Written By Stephanie Lazcano, Realtor ® Hey Friends, Whats a Podcast? Glad you asked. Well a Podcast is basically a technology that is used to get audio content to to consumers through the use of ipods. People can either download it or subscribe to it, and best of all is that it's free.  The name podcast actually is a combination of two things and ipod and a broadcast, the two together make "Podcast". As many of you know technology simply makes life a heck of a lot easier.  I'm always looking to learn new things and i came across Podscast which basically replaces audio tapes.  You can upload them to your ipods and learn on the go.  I use itunes which is a free software program powered by Apple.  Google the phrase "Free ipod podcast downloads", and there is just tons of free podcast that... 03/04/2008

What is a master-planned community?By Tim Sojka, See TIM Sell, Realtor / Broker - 713-822-2152A question that I get asked often is what is a master planned community and how is it different from a normal neighborhood?   Let's use an example from Katy Texas.  I live in Chesterfield (a neighborhood but not a master planned community)  Chesterfield is an awesome neighborhood with a pool, tennis courts; it is close to dining and recreation.  The neighborhood has beautiful home and mature trees.  Some neighborhoods even have lakes or walking trails.  Chesterfield is truly stunning.  However it is still not a master planned community. A master planned community has everything a neighborhood has, however, it has more and it is more - thought out - it has a more detailed game plan from the begi... 03/03/2008

Katy Texas Private Schools Katy has some of the best public schools in the state of Texas.  Still some people choose for religious or secular reasons to attend private schools.  Katy has a long history of strong private schools.  The list below contains just a few. Child Enrichment Center20555 Kingsland BlvdKaty, TX 77450Crosspoint Christian School700 S Westgreen BlvdKaty, TX 77450Faith West Academy2225 Porter RoadKaty, TX 77493Memorial Lutheran Preschool & Kindergarten5810 3rd StKaty, TX 77493Montessori-Cinco Ranch2530 S Peek RdKaty, TX 77450New Hope Child Development Center1350 N. Mason RdKaty, TX 77449Nottingham Country Day School20303 KingslandKaty, TX 77450Way To the Lake School20235 Katy FrwyKaty, TX 77450click on the links for more detailed informationFor more information about K... 03/03/2008

A list of Katy Texas Golf Courses and Contact Informationby Timothy Sojka, of the see TIM Sell TeamClub at Falcon Point, The, 24503 Falcon Point Dr, Katy, TX 77494, (281)392-7888, Private, 18 hole, 6,771 yds, Par 72Golf Club at Cinco Ranch, 23030 Cinco Ranch Blvd, Katy, TX 77450, (281)395-4653, Public, 18 hole, 6,922 yds, Par 71Green Meadows Golf Club, 6450 Franz Rd, Katy, TX 77493, (281)391-3670, 36 holes       West Course, Public, 18 hole, 6,702 yds       East Course, Public, 18 hole, 5,688 yds, Par 70Meadowbrook Farms Golf Club, 1 Meadowbrooks Farms Club Dr, Katy, TX 77494, (281)693-4653, Public, 18 hole, 7,100 yds, Par 72, CR-74.2Willow Fork Country Club, 21055 Westheimer Pkwy, Katy, TX 77450, (281)579-6262, Private, 18 hole, 6,954 yds, Par 72, CR-72.4 For more information about Kat... 03/03/2008

Branding of Neighborhoods - Example - Firethorne, Katy Texas (edit/delete) When people think of branding they think of brands like Coca Cola, Budweiser or Starbucks.  People's names can also be a brand, for instance Tiger Woods or Michael Jordon are names (or brands) that if put on items like shoes or golf clubs will take up the sells (price and volume) of those items.People seldom think of neighborhoods as brands, however they should.  When people ask you where you live they do not ask what street you live on (at least in most of the country) they ask you what neighborhood you live in.  This is harsh but true, people will make dozens of assumptions about you (whether true or not) after hearing your answer.I am not saying that his should drive the real estate purchasing decision but it ... 03/03/2008

Branding of Neighborhoods - Example - Grand Lakes, Katy Texas (edit/delete) When people think of branding they think of brands like Coca Cola, Budweiser or Starbucks.  People's names can also be a brand, for instance Tiger Woods or Michael Jordon are names (or brands) that if put on items like shoes or golf clubs will take up the sells (price and volume) of those items.People seldom think of neighborhoods as brands, however they should.  When people ask you where you live they do not ask what street you live on (at least in most of the country) they ask you what neighborhood you live in.  This is harsh but true, people will make dozens of assumptions about you (whether true or not) after hearing your answer.I am not saying that his should drive the real estate purchasing decision but it... 03/03/2008

Branding of Neighborhoods - Example - Seven Meadows, Katy Texas (edit/delete) When people think of branding they think of brands like Coca Cola, Budweiser or Starbucks.  People's names can also be a brand, for instance Tiger Woods or Michael Jordon are names (or brands) that if put on items like shoes or golf clubs will take up the sells (price and volume) of those items.People seldom think of neighborhoods as brands, however they should.  When people ask you where you live they do not ask what street you live on (at least in most of the country) they ask you what neighborhood you live in.  This is harsh but true, people will make dozens of assumptions about you (whether true or not) after hearing your answer.I am not saying that his should drive the real estate purchasing decision but ... 03/03/2008

My Sunday Card from my cousin Tommy in TN    More like Jesus would I be, let my Savior dwell with me; Fill my soul with peace and love-make me gentle as a dove. More like Jesus, while I go, pilgrim in this world below; Poor in spirit would I be; let my Savior dwell in me. If He hears the raven's cry, if His ever watchful eye Marks the sparrows when they fall, surely He will hear my call.  He will teach me how to live, all my sinful thoughts forgive; Pure in heart I still would be- let my Savior dwell in me. More like Jesus when I pray, more like Jesus day by day May I rest me by His side, where the tranquil waters glide Born of Him through grace renewed, by His love my will subdued.  Rich in faith I still would be-let my Savior dwell in me.      Liz Carter, Katy, Texas            03/02/2008

Chesterfield - Katy TXby Tim Sojka - Real Estate Broker, See TIM SellThe majesty of mature trees and the unmistakable allure of custom European style homes greet you as you enter the Estates of Chesterfield.  Chesterfield is located in the beautiful and well respected Houston Suburb of Katy. Chesterfield was Katy's original high end community in the early 80's.  Chesterfield has been an island of custom built grandeur from that time.  Each estate resides on a large lot and several homes feature custom touches like designer wet bars and wine rooms, old world block paneling and winding staircases.  Most homes are architecturally interesting.  Chesterfield is not the neighborhood for the track home lover or cookie cutter crowds most homes have no equal in the neighborhood.  Chesterfield is... 03/01/2008

By Timothy Sojka, Realtor ® / BrokerSeveral communities have risen from the Katy prairies over the last few years; however, few have bloomed like the master planned community Firethorne.  Located south of I-10, just west of Katy Mills Mall this community is perfectly positioned to be part of the future growth of Katy.Firethorne boast all of the amenities of a top flight master planned community, a 12 acre lake, nature trails, a multi level resort style pool, a Lacrosse Field, a large play ground, pocket parks and a fitness center (with an available fitness trainer).  Future project include a tennis court and a competitive swim center.According to Firethorne Marketing Coordinator Janet Burkett, Firethorne's overall vision and real estate development has been overseen by Jefferson Develop... 03/01/2008

by Tim Sojka - Realtor / BrokerThere is a very well known book called Blink.  The book is authored by Malcolm Gladwell.  Blink is intriguing on many levels, however, the main theme of the book is that a majority of times our snap judgments, the quick decisions we make in the first two seconds are correct.  Many times, we can spend months, years, or decades collecting data, however, as often as not the initial feel we have, the sixth sense, the intuition is the best barometer.Barker's Ridge is a neighborhood that has wonderful statistics and an excellent reputation; however, it is the special sense of community that makes Barker's Ridge special.  This sense of community can be felt almost as you enter into its confines.Barker's Ridge is located just off of Barker's Cypress, north of I-10... 02/29/2008

The wonderful details of Remington TrailsBy Tim Sojka  There is a very well known dining establishment in Houston called the Taste of Texas that features fantastic steaks.  When a homeowner wants a taste of Texas, there are few communities that meet the demand better than Remington Trails.  As the Houston Rodeo approaches each year, the community longs for old Houston traditions.  Located west of Katy Mills Mall and north of I-10, Remington Trails is the ideal community for someone who desires those traditions, while living in a luxurious home.  Wide open spaces allow you to raise animals or just have a great place for your children to play.  Many of the residents raise horses, breed champion dogs, and a few even raise cattle.  According to homeowners, Cindy Haag and Linda Merz, the nei... 02/28/2008

Parklake VillageA neighborhood that continues to romance the residents  Selecting a neighborhood is very much like finding the person whom you will marry.  When you fall in love with someone, first, there is first a hint of attraction.  Next the suitor makes you feel safe, secure and warm.  Then you slowly discover dozens of magical qualities about them, each quality increasing your level of interest.  Infatuation comes quickly, but true love blooms over time. Parklake Village, a little waterfront jewel, east on Stonelodge from Fry Road offers just such a situation to the lucky few who call it home.  Visitors and future homeowners who drive through the well-manicured entrance will feel their first hint of attraction when they see stunning Mediterranean and traditional homes surrounding ... 02/28/2008

So much is made in the media about how bad the real estate market is.  In some places, I'm sure it is pretty ugly.  However, here in HOUSTON, things seem to be booming!  Don't believe it?  The number don't lie!-----2007 was the second best year in real estate behind only 2006!-----Home values are up almost 3% over last year!-----Nationally, there is a 27% foreclosure rate but here in Houston, the rate is around 5%!-----Specifically in Katy, and more specifically, South Katy, there is only about 3 months of homes left on the market.  In fact, so few homes on the market that buyers are often disappointed in their ability to find "THE" home! So before you take that national news story for face value, dig a little deeper and see what is going on LOCALLY since real estate IS Local!  02/26/2008

It's time to come play GOLF!And Golf for a good cause!  Keller Williams Realty at Cinco Ranch created Cinco Charities to give back to the community we live in, work in and LOVE!  Our Golf Tournament is one events that people look forward to every year and we have been lauded for the tournament we put on! So come play!   Cinco Charities helps families with a place to live while undergoing treatments at Katy Medical facilities!Check out Cinco Charities here! Check out the Golf Tournament information here! 02/26/2008

My first cousin Tommy sends me one of these type cards every weekend.  He is the one that lives in Savannah TN and sent the pictures of the terrible tornado that ripped through the sate a couple of weeks ago.  Even though we don't hardly see each other anymore with this part of the family being in Texas, we do stay in touch especially via the Internet, and phone calls.  I have lots of great, fun, and happy memories of the times we would visit when I was growing up.  I used to get in trouble because I wanted to hang out with my boy cousins, and not the girl ones.  I was always kinda of a tomboy, and jumping off bridges 20' high into the creek, going hunting, fishing, etc. was a lot more fun to me than playing dolls .  Tommy and my other favorite first cousin Buddy even took me "snipe hun... 02/23/2008

 There is THREE basic things you need to focus on to become successfulin your career as a Real Estate Sales Person.   List a saleable home                                                                                             Sell it  Tell THE WORLD                                                                                Sounds simple, but it isn't.  The key word in point 1. is SALEABLE, that means you know the market and you have developed the sales skills to convince the seller of the right price that will cause the home to sell.  There is no self life in having an unsaleable listing.  It is expensive and exhausting, you can do all the flayers, prospecting, ads, Internet marketing, etc. but if a home is overpriced it will not sale...period.  You must know the market and hav... 02/22/2008

Neat Things To Know  Some helpfull bits of triva, Liz Carter your neighborhood Real Estate specialist in Katy Texas    Peel a banana from the bottom and you won't have to pick the little "stringy things" off of it. That's how the primates do it. Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster. Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh much longer and not mold! Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating. Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking. Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef. It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking. To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of spoonfuls of sour cre... 02/22/2008

If you are one of the 4000 people BP is moving to the Houston area...you need to consider Katy at the top of your list! Katy has a wonderful school system www.katyisd.org that we are proud to have our six year old attend. We have beautiful master planned communities like Cinco Ranch, Grand Lakes, Seven Meadows, Kelliwood, Green Trails, Windsor Park, Nottingham, Westheimer Lakes North, and more! Three local malls add to the many shopping choices, and we are close to I-10, Westheimer Parkway, and the new Westpark Tollway...all for easy commute times. We at Team DiMuria would love to set up an area tour with you and show you why we feel Katy is the best place in the Houston Metro area to live, work, and play! Call or e-mail us for a relocation package...or go to our www.KatyHomeFinder.com ... 02/22/2008

I personally know of several murders in the Houston, Katy Texasarea.  Not to mention the rapes, assaults and robberies that have occurred in our occupation.  Five of the murdered women in Houston several years ago I knew personally.  There was also a new home sales lady that was murdered not 10 minuets from my office in broad daylight at a model home on Mason Rd. @ 1-10.  As Realtors we work with strangers at the beginning, people we have never met before.  The majority are of course perfectly safe, however a few are not.  Our clients never think of that when it comes to what we charge, and most of the time we forget about it too.  I was sent an article about a new device called a Taser (there is a link to the commercial at the bottom).  So please remember to always be careful and follo... 02/21/2008