Local Economic News

There is great economic news for the Central Texas area this week. The 2009 Milken Institute/Greenstreet Real Estate Partners Best-Performing Cities Index has ranked the Killeen-Temple-Ft. Hood metropolitan area number 2 of the 200 largest metropolitan areas based on how well they are creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth. Last year the Killeen-Temple-Ft. Hood metro area ranked number 13 out of 200. The ranking uses job, salary, technology growth to create a score for each metro area. You can visit www.MilkenInstitute.org for more information or to view the entire report. I know this is not exactly real estate related or Knights Ridge specific, but positive economic information affects all of us. Congratulations Central Texas.

Sorry for the Absence

It's been quite a week in our area lately. This past week we've seen the worst and the best that mankind has to offer. Last week I was asked if anyone would donate blood for a fallen police officer and the community rose to the task. The next day, we were faced with the tragedy at Fort Hood and once again, our local community met and exceeded any and all expectations.

Heroes fell that day and many heroes stood up and came to the aid of their compatriots. Our community continues to give and support those who were victims last week. Several restaurants are raising funds for mass shooting victims. Patronize them if possible to show your support.

Today is Veterans Day, a day to remember those who have served our country in military service. With the memory of those who suffered and lost so much last week fresh on our minds, let us also remember all those who have gone before, who have served in times of war and of peace, at home and abroad. Because we are constantly surrounded by those who serve and have served, we have a unique opportunity everyday. Don't be ashamed to thank our veterans for the sacrifices they have given for our country, and for you.

If you are a veteran then I want to thank you, for you have individually and collectively defended the freedoms we hold so dear. You give yourself 100% in support of this country...my country...and words cannot express the gratitude I have for you. We may not say it enough or we may say it so much that it becomes just a part of the backdrop..."We Support Our Troops"...but take it from me: You are appreciated, you are supported and you are worthy of the honor that is being a soldier in our United States of America. Thank you veterans, and families of veterans. We would not be who we are without you.

Injured Harker Heights police officer...

Hello, all, one of Harker Heights finest was critically injured in an automobile accident on Tuesday. I received the following request for help:


On Tuesday, November 4th Officer Jeremy Hempel of the Harker Heights Police Department was critically injured in an automobile accident in Harker Heights. Officer Hempel sustained a fractured neck, several abdominal injuries and severe injuries to both knees in the collision. He is currently hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit at Scott and White, and has under gone hours of emergency surgery and faces additional surgical procedures in the future. The accident was not duty related.

Anyone wishing to support Officer Hempel may donate blood at the Scott and White Blood bank in his name, any donations or support of any kind is greatly appreciated. Officer Hempel resides in Nolanville with his wife and two children. You may contact me at 254-449-6311 if you further information or have questions.

Thanks,

John Moseley
KPD Retired

As a community, we must all stick together and help each other out. I know that any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Veterans Day 2009...Giving Back to Those That Give.

Next Wednesday, November 11th is Veterans Day and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the service men and women, past and present, that have served this country to defend the freedoms we all enjoy (and, unfortunately, sometimes take for granted). You've got a week to get ready. Make your plans and let's all treat our veterans well with the honor and respect they deserve. Veterans Day is a a wonderful concept, but we should remember our veterans all year long, not just one day.

What is Veterans Day and where did it come from? On June 4, 1926 the Congress passed the following concurrent resolution:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

This resolution created Armistace Day, a day honoring those who fought and died in World War 1 and dedicated to the cause of World Peace. In 1954 Armistace Day was renamed Veterans Day and has since served as a celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. With that idea in mind, I wanted to share some Veterans Day freebies/discounts that you might enjoy:

Veterans and active duty military personnel eat free from a selected menu on November 11 at Applebees. Click the logo to the left for full details.

Golden Corral is offering their 9th annual Military Appreciation Monday on November 16 (the first Monday after Veterans Day) from 5pm to 9pm. Anyone who has ever served in the military can enjoy a free dinner. Click logo for more information.

Here's a fun fact, in addition to special discount days, Lowes offers a military discount ALL YEAR LONG. The only catch is you have to ask for it when you are checking out. Small price to pay, really. I verified this today with a manager at a the local Killeen Lowes. The same is true for Home Depot stores. They offer a 10% military discount all year around. You only need to ask for it at the checkout.

So thank you, Veterans...and Veteran's families. You've made, and continue to make, sacrifices for the love of this country and in the name of freedom. God bless you and God bless America.

I do understand the history lesson was a bit abbreviated and does not include everything. I think it's improtant to know our history and where we've come from. Look it up and read about it. Ours is a rich history.

Home sales pick up in area

Home sales pick up in area

Hey, everyone, I thought you might find this article from the Killeen Daily Herald interesting (see above link). It seems that for two consecutive months (August and September) more Fort Hood area (including Killeen, Harker Heights, Copperas Cove and Nolanville) homes sold in 2009 than the same period in 2008. Let's hope this is a trend that continues. For those of you that are homeowners, things are looking up. For those of you renting, you might want to move toward purchasing as prices are sure to start edging up if this trend continues. Ya'll have a great day...

Neighborhood Real Estate Activity

Good Saturday afternoon, to everyone in Knights Ridge. As a part of this blog, I will give weekly market reports for homes in Knights Ridge. If you ever have any questions about real estate in Knights Ridge or anywhere in central Texas, please feel free to contact me. The information is FREE!!!

Currently there are ten active listings and nine listing with contracts pending (essentially sold, just not closed yet). The one property that did close this week was a new construction home with a per plan square footage of 2139 sqft on an oversized lot that sold for $221,500 or $103.55 per square foot.

Of the homes that are currently available, six are new homes, three are existing homes and one is a Fannie Mae Foreclosure. The ten homes range in price from $144,900 (1728 sqft) to $214,500 (2145 sqft) for an average $95.30/sqft. The six new construction homes average $99.99/sqft asking, while the resales average $90.29/sqft asking and the foreclosed home is asking $83.85/sqft.

On the contract pending side, all but one are new homes that were generally offered for $100/sqft or more. The one resale home that is currently under contract was listed at $174,500 for 1790 sqft.

The preceeding information was gathered from the Fort Hood Area Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Monster Dash 5K

The Harker Heights parks and recreation department in conjunction with the Rotary Club are sponsoring the "Scare Away Polio Monster Dash 5K Run/Walk". The event will be at the Carl Levin Park this Saturday, October 24. Check in is at 7am, race starts at 8. Runners can (and are encouraged to) wear costumes. There will also be a children's run that starts at 8:45. Come on out for a morning of family fun. Registration Form