Realtor ®-The Woodlands Real Estate

Isn't it amazing how our cities and towns have changed over the years?  We think back when we were children and remember where a store used to be, or a park we used to go to often.  Now we look at it and it may be a Shopping Mall, or a new Community.  We just sit there and think what good times we had and maybe even miss them a little bit, or a lot.

I read a post earlier today by JudyAnn Lorenz titled Guns, Germs & Steel --- It still happens and it really made me think.  What it made me think about was pretty much off topic but it brought back some great memories.  The more I thought about it, the deeper I thought about when I was a child.  I thought about Dreams and Aspirations and about how it's amazing how we change-along with our towns.  We change to stay up with the times.

As a child I loved Animals and Wildlife.  We used to have some woods at the end of our street and I loved going in the woods to see what I could find, getting lost and finding my way out.  When I was in High School I wanted to be a Marine Biologist.  I thought about how amazing it would be to study the Oceans.  Not necessarily because of the Marine Life, but because the Oceans are virtually the only thing on the Planet that has not been completely overrun by Humans.  We can't build houses down there.  We do not have any Shopping Malls under water.  The Marine Life in the Oceans have the place to themselves.  How Amazing would that be?

Before I get too off topic here, the post also reminded me of Family Vacations.  Much of my Extended Family lives in Oklahoma and Kansas.  When we went to visit family I would get to spend weeks on Farm Property.  Acres upon Acres of Ranches.  I absolutely LOVED it.  I could ride Horses from Dawn 'til Dusk.  There were no houses as far as you could see!  Just Land!

But the one thing that JudyAnn's post reminded me of the most was a Road Trip through the Ozark Mountains that my family took as a child. 

I remember the Roads being Long and Winding.  It felt like it took forever to get anywhere but that was OK with me.  It was Gorgeous!  Just GREEN Mountains and Hilltops as FAR as you could see.  Nothing but trees, grass, flowers-occasionally a house. 

One house in particular caught my eye.  It was one Lonely house on top of a Huge Hilltop.  I remember telling my Dad "I want THAT house one day!"  It was not a Big house.  That is not why I wanted it.  It was the fact that it was the ONLY one you could see for miles.  It was so secluded that I can't even imagine what it would take to drive to it.

I remember thinking what it would be like to live in that house.  You could see for miles from your front porch.  You would be surrounded by Wild Life.  Real Wild Life.  Not Wild Life that has had to adapt to the Ever Changing Topography of the City and its Suburbs.  Imagine what that would be like!  You would be a guest on the Mountain. 

I think I was about 11 when we took that trip.  As you grow up you sometimes forget about those small Dreams.  Look around us now.  Everything has changed in the past 20-30 years.  Some towns are unrecognizable they have grown so much.  What happened to preserving some of our nations beauty?  Something tells me that if I drove down that road now, I would not be able to find that house I wanted so much. 

Imagine what it would be like if Large Towns would Redevelop Older or Abandoned areas instead of growing wider and larger.  Do you think that would ever work?  Will all of these New Construction Homes be needed 30 years from now?  Will the homes built in 1960 still be needed 30-40 years from now?  JudyAnn's post really got me thinking tonight.

This photo I borrowed from janeAnne Narrin.  How gorgeous is that!  Not a home to be seen.  The kid in me would still love to have a home on top of that big Mountain WAY in the back of the photo.  Thank you janeAnne for letting me use this!

The Woodlands and all of its Residents take pride in where they live.  Many of my clients notice right away the Pride of Ownership that beams from the homes in this community.  One of the reasons for this is the Tight Homeowner's Association Rules that are in place.

Some people believe that HOA's are a nuisance, but the truth is that HOA's help to maintain your Property Value in the long run.  With Rules in place that homeowners must abide by you know that the neighbor down the street will have to take better care of their property than in other Unrestricted areas.

The Woodlands HOA Fee will be different for every home.  In fact, the fee is based off the County's Appraised Value and is similar to a tax rate.  For a list of these please feel free to contact me.

Every year towards the end of October the HOA's in the area start sending out their Assessment Fees and they are due on January 31st of the next year.  In Houston and the Surrounding areas, if you do not pay these, the Homeowner's Association has the right to place a Lien on your Property.  It has happened in other areas of town where the HOA has even foreclosed on a house for not paying.  HOA DUES ARE SERIOUS here.  I often times refer to this as a No Pay No Stay Rule.  Make sure that you understand how much your Fees will be to prevent this.  HOA Dues are a great investment for your property value in The Woodlands.  Besides, they also help to maintain the Numerous Parks, Trails, and Recreational Facilities that you will have access to!

The Woodlands is also known for having some other quirky rules in their Deed Restrictions.  You may know by now that The Woodlands prides itself in having Green Space in the community.  You will notice right away the massive number of trees and landscaping, so much to the extent that you hardly know that you are driving past Thousands of Homes and Numerous Shopping Centers.  It is a Gorgeous sight!

How does this come in to play for HOA Rules?  Here is a short list of HOA rules regarding trees and landscaping to maintain the Green and Wooded feel.

• Tree Removal-  If a Tree is larger than 6 inches in Diameter, you must have approval to remove the tree.  Many Vendors in the area know this and will even get the Permission to do so.  If you are considering putting in a pool, decking or any other structure, look and see if you will take away any trees in the mean time.  You will need approval.
• Landscaping-  The landscaped areas in the front yard must be atleast 40% Trees, Shrubbery, Plants, Flowers, etc.  The Woodlands Association highly encourages the use of Native Plants that can withstand the Texas Heat, Humidity and Sunlight.
• Fireworks-  None at all.  They can not even be used in the community.  They are a fire risk to the homes and wooded areas.
• Exterior Lighting-  Only certain types are allowed.  Please check your specific HOA Rules to see what you can put in and where they can be located.
• Fencing-  Only certain Fencing materials are allowed and on certain areas of your lot.  Again, check your specific sections rules prior to making changes, or simply call the Community Associations.

Are you wanting to update your home or make additions?  You will need to find out about that too.  Again, these rules are in place to protect your investment and help to maintain property value.  If you wanted to paint your home Burnt Orange or Flourescent Blue, it may not be the best choice for your home value and the value of others. 

For any other information regarding HOA Covenants and Restrictions please feel free to contact me or The Woodlands Associations at 281-210-3973.  Just remember, The HOA here is looking our for your interest in the end.

For those of you that have been following my posts on Green, you know that there are many ways to take a step towards Green and for many reasons.  One post I did,  To Clear Up Some GREEN Confusion, explains it pretty well.  If some of you are just "tuning in" I will recap the main 4 reasons to build a Sustainable or Green Home:

• You desire a Healthier Home- This will generally be for those that suffer from Asthma, Allergies or are just concerned with Indoor Air Quality and Toxins in normal building materials
• You desire a Highly Energy Efficient Home- This will generally be for people that want to invest in Lower Energy Costs while they live in the home
• You want to help the Environment-  This will generally be for people that are wanting a home that will have lower emissions, manufactured or recycled products, etc. if it will help the Environment
• You need a Quieter home-if you live near an airport or busy road such as a freeway

I don't want to confuse this post, but as I mention in my previous blog, any Green or Sustainable can be a mix of all of these points as a system.

Well, I promised you Results from doing a Poll on my sidebar to find out why someone would want to build Green.  I now have 50 votes so I thought this would be a good number to work with and show them.  So, here are the long awaited Results:    

• Healthier-  19 Votes
• Energy Efficient- 19 Votes
• Environment-  12 Votes
• Quieter-  0 Votes

I was amazed at how this turned out.  Many of you know that Sustainable and Green Homes are Built for the Consumer almost as much as the Environment.  Most Sustainable and Green homes are Healthy and Energy Efficient at the same time-pretty much equal in terms, just as the poll showed why people would want one. 

I will continue to have the poll on this post, but I think I am going to change my sidebar.  Time to change it up and add something new.  For those of you that did not get to vote, Please feel free!

If you are about to build a home, looking for Energy Saving Techniques and can not or do not want to use Solar Panels, this one is for you.  Some communities will not allow the use of Solar Panels for new construction so a Passive Solar Designis a great alternative.  You will use the natural Heat of the sun to help warm your home in the winter and block the harsh heat in the summer.  By simply choosing an effecitive floorplan, lot and window placement could make your home more energy efficient.

In order for this to work properly there needs to be a focus on the South Facing side of the house-many choose the back.  Expertise in design from someone who has designed Passive Solar Homes in the past is a great idea as well.

As you know, the South side of the home gets the most Heat from the Sun.  During the summer, the sun sits higher in the sky than in the winter.  When you place overhangs at the windows, they help to block the Texas sun in the summer.  With the windows properly sized and placed, they take direct heat in the winter-when you need it.  Using materials such as concrete or ICF's on the exterior walls also help to act as a Thermal Mass in the process.

There are many other options to maximize your Passive Solar Design such as a Greenhouse or Patio to trap the heat during the day to use at night and the options for how your home can "look" are endless.  A Green and Passive Solar Home can look just like about any other home built, they are just likely to be more energy efficient and save you money on your future utility bills.

Photo Courtesy of www.eere.energy.gov  Another great website for more information

Other Green Topics:

The Difference Between High Performance and Green Homes

To Clear Up Some GREEN Confusion

Another Misconception of Green Building

One GREEN Misconception Put To Rest!

What Is A LEED Home?

Previously I have written about there being plenty to do in The Woodlands area for both Adults and Children.  Bear Branch Park and Sportsfields is just one that brings together Activities for all ages, and even our four legged furry pals.  Directions for the park are located below.

I spent some time over at the park yesterday walking around and getting a feel for what is there.  Bear Branch Park has enough activities to keep kids of all ages busy for the entire day.  Many parts of the park are also well shaded for Hot and Steamy Summer days.  There are picnic tables and pavilions for get togethers or family picnics, and fields/courts for about any sport. 

On the South side of Research Forest Dr. you will find the Bear Branch Sportsfields.  This photo is of the walking trails and lighted Soccer/Football fields.  There are countless numbers of fields there.  You will also see a Butterfly Garden with lovely flowers and plants blooming.

If you like Disc Golf,  Bear Branch Sportsfields has a course for you.  Below the rules is the map of Fields and Walking Trails for this complex.  Even if you are not into sports, come check out the scenery.  Trees and Wildlife are to be seen everywhere you turn here.

To the right is a Well Shaded Playground for the little ones at Bear Branch Park on the North Side of Research Forest Dr.  There are 3 separate areas including Shaded Swing Set and Slides as well as this Play Area. 

Shaded Pavilions at both complexes allow for an enjoyable picnic with the family.  This particular one is right next to the playground above so you can keep a close eye in the shade while the children play.

Here is a Full List of what Bear Branch Park and Sportsfields has to offer:

• Soccer/Football
• Disc Golf
• Playground
• Sand Volleyball
• Basketball Courts
• Tennis Courts
• Pool
• Picnic Areas
• Dog Park
• Skateboard Park

Whenever you have a day where you want to do something fun and relaxing head out to the park!  Below is a video of more Photos and information regarding Bear Branch Park and Sportsfields.  Enjoy! 

Directions to Bear Branch Park and Sportsfields from I-45:  From I-45 head West in to The Woodlands on Research Forest.  The park is located fairly central so you will be driving a couple of miles.  You will go through the light at Gosling and continue another 1/2 mile or so and the Sportsfields will be on the South side of Research Forest while the Park is on the North Side.  Many signs are hard to see in The Woodlands because of so many trees keep your eye out.  If you get to the school zones you have gone too far.  The park is right next to the Recycling Center so that sign is a landmark as well.

If you live in The Woodlands you will know how this Master Planned Community prides itself in maintaining GREEN space.  If you are considering moving here, it is most likely because of the trees.  Green is a popular color in The Woodlands.

However, The Woodlands is much more GREEN than just the trees.  You will also see an extensive Recycling Program here as well.  There are two locations in the area that can take nearly everything.  I visited both centers today and saw everything from Cardboard to Televisions.  It was quite impressive. 

The center off of Research Forest Dr. is one street past the Bear Branch Sports Fields.  This center can accept:

• Aluminum
• Steel Cans
• Glass
• Cardboard and Paperboard
• Plastic #1 and 2
• Yard Trimmings
• Paper--The Recycled Paper is actually a Fundraiser for Students in the Area.

The other center is off of Pruitt Rd.  If you take Sawdust Rd. and head South on Budde, you will follow for a little over a mile and it will be on your left.  This Center can accept many other items.  Here is the list:

• Aluminum Cans
• Steel Cans
• Scrap Metal (not green)
• Glass Jars and Bottles (not green)
• Glass drinking mugs & glasses, window panes, plate glass, vases and light fixtures
• Paper
• Cardboard and Paperboard
• Plastic #1 and #2
• Residential Home Improvement Materials
• Tires
• Automobile Batteries
• Used Motor Oil
• Appliances
• Bulky Household Appliances
• Yard Trimmings
• Household Garbage
• Paper

As a Real Estate Agent with an EcoBroker Designation I am always looking for GREEN aspects in the community.  This is just one of the ways that The Woodlands is striving for GREEN Standards.  For more information on the Recycling program in The Woodlands or how you can schedule some items to be picked up at your home, please feel free to visit The Woodlands GREEN Website. 

Here are some more links for information on The Woodlands:

Fun Things to do in The Woodlands!

Buying in The Woodlands-Where do I start?

The Woodlands-Village of Creekside Park

If you are thinking about buying or building a GREEN Home in Houston, Texas it is important to have the right resources to go to.  Many members of the Greater Houston Builders Association, including myself, are a great place to start. One of the sub-committees of GHBA is the Green Building Initiative.  There will be a link for the Green Building Initiative with loads of information regarding Guidelines.

The reason I point out guidelines is for the simple reason that there are many "Shades of Green" when it comes to Green Building.  Below I will have a link for the Booklet of Guidelines. For now, here are some of the areas that are focused on:

• Site Development
• Materials
• Energy
• Health
• Water
• Operations and Homeowner Education

I will be posting on each of these subjects in detail along with a post on Local Vendors that can help answer questions.  Each of the above bullets contain a list of Minimum Requirements to be considered GREEN.  It is important to have a professional to help guide you through this process and make sure that you are getting:

1. The benefits and end result that you desire
2. The proper installation of materials
3. Accurate description of all items going in to the home

Green Homes work as a system.  Sort of like owning a car..if the Transmission goes out the system is broken.  Make sure you do your research.  If there are any questions that I can help you with, please feel free to call or email.  I can also provide you with a list of Local Vendors/Builders that have experience for each aspect. 

Green Building Initiative (TM) Guidelines  <<-----Link for the Guidelines

As GREEN Building catches on across the United States, the need for more education about it rises.  GREEN Building is a very in depth topic and one that is not easy to explain.  Most cities/states have their own Guidelines for what is considered a GREEN Built home.  There is a Minimum Standard and then there are builders that take a step above that..sometimes several steps. 

As the word gets out, there will be many Real Estate Professionals trying to jump in sell GREEN Properties through both listings and buyers.  Without enough background on the topic there is a chance of increased liability.

For example, I am seeing this right now with Energy Star homes.  They really started to catch on within the last 5-7 years so we are now seeing them as Resale homes.  A home with an Energy Star Label will always be Energy Star. However, an Energy Star home built in 2002 MAY NOT be up to today's Ratings.  Only an Energy Rating would make sure of that.  It is like saying a home built in 1995 is built to code.  It was built to 1995 codes....what about 2007?  So, would you advertise the resale home as Energy Star Rated?  Simple wording can make the advertisement misleading.

This post is my proposal to NAR and all of the local Association of Realtors get a class for Realtors that will tell the ins and outs of Green Building.  At the very least offer a course explaining the local guidelines for GREEN Building.  This is the only way that Local Real Estate Agents will be able to represent their clients without major pitfalls with potholes of Liability mixed in with it. If a client wants a GREEN Home we need to be able to explain what makes one home a Darker Shade of Green so to speak.

So, let's hear from all of you.  We hear that Blogging is one of the best ways to get the word out.  Do you think that your local Association of Realtors should offer a small course on Local Green Guidelines?  Is this something you would like to see available for you?  I REALLY wish the Houston Association of Realtors would offer one.