The Woodlands, Texas

Ricos Mexican Grill Opens The Woodlands Area Restaurant In Indian Springs Shopping Center

2010-03-10T17:30:00.003-06:00

Rico's Mexican Grill has opened its seventh Mexican food restaurant in the Indian Springs Shopping Center, located at 6777 Woodlands Parkway, in The Woodlands, Tx.

Rico's Mexican Grill in Indian Springs offers the tasty Rico's menu favorites long-time customers have come to love.

Also, it offers all of Rico's customer-friendly incentives, which include:

- Kid's Eat Free on Sundays
- 20% discount for all teachers
- 15% discount for senior citizens
- free ice cream for kids every day

With the 2004 opening of Rico's Hacienda in The Woodlands' Alden Bridge Shopping Center off Kuykendahl and Research Forest Dr., the home-grown concept of Rico's started.

A second location opened in 2007, with Casa Rico's in Shenandoah, located at 1620 Research Forest Dr., at the intersection of Six Pines Dr.,.

That opening was followed by the 2008 opening of Rico's Grill, located at 314 Sawdust Rd.

Three other Rico's were opened in Kingwood, Tx, and the north Houston, Tx area of Champions Forest in 2007.

The Indian Springs Rico's includes a relaxing outdoor patio that seats up to 24 patrons and a private dining room that seats up to 60.

All Rico's locations offer diverse weekend brunch and happy hour specials, and are open seven days a week.

For social events, private parties and business meetings, catering is available, and Rico's offers delivery service and pick-up as well.

Please feel free to call 281-292-2222 for more information about Rico's in the Indian Springs Shopping Center.

Please feel free to call Jennifer Scott at 713-367-6080 to inquire about Rico's catering.

Rico's is located in The Woodlands, by beautiful subdivisions like Town Center and Alden Bridge.

Source: thewoodlands.net

The Woodlands Community Invited to Spring Fling

2010-03-08T17:29:00.001-06:00

In conjunction with the Montgomery County Beautification Association, Lone Star College-Montgomery in The Woodlands, Tx is scheduled to host "Spring Fling: Celebrating Nature in our Community" on Saturday, March 27, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Including hands-on learning exhibits, arts & crafts, inflatable games, tree giveaway, music, food and more, a full range of family-friendly activities is slated.

According to Linda Corbin, director of facilities at Lone Star College-Montgomery and co-coordinator of the event, the free community-wide event is held annually to celebrate all aspects of nature, and this year's emphasis in on birds.

A range of community partners concerned with preservation of natural resources will include educational exhibits.

The Texas Forest Service, the Houston Bonsai Society, and Texas Parks and Wildlife are also set to be present.

Also, Lone Star College-Montgomery's office of student activities and a range of student organizations participate in the event.

Youth and adult volunteers will offer school-age children a range of environmental science-based activities.

An opening ceremony at 9:00 a.m. is set to include the reading of a proclamation from the Governor's Office and the Montgomery County Commissioners Court identifying Monday, March 22 - Sunday, March 28 as "Montgomery County Arbor Day Week," with many special guests and county dignitaries in attendance.

There is scheduled to be a special presentation from Woodforest National Bank (sponsor of the Arbor Day student poster contest) to the Texas Forest Service, following the proclamation.

A tree planting ceremony featuring local students, public and college officials will conclude the opening ceremony.

Feel free to contact Linda Corbin at 936 273-7312 for more information or questions about Spring Fling.

Lone Star College-Montgomery is located in The Woodlands, by tremendous subdivisions like Panther Creek and Sterling Ridge.

Source: woodlandsonline.com

Featured Grogans Mill Homes in The Woodlands

2010-03-08T10:55:00.003-06:00

At 51 Royal Fern Dr. in The Woodlands, Tx, there is a masonry stucco and stone home in Grogan's Mill, with beautiful sunset views. There are 4 fireplaces featured in this 5 bedroom, 5 full and 3 half bathroom home. The kitchen has a gas Viking cooktop, double Thermador ovens, granite and maple counters. The home has a fully paneled study. The den has a cathedral ceiling, with A-Frame beams. All bathrooms are updated.

Price: $1,575,000.00
Features: 5 Bedrooms, 5 Full Baths (3 Half), 6435 Sq Ft
Type: Single-Family
Subdivision: The Woodlands Grogan's 64
County: Montgomery
Area: Montgomery County SW
Location: The Woodlands
Style: Traditional
New Construction: No
Year Built: 1993
Builder: Tom Cox
Bedrooms: 5
Baths: 5 full 3 half
Sq Ft: 6435 Sq Ft
Lot Size: 19837 sq. ft.
Broker: Coldwell Banker United
MLS#: 10586498

At 95 S. Tranquil Path Dr. in The Woodlands, Tx, there is a Mediterranean home in Grogan's Mill, with 2 downstairs bedrooms, a courtyard at the entry, huge master bedroom. The master bathroom comes with his & hers closets. The game room is downstairs, and 2 staircases lead upstairs to an additional 3 bedrooms, media center, computer work area and a library.

Price: $1,397,500.00
Features: 5 Bedrooms, 6 Full Baths (2 Half), 6500 Sq Ft
Type: Single-Family
Subdivision: The Woodlands Grogan's 61
County: Montgomery
Area: Montgomery County SW
Location: The Woodlands
Style: Traditional
New Construction: Yes
Year Built: 2010
Builder: Partners in Building
Bedrooms: 5
Baths: 6 full 2 half
Sq Ft: 6500 Sq Ft
Lot Size: 84906 sq. ft.
Broker: Partners in Building LP
MLS#: 63761544

View more details of the gorgeous Grogan's Mill community in The Woodlands.

Lone Star College-Montgomery Hosting Sneak Peek for Potential Students

2010-03-05T17:29:00.003-06:00

If The Woodlands, Tx residents are interested in getting a Sneak Peek at the opportunities awaiting at Lone Star College-Montgomery, the college is scheduled to open its doors to The Woodlands community.

Lone Star College-Montgomery is set to open its doors on Tuesday evening, April 6, from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

The college will be open for:

- assistance with completing college applications
- campus tours
- help with financial aid and class registration
- information regarding college programs and courses, as well as student organizations

Free t-shirts, food, door prizes, giveaways and more are set to be available while supplies last.

"We invite community members of all ages, including high school students and their parents, to come out to the campus for Sneak Peek," said Steve Scheffler, dean of college relations.

He added, "LSC-Montgomery will exceed your expectations. We have exceptional faculty and staff, and a wide range of programs to satisfy anyone's interest. Not only that, we are undergoing a tremendous campus expansion and will open three new buildings, a parking garage, and a full-service campus in Conroe, all within the next 12 months. It's an exciting time to be at LSC-Montgomery."

Similar Sneak Peek events are scheduled to take place on the same date and times at all other Lone Star College System campuses, including:

- Lone Star College-Kingwood
- Lone Star College-Cy-Fair
- Lone Star College-Tomball

Lone Star College-Montgomery is located in The Woodlands, by wonderful neighborhoods like Harper's Landing and Indian Springs.

Source: woodlandsonline.com

Technology Land Investments, L.P. Purchases Land in The Woodlands for Building

2010-03-03T17:26:00.001-06:00

Technology Land Investments, L.P. has purchased a 3.8-acre site on Technology Forest Drive in The Woodlands, Tx.

According to Dan Leverett, vice president of commercial for The Woodlands Development Company, the land was purcahsed for construction of a 50,000-square-foot professional/office building.

According to leasing agent Jeff Beard of The J. Beard Real Estate Company, L.P., later this year or early in 2011, the building is scheduled to be available.

Pre-leasing for the land is currently underway.

Feel free to call Beard at 281-367-2220 for information about the land purchase.

Technology Land Investments, L.P. was represented by Beard.

Cody R. Christoph and Todd N. Edmonds of Colliers Texas represented The Woodlands Development Company.

Technology Forest Drive is located in The Woodlands, by luxurious subdivisions like Carlton Woods and Carlton Woods Creekside.

Source: thewoodlands.net

Featured East Shore Homes in The Woodlands

2010-03-03T09:53:00.001-06:00

At 190 W. Breezy Way in The Woodlands, Tx, there is a luxurious home in East Shore, with the ''Colonial Cottage'' floorplan as the largest townhome in Oasis Pointe. Southern Coastal architecture features a metal roof, hardie plank siding, ornate trims and multiple balconies. Interior finishes include a stunning spiral staircase, granite kitchen, hardwood floors, an elegant master retreat and spectacular views.

Price: $599,900.00
Features: 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths (1 Half), 3216 Sq Ft
Type: Townhouse/Condo
Subdivision: East Shore
County: Montgomery
Area: Montgomery County SW
Location: The Woodlands
Style: Other Style
New Construction: No
Year Built: 2007
Builder: McVaugh Custom Homes
Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 3 full 1 half
Sq Ft: 3216 Sq Ft
Lot Size: 2336 sq. ft.
Broker: Heritage Texas Properties
MLS#: 71185834

At 31 Rafters Row in The Woodlands, Tx, there is a luxurious home in East Shore, with the ''Colonial Cottage'' floorplan as the largest townhome in Oasis Pointe. Southern Coastal architecture features a metal roof, hardie plank siding, ornate trims and multiple balconies. Interior finishes include a stunning spiral staircase, granite kitchen, hardwood floors, an elegant master retreat and spectacular views.

View more details of the tremendous East Shore neighborhood in The Woodlands.

LaSalle Purchases Land For Autumn Leaves Memory Care Facility

2010-03-01T17:27:00.002-06:00

According to Greg Jordan, director of commercial for The Woodlands Development Company in The Woodlands, Tx, The LaSalle Group, Inc. has bought a 3-acre site in The Woodlands' Village of Sterling Ridge for construction of a 46-bed, 38-unit memory care facility, Autumn Leaves of The Woodlands.

The development is scheduled to include 20,000 square feet of secured courtyards and a 26,000-square-foot building.

Sixty percent of the facility is set to cater to residents with Alzheimer's, with the remaining residents made up of patients with other forms of dementia or memory impairments.

A sister company to LaSalle, Constant Care Management Co., is set to manage the property.

Situated in the Terramont area of Sterling Ridge, the facility is now under construction, with a scheduled August 2010 opening.

Feel free to call Desiree Whitten at 888-662-8886 for more information about Autumn Leaves in The Woodlands.

Steven C. Meacher, vice president of development, represented The LaSalle Group.

Greg Jordan represented The Woodlands Development Company.

Autumn Leaves of The Woodlands is located in The Woodlands, by gorgeous subdivisions like Alden Bridge and Creekside Park.

Source: thewoodlands.net

HealthMark Group Building The Woodlands Skilled Nursing, Rehabilitation Facility

2010-03-01T12:45:00.002-06:00

According to Dan Leverett, vice president of commercial for The Woodlands Development Company, HealthMark Group has bought a 6-acre site on Windsor Lakes Blvd. in The Woodlands, Tx for construction of Park Manor of The Woodlands.

Park Manor of The Woodlands is set to be a 124-bed skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility.

Park Manor is set to have short-term and long-term skilled nursing care and rehabilitation services.

The facility is scheduled to be operated by HMG Services, located in The Woodlands.

This facility marks HealthMark's ninth project in the Houston, Tx area.

With opening scheduled for January of 2011, construction is expected to start in the first quarter of this year.

W. Richard Stromatt of GDC Realty represented HealthMark Group, while Cody R. Christoph and Todd N. Edmonds of Colliers Texas represented The Woodlands Development Company.

Park Manor of The Woodlands is located in The Woodlands, by gorgeous neighborhoods like Windsor Lakes and Alden Bridge.

Source: thewoodlands.net

Partners in Building Ranks High in HBJ's Book of Lists

2010-02-25T14:09:00.003-06:00

In 2010's Book of Lists, an annual publication from the Houston Business Journal, The Woodlands, Tx home builder, Partners in Building, maintained a high ranking.

Partners in Building ranked number 12, up from number 14 last year, among the largest Houston-area homebuilders.

The Houston Business Journal ranking is determined by local gross revenue.

Also, Partners in Building ranked as the sixth biggest Houston "green" homebuilder.

Elizabeth Phillips, Partners in Building's marketing director, stated "We're proud to use products such as Tech Shield, blown-in insulation, and double pane Low-E windows that keep energy costs down."

She added, "We're also involved in green building programs such as Environments for Living, Energy Star, and the GHBA's Green Building Initiative. These programs help assure customers that the homes they buy perform to high efficiency standards, keeping energy costs down."

Source: partnersinbuilding.com

Featured Carlton Woods Creekside Homes in The Woodlands

2010-02-25T12:51:00.001-06:00

At 27 Fazio Way in The Woodlands, Tx, there is a French Mediterranean home in Carlton Woods Creekside, with a wine grotto, venetian plaster wall treatments, elaborate moldings, peruvian travertine, silver leaf accents, elevator and home theatre. There is an outdoor sanctuary with a 2-story lanai, summer kitchen with a fireplace, custom pool/spa, bathroom with an outdoor shower and glass fire pit.

Price: $2,275,000.00
Features: 5 Bedrooms, 5 Full Baths (3 Half), 7093 Sq Ft
Type: Single-Family
Subdivision: Carlton Woods Creekside
County: Harris
Area: Far Northwest
Location: The Woodlands
Style: Mediterranean
New Construction: No
Year Built: 2007
Builder: Termeer & Associates
Bedrooms: 5
Baths: 5 full 3 half
Sq Ft: 7093 Sq Ft
Lot Size: 36227 sq. ft.
MLS#: 8075795

At 26 Badger Lodge Cir. in The Woodlands, Tx, there is a prestigious home in Carlton Woods Creekside, with a Club Membership that includes access to 36 holes of World Class Golf featuring Jack Nicklaus Signature and Tom Fazio Championship courses. There is a 53,000 sq. ft. country club, tennis, pool, fitness center and spa. The area of the home has a 24-hour manned gatehouse, private parks and trails, and kids activities.

Price: $1,799,000.00
Features: 5 Bedrooms, 4 Full Baths (2 Half), 5507 Sq Ft
Type: Single-Family
Subdivision: Carlton Woods Creekside
County: Harris
Area: Far Northwest
Location: The Woodlands
Style: Mediterranean
New Construction: Yes
Year Built: 2009
Builder: Morris Hullinger
Bedrooms: 5
Baths: 4 full 2 half
Sq Ft: 5507 Sq Ft
Lot Size: 23220 sq. ft.
Broker: Carlton Wood Properties
MLS#: 5971341

View more details of the tremendous Carlton Woods Creekside community in The Woodlands.

Benchmark Hospitality International to Relocate to The Woodlands Waterway

2010-02-22T16:43:00.002-06:00

According to Dan Leverett, vice president of commercial for The Woodlands Development Company, Benchmark Hospitality International, a leader in the management and marketing of resorts, conference centers, hotels and Personal Luxury Hotels, is relocating its international headquarters to 4 Waterway Square in The Woodlands, Tx.

A worldwide organization operating properties in major metropolitan and resort destinations, Benchmark, has been located in The Woodlands since the company was founded by Burt Cabanas in 1980.

In April, the company is scheduled to be relocating to 17,038-square-foot offices at 4 Waterway Square.

The new Class A, 216,000-square-foot, nine-story building is situated in the prestigious Waterway Square District, overlooking The Woodlands Waterway.

The area includes upscale restaurants, shops and the Fountains at Waterway Square, a public gathering place with wonderful fountains choreographed to music.

Benchmark Hospitality International is one of many tenants moving to the new building, and additional leasing is currently underway.

Feel free to call Dennis Conine at 281-719-6273 for leasing information.

Reggie Beavan with Jackson Cooksey represented Benchmark Hospitality. The Woodlands Development Company was represented by Conine.

Benchmark Hospitality International is located in The Woodlands, by tremendous communities like Sterling Ridge and Town Center.

Source: thewoodlands.net

Houston Gun Store to Open in Empty Retail Box

2010-02-22T13:50:00.001-06:00

In this Circuit City, you may not want to hear "Clean up on aisle five."

At 3270 Gulf Freeway South in the League City Town Center in Houston, Tx, the Arms Room is buying the now-vacant electronics store.

The new store, at 20,000 square feet, is set to sell firearms and have a 15-lane indoor shooting range rated for pistols and rifles.

It may somewhat sound like a bowling alley.

"It is very similar. You're in a lane for an hour and you shoot to your heart's content. You just dont have to change your shoes," general manager Travis James stated.

At 107 Landing Blvd., the family is set to close its existing store when the new one opens later this year, in July.

For $2.8 million, the owners purchased the building and are set to spend another $2 million redesigning it.

They had a hard time getting a loan for improvements when considering leasing space.

James stated, "Financing was problematic without ownership in the building."

Source: chron.com

Featured Creekside Park Homes in The Woodlands

2010-02-19T11:10:00.001-06:00

At 51 S. Sage Sparrow in The Woodlands, Tx, there is a home in Creekside Park, with a wine grotto/dry bar and 2 front porches. There is a sunroom and a study. The upstairs kitchenette has a separate ice maker. All of the bathroom areas are upgraded with granite and stained cabinets. You will find a covered patio in the backyard. The huge 3rd bedroom holds 2 queen beds with a huge closet.

Price: $627,196.00
Features: 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths (1 Half), 5016 Sq Ft
Type: Single-Family
Subdivision: Tupelo Woods, Creekside Park
County: Harris
Area: Far Northwest
Location: The Woodlands
Style: Contemporary/Modern
New Construction: Yes
Year Built: 2010
Builder: Village Builders
Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 3 full 1 half
Sq Ft: 5016 Sq Ft
Lot Size: 12861 sq. ft.
MLS#: 82777945

At 7 Mosaic Point in The Woodlands, Tx, there is a breathtaking home in Creekside Park, with many upgrades throughout the home including blinds, wood floors in study and dining room, a surround sound system in the living room, a half bath option for the swimming pool and two fireplaces. This lovely home is also a Lakefront property.

Price: $599,900.00
Features: 4 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths (2 Half), 4386 Sq Ft
Type: Single-Family
Subdivision: Creekside Park
County: Harris
Area: Far Northwest
Location: The Woodlands
Style: Traditional
New Construction: No
Property Type: Single-Family
Year Built: 2008
Builder: Trendmaker Homes
Bedrooms: 4
Baths: 3 full 2 half
Sq Ft: 4386 Sq Ft
Lot Size: 15952 sq. ft.
Broker: Tamborrel Bulox Properties
MLS#: 54877941

View more details of the amazing Creekside Park neighborhood in The Woodlands.

Major Employers In The Woodlands Area Report Jobs Increase for 2009

2010-02-18T17:18:00.003-06:00

Recently, The South Montgomery County Woodlands Economic Development Partnership (EDP) in The Woodlands, Tx area has its yearly employee count survey of local non-retail employers.

Each year, companies with 100 or more employees are surveyed to determine job growth trends in the area.

The Partnership compiles an annual report on top non-retail employers in South Montgomery County, as part of the services the EDP provides to the community.

The EDP also looks at growth trends in various business sectors including Distribution/Transportation, Banking, Education, Energy, Hospitality, Healthcare, Life Science, Professional/Specialty Services and Public Agencies, in addition to providing information on which companies are growing.

For South Montgomery County and The Woodlands, the 2010 job count revealed encouraging new.

In January of 2010, employee numbers at the larger companies show to be up by 230 jobs from 2009.

There are 75,020 employed in The Woodlands area, making South Montgomery County a noticeable employment destination, according to DemographicsNow.

This past year, the company topping the list of creating new jobs in South Montgomery County is St. Luke's Episcopal Healthcare.

Opening in April of 2003, St. Luke's The Woodlands Hospital now has 980 employees, up from 884 in 2009.

Creating 143 more jobs, thus bringing their total employment to 1,123, the new St. Luke's Lakeside Hospital opened in September of 2009.

With the continuing population growth in The Woodlands area, coupled with the maturing of the baby boom generation creating additional demand for healthcare services, the opening or expanson of a hospital continues to be a significant economic boost to the area for years to come.

St. Luke's The Woodlands Hospital is located in The Woodlands, by gorgeous subdivisions like Harper's Landing and Panther Creek.

Source: thewoodlands.net

6-month High Starts off New Housing

2010-02-18T12:17:00.000-06:00

Concerning new construction, the growing number of delinquent mortgages could slow the growth.

In January, builders weren't going to let a little snow slow them down, with the expiration of the homebuyer tax credit only months away.

According to the Department of Commerce, builders got to work as housing starts rose 2.8% from December to reach their highest annual rate since July, a seasonally adjusted 591,000 units that also was 21.1% above the year-ago levels, in preparation for a surge of spring homebuyers.

Generally considered a gauge of future activity, building permits fell 4.9% from December to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 621,000.

After two months of sharp increases, the fall came, and the rate still was 16.9% above the year-ago estimate of 531,000 units.

The Wall Street Journal warns that signs of a turnaround are still in their infancy, despite what seems like good news for new construction.

Among issues that could drag it back down again:

- unemployment
- the end of the tax credit in April
- fears of rising lumber costs
- foreclosures

It seems unlikely that the oversupply of "used" homes will be going anywhere fast, after an analysis by TransUnion was published.

Compared with the fourth quarter in 2008, the credit-reporting agency found that about 50% more borrowers were 60 days or more behind on their mortgages in the fourth quarter of 2009.

With the number of delinquent borrowers hitting an all-time national average high in its 12th straight quarterly increase, reaching 6.89%, it seems no end is in sight to the number of foreclosures we can expect to see in the housing market.

In January, single-family starts increased 1.5% from December to a seasonally adjusted yearly rate of 484,000 units.

Multifamily units increased 9.2% from December to a yearly rate of 107,000 units.

Source: msn.com

Home Sales Activity Increase

2010-02-16T13:39:00.003-06:00

In December, the number of people preparing to buy a home rose slightly, a positive sign heading into the spring home buying season.

The National Association of Realtors seasonally adjusted index of sales agreements increased 1 percent from November to December to a reading of 96.6, it stated.

According to Thomson Reuters, that was a bit lower than the 97.1 level analysts expected.

As buyers work to take advantage of an $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit, the index has risen for nine out of the past 10 months.

Before Congress extended it to April 30, the credit had been set to expire November 30.

Also, lawmakers added a $6,500 credit for current homeowners.

As activity temporarily died down after the first-time buyer credit was extended, the pending home sales index fell 16 percent from October to November.

Compared to December 2008, the index is up nearly 11 percent.

Lawrence Yun, the Realtors' group chief economist, stated "These swings are masking the underlying trend, which is a broad improvement over year-ago levels."

Mike Larson, a real estate analyst with Weiss Research, stated "The result? We'll likely just muddle through instead of witness a V-shaped recovery like those that followed previous housing busts."

Source: msnbc.msn.com

Featured Windsor Lakes Homes in The Woodlands

2010-02-15T12:10:00.001-06:00

At 7 Heathcliffe Ct. in The Woodlands, Tx, there is an outstanding home in Windsor Lakes, with stone front elevation. The gourmet kitchen has granite counters and stainless steel appliances. There are upgraded tile medallions in the entry and master bath floors. The casita is a private bedroom suite off the front entry courtyard, one bedroom suite upstairs and upgraded cabinets in study. The home has surround sound speakers in the great room, the master suite and the study.

Price: $424,900.00
Features: 3 Bedrooms, 3 Full Baths (1 Half), 3057 Sq Ft
Type: Single-Family
Subdivision: Windsor Lakes
County: Montgomery
Area: Montgomery County SW
Location: The Woodlands
Style: Traditional
New Construction: No
Year Built: 2006
Builder: Village-Castle Pine
Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 3 full 1 half
Sq Ft: 3057 Sq Ft
Lot Size: 9803 sq. ft.
Broker: Prudential Gary Greene
MLS#: 36229238

At 10 Pearl Garden in The Woodlands, Tx, there is a fantastic home in Windsor Lakes, with a three-car garage, hardwood flooring and neutral colors. There is a fantastic kitchen with stainless steel appliances, a refrigerator, a gas cooktop, a double oven with convection, granite counter tops and a large pantry. The home has a wonderful backyard with a patio and a fountain.

Price: $419,500.00
Features: 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths (1 Half), 2503 Sq Ft
Type: Single-Family
Subdivision: Windsor Lakes
County: Montgomery
Area: Montgomery County SW
Location: The Woodlands
Style: Traditional
New Construction: No
Property Type: Single-Family
Year Built: 2004
Builder: Village
Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 2 full 1 half
Sq Ft: 2503 Sq Ft
Lot Size: 10048 sq. ft.
Broker: Garris Real Estate
MLS#: 92975634

View more details of the luxurious Windsor Lakes community in The Woodlands.

Citi Lets Distressed Homeowners Remain for 6 Months

2010-02-11T18:51:00.001-06:00

Citigroup Inc. Is set to let homeowners on the verge of foreclosure stay in their homes for six months, if they agree to turn over the deed to their property.

On Thursday, Citi stated it is launching the pilot program, dubbed "Foreclosure Alternatives."

Initially, an estimated 1,000 homeowners are expected to participate.

A lender assumes legal control of the property and evicts the homeowner in a normal foreclosure.

Like other "deed in lieu of foreclosure" efforts, Citi's program allows the homeowner to avoid a completed foreclosure.

The program results in a less severe hit to the borrower's credit score, while the owner must still leave the home after six months.

Particularly those who owe at least 20% more than their home's current value, several housing analysts state these borrowers are choosing to walk away because they see little chance that home prices will come back.

Making the process more time-consuming and expensive for the lending industry, several states have lengthened the time it takes to complete a foreclosure.

Citi's program borrowers will still have to pay their utility bills.

Citi is set to pay at least $1,000 in relocation costs and will consider possibly helping out with other expenses.

Also, Citi has plans to offer relocation counseling.

The program is intended to help borrowers who don't qualify for a short sale or a mortgage modification.

Citi's policy is similar to the policy made public in November by the government-controlled mortgage finance company, Fannie Mae.

Fannie Mae is letting homeowners give back the deed to their properties, then at market rates, rent them back.

Source: homebuilder.com

Vitruvian Exploration Relocates to The Woodlands Waterway Square

2010-02-11T17:16:00.000-06:00

According to The Woodlands Development Company commercial vice president Dan Leverett, an independent oil and gas company, Vitruvian Exploration, has leased 15,333 square feet of office space in the new 4 Waterway Square office building in The Woodlands Town Center in The Woodlands, Tx.

Vitruvian Exploration, out of many tenants under construction, is the first to be completed and occupied.

Overlooking The Woodlands Waterway, 4 Waterway Square is a nine-story, Class A, 216,000-square-foot building and is located in the wonderful Waterway Square District of The Woodlands.

The area includes upscale restaurants, shops and the Fountains at Waterway Square, a public gathering place with tremendous fountains set to music.

Vitruvian Exploration relocated to The Woodlands, from downtown Houston.

Vitruvian focuses on development, exploration and production of onshore North American unconventional resources.

Frank Onorato of Grubb & Ellis represented Vitruvian Exploration, while Dennis Conine of Conine & Associates represented The Woodlands Development Company.

Feel free to call Conine at 281-719-6273 for information about leasing at 4 Waterway Square.

Vitruvian Exploration is located in The Woodlands, by luxurious subdivisions like Windsor Lakes and Alden Bridge.

Source: thewoodlands.net

Buy A New Woodlands Custom Home For Valentines Day

2010-02-09T17:37:00.004-06:00

There's never been a better time to buy your sweetheart a brand new custom home in The Woodlands, Tx with the upcoming weekend being Valentine's Day weekend.

These two elegant homes are set to be open for touring:

Address: 23 Silvermont
Builder: Leigh Custom Homes
Price: $859,700
Amenities: 4 bedrooms, 4-1/2 baths, 3-car garage, on the Gary Player Signature golf course, Mediterranean stucco exterior, master bedroom, guest suite, kitchen, breakfast and dining room all have golf course views
Open: Saturday, February 13 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Address: 74 Silvermont
Builder: Leigh Custom Homes
Price: $778,800
Amenities: 4 bedrooms, 4-1/2 baths, 3-car garage, traditional style stucco and stone exterior, near the Player course, casita connected to detached garage
Open: Saturday, February 13 & Sunday, February 14, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Source: thewoodlands.net

Featured Partners In Building Home in The Woodlands

2010-02-08T13:36:00.003-06:00

Located at 10 Club Ridge Ct. in Sterling Ridge in The Woodlands, Tx, this Partners In Building home not only offers low maintenance with the finest appointments, but a resort lifestyle including golf, tennis, swimming, shopping and dining.

Downstairs has 3 bedrooms, a chef's kitchen with custom cabinetry, and a large family room that overlooks a courtyard, offering a perfect atmosphere for relaxing while still offering privacy.

The master suite boasts a covered patio with an outdoor fireplace.

A game room, bedroom, and media room are upstairs.

A stucco finish with iron work and a tile roof complete this masterpiece, 4253 sq. ft. home that is priced at $759,950.

Frankel Building Group Constructs New Homes in The Woodlands

2010-02-08T13:11:00.002-06:00

The Frankel Building Group has begun construction on their gorgeous 2-story, model home in ParkGate Reserve in The Woodlands, Tx.

The model home, the Amelia, is expected to be completed in approximately four months, weather permitting.

Also, the following addresses are starting construction this week are: 7 Broadwater Court, the Lisa plan, and 19 N. ParkGate Circle, the Carol plan.

These homes are available for purchase and are anticipated to be complete this summer.

Now, the absolute best home sites are available to purchase to build your custom dream home.

The Frankel Building Group can design and build a home for you that truly meets the exact requirements of your family.

In this special, exceptional development, home sites as large as 27,000 square feet are available.

Source: frankelbuildinggroup.com

Anadarko Purchases Headquarters Campus in The Woodlands

2010-02-02T13:14:00.001-06:00

Anadarko Petroleum decided to buy their headquarters campus in The Woodlands, Tx, after nearly 10 years of leasing.

In an earnings conference call that in the 4th quarter the company bought its headquarters building in The Woodlands for $215 million rather than renewing its lease again, CEO Jim Hackett stated.

Actually, the independent oil and gas company purchased the whole campus. According to spokesman John Christiansen, the campus is a 30-story building, midrise on Timberloch and a parking garage.

Recently, for its corporate headquarters from the U.S. Green Building Council, the company earned the first LEED green building certification.

Becoming the largest single employer in The Woodlands when the building opened in 2002, the tower was developed for Anadarko.

Now with about 1,700 people there, the company moved from Greenspoint. Exxon Mobil is considering a move similar to that of Anadarko's.

Exxon Mobil is studying its real estate options, which might include moving to a 400-acre corporate campus south of The Woodlands at the Hardy Toll Road and Interstate 45.

Anadarko is located in The Woodlands, near beautiful subdivisions such as Panther Creek and Town Center.

Source: chron.com

Meritage Expecting Profit in 2010

2010-02-01T14:14:00.001-06:00

Meritage executives are expecting the company's earnings to turn positive in 2010.

For the first time since 2006, the company's most recent earnings marked a balance sheet swing from red to black.

For 4Q2009, Meritage posted a net profit of $43 million, or $1.35 per diluted share.

Significantly offseting the charges that the company booked during the quarter, including $39 million in land impairments and option walkaways plus roughly $12 million in charges related to drywall mediation, litigation, and lease abandonment accruals, driving most of the positive performance was a $93 million tax benefit resulting from the extended net operating loss (NOL) tax carryback law.

Management focused on restocking the company's lot pipeline with lower-priced, better-located land.

It spent about $182 million on lot purchases, growing its owned lot count by an estimated 4,000 lots to around 10,000 total lots, in 2009.

The system essentially earmarks land opportunities by identifying and analyzing geographic areas where a number of positive market metrics, such as decreased risk of house price decline and declining inventory, for example, converge.

Including the launch of the company's Simply Smart value-oriented product line, expected to drive absorptions are a number of new marketing and sales initiatives, its commitment to building 100% of its homes to Energy Star standards through its Meritage Green program, and its 99-day guaranteed home delivery program.

Source: builderonline.com

Two Woodlands Custom Homes Open For Touring This Weekend

2010-01-29T17:16:00.002-06:00

Two custom homes in The Woodlands, Tx surrounding the Gary Player Signature golf course in the Village of Sterling Ridge are scheduled to be open for touring this weekend.

Address: 74 Silvermont
Builder: Leigh Custom Homes
Amenities: 4 bedrooms, 4-1/2 baths, 3-car garage
Area: 4,284 square feet
Price: $778,800
Open: Saturday, January 30 and Sunday, January 31, 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.

Address: 31 E. Black Knight
Builder: Keith Morgan Custom Homes
Amenities: 5 bedrooms, 5-1/2 baths, 3-car garage
Area: 5,512 square feet
Price: $997,000
Open: Sunday, January 31 from 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.