We have shared several stories about a journey we embarked upon on May 11th of this year.     This involved an estate listing that took over a year to find a buyer for.   Once title was opened we found a raft of exceptions and problems with the title.  The closer was too busy and had no time to help us .   The title company for months did nothing except to point out the problems (one at a time) and invite us to move the transaction somewhere else.  We have never been treated so badly! Unfortunately they also treated our seller with haughty attitude.  He knew more about the property than anyone but they did not want to listen or review documents he found and sent.   Finally six weeks ago one of the title examiners gave the seller the name of an attorney who the title company suggested he... 09/09/2012

Finally!  I got my iPad yesterday!  I am beside myself with excitement!  Whoo hoo!  Now to figure out everything it can do for me!  I'd love to hear recommendations from everyone! For starters it appears that this thing won't let me upload a photo to Activerain with the iPad.  Surely there is a trick that I have missed.  Help please!! 09/09/2012

The Woodlands Robbery ... Steps to Keep your Home Safe from Crime   After a long 3 day weekend we came to realize that we had been robbed!   Our first clue was that our garage door opener did not work.  Our electric meter had been torn off and all the cables to the house had been cut!     The stench from the refridgerators/freezers being turned off for 3 days (while it was 95 degrees) was a little overwhelming.   Then to see that every dresser, drawer, closet and shelf in every room in the house had been dumped out looked like a hurricane had come through!   I do have to say that I was EXTREMELY pleased with how fast the police showed up after we called 911 ... probably within 3 minutes! Crime is at a lower rate in The Woodlands than most of the country but we can always be preventative... 09/07/2012

  Longest 3 Day Weekend Ever!   We decided that we were going to take the family on a 3 day cruise out of New Orleans, to celebrate the girls turning 18 next week. The cruise was going to leave on Thursday out of New Orleans but of course the hurricane blew in. The port was closed so then Carnival told us they were going to now leave on Friday and just go out to sea with no port. We had to drive to New Orleans, park and then get on a charter bus to Mobile, AL to catch the ship and then return to New Orleans. Then Thursday night we got an email that the New Orleans port was now open and we were going to leave Friday night at 10pm.   Hubby rented a Suburban so we could have a comfortable ride. When we got right outside of New Orleans I-10 just completely SHUT DOWN! There was flooding and ... 09/07/2012

          Call 281-210-3965 ADDRESS:2101 Riva Row, The Woodlands, TX 77380It is located east of the Boardwalk Apartments and across The Waterway from Town Green Park.  Single and Tandem Kayaks Single: $15 for the first hour Tandem: $20 for the first hour $5 per additional hour for both single and tandem kayaks Valid ID is required for all rentals Two-person maximum per kayak    Hours of Operation   January 1 - April 28, 2012* 9 a.m. to sunset Closed Tuesday and Wednesday Last call: one hour before sunset April 29 - September 3, 2012* 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Wednesday Last call: 6 p.m. September 4 - December 31, 2012 9 a.m. to sunset Closed Tuesday and Wednesday Last call: one hour before sunset                         09/06/2012

Yes, the rumors are true!! NORDSTROM is coming to THE WOODLANDS, TX!We have been hearing this rumor for some time that this beloved department store and The Woodlands were in discussion about a possible store in our area! We are so glad to know that they have officially announced they are coming to our neighborhood! The 138,000 sqft store is set to open in Fall of 2014 in The Woodlands Mall where the Sears currently is.  I remember when Norstrom opened the 1st Houston location in The Galleria in 2003 and how they partnered with local organizations, like the Children's Museum, to get the community involved with their Grand Opening and I am looking forward to The Woodlands opening! Nordstrom is a fashion specialty store offering women's, men's and children's clothing, shoes and accessorie... 09/05/2012

Let's face it, Break-ins can happen in any neighborhood. Criminals are Equal Opportunists! Unfortunately, our neighborhood is no different. No matter where you live and how safe you feel, it is always best to be vigilant and proactive when it comes to protecting your family, your home, your vehicles, and especially these days....your identity!   After a few area break-ins, attempted break-ins, and vehicle break-ins it has many in our community feeling uneasy. I completely understand and felt this way too when I heard of some of the recent events. However, I know as a Real Estate Professional and that I am often asked about the safety of neighborhoods, anything can happen anywhere and it is always best to be aware and take measures to prevent being at risk no matter how safe you think yo... 09/05/2012

Here is your weekly interest rate update: Conventional 30 year Mortgage: 3.5% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR: 3.7% FHA 30 year:3.25% Credit Score:640 LTV:96.5% loan amount:$200k APR:4.15% Conventional 15 year:2.875% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR:3.25%   Call me today if you are thinking of refinancing or buying a home, for the best mortgage rate possible. 09/05/2012

THE WOODLANDS MARKET STREET - FALL 2012 CONCERT SERIES! The Fall Market Street Concert Series is almost here! Bring out your chairs, your coolers and your friends to enjoy the fantastic concert series! Beginning next Thursday, September 13 -October 25, from 6 - 8 p.m., you can enjoy these free concerts in the heart of Market Street. The Line up for this Fall 2012 Series is: September 13 The Gentle Lambs – Party band playing motown, jazz, R&B (Montgomery County United Way Campaign Kick-Off event) September 20 Maydwell – Smooth jazz band (Alzheimer’s Association – Charity Partner) September 27 Watercolours October 4 Divisi Strings - Classical music mixed with today's hottest hits (MD Anderson’s Pink Lighting event) October 11 Bryan Anthony - (JDRF – Charity Partner) October 18 Kim Prevost... 09/04/2012

  I really can't think of any better news than this, especially for super shopper Presha! NORDSTROMs in The Woodlands .. Wow!!!!   I can't wait for this store to be just a few minutes away :) The Woodlands Mall will be adding a NORDSTROM store in 2014. They will be replacing the SEARS store. Right now there are 3 NORDSTROM stores in the Houston area ... The "main" store at the Galleria Nordstrom Rack at Centre @ Post Oak Market @ Town Center Rack (Sugar Land)  I am originally from the Pacific NorthWest and this, at the time, was the best we had to choose from.  I LOVE NORDSTOM'S! They have Incredible Quality Merchandise and a return policy that matches no other! Just this past week my sister talked me into going to the RACK for the first time ... I just wish I would have had at least an... 09/04/2012

  HOW DO YOU DRESS YOUR WEINER? HA! Got you to look with this blog title didn't I? The picture above is my cute little wiener dog Jack. He allowed me to put him in one of his costumes. This year, he will be the ultimate "Hot Dog"! He is "relishing" his new look! He really "cuts the mustard"! Oh please make me stop! There are always fun events in The Woodlands for pets. We are fortunate that we have plenty of dog parks, miles of hike and bike paths for walking our pooches and fun events for pets. The SPCA annual Mutt Strutt is always a favorite event too! The various dog parks in The Woodlands are: The Bear Branch Dog Friendly Area is 2+ very shady acres, separated into a large dog section and a small dog section. There is water available in both areas and many benches.   Cattail Park i... 09/02/2012

Basically I have found that when you are obsessed with doing things perfectly, you don't get much done.   Any task can be redone and turned from ridiculous to sublime.  The time it took to do the redo may have been better spent .     Always put forth your best efforts.  But when you have finished with the project, be willing to accept it and move on.   Achieving Perfection is hardly ever realistically possible.   The flyers we construct as market material must be usable for a variety of media.  We want them to reflect the best the property has to offer and to make us easily accessible.   If we can make the flyers colorful, informational and cutesy in a reasonable amount of time, we have done a good job.  Selling requires a certain amount of polish.  If however that flyer construction ea... 09/01/2012

08/27/2012

Into every Real Estate practice a little "down " time will come.   How you utilize it will effect how long it stays!   Look carefully at the good times.  What made them more productive.  Make changes accordingly.     Go through the closed files and remove unnecessary papers.  Also check your mailing lists to be sure the contact info is current for all previous clients.   Design a new contact mailing or emailer to send to past clients.  Do not assume that the clients will remember your stellar performance or even your name for that matter.  It just cannot be counted on!  Call or mail to these folks on a regular basis.   Look for area open houses and seminars in your market area.  This is also a good time to do the classes for your mandatory continuing education.    It has to be done and ... 08/26/2012

  ”Nothing Bundt Cakes” Opens In The Woodlands, Texas….   So, anyone that knows me knows I love to throw a party!         …But as much as I love to cook and bake,   I love to have things for a party that I do not have to make sometimes too.    This past spring, my friends and I threw a Bridal Shower for a good friend.  One of the girls, Ahslee Lee, who also owns a fabulous Event Planning Company Bistol Stone Events and knows of great party ideas, could not make it and offered to send some sweet little cakes over for the party. She told me about them, how cute and yummy they were but until these adorable little “Buntinis” arrived…we didn’t know just how delicious they were.  They are adorable, come in a variety of sizes and they best part is that they are not too sweet like cupcakes some... 08/25/2012

Here is your weekly interest rate update: Conventional 30 year Mortgage: 3.625% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR: 3.9% FHA 30 year:3.25% Credit Score:640 LTV:96.5% loan amount:$200k APR:4.15% Conventional 15 year:2.875% Credit score:740 LTV:80% Loan Amount:$200k APR:3.25%   Call me today if you are thinking of refinancing or buying a home, for the best mortgage rate possible. 08/22/2012

    We are seeing REDEVELOPMENT in The Woodlands, TX! Particularly in the original areas, like The Village of Grogan's Mill, that are older and are desirably located closer to the front of The Woodlands near the Interstate, shopping, & restaurants.  Homes that are not already remodeled are being scooped up by investors both to flip and to keep as investment properties.  Those that are remodeled are quickly attracting families that want to move right in and enjoy all the conveniences this Village has to offer.  This is a trend that we have expected for a while now but has now exploded! Check out this great article for more information on what is happening in The Village of Grogan's Mill! http://impactnews.com/articles/redevelopment-efforts-emerge-in-grogan’s-mill   If you or someone you... 08/21/2012

Inspired by a post on August 18th, by Myrl Jeffcoat,  where she described what the stress of loss had done to her ability to multitask,  I did some self searching.    That was when I got finished laughing a comment she made in her well done blog.   The post made me think about the importance of what we put on every day.  On and in our minds.  We are after all, multi faceted creatures.   As Meryl artfully pointed out, it is vital that we put on all the basic articles of apparel.   But it is worthy to take into account that , just because we are dressed does not mean we are equipped to face our day.   Each of us needs to put on an awareness of what is going on around us.  We also need a positive attitude.  How about a spirit of acceptance and genuine caring.  Pack some extra creativity an... 08/21/2012

What do those have in common?  More than you might think!   Both of them have current owners and potential buyers.  Both of them are loved by someone, and both function as a roof over someone's head.   They represent a substantial investment to their owners respectively and both provide a prude of ownership.   One brings significantly more in price than the other, but in reality is not more important.   When I started in Real Estate I had a serious snob problem.  I was showing listing and selling in the most upscale markets in the city of Houston.  I really enjoyed that!   Then life changed and I began to show and sell horse properties in the country.  A change occurred in me when I began to realize that the value of a person had nothing to do with what they owned or lived in.   Every p... 08/21/2012

HEB has long been one of our favorite shopping places.  After all,  keeping a pantry and fridge properly stocked is one of life's best activities.   The HEB at Vintage Park is close to home and on the way to and from almost every destination.   We seldom stray too far from the home market except for specialty items from the Indian, Health food and Asian markets.   But,  Fairly recently a new HEB was added to the already deluxe shopping ops in The Woodlands.   This store is state of the art!  From the exquisite selection of produce to the gourmet chives in fish, poultry and meat this place is at least a thrill a  minute.  The HEB at Vintage Park by us is nice but this new one in The Woodlands is killer.   Canned goods and chips also have reached a new high in panache.  Presentation is hi... 08/19/2012