March | April 2011
85026 PERMIT 1441
ROYAL OAKS COUNTRY CLUB MARKET REPORT The new year has started off with a flurry of interest and sales in our community! As of mid-February there are 70 homes active on the market, five homes under contract and four homes sold year-to-date. Included in the current inventory: • 63 resale homes and 7 new construction homes • 39 homes on the golf course and 31 homes non-golf
Royal Oaks Country Club Featured P roperties
(Per HAR 2/16/11)
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!
11703 Bistro Golf Course Estate • 6/7-1/4 • pool, spa, water view
Blooms with Panache!
3115 Noble Lakes Golf Course Estate • 4/4-2/2+ • motor court, casita
• Over 200 properties sold in the Royal Oaks Community • Royal Oaks Country Club Resident for 11+ years
Flower Arranging Tips
• Full Golf Country Club Member and former Social Committee Chair • Ranked and Recognized in the Top 1% of Realtors for Sales in 2010 per HAR
WHAT IS YOUR AGENTS CLIENT EXPERIENCE RATING? Did you know you can search HAR.com and see how your Agent rates? Browse through my ratings at http://www.har.com/BrandeyHeckeroth
3607 St Tropez Estate Home • 4/4-2/3 • pool, spa, wine room
11506 Gallant Ridge Stunning Golf Course Views • 3/3-1/3 • pool
3138 Rosemary Park Stunning Home • 3/3-1/2+ • pool, spa, study
2818 Stuart Manor Spacious Villa • 3/3-1/2+ • media room, pool
Providing you and our community with the highest level service, experience and results for over 11 years.
Selling Your Home?
Disclose, Disclose, Disclose www.HAR.com/BrandeyHeckeroth www.HeritageTexas.com
3406 Louvre One Story • 4/3/2+ • study, pool & spa
11215 Castille Beautiful Chateau • 3/2-1/2 • cul-de-sac
Crafted from Scratch
Cyclone Anaya’s Chipotle Caesar Dressing
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
3203 Colony Crest Private One Story • 4/3-1/3 • cul-de-sac
3131 Bonnebridge Updated • 4/3-1/2+ • study, gameroom
Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996
Real Estate Report
One of the greatest joys of spring is the abundance of gorgeous flowers at our fingertips. Floral arrangements continue to be popular gifts all through the year and many of us love having flowers in the home. However, arranging flowers can be trickier than it looks. A talented florist is truly an artist and their arrangements speak to their ability. With a little know-how and practice, you too can learn to create beautiful arrangements for yourself or for others.
Featuring Cyclone Anaya’s CycloneAnaya.com
CHIPOTLE CAESAR DRESSING
Flower Styles When deciding how to arrange a bouquet of flowers, first consider the type of flowers you’re working with. They are typically categorized as line flowers, mass flowers and filler flowers. Line flowers are those that give your bouquet height. Examples are gladiolas, snapdragons and stock. Often, there are buds growing on the stalk. You can even use branches and curly willow for tall foliage. These tall flowers can accompany other types of flowers in a bouquet, or they look great when used alone in a tall, narrow vase. Mass flowers are often referred to as “face flowers” because they are round and full-faced. Examples of mass flowers might be roses, carnations, tulips, and chrysanthemums. They are often the focal point of interest in a bouquet in which you might build your entire arrangement around. Filler flowers are typically used to round out the bouquet and give symmetry between the mass flowers and the line flowers. These varietals usually consist of many little flowers dotted along the stem. Examples would be statice, heather or goldenrod.
Ingredients: • 3 egg yolks • ½ cup apple cider vinegar • ½ tsp. kosher salt • ½ tsp. crushed fresh garlic • 2 tbls. chipotle puree • 2 cups of vegetable oil • ¼ cup lime juice Procedure: • Place the egg yolks, apple cider vinegar, salt and chipotle in a blender. • Place the lid on the blender and puree until all ingredients are combined. • With the blender still on, remove the lid and slowly add the oil just a little at a time so that it is all absorbed by the egg mixture. • Once all the oil is absorbed, add the lime
Arrangement Styles Secondly, consider the style of arrangement you’re after. Formal arrangements tend to use elegant flowers (such as orchids, lilies or roses), are often monochromatic and use fewer varieties of flowers within the arrangement itself. Formal floral designs look best, of course, in a formal container. Crystal, sleek metal, ornate china
juice. • This dressing can be kept refrigerated for at least three days. Makes 1 qt.
If you have your home for sale or are planning to list it soon, keep in mind the importance of disclosing important facts about your property to any prospective buyers. Many homeowners fear that sharing negative information about their property will scare away buyers. Usually, the opposite is true. If a buyer feels that you are not being forthcoming about the home and are perhaps dishonest by omission, they tend to walk away from the purchase due to distrust. On the other hand, if you lay all of your cards on the table from the beginning, buyers know what they are dealing with and can feel confident in their decision to move forward with the purchase. Not only is it good practice to be completely truthful, it’s the law. If you sell your home with a problem that you didn’t disclose, you aren’t necessarily off the hook once the home has closed escrow. In fact lawsuits and claims against sellers are quite common once a buyer discovers something about the property that wasn’t disclosed before
the purchase. The last thing anyone wants is the headache of litigation. The Texas Association of REALTORS (TAR) has created a Seller’s Disclosure Notice. This form is designed to assist sellers in disclosing material facts about the property. Sellers are instructed to answer the questions as truthfully as possible and to attach any supporting documentation. The form is not required for new construction properties. Your Realtor will supply you with a Seller’s Disclosure Notice form when you initially list your property. The form is required to be delivered to a buyer on or before the effective date of a contract and becomes part of the contract paperwork. The seller signs the form when they complete it and the buyer signs the form to acknowledge they have received and read the form. Information you need to disclose includes anything about the land and structure that might affect the salability, value or desirability of the property. Common items to disclose are any past or current problems with the home such as roof leaks, plumbing issues, a cracked foundation, etc. You’ll need to disclose if your property is in a flood zone, if there are endangered species or their habitat on your property and if the home is part of a homeowners association. If the home was built before 1978, the possible presence of lead-based paint
or highly architectural containers give a rich feel to your formal arrangement. Casual arrangements might use informal flowers such as wildflowers, alstroemeria, freesia, yarrow, or crocosmia. A casual look is accomplished with a looser symmetry, several varying colors and placement in a container such as a basket, pottery or milk glass; even something whimsical or playful. Besides the container and the types of flowers themselves, the shape of the arrangement determines the formality. A perfectly symmetrical look such as roses packed tightly in a low container gives an air of elegance while blooms arranged loosely and even drooping over the sides of the container give it a casual air. Preparing the Flowers A cleaned and rinsed container is your first step. Bacteria are a floral arrangement’s nemesis, so rinse with bleach or an anti-bacterial soap as well. Then, fill it with lukewarm water that you’ve treated with a preservative. A good homemade preservative such as one tablespoon of sugar with 1/4 teaspoon bleach, or 1/4 teaspoon of citric acid with one gallon of water, will kill bacteria while supplying nourishment to the flowers. Cut your stems under water with a very sharp knife – never use scissors which can damage the stems and limit their ability to soak up water. Cutting at a 45-degree angle helps the flower absorb water as well. Arranging Your Cut Flowers The actual design and arrangement will vary with the style and type of flowers you’re using. In general though, start by grouping flowers of a medium or large size. Rather than distributing colors evenly within the container, try grouping them in clusters by color and variety. It gives interesting little focal points to your arrangement. Depending on the height you’re after, you’ll want to eyeball the stem length before cutting. Hold your grouped flowers next to the container and trim the stems to where
you’d like them to rest above the container lip. If in doubt, cut your stems longer at first. You can always adjust the height as you go. Once your grouped flowers are in the container at the height you like, finish with smaller, filler flowers tucked in between the blooms. Criss-cross the flowers as you insert them into the container to help create a grid to support the flowers that you add. Some florists recommend using waterproof tape to build a grid across the top of the container in which you simply drop your stems into the desired position. Keep turning your container as you go so that your arrangement is evenly distributed. Voila! Now you have flowers you can display with pride, or give to a special someone.
In what started in the Victorian era, givers of flowers may or may not be aware of the secret meanings associated with various blooms. Have fun and be sure not to “say” the wrong thing! AMARYLLIS – pride, pastoral poetry BEGONIA – beware CAMELLIA – admiration, perfection CARNATION (solid color) – yes CARNATION (striped) – no DAISY – innocence, purity GERANIUM – stupidity, folly HOLLY – domestic happiness HYACINTH (yellow) – jealousy LILY (orange) – hatred OLEANDER – caution ORCHID – love, beauty, refinement PETUNIA – resentment, anger POPPY (red) – pleasure ROSE (dark red) – mourning ROSE (thornless) – love at first sight TULIP – perfect lover
must be disclosed. Water penetration and mold are big issues in Texas due to the hot and humid climate. A small leak can cause mold if not immediately fixed and treated. Sellers are encouraged to provide all documentation regarding any water penetration issues and to be as thorough as possible in describing the repair and whether any mold was discovered and remediated. There are some items that sellers are not obligated to disclose such as if the property was the site of a death by natural causes or occupied by a person with HIV/AIDS. If you have questions about what is and is not required by law to be disclosed, your Realtor can advise you. If you’ve made any insurance claims on the property, you’ll want to supply the prospective buyers with a loss report from your homeowner’s insurance company. Known as a CLUE (Claims Loss Underwriting Exchange) report, it is another important document for sharing pertinent information about your property. So, as Nat King Cole once sang, “…straighten up and fly right,” you’ll want to be sure that in selling your home, you do just that! Disclose, disclose, disclose!
MARCH | APRIL 2011 Cirque du Soleil presents OVO Sam Houston Race Park, March 10th – 27th 800.450.1480 | SHRP.com Whoever thought the life of insects could be so full of passion, peace, chaos and tenderness? OVO is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with insect life for a non-stop riot of energy and movement. Taking place under the Grand Chapiteau at the race park, spectators will experience a breathtaking performance that the world has come to expect from the esteemed Cirque du Soleil brand. The Spices of Tuscany Houston Cooking School, March 24th 713.993.9860 | CentralMarket.com Gina Stipo, cookbook author and culinary instructor, will discuss charming customs, authentic flavor profiles, unique locales and local wines as she demonstrates the use of fresh herbs and spices in the traditional Tuscan cuisine. Bring a fellow foodie and enjoy a delicious evening “in Italy.” Texas Kings & Queens Fashion Extravaganza Event Ayva Center, March 26th 832.885.3468 | InAction4Autism.EventBrite.com Food, drink, fashion and music! A great combination for a charitable evening is in store to raise money for children with the Autism Spectrum Disorder and donated to FEAT-Houston. Enjoy a fashion show and refreshments, followed by an energetic concert. Houston Children’s Festival Downtown Houston, April 9th – 10th HoustonChildrensFestival.com Frommer’s Travel Guides declared this annual family celebration as one of the “world’s 300 unmissable events.” With an expected attendance of 50,000 people, this festival is in its 23rd year as Houston’s favorite family outing. Six entertainment stages and eight big Family Adventure Zones will again thrill festival-goers. Proceeds benefit Child Advocates, Inc. and the abused and neglected children it serves. Sleuthing History: Davy Crockett and the Alamo Houston Museum of Natural Science, April 12th 713.639.4629 | HMNS.org Join lecturer James E. Crisp, Ph.D. as he discusses the complex truths behind the myths of the Texas Revolution. Historical data reveals documents that have been tampered with, censored and downright ignored by history books; leaving us with a shocking account of what really happened at the Alamo. Dr. Crisp will also be available for book signings following the lecture. Big Black Tie Ball The Corinthian, April 29th 713.860.8209 | BBBSTX.org Experience a great time for a great cause at the Big Brothers Big Sisters fundraising gala. Billed as “An Evening of Masterpieces,” the event promises lively entertainment, dancing, dinner and an extensive silent auction. The funds raised from the event will benefit more than 700 youths currently on the waiting list for an adult mentor.
One of the greatest joys of spring is the abundance of gorgeous flowers at our fingertips. Floral arrangements continue to be popular gifts all through the year and many of us love having flowers in the home. However, arranging flowers can be trickier than it looks. A talented florist is truly an artist and their arrangements speak to their ability. With a little know-how and practice, you too can learn to create beautiful arrangements for yourself or for others.
Featuring Cyclone Anaya’s CycloneAnaya.com
CHIPOTLE CAESAR DRESSING
Flower Styles When deciding how to arrange a bouquet of flowers, first consider the type of flowers you’re working with. They are typically categorized as line flowers, mass flowers and filler flowers. Line flowers are those that give your bouquet height. Examples are gladiolas, snapdragons and stock. Often, there are buds growing on the stalk. You can even use branches and curly willow for tall foliage. These tall flowers can accompany other types of flowers in a bouquet, or they look great when used alone in a tall, narrow vase. Mass flowers are often referred to as “face flowers” because they are round and full-faced. Examples of mass flowers might be roses, carnations, tulips, and chrysanthemums. They are often the focal point of interest in a bouquet in which you might build your entire arrangement around. Filler flowers are typically used to round out the bouquet and give symmetry between the mass flowers and the line flowers. These varietals usually consist of many little flowers dotted along the stem. Examples would be statice, heather or goldenrod.
Ingredients: • 3 egg yolks • ½ cup apple cider vinegar • ½ tsp. kosher salt • ½ tsp. crushed fresh garlic • 2 tbls. chipotle puree • 2 cups of vegetable oil • ¼ cup lime juice Procedure: • Place the egg yolks, apple cider vinegar, salt and chipotle in a blender. • Place the lid on the blender and puree until all ingredients are combined. • With the blender still on, remove the lid and slowly add the oil just a little at a time so that it is all absorbed by the egg mixture. • Once all the oil is absorbed, add the lime
Arrangement Styles Secondly, consider the style of arrangement you’re after. Formal arrangements tend to use elegant flowers (such as orchids, lilies or roses), are often monochromatic and use fewer varieties of flowers within the arrangement itself. Formal floral designs look best, of course, in a formal container. Crystal, sleek metal, ornate china
juice. • This dressing can be kept refrigerated for at least three days. Makes 1 qt.
If you have your home for sale or are planning to list it soon, keep in mind the importance of disclosing important facts about your property to any prospective buyers. Many homeowners fear that sharing negative information about their property will scare away buyers. Usually, the opposite is true. If a buyer feels that you are not being forthcoming about the home and are perhaps dishonest by omission, they tend to walk away from the purchase due to distrust. On the other hand, if you lay all of your cards on the table from the beginning, buyers know what they are dealing with and can feel confident in their decision to move forward with the purchase. Not only is it good practice to be completely truthful, it’s the law. If you sell your home with a problem that you didn’t disclose, you aren’t necessarily off the hook once the home has closed escrow. In fact lawsuits and claims against sellers are quite common once a buyer discovers something about the property that wasn’t disclosed before
the purchase. The last thing anyone wants is the headache of litigation. The Texas Association of REALTORS (TAR) has created a Seller’s Disclosure Notice. This form is designed to assist sellers in disclosing material facts about the property. Sellers are instructed to answer the questions as truthfully as possible and to attach any supporting documentation. The form is not required for new construction properties. Your Realtor will supply you with a Seller’s Disclosure Notice form when you initially list your property. The form is required to be delivered to a buyer on or before the effective date of a contract and becomes part of the contract paperwork. The seller signs the form when they complete it and the buyer signs the form to acknowledge they have received and read the form. Information you need to disclose includes anything about the land and structure that might affect the salability, value or desirability of the property. Common items to disclose are any past or current problems with the home such as roof leaks, plumbing issues, a cracked foundation, etc. You’ll need to disclose if your property is in a flood zone, if there are endangered species or their habitat on your property and if the home is part of a homeowners association. If the home was built before 1978, the possible presence of lead-based paint
or highly architectural containers give a rich feel to your formal arrangement. Casual arrangements might use informal flowers such as wildflowers, alstroemeria, freesia, yarrow, or crocosmia. A casual look is accomplished with a looser symmetry, several varying colors and placement in a container such as a basket, pottery or milk glass; even something whimsical or playful. Besides the container and the types of flowers themselves, the shape of the arrangement determines the formality. A perfectly symmetrical look such as roses packed tightly in a low container gives an air of elegance while blooms arranged loosely and even drooping over the sides of the container give it a casual air. Preparing the Flowers A cleaned and rinsed container is your first step. Bacteria are a floral arrangement’s nemesis, so rinse with bleach or an anti-bacterial soap as well. Then, fill it with lukewarm water that you’ve treated with a preservative. A good homemade preservative such as one tablespoon of sugar with 1/4 teaspoon bleach, or 1/4 teaspoon of citric acid with one gallon of water, will kill bacteria while supplying nourishment to the flowers. Cut your stems under water with a very sharp knife – never use scissors which can damage the stems and limit their ability to soak up water. Cutting at a 45-degree angle helps the flower absorb water as well. Arranging Your Cut Flowers The actual design and arrangement will vary with the style and type of flowers you’re using. In general though, start by grouping flowers of a medium or large size. Rather than distributing colors evenly within the container, try grouping them in clusters by color and variety. It gives interesting little focal points to your arrangement. Depending on the height you’re after, you’ll want to eyeball the stem length before cutting. Hold your grouped flowers next to the container and trim the stems to where
you’d like them to rest above the container lip. If in doubt, cut your stems longer at first. You can always adjust the height as you go. Once your grouped flowers are in the container at the height you like, finish with smaller, filler flowers tucked in between the blooms. Criss-cross the flowers as you insert them into the container to help create a grid to support the flowers that you add. Some florists recommend using waterproof tape to build a grid across the top of the container in which you simply drop your stems into the desired position. Keep turning your container as you go so that your arrangement is evenly distributed. Voila! Now you have flowers you can display with pride, or give to a special someone.
In what started in the Victorian era, givers of flowers may or may not be aware of the secret meanings associated with various blooms. Have fun and be sure not to “say” the wrong thing! AMARYLLIS – pride, pastoral poetry BEGONIA – beware CAMELLIA – admiration, perfection CARNATION (solid color) – yes CARNATION (striped) – no DAISY – innocence, purity GERANIUM – stupidity, folly HOLLY – domestic happiness HYACINTH (yellow) – jealousy LILY (orange) – hatred OLEANDER – caution ORCHID – love, beauty, refinement PETUNIA – resentment, anger POPPY (red) – pleasure ROSE (dark red) – mourning ROSE (thornless) – love at first sight TULIP – perfect lover
must be disclosed. Water penetration and mold are big issues in Texas due to the hot and humid climate. A small leak can cause mold if not immediately fixed and treated. Sellers are encouraged to provide all documentation regarding any water penetration issues and to be as thorough as possible in describing the repair and whether any mold was discovered and remediated. There are some items that sellers are not obligated to disclose such as if the property was the site of a death by natural causes or occupied by a person with HIV/AIDS. If you have questions about what is and is not required by law to be disclosed, your Realtor can advise you. If you’ve made any insurance claims on the property, you’ll want to supply the prospective buyers with a loss report from your homeowner’s insurance company. Known as a CLUE (Claims Loss Underwriting Exchange) report, it is another important document for sharing pertinent information about your property. So, as Nat King Cole once sang, “…straighten up and fly right,” you’ll want to be sure that in selling your home, you do just that! Disclose, disclose, disclose!
MARCH | APRIL 2011 Cirque du Soleil presents OVO Sam Houston Race Park, March 10th – 27th 800.450.1480 | SHRP.com Whoever thought the life of insects could be so full of passion, peace, chaos and tenderness? OVO is a headlong rush into a colorful ecosystem teeming with insect life for a non-stop riot of energy and movement. Taking place under the Grand Chapiteau at the race park, spectators will experience a breathtaking performance that the world has come to expect from the esteemed Cirque du Soleil brand. The Spices of Tuscany Houston Cooking School, March 24th 713.993.9860 | CentralMarket.com Gina Stipo, cookbook author and culinary instructor, will discuss charming customs, authentic flavor profiles, unique locales and local wines as she demonstrates the use of fresh herbs and spices in the traditional Tuscan cuisine. Bring a fellow foodie and enjoy a delicious evening “in Italy.” Texas Kings & Queens Fashion Extravaganza Event Ayva Center, March 26th 832.885.3468 | InAction4Autism.EventBrite.com Food, drink, fashion and music! A great combination for a charitable evening is in store to raise money for children with the Autism Spectrum Disorder and donated to FEAT-Houston. Enjoy a fashion show and refreshments, followed by an energetic concert. Houston Children’s Festival Downtown Houston, April 9th – 10th HoustonChildrensFestival.com Frommer’s Travel Guides declared this annual family celebration as one of the “world’s 300 unmissable events.” With an expected attendance of 50,000 people, this festival is in its 23rd year as Houston’s favorite family outing. Six entertainment stages and eight big Family Adventure Zones will again thrill festival-goers. Proceeds benefit Child Advocates, Inc. and the abused and neglected children it serves. Sleuthing History: Davy Crockett and the Alamo Houston Museum of Natural Science, April 12th 713.639.4629 | HMNS.org Join lecturer James E. Crisp, Ph.D. as he discusses the complex truths behind the myths of the Texas Revolution. Historical data reveals documents that have been tampered with, censored and downright ignored by history books; leaving us with a shocking account of what really happened at the Alamo. Dr. Crisp will also be available for book signings following the lecture. Big Black Tie Ball The Corinthian, April 29th 713.860.8209 | BBBSTX.org Experience a great time for a great cause at the Big Brothers Big Sisters fundraising gala. Billed as “An Evening of Masterpieces,” the event promises lively entertainment, dancing, dinner and an extensive silent auction. The funds raised from the event will benefit more than 700 youths currently on the waiting list for an adult mentor.
March | April 2011
ROYAL OAKS COUNTRY CLUB MARKET REPORT The new year has started off with a flurry of interest and sales in our community! As of mid-February there are 70 homes active on the market, five homes under contract and four homes sold year-to-date. Included in the current inventory: • 63 resale homes and 7 new construction homes • 39 homes on the golf course and 31 homes non-golf
Royal Oaks Country Club Featured P roperties
(Per HAR 2/16/11)
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!
11703 Bistro Golf Course Estate • 6/7-1/4 • pool, spa, water view
Blooms with Panache!
3115 Noble Lakes Golf Course Estate • 4/4-2/2+ • motor court, casita
• Over 200 properties sold in the Royal Oaks Community • Royal Oaks Country Club Resident for 11+ years
Flower Arranging Tips
• Full Golf Country Club Member and former Social Committee Chair • Ranked and Recognized in the Top 1% of Realtors for Sales in 2010 per HAR
WHAT IS YOUR AGENTS CLIENT EXPERIENCE RATING? Did you know you can search HAR.com and see how your Agent rates? Browse through my ratings at http://www.har.com/BrandeyHeckeroth
3607 St Tropez Estate Home • 4/4-2/3 • pool, spa, wine room
11506 Gallant Ridge Stunning Golf Course Views • 3/3-1/3 • pool
3138 Rosemary Park Stunning Home • 3/3-1/2+ • pool, spa, study
2818 Stuart Manor Spacious Villa • 3/3-1/2+ • media room, pool
Providing you and our community with the highest level service, experience and results for over 11 years.
Selling Your Home?
Disclose, Disclose, Disclose www.HAR.com/BrandeyHeckeroth www.HeritageTexas.com
3406 Louvre One Story • 4/3/2+ • study, pool & spa
11215 Castille Beautiful Chateau • 3/2-1/2 • cul-de-sac
Crafted from Scratch
Cyclone Anaya’s Chipotle Caesar Dressing
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 Oak Country Club’s
3203 Colony Crest Private One Story • 4/3-1/3 • cul-de-sac
3131 Bonnebridge Updated • 4/3-1/2+ • study, gameroom
Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996
Real Estate Report