Thinking about buying a house? You’re going to need a good credit score. It’s not just a matter of whether you’ll get the loan; people with excellent credit often get loans with lower interest rates than those with poor credit scores.
So how do you know if you have a good score? Credit scores range from 300 to 850. If you’re above 800, you have an “excellent” credit score. Scores between 740 and 799 are considered “very good” while those ranging from 620 to 739 are generally rated “good” by credit reporting agencies. If your credit score sits between 580 and 669, you have a “fair” rating and are considered a “subprime borrower.” This means you may not be able to qualify for the better loans. And if your credit score sits below 580, you may not be able to get a loan at all. You can pull your credit report for free once each year through the official AnnualCreditReport.com.
There are ways to boost your credit score, however. The reporting agencies look at five criteria when determining scores:
The most important thing you can do is pay on time — every time. You’ll also want to not use more than 30 percent of your available credit. Note that you do want to use credit, however. No credit utilization means the companies don’t have any way to rate what kind of borrower you might be. Are you over that 30 percent threshold? Ask your credit card company for a limit increase.
If you do have what is considered a thin credit file, there are several ways to fatten up that report — including using your banking and rental history through the UltraFico program (banking) and an app such as Perch that will report rent payments to credit bureaus for free.
While it may be tempting to close unused credit card accounts, experts recommend leaving them open. Not only will those available balances go toward your credit usage limit but having an account for many years also adds to your credit score.
There are many other tips and tricks to improving your credit score, which can take many months or just one month depending on your particular situation. This article from Investopedia digs deep into if you should only pay minimums on credit cards, if you should apply for a new credit card and other tips on how to raise your score to a level that will have lenders clamoring for your business.
No matter how beautiful your new Balmoral kitchen is, you probably don’t want to turn the oven on to bake up treats. No problem. We’ve assembled a collection of mouthwatering no-bake treats you can serve at home, at the park or poolside!
Pop in Some Popsicles
Popsicles are the quintessential summer treat and so easy to make. Dreaming about Disney’s Dole Whip? Send the kids out to play with these Dole Whip popsicles. You can juice up any fruit, freeze it in molds and serve, but we are partial to these tropical kiwi ice pops. These orange strawberry surprise pops are gorgeous and healthy. Why should kids have all the fun? Whip up these red wine popsicles to share with your honey.
Slurp Down Smoothies
Smoothies are a cool, healthy treat everyone can enjoy. Serve up pineapple infused Summer Breeze smoothies for breakfast. Freeze this strawberry, banana and almond butter smoothie in a plastic cup or thermos in the morning and serve it at the park in the afternoon. Is there anything better than chocolate and bananas? Chocolate and bananas in a smoothie! Ditch the same old smoothie for this luscious layered one.
Sundays are For Sundaes
Spend a fun Sunday afternoon letting the kids go wild at this DIY sundae bar. If you prefer something a little less freeform, top off your ice cream with your favorite breakfast cereal. Who doesn’t love s’mores — especially when they come in sundae form. Grown-ups can get in on the sundae action with this spiked brownie sundae.
Cookies, Cakes and Pies — Oh My!
Cookies, cakes and pies are all made in the oven. Or are they? Whip up these chocolate-peanut butter cookies and watch them disappear. Use your freezer to make a batch of fruity no-bake cookies. A three-ingredient cheesecake? Yes please! You don’t have to travel to Florida for this delectable Key Lime pie. Pack these cherry cream cheese tarts if you are on the go. If you like pina coladas, have we got an icebox cake for you.
The only thing about making such yummy summery treats for family and friends is to make them in your new Balmoral kitchen. Talk with our builders to find out how you can make the move to our sunny community.
With pandemic restrictions easing, we’re all ready to get out and about. But there are some very good reasons why this year’s vacay might be a staycay, namely rising gas prices and airline cancellations. Who wants to spend vacation at the airport?
Balmoral residents have another reason why they might not be getting behind the wheel of a car or heading over to Bush Intercontinental Airport to go on vacation — they have a tropical paradise right in their own backyard.
A short walk, bike ride or golf cart ride to the Balmoral Amenity Village transports residents to the tropics, where white sand beaches, two acres of crystal clear water and swaying palm trees create an idyllic setting. There, kids can build sandcastles, toddlers can splash at the water’s edge and adults can lounge and relax. Those preferring a traditional pool can head to the infinity pool at the clubhouse, which overlooks the lagoon. Those wanting even more water play (and who doesn’t?), can head over to the splashpad at the Amenity Village. Planned events such as movie nights and float fests add to the beachy fun.
The Balmoral Amenity Village with its crystal clear lagoon (the state’s first!) is so fantastic that in 2020 it was named the best master-planned community amenity in Houston AND in Texas by the Greater Houston Builders Association and Texas Builders Association, respectively.
More opportunities for play are coming to Balmoral this summer when Victory Park opens. The park will have a tennis court, basketball pavilion, sports field, two playgrounds, amphitheater and more.
Of course, Balmoral residents who must jet off to some distant location have it easier than most — Bush Intercontinental Airport is less than 10 miles away.
Would you like to not worry about next year’s vacation? Several of our builders have homes underway now.
Texas offers many options for summer adventures. The Lake Houston area is one of them. Something of a hidden gem, Lake Houston has something for everyone, including outdoor enthusiasts, thrillseekers, fashionistas and more. Best off all, everything is minutes from Balmoral.
Explore the Lake
Lake Houston is an 11,000-acre reservoir for the San Jacinto River. Stocked with catfish, largemouth bass, white crappie, bluegill and more, the lake is popular with fishers. Sailors also love it. Kayaks, motorized boats, canoes and more are all welcome. There are a few beaches and swimming holes available for families looking to cool down.
Camp, Hike, Wander
If camping is in your blood, head out to Lake Houston Wilderness Park. The 5,000-acre park is the only one in the Houston Parks and Recreation system that allows overnight camping. Not a camper? No problem. You can spend the day hiking or biking the more than 20 miles of forested trails. Equestrian trails are also available (BYOH – Bring Your Own Horse). Children will enjoy learning about the local flora and fauna at the Joe Turner Nature Center.
Stop and Smell the Flowers
An option for those who prefer a more manicured approach to nature, this nationally recognized arboretum and botanical garden boasts the largest collection of native and cultivated plants in the region. Visitors can stop and smell the pink camellias, admire the Dogwood trees, hike well-maintained trails, picnic and enter the butterfly house. Best of all, it’s free.
Do It All at Grand Texas
What’s there to do at Grand Texas? What isn’t there! Grand Texas is a multi-theme adventure park where families can cool down at Big Rivers Waterpark, race go-carts at Speedsportz Racing Park and hold baby gators at Gator Bayou Adventure Park.
Shop, Dine Play
What do you feel like doing this weekend? Shop? Dine out? Attend a concert? You can do it all at Redemption Square. Located within Generation Park, Redemption Square offers shops, restaurants and activities. Summer events include the First Friday Night Market and Concert series, summer movie nights and Saturday cars and coffee mornings.
Old McDonald Has a Farm
Spend a day down on the farm. Old McDonald’s Farm has been entertaining families for more than 30 years. The 15-acre park features a petting zoo, pony rides, a train ride, duck pond, forts and a swimming pool.
Kick Back with a Cold One
The Lake Houston area is a paradise for craft brew lovers. The area boasts four craft breweries each more delicious than the last. Ingenious Brewing Company features 24 taps and an ever-changing menu of sours, pilsners, ales and stouts. Add a frozen “beer topper” to keep things cool. Back Pew Brewing makes its home in an old church but the beer is anything but conventional. Megaton Brewery serves up its own brews as well as ciders and wine. Lake Houston Brewery offers great beer, great food and a magnificent view of the lake.
Balmoral residents have beautiful kitchens, but when the Texas heat is on, they flock to their favorite local restaurants. Which ones do they favor? Take a look.
3333 Atascocita Road
Humble, Texas 77396
281-852-6261
Ken “Pop” Hunt made his dream of owning a crawfish restaurant a reality in 2012 and people come from miles away to chow down. The family-owned restaurant serves New Orleans staples such as crawfish, garlic shrimp and all the fixings. The entire Hunt family went to attend “sno-ball school” at Hansen’s Sno-Bliz — the oldest sno-ball stand in New Orleans — to learn the art of shaved ice, making this crawfish “shack” a cool place to slurp down snow cones.
631 Wilson Road
Humble, Tx 77338
281-623-5091
Hippo Burgers may have five locations now, but it got its start in Humble. Billed as the best burger in Humble, it’s a staple with the locals who stop off to pick up the original Hippo Burger as well as chicken sandwiches, nachos, Cajun onion rings, delectable shakes and more.
5105 FM 1960 E
Humble TX 77346
281-812-4777
The only authentic Indian restaurant and grocery serving the Kingwood, Humble and Atascocita neighborhoods delivers curries, biryani, vegetarian dishes and naan as well as spices and ayurvedic natural products.
217 S Avenue G
Humble, Texas 77338
281-446-6717
For special occasions, Balmoral residents make reservations at the only French bistro in town. Locals dine on dishes such as escargot, seared foie gras, blue crab, filet mignon and crème brulee. Wines are expertly selected to pair beautifully with your meal.
5354 FM 1960 Road E
Humble, TX
281-570-4094
A unique restaurant in Humble, this family-owned business serves up Korean delights including pan-fried dumplings, kimchi tofu stew, chicken katsu and Korean pork belly. Korean pancakes are a particular favorite.