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Press Release: Houston’s Harvard Elementary Receives International Recognition

MAR

For Immediate Release
Contact: Elise Sawyer, IB Coordinator
Harvard Elementary School
810 Harvard Street
Houston, TX 77007
713.867.5210 ext. 306

Four Years of Hard Work Comes To Fruition

HOUSTON (March 20, 2012) Harvard Elementary School is pleased to announce that it has been named an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). Director General Jeffrey R. Beard and IB Americas Regional Director Drew Deutsch announced their decision simultaneously in Geneva, Switzerland and Bethesda, Maryland on March 14, 2012.

The school will offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to all students enrolled in prekindergarten through grade 5. The programme focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and the world outside. Harvard Elementary School began the authorization process in 2008 with extensive professional development in the curriculum model and standards; inquiry; promoting international-mindedness; transdisciplinary and concept-based learning; assessment; and the action cycle.

"This is really a tremendous honor for our students, faculty and community," Principal Kevin Beringer commented. "The Primary Years Programme challenges our students to be globally-minded thinkers in an evolving world. They have a deeper understanding of how they can impact others through their actions."

The most significant and distinctive feature of the IB Primary Years Programme is the six transdiciplinary themes: Who we are, Where we are in place and time, How we express ourselves, How the world works, How we organize ourselves and Sharing the plant. These themes are about issues that have meaning for, and are important to, all of us. The programme offers a balance between learning about or through the subject areas and learning beyond.

The six themes of global significance create a transdisciplinary framework that allows students to "step up" beyond the confines of learning within subject areas. These themes help teachers to develop a programme of inquiries which are in-depth investigations into important ideas requiring a high level of involvement on the part of the students.

About Harvard Elementary School

Harvard Elementary School, a magnet school for science, technology, engineering and mathematics is part of the Houston Independent School District located in the Historic Heights Neighborhood in Houston, Texas and has served the community since 1898. Harvard educates students in grades pre-kindergarten through 5 who live within the neighborhood attendance zone or through a magnet transfer. The enrollment is approximately 710 students. For more information please visit www.harvardschool.org

About the International Baccalaureate Organization

Founded in 1968, the IBO works with 3,001 schools in 139 countries to offer and develop its three challenging programs to more than 837,000 students ranging in ages 3 to 19. The IBO encourages students to be active learners, well-rounded individuals and engaged world citizens. It also serves in an educational advisory capacity to other educational organizations. To learn more about the IBO, please visit: www.ibo.org
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visit my entire blog at http://blogs.har.com/cynthiamullins

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houston heights real estate housing market homes for sale buying selling inner loop properties houston texas tx OPEN Houses 1545 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 77007 77009 houston heights realtor Woodland Heights Norhill Sunset Heights HISD Hogg Middle School IB Program Harvard Elementary Hamilton Middle School Reagan

2011 ENDS ON A HEALTHY NOTE FOR THE HOUSTON REAL ESTATE MARKET

JAN

December marks the seventh consecutive month of increased home sales; 2011 bests 2010 in sales volume and pricing

HOUSTON — (January 17, 2012) — After several months in which home sales figures were skewed by the effects of the 2010 homebuyer tax credit, the Houston real estate market concluded 2011 solidly in the black. December marked the seventh straight month of increased home sales and the month contained a host of indicators suggesting a healthy start to the new year. Prices of single-family homes across Greater Houston for full-year 2011 were up slightly from 2010. The median price reached an all-time high for a December in Houston and months inventory hit its lowest level in two years.

According to the latest monthly data compiled by the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR), December sales of single-family homes throughout the Houston market climbed 7.2 percent when compared to December 2010. Positive sales activity was recorded in every segment of the housing market except the luxury segment—those homes priced from $500,000 and above—which was unchanged year-over-year.

The average price of a single-family home was statistically flat at $219,791 compared to December 2010 while the December single-family home median price—the figure at which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less—rose 1.9 percent from one year earlier to $160,000.

Foreclosure property sales reported in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) increased 6.1 percent in December compared to December 2010. Foreclosures comprised 20.5 percent of all property sales, remaining consistent with the levels they maintained for much of 2011. December's median price of foreclosures held steady on a year-over-year basis at $82,550.

December sales of all property types in Houston totaled 5,460, up 6.6 percent compared to December 2010. Total dollar volume for properties sold during the month increased 7.5 percent year-over-year to $1.16 billion. On an annualized basis, sales of all property types were up 4.3 percent compared to 2010 levels while total dollar volume rose 5.2 percent to $13 billion.

"2011 ended on a very promising note," said Wayne A. Stroman, HAR chairman and President/CEO of Stroman Realty.""We spent a good part of the year struggling to accurately gauge the market because we were comparing to accelerated sales in 2010 that resulted from the homebuyer tax credit. Once we distanced ourselves from that period, we saw clear indications of a healthy market with a balanced supply of housing inventory and strong pricing—conditions that put Houston in an enviable position compared to many housing markets around the country. The key to sustaining that positive momentum in 2012 will be continued improvement in Houston's employment numbers."

2011 Annual Market Comparison

The Houston housing market concluded calendar year 2011 with noteworthy gains in sales volume along with strong pricing. Single-family home sales rose 4.0 percent for the year while sales of all property types increased 4.3 percent. On a year-to-date basis, the average price rose 0.9 percent to $213,723 while the median price ticked up 0.7 percent to $155,000. Total dollar volume for full-year 2011 climbed 5.2 percent to $13 billion compared to full-year 2010.

CATEGORIES	FULL-YEAR 2010	FULL-YEAR 2011	PERCENT CHANGE
Single-Family Home Sales	51,556	53,606	4.0%
Total Property Sales	61,005	63,610	4.3%
Total Dollar Volume	$12,364,327,660	$13,012,903,352	5.2%
Single-Family Average Sales Price	$211,765	$213,723	0.9%
Single-Family Median Sales Price	$153,990	$155,000	0.7%

December Monthly Market Comparison

The month of December brought Houston's overall housing market positive results when all listing categories are compared to December 2010. Sales of single-family homes as well as all property types rose along with total dollar volume. The median single-family price increased to its highest level for a December in Houston while the average price remained unchanged.

Month-end pending sales for December totaled 2,907, up 3.0 percent from last year and a signal that a further increase in demand is likely when the January figures are tallied. The number of available properties, or active listings, at the end of December fell 14.1 percent compared to December 2010. This absorption of housing inventory accounted for a 20.2 percent decline in months inventory to the lowest level since December 2009—5.8 months versus 7.2 months in December 2010. That means it would take 5.8 months to sell all the single-family homes on the market based on sales activity over the past year. The figure is significantly better than the national inventory of single-family homes of 7.0 months reported by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). These indicators all continue to reflect a well-balanced real estate marketplace for Houston.

CATEGORIES	DECEMBER 2010	DECEMBER 2011	PERCENT CHANGE
Total property sales	5,122	5,460	6.6%
Total dollar volume	$1,079,022,599	$1,159,956,192	7.5%
Total active listings	49,005	42,083	-14.1%
Total pending sales	2,821	2,907	3.0%
Single-family home sales	4,295	4,604	7.2%
Single-family average sales price	$220,479	$219,791	-0.3%
Single-family median sales price	$157,000	$160,000	1.9%
Months inventory*	7.2	5.8	-20.2%

* Months inventory estimates the number of months it will take to deplete current active inventory based on the prior 12 months sales activity. This figure is representative of the single-family homes market.

Single-Family Homes Update

December sales of single-family homes in Houston totaled 4,604, up 7.2 percent from December 2010. This marked the seventh consecutive increase of 2011. Broken out by segment, December sales of homes priced below $80,000 rose 10.2 percent; sales of homes in the $80,000-$150,000 range were up 3.1 percent; sales of homes between $150,000 and $250,000 climbed 7.3 percent; sales of homes ranging from $250,000-$500,000 advanced 12.8 percent; and sales of homes that make up the luxury market—priced from $500,000 and up—were unchanged.

At $219,791, the average price of single-family homes was statistically flat compared to last December. At $160,000, the median sales price for single-family homes reached a December high for Houston, rising 1.9 percent year-over-year. That compares to the national single-family median price of $164,100 reported by NAR.

HAR also breaks out the sales performance of existing single-family homes throughout the Houston market. In December 2011, existing home sales totaled 3,755, a 7.7 percent increase from December 2010. The average sales price edged up 0.9 percent from last year to $203,253 and the median sales price was flat at $145,000.

Townhouse/Condominium Update

December sales of townhouses and condominiums rose 3.2 percent compared to one year earlier. In the greater Houston area, 388 units were sold last month versus 376 properties in December 2010.

The average price climbed 2.5 percent to $173,675 from December 2010 to December 2011. The median price of a townhouse/condominium declined 4.9 percent to $131,750.

Lease Property Update

The demand for Houston lease properties that prevailed throughout 2011 continued in December, though at a slower pace. Single-family home rentals rose 12.3 percent compared to one year earlier and year-over-year townhouse/condominium rentals ticked up 0.7 percent.

As HAR reported throughout year, this demand was largely perceived as the result of hiring gains that have drawn consumers to Houston from around the U.S. These consumers may not be prepared or capable of purchasing a home for various reasons, among them tighter mortgage lending criteria. According to the Greater Houston Partnership, as of November 2011, the Houston metropolitan area gained 170,700 net new jobs, recovering 112 percent of the 152,800 jobs lost during the recession.

Houston Real Estate Milestones in December

Volume of single-family home sales rose for a seventh consecutive month;

At $160,000, the median sales price for single-family homes reached the highest level for a December in Houston;

Single-family home rentals rose 12.3 percent;

Townhouse/condominium rentals increased 0.7 percent;

5.8 months inventory of single-family homes is the lowest level since December 2009 and compares favorably to the national average of 7.0 months.

The computerized Multiple Listing Service of the Houston Association of REALTORS® includes residential properties and new homes listed by REALTORS® throughout Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties, as well as parts of Brazoria, Galveston, Waller and Wharton counties. Residential home sales statistics as well as listing information for more than 50,000 properties may be found on the Internet at http://www.har.com.

The information published and disseminated to the HAR Multiple Listing Services is communicated verbatim, without change by Multiple Listing Services, as filed by MLS participants.

The MLS does not verify the information provided and disclaims any responsibility for its accuracy. All data is preliminary and subject to change. Monthly sales figures reported since November 1998 includes a statistical estimation to account for late entries. Twelve-month totals may vary from actual end-of-year figures. (Single-family detached homes were broken out separately in monthly figures beginning February 1988.)

Founded in 1918, the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR) is a member organization of real estate professionals engaged in every aspect of the industry, including residential and commercial sales and leasing, appraisal, property management and counseling. It is the largest individual dues-paying membership trade association in Houston as well as the second largest local association/board of REALTORS® in the United States.
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visit my entire blog at http://blogs.har.com/cynthiamullins

email cynthia@cynthiamullins.com
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houston heights real estate housing market homes for sale buying selling inner loop properties houston texas tx OPEN Houses 1545 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 77007 77009 houston heights realtor Woodland Heights Norhill Sunset Heights HISD Hogg Middle School IB Program Harvard Elementary Hamilton Middle School Reagan

JOIN HARVARD ELEMENTARY’S PARENT BOOK CLUB JAN 25, 2012 1545 HEIGHTS BLVD 6:30 PM

DEC

In the spirit of Harvard’s One Book, One School project, teachers Chris Gray, Dody Blackman, Julia Lofquist and literacy coach Amanda Makin are facilitating an evening discussion centered around Boys Adrift. You are invited to join other Harvard parents in reading this book and coming together for a discussion on the evening of January 25th. If you are a parent of a boy, read some highlights from this author below . You may purchase the book at your local bookstore or Amazon.com. We hope to see you there! Please RSVP to Cynthia Mullins (parent of 1st and 5th grade boys) at Cynthia@cynthiamullins.com. For more info, contact Cynthia Mullins cynthia@cynthiamullins.com, Chris Gray cgray6@houstonisd.org or Amanda Makin amakin@houstonisd.org.
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The facts are disturbing, to say the least: Fully one-third of men ages 22-34 are still living at home with their parents -- about a 100 percent increase in the past twenty years. For the first time in history, American men in their 30s earn about 12% less than their fathers did at the same age. Meanwhile, boys nationwide are conspicuously absent from the top 10% of graduating high-school classes; fewer are going to college; and women are already outnumbering men at undergraduate institutions three to two. What is happening to our young men?

Now, in Boys Adrift: The Five Factors Driving the Growing Epidemic of Unmotivated Boys and Underachieving Young Men, family physician and research psychologist Dr. Leonard Sax reveals the truth about what's driving the decline of American boys -- and what parents can do about it.

In Boys Adrift, Dr. Sax delves into the scientific literature and draws on his own vast clinical experience to propose an entirely original view of why boys and young men are failing in school and at home. He identifies five major factors that disable the motivational engine for a growing number of American boys -- and explains what parents can do to turn things around.

· How misguided education policies which fail to take account of the differences between boys and girls are are making boys restless, inattentive, and depressed

· How teachers unintentionally create the impression for small boys that doing well in school is not masculine

· Research findings: how certain video games affect the same part of the brain as cocaine -- and lead to consequences similar to those of cocaine users, including a loss of drive and disengagement from the real world

· New evidence suggesting that medications for “attention deficit disorder” –- which boys are given at four times the rate of girls -- may cause irreversible damage to the region of the brain responsible for translating motivation into action

· Sequences of events in school that lead to many boys being medicated when they really just need to be allowed to express themselves in more physical ways

· How the traditional masculine attributes such as drive, motivation, and responsibility have been devalued over the past few decades, leaving many of today’s young men with no positive male role models –- and many negative ones -- in popular culture

· The ominous cultural consequences as young women become better educated and higher wage earners than men. Are young women becoming frustrated by boyfriends who are living with their parents into their late 20s and 30s?

Supported by more than 300 references demonstrating the linkage between the combined social and biological factors and the decline of America’s boys and young men, Boys Adrift also provides concrete and practical strategies which parents and teachers can use to get these boys back on track.

You can also listen to the author's interview on NPR at http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2007-08-14/dr-leonard-sax-boys-adrift-basic-books
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visit my entire blog at http://blogs.har.com/cynthiamullins

email cynthia@cynthiamullins.com
follow me at www.twitter.com/cynthiamullins
friend me at www.facebook.com/cynthiamullins1

see what people like about the Heights and what they think is its best kept secret at www.youtube.com/cynthiamullins
houston heights real estate housing market homes for sale buying selling inner loop properties houston texas tx OPEN Houses 1545 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 77007 77009 houston heights realtor Woodland Heights Norhill Sunset Heights HISD Hogg Middle School IB Program Harvard Elementary Hamilton Middle School Reagan

Open Houses this weekend in Houston Heights, Norhill, Woodland Heights and Sunset Heights

NOV

Click on http://harlistings.marketlinx.com/SearchDetail/Scripts/PrtBuyOpenHouse/PrtBuyOpenHouse.asp?emailGUID=e592937c-04f1-4de1-bfaf-f808566f32c1&AgentId=MULLINSC to see detailed information on open houses this weekend. You can click on the photo to see more photos and click on the address to see a map.

View a map of all open houses in the area at http://harlistings.marketlinx.com/VEMapping/EmailMap.asp?emailGUID=e592937c-04f1-4de1-bfaf-f808566f32c1&AgentId=MULLINSC
.............................................................................................
visit my entire blog at http://blogs.har.com/cynthiamullins

email cynthia@cynthiamullins.com
follow me at www.twitter.com/cynthiamullins
friend me at www.facebook.com/cynthiamullins1

see what people like about the Heights and what they think is its best kept secret at www.youtube.com/cynthiamullins
houston heights real estate housing market homes for sale buying selling inner loop properties houston texas tx OPEN Houses 1545 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 77007 77009 houston heights realtor Woodland Heights Norhill Sunset Heights HISD Hogg Middle School IB Program Harvard Elementary Hamilton Middle School Reagan

Houston Real Estate Milestones in October

NOV

Volume of single-family home sales rose for a fifth consecutive month;
Volume of townhouse/condominium sales rose for the fourth straight month;
At $208,506, the average price of a single-family home reached the highest level for an October in Houston;
At $150,000, the median sales price for single-family homes matched its all-time October high set in 2010;
Single-family home rentals rose 24.8 percent;
Townhouse/condominium rentals increased 18.5 percent;
6.6 months inventory of single-family homes is the lowest level since April 2010 and compares favorably to the national average of 8.5 months.

Source: Houston Association of Realtors/David Mendel
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visit my entire blog at http://blogs.har.com/cynthiamullins

email cynthia@cynthiamullins.com
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see what people like about the Heights and what they think is its best kept secret at www.youtube.com/cynthiamullins
houston heights real estate housing market homes for sale buying selling inner loop properties houston texas tx OPEN Houses 1545 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 77007 77009 houston heights realtor Woodland Heights Norhill Sunset Heights HISD Hogg Middle School IB Program Harvard Elementary Hamilton Middle School Reagan

October Marks the Houston Area’s Fifth Consecutive Month of Positive Home Sales

NOV

November 16, 2011
David Mendel
Houston Association of Realtors

Average price hits an October high as increased pending sales and declining months inventory signal ongoing market stability

The Houston real estate market has added reason to be grateful this Thanksgiving season after logging a fifth straight month of positive home sales in October. The year-over-year increase in single-family homes sales, coupled with a rise in pending sales and continued decline in months inventory, signals a market that is benefitting from a healthy absorption of housing inventory. Adding to the positive report is an average price that achieved an all-time high for an October in Houston.

According to the latest monthly data prepared by the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR), October sales of single-family homes rose 9.1 percent versus one year earlier. All segments of the housing market, from the sub-$80,000 to the $500,000 and above, experienced growth. On a year-to-date basis, sales were up 3.4 percent.

“The further we distance ourselves from last year’s tax credit as we analyze the local housing data, the clearer an indication we get of market performance, and the latest numbers show a healthy sales climate for an autumn in Houston,” said Carlos P. Bujosa, HAR chairman and VP at Transwestern. “As long as the Houston economy continues to strengthen with additional job growth, we can be cautiously optimistic about the state of the housing market going into the new year.”

The average price of a single-family home rose 1.1 percent from October 2010 to $208,506, the highest level for an October in Houston. The October single-family home median price—the figure at which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less—was unchanged from the October high of $150,000 it reached in 2010.

Foreclosure property sales reported in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) increased 6.0 percent year-over-year in October. Foreclosures comprised 22.0 percent of all property sales, up slightly from the 19 to 20 percent range they have maintained since May of this year. The median price of foreclosures in October was flat at $80,600.

October sales of all property types in Houston totaled 4,815, up 8.9 percent compared to October 2010. Total dollar volume for properties sold during the month rose 10.9 percent to $962 million versus $867 million one year earlier.

October Monthly Market Comparison
The month of October brought Houston’s overall housing market positive results when all sales categories are compared to October of 2010. Increases in the volume of closed and pending sales reflected more normal, seasonal trending after several months in which the data was distorted by the 2010 tax credit that led to a sharp decline in home sales after it expired. Total property sales and total dollar volume rose on a year-over-year basis while the average price climbed to an historic high for an October in Houston.

Month-end pending sales for October totaled 3,092. That is up 9.6 percent from last year and portends another positive month when the November sales figures are tallied. The number of available properties, or active listings, at the end of October declined 12.0 percent from October 2010 to 46,674. The inventory of single-family homes dropped to its lowest level since April 2010—6.6 months, compared to 7.7 months one year earlier. That means it would take 6.6 months to sell all the single-family homes on the market based on sales activity over the past year. The figure is significantly better than the national inventory of single-family homes of 8.5 months reported by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). These indicators all reflect a balanced real estate marketplace for Houston.

CATEGORIES	October 2010	October 2011	PERCENT CHANGE
Total property sales	4,420	4,815	8.9%
Total dollar volume	$867,182,719	$961,640,986	10.9%
Total active listings	53,039	46,674	-12.0%
Total pending sales	2,821	3,092	9.6%
Single-family home sales	3,741	4,080	9.1%
Single-family average sales price	$206,165	$208,506	1.1%
Single-family median sales price	$150,000	$150,000	0.0%
Single-family months inventory*	7.7	6.6	-14.1%

Single-Family Homes Update
October sales of single-family homes in Houston totaled 4,080, up 9.1 percent from October 2010. This marks the fifth consecutive increase of the year following a 1.4 percent rise in June, 15.3 jump in July and increases of 28.8 percent and 15.2 percent in August and September, respectively. On a year-to-date basis, sales are ahead 3.4 percent.

Broken out by segment, October sales of homes priced below $80,000 rose 4.8 percent; sales of homes in the $80,000-$150,000 range climbed 11.5 percent; sales of homes between $150,000 and $250,000 were up 11.8 percent; sales of homes ranging from $250,000-$500,000 advanced 8.0 percent; and sales of homes that make up the luxury market—priced from $500,000 and up—ticked up 0.8 percent.

The average price achieved the highest level ever for an October in Houston. At $208,506, the average price of single-family homes rose 1.1 percent compared to last October. At $150,000, the median sales price for single-family homes matched its all-time October high set in 2010. The national single-family median price reported by NAR is $165,600, illustrating the continued higher value and lower cost of living available to consumers in Houston.

HAR also breaks out the sales performance of existing single-family homes throughout the Houston market. In October 2011, existing home sales totaled 3,434, a 10.3 percent increase from October 2010. The average sales price was unchanged from last year at $194,997 and the median sales price was also flat at $139,500.

.............................................................................................
visit my entire blog at http://blogs.har.com/cynthiamullins

email cynthia@cynthiamullins.com
follow me at www.twitter.com/cynthiamullins
friend me at www.facebook.com/cynthiamullins1

see what people like about the Heights and what they think is its best kept secret at www.youtube.com/cynthiamullins
houston heights real estate housing market homes for sale buying selling inner loop properties houston texas tx OPEN Houses 1545 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 77007 77009 houston heights realtor Woodland Heights Norhill Sunset Heights HISD Hogg Middle School IB Program Harvard Elementary Hamilton Middle School Reagan

What are your options when lender delays go beyond the closing date?

NOV

This is an interesting question as it happens more often than you might think and by national banks that everyone knows. It is important to talk to people in the business, friends and family to see what their experience has been in obtaining a mortgage. Going with a lender that does what they say they are going to do, when they say they are going to do it, can become critical on closing day. Unfortunately, on the day you are supposed to be sitting at the closing table , you are already married to your lender and if they do not perform, it affects both buyer and seller. So what happens at this point? Texas Association of REALTORS® Vice President of Legal Affairs Tom Morgan explains your options in this video http://youtu.be/q5qkad2BylM.
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visit my entire blog at http://blogs.har.com/cynthiamullins

email cynthia@cynthiamullins.com
follow me at www.twitter.com/cynthiamullins
friend me at www.facebook.com/cynthiamullins1

see what people like about the Heights and what they think is its best kept secret at www.youtube.com/cynthiamullins
houston heights real estate housing market homes for sale buying selling inner loop properties houston texas tx OPEN Houses 1545 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 77007 77009 houston heights realtor Woodland Heights Norhill Sunset Heights HISD Hogg Middle School IB Program Harvard Elementary Hamilton Middle School Reagan

Delayed no more for 302,000-SF Galleria office

NOV

Rendering of 20- story office building to be constructed at 3009 Post Oak Blvd. courtesy of Skanska USA Commercial Development Inc.

(11/9/2011)

Courtesy of Real Estate Center at Texas A&M

HOUSTON - Skanska USA Commercial Development Inc. is breaking ground on a speculative office building in the Galleria area and will start construction immediately on a 20-story building at 3009 Post Oak Blvd., directly east of the Gerald D. Hines Water Wall Park.

The 302,000-sf building has been precertified as LEED Platinum and will have 12 stories of office space on top of eight levels of garage parking.

The project will cost $60 million to $90 million to develop, the same cost projection announced in January 2010, said Michael Mair, Skanska’s executive vice president/regional manager.

Skanska does not have any tenants lined up for the building, Mair said, but the company says there is pent-up demand in the Uptown/Galleria area. It’s been more than 20 years since the last round of office construction in the submarket.

Skanska will be competing for tenants with a 380,000-sf office building that’s being constructed by Redstone Cos. and Stream Realty Partners LP at 2200 Post Oak. BBVA Compass bank will be the anchor tenant in that building.

Read more at the Houston Business Journal at http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/news/2011/11/07/skanska-breaks-ground-on-delayed.html
.............................................................................................
visit my entire blog at http://blogs.har.com/cynthiamullins

email cynthia@cynthiamullins.com
follow me at www.twitter.com/cynthiamullins
friend me at www.facebook.com/cynthiamullins1

see what people like about the Heights and what they think is its best kept secret at www.youtube.com/cynthiamullins
houston heights real estate housing market homes for sale buying selling inner loop properties houston texas tx OPEN Houses 1545 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 77007 77009 houston heights realtor Woodland Heights Norhill Sunset Heights HISD Hogg Middle School IB Program Harvard Elementary Hamilton Middle School Reagan

You are invited to a Boulevard Realty First Saturday Event

NOV

Saturday, November 5th, 1:00 - 4:00 pm
1545 Heights Boulevard
713-862-1600

View handcrafted jewelry, works of art and fine-art photography by local artists. Select wines & hors d'oeuvres will be provided for your enjoyment.

Pam August
Handcrafted Silver Jewelry

Liz Conces Spencer
Paintings and Drawings

Ron Collins
Painted Wood Carvings

Todd August
Urban Landscape Photography

Also at the Heights office, agents and staff will be participating a winter soup challenge. While admiring the artwork, you’ll have the opportunity to taste several soups and vote on your favorite.

.............................................................................................
visit my entire blog at http://blogs.har.com/cynthiamullins

email cynthia@cynthiamullins.com
follow me at www.twitter.com/cynthiamullins
friend me at www.facebook.com/cynthiamullins1

see what people like about the Heights and what they think is its best kept secret at www.youtube.com/cynthiamullins
houston heights real estate housing market homes for sale buying selling inner loop properties houston texas tx OPEN Houses 1545 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 77007 77009 houston heights realtor Woodland Heights Norhill Sunset Heights HISD Hogg Middle School IB Program Harvard Elementary Hamilton Middle School Reagan

Fall Home Showing Tips

NOV

photo: http://herselfshoustongarden.com/2010/12/its-a-great-year-for-fall-colors-in-houston.html

Leave the Porch Light On

On Sunday, November 6, at 2:00 a.m., our time falls back one hour. Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour, and don’t forget that if you have a showing of your home anytime after 5 p.m., you’ll need to leave the lights on, including the porch light. No one likes to walk into a dark, cold house, especially not someone who is looking to buy a house.

When selling your home, it’s important to have the same mindset as potential buyers, who, generally, want warm and cozy. So if that’s want they want, that’s what you need to deliver to sell your home.

And Don’t Forget About Your Yard

We suffered through the drought hot temperatures this summer. But summer is over! Now is the time to rid your yard of any dead plants and trees, and add a few pots of color to your porch.

While mums might be tempting to purchase and plant, spend your money on blooming annuals that will last longer. Examples of flowers that will thrive during the cool weather are alyssum, calendulas, pansies, petunias, primroses, snapdragons and violas. Watered and carried for property, it’s not uncommon for these annuals to bloom until at least April.
.............................................................................................
visit my entire blog at http://blogs.har.com/cynthiamullins

email cynthia@cynthiamullins.com
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houston heights real estate housing market homes for sale buying selling inner loop properties houston texas tx OPEN Houses 1545 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 77007 77009 houston heights realtor Woodland Heights Norhill Sunset Heights HISD Hogg Middle School IB Program Harvard Elementary Hamilton Middle School Reagan

First Saturday in the Heights November 5th, 2011

NOV

photo: http://www.firstsaturdayartsmarket.com/

On Saturday, November 5, 1st Saturday in the Heights will feature numerous wonderful events. To begin with, at 10 a.m., the Houston Heights Association will dedicate Worthington Plaza at Heights Boulevard and 7th Street. Plans for the plaza are in keeping with other designated areas along Heights Boulevard. Construction materials will incorporate granite, concrete and brick. The plaza will also include planting beds, benches, brick walkways, drinking fountain, and bicycle racks. If possible, please come out and meet your neighbors!

At 1545 Heights Boulevard, from 1-4 p.m., four artists will be showing their creations. Artists featured will be Pam August (silver jewelry), Liz Spencer (paintings and drawings), Todd August (black and white photography), and Ron Collins (painted wood carvings). Wine and cheese will be served.

Also at the Boulevard Realty Heights office at 1545 Heights Boulevard, agents and staff will be participating a winter soup challenge. While admiring the artwork, you’ll have the opportunity to taste several soups and vote on your favorite.

The Market is located at...

548 W. 19th Street, Houston, TX 77008 ... 713-802-1213

First Saturday Arts Market location is on the Wind Water Gallery parking lot.

Located inside the 610 North Loop in the Heights area of Houston. Take the Yale Street exit off of the 610 North Loop and go South on Yale (inside the Loop) to the corner of Yale and 19th streets, turn right (west) to the corner of Lawrence St. The market is located on the Wind Water Gallery parking lot.
.............................................................................................
visit my entire blog at http://blogs.har.com/cynthiamullins

email cynthia@cynthiamullins.com
follow me at www.twitter.com/cynthiamullins
friend me at www.facebook.com/cynthiamullins1

see what people like about the Heights and what they think is its best kept secret at www.youtube.com/cynthiamullins
houston heights real estate housing market homes for sale buying selling inner loop properties houston texas tx OPEN Houses 1545 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 77007 77009 houston heights realtor Woodland Heights Norhill Sunset Heights HISD Hogg Middle School IB Program Harvard Elementary Hamilton Middle School Reagan

November 2011 Market Report

NOV

Latest MLS Summary Report Houston

Houston temperatures finally cooled a bit in September, but home sales remained hot. Sales of single-family homes climbed nearly 17 percent when compared to 2010 numbers. It was the fourth consecutive month of increased sales volume.

More good news, the prices of those homes achieved all-time highs for a September in Houston. In addition, the of inventory of homes for sale fell to the lowest level since May 2010, while pending sales rose and active listings declined. All these factors are considered signs of a healthy and balanced housing market as the fall season got underway.

The average price of a single-family home rose 0.4 percent from September 2010 to $213,334, the highest level for a September in Houston. The September single-family home median price—the figure at which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less—also reached a September high for the market, rising 1.6 percent to $157,500.

September sales of all property types in Houston totaled 5,469, up 15.9 percent compared to September 2010. Total dollar volume for properties sold during the month jumped 16.0 percent to $1.1 billion versus $962 million one year earlier.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Sales of single-family homes were up in September, for the fourth consecutive month. And the number of homes on the market is declining.

Data per Houston Association of Realtors
.............................................................................................
visit my entire blog at http://blogs.har.com/cynthiamullins

email cynthia@cynthiamullins.com
follow me at www.twitter.com/cynthiamullins
friend me at www.facebook.com/cynthiamullins1

see what people like about the Heights and what they think is its best kept secret at www.youtube.com/cynthiamullins
houston heights real estate housing market homes for sale buying selling inner loop properties houston texas tx OPEN Houses 1545 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 77007 77009 houston heights realtor Woodland Heights Norhill Sunset Heights HISD Hogg Middle School IB Program Harvard Elementary Hamilton Middle School Reagan

Texas Cranking Out Jobs

OCT

photo http://blogs.mccombs.utexas.edu/mpa-admissions/2011/06/30/financial-jobs-in-texas/

COLLEGE STATION (Real Estate Center) – Texas was responsible for 19.4 percent of the total jobs created nationwide from September 2010 to September 2011, according to the Real Estate Center's latest Monthly Review of the Texas Economy (http://recenter.tamu.edu/econ/).

Texas gained 248,700 nonfarm jobs during the period, an annual growth rate of 2.4 percent compared with 1.1 percent for the United States.

The state’s private sector added 281,400 jobs, an annual growth rate of 3.3 percent compared with 1.7 percent for the nation’s private sector.

Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 8.5 percent in September 2011 from 8.2 in September 2010. The nation’s rate decreased from 9.6 to 9.1 percent.

All industries except the information industry and the state’s government sector had more jobs in September 2011 than in September 2010. The state’s mining and logging industry ranked first in job creation, followed by construction and the professional and business services industry.

All Texas metro areas except Abilene, Wichita Falls and Killeen-Temple-Fort Hood had more jobs in September 2011 than in September 2010. Victoria ranked first in job creation, followed by Corpus Christi, Laredo, Odessa and College Station-Bryan.

The state’s actual unemployment rate in September 2011 was 8.4 percent. Midland had the lowest rate followed by Amarillo, Odessa, College Station-Bryan and Lubbock.

The report was written by Research Economist Dr. Ali Anari and Chief Economist Dr. Mark Dotzour.
.............................................................................................
visit my entire blog at http://blogs.har.com/cynthiamullins

email cynthia@cynthiamullins.com
follow me at www.twitter.com/cynthiamullins
friend me at www.facebook.com/cynthiamullins1

see what people like about the Heights and what they think is its best kept secret at www.youtube.com/cynthiamullins
houston heights real estate housing market homes for sale buying selling inner loop properties houston texas tx OPEN Houses 1545 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 77007 77009 houston heights realtor Woodland Heights Norhill Sunset Heights HISD Hogg Middle School IB Program Harvard Elementary Hamilton Middle School Reagan

Average Home Prices in Houston Continue to Rise

OCT

Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University
College Station

View detailed chart information at http://recenter.tamu.edu/data/hs/hs280.asp.
.............................................................................................
visit my entire blog at http://blogs.har.com/cynthiamullins

email cynthia@cynthiamullins.com
follow me at www.twitter.com/cynthiamullins
friend me at www.facebook.com/cynthiamullins1

see what people like about the Heights and what they think is its best kept secret at www.youtube.com/cynthiamullins
houston heights real estate housing market homes for sale buying selling inner loop properties houston texas tx OPEN Houses 1545 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 77007 77009 houston heights realtor Woodland Heights Norhill Sunset Heights HISD Hogg Middle School IB Program Harvard Elementary Hamilton Middle School Reagan

WASHINGTON CORRIDOR RAILROAD NO HORN ZONE GETS QUIETER AT WINTER STREET

OCT

ENGINEERS NOTIFIED OF QUIET ZONE AFTER RAILROAD DELAY

The Winter Street Quiet Zone is now in effect in earnest. There was reportedly an issue with the directive from the railroads not going out in a timely manner, which has since been rectified, as well as discrepanices in signage as mentioned previously.

Remember, even if the trains are in a Quiet Zone, the train horns are REQUIRED to sound if there is anything or anyone on the tracks, so we are bound to hear horns sporadically. If you hear horns consistently, there is a way to report those potential violations (we say potential because there may be a good reason for the horn).

TO REPORT POTENTIAL VIOLATIONS OF THE QUIET ZONE:

Send an e-mail to Jack.Hanagriff@houstontx.gov with all details, especially date and time.

With that said it looks like the WashingtonQuietZone.com team is done. We'd like to thank you all again for your support and input through this long process, and we wish you the best, quietest sleep possible. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to let us know at the e-mail address above!

Sincerely...

The WashingtonQuietZone.com Team
.............................................................................................
visit my entire blog at http://blogs.har.com/cynthiamullins

email cynthia@cynthiamullins.com
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Cynthia Mullins
ABR, CRS, GRI, ASP, CNE
houston heights real estate housing market homes for sale buying selling inner loop properties houston texas tx OPEN Houses 1545 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 77007 77009 houston heights realtor Woodland Heights Norhill Sunset Heights HISD Hogg Middle School IB Program Harvard Elementary Hamilton Middle School Reagan High School

Open Houses this week in the Houston Heights, Woodland Heights, Norhill and Sunset Heights area

OCT

Click on the link below to see detailed information on open houses for the next 7 days. You can click on the photo to see more photos and click on the address to see a map.
http://goo.gl/5V0MN

View a map of all open houses in the Heights' area at
http://goo.gl/C0c6Q
.............................................................................................
visit my entire blog at http://blogs.har.com/cynthiamullins

email cynthia@cynthiamullins.com
follow me at www.twitter.com/cynthiamullins
friend me a www.facebook.com/cynthiamullins1

Cynthia Mullins
ABR, CRS, GRI, ASP, CNE
houston heights real estate housing market homes for sale buying selling inner loop properties houston texas tx OPEN Houses 1545 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 77007 77009 houston heights realtor Woodland Heights Norhill Sunset Heights HISD Hogg Middle School IB Program Harvard Elementary Hamilton Middle School Reagan High School

Houston Heights Area Housing Market Beats Houston Area Average Year-to-Date

OCT

Houston area single family home sales for 2011 are up 1.8% over last year as of August 31st. Houston Heights area sales (Houston Heights, Norhill, Woodland Heights, etc.) are up 7.3% for the same time period.

While Houston area numbers have not yet been released year-to-date through September 30th, the Houston Heights area continues to remain strong with 5.5% more homes sold through September than the same time period last year. In addition, the average sales price per square foot in the Heights area increased from $195.55 to $200.79. We currently have 237 homes on the market, significantly less than the 268 homes sold in the past six months, indicating demand is strong and supply is tight here in the Heights. While homes not priced in accordance with their qualities may linger, properties showing thier best and priced to the market move quickly with more than 1/3 of the homes for sale in the past 6 months going under contract in 30 days or less.
................................................................................................
visit my entire blog at http://blogs.har.com/cynthiamullins

email cynthia@cynthiamullins.com
follow me at www.twitter.com/cynthiamullins
friend me a www.facebook.com/cynthiamullins1

Cynthia Mullins
ABR, CRS, GRI, ASP, CNE
houston heights real estate housing market homes for sale buying selling inner loop properties houston texas tx OPEN Houses 1545 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 77007 77009 houston heights realtor Woodland Heights Norhill Sunset Heights HISD Hogg Middle School IB Program Harvard Elementary Hamilton Middle School Reagan High School

Houston-Area Home Sales Soar, But Compared to What?

OCT

OCTOBER 2011 MARKET REPORT

Like our summer temperatures, the Houston-area home sales were hot in August. Single-family sales spiked 30.2% compared to the same month last year, according to the Houston Association of Realtors. In fact, August marked the third straight month of increased sales with 5,543 transactions.

But before you get angry and call your Boulevard Realty agent to find out why your property wasn’t one of the closed transactions reported in August, it’s important for you to know that the recent increases are largely the result of lingering affects of the 2010 tax credit incentive. During 2010, the number of transactions tapered off considerably during the third quarter after the government incentive expired. Probably a more realistic comparison for you to consider is that on a year-to-year basis, sales for 2011 are up 1.8% over 2010.

The Houston Chronicle also reported a sizzle in August home sales, writing that the local housing market continued to favor buyers last month. The news source also reported that at the end of August, there was a 7.1-month supply of homes for sale, meaning it would take that long to sell all the homes on the market based on recent activity. A year ago, the area had an eight-month supply. However, Houston is starting to deplete some of its inventory.

Home prices were unchanged in August 2011, and low mortgage rates are bringing some buyers to the market, but there are still signs of stress.

Sellers in parts of town with new homes and foreclosures are having a tougher time with their properties. Some are taking their homes off the market or waiting to list them, a possible reason for the lower inventory.

At Boulevard Realty—where experienced and knowledgeable agents are the norm—we continue to work hard to find buyers for our clients’ properties. Regardless of the market, your calls will be answered by a live, breathing person who cares about helping you sell your property!
................................................................................................
visit my entire blog at http://blogs.har.com/cynthiamullins

email cynthia@cynthiamullins.com
follow me at www.twitter.com/cynthiamullins
friend me a www.facebook.com/cynthiamullins1

see what people like about the Heights and what they think is its best kept secret at www.youtube.com/cynthiamullins
houston heights real estate housing market homes for sale buying selling inner loop properties houston texas tx OPEN Houses 1545 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 77007 77009 houston heights realtor Woodland Heights Norhill Sunset Heights HISD Hogg Middle School IB Program Harvard Elementary Hamilton Middle School Reagan High School

Open Houses this weekend in Shady Acres

SEP

Click on goo.gl/0c4hC to see detailed information on open houses this weekend. You can click on the photo to see more photos and click on the address to see a map to the specific listing.

For a map of all open houses in Shady Acres, click goo.gl/hbYyY
.............................................................................................
visit my entire blog at http://blogs.har.com/cynthiamullins

email cynthia@cynthiamullins.com
follow me at www.twitter.com/cynthiamullins
friend me at www.facebook.com/cynthiamullins1

see what people like about the Heights and what they think is its best kept secret at www.youtube.com/cynthiamullins
houston heights real estate housing market homes for sale buying selling inner loop properties houston texas tx OPEN Houses 1545 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 77007 77009 houston heights realtor Woodland Heights Norhill Sunset Heights HISD Hogg Middle School IB Program Harvard Elementary Hamilton Middle School Reagan

ISSUES WITH WINTER STREET RAILROAD QUIET ZONE

SEP

ALL TRAINS STILL SOUNDING THEIR HORNS

The Winter Street Quiet Zone, which was due to go into effect yesterday, the 27th of September, does not appear to be in effect after all. Many people have reported that every train that comes through is still sounding its horn at all crossings.

Our own investigation into this matter has shown that there is no Quiet Zone signage posted for the engineers on the rail line itself. In areas of the Washington Quiet Zone that are already implemented, signage similar to the one at the Heights crossing, shown below, is displayed.

There is no such signage in the Winter Street Zone.

We have been in touch with the city on this issue and they are working with UPRR to determine what the problem is and how soon it will be fixed.

Even though the city is working on this, in order to keep pressure on this issue to get it fixed, please do not refrain from reporting violations of the Winter Street Zone. The more voices they hear, the more quickly this will be rectified.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask, at stoptrainhorns@washingtonquietzone.com

As always, your neighbors thank you for your support!

The WashingtonQuietZone.com team

As reported on http://www.washingtonquietzone.com/
.............................................................................................
visit my entire blog at http://blogs.har.com/cynthiamullins

email cynthia@cynthiamullins.com
follow me at www.twitter.com/cynthiamullins
friend me at www.facebook.com/cynthiamullins1

see what people like about the Heights and what they think is its best kept secret at www.youtube.com/cynthiamullins
houston heights real estate housing market homes for sale buying selling inner loop properties houston texas tx OPEN Houses 1545 Heights Boulevard, Houston, TX 77008 77007 77009 houston heights realtor Woodland Heights Norhill Sunset Heights HISD Hogg Middle School IB Program Harvard Elementary Hamilton Middle School Reagan

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