January | February 2011 85026 PERMIT 1441
ROYAL OAKS COUNTRY CLUB MARKET REPORT The Community had closed/sold 50 properties through late December...a strong finish for 2010 and in line with the 53 homes sold last year. There are currently 71 homes available on the market: • 27 homes are on the golf course & 44 homes are non-golf 7 homes are new construction & 64 are pre-owned
Royal Oaks Country Club Featured P roperties
(Per HAR MLS 12/18/10)
Your Royal Oaks Neighbor and Realtor.... Providing a Lifestyle, Not Just an Address! If you are considering buying or selling a home there is no substitute for experience and proven performance! • Royal Oaks Country Club Resident for over 10 years • Full Golf Country Club Member • Exclusive Listing Agent for the Developer of the Royal Oaks Community • Ranked and Recognized in the Top 1% of Realtors for Sales in 2009 per HAR • Broker Associate and hold a BBA in Marketing from the University of Houston. Providing you and our community with the highest level of service, experience and results for 10+ years.
11714 Bistro Amazing Estate | 7/6-2/3 | game & media, library
11503 St Germain Golf Course Estate | 6/6-1/3 | loggia, pool, spa
11714 Empress Oaks Stunning Golf Course Estate | 5/4-1/3 | pool, spa
11410 Chartreuse Ct. Golf Course Home | 5/5-2/4 | island green view, pool, spa
11823 Legend Manor Golf Course Home | 4/4-1/3 | game room, pool, spa
3202 Manet Cul-de-Sac | 3/3-1/3 | pool, spa, large yard
Your Interiors’ Distinctive Touch
Square Footage
How Accurate are Your Home’s Measurements? www.HAR.com/BrandeyHeckeroth
11219 Royal Chateau Courtyard entry | 3/3-1/3 | study, casita, pool
11922 Rosebrier Park Villa | 3/3-1/2 | huge master, pool
www.HeritageTexas.com
Modern Sophisticated Cuisine benjy’s Lamb with Mint Pesto
BRANDEY HECKEROTH
Broker Associate 11689 Westheimer, Suite C • Houston, TX 77077
Phone: 281.679.0101 Direct: 713.254.3551 Brandey@HeritageTexas.com If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
Royal Oaks Country Club’s 2819 Stuart Manor Villa | 3/3-1/2 | game room, spacious yard
2803 Tudor Manor Villa | 3/3-1/2 | game room, large yard
Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996
Real Estate Report
Featuring benjy’s 713.868.1131 | benjys.com
GRILLED LAMB WITH MINT PESTO AND WATERCRESS SALAD 1 lb. Boneless leg of lamb 4 Tbs. Baharat seasoning salt and pepper as needed Mint Pesto 1 cup mint, chopped ½ cup basil, chopped ½ cup spinach, chopped 2 Tbs. garlic, minced 2 tsp. ginger, minced 1/2 cup fresh lime juice 1 cup grapeseed oil salt and pepper as needed Watercress Salad 1 bunch watercress 1 Tbs. olive oil 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice salt and pepper as needed • Season the lamb with the Baharat, salt and pepper. Place in refrigerator for 24 hours. Slice thinly with a very sharp knife. • Mix all the ingredients for the pesto and refrigerate for 24 hours. • Place the lamb in a bowl and top with 3 Tbs. of the pesto. Mix thoroughly. Place the lamb on a grill for 1 minute, then remove it and place it on a serving plate. • Top the lamb with 2 Tbs. of the pesto. • Season the watercress with the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Top the grilled lamb with salad and serve immediately. 4 servings
Looking to add a distinctive touch to your home? It’s time to step it up a notch with that ultimate designer touch: A hand-painted relief, a hand-painted finished wall, or a textured ceiling to make your home truly unique. But when it comes to custom interior finishes, it seems there are infinite possibilities. How can you narrow down what type of design you want in your home? The first thing to remember, says Mary Senders, co-owner of In Your Space Arts, is that the architecture of your home usually drives the overall inspiration. “It’s hard to create a Mediterranean-style home in a craftsman bungalow.” Next, look around your space and find places where an artist might lend a personal touch. You’d be surprised—you don’t necessarily need a monumental space for such a project. “The main thing we look for is an architectural element,” says Senders, whose group of artisans are trained and expected to be well-versed in architecture, design styles, and color so they can guide the client in the selections. “Our finishes really accentuate the unique architecture of a space. It can be a groin or inset ceiling, or an overall wash of color to richen the paint finish. It doesn’t need to be a huge
Your homebuilder said you have 4500 square feet, county tax records say 4200 square feet and the appraiser says it’s actually 4700. What’s going on here? Many people are surprised to know that calculating square footage is more of an opinion than an exact science. That’s why different sources might come up with differing amounts. The concept seems simple enough. How can you go wrong with a measuring tape and a calculator? The answer is that there is not a consistent practice of measuring. Most real estate appraisers measure the exterior of the home to calculate the gross living area. However, since they are measuring from the exterior, the calculation includes the space taken up by the exterior walls, wood siding, stucco and/or stone. For instance, a space of 20 ft. x 50 ft. would be 1000 square feet. But if the walls
space – small hallway niches are great places for unique finishes and color. Powder bathrooms are also confined spaces where you can add a special finish. We also can update the finishes on cabinets to update an older look by adding depth and richness.” Luckily, if you turn to the craftsmen and artists of In Your Space Art, you’re putting your home in the hands of true professionals. “We use artisan techniques that attempt to recreate and rebuild authentic finishes,” explains Senders. “We use products created from natural elements to imitate how the finish would have originally been created. We avoid using faux products because they limit the ability of the artist to adjust colors and finishes on site.” The artists even make
are five-inches thick, that’s actually only 942 square feet of livable space. And, that gross footage also includes closets, interior walls, and stairwells. To complicate the matter further, a two-story home has an entire other floor of exterior walls that are considered part of its square footage. A square footage calculation might be made from another source based on interior dimensions. Room dimensions are generally measured from wall to wall. Others might measure not just room dimensions, but the actual floor space. Further, if there are extensive built-in bookshelves or cabinets, that can make a notable difference. What about that large kitchen island? It’s not walkable floor space, but rather like a piece of furniture. Does that square footage count? In 1996, the American Standards Institute approved a voluntary standard for calculating the square footage of a home.
their own plasters, bricks, and metal powders to gain more control of the products, colors, and overall finish. “Clients who are looking for authenticity and artistry are appreciative of our artisan techniques.” No doubt, the other most important factor is color. “Usually we spend a lot of time working with the designer or client on the right color for the space,” says Senders, who co-owns the design firm with creative director Danny Phillips. “It is a combination of the existing colors in the home—floors, tile, furnishings—and their personal preference.” Some questions the artists of In Your Space may ask: What colors are you attracted to? What colors do you like to be surrounded by? (Hint: Your clothing colors often give a clue!)
Not everyone uses these standards, but before they were drafted, there was a higher incidence of different computing methods. Some counted vaulted ceilings as living space, some doubled the downstairs area for two-story homes. Others included balconies, porches and fireplaces as living space. This is one of the reasons that county tax records can be so different; even more so in older homes, where improvements and additions might have been made over the years and not recorded. So how do you know what your home’s square footage is? Or that of a home that you would like to buy? There are some companies out there that you can hire to verify
“We discern features in the style of the home, natural elements, and the ambiance or ‘feel’ that someone is looking for,” she continues. “Sometimes people want a formal, polished look and other times they want a relaxed, comfortable space.” Of course, your inspiration can come from anywhere. “Some [of our clients] find inspiration from their travels,” adds Senders, adding that every client is different. “We worked on a home recently where the client had spent months in Venice, Italy to replicate the architecture, finishes, and colors for her waterfront home.” But you don’t need to have traveled to get design ideas. “Sometimes the inspiration is a favorite piece of art or painting.” Gleaning ideas from current trends is also a good approach. Popular hues and trends right now include cleaner, fresher colors with a hint of earth tones. “Grey is the new brown,” says Senders. “Many paints, fabrics and woods are including a touch of grey to add that sharp, clean feel. We are also seeing a big increase in antique cabinets: Old World finishes with multiple layers of paint. Accent finishes are still popular and we still see Old World and classic finishes in the popular Mediterranean-style homes.” For more information on In Your Space Art, and to see photos of their gorgeous work as well as videos of the team in action, visit InYourSpaceArt.com.
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2011 Music of Frank Sinatra with Matt Dusk Jones Hall, January 7th – 9th 713.224.7575 | HoustonSymphony.org Celebrate the legendary hits by Old Blue Eyes himself, during this brilliant tribute. Accompanying the Houston Symphony, jazz musician Matt Dusk will be singing some of Sinatra’s greatest tunes such as That’s Life and As Time Goes By. You’ll find yourself enthralled by these timeless songs. Art for Life Vine Street Studios, January 24th 713.623.6796 | AidsHelp.org Featuring a collection of art donated by nearly 50 local and nationally recognized artists, the evening starts off with a live and silent auction, followed by lively dancing. As part of the Mukura “Arts for Aids” series, proceeds will be used to fund housing and food, as well as benefit counseling programs for those living with, or at risk for, HIV/AIDS. The Peking Acrobats Jones Hall, January 27th – 28th 713.227.4772 | SPAHouston.org Hailing from the People’s Republic of China, the gravity-defying Peking Acrobats amaze audiences with their jaw-dropping displays of contortion and control. The largest troupe of its kind, The Peking Acrobats push the envelope of human possibilities with treacherous feats of daring! The Peking Acrobats will be joined by the Women’s Peace Orchestra of China, who play traditional Chinese instruments with 21st-century sophistication and flair. Anthony Bourdain: Kitchen Basics Series Sur La Table City Centre, February 9th, 16th, 23rd 800.243.0852 | CookingClasses.SurLaTable.com As the popular host of TV’s No Reservations, Anthony Bourdain knows a thing or two about good cooking. During this three-class session you will learn the basic skills to be successful in the kitchen by starting out easy with eggs and pasta then evolving to more detailed dishes such as beef stewed in red wine. Perhaps this will have your friends raving at your next dinner party!
a home’s square footage. Your Realtor can aid you in finding a resource. That’s a good option if you see several conflicting reports on the same home, or if the square footage advertised just doesn’t seem to “add up.” As far as buying a home, perhaps it’s good advice to not get too caught up in the square footage number. Sometimes a 4500 square foot home flows better and appears bigger than a 5000 square foot home. Buy a property because you love it and it feels like home, no matter if the numbers might be “off.”
Houston Ballet Ball Wortham Theatre Center, February 19th 713.535.3230 | HoustonBallet.org This year’s “Designed to Dance” ball includes a magnificent dinner from Jackson and Company, delightful entertainment from Doc Scantlin and his Imperial Palms Orchestra and a treasure-filled silent auction. Join fellow ballet patrons in toasting to Rose and Harry Cullen, 2011’s distinguished honorees. Billy Elliott: The Musical Sarofim Hall, February 23rd – March 13th 713.315.2400 | BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com Come see this inspirational story of a little boy that accidentally stumbles upon his true calling: dance. Billy Elliott has been thrilling audiences for years and is the winner of nine Tony Awards including best musical.
Featuring benjy’s 713.868.1131 | benjys.com
GRILLED LAMB WITH MINT PESTO AND WATERCRESS SALAD 1 lb. Boneless leg of lamb 4 Tbs. Baharat seasoning salt and pepper as needed Mint Pesto 1 cup mint, chopped ½ cup basil, chopped ½ cup spinach, chopped 2 Tbs. garlic, minced 2 tsp. ginger, minced 1/2 cup fresh lime juice 1 cup grapeseed oil salt and pepper as needed Watercress Salad 1 bunch watercress 1 Tbs. olive oil 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice salt and pepper as needed • Season the lamb with the Baharat, salt and pepper. Place in refrigerator for 24 hours. Slice thinly with a very sharp knife. • Mix all the ingredients for the pesto and refrigerate for 24 hours. • Place the lamb in a bowl and top with 3 Tbs. of the pesto. Mix thoroughly. Place the lamb on a grill for 1 minute, then remove it and place it on a serving plate. • Top the lamb with 2 Tbs. of the pesto. • Season the watercress with the olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Top the grilled lamb with salad and serve immediately. 4 servings
Looking to add a distinctive touch to your home? It’s time to step it up a notch with that ultimate designer touch: A hand-painted relief, a hand-painted finished wall, or a textured ceiling to make your home truly unique. But when it comes to custom interior finishes, it seems there are infinite possibilities. How can you narrow down what type of design you want in your home? The first thing to remember, says Mary Senders, co-owner of In Your Space Arts, is that the architecture of your home usually drives the overall inspiration. “It’s hard to create a Mediterranean-style home in a craftsman bungalow.” Next, look around your space and find places where an artist might lend a personal touch. You’d be surprised—you don’t necessarily need a monumental space for such a project. “The main thing we look for is an architectural element,” says Senders, whose group of artisans are trained and expected to be well-versed in architecture, design styles, and color so they can guide the client in the selections. “Our finishes really accentuate the unique architecture of a space. It can be a groin or inset ceiling, or an overall wash of color to richen the paint finish. It doesn’t need to be a huge
Your homebuilder said you have 4500 square feet, county tax records say 4200 square feet and the appraiser says it’s actually 4700. What’s going on here? Many people are surprised to know that calculating square footage is more of an opinion than an exact science. That’s why different sources might come up with differing amounts. The concept seems simple enough. How can you go wrong with a measuring tape and a calculator? The answer is that there is not a consistent practice of measuring. Most real estate appraisers measure the exterior of the home to calculate the gross living area. However, since they are measuring from the exterior, the calculation includes the space taken up by the exterior walls, wood siding, stucco and/or stone. For instance, a space of 20 ft. x 50 ft. would be 1000 square feet. But if the walls
space – small hallway niches are great places for unique finishes and color. Powder bathrooms are also confined spaces where you can add a special finish. We also can update the finishes on cabinets to update an older look by adding depth and richness.” Luckily, if you turn to the craftsmen and artists of In Your Space Art, you’re putting your home in the hands of true professionals. “We use artisan techniques that attempt to recreate and rebuild authentic finishes,” explains Senders. “We use products created from natural elements to imitate how the finish would have originally been created. We avoid using faux products because they limit the ability of the artist to adjust colors and finishes on site.” The artists even make
are five-inches thick, that’s actually only 942 square feet of livable space. And, that gross footage also includes closets, interior walls, and stairwells. To complicate the matter further, a two-story home has an entire other floor of exterior walls that are considered part of its square footage. A square footage calculation might be made from another source based on interior dimensions. Room dimensions are generally measured from wall to wall. Others might measure not just room dimensions, but the actual floor space. Further, if there are extensive built-in bookshelves or cabinets, that can make a notable difference. What about that large kitchen island? It’s not walkable floor space, but rather like a piece of furniture. Does that square footage count? In 1996, the American Standards Institute approved a voluntary standard for calculating the square footage of a home.
their own plasters, bricks, and metal powders to gain more control of the products, colors, and overall finish. “Clients who are looking for authenticity and artistry are appreciative of our artisan techniques.” No doubt, the other most important factor is color. “Usually we spend a lot of time working with the designer or client on the right color for the space,” says Senders, who co-owns the design firm with creative director Danny Phillips. “It is a combination of the existing colors in the home—floors, tile, furnishings—and their personal preference.” Some questions the artists of In Your Space may ask: What colors are you attracted to? What colors do you like to be surrounded by? (Hint: Your clothing colors often give a clue!)
Not everyone uses these standards, but before they were drafted, there was a higher incidence of different computing methods. Some counted vaulted ceilings as living space, some doubled the downstairs area for two-story homes. Others included balconies, porches and fireplaces as living space. This is one of the reasons that county tax records can be so different; even more so in older homes, where improvements and additions might have been made over the years and not recorded. So how do you know what your home’s square footage is? Or that of a home that you would like to buy? There are some companies out there that you can hire to verify
“We discern features in the style of the home, natural elements, and the ambiance or ‘feel’ that someone is looking for,” she continues. “Sometimes people want a formal, polished look and other times they want a relaxed, comfortable space.” Of course, your inspiration can come from anywhere. “Some [of our clients] find inspiration from their travels,” adds Senders, adding that every client is different. “We worked on a home recently where the client had spent months in Venice, Italy to replicate the architecture, finishes, and colors for her waterfront home.” But you don’t need to have traveled to get design ideas. “Sometimes the inspiration is a favorite piece of art or painting.” Gleaning ideas from current trends is also a good approach. Popular hues and trends right now include cleaner, fresher colors with a hint of earth tones. “Grey is the new brown,” says Senders. “Many paints, fabrics and woods are including a touch of grey to add that sharp, clean feel. We are also seeing a big increase in antique cabinets: Old World finishes with multiple layers of paint. Accent finishes are still popular and we still see Old World and classic finishes in the popular Mediterranean-style homes.” For more information on In Your Space Art, and to see photos of their gorgeous work as well as videos of the team in action, visit InYourSpaceArt.com.
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2011 Music of Frank Sinatra with Matt Dusk Jones Hall, January 7th – 9th 713.224.7575 | HoustonSymphony.org Celebrate the legendary hits by Old Blue Eyes himself, during this brilliant tribute. Accompanying the Houston Symphony, jazz musician Matt Dusk will be singing some of Sinatra’s greatest tunes such as That’s Life and As Time Goes By. You’ll find yourself enthralled by these timeless songs. Art for Life Vine Street Studios, January 24th 713.623.6796 | AidsHelp.org Featuring a collection of art donated by nearly 50 local and nationally recognized artists, the evening starts off with a live and silent auction, followed by lively dancing. As part of the Mukura “Arts for Aids” series, proceeds will be used to fund housing and food, as well as benefit counseling programs for those living with, or at risk for, HIV/AIDS. The Peking Acrobats Jones Hall, January 27th – 28th 713.227.4772 | SPAHouston.org Hailing from the People’s Republic of China, the gravity-defying Peking Acrobats amaze audiences with their jaw-dropping displays of contortion and control. The largest troupe of its kind, The Peking Acrobats push the envelope of human possibilities with treacherous feats of daring! The Peking Acrobats will be joined by the Women’s Peace Orchestra of China, who play traditional Chinese instruments with 21st-century sophistication and flair. Anthony Bourdain: Kitchen Basics Series Sur La Table City Centre, February 9th, 16th, 23rd 800.243.0852 | CookingClasses.SurLaTable.com As the popular host of TV’s No Reservations, Anthony Bourdain knows a thing or two about good cooking. During this three-class session you will learn the basic skills to be successful in the kitchen by starting out easy with eggs and pasta then evolving to more detailed dishes such as beef stewed in red wine. Perhaps this will have your friends raving at your next dinner party!
a home’s square footage. Your Realtor can aid you in finding a resource. That’s a good option if you see several conflicting reports on the same home, or if the square footage advertised just doesn’t seem to “add up.” As far as buying a home, perhaps it’s good advice to not get too caught up in the square footage number. Sometimes a 4500 square foot home flows better and appears bigger than a 5000 square foot home. Buy a property because you love it and it feels like home, no matter if the numbers might be “off.”
Houston Ballet Ball Wortham Theatre Center, February 19th 713.535.3230 | HoustonBallet.org This year’s “Designed to Dance” ball includes a magnificent dinner from Jackson and Company, delightful entertainment from Doc Scantlin and his Imperial Palms Orchestra and a treasure-filled silent auction. Join fellow ballet patrons in toasting to Rose and Harry Cullen, 2011’s distinguished honorees. Billy Elliott: The Musical Sarofim Hall, February 23rd – March 13th 713.315.2400 | BroadwayAcrossAmerica.com Come see this inspirational story of a little boy that accidentally stumbles upon his true calling: dance. Billy Elliott has been thrilling audiences for years and is the winner of nine Tony Awards including best musical.
January | February 2011 85026 PERMIT 1441
ROYAL OAKS COUNTRY CLUB MARKET REPORT The Community had closed/sold 50 properties through late December...a strong finish for 2010 and in line with the 53 homes sold last year. There are currently 71 homes available on the market: • 27 homes are on the golf course & 44 homes are non-golf 7 homes are new construction & 64 are pre-owned
Royal Oaks Country Club Featured P roperties
(Per HAR MLS 12/18/10)
Your Royal Oaks Neighbor and Realtor.... Providing a Lifestyle, Not Just an Address! If you are considering buying or selling a home there is no substitute for experience and proven performance! • Royal Oaks Country Club Resident for over 10 years • Full Golf Country Club Member • Exclusive Listing Agent for the Developer of the Royal Oaks Community • Ranked and Recognized in the Top 1% of Realtors for Sales in 2009 per HAR • Broker Associate and hold a BBA in Marketing from the University of Houston. Providing you and our community with the highest level of service, experience and results for 10+ years.
11714 Bistro Amazing Estate | 7/6-2/3 | game & media, library
11503 St Germain Golf Course Estate | 6/6-1/3 | loggia, pool, spa
11714 Empress Oaks Stunning Golf Course Estate | 5/4-1/3 | pool, spa
11410 Chartreuse Ct. Golf Course Home | 5/5-2/4 | island green view, pool, spa
11823 Legend Manor Golf Course Home | 4/4-1/3 | game room, pool, spa
3202 Manet Cul-de-Sac | 3/3-1/3 | pool, spa, large yard
Your Interiors’ Distinctive Touch
Square Footage
How Accurate are Your Home’s Measurements? www.HAR.com/BrandeyHeckeroth
11219 Royal Chateau Courtyard entry | 3/3-1/3 | study, casita, pool
11922 Rosebrier Park Villa | 3/3-1/2 | huge master, pool
www.HeritageTexas.com
Modern Sophisticated Cuisine benjy’s Lamb with Mint Pesto
BRANDEY HECKEROTH
Broker Associate 11689 Westheimer, Suite C • Houston, TX 77077
Phone: 281.679.0101 Direct: 713.254.3551 Brandey@HeritageTexas.com If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
Royal Oaks Country Club’s 2819 Stuart Manor Villa | 3/3-1/2 | game room, spacious yard
2803 Tudor Manor Villa | 3/3-1/2 | game room, large yard
Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996
Real Estate Report