2030 Crystal Downs in Cinco Ranch North Lake Village, Saturday, July 24, 2-4. $390,000. Very tastefully updated with new paint inside and outside. Granite counter top, Jennaire cook top, stainless steel kitchen sink, kitchen faucet. Wood flooring in living room, dining room and family room. The house has rich marble in entry. Two story foyer, plus carpet and other amenities suitable for Cinco Ranch Golf Course community life style. Five bedrooms, large library and game room.

Directions: I-10 West. Exit Mason Rd. Left on Mason. Right on Highland Knolls. Left on S. Peek. Left on North Lake Village. Right on Tryburn Trail. Left on t-junction onto Crystal Downs. House on left.

Pictures below of beautiful 2030 Crystal Downs in Cinco Ranch North Lake Village:

3226 Markstone Court in Cinco Ranch Town Center, Sunday, July 25, 2-4. $215,000. Beautiful on a quiet culdesac with huge pie-shaped lot in the heart of Cinco Ranch. Walk to everything including Beach Club, Lakes, Tennis, Fishing, Park, YMCA and exemplary Williams Elementary! Recent flooring and fixtures. Low tax rate. Save energy $ with double pane windows. A++ curb appeal, elegant two-story appeal with popular diagonal tile entry, recent paint and updates. One of the best houses currently on the market for premium lot, location, amenities and triple exemplary school track.

Directions: I-10 Katy Freeway, south on 99 Grand Parkway, exit and left on Cinco Ranch Blvd., right on Peek, right on Centerton, at stop sign turn left and go to the end of the culdesac.

Enjoy the photos below of gorgeous 3226 Markstone Court:

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If you think Firethorne’s tennis coach is just an ace on the tennis court, you couldn’t be more wrong. Resident athlete/sports coach Chris Dante didn’t even take up the sport until he was 30, after excelling in baseball, (in 1988 he made it as far as the Olympic Trials), basketball, (City University of New York team captain), and football, as well as boxing and Taekwondo, (he has a black belt)!

“But after one too many broken noses, I turned to something less brutal — tennis,” said Dante, who helped launch Firethorne’s premiere tennis program this spring. With the new Women’s Tennis League and beginner tennis clinics now in full swing, Firethorne continues to demonstrate the Katy/Fulshear community’s commitment to fitness and competitive sports, through its hike and bike trails, swimming and running, regulation lacrosse fields and personal training at the on-site exercise facility.

During the summer, Coach Dante offers two morning clinics for resident children, (9 and 10 a.m.), and one 6 p.m. clinic for adult beginners. He also teaches private lessons. The tennis courts are open to Firethorne residents and their invited guests.

(Pictured above: Firethorne Resident Tennis Coach Chris Dante is on the court during a summer children’s clinic with residents (bottom/center, then clockwise): Boston Blake, Hannah Blake, Julian Martinez (far left with basket of tennis balls), Najee Boyd, Alissa Basaldua, Roel Martinez (hidden), and Jean Basaldua.)

“Coaching is a labor of love,” said Dante. “I love being outside with the kids — teaching and coaching them.” He also enjoys introducing many of their parents to tennis.

The four fully-lit hard courts are located adjacent to the lacrosse fields in the 1,400-acre Katy/Fulshear master-designed development.

Firethorne, located 15 miles west of Houston’s Energy Corridor, blends the best nature has to offer: 150 acres devoted to parks and recreational amenities, a 12-acre lake with surrounding greenbelt, hike/bike trails, parks and playgrounds, discovery-rich wildlife observation area and a natural bird habitat. Served by the award-winning Katy I.S.D., Firethorne combines the vibrancy of West Houston with the small-town charm of Katy/Fulshear.

Life is great in Firethorne! To tour homes in Firethorne, contact me. To search all the houses currently on the market in Katy/Houston see Home Search. I have sold Katy real estate for over 20 years and would be pleased to work together.

Katy’s Grand Lakes Master Planned Community residents are invited to the Grand Lakes First Annual Fourth of July Celebration on Saturday, July 3, from 4 to 6 p.m. The festivities will be held at 3650 Hollow Trace Drive by the Lazy River Pool.

Activities include:

• Mike Amabile and the Run Over Twice Band
• Solo singer Destiny Houston
• U.S. Navy Color Guard
• James Coney Island’s hot dogs, hamburgers and drinks
• Snow cones, cotton candy and popcorn
• Bucky Loo the Clown
• Uncle Sam stilt walker
• Water slides
• Pony rides
• Face painters
• Crafts

Life is great in Grand Lakes! To tour homes in Grand Lakes, contact me. To search all the houses currently on the market in Katy/Houston see Home Search. I have sold Katy real estate for over 20 years and would be pleased to work together.

Firethorne, a 1,400-acre master-designed community is located in Katy/Fulshear, 15 miles west of the Energy Corridor.

“We are extremely pleased with the results of our Firethorne sales and marketing teams and appreciate the tremendous support of the local Realtor® community,” said Firethorne Marketing Director Janet Burkett. Realtors® generate 75 percent of all new home sales.

While she suggests the federal tax credits for first-time homebuyers may have planted a seed in people’s minds, she attributes the strong new home sales in the Firethorne community to the continued growth in the Katy and Fulshear areas and for being part of one of the best school districts in the state. The fact that there are three major Houston hospitals expanding in the area, plus energy companies relocating employees there, have contributed to the sales activity, as well, she said.

Firethorne blends with the best nature has to offer: 150 acres devoted to parks and recreational amenities, a 12-acre lake with surrounding greenbelt, hike/bike trails, parks and playgrounds, discovery-rich wildlife observation area and a natural bird habitat. Firethorne combines the vibrancy of West Houston with the small-town charm of Katy/Fulshear.he community is strategically located on FM 1463 near the crossroads of the 1-10 West corridor, the Westpark Tollway and the Grand Parkway.

To tour Firethorne, take I-10 West and exit Pin Oak to FM 1463, call the Visitor Center, 281-693-1011, or visit www.firethorne.info.

For information about Firethorne  homes, contact me directly at 713-818-2404 or via email. When buying new construction, it is always best to have a Realtor to represent you in negotiations; there is no cost to you and a multitude of benefits. I have specialized in Katy real estate for over 20 years. Experience does count!

Cinco Ranch was the nation’s number one master-planned community (MPC) for new-home sales in 2009, according to a report by RCLCO, an independent real estate advisory firm.

With 887 new-home sales in 2009, Cinco Ranch was one of only two Houston MPCs on RCLCO’s top 10 list to report a sales increase from the previous year.

Sales increased 14% last year in the 7,600-acre community, located at Grand Parkway and Cinco Ranch Blvd. in Katy. The increase helped Cinco Ranch grab the top spot in the study, after ranking number two in 2008 behind a Las Vegas development.

The only other Houston area community with a sales increase for 2009 was Telfair in Sugar Land, also by Newland Communities. With 450 new-home sales in 2009, Telfair ranked fourth nationally in the RCLCO study.

“These results are outstanding for us,” said Bob McLeod, Chairman and CEO of Newland Communities. “This marks the first time ever in more than 40 years we’ve had the top-selling community in the nation, and to do it during a year as tough as 2009 makes it an even bigger achievement.”

RCLCO’s study showed that total number of net sales in 2009 for the majority of the best-selling MPCs dropped from 2008 levels with sales volume declining by as little as 8% and as much as 84%. Newland’s Cinco Ranch and Telfair were a strong exception to this trend, posting increased sales for the third year in a row. Also, 2009 proved to be the best sales year ever for Telfair since opening in 2006 and the third best sales year for the 19-year-old Cinco Ranch.

“Newland’s sales success at Cinco Ranch and Telfair can be attributed to the product diversity our homebuilders offer, the proven established track records of these communities, and a highly focused marketing approach that speaks to our customer needs,” McLeod continued.

“Buyers needs have changed and they will continue to change. The communities Newland creates will continue to adapt to meet those needs. Value doesn’t just mean a lower price, or a smaller home. It means what fits their family and lifestyle needs. The way we market our communities, taking time to really understand our buyers and engaging with them on a more personal level, has changed as well,” he indicated.

Houston’s strong showing in the RCLCO study underscores the fact that the city is a bright spot in the national economy.

Ted Nelson, Central Region President for Newland Communities said, “In the past few months, Houston has ranked very high in studies ranging from the nation’s healthiest housing markets to cities where the recession is easing. Overall, the Houston communities on the top 10 list represented 2,250 new-home sales, more than double those of the second ranked metro, Las Vegas.”

RCLCO has been releasing its top-selling MPC rankings since 1994.

Cinco Ranch offers new homes priced from the $170,000s to over $1 million.

For information about all 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 or via email. I have specialized in Katy real estate for over 20 years. Experience does count!

Firethorne sold 238 new homes in 2009, achieving a record high for annual sales for the Katy/Fulshear residential development.   Last year’s home sales represent a 16.6 percent increase over 2008 (204 homes). The previous record for the four-year-old development was 218 sales in 2007.  The 1,400-acre master-designed community is located 15 miles west of Houston’s Energy Corridor.

“We’re very pleased with these figures,” noted Firethorne General Manager Wayne Meyer.  According to Meyer, Firethorne has been holding its own thanks to continued growth in the Katy and Fulshear areas and for being part of one of the greatest school districts in the state. “BP America and Conoco/Phillips have relocated employees here, plus three major Houston hospitals are expanding in this area — two under construction and one on the drawing board,” he noted.

Firethorne has sold a total of 918 homes project-to-date. The Firethorne builder team consists of Coventry Homes, Highland Homes, Parkwood Builders, Partners in Building, Perry Homes, Plantation Homes and David Weekley Homes.

Firethorne is attractive to the Houston relocation market with its proximity to the Energy Corridor, location in the top-ranked Katy Independent School District, and availability of estate-sized lots typically found in the country with all of conveniences of master-designed recreational amenities, such as state-of-the-art technology and nearby shopping, retail, dining, entertainment, schools and medical facilities.

The community features 150 acres devoted to parks and recreational amenities, a 12-acre lake with surrounding greenbelt, resort-style swim center, sports fields, hike/bike trails, parks and playgrounds, discovery-rich wildlife observation area and a natural bird habitat.  It’s where the vibrancy of West Houston meets the small-town charm of Katy/Fulshear. Take I-10 West and exit Pin Oak to FM 1463, go to www.firethorne.info, or call 281-693-1011.

For information about Firethorne and all 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 or via email. I have specialized in Katy real estate for over 20 years. Experience does count!

Fifteen-and-a-third acres, located at the intersection of Katy Terrace Drive and Hwy 1093, have been purchased to build apartments in the master-planned community of Cinco Ranch.

According to The Houston Business Journal, Judwin Realty Group LLC has acquired the land. “Judwin’s Jerry Wionograd says the firm is finishing plans for the 316-unit complex.”

Judwin hopes to break ground in the second or third quarter of 2010.

The Houston Business Journal reports, “Houston-based Judwin, which was founded in 1963, owns more than 13,000 apartment units in Texas and Georgia.

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 or via email. I have specialized in Katy real estate for over 20 years. Experience does count!

A new Houston homebuilding company is looking to the city’s past for inspiration, starting out with a new series of designs influenced by homes in historic Houston neighborhoods such as West University and the Heights.

Now building in Park Place at Cinco Ranch, a neo-traditional styled neighborhood in the 7,600-acre west Houston community, J. Kyle Homes has been started by Jason Hammonds, who is serving as president of the new homebuilding company.

J. Kyle Homes has started construction of its Cinco Ranch model home, with plans to open the model in November. J. Kyle is now pre-selling in Park Place at Cinco Ranch, where Highland Homes already has a vintage-inspired model open.

J. Kyle Homes are priced from the $280,000s to $400,000s in Park Place at Cinco Ranch.  Ten one- and two-story plans are offered, ranging from 2,500 to 3,800 square feet.

Called the University Series, the J. Kyle floor plans have nostalgic features such as sprawling front porches, high-pitched gabled rooflines, and shingled siding combined with brick and stone. Most plans also have detached garages, another nod to retro style.

Designed by Austin’s Kipp Flores Architects, the plans are decidedly modern inside, with open, flowing spaces accented by crown molding, columns and arches.

Planned for 120 homes, Park Place at Cinco Ranch offers an appropriately old-fashioned setting for the vintage designs by J. Kyle and Highland. The main street is a wide, esplanade-lined boulevard inspired by Houston’s historic Heights Boulevard. The Cinco Ranch version has a winding walking trail, a white gazebo, benches and flowering trees.

Homesites located along the boulevard are bordered by brick and stone retaining walls. The homesites are raised, with steps leading up the sidewalk, and some of the retaining walls have built-in benches facing the street.

“At Park Place, we wanted to offer home buyers the type of neighborhood and home they grew up in, or always dreamed about living in,” said Heather Gould, marketing director for Newland Communities, the developer of Cinco Ranch.

Gould said variety is one reason why Cinco Ranch ranked as the number one community in Houston for new-home sales last year, and also ranked number two in the nation, according to a report from RCLCO, a national real estate advisory firm.

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 or via email. I have specialized in Katy real estate for over 20 years. Experience does count!

For 2008, Cinco Ranch was the No. 1 community for new-home sales in Houston and Texas, ranking second nationwide, according to a study released by RCLCO, a leading independent real estate advisory firm which has compiled the annual list since 1994.

With 775 new-home sales in 2008, Cinco Ranch was one of only three communities on the RCLCO list to report positive sales gains for 2008 over 2007. Despite the economic downturn, new-home sales in this 7,600-acre community, a development of Newland Communities, increased 7 percent in 2008 compared to the previous year.

The only other communities on the RLCO list with positive sales gains, Telfair in Sugar Land and Eagle Springs in northeast Houston,are also located in Houston and developments of Newland Communities.  Overall, Houston was home to five of the top 10 communities on the RLCO list.

“Another highly positive trend for Houston, not reflected on the RCLCO report, is the fact that 2009 new-home sales for the three Newland communities on the top 10 list are on par with, or even ahead of, 2008,” said Ted Nelson, President of Newland’s Central Region, which includes Texas.

“Continued strong new-home sales in Cinco Ranch prove that during uncertain economic times, homebuyers are choosing quality homes in well-planned, well-located communities with great amenities and lifestyle built in,” Nelson said. “Homebuyers seem to be viewing large-scale master-planned communities as strong investments, especially those communities with strong track records, such as Cinco Ranch, now in its 18th year of development.”

Nelson added that Cinco Ranch had an eventful year in 2008, with the mid-year opening of a new 2,400-acre phase that will ultimately contain 5,000 new households.  Newland Communities has also worked to expand new-home offerings throughout Cinco Ranch, ranging from neighborhoods appealing to first-time buyers with homes from the $160,000s, to custom estate homes priced in the $1 million range. The average sales price was up 11% in 2008.

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!

How to choose a Katy neighborhood? The choices are almost overwhelming. There are older neighborhoods with lovely established landscaping. Should you purchase a resale house? A house that needs updating or a recently built resale?

Another wonderful choice is new construction. There are exciting new developments where you can choose a new home picking the exact amenities that fit your family’s wants and needs.

Let’s say you’ve decided on new construction. Now where? Again, the choices are many and varied. To keep your head from spinning, I’ve been featuring a series of articles that highlight new developments in the Katy area. This is Part Three of my Firethorne articles. (To see  earlier Firethorne articles, click Part One and Part Two.) As you might have gathered, I love Firethorne and believe strongly in its value.

There are also articles on Cinco Ranch, Cross Creek Ranch and Willow Creek Farms.

Life in Firethorne is full of great features and an abundance of amenities. Today, we will explore recreational “goodies”.

The development has a resort-style, multi-level swim center, pictured in this blog. There are sports fields for competing or watching. A very unique and outstanding Firethorne amenity is that the Houston area’s only regulation lacrosse playing field is located in the master-planned community. There is also a neighborhood community center that includes a meeting room and a fully-equipped fitness facility.

With opportunities for nature discovery all around, Firethorne embraces the best of new construction and  nature existing harmoniously. There are walking trails winding throughout the spectacular natural setting.

For more on Firethorne’s Texas beauty, read my article, “Thousands Live with Nature who Never Thought They Could–Welcome to Firethorne Master Planned Community.”

It is always best to purchase new construction with the help of a Realtor; it will not cost you anything and it will give you the protection of a professional to look out for your best interests. This is very important. Contact me, I have special buyer incentives.

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!

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