Cold Enough?

Taken just last month, a beautiful view of our Monte Leone section sprinkled with snow

Having grown up in Canada, I am used to the cold physically, although I can admit that after nine years living in the warm South, my tolerance has thinned out as I was tempted to bring out the heavy winter artillery of my fashionable hat, gloves and scarfs. Unfortunately, most of them remain in Canada for use when I visit.

It is important that given the record temperatures that we prepare ourselves. We ought to be cautious rather than sorry in case we are forced to deal with a broken pipe due to the expansion of water as it becomes ice. My management has recommended we prepare by doing the following, and additional tips I have learned from living up North as well as from helpful folks:

• Make sure the heat is turned up
• Drain all water and sprinkler lines and make sure the sprinkler loops are shut off and drained out
• Wrap all the exterior hose bibs and water lines with newspaper or towels and secure with duct tape
• Leave one plumbing fixture in the house dripping inside tonight. The farthest fixture away from the water heater is the one that needs to be left on
• Open cabinet doors around your sinks in the kitchen and bathroom to allow warmer air inside
• Insulate your outdoor water meter, make sure lid is on tight
• Make sure you know where your home’s shut-off valve is and how to turn it on and off

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Podcast Interview with Kathy Tautenhahn – Cornerstone Mortgage

Mortgages have become a sensitive issue given the changes in the underwriting guidelines. It is more imperative in today’s financial environment for potential buyers prepare themselves properly when considering a purchase. Newmark Homes Houston has recently signed and affiliated business arrangement with Cornerstone Mortgage which offers a wide variety of different financial packages for buyers. I met with Kathy TautenHahn, Senior Loan Officer at Cornerstone Mortgage and Alicia Azuara, Marketing Director for Newmark Homes Houston and chatted about mortgages, buyers, and real estate.

PART I

PART II

To contact Kathy Tautenhahn:

Direct: 713.744.1275 Ext 1075

Cell: 713.254.5549

ktautenhahn@houseloan.com

www.kathytautenhahn.com

To contact Newmark Homes Houston

www.newmarkhomes.com

For homes ready now

To contact Joel Luks at Lakes of Bella Terra:

Direct: 713.253.0815

jluks@newmarkhomes.com

Fedrick, Harris Estate Homes  $375K – 700K

Newmark Homes $180K – 250K

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New Section and New Feature Series at Lakes of Bella Terra

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Joel Luks

Company: Fedrick, Harris Estate Homes, a division of Newmark Homes Houston

Direct: 713.253.0815

Fax: 713.344.1963

Email: jluks@newmarkhomes.com

Website: http://www.newmarkhomes.com

Fedrick, Harris Estate Homes, a Division of Newmark Homes Houston, Opens New Section and Offers New Feature Line in Lakes of Bella Terra

Richmond, TX – A new 82′ section is  now available for pre-sales in Lakes of Bella Terra, an award winning community by award winning Ryko Development, Inc. located near the intersection of Grand Parkway (99) and the Westpark Toll road (1093). These brand new home sites offer buyers more choice with premium locations including cul-de-sac, oversize and privacy within this exclusive gated area.

In addition, Fedrick, Harris Estate Homes is offering two feature lines to allow buyers maximum flexibility in designing their dream home. Buyers can choose from the more affordable Signature Plus Series features or the exquisitely appointment Elite Series package with homes ranging from 3,100 to 4,789 square feet.

The Signature Plus Series package offers a competitive array of interior features including granite countertops in the kitchen and master bathroom, maple cabinetry, stainless appliances and wrought iron stairs. Buyers can choose from traditional, country, french country, and stucco Mediterranean elevations. Prices start at $378,990.

The Elite Series is a premium package which includes solid maple and cherry cabinetry, double 8′ front doors, professional style GE Monogram appliances, and many more decorative options. Stone and brick full masonry elevations are an included upgrade, and buyers have optional Mediterranean and Tuscan options combining stucco and stone. Prices start at $403,990.

In an effort to meet increasing unique buyer demands, Fedrick, Harris Estate Homes is also offering options to satisfy the discerning lifestyle and design conscious buyer. Outdoor summer kitchens, outdoor fireplaces, wine reserves, wired entertainment music, communication and state-of-the-art home theater room set-ups.

About Newmark Homes Houston

Newmark Homes Houston builds homes ranging in price from $170,000 to over $600,000 in 19 of the finest master planned communities in the Houston Metropolitan area. For more information on Newmark Homes Houston, please visit  www.newmarkhomes.com.

About Lakes of Bella Terra and Ryko Development, Inc.

Ryko has earned a reputation for developing premier lake destinations. Named Developer of the Year in 2006 by the Greater Houston Builder’s Association and Best Developer in Fortbend in 2007 and 2008 in Fort Bend Sun’s Annual Reader’s Choice Awards, no detail is overlooked. From landscaped entryways, lush green areas and sparkling fountains oasis, all the finishing touches create a vibrant community setting.For more information, please visit www.lakesofbellaterra.com.

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Looking and Feeling Fabulous

September marks an important month for many. For some, going back to work, families gel into their back to school routines, the weather cools, and we put our whites away after Labor Day weekend. As summer comes to an end, we breathe at the thought of more time between now and the time we have to sport our little pink polka dot bikinis or trendy retro swimwear.

Many make health resolutions only to be broken by important (some not so much) Holidays. Who can avoid the sinfulness of Halloween candy, the hoards of food for Thanksgiving (some of us celebrate both, Canadian and US), and of course Christmas.

Keeping active can be challenging when we get busy. The trick is to find things we enjoy doing that are easily accessible from our home. This is where location, location, location, takes on a different meaning.

Recommended Insufficient Inactive No Leisure-Time Physical Activity * Texas 46.8 38.0 15.3 28.4

Note: Data were adjusted for non-responses, age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population, and weighted to provide state and overall estimates. Confidence intervals were calculated using SUDAAN to adjust for the complex survey sample design.

* “Recommended,” “Insufficient,” and “Inactive” data comprise one measure, and responses should sum to ~100%. “No Leisure-Time Physical Activity” is a separate question, and should not be included with calculations for the recommended, insufficient, or inactive.

According the to Center for Disease Control, Texas ranks in the mid range of the country’s physical activity matrix.  States where over 55% of the people are active include Oregon, Montana, Utah, Maine, and Alaska. Louisiana and Mississippi rank along the lowest, while Texas is in the company of others like Oklahoma, Nevada, the Dakotas and New York. So overall, Texas isn’t doing great, but not terrible either.

I have made a little video of many things that are found in and about Lakes of Bella Terra. Often, we do not take advantage of what’s near and dear to our location, leaving the full enjoyment of our amenities to tourists. Sometimes, it is fun to be a tourist in your own city. Try it.

Center for Disease Control Physical Activity Statistics

Lakes of Bella Terra

Fedrick, Harris Estate Homes in Lakes of Bella Terra

Newmark Homes in Lakes of Bella Terra

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