MARKET REPORT - MONTGOMERY COUNTY MLS area 15: Oak Ridge, Shenandoah, The Woodlands and west to the county line MLS area 15, one of four MLS areas that comprise Montgomery County, is the most active MLS area in our county. It normally averages about 55% of this county's home sales. So how did it do in the first six months of 2010 versus 2009? The answer is............ not bad at all. Single family residence sales increased 11.61% over the first six months of 2009. One hundred and sixty eight more homes sold this year than last year. The average sales price of the homes sold increased $2,956 or just over 1%. Not a huge increase but not a decrease either! The median price stayed right where it was at last year at $212,000. The number of active listings increased about 5%. For the most par... 07/29/2010

Home Loan Rates tor Texas Vets The Texas Veterans Land board offers Texas Veterans the opportunity for some of the lowest home loan rates available today.  Contrary to the name these home mortgage loans can be used to purchase regular everyday family homes in metro areas.  In addition, fees are strictly controlled and limited to protect the Veteran.  Realtors, to see if you or your clients qualify for this program contact our office and we'll get them pre-approved for the program. Texas Veterans Loan rates for a 30-home loan this week are 3.83% (30% VA disabled or more) and 4.33% (non-disabled).  The maximum Loan amount is $325,000. NOTES: For loan payment estimates, please call our office. The VLB Base Rate is subject to adjustment on Friday each week. If more than one rate lock is obt... 07/24/2010

66 ROLLING HILLS is a great family home in a great family neighborhood. Lovely front porch welcomes you to this 3/2 home. Features: huge living room with fireplace and huge den/gameroom upstairs. Nice master downstairs with tile flooring in the bath! Lots and lots of storage! Deck with seating, lot next door is also available. Neighborhood offers: golf course, pool and playgrounds and no MUD tax! This listing has recently been reduced to $129,900. click on Address or Picture for more Information. Lake Conroe Homes for Sale 07/24/2010

The next Open Water Certification scuba class at the CONROE YMCA will be starting the first or second week of August. Give me a shout if you or someone you know is interested in becoming an open water diver. SCUBA skills update classes are also available for divers who have not been diving in a while. The Conroe Y has lots of great activities for young and older alike. Check out their website. Conroe Y Here are a couple of other great scuba diving websites for those who would like to learn more about scuba diving. WW Diving SCUBA Schools International Have a great Sunday and a great next week! And please remember when you or someone you know starts thinking about Lake Conore real estate please give me a call. Ron www.ronwickes.com www.lakeconroeconsulting.com   07/18/2010

9957 RODA is a four bedroom, three bath home that offers in-law quarters and TWO KITCHENS, TWO LAUNDRY ROOMS. Split bedroom floor plan, greatroom, 2.5 acres, stables, horse ready, Austin stone, large front yard, beautiful front porch, secluded covered back porch... too many features to mention. Please come and see this one of a kind find before it is too late! Come home to the hill country charm of this gorgeous one story home. Minutes away from everything. This property is listed at $249,900. click on Address/Picture for more Information. Lake Conroe Homes for Sale 07/17/2010

30 DEVONSHIRE is a beautiful 4/2.5/2 brick home on fenced tree shaded lot in stately subdivision. Unique Australian cypress wood floors in living area! Gas log fireplace. Sunny breakfast room with widow seat. Kitchen has porcelain tile. Exquisite wood work throughout. Large master bath with travertine tile. Master bedroom has built-in desk. Large walk-in closets! Very good floor plan!! This listing has recently been reduced to $159,900. click on Address or Picture for more Information. Lake Conroe Homes for Sale 07/17/2010

10 ROYAL DALTON is a beautiful, meticulously-maintained custom home in the much sought after Wedgewood subdivision! This large 6 bedroom, 4-1/2 bath home is perfectly set up for quarters, mother-in-law suite, or second master upstairs. This spacious family home is perfect for entertaining or for those large family gatherings. Enjoy the beautifully manicured backyard from your large, covered back porch. The home is equipped with a backup generator. Come home to the comfort of this southern-living inspired home! This listing has recently been reduced to $293,000. click on Address or Picture for more Information. Lake Conroe Homes for Sale 07/17/2010

5 FAIRMONT is a wonderful custom family home with a beautiful pool and deck in Wedgewood. Very convenient location! Large kitchen with granite countertops. The master suite with fireplace is on the first floor. Upstairs features include a flex room that could be a 4th bedroom, gameroom, or media room. Recent updates include paint, flooring, fixtures, pool with waterfall & wrought iron fencing, hot tub, huge deck/large covered patio, fenced backyard, low tax rate and HOA fees! This listing has recently been reduced to $269,500. click on Address or Picture for more Information. Lake Conroe Homes for Sale 07/17/2010

Mortgage Rates for Texas Veterans The Texas Veterans Land board offers Texas Veterans the opportunity for some of the lowest mortgage rates available today.  Contrary to the name these mortgage loans can be used to purchase regular everyday family homes in metro areas.  In addition, fees are strictly controlled and limited to protect the Veteran.  Realtors, to see if you or your clients qualify for this program contact our office and we'll get them pre-approved for the program. Texas Veterans Land Board rates for Housing Assistance and Home Improvement Programs Base Rate for Housing/Home Improvement Loans this week is: 4.33%.  The maximum Loan amount is $325,000. Special Interest Rate Discount - For Texas Veterans Land Board Housing and Home Improvement Loans Only (The following discoun... 07/17/2010

Here are some websites that I have found useful in the past year. Hopefully they will help someone else. http://zipskinny.com/   Enter your zip code to see US Census data and comparisons with neighboring zip codes http://www.freddiemac.com/  Freddie Mac (or what is left of them) http://www.earthquestadventures.com/     This is the website for the new theme park coming to east Montgomery County, TX. And don't forget if you know someone thinking about real estate in the Lake Conore area please give me a shout! http://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/ The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs' http://wwwdb.glo.state.tx.us/vlb/general/interest.cfm               The Texas Veteran's Land Board http://www.conroe.org/     The Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber of Commerce http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/f... 07/16/2010

  ANNIE AT THE CRIGHTON THEATRE ~ JULY 23 - AUG 8!  Located in historic downtown Conroe, Texas is the beautifully restored Crighton Theatre.  Annie will be opening on July 23rd by Stage Right of Texas. The role of Sandy is being played by a dog from our local Montgomery County Animal Shelter.  Of course this little canine thespian is also available for adoption after the show! The Crighton Theatre does a fantastic job with the musical productions and this is a great way to spotlight our local talent. Tickets can be purchased online or at 936-441-7469. If you have a group interested in attending, groups of 10 or more can receive a discount.  Call the ticket office for more information.   07/10/2010

7419 NICKABURR CREEK is a wonderful 4 bedroom home on large tree shaded lot. Note room sizes! Formal dining plus nice breakfast room with bay window. Two ovens in roomy kitchen. Wonderful storage, and almost every closet is walk-in. Upstairs computer niche. Laminate wood in formal dining. Beautiful backyard with deck and garden area. Playhouse in backyard to remain with property. Great location just off FM 1488! This listing has recently been reduced to $185,000. click on Address or Picture for more Information. Lake Conroe Homes for Sale 07/09/2010

1003 BRAD PARK is a very well-maintained 3/2/2 in a great location just off of I45 and S. Loop 336 (close to Conroe Hospital). The high ceilings and split floorplan makes this home very appealing. The kitchen has granite countertops and opens into the family room. The beautifully landscaped backyard is wonderful - complete with a deck for relaxing, a garden spot, and a storage area for equipment. Don't miss the side yard! The garage flooring has been finished with epoxy paint. GREAT HOME, GREAT LOCATION!! This listing has recently been reduced to $149,000. click on Address or Picture for more Information. Lake Conroe Homes for Sale 07/09/2010

9224 LAKE CONROE DR is a beautiful recently renovated 4/3/2 brick home that has spectacular sunsets that provides a peaceful setting with approximately 480 ft of bulkhead on Lake Conroe. Mature trees on this 1 1/2 acres. Home features open floor plan, hand scraped wood floors, Soapstone countertops, beaded wood ceilings, distressed maple kitchen cabinets, 2 wood burning fireplaces, and recent roof. Man cave could be another bedroom suite! Back yard boasts panoramic views of lake, covered patio, bocce ball court. 3 slip boat dock. Lush landscaping! This property is listed at $825,000. click on Address/Picture for more Information. Lake Conroe Homes for Sale 07/09/2010

The Walden / Lake Conroe Fourth of July Parade on July 3 at 9:30am The Walden Fourth of July Parade is set for July 3 at 9:30am. The parade starts at the Walden Racquet and Fitness Center and ends around 10:30am.     They especially invite all veterans and active duty military personnel to be a part of this parade. If you wish to participate, arrive at the Walden Racquet and Fitness Center at 8:30 am to line up and be judged for awards. Vehicle, boat and float entries must pre-register. All veterans and active duty military personnel who are planning on participating in the parade, please e-mail waldenpoa@yahoo.com or call Kelly Nispel at 713-416-5431.  The community of Walden on Lake Conroe will feature a fireworks display starting at dusk July 4. Here are some Fun Pictures from the Wa... 07/02/2010

7366 Teaswood is a gorgeous corner lot bordered by two lovely creeks and adjoining the covered bridge in the executive style gated community of Teaswood! City of Conroe water and sewer, 12 minutes north of The Woodlands Mall. Heavily wooded with 37 trees over 90 feet tall, 95 large hardwoods, unique grove of 10 magnolias and several large water oaks, extensive topographic and tree survey available showing optimal building site, architectural plans designed specifically for this property also available! This listing has recently been reduced to $164,000. click on Address/Picture or contact Mary Ann Cluxton for more Information. Lake Conroe Homes for Sale 06/30/2010

 10 ROYAL DALTON CIR is a beautiful, meticulously-maintained custom home in the much sought after 'Wedgewood' subdivision! This large 6 bedroom, 4-1/2 bath home is perfectly set up for quarters, mother-in-law suite, or second master upstairs. This spacious family home is perfect for entertaining or for those large family gatherings. Enjoy the beautifully manicured backyard from your large, covered back porch. The home is equipped with a back-up generator. Come home to the comfort of this southern-living inspired home! This listing has recently been reduced to $467,900. Click on address/picture or contact Mary Ann Cluxton for more Information. Lake Conroe Real Estate 06/30/2010

  A NEW MOVIE-WATCHING EXPERIENCE!  A Houston based company has created a dine-in movie concept that has arrived in Conroe!  Come enjoy a movie and have dinner too!  Star Cinema Grill is located at: 2000 I-45 Conroe, Texas 77301 Phone: 936-539-6088 Fax: 936-788-1956Email: starcinemagrillconroe@gmail.com A waitstaff will attend to your needs and discreetly serve you while you enjoy the latest movie.  You can also enjoy a draft beer or a glass of wine while you unwind from the day. The theater can also be rented for a special event or meeting.  My husband and I attended a college football game being shown and had a blast.  The event was an alumni fundraiser and was sold out! Give the Star Cinema Grill a try, I think you will be pleased and will have a great time. 06/27/2010

2103 Longmire is an awesome French Country Estate on 1.8 acres and backs up to the Wedgewood Golf Course. Fantastic view of the 3rd hole & two ponds on the course. Home features extensive millwork and designer colors throughout. Kitchen features a Viking Range and granite countertops. Master suite features its own private patio, great windows, huge closet with built-ins, soaking tub, separate sink areas and vanity. Media room in this home is exceptional. 2nd Master upstairs, built in computer niche, built-ins galore! This listing has recently been reduced to $649,900. Click on address/picture or contact Brenda King for more Information. Lake Conroe Real Estate 06/24/2010

446 Stephen F. Austin is a beautiful single story home! High ceilings and crown molding throughout! Gorgeous stone flooring, fresh paint, light and bright and ready for move in! This home features formal dining room, huge family room with gas fireplace, huge master with his and her areas, breakfast area with huge windows, nice lot with trees, detached garage/man cave. Neighborhood features great schools, easy access to 45 and golf!!! This listing has recently been reduced to $174,900. Click on address/picture or contact Brenda King for more Information. Lake Conroe Real Estate 06/24/2010