Local Resources
Take a look at some of the great things Central Houston and Galleria have to offer. These resources are designed to help you move and get settled, and to acquaint you with the area after your move.
Do you know of a resource that would be perfect for this page? Suggest it here.
Do you know of a resource that would be perfect for this page? Suggest it here.
| Buyers & Sellers Qualified Home Warranties | |
| First American Home Buyers Protection Corporation - Be sure to read coverage details & exclusions to coverage. For buyers: tell me the amount of coverage you would like to ask for in the offer to purchase. Sellers usually will pay for coverage to protect themselves against unexpected problems and keep you a happy buyer! Sellers: Ask me about Seller's coverage when you are ready to list. | |
| Old Republic Home Protection - Be sure to read coverage details & exclusions to coverage. For buyers: tell me the amount of coverage you would like to ask for in the offer to purchase. Sellers usually will pay for coverage to protect themselves against unexpected problems and keep you a happy buyer! Sellers: Ask me about Seller's coverage when you are ready to list your home for sale. | |
| Retirement or 2nd Home Destinations | |
| San Miguel de Allende, Mexico - Antigua Capilla Bed and Breakfast in San Miguel offers world-class hospitality, comfort and elegance. Fantastic views of the Parroquia and the town center from Antigua Capilla¿s outdoor living area and rooftop terrace. Conveniently located - easy five minute walk to the heart of gorgeous San Miguel de Allende artisan's district. For real estate inquiries and representation, call Trish Ricklefsen in USA at 281.733.1003. | |
| Credit Reporting Bureaus | |
| Equifax - Today, more than ever, it's important to take control of your personal finances and your credit history. The Equifax Learning Center is dedicated to giving you the facts and tips you need to take charge now. | |
| Fair Isaac - You can purchase your credit score from all credit bureaus and your FICO score for only $44.85! | |
| Federal Trade Commission Credit Repair - The Bureau of Consumer Protection works to protect consumers against unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices in the marketplace. The Bureau conducts investigations, sues companies and people who violate the law, develops rules to protect consumers, and educates consumers and businesses about their rights and responsibilities. The Bureau also collects complaints about consumer fraud and identity theft and makes them available to law enforcement agencies across the country. | |
| Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Center - This website is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft. | |
| Free Annual Credit Report - The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FACT Act) allows you to obtain information in your credit file from each of the national credit reporting companies through a central source. To request your free annual report under that law, you may go to www.AnnualCreditReport.com. | |
| Trans Union - Honesty. Experience. Relationships. These are the values that make us a global leader in credit and information management.Find out more about our organization ¿ our history, people and the policies that help us create advantages for consumers and businesses around the world. | |
| Critical Information Databases | |
| Crime Statistics - City of Houston Police Department Beat map and crime statistics. | |
| Missing Persons Clearinghouse - This is the Dept of Public Safety's database for missing persons. | |
| Sex Offender Database - Database containing public crime information, sex offenders, deferred adjudication, etc. Look up by City and Zip or by name. | |
| Harris County Flood Control Flood Map - Flood Education Mapping Tool - Enter specific address in ADDRESS SEARCH field then click FIND. Wait for the map floodplains and watersheds to load for the address you have entered. Call your insurance agent for another source of information. | |
| Tax Information | |
| 1031 Exchanges - IRS - Here's a link to the Internal Revenue Service information regarding 1031 exchanges. Consult your CPA or tax advisor for information on how a 1031 Exchange may effect you. If you need referrals to Qualified Exchange Intermediaries, ask me or the title company you choose. You need to know that 'Qualified Intermediaries' are not regulated by the government. Before you choose a Qualified Intermediary, be sure that they are reputable. | |
| First-time homeowners - | |
| Homeowner deductions information - Internal Revenue Service Topic Search Engine | |
| How to report moving expenses - | |
| Selling your home - | |
| School Districts | |
| Conroe ISD - Conroe Independent School District website with information, school locations, schedules, etc. | |
| Fort Bend Independent School District - Information on the Ft Bend School District, campus locator, curriculum, boundary maps, link to the Fort Bend ISD Tax office and district services. | |
| Houston ISD - A link to the Houston Independent School District website. | |
| Katy ISD - A link to the Katy Independent School District website. | |
| Klein Independent School District - The Mission Statement of Klein Independent School District The Klein Independent School District, proud of its heritage and embracing the future, seeks to help students become skillful, active, reflective, self-disciplined, and honorable members of their communities through engaging learning experiences in a safe and nurturing environment. This website link contains general information about the district and boundaries. | |
| Lamar Consolidated ISD - A link to the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District website. | |
Magnolia ISD - Magnolia ISD website for school locations and district information.
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| Spring Branch ISD - A link to the Spring Branch Independent School District website. | |
| Spring Independent School District - The Spring ISD website offers useful information about programs and resources within the district. | |
| Utility Providers | |
| City of Houston Water/waste water - Houston Water and sewyer public works and egineeering department. 713.371.1400 | |
| City of Houston Trash Pick-up - Call 311 and ask how to register for trash pickup. The 311 service will provide you with information on any service provided by the City of Houston. | |
| Comcast - Digital telephone and high-speed internet 713.462.9000 | |
| Center Point Energy/Gas - Gas Service Provider in the Houston area 713.659.2111 Outside Houston area:800.752.8036 | |
| Southwestern Bell (SBC) - Land line telephone and sbcglobal.net high-speed cable modem | |
| Schools | |
| HISD Magnet - HISD Magnet School application. | |
School Information - free school profiles
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Texas Education Agency - Valuable information regarding school reports, performance statistics, boundary maps, demographics....
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| Vanguard Program - Oak Forest Elementary - Among other academic programs, Oak Forest Elementary has a Vanguard Program for gifted and talented students. This link will provide helpful information about the school, it's location and programs. | |
| County Info | |
| Fort Bend County - Information for a variety of Fort Bend County Services. | |
| Maps | |
| Aerial Photos - Google Earth - A very cool way to see aerial photos of property. | |
| Aerial Photos - Zillow.com - A very cool gps system that provides you with property information and aerial photos by address. | |
Mapquest - maps, driving directions, road trip planner....
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| Texas Land Surveyors - Texas Board of Land Surveyors. Click on 'Roster' to find names. Then find 'active' registered surveyors by county then by last name. Apparently the Texas Board does not keep this site and the contact information updated so you may have to make several calls to find someone. | |
| Trans-Texas Corridor - The Trans-Texas Corridor (TTC) is a proposed multi-use, statewide network of transportation routes in Texas that will incorporate existing and new highways, railways and utility right-of-ways. Specific routes for the TTC have not been determined. | |
| Transportation (Incl Fed, State & Local Ofcs) | |
| Harris County Toll Road Authority - Set up and manage your EZ Tag account through the Harris County Toll Road Authority site. Also has information on road closures, adding temporary vehicles to EZ Tag & airport parking. | |
| Hwy 290 & Hempstead Hwy Info - Information about proposed Hwy 290 and Hempstead Tollroad developments. | |
| Ride METRO - Information about bus and rail transportation services through the METRO site. | |
| Area Information | |
Community Information - free community profiles
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| Local Information - research local area info, stats, and events | |
| Restaurants | |
| Champps Entertainment, Inc. - Upscale sports bar in Uptown Park. | |
| Greater Houston Restaurants - Your online dining resource | |
| Sherlock's Baker Street Pub - Part Irish sports pub, part live rock club. | |
| Local Weather | |
| Local Weather - forecasts, weather patterns, radars.... | |
| Entertainment | |
| Broadway Across America - Your ticket to Broadway...across America! | |
| Da Camera of Houston - Founded in 1987, Da Camera offers a variety of jazz and chamber music | |
| EntertainmentHouston.com - Your Premiere Resource for Entertainment, Serving Houston and Surrounding Areas | |
| Houston Events, Ticket Brokers - You can order premium Houston event tickets either online or by just picking up the phone! | |
| Houston Symphony - Concerts, purchase tickets, education & community | |
| Main Street Theater - Main Stage, Youth Theater, Kids on Stage | |
| Theater Under the Stars - Theatre Under the Stars is the largest musical theatre company of its kind in the country | |
| Local Information | |
| Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce - An organization which represents businesses in one of the fastest growing areas of Texas | |
| East End Chamber of Commerce - Welcome to Houston's East End | |
| Greater Houston Partnership - Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, World Trade | |
| Greater Southwest Houston Chamber of Commerce - Newsletter, Calendar and More | |
| Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce - Member Directory,Newsletter, Calendar and More | |
| Houston West Chamber of Commerce - The choice for business and community | |
| North Houston Greenspoint Chamber of Commerce - Houston's gateway to global growth | |
| What's happening in your neighborhood? - Platting, permits and other resources through the City of Houston to find out what is happening in your neighborhood. | |
| Sports | |
| Houston Aeros - Games, promotions, and upcoming events | |
| Houston Astros - The official site of the Houston Astros | |
| Houston Comets - Get in the game | |
| Houston Rockets - The official site of the Houston Rockets | |
| Houston Texans - We're ready. Are you? | |
| Major League Soccer - Major League Soccer. See the calendar and soccer highlights for the Houston Dynamos! | |
| Rice University Football - Believe it! It's true... All good things will come in time. | |
| Deed Restrictions | |
| Search for Deed Restriction Violations - City of Houston - Search engine by subdivision and/or street of reported deed restriction violations. | |
| City of Houston Builder / Developer Resources | |
| City of Houston - New code effective Jan 1, 2006 - New Code (with Amendments) in Effect Jan 1, 2006 can be viewed online. | |
| On-Line Meter Purchasing - City of Houston - Access the online meter application webpage for online meter purchasing. (All fields marked with a red asterisk are mandatory.) Assistance is available at 713.535.7675. Applicants will be notified if the meter cannot be set up online or if additional information is required before the application is processed. | |
| On-Line Plan Tracking - City of Houston - Online Plan Tracking - click on 'Plan Check Status'(real-time pages). Enter the eight digit project number (include the leading zero) and click on the buttons to check review timeline or plan check comments. | |
| River Oaks | |
| River Oaks Property Owners Association - River Oaks is one of the most expensive and desirable suburban developments in Houston. Prices of smaller houses in River Oaks start on average at about three-quarters of a million dollars, making it the most expensive residential community in the city. | |
| Home Tours | |
| Garden Oaks Home Tour - Home and Garden Tour Committee The Garden Oaks Home & Garden Tour took place on Sunday April 23, 2006. Home Tours occur every two years. If you have any questions, you can contact the tour committee. | |
| Museums | |
| Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston - Visitor information, exhibitions, calendar | |
| Houston Center for Photography - Membership, events, and opportunities | |
| Houston Fire Museum - Where the history of firefighting lives on | |
| Houston Museum of Natural Science - Exhibits, education, membership, and other useful information | |
| Koelsch Gallery - Openings, archives, and other events | |
The Children's Museum of Houston - Your place for hands-on, minds-turned on fun!
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| The Menil Collection - Exhibitions/programs, collections, and publications | |
| The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston - Destinations, education, membership, and other useful information | |
| Neighborhoods | |
| Garden Oaks Website - Garden Oaks is north of the 610 Loop between Ella and Yale, moments from the growth and vitality of downtown Houston. Thise site contains information and links to Garden Oaks events, deed restrictions, Garden Oaks Maintenance Organization (GOMO) and bulletin board. | |
| Shadowlake Community - Information about a gated community near Richmond and Dairy Ashford - near Royal Oaks. | |
| Sharpstown/Westpark Tollway - Information and boundary maps regarding the Sharpstown Improvement District. | |
| Green Sites | |
| Green Building Services - Call Alex Stadtner, a LEED Accredited Professional Project Manager. | |
| Government, Federal, State and Local | |
| House of Representatives - | |
| Office of the Law Revision Counsel - | |
| Resource: Library of Congress - | |
| Senate - | |
| Garden Clubs | |
| River Oaks Garden Club - The purpose of River Oaks Garden Club is to stimulate the knowledge and love of gardening, to share the advantages of association by means of educational meetings, conferences, correspondence and publications, and to restore, improve, and protect the quality of the environment through educational programs and action in the fields of conservation and civic improvement. | |
| Search engine | |
Buzzle.com - Intelligent life on the web - Buzzle.com is comprised of a dynamic network of authors and content contributors who proudly refer to themselves as Intelligent Life on the Web.
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| State of Texas - Window to State Government | |
| Secretary of State - Provides information on business requirements for the State of Texas, resources, forms and filing requirements. | |
| Texas Comptroller Office of Public Accounts - Information from the State of Texas Comptroller's Office. Also includes a link to information on the tax arbitration process and tax arbitrators. | |
| Texas Dept of Insurance - The Texas Dept of Insurance regulates title insurance companies. This site offers valuable reference information explaining title insurance and the rules that govern title companies. | |
| Texas Online - Find information on how to form a business, filing forms and other information on forming and operating a business in Texas. | |
| Texas Real Estate Commission - Find information on licensees, inspector information, consumer information and how to file a complaint against a licensee - either an inspector or a real estate salesperson or broker. You will also find the name, address & phone number and forms for filing a complaint against a licensee. | |
| Relocation Links | |
| Central Houston Real Estate - Yahoo! Real Estate offers a wealth of to help with every aspect of your move | |
| Moving Center - Moving Estimates, Truck Rental, Moving Supplies and Storage | |
National Weather - find weather info anywhere in the US
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| Official City Websites - find area info websites across the world! | |
| US State Departments of Education - see the list of all 50 states | |
| USPS' Movers Guide - help for planning and executing your move | |
| San Miguel de Allende | |
| San Miguel de Allende - Bed & Breakfasts - Bed and Breakfast in the heart of gorgeous San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. For real estate offerings and representation in San Miguel de Allende, call Trish Ricklefsen in USA at 281.733.1003. | |
| Trish' Blog - Retirement Destinations - A baby-boomer visits known destinations in search of possible retirement destination. She finds answers to your questions about affordable and/or luxurious retirement destinations for the 'new normal'. | |
| 2007 Texas Accountability by District or Area | |
| Texas Education Agency - Acccountability Ratings - Rankings of schools by District or Area. | |
| Charitable Organizations - Environmentally Conscious | |
| National Arbor Day Foundation - Purchase trees unique to your area, join the foundation and link to other organizations who are doing their part to protect the environment. | |
