Mary's Blog

331 Pine Manor, Oak Ridge North

2008-07-15T02:35:49Z

331 Pine Manor

Offered at $220,000

Wow, what a great family home located in the highly desireable section 10 of Oak Ridge North. This charming family home is loaded with appeal and benefits. The main home boast nearly 3000 square feet of living space. The main house has four bedrooms, master down, 2.5 bathrooms,3 car garage and game room up. The charming breakfast room with bay windows and built in desk. The family room has a wall of windows looking out to the pool area and the master bath has a private door directly out to the pool and spa. The ground level garage apartment is located adjacent to the pool with a door directly into the bath. The second door enters the main room of the apartment. In addition to the 3 car garage, the home has concreted storage area with driveway for additional parking of a boat, car, or RV.

Oak Ridge North is a incorporated city located in Montgomery County, Texas. Located across I-45 from The Woodlands, it offers all of The Woodlands amendities without the expense of living in The Woodlands.

This home is located within walking distance of all three of the highly acclaimed Oak Ridge North schools.

Charming Home In The Woodlands

2008-07-15T02:04:42Z

Charming family home located in the heart of The Woodlands is ready and waiting for its new family! With over 2800 square feet and listed at $249,000, this home is priced to sell.

Recently painted inside and out with neutral colors, this 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath with an oversized two car garage is located within walking distance to the exemplary Powell Elementary School and is zoned for the highly sought after Mitchell Intermediate, the Texas Monthly's top rated McCullough Junior High, and The Woodlands High School.

Located in the neighborhood of Cochran's Green, this home is located in one of the most active, neighbor friendly communities within The Woodlands. This neighborhood has won the Christmas Lighting contest several times, actively celebrates holidays with block parties, and is loaded with kids playing in the front yards.

If you are looking for a great place to raise a family, look no further than 51 Deerfern.

Everyone Needs ID

2008-07-10T17:07:16Z

Have you ever been lost in a foreign country, you didn't know the language and you had no way of communicating? Can you imagine how scared you would be? To make matters worse, your doctor had drugged you so you remain calm during the flight to this new and foreign world?

Well, it happen. Very late into the night of July 3rd. We found a female walking around our neighborhood. She was dazed from the drugs, hungry, didn't speak the language and had no identification. She was utterly lost and confused. True, she was a Golden Retreiver, but that didn't make her any less frightened.

We knew she was not a stray, she was too well groomed, but we I no idea where she belong. She had no identification but she was wearing a metal choke collar with a single tag with the date 2008 and a series of numbers below.

After determining that she didn't live the the neighborhood I found several sites for locating missing owners. One such site is www.petharbor.com. Using this site I plug in her tag numbers, but it was not successful. It turned out the tag was from Mexico and she had be shipped to Houston earlier that day and was staying with a friend of the owner until the owner could secure a home to rent in The Woodlands. The friend somehow lost the dog. Fortunately, as my family was leaving to go have dinner and see the fireworks I caught a glimpse of a lost dog sign. I turned around called the number and found the owner.

This story has a happy ending, but it reminded me of how important it is for pet owners to make sure our pets have identification at all times.

Small Search Can Save Big Bucks!!

2008-07-08T17:44:19Z

How many times have you seen the "Promo Code" box when you go to check out on an internet site and wished you kenw the promo code to save some bucks??

Well, recently I heard about sites where individuals register promo codes for various companies to help you save money. So, last week when it was time for me to order my dog's heart worm meds for 1800petmeds.com I decided to do a search for "promo codes for 1800petmeds". Several sites came up including www.retailmenot.com.

With five minutes of searching I found a promo code that saved me $20.00 or 1/3 of the total bill for a year's supply of Interceptor Heartworm Tablets.

After that purchase, I ordered my son's day and night contacts which were originally 199.00 before the mail in rebate, but with yet another promo code I received 15% discount. With the rebate the contacts will end up costing $129.00

I was so thrilled to realize that this site exist that I just had to share the information. So the next time you need to purchase something on the internet, search for the promo code and save some dough. A little research can go a long ways towards saving big bucks in real estate or anyother transaction.

Total Rebuild in Oak Ridge North

2008-03-01T10:59:30Z

One of A Kind Home Located in Oak Ridge North!!

This stunning home was rebuilt in 2002 with all the bells and whitles.

Its An Absolute Steal Priced at $245,000!!!

This home boast nearly 3300 square feet of living space.

Gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, double convection oven, and butler's pantry
Three/Five bedrooms
Three full bathroom
Two Living Areas
Light and Bright Throughout
Convenient Access to 1-45 and The Woodlands
Complete Irrigation System
Huge fifth bedroom with private bath could be game room, media room, mother- in-laws suite

This is a must see home. Amazing home at an amazing price!!

Executive Home Backing To Nature Reserve

2008-03-01T10:38:25Z

Just Listed!!! 14 Storm Mist Located in Capstone Forest

$585,000

This stunning executive home located in the heart of The Woodlands in the highly popular neighborhood of Capstone Forest. This home is zoned to the highly acclaimed Powell Elementary, Mitchell Intermediate, McCullough Junior High and The Woodlands High School.

With over 4300 square feet of living space this house has room for everyone. Four spacious bedrooms, three full baths, 2 half baths, both formals, a den, game room up, media room up, and study down. This home also boost a central vacuum system, a mosquito spraying system and a complete irrigation system.

Your backyard is your own private oasis, complete with a sparkling clear pool with spa. Backing to a permant reserve your only backyard neighbors are the deer in the forest

Powell Elementary School Carnival

2008-02-22T16:22:31Z

Carnival Time!

To kick off our Five Star Carnival celebration, several activities

have been planned to get students and families extra-excited about the carnival on

Saturday, April 12^th from 1 - 5 pm.

Monday, 4/7

Rodeo Day-wear your finest duds to celebrate Texas - the Lone Star State!

Tuesday, 4/8

Support the Troops Day-disguise your carnival excitement by wearing camo

We will also be collecting hygiene items to send to the soldiers-write a letter to send with your donation!

Wednesday, 4/9

Wacky Wednesday-wear all the purple you can and show your Powell Pride!

Thursday, 4/10

The Stars at Night are Big and Bright - wear your pajamas to show your spirit!

Each student will be able to decorate a big star to put in the hallway!

Friday, 4/11

American Pride-wear Red, White and Blue to show your pride in the USA! AND Come join us for the parade -- 2 pm on Friday, April 11^th! A parade with floats!! There will be a shoebox parade to kick-off the carnival! Students may make a float for the parade. All that is needed is a shoebox and any craft material that goes with the carnival's theme. Details on making shoebox floats can be found at www.mardigrasday.com/mardigras/mini.php

10 Reasons To Live In The Woodlands

2008-02-18T16:49:23Z

The reasons for living in The Woodlands is endless. It is no accident that The Woodlands has been name the #1 Master Planned Community in Texas for over 25 years. My personal top ten reasons for living in The Woodlands are:

The people are awesome! I have never lived in a place where the community rallies around its neighbors during times of need like the why the people of The Woodlands.
The public schools are great! Again, parents of The Woodlands are heavily involved in their children's education and it shows in the schools' state ratings.
There is so much to do! It seems that every weekend there is some sort of free community event. From concerts to carnivals to educational events.
The Wildlife! The community is filled with deer, squirrels, armadillos, raccoons, rabbits, opossums, bald eagles, turkey vultures, song birds and more.
The Entertainment! The Woodlands is loaded with entertainment and restaurants. We have the Cynthia Woods Pavilion, The Waterway, Market Street, The Mall, Main Event and many, many others.
Medical Facilities! We have top notch doctors and medical treatment facilities. No need to travel to the med center.
Places of Worship! The Woodlands has a place to worship for just about every religion.
The Beauty! The Woodlands is in my opinion the most beautiful area in the Houston Metroplex to live. The trees, the lakes, and the master planning of the community makes it a peaceful and serene place to call home.
The Hike and Bike Trails! With over 140 miles of hike and bike trails connecting neighborhoods, schools, parks, and commercial areas, driving is just one option for getting around The Woodlands.
The Trolleys and Water Taxi!! Once you get to Town Center, you can travel from one business to another using the trolleys and water taxis services. Currently the trolleys are free and the water taxis cost $6.00 to ride all day.

As I said these are just ten reasons why I love living in The Woodlands. If you need more information about life in The Woodlands, please contact me. I would be glad to share my experience with schools, neighborhoods, or whatever else you need to know.

10 Reasons I Love Living In The Woodlands.

2008-02-17T16:03:40Z

Having Lived in heart of The Woodlands for the last eight years, I have come to love just about every part of the community. My top ten reasons for living in The Woodlands:

The people are awesome! I have never lived in a place where the community rallies around its neighbors during times of need like the why the people of The Woodlands.
The public schools are great! Again, parents of The Woodlands are heavily involved in their children's education and it shows in the schools' state ratings.
There is so much to do! It seems that every weekend there is some sort of free community event. From concerts to carnivals to educational events.
The Wildlife! The community is filled with deer, squirrels, armadillos, raccoons, rabbits, opossums, bald eagles, turkey vultures, song birds and more.
The Entertainment! The Woodlands is loaded with entertainment and restaurants. We have the Cynthia Woods Pavilion, The Waterway, Market Street, The Mall, Main Event and many, many others.
Medical Facilities! We have top notch doctors and medical treatment facilities. No need to travel to the med center.
Places of Worship! The Woodlands has a place to worship for just about every religion.
The Beauty! The Woodlands is in my opinion the most beautiful area in the Houston Metroplex to live. The trees, the lakes, and the master planning of the community makes it a peaceful and serene place to call home.
The Hike and Bike Trails! With over 140 miles of hike and bike trails connecting neighborhoods, schools, parks, and commercial areas, driving is just one option for getting around The Woodlands.
The Trolleys and Water Taxi!! Once you get to Town Center, you can travel from one business to another using the trolleys and water taxis services. Currently the trolleys are free and the water taxis cost $6.00 to ride all day.

Galatas Elementary

2008-02-12T11:52:55Z

Galatas Elelmentary is located in the Village of Cochran's Crossing on Cochran's Crossing Drive. Students in grades K thru 4 attend this exemplary rated school. Galatas parents are actively involved with the enrichment of the students lives and education through volunteer work and the PTO. The school's mascot is the Greyhound.

The students from Galatas feed into Mitchell Intermediate, McCullough Jr. High, and then The Woodlands High School.

For more information on Galatas Elementary use this link to its website. Galatas Elementary School

Mitchell Intermediate School

2008-02-10T16:05:45Z

Mitchell Intermediate School is located in the Village of Alden Bridge and houses fifth and sixth grade students. It is a great transition school for students leaving elementary and before entering McCullough Junior High. In the words of Hannah Montana," it has the best of both worlds." While exemplary in education performance the teachers transition the students from the elementary setting to the junior high setting.

The school consist of approximately 1200 students with roughly 100 students in twelve different Learning Centers (LC) The students stay with their same teachers for both 5 and 6 grades which allows the teachers to take off in 6 grade exactly where they ended fifth grade. The teacher have no need to reteach in order to get the entire class on the same page.

Elementary schools which feed into Mitchell include, Powell, Galatas, Bush, and Buckalew, all of which are rated exemplary by the state of Texas.

Mitchell Elementary is named after the founder of The Woodlands, George Mitchell.

For more information on Mitchell Intermediate go to it website. Mitchell Intermediate School

Mitchell Intermediate School

2008-02-10T15:54:35Z

Elementary schools which feed into Mitchell include, Powell, Galatas, Bush, and Buckalew, all of which are rated exemplary by the state of Texas.

Mitchell Elementary is named after the founder of The Woodlands, George Mitchell.

For more information on Mitchell Intermediate go to it website. Mitchell Intermediate School

Colin Powell Elementary School

2008-02-03T11:35:18Z

Powell Elementary School is located in the village of Cochran's Crossing in The Woodlands, Tx. Powell Elementary serves students in grades K thru 4th. Students living in the surrounding neighborhoods feed into Mitchell Elementary. Students living in Harper's Landing feed into Collins Intermediate.

Built in 1994 the school has continuously received an Exemplary rating each year from the Texas Dept of Education.

The school's Principal is Lisa Garrison. Click Powell Elementary School for a direct link to the schools website.

The school's mission is help each child reach his or her highest level of their ability.

Academy of Science and Technology

2008-02-03T10:57:23Z

The Academy of Science and Technology is a nationally recognized learning community and college preparatory program of the Conroe Independent School District. The program is designed for students in grades 9-12 with a strong interest in science, technology, computers, and mathematics for success in college and life. The Academy provides challenging and innovative programs designed to develop student responsibility, motivation, and commitment to learning within an ethical learning community that emphasized trust and cooperation.

The Academy is housed at the The Woodlands College Park High School. Eighth grade students living in the attendance zones of College Park, The Woodlands High School and Oak Ridge High School are eligible to apply for acceptance to The Academy. Each year, sixty-five eighth students are invited to attend .

Many graduates of The Academy graduate with the Texas Distinguished Achievement Program and go on to attend top tier colleges.

For more information about The Academy log on to its website http://ast-cisd.org/

McCullough Jr High-Texas Monthly Outstanding School

2008-02-02T13:24:56Z

McCullough Junior High School located in Panther Creek in The Woodlands, Tx, was just recently named by Texas Monthly magazine as one of Texas outstanding public schools.

McCullough is a 7th and 8th grade schools with a population of approximately 2000 students for school year 2007-2008.

Schools which feed into McCullough include Deretchin, Tough, and Mitchell Intermediate. McCullough students feed into The Woodlands High School.

You can visit the school's website by clicking the following link. McCullough Junior High School

Muddy Trails 5K

2008-01-31T16:41:18Z

Rob Flemming Park located in Creekside Village of The Woodlands has be selected to be the site of the inauguaral Muddy Trails 5k race taking place on February 23,2008

The course will wind through the George Mitchell Preserve Trails, located on 1,800 acres adjacent to the park. Runners of all skill levels are welcomed provided they are at least 10 years of age.

Following the race will be a party at the park. The party will include a band playing zydeco and spicy crawfish boil with potatoes, corn and drinks will distributed to during the post party festivities. The event will raise money for the nonprofit Woodlands Recreational Center.

The race begins at 8 am with volunteers needed to begin arriving around 6 a.m. To register or volunteer go to www.woodlandsassociation.org, go to parks & recreation and then click muddy trails 5k or call 281.210.3900.

Woodlands Green Earth Day Festival!

2008-01-24T16:37:20Z

Woodlands Green Earth Day

Saturday, April 12, 2008

You are invited to participate in the 18^th 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

"This is why I do what I do" Helping Others

2008-01-22T16:39:01Z

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 goodness knows what else. Well, I was wrong. This is where I heard that mom was offering to purchase the house because they had been spending all of their money on medical bills because wife, who is in her twenties, by the way, has stage four breast cancer. Wow, how do you respond to that. Obviously, I said, "Oh my gosh, I so sorry."

The next day we met I my office to write up the contract, sign the papers, and pray for a house and a miracle. The sellers countered my clients and my clients couldn't afford to go any higher. But, they were willing to take the house as is no repairs. So, I countered again with the offer of as is no repairs, same price. I also told the listing agent (with my client's permission) why they had to get the house. I was hoping he would share with his client and guilt him into accepting the offer. I don't know if the client was informed, but the offer was accepted.

We did repairs and everything was acceptable. Mom was approved for the 1st loan and waiting on approval for the second loan. We waited and waited and waited and waited. The clock was ticking fast. I requested an extension for the loan approval. The seller agreed and the next day he also accepted a back up offer. NO MORE EXTENSIONS would forthcoming. So here we are sweating bullets and still waiting for this tiny little loan to be approved. As the days ticked off I'm calling everyone at the bank trying to get REAL ANSWERS. I enlisted the help of the listing agent. He also started calling the bank. Next, the escrow officer began calling the bank. We were done the the 11th hour when the bank's VP decide it was in the bank's best interest to roll in the full loan and shelve it. At 6:30 pm central time, I call "mom" to tell her we needed her to fly in to sign the papers.

The next day we waited 3 hours at the closing table for the documents to be prepared. We joyfully waited for those papers. Those papers meant that this young family that had suffered so much, were finally getting a house to call home--their home. I have never been more proud to be a Realtor as I was that day knowing that I truly made a difference in a family's life.

Are You Organic By Neglect?

2008-01-18T20:54:04Z

There are several types of organic gardeners. They range from the anal gardener who must follow an exact method to my favorite, organic by neglect. Many, many people fall into this catagory and every neighborhood has atleast one house that organic by neglect. You know the house....its always next door to your newest listing or worse... it is your newest listing. What makes it so organic, the owner hasn't touched the yard in the ten years he's owned the house. My husband who often gives lectures on organics and natural landscaping loves to be funny by starting his lectures with a picture of this house to illustrate the beauty of organic and natural landscaping. A gasp goes over the lecture hall and then he laughs and shows them the real slides.

I fall into the lazy gardener type. While my yard doesn't look neglected, I won't put out a lot of effort to keep a particular plant in my yard. After all I only get to garden when I'm not selling houses, doing girl scout/ boy scout activities (by the way does anyone want to buy some cookies? Oh sorry I got of track) and not volunteering at the schools. That doesn't leave a lot of time to tend to the gardens. So, if a plant is going to live in my garden it has to be able to fend for itself or its history.

What type of gardener are you?

Looking for a Few Good Gardeners

2008-01-18T17:21:17Z

Join the newest sinstation in garden bloging. Learn, share, be a part of something new and special. Join the Organic Gardener Group and share your wisdom or increase you wisdom. Everyone interested in positive promotion of organic gardening is welcome to join. Follow the link to become a member http://activerain.com/groups/organicgardeners

I look forward to seeing you there!!!

Back to Nature --- Alden Bridge Park

2008-01-14T21:10:11Z

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 is complete with jungle gym, slides, and swings. There are even restroom facilities provided to ensure a long day of enjoyment and comfort. Adjacent to the park is the Alden Bridge swimming pool complex which is open all summer adding yet another dimension to this complex park environment.

Although there are many, many parks in The Woodlands, Alden Bridge is one of my most favorite. It has something for everyone.

Curb Appeal

2008-01-13T22:19:43Z

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. So, before listing your house clean up the lawn, spruce up the shrubs, plant seasonal color and mulch. Wash the front door, remove the cobwebs from the porch and power wash the sidewalks. It takes very little to create a big impact.

Happy Birthday, Stephanie!!!

2008-01-10T10:51:05Z

This blog may not qualify to be posted on Eco-All-Stars, but I wanted to make sure that everyone in the group was given the opportunity to wish our Shining Star Stephanie Edwards Musa a very Happy Birthday on January 18th. I decided that this was information many of you didn't have but would be very interested in knowing. So, I'm truly sorry JaneAnne, if I violated the rules of your recent blog, but I felt everyone needed to know. So, on that note please join me in wishing Stephanie a very happy birthday and many, many more.

Happy Birthday, Stephanie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sold In 3 Hours!!

2008-01-06T22:00:30Z

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.

I Decided To Go For It

2008-01-06T21:34:15Z

Having read your blogs and enjoying your knowledge, I decided its only natural to get my eco-broker designation. Reading your blogs about in the dream home contest made me realize how much more rounded my environmental education would be if I took the eco-broker classes. So, wish me luck and thanks for your encouragement to GO FOR IT!!