If you’ve been on the fence about buying a new home in Amira, now is the time to get off. Mortgage interest rates are at a historic low, which means the home of your dreams is within your grasp.
Bankrate forcasts that the low interest rates buyers have been seeing since the first half of the year will continue to remain low in September.
In August, the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage stood at 3.33 percent. A year ago, that rate averaged 3.85 percent. Rates for mortgages change daily, but many forecasters expect mortgage rates to hover around 3 percent for the rest of the year.
You can use the money you save each month for other things or you could keep the higher monthly payment and roll options and upgrades such as a media room, outdoor kitchen or a wet bar into your mortgage and into your new home.
Homes in Amira are priced from the $200,000s, which means you can get a beautiful new home with the options and upgrades your lifestyle demands.
You also get a year-round staycation with Amira’s luxurious amenities such as The Resort at Amira featuring sun-drenched courtyards, lake views, a clubhouse with a fitness room, children’s reading nook, kitchen, yoga studio and sparkling pool.
Not sure if you qualify for a low interest rate? Talk to a Realtor or one of our builders. Many of them have preferred lenders who can help you research the right mortgage for you and lock in the low rate.
Can you have an open floor plan plus space for a home office (or two)? Yes, says Perry Homes, and their move-in ready home at 19207 Chestnut Colt Trail in Amira is proof.
A generous common area encompassing the kitchen, family room and dining area dominates this one-story floor plan, offering a stunning setting for family time. Stacked windows breathe light into the room and the massive kitchen island offers plenty of space for informal dining, meal preparation and even crafting projects. Contrasting paint on the island and kitchen cabinetry adds an elegant touch to the room.
Nearby is a game room with glass French doors that could sub as a home office or study space, if needed. The 3,031-square-foot design also features four bedrooms — each with walk-in closets. Bedroom 4, which has an en suite bath, serves as a guest suite. Any of the secondary bedrooms could also flex to an office.
The primary bedroom is a relaxing retreat with a wall of windows and 12-foot ceilings. The attached bath features dual vanities and two walk-in closets. The oval soaking tub frames the walk-in shower that sits behind it.
This home also boasts designer tile flooring, an extended patio, mud room and extra storage near the entry and in the three-car garage. It is specially priced in the $420,000s.
With this beautiful home comes the Amira lifestyle, where every day is a staycation. Amira residents enjoy an impressive amenity complex with a 7,000-square-foot clubhouse, fitness room, yoga studio, large covered patio with flat-screen televisions and a wow-factor pool with swim areas for all ages. The complex is so impressive, in fact, we call it The Resort at Amira.
Plan a visit soon and you’ll see why!
Keeping Fido healthy and fit is an important part of pet parenting, which is why Amira created Derby Dog Park. It’s a great place to let your furry friend explore off leash, meet other dogs and have fun. But exercise isn’t the only way you can help your dog lead a happy, healthy life. Here are some tips for keeping your dog in tip-top shape.
Start With a Healthy Diet
Your dog will be more inclined to play if his diet is healthy. While there are many options out there, not all food is created equal. Check the ingredients and make sure that your dog’s food is packed with real animal protein, fruits, vegetables and healthy grains.
Treats in Moderation
Your dog loves treats as much as you love handing them out. While it’s hard to say no to those sad puppy eyes, moderation is best. Vets suggest that treats make up only 10 percent of your dog’s diet. Smart choices include treats made with real proteins, fruits and veggies. Watch the calorie count. There are plenty of treats out there that are low in calories and as long as they taste good, Fido will be perfectly happy with them.
Don’t Skimp on Vet Visits
Your dog should have a yearly check-up just the way you do. Your vet will help you keep dog’s immunizations up to date and check for any issues that could result in health problems down the line. Health problems that could get very expensive if not caught early. Vets also can advise on the right flea and tick products for your dog.
Dental Health is Good Health
Even the most conscientious pet parent can forget that canines need to take care of, well, their canines. Bacteria can spread from the mouth to organs around the body. Many groomers will also take care of your pup’s teeth, but you also can brush them and offer treats designed to clean teeth and massage gums.
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
Exercise can help maintain ideal weight, prevent heart disease and give dogs and their owners time to bond. Take your dog for walks around the neighborhood (a great way for you both to make new friends) and toss ball or Frisbees around. Dogs love to hike and some even like to swim, so take them with you to a lake or state park! If you are an Amira resident, your dog can play every day at Derby Dog Park.
A new school year is on the horizon for Amira students, as is a new school for our younger residents.
Grand Oaks Elementary is on track to open this August. The $24 million facility will accommodate students in kindergarten through fourth grade on a 117,000-square-foot campus located at 20241 Cypress-Rosehill.
New Tigers will be welcomed by Principal Niesa Glenewinkel who was named Elementary Principal of the Year for the 2019-2020 school year by Tomball ISD. She has served the Tomball ISD in a variety of roles since 1992, most recently as the principal at Creekview Elementary.
Tiger parents can keep up with Grand Oaks developments on the school’s Facebook page.
The new campus was funded by the Tomball community’s overwhelming support for a $275 million bond approved in 2017.
Grand Oaks Elementary is housed at the Elmer and Dorothy Beckendorf Educational Complex that will also include the new Grand Lakes Junior High School and a football stadium slated to open next year.
We are excited that our young residents will have the opportunity to attend a brand-new state-of-the art school. Go Tigers!
We are now several weeks into teaching our kids at home and will be doing so until the end of the school year. Now that the initial panic as subsided, some families have gotten into a groove. If that isn’t your family, don’t worry. Homeschooling can be a challenge but there are plenty of resources available. Here are a few tips:
Check With the Your School District
School districts are working hard to make sure parents have the resources they need to keep learning on track. Tomball ISD, which serves Amira families, has put together a list of resources to help parents and students. The district is even offering free Park-n-Learn WiFi Access to students who may not have it at home.
Unschool to Home School
By now you may have figured out that recreating school at home doesn’t work for your family. That’s okay. Keep your children doing the assignments their teachers give but look for opportunities to “unschool.” This informal schooling method allows children to direct their own learning through natural life experiences including play, household responsibilities, personal interests and curiosity, internships and work experience, travel, books, elective classes, family, mentors and social interaction.
Know Your Kid
Not all kids learn the same way so if you are having difficulties, the problem could be the way the material is presented. Some kids thrive in an online learning environment but for others, it’s hard. Some kids are auditory learners and some are visual. Young children tend to be very tactile. Figure out how your kid learns and plan accordingly.
Don’t Do School at Home
Throw out the school schedule. You don’t have the time, and kids don’t need a solid six hours of academic work. Shoot for two to four hours depending on the age of your child.
Life Happens, It’s Okay
Schedules, routines and checklists are all well and good, but life happens so it’s important to be flexible. Set aside time for doing the schoolwork your child’s teacher
sends but don’t stress if an urgent phone call or work meeting gets in the way. Learning can happen at any time.
Learn With Your Kids
It seems counterintuitive, but one of the best things you can do for your child is admit you don’t have all of the answers. Saying “I don’t know, but we can find out together,” models a positive attitude toward learning. No one can know everything, but everyone can spend some time doing research to figure out the answer.
Always Make Time to Read
Books open a million doorways. Set aside time to read together as a family. Read out loud to them or play an audiobook. This helps maintain vocabulary and reading comprehension. If your child becomes passionate about a topic found in a book, help him or her to research it further and create projects based on it.
Boredom is a Good Thing
A mistake many parents make is trying to keep their kids busy all of the time. Boredom is a good thing. Put away the video games and turn off the television then tell the kids to find something to do. Resist telling them what to do. It won’t be long before they start using their imaginations to create games, art projects and other activities on their own.
Stay Positive and Don’t Compare
The hardest part for any parent when it comes to at-home learning is staying positive. You are always going to second-guess yourself. That’s okay, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Also, don’t let social media influence you. Some kids are early learners and others are late bloomers, most fall somewhere in between. Pay attention to what your kids are learning and doing and don’t try to replicate what your friends’ children are doing.