Venetian Estates News: September 2025

Real Estate and More…

Venetian Estates Market Update

There are three properties, priced from $2.095 to $2.876 million actively listed for sale on HAR. My listing at 802 San Marino is an incredible opportunity to live with a panoramic view on the center of Lake Venice! In my last newsletter I mentioned an upcoming listing, but I sold it before it went active on the MLS. I am now preparing two beautiful homes, a four-bedroom and a five-bedroom, to hit the market. Please call me if you or someone you know would like more information on any VE properties. I have represented multiple buyers and sellers in both private and MLS sales in VE this year, and I love to serve my clients with current, comprehensive market knowledge.

New Neighbors

Trung Le & Sandy Pham purchased 207 Lombardy. They grew up in the Port Arthur area & have been married 25+ years. After moving to the Big City (Houston) for college, they settled in Tomball for 20 years before Trung’s work brought them to Stafford. They have three kids: Chris (getting married in November🎉), Lauren (just graduated & started her first “real” job downtown), & Ryan (12, in 7th grade at Cornerstone Christian Academy). Rounding out the family is their fourth (and furriest) “child,” Mochi — a feisty, yappy mutt doodle who keeps everyone entertained. Sandy loves gardening, hanging out with friends & family, pickleball, & daydreaming, and Trung devotes much of his spare time to volunteering & teaching martial arts & tai chi—his true passion. They’re excited to be here, can’t wait for the completion of their remodel, & look forward to meeting everyone!

Kerri & Graham Ross are the new owners of 711 Santa Maria. They are excited to settle in & get to know everyone in the neighborhood. Kerri & Graham divide their time between Sugar Land & Knoxville, TN, where their children attend the University of Tennessee. In their free time, Kerri enjoys playing tennis & pickleball, while Graham is an avid cyclist. They’re especially looking forward to hosting friends & neighbors in their new backyard—preferably with a glass of nice wine in hand! They are about to commence extensive renovations, but as soon as they move in, be sure to stop by & say hello!  Fun fact: Shanna and Andy Marlow, who recently completed construction on their home a few houses down on Santa Maria, also have two children currently attending UT Knoxville!

‘Bama Bound

They may have been born and raised in Sugar Land, but our neighborhood Class of ’25 high-school graduates have all taken flight to sweet home Alabama! My niece, Kate Johnston of Genova, just started classes, but she has already proven her mettle by surviving the notorious University of Alabama rush week! (She pledged Kappa Alpha Theta.) Charlie & Harrison Vaughn of Salerno landed at Auburn. Their parents said that, while the boys toured multiple universities, they knew they had found the right school as soon as they spent a few hours on the Auburn campus. They both pledged Sigma Chi. 

Child Advocates of Fort Bend

Don’t miss the Child Abuse Prevention Luncheon next Friday, Sep. 12! The event will be educational, encouraging, & empowering as our community makes a concerted effort to prevent child abuse. So many VE neighbors will be there! Contact Lisa Moore with CAFB directly (LMoore@cafb.org , 281-344-5108) or contact me to put you in touch with Lisa or VE neighbors who are supporting the event.

 

Greater Houston is the Best

Livability.com ranked Sugar Land third among the “Top 100 Best Places to Live” in 2025, highlighting its “blend of Southern charm and big-city convenience,” and “ideal balance of comfort and convenience.” However, Houston itself is also garnering attention for its explosive growth, adding 200,000 new residents in 2024 & pushing the population to 7.8 million. The Greater Houston Partnership cited this as the city’s largest increase on record, equating to a new resident every 2.7 minutes. (www.houston.org) 

 

I have enjoyed showing clients new luxury mid- and high-rises throughout Houston in recent years. I currently have two clients in River Oaks, one of them being my mother-in-law. She and her husband are selling their home, shedding the responsibility of home maintenance, & moving into a penthouse suite in a gorgeous new mid-rise at Westheimer and Kirby. With a full-time concierge, top retail and restaurants within walking distance, stunning Houston skyline views, and amenities at every turn, they feel as if they’re moving into a five-star hotel.

 

Look out for another newsletter soon with exciting fishing news and more new-neighbor introductions!

 

Venetian Estates News: April 2025

Real Estate and More…

Venetian Estates Market Update

There are currently two properties, priced at $1.695 and $2.25 million actively listed for sale on HAR. My listing at 802 San Marino is extraordinary—the panoramic, long-range view of Lake Venice is breathtaking, and the home, built meticulously in 2000, could easily be updated. I will be hitting the market with a 5-bedroom remodeled VE home later this month. It has a beautiful pool, lakefront party/family room, and a primary suite with gorgeous lake views and massive closets (one with a putting green!). 

 

Please call me if you are considering selling or if you have friends or family interested in VE. While I work all over Houston, it is a joy to share my knowledge of Venetian Estates with clients. My experience and market knowledge are unmatched, enabling me to optimize value for sellers and to help buyers understand the nuances of properties and values in order to purchase their home with confidence. 

New Neighbors

Suzanne and Shayne Higdon moved into their beautiful new home which many of us have enjoyed watching come to life at 402 Piedmont. Suzanne and Shayne have lived in Sugar Land since 2000. They moved from Colony Park and are parishioners at St. Laurence. They have two children, Jacob, a sophomore at Texas Tech, and Lauren, a junior at Duchesne, and two rescue dogs. Shayne graduated from Mary-Hardin Baylor and built a career in the enterprise software space. Suzanne graduated from Texas A&M and retired about five years ago from the enterprise software industry. They enjoy entertaining, traveling, and spending time with family. Shayne especially loves freshwater fishing. (One of his prize catches was featured in a previous newsletter.)

In December I represented Caitlyn and Chad Dacus in the purchase of their stunning home at 415 Lombardy. They, along with their three kids and two golden retrievers, settled in just in time for Christmas. Chad grew up in Sugar Land, and Caitlyn grew up in Waco, where they met when Chad attended Baylor. Chad runs the IT department at The Troy Companies, where he has worked for 13 years, and Caitlyn volunteers at their children’s school, Fort Bend Christian Academy. Their son, Asher (13) will be going to high school at Strake Jesuit, and their daughters, Riley (14) and Claire (8), will continue at FBCA. The Dacuses love hosting family and friends and look forward to making memories in their new home! Keep an eye out for Caitlyn walking the dogs and the family throwing the ball for Claire, their softball girl.

Vivian and Scott Bao purchased my listing at 915 Piedmont. Their daughter, Emily, is 8 years old and in the third grade. Vivian and Scott have lived in Houston most of their lives and have moved here from The Heights. Scott graduated from UH and is a self-employed CPA; Vivian graduated from Texas Tech as a pharmacist. They enjoy spending time at home, cooking, and hosting family gatherings…and Emily loves riding her scooter around the neighborhood!

www.TheVaultOffice.com

I am fired up to be partnering with The Cannon to operate a select suite of offices within my office building at 8410 Highway 90A. Enjoy the ease of walking to work and being part of a professional community in our coworking suite within The Vault Office. The building is almost fully leased, a testament that this iconic Sugar Land building is an exceptional place to work! Details from The Cannon will be released later this spring, but please visit The Vault website and call me to discuss options.

It’s not just the neighborhood office that’s booming…Weihong Zhang, owner of Blendin Coffee, won the Specialty Coffee Association’s U.S. Brewers’ Cup Championship last year. It marked the first time in history that the winning cup was decaffeinated. Moreover, the Colombian decaf, Typica from Los Nogales, is Blendin’s house blend, which can be purchased in the shop or online year-round. The Sprudge, “the world’s most popular coffee publication,” wrote, “Zhang’s Brewers Cup win is, without question, one of the most monumental achievements in US Coffee Championships history.” In addition to Blendin’s expansion on Allen Parkway, I also represented them in two other Houston expansions which will break ground soon and reinforce Blendin’s position as one of the most progressive coffee shops in the US. And it all started here at our local motor-bank-turned-coffee-shop!

I am currently working with buyers in Memorial, Sweetwater, & VE, and I am representing a construction company in the acquisition of a new headquarter office in SL Business Park. As ever, call me any time with your real estate questions or requirements!

Venetian Estates News - December 2024

 

Real Estate and More…

Venetian Estates Market Update
Four VE properties, priced from $1.25 to $2.295 million, are actively listed for sale on HAR. Despite a generally slow market, I have closed multiple VE sales this year, and I represent two buyers of homes that are now pending sale. My listing at 802 San Marino is spectacular, with nearly 300’ of frontage on the center of Lake Venice. I will soon be active on the MLS with a lovely remodeled home. Please call me if you are considering selling or if you have friends or family considering a move to VE. I customize my platform to meet clients’ particular preferences and timelines. 

Time Flies
I intended to send this newsletter months ago but have been perpetually delayed with an intense work schedule, including exciting projects at Sugar Land Regional Airport (KSGR). I have now brokered the sales of three corporate offices + hangars on the premises. After months of negotiations and a lengthy approval process with the City of Sugar Land, we closed on the sale of my listing at 26 Jim Davidson Drive this month. The new owner, ATP Flight School, is a renowned training school for commercial pilots. I marketed the property nationally, and it will now serve as ATP’s  Houston base to train pilots for the world’s leading airlines.

Sugar Land keeps me on my toes with its proactive approach to business and technology. With Wisk Aero, KSGR is preparing to serve as one of the first vertiports for electric, self-flying air taxis. The recent announcement of parterning with Swyft Cities air gondolas has had me musing over my favorite childhood cartoon, The Jetsons. While air taxis and gondolas could reform transit over the next decade, surely Tesla will precede them with  mass-market personal robots. At this stage in life, having my own “Rosie” robot to clean my house and make dinner sounds truly life-changing…

Fort Bend Christian: Eagle Spotifying
Speaking of flying, recent FBCA graduate, Alex Amen, is soaring to the top of Spotify. Alex’s parents, Diane and David Amundson, own World Metal, which offices in my building at 8410 Highway 90A. David says the arts program at FBCA “changed everything” for Alex and put the singer-songwriter on a path that led him to his recent publishing deal with American Records. Alex, with his John Denver- and Jimmy Buffet-inspired style and prescient lyrics, has been dubbed a “young man with an old soul.”  Check out his debut single, “California Blues” (which he penned as a teenager growing up in Sugar Land!) on your favorite music platform!   

New Neighbors
This spring, Lynn and Chuck Fell moved into their gorgeous home at 122 Tuscany. The extraordinary home captured the attention of the Houston Chronicle, which headlined its monthly Houston luxury-market report with my drone image of the “lakefront Italian villa.” Chuck and Lynn have been Sugar Land residents for over 30 years! They have 2 daughters, Catie (25) is a SHSU graduate and teaches 1st grade in Cy-Fair ISD, and Megan (22) recently graduated from OU with a degree in Communications and works in Dallas for an Audi dealership. Chuck is President of CFI Mechanical, Inc., a large commercial mechanical contractor performing HVAC, plumbing and HVAC service for projects such as Constellation Field, the Marriott Marquis Houston, MD Anderson and Harris Health.  Lynn enjoyed a 12-year career with Hyatt Hotels as a convention service manager before becoming a stay-at-home mom. Chuck enjoys golfing, hunting, fishing and working on their property in Weimar.  Lynn enjoys bike riding and walking their dog, Brisket.

Venetian Estates Homes on Tour
Child Advocates of Fort Bend is excited to announce that two generous VE neighbors at 415 Lombardy and 131 St. Marks have agreed to support CAFB by including their beautiful homes on this year's Christmas Home Tour. Please support this important cause that provides critical services to abused and neglected children in our community. See details in the sidebar and note that there will be increased traffic on Dec. 6 and 7.

Around Town
I represented the buyers of a sprawling 1.5-story, 2+-acre estate in Alkire Lake that will be stunning after extensive renovations. From Tanglewood to Sweetwater to my new beautiful 3-acre estate listing in Shiloh Lakes, I serve clients all over the Houston area. I am grateful for your business and referrals!

Venetian Estates News - November 2023

Real Estate and More…

Venetian Estates Market Update
Five properties, ranging in price from $650,000 to $3.395 million, are actively listed for sale on HAR in Venetian Estates. Last month I sold 306 Lombardy before I had the opportunity to finish photos and install a yard sign! My listings at 519 Lombardy and 814 Piedmont, with their gorgeous lots and well-maintained homes, are rare gems with incredible investment potential. I also have another privately listed move-in-ready home that has been beautifully remodeled. If you have friends or family looking for a building/remodel project or a move-in-ready home, we have a fit! Call me to discuss any of the lovely options currently for sale.

The Anglers’ Edition
A few recent photos of neighbors’ large-mouth bass may leave you with your own mouths agape… 11-year-old Clay Shaffer, son of Kate and Brad Shaffer at 122 St. Marks, landed a mighty-big bass from his dock. Clay is a dedicated fisherman, and you have likely spotted him with his buddy Ian Smith (Salerno St.) riding their bikes, loaded with wobbling poles and tackle boxes, to and from the dam.    14-year-old Luke Ferguson often eases the pain of a Monday morning by rushing his routine to allow for a couple of sunrise casts before heading to school. Donning his school tie and jacket, he was appropriately dressed for the special occasion last month when he landed his largest Lake Venetian bass yet.  


I have yet to ask him how many years old he is 😉, but our new neighbor Shayne Higdon is going to give anglers a run for their  money at next year’s fishing tournament. Shayne and his wife Suzanne are about to break ground on their new home at 402 Piedmont. Apparently, Suzanne can’t count on Shayne to contribute to on-site meetings with their contractor. In group discussions, Suzanne will pose a question to Shayne only to realize that he has wandered off to drop a line in the water. It’s no wonder; he landed this giant catch right off the bulkhead!

New Neighbors
More information about Suzanne, Shayne, and their family in the months ahead, but in the meantime, be sure to say hello at upcoming VE social events! I am delighted to introduce Thelma and Russell Jones, who recently moved into the lovely 306 Lombardy. They have lived in Sugar Land since 1994 and are members of Christ Church, Sugar Land. Russell served on City Council for many years. The two happily retired attorneys have two daughters and three granddaughters, and they look forward to enjoying sunsets on the lake!   

In the News
Longtime resident Nizar Mullani at 719 Santa Maria was awarded the Georg Charles de Hevesy Nuclear Pioneer Award by the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) for his outstanding contributions to nuclear medicine. Nizar is one of the pioneers of the first positron emission tomography (PET) prototype. Along with colleagues, Nizar worked day and night to develop a series of PET scanners. SNMMI president Munir Ghesani, MD, said “Not only was he involved with the invention of PET as we know it today, but also he has contributed to countless other advances that are now used on a daily basis, allowing innovative and safer practice of medicine and benefitting thousands of patients every day.” Nizar also invented the DermLite device for skin-cancer detection and the Veinlite device to assist with vein access. Congratulations and thank you, Nizar!  

Around Town
I recently represented the sellers of an office condo in Greatwood and the sellers of a gorgeous home in Colony Park (which sold within one day above list price after receiving multiple offers!). I now have an extraordinary listing in Tanglewood at 1110 Longmont Place Court. Priced at $2.395 million, the 5000+-SF home is on a double-lot in a small, gated community between Sage and Post Oak. The landscaped lawn and pool create a secluded retreat amid the striking Uptown skyline. It is a rare find for someone looking for a lock-and-leave home in the city without sacrificing a sprawling, private lawn.