Taste of Town in The Woodlands is an Annual Tradition held every year around the end of January.  I'm sure many residents in the area remember when this event was small enough to be held in a Tent at the Pavilion, where now it brings such a large crowd that it has to be held at Marriott on The Waterway in the Conference Rooms.I have attended this event many times and I have to say I look forward to it every year.  Once you have purchased a ticket to get in, it is the one time a year that you can walk around for hours tasting food from some of the BEST Restaurants in The Woodlands.  Get some dessert, a Beer or glass of wine if you wish, all that you would like for free once you go in.  Be sure not to miss out on this years Taste of Town!  Here are the Details:Venue:  Marriott on The Wat... 01/25/2008

Woodlands Green Earth Day Saturday, April 12, 2008   You are invited to participate in the 18th annual Woodlands Earth Day Festival celebrating..... It's all connected....   Saturday, April 12, 2008 10 a.m.-3 p.m. NOTE new later start The Woodlands High School 6101 Research Forest Drive    Come and Join the fun and bring the kids. I'll See You There!! Mary Bowen, Realtor     01/24/2008

The highlights of the 2007 results for The Woodlands real estate market are as follows:Number of home sold were down 7.5% in 2007 versus 2006Major contributor was extrememly low inventory of active listingsNumber of custom homes sold were down 25% in 2007 versus 2006Custom builders were unable to replace record number of homes sold in 2006.Creekside Park opening was delayed until October 2007.Visit Michele Flory for information on new and resale homes for sale in The Woodlands.  Visit Experience The Woodlands for more information on The Woodlands community, activities, and lifestyle.If you are considering listing your home for sale in The Woodlands, we would welcome the opportunity to discuss the marketing of your home. 01/24/2008

In response to recent client requests, the all new podcast section has arrived! Podcasting is a way of receiving information, news, or other forms of audio media over the internet. Podcasts can be listened to over the website, or downloaded and listened to on an iPod or other audio device. The podcasts will feature information on buying, selling, obtaining mortgages and more. Be sure to check back often, or subscribe to the podcasting section. www.MichaelBRealty.com 01/23/2008

While visiting several of the builder model homes in Wilde Creek, clients have asked about construction activity beyond the southern boundary fence of Creekside Park Village.  We have the answer!Construction recently started at the WoodsEdge Community Church's 65,000-sq-ft multi-purpose facility between The Woodlands Creekside Park Village and Auburn Lakes on Gosling Road in Spring, Texas . The design features a 1,500-seat worship center, and a 13,000-sq-ft student center, scheduled for completion in 2008. The buildings are the first phase in the master plan of the 67-acre property that includes a 3,700-seat permanent sanctuary, fellowship center, compassion center and a 300-seat chapel.Visit Michele Flory for information on new and resale homes for sale in The Woodlands.  Visit Experie... 01/23/2008

A primary source of new business for me is people relocating to the Houston area from another state.  They have surfed the internet for information about the area.  They have found this wonderful master-planned community with naturally forested trees, more than 150 miles of hike and bike trails, the best schools you can find and good roads, including a quickly traveled toll road into the heart of Houston.Once they discover The Woodlands, they begin to seek property information and contact me.  Whenever they share their contact information, I can begin the orientation.  There is so much that is different in the Houston area.  We have NO Zoning.  We have MUDs.  Cities such as Spring and Cypress are actually pretty general terms and don't necessarily define a particular community.  Without... 01/23/2008

It was about this time last year that I realized that what I do really makes a difference.  It started out as a basic property time call with a couple wanted to see a house. So, like any Realtor who likes to eat and sleep under a roof, I called the showing company and made an appointment to see the house later that afternoon.  Upon arrival a met a lovely  young couple with their two darling little boys ages 3 and 5. I new right away it was love a first sight.  They were sure they would be writing a contract, but they needed to contact his mom in New York as she would be assisting them with the purchase.  Later that evening, wife called to say they wanted to make an offer and she needed to give me some background history. Great I thought,  this is where I hear about the bankruptcy and go... 01/22/2008

In a town that is known for all the natural forestation, it is a wonder that The Woodlands still has an Arbor Day celebration.  This past Saturday, January 19th The Woodlands held its 31st Annual Arbor Day Celebration in the Sterling Ridge Shopping Center.To say it was a success would be an understatement.  In fact, about 33,000 seedlings in nine different varieties were distributed during the event.  In addition, six native trees in 15 gallon containers - including 2 Magnolias, 2 Blueberry, 1 Live Oak & 1 Pine tree were given to random prize winners.The Houston Museum of Natural Science - The Woodlands Xploration Station brought a birthday present for Puffy the Pine Cone (The Woodlands Mascot).  Puffy was quite pleased with the natural amethyst stone gift.  Also on hand were Barkley (W... 01/22/2008

TODAY’S FED RATE CUT DESCRIBED “STUNNING” Today's unplanned Fed meeting left us with the largest single Fed Funds Rate cut since 2000. A cut of .75% was approved at the meeting. Industry leaders such as Wells Fargo and US Bankcorp describe the cut as "stunning" and are already adjusting their prime rates accordingly. This is great news for home buyers. Mortgage rates are getting cut as you read this blog today! Now is a great time to get in if you have been hesitant in the recent market instability. Three-quarters of a point is major, and it is about time. Mortgages will become much more affordable now. -Michael www.MichaelBRealty.com 01/22/2008

I thought I would post something a little funny for everyone today. This is for those who have blue-tooth and hands free headsets on their phone. I’m always confused and think they are talking to me when they are actually on the phone. Enjoy the video! www.KeystoneCRE.com 01/15/2008

Alden Bridge Park in The Woodlands Alden Bridge Park located in The Woodlands is  a wonderful place to experience nature and spend time with your family. The pond offers many opportunities to study wildlife such as ducks, loons, fish, turtles, egrets, snakes, owls, beavers, squirrels, frogs, rabbits, deer, coyote and numerous other animals.  This park is an amazing demonstration of how people and animals can live in harmony. Surrounded by homes, this serene park provides vital habitat and important ecological diversity for both people and wildlife.   In addition to the natural habitat the park also provide recreational area for playing soccer, football, volleyball, tennis, and basketball.   The lighted pavilion provides an area for picnics and can be reserved for parties.  The play area... 01/14/2008

Beyond having a structurally sound house with good mechanical systems, not much is more important than the curb appeal.  Why? It's simple, if buyers don't like what they see from the curb they are not getting out of the car.  I can't tell you how many times I have been out showing a houses and when we pull up to a house the buyer says, I don't need to see the inside."  The inside could have been the most stunning house my buyer would have seen the entire day. It could have been the perfect floor plan. But, because of the outside appearance the buyer pre-judged the interior. Having a husband that is a landscape designer, curb appeal is particularly important to me. But, its also particular important to buyer.  I also know that color sells. It sell the garden club and it sell the house.  ... 01/13/2008

I can't imagine that there would be any more than standing room on second Saturday each month if people were aware of how good the music is in the live, intimate setting of the Millbend Coffeehouse in The Woodlands.  The artists are always incredible and everyone gets the opportunity to meet the performer in each event and purchase hard to obtain CD's if you wish.The Millbend Coffeehouse has been hosting live music since 1992 and is a very generous, non-profit enterprise.  With each ticket, audience members are invited to vote on the charity recieving the proceeds after expenses.  Over the years, more than $11,000 has been donated to local organizations.Musicians you might see in Kerrville or on Austin City Limits come to our hometown every month.  For more information you can call: (28... 01/13/2008

Following the successful Creekside Camp-Out, an outdoor family camping experience in October 2007, The Woodlands Community Associations Parks & Recreation Department is planning a second camping event March 15 and 16 at Terramont Park in Sterling Ridge. To register online, click here.Source:  TWDCVisit Michele Flory for information on new and resale homes for sale in The Woodlands.  Visit Experience The Woodlands for information on The Woodlands community, activities, and lifestyle.  01/13/2008

Thank you to everyone who came in and donated toys in our toy drive for the Salvation Army. The toys went to needy children in the Houston area who’s families were unable to give gifts at Christmas time. You made a lot of kids Christmas’s special!As a side note, I want to clarify that I am now with Century 21 in case you missed that blog. During the toy drive, I was at Keller Williams as a real estate agent.THE RESULTS:The campaign collected 42,800 toys and gifts, almost triple the number of toys collected in 2005. The toys were distributed by The Salvation Army to agencies throughout the Houston and Galveston areas. - KHOU 13 HoustonSource: http://www.khou.com/ www.KeystoneCRE.com 01/10/2008

You may or may not have heard of a short sale over the last year. A short sale is a win-win situation for someone who may be behind on their mortgage and unable to catch up; or maybe someone who has an adjustable rate that just skyrocketed. A short sale occurs just one step prior to a foreclosure.First, a short sale is a negotiation for sale through a real estate agent between a bank and the homeowner. Certain conditions must be met for a short sale to work. Generally, more is owed on the home than the home is worth (can be sold for); due to market conditions. Also, payments must be behind on the mortgage.The realtor will negotiate with the bank to pay off a percentage of the loan. For example, if you owe 200,000 on a home and the home is only worth 180,000, that will be negotiated with... 01/10/2008

As you may have noticed, the website has been slowly changing during my re-branding process. After much deliberation, I decided to make the move to Century 21, where I am working with Michael Zin III. Michael is a real estate leader in The Woodlands and Spring, and has been in the business over 10 years. Michael’s name is synonymous with Client care, Top-notch service, and a history of performance. Partnering with Michael gives all of my customers and additional bonus in the level of service I offer. As for Century 21, it is the most recognized name in real estate, and is number 1 in the world. Its a win-win for my clients, as they will get much more exposure and benefit from all of the extra marketing services Century 21 has to offer. www.MichaelBRealty.com 01/10/2008

Mortgage rates are down lower than they have been in two years (October 2005). Just one year ago, 30-year mortgages ran an average of 6.14 percent; while rates on 15-year mortgages ran 5.87 percent a year ago.“The majority of programs out there are now offering rates in the 5’s now” - Ruth Fauss, Genesis Mortgage. Now is a great time to jump in and take advantage of not only the low interest rates, but also the large selection of inventory on the housing market. Its a win-win for any home buyer or investor. www.MichaelBRealty.com 01/10/2008

LOCATED IN THE VILLAGE OF COCHRAN'S CROSSING IN THE WOODLANS, TX   "Mary is an EXCELLENT real estate agent!! She told me exactly what I needed to do to get my house ready for showings and was very helpful. I feel it is because of Mary's help that we were able to find a buyer in the first 2 hours of showings! If we ever move back to Texas, we will definitely be contacting Mary again."  Suzanne and Joel W. 01/06/2008

Cochrans Crossing is located in the center of The Woodlands. Most of this village is built around private The Palmer Course. In addition to hike & bike trails with mature landscaping, The Woodlands Country Club, Bear Branch Sports Fields, and Bear Branch Park are located in this village. Shopping areas include Cochrans Crossing Center. Neighborhoods in Cochrans Crossing: Amberglow, Bridgeberry, Capstone, Castlegreen, Chancery Place, Copper Sage, Copperknoll, Golden Sage, Havenpoint, Hayden's Run, Hollymead, Lyric Arbor, Meadowmist, Mystic Lake, Palmer Bend, Palmer Crest, Palmer Point, Palmer Woods, Shadowlake, Shadowpoint, Silvershire, Somerset, Stone Springs, Summerstorm, Trillium, Turnstone, Waterford Bend, Wedgemere, WyndspireVisit Michele Flory for information on homes for sale in C... 01/06/2008