From the category archives:

The Woodlands Texas - 411

How To Choose The Right Real Estate Agent To Sell Your Property For The Most Money – The Woodlands TX

by Ken Brand on February 8, 2010

Banging around on the computer, working on Market Reports for The Woodlands TX, while I watch ESPN’s Super Bowl pre-game reports. Can’t wait till kick-off.

Let me share this report and factual find.

The Real Estate Icons I work with are the VERY BEST listing agents in The Woodlands Area Market. How do I know? I know because when you parse all the numbers, you will see that on average we net our sellers 3% more than our closest competitor. The average sales price in The Woodlands hovers around $340,000. That just under $10,000 MORE for our sellers every time and $10,000 LESS for sellers who choose another brokerage firm

That’s a big deal right? I think so. I know our sellers do to.

Check It Out.

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The Woodlands Texas – Real Estate Sales and Listing Inventory, By Price Range / January-February 2010

by Ken Brand on February 5, 2010

I’ll share a full pantry of detailed reports in the next couple days. In the mean time, take a look at this By Price Range report.

We’re seeing growing buyer and seller activity. Written contracts were 3 less than January 2009. Active for-sale inventory is down 5.25%. Inventory is currently at 776, last year, same time, 819. No big deal, like I said, activity is beginning to pick up, buyers are setting viewing appointments and sellers are prepping their homes for sale. Last week we had an Open House Blitz (our next one is scheduled for February 21st.), our agents reported anywhere from 3 to 27 people touring their Open House in a 2 hour period. Total traffic count peaked at just under 200 people,

I’m thinking that the threat of higher mortgage rates, a time limit on the Homebuyer Tax Credit and expiration of leases, the next 120 will be brisk. I believe this article from Business Week speaks loudly – If You Don’t Buy A Home Now, You’re Either Broke or Stupid.

Here’s what it looks like, you can download the .PDF version HERE.

If we can help you with anything real estate related, call me – Ken Brand 832-797-1779.

Thanks

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The Woodlands TX Open House Blitz – Sunday, January 31st.

by Ken Brand on January 29, 2010

Time is running out on both Homebuyer Tax Credits, check out our Open Houses this weekend, choose the one you like and we’ll take care of the rest.

There are few times in our lives when homes and the interest rates to buy them are “on sale”. And now, an IRS Tax Credit that has been expanded to include current homeowners, as well as first-time homebuyers makes this “Window of Opportunity” even greater for people considering buying a home. The previous IRS Tax Credit was limited to First-Time Homebuyers with income limits of $75,000, however those have now been expanded to income limits of up to $225,000.

Most economists predict that inflation is in our future,so the best time to capitalize on rising prices is to purchase before the prices rise. An IRS Tax Credit makes this a moment in time that spells O-P-P-O-R-T-U-N-I-T-Y for investing in a home. And it expires April 30, 2010.

If buying a home is in your future, please log on to www.garygreene.com and select an agent to assist you in finding the home of your dreams. irstaxcreditparameters

For the most comprehensive information about the new IRS Tax Credit expansion and extension, PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

If you’d like to visit our January 31st, Sunday Open Houses…

You can download a copy of our full page Houston Chronicle Ad – CLICK HERE..

To preview Prudential Gary Greene, Realtor Open Houses City Wide – CLICK HERE

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The Woodlands TX – Community Update, January 28th, 2010

by Ken Brand on January 29, 2010

Thank you to The Woodlands Development Company for sharing the updates:

Toll Brothers Celebrating Grand Opening with Special Events for Realtors and the Public

Toll Brothers Celebrating Grand Opening with Special Events for Realtors and the Public Toll Brothers, the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes, has announced the grand opening of its stunning new model home, the St. Michael Provincial, in Tupelo Woods, a new neighborhood located in The Woodlands’ Village of Creekside Park. Realtors are invited to a special Grand Opening Preview this Friday evening, January 29, from 5:30 – 8:30 pm. There will be food and fun, $750 in giveaways, and the grand prize of a getaway trip for two to Las Vegas! Free valet parking will add that special luxurious touch to this elegant evening preview. To RSVP, e-mail creeksidepark@tollbrothers.com or call 281-255-0299.

The public Grand Opening celebration takes place Saturday, January 30 and Sunday, January 31. New home buyers are invited to tour the professionally decorated model, and meet, greet and learn design tips from the interior designers on Saturday, January 30 from 1 – 5 pm. Home buyers can also take advantage of introductory pricing.

When completed, Toll Brothers’ enclave in Tupelo Woods will feature 30 luxurious single-family homes. The home collection showcases six elegant floor plans ranging from 3,200 to over 4,000 square feet and priced from the mid-$400’s. With hundreds of options available, each home can be personalized to reflect the homeowner’s individual taste and lifestyle. For more information about Toll Brother’s homes in Tupelo Woods, contact Amy Stansbury, Sales Manager, at 281-357-8777.

Tupelo Woods is nestled in a serene area surrounded by mature trees, and features close proximity to walking trails, the new Creekside Forest Elementary School, Rob Fleming Park and Aquatic Center, the site of the newYMCA scheduled to open in mid-2010, and the 1,700-acre George Mitchell Nature Preserve.

Toll Brothers is also open for pre-construction sales in the neighborhood of Player Vista in the Village of Sterling Ridge. This extraordinary neighborhood is located on the Gary Player Signature golf course. The Village of Sterling Ridge encompasses a wide range of conveniences including nearby shopping, abundant indoor and outdoor recreation and nearby public and private schools. For information about Toll Brothers’ homes in Sterling Ridge, call Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors 281-367-3531.

For general information about Toll Brothers, visit www.tollbrothers.com/Texas.

Two Elegant Custom Homes Open for Touring This Weekend

Two custom homes bordering the Gary Player Signature golf course in the Village of Sterling Ridge will be open for touring this weekend. Here are the details:

74 Silvermont
Leigh Custom Homes
4 bedrooms, 4 ½ baths, 3-car garage
4,284 square feet
$778,800
Open Saturday, January 30 and Sunday, January 31, 1 – 4 pm

31 E. Black Knight
Keith Morgan Custom Homes
5 bedrooms, 5 ½ baths, 3-car garage
5,512 square feet
$997,000
Open Sunday, January 31 from 1 – 4 pm

For more information about these homes and other available custom homes in The Woodlands, call Robyn Brand @ The Woodlands Custom Homes at 281-367-4550 and visit www.thewoodlandscustomhomesonline.com.

2010 Tax Information Now Available at The Woodlands Homefinder Center

Stop by The Woodlands Homefinder Center for a copy of the 2010 tax information for all areas of The Woodlands. With the transition from the Community Associations of The Woodlands to The Woodlands Township, the tax structure has also changed. Keep apprised of the latest tax information by picking up your personal copy today!

New Models Now Open in Jagged Ridge

Chesmar Homes and Gracepoint Homes are offering new homes in the neighborhood of Jagged Ridge in the Village of Creekside Park. These single-family homes are priced from the $210’s to the $250’s. Pictured is Chesmar’s model, The Tremar, which includes 2,391 square feet and is priced from $232,990. Featured in the two-story design are three first floor bedrooms, game room up with full bath, three bathrooms, two-car attached garage, large family room adjacent to open kitchen and breakfast room, and formal dining room. The master bath features a separate tub and shower and his and her closets.

Six beautiful home plans are available from Chesmar Homes in Jagged Ridge, ranging in size from 2,123 – 2,343 square feet. Brick, and brick and stone elevations are offered on all plans and a full GE appliance package is standard including front-load washer and dryer. All homes are Energy Star Certified, Certified Green and carry theEnvironments for Living™ usage and comfort guarantee.

Gracepoint Homes offers seven designs in this neighborhood. Sizes range from approximately 2,174 to 2,699 square feet and include up to four bedrooms and up to three baths (many with half baths). A brick or brick and stone elevation is featured. All homes are Energy Star Certified and comply with the guidelines set by the Environments for Living® program.

The Village of Creekside Park encompasses vast areas of parklands, totaling 1,850 acres including the 1,700-acreGeorge Mitchell Nature Preserve, named in honor of The Woodlands’ founder George Mitchell; the 20-acreFleming Park including the Rob Fleming Aquatic Center, named for the late Rob Fleming, Texas Parks and Wildlife naturalist and artist; and 72-acre Lake Paloma, a scenic waterway through the center of the village.

This summer, the South Montgomery County YMCA plans to open an Outdoor Education Facility in the Village of Creekside Park. Public schools in Creekside Park are part of the Tomball Independent School District. Tomball ISD has committed to three school sites in the new village. The first school, Creekside Forest Elementary, is an elementary campus serving students in grades K-6 that opened for the 2009-2010 school year.

For more information about new homes in Jagged Ridge, call Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors – 281-367-3531

Market Street Revels in Early Success of AVIA Boutique Hotel

What kind of impact can a high-end, boutique hotel have on a lifestyle shopping and entertainment destination? At Market Street-The Woodlands®, the answer is plenty. Less than two weeks after Market Street welcomed its newest anchor tenant, the sophisticated, 70-room AVIA hotel, Market Street’s fashion tenants and restaurants immediately noticed an increase in customer traffic and sales, particularly on weekends.

While guests at the posh hotel vary from couples enjoying weekend getaways to individual U.S. business travelers and families traveling from Mexico, they all have one trait in common – they enjoy shopping!

“We’ve definitely seen an increase in customer traffic, particularly on Saturdays, since the hotel opened,” noted Kristen Dougherty, General Manager of the Baby Gap and Gap Kids in Market Street.

“Our launch at Market Street has been very successful so far,” said Kendra Smith, Manager of Tattu Denim, a purveyor of premium, custom jeans for men and women that opened in Market Street just before the AVIA hotel opened.

“Our sales are up 10-15 percent since AVIA opened,” noted Frank Barnard, President of Flatbread Ventures, LLC, owners of Pizza by Marco. “The hotel certainly has brought an exciting element to the area.”

Each of AVIA’s guestrooms and suites features an elegant, contemporary design with custom lighting, 42-inch flat screen TV, MP3 docking stations, wired/wireless Internet and an in-room laptop safe. The property’s second-floor Terrace is a comfortable outdoor space with an infinity pool, outdoor seating and a fire pit overlooking Market Street.

Besides its immediate impact on Market Street’s existing tenants, the presence of the new, boutique hotel has led to an avalanche of new lease deals at the 500,000-square-foot, open-air shopping and entertainment destination. Market Street is well over 90 percent leased with occupancy levels at their highest point since the award-winning project opened in 2004. Market Street currently houses 90 tenants, including 18 restaurants.

New tenants at Market Street include 1252 Tapas Bar, Stadia Sports Grill & Bar and fashion tenants LMD Boutique and Langford Market. Other newcomers include Charming Charlie, All About Feet, the home furnishings and accessories store Belle Maison, and Red Mango, serving all-natural frozen yogurts.

For more information about Market Street-The Woodlands, visit www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com. For information about AVIA hotel, log on to www.aviahotels.com.

The Woodlands Resort is Set for Valentine’s Day with Special Packages and a Love Photo Contest

Make your reservations today for a special Valentine’s Package at The Woodlands Resort. This Valentine’s Day Weekend, February 12 -14, you can enjoy cozying up with your sweetheart in deluxe guestroom accommodations while sipping champagne and indulging in chocolate dipped strawberries. Included in the package are custom his and her monogrammed robes as part of The Resort’s Take the Robe Home Romance Package, starting at $269 per night. Throw on your plush robes and enjoy breakfast in your guestroom the next morning.

To add to your experience, make reservations for a romantic dinner in The Woodlands Dining Room overlooking Lake Harrison on Saturday, February 13 or Sunday, February 14. You can also treat your sweetheart to a lavish Champagne Brunch on Sunday, February 14 in The Woodlands Dining Room. The cost is $29 for adults and $15 for children 6-12 years.

For reservations, call 281-367-1100. Custom monogrammed robes are available if booked by February 7, otherwise guests will receive “His” and “Her” monogrammed robes.

The Woodlands Resort has also launched a Love Photo Contest, begging the question “What is love?” Participants are being asked to submit images revealing what love looks like to them. Perhaps it’s a tender hug between a brother and sister, or a loving couple celebrating 50 years of marriage.

One winner will receive an Enchanted Romance getaway at The Woodlands Resort just in time for Valentine’s Day. The package includes deluxe accommodations in Fairway Pines, breakfast in bed for two from room service, champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries, turndown service and access to the fitness center, sauna and steam room.

The photo contest runs now through February 8. To enter, simply e-mail your photo with a description of 200 words or less to Contests@WoodlandsResort.com. Type “Photo Contest” in the subject line. One entry per person. Please include contact name, phone number and address in the e-mail.

Anadarko Petroleum Corp. in The Woodlands was ranked #4 among the Top 25 Campaigns of the United Way of Greater Houston, with a total 2008 gift of $1,468,097.
Two worthwhile local charities – The Montgomery County Women’s Center and The Community Clinic – were the beneficiaries of a Black Tie Dinner And Auction Fundraiser hosted by Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in The Woodlands recently. The event raised $215,000 for the charities.
Winners of the Drum Major Award presented at the 22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on January 18 were Don and Barbara Gebert and Jimmie and Elsa Dotson. Both couples are very involved in volunteering for many organizations in the local community.

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The Woodlands TX, Town Hall Meeting Recap – January 27th, 2010

by Ken Brand on January 29, 2010

The Woodlands TX Township Town Hall Meeting Recap

Here is a recap of last evenings, Town Hall meeting. Over 200 residents showed up, spoke out and did a wonderful job. Thank-you for coming out. If you still have questions, please send them to me and I will forward them to the proper departments. This is your Hometown. The election is coming up in May and if you wish to run for a position, please let me know and I get you all the information you need. This is a great place to live and with your help we can make it even better.

Law Enforcement

The 2010 budget for law enforcement is $7.3 million.

District #6:

· 82 total personnel assigned by Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), managed by a captain (currently 63 positions are filled as of January 20, 2010)
· Community policing districts increased from 5 to 7 to provide better coverage
· Officers are assigned specifically to The Woodlands and will attend Village Association meetings
· Better data will be available as reporting is segregated for The Woodlands – District #6
· MSCO is hiring now and the program should be fully implemented by May, 2010

The Village of Creekside Park will continue to be served by Harris County Constable’s Office.

The Woodlands Alert system provides alerts on criminal activity and safety issues as part of The Woodlands Watch program. The Woodlands Alert system was initiated as a more effective method of alerting residents than the former “phone tree” which required Watch members to pass messages along to other members and neighbors. The alert system is designed to notify residents of issues of broad concern and is not designed to be an accounting of all activity in the community. Those interested in the full crime statistics can review the numbers in the Community Policing Reports.

Crime alerts are sent through the Woodlands Alert system to make residents aware of major criminal activity and suspicious activity in neighborhood areas. However, not every burglary of a motor vehicle or theft that is reported will be reported on the Woodlands Alert system.

Communication Channels

Township Directors and staff can be reached directly through their e-mail addresses or phone numbers or through the website,www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov, Email: Township Directors’ and key staff members’ email addresses are available online. As part of the transition, most email addresses have changed; however, the previous email addresses are rerouted to staff members’ new addresses.

Public meetings: The Woodlands Township is subject to the Texas Open Meetings Act. All Township Board of Directors’ meetings are open to the public with an agenda posted 72 hours prior to the meeting. Monthly Township Board of Directors’ meetings are typically held on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m., and include a time for “Public Comment” during which time residents and businesses have the ability to address the entire Board. In addition, the Township Board of Directors does schedule 2 Town Hall meetings in the evenings per year.

Bid Requirements

The Woodlands Township requires competitive bidding for goods totaling $25,000 or more. Once the bids are received, they are presented to the Board for approval. By law, professional services are not required to be bid out; however, professional services totaling more than the President’s approval authority are typically secured through a Request for Proposal, and contracts are awarded by the Board.

Please note that during the transition period, due to the complex nature of combining the Community Associations and the Community Association Service companies with The Woodlands Township, some professional services that would have normally been placed out for RFP were not, in favor of institutional knowledge. As we move forward with the combined organizations, most professional services will be secured through an RFP process

Township Board Meeting Schedule

At the August 27, 2008 Board meeting, the Board of Directors adopted a recommendation from the Committee on Governance and Nominations to change the meeting time from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.,

Committee Structure

The Woodlands Township has several committees with varied membership. The current committee structure has evolved over time, and additional changes may be required once the Board changes from 11 Directors to 7 Directors in May, 2010.

Committees by Appointment

Audit Committee

(1 yr term, expires June 2010)

Vicki Richmond, Chairman

Kemba DeGroot

Tom Campbell

Museum Committee (Ad Hoc)

(1 yr term, expires June 2010)

Vicki Richmond, Chairman

Ed Robb

Bruce Tough

Robert Heineman

( Alex Sutton ’s designee)

Community Members:

David Gottlieb

Michael Richmond

Project Planning and Development Committee

(1 yr term, expires June 2010)

Lloyd Matthews, Chairman

Ed Robb

Alex Sutton

Bruce Tough

Bob Kinnear

Public Facilities Administration Committee

(1 yr term, expires June 2010)

Kemba DeGroot, Chairman

Claude Hunter

Alex Sutton

Water Taxi Committee (Ad Hoc)

(1 yr term, expires June 2010)

Nelda Blair, Chairman

Peggy Hausman

Kemba DeGroot

Parks and Recreation Advisory Council

Township Appointment

(6 month term, expires June 2010)

Claude Hunter

Development Standards Committee Just reappointed by a vote of 10 to 1

(1 yr term, expires December 2010)

Township Appointments:

Chris Florack

Ken Parker

Deborah Sargeant

Michael Sawran

TheWoolands Land Development Appointments:

Ken Anderson

Kim Hell

Robert Heineman

Committee on Governance & Nominations

Appointed by written ballot

(2 yr term, expires June 2010)

Ed Robb, Chairman

Alex Sutton

Bruce Tough

Executive Committee

Appointed by written ballot

(1 yr term, expires June 2010)

Nelda Blair, Chairman

Lloyd Matthews, Vice Chairman

Bruce Tough, Vice Chairman

Vicki Richmond, Treasurer/Asst. Secretary

Alex Sutton, Secretary

Investment Committee

(1 yr term, expires June 2010)

Vicki Richmond, Treasurer

Alex Sutton, Secretary

Don Norrell, President, Township

The Woodlands Fire Department

Elected by written ballot (Terms expire Dec. 2009)

Bruce Tough (Postponed until June 2010)

Tom Campbell

Claude Hunter

Lloyd Matthews

The Woodlands Community Service Corporation

Elected by written ballot (Terms expire Dec. 2009)

Bruce Tough (Postponed until June 2010)

Tom Campbell

Claude Hunter

Lloyd Matthews

The Woodlands Recreation Centers, Inc.

Elected by written ballot (Terms expire Dec. 2009)

Claude Hunter (Postponed until June 2010)

Bob Kinnear

Vicki Richmond

The Woodlands Convention and Visitors Bureau

(4 positions Elected by written ballot)

(1 yr term, expires June 2010)

Nelda Blair

Peggy Hausman

Lloyd Matthews

Claude Hunter

Fred Domenick

Kent Johnson

Karen Hoylman

Don Norrell

Nick Wolda, President

Casey Snyder, General Manager

Development Standards Committee Appointments

The Development Standards Committee (DSC) provides architectural control and functions as the appeal board only for properties encumbered with The Woodlands Community Association (WCA) Covenants, as described in Article IX of the Covenants.

As successor entity to WCA, in accordance with the Transition Agreement, the Mutual Benefits Agreements and its amendments, the Township appoints four members to the DSC and The Woodlands Development Company designates three (3) persons who have experience in architecture, engineering, contracting, building code enforcement or a related field, to serve on the DSC.

The Township solicited interest from individuals interested in serving on the DSC and four appointments were made by the Township Board of Directors on December 16, 2009.

The DSC is an appointed board; however, property improvements are initially addressed by the village’s Residential Design Review Committee (RDRC), which is a resident-elected committee. Each RDRC, as defined in Article IX of the Covenants, consists of three or more individuals elected for a term of one year by the village’s residents and property owners whose properties are encumbered with WCA Covenants.

Utility Access Fees

In 2007, The Woodlands Community Association (WCA) retained legal assistance in researching franchise fees. WCA commissioned a study to determine rights and remedies of community associations with respect to franchise fees, which it was determined the Association could not collect. In The Woodlands, the fee that appears on utility bills is not a “franchise fee”; it is a “utility access fee”. The Covenants give The Woodlands Development Company the authority to reserve utility easements, a right originally given to them through the New Community Program and approved by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Transportation in The Woodlands

The Township Board of Directors voted 6 For (Nelda, Bruce, Kemba, Ed, Lloyd Vicki)-3 against (Peggy, Claude and Tom)-1 abstained (Alex) to take over the Water Taxi’s at the January 27, 2010 Board meeting.

Hope this helps out. Thanks for coming out.

Peggy S. Hausman

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The Woodlands TX – Community Update, January 22nd, 2010

by Ken Brand on January 23, 2010

Thank you to The Woodlands Development Company for sharing this update.

TOLL BROTHERS ANNOUNCES GRAND OPENING IN THE VILLAGE OF CREEKSIDE PARK

Toll Brothers, the nation’s leading builder of luxury homes, is excited to announce its grand opening of the new stunning model home, the St. Michael Provincial (pictured), in the neighborhood of Tupelo Woods in the Village of Creekside Park. Saturday, January 30 and Sunday, January 31 is the official grand opening celebration weekend. New homebuyers are invited to tour the professionally decorated model, meet, greet and learn design tips from the interior designers on Saturday, January 30 from 1 – 5 pm, and take advantage of introductory pricing.

The home collection showcases six floor plans ranging from 3,200 to over 4,000 square feet. Priced from the mid-$400,000s with hundreds of available options, each can be personalized to reflect the homeowner’s individual taste and lifestyle. For more information, contact Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors – 281-367-3531

Toll Brothers is also now open for pre-construction sales in the neighborhood of Player Vista in the Village of Sterling Ridge. This extraordinary neighborhood surrounds the Gary Player Signature Golf Course. For information, contact Ken Brand, Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors – 281-367-3531. For more details, visit TollBrothers.com/Texas.

RYLAND HOMES MAKES ENTRANCE INTO TUPELO GLEN IN THE VILLAGE OF CREEKSIDE PARK

Ryland Homes recently made its entrance into the neighborhood ofTupelo Glen in the Village of Creekside Park. Ryland is offering new single-family homes in Tupelo Glen, priced from the $240’s.

Ryland features nine unique one- and two-story designs. Homes range in size from approximately 2,216 to 3,242 square feet and include three to five bedrooms, two to three-and-a-half baths and two-car garages. Plans vary and can include a study, upstairs game room, upstairs media room, dining room and a covered rear patio.

The model, Biella, by Ryland Homes is a 2,484-square-foot home which features four bedrooms, dining room, living room/optional study, rear covered patio, two-and-a-half baths and a two-car attached garage. This home is priced from $259,490. For more information on Ryland, call Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors – 281-367-3531 and visit www.ryland.com.

Along with Ryland Homes, Chesmar and Village Builders are also offering new homes in Tupelo Glen, priced from the $240’s to the $310’s. For details on Chesmar in Tupelo Glen, call Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors 281-367-3531 and visitwww.chesmar.com.

THE WOODLANDS CUSTOM HOMES HOSTS OPEN HOUSE THIS WEEKEND

The Woodlands Custom Homes will host an Open House in the neighborhoods of Player Crest, Silvermont andKirkpatrick Glen, near the Gary Player Signature Golf Course in the Village of Sterling Ridge. Four homes will be open for touring.

Player Crest:
7 Parwood Court (top photograph)
Keith Morgan Custom Homes
Tuscan style, 5 bedrooms, 5 full baths, 2 half baths, 3-car garage
$1,149,000
Open Saturday, January 23, 1 – 4 pm and Sunday, January 24, 2 – 5 pm
Silvermont:
23 Silvermont
Leigh Custom Homes
Mediterranean style, 4 bedrooms, 4 ½ baths, 3-car garage
$859,700
Open Saturday, January 23 from 1 – 4 pm
74 Silvermont
Leigh Custom Homes
Traditional style, 4 bedrooms, 4 ½ baths, 3-car garage
$778,800
Open Saturday and Sunday, January 23 – 24 from 1 – 4 pm
Kirkpatrick Glen:
31 East Black Knight (bottom photograph)
Keith Morgan Custom Homes
Traditional style, 5 bedrooms, 5 ½ baths, 3-car garage
$997,000

Open Sunday, January 24 from 1 – 4 pm
For more information, call Robyn Brand @ 832-928-4143 or visit www.TheWoodlandsCustomHomesOnline.com.

SPOTLIGHT ON HIGHLAND HOMES IN ALMONDELL IN MAY VALLEY

Highland Homes is offering single-family homes in Almondell in the new 400-acre area of May Valley in the Village of Sterling Ridge. Homes are priced from the $380’s to the $500’s.

Highland offers a selection of 12 unique designs with options. One- and two-story homes range in size from approximately 2,804 to 3,922 square feet. Homes include four to five bedrooms, two-and-a-half to five-and-a-half baths and up to a three-car tandem garage. Amenities vary and can include formals, game room, media room, study, card room and outdoor living.

Two homes are in the development stage with April 2010 completion dates planned. The two-story home at 154 North Almondell Way features Plan 926A with options including a media room and a bedroom/bath. This 4,033-square-foot home is priced at $476,162. The 3,933-square-foot home at 34 South Almondell is Plan 924D with options of a media room, bedroom/bath and stone. This home is priced at $477,364.

Pictured is the Model 907, priced from $433,990, by Highland Homes. For more information, call Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors 281-367-3531 and visit www.highlandhomes.com.

May Valley features a variety of neighborhoods, priced from the $150’s to the $500’s. For more information, visitwww.thewoodlands.com and click on the May Valley icon on the home page.

THE CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL PAVILION ENDS ITS 20TH SEASON RANKED SIXTH IN THE WORLD

According to the Jan. 18, 2010, edition of Pollstar magazine, the concert industry’s leading trade publication, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion ranked sixth in its listing of the top 100 amphitheaters in the world based on the number of tickets sold in 2009. The Pavilion’s ticket sales totaled 346,519 for shows played between January 1 and December 31, 2009.

The Pavilion’s sixth-place ranking is despite opening a month later than normal due to reconstruction from damage sustained by Hurricane Ike in September 2008. The Pavilion reopened May 1, 2009, after undergoing a $9.5 million renovation and expansion.

“Our 20th season could not have been better. Along with celebrating our 20 years, we opened with a newly renovated and expanded venue to a sold-out weekend of performances by the Dave Matthews Band and Kenny Chesney,” said Jerry MacDonald, president and CEO of The Pavilion.

The Pavilion had 14 sold-out concerts in 2009 including the Dave Matthews Band May 1, Kenny Chesney May 3,Buzzfest XXII May 10, No Doubt May 31, Aerosmith July 17, Coldplay July 22, Def Leppard Aug. 19,Incubus Aug. 21, Lil’ Wayne Aug. 22, Crosby, Stills and Nash Aug. 28, Depeche Mode Aug. 30, NickelbackSept. 12, Blink-182 Sept. 24 and Buzzfest XXIII Oct. 24.

In addition to its lineup of contemporary or mainstream entertainment in 2009, The Pavilion hosted eight Houston Symphony concerts, the Texas Music Festival Orchestra and The United States Army Field Band and Soldier’s Chorus and the 14th Annual Children’s Festival. For more information on The Pavilion, visit www.woodlandscenter.org.

SPONSORS AND MASCOTS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 33RD ANNUAL ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION

The Woodlands Development Company, The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, the South Montgomery County YMCA and The Brickman Group, Ltd. have stepped up as sponsors for the 33rd Annual Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, January 23 from 10 am – 2 pm in the award-winning Rob Fleming Park in The Woodlands’ Village of Creekside Park.

Pictured in the top photograph are the sponsors of this free event from left to right: Roxanne Davis, North Group Marketing Director, YMCA; Chris Nilsen, Account Manager for Brickman; Nick Wolda, President of The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau; Dan Holbeck, Account Manager for Brickman; Lorrie Parise, Marketing Manager for TWDC; Forrest Hamilton, Account Manager for Brickman; Susan Vreeland-Wendt, Director of Marketing for TWDC; Mark Cochran, Center Executive Director, YMCA; and Gary Louie, Director of Development-North Group, YMCA.

Approximately 31,000 tree seedlings in eight different varieties will be distributed free, continuing a tradition that began in 1977. In addition to receiving tree seedlings, guests may register at the event to win one of five, seven-gallon native trees. The drawings will take place hourly, and you must be present to win. Free giant inflatable rides and rock walls, pony rides, petting zoo, hay rides and face painting will entertain the crowd. Musical entertainment from local talent will also be highlighted.

Puffy’s birthday celebration will begin at 1 pm with mascot friends including Clutch from the Houston Rockets; Abby Cadabby fromSesame Street; Barkley from Woodforest National Bank; Carey Bear from Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital; Chick-fil-A Cow; Dora the Explorer; Elmo from Sesame Street; Grimace fromMcDonald’s; Percy from Primrose Schools; SpongeBob SquarePants; Spider Man; Plex the magic yellow robot from Yo Gabba Gabba; and the Y guy from the South Montgomery County YMCA. Children will also enjoy free birthday cupcakes at the birthday party. For more information, visit www.thewoodlands.net.

THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP TO HOLD TOWN HALL MEETING

The Woodlands Township Board of Directors will hold a Town Hall Meetingfrom 7 to 9 pm on Wednesday, January 27, 2010 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. The meeting is open to the public, and residents and businesses are encouraged to attend.

“The Woodlands Township Town Hall Meeting will address 2010 initiatives and allow residents and businesses the opportunity to provide feedback to The Woodlands Township Board of Directors,” said Chairman of the Board Nelda Blair.

Free parking for the meeting will be available at the Town Center Garage at The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilio. The fourth floor of the garage is connected via skywalk to The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. The meeting will begin promptly at 7 pm and will conclude by 9 pm.

For the latest news and information on The Woodlands Township government, call 281-210-3800 or visitwww.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.

The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center is ranked #10 and The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center is ranked #21 as the “Largest Houston-Area Hotels” (ranked by number of guest rooms), according to the Houston Business Journal’s 2010 Book of Lists. In the same Book of Lists, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott is ranked #11 and The Woodlands Resort is ranked #13 as the “Largest Houston-Area Meeting and Convention Facilities” (ranked by total meeting space).
The nomination deadline for Interfaith of The Woodlands’ 2010 Five Who Share Service of Excellence Awards is approaching, and Interfaith is asking the community to nominate individuals by January 27, 2010. For more information, visit www.woodlandsinterfaith.org.
Education for Tomorrow Alliance (EfTA) needs 500 volunteers for five hours for its SCI://TECH Exposition on either Saturday, February 13 or Friday, February 19. For questions or more information, call 936-271-6150. To volunteer, visit www.efta-us.org.

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FHA Announces New Guidelines for Home Loans

by Ken Brand on January 20, 2010

We knew it was coming, now it’s HERE. New FHA Guidelines Announced

This morning FHA’s commissioner David Stern’s announced the new changes for FHA home loans. Basically the changes aren’t dramatically significant, but they will have an impact. Here’s a few of the highlights. And here’s the CNBC Article.

FHA is raising the borrower’s upfront mortgage insurance premium from 1.75% to 2.25%. Nobody likes to pay more, but this isn’t a deal breaker for most.
If a borrower’s FICO score is above 580, they qualify for a 3.5% down payment. Below 580, borrowers will have to put at least 10% down.
Maximum allowable seller concessions has been reduced from 6% to 3%, which sounds like a lot, but the reality of today’s marketplace we rarely see 6%. Why? Because a 6% contribution usually brings the property appraisal in low, which is a no go for everyone. So this change is sort of a moot point.

Going forward.

So I think the bottom line is that we can expect changes in lending requirements for the next 18 months or so. The key to a successful purchase is patience, persistence, choosing a knowledgeable REALTOR and a loan officer that will enthusiastically solve problems find answers and process the file as quickly and efficiently as possible. Stay away from strangers

Getting we can do for you let me know. Ken Brand 832-797-1779.

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