Dear Conflicted Real Estate Agent,

All this cataclysm scares the bejesus out of everyone.  

Pre Hurricane Ike and the Financial Market Dow Meltdown/Bail Out/Tsunami, The Woodlands real estate market served up shiny silver platters of cream and sugar, strawberries and chocolate, steak and eggs.   Don’t get me wrong, you had to elbow your way to the tray, but it was good, even if you weren’t.

Today, the real estate market is serving up Wonder Bread Crap Sandwiches, vitamin fortified, on a flimsy paper plate no less. It’s going to take a least four or five months to eat the entire bag of sandwiches.  Maybe longer?

Fear is natural, it’s what you do with it that shoves you into one of these two tribes.

Tribe One = Submit and Quit.  There’s no shame it calling it career-over.  You gave it your best, the market overwhelmed you.  It’s not your fault.  Annual association dues are due.  Monthly fees for this and that, nickels, dimes and hundred dollar bills are adding up.  It’s OK to quit.  Do it today. Rock on.

Tribe Two = Commit, Survive and Strive to Thrive.  If you decide to comitt and survive to thrive, congratualtions, the sun will shine again, you will smile, the after taste will vanish and you will thrive.  Pent up demand and less competition will slingshot you forward, IF you take the correct steps today.

Here’s Five Correct Steps – start now.

1. Create Top Of Mind Awareness within your network – be known as THE Go to Girl/Guy – The person everyone you know calls on for any/all information related to real estate, home, family, community, entertainment and anything else someone might need.  Top Of Mind Awareness is created through positive, salient repetitions.  In this case, repetition equals personal contact and conversation.  

2.  To support and deepen your Top of Mind Awareness campaign include indirect contact with useful information – Direct Mail, Ecards and Enewsletters are the way to go here.  Always follow up a personal contact with a handwritten note and two business cards.  

3,.  To broaden and thicken your personal network, involve yourself in social media opportunities, embrace Facebook, investigate twitter, Trulia and Zillow.  Attend REbarcamp Houston on October 22nd.

4.  Expand your horizons, read blogs from other bright survivors and thrivers.

Agent Genius Blog

Blood Hound Blog

Transparent Real Estate

Seth Godin’s Blog

Scott Ginsberg – The Name Tag Guy

5.  Avoid negative people.  Better yet, when you hear the weak lament the market and life and voice their confliction, “should they stay in or get out?”, do them a solid favor, encourage them to submit and quit.  Saves them pain and suffering and makes the market a better place for you and yours and consumers.  Amen, everyone wins.

That’s it.  It’s simple join a tribe today.

Wadda ya think, am I right or wrong?

Any questions or comments, or if I can help you strive, survive and thrive, give me a call:  Ken Brand 832-797-1779

         What’s up in The Woodlands, Texas

HANN BUILDERS SEEING GREEN IN THE VILLAGE OF STERLING RIDGE – Many of the new “green” components that go into homes are hidden in the walls, roof and attic. To display these “green” features, The Woodlands custom homebuilder, Hann Builders, recently hosted an open house at 14 Sterling Dale in the neighborhood of Sterling Dale Place in the Village of Sterling Ridge.  We are always looking for improved ways to serve our clients through better efficiency, less maintenance and enhanced performance over the long run,” said Stephen Hann, president of Hann Builders. “This event lets people see the kinds of things we are putting into these homes that will give them a return on their investment long after we’re done building them.” The items that were showcased included: AdvanTech decking used as second floor subflooring. It is a sealed product that helps to prevent moisture absorption, either during construction or after. ZIPsystem exterior wall and roof sheathing with its built-in water-resistive barrier to lock out moisture. Icynene insulation that completely fills voids in wall cavities. PEX water system which resists mineral build-up, has lower friction from flowing water and uses fewer fittings (results in less heat transferred through the pipe walls). Tankless water heater heats the water only when needed instead of keeping a tank hot all the time. The Mediterranean-style home at 14 Sterling Dale overlooks the Gary PlayerSignature golf course and includes 6,335 square feet of living space. It is priced at $1,895,000. Pictured from left to right are Stephen Hann, Susan Vreeland-Wendt, director of marketing for The Woodlands Development Company (TWDC), and Angie Rhodes, marketing coordinator for TWDC.   There are currently 46 custom homes in various stages of construction throughout The Woodlands.  Twelve homes are available for immediate move-in. Custom homes are priced from the $770’s to more than $3 million. For information on Hann Builders or other new custom homes in The Woodlands, call Robyn Brand at The Woodlands Custom Homes at 281-367-4550 or visit www.thewoodlands.com. HUNTINGTON & PARTNERS IN BUILDING IN PLAYER TRAIL –  Huntington Homes and Partners in Buildingare offering luxurious Mediterranean-style patio homes in the neighborhood of Player Trail in the Village of Sterling Ridge. Some homes border the 10th fairway of the Gary Player Signature golf course.  Homes are priced from the $600’s to $1 million+. Huntington presents five unique floorplans with varied elevations. Sizes range from approximately 3,075 to 4,285 square feet and include three to four bedrooms, up to four full baths with two half baths and up to three-car garages. Amenities vary and can include formals, a study, media room, game room and a lavish pool.  Design 3665 (top photograph) is a 4,285-square-foot patio home with four bedrooms, four living areas, game room, media room, patio with a fireplace and four-and-a-half baths.  For more information, call Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors at 281-367-3531. Partners in Building features six designs with varied elevations in Player Trail. Homes range in size from approximately 3,085 to 4,291 square feet and include four to five bedrooms, three-and-a-half to five-and-a-half baths and two- to three-car garages. Partners in Building offers homebuyers the opportunity to make changes to the floor plans to fit their specific needs.  The two-story Portofino design is pictured (bottom photograph).  At 4,291 square feet, this home includes four bedrooms, upstairs game room, second floor balcony, rear courtyard, four-and-a-half baths and a three-car garage. For more information, call Robyn Brand, The Woodlands Custom Homes – 281-367-4550 18 HOMES AVAILABLE IN CARLTON WOODS & CARLTON WOODS CREEKSIDE – Within the gated communities of Carlton Woods and Carlton Woods Creekside, a variety of home styles are offered, from custom villas to estates. There are currently 18 custom homes in various stages of development available, priced from the $870’s to more than $3 million. Four homes are available immediately. Sizes range from approximately 3,404 to 9,960 square feet and include three to five bedrooms, up to six full baths with two half baths and two- to four-car garages.  Many homes feature lake views. Ready for move-in is the custom villa at 6 Margaux Way in the enclave of Cartouche in Carlton Woods.  Built by Jeff Paul Custom Villas, this residence features 3,995 square feet of living space, four bedrooms including a separate casita, raised game room/media room, outdoor pavilion with a fireplace and grill, courtyard, covered terrace off the breakfast room, four-and-a-half baths and a two-car garage with a portico.  This home is priced at $970,000.  Villas in Cartouche include a golf membership incentive to The Club at Carlton Woods (terms and conditions apply). For more information, call Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors – 281-367-3531 POST-SEASON POOL SCHEDULE BEGINS AUGUST 25 - The 13 community pools in The Woodlands are open through Sunday, August 24, 2008. After that, one pool in each village will remain open on weekends through the end of September: Bear Branch, Cranebrook, Creekwood, Falconwing, Harper’s Landing, Rob Fleming Aquatic Center (pictured), Sawmill and Windvale. Bear Branch Pool will be open weekdays through September 5.  Available now at bookstores, Equipped to Lead is a focused inspirational management guide that helps executives learn about the factors critical to long-term success: people, process, partners and performance – referred to as the 4Ps.  Equipped to Lead is co-authored by local business executive and resident of The Woodlands, Galen Walters and United Supermarkets CEO Dan Sanders.   More than 1,550 businesses and corporations have found a home in The Woodlands, among them Anadarko Petroleum, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, Hewitt Associates, Fox Networks Group and Huntsman Corporation.

SPLASH INTO A FREE SWIMMING POOL WITH WILSHIRE HOMES – Wilshire Homes is offering a free swimming pool on select inventory homes including locations in the neighborhoods of Wilde Creek andArrow Canyon in the Village of Creekside Park and one home in the neighborhood ofSterling Pointe in the Village of Sterling Ridge. Select inventory homes are as follows:

Wilde Creek
• Elgin design, 59 E. Hullwood Circle, 5-4-3-$476,380
• Sinclair (pictured), 51 E. Hullwood Circle, 4-3.5-3, $473,839
• Kensignton, 55 E. Hullwood Circle, 4-3.5-3, $468,112

Arrow Canyon
• Carlton design, 3 Kittatinny Place, 5-4-3, $407,699

Sterling Pointe
• Chateau design, 66 S. Longsford Circle, 5-4-3, $399,000

If you’d like a tour on more information, call one of our Realtor Icons @ 281-367-3531

THREE CHESMAR HOMES AVAILABLE IN WILDE CREEK – Chesmar Homes has three homes available in the neighborhood of Wilde Creek, next to Wilde Creek Park, in the Village of Creekside Park.  Two Karmel designs are available and feature 2,566 square feet of living space, five bedrooms or a study option, upstairs game room, three baths and a two-car attached garage. These homes are priced from $278,890 to $284,240. The two-story Forenze design is also available and features 2,949 square feet, five bedrooms, four baths, covered front porch and rear patio with a fireplace, four bathrooms, and a three-car attached garage (one two-car garage and one single bay with a separate entrance).  This home is priced at $328,690. 

Chesmar offers homes in Wilde Creek, priced from the $240’s to the $320’s.  Six floor plans with varied elevations are available with sizes ranging from 2,236 to 2,949 square feet. Pictured is the Clarinda model.  At 2,702 square feet, this two-story home features four bedrooms, two-story family room, upstairs game room, two-and-a-half baths, and a two-car garage, priced from $273,990.  For more information, our Realtor Icons are poised to swing into action – 281-367-3531.

HOLIDAY FOR HEROES NEEDS YOUR HELP – The Women’s Council of Realtors® – Montgomery County (WCR) is proud to sponsor for the third year “Holiday for Heroes”. The program sends 1,000 holiday care packages to soldiers currently serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.  The community-wide effort takes several volunteers and donations to make it a success. The WCR is asking you to help with this project by either donating items or by choosing one of the underwriting levels which helps fund the cost of purchasing enough items and helps the postage costs for the 1,000 packages.

Several companies have committed to helping underwrite “Holiday for Heroes” including The Woodlands Development Company, Corporate Incentives, Jeff Paul Custom Homes, Uptown Real Estate Group and Woodforest National Bank. For more information contact underwriting co-chairs Becky Shannonhouse at 281-719-6392 or Serena Schneider at 281-536-2429 and visitwww.montgomerycountycares.com. Let’s show our men and women how much we appreciate them!

ROBERT KINNEAR HIRED AS INTERIM PRESIDENT FOR THE WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP – The Woodlands Township Board of Directors recently agreed to hireRobert Kinnear (pictured) as interim president for the Township, in a special public meeting.  Terms of the month-to-month employment will be reduced to writing, and will include a condition that Kinnear, who was recently appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board, not participate as a Board member during his term as interim president. 

“Bob Kinnear has not only the career experience and the background to lead the Township at this important time, but his knowledge and understanding of this entity is unmatched.  I am extremely confident in his ability to keep the Township going and growing during this transition period.  As we look for a permanent president, Bob will also serve as the perfect liaison for the right candidate to take over the job for the future,” said Township chairman, Nelda Luce Blair.

Kinnear will take the lead immediately, relieving the three-way interim president situation which had vice president of Operations and Public Safety Steve Sumner, vice president of Marketing and Public Affairs Nick Wolda, and financial consultant Brian Pate in charge of the Township for the past 60 days.  Sumner and Wolda will continue with their vice presidential duties, and Pate will remain under contract to the Township.   

DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR HOMETOWN HEROES’ NOMINATIONS - The deadline to nominate 2008 Hometown Heroes is Friday, August 15, 2008. Nomination forms and criteria can be found online atwww.thewoodlands.net. The 2008 Hometown Heroes will be honored at The Woodlands Celebration of Excellence gala on October 11 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott.  The event benefits Interfaith of The Woodlands, the primary human services organization in South Montgomery County.

All nominees must be current residents of The Woodlands or businesses/institutions based in The Woodlands. Completed nomination forms should be mailed to:Hometown Heroes Selection Committee, The Woodlands Homefinder Center;P.O. Box 5050, The Woodlands, Texas 77387-5050. Forms can also be faxed to 281-719-6159 or emailed to svreeland@thewoodlands.com.

There are 57 local, national and custom homebuilders offering new homes in The Woodlands, priced from the $150’s to more than $3 million. The Woodlands is home to 110 parks, 162 miles of hike-and-bike trails, seven championship golf courses and 13 aquatic facilities. The Grogan’s Mill Village Association is bringing back the Farmer’s Market to Grogan’s Mill Village Center. The Farmer’s Market will return for the fall season from Saturday, October 4 – Saturday, December 6, 2008.

       

The Conversation Prism

Originally uploaded by b_d_solis

Thank you and a head nod to Lani and Agent Genius for sharing this work of art and social science. Slice n’ dice, parse and ponder, people, young people and medium people and old people (like me) are connecting in new ways. [Click Here for the readable BIG version of the picture.]

Let’s face it. You can’t do them all, but some would be smart. Imagine if we still thought the cell phone was a fad?  

Agent Icons in my office ask “Which ones”?

If you’re a real estate agent I give two thumbs up to the following:

Twitter

Youtube

WordPress Blog

Facebook

Flickr

Trulia Voices/Profile

Zillow/Profile

Retaggr

Below is my Retaggr Biz Card, it has examples of what I’ve shared above. Plus other social media/web 2.0 stuff.

“Jump in, before you get pushed in”, I say.

Any questions, comments, concerns – Ken Brand – 832-797-1779

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Faced with the choice between changing one’s mind and proving there is no need to do so, almost everyone gets busy on the proof.”  ~John Kenneth Galbraith

[77381] [77382] [77386] [77384] [77380]

56 CUSTOM RESIDENCES AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE WOODLANDS – Over 40 custom homebuilders are offering custom residences throughout The Woodlands including the lakeside neighborhood of East Shore, the “Garden District” of The Woodlands Town Center and the gated communities of Carlton Woods and Carlton Woods Creekside. There are currently 56 custom homes in various stages of construction in The Woodlands. Homes are priced from the $700’s to more than $3 million. Sixteen homes are ready for immediate move-in. Pictured is one of the completed homes, located at 83 Lakeside Green created by Marshall & O’Connor. Featuring a spectacular homesite on a lake bordering the Gary Player Signature golf course in the Village of Sterling Ridge,the home includes five bedrooms with two bedrooms down, five and one-half baths, media room, game room, study and three-car tandem garage comprising a total of 5,241 square feet. The home is priced at $1,289,000.

Homes range in size from approximately 3,404-7,871 square feet and include three to six bedrooms, up to six full baths with 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 kitchens with outdoor fireplaces and lavish pools. Custom residences are available on golf course homesites overlooking the Jack NicklausSignature golf course in the gated community of Carlton Woods; the Gary Player Signature golf couse in the Village of Sterling Ridge; and the Tom Fazio Championship golf course in the gated community of Carlton Woods Creekside. Oversized homesites, greenbelt and cul-de-sac locations are also available.

For more information, call The Woodlands Custom Homes, Prudential Gary Greene, Realtors® , Robyn Brand at 281-367-4550 or you can always reach her by cell:  832-928-4143

JEFF PAUL CUSTOM VILLAS HIGHLIGHTED IN CARLTON WOODS – Jeff Paul Custom Villas is offering The Villas at Cartouche, situated near theJack Nicklaus Signature golf course in the gated community of Carlton Woods. Ranging in size from 3,400-4,000 square feet, each home embodies the rich, refined spirit of the south of France. Three of the five homes currently offered are complete and ready for move-in. The home located at 8 Margaux Way features 3,548 square feet with three bedrooms including a separate casita, three-and-a-half baths, study, upstairs game room leading to a balcony, front and rear covered terraces, a side courtyard, and a two-car garage. The home is priced at $860,000. Prices of the other available villas range from $870,000-$970,000.

Available homes include three to four bedrooms, up to four-and-a-half baths, and two- to two-and-a-half-car garages. Seven different floorplans and two interior packages are offered. Every villa is appointed with the following features: Monier tile roofs, Thermador appliances, Schlage door hardware, Andre plumbing fixtures, furniture finish custom cabinetry, granite countertops, pavestone drives and walks, stained cedar garage doors, gas lanterns and wrought iron accents. The elevations includestone and stucco, brick and stucco or stucco exteriors.

The sales price of the homes includes an incentive towards golf membership at The Club at Carlton Woods, home of the Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course, the Tom Fazio Championship golf course and two clubhouses. Carlton Woods is one of only two gated communities in the U.S. to offer a private Nicklaus/Fazio combination. For more information about the Jeff Paul Custom Villas, give me a call, Ken Brand, 832-797-1779.

 HUNTINGTON HOMES FEATURES GRACIOUS DESIGNS IN PLAYER MANOR – Huntington Homes is featuring homes rich in architectural details and amenities in the new neighborhood of Player Manor in theVillage of Sterling Ridge. Priced from the $700’s to $1 million+, the homes are located on large, heavily wooded lots some of which are situated on the 5th fairway of the Gary Player Signature golf course. Pictured is the model, plan 5219, featuring two stories in a choice of exterior elevations, five living areas, five bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths. Living areas include the family room and library, both with fireplaces; game room and adjoining card room with wet bar; and media room. Three homes are currently available, one for immediate move-in and two that will be completed in September, priced from $868,900-$907,864. For more information, give me a call:  Ken Brand, 832-797-1779

VILLAGE BUILDERS’ AMERICANA SERIES AVAILABLE IN ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY OF WINDSOR LAKES – The established active adult community of Windsor Lakes is ideal for those 55 and over who desire a low maintenance lifestyle in a serene, gated enclave. The neighborhood features theWindsor Lodge, a clubhouse designed exclusively for residents of Windsor Lakes. Amenities include an exercise room with treadmills and weights, arts and crafts room, library with computers and printer, billiards room with pool tables and dartboard, and multi-use room for parties, complete with stage and catering kitchen. Windsor Lodge also includes a resort-style pool and spa, surrounded by a deck for outdoor entertaining and special events. Six tennis courts are located within walking distance at Lone Star College-Montgomery, where residents can also continue their educations through the Academy of Lifelong Learning.

Available Village Builders’ homes include the Chesapeake and Potomac plans, ranging in size from 1,423 – 1,887 square feet and priced from $203,768-$217,245. The Potomac plan includes two bedrooms, each with walk-in closets, two full baths, large family room, formal dining room, well-appointed kitchen, covered patio and two-car attached garage.  The Chesapeake plan also features a study. A third bedroom and bath is an option in both plans. For more information, give me a call, Ken Brand 832-797-1779.

If you’d simple like purse, you can use THIS WEBSITE, it includes every home in the Houston MLS (Greater Houston, The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe…everything).

[77381] [77382] [77380] [77386] [77384]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality.”  - Jules de Gaultier

Are You Ready For A Texas Hurricane - God forbid.

 It’s the season, you never know, if it happens, better to be prepared.  

Here’s some simple information from the Red Cross, National Weather Association and FEMA.

You property listed “FOR SALE” and you’re wondering if you should reduce your asking/listing price.

Here are four key things to consider in answering the question of price reduction.  As an example, I’m going to include some statistical information for the market I work and play in, The Woodlands, Texas.  The philosophical approach using accurate data will work in all real estate market. 

Let’s start with a few important qualifiers before we dive into the hard facts.  Things that effect salability you probably know; location, condition, price, marketing/advertising.  You can’t change the location, let’s assume you’ve taken smart steps to merchandise and stage your property and you have a savvy real estate agent marketing/advertising/promoting like a crazed banshee.  What’s left?  Adjust the price. 

All sellers grapple with the difficult task of pricing.  Here’s four factors to help you decide intelligently. 

1.  Find out what the Average Number Of Days On The Market is for all “active listings” in your general market.  You should also narrow it down to your price range and even your specific neighborhood. (A savvy real estate agent can provide you with this information.)

EXAMPLE:  The Average Number Of Days On The Market (ADOM)” for all active listing inventory (908), in all price ranges, is 85 Days. (The Woodlands, Texas – 10:25AM, August 4th, 2008)

Let’s say you had your property listed For Sale at $549,000 in The Woodlands, Texas.  The ADOM for all actively listed properties between $500,000 – $600,000 is 91 Days.  In this example, using your data for your property in your market area, if your property has been on the market longer than the average – Adjust The Price Now!  Do it today.

What’s the first question a buyer asks when they walk through your door?  Answer:  How long has this home been on the market?  Don’t let the answer be, “longer that average”.

2.  Find out what the Average Number Of Days On The Market is for all Closed Listings in your general market for the last 30 days.  These ADOM numbers from closed sales will reflect buyer activity (contracts written) from 30 to 60 days ago.  This number will tell you what ADOM were for properties that qualified buyers choose over all the other available homes.

EXAMPLE:  In The Woodlands, Texas during the month of July there were 255 Closed Sales, the Average Number Of Days On The Market was only 55 days.  Using the same mythical listing price of $549,000 the ADOM is 65.  If you’re seriously motivated and you want to move and your property has been on the market for more than 55 days…you would ACT NOW.  

3.  Take a look at the seasonal pattern for your area.  In our area, as you can see from the graph below, New Contracts Written peak in May, June and July.  Buyer activity naturally ebbs as school begins and the holiday season kicks off.  This means there will be fewer qualified buyers in the market place.  If you want to be one of the sales that happens next, consider a price adjustment today, not next month.

4.  Consider how showing appointments are trending in your market place.  Taking into account the seasonal flow of qualified buyer traffic, is there any reason to believe that more buyers will appear or enter the market place?  If the answer is no, adjust you price today.

OK, that’s alot to swallow, it’s bitter too.  Experience tells us it’s better to take action today than regret inaction tomorrow.  Please keep in mind that this all assumes that you have taken dramatic action to merchandise/stage your property appropriately and you have a savvy real estate agent marketing like a whirlwind. 

Any questions, feel free to give me a call, Ken Brand, 832-797-1779 or shoot me an email or leave me a comment.

Thanks.

We publish a lush looking, thrice yearly, full color magazine featuring our Luxury Properties listed For Sale in The Woodlands and The Greater Houston Area.  Here’s our Hot Off The Press edition. Thought I’d share on-line, if you’d like more information about one of these beauties or if you’d like printed version, let me know.

Thanks – Ken

Unicorns, Leprechauns and WMDs are myths…so is the the notion of a National Housing Market.  Don’t read me wrong.  Yes, nation wide housing data can be lumped together like an overweight, crappy tasteing merry Christmas Fruitcake, but guess what?  It’s a myth and it’s as useful as a Merry Christmas Fruitcake.

 Real Estate markets are local and hyper-local, period.

Don’t let the talking media bobble heads and jaded journalists hypnotize you into a depressing, misinformed stupor.  Talk to a trusted, in-the-know, feet on the street, real estate agent about what exactly is going on in your community, neighborhood and street.  It may or may not be what you want to hear, but it will be accurate, meaningful and useful.

Amen brothers and sisters….that’s all I have to say about that.

For now.

PS.  If you’d like to pursue a passel of real estate market statistics for The Woodlands, Texas, you can download this .PDF.  I’ll update these stats over the weekend