The Woodlands Texas - 411

Sadly I forgot my Flip Video Camera….here’s some iPhone snaps.
                

GREAT NEWS FOR REALTORS® - THE WOODLANDS COUNTRY CLUB OFFERING MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNTS TO NEW HOME BUYERS - The Woodlands Country Club is offering those who purchase custom homes in selected neighborhoods bordering the Gary Player Signature golf course in the Village of Sterling Ridge a full Country Club membership for $7,500, a $20,000 discount off the full membership price of $27,500. This full membership includes privileges on theTournament Course, Palmer Course, Player Signature course, The Oaks andPanther Trail courses in The Woodlands and Lake Windcrest course on FM 1488 in Magnolia. Custom homebuyers can also sign up for a sports membership, which includes everything except golf, at no cost.

Buyers of any production home in The Woodlands can join The Woodlands Country Club as a full golf member for a $7,500 discount off the $27,500 membership fee. The membership fee would be $20,000, including privileges to all courses mentioned above. Production buyers can sign up for the sports membership including everything except golf for $1,500. For more information, call Wanda Murphy, The Woodlands Country Club Membership Director at 281-863-1400, ext. 1332.

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HUBBELL & HUDSON MARKET & BISTRO NOW OPEN IN THE WATERWAY SQUARE DISTRICT - Hubbell & Hudson Market & Bistro, an upscale artisan-food market, opened in mid-November at 24 Waterway Avenue in the Waterway Square District.Occupying more than 25,000 square feet, Hubbell & Hudson is an all-in-one culinary destination featuring a food market, chef-prepared ready-made foods, catering, a new American-style Bistro and one of only a handful of Viking Cooking Schools in the U.S.

“Hubbell & Hudson is a specialty market, created and managed by people with a passion for food,” said Cary Attar, CEO and founder. ”Our staff includes world-famous chefs with incredible credentials, all on-hand every day creating, preparing and delivering exceptional food items to our guests. For our team, this is our dream job - providing you with the very best in your culinary needs.”

Highlights of the new market include seasonally available, locally grown produce and artisan cheeses, which have been incorporated into menu items in the Bistro. A large selection of ready-made, chef-created meals and entrees, plus unique, hard-to-find products from all over the world are offered, in addition to many hundreds of organic and gluten-free foods. Fresh artisan bread, coffees roasted on the premises, a variety of sweets from Hubbell & Hudson’s renowned executive pastry chef, hundreds of fine cheeses, a world-class butcher shop and seafood department all add to the wonderful selection of fine foods at this new specialty market. A boutique size wine district andwalk-in beer alley provide guests many options for rounding out meals, with helpful advice from wine and beer experts readily available. The Market is open from 8 am - 9 pm Sunday through Thursday, and 8 am - 10 pm Friday and Saturday. The espresso bar is open daily at 6 am.
Free, covered parking is available in the 24 Waterway Garage.

The Bistro, featuring American-style cuisines and a menu that changes periodically to reflect seasonal availabilities, will open for dinner in early December. The Bistro’s bar will serve an innovative adult beverage menu, offering never-before-seen mixed cocktails. For more information about Hubbell & Hudson Market & Bistro, visitwww.hubbellandhudson.com.

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THE CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL PAVILION COMING BACK BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER - The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilionis preparing for a major renovation and expansion following devastation from Hurricane Ike. The renovation includes construction of approximately 2,000 new reserved seats behind the existing uncovered seating area and building a larger canopy structure to cover all 6,500 seats. Designed by Horst Berger, original architect of The Pavilion, Rey de la Reza Architects, Inc., and managed by Fretz Construction, general contractor, heavy work on the $9 million project is set to begin in December. Renovations are projected to be complete by April 30, 2009, in time for The Pavilion’s 20th season.

The Pavilion suffered severe damage to its Teflon coated Fiberglas fabric roof and support structure over the reserved seating area during Hurricane Ike, making it unsafe for public use. Pavilion management had no alternative but to cancel the last 10 shows of its 2008 season. Jerry MacDonald, president and CEO of The Pavilion said, “Although the damage from Ike was devastating, it presented us with the perfect opportunity to consider expanding our covered seating capacity to make our venue even more appealing to both artists and concertgoers. It’s a project we were planning to do in the next few years anyway. Hurricane Ike gave us a reason to do it sooner rather than later.”

A rendering of the renovation includes the expansion of the seating area with 2,000 new reserved seats and construction of a larger canopy to cover all 6,500 seats. With a lawn capacity of approximately 10,000, the overall capacity of The Pavilion will remain about the same, approximately 16,500. The new canopy structure will continue to feature its famous peaks, the signature look of The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion.

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SIRENUSÉ EURO BISTRO TO OPEN SOON AT 24 WATERWAY AVENUE - Sirenusé Euro Bistro, a contemporary bistro restaurant inspired by the seaside cuisines of Italy, France and Spain, is slated to open soon at 24 Waterway Avenue. The new bistro will feature both indoor and outdoor dining, with a tree-shaded patio overlooking the Fountains at Waterway Square (pictured). The new restaurant will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a menu including “the freshest fish, naturally raised meats, hand made pasta, risotto, and paella dishes, along with wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, organic salads and creative vegetarian selections.

The Executive Chef, Cory Garrison, arrived here in The Woodlands after transformingRuffino’s Italian Restaurant into an award-winning establishment. While at Ruffino’s, the restaurant was voted “Best Italian Restaurant” in Fort Worth. In addition, it gained fantastic reviews from Fort Worth Weekly.  Prior to Ruffino’s, Chef Garrison was the Executive Chef of Escargot and Sous Chef at the five-star rated Lola the Restaurant in Dallas. A graduate of the Scottsdale Culinary Institute with over 15 years of experience working in some of the finest restaurants and hotels in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Chef Garrison brings to The Woodlands his innovative interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine.

“Business friendly weekday breakfasts, a sumptuous Sunday brunch, stylish cocktail lounge and wine bar, plus private dining room and semiprivate dining areas are also available,” said General Manager Morgan Taylor. ”An extensive wine list with dozens of rare and eclectic selections available by the glass, and hundreds by the bottle, and “Signature” cocktails like “The Siren”, “Valencian Mojito” and “Positano Cocktail”will complement the cuisine. There will also be an ever-changing selection of Mediterranean inspired tapas, cichette and meze to accompany the wine and cocktails.

To make a reservation at Sirenusé, call 281-362-5885 or visitwww.sirenuseeurobistro.com.

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VILLAGE HOLIDAY CARNIVAL SET FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 AT ALDEN BRIDGE VILLAGE CENTER - The Village Holiday Carnival rings in the holiday season at Alden Bridge Village Center on Saturday, December 6 from 10 am - 2 pm with free entertainment, petting zoo, music, hourly prizes and the grand prize - a $1,000 shopping spree to Alden Bridge Village Center. Children can enjoy a special appearance by Santa Claus on his hometown antique fire truck from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm. Puffy Claus (top photo), The Woodlands’ lovable mascot Puffy Pine Cone dressed in holiday attire, will pose for free photos from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm, courtesy of Walgreen’s in Alden Bridge Village Center. Puffy will be distributing free gifts while supplies last. Joining the celebration will be the Chick-fil-A Cow; Frosty the Snowman from The Woodlands CVB; andBones from the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

School performances include the choir from Sally K. Ride Elementary at 10:30 am and The Woodlands High School Orchestra at 1:00 pm. Youth performing duo, Nick & Jake (bottom photo), will take the stage at 11:30 am while theMerry Minstrels, a quartet of holiday carolers, perform at 12 noon. Free carnival attractions include Rock Walls, Boxer Jocks, an Obstacle Course, Moonwalk, Five-in-One Inflatable Combo, Remote Race Cars, wax hands, mini-train rides, free face painting and much more.

You can register for hourly prize drawings along with the grand prize $1,000 shopping spree at Alden Bridge Village Center, the perfect holiday gift. The drawing will take place at 1:45 pm, and you must be present to win. The Village Holiday Carnival is sponsored by the merchants of Alden Bridge Village Center, located at the intersection of Research Forest Drive and Kuykendahl Road.

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US ONCOLOGY TO HOLD CAREER FAIR ON DECEMBER 8 - US Oncology, the nation’s foremost healthcare services network dedicated exclusively to cancer treatment and research, is holding a Career Fair on Monday, December 8 from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm at The Woodlands Chamber of Commerce, located at 1400 Woodloch Forest Drive, Suite 300. The company will be recruiting business professionals for the following positions: Information Technology, Accounting and Finance, Research, and Marketing and Business Development.  Attendees should come with updated resumes and be prepared to speak directly with US Oncology recruiters. The Company’s headquarters is moving to The Woodlands Town Center in early 2009. US Oncology has been recognized among the Top 10 Companies in Houston by the Houston Chronicle for the second year in a row. For more information, visit http://usoncology.com/CareerCenter/.

FINAL WEEKEND FOR THE ASID SHOWHOUSE IN EAST SHORE - The Woodlands presents the 2008 ASID (The American Society of Interior Designers/Texas Gulf Coast Chapter) Showhouse, built by Post Homes, Ltd., at 6 Georgian Row in East Shore.  East Shore is situated in the “Garden District” of The Woodlands Town Center, bordering 200-acre Lake Woodlands.  Located near shopping, dining and entertainment venues along The Woodlands Waterway®, East Shore provides an idyllic setting for homes rendered in Classic American architectural styles. The ASID Showhouse highlights the Classic American theme through its Southern Colonial style. 

This is the final weekend to visit the Showhouse open now through Sunday, November 23, 2008 from 10 am – 4 pm. Each room of this magnificent $2.6 million estate, situated in the enclave of Colonial Park in East Shore, has been designed by a different ASID member, creating the ultimate Showhouse. ASID is selling the home’s interior furnishings and accessories, valued at $1 million.

Admission to the home is $15 at the door or $12 in advance through ASID.  For advance tickets, call 713-626-1470, or you may purchase tickets at The Woodlands Homefinder Center, located at 2000 Woodlands Parkway. The ASID Showhouse is a benefit for the Gastro Esophageal Cancer Foundation, Inc.

Pictured in the top photograph is the luxurious parlor of the ASID Showhouse. In the bottom photograph, imagine doing your laundry in this elegant utility room.

 

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THE WOODLANDS CUSTOM HOMES HOSTS OPEN HOUSE THIS WEEKEND – While taking your clients to visit the ASID Showhouse, visit 21 custom homes open Saturday and Sunday, November 22-23 from 10 am – 4 pm, hosted by The Woodlands Custom Homes.  Homes on tour were built by Tommy Bailey Custom Homes, Hahnfeld-Witmer-Davis, Leigh Custom Homes, Marshall & O’Connor Building, Mesa Verde Homes, Keith Morgan Custom Homes, Partners in Building, Post Homes, Rueby Custom Homes and George Weaver, Inc.

One of the homes on the tour is at 55 West Double Green Circle (top photograph) in the neighborhood ofKirkpatrick Glen in the Village of Sterling Ridge. Built by George Weaver,  this Old World-style home includes 5,425 square feet of living space, five bedrooms, a 15 X 28 bonus room upstairs, three fireplaces including a 2-story stone fireplace with wood beams in the living room, five full baths, two half baths and a three-car garage. Ready for move-in, this home is priced at $1,005,200.

Also ready for move-in and on the tour is 31 Player Point (bottom photograph) in the neighborhood of Player Point in the Village of Sterling Ridge. This Country French-style home, built by Rueby Custom Homes, features a stone and stucco exterior, 5,059 square feet of living space, five bedrooms, five-and-a-half baths, upstairs media room off the game room, rear covered veranda with cathedral ceiling, summer kitchen with fireplace and a three-car garage.  This home is priced at $1,095,000. 

For more information on the Open House or for a detailed map, contact Robyn Brand @ The Woodlands Custom Homes Sales Office at 281-367-4550.  

 

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SO FAR, 75 FAMILIES REGISTERED FOR “HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS” PROMOTION -75 families have signed up for “Home for the Holidays” a program that awards those who purchase selected new homes in The Woodlands by December 31, 2008 a $2,000 Woodforest National Bank MasterCard and a one-year family membership to the South Montgomery County YMCA. The home must close by February 28, 2009. “Home for the Holidays” also offers builders’ incentives including Huntington Homes’ (pictured) offer of $50,000 off the sales price of selected new homes. To register for the program, visit The Woodlands Homefinder Center.  Information is also available online at www.thewoodlands.com.

 

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NEW HOLIDAY SONGS AT THE FOUNTAINS AT WATERWAY SQUARE - In keeping with the holiday spirit, The Fountains at Waterway Square (pictured) have been programmed with a variety of festive holiday songs. 

The new songs will run November 22, 2008 thru January 5, 2009 and include the favorite holiday classics “Frosty the Snowman” by Gene Autry, “Feliz Navidad” by Jose Feliciano,“Winter Wonderland” by Tony Bennett, and“Jingle Bells” by Canadian Brass. The shows will be from 6 pm to 10 pm on weekdays, and 2 pm to 10 pm on weekends.

Waterway Square, located along Lake Robbins Drive between Waterway Avenue and Woodloch Forest Drive, features a 120-foot long, 10-foot high stone water wall where ribbons of water flow down seven terraced levels to a lower pond with 20 cascade jets.  The water wall is flanked by stairs and stepped water cascades, all leading to an upper fountain containing 80 jets and three boomer jets that shoot water up to 75 feet high.  The water jets, waterfalls and cascades are designed to create a variety of displays and effects ranging from the subtle flow of water over a stone wall to dancing columns of water, to intense bursts of water shooting several stories into the air. Waterway Square features seven speakers on the upper level and 12 speakers on the lower level.  For more information on the fountains, visitwww.TheFountainsAtWaterwaySquare.com.

 

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OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINMENT LINED UP FOR NOVEMBER 22 -  Hayes Carll,  (top photograph) a native of The Woodlands, headlines a great lineup of entertainment at this year’s Lighting of the Dovesand International Winter on The Waterway (iWOW)scheduled for Saturday, November 22, 2008 on The Woodlands Waterway®.  The events open the holidays in The Woodlands and are scheduled from 3 pm to 9 pm. The two events feature the arrival of Santa Claus, a snow hill, fireworks and arts, food, entertainment and the opening of the largest seasonal outdoor ice skating rink in the Southwest, at a new location on Six Pines Drive and The Waterway.  The Ice Rink™ (middle photograph) in The Woodlands celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

Other notable acts include:  Grupo Batachá (bottom photograph), featuring Latin rhythms and Caribbean beats; The Houston Balalaika Society, a group of classically trained musicians performing Russian and Eastern European music on traditional folk instruments;The Ballet Folklorico Azteca of Houston, a traditional Mexican dance troupe; The McTeggart Irish Dancers, a lively group of Celtic dancers; Yosakoi Japanese Dancers, members of The Woodlands High School Japanese Club that mix traditional Japanese dance with America hip hop; Martin Burniston’s choir; and A Tuba Christmas, a group of professors, teachers and amateur musicians who gather to play for the love of music, and who all have one thing in common…they all the play tuba. For a complete schedule, visit www.HolidayInTheWoodlands.com.

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ASID SHOWHOUSE 08 ATTRACTS HUNDREDS TO EAST SHORE – More than 500 people attended last weekend’s opening of the ASID 08 Showhouse, a $2,675,000 Southern Colonial home by Post Homes, Ltd. in East Shore, the “Garden District” of The Woodlands Town Center. The magnificent 8,944-square-foot home has been designed by over 20 members of the American Society of Interior Designers Gulf Coast Chapter, with a different designer creating each room.  Pictured here is one of the elegantly appointed upstairs bedrooms. The home, located at 6 Georgian Row in the Colonial Park neighborhood of East Shore, also features sustainable materials, including low-VOC paints, flooring made from wine barrels and recycled glass tiles. All of the furnishings and designer accessories, valued at $1 million, are for sale at the Showhouse.

The home will remain open through Sunday, November 23 from 10 am – 4 pm Wednesdays through Sundays.  The home is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Tickets are $15 at the door, benefiting the GastroEsophageal Cancer Foundation, Inc. For more information, visit www.asidtgcc.org/events.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW FOR A HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE HOSTED BY SOUTHERN MARK – Southern Mark Homes and The Woodlands Development Company will be hosting a Holiday Open House at the New Orleans Cottage model, located at 45 North Bay Boulevard in the Mid-Lake enclaveat East Shore on Thursday, December 4 from 5 – 7 pm. Carolers, horse drawn carriages, holiday hors d’oeuvres and libations, gifts and door prizes will add to the festive fun. Mark your calendars now for this delightful day in December!

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A BIG THANK YOU TO THOSE WHO HELPED WITH CARE PACKAGES FOR “HOLIDAYS FOR HEROES” – A big thank you goes out to all the adults and children who volunteered their time on Veteran’s Day to help with care packages for shipment to Montgomery County soldiersserving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The “packing party”, hosted by The Woodlands Homefinder Center with dinner provided by Congressman Kevin Brady, was the culmination of theWomen’s Council of Realtors® (WCR)campaign to collect items for 1,000 care packages to ship overseas in time for the holidays.

A special thank you to Stephanie Carlton of WCR for chairing this committee, and to Congressman Brady for his generosity!

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HUNTINGTON HOMES AND PARTNERS IN BUILDING FEATURED IN PLAYER TRAIL – Visit the new luxury patio homes in the neighborhood of Player Trail in the Village of Sterling Ridge, offered by Huntington Homes and Partners in Building. Situated near the Gary PlayerSignature golf course, the homes are priced from the $600’s to more than $1 million. Both builders are offering substantial discounts or upgrades on selected homes during the “Home for the Holidays” program.

Huntington Homes features distinct floor plans with varied elevations. These one-, one-and-a-half and two-story designs include 3,075 – 4,285 square feet of living space, three to four bedrooms, two-and-a-half to four full baths with two half baths, and two- to three-car tandem garages. Pictured is Plan 3818, with 4,200 square feet, four bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths, three living areas, and a three-car tandem garage. Huntington Homes is offering $50,000 off the sales price in the “Home for the Holidays” program. For information about Huntington Homes in Player Trail, call 281-367-7766.

Partners in Building offers unique designs, ranging in size from 3,085 – 4,291 square feet. These one-, one-and-a-half and two-story homes include four to five bedrooms, three-and-a-half to five-and-a-half baths and two- to three-car garages. A media room, upstairs game room leading to a balcony, and study are attractions found in many of the homes. Some residences offer views of the 10th fairway of the Player course. Partners in Building is offering $20,000 in designer upgrades with a new home purchase in Player Trail in the “Home for the Holidays” program. 

2008 HOLIDAY IN THE WOODLANDS EVENTS ANNOUNCED – Four wonderful family oriented events are scheduled for the holiday season in The Woodlands Town Center. These holiday traditions are sure to put you in the festive spirit:

• 26th Annual Lighting of the Doves Festival – November 22 from 3 – 9 pm atTown Green Park along the banks of The Woodlands Waterway®. This year’s festival is filled with the lighting of the 12 giant doves, numerous interactive booths, games, musical and dance performances and a special  appearance by Santa, Mrs. Claus and the elves. Visitwww.lightingofthedoves.com.

• International Winter on The Waterway (iWOW) – November 22 from 3 – 9 pm along The Waterway®. A showcase of countries from all over the world and their unique holiday traditions, iWOW will feature international foods, arts and crafts, music and entertainment. Visitwww.iWOWinTheWoodlands.com.

• The Ice Rink at The Woodlands Town Center – open daily November 22, 2008 – January 19, 2009, with a preview opening November 15 and 16. The Ice Rink is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with a new location off Six Pines Drive along The Waterway®. Hours are Monday – Thursdays, 3 pm – 9 pm; Fridays, 3 pm – 11 pm; Saturdays, 10 am – 11 pm and Sundays, noon – 7 pm. For more information, call 281-419-5630 or visitwww.TheWoodlandsIceRink.com.

• Winter Wonderland – Beginning November 22, 2008 through January 5, 2009, you can follow the pathways lighted with storybook displays leading toThe Ice Rink. Wander among a fantasyland of magical, lighted toy soldiers, elves, doves, musical angels and snowmen. The display, sponsored byDonoho’s Jewellers, is free and open daily from dusk until 11 pm. Visitwww.TheWoodlandsWonderland.com.

For more information on all events, presented by The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau, visit www.HolidayinTheWoodlands.com or call 281-363-2447.

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THE CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL PAVILION TO REMAIN HOST OF 19TH ANNUAL GE “RUN THRU THE WOODS” – The South Montgomery County YMCA has announced that although The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion has closed for the season due to damages from Hurricane Ike, it will still be the host site of this year’s annual GE “Run Thru the Woods” charity event.  The race will be held Thanksgiving morning, November 27 at The Pavilion. Race times for the event are set with the 1 Mile Children’s Racefor ages 12 and under beginning at 7:45 am, the 5 Mile Race at 8:15 am, the 3 Mile Teen Race for ages 12-17 at 8:20 am and the3 Mile Walk at 8:25 am. For more information about the race or volunteer opportunities, contact Roxanne Davis at 281-367-9622 orrdavis@ymcahouston.org. Online registration is available at www.runthruthewoods.org.

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SIGNATURES COMMUNITY AUTHOR SERIES TO FEATURE ANTHONY BOURDAIN – The Signature Community Author Series, sponsored by The John Cooper School’s Fine Arts Council will feature Anthony Bourdain, dubbed the “bad boy of cuisine” at its next event on Friday, November 21 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. The event begins with registration and book sales from 10 – 11:30 am; an Underwriters Private Reception and Chair Signing with Bourdain from 10:30 – 11:45 am; 12 pm lunch; and 12:30 – 1:45, Bourdain speaks. The executive chef at New York’s famed bistro, Les Halles,and host of the popular travel and food series, Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations on The Travel Channel,Bourdain is also the author of three crime novels and the bestseller, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly. Bourdain has even shared his insights about team-building and crisis management with theHarvard Business Review. For more information and to make reservations, visitwww.johncooper.org.

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PLANS UNDERWAY FOR ANNUAL “FESTIVAL OF THE TREES” BENEFITING THE JUVENILE DIABETES FOUNDATION – The 2008 “Festival of the Trees”fundraising event benefiting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) has been set for Saturday, November 15 at 7 pm at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. This is the third year for this festive event where magnificent Christmas and holiday trees professionally decorated by Rhonda Clauss of Woodlands Interiors will be auctioned off to help raise funds for JDRF. In addition to heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cocktail reception, guests this year will enjoy an added “Casino” experience – including gaming tables, roulette wheels, poker, and slot machines to further the proceeds for this great cause. JDRF is the leading charitable funder and advocate of Type 1 diabetes worldwide. For more information or for sponsorship and tickets purchases, contact Amy Cox at 281-216-2516.

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THE WOODLANDS REPERTORY THEATRE PRESENTS THE SOUND OF MUSIC – The Woodlands Repertory Theatre, part of the Class Act Productionsfamily, will present Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ever-popular The Sound of Musicon November 20, 22 & 23 at 8 pm and November 23 at 2:30 pm at the Nancy Bock Center for Performing Arts at McCullough Junior High School, 3800 South Panther Creek Drive in The Woodlands. Tickets may be purchased online atwww.thewoodlandsrep.org or by calling 936-273-3395. Individual tickets are $20, and groups of 10 or more are $15 each.

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MORE UPCOMING EVENTS:

• The 10 for Texas 10-mile race and first annual One 4 Texas kids’ fun run through The Woodlands will take place on Saturday, November 15 at 7:30 am. For more information, visitwww.thewoodlandsassociations.org.

• Santa and his elves come to The Woodlands Mall beginning at 10 am on Saturday, November 15. Santa will be nestled into his Studio in Future Court across from JCPenney. There is no charge to visit, and every little visitor will receive a free coloring book. Photo packages start at $15.99. Even your four-legged friends (dogs and cats only) can visit Santa on Monday evenings beginning at 6 pm November 24 through December 15.

• Learn how to get out of debt and stay debt free at Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University presented by the South Montgomery County YMCA. The course runs from December 2 through March 10. A free Preview Class is being held Saturday, November 15 from 7 – 8:30 pm at the Branch Crossing Y. For more information, callDeAndra Edwards-Stanley at 281-367-9622, ext. 231.

• Three-year old cancer survivor Sean Montemurnos and his family will be the special guests at Market Street’s 2008 Tree Lighting Ceremony on Thursday, November 20 at 6 pm. Sean, who was diagnosed with cancer of the bladder at the age of two and endured 42 weeks of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation, will be this year’s official tree lighter. The ceremony is free and open to the public.

• The Woodlands Christian Business Network (WCBN)will host the first annual free “Thanks for Giving” Concert in the Park on Sunday, November 23 from 1 – 4 pm at Northshore Park on Lake Woodlands Drive. The Christian concert will feature bands Ember Glow, Pathfinders Praise and Worship Band and Love Street Light Circus.

You might wonder?

How did last month’s wall street meltdown effect the real estate market in The Woodlands Texas?

As you’ll see from the picture below, written contracts for the month of October were down 34% compared to October 07′.

Tepid sales appears to be the result of emotional stresses. What do I mean? Qualified buyers are postponing their buying decisions because they are uneasy, not because their jobs are in jeopardy or they can’t get financing or they don’t have the means.

Like a stretched red-rubber band, pent up demand is building and we suspect that post-election and as wall street stabilizes, buyer activity will buzz-back and sales will snap forward.

Another question I’m frequently asked is, “Is there mortgage money, can you get a home loan?” The answer is a definite YES. Mortgage rates are low too.

A couple of other tidbits:

Average Number of Days On The Market For Active MLS Listing Inventory = 100 Days.

Average Number of Days On The Market For MLS Homes That SOLD and Closed in October = 79 Days.

Take Away: If your home has been on the market for more than 100 days, adjust something - the staging/merchandising, the marketing or the price position.

Averages October MLS Sold Price in The Woodlands = $321,143 (All Brokers Combined)

Average October MLS Sold Price to List Price = 95.6% (All Brokers Combined)

Average October Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors Sold Price to List Price = 97.6%

I’ll publish more market statistic information in the next couple of days. If you have any questions or comments, I welcome your call: 832-797-1779

Download The Woodlands Texas - Listing Inventory & Written Sales Real Estate Report - October 2008 Here.

 

ASID 08 SHOWHOUSE PREVIEW EVENT SCHEDULED FOR NEXT THURSDAY - A Realtor® Preview of the new ASID 08 Showhouse in East Shore is scheduled for Thursday, November 6 from 5 – 8 pm at 6 Georgian Row (pictured) in the Colonial Parkneighborhood of East Shore, the “Garden District” of The Woodlands Town Center.

Members of the American Society of Interior Designers/Texas Gulf Coast Chapter (ASID)have come together to design the interior of this magnificent $2.6 million Southern Colonial home by Post Homes, Ltd.  Each room has been designed by a different ASID member. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served. See the ASID Showhouse before it opens to the public on November 8! The 2008 ASID Showhouse is a benefit for the Gastro Esophageal Cancer Foundation, Inc. and donations will be accepted on the evening of the preview event.  To RSVP for the preview, call 281-719-6345.

The home will be open to the public Saturday, November 8 through Sunday, November 23 from 10 am – 4 pm Wednesdays through Sundays and closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is $15 at the door, or $12 in advance through ASID. Call 713-626-1470 or visit The Woodlands Homefinder Center to purchase tickets.  Also, The Woodlands Custom Homes Center sales team of Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors will open to the public over 20 newly constructed homes in The Woodlands every Saturday and Sunday, November 8 through November 23, 10 am – 4 pm.

CARLTON WOODS OFFERS ADDITIONAL $2,000 GIFT CARD AS PART OF THE WOODLANDS “HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS” PROGRAM  – The Woodlands is offering buyers of selected new homes who purchase by December 31, 2008, a $2,000 Woodforest National Bank MasterCard and a free one-year family membership to the South Montgomery County YMCA. To be eligible, the buyer must close on the new home by February 28, 2009. In addition, nearly all of the homebuilders in The Woodlands are offering valuable incentives of up to $50,000. More than 200 new homes are available in the program. 

Carlton Woods Properties is offering a $2,000 American Express gift card with the purchase of a new home in addition to the incentives mentioned above as part of the “Home for the Holidays” program.  Pictured is the estate at 83 South Palmiera Circle, offering a lake view in the gated community of Carlton Woods. Built by Rohe and Wright Builders, this 5,984-square-foot home is ready for move in and priced at $1,749,000. 

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WILSHIRE SALES EVENT, OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 2 –Wilshire Homes is offering the “72 Hour Vote for Wilshire Inventory Sales Event” from Friday, October 31 – Sunday, November 2, 2008.  Wilshire has a wide range of “ready to move-in” floorplans and unprecedented savings.  Wilshire Homes is also offering a $15,000 decorator’s allowance at Wilshire’s Design Center as part of The Woodlands “Home for the Holidays” program (see details above). 

“Only Wilshire Homes with its nationally award winning energy efficient features can claim the platform of Houston’s Most Energy Efficient Home Builder,” states Kim McDaniel, vice president of marketing for Wilshire Homes.  “Plus, with our spectacular floorplans to choose from, you’ll learn firsthand why Wilshire Homes was recently appointed 2008 Gold Winner of the Energy Value Housing Award.”

Pictured is the Sinclair in the neighborhood of Wilde Creek in the Village of Creekside Park.  For more information on the “72 Hour Vote for Wilshire Inventory Sales Event”, call Wilshire Homes in Arrow Canyon in the Village of Creekside Park at 281-290-0194, Almondellin the new expansion of the Village of Sterling Ridge at 281-296-2207 and Wilde Creek in the Village of Creekside Park at 281-290-0659.

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LAST CHANCE TO DONATE TO HOLIDAYS FOR HEROES – The Women’s Council of Realtors® - Montgomery County (WCR) needs items or monetary donations for the Third Annual Operation Holidays for Heroes to support the Montgomery County military men and women currently serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Help send 1,000 gift packages to them.  The deadline is Monday, November 3.  

Items Needed:  Phone Cards (AT&T International only), disposable digital cameras, I-Tunes gift cards, DVDs and hand-held games (no war movies, please), beef jerky, nuts, hard candies, granola bars, sunflower seeds, Christmas cards and homemade children’s cards.  For more information, visit www.MontgomeryCountyCares.com or contact underwriting co-chairs Serena Schneider at 281-536-2429 or Becky Shannonhouse at 281-719-6392.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY’S PRECINCT 3 RECYCLING AND REUSE COMPLEX HONORED BY TAC -  Montgomery County’s Precinct 3 Recycling and Reuse Complex was recently honored during the Commissioners Court meeting by the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) Leadership Foundation.

The program is one of 24 county programs around the state selected to receive high honors for innovation, achievement and delivery of service in the 2008 County Best Practice Awards, which recognizes county initiatives that serve as a model to others and save taxpayer monies. Montgomery County’s program, which began in 2000, was honored for superior innovation in community improvement.

“Conservation Colors” is the county’s latest recycling program where they re-blend viable latex paint that is collected. The paint is sorted along seven color schemes, drained into 150-gallon vats and then poured into one- and five-gallon buckets. These conservation colors are given to the public free-of-charge. This program typically saves about 650 gallons of paint a month from being thrown in a landfill or poured down the drain.

Montgomery County currently has a recycling and re-use complex on several acres of land with a community collection center, a mobile collection trailer, a hazardous waste collection center and a re-use distribution center along with a demonstration garden for environmentally friendly gardening and yard keeping.  Pictured is Montgomery County Commissioner, Precinct 3, Ed Chance, who heads up the Recycling and Reuse Complex.

The Woodlands College Park and Oak Ridge High Schools will be hosting “No Tricks, Just Treats of Canned Food” Drive, benefiting Interfaith of The Woodlands.  Both campuses will be collecting food throughout this week and at the football game on October 31. For more information, email Barbara Cicchillo at cicchillo@earthlink.net.  The Water Taxi general day pass is $5 for adults and $2.50 for seniors, children and disabled. Passes are valid for unlimited rides throughout the day along The Woodlands Waterway®.  For more information, log on towww.VisitTheWoodlands.com.     The Montgomery County Women’s Center is offering a teen support group that meets Monday evening from 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm at 1600 Lake Front Circle.  Female teens between the ages of 13 – 17 who are victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault are invited to participate. For more information, call Cynthia Martinez at 281-292-4155, extension 276.  The 24-hour crisis hotline is 936-441-7273

I’m asked this question five or six times a day. “How’s the real estate market in The Woodlands, Texas?”

Here’s what I think and know.

Buyer activity has slowed to tortotise pace.  Suppressed activity is due primarily to phycological and seasonal factors.  It appears that the people are not fearful of losing their jobs, but the spectacular Wall Street meltdown, Water-Boarding media coverage and the very real Retirement Account Haircut has people pissed angry panicked sad frozen fearfully cautious.  When people are fearful, they slow way down, plus real estate activity always ebbs during the Holiday Season.  As a result, buyer activity in The Woodlands has cooled but it hasn’t frozen. Sales prices aren’t plunging, but sales units dwindle. 

I believe that as Wall Street settles bottoms, the elections conclude and retirement accounts stop hemorrhaging, people will feel safer and pent up demand will reheat real estate activity.

Another frequently asked question, “What about foreclosures in The Woodlands?”  Here’s the deal.  There aren’t many foreclosures in The Woodlands.  The Woodlands real estate market has been bull strong for years.  As you can see from the first picture below (Blue Headline), there have been only 64 Foreclosures Sold in The Woodlands Year To Date.  These 64 Closings represent less than 3.5% of the total number of sold properties.  Here’s the rest of the story, while rare, the average price per square foot is $36 less than the total average, and they sell fast.  If you find one and you like it, don’t screw around, take action or it’s gone.

Sold Foreclosures - 64 Properties Found - The Woodlands, TX - 1/1/08 to 10/24/08
	SqFt	LP/SqFt	List Price	SP/SqFt	Sale Price	SP/LP %	DOM	Year Built
Min	1028	45.5	74900	44.532	68000	75 %	3	1969
Avg	3211.641	92.532	297181	83.12	266950.078	89.8 %	57.25	1992
Max	24586	254.859	3500000	228.199	2650000	146 %	261	2006
Median	2376.5	71.819	153900	70.419	149750	96	37	1991

 

If you have any questions about real estate in general or I can help you with anything, give me a call: Ken Brand @ 832-797-1779. Or you can ask a question in the comment section and I’ll get back to you.

If you’re a Realtor Icon and you’d like some tips on how to track the market - Click Here

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THE WOODLANDS “HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS” PROGRAM OFFERS $2,000 MASTERCARD, YMCA FAMILY MEMBERSHIP AND BUILDERS’ INCENTIVES – Beginning this Saturday, October 25, The Woodlands is offering buyers of selected new homes who purchase by December 31, 2008, a $2,000 Woodforest National Bank MasterCard and a free one-year family membership to the South Montgomery County YMCA. To be eligible, the buyer must close on the new home by February 28, 2009. In addition, almost all of the homebuilders in The Woodlands are offering valuable incentives of up to $50,000. More than 200 new homes are available in the program.  For more information, visit The Woodlands Homefinder Center and www.thewoodlands.com.       YOU’RE INVITED TO THE ASID 08 SHOWHOUSE EVENT – The new ASID 08 Showhouse is located in East Shore at 6 Georgian Row in the Colonial Parkneighborhood of East Shore, the “Garden District” of The Woodlands Town Center. If you’ve never been to an ASID Showhouse before, you are in for a treat!  Members of the American Society of Interior Designers/Texas Gulf Coast Chapter (ASID)have come together to design the interior of this magnificent $2.6 million Southern Colonial home by Post Homes, Ltd. Each room has been designed by a different ASID member.  The ASID opens to the public on November 8! The 2008 ASID Showhouse is a benefit for theGastro Esophageal Cancer Foundation, Inc. and donations will be accepted on the evening of the preview event.  The home will be open to the public Saturday, November 8 through Sunday, November 23 from 10 am – 4 pm Wednesdays through Sundays and closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Admission is $15 at the door, or $12 in advance through ASID. Call 713-626-1470 or visit The Woodlands Homefinder Center to purchase tickets.       CUSTOM OPEN HOUSE TO BE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH ASID SHOWHOUSE OPENING – The Woodlands Custom Homes will be hosting a community-wide Custom Open Houseon the weekends coinciding with the ASID Showhouse event – November 8 & 9, 15 & 16 and 22 & 23. More than 20 homes that are either completed or nearing completion will be featured.  Pictured is the custom home at 2 Harmony Links byMarshall & O’Connor, priced at $967,400. For a complete list of Open Houses and a map, visit The Woodlands Custom Homes at 3535 E. Panther Creek Drive or call Robyn Brand @ 281-367-4550.       WILSHIRE HOMES OFFERING SELECT INVENTORY HOMES IN THE VILLAGE OF CREEKSIDE PARK – Wilshire Homes has three new inventory homes inCreekside Park in The Woodlands. The homes include 7 Kittatiny, a two-story 3,722-square-foot plan with five bedrooms and four-and-a-half baths that is priced at $420,380; 59 E. Hullwood, a two-story 4,046-square-foot home with five bedrooms and four baths priced at $488,060; and 51 E. Hullwood, a two-story 4,027-square-foot design with four bedrooms and three-and-a-half baths, priced at $488,319. For more information, contact Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors @ 281-367-3531.       A TOTAL OF 61 CUSTOM HOMES ARE AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE WOODLANDS – Sixty-one custom homes are available throughout The Woodlands in various stages of completion. Sixteen of these homes are ready for immediate move-in. Homes are located in the gated community of Carlton Woods, near the Gary Player Signature golf course in the Village of Sterling Ridge, the estate neighborhood of Grogan’s Point and the lakeside enclave of East Shore. Ranging in size from 3,404 – 9,960 square feet, the homes are priced from $778,800 - $3,150,000. Pictured here is 83 South Palmiera Circle in Carlton Woods, built by award-winning Rohe & Wright Builders. The home features a lake view and five bedrooms, four-and-a-half baths and 5,984 square feet of living space.  This gracious residence is priced at $1,749,000 and is complete and ready for move-in. For more information about this home and other homes in Carlton Woods, call Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors @ 281-367-3531. For homes in other custom neighborhoods in The Woodlands, call Robyn Brand @ The Woodlands Custom Homes at 281-367-4550.       CRUSH WINE BAR TO OPEN AT 20 WATERWAY AVENUE NEXT SPRING — Crush Wine Bar, a wine lounge and retail store, is scheduled to open in the new 20 Waterway Avenue building on The Woodlands Waterway® in early spring of 2009. Crush will be situated on the upper level of the north building at 20 Waterway, and will include a rooftop terrace overlooking Waterway Square. Owner Blake Boyd said that Crush will offer and serve unique as well as affordable wine selections for every palate. Crush will also feature a gourmet appetizer menu, with the option of ordering meals from its neighboring restaurants to be served  in-house. For those looking for a venue for corporate or private functions, Crush’s rooftop terrace will accommodate 250 people and features spectacular views of theFountains at Waterway Square (pictured). The three VIP cabanas offer a more intimate party setting for up to 15 guests. Crush also features a Cellar Room for private parties of up to 30 people. Guests are encouraged to book events well in advance at these venues for the best availability. “We plan to make Crush the finest indoor/outdoor experience on The Woodlands Waterway®,” Boyd said. “Inside, you will find a richly appointed, comfortable lounge. Outside, you will be able to enjoy cool breezes and fine wines while watching the colorful fountains below. We are looking forward to welcoming guests to Crush.” A total of 473 new homes have been sold to date in the Village of Creekside Park. Early voting in Montgomery County is now underway through Friday, October 31. There are two polling locations in The Woodlands – the South County Community Building at 2235 Lake Robbins Drive and the Mitchell Library at 8125 Ashlane in the Village of Sterling Ridge. For hours and additional information, visit www.co.montgomery.tx.us/election. The new Rob Fleming Aquatic Center in the Village of Creekside Park set a new attendance record during its first season.  From July 4 through Labor Day, more than 75,000 people visited this fabulous new amenity!  The next highest total was the premier season at Cranebrook Park, when approximately 40,000 people visited.

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POWER IT UP PRE HOLIDAY PEP RALLY SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY – Just a reminder that The Woodlands Development Company is hosting the “Power It Up Pre Holiday Pep Rally” for real estate agents, builders’ sales representatives and marketing directors on Friday, October 10, 2008 at The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center, Rio Grande Ballroom from 8:30 am – 10:00 am.  Come hear Coach Welbes and Coach Driggers give a pep talk on the new Come Home for the Holidays program and good news on the housing market.  If you have any questions, please feel free to email Angie Rhodes at arhodes@thewoodlands.com. 62 CUSTOM HOMES AVAILABLE IN THE WOODLANDS - Custom residences are offered by over 20 custom homebuilders throughout The Woodlands including the gated communities ofCarlton Woods and Carlton Woods Creekside; and East Shore, the “Garden District” of The Woodlands Town Center bordering 200-acreLake Woodlands. Quality craftsmanship, attention to detail and personalized designs are featured in 62 custom homes in various stages of development.  Homes are priced from the $770’s to more than $3 million.  There are currently 16 homes ready for immediate move-in.  Homes range in size from approximately 3,404 to 9,960 square feet and include three to six bedrooms, up to six full baths and two half baths and two- to four car garages.  Amenities vary and can include a separate casita, wine room, second floor balcony, two staircases, summer kitchen with an outdoor fireplace and a lavish pool.  Homes feature one-, one-and-a-half- and two-story designs.  Custom homes can be built to meet the homebuyers’ specific needs. Ready for move-in is the home at 19 Signature Crest Court (top photograph) in the neighborhood of Player Point in The Woodlands’ Village of Sterling Ridge.  Built byTommy Bailey Homes, Inc., this one-story home offers a stone and stucco exterior, 5,168 square feet of living space, four bedrooms, study, game room, media room, four-and-a-half baths and a three-car garage. This home is priced at $1,090,000.  For more information, call Robyn Brand The Woodlands Custom Homes at 281-367-4550. Also ready for move-in is the estate at 83 South Palmiera Circle (bottom rendering) in the enclave of Carlton Woods.  Built by Rohe and Wright Builders, this two-story home includes 5,984 square feet of living space, five bedrooms with the master suite and a guest bedroom downstairs, wine room off the dining room, upstairs game room leading to a covered balcony, four-and-a-half baths and a three-car garage.  Priced at $1,749,000, this home also features a summer kitchen.  For more information, call Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors - 281-367-3531  26 HOMES NOW AVAILABLE IN EAST SHORE –There are currently 26  residences available in East Shore, bordering 200-acre Lake Woodlands (Hint: Fourth Quarter Incentive).  Carmel Builders, McVaugh Custom Homes, Southern Mark Homes, Stonemark Builders and J.M. Wendell Custom Homes offer condominiums, three-story townhomes, three-story villas, Charleston-style homes and New Orleans-style cottages.   Homes in East Shore are priced from the $370’s to the millions. Pictured is a villa by Stonemark, priced from the $700’s.  These residences feature Italianate architecture, living areas ranging from more than 3,300 square feet, large third-floor terraces, two- to three-car garages and innovative courtyard designs.  For more information on East Shore, call Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors @ 281-367-3531 THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCES NEW BOARD MEMBERS - The South Montgomery County Woodlands Economic Development Partnership (EDP) has elected new board members for the 2008-2009 term.  Pictured standing from left are: (Back Row) Kent Johnsonof The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center; Greg Maxwell of Chevron Phillips Chemical Company; immediate past chair Jonathan Homeyer of Wells Fargo; Sergio Grado of Gradco Structures & Homes; Robert Collins of Montgomery County Precinct 3; Jack Stibbs of Stibbs & Co. Attorneys; Mayor Fred O’Connor of City of Oak Ridge North; chair Clyde Parker of Winstead P.C.; and Don Norrell of the Community Associations of The Woodlands. (Front Row) Secretary Chip VanSteenberg of City of Shenandoah; Karen Smith of Drucker Rutledge & Smith L.L.P.; Gary Weaver of Halliburton Security DBS; Nina Marino of Keller Williams Realty; vice-chair Mike Karlins ofKarlins & Ramey LLC; treasurer Karen Hoylman of the South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce; Michael Richmond of Woodforest National Bank; and Nelda Blair of The Woodlands Township. Not pictured are Michael Barnhill of Entergy; Dan Leverett of The Woodlands Development Company; Steve Sanders of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital; and Mike Shultz of Consolidated Communications. The Economic Development Partnership is dedicated to promoting the economic development of South Montgomery County through the support of existing businesses and the recruitment of new businesses that can bring opportunities to the area. CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE GALA TO FEATURE AMAZING BIG BOARD AUCTION ITEMS - A fabulous evening awaits the individuals attending The Woodlands Celebration of ExcellenceGala, honoring the 2008 Hometown Heroes.  The black tie optional event benefiting Interfaith of The Woodlands will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Convention Center. This year, the gala will feature several never before seen “Big Board” auction items as well as many other fabulous silent auction packages. The Big Board auction items include Name that Street (in the Village of Creekside Park); Danini Diamond Necklace; Ladies Mink Jacket; ABC Studio Tour; Weekend Getaway to Houston;Celebrity Waiter Dinner; and 5-Piece 2-in-1 Game Table. The silent auction will consist of more than 30 packages including a “Date Night” package with a suite at the Magnolia Hotel in Houston, dinner and P.F. Chang’s China Bistro and a Mini Cooper ren