Do You Agree That Our Energy Issues Are A Problem? - 10/31/07 04:44 PM
Regardless of how you feel about Global Warming, I think most people agree that our Energy costs are out of sight.  Homeowners across the nation are noticing increased electric bills, higher prices at the pump, the desire for renewable energy like wind and solar (which many Homeowners Associations are against)-
In turn this is making us more Dependent on Oil, Gas and Energy Companies.  What would that do to our Bills?
Well, I visited the Congress Website today to find out that within the next few weeks they will be voting on a Renewable Energy and Conservation bill.  My Representative is currently voting … (29 comments)

16 Days Until America Recycles Day! - 10/30/07 09:59 PM
Did you know that there was a America Recycles Day?  On November 15th every year the National Recycling Coalition hosts this event.  This will be the 10th year that Americans across the nation get together to Recycle and Purchase Recycled Products.  Not only that, they learn the benefits of it. 
There is some amazing information on their website about what kind of products are made of recycled products.  A few are Surfboards, T-shirts, Marbles, Bikes...the list goes on. 
They also a website set up where you can send FREE E-Cards to people you know to remind them of them of the event.
So, what are you … (22 comments)

The Bar Has Been Set High For Energy Efficieny In Houston, Tx! - 10/29/07 11:45 AM
What is that sound?  AH, I think it is the Winds of Change and Growth for Green and Sustainable Home Building in Houston, Tx!  Read through this and let me know if you think this is the case...
Houston has always been known as a hub for Energy and Oil companies.  We have companies with offices here from all over the world.  Well, on October 4, 2007- Mayor Bill White made a statement in regards to the City making efforts to be more Energy Efficient.  He states that they will be using LED Traffic Lights, Energy Star Vending Machines, and many other … (12 comments)

An Off The Wall Recycling Thought-A Challenge To Make It Work - 10/28/07 08:51 PM
I have had the amazing opportunity to be part of a committee the past month that has reviewed a proposed Green Building Guideline for the National Association of Home Builders.  It is quite extensive and really raises the bar for builders around the nation. 
One of the main points throughout the document was to reduce the waste by builders during construction.  How?
I have heard builders in the area that have tried hiring a wood chipper for waste, but they end up with more wood chips than they can use.  There are multiple products available for construction that are made of recycled wood, … (20 comments)

Sold!! 174 W. Bristol Oak Cir. for $228,000 - 10/23/07 11:16 AM
There are not enough words to describe how Gorgeous and Special this home is.  This Single Story home is a popular Pulte Floorplan built in 1996 and has Udates/Upgrades Galore.
When you walk in, the extensive Ceramic Tile and Laminate Wood Floors are Breathtaking.  The open floorplan is inviting and cozy.  With 3 bedrooms, 2 Bathroom, 2 Formals AND a Study-you will have plenty of room. 
The Kitchen and Breakfast Area open to the Family Room and have Amazing Granite Countertops and Tile Backsplash and Windows that allow plenty of Natural Sunlight.
The Master Bedroom is Large enough for all of your furniture … (10 comments)

New Listing in Fox Run! SOLD!! - 10/23/07 09:55 AM
This Single Story home in Fox Run would be an excellent place to call home for the Holidays.  You will notice Pride of Ownership as soon as you walk inside!
The first upgrade you see will be the extensive Laminate Wood Floors and Crown Moulding.  The large Living Room is the perfect spot for Entertaining guests.  If you decide to Barbeque, take them outside to your Covered and Screened Patio out back! 
In the kitchen you have plenty of room, Ceramic Tile, Gas Oven and Range and Eat-In Breakfast Area.  The Oversized Utility Room with Shelves is great for Organization. 
You will … (5 comments)

Green Is Not Just Smart, It's Really Common Sense - 10/15/07 02:12 PM
For Blog Action Day I debated myself about what to write.  I have written several posts on environmental topics and my thoughts seem to have run dry at the moment.  I would bet that there are several blogs written about Global Warming and what everyone should do to slow it down or counteract greenhouse gases.  There will probably several bloggers referring to Al Gore and his movie.
However, in a recent post I discussed how a different approach should be made toward environmental topics.  I believe that all of the hype and controversy of Global Warming have shut the door on some … (66 comments)

Houston Solar Home Tour-Part 3 of 3 - 10/09/07 02:53 PM
This is Part 3 of 3 in the Houston Solar Home Tour 2007 Series.
The 5th and final home that we made it to was quite a hike to Rosharon but it was worth it!  We got a little lost and I got to see the Brazos River for the first time which was neat. 
This home was the first that I have seen with an Energy Star "cool roof" that is light in color and has highly reflective granules on it.  It was also the first home that I have seen with Structural Insulated Panels and it was designed Passive Solar.  … (7 comments)

Houston Solar Home Tour-Part 2 of 3 - 10/09/07 02:48 PM
Here is Part 2 of 3 in the Houston Solar Home Tour Series.  Part 1 can be viewed here.
The 3rd stop on our tour was the Saint Catherine's Montessori School.  If I am not mistaken, this is the first LEED Certified Private School in Texas.  As we drove it was quite breathtaking with its circular design.  We noticed right off the indigenous landscaping, fountains and gardens.  The one thing I did not know was that 100% of the supplied energy from the school comes from Renewable Energy!  Wow!
I have to say that we found the circular design inside and all of the … (4 comments)

A Day At The Houston Solar Home Tour-Part 1 of 3 - 10/09/07 02:45 PM
I thought I would share my experience at the Houston Solar Home Tour and since it was quite a long day, I have decided to break this up in to 3 different posts.  ******
Well, even though it was a little rainy and overcast, we had a great time at the Houston Solar Home Tour.  Unfortunately I was unable to go to all of the homes but I did make it to 4 homes and Saint Catherine's Montessori School.  There were some amazing homes and most were not complete yet.  They were all at various stages of completeion and the Houston Renewable … (10 comments)

Environmental Disconnect - 10/06/07 10:57 PM
Dating back for many years, just about every realm of Environmental issues have been a topic of debate.   When you think about life several years ago, and still today in many countries throughout the world, we depended on the Earth to live.  We farmed for food, went fishing for dinner, and we understood that water and other natural resources were limited and to be used as needed.  Electricity and water were a luxury item.
Then with technology and new inventions coming out every day, we found out how neat it was to have cars that could take us anywhere, have appliances … (25 comments)

Online Market Reports-How To Use Them - 10/05/07 07:38 AM

If you are like many Home buyers and sellers across the nation, you often times hit the internet to find out what is going on in your area in regards to Real Estate.  If you find that you have a Local Real Estate Expert that posts Market Updates online, that is great!
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when reading these reports.  These reports should not always be used to Price your home or get an offer price for the home that you are considering to buy.  Many times these reports are best used to track the Neighborhood Activity … (8 comments)

Auburn Lakes Market Update-September 2007 - 10/04/07 05:17 PM

 
Auburn Lakes is a Golf Course Community off of Gosling Rd, just a short drive to The Woodlands Mall and other amenities.  The community is still growing and there are a number of New Construction homes available by various builders including Lennar and several Custom Home builders.  There are many.
The Community Center has a pool and play area, and you will find tennis courts and Country Club just a short walk the other direction.  Gorgeous scenery such as Lakes, Fountains and Freshly Landscaped areas are the trademark of Auburn Lakes.
 
There are several price points in Auburn … (3 comments)

Imperial Oaks Market Update-September 2007 - 10/04/07 04:05 PM

 
Imperial Oaks is another fantastic community off of Rayford Rd. in Montgomery County and a short distance to the Hardy Toll Rd and I-45 for an easier commute Downtown.  You will find numerous pools, parks, trails and a water park for the children.  Don't forget just around the corner from The Woodlands Mall, Waterway, Children's Museum and other amenities. 
Also, with great excitement they just announced a new section called The Falls that will have some Lakes, a Rec Room, Party Facility and Phenomenal Landscaping.  David Weekley and Lennar are expected to be building in this new addition. 
Right now there … (5 comments)

Legends Ranch Market Report-September 2007 - 10/03/07 08:02 PM

Well, it looks like an interesting month for Legends Ranch.  Legends Ranch is the Gated Section for the Canyon Gate Community off of Rayford Rd. in Montgomery County.
It seems to, by prices and what is available, to have a lot of "great deals" right now...and that is not a term that I use loosely or frequently. 
Legends Ranch has a guarded gate with plenty of amenities including a splash pad for the kids and community lakes that are gorgeous and relaxing to take a stroll around.
I thought I would show you a couple of homes for sale right now so you … (7 comments)

EnviroHaters- Bad News...Survey Results Are In! - 10/03/07 02:06 PM
Well,  The Previous Poll that I did took over 2 months to get to 50 Votes...this time, Just a little over 30 days.  Wow...I guess people really do get rowled up over politics.
I felt I would get a little gutsy and ask if You felt that Environmental Concerns should be a Major Part of the 2008 Elections.  I thought I was pushing it by doing so but it sounded fun.  Some of you may be asking how this relates to Real Estate, well, where do our homes go?
On land of course.  What is on land and above it?  Well, everything … (18 comments)

Is Your Home In Showing Condition? - 10/01/07 08:09 AM
Everyone has heard that your home needs to be in "showing condition" when you put it on the market to be sold.  But what exactly is "showing condition"?  Does it just mean that you pick up the kid's toys and dirty laundry?  Not really.  Here are some tips to help get your home in "showing condition" and what makes a home SHINE.  Let's get your home SOLD!
Buyers look at small details.  If you ask a buyer what they like about one home over the other, often times they can not tell you-especially if they see two homes of the same floorplan.  Here … (36 comments)