VOLUME EIGHTEEN,

NUMBER ELEVENDecember 2011

Always On The Corner

A MAGAZINE FOR AND ABOUT THE REAL ESTATE COMMUNITY • www.REandY.com

The December, and probably January,issues will be smaller.

This is temporary.

Happy Holidays!

Ashton Woods Revs Up Annual ToyDrive, Touts HDTV GiveawayPictured: Bottom row, L-R: Ashton Woods’Carrie Roehling and Joycelyn DeLeon;top row, L-R: Aaron Pless, ChrisScarcella, Debra Opalacz, MicheleSchorlemmer, Dekendrick Vidito andMike Scofield. Through December 15,each of Ashton Woods’ 12 sales centersaccepted toy donations for Toys for Tots, aprogram of the U.S. Marine Corps Reservethat has given away more than 400 milliontoys during its 64-year history. Plus, foreach new, unwrapped toy donated, visitorscould register for a chance to win a $200American Express gift card. (See page 7.)

Construction Begins At East GateIn East Shore, The WoodlandsAn artist’s rendering of East Gate, a gatedenclave of 41 single family homes beingdeveloped by Boxer Property and PelicanBuilders in East Shore, the Garden Districtof The Woodlands Town Center. (See page 6.)

Brighton Homes Opens New 80’Section in Victory LakesCarolyn Lamb (left), and Bobbie Baker(right), Sales Consultants for BrightonHomes in Victory Lakes present CarolDoran/Coldwell Banker United with abeautiful fall themed gift basket at theGrand Opening of Brighton’s new 80’section in Victory Lakes. (See page 8.)

Rita Santamaria greets Ken Brandand welcomes JoAnn Broughton to the“Breakfast of Champions” (See page 8.)

(L-R) “Stuff the Sleigh of Katy” Co-Founder/Coordinator Garrett Ashmore,Keller Williams Premier Realty Katy RealtorGinger Hopper, Firethorne HOACommunity Manager Katie Sparkman andFirethorne General Manager Wayne Meyersupported the “Stuff the Sleigh of Katy” holi-day toy drive and family holiday party forpediatric cancer patients. This year’s eventbenefited young cancer patients treated at thenew Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) - WestCampus and their siblings. (See page 12.)

Eagle Springs school is first inTexas to get green designationPaula Almond, Associate Superintendentfor the Humble ISDt, unveils the CHPSVerified plaque for Atascocita SpringsElementary in Eagle Springs as CHPSExecutive Director William Orr, left, andothers look on. (See page 14.)

The Women’s Council of RealtorsNAR/WCR 2011 ConferenceDebra Comino incoming Lake HoustonChapter President 2012 with 2011National President Margo Willis andEthel O’Dell 2012 President for theMontgomery County Chapter at theWelcome Mixer for the Members fromChapters throughout the US. (See page 4.)

Friendswood at Lakes ofSavannah hosted Lennar BingoCarrie Elwood and David Tomborella,both with Lennar Homes in Lakes ofSavannah. (See page 10.)

4 December 2011

Brighton Homes Launches FacebookCampaign with $500 Gift Card Drawing!

Brighton Homes wants to give you the chance to win aneasy $500 gift card, just in time for the HOLIDAYS! All youhave to do is “Like” the Brighton Homes Facebook page! TheBrighton Homes Facebook page gives you a sneak peek atEXCLUSIVE specials and deals on quick move-in homes acrossHouston. Along with AMAZING SPECIALS, you can find infor-

mation aboutCommunity GrandOpenings, NewSections Openings,and all of Brighton’scommunity events.

There is no pur-chase necessary tobe entered into thedrawing. Just lookup Brighton Homeson Facebook andclick on the “Like”button. It’s thateasy! The winnerwill be notified onDecember 16th andthe gift card will besent from theBrighton Homescorporate office theweek after the win-ner is notified.

See your favoriteSales Consultant or local K. Hovnanian Family of Builders com-munity near you for more details. Or, for more information oncommunities in your area and available quick move-in homes,visit www.khov.com or email houstoninfo@khov.com. Salesoffices are open daily: Monday-Saturday 10-6, Sunday 12-6 withexperienced Sales Consultants ready to help your clients into anew home.

K. Hovnanian’s Family of Builders, which includesBrighton Homes, Parkwood Builders, K. HovnanianHomes and K. Hovnanian’s Metro Living is currently build-ing new homes from the $80s to $500s in over 60 communitiesacross the Greater Houston Area. With new communities andnew models opening all over the city – why NOT stop in for asneak peek TODAY?

Parkwood Builder’s new model inSummer Lake Ranch is just one of themany new K. Hovnanian Family of Builders(Brighton Homes, Parkwood Buildersand K. Hovnanian Homes) new modelhomes located throughout the greaterHouston area. The builder is currentlyopening in four new communities innorth Houston.

The Women’s Council of RealtorsNAR/WCR 2011Conference

This year the WCR Local Chapters traveled toAnaheim, California for their Annual NationalMeetings. Representatives from all of the TexasChapters were there to join in the celebration.

For information on membership to The Women’sCouncil of Realtors visit our web site at www.WCR.orgto find the chapter nearest you.

Becky HillNational WCRPresident 2009gives incomingMontgomeryCounty ChapterPresident, EthelO’Dell, somewords of wisdom.

Past Texas StatePresident. JoAnn

Stevens 1996, andsoon to be 2011

Past StatePresident Sharon

Eddings.

2011 ChapterPresidents atthe NationalElections for

the new 2012NationalOfficers.

Patti St Louis,2012 Texas StateSecretary withHolly Kinkaid2012 StateGovernor.

(Continued on pages 5 & 19.)

The Fort BendGirls 2011 (top)President LanePearson 2012

incomingPresidentBarbara

Martin, KimShaw 2012 Pres-

Elect and PastChapter President

and Texas StatePresident, JoAnn

Stevens.

Incoming 2012Texas State

President, VaLoisHounsel, Sharon

Eddings 2011Texas State

President, SharonMorton 2012 TexasState Treasurer and

Sylvia Seabolt,2012 Texas State

Pres-Elect.

Auburn Trails at Oakhurst Grand Opening!Legend Homes is thrilled to have its Grand Opening

event for Auburn Trails at Oakhurst in Kingwood, TX.Legend Homes showcased its 50-foot and 55-foot productlines in Auburn Trails at Oakhurst. Legend Homes offers itsMarquis Series product in Auburn Trails at Oakhurst.Legend Homes provides buyers with 1- and 2-story designspriced from $150’s - $210’s with sq feet ranging from 1,622sq ft to 3,098 sq ft. Legend Home buyers can expect spa-cious floor plans that offer energy features, high ceilings andbeautiful arches all throughout these beautiful homes.Auburn Trails at Oakhurst is nestled in a wooded masterplanned community that offers a splash pad playground,pool, 5 mini-parks and an 18 hole golf course.Furthermore, mall, shopping centers and restaurants arewithin miles! Auburn Trails at Oakhurst is convenientlylocated on 59N and Hwy 1314 just past Kingwood.

Traveling 59 North, Exit FM 1314 and make u-Turn.Travel approximately 1/2 mile and make a right on AuburnFields Drive and proceed into the community, make a left onBurks Trail Drive and Sales Office is located at 24214 BurksTrail Drive.

Fairfield New Model Opening Soon!Princeton Classic Homes is excited to announce that

we are breaking ground on our newest model in FairfieldBaker’s Ridge section. Princeton Classic Homes will be fea-turing its new “Marshall” floor plan which features anopen kitchen, dining family area, options for fourth bedroom,flex room and game room. Plans sizes will range from 1- and2-story designs priced from $180’s- $230’s with sq feet rang-ing from 2,041 sq ft to 3,025 sq ft.

Fairfield Baker’s Ridge buyers can expect exceptionalfloor plans that offer energy saving features, high ceilings,beautiful elevations, spacious floor plans, fireplaces andarchitectural arches through the home.

Included in each Princeton Classic Home there area wide range of standard features like stainless steelWhirlpool Energy Star appliances, granite countertops, TechShield Radiant Barrier, Moen plumbing fixtures and muchmore. Princeton Classic Homes offers plans that will includea variety of elevations with stone and brick combinations,porches, oversized 2 car garages and covered patios on mostplans.

Fairfield Baker’s Ridge is conveniently located off of Hwy290 and Fairfield Place Dr and is just minutes from majorshopping centers, restaurants and entertainment venues. Themaster-planned community of Fairfield offers its residents sixswimming pools, athletic center, greenbelts trails, parks,lakes and much more. Fairfield Baker’s Ridge is the idealplace to live and call home. Visit us today and speak with oneof our Sales Professional for more information.

Take 290 W toward Austin, exit Fairfield Place Dr andturn right onto Fairfield Place Dr. First Stop sign turn left,onto Cypresswood Dr. Turn Right on Crescent Lilly Dr, turnright on East Carolina Green Dr. Go through 2 stop signsand you have arrived! (Modular home on the right)

The Houston 1960 bunch,Susan Brown, 2011President, LauraSanders, Texas StateGovernor Lois Maloneand Sabrina Larsonincoming 2012 ChapterPresident.

6 December 2011

Construction Begins At East Gate In East ShoreGround was broken this week for East Gate, a new gated enclave in

East Shore, the Garden District of The Woodlands Town Center on 200- acreLake Woodlands. East Gate is a joint venture of Boxer Property andPelican Builders.

Situated off Lake Front Circlein East Shore, East Gate will be aneighborhood of 41 single familyhomes with gated access. “The com-munity will offer privacy and ele-gance at an affordable price,” said Derek Darnell, principal with PelicanBuilders. The architect is Preston Wood & Associates, LLC.

East Gate will feature a swimming pool and cabana for the exclusiveuse of its residents. Home sizes will range from 2,100 – 3,000 square feetwith pricing from the low $400’s. Initial occupancy will be in the fall of2012.

Pelican Builders, Inc. is a residential development company with a spe-cific focus on townhome, mid-rise and high-rise communities in the greaterHouston area. For more information about East Gate at East Shore, callBarbara Fredricksen at 281-528-5638 or email barbara@pelican-builders.com.

East Shore features homes rendered in classic architectural styles, for-mal garden parks, street trees, ornamental street lamps, and a pedestrian-friendly ambiance. For more information about East Shore, visit www.the-woodlands.com or call The Woodlands Homefinder Center at 281-719-6333.

You Name Your Gift in Woodforest’sYear-End Event

This holiday season, buyersin Woodforest can select theirown gift with the community’s“You Call It” holiday salesevent.

People buying a newhome in Woodforest byDecember 31 can choose froma $2,000 landscaping package,a $2,000 Home Depot gift cardor $2,000 toward aWoodforest Golf Club mem-bership.

“This was a very popularincentive this spring and wethought it would be great tobring it back as our special gift tobuyers this holiday,” said VirgilYoakum, general manager ofWoodforest.

Builders have dozens of homes ready now in Woodforest, whichoffers pricing from the $140’s to more than $1 million. Several ofthe completed homes are in Woodforest’s new neighborhood ofForest Heights, located near the future downtown Woodforest andthe community’s first on-site school. Also, several homes willbegin construction soon in Spyglass Park, a just-openedneighborhood located along Woodforest Golf Club, withprices from the $400’s.

“This is our first neighborhood to offer production homes withgolf course locations and views,” Yoakum said. “Coventry andNewmark are building on 80-foot homesites bordering the courseand Darling and Highland will have homes on 70-foot propertiesoffering views of the golf course.”

Thirteen builders offer homes in Woodforest and haveopened 11 models. Builders include Coventry Homes, DarlingHomes, D.R. Horton, Highland Homes, Lennar, NewmarkHomes, Perry Homes and Ryland Homes. Custom builders areGeorge Weaver, Inc., Jeff Paul Custom Homes, MeadowlarkHomes, Partners in Building and Sullivan Signature Homes.

Just minutes from The Woodlands and Lake Conroe,Woodforest boasts abundant amenities, with parks, trails, play-grounds and a large spray ground already open. For details onfuture amenities and current homes, visitwww.woodforesttx.com.

Rhonda Redmon, left, withGenuwine, shows shoppers a favoriteitem during Woodforest’s HolidayMarket Home Tour held recently. Theevent was just one of several specialpromotions the community hasplanned for the holiday, which alsoincludes a “You Call It” sales event,allowing year-end home buyers to selectbetween several $2,000 packages.

Prospective Homebuyers Taking Advantage ofThe Woodlands “Holiday Countdown”

Over 30 people have signed up to take advantage of the pop-ular “Holiday Countdown” program offered by The Woodlands tonew homebuyers. The “Holiday Countdown” program features a

$2,000 WoodforestNational BankMasterCard and valu-able builders’ incen-tives to those whopurchase a new homeOctober 1 throughDecember 31, 2011 andclose by February 29,2012. Plus, TheWoodlands DevelopmentCompany is donating$100 to the Texas

Sentinels Foundation for every sale during the promotion.Founded in 2007 by RE/MAX of Texas, the Texas Sentinels

Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides mortgage-free homes and a new lease on life to U.S. Military Personnelseverely injured in overseas conflicts since 9-11-01.

The Woodlands offers a wide range of new homes, primarilyin the Village of Creekside Park (priced from the $160’s - $900’s),the neighborhood of May Valley in the Village of Sterling Ridge(priced from the $190’s - $500’s), and East Shore, the “GardenDistrict” of Town Center (prices range from the $400’s - $1 mil-lion plus). Over 180 inventory homes are currently available.

The sales associates at all the builders’ sales offices in TheWoodlands have details on the “Holiday Countdown”. Your clientscan register for the incentive at the sales offices. For more infor-mation about The Woodlands Holiday Countdown, visit TheHomefinder Center at 2000 Woodlands Parkway and log on towww.thewoodlands.com.

Ashton Woods Revs Up Annual ToyDrive, Touts HDTV Giveaway

Ashton Woods Homes has the holidays wrapped up with aspecial gift for year-end home buyers and an annual drive for agood cause.

Ashton Woods is giving away a 55-inch HDTV to allbuyers purchasing one of the more than 20 AshtonWoods homes available now throughout Houston. Plus,buyers contracting to start construction on a homereceive a free home theater package with the 55-inchHDTV. The promotion is available for contracts writtenthrough December 31.

Among the available homes is the 3,398-square-footBethany design,available inSiennaPlantation at6902 MoreleighBranch. The four-bedroom, 3.5-bath home hasseveral designerupgrades, includ-ing wood flooringin the study,granite counter-tops, iron balus-ters on the stairand tile floors inthe entry,kitchen, diningroom and familyroom. Other high-lights of the homeinclude a butler’spantry connecting

the kitchen and formal dining room, an L-shaped eating bar,separate walk-in closets in the master suite, an upstairs mediaroom and a covered front porch. Current pricing is in the $310’s.

Ashton Woods has one home ready in the Park atArbordale, located in northwest Houston. The Lorraine, at10419 Spindle Arbor, is a single-story home with four bedrooms,three full baths, a formal dining room, study and media room.Adding interest to the home is a cultured stone fireplace withan oak mantel, oil-rubbed bronze plumbing fixtures, Frenchdoors leading to the study, wood floors in the dining room andstudy and extensive use of tile flooring in the remaining livingareas. A curved island defines the kitchen, which also featuresstainless steel appliances, a walk-in pantry and a tech centerfor afternoon homework. Previously priced in the $340’s, thehome is now listed in the $330’s.

Through December 15, each of Ashton Woods’ 12 sales cen-ters accepted toy donations for Toys for Tots, a program of theU.S. Marine Corps Reserve that has given away more than 400million toys during its 64-year history. Plus, for each new,unwrapped toy donated, visitors could register for a chance towin a $200 American Express gift card.

Members of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve joined Santa inpersonally accepting donations December 10 at the AshtonWoods model home in Southern Trails, 11902 Maybrook Court.Visitors enjoyed refreshments and had a chance to win doorprizes during the afternoon. This is the second year AshtonWoods has supported Toys for Tots in Houston.

For information, visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com.

Ashton Woods has more than 20 avail-able homes throughout Houston, just intime for year-end buyers. Plus, the builderis giving away a 55-inch HDTV withany new home sale and a home theaterpackage for buyers contracting to startconstruction on a new home. The promo-tion ends December 31.

GENERAL INFORMATION

(281) 372-6865 ★ Skip Bradley

8 December 2011

Brighton Homes Opens New 80’ Sectionin Victory Lakes

Brighton Homesrecently introduced animpressive line-up ofhome designs in theirnew 80’ home section inthe prestigious master-planned community ofVictory Lakes inLeague City.

Five grand homedesigns feature 3,350 toover 6,000 square feet ofliving space and arepriced from the $330’s to$430’s. These new plansfeature one- and two-story designs and all five plans include a three-car garage.Brighton currently has two homes in this new 80’ section thatwill be available for move-in by early January. But don’t wait,the builder only has limited number of lots available in thisexclusive section and they are going fast!

In addition to the 80’ section, Brighton is also buildinghomes from the $230's with floor plans ranging in size from2,600 to over 4,500 square feet. The model, which features over4,000 square feet of living space and a three-car garage, capti-vates Realtors and buyers alike. Several homes in this sectionare currently available for immediate move-in in Victory Lakes,so your clients could be in their new home just in time for theholidays!

Victory Lakes is a 600-acre master-planned community inLeague City and offers the best of the Bay Area. The communi-ty, which is in the highly acclaimed Clear Creek ISD, is conve-niently located off of I-45 and FM 646 and just minutes fromClear Lake and Galveston Bay, as well as the Kemah water-front, numerous public and private golf courses, and a myriad ofentertainment, dining and retail opportunities.

For more information, including community specials andincentives, please visit Sales Consultants Bobbie Baker orCarolyn Lamb at Brighton’s model home in VictoryLakes. The model, which is open daily, is located at 2513Barcelona Way in League City. You can also call 281-534-9861,or visit www.khov.com. Let Bobbie and Carolyn help yourclients into the home of their dreams today.

Wellington Model in Victory LakesBrighton Homes is now selling homespriced from the $230’s to $430’s in twosections of Victory Lakes.

In November, Champions School of Real Estate hostedtheir fall “Breakfast of Champions” for students, agents,brokers and managers. This free seminar was offered at allChampion’s campus locations throughout Texas and highlightedKen Brand as the speaker. Ken presented topics from histop selling book ‘less BLAH BLAH more AH HA’ and gra-ciously shared his secrets to real estate success.

Ken Brand (R) isgearing up for his

outstanding presentation with a

cup of Java from the Java Gypsy.

Attendees line upfor Ken’s auto-graphed book,“less BLAHBLAH more AH HA”

DON’T WAIT!GET YOUR BROKER’S

LICENSE NOW BEFORETHE NEW TREC CHANGES

GO INTO EFFECT JANUARY 1, 2012.

Give us a call and we will behappy to send you a

BROKER PLAN OF ATTACK.

A HUGE thank you goes out to DR Horton'sRepresentatives from The Sanctuary, Jacob'sReserve and Lakes of Cypress Forest as they kind-ly brought breakfast to Register Real EstateAdvisors and gave away a $25 Gift Card! (L-R)Winner, Iva Jarmon - RREA Realtor, Craig Welch,Benita Owens and Amanda Carter, SalesCounselors with DR Horton.

Jacki Pauley/Realm RealEstateProfessionals,Sugar Land;NaDaniellaBailey andSabrina Ash,both withColdwell Banker United; Christine Rogerts/Realm RealEstate Professionals Sugar Land.

10 December 2011

GENERALINFORMATION

(281) 372-6865Skip Bradley

Riverstone Proves Popular with 2011Home Buyers

2011 has been astellar year forRiverstone, with newneighborhoods, newbuilders, new modelhomes and a newnational ranking asone of the top-sellingmaster planned com-munities. The FortBend community hasposted record-breaking sales this year, with 2011 sales of newhomes increasing 35 percent over last year.

“This year’s sales were fueled by a surge of activity this sum-mer, especially when compared to last summer,” said TomWilcox, general manager of Riverstone. “Summer sales rose155 percent this year as buyers took advantage of historically lowinterest rates and found Riverstone to be the community theydesire.”

Metrostudy ranked Riverstone 16th in its list of top-sellingU.S. master-planned communities this year, the development’sfirst time on the national list. Riverstone has consistently rankedamong the top 10 master-planned communities in Houston.

New neighborhoods and builders also drove traffic to thecommunity, with Riverstone debuting several forestedenclaves and builders opening nine new models.

Among the new models is Darling Homes’ model home inRiverstone’s Nandina neighborhood. Darling Homes is the exclu-sive builder in Nandina, which features patio homes on 65-foothomesites and pricing from the $390’s.

David Weekley Homes and Trendmaker Homes bothopened models in The Orchard, a new wooded neighborhood inRiverstone. Pricing is from the $400’s in The Orchard.

Newmark Homes and Perry Homes this year debutedmodel homes in Sweetbriar, a new wooded neighborhood of 55-foot homesites with prices from the $250’s.

And this summer, Toll Brothers and Partners in Building,both new to Riverstone, opened model homes in Silver Grove, asemi-custom neighborhood where home prices range from the$500’s to $900’s.

“With their semi-custom homes, Toll Brothers and Partners inBuilding introduced a new price point for our community,” Wilcoxsaid. “Silver Grove bridges our traditional home product with themore costly homes found in our custom home neighborhoods.”

Additionally, Highland Homes and Perry Homes are nowbuilding homes priced from the $300’s in Shadow Glen andopened models this fall.

The number of neighborhoods and homes isn’t the onlything expanding in Riverstone, however. Construction hasstarted on an extension of University Parkway, which is expectedto open in 2012. Plus, Riverstone is planning a third water parkand recreation area, which will begin construction after currentwork on the University Boulevard extension is completed.

For more information, visit www.riverstone.com.

Friendswood at Lakes of Savannah hosted Lennar Bingoon October 20, 2011. Realtors were invited to play for avariety of prizes.

Dowanna Baker/The United Realty

Network, won aJason's Deli gift

card.

Pamela Walston/Realty ResultsManville, Texas.Bingo Winner.

Jacki Pauley/Realm RealEstate ProfessionalsSugarland, Pumpkin candleholder winner.

Christine Roberts/Realm RealEstate Professionals Sugarland,Jason's Deli Gift Card winner.

12 December 2011

“Stuff the Sleigh of Katy”Firethorne and Keller Williams Premier Realty SupportHoliday Toy Drive for Local Children with Cancer

Santa’s sleigh bells were ringing and children gleefullysinging thanks to the second annual “Stuff the Sleigh of Katy”holiday toy drive benefiting pediatric cancer patients treat-ed at the new Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH) - WestCampus, as well as their siblings. Santa Claus presented theSanta’s Sleigh toys to the West Houston-area children at a familyholiday party earlier this month at the Firethorne Visitor Center28100 North Firethorne Road at FM 1463 in Katy/Fulshear.Firethorne and Keller Williams Premier Realty Katy were two ofthe sponsors of the community toy drive.

“Stuff the Sleigh’ donors came to the Firethorne CommunityCenter to select one or more ‘sleigh’ gift cards that had one wishlist item on it from a young cancer patient or their brother or sis-ter,” explained Firethorne resident Garrett Ashmore, “Stuff theSleigh” Co-Founder/Coordinator. “Donors — individuals and com-panies alike — purchased these gifts to fulfill that child’s holidaywish,” he said.

Ashmore and his wife, Kelli, launched “Stuff the Sleigh ofKaty” in 2010 to support young cancer patients and their familiesby helping ease their financial and emotional burdens during theholidays. “As the parents of two healthy children, we wanted to dosomething to help those who may be hospital-bound this holidayseason and provide them with as joy-filled, meaningful and worry-free a Christmas holiday as possible,” said Garrett Ashmore.

Katy mother Meagan Henderson, whose 8-year-old Zachhas been undergoing treatment for leukemia since age 3,expressed her heart-felt appreciation to “Stuff the Sleigh”: “I justwanted to say thank you to everyone that helped me and my fami-ly last Christmas. If it wasn’t for your organization, I don’t knowwhat kind of Christmas my kids would have had. With 5 kids, andonly one of them being sick and diagnosed with cancer, it puts astrain on the entire family. Last year my son, who has leukemia,was in the hospital for Christmas undergoing more treatment, andwhen I brought him all of the wonderful gifts that were donated hewas so happy. He cried and said to me “Mommy, this is the bestChristmas EVER! I can’t thank you guys enough for everythingthat you did. My entire family finally saw some joy, in times whenwe had no hope.”

The “Stuff the Sleigh of Katy” toy drive and holiday partyreceived a tremendous outpouring of community support from suchsponsors as Texas Children’s Hospital, Voice Runner, Katy’s localphone and Internet company; Firethorne, Keller Williams PremierRealty Katy, Target, the “Pay It Forward” project of the firstgraders of Odessa Kilpatrick Elementary School in Katy I.S.D.Country Park Portraits, McFatrige, Baker & Schmidt, ChasewoodBank, Capital Benefits, Academy Sports & Outdoors, Chuy’sMexican Food, Chick-fil-A, the Geddes family, the Ashmore familyand Holy Covenant Staff. “A special thanks, too, to ‘Santa’ TomGibbs,” added Ashmore.

One hundred percent of the toys and monetary donations godirectly to benefit the TCH - West patients and their families.

Firethorne’s Realtor Cash Reward program, extendedthrough December 31, 2011, offers Realtors who close on onenew Firethorne home $500 BTSA*, plus a special Survival Kitwith gift cards for $50 Shell gas, $25 Bubbles Car Wash and $10Starbucks credit. The Realtor cash bonus increases to $1,500BTSA* on a second closing and $3,000 BTSA* on the third closing.The contract for the home sales must be signed post- July 1, 2011to qualify.

Firethorne blends the best nature has to offer: 150 acresdevoted to parks and recreational amenities, a 12-acre lake withsurrounding greenbelt, hike/bike trails, parks and playgrounds,tennis courts, Fitness Center, resort-style swimming pool, discov-ery-rich wildlife observation area and a natural bird habitat.Served by highly acclaimed schools, Firethorne combines thevibrancy of West Houston with the small-town charm ofKaty/Fulshear.

Cheers to Habitat forHumanity! Natalie

Ainsworth, Bay AreaHabitat for Humanity andPriscilla Ennis with the

donations.

Guests enjoyed a plated luncheon at Bay Oaks Country Clubwith a pianist for entertainment.

Priscilla Ennis, a top producer for RE/MAX Space Center,hosted her 20th annual customer appreciationluncheon for approximately 100 of her clients, raising$3,000 for Habitat For Humanity.

Green was the

theme as guests

enjoyed the decor -

and dessert - with

a key lime twist!

ALIANA® ANNOUNCES GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION FOR NEW MODEL HOME VILLAGETwo weekend celebration featuring a Backyard Showcasewill take place March 3 & 4 and March 10 & 11, 2012WHAT - The first two weekends of next March, Aliana® is host-ing an event, which includes food, live music and a chance towin major prizes, all in celebration of the grand opening of itsnew Model Home Village. Guests are invited to tour 11 brandnew, fully-furnished, model homes - all conveniently locatedwithin the village - built by a roster of premier builders. As partof a Backyard Showcase, each of the model homes will beenhanced with an outdoor living area featuring a unique designand theme, such as Asian, Italian, Indian, sports and onedesigned for families with small children, just to name a few.WHO - The community of Aliana® is a 2000 acre master-planned community in Fort Bend County, Texas and a develop-ment of Aliana Development Company. One of the newest com-munities in Fort Bend, Aliana offers finely crafted new homesfrom the $160’s to the $600’s, and is situated in the highly-regarded Fort Bend ISD.WHEN - March 3 & 4 and March 10 & 11, 2012WHERE - Aliana is conveniently located west of Houston inRichmond, Texas, nestled between the Grand Parkway and FM1464. The main entrance to Aliana is West Airport Road. For amap, visit www.alianahouston.com.

14 December 2011

Join us for the year’s greatest kick-offreal estate event! RE/MAX of Texas ishosting its 35th Annual StatewideConvention January 27-28 at MoodyGardens Resort and ConferenceCenter in Galveston.

Keynote speakers include DaveLiniger, Brian Buffini, and RichardFilip.

RE/MAX Co-Founder andChairman Dave Liniger is one of themost influential people in real estate. He

pioneered Buyer Agency,and is known worldwide as an innovator,visionary, and predictor of real estatetrends.

Brian Buffini, founder of Buffini &Company Training Seminars, is amongthe most well-recognized personal coachesin real estate. His revolutionary “workby referral” method has changed the livesof thousands of top producing agents.

RE/MAX of Texas CEO RichardFilip will share his state of the industryreport for Texas Real Estate and reveal

the network’s 2012 plans for statewide ini-tiatives, community involvement, and continued growth.

Margaret Kelly, CEO of RE/MAX LLC and a familiarface on national television as spokesperson for RE/MAX andguest commentator on financial and business news pro-grams, will be the featured guest at the StatewideBroker/Owner meeting on Friday.

In addition to the headliners, the curriculum includespresenters from Google, 1000Watt Consulting, dual MCEclasses, regional technology updates, top producer panels,and mobile communication trends.

The convention will build on the $100 Million DollarsRE/MAX has already donated to Children’s MiracleNetwork Hospitals with a fundraising concert by renownedchild-prodigy/piano entertainer Ethan Bortnick; proceedsto benefit Texas Children’s Hospital.

For more information visitwww.remaxtexas.com/convention.

RE/MAX is a global real estate network conducting resi-dential, commercial, and investment real estate in 85 coun-tries, and was recently named the real estate company pre-ferred by both buyers and sellers in a survey by J.D. Powerand Associates.

RE/MAX of Texas Celebrates 35th Year atStatewide Convention

Real Estate TrainerBrian Buffini

Dave Liniger, Co-Founder and Chairmanof RE/MAX

RE/MAX Integrity – Welcomes New AgentsRuben and NancyVillarreal, Owners ofRE/MAX Integrity, proud-ly announces that LindaHolt-Hanlon and LeoSingh have joined theiroffice. As experiencedreal estate professionals,they are dedicated to pro-viding the finest serviceavailable. “We are veryexcited to have anothertop producing team joinour office!”

Eagle Springs school is first in Texas toget green designation

Atascocita Springs Elementary School in EagleSprings has become the first school in Texas and the thirdschool in the nation to receive the “CHPS Verified” designa-tion from the Collaborative for High PerformingSchools, a national coalition that promotes the designand construction of green and healthy schoolbuildings.

Part of theHumble IISD,Atascocita Springsopened in 2010with solar-poweredcomputers and ahost of other fea-tures designed tohelp it consume23% less energythan a similarlysized building con-structed to non-

CHPS standards.Atascocita Springs Elementary received its CHPS Verified

designation after a third-party review process ensured thatthe building met the rigorous design and construction stan-dards included in the Texas CHPS criteria for K-12 schools.

“This recognition is a win-win for Humble ISD, the com-munity and Mother Earth,” said Deborah Yocham, HISDDirector of Facility Planning & Construction, speaking at aceremony dedicating the school’s new CHPS Verified plaque.“We are here to celebrate what we are leaving to our kids andto future generations of kids.”

In addition to conserving resources and providing ahealthy environment for students, the 113,000-square-footbuilding was designed to serve as a learning tool. For exam-ple, floor tiles in the gymnasium are color-coded in multiplesof 100 so they can be incorporated into the math curriculum.

Each grade level is located along its own corridor, andevery hallway begins with a colorful mural illustratingecosystems such as a deciduous forest, rainforest and desert.The murals are magnetized so that teachers can use them forinteractive lessons.

The ecosystem theme continues through each grade level,with ceiling murals depicting aerial views of each natural sys-tem. Carpets and tiles are embedded with math lessonsappropriate to each grade level, and central flex rooms over-look outdoors areas where gardens, hopscotch games andother activities are provided.

Signs throughout the building prompt students to“Think Green” by pointing out water-saving low-flowsinks and toilets. Cleaning closets have signs describ-ing the environmentally friendly solutions used toclean the school.

One of the most visible features is the EcoScreenmonitor near the entrance, which shows real-timeenergy usage as well as energy use patterns. Hallwayswelcome students with warm wood paneling and naturalstone. All materials were purchased regionally within a 500-mile radius to reduce the building’s carbon footprint.

“High-performance schools help create high-performancestudents,” said Kayla Webb, marketing director forNewland Communities, the developer of Eagle Springs.“Because healthy living systems are one of our cornerstonesas a company, we couldn’t be happier to have this unique andwonderful school in Eagle Springs.”

Atascocita Springs Elementary is one of two Humble ISDschools located inside the 1,360-acre Eagle Springs communi-ty, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. Now hometo approximately 2,900 households, Eagle Springs offers newhomes priced from the $120’s to $500’s. For more information,visit www.eaglespringstx.com.

stuff coming fromDamon for Cinco

16 December 2011

REALTORS TOUR NEW PLANATIONHOMES IN NEW FOREST WEST

Plantation Homes hosted a Realtor luncheon and tour of itsbeautiful model home in its new New Forest West community.Featuring easy and convenient access to Beltway 9 and USHighway 90, New Forest West also offers a variety of newhomes by Plantation Homes priced from the $150’s. Realtorsenjoyed a catered lunch and a preview of Plantation Homes’impressive designs and all visitors were registered into a draw-ing for a new Ipad.

For more information on Plantation Homes in New ForestWest, visit the website at www.plantationhomes.com.

RE/MAX agentsRhonda Surovec,Veronica Gamez,

Tammy Harris,Randy Harris and

ClaudineBlackshire enjoy

lunch and a tour ofPlantation

Homes’ model inNew Forest West.

Pictured at the eventis Melba Larawith RE/MAX thelucky winner ofthe Ipad, alongwith PlantationHomes sales coun-selors DaronGamble and IvetteVillareal, alongwith Miriam Scottof James Hardie, co-sponsor of the event.

An event in Sedona Lakes for Coventry,Darling, Highland and J. Patrick Homes

Agents visited Sedona Lakes on Tuesday, November 1 tosip, shop and eat! Sedona Lakes hosted a Fall Market eventfor agents, featuring a fabulous progressive lunch and shop-ping in each builder model home.

Agents shopped Scentsy Wickless Candles, PrettyPenny Gifts, Yankee Candle, Premier Designs HighFashion Jewelry, and Vault Denim while they enjoyed belli-nis and mimosas and a seasonal lunch by The CateringCompany.

Two Grand Prize drawings for two tickets to the VIPPreview night of the Houston Ballet's Nutcracker Marketwent to Rebecca Palmer/Prudential Gary Greene Realtorsand Anne Haas/Coldwell Banker United Realtors.

Rebecca Palmerand JimettaWright-Evdeywith PrudentialGary Greene withSharon Wardand NatalieKeltsch withCoventry Homesand a representa-tive from VaultDenim.

Pat Eichinger,Anne Haas,Toni Kwan,

NatalieKeltsch

(CoventryHomes),

LaVondaPotts, and

Sharon Ward

Canitra Ford/RealtyAssociates and herhome buyer andSharonWard/CoventryHomes (center).

(Coventry Homes) - all agents from Coldwell Banker.

Darling Sales Counselor Brenda McKinney wel-comes agents to the event.

ClevellHarris/Realm andCandacePrice/Renowned Propertiespictured intheHighlandHomes modelwith SalesCounselorKim Hebert.

Shawna Dysart,Rhonda Martinez,

Temmy Miller,Darlene Gilley, all

with KellerWilliams, with

Sharon Ward/Coventry Homes.

Debbie Drake/Drake Group withSharon Ward andNatalie Keltschwith CoventryHomes and BeckySykes and stafffrom TheCateringCompany.

Caldwell Companies Moves 2 Million CubicYards Of Dirt (Enough To Fill The Astrodome!)

Continuing to clear the path for new growth in Towne Lake,Caldwell Companies has moved more than 2 million cubic yardsof dirt (more than enough to fill the inside of the HoustonAstrodome!) in the 2,400-acre master-planned community, conve-niently positioned between U.S. 290, Barker-Cypress Road, WestRoad and Fry Road. Those bulldozers, graders and dump truckshave cleared the path for a flurry of development activity andthe company is celebrating several milestones that furthercement the award-winning community’s foundation.

In October, Caldwell Companies opened a new – and final -section of Tuckerton Road between Hamilton Hills Dr andGreenhouse Rd. Tuckerton now runs from Towne Lake’s “frontdoor” at Barker-Cypress, to Cypress-Fairbanks ISD’s RennellElementary School at the community’s eastern boundary. Thisground-breaking event marks a new era for Towne Lakebecause, as one of the community’s key arteries, Tuckerton Roadprovides access to new sections of development, as well as quickcommute times to 290 and Huffmeister Rd.

Within the Towne Lake residential plan are several sectionsof “Hill Country-inspired” single-family homes ranging from the$200’s to multi-million-dollar properties. Currently, 400 homesand 525 lots have been constructed in in the community. Eachsection will have a lakeside park and community dock, or mari-na.

To better servethose seeking a newhome in Towne Lake,Caldwell Companies’state-of-the-artWelcome Center hasmoved to a highly-visi-ble location in theheart of the communi-ty at 18915 San SabaCreek Circle - lessthan 1/4-mile fromTowne Lake’sTuckerton Road entrance. An interactive kiosk illustrates thescope of what is on the ground and what is to come, includingthe centerpiece 300-acre recreational lake, of which Phase 2 con-struction (about half of the lake) will be completed this year.When finished, there will be 14 miles of shoreline.

The new Welcome Center is also conveniently located nextto four new model homes constructed by Coventry Homes,David Weekley Homes, Newmark Homes Houston, andTrendmaker Homes. In addition, Goshy Homes, JaegerHomes, Plantation Homes, Ryland Homes, VillageBuilders, and Westin Homes offer a variety of home stylesand sizes in Towne Lake’s family-oriented neighborhoods for res-idents of all ages and in all life stages.

One of those neighborhoods is the recently-introduced“Harbor Gates at the Heritage”, a new section in TowneLake’s popular “Heritage at Towne Lake” Active Adult neigh-borhood. The new section offers a gated enclave of all custompatio homes with access to boat slips and the 13,000-square-footLodge in the heart of the community. The Lodge draws Heritageresidents together with its lounge area built around a fireplacein the main lobby, a billiards/card room, a library, arts/craftsroom, a fitness room, a kitchen and a large ballroom.

Lots for custom homes will soon be available around thenew lake section and several canals will branch off of the lakefeaturing lots with boat docks. A future cove area, TheBoardwalk at Towne Lake, is already under construction andwill include waterside restaurants, retail, and businesses. TheBoardwalk at Towne Lake is unique to Northwest Houston andwill offer green-space, 1,500 linear feet of boardwalk, boat-sideparking, and access to Barker-Cypress Road.

The 200-acre planned Towne Lake “Town Center” fronts U.S.290 and is bordered on the south by Cypress Creek. The Town(Conrinued on page 18.)

18 December 2011

Caldwell Companies continued...Center will feature Class A office space, retail establishments,and will have a prime position near a natural setting that willbe developed along Cypress Creek.

In the heart of the community there will be an amphithe-ater that seats 5,000, and marina and community center with acompetition pool, laguna-style pool, and lazy river. There willbe about 20 parks spread throughout Towne Lake, andseveral “old-fashioned” fishing holes strategically locatedat various locations around the lake.

For more information about the community, tie into TowneLake through Facebook, Twitter and Youtube via the links onthe Towne Lake website - www.townelaketexas.com. Or, callthe Welcome Center at (281) 256-2772.

Richard “Rick” Ruggiero II of Weichert, Realtors WayneMurray Properties has been named a “Super Star” by theChampions School of Real Estate. At the same time, he was

asked to speak to the school’s marketing classabout the “secrets to his success.”

The honor came on the heels of Broker/OwnerWayne Murray’s announcement that Ruggiero isthe new sales manager of the company’sjust-opened fourth office in TheWoodlands. Ruggiero is also sales manager ofthe agency’s Houston location. When receiv-ing the Houston appointment, he became

one of the youngest real estate sales managers among2009’s Top 40 Houston real estate companies.

Ruggiero is a 15-year Houston resident. He holds member-ship in the Houston Association of Realtors, TexasAssociation of Realtors and National Association ofRealtors.

The company’s website address is www.waynemurray.net.

4 MC/HAR, 9:30 am, River Plantation Club4 Greater West Houston/WCR, 11:30 am, Pine Forest Country Club4 HAR Montgomery County, 9:30 am, River Plantation Country Club4 WCR Greater West Houston, 11:30 am, Pine Forest Country Club5 Har Katy Area, 11:30 am, Cinco Ranch Country Club11 HAR NW Breakfast, 8 am, Raveneaux Country Club11 WCR Montgomery County, 11:15 am, River Plantation Country Club11 HAR/290 Area, 11:30 am, Sterling Country Club at Houston National12 HAR/WCR Bay Area, 11:30 am, S. Shore Harbour Country Club,13 WCR Ft. Bend, 11:30 am, Sweetwater Country Club,18 AAREA Networking Meeting, 11:30 am, Ocean Palace.

Topic: Economic Forecast / Speaker: Dr Mark Doutzer

19 WCR Houston 1960 Chapter, 11:30 am, Raveneaux Country Club19 NAHREP “Social”, 6 - 9 pm, Habanero’s28 AAREA 9th Annual Gala, Ocean Palace. For more information,

please contact Ben Huynh at Ben.Huynh@yahoo.com.

January 2012January 2012Patricia Gant has joined RE/MAX Grand asthe newest member of this dynamic sales team.“I specialize in Katy Proper! My first

responsibility is to help my buyers and sellers,”said Gant. “And my move to RE/MAX will be asignificant benefit to my clients, becauseRE/MAX has the most powerful name brand inreal estate. With over 90,000 Sales Associatesin more than 80 countries, when I list a propertyhere in Katy it’s exposed to a huge audience. That exposure isdriven by the RE/MAX website, www.remax.com, the mostvisited real estate franchise site, which helps my clients get thebest possible price for their home in the least amount of time.”

Cathy Hamlin 2011 President of the Greater West HoustonChapter, Sharon Eddings, Sharon Morton 2012 StateTreasurer and Holly Kincaid 2012 State Governor.

League City

Developing a Personal Vision; Cindy Reichert

20 December 2011

Millennium Graphix, 1330 Sherwood Forest, Suite 201, Houston, TX 77043

www.reandy.com

PRESORT STD.U.S. Postage

PAIDPERMIT NO. 600

HOUSTON, TEXAS

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