About 1/3 of all the home buyers who buy in The Woodlands, choose to buy a New Home. Our experience, about 76% of the home buyers who buy a property in The Woodlands, look at new homes and pre-owned homes. Here's some 411 on New Home Inventory: THERE ARE 248 SPEC INVENTORY HOMES AVAILABLE IN THE WOODLANDS – The Woodlands features a variety of new home choices from condominiums, townhomes, patio homes, single-family homes, active-adult residences, urban living, custom homes to golf course estates, priced from the $150’s to more than $3 million. There are currently 248 spec inventory homes available throughout The Woodlands. FYI, there are just over 900 homes listed for sale in The Woodlands, in all price ranges...this number includes new homes that are marketed through the MLS (note: no... 07/28/2008

There are 17 custom estates available throughout the gated communities of Carlton Woods and Carlton Woods Creekside, priced from the $860's to more than $3 million. Sizes range from approximately 3,404 to 9,960 square feet and include three to five bedrooms, up to six full baths withtwo half baths and two- to four-car garages. Homesites are also available from the $220's to $2 million+.Source: TWDC Visit Michele Flory for more information on new and resale homes for sale in The Woodlands.  Visit Experience The Woodlands for information on The Woodlands community, schools, activities, and lifestyle.   07/28/2008

The South Montgomery County YMCA is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge. As part of the 10 year celebration, the YMCA is inviting all alumni teams, dating back to 1999, to join in on the fun again. Open registration for all alumni teams is now thru June 30th.  The 2008 YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge, "Presented by Hewitt" is scheduled for September 26th - 28th   at Northshore Park in The Woodlands. More than 90 teams are expected to participate.  Are you looking for a FUN, Easy and Unique Team Building Event for your business or organization? The YMCA has just the event for you . . . The YMCA Dragon Boat Team Challenge.  The YMCA makes it so EASY to participate. The Y organizes and facilitates all team activities, provides all the equipmen... 07/27/2008

  East Shore, the "Garden District" of The Woodlands Town Center, is a 260-acre enclave bordering the eastern edge of 200-acre Lake Woodlands. East Shore combines classic architecture, formal garden parks and green spaces with urban-style living. East Shore is within walking distance of the shopping, dining and entertainment venues along The Woodlands Waterway®, a 1.4 mile part transportation thoroughfare, part linear park and water amenity, in the heart of The Woodlands Town Center. Stonemark Builders is preparing to break ground on the La Costa Garden Homes, a unique enclave of red tile roofs and gleaming white stucco exteriors that forms its own intimate lakeside village within walking distance of the shores of Lake Woodlands.  Inspired by Mission-style architecture, La Costa include... 07/27/2008

The Woodlands features a variety of new home choices from condominiums, townhomes, patio homes, singlefamily homes, active-adult residences, urban living, custom homes to golf course estates, priced from the $150's to more than $3 million. There are currently 248 spec inventory homes available throughout The Woodlands. 62 custom inventory homes are offered in this master-planned community. Ready for move-in is the custom estate at 35 Player Bend in the neighborhood of Gary Glen in the Village of Sterling Ridge. Built by Hahnfeld-Witmer-Davis, this home overlooks the Gary Player Signature golf course. At 7,070 square feet, this residence features five bedrooms; wood floors; library with a fireplace; gourmet kitchen; separate wine room; upstairs media room with a wet bar and a game room, ... 07/27/2008

Voted the #1 Master Planned Community in Texas, The Woodlands is a 28,000 acre forested community 27 miles north of downtown Houston.  There is a variety of real estate choices from condominiums, townhomes, patio homes, active-adult residences, single-family homes, urban residences, golf homes, luxury houses and custom estates, priced from $150,000's to more than $3 million! In The Woodlands you can enjoy shopping, dining and entertainment!  There are the villages of The Woodlands, and its Town Center.  There are a variety of retail stores from unique boutiques to major department stores. The Woodlands Mall in Town Center has more than 200 indoor and outdoor department stores!  Dining and entertainment are also attractions at the mall, including dining outdoors along The Woodlands Water... 07/27/2008

The Woodlands Township When people relocate to The Woodlands, they are often shocked to find that this community of more than 60,000 people is NOT an incorporated city.  In fact, when it was originally developed, most of this subdivision was intentionally placed in the ETJ (Extra Territorial Jurisdiction) of Houston.  Then when Houston annexed Kingwood, a lot of people sat up and noticed.  The residents of this master-planned paradise for families did not want to become "just another neighborhood" in the sprawling city of Houston and they took action. Years of hard work, resident surveys, meetings with legistlators and other effort has resulted in creating The Woodlands Township.  The transition to an independant, chartered city is complex, however The Woodlands has managed to negotiate... 07/27/2008

  Houston based Cafe Express is preparing to make some new changes, going back to its successful roots.   In 2002 Wendy's International Inc (hamburgers) invested $9 million in the company to have the majority-ownership in Cafe Express.  Since then Wendy's has put the fast-casual cafe back in the hands of original founder, Lonnie Schiller, CEO and found of Schiller Del Grande. The 17-restaurant Cafe Express Chain is planning on revamping the menu's and bringing back some of the old favorites that Wendy's did away with.  They are working on a new burger, new salads, introducing new breakfast items and adding some more desserts!  Gourmet coffee will be added to all locations.  Look for meals-to-go, hopefully sometime later this year. Cafe Express is a very popular lunch choice at Market St... 07/26/2008

Here is a list of where your kids can Eat-For-Free on TUESDAYS in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX ... STORE PHONE Aviator's Grill                 281-370-6279 Bennigan's 936-494-2880 Berryhill Baja Grill 281-298-8226 Black-eyed Pea 281-367-7143 Boardwalk                 936-788-2001 Donelly's Pizza                 832-585-0500 Boudreaux's Cajun Kitchen                 281-469-8500 Denny's                 281-367-5140 Fazoli's                 936-321-2111 Fuddruckers                 281-367-1343 IHOP                 281-367-6626 Donelly's Pizza                 832-585-0500 Gugliani's                 281-350-5335 Incredible Pizza Company                 281-419-0330 Aviator's Grill                 281-370-6279 Papas BBQ                 281-363-2647 McAlister's Deli                 936-271-18... 07/24/2008

Here is a list of where your kids can Eat-For-Free on MONDAYS in The Woodlands and Conroe, TX ... STORE PHONE Applebee's                 281-259-0896  Buffalo Wild Wings  936-273-7777 CJ's Restaurant  281-362-0362 Cold Stone Creamery  281-419-7500 Dimassi's Mediterranean Buffet                 281-363-0200 Donelly's Pizza                 832-585-0500 Double Dave's Pizzaworks                 281-681-3283                 281-367-1177                 281-419-3283 Fuddrucker's                 281-367-1343 Golden Corral                 936-539-9333 Huddle House                 281-252-2500 IHOP                 281-367-6626 Incredible Pizza Company                 936-441-2222 McKenzie's Burgers & Fries                 936-756-3131 Mi Luna Tapas Restaurant & Bar                 281-419-0330 P... 07/24/2008

According to the Chicago Tribune we should change our official motto to "America's Pain: Houston's Gain."  "The city's rather bland official slogan is "Opportunity Houston: All the world in one region." This past month national attention has been brought our way with articles by Newsweeks "Houston, We Have No Problem," and Kiplinger's Personal Finance, which rates Houston as America's best city in which "to live, work and play."  Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent are expanding their luxury stores at the Galleria shopping mall. New construction permits in the city have jumped by almost 30 percent. The region added more than 100,000 jobs last year. And the mayor just proposed a dream budget for next year featuring more cops and lower property taxes. "The Houston metro area (including The Wood... 07/24/2008

For a quiet, clean and Energy Efficient Home use Foam Insulation! For Houston and The Woodlands climate, the roof should act as an umbrella, with large overhangs to shelter the doors and windows.  With a foam insulated attic it will be semi-conditioned, which means it will be about 80 degrees rather than 110 degrees.  Having duct work in unconditioned space wastes a tremendous amount of energy.   To qualify under Greater Houston Building Association, GHBA's Green Building Initiative energy use inside a home will be kept to a minimum, with the use of 20 Seasonal Energy Effectiveness Rating, per Energy Star. Foam Insulation Benefits: Reduce monthly A/C bills by 30-60%, a good thing for the planet and your wallet!!!!! Attic remains within 10 degrees of living area for safe extra storage. I... 07/24/2008

  Minute Maid Park, Home of the Houston Astros is 35 miles (45 minute drive) from The Woodlands, Texas What a fun experience it is to go to a Baseball game in Houston! The crowd is very loud and alive!   Enjoy a hotdog, popcorn and cotton candy. Click HERE for ticket information.    During the 7th inning everyone stands and sings "Take me out to the ball game ..." and then "Deep in the Heart of Texas"   ... you can definitely experience Texas Pride!!!!!!   My kids love to go to these games, always hoping to catch a ball ....     Contact Pippa MAC for information on homes for sale in The Woodlands.  07/23/2008

When relocating to or from The Woodlands, Texas there are a few things that will make make this a successfull process for you.  Having relocated across the country several times, I know firsthand you will need an experienced Realtor who will help this move to be as smooth as possible. Sign a "Buyer's Representation Agreement" so your Realtor knows you are serious Get your Realtor to send you lots of pictures of the area's and neighborhoods you are interested in If you are buying new construction check out the builder's reputation  Being in the Houston area make sure its not in a flood zone, have your Realtor send you flood maps and get disclosures.  You can also check out FEMA's website which has maps online. Ask you Realtor about proximity to schools, parks, stores, restaurants, health... 07/22/2008

 The Woodlands, Texas, CYNTHIA WOODS PAVILLION, Number 2 for Outdoor Concerts 2008 According to Pollstar magazine, the concert industry's leading trade publication, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion ranked second in its listing of top 50 amphitheatres in the world based on the number of tickets sold during the first six months of 2008. The Pavilion's ticket sales totaled 112,080 for shows played between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2008. So far this season, The Pavilion has had five sold-out concerts (15,000+), including Jimmy Buffett April 21, Buzzfest XXI April 26, Kanye West May 2, Roger Waters May 4 and Radiohead May 17. Other concerts with attendance over 10,000 include the Police May 20 and Iron Maiden May 22. You can experience all kinds of music here from Country, 80's, Retro, Christia... 07/22/2008

Sales Down 26.24% and Listing Inventory UP 15.46% Written Contracts for the month of July, based on current velocity, are projected to total 222 Listings Pended or Placed Under Contract.  Last July (2007) there were 301 Listings Pended or Placed Under Contract.  The difference is 26.24%.  26.24% fewer listing placed under contract than last year at the same time. What else you should know. From here, sales will slow through February of 2009.  Historically (see graph) the total number of contracts written per month begins to decline.  School begins anew, the holiday season kicks off and seasonally there are simply fewer buyers in the market place.  Also, we expect that "For Sale" listing inventory will ebb for the same reasons.Sellers:  Now is the time to make adjustments.  Staging, mer... 07/21/2008

AVOID THE DOWNHILL SUMMER SLIDE with your kids by keeping them sharp!  Visit the library.  Find out what topics interest your children and select books on that subject.  Make time to read every day!   Every year a group of librarians from the area put together put together a reading list for preschool through 12th grade, there are 50 titles per grade level.  Click HERE for the current list.  There are 2 libraries in The Woodlands. South Regional Library George and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Library           Educational Trips to Parks, The Woodlands Children Museum , Houston Zoo and Nature Center. Practice Math Daily.  Have fun with it ... Measure items around the house and yard.  Track daily temperatures.  Add and subtract at the grocery store.  Learn fractions while cooking. Play Outside.... 07/19/2008

The Woodlands, Texas is unquestionably a wonderful place to live and to raise a family.  A huge portion of my clients flock to this area for the exceptional schools, hike and bike trails, community recreational facilities and proximity to Houston.  But there are many other reasons to come to this community. Vacation Near Home If you live in the Greater Houston area and are looking for a way to escape the everyday demands of life, consider spending a few days in The Woodlands.  You will find exceptional shopping, a variety of lodging choices and many things to keep you busy. I have traveled to many cities as a leader in the Women's Council of Realtors, and I have never found a place that offers as much to the visitor as you will find here.  You can drive your car (or take a taxi) into on... 07/19/2008

  1. Hire an expert:  A typical property owner does not have anywhere near the home-selling experience of a real-estate agent. Agents can recommend relatively simple improvements - painting, repairing, decluttering - that can help a home sell faster and for a better price. "The Realtor is the neighborhood expert,". "We can walk through a property and see right away what needs to be done to [get the home sold]." Independent sellers might not be aware of these tricks of the trade. Your realtor will also be able to provide you with detailed MARKET REPORTS of homes that have recently SOLD in your neighborhood and homes that are currently available in The Woodlands.  Click HERE for a sample report of Cochran's Crossing. 2. Marketing tools: Homeowners using agents can get their property liste... 07/19/2008

Internet coupon usage is way up but consumers still prefer cutting coupons from the Sunday newspaper to getting them digitally. A study by Scarborough Research found 11 percent of U.S. households obtain coupons via the Internet - a number that has risen 83 percent since 2005. Sunday newspapers, where the research shows 53 percent of households get their coupons, remains the No. 1 source for acquiring them.  The citizens of these particular cities have shown a trend to read the Sunday newspaper more than the other cities. Approximately 53 percent of all households acquire their coupons from the Sunday newspaper. The other popular places, in order of percentage, were the mail, which accounted for 35 percent, the in-store variety, which totaled to 33 percent and loyalty cards at 22 percent... 07/19/2008