Firethorne, a relatively new Katy master-planned community, is strategically located on FM 1463 near the crossroads of the I-10 West Corridor, the Westpark Tollway and the Grand Parkway. Firethorne is a 1,400-acre residential development designed to combine the vibrancy of Katy with the small town charm of Fulshear.
Named for a resilient evergreen indigenous to the Texas prairie, Firethorne blends with the best nature has to offer: 150-acres devoted to parks and recreational amenities. There is a 12-acre lake with surrounding greenbelt, hike and bike trails, parks and playgrounds. There is a discovery-rich wildlife observation area, a natural bird habitat and more.
According to Firethorne Marketing Director Janet Burkett, “To date, Firethorne has opened two fully furnished Model Parks. Three more will open in the Fall of 2009.” The Visitor Center is pictured above. Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
Despite doomsday media reports, Katy home sales, particularly those south of I-10, are occurring at a healthy economic rate. Let’s look at the facts and figures by comparing December 2007 sales to December 2008. As you will see there is a negligible difference in the numbers.
- In December 2007, there were 133 pending sales; this is the exact same number as in December 2008.
- There were 212 actual sales in the month of December 2007 and 199 in December 2008.
- In December 2007, there were 810 houses on the market. Last month, there were 891 houses for sale.
- Monthly inventory describes how long it would take to sell the current inventory if not another house was put on the market. In December 2007 there was a 3.3 month inventory. The most current figures are 3.9 months to sell all the existing inventory.
For more information about Katy area homes, you can search the entire Houston MLS from this blog. For questions or to tour any area homes, contact me directly at 713-818-2404. I have specialized in Katy real estate for over 20 years. Experience does count!
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
Soar above Katy in a hot air balloon! On Saturday, February 7, the Fellowship at Cinco Ranch will host a family festival to celebrate its 15th Anniversary; the festivities will run from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. The church is located at 22765 Westheimer Parkway at Peek Road.
Come join the Katy fellowship for a day of fun and games. There will be a chili cook-off, hot air balloon rides, music and fun games for the entire family.
Dust off your favorite chili and dessert recipes and enter the Katy Area Community Chili Cook-Off! The cook-off is being held in conjunction with the festival. Church groups and local businesses will be Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
Coming this year, on DVD, is a much touted movie, “The Heart of Texas”, starring Katy locals. Critics have given it four-stars.
About the story: When tragedy pierces the heart of a small community on the quiet Texas plains, (Katy), it’s townspeople witness what can happen when grace and forgiveness triumph over anguish and outrage.
Against the clamorous traffic of our crowded lives, a story of such tender mercy can seem more of a work of fiction or a wishful tale…yet every moment of this unbelievable story is true.
What Others are Saying:
“The Heart of Texas provides a cinematic experience that will last long after the viewing, a true tale of loss and redemption that will become a part your life.”
Ron Maxwell, Writer-Director of “Gettysburg and Gods & Generals”
“I loved this story the first time I saw it….an incredible documentary on the awesome power of God’s love that everyone needs to see.”
Chuck Norris, Actor/Producer/Author of the N.Y.Times Bestseller “Blackbelt Patriotism”
“Down through history, human beings have been wired for stories of sacrifice, courage, redemption and forgiveness. Every man, woman and child has been created with soul-strings running through their lives that reverberate with meaning and power when plucked by certain stories. The Heart of Texas is one of those stories, an unforgettable miracle that would seem almost unbelievable — if it were not 100 percent true. Don’t miss this story. Let it change your life.”
Brian Bird, Co-Executive Producer of Touched By An Angel Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
Nearly 20 years ago when I became a Realtor specializing in Katy, it was an entirely different world. Now, Katy’s new construction is pushing into outlying country towns forever changing the lifestyle of these small outposts. One such town is Brookshire just west of Katy on I-10.
Ryland Homes and Ashton Woods Homes have opened their new Brookshire development Willow Creek Farms. The community, being developed in 55S’ lots, is in close proximity to shopping, I-10 and has easy access to the Grand Parkway. Willow Creek Farms will feature over 600 homesites with walking trails, a full Olympic style pool, recreational center, splash pad and a park. The HOA dues will be $450 annually. Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
Katy Independent School District announced a new procedure for establishing campus attendance boundaries. The system will put a greater emphasis on effective use of tax dollars, staff accountability, objectivity and lessening the probability of neighborhood conflicts. Recently, there have been several very contentious episodes addressing new school boundaries; it is hoped that future disagreements will be minimal.
According to KISD, “The previous process of creating rezoning committees comprised of community members was designed to provide maximum public input. This process, however, put the burden of time consuming work, and accountability for the recommendation, on community members. After reviewing Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
Just 32 miles from downtown and a short commute from the Energy Corridor is Katy’s Cinco Ranch, the largest master-planned community, 7,600 acres, in the Houston area. Cinco Ranch is renowned for its gorgeous homes built by prestigious builders, award-winning schools, recreational facilities, abundance of professional landscaping and vistas of untouched green space.
The majority of home values have remained stable in Cinco Ranch even during these unsure economic times. This is one of the benefits of living in a true master-planned community.
Single family properties in Cinco Ranch include everything from small, comfy patio homes to one-of-a-kind custom estates. There are lake and golf course lots. There is even an over-55 community, Heritage Grand, known for it’s fun lifestyle, security and easy maintenance. Cinco Ranch prices range from under $200,000 to over $1million.
While you will find professional singles and retirees making their home in Cinco Ranch, the population is Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
Or was it Will Rogers who said, “If you don’t like the weather in <Katy>, wait a minute and it will change.” This morning, the temperature dropped 20 degrees in 10 minutes and is still headed down into the 30’s.
Yesterday, we were wearing shorts and tonight we will be in wool sweaters. Only some of us like the cold, others, like me, would rather temperatures above 65 degrees. Growing up in New Orleans, I can adjust to the heat and humidity. Having lived a year in Norway, Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
After the indefinite postponement of KBR’s Katy campus, Katy business leaders have looked to the new medical developments as the major vehicles to bring new jobs to the Katy area and help Katy property values recover. Thank goodness, it’s all happy news concerning the construction of Katy’s Texas Children’s Hospital, Methodist Hospital and St. Luke’s Hospital. Construction proceeds “full speed ahead”!
Despite the economic downturn, all three major Houston hospitals are committed to their ongoing construction. Texas Children’s and Methodist are already under construction and St. Luke’s is in the final phase of architectural planning. According to The Houston Chronicle, “Officials at these hospitals say a shaky economy hasn’t halted plans to proceed with the facilities, which all will serve a rapidly expanding population and community.”
Located at the northwest corner of Barker Cypress and I-10, Texas Children’s Hospital is building a Read the rest of this entry »
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
Almost 500 homes listed for sale via Houston MLS “expired” over the New Year’s holiday. (City-wide statistics.) In non-Realtor talk, this means they didn’t sell. For a variety of reasons. None of which made the seller happy.
For a seller, nothing is more discouraging than keeping their house on the market just to see it not prove viable in the current market. Odds are, if you experienced this disappointment, you are not happy! Probably mad at your agent. Maybe even, real mad at your agent!
There were quite a few unhappy Katy sellers, 72 south of I-10 to be exact. Not in the mood for champagne but, rather, choosing to eat cabbage with the hope money is coming their way. For dessert, the market-rejected seller might fire their Katy Realtor, sometimes for good reason but often out of confused frustration.
Thank goodness none of my Katy listings expired, although I have certainly been there! In this buyer’s market, it can be just as unnerving for the Katy Realtor as the thwarted Katy home seller.
You can probably use a good laugh and some real advice. Enjoy this video and give me a call! Together, with my 41 pt. Marketing Plan, we will get your house sold!
For information about Katy area homes, you can search the entire Houston MLS from this blog. For questions or to tour any area homes, contact me directly at 713-818-2404. I have specialized in Katy real estate for over 20 years. Experience does count!
Spoken by Julie Q. Fuelling |
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