Button2008

I have been using DishNetwork for last 8 years. Overall, the quality is pretty good. I started subscribing HD channels about 3 years ago. HD is a must (with a HD TV) now.

The location of TV dish may have something to do with the downtime. Three years ago, my dish was on the roof ridge, wind and heavy rain caused more downtime. Now I have the dishes installed on the ground back to a wall, it seems working very well. (However, I do not watch TV during the sever thurnder storms.) Local HD channels work very well - no traffic jam time at all.

However, I do not have a lot of "good" to say on the phone calls (total about 5 times) to their severvice representatives - long waiting time, not very friendly attitude. There was one time when I called the service to diagnose and fix a problem, a guy answered my call and he solved my problem pretty smoothly (it took a while, but very nice).

Another complain I have on DishNetwork is pretty expensive. I have to pay about $95/month (a 200-channel package with HD channels, 1 DVR, 1 DV). Anybody got a better deal?

Anyway, we really like Grand Lakes (Phase 3), as the homes are newer and it's very close to the Westpark Tollway.

I was hoping some the area residents could lend a few words on what they think about the Grand Lakes Phase 3 subdivision.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Not sure if you mind the traffic noise. Some houses in Grand Lakes (Phase 3) are very close to Grand PKWY, and traffic noise could bother you. Other than that, great houses and great values!

We live in Falcon Ranch, Our home went up 25% last year and this year it has remained FLAT. It did not go up nor down. In my other house, in the same subdivision, the value was also FLAT. I am actually going to go fight it (I want it to be lower I believe they are too high) this is the first time that I actually am going to do it, does anybody know if it is hard for them to try to lower the value and what do I have to do. ANY help is appreciated, thanks.

One of ways to protest the house appraisal value is to have a house market value analysis - the average sold price ($/sq ft) of comparable houses in your neighborhood or nearby. If current appraisal value is much more than that, you have a case.

Mine goes up to 10%, as well as my neighbors

There were a couple of big meetings regarding tolled or not for the section between I10 and Westpark Tollway a couple of years back. Public opposed the idea of "toll way" for the section.

Hopefully, it will be kept as "freeway" for the section at least.

Also, there were reports saying that there is a possiblility to convert the Grandparkway (West of US 59 - all way from North US59 to South Us59) into the I69 - TransTexas, which is very scary.

I would suggest you spend a couple of days to go through all documents by youself so that you'll have an idea what you will have signed, which you will benefit from that for future reference. Specifically, the very important documents: title (for a new house, it may not be an issue), mortgage interest, deed restrictions etc.

After going through all those papers, you may have a lot of questions that you can ask when you sign the papers. The process helps you a lot.

Attorney will be long gone if you have any issue down the road. Reading those documents and fine prints will help you to take care those issues (if any).

GOOD LUCK!

Based upon the following reports, I-69/Trans-Texas Corridor will be re-routed in Houston through 610 or GrandParkway, any thoughts on the possiblities?

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/reales...ds/5829945.html

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nb/for...ws/5856255.html