August 29, 2014

Just Sold: 711 Bayview in El Lago Estates

Brockway Realty was proud to represent the buyer on this transaction.

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Just Sold in Eagle Point Estates, Mont Belvieu

We were proud to represent the buyers of 11818 Eagle Ridge Drive, a D.R. Horton newly constructed home.

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

City Spotlight: Clear Lake Shores – The Island in the Bay Area

Imagine purchasing a parcel of land when subscribing to a newspaper! During the 1920’s, the Clear Lake area was a popular vacation area for those wanting to leave the hustle and bustle of the City of Houston. Promoters purchased land and subdivided it into 20 by 100 foot tracts for a development they named “Clear Lake Shores”. Unfortunately, this plan did not come to fruition when the Great Depression hit. But in the 1930’s, the (now defunct) Houston Post reportedly advertised the lots for a price of $69.50 with a 6-month newspaper subscription. Many “subscribers” did take the offer and began building summer homes on the island. After water was established on the island, permanent residences were built. By 1936, the community of Clear Lake Shores was reflected on Galveston County highway maps. The city was incorporated in 1962 and has continued to grow.

Located on Farm Road 2094 (Marina Bay Drive), Clear Lake Shores is about 22 miles northwest of Galveston in Galveston County, on the southeastern side of Clear Lake at the entrance of Jarboe Bayou, and about a mile west of Galveston Bay. This island community has maintained its eclectic blend of homes and embraces the maritime lifestyle. Homes range in size from under 1,000 square feet to over 6,000 square feet. Besides being a bird sanctuary, Clear Lake Shores is also home to three marinas and regarded as “The Yachting Capital of Texas”. There are more boat slips located in the city limits than there are residents on dry land.

The residents (about 1,400) enjoy: a front-row view of the annual holiday boat lane parade; fireworks over the lake; community dinners; driving golf carts to get from place to place around the island; and, buying fresh produce at the weekend Farmers Market. The city has a police department, city council, and civic club. Residents and visitors frequent the variety of restaurants in Clear Lake Shores as well as the stores and shops in the area.

If you are looking to relocate to an area with a small town feel, located in the Clear Creek Independent School District and you love sailing, fishing, or just being close to the water, Clear Lake Shores is beckoning you. You cannot, however, take advantage of buying land with a newspaper subscription!

View All Homes in Clear Lake Shores for Sale

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Thursday, August 21, 2014

7th Annual Clear Lake Triathlon, August 23rd – Please Be Aware While Traveling

Due to the local weather forecast of intense heat, this weekend will definitely prove to be strenuous and challenging for those involved with the 7th Annual Clear Lake International Triathlon. The triathlon will take place on Saturday, August 23rd in Clear Lake, over the Kemah Bridge and past the Johnson Space Center. This event is being hosted by League City’s South Shore Harbor Resort & Marina.

COURSE DETAILS - International Course. Swim 1.5 K (.93 miles) in a rectangular, counter clock wise course around South Shore Harbor (opposite end of the Harbor from the fuel dock), bike 46 K (28.8 miles) double-loop crossing the Kemah Bridge twice with views of Clear Lake and NASA Space Center, run 10 K (6.2 miles) 3 loops on a partially shaded course through South Shore Marina & neighborhood with views of Clear Lake.

COURSE DETAILS - Sprint Course. Swim .5 K (.31 miles) around South Shore Harbor (opposite end of the Harbor from the fuel dock), bike 23 K (14 miles) loop crossing Kemah Bridge with views of Clear Lake and NASA, run 3.4 K (2.1 miles) through South Shore Marina and neighborhood.

Please be aware of the routes the athletes will be taking, and take alternate routes (if possible) when traveling on Saturday. For race maps and more details about the Clear Lake International Triathlon, please visit their website.

The City of League City has posted information about road closures and delays on their website.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

City Spotlight: Friendswood - From Humble Beginnings to a Premier Lifestyle

According to the Friendswood Historical Society: The City of Friendswood, situated on FM 518 in the northwest corner of Galveston County, (half-way between Houston and Galveston), has the distinction of being the only permanent town in Texas that was started as a Quaker Settlement. A State Historical Marker, erected in 1967, states that Friendswood was founded by a group of Quakers, led by T. Hadley Lewis and Frank J. Brown. These leaders were looking for a “promised land”; a place to establish a settlement for the religious denomination called ‘Friends’ or Quakers. The carefully thought-out name for the new settlement, Friendswood, was registered at the Galveston County Courthouse July 16, 1895.

The city began thriving as a farming community with fig orchards, Satsuma orange groves, and rice fields, which brought many more Quaker families to Friendswood, as the westward movement across the nation began. The population of the city had been slow to grow until a plan for incorporation was completed in 1960. During the 1960’s, the population grew at a rapid pace because of employment opportunities at the Johnson Space Center.

Today, Friendswood boasts a population close to 37,000 residents. The City has been recognized as the “20th Safest City in America” by Neighborhood Scout and received the new “Best City to Live” Award from the Bay Area Houston Magazine’s Best of the Bay Awards. A recent Citizen Survey, conducted by a local survey research firm, showed that 96% of residents rate the quality of life in Friendswood as “excellent” or “good”. 97% of responding residents also rated Friendswood as a “very safe” or “safe” community.

Friendswood is located in South Harris County and Northern Galveston County with easy access to Houston and Galveston. The city maintains a unique blend of beautiful parks, natural trails and lush landscaping, along with a championship golf course. Family-friendly programs abound, especially during the summer months with an annual 4th of July parade, Concerts in the Park, sporting leagues and activities for both children and adults of all ages. Served by two school districts, students in Friendswood attend either Clear Creek ISD or Friendswood ISD schools. Both school districts are highly rated in the state.

Friendswood offers single-family residential housing in pleasant park-like settings and master-planned communities for new homes in a variety of styles in neighborhood subdivisions. Several communities also offer seniors upstanding independent and assisted living.

From its humble beginnings as a Quaker settlement, to the current population of many professionally-employed young families, Friendswood continues to reflect the tradition of family values, quality education, excellent housing, and a premier lifestyle.

Read More About Friendswood in the Brockway Realty Blog

View All Homes in Friendswood for Sale

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Sunday, August 17, 2014

City Spotlight: Kemah - "Gateway to the Bay"

"Sittin' in the morning sun - I'll be sittin' when the evening comes - Watching the ships roll in - Then I watch them roll away again, yeah - I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay..."

Imagine sitting by the dock of the bay, in Kemah; the city where you can relax, kick back and enjoy a day under the sun - or the city where you can shop, enjoy amusement rides, sail, and find a great meal that will make the day complete!

Located on Galveston Bay, Kemah is home to one of the largest pleasure boat fleets in the United States, and ranked as the #1 tourist destination within the Greater Houston-Galveston area. The entertainment district is where you will find the Kemah Boardwalk; a family-friendly destination that includes a variety of restaurants, amusements, seasonal festivals, unique retail shops, and waterfront views. The Kemah Farmers Market has become a favorite spot, offering fresh produce, handmade gifts, ceramics and different items every week.

Originally a small fishing village, you can find some of the best seafood in the area either at a nice restaurant or a smaller family owned café. T-Bone Tom's is a local favorite that has been in the same spot for over 25 years Evening dinner cruises take you from Clear Lake out to Galveston Bay for groups. Events are always happening at the Boardwalk, whether it is "Rock The Dock" concerts, crawfish boils, 4th of July fireworks, or the Blessing of the Fleet; you will have a hard time not finding something to do by the Bay.

A variety of lifestyles is available to you, whether you are looking for a single family home, an apartment, or a live-aboard marina. Kemah is located in the Clear Creek Independent School District. The newest built campus is actually “3-in-one”; the Education Village, which encompasses elementary thru high school grades.

Come on down to the dock of the bay and experience the lifestyle Kemah has to offer!

Read More About Kemah in the Brockway Realty Blog

View All Homes in Kemah for Sale

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Thursday, August 14, 2014

There’s an APP for that… from the Houston Association of Realtors

Are you currently looking for a home, considering down-sizing, or need more space? There is a way you can keep an eye on the housing market in your area with just the click of an app on your android phone, iPhone, iPad, and more.

The Houston Association of Realtors, (HAR), Android App allows MLS subscribers (access MLS Info) and consumers to find a home, bookmark listings and view property search history. MLS Subscribers will have access to homes for sale or lease & complete listing details (Agent Full Report, Tax Profile Report, Showing Instructions, Days on Market), their leads, their listings, as well as access their company's listing inventory.

The HAR.com iPhone & iPad app allows both consumers and HAR members to search for homes for sale or lease in greater Houston area. Consumers will be able to use the award-winning HAR.com residential property search engine to find a home, bookmark listings and view property search history. Members will be able to access MLS information (MLS subscribers only), their leads, their listings, as well as access their company's listing inventory.

Information is also available about the Mobile Web, Mobile MLS apps on the website.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

“Rise of Independence” at Space Center Houston Planned for August 14th

Press Release from Space Center Houston:
Rise of Independence Will Create International Landmark

What: The massive space shuttle replica Independence will be lifted by a 282-foot-tall (86 meter) crane to its permanent home atop Space Center Houston's historic shuttle carrier aircraft. The "Rise of Independence" is a free public event to celebrate this historic moment. Rain or other inclement weather will postpone* the event.
(*Updates will be posted on both the center’s website, and Facebook page,)

Where: Space Center Houston Parking Lot, 1601 NASA Parkway, Houston, TX 77058.

When: Thursday, Aug. 14. The lift will be at 8 a.m. A ceremony preceding the lift will begin at 7:15 a.m. with notable speakers.

Who: Speakers include NASA JSC Director Dr. Ellen Ochoa, Space Center Houston President and CEO Richard Allen Jr. and retired astronaut Col. Eileen Collins (USAF, Ret.), the first female to pilot and command a space shuttle.

Best Photo Ops
  • The crane lifting and maneuvering the 160,000 lb. (72,600 kg) shuttle replica onto the historic SCA.
  • Engineers and skilled crane personnel coordinating lift operations.
  • The public, NASA and Space Center Houston representatives and government officials.
  • The "Lift Crew" (a group of Houston-area music students) in hard hats, playing violins and leading the countdown.
Other Background: The SCA and Independence will be an unprecedented, international landmark standing over eight stories tall and featuring interactive exhibits once it opens in 2015. Visitors will be able to enter both vehicles -- an experience unavailable anywhere else in the world.
By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Clear Creek ISD Board of Trustees Named Top in The Region

CCISD Press Release ~ “The Clear Creek Independent School District Board of Trustees has been recognized as the board of the year in the region and will now be considered for the top honors at the state level. “School boards in Region 4 districts provide effective leadership and dedicated service that benefit more than 1.1 million school children.

On July 30, 2014, the Clear Creek ISD Board of Trustees was selected as the 2014 Region 4 Honor Board by a committee of superintendents from other Region 4 school districts. The Clear Creek ISD Board has provided visionary leadership, working with Dr. Greg Smith and the CCISD team leading the way in the 21st Century,” said Dr. Pam Wells, Executive Director, Region 4. “Clear Creek ISD is well respected in Region 4 and across the state. CCISD will be a tremendous representative of the school boards in our region. We congratulate the Clear Creek ISD Board of Trustees for this well-deserved award and wish them well as they join the prestigious group of school boards who were nominated for state Outstanding School Board.”


[Photo Caption: 2013 Clear Creek Independent School District Board of Trustees
(Bottom Left to Right): Win Weber, Dr. Greg Smith, Ann Hammond
(Top Left to Right): Charles Pond, Dee Scott, Page Rander, Dr. DuPont, Ken Baliker]

“The annual statewide search for the Texas Honor Board is organized by the Texas Association of School Administrators. The criteria for consideration is lengthy with topics ranging from educational vision and fiscal management to community involvement and personal commitment to duty. “If who we are supersedes what we do than the Clear Creek ISD Board of Trustees have served the 40,000 children, 5000 employees, and 13 municipalities effectively, efficiently and honorably over time,” said Dr. Greg Smith, Superintendent of Schools. “The team of seven trustees may come from different cultures, careers, and opinions but they are united by a spirit of exploration and the desire to see the possibilities beyond what is present or obvious.”

The Clear Creek Independent School District Board of Trustees is one of 20 honorees in Texas. The Texas Association of School Administrators will name the state’s Outstanding Board in September.”

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Saturday, August 9, 2014

City of League City Now Offering Rain Barrels to Residents

Rainwater Harvesting Initiative ~ League City is once again offering residents the opportunity to participate in a rain barrel sale and rebate program.

The City launched the program back in April and nearly 200 rain barrels were sold. Due to the success of the program and citizen requests the City (began) the Rainwater Harvesting Initiative again on Monday, August 4.

“We were very pleased to see the community response to the program. Water is one of our most precious natural resources, and we encourage those who are interested in recycling and conservation, who missed out on the first program, to get involved this time,” said Mayor Tim Paulissen. “If you save water, you save money and energy and help save the environment.”

The City will offer 50 gallon rain barrels for $65 until September 28. The first 200 League City water customers will also qualify for a $25 rebate. The ordered rain barrels will be available for pickup on October 4 from 9am to 12pm in the League City Public Works Building parking lot at 1535 Dickinson Avenue. A receipt for proof of purchase will be required.

Details about the program are available at www.leaguecity.com/rainbarrels.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Commence the Back to School Countdown

Whether your child will be starting their first day in Kindergarten or your teen will note their last “first day” of high school, the “back to school” countdown has officially begun for area public school districts.

As a courtesy to our readers and new residents, Brockway Realty LLC is posting a link to the 2014-2015 calendars of local (public) independent school districts: Clear Creek ISD, Dickinson ISD, Friendswood ISD, and Texas City ISD. The first day of classes for all of these school districts is Monday, August 25, 2014.

Please >click< on the school district logo (below) to view the 2014 - 2015 calendar.
By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

City Spotlight: Nassau Bay – “The City That NASA Built”

After the location for America’s Manned Spacecraft Center was announced in 1961, Colonel Raymond Pearson sold 570 acres of his ‘1776 Ranch’ to developers. That land, located in the unincorporated southern-most portion of Harris County, would become Nassau Bay. In 1962, developers began work on the community that was considered as the exclusive residential and commercial area for employees of the new Center.

In 1973, The Manned Spacecraft Center was renamed the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center in honor of President Johnson. In 30 years, Nassau Bay’s population of 400 has grown to over 4,000. Besides becoming home to aerospace engineers, administrators, and scientists, the city has also become home to many astronauts.

Amenities abound for residents of Nassau Bay: hospitals, commercial areas, shopping, parks, churches, restaurants, and entertainment. Located along Clear Lake, there is easy access to boating and marinas; in fact, the area is amongst the third largest concentration of pleasure boats in the United States. The peninsula of Nassau Bay is surrounded on three sides by water – Clear Lake, Clear Creek and Cow Bayou. Lake-side estates, apartment complexes and affordable homes make Nassau Bay a location in high demand. The city also offers many community family-friendly events such as their annual 4th of July picnic and fireworks display over Clear Lake.

Due to Nassau Bay’s close proximity to the Johnson Space Center, there are many high-tech and aerospace companies located in the city. A steady growth in both commercial redevelopment and residential upgrades has been evident. Nassau Bay Town Square is currently being completed as a mixed-use project which includes new office buildings, a multi-family project, hotel, retail shops and a conference center.

From the city’s humble beginning as ranch land to becoming home to aerospace scientists and astronauts, Nassau Bay is rich in history and technological progress – “the city that NASA built”.

Read More About Nassau Bay in the Brockway Realty Blog

View All Homes in Nassau Bay for Sale

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Friday, August 1, 2014

Texas Sales Tax Holiday will be August 8th - 10th

The Texas State Comptroller, Susan Combs, has announced this year’s Sales Tax Holiday will be held from August 8th through August 10th; the dates for the sales tax holiday are set by the Legislature.

The law exempts most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks priced under $100 from sales and use taxes. The list of qualifying clothing, footwear and other items and the list of qualifying school supplies can be found on the state’s website.

By Pamela Moore, Feature Blogger for Brockway Realty, LLC

Originally Posted on Brockway Realty LLC's Official Blog