Venetian Estate News - January 2014

News of the Neighborhood
In review: Ten sales took place in Venetian Estates during 2013.  I sold seven of those homes – some before they even went on the market! Sales included one in the upper $300s, three in the $400s, three in the $500s and three in the $600s.  Five of the ten were land value sales and four were homes needing extensive remodeling. 

I currently have two sales in VE pending.

There are only two VE homes presently available on the MLS. My new listing at 907 Piedmont is a great buy for someone wanting to live in VE without undergoing a major remodeling project. The home is priced at $399,000 and has approximately 3100 square feet. There are three bedrooms, two of which could be considered masters. The huge living area has vaulted ceilings and there is a large sun room overlooking the shady lot and private dock.  As the sound wall is becoming covered with ivy, the view from this Estates Lake property is very pretty and serene.  The back yard view reminds me of my favorite childhood book, The Secret Garden! Remember you can fish or canoe on this two-acre lake!  I recall one of our past neighbors on Estates Lake, Mr. Roeher. He used to catch fish off his dock and have them for dinner that very night!

New to the Neighborhood
I am so happy to tell you about our new neighbors at 907 Genova! Scott and Nikki Hartman fell in love with our neighborhood. Who doesn’t? They moved in to Genova immediately after spending Christmas with Scott’s family in the UK. Nikki is from Alabama (my home state) and her family lives there.  Nikki and Scott met in Birmingham when Scott was working there.  They have been married less than two years and are looking forward to having their first “real” home in Texas. Scott is employed with Shell.  Two baby Chihuahuas will also be at home at 907 Genova. Dave and Coconut are each one year old.

The New Market
If you are thinking of selling please call me. I may already have a buyer for your home! Some want to build on one of the larger lots but there are several potential buyers who would love to remodel.

The Houston market is projected to remain a seller’s market; however, prices are not projected to continue to rise as rapidly as they did in 2013. Lending institutions will be working overtime to keep up with the new rules and regulations. Interest rates will probably go up during the coming year, though inflation is expected to remain low.  New construction starts should continue at a rapid pace but, due to cost increases in material, we may see higher prices on new homes this year. There is also a shortage of available lots for builders who want to increase their inventory/spec homes.

2014 will be the year that we finally see residential construction in the Imperial Development. Some models will be ready this spring. Many of the patio homes (yet to be built) have already been sold. Many of our neighbors are considering a move from Venetian right across the highway to Imperial. Let me know if you would like to learn more. I am very excited about Imperial’s community and have relationships with the developers and builders. I may also have VE buyers who would buy now but not take possession of your home until your new home is complete.

FBRE Update 

Last year I sold homes in Quail Valley, First Colony, Townewest, Richmond, Sugar Creek and Memorial. As much as I love selling in Venetian Estates I represent buyers and sellers throughout Houston and the surrounding areas. Please have your friends or family call me when thinking of buying or selling!

I was nominated and selected to serve as 2014 Chair of the Houston Association of Realtors Fort Bend Business Networking Group. We hold monthly luncheons at Sweetwater CC, with 300 Realtors and affiliates in attendance. If any neighbors would like a business advertising opportunity at one of the monthly luncheons please contact me. (While having dinner with a past client last week he said, “What do I need to do to obtain an “advertising spot” at your luncheon.”) Of course the answer is “All it takes is money!” I secured Jim McIngvale to speak at our April luncheon. He has big news about the new Gallery Furniture Center in Fort Bend County!