I'd really like to know where the name came from, does anyone know?  If you do please pass it on.  In Houston, and Katy TX were I live we buy cartons of this wonderful little bugs every year.  They are perfect to let loose in your garden, landscaping, and just around the grass.  They eat the bad bugs that eat you plants & flowers, so they do a really good job for us and are cute at the same time.  The up-close with just the Lady Bug was taken at night on my patio furniture (it's white).  You should water the area you are going to release them in, and release them at dusk to increase your chances of having them hang out at your place rather than going to the neighbors yard to eat their pesky bugs.  The other was during the day waling, still can't believe I saw it....these little ladies ... 03/07/2009

"Art with a Voice" EventSaturday, March 7 6-8pm                                                                                      $10 per personArt Reception and Wine Tasting                                                               You are cordially invited to attend a reception for artist Pete Menser. View his expressive work and you will hear it speak about his life, his inspirations and his feelings. Bold, colorful and clever, his work has a lot to say about life.                                                                                                                                                A boutique wine tasting for the special price of $10 per person. All original artwork will be on sale and displayed until March 13th. Proceeds will benefit the Katy ARTreach ... 03/05/2009

Need a good laugh?  For fun, I am sharing rotten MLS photos I found on line. Wonder why these houses didn't sell? Enjoy! For more information about Katy area homes, you can search the entire Houston MLS from my blog FuellingKaty. For questions about Katy real estate or to tour any area homes, contact me directly at 713-818-2404. I have financial incentives for my buyers and sellers. I have specialized in Katy real estate for over 19 years. Experience does count!. 03/04/2009

Firethorne - Property Value Update - 2008 vs. 2007 By Timothy Sojka, Realtor ® / Broker, Firethorne Expert  713-822-2152 - shop for a home on-line at www.search-katy-homes.com Property values in Firethorne continue to be strong.  Firethorne is truly a thing of beauty the lucky residents of the neighborhood.  The master planned community features a beautiful lake, walking trails, LaCross field and one of the strongest developers in Houston  In 2007 ninety-seven total homes sold for an average of $249,000.  Days on the market, a key economic indicator was at 93 (from the home on the market to contract).  The average price per square foot was around $86 dollars. In 2008 one hundred and twenty four homes sold for an average of $255,000.  This type of increase speaks to the strong continued ... 03/03/2009

By Janine Godwin, CPO®, Guest Author You signed the contract with your Realtor, the ‘For Sale’ sign is in the yard and it’s been weeks since you’ve had any action on selling your home. Could it be due to excessive clutter? If you have taken a look around your home, and the answer is ‘yes’, it’s time to get serious about making an investment in making your home more appealing. This investment could be the time that you put into cleaning it up yourself, or financial by hiring a professional to assist you. In either case, if clutter exists in your home and you want to sell it, that For Sale sign may sit in your yard longer than necessary. Buyers consider many things when looking for a home – location, neighborhood, amenities, etc, but they are also looking at how a home is presented. Thin... 03/02/2009

By Katy Realtor, Tim Sojka (If you would like more information on Katy or to arrange a tour call Tim at 713-822-2152 or shop for a Katy or West Houston home online at www.Search-Katy-Homes.com) Great Information Posted by Katy Economic Council Below By Tracy DangTimes Managing Editor Published: Monday, January 19, 2009 9:23 AM CST Even though the Houston area has seen a slowdown in recent commercial and residential growth, the greater Katy area is continuing to see growth," said Dr. Pat Guseman, a demographer with Population and Survey Analysts. Guseman presented the most recent study of growth and projections of the Katy Independent School District area during the Greater Katy Chamber of Commerce luncheon Wednesday. "Katy ISD is one of the fastest growing large districts," Guseman sai... 03/02/2009

All Kelliwood  subdivisions are named to celebrate Kelli, (see photo), the daughter of award-winning builder and developer Vincent Kickerillo. Kickerillo is the developer of all the Kelliwood sections and the primary builder. In some areas, he is the only builder. Developed in the 1980's and continuing even today, the large collection of subdivisions that make up Katy's  Kelliwood range in price from the $200,000's to over $1 million. Having been under development for such a long time, the older sections have very established and stately landscaping such as the Kelliwood Section of  Nottingham Country. Kelliwood  is south of I-10 and predominately feeds off of Fry Rd. It is made up of 13 different subdivisions. There are several very exclusive gated sections, including Lakes of Buckingh... 03/02/2009

Each year Prudential Gary Greene Realtors in Katy Texas hold the Katy Sunshine Fest. It is an event that is dedicated to our goal of raising money to go directly to the local chapter of the Sunshine Kids Foundation. It is our aim to raise public awareness of the mission of this incredible organization, which is to add quality of life to children with cancer by providing them with exciting, positive group activities; so that they may once again do what kids are supposed to do... have fun and celebrate life! Attendance to the Katy Sunshine Fest is by invitation only. We expect upwards of 1000 guests including a number of local celebrities and dignitaries...many of whom have been directly or indirectly touched by the Sunshine Kids. This is an excellent opportunity for those who sponsor to ... 02/28/2009

Best Buy has decided to open another location in the Katy area...this one is in the newly opened Shoppes at Bella Terra. The location is on the corner of the Grand Parkway and FM 1093 (just south of the Westpark Tollway). The beautiful new Wal-Mart and Kohl's are already open, as is New York Pizza, Sushi Hana, Zales Outlet, Whataburger, GNC, Sportsclips, and more. This has turned out to be a very convenient location for those in the Katy area South of I-10...and specifically for those in Grand Lakes, Seven Meadows, Cinco Ranch, and of course Lakes of Bella Terra. It is also just a short drive from Westhiemer Lakes, Westhiemer Lakes North, and Cross Creek Ranch. 02/25/2009

Visit Lakes of Bella Terra! Homes Priced From the $170's to the $2 Million Hidden away on Bellaire between the Grand Parkway & FM 723just 2 minutes south of the Westpark Tollway!   West Houston's most dynamic new destination to live, shop, play, learn and grow all in a family friendly, resort setting.  Lakes of Bella Terra welcomes LCISD's new Joe A. Hubenak Elementary school opening in Fall 2009, and Westlake Preparatory Lutheran Academy opening right next door in Fall 2008.  A myriad of fabulous shops and restaurants are opening soon right down the street at The Shops of Bella Terra!  Lakes of Bella Terra's multi-million dollar Recreation Center features a Junior Olympic pool, splash pad, tennis and volleyball courts, playground and a state-of-the-art fitness center.Executive Homes by... 02/24/2009

The 76-acre Spring Green Recreation Center, features a scenic 30-acre lake surrounded by parks, greenbelts and wetland ledges. A water park with a resort-style swimming pool, 2 water slides and a children's spray park offers refreshing fun for every member of the family, and a Children's Garden invites the youngest ones to clamber over boulders and fallen timbers, explore a dry stream bed, and witness the cycle of life in a butterfly garden.  At the heart of this recreation complex is the 6000 sqft Lake House, featuring architecture inspired by historic Texas train depots.  The Lake house has spacious indoor and outdoor gathering areas for up to 100, and residents can reserve this facility for meetings and special events.  One of the best features is it is green and LEED certified.  Som... 02/24/2009

     Cinco Ranch in Katy, TX is celebrating its 18th birthday.  Located in the highly acclaimed Katy Idependant School District, Cinco Ranch offers homes priced from $160,000 to over $1 million.  If you're looking for new contruction then the Cinco Ranch Model Home Village with 30 decorated models is perfect for you.  There are numerous pre-owned homes to choose from as well as and many different country clubs to choose if golf and socializing is your thing.  Cinco Ranch has turned out to be a highly successful master-planned community just west of Houston.      You can join in the celebration at Simply Cinco information center at the La Centera shopping center (across from Cinco Ranch High School).                    By David Slavin www.DavidSlavin.com 02/24/2009

By Timothy Sojka, Realtor ® / Broker, Katy Expert  713-822-2152 - shop for a home on-line at www.search-katy-homes.com Business Week: Katy is the second-fastest growing city in America 04:46 PM CST on Saturday, February 21, 2009 KHOU.com staff report KATY, Texas-It seems people in Katy are weathering the recession better than most. In fact, Business Week Magazine says Katy is a boomtown, ranking it as the second-fastest growing city in America. Business Week says between 2000 and 2008, construction and salaries in the suburban community skyrocketed. The average household income there is now $76,000 - that's $10,000 more than the U.S. average. The market is so healthy that I will commit to sell your home in 39 DAYS or I will sell it for free.  For more information about Houston and Katy... 02/23/2009

When you find out you have touched the lives of others in a positive way it is such a FEEL GOOD moment  Sometimes you never know when you have had an impact on someone and when you find out you have, it just gives me the warm fuzzes.  I have always loved helping, mentoring and encouraging other Realtors and people in general.  Over the last 33 years most of my impact has been on other agents, since I have been in this crazy, exciting business of helping people buy and sell homes in the Katy TX, greater Houston area for so long. Often you might go a long time (or never) without knowing that someone has benefited, learned or been inspired from something you said or did, maybe even many years ago.  Recently my partner and great niece Sandie, came over after an MCE class.  In talking about ... 02/22/2009

Rarely do I report on the overall statistics of Houston real estate—those provided by the Houston Association of Realtors and released monthly to the press as they were this week. These facts and figures don’t reflect our  Katy real estate market. Recently, HAR reports have cast a dark and dire shadow over home sales in general. I don’t doubt that HAR uses accurate averages but Katy real estate is not in an “average” part of town. There is nothing “average” about the place we call home! Each Katy neighborhood is different and produces its own statistics. This is why I strongly encourage my readers to contact me personally to receive accurate data for their individual residences or other Katy real estate. Whether or not you intend to buy or sell, it's good to have this information. Yes, ... 02/21/2009

The Annual Seven Lakes Garage sale will be held on Saturday March 28th at Seven Lakes High School. The time for the event will be 7:00am to Noon. If it rains the make-up date will be Saturday April 4th. If you would like to get a booth go to Iam4ku@hotmail.com Theresa Walker, or jkc3023@consolidated.netKaren Smith. They can give you info on how to make payment for your booth. Mona loves the garage sales...and it is a great way to get rid of your junk...or add new junk to your growing collection...all while supporting Seven Lakes High School! 02/21/2009

Recently, the Katy Chamber of Commerce visited the David Weekley “Hansboro” model in Firethorne and enjoyed a “Business After Hours” event. A large group of members, approximately 90 people, attended the reception. It was quite the honor for David Weekley as it was the very first time that a Firethorne homebuilder has hosted such a Katy  Chamber event. The 1,400-acre Firethorne master-planned community,  where the vibrancy of West Houston meets the small-town charm of Fulshear, is located in the acclaimed Katy Independent School District. It features 150-acres devoted to parks and recreational amenities including a 12-acre lake with surrounding greenbelt. There is also a sports field, hike-and-bike trails, parks and playgrounds. One of the nicest features is a wildlife observation area... 02/19/2009

The youth at St. Peter’s United Methodist Church in Katy are fast approaching the time for their annual youth-sponsored Chili Cook Off and Auction. It will be held this coming Sunday, February 22, at 11:30 a.m.  St. Peter’s United Methodist Church is located directly across the street from Taylor High School. All money earned goes to help the youth seniors travel to Jamaica for a week of fellowship and mission work. Katy neighbors are invited to participate in this fund raising effort by providing the teens with a gift card, themed basket donation or a delicious dessert for this year’s auction. The Cook Off and Auction will be held in the Fellowship Hall. Katy friends and neighbors are invited to join church members for this fun and worthwhile event. The youth also ask for your prayers... 02/18/2009

  Family Life Assembly of God, 1012 S. Mason Road in Katy, will host a one-day spring break sports camp for youths in kindergarten through sixth grade on March 19, from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The church wants to give kids the chance to learn more about sports, discover character-building concepts and have fun.  States children's pastor Debbie Kammerlohr. At Game-Plan sports camp, youths can pick between soccer, basketball and cheerleading. Game-Plan sports camp is intended to help youths improve their skills. Drills and practice will focus them on fundamentals. Between sports sessions, coaches lead in songs and tell stories and object lessons that help character-building themes take hold in youths' hearts. Lunch and snack will be provided. There is no fee to attend, but registration is re... 02/14/2009

With a plan of attack, you can maintain a sparkling, show-ready house in just 19 minutes a day.   These room-by-room to-do lists will help you get the work done quickly so that your house is always in tip-top shape to welcome prospective buyers. Kitchen, 4 1/2 minutes dailyAlways start with the sink, a sparkling sink becomes your kitchen's benchmark for hygiene and tidiness, inspiring you to load the dishwasher immediately and keep countertops, refrigerator doors and the stove top spick-and-span, too. Wipe down the sink after doing the dishes or loading the dishwasher (30 seconds). Wipe down the stove top (1 minute). Wipe down the counters (1 minute). Sweep, Swiffer or vacuum the floor (2 minutes).   Bathroom, 2 minutes dailyMake cleaning the basin as routine as washing your hands. But ... 02/14/2009