What if you could buy a brand new home in a growing community, lease the home immediately for more than your monthly note, and have instant equity of 10% or more? Does that sound like a solid investment? These opportunities abound in Suburban Houston, where home values and rental rates continue to climb. Nationwide homebuilders are suffering from slowing markets outside Texas, so they're offering incredible incentives to unload inventory homes. Typical inventory homes can be acquired for 10-15% below list price, yet homes built-to-suit are still selling for at or near list price. All of this in a market where commercial and residential development is as strong as ever. Take this example: In the popular Spring area of North Houston, a major homebuilder is offering homes starting in the ... 01/02/2008

University of Houston-Clear Lake's Small Business Development Institute has a Jan. 15th deadline for small business owners to apply to be a spring semester project.  Business students will offer free advice to help the small business grow.  Applicants must have been in business at least six months, be located within a 40 minute drive from UHCL, and be willing to meet with students.  The business must be financially sound and owners must disclose financial information and other business data. Call 281-283-3122 for more information.www.StagingSmartNSold.com partners with realtors and homesellers to offer Houston home staging that will  facilitate rapid and profitable sales. 12/30/2007

The United Way Bay Area Service Center is located at 1300-A Bay Area Blvd in Houston.  It houses 17 nonprofit agencies that offer more than 30 programs to area residents.  A major United Way goal is to fund neighborhood based programs to enhance the quality of life in the Houston Bay Area.Agencies housed in the center need the help of volunteers to support programs of emergency assistance, social support, counsel and advocacy, health services, life skills development, senior outreach and youth services. Volunteers can promote the delivery of those programs by assisting with administration, clerical, marketing, client support, transportation, fundraising, board membership, event planning, program outreach and other activities.  Please call 281-282-6000.http://www.stagingsmartnsold.com/ p... 12/30/2007

University of Houston-Clear Lake will allow area high school students to participate in the Lone Star Regional Remote FIRST Robotics Kickoff on Jan. 5 from 8:30 am to 1 pm. FIRST-For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology -Robotics Competition teams will watch the NASA televised kickoff event in Manchester, N.H.  Between 300-500 students will participate in the competition.Teams will hear a speech from James Dabney, UH Clear Lake associate professor and program chair of systems engineering.  They will receive their challenge and their "kit of parts". The teams, and their mentors will then have six weeks to solve a common problem by building robots from the parts in their kit.  For more information, call 281-283-2019.www.StagingSmartNSold.com provides home staging solution... 12/30/2007

The ceremonial shovel was dug into the ground this week to mark the start of construction on the Mega Pavilion opening Downtown. The property boast 360,000 sq. ft. of retail space and 200,000 sq. ft. of office capability. The Pavilion is centered around the mayors downtown revamping initiative. This massive development will house large name retailers and restaurants that will make our city more attractive to travelers and convention organizers. Being that office space tenancy in Houston is at a historical high, companies looking to move to Houston will see it as a Welcome sign. 12/29/2007

The custom home real estate market in Houston is extremley comptetitive.  Home Builders are constantly trying to imagine what their client would want in their homes before even meeting them. The one new feature they claim a home buyer can't do without is a space dedicated to their favorite wines. Whether it be a 500 sq. ft. room or something as simple as a wine refrigerator, home buyers are requesting them in their plans. Wine room designers are booked months in advance and not complaining. When a home buyer is deciding between a home with or without the feature it could be the deciding factor that sets one home apart from the next. I believe that this trend will be around to stay. 12/29/2007

Runners its time for you to break in those new shoes you got for Christmas and gear up for the 36th annual Chevron Houston Marathon. You have just 14 days left to register and get in your last training rounds.  With four different courses to chose from the whole family can participate together no matter what age or ability. If running is not for you don't forget there are volunteer opportunities as well. You still have time to register so visit the website below and get started!http://www.chevronhoustonmarathon.com/Chevron_Houston_Marathon.htm 12/29/2007

A tax assistance program coordinated by AARP and approved by the IRS needs volunteers to help prepare tax forms for low and middle income people.Volunteers will train in January to work at tax assistance stations at libraries and community centers throughout the Houston area.  Visit www.aarp.org/taxaide for more information on how to volunteer.www.StagingSmartNSold.com assists realtors and homeowners with Houston home staging solutions to help a home sell faster and for more profit.  The owner has volunteered for Family Outreach in Clear Lake for three years. 12/29/2007

A grass roots organization that provides health services to at risk populations in Africa and in the Houston area needs office help once a week.  The shift is four hours with a choice of weekdays.  Duties would involve phone coverage, data entry, photocopying, and special projects at the office near Hillcroft and Harwin.Please call 713-965-0031 or visit www.volunteerhouston.org for further information.www.stagingsmartnsold.com is the smart solution to help sell your Houston house faster and for more profit. The owner has volunteered four hundred hours with Family Outreach Agency in the Houston Bay Area. 12/27/2007

Volunteer Houston is seeking Spanish speakers to help teach conversational English to immigrant mothers of hearing impaired children.  Just one hour per week working with a small group of mothers can teach enough English to help them more effectively discuss their children's learning needs.Teaching will take place at a special school near River Oaks on selected weekday mornings.  Please contact www.volunteerhouston.org or call 713-965-0031 for more information.www.StagingSmartNSold.com offers Houston home staging to create buyer appeal and sell a house faster and for more profit.  The owner is a volunteer with Family Outreach Clear Lake.   12/26/2007

Here are four of the many opportunities available through Volunteer Houston. If interested you may call them at 713-965-0031 or visit www.volunteerhouston.orgJoin other volunteers to make visits to nursing homes on Christmas Day.Assist with bulk mailings at the Bellaire office of an agency who serves families of missing children.Plan and host events held by a prominent child abuse prevention agency.Lead craft activities at an Astrodome area nursing home on Wednesday afternoons. www.StagingSmartNSold.com provides home staging solutions to create a memorable first impression and assist with the prompt & profitable sale of your house.  The owner has volunteered with Family Outreach Bay Area for three years. 12/22/2007

Keller Williams Realty Now Providing Services to Woodforest and Surrounding CommunitiesCareer opportunties await for real estate agents that specialize in Woodforest real estate.  Contact 281-812-8229 to learn more about a career in real estate with Keller Williams RealtyWoodforest Real Estate will be experiencing a new level of real estate services when Keller Williams Realty Northeast establishes a satellite office at Beltway 8 and Wallisville Rd. in the next 30-45 days.  Keller Williams Realty NE is located in Kingwood, TX and is the 2nd largest brokerage in Houston, TX based on the number of transaction sides closed.  Expect a high level of professionalism and cutting edge technology that will get you results.  Call 281-812-8229 for additional information. Specializing in residentia... 12/21/2007

Have some last minute gifts to buy? Are the kids out of school and driving you crazy? Then take them and their friends over to the Galleria's Polar Ice, the mall's ice skating rink while you shop and grab some coffee. Skaters of every skill level are welcome. You will see skaters of all ages and levels spinning around the rink.  The less advanced will be holding on to the rail or gliding ever so slowly.  The rink is open 7 days a week and is home to Olympic Champion Tara Lipinski. Polar Ice Galleria 5015 Westheimer, Ste 1260 Houston, TX 77056 Level 1 - theGalleria 713-621-1500       Visit www.redesignetc.com a full-service Home Staging & Redesign Company serving the Houston & Galveston areas. 12/20/2007

A team of volunteers will visit Houston area nursing homes and hospitals on Christmas day to deliver cards and cookies. Groups can also visit with and sing Christmas carols to patients and residents.Volunteers will meet at the Volunteer Houston office at 3033 Chimney Rock, near Richmond. For more information, call Walter Black at 713-964-0229.www.StagingSmartNSold.com offers an affordable investment to sell your house in Houston quicker and for more profit! 12/20/2007

Known as both the Bayou City and Space City, Houston was founded in 1836 and named after General Sam Houston. With a population of close to 2 million, it's the 4th largest city in the United States. The city has been a dynamic center of business since the early 1900s and is also the leader in space technology, being home to NASA and the Johnson Space Center. The port area is thriving and connected to the city by the Houston Ship Channel. Other well known areas are Interstate 10's Energy Corridor, the Galleria, and the world class Texas Medical Center. Houston's feel is diverse, with both a high rise skyline and waterways like the Buffalo Bayou, which winds through the city. Recently, downtown Houston has been transferred into a dynamic area of the city for both entertainment and residen... 12/19/2007

An economic indicator that I consider occasionally is one from the Global Insight quarterly study on housing prices in America. Here’s an interesting tidbit from the most recent report: of the 330 markets surveyed, Houston is the most undervalued.The study uses many factors in determining the theoretical price equilibrium level for each regional market, including taxes, income, population density, and a somewhat ambiguous “desirability factor”. So, as with most all economic studies there is an element of art mixed in with the science.  Nonetheless I think this study is an insightful data point when thinking about the relative valuation of varioius markets.The fact that Houston is scored as the single most undervalued market is interesting when viewed in light of the underlying economic ... 12/19/2007

WARWICK TOWERS1111 Hermann Dr. (interactive Map)Houston, TX 77004Area: Museum District, Texas Medical Center, Inner Loop South, Hermann ParkFor more information or to schedule a showing of any property Call (832) 298-2893 or e-mail: Steven Teoh, your Houston High Rises / Lofts Realtor.  Click here to view properties for saleInteractive Map Number of Floors 30Year Built 1982PoolYesTennis Court YesExercise Room YesParty Room YesStorageYesManagementThe Warwick - Tel: 713-521-2222   Bordering street #1Fannin StreetBordering street #2Hermann DriveBordering street #3San Jacinto StreetHouston's Premier High-rise within walk distance to Houston's finest Museums and Hermann Park. World's renowned Texas Medical Center only minutes away. The towers recently underwent a major renovation on the roof... 12/14/2007

The Piedmont at River Oaks 1010 Rosine (Interactive Map ) Houston, TX 77019Click here to view properties for SaleArea: Inner Loop, River Oaks, Mid-Town Priced from $180's to $350's Year Built: 2006 Number of Story: 5 Number of Units: 80 For more information or to schedule a showing of any property Call (832) 298-2893 or e-mail: Steven Teoh, your Houston High Rises / Lofts expert. Main Highlights:One to three bedrooms with unique interior design 10 foot ceilings High-quality construction Large windows Crown molding and recessed lighting Ceramic and hardwood floors Granite countertops Wood kitchen cabinets Electric wine cooler Super-efficient soundproofing system Secure, covered parking Common terrace with pool, BBQ area, and dramatic downtown view Great views from the residences Friendly... 12/14/2007

The Piedmont at River Oaks 1010 Rosine (Interactive Map ) Houston, TX 77019Click here to view properties for SaleArea: Inner Loop, River Oaks, Mid-Town Priced from $180's to $350's Year Built: 2006 Number of Story: 5 Number of Units: 80 For more information or to schedule a showing of any property Call (832) 298-2893 or e-mail: Steven Teoh, your Houston High Rises / Lofts expert. Main Highlights:One to three bedrooms with unique interior design 10 foot ceilings High-quality construction Large windows Crown molding and recessed lighting Ceramic and hardwood floors Granite countertops Wood kitchen cabinets Electric wine cooler Super-efficient soundproofing system Secure, covered parking Common terrace with pool, BBQ area, and dramatic downtown view Great views from the residences Friendly... 12/14/2007

The Tanglewood LoftsAddress: 1616 Fountain View Dr. (Interactive Map) Houston, TX 77057Area: Galleria, Tanglewood, Post Oaks, UptownPriced: $200's to $750'sConcierge: YesFitness Area: YesPool: Yes Developer: Wallace/HalpinArchitect: Carlo Di Nunzio Click here to view properties for saleUptown living at it best! Located on Fountainview near San Felipe, just down the street from the 62-unit condo, offers full-scale models of kitchens and bathrooms, complete with cabinetry, light fixtures and appliances. 24/7 on-site concierge service. A sophisticated, fully furnished, arch-vaulted, two-story entry lobby with a concierge center. Entry access phone system at main entrance along with a camera-monitored lobby. Fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, overlooking the pool court. Outdoor... 12/14/2007