March | April 2012
www.HeritageTexas.com 281.679.0101
11689 Westheimer, Suite C • Houston, TX 77077
11806 MONTMARTE BLVD. Stunning custom home perched on a small bluff overlooking the 15th green with lake views. Paved circle drive, travertine, granite island kitchen, His & Her closets and a backyard oasis that will take your breath away!
Featured P roperty
11730 Gallant Ridge Golf Course Home • 4/4-1/3 Open floor plan, sprawling Master Suite, great views
11522 Legend Manor Beautiful Custom Home • 4/3-1/2 Formals, art/hobby room, game room, large yard
3103 Noble Lakes Lane Spectacular Estate Home • 4/3-3/3 Overlooks lakes, 9th & 18th greens and Clubhouse
Your Home’s Must-Have Luxury
Today’s Internet Age
Are Realtors Still Necessary? 3203 Bridgeberry Impressive Golf Course Home • 4/4-1/3 Long views with mature landscape, loggia, fireplace
11413 Gallant Ridge Popular Design • 4-5/3-1/3 Sparking pool, 2 bedrooms down, courtyard entry
11427 Noblewood Crest Lane Gorgeous Golf Course Home • 6/5-1/3 Dual Master Suites, magnificent kitchen, spectacular views
BRANDEY HECKEROTH
JOANNE ESKRIDGE
AMANDA WALSH
Brandey@HeritageTexas.com
JoAnne@HeritageTexas.com
Amanda@HeritageTexas.com
713.254.3551
281.250.1864
281.451.8107
CHARLIE ESKRIDGE
281.827.9912
Charlie@HeritageTexas.com If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996
Make Sushi At Home
RA’s Yellow Monkey Roll Recipe
Royal Oaks Country Club Real Estate Report
In Good Taste
Event Calendar
Featuring RA Sushi Bar Restaurant CityCentre 713.331.2792 Highland Village 713.621.5800 RASushi.com
MARCH | APRIL 2012
Yellow Monkey Roll Roasted red pepper, marinated artichoke and cream cheese, rolled in rice and seaweed, topped with mango and cashew nuts, drizzled with kiwi wasabi sauce (makes one roll = 8 pieces)
IN OUTDOOR KITCHENS?
INGREDIENTS: 1 sheet nori (seaweed) 1/2 cup seasoned sushi rice 2 pc. sliced marinated artichokes 1/2 Tbsp. sliced marinated red bell pepper 3 Tbsp. cream cheese 1/2 cup sliced mango 1/4 cup kiwi wasabi sauce (see recipe below) 1 Tbsp. crushed cashew nuts INSTRUCTIONS: Place nori on makisu (rolling mat). Add seasoned sushi rice and spread evenly from edge to edge. Keep hands wet with water when handling the rice. Turn it over so nori is facing up. Place artichokes, red bell pepper, 1 Tbsp. mango, and cream cheese on top of the nori. Roll tightly with makisu. Place the rest of the mango on top of the rice and cover with saran wrap. Tighten and shape the roll by using the makisu once again. Slice the roll in eight pieces then take off the saran wrap. Finally drizzle kiwi wasabi sauce over the roll and sprinkle with cashew nuts. Kiwi Wasabi Sauce 2 Tbsp. wasabi 3 Tbsp. wasabi oil 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 cup shallots
The hottest trend in kitchen design is right in your own backyard. Outdoor kitchens today are fully-functional cooking areas, ideal for entertaining your friends and family. As a seamless extension of your indoor living area, they provide additional space for relaxation, cooking and dining. Outdoor kitchens bring the entertainment experience to the outside of the home. Some of the popular items people request to complete their outdoor kitchen are high-performance grills, warming units, weather-tight cabinetry with storage drawers, and refrigerators. Outdoor kitchens have become so popular that many high-end homebuilders now offer them as a standard feature to entice buyers, ranging from built-in grills with brick
1 mustard leaf 3 tsp. rice wine vinegar 1/4 cup kiwi puree 1/4 cup kiwi lime sauce
Mix wasabi, shallots, mustard leaf, and vinegar in food processor for one minute. Then place mixture in a new bowl and slowly stir in wasabi oil, olive oil, kiwi puree, and kiwi lime sauce.
or stone enclosures to full-service kitchens with stainless-steel appliances and sinks.
TAKING THE INDOORS OUT Many homeowners are searching for ways to create the ultimate in backyard living. While an oversized flat-screen TV, swim-up pool bar, rock speakers with surround sound and putting green have become common in luxury homes, so has the outdoor kitchen. The possibilities in your outdoor kitchen amenities have grown from a simple built-in grill to an entire space dedicated to the gourmet chef in the household. Built-in wine storage, under-cabinet beer kegs with built-in taps, ice makers, rotisserie spits, woks and even a wood-burning pizza oven are options.
found a home online? realtors are more valuable than ever
A lot has been said about the impact of technology on the residential real estate business. Some people have predicted that technology will circumvent the role of your REALTOR®. After all, information is readily available 24/7/365 to anyone with a mouse. You don’t have to leave your house, you don’t have to get dressed; it’s all there. Theoretically, like eBay, someone could initiate and complete a transaction electronically. You could see streaming video of the property and fall in love. You could write an offer and email it to the seller for consideration and approval. It’s certainly possible to apply for the loan and secure approval using PDF documents. The escrow officer could transmit paperwork electronically, and you could wire funds for the closing. However, those components of the transaction are merely the tip of the iceberg. They are essential ingredients, but they aren’t the significant and meaningful things that still need to be done. In reality, the advancements in technology have actually strengthened the role and importance of a REALTOR® in the sale or purchase of property. The National Association of REALTORS® reports approximately eight out of ten buyers start their house-hunting search on the Internet before they make contact with an agent. Prior to the Internet, buyers sought out REALTORS® to find out what was on the market. Now, that information is available to consumers along with virtual 24/7 open houses on many of the listings. The old role as “show and tell” people, where agents delivered information to prospects and clients, made them easily replaceable. Customers had a hard time differentiating between various licensees and appreciating their value. The new role in this new “high tech” era
AN ISLAND PARADISE The grill is often the focal point of the outdoor kitchen. Today’s high-end grills offer a host of well-engineered features to make cooking on them as consistent and convenient as cooking on an indoor range or in an oven, such as large grilling surfaces, multi-zoned burners and convenient side burners. You can choose a freestanding grill or one built into an island. Grilling islands come in two forms: permanently installed custom-built masonry islands and semi-custom prefabricated units. Permanent islands are customized to meet your needs and afford the most flexibility in terms of design and materials. You can use the same stone or brick as your patio
is far more complex and valuable to clients. It’s turning into a “high tech and high touch” environment. Agents and brokers are consultants, advisors, and educators. They are professional negotiators whose actions, leadership and efforts are in their client’s best interests acting as their fiduciary. Real estate, by definition, is highly emotional, extremely complicated, and most often adversarial, because the interests of the buyer and the seller are polarized. New research has shown that buyers and sellers depend on professional representation. They are looking for someone who is a skillful negotiator and a committed advocate. Both parties to a transaction are looking for a real estate agent who can manage the contingencies and details surrounding the sale to ensure their compliance. They also want their REALTOR® to accompany them at inspections and the close of escrow. Even if a buyer and a seller were capable and knowledgeable enough to be in a position to wear all of the necessary hats involved in the transaction, and even if they had the time and resources, they would still be at a distinct disadvantage. One of the most valuable benefits of being represented by a REALTOR® is the broker’s capacity to act as a “third party” to the transaction. The principals to the transaction often lack the objectivity and skills to respond and react properly without risk of jeopardizing the sale. From a different perspective, despite any preconceived notions about the advantages of information readily available on the Internet, buyers and sellers need to understand and recognize the limitations of home valuation search engines. The key to sound buying and selling decisions is not the presentation or receipt of information; it is the interpretation of market data. Almost anyone can search for a list of houses for sale or recent solds in an area and there’s certainly an overabundance of data available through a variety of high tech sources. But few people have the talents and skills to make the best decisions out of all of the data.
or house exterior for the island base. Prefabricated islands cost considerably less than custom islands and don’t require a building permit. They can be delivered, hooked up and ready to go in a day. With this information in mind, you can start planning your outdoor kitchen design. Some grill and grilling island manufacturers offer design plans, or you can work with a contractor or appliance distributor to create your own custom design. As our gorgeous spring is in full swing, it’s time to really get cooking!
Since buyers prefer to buy low, and sellers like to sell high, it takes a skilled professional to consult with their client to determine “Reality Based Pricing” that represents a good value. Sellers also need professional representation to develop a tangible marketing plan to help assure that the house will be sold in the seller’s preferred time frame. Sellers are still looking for merchandising and staging recommendations along with evidence of hard work and a diligent effort by the agent. What do clients want from their REALTOR® that they can’t get on the Internet? They want someone who is savvy about current market knowledge and trends. More importantly, they’re looking for someone who will listen and understand their wants and needs. The key to today and tomorrow’s successful transactions is the relationship between the client and their REALTOR®. It’s all about the relationship. The proper selection of an advocate for your transaction can make the critical difference between success and failure in your sale or acquisition.
Titanic 100 Years Later Houston Museum of Natural Science, starts March 16th 713.639.4629 | HMNS.org April 15, 1912, the world’s largest ship sank tragically after colliding with an iceberg. This emotional and educational exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the life of Titanic, paying homage to the indomitable force of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. View authentic artifacts and objects collected from the wreckage and hear stories and connections of this historic event. Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park, March 23rd – 25th 713.521.0133 | BayouCityArtFestival.com The annual, juried, fine art event boast a stress-free outdoor gallery brimming with 300 artists working in 17 artistic mediums. In addition to an art lover’s delight, the festival offers wine cafés, an interactive Creative Zone for children, delicious eateries, The Art Bar and a performing arts stage with ongoing entertainment provided by The Houston Arts Alliance. Houston Pet Expo Reliant Center, April 14th 855.PET.EXPO | HoustonPetExpo.com An event truly worthy of your favorite four-legged family member. Bring your leashed pet and browse over 150 pet-friendly exhibitors. See live demonstrations in agility, obedience and pet care. Partake in the talent and costume contests and consider adding to your family with the 300+ pets available at the Mega Adoption. We give this expo two paws up! Walk with Me Houston Houston Zoo, April 21st 713.838.9050 | WalkWithMeHouston.org View all of your favorite zoo residents while you stroll for a cause at this first annual fundraiser for Easter Seals. Venture along with the 5K walk, or an even shorter Family Fun Walk and then stay the rest of the day and enjoy the zoo at your leisure. Wine Dinner Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, April 25th 713.780.7352 | PappasBros.com These incredible evenings include wine dinners featuring the finest wines hand-selected by the restaurant’s Wine Director & Master Sommelier from highly acclaimed wineries from around the world. These wines are then enhanced with expertly crafted cuisine prepared by their Executive Chefs. In April, enjoy Evening Land Vineyards and Bond Estates. Bon appetit!
In Good Taste
Event Calendar
Featuring RA Sushi Bar Restaurant CityCentre 713.331.2792 Highland Village 713.621.5800 RASushi.com
MARCH | APRIL 2012
Yellow Monkey Roll Roasted red pepper, marinated artichoke and cream cheese, rolled in rice and seaweed, topped with mango and cashew nuts, drizzled with kiwi wasabi sauce (makes one roll = 8 pieces)
IN OUTDOOR KITCHENS?
INGREDIENTS: 1 sheet nori (seaweed) 1/2 cup seasoned sushi rice 2 pc. sliced marinated artichokes 1/2 Tbsp. sliced marinated red bell pepper 3 Tbsp. cream cheese 1/2 cup sliced mango 1/4 cup kiwi wasabi sauce (see recipe below) 1 Tbsp. crushed cashew nuts INSTRUCTIONS: Place nori on makisu (rolling mat). Add seasoned sushi rice and spread evenly from edge to edge. Keep hands wet with water when handling the rice. Turn it over so nori is facing up. Place artichokes, red bell pepper, 1 Tbsp. mango, and cream cheese on top of the nori. Roll tightly with makisu. Place the rest of the mango on top of the rice and cover with saran wrap. Tighten and shape the roll by using the makisu once again. Slice the roll in eight pieces then take off the saran wrap. Finally drizzle kiwi wasabi sauce over the roll and sprinkle with cashew nuts. Kiwi Wasabi Sauce 2 Tbsp. wasabi 3 Tbsp. wasabi oil 1/4 cup olive oil 1/2 cup shallots
The hottest trend in kitchen design is right in your own backyard. Outdoor kitchens today are fully-functional cooking areas, ideal for entertaining your friends and family. As a seamless extension of your indoor living area, they provide additional space for relaxation, cooking and dining. Outdoor kitchens bring the entertainment experience to the outside of the home. Some of the popular items people request to complete their outdoor kitchen are high-performance grills, warming units, weather-tight cabinetry with storage drawers, and refrigerators. Outdoor kitchens have become so popular that many high-end homebuilders now offer them as a standard feature to entice buyers, ranging from built-in grills with brick
1 mustard leaf 3 tsp. rice wine vinegar 1/4 cup kiwi puree 1/4 cup kiwi lime sauce
Mix wasabi, shallots, mustard leaf, and vinegar in food processor for one minute. Then place mixture in a new bowl and slowly stir in wasabi oil, olive oil, kiwi puree, and kiwi lime sauce.
or stone enclosures to full-service kitchens with stainless-steel appliances and sinks.
TAKING THE INDOORS OUT Many homeowners are searching for ways to create the ultimate in backyard living. While an oversized flat-screen TV, swim-up pool bar, rock speakers with surround sound and putting green have become common in luxury homes, so has the outdoor kitchen. The possibilities in your outdoor kitchen amenities have grown from a simple built-in grill to an entire space dedicated to the gourmet chef in the household. Built-in wine storage, under-cabinet beer kegs with built-in taps, ice makers, rotisserie spits, woks and even a wood-burning pizza oven are options.
found a home online? realtors are more valuable than ever
A lot has been said about the impact of technology on the residential real estate business. Some people have predicted that technology will circumvent the role of your REALTOR®. After all, information is readily available 24/7/365 to anyone with a mouse. You don’t have to leave your house, you don’t have to get dressed; it’s all there. Theoretically, like eBay, someone could initiate and complete a transaction electronically. You could see streaming video of the property and fall in love. You could write an offer and email it to the seller for consideration and approval. It’s certainly possible to apply for the loan and secure approval using PDF documents. The escrow officer could transmit paperwork electronically, and you could wire funds for the closing. However, those components of the transaction are merely the tip of the iceberg. They are essential ingredients, but they aren’t the significant and meaningful things that still need to be done. In reality, the advancements in technology have actually strengthened the role and importance of a REALTOR® in the sale or purchase of property. The National Association of REALTORS® reports approximately eight out of ten buyers start their house-hunting search on the Internet before they make contact with an agent. Prior to the Internet, buyers sought out REALTORS® to find out what was on the market. Now, that information is available to consumers along with virtual 24/7 open houses on many of the listings. The old role as “show and tell” people, where agents delivered information to prospects and clients, made them easily replaceable. Customers had a hard time differentiating between various licensees and appreciating their value. The new role in this new “high tech” era
AN ISLAND PARADISE The grill is often the focal point of the outdoor kitchen. Today’s high-end grills offer a host of well-engineered features to make cooking on them as consistent and convenient as cooking on an indoor range or in an oven, such as large grilling surfaces, multi-zoned burners and convenient side burners. You can choose a freestanding grill or one built into an island. Grilling islands come in two forms: permanently installed custom-built masonry islands and semi-custom prefabricated units. Permanent islands are customized to meet your needs and afford the most flexibility in terms of design and materials. You can use the same stone or brick as your patio
is far more complex and valuable to clients. It’s turning into a “high tech and high touch” environment. Agents and brokers are consultants, advisors, and educators. They are professional negotiators whose actions, leadership and efforts are in their client’s best interests acting as their fiduciary. Real estate, by definition, is highly emotional, extremely complicated, and most often adversarial, because the interests of the buyer and the seller are polarized. New research has shown that buyers and sellers depend on professional representation. They are looking for someone who is a skillful negotiator and a committed advocate. Both parties to a transaction are looking for a real estate agent who can manage the contingencies and details surrounding the sale to ensure their compliance. They also want their REALTOR® to accompany them at inspections and the close of escrow. Even if a buyer and a seller were capable and knowledgeable enough to be in a position to wear all of the necessary hats involved in the transaction, and even if they had the time and resources, they would still be at a distinct disadvantage. One of the most valuable benefits of being represented by a REALTOR® is the broker’s capacity to act as a “third party” to the transaction. The principals to the transaction often lack the objectivity and skills to respond and react properly without risk of jeopardizing the sale. From a different perspective, despite any preconceived notions about the advantages of information readily available on the Internet, buyers and sellers need to understand and recognize the limitations of home valuation search engines. The key to sound buying and selling decisions is not the presentation or receipt of information; it is the interpretation of market data. Almost anyone can search for a list of houses for sale or recent solds in an area and there’s certainly an overabundance of data available through a variety of high tech sources. But few people have the talents and skills to make the best decisions out of all of the data.
or house exterior for the island base. Prefabricated islands cost considerably less than custom islands and don’t require a building permit. They can be delivered, hooked up and ready to go in a day. With this information in mind, you can start planning your outdoor kitchen design. Some grill and grilling island manufacturers offer design plans, or you can work with a contractor or appliance distributor to create your own custom design. As our gorgeous spring is in full swing, it’s time to really get cooking!
Since buyers prefer to buy low, and sellers like to sell high, it takes a skilled professional to consult with their client to determine “Reality Based Pricing” that represents a good value. Sellers also need professional representation to develop a tangible marketing plan to help assure that the house will be sold in the seller’s preferred time frame. Sellers are still looking for merchandising and staging recommendations along with evidence of hard work and a diligent effort by the agent. What do clients want from their REALTOR® that they can’t get on the Internet? They want someone who is savvy about current market knowledge and trends. More importantly, they’re looking for someone who will listen and understand their wants and needs. The key to today and tomorrow’s successful transactions is the relationship between the client and their REALTOR®. It’s all about the relationship. The proper selection of an advocate for your transaction can make the critical difference between success and failure in your sale or acquisition.
Titanic 100 Years Later Houston Museum of Natural Science, starts March 16th 713.639.4629 | HMNS.org April 15, 1912, the world’s largest ship sank tragically after colliding with an iceberg. This emotional and educational exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the life of Titanic, paying homage to the indomitable force of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. View authentic artifacts and objects collected from the wreckage and hear stories and connections of this historic event. Bayou City Art Festival Memorial Park, March 23rd – 25th 713.521.0133 | BayouCityArtFestival.com The annual, juried, fine art event boast a stress-free outdoor gallery brimming with 300 artists working in 17 artistic mediums. In addition to an art lover’s delight, the festival offers wine cafés, an interactive Creative Zone for children, delicious eateries, The Art Bar and a performing arts stage with ongoing entertainment provided by The Houston Arts Alliance. Houston Pet Expo Reliant Center, April 14th 855.PET.EXPO | HoustonPetExpo.com An event truly worthy of your favorite four-legged family member. Bring your leashed pet and browse over 150 pet-friendly exhibitors. See live demonstrations in agility, obedience and pet care. Partake in the talent and costume contests and consider adding to your family with the 300+ pets available at the Mega Adoption. We give this expo two paws up! Walk with Me Houston Houston Zoo, April 21st 713.838.9050 | WalkWithMeHouston.org View all of your favorite zoo residents while you stroll for a cause at this first annual fundraiser for Easter Seals. Venture along with the 5K walk, or an even shorter Family Fun Walk and then stay the rest of the day and enjoy the zoo at your leisure. Wine Dinner Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, April 25th 713.780.7352 | PappasBros.com These incredible evenings include wine dinners featuring the finest wines hand-selected by the restaurant’s Wine Director & Master Sommelier from highly acclaimed wineries from around the world. These wines are then enhanced with expertly crafted cuisine prepared by their Executive Chefs. In April, enjoy Evening Land Vineyards and Bond Estates. Bon appetit!
March | April 2012
www.HeritageTexas.com 281.679.0101
11689 Westheimer, Suite C • Houston, TX 77077
11806 MONTMARTE BLVD. Stunning custom home perched on a small bluff overlooking the 15th green with lake views. Paved circle drive, travertine, granite island kitchen, His & Her closets and a backyard oasis that will take your breath away!
Featured P roperty
11730 Gallant Ridge Golf Course Home • 4/4-1/3 Open floor plan, sprawling Master Suite, great views
11522 Legend Manor Beautiful Custom Home • 4/3-1/2 Formals, art/hobby room, game room, large yard
3103 Noble Lakes Lane Spectacular Estate Home • 4/3-3/3 Overlooks lakes, 9th & 18th greens and Clubhouse
Your Home’s Must-Have Luxury
Today’s Internet Age
Are Realtors Still Necessary? 3203 Bridgeberry Impressive Golf Course Home • 4/4-1/3 Long views with mature landscape, loggia, fireplace
11413 Gallant Ridge Popular Design • 4-5/3-1/3 Sparking pool, 2 bedrooms down, courtyard entry
11427 Noblewood Crest Lane Gorgeous Golf Course Home • 6/5-1/3 Dual Master Suites, magnificent kitchen, spectacular views
BRANDEY HECKEROTH
JOANNE ESKRIDGE
AMANDA WALSH
Brandey@HeritageTexas.com
JoAnne@HeritageTexas.com
Amanda@HeritageTexas.com
713.254.3551
281.250.1864
281.451.8107
CHARLIE ESKRIDGE
281.827.9912
Charlie@HeritageTexas.com If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996
Make Sushi At Home
RA’s Yellow Monkey Roll Recipe
Royal Oaks Country Club Real Estate Report