Reports this month indicate that the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage will range between 6.1 to 6.8 percent throughout the rest of the year. High interest rates impact your buying power and your monthly payments. Fortunately, many Balmoral builders are riding to the rescue with incentives that will lower your monthly payments, reduce closing costs and even lower the cost of your new home. Check them out.
Brightland Homes
Roll Back Sales Event
Brightland Homes is rolling back the clock to a time when interest rates were lower. From now through July 21, the builder is offering an interest rate buy down on inventory homes that allows you to pick your rate such as 3.94 percent, 4.49 percent or 5.49 percent on a fixed-rate loan. Plus, you will receive $10,000 toward closing costs. Prefer to build from the ground up? Brightland is offering up to $60,000 to use toward options and financing.
Chesmar Homes
Virtual Consultation
Want to learn how to pay no interest for the first six months you own your new Chesmar home? Schedule an appointment with a New Home Consultant today.
Lennar
July Sales Event
Take advantage of Lennar’s fantastic offers from now through July 21. Finance through Lennar Mortgage Plus to lock in an FHA fixed rate of 4.25 percent (5.377 percent APR), up to a $40,000 price reduction and $6,000 toward closing costs.
Long Lake Ltd.
Lock in Interest Rate
For a limited time, the builder will help you lock in a low 4.99 percent interest rate when you purchase one of their select inventory homes.
At Balmoral, we are all about having fun in the sun. A great way to do that (besides hanging out on our white, sand beach) is to host a meal al fresco. Of course, to do that, you need an outdoor kitchen. Creating the ultimate outdoor kitchen involves combining functionality, durability and style to create a space that is perfect for cooking, entertaining and enjoying the outdoors. Here are some ideas:
Maximize Your Patio Potential
Because your outdoor kitchen will be vying for space with your dining and entertainment areas, pay close attention to your patio’s layout. A U-shaped or L-shaped layout can be highly efficient as it allows you to create separate areas for cooking, prepping, dining and lounging. If you plan on hosting a lot of outdoor gatherings, consider speaking to your builder about extending the patio.
Choose Your Appliances
The right appliances will make or break your outdoor dining experience. Choose high-quality appliances that are durable and can withstand the elements. A high-end gas grill with multiple burners will get your meat on the plate in no time, as well as help you prepare a few side dishes. A refrigerator and freezer will keep food and beverages chilled and easily accessible. Look into a few add-ons such as a pizza oven and smoker to add some versatility to your cooking repertoire.
Don’t Forget the Extras
Additional items that will make your life easier include a sink for easy clean-up, a warming drawer to keep food warm while you are putting the finishing touches on your masterpiece and a built-in trash compactor. An outdoor bar is a fun extra. The dedicated space should have storage for glassware, a beverage fridge and a sink.
Best Materials
When it comes to actual materials, durability should be a priority. For countertops, choose materials like granite, concrete or stainless steel that can withstand the elements. Weather-resistant materials like marine-grade polymer, stainless steel or teak are your best options for cabinetry. Your patio floor is also important. You want it to be attractive but slip resistant so choose materials like stone, brick or tile.
Sustainable and Smart
When designing your ultimate patio, make sure your appliances are eco-friendly and smart. Choose appliances with high energy efficiency ratings. Use solar-powered lights to reduce energy consumption. If you can, include a composting bin for organic waste. The environment will thank you. Take your home automation system outdoors for convenience. Install a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled grill for precise cooking control. Integrate smart lighting, irrigation for plants and sound systems that can be controlled via smartphone for convenience.
Additional Considerations
While you cook, guests should be comfortable. Equip a seating area with comfortable patio furniture. Include patio heaters or a fire pit for cooler nights and fans or misting systems for hot days. Install task lighting for cooking and ambient lighting for dining and socializing.
Talk to Our Builders
For more great patio ideas, visit our model homes and speak with our builders’ representatives. They can let you know what your options are for building the perfect home with the perfect patio.
The class of 2024 has graduated, and former Humble ISD high school students are off to college. Where are they going? Many places, but those who want to stay close to home — say, Balmoral residents — have a lot of great options. Even if you aren’t a recent grad, local colleges provide a range of educational opportunities from workforce training and associate degrees to transfer pathways to four-year universities. Here are some notable institutions near Balmoral:
Lone Star College – Kingwood offers a wide range of associate degrees and certificate programs in fields such as business, healthcare, engineering, computer science and liberal arts. The college also provides transfer pathways for students planning to pursue bachelor’s degrees at four-year universities.
Lone Star College – Atascocita Center
The Atascocita Center provides everything LSC-Kingwood does. Students are able to complete core classes toward an associate’s degree or a four-year transferable degree along with specialized pre-health occupational classes. Students can also take courses in business, healthcare, engineering, computer science and liberal arts.
Houston Community College – Northeast Campus
Houston Community College has a campus in Northeast Houston, which is relatively close to Humble. The college offers associate degrees, workforce certificates, and continuing education programs in various fields, including healthcare, business, technology and the arts. The college also provides transfer options for students planning to pursue bachelor’s degrees at four-year institutions.
University of Houston – Downtown
Within commuting distance of Humble is the University of Houston – Downtown. The school offers bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in areas such as business, criminal justice, education, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. The university emphasizes community engagement and provides opportunities for internships and experiential learning.
Balmoral residents are already getting out their grills preparing for the Memorial Day weekend. While meat will be the star attraction, you’ll want the support of some marvelous side dishes. Ready to up your game? Look at these suggestions:
Plenty of Potato Salad
A timeless side dish you can never go wrong with is potato salad. You can go classic or branch out and serve up deviled eggs combined with potatoes. Guests won’t be able to say no to potato salad with all the trimmings. If you’re looking for something a little healthier, try this garden potato salad.
Creative Corn
You can do more with corn than toss it on the grill. Give this zucchini, squash and corn casserole a try. Skip the corn on the cob and whip up this corn in a salad. All you need are three ingredients for this whipped cream corn salad. Got corn muffin mix? Then you can make corn souffle.
Creamy Coleslaw
What would a barbecue be without coleslaw? Cabbage is nice but broccoli is better. You can never go wrong with a classic coleslaw recipe. Vinegar, not mayo is the secret ingredient in South Carolina Slaw. If you’ve got 15 minutes you have time to throw together this slaw.
Beautiful Beans
Don’t just serve baked beans, serve Texas-style baked beans. Sweet and smokey cowboy beans will have your guests singing Home on the Range. Why slave over a hot oven when you can just toss these beans on the grill. This colorful black bean salad will tickle your taste buds.
Serve Up Salads
Salads are quick to make and go with anything. Skip the traditional pasta salad and add a little bacon. There’s nothing more refreshing than a cucumber salad. Roasted pepper-tomato salad with crispy black-eyed peas will be a memorable experience for your guests. Try this twist on seven-layer dip.
Grill Your Vegetables
Kabobs are fun to eat and healthy too. Yes, you can toss eggplant on the grill. If asparagus is in season, you’ll want to throw some on the grill. Potatoes on skewers? Yes, please!
Up Your Macaroni Game
Fresh veggies make this macaroni salad a star. Add roasted tomatoes to your mac’ n ‘cheese. We love this easy macaroni and corn casserole. Add some spice to your macaroni salad. Why make two separate dishes when you can combine macaroni with coleslaw?
Fabulous Fruit
Grill some brie and add strawberries for a spectacular appetizer. You’ve got to have watermelon so try it with mint. Pick up some peaches from the farmers market and go to town. Combine strawberries and arugula for a sweet and peppery salad.
School is almost out which means summer camp is on the horizon. If you haven’t signed your child up, you might want to get on that because spaces fill up quickly. Not sure which one is right for your child? Here are some Balmoral families’ favorites:
The Karate School
7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, June 3-Aug.6
Ages 5-13
$199 per week
Blending karate and day care, these camps will build confidence while kids enjoy field trips, games, arts, crafts, STEM activities, a carnival day and a talent show.
Cordovan Art School
Times vary, Monday-Friday, beginning June 10
Ages 5-16
$75-$400
Voted the best art camps in the Atascocita area, these camps will spark your child’s creative juices. They will learn to draw, play with clay, create anime and more. Half-day and full-day camps available.
School of Rock – Kingwood
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, beginning June 3
Ages 5-17
$550
Kids that like to rock will love these week-long camps. Beginner camps teach the basics while more advanced students will enjoy playing the greatest hits from the 60s, 70s and 90s.
J C Sports
9 a.m.-noon and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, beginning June 3
Ages 4-13
$80 single day, $225 half day, $350 full day
How does your child like to play? These camps cover a variety of topics from basic skills to sports and technology.
Creativity Shell
9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday, beginning June 3
Ages 3-18
$290-$350
Whatever your child’s interest —whether it’s cooking, sewing, baking, textile arts or clay play — they are sure to have fun at any of these week-long camps. Kids can study fashion design, architecture, color theory and more.
Second Baptist Sports Camp
1-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, June 24-27
$130
Kids will have fun playing a variety of fun games like dodgeball, kickball, capture the flag, and other games revolving around sports like basketball, flag football and soccer.