We often run up against limited service Realtors or long time agents who choose to continue to business the way they did it in the 1980's and 1990's when we go on listing presentations. The potential client usual asks us up front what are commission rates are...and we always say..."That's part of our presentation and we will discuss that in full"...but we wait until after our full presentation to do it.We discuss the way limited service brokers do business...a sign, a lock box, MLS input...and a hope that I will have a client that buys the home.We then discuss how people buy homes today. Shopping the Internet, choices based on pricing (this may be the single biggest mistake agents make...wrong price), input into sources that will get you additional showings, our exclusive online sellers... 04/05/2008

We often run up against limited service Realtors or long time agents who choose to continue to business the way they did it in the 1980's and 1990's when we go on listing presentations. The potential client usual asks us up front what are commission rates are...and we always say..."That's part of our presentation and we will discuss that in full"...but we wait until after our full presentation to do it. We discuss the way limited service brokers do business...a sign, a lock box, MLS input...and a hope that I will have a client that buys the home. We then discuss how people buy homes today. Shopping the Internet, choices based on pricing (this may be the single biggest mistake agents make...wrong price), input into sources that will get you additional showings, our exclusive online selle... 04/05/2008

We often run up against limited service Realtors or long time agents who choose to continue to business the way they did it in the 1980's and 1990's when we go on listing presentations. The potential client usual asks us up front what are commission rates are...and we always say..."That's part of our presentation and we will discuss that in full"...but we wait until after our full presentation to do it. We discuss the way limited service brokers do business...a sign, a lock box, MLS input...and a hope that I will have a client that buys the home. We then discuss how people buy homes today. Shopping the Internet, choices based on pricing (this may be the single biggest mistake agents make...wrong price), input into sources that will get you additional showings, our exclusive online selle... 04/05/2008

The Presidential race between John McCain for the Republicans and the winner of the Democratic race between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton will is likely to be a close race that goes down to the November wire. I keep asking myself how can this be? The Republicans have been in the White House for eight years...that usually signals a little voter fatigue. Now couple that fact with the low popularity ratings for both the current President and the war in Iraq and you would think John McCain would have little chance this year. What is the reason? Why is McCain polling so well? I think for two reasons: 1. The Democrats are beating each other up over the protracted primary fight they are having. 2. McCain is a middle of the road Republican who works well with Democrats and has a large modera... 04/04/2008

Grand Lakes, in Katy Texas is located South of I-10.  Off of the Grand Parkway, Highway 99 Exit, it is located just East and West at Fry road exit.Grand Lakes had 12 homes sold in March of 2008.  Those homes varied in price from  $155,000 to $639,000.  Grand Lakes saw an additional 13 homes showing as having gone under contract, meaning they had not closed but had accepted offers and were now pending closing.  That is a total of 25 homes under contract or closed in March 2008 for Grand Lakes.To see all homes for sale in Grand Lakes, Katy Texas, Please click the Grand Lakes Image: For the most up to date, INSTANT evaluation of your property anywhere in the Houston Area, Please follow the link below:    Please give us a call if you are looking to buy or sell a home in the West Houston and... 04/03/2008

The most expensive sale closed in March 2008, reported to the Houston multiple listing service was located in Cinco Ranch Bayou Oaks.  The home was listed at $868,000 and was closed, reporting a sales price of $820,000.  This home was a new construction from Partners In Building.This gorgeous home was almost 5000 square feet (4964) and has 5 bedrooms with 4 full and one half bath.  It also has a three car attached garage.  That put the home's final sale price at about $165/square foot. The most expensive resale home (not new construction) was not that far behind in total price at $780,000 for the 5006 square foot home located in Lake Forest of Kelliwood .  This was a custom Kickerillo home with 5 bedrooms and 4 and a half baths.  A three car attached garage was on this home as well. 04/03/2008

Katy Texas Real Estate is Hot!!!                                                                                                      Find Hot Katy Homes Here If you are looking for Award winning schools, Master-planned communities, Lake front Property, Golf Course property, then Katy Texas is for you! Katy has been growing quickly and has had such a booming economy. Katy Texas is one of Houston's Hottest Real estate markets and continues to prosper even in Down Markets.     Katy Texas is a perfect place to raise your loved ones. Friendly people in katy love the small town feel that katy provides.  Offering a variety of shopping and entertaining for everyone in the family.  Katy is Home to the Bass Pro-shop and Katy Mills outlet mall. La Centera is also a very fun place offering high-en... 04/02/2008

If you live in the Houston or Katy area and have not tried the Brookwood Cafe in the Brookwood Community you are missing out! The Brookwood Community is a God centered community run by and for the residents...most have some form of disability and they run one of the finest restaurants on the west side of Houston! Go to the website and check out the menu http://www.brookwoodcommunity.org/index.html The restaurant is open seven days a week from 11am to 2pm. It is connected to the retail center that offers beautiful hand crafted keepsakes, furniture, and some of the best flowers and plants available in Houston...leave yourself some time to browse! The Menu is incredible and the desserts are beyond belief...no need for dinner after you eat lunch here! I had the Unbelievable Eggplant...a gre... 04/02/2008

Katy Real Estate News -Need Information about Katy Texas Growth? By Katy Realtor, Broker and Author Tim Sojka 713-822-2152 If you are a Katy realtor, a Katy Homeowner and considering relocating to Houston or Katy Texas, the Katy Economic Development Council is a great source of information.  I was recently working with a major medical group on their potential relocation to Katy and the council was an invaluable resource. If you want more information about them simply go to their website http://www.katyedc.org/ or call them at 281-396-2200. Their Vision: The Katy Area will be the western cornerstone of Greater Houston, providing opportunities for excellence in business, education, healthcare, recreation and living. The EDC has played a key role in major companies relocating to and openin... 04/01/2008

Katy Real Estate News -Nonmacher's BBQ has stood the test of time By Katy Realtor, Broker and Author Tim Sojka 713-822-2152 Businesses come and go, especially restaurants.  However, Nonmacher's BBQ has bee n right where it is at 606 Mason Rd for decades.  Other BBQ restaurants have come to Katy, many within a few blocks of Nonmacher's, many chains with dollars to advertise, many with more glamorous interiors, almost all have left town and Nonmacher's has remained. If you go to Nonmacher's you must try the brisket.  If you order a sandwich asked for the board chopped brisket sandwich - it is excellent.  The BBQ potato is awesome as well.  On the weekend they sometime offer jalapeño laced pork tenderloin a true treat. If you are visiting Katy or coming here for a house hunting trip - stop... 04/01/2008

  I am pleased to introduce the Texas Real Estate groups' mascot, TEX to yall     It has been a fun, fast, learning, and growing time over at our group on Active Rain.  Over the last month we have had a great contest to find the prettiest church in Texas, grown by 68 new members, and have been very prolific and creative group, by posting 742 impressive blogs about everything Texas.  We also had a celebration to name our handsome longhorn mascot, complete with a Texas shaped cake.  The name on his birth certificate is TEX, which is a very proper name for a longhorn.   I would like to thank everyone at Texas Real Estate group for their contributions, especially the people who took the time to give us some breathtaking pictures and impressive history of churches in many areas of Texas.  Th... 04/01/2008

Short Sales in Katy Texas...A short sale is when the bank or lender holding the note on a home allows the seller, who has gotten behind on their payments, to sell their house for less than they owe on the note.   Not all banks or lenders will participate in a short sale and certainly not ever real estate agent in capable of conducting a short sale.  It takes a lot of work on the part of your agent to successfully market, sell and close a short sale, but if the agent knows what they are doing,  it can be done, thus saving the home seller from a foreclosure on their record.  This helps the homeowner to again, someday down the road when things have turned around for the homeowner to buy another home.Because of recent legislation, most homeowners may also be exempt from paying taxes on the ... 03/31/2008

Katy Real Estate News - Fuzzy's still reigns supreme as best Pizza in Katy By Katy Realtor / Broker Tim Sojka I love pizza.  But then again who doesn't.  Fuzzy's a Houston landmark (with a location in Katy) is just the best darn pizza in Katy.  They win several competitions annually for the best pizza (I am sure other Pizza chains do as well).  However, for my money no place gives you a better pie. I am not the only one who thinks so. Fuzzy's is the pizza of choice for former President George Bush.  You can always see pictures of George with the owners at Fuzzy's.  Even our current commander and chief George W. Bush has graced Fuzzy's. I have had great pizza in Chicago and St. Louis and I think Fuzzy's stack up well.  So if you are locating here from a great pizza town - give Fuzzy's a ... 03/31/2008

Katy Real Estate News -The chains are coming - the chains are coming Berry Hill Tacos and Hooters come to Katy By Katy Realtor, Broker and Author Tim Sojka 713-822-2152 Katy Texas has of course had chain restaurants for decades, however a recent influx of chain restaurants offer Katy home owners and Katy relocation candidates even more reasons to eat right here in Katy Katy Hooters has recently opened up right off of I-10 offering their mix of wings, burgers, beer and of course the Hooters girls.  Hooters innovative marketing and Hooter's girls have made it one of the fastest growing chains in the US. Berry Hill Baja Grill has also opened with a menu that includes traditional Mexican fair and their famous fish tacos.  Residents have been excited about the arrival since the sign went up ... 03/30/2008

Katy Real Estate News -New Restaurants in Katy Texas By Katy Realtor, Broker and Author Tim Sojka 713-822-2152 More and more restaurants are coming to Katy to support the strong residential growth.  Katy real estate is one of the stars of the United States, but residents were forced to travel for great restaurants.  That is now changing. The Rib Room in Katy is a very good place for burgers and American food in general.  No need to wait for 30 minutes to get ribs at full service restaurants.  The Rib Room serves up great ribs and burgers within minutes of ordering.  The service is very good.  The Rib Room is located off of Mason just south of Highland Knolls. Café Europe is located in the same mall and is an excellent place for sandwiches, salads and desserts.  The Café features live mu... 03/30/2008

Katy Real Estate News -New Restaurants Pour in Katy - Review of Paddy's and Red Oak Grill By Katy Realtor, Broker and Author Tim Sojka 713-822-2152 Growth in Katy Texas continues to surge.  The restaurants are finally starting to catch up to the population.  On Mason Road a few recently opened restaurants really shine. Paddy's One Foot in the Grill features a blend a very good grilled food and live music.  The restaurants business is driven by a large patio and strong service.  You can eat health or chose not to - and indulge.  The shrimp cocktail is truly innovative, the burgers are very good and the grilled food is excellent. The Katy Real Estate agent's favorite place to eat is still Red Oak Grill.  Red Oak Grill has become one of the busiest restaurants in Katy because of their fant... 03/30/2008

Katy Real Estate News -Katy Luxury Homes Soar By Katy Realtor, Broker and Author Tim Sojka 713-822-2152 Katy Texas has great schools, a growing medical center, many of the highest rated master planned communities in the state.  However, to top of the good news the sell of Luxury homes in Katy is continuing to soar. In 2006, Katy saw 34 homes listed above $750,000 sale.  These homes sold for an average of $920,000 (or about $174 per square foot) and sold in an average 218 days.  These homes were from a who's who of top Katy communities like Lakeforest, Avalon, Cinco Ranch and Lake Pointe Estates.  There were five homes that topped the million dollar mark.  Katy was deservedly proud of these numbers. The year of 2007 was a tough nationally for real estate.  However, luxury home sales in K... 03/27/2008

Katy Real Estate News - The Beautiful Golf Course Community of Falcon Point   By Katy Realtor, Broker and Author Tim Sojka 713-822-2152 Just moments for 1-10 and a short drive from the Westpark Tollway, Falcon Point is perfect for the golf lover relocating to Houston or Katy. Falcon Point features beautiful gated and non gated hamlets that act as mini communities within the larger neighborhood.  Falcon Point is one of the few Katy communities developed around a golf course. The Club at Falcon Point features 6771 yards and is a par 72.  The course rating is 73.4.  The course was designed by Bruce Devlin and Robert von Hagge.  This Katy Golf Course opened in 1984 was and still is considered ahead of it's time for the innovative design.  IF you would like more information about the golf co... 03/27/2008

 Bolin Chapel re-built as a replica of the original church of 1914 First Baptist Church in Katy, Texas When Churches Looked Like Churches The image my mind congers up is a small pretty white frame church with stain glass windows and a bell tower topped off with a cross. I guess my "perfect church" imagery comes from being raised in the south and visiting family still living in rural areas of East Texas. My vision was of a simpler time in our history when families had dinner together every night and said the blessing. A time of family reunions and picnics complete with buckets of homemade lemonade, pies and kids playing while the adults sit around and visited. When many families would gather at family cemeteries on Sunday afternoon to keep the grounds and headstones of loved ones neat an... 03/27/2008

The annual benefit walk for the American Cancer Society is taking place in Katy March 28 and March 29.  Keller Williams Katy has a team of walkers.This event is very special and symbolic.  The walkers, who walk through the night is symbolic of how cancer never sleeps.  On Friday night, when the sun goes down, hundreds of Luminaries are lit in rememberance of those loved ones we've lost to cancer, those fighting cancer and those who are survivors.  The event runs from 7pm to 7am. If you want to sponsor the Keller Williams team, you can call Becky Steinbrecker at 281-220-2100 EXT 168 and if you want more information on getting involved, you can contact the Event Chair, Melissa Rayburn at 281-222-3166.   You can also visit the ACS RELAY FOR LIFE KATY site. Last year, the goal was to raise ... 03/27/2008