News of the Neighborhood
So far this year there have been five sales in VE. Sale prices ranged from the mid-$300k’s to the mid-$600k’s. I sold four of the five, two of which I sold before they went on the market.
There is one property, 903 San Marino, presently on the market. The owner is considering demolishing the home and selling for lot value. I do not normally recommend that homeowners demolish (I image I would not have much business if I did!); however, each property, client and sale is unique, and in this particular case I believe that the beauty of the lot needs to “show through” and the sale of the property will thus be expedited by the removal of the home. (Of course the cost of demolition will be added to the asking price, so if you can already “see through” the existing house please call me to schedule a property tour.) The dock and bulkhead are relatively new, and the view is lovely.
New to the Neighborhood
Our longtime neighbor Ann Topping has moved and our new neighbors at 122 St. Marks will be Luke Pham and Thomas Vu, DDS. Luke and Thomas have two offices, A-7 Dental, located on SH 6 at University and on SH 6 at Bissonnet. Luke and Thomas have two Goldendoodles, Bentley and Tesla. They have always loved VE--the neighborhood, the lakes and the overall feeling of our traditional neighborhood. Luke and Thomas will be building a dock first and then a new house to replace the existing 1889-SF home. More information to follow when they make decisions on their new home...
We will soon have new neighbors at 907 Piedmont. Mr. and Mrs. John bought the home in May and are in the process of completing a remodeling project. They will join the four “two-generation” families in the neighborhood. (The Johns’ son, Sunil, purchased the home at 119 Capri several years ago.)
I will have more new-neighbor info in my next newsletter, as your new neighbors continue to settle in to the Venetian Estates lifestyle!
The New Market
I represent all types of buyers--those wanting to buy a “move-in” condition home, those looking for a remodel project and those preferring to build new. Please call me if you are considering selling!
Parade Around
Let’s celebrate our independence and make 2014 the year of the best boat parade ever! Deck your dock and/or boat in red, white and blue on July 4th! Boat drivers, meet at the bridge at 7pm to make your way around the lake, and onlookers, be sure to station yourself in the backyard to watch the festivities! “Back in the day” residents loved to plan backyard parties around this parade. It has been a joy to see the resurgence of this tradition in recent years.
News Flash
A national outlet mall is coming soon to I-69/US 59 and W. Airport in the former Texas Instruments headquarters. (These TI corporate offices will be completely vacated by the end of June, as all employees will have been relocated to TI’s new offices at University and I-69 in Telfair.) The preliminary conceptual plan for the redevelopment of the Stafford TI site (totaling 192 acres) includes restaurants, two hotels, four multifamily complexes, and light industrial in addition to the upscale outlet shopping mall.
Youth Hunt
October 24 - 26 Bud and I will be sponsoring our 4th annual youth hunt on our ranch in Gonzales County. The Texas Youth Hunting Program is offered by Texas Parks & Wildlife primarily for first-time hunters (boys and girls ages 9 - 17) along with a guardian. Last year we had 10 available slots and received over 40 applications! Go to www.tyhp.org/youth-hunters for more information and let Bud know (281.242.1498) ASAP if you are interested in participating.
Speaking of Texas land...history demonstrates that land offers a stable investment. Call Kelly or Bud in our office for additional info regarding investing in and enjoying your own Texas ranch land!
24 June 2014
04 February 2014
Venetian Estate News - January 2014
News of the Neighborhood
In review: Ten sales took place in Venetian Estates during 2013. I sold seven of those homes – some before they even went on the market! Sales included one in the upper $300s, three in the $400s, three in the $500s and three in the $600s. Five of the ten were land value sales and four were homes needing extensive remodeling.
I currently have two sales in VE pending.
There are only two VE homes presently available on the MLS. My new listing at 907 Piedmont is a great buy for someone wanting to live in VE without undergoing a major remodeling project. The home is priced at $399,000 and has approximately 3100 square feet. There are three bedrooms, two of which could be considered masters. The huge living area has vaulted ceilings and there is a large sun room overlooking the shady lot and private dock. As the sound wall is becoming covered with ivy, the view from this Estates Lake property is very pretty and serene. The back yard view reminds me of my favorite childhood book, The Secret Garden! Remember you can fish or canoe on this two-acre lake! I recall one of our past neighbors on Estates Lake, Mr. Roeher. He used to catch fish off his dock and have them for dinner that very night!
New to the Neighborhood
I am so happy to tell you about our new neighbors at 907 Genova! Scott and Nikki Hartman fell in love with our neighborhood. Who doesn’t? They moved in to Genova immediately after spending Christmas with Scott’s family in the UK. Nikki is from Alabama (my home state) and her family lives there. Nikki and Scott met in Birmingham when Scott was working there. They have been married less than two years and are looking forward to having their first “real” home in Texas. Scott is employed with Shell. Two baby Chihuahuas will also be at home at 907 Genova. Dave and Coconut are each one year old.
The New Market
If you are thinking of selling please call me. I may already have a buyer for your home! Some want to build on one of the larger lots but there are several potential buyers who would love to remodel.
The Houston market is projected to remain a seller’s market; however, prices are not projected to continue to rise as rapidly as they did in 2013. Lending institutions will be working overtime to keep up with the new rules and regulations. Interest rates will probably go up during the coming year, though inflation is expected to remain low. New construction starts should continue at a rapid pace but, due to cost increases in material, we may see higher prices on new homes this year. There is also a shortage of available lots for builders who want to increase their inventory/spec homes.
2014 will be the year that we finally see residential construction in the Imperial Development. Some models will be ready this spring. Many of the patio homes (yet to be built) have already been sold. Many of our neighbors are considering a move from Venetian right across the highway to Imperial. Let me know if you would like to learn more. I am very excited about Imperial’s community and have relationships with the developers and builders. I may also have VE buyers who would buy now but not take possession of your home until your new home is complete.
FBRE Update
Last year I sold homes in Quail Valley, First Colony, Townewest, Richmond, Sugar Creek and Memorial. As much as I love selling in Venetian Estates I represent buyers and sellers throughout Houston and the surrounding areas. Please have your friends or family call me when thinking of buying or selling!
I was nominated and selected to serve as 2014 Chair of the Houston Association of Realtors Fort Bend Business Networking Group. We hold monthly luncheons at Sweetwater CC, with 300 Realtors and affiliates in attendance. If any neighbors would like a business advertising opportunity at one of the monthly luncheons please contact me. (While having dinner with a past client last week he said, “What do I need to do to obtain an “advertising spot” at your luncheon.”) Of course the answer is “All it takes is money!” I secured Jim McIngvale to speak at our April luncheon. He has big news about the new Gallery Furniture Center in Fort Bend County!
In review: Ten sales took place in Venetian Estates during 2013. I sold seven of those homes – some before they even went on the market! Sales included one in the upper $300s, three in the $400s, three in the $500s and three in the $600s. Five of the ten were land value sales and four were homes needing extensive remodeling.
I currently have two sales in VE pending.
There are only two VE homes presently available on the MLS. My new listing at 907 Piedmont is a great buy for someone wanting to live in VE without undergoing a major remodeling project. The home is priced at $399,000 and has approximately 3100 square feet. There are three bedrooms, two of which could be considered masters. The huge living area has vaulted ceilings and there is a large sun room overlooking the shady lot and private dock. As the sound wall is becoming covered with ivy, the view from this Estates Lake property is very pretty and serene. The back yard view reminds me of my favorite childhood book, The Secret Garden! Remember you can fish or canoe on this two-acre lake! I recall one of our past neighbors on Estates Lake, Mr. Roeher. He used to catch fish off his dock and have them for dinner that very night!
New to the Neighborhood
I am so happy to tell you about our new neighbors at 907 Genova! Scott and Nikki Hartman fell in love with our neighborhood. Who doesn’t? They moved in to Genova immediately after spending Christmas with Scott’s family in the UK. Nikki is from Alabama (my home state) and her family lives there. Nikki and Scott met in Birmingham when Scott was working there. They have been married less than two years and are looking forward to having their first “real” home in Texas. Scott is employed with Shell. Two baby Chihuahuas will also be at home at 907 Genova. Dave and Coconut are each one year old.
The New Market
If you are thinking of selling please call me. I may already have a buyer for your home! Some want to build on one of the larger lots but there are several potential buyers who would love to remodel.
The Houston market is projected to remain a seller’s market; however, prices are not projected to continue to rise as rapidly as they did in 2013. Lending institutions will be working overtime to keep up with the new rules and regulations. Interest rates will probably go up during the coming year, though inflation is expected to remain low. New construction starts should continue at a rapid pace but, due to cost increases in material, we may see higher prices on new homes this year. There is also a shortage of available lots for builders who want to increase their inventory/spec homes.
2014 will be the year that we finally see residential construction in the Imperial Development. Some models will be ready this spring. Many of the patio homes (yet to be built) have already been sold. Many of our neighbors are considering a move from Venetian right across the highway to Imperial. Let me know if you would like to learn more. I am very excited about Imperial’s community and have relationships with the developers and builders. I may also have VE buyers who would buy now but not take possession of your home until your new home is complete.
FBRE Update
Last year I sold homes in Quail Valley, First Colony, Townewest, Richmond, Sugar Creek and Memorial. As much as I love selling in Venetian Estates I represent buyers and sellers throughout Houston and the surrounding areas. Please have your friends or family call me when thinking of buying or selling!
I was nominated and selected to serve as 2014 Chair of the Houston Association of Realtors Fort Bend Business Networking Group. We hold monthly luncheons at Sweetwater CC, with 300 Realtors and affiliates in attendance. If any neighbors would like a business advertising opportunity at one of the monthly luncheons please contact me. (While having dinner with a past client last week he said, “What do I need to do to obtain an “advertising spot” at your luncheon.”) Of course the answer is “All it takes is money!” I secured Jim McIngvale to speak at our April luncheon. He has big news about the new Gallery Furniture Center in Fort Bend County!
10 December 2013
Venetian Estate News - November 2013
Around the Neighborhood
Gear UpTurkeys fly and so does time. It is hard to believe that Catherine Bell’s idea for a VE Turkey Trot is now four years old…Yes, this Thanksgiving Day the Fourth Annual VE Turkey Trot will take place. Over the years neighbors have enjoyed kicking off Thanksgiving Day by talking with each other while walking/trotting around the neighborhood. I suggest this year that those who walk/run fast take the five-mile route down all the streets while those who enjoy a more leisurely stroll simply make the two-mile circle. This provides an opportunity to visit with more neighbors as we continually run into different families coming off the cul-de-sacs on to the main route.
Meet in our office building (formerly the Frost Bank building) parking lot on Thanksgiving morning at 8 AM. Donations this year will go to Living Water International, a faith-based non-profit organization that helps communities in developing countries acquire safe drinking water. Living Water is based in Houston. Suggested donations are $20 per family. Last year $155 was collected for the Wounded Warrior Project. Let’s try to beat that number this year! If you want to contribute to the VE donation but can’t make the walk, please mail or bring your check (directed to Living Water International) to the Bells’ house at 915 Piedmont. For more information contact Catherine Bell at 281-565-5849 or visit www.water.cc.
Sip n’ See
The October VE Wine and Cheese Social was such a fun evening! Natalie and Greg Nielson’s renovation of 407 Savoy is beautiful! (See pictured neighbors Julie and Mark Macdonell of 106 Capri and Melissa and Jeff Crawford of 410 Lombardy at the event). The next opportunity to Sip n’ See will be the VE Christmas party on December 8 at the beautiful new home of Regina and Bryan Lee at 123 Sorrento.
Sweet on Sugar Land
On October 26 builders chosen for the first phase of the Imperial Development showcased their patio- and townhome floor plans. I attended, as did several of our neighbors. There is a great deal of excitement as the residential development gets underway. Six of the patio home lots have already been sold! If you would like more information regarding “the sweet life” in Imperial, please call me. I would love to represent you in making the best choice among the builders and floor plans. And of course I would love to represent you in the sale of your Venetian Estates home. My knowledge of the neighborhood and my passion for the lifestyle here make a great combination when “selling” to prospects. I have two prospects that could buy your home now and let you stay there for a few months or lease it back for a longer period. This allows you the flexibility of obtaining your proceeds while not being pressured to make a decision as to where to move. Whatever your specific needs, I may already have a prospect and I can help you determine the correct value for your home.
Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice
That is what girls are made of. The other day I watched my daughter, Kristin Johnston (303 Savoy) teach her daughter (my only granddaughter as I write this) to ride her bike without training wheels. What memories and evidence that time flies...I vividly remember teaching Kristin to ride her ‘big bike’ on Lombardy in December of 1984! By the time you read this Kristin may be the mother of 3 and I the grandmother of 6! Our daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Corey Ferguson (718 Santa Maria) have a third baby boy, Pete Ruffin who is now one month old. What do they say boys are made of? Frogs and snails and puppy-dogs’ tails? I can’t argue with the frogs and snails...
New Neighbors
Our new neighbors at 107 Tuscany are Madge and Keith Jones. Madge is a Realtor with Nino Realtors and I so enjoyed working with her in the purchase of their new home! Keith is Senior Vice-President of Operations for the Houston Rockets. He is in his 18th season with the Rockets! Madge and Keith have three children. Morgan is 21 and a graduate of A & M. Alex, 17, is a senior and Isaiah,16, is a junior at Dulles. Madge and Keith have done a superb job in the renovation of their home. They are now in the process of adding a gorgeous swimming pool! I understand the Jones have already been welcomed by a “street party” on Tuscany. (What a great idea!)
06 November 2013
OCTOBER WINE & CHEESE SOCIAL
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Neighbors had fun chatting and sampling various wines. Many enjoyed the beautiful patio area overlooking Lake Venice.
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