| Homebuying | Apartments | Section 8 | Insurance |
Building Code
  • Harris County does NOT have its own building code.
    In general, the unincorporated area of Harris County is under state law.
    In particular, there is an state energy use building code for passed in 2005 which utilizes the 2003 International Residential Code with 2005 Texas Revisions. [NOTE: The Texas revisions do NOT apply to Harris County.]
  • The City of Houston, on the other hand, does have ordinance-making power and has its own building code.
    Homebuying
  • First-Time Homebuyers (HUD)
  • City of Houston Good Neighbor Program (Discounts for teachers, firemen, police, etc.)
  • Fannie Mae Community Solutions (See program for teachers)
  • Gimme Shelter newsletter (Texas A&M Real Estate Center)[See program for teachers]
  • Home Improvement with David Yates
  • eHome.com | eRealty.com |
  • Houston Assn of Realtors | UrbanRealtors.com |
  • Neighborhood Info
  • Texas Real Estate Commission | Real Estate Center (at Texas A&M) |
  • Home Front (Houston Chronicle)
  • HUD Home Buying Guide | HomeSteps (Freddie Mac) |
  • Mortgage 101 | E-Loan | Fannie Mae | Amortization Formula |
  • Reverse Mortgages (AARP) | Reverse Mortgages (NCHEC) | Reverse Mortgages (Calif. Dept. of Real Estate) |
  • Harris County Appraisal District (Real Property appraisals) | Homestead Exemption (HCAD Forms) |
  • Real Property Database (Harris County Clerk's Office)[Click Search Databases]
  • Greater Houston Builders Assn | HomeBuilder.com |
    Foreclosures (in Houston area)
  • HUD (Houston) | VA (Ocwen VA contract) |
  • Homesales.gov (Single family homes for sale by US govt.) | Houston Real Estate |
  • Foreclosure Listing Service (Pay Site) | Harris County Auctions |
    Apartments (Renting Apt/Condo/House)
  • Tenants' Council of Houston
  • Houston Apartment Association | TX Apt. Assn |
  • Texas Bar | Tenant's Rights |
  • Real Estate Center
  • TX Atty General
  • Apartments.com
    Section 8
  • What is Section 8? | Section 8 Federal Law | Housing Choice Vouchers (HUD) |
  • Search for housing which accepts Section 8 vouchers [using Go Section 8.com]
    WAITING LISTS
  • Harris County Housing Authority
  • NOTE: Harris County is currently accepting new applications ONLINE ONLY from August 18, 2008 to September 30, 2008.
  • City of Houston
  • NOTE: City of Houston's waiting list is currently closed. The city last accepted applications for Section 8 vouchers Dec. 11, 2006 to Dec. 24, 2006
    Insurance
  • HelpInsure.com | InsureTexas.org |
  • Texas Dept. of Insurance | Office of Public Insurance Counsel |
  • Comparing Texas HMOs | A.M. Best |
  • Texas Coalition for Affordable Insurance Solutions
  • Consumer Insurance Guide | Quicken Insurance | InsWeb | GEICO |
  • Consumer Guide for Getting & Keeping Health Insurance
  • Medicare/Medicaid/Children's Health Insurance Program [CHIP]
  • Back to Search Engines
    Perpetual Beta
    Last Modified: 8/26/2008