Venetian Estates News - January 2015

Market News

News of the Neighborhood
There were twelve sales in VE in 2014, which is two more than in 2013. Prices ranged from the mid-$300k’s to mid-$700k’s. I sold eight of the twelve and am off to a great start in 2015 with four pending sales--all closing this month. One of the homes sold pre-MLS. List prices range from approximately $600k to $1.575 million.

Two properties are currently available for sale. One has been under wraps, but I can now share details. I will begin advertising it in two weeks, but call me now if you would like to be one of the first to know about it!

New to the NeighborhoodDana and Greg Arrell purchased the lot at 903 San Marino. They are moving forward quickly with house plans and should be under construction soon!

The Arrells live in Texana Plantation in Richmond. Greg, an attorney, is a partner with Hughes Arrell and Kitchen. Dana volunteers at their children's schools and for various community organizations. She "retired" from the business world when their first child, Jake, was born. Jake is now 15 and attends Strake Jesuit. Grace is 13 and attends St. Laurence. They have a Labrador retriever who thinks she is one of the kids!

I will have four new neighbors to tell you about next month! Stay tuned!

New BeginningsMany of you know Bobbie and Ed Jones of 215 Savoy. The Joneses purchased this beautiful home about two and a half years ago. They have been wonderful neighbors and friends--very much so to my daughter, Kristin, son-in-law, Jeff and grand kids next door. Bobbie has been a lovely addition to our Board and Hospitality Committee.

Ed was offered a tremendous opportunity to work on a five-year international assignment which will improve the country and lifestyle of its people. Bobbie and Ed never anticipated they would be leaving so soon. The sad news is that Bobbie and Ed are leaving us, but the exciting news is that Bobbie will be living in Colorado Springs, where her sister, Renee, lives with her huge family!  Renee and Bobbie reconnected after 32 years when Renee's husband located Bobbie after she and Ed moved to VE. Since then, Ed and Bobbie have enjoyed getting to know Bobbie's sister and her large family.

The Joneses’ new home is beautiful, and by the time you read this they will be on their way there! Bobbie says, "This native Texas girl has never driven in the snow. Have no idea how our two Westies, Madie and Liz, are going to like it. For sure they will have new wardrobes! We do not have this beautiful lake but we do wake up to a view of Pikes Peak! We cannot express the loving relationships we have here in VE. We will miss everyone so much. I hope Ed and I have given VE residents as much happiness as they have given us."

We will miss them! Bobbie can be contacted through email at constmgrwife@yahoo.com.

The New Market
I recently read an article in Residential Specialist  that stated REALTORS are no longer selling homes--they are selling neighborhoods. I had to laugh, as that is what I have been doing in VE for 30 years!  In one sense our neighborhood sells itself. In quite another sense, as our prices escalate, listing and selling appropriately require a true knowledge not only of the neighborhood, but also of the historical data relative to home/lot sales--both recorded and unrecorded on the MLS. I have acquired that knowledge over the past 30 years in VE.

The article cited surveys showing home-buyers want "walkable" neighborhoods, with a mix of houses, stores and businesses. That being said, properties “off the beaten path” still have appeal. Well we, in Venetian,  have it all! With the Imperial Redevelopment well on its way we will soon have shops and restaurants within walking or biking distance. Yet we are surrounded by three lakes and enjoy an element of seclusion from the bustling city.

Bank Note - by Kelly Ferguson
Construction on the BancorpSouth lobby is nearing completion. You will not recognize the space--it will be beautiful! The lobby will be open around February 1. If you haven’t already met the local President, Steve Smith, and his team, be sure to drop by the lobby next month to meet them. Or first drop by our office and we will gladly introduce you!