Yesterday (11/3/08) I protested my property taxes at Harris County Appraisal District. I'm pleased to report that I got a 5.9% decrease in the appraised value of my townhouse. It's going to save me less than $200 but you have to understand. Last year I missed the appointment and this year I almost missed the appointment but a quick phone call saved the day. So I'm pleased that I got it done and stopped the escalation of the taxes. Amazingly, I was there only about 15 minutes before I was called, and the discussions took only about another 15, and I was out of there. I did not go to the ARB level, which may have taken a lot longer. The important thing I learned was to use sales values from the preceding year, up to about February of the current year. Any data older than that is not usabl... 11/06/2008

Due to the finance crisis Turnberry Ltd. had cancel their project to built a 34-story luxury condos in Uptown Houston, TX,  Buyers was noticed about the cancellation and the deposit will be refunded plus interest accrued on the money, according to Turnberry, This is the first project Turnberry has had to discontinue in more than 40 years in the real estate development business according to Jim Cohen, a vice president of sale at Turnberry Ltd, There are still many luxury high rises condo available in Houston such as: 2727 Kirby Condos - www.2727kirbycondos.com Huntingdon Condos - www.Huntingdoncondo.com Montibello Condos - www.houstonmontebellocondos.com Villa D'Estate - www.villadestecondos.com/  For more information on Houston Luxury High Rises, please visit www.HoustonLuxuryHighRises.... 11/03/2008

Gardening in Central Texas can be a tricky proposition to new comers to the area. At first glance, it seems that the long summer would be ideal for growing all kinds of fantastic items, but in fact no. The heat is too intense, the rain too infrequent, to support most of what northerners consider viable summer crops. If you insist upon gardening in the summer, you must plant early. Long-maturing crops, that is crops that need 90-120 days, are best for summer gardens. The average last freeze date in Austin is March 18. With that in mind, plant the following from mid-February to mid-March: * Beets * Your cole crops, such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi * Carrots * Chard * Garlic * Okra * Onion * Parsley * Radishes * Spinach * Turnips * Asparagus April to May is... 10/30/2008

Mosaic on Hermann Park 5925 Almeda Road (Map) Houston, TX 77004 Click here to view properties for sale Area Texas Medical Center, Houston Museum District, Inner Loop Price $220,000 to $2 Million Type High Rises Condomindum Stories 30 Units 396 per towers Penthouses 36 Year Built/Converter 2008 / 2009 Architect The Preston Partnership Developer Phillips Development Management 214-239-4532 Concierge Yes Valet Parking Yes Fitness Center Yes Party Room Yes Pool Yes Sauna Yes Tennis Court No Theater Room No Guest Suites No Conference Room Yes Wine Room No Storage Space No Service Elevator No   Mosaic on Hermann Park, your home of towering high style in Houston’s heartbeat. This is location to live for.The city center: a mile and a half away. The Texas Medical Center and Rice University: les... 10/30/2008

Keystone Lofts   1120 Texas Ave (Map ) Houston, TX 77002 Area Downtown, Houstoric District Price $199k to $500K Type  High Rise Lofts Condominium Stories 8 Units 34 Year Built 1920 / 1998 Architect Joseph Finger Management 713-410-2070 Concierge Yes Valet Parking No Fitness Center No Party Room No Pool \No Sauna No Tennis Court No Theater Room No Guest Suites No Conference Room No Business Center No Storage Space No Service Elevator No In 1998 the Keystone renovation was complete and the building was renamed to "Keystone Lofts". With only 34 units Keystone is one of the smaller buildings in Houston's downtown. The Keystone units range between 1,350 and 4,400 square feet, with amenities such as hardwood floors, 10-foot ceilings, tiled jacuzzi tubs and granite countertops. The Keystone b... 10/30/2008

Greater Houston area master planned communities and Greater Houston area planned neighborhoodsFor more information or to schedule a showing of any property, call 832-298-2893 or e-mail: Steven Teoh, Your Houston High rises / Lofts Expert.  BentwaterBridgelandsBridgewaterCanyon Gate at Cinco Ranch Canyon Gate at NorthpointeCanyon Gate at the BrazosCinco RanchColes CrossingCopperfieldCypress Creek LakesEagle SpringsEaglewoodFairfieldFalcon RanchFall CreekFirst ColonyGleannloch Farms,Grand Lakes,Grayson Lakes,Greatwood, Imperial Oaks,KingwoodLake OlympiaLakes of Mission GroveLong Meadow FarmsNew TerritoryNewportPecan GroveQuail ValleyRiver ParkRiver Park WestRiverstoneRodeo PalmsSavannahSeven MeadowsShadow Creek RanchSienna PlantationSilvercreekSouth Shore HarbourSpring TrailsSteeplechaseS... 10/30/2008

2900 Hamilton Dr.(Interactive Map) Houston, TX 77004 Area Houston Mid-town, Inner Loop Price $155,000 to $205,000 Type Mid-Rises Lofts Condomindum Stories 4 Units 36 Penthouses 0 Year Built 2008 Builder Caspian Homes Developer Caspian Homes Management   Concierge No Valet Parking No Fitness Center No Party Room No Pool No Sauna No Tennis Court No Theater Room No Guest Suites No Conference Room No Wine Room No Storage Space No Service Elevator No   A COLLECTION OF 36 UNIQUELY STYLED HOMES WITH A VARIETY OF CREATIVE FLOOR PLANS. ONLY MINUTES AWAY FROM NEWLY RENOVATED BALDWIN PARK, MEDICAL CENTER, MUSEUM DISTRICT, MINUTE MAID PARK, TOYOTA CENTER, RESTAURANTS, ENTERTAINTMENT AND ALL THAT MIDTOWN/DOWNTOWN HAS TO OFFER. For more information or to schedule a showing of any property Call (832)... 10/29/2008

Gotham Lofts 1025 S. Shepherd (Interactive Map) Houston, TX 77019 Area River Oaks, Inner Loop, West Gray Price $300K to $1 million+ Type Mid-Rise Loft Condos, Soft Lofts Stories 4 Units 41 Year Built 1998 Developer Randall Davis Management 713-932-1122 Concierge No Valet Parking No Fitness Center No Party Room No Pool Yes Sauna No Tennis Court No Theater Room No Guest Suites No Conference Room No Wine Room No Storage Space No Service Elevator No The Gotham Lofts adorned with a impediment similar to the one on the Credit Lyonnais building in Paris. Facing the elite River Oaks neighborhood to the west from its convenient McDuffie address, residents have the sensation that they are at the center of Houston’s most exclusive social life. Gotham Lofts has eight spacious floor plans, ranging f... 10/29/2008

Over the last few years I've been in the position to deal with a cash offer from both a buyer's agent perspective & listing agent's point of view. Feel free to add to the story or share your experiences. First, just because you are submitting a cash offer doesn't mean your offer is that much stronger and deserves to come in at 5% or 10% below the list price, especially in Houston Texas. Most if not ALL offers I have worked with are pretty solid nowadays. Almost everyone is going FHA or Conventional and is required to put 3% down. Gone are the days where agents used to wonder if the deal would make it to closing because of creative or tricky financing. I can't speak for the whole country, but I can get on my soap box with clarity from Houston. When you submit a cash offer to my listing I... 10/29/2008

The ASES Solar Tour hosted by the Houston Renewable Energy Group was held last Saturday and was a Blast!  Although we are still waiting on a complete head count, I heard one location had as many as 180 people show up!  With over 20 projects on the tour this year, I know the total number of attendees will be amazing! The tour hosted everything from Solar Attic fans to Virginia Point which is a LEED home under construction that has 140 Solar Panels on it.  This home creates more power than I use in my home every year!  The project that sticks out in my mind as being really interesting is the one on Waugh Dr.  It is 2 sales offices that are made from shipping containers.  I had the opportunity to speak with Joe Meppelink of MetaLab while I was on the tour and what a fascinating guy.  You ... 10/27/2008

The Health Museum is featuring the Haunted House 4D in the McGovern Theater.  The experience will include rain, thunder, lightning, and fog.  It is recommended for ages seven and up.  See www.thehealthmuseum.org for more information. The Third Annual Maze of Madness will take place Friday and Saturday nights through November 1, at 8 pm . in Shepherd on Hensley Street.  bmyersimpact@att.net Scream World is at 2225 N. Sam Houston Parkway, Beltway 8, between Ella and TC Jester.  It's open weekends through November 1 with tickets $25, except for Sunday tickets at $20.  It is comprised of three haunted houses, an outdoor maze and cemetery, plus eight new terrorizing scenes for children 12 and over.  www.screamworld.com www.StagingSmartNSold.com provides non-scary Houston home staging solutio... 10/26/2008

The largest quilt festival in the world returns to the George R. Brown Convention Center from October 30 until November 2.  Preview Night will be October 29th from 7 to 10 pm.  Hours for the festival are 10-7 Thursday-Saturday and 11-5 on Sunday.  Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 65+, and children 10 and under will be free.  For information, call 713-7891-6864.  For tickets, visit www.quilts.com . www.StagingSmartNSold.com  provides Houston home staging expertise for a rapid and profitable house sale to area Realtors and homeowners. 10/26/2008

This is the most awesome number one antique show in this part of TEXAS (Round Rock, ZAPP Hall) Antique Show ... Here are some fun pics ....    Local Lemonade Stand ... Some old local stuff ... A line of cars are coming to ROUND ROCK .. ZAPP HALL ... Antique Show ... Fall Harvest Stuff .. Cool TEXAS iron stuff .. Antique furniture ..   fun.. fun ... shopping junk gypsy style ... Cowgirl CHIC ... More fun and cool stuff to follow ................... pippa                   10/23/2008

Rhapsody in Black & White is the theme of the UH-Clear Lake Alumni Celebration to be held October 25.  The cocktail reception for the black tie optional event will begin at 7 pm in the Bayou Building Atrium I.  Dinner will follow at 7:45, then the program and live music begins.  Tickets are $45 each, or $80 a couple may be reserved at www.uhcl.edu/alumnicelebration www.StagingSmartNSold.com provides Houston home staging expertise designed for a rapid and profitable house sale for area Realtors and homeowners. 10/19/2008

The Houston Mermorial Hermann Hospital will be hosting a breast cancer symposium to explain mamography and breast cancer.  All ages of women and their families are encouraged to attend.  There will be an interactive question and answer session with a panel of speakers and patient testimonials.  Have your questions ready for their expert panel.  Snacks and punch will be served with lots of giveaways. The symposium will be held on October 22nd in the Outpatient Services Lobby, 2nd floor. Memorial Hermann Southeast is located at 7737 Southwest Freeway. Houston, TX  77074 Call 713-222-CARE (2273) for more information.   Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your Home To Sell! Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Pl... 10/18/2008

Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital is the only area hospital currently offering the new technology of MammoSite.  Typically certain forms of breast cancer takes a six-week course of radiation after surgery, now it takes five days. MammoSite radiation goes directly to the site of the tumor through a small tube called a catheter that is inserted during surgery.  Surrounding tissue is spared from radiation's damaging effects.  On the fifth treatment day, the catheter is removed. Women can return to their normal activity. To be eligible a tumor must be no more than about 2 centimeters in size. Trials are taking place to see if the MammoSite is effective on other types of breast cancer.   Memorial Hermann Southeast is located at 11800 Astoria Blvd., Houston, TX  77089 Call 281-929-6100.   C... 10/18/2008

                                                              The Gateway community Church will be hosting an evening of fun called Pumpkin Palooza Fall Festival.  Kids are welcome to come dressed in their costumes and bring the entire family.  The festival will be on October 31 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.  Gateway will have treats, activites, and adventure.  There will also be booths with activities. Gateway Community Church is located at 760 Clear Lake City Blvd., Webster, Texas 77598.  Please call 281-286-1515 for more information.     Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your Home To Sell! Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information. Redesign Etc. In The News! Click Logo T... 10/18/2008

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The Houston Stage It Forward Will Be Here Soon...Have You Registerd?      Just a reminder the SIF Round Table is in 14 days be sure you register now to reserve a seat. There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.  The Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) the Trade Association for Professional Home Stagers has announced that November is Home Staging Awareness Month.  RESA along with IRIS and ASHSR is proud to announce that we are National Co-Sponsors of Home ... 10/18/2008

Wings over Houston will be held at Ellington Field October 25-26th in Houston.  The United States Air Force will do thoses death defying acts as spectators watch in awe with their amazing formations and head-on passes.  The Thunderbirds will be the featured act with breathtaking performances. There will also be aerobatics displays. I love this stuff, I'm definetely gonna go! Click here for more information.   Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your Home To Sell! Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our website for more information. Redesign Etc. In The News! Click Logo To View! Areas Served:  Houston, League City, Clear Lake City, Friendswood, Kemah, Seabrook, Pearland, Sugar Land, Spring, Cypre... 10/18/2008

October 18th will be the final day for the arts festival downtown.  The streets will be closed off and the blocks will be filled with art, music and dance.  The festival is one of the best in the country.  It promises to be a beautiful day for walking around the streets of downtown.  There will be 300 artist, selling their handcrafted goods.  There will be an interactive area for the kids.  The festival will be open from 10:00am to 6:00pm.  Amission is $10 for adults and is free for children 12 and under. I'll see you there Sunday! For more information and to buy tickets online click here.       Cindy Bryant is the owner of Redesign Etc. Home Staging & Redesign Specialist in Houston, Staging Your Home To Sell! Contact Cindy today for a Home Staging Consultation.  Please visit our websit... 10/18/2008