Northwest Houston Real Estate

Relay for Life 2011: Cypress Style

Lanie Evans — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:59:00 GMT

Don't miss our Relay For Life of Cy-Fair 2011 Kick-Off Event! There will be lots of information about this coming Relay. We will have speakers, PRIZES, Brochures, Posters, Luminaria Bags, and Team Captain Packets. Please join us! Tomorrow , Thursday, January 13, 2011 at 6 pm Merche (21208 Northwest Freeway, Cypress, TX 77429) Located next to the North Cypress Medical Center Parking garage. Dress is casual. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Cash bar. We'll see you there! Your 2011 Relay...(read more)

Open House in White Oak Springs on Sunday

Lanie Evans — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 14:46:00 GMT

White Oak Creek, Cypress - Join us in the best property available in White Oak Springs this Sunday...explore the great location, witness the immaculate condition, note the recent upgrades, and get ready to make an offer! We invite everyone to visit our open house at 10802 White Oak Creek on April 18 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Don't miss the opportunity of a lifetime! This home is positioned perfectly in price and availability for the 1st-Time Home Buyer tax credit.

Property information

Single Story For Sale in Towne Lake

Lanie Evans — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:52:00 GMT

Over $35,000 in upgrades

• 2,896 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm single story "Open FlrPln, Stone Facade, Keystone lot" - MLS®$319,900 - Less than New Constrctn!

Towne Lake, Cypress - Gorgeous, immaculate, great location, open and bright floor-plan, LARGE Keystone lot with future 200' greenbelt in rear; Designed for living and entertainment with approximately $35,000 in upgrades to WOW your family and friends over the holidays and for day-to-day living. Grand entry, highest grade tile, 8' doors throughout, GE profile stainless/gas appliances, island, granite counters in kitchen and all baths, raised bowl designer sinks in baths, high quality designer fixtures, all walk-in closets, KENT MOORE CABINETS throughout with multiple built-ins; 2" blinds throughout (living and Master BR wood blinds); Remote controlled gas fireplace; 6 jet jacuzzi tub, covered porch in rear; oversized garage/keystone lot:150' across rear by 159' deep on Northern side; WON'T LAST LONG!

Property information

Like-New For Sale in Stablewood Farms

Lanie Evans — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 14:50:00 GMT

Immaculate, Many Upgrades

• 1,510 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm single story "Traditional" - $118,500 - Below New Cost

Stablewood Farms, Cypress - Capture the opportunity of a lifetime: like-new and ready in time for the HomeBuyer's tax credit. There are so many upgrades and additional features in this property, you need to go view the pdf file attached to this post in order to see them all!

Forget going by the builder to see their limited inventory or pay extra for their upgrades. This home has over $24,000 in upgrades--$16K from the builder and $7K by the owner. All this gives this home a value of approximately $131,000!

Property information

Open House in Coles Crossing on Sunday

Lanie Evans — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 22:05:00 GMT

Coles Crossing, Cypress - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 12918 Bedford Falls on February 28 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

• 3,161 sq. ft., 3 bath, 5 bdrm 2 story split - MLS® $279,000 - immaculate and maintained like new in Coles Crossing

Coles Crossing, Cypress - Welcome to your new home on Bedford Falls, here in Coles Crossing. You will be surrounded by amazing neighbors, as well as a quiet street. In addition to these characteristics, your home will have: A floor-plan that facilitates family interaction, as well as great entertaining; A kitchen built for convenience, style, and use: Avanza counters to reduce cleaning issues, stainless appliances, convection oven, breakfast bar at waste height that will double as an island so you can serve guests in comfort, crown moulding, wrought-iron balusters on the stairway, large pantry, and ample storage; a den area that boasts architectural detail not commonly found, pristine carpet, open space, and a view of the back yard that is unobstructed past the fence by rear neighbors; the den, breakfast area/kitchen, and master bedroom enjoy an eastern view of the sunrise; the Master Bedroom features abundant room and a window seat, as well as an upgraded bath, and ample closet space; upstairs, the game-room is large enough for a flat screen and pool table with seating, and the secondary bedrooms are connected by Hollywood baths on either side of the home.

Your home is situated in Coles Crossing, the best master planned community in Northwest Houston: new home construction has been completed, Sampson Elementary serves only Coles residents and is one of the only year-over-year Exemplary rated elementary schools in Cy-Fair ISD; our HOA is run by a great group of volunteers continuing to develop the master plan and keep costs down, all the while hosting great special events, and maintaining common areas such as: 2 pools, tennis courts, and exercise facility, as well as our gorgeous community center and 9 park areas, as well as miles of walking and biking trails. Easy commuting via a connection to Hwy. 249, 290, and the state-of-the-art Park and Ride facility less than a mile away. Additionally, we are surrounded by numerous shopping and retail establishments.

This property is a great addition to the real estate market in Cypress, TX and homes for sale in Coles Crossing. If you are looking for a new home in Cypress or Coles Crossing, then this is the property you want to view and buy. Call Lanie Evans today to schedule a showing at 713-259-9848.

Property information

Location, Immaculate, Neighbors (really friends): get ready to move!

Lanie Evans — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:44:00 GMT

Coles Crossing, Cypress - We invite everyone to visit our open house at 13023 Yorkmont on February 6 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

If you are looking for a place that is 'move in ready', then this home is for your family. The family that owned this place took excellent care of it, then did everything they could to leave it in pristine condition for you. David Weekley design with premium/neutral paint, slate focal point fireplace, island kitchen that overlooks the enormous family room, upgraded tile, architectural features throughout, 15'X9' covered rear patio, energy features galore...recent AC, dishwasher, etc. All of this on a cul-de-sac loaded with amazing people.

Add all that to the LOCATION: Coles Crossing--need we say more?, within 5 minute walk to Exemplary Sampson Elementary or Coles Pond (picnics, fishing and duck feeding); convenient playground; miles of running/walking trails; the BEST Master-Planned Community in Cypress, TX; convenient access to North Cypress Medical Center, major shopping/dining choices, Cy-Fair College, Hwy. 249 and Hwy. 290 corridors, as well as Beltway 8; Hewlett Packard, Energy Corridor, and one of the fastest growing micro-economies in Texas.

We could go on and on about the home and its great location, but what really makes this home special are the neighbors! We look forward to seeing their posts below.

Neighbors and friends: please leave a comment and let us know more about the location and neighborhood!

Property information

15702 Stiller Park in Coles Crossing is Sold!

Lanie Evans — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 12:54:00 GMT

Coles Crossing, Cypress - Zippity Doo-Dah...the Chambless family, now living in Billings, Montana are thankful another family has decided to really engage in life by purchasing their home in Coles Crossing. The friends and family of Ashley and Crull will miss them terribly, but we look forward to developing deep and lasting relationships with the new family.

Having sold at 97% of marketed price in a cash transaction, this great property now belongs to new owners. Situated within easy walking distance of Sampson Elementary, the Duck Pond, and other recreational venues here in Coles Crossing, this home is a great value at its sales price. We are always honored to be chosen to market homes here, because this is the pre-eminent Master Planned Community in Northwest Houston.

Property information

Amazing Value at 15702 Stiller Park in Coles Crossing

Lanie Evans — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:04:00 GMT

Coles Crossing, Cypress - Announcing an amazing value on 15702 Stiller Park, a 2,460 sq. ft., 2 bath, 3 bdrm 2 story split "Cottage Design". Now MLS® $195,000 - Best Cottage Value in Coles Crossing for sale.

3 Bedrooms, 2.5 baths at 2460 spectacularly rich square feet engineered to facilitate maximum use and enjoyment
Magnificent open floor plan yielding a great family and entertainment experience
Ample study features french doors and hardwood flooring, with placement that limits noise and interruption while you are working from home
Within walking distance of Coles Mill park and playground, and Coles Pond with fishing pier and duck feeding, miles of trails, and Exemplary Sampson Elementary School
Substantial areas for entertainment and living in kitchen, den, and game-room
Breakfast area adjacent to kitchen affords a unique and relaxing view outside
Cottage style entry accented by front porch and framed by towering hard-wood trees
Gorgeous kitchen contains abundant storage brown Maple cabinets, gas oven, gas range, serving/breakfast island, tile flooring, and convenient adjacent laundry
Den features hard-wood floors, architectural detail, and affords a view of the rear with no obstructions
Gameroom is large enough for a pool table and flat screen TV
2” blinds throughout
Premium recent paint throughout, custom shelving in utility room
Formal dining convenient to kitchen serving and features natural paint tones, along with rich hardwood floors
Contemporary fixtures throughout

Property information

Price Reduced on 16710 Darby House in Coles Crossing

Lanie Evans — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 23:12:00 GMT

Coles Crossing, Cypress - Announcing a price reduction on 16710 Darby House, a 3,547 sq. ft., 3 bath, 4 bdrm 2 story "Traditional". Now MLS® $279,000 - Below Market Value!.

Roof replaced in ’09--$25,000
Carpet with upgraded pad in ’09--$5000
Hardwood flooring in ’09--$4500
Windows in rear of home are double sound insulated
cul-de-sac location
no homes to block the view in rear

Property information

Coles Crossing Gem For Sale

Lanie Evans — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 19:47:00 GMT

Remarkable Floorplan, upgrades, & lot

• 3,161 sq. ft., 3 bath, 5 bdrm 2 story split - MLS® $280,000 - amazing value in Coles Crossing

Property information

CCEvents: Christmas at the North Pole ('Twas the Night Before Christmas)

Lanie Evans — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 21:26:00 GMT

Our annual Coles Crossing Christmas event will be even more amazing this year than it was last year! Thanks to the hard work of Event Chair Sandra Orlando, we have more activities scheduled, our logistics planning has been outstanding, and we have numerous sponsors, as well as volunteers. The event will be held at the Coles Crossing Community Center, from 6PM to 9PM on Saturday, December 6th. This year, we will enjoy a ‘Night Before Christmas’ theme; so bring your kiddos in their pajamas...(read more)

Is It a Good Time to Sell My Home? (v2)

Lanie Evans — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 21:10:00 GMT

Lately, as I talk with families about marketing their home, one of their major questions seems to concern timing. In other words, they want to know: “Should we place our home on the market right now, or should we wait until Spring?”

Let’s recognize up front that I have a vested interest in their placing it on the market now. If they market the home today, then we sell it sooner and I get paid now, rather than later. Either way, I only get paid for selling their home in a difficult market, so having acknowledged that point, let’s set it aside.

I believe now is a good time to sell your home--or at least start the process. First, if you are considering selling in the Spring, now is the time to talk with me regarding which repairs should take precedence, what upgrades give you the best return on investment, and what needs to be done before listing. Go ahead and get started on those items now, so there won’t be such a rush in the Spring. If you are serious about selling, then now is better than later, in my opinion. Consider the following arguments with regard to entering the market now.

You will be able to list it for more now rather than later. The market value of a home is what the market is willing to pay for it, plain and simple. Determining the market value involves looking at the previous 6 months comparable sales figures for the homes in the area similar to the property being sold. Right now, we are able to use the comparable figures for the past six months--this includes the height of the selling season. We are about to enter 2 down quarters of business revenues, negative news cycles, and continued stock market uncertainty. In the Spring, the comparable sales figures will most likely be lower than they are now. Yes, that means I expect sales prices to decline this Winter. However, discounting $260,000 is much better than discounting $250,000. Go ahead and take advantage of the higher starting point available today.
Everyone else is waiting until Spring. I believe in being contrary to the prevailing herd mentality. This past week was a great time to buy stocks, simply because so many were being sold. If you market your home now, while inventory is low, you have a better chance of getting a higher price for it. Believe me, buyers know it is their market right now and when they make an offer, they often make one that is so low it can be offensive--and they expect sellers to meet them in the middle. If that is the case now, imagine until after the next 2 quarters of negative news passes.
Sales figures (number sold) in the month of December are often as high as at the end of Summer. Over the next couple of months, the best minds in the advertising business are going to attempt to get people to spend money. Like it or not, the Christmas season is a time when people make buying decisions quickly. Take advantage of that. Additionally, people like to close over the Christmas break.
If you decide to place your home on the market now and it is on the market a protracted period of time, then you can adjust pricing during the Spring. Redoubling your efforts in the Spring and making a price reduction then are more likely to see results than if you go into the market in the Spring, then have to redouble/reduce next Fall. At then end of 6 months on the market with no sale, you will be more encouraged to take a proactive stance in the bright days of Spring than if you are looking down the road to Winter.
I conduct 2, sometimes 3 open houses each weekend and buyer traffic is great. As a matter of fact, the people I have met at open houses recently are serious about purchasing their next home--much more serious than the buyer traffic I witnessed in the late Summer.
President-Elect Obama will take office in January. The news media will do everything in their power to make this transitional period appear positive. History shows that during the past 4 recessionary periods, when a new party took over the administration, then the economy recovered. Ideology and policy don’t seem to matter to the markets--what matters is predictability.
Interest rates are going up and the Fed meets again soon. Every time the Fed has reduced the discount rate, there has been a corresponding increase in mortgage rates. That trend will continue. Additionally, we will see even higher interest rates in the Spring, due to increased inflationary pressures resulting from all the liquidity being forced into the markets recently.

So yes, I am confident that for a host of logical reasons, it is the best time to begin marketing your home.

Apartment Complexes--pro or con?

Lanie Evans — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:32:00 GMT

We are very fortunate to have an active YaHoo! group within Coles Crossing. It helps us sell items, voice public opinion, update one another regarding suspicious activities locally, and lately it has been a place where like it or not, there have some pretty spirited political debates. I watch the threads on this group for Real Estate related posts and sometimes attempt to respond in a knowledgeable manner that is intended to help educate my neighbors. Recently, there have been a couple of threads...(read more)

Seizures, Bailouts, and Hurricanes

Lanie Evans — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 21:26:00 GMT

September was a crazy month in the real estate market! First, Fannie and Freddie were seized and people did not know where this left them in the mortgage process. Then, we had a hurricane which shut down everything--and altered the value of many local properties both positively and negatively. Next, an impending catastrophic event was announced by the Fed. This emergency was summarily dispensed by our congress who worked tirelessly to pass legislation that will undoubtedly create liquidity in the credit markets (there’s a little sarcasm in that last sentence in case you didn’t notice it).

How will all of this look going forward? Let’s discuss the Houston area post-Ike situation first--it is the most positive. Here, there is at least a silver-lining. We will see economic activity due to the reconstruction necessary for our area. This will be financed primarily by insurance claims and Federal grants, etc. Being one of the only major markets in the nation with this type of activity during a nation-wide recession will certainly give us a sense of momentum when everyone else recovers. Once again, Houston should be somewhat insulated from what ails everyone else. I believe the performance of our local officials will not go unnoticed by corporations looking to relocate. The real estate markets here will continue to suffer due to bleed-over from national news and economic affects. However, we should continue to be stable relative to the rest of the nation.

Now that we have covered the good news, let’s discuss the bailout plan. There are a few outcomes which I hope do not happen due to the plan passed by congress last week. Yet, I believe they are going to be inevitable. I am not an economist, nor a soothsayer--just someone who has seen the government do this type of thing before. In any case, I have been wrong many times, there is no reason why this post should prove me to be infallible.

Somehow, immediately after the presidential campaign, the sky will suddenly turn blue. Congressional leaders will reassure us they are at the helm and our economy is great. Your neighbor next door will disagree, but what do they know? Really, people are trying to get re-elected here--no need to listen to that type of negativism this far from the next primary. Additionally, congress will find it wise to remove the ‘mark-to-market’ rule or suspend it. This rule is the reason most of the large banks have suddenly had liquidity problems--they had to value their mortgage portfolios at the value of the underlying collateral (homes), rather than the outstanding principle owed by mortgage holders. Since property values have decreased, the bank’s asset base did so as well. The Fed will begin buying these distressed loans, but will need to make a profit (remember, people need to get re-elected). Therefore, the easiest way to do this is to remove mark-to-market and voila, we have increased value in the Federal mortgage portfolio overnight. Never mind all the money everyone lost before the Fed saw the wisdom of suspending the rule. That happened during the last administration, right?

The credit markets will loosen and the word ‘sub-prime’ will be replaced with a more palatable one. Not all at once mind you, but slowly like before. The ‘Community Reinvestment Act’ has not gone away. Banks will continue to receive pressure from congress to lend to people who don’t qualify and the FHA guys and gals will be right there reassuring them they will be covered by the government just as before. I would be really surprised if buying bad loans is not somehow tied to issuing new ones--maybe I’m being pessimistic here.

The housing market will rebound. Of course, this would have happened anyway, but we would have had to wait on ‘market forces’ to work their way through the system and learn a few painful, yet valuable lessons--who needs all that? I could be wrong about the preceding points. As stated earlier, I’ve been wrong before and certainly will be again. Some things you can just count on, like when government officials say, ‘It is likely that if we do this correctly, then we could see a profit from our actions today.’

So where does this leave the Houston/Cypress real estate market? As stated earlier, due to Ike and a few other characteristics unique to Houston, we should continue to see moderate activity in our area. People will still buy and sell homes here. Financing should be more readily accessible to us due to the strength of our local economy. Simply make certain you choose a high-quality Realtor® who is a local market expert.

CCEvents: Hurricane Ike

Lanie Evans — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 13:58:00 GMT

How do you begin to describe the extraordinary people and their sacrifice when compelled into action by natural disasters? I am certain this is a dilemma faced by many journalists when covering such events. I'll do my best to simply highlight some of the great acts of kindness witnessed in Coles Crossing over the past few days. Last Sunday evening, I had a brain spasm (term I use to describe times when I have an idea that would seem to others as abnormal--I use the term a lot). My spasm/idea...(read more)

CCEvents Labor Day Picnic and Concert Series

Lanie Evans — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:13:00 GMT

Hurricane Gustav threatened all week; however, the weather was great. A nice summer breeze began blowing when our band Checkered Past struck the first note and kept us refreshed all evening--I though of Crosby, Stills, and Nash a couple of times throughout the evening. We were even blessed with the attendance of a few out of town guests from Louisiana.

Photos of the Event

James Coney Island served around 800 hotdogs to the approximately 650 Coles Crossing residents in attendance over the course of the event--we could not have asked for a better food vendor. Watermelon was conspicuously missing--next year, we promise.

Entouch Communications stepped-up in a huge way by providing not only monetary support for the event, but also through their 2 way underpaid employess, Matt Thaxton and Todd Johnston (and their families). Matt, Todd, and their families, served popcorn and sno-cones in a fashion that would make the most experience carnival worker jealous for 3 hours straight. One of their daughters showed me her blue-stained hands (sno-cone syrup) and innocently asked, "How do I get this off my hands?" I responded (from sno-cone experience), "Give it about 3 days." We are responsible for a middle schooler being heckled as the blue-berry girl today folks--I forget the name of the character from Willy Wonka, but I am certain it has been thrown out today in her direction.

I mentioned the band earlier--Checkered Past. I must say that even though their lead singer is an attorney, they are amazing. I think I even saw some of the reserved Coles residents dancing. No really, these guys give us a great show each and every year, and we are thankful to them--even amazed that old guys like that can rock. They give me hope that when I get that age, I'll still be jammin'.

Entertainment for the chidren ranged from Paddy Cake the Clown (donated by AmiCleaners and Phil Ramirez), Karl the 'Balloon Master' Whitehead (donated by www.lanieevans.com real estate and author of this blog), Airtime Amusements' train and Rockwall (donated by Matt's Custom Decks). The Rockwall was our big draw of the day--there was a line all evening.

Paul Bland stepped-up during the band's break and lead us in a game of 'Simon Says' and gave out free pizza party coupons from Wood Fired Pizza company.

In addition to the other sponsors mentioned above, our other major contributors were: Dr. Lori Logan, DDS (much appreciated water and Koozies), Galaxy Health Care (Dr. Alex and Crystal Riley), and Terminator Pest Control. Sponsors mentioned previously were Entouch Communications, Matt's Custom Decks, AmiCleaners (Phil Ramirez), Wood Fired Pizza, and Lanie Evans--Prudential Gary Greene Realtors.

As the evening progressed, I began walking around the crowd of people about 7PM and asked a simple question, "What could we have done to make the event better, or what should we change next year?" To a person, they all smiled and said, "Nothing. We had a great time." Other comments were, 'it was all so easy to engage in', 'things were very safe for the children', 'we love the hot dog idea', 'how can we volunteer next year?', 'why don't we do this more often?'.

Alas, all things were not without obstacles, though. We did have 4 volunteers that could not make it, because they had family in from New Orleans having evacuated due to Gustav. One lady called and said, "I can come help for a little while, but I have 30 people in my house from Louisiana, so I'll have to leave early." She was given a reprieve from volunteer duty for the day, but she embodies the volunteer spirit alive in Coles Crossing. For those families from New Orleans and others like them, our heartfelt prayers and thoughts go out.

Many thanks to the Coles Crossing HOA for their support in these types of events. Because we have these great events and an outstanding elementary school like Sampson Elementary, Coles Crossing remains a great place to live. One of the other comments I heard often when debriefing the crowd was, "It is great living in a place where our HOA dues are actually used responsibly".

I couldn't agree more. To volunteer for events like this and others, just go to www.colescrossinghoa.com. You can find the link on the home page.

Coles Crossing JHigh Event 2008

Lanie Evans — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:43:00 GMT

Many thanks to Joanna Downing and Coach John Griffin (Goodson Middle School) for their stellar work planning and executing our first annual Coles Crossing JHigh Event. Activities were a dunking booth, 2 MAJOR slip-n-slides, 2 different obstacle courses, a tug-of-war pit with real chocolate pudding in the center, watermelon eating contest, and more that I am certain to be forgetting.

The event began at around 5PM on August 22 and went until around 8PM when the volunteers were dead-tired. Speaking of volunteers, we had 25 folks enlist for service on this day. Our volunteers included Joanna McDaniel (organizer and photographer), John Griffin, Lanie Evans, Monica Faulk, Paul Bland, Stephanie Doyle, Brian Doyle, Meg Sebesta, Laura Poff, Joann LaForge, Dave Koenig, Dawn Walther, Tyler Bland, Katelin Mattingly, Stacy Thornton, Terri Speight, Letty Fischler, Mike Callam, Glenda Devillasant, Brandon Hamann, Tami Mulinix, Thomas Nelson, Jennifer Jez, Melinda Massar, and Lauren McDaniel. MANY THANKS TO OUR VOLUNTEERS! and to Goodson Middle School for helping us stage the event with supplies they use each year for KAMANIWANNAPLAYYA.

We look forward to a bigger and better event next year as is always the case with Coles Crossing events. Coles Crossing is a great place to live!

For photos of this event, click here.

Is it a Good Time to Sell My House?

Lanie Evans — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 22:48:00 GMT

With all the national media attention devoted to gas prices, the falling dollar, and the credit crunch, I'm thankful they seem to have moved past the real estate market for awhile. However, many of us have in the back of our mind doubts about the local market. Houston is doing well with regard to real estate. Our economy is solid due to its overall diversity and strength based in energy. We have the ship chanel, NASA, a growing creative community, strong bio-tech presence in the Woodlands and other places, and much more to offer.

That still doesn't answer the question, "Is it a good time to sell my house?" Well, just a couple of years ago, people were asking, "Is it a good time to buy a house?" You see, back then, we had what was known as a 'seller's' market. Then, prices were higher and you could just about get what you wanted for a house within reason. Now, the pendulum has swung the other way and it is a 'buyer's' market. That's the problem with the media--very few of the media types know a thing about supply and demand or simple economics in my view. Here's the supply and demand truth: real estate markets are not a zero-sum game. NO part of our economy is. Many people look at it that way, but it just doesn't work in reality to say that, "Houses are not selling as high as they used to, so it must be a bad time to sell my home."

Think about it for a second...if you are selling a house at a bit of a discount, and SO IS EVERYONE ELSE, then you will be able to realize a profit when buying your next home, right? Don't most people that sell a single family dwelling need to purchase a new one to move in to? Therefore, if you sell a bit lower, then you will also be able to buy a bit lower and probably on the same percentage of discount/savings. Economics doesn't support the zero-sum or total loss theory.

Either way, here are the stats for the month of May regarding overall sales in Houston:

ALL CATEGORIES	May 2007	May 2008	PERCENT CHANGE
Total property sales	8,574	7,110	-17.8%
Total dollar volume	$1,746,802,462	$1,487,163,376	-14.9%
Average single-family sales price	$213,430	$214,732	+0.6%
Median single-family sales price	$155,000	$155,000	0.0%
Total active listings	51,676	53,305	+3.2%
Total pending sales	5,722	4,828	-15.6%
Months inventory*	6.0	6.6	+9.6%

In MLS Area 10 (where Coles Crossing is located) for the month of June, there were 216 properties sold at an average price per square foot of $74.05 and 64 days on the market. HOWEVER, in Coles Crossing for the month of June, homes sold at an average of $90.76 per square foot and only 47 days on the market. Shows where some of the best value in Cypress is doesn't it?

Knowing this, it does make sense to utilize a professional when selling or buying a home, doesn't it? In a market like this, are you willing to employ a discount broker to market and sell your largest asset? I didn't think so. Give me a call 713 259 9848.

July 4th at Coles Crossing was a blast!

Lanie Evans — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 21:06:00 GMT

So I got up at 5:30AM on July 4th to put out 250 flags I had purchased for the streets around my home and finished about 7AM. What a great way to start the day. If you didn't get one, then I apologize. Leave your address on the blog post and I'll make sure you get one next year.

At 7:30, I went to the lap-pool and began helping setup for the big parade. Stephanie Doyle was our chairperson for this event and she had everything under control. Vendors began coming in. We had Boink Bouncies delivering inflatables, a popcorn machine, a margarita machine (without the tequilla--no bueno in the July heat and small chidren) and many other activities like Paddy Cake the Clown, swimming and much more.

The Coles Crossing parade began at around 9AM (after the judges from Entouch Communications arrived). Speaking of judging, the crew from Union Point Court won the float contest this year. I hope they don't think it will be as easy next year--they're going to have competition!

If you missed the parade and would like to see photos, then go to the photo page.

Our next big event will be the Labor Day Picnic. We'll have a live band, hotdogs from James Coney Island, rock wall, train ride, inflatables, games, and a whole lot more. Be sure to bring your blanket, picnic basket, and lawn chairs!

Coles Crossing Events: 4th of July Celebration

Lanie Evans — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:40:00 GMT

Wow, time moves fast these days… The Coles Crossing 4^th of July Parade planning is in full swing. This years Chairperson of the parade is Stephanie Doyle, if you would like to help with anything please send her a note at sdoyle@entouch.netor investmentmgmt@entouch.net

The 4^th of July Parade will be held on, FRIDAY, July 4^th 2008. The Parade will start at 9 a.m. The starting point this year will be the Coles Crossing Swim Center Pool. The Swim Center Pool is located just across the street from Sampson Elementary.

Several vendors have already requested to be involved including mary Anne Navarro of MAH Design, En-touch, Wood Fire Pizzeria, GMAC Real Estate, Stephanie E. Doyle Investment Management, A Beautiful Pools, Inc. and Nationwide Insurance.

Our planning was started earlier this year hoping to better organize this well attended event. In light of this, we were hoping to jazz the parade up a little with some new ideas.

KIDS; BIKES, CARS, AND WAGONS:

As always this is a kid’s event. Prizes will be given out for all their hard work!

FLOATS: (we only have 4 so far and "En-Touch Communications" is adding an addl $200.00 ($100.00 for 2nd prize) AmEx Gift Card prize for the winning float!)

This year we were hoping to get some of our blocks and/or clubs to pull that trailer out and create some real parade floats? If you would like to enter a float for your committee, scout group, block, or home. This will be the procedure:

1. You must tell us in advance if your group will be creating a float.

2. Email Stephanie at sdoyle@entouch.net with a simple note that you will be entering a float. Name, phone, email, etc.

3. We will be having a contest for Best Float.

4. To be entered in the contest you must be on the list and you must be a resident!

5. The entry fee will be $25 and will be collected the morning of the parade. Please have the floats on-site 30 minutes before the parade starts or by 8:30am.

6. The winner will get all, 100%, of all entry fees paid plus possible additional prizes from our supporting vendors? Additional awards are being looked at including Best in Show and Most Patriotic.

7. Please let Stephanie know ASAP. The deadline for entering a float will be

June 25, 2008.

ANTIQUE CARS:

I know you guys have these and love to show them off, this would be a great venue. Please arrive 30 minutes before the parade starts, or by 8:30am.

HOGG’S

As always we invite our Harley Davison Club and riders… Please arrive 30 minutes before the parade starts, or by 8:30am.

ALL MOTORIZED VEHICLES WILL LEAD OFF THE PARADE AND MUST BE THERE 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE PARADE STARTS.

The Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department:

Starting the parade will be one of the big fire engines!

The Lap Pool, across the street from Sampson:

This will be our starting point and finish point. And the pool will open early on July 4, at 9:30 a.m. So when we get back from the parade, anyone that wants can jump in and cool off! The Lifeguards will be supplied by A Beautiful Pools, Inc. Free of charge and as a donation in support of our community.

The Lap Pool concession stand will be open providing ice cream, pop corn, drinks, cup cakes and cookies. Our hope is all at no charge? (still working on that)

We are trying to get a sponsor for a moonwalk and other entertainment for the kiddos. If you would like to sponsor one of these venues please email Stephanie at sdoyle@entouch.net.

We also need about 10 volunteers to assist with traffic/safety, and “the morning of logistics”. This is a great opportunity to meet your neighbors. If you want to volunteer an hour or two the day of the event please send Stephanie a note investmentmgmt@entouch.net so she can make sure you are on the list.

So it would seem that things are coming together, thank you Stephanie! We hope you and your family will plan on hanging around for the festivities that will follow this year’s parade. See you there.

Coles Crossing Special Events Committee

ccevents@entouch.net

Ps: If you would like to be added to our event (or other committee) volunteer list, please sign up on the volunteer registry at www.colescrossinghoa.com (look on the home page) (:>)

YTD Review of the Houston Real Estate Market

Lanie Evans — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:26:00 GMT

April YTD 2008 – Single-family home sales

YTD Review of the Market for Houston and surrounding areas:

Houston Overall Statistics April YTD 2008

§ Single-family home sales are down by 12% in sold units over April YTD 2007 sales with 18,698 MLS recorded sold units. In 2007, single family home sales were up by 2% from 2006 with 20,953 MLS recorded sold units. While the Houston real estate market is not as robust as last year, we are still 4% better off in number of closed homes than the third greatest year in history, 2005. In 2005, 18,008 homes were sold.

§ Dollar volume sold in MLS through April YTD 2008 is $3,789,558,061, representing a 10% decline over 2007 but 17% of total volume sold in the year 2005.

§ Average sales price YTD is $202,672 or 2% greater than last year. While this is a small increase, it substantiates the opposite experience heard frequently in the national news. Houston is not a market where average sales prices are falling. In contrast, they are rising as they have historically, at a slow and steady pace. The average sales price in 2005 was $180,029, or 12.5% less than current. Markets across the nation would be more than happy to experience this same type of appreciation.

§ Active listings are up by 8% with 35,299 single-family properties currently available. Last year the increase was 12%, so listings are being absorbed and fewer homes are coming on the market in comparison to last year.

§ Contracts written, which represent April YTD buyer demand in Houston are keeping down by 10% over last year with 15,282 homes reported as pending year to date.

§ Average sales price per square foot is $87, which represents no change from last year.

§ Days on the Market, a statistic that is good if it is declining has gone up by 11% since last year and the average time to sell a home in Houston is 89 days.

§ By most of the metrics described above, Houston is replicating the year 2005 and is ahead of that year in sales and total dollar volume sales. Unfortunately, the Houston real estate market is ahead in number of homes on the market in comparison to April YTD 2005 with 18.5% more single-family inventory than found during that year. We believe this excess inventory will be absorbed over the next coming months and that 2008 will emerge as the third best year in residential history ahead of 2005.