the woodlands: The Woodlands 2011 Market Summary - 01/23/12 07:33 AM
How did The Woodlands and its' MLS area fare in single family residence unit sales in 2011 versus 2010? Not bad considering all of the economic factors at play this past year. Plus let's not forget all of those politicians playing please let me be your presidential nominee. Who knows what impact that had on anything. Here is your quick look.
MLS area 15: Woodlands, Oak Ridge, Shenandoah, The and west to the county line.
This MLS area enjoyed a pretty good year in 2011. Unit sales for 2011 vs 2010 were up 6.84%. The average sale price increased 2.1%. That is … (0 comments)

the woodlands: Conroe YMCA SCUBA - 05/09/11 04:08 AM
The next Open Water Diver SCUBA class at the Conroe YMCA will start the first week of June. If you or someone you know is interested in learning to SCUBA dive please get in touch with me. The course is open to anyone 10 years old and up who is in good medical condition and can pass a basic swimming skills test.
For those who haven't been diving in a while a SCUBA skills update class is also available. A NITROX class (enriched air NITROX) also can be scheduled for those who may be interrested.
Don't miss this chance to learn to SCUBA dive, … (0 comments)

the woodlands: Montgomery County, TX Market Report 1st Qtr 2011 - 04/15/11 11:23 AM
2011 1st QUARTER MONTGOMERY COUNTY REAL ESTATE UPDATE
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE SALES 
MLS Area 15 (The Woodlands and West to the county line, SW Montgomery County)
Single family unit sales were very close to the same in 2011 as for 2010. There were 612 homes sold in 2011 this period versus 614 in 2010. The average price did rise 9.5% and the median price rose 2.3%.  The number of active listings in 2011 increased 5.7% versus 2010 while sold homes spent 10% longer on the market. The hotness ratio at the end of March indicated that sales in April would probably … (1 comments)

the woodlands: Lake Conroe is Not Going Dry - 01/03/11 10:24 AM
Like many places in the United States Montgomery County will have a severe water problem if planning for the future doesn't start now. The planning has started in our county. Our "water" future is bright. Unfortunately a few people hear that Lake Conroe will be going dry and that property values will be fall like the lake level.
Well that isn't true. There have been many studies done and many public hearings held. The future is bright. Please realize that right now Lake Conroe releases 7' of water every year that currently goes unused. That 7' equals twice the amount of water that is currently … (2 comments)

the woodlands: Great Website for Homeowners! - 12/27/10 09:05 AM
Are you a homeowner who really cares about their home? Are you a homeowner that wants to update your home however isn't sure which improvements are the smart ones to make? Are homeowner who wants to know more about energy tax benefits? Are you a homeowner who wants to know more about ..............
And the list goes on and on and on. If you are a homeowner who really cares about your home than one of your most valuable assets is a website brought to you by the National Association of Realtors. The website it www.houselogic.com This website contains a tremendous amount … (2 comments)

the woodlands: Lake Conroe Quick Market Report - 12/18/10 06:00 AM
The November sales numbers are out. MLS area 39, the Lake Conroe area, had a good month. Unit sales were up over 14% compared to last November and the average price was up....wait for it....$73,108! WOW! What a jump. Available inventory climbed almost two months and average days on the market increased to 90.
As might be expected units sales dropped from the previous month however the average price did increase. Property located on or close to the water is still retaining its' value.
For those doubting whether this is the time to buy the answer is strong YES. The figures … (1 comments)

the woodlands: 7 Deadly Plumbing Sins - 11/23/10 03:55 AM
I recently was reading an article about plumbing problems in the typical home.  The article described seven really dumb things people do that can cause major plumbing problems.
After reading the article I decided to summarize the seven "no nos" and send them to my listing clients. You never know who might not know what and I would rather be safe than sorry. I also thought it might be a good idea to pass the "sins" along to you too.
What are the seven deadly plumbing sins? Here they are:
Leaving hoses connected during winter - this can lead to freezing … (4 comments)

the woodlands: Lake Conroe Market Report - 11/01/10 10:24 AM
MLS area 39 in Montgomery County is the area around our fantastic Lake Conroe. Unfortunately sales have not been quite as wonderful. Single family residence (SFR) unit sales were down 26.8% as compared to last September. The big gain though was in the average sales price. The average sales price jumped an astounding 35%. I think that some really expensive homes sold in September. That amounted to an almost $80,000 increase in the average home sales price.
Year-to-date SFR unit sales are down 9.5% as compared to 2009.  At the end of September there were 215 more homes on the market … (0 comments)

the woodlands: District Football Champions! - 10/27/10 09:04 AM
Congratulations to the Brabbham Middle School 7th grade "A" Football team for winning the district championship! The Brabbham Bobkats defeated the Washington Junior High Bulldogs 40 - 6 last night. The Brabbham Bobkats are undefeated this year and stand at 8 - 0. The defense has only been scored upon in two games this year.
Way to go Bobkats!!!
Beat Lynn Lucas in your final game next week!!
Congratulations on being DISTRICT CHAMPIONS!!!
Have a great day!
Ron
PS Yes my grandson is the starting left offensive guard and starting right defensive tackle for the Babcats. He recovered a fumble last night … (3 comments)

the woodlands: Conroe Market Report - 10/27/10 08:29 AM
MLS area 19 in Montgomery County is having a pretty good sales year thus far. Single family residence (SFR) unit sales were down only 1 unit as compared to last September. The big gain though was in both the average sales price and median sales price. Both were up over same month last year by an astounding $22,000+. This is an almost 18% increase over September of last year. There were far fewer foreclosures available this year than last year. Foreclosures seemed to dominate this MLS area last year.
Year-to-date SFR unit sales are up a whopping 15.7%.  Talk about a very … (0 comments)

the woodlands: The Woodlands - Market Report - 10/25/10 07:17 AM
Yes Virginia homes sales are still showing a pulse. A little slow maybe however it is still there.
The Woodlands which comprises most of MLS area 15 did not have a sterling sales month in September. Single family residence (SFR) unit sales were down 12.1% as compared to last September. However the average sales price and median sales price were both up over same month last year. Active listing were up 362 compared to last September.
Year-to-date SFR unit sales are up a paltry 1.45%.  I am sure that most of us will take any increase over last year no matter … (1 comments)

the woodlands: Hints for the perfect credit score - 10/23/10 02:31 PM
Do you want to try and get to that ever elusive perfect credit sore? Do you want to be one of the fewer than 1% of Americans who have that score? If you do want to try and get your credit score to that perfect or almost perfect level here are four things that are considered a must.
1- Have a long and great payment history. Start young, use your credit, pay it off and repeat for about 20 or so years.
2- Keep a careful balance of installment and revolving accounts. One for one is a good measure.
3- Keep open those accounts … (1 comments)

the woodlands: Ten reasons to buy now...... - 10/19/10 05:13 AM
Are you still thinking that now is not a good time to buy a home? It may be time to revisit that thought. The Wall Street Journal just gave ten GREAT reasons to buy a home today. Here are the reasons:
 
 
1. You can get a good deal 2. Mortgages are cheap 3.You will save on taxes It will be yours You will get a better home It offers some inflation protection It's risk capital It is forced savings There is a lot to choose from Sooner or later the market will be clear Here is the link to … (2 comments)

the woodlands: FLASH Montgomery County September Market Review - 10/15/10 10:40 AM
September sales numbers are out. They are really fascinating. All four MLS areas in Montgomery County, Texas showed a unit sales declines as compared to September, 2009. HOWEVER all four MLS areas also showed a marked INCREASE in the average unit sales price. Although foreclosures did not vanish from the market in September, 2010 there were probably fewer of them around than last September.
In MLS area 15, The Woodlands, unit sales were down 12% versus last September. The average sales price INCREASED 15% though. MLS 19, Conroe, showed a minor decline of 1% in unit sales but showed an average … (0 comments)

the woodlands: Lake Conroe Area Home Buyer Seminar - 10/15/10 06:15 AM
Are you considering buying a home? Would you like more information about the home buying process? Are you interested in what is going on in the local real estate market?
If you are call 936-525-3200 today and make a reservation for my free home buyer's seminar. The seminar is scheduled for Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 6:00PM. It will be held at Keller Williams, 2200 N. FM 3083 Rd. W., Conroe, Texas.
This approximately one hour seminar will provide you with a wealth of information about many aspects of the home buying process. The seminar will also provide you with an … (2 comments)

the woodlands: Desire & cash to buy and low credit scores - 10/06/10 10:15 AM
I really do not understand. I really do not understand some potential buyers. I really do not understand potential buyers with the desire to buy, plenty of cash for a down payment and a low credit score.
In addition to real estate I also represent an attorney assisted credit restoration company. This past week I met with three referrals from real estate agents whose buyers had a great desire to buy, plenty of cash for a down payment and low credit scores. We discussed the program to raise their credit score and how in three to six months they could be … (0 comments)

the woodlands: October events Lake Conroe & Houston - 09/08/10 10:42 AM
Holy mackerel September just started and my October calendar is filling up fast with two exciting events. My grandson loves both of these events.
October 1 - 3 is the Toyota Texas Bass Classic on Lake Conroe and at the Lone Star Convention & Expo Center is Conroe. Performing are Montgomery Gentry, Blake Shelton, Tracy Lawrence & Jeff Allen. This event features great fishing, performances and food. Check out the link below for all of the details. That's my condo in the back of the fishing picture. Great view!
Texas Bass Classic
October 23 - 24 is the BIG Wings Over … (1 comments)

the woodlands: Lake Conroe Fees - 09/06/10 11:12 AM
A 50% fee increase, are you kidding me. In our current economic environment who in their right mind would do such a thing? How is that for a headline? That seems like a headline that would doom any politician in this day and age.  It did just happen however it is not any where near as bad as it sounds.
The San Jacinto River Authority, who controls Lake Conroe, did increase its' license and permit fees effective September 1, 2010. The authority raised the minimum residential dock fee from $40 to $60 a year. This is the first increase in over … (2 comments)

the woodlands: Boys Scouts & SCUBA - 09/03/10 08:51 AM
The Conroe Family YMCA in conjunction with WW Diving Co. is now offering training for the Boy Scout SCUBA BSA activity badge and the Boy Scout SCUBA merit badge. The is a fantastic opportunity for any scout in Montgomery and Walker County.
Please drop me an email if you know of any Boy Scout troop that would like to participate in either of these great activities!
Thanks and have a great day!
Ron
www.ronwickes.com   www.lakeconroeconsulting.com

… (1 comments)

the woodlands: Conroe Wine & Cheese - 09/03/10 08:37 AM
Conroe's first Wine & Cheese Art Walk takes place this Saturday evening (9/4/10) from 6:30 - 9:00PM in downtown Conroe. This event will take place monthly on the first Satuday of the month. This is a free event. For more information go to www.lindawatsongallery.com.
Also don't forget about Conroe's Saturday morning farmers market. Come one come all!
Have a great Labor Day weekend!!!
Ron
www.ronwickes.com
www.lakeconroeconsulting.com
 
 
… (1 comments)