Jan. 25 Section B

LEADER LISTING The Leader • Saturday, January 25, 2020 • Page 1B

The Bearded Baker to open brick and mortar

By Betsy Denson betsy@theleadernews.com

Contributed photo There will be several leases available at a retail complex on North Shepherd Drive across from H-E-B.

Contributed photo Allan Hursig will open The Bearded Baker cookie shop in a Revive development off 11th Street between North Shepherd Drive and Yale Street this spring.

Contributed photo Boulevard Realty’s 2019 Top Producers gathered for a picture at Boulevard’s 2020 kick-off meeting.

They are, from left to right: Bill Baldwin, Robert Zahn, Lauren Alff, Brandon Krueger, Cynthia Mullins, Star Massing, Melissa Kubala, David Diamond, Jim Ford, Jaye Tullai, Drew Platt, and Yenny Mattei (not pictured).

Boulevard Realty celebrates top producers and talks continued disruption at annual company meeting

By Boulevard Realty For The Leader

As the Houston housing market remains undeniably strong, with the Houston Association of Realtors reporting all-time record sales once again for 2019 and positive indicators across the board going into 2020, home buyers and sellers continue to have some cause for uncertainty when it comes to what it actually looks like to work with a Realtor today. Boulevard Realty Broker/Owner Bill Baldwin tackled these ongoing challenges head-on at his company’s annual kick-off meeting earlier this month, where he also celebrated the firm’s success over 2019.

The continued disruption in the local real estate industry with mergers, acquisitions, and buy-outs by national or multinational real estate brands has led to the firm now standing among the only 2 truly independent, locally owned and operated firms inside the loop.

While some independent firms took a step back last year due to the city’s changing real estate landscape, Boulevard had its best year ever, with over $239 million in sales. Baldwin recognizes that it was a successful year for the firm, but more than anything, he is excited for the future. “2019 was

Contributed photo Yenny Mattei was also a 2019 Top Producer for Boulevard Realty.

a monumental year for Boulevard, not just because of our record sales production at a time when many were struggling to adjust to disruption in the industry, but in our ability to stay competitive while remaining true to our independent, client-centric spirit.”

At the kick-off meeting, Baldwin acknowledged that he was proud of the contributions of each and every one of Boulevard’s 50+ agents, and that every transaction, from leases to large sales, helps to tell the story of the firm. He especially recognized the firm’s Top Producing agents, who sold at least $5 million in real estate for the year. This core yet ever-expanding group included Baldwin, Melissa Kubala, Star

Massing, Cynthia Mullins, Jaye Tullai, Brandon Krueger, Drew Platt, Lauren Alff, David Diamond, Yenny Mattei, Jim Ford, and Robert Zahn. Baldwin also took the time to hand out a few awards, with Kruger receiving the Shining Star Award, Alff being presented with the Rising Star Award, and Zahn being inducted into the Boulevard Realty Hall of Fame. As part of their recognition, Baldwin provided each agent with a fund to support a local, independent business of their choosing.

While Baldwin focused first on recognition, he also used the annual meeting as an opportunity to express to Boulevard’s agents and staff that continued success in 2020 would largely hinge on the firm’s ability to compete and exceed in an increasing culture of convenience. One way Boulevard plans to stay competitive in 2020 is by providing a seller resources package that will expand on the types of services the firm has provided for years now as part of its boutique brand of service. “Since I founded Boulevard in 2008, we’ve continually added to the in-house services we can offer our clients—a design selections coordinator, a construction manager, a stager, an agent See Boulevard P. 2B

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Fluff Bake Bar leaves Midtown for Shady Acres Rebecca Masson, chef and owner at Fluff Bake Bar in Midtown, told CultureMap

that parking was a big issue and prompted her to look for a Heights location. Investor Louie Comella had a property available where a bar had previously been planned.

Now the spot at 1701 W. 15th St. will offer the cookies and cakes that have been offered at Masson’s shop in Midtown since 2015.

Masson said that her new space is bigger and will offer more seating. She’ll also offer breakfast, opening at 7 a.m.

Fluff Bake Bar will reopen on 15th Street by early February.

Do you have something for the Real Estate Roundup? E-mail betsy@theleadernews.com.

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1225 Rutland, $1+ Mil Amanda Anhorn, 713.256.5123

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Leases available at upcoming retail complex near H-E-B A flyer from Streetwise Re-

tail Advisors announced that a 4,850-square foot building will commence construction at 2220 N. Shepherd Dr., across the corner from H-E-B. A ground lease or freestanding retail option is available. The complex will also be adjacent to the .9-acre site that the Katz family – of deli and bar fame - purchased last June.

Streetwise’s flyer listed the median age of nearby residents as 38.6 with a median household income of $81,899.

P R O P E R T I E S

MMA gym to open in Heights UFC GYM was founded in 2009 as the first major brand extension of the mixed martial arts organization, UFC. An upcoming Heights location will be its ninth in Texas.

The gym has set up in an enrollment center at 1431 W. 20th St., Ste C near King’s BierHaus and I Cycle Bike Shop with the permanent digs set to open the first week of March.

GREENWOOD KING

Allan Hursig will open his cookie shop, called The Bearded Baker, in a Revive development off 11th Street between North Shepherd Drive and Yale Street this spring.

The Richmond native was laid off from his job in oil and gas and turned to baking. Hursig even tried his luck on the Food Network’s “Christmas Cookie Challenge” this year.

His custom cookies start at $35 per dozen. With the storefront, Hursig said he will do some little cakelettes, scones, muffins and macarons.

“And probably whatever I want to play around with seasonally, like tarts and pies or really whatever looks like it could be fun,” Hursig said.

Hursig said the Heights is a great location for The Bearded Baker’s brick and mortar location for several reasons.

“The first being, the Heights is a foodie’s mecca,” Hursig said. “This is where people go to be wowed by foods and desserts, which is perfect for my focus on high-quality ingredients and uniquely personal and elaborate designs and decorations. The second reason, with my cookies being such an exclusive and unique product, the Heights serves as a great middle ground for all of Houston and its surrounding areas.

The Heights, to me, is a perfect match for what The Bearded Baker strives for and I’m very excited to join the community.”

Hursig will have 800 square feet in the same complex that houses Hando Sushi.

403 Aurora, $500s Alex Berry, 713.480.2213

721 Sue Barnett, $400s Jason Knebel, 713.232.9712

1104 W. 15 1/2 Juli Moore, 713.502.0775

Page 2B • Saturday, January 25, 2020 • The Leader

How savvy homeowners Boulevard Realty’s can save money in 2020 new Houston Heights home .

By Betsy Denson

listed. The form can be filed from Jan 1-April 30.

“The filing process is completely free, so don’t fall for any spam mail that offers to file for you for a nominal fee,” Antelo said.

The other way to save money is by protesting property taxes. Antelo said property taxes tend to increase every year, but you can protest yours by bringing a copy of your property tax disclosure to HCAD headquarters, 13013 Northwest Fwy. “Texas is a non-disclosure state, so remember that you’re not required to reveal how much you paid for your property,” she said. “As with filing for homestead exemption, this process is free.”

Realtor Boris Kasabov said that to help prepare for a protest, you should review both the prior year and current year change in valuation, specifically the land versus improvement specs. It is also helpful to run a comparable report of the recent year and

look at similar sales if there are any. This can be done by a Realtor or other licensed professional if help is needed.

A protest must be filed by mid-May. It can be done in January, but Kasabov said that often the taxable value is not yet determined by the county appraisers.

“Sometimes this doesn’t become known until late February or even March,” he said.

Kasabov said the process of protesting is multi-faceted, but in general, you can file an informal protest either online or in person with an appraiser to present evidence versus the evidence of the district.

The next step, if an agreement is not reached, is a formal Appraisal Review Board (ARB) protest in which the case is presented to a panel of three neutral appraisal review board members and a fourth who will argue on behalf of the district.

The next level is binding arbitration within 45 days of the formal ARB protest, but this step is more risky because the protester must pay a deposit that might not be recouped if an agreement is not reached. It can also be taken to the court level with legal counsel, which is also costly and not an option many homeowners choose to pursue.

As for the informal protest, Antelo said it wouldn’t hurt to give it a shot.

“You might be surprised at how much of a reduction you get,” she said, “and who doesn’t want that extra cash in their pocket?”

ers as giving them the ability to pre-market their home without adding to the Days on the Market metric on the MLS, though Baldwin points to a number of factors that have led to the adoption of the Clear Cooperation rules.

“In almost every instance, it is not in the buyer’s or seller’s best interest to market a property off the MLS,” cautions Baldwin, “It is in the agent or brokerage’s best interest and actually puts sellers at a disadvantage. I have not allowed this practice at my firm for

some time now.” Thus, Baldwin feels that Boulevard will have an easier time than most firms when it comes to adjusting to the Clear Cooperation Policy. “Many of the changes we’re seeing center around agents acting ethically and not discriminating against anyone,” Baldwin muses. “Putting the interests of our clients first, while staying true to our ethics has always been our mindset, so despite what seem like major changes, in many ways it will still be business as usual for Boulevard in 2020.”

betsy@theleadernews.com

While Houston-based Realtor Daniela Antelo offers both homeowners and potential buyers tips on the Keller Williams website, January’s advice from her is for the homeowner who wants to save more money.

Antelo said that for 2020, you may qualify for a homestead exemption if you owned and occupied a primary residence by Jan. 1, 2020, which may result in a 20 percent reduction on your current taxes.

As defined by the Texas Comptroller’s office, a homestead can be a separate structure, condominium or manufactured home located on owned or leased land as long as the individual living in the home owns it.

Homestead exemptions remove part of a home’s value from taxation, so they lower the homeowner’s taxes.

The example offered on the comptroller’s website is a home appraised at $100,000 that qualifies for a $25,000 exemption – the amount mandated for school districts – which means the homeowner will pay school taxes on the home as if it was worth $75,000.

Antelo said that to file for this exemption, you can either go online to the Harris County Appraisal District website (hcad.org) or download the application and submit it by mail. If you choose to do it by mail, you’ll need a copy of your driver’s license with your primary residence

Antelo

Boulevard, from P. 1B concierge,” Baldwin explains.

“The seller resources package that we’re rolling out for 2020 is really just a natural evolution of those services.”

When asked what advice he has for home sellers and buyers this year, Baldwin hints at some economic and regulatory disruptions that will touch all segments of the market, ultimately expressing no cause for major concern. “From a market standpoint, I think we are all bracing ourselves for a recession that just doesn’t seem to be on the immediate horizon.

The indicators just aren’t there, so it shouldn’t have any bearing on home values, the cost of borrowing, or the number of homes sold,” he explains, continuing, “The major shift from a consumer standpoint will be your Realtor’s ability to market your home as a ‘pocket listing’, ‘coming soon’, or ‘off-MLS’.”

Baldwin is referring to recent regulatory changes and recommendations advanced by the National Association of Realtors in what is known as a Clear Cooperation Policy.

This prevents agents and firms from listing and marketing a property for any period of time without making it available for the widest pool of consumers on the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), with the exception of being able to market the listing “in-house” to other agents in the same brokerage.

In Houston, the MLS is known as HAR.com, since it is owned and operated by the Houston Association of Realtors. This practice is often pitched to sell-

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The Leader • Saturday, January 25, 2020 • Page 3B

Neighbors: Young talent on display at SPX Are essential oils dangerous to pets?

By Elizabeth Villarreal elizasgarden@outlook.com

eration and with caution.

Never put them in food or water “Essential oils should never be given by mouth or in the animal’s food,” said Murl Bailey, a professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “Oral ingestion can cause vomiting, diarrhea and central nervous system depression, which can cause symptoms such as decreased heart and breathing rate. Seizures are also possible from large doses.”

Dear Tabby, I love using essential oils in my home, but I’ve heard that some can be toxic to my pets. Can you help me to determine if I need to ditch my “oily” habit to protect my pets?

Essential Oil Fanatic in Timbergrove Dear Essential Oil Fanatic, Essential oils are all the rage these days! Folks are using them to not only enhance the scent of their homes but also to help alleviate stress and other ailments. While some essential oils can be beneficial to pets and even help to strengthen their immune system, vets warn you to use them in mod-

Don’t let Rover lick freshly-applied oils Bailey added that oils applied to the animal’s skin may be ingested during the animal’s self-grooming. Therefore, it is best to apply the oil at the base of the neck where the animal can’t reach. Additionally, if you apply essential oils to your own skin, avoid allowing

your pet to lick your skin after application.

Oils that are toxic to pets Bailey also has compiled a helpful list of popular essential oils that can be toxic to pets. They include basil, bitter almond, clove leaf, hyssop, oregano, pine oil, tea tree, wintergreen and ylang-ylang.

Natural ways to treat pets, such as essential oils, are growing in availability. However, Bailey reminds pet owners that essential oils are not regulated and the concentration and safety listed on the label may be unknown in pets.

As always, it is best to consult your veterinarian before beginning any new treatment regimen.

Bailey’s complete list of toxic essential oils can be found here at www.vetmed. tamu.edu.

Do you have a question for Tabby? Email her at deartabbyquestions@gmail.com.

Pet of the Week

Meet Junebug Junebug is a bulldog mix who was found living with a feral cat colony (she was undoubtedly there for the cat food and the cuddles). She is new to foster care and very underweight now. She is also heartworm positive, but is taking all the steps and meds to get better. Junebug is about 2 years old and is a personality plus (wait until you hear the funny sounds she makes!). To meet this sweet girl in person, visit www.scoutshonor. org.

St. Pius X High School was the place to be last Friday night! A talent show hosted by the St. Pius X High School Panther Band, Orchestra and Color Guard was chock full of talent and the house was rockin’!

Competing in this year’s talent show were enormously talented students who gave it their all and the judges reported they had quite a struggle as they deliberated.

The SPX Jazz Combo performed “Beaulah Witch” by Don Menza and arranged by Peter Blair; Mathilde Adams performed a French vocal solo “Derniere Danse” by Indila; Joseph Cunningham, on guitar and vocals, performed “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd; Louis Eagleton performed a vibraphone solo “In The Stillness of Twilight”

by David Steinquest; Yasmin Falahat and Andrew Requena performed a vocal duet of “Seventeen” from Heathers; Gia Cabacungan performed a harp solo of “Spanish Blues”

by Gail Barber; Christian Vazquez performed a Spanish vocal solo “Paloma Negro” by Jemmy Rivera; Kate Mytchak performed an original Color Guard solo to “I Feel Better When I’m Dancing” by Meghan Trainor; Yramsi Barcena sang a vocal solo of “My Heart Will Go On” by Celine Dion; and Blake Deery, on guitar and vocals, performed a solo of “Banana Pancake” by Jack Johnson.

Students Jaren Lacey and Joseph Cunningham shared master of ceremony duties with Cunningham stepping in for a little rhythm guitar with the Gray Falls band during the judges’ deliberation.

The much-anticipated feature performance by Gray Falls not only entertained the audience, but they brought down the house! Gray Falls (formally called Zegovia) is led by former SPX students Seth and Matt Mireles. The Mireles brothers and band members Cole Statx and Jaylon Lexing performed a mix

Contributed photo Master of Ceremonies Jaren Lacey entertains the audience prior to the announcement of the winners at the St. Pius X talent show.

of inspired original music and cover songs. This young and oh-so-talented band has been called “lightning in a bottle” -you should definitely keep an eye on these area youngsters.

Check out their website (grayfalls.com) and listen to them on Spotify! (Just sayin’ … remember the sisters who grew up in Houston, Beyonce and Solange Knowles, who sang and were managed by their parents? Look out America!

Gray Falls is coming!)

Winner of the 2020 St. Pius X High School Talent Show was Gia Cabacungan and her beautiful harp solo. Second place was Kate Mytchak and her original color huard solo.

There was a tie for third place between Blake Deery with his guitar and vocal rendition of “Banana Pancake” and Joseph Cunningham with his guitar and vocal performance of “Wish You Were Here.”

Robert Carlin, band director at SPX, auditions for the talent show in November each year and announces the 10 winning acts in December before everyone leaves for winter break.

Once back at school in January, Carlin and John Magalhaes, who also handles sound and lighting for the show, rehearse the acts and prepare for the show.

The talent show raises much-needed funds for repairs and accessory items for the Panther Band, orchestra and color guard. Additionally, the group donates 10 percent

Contributed photo Gia Cabacungan won first place in the St. Pius X talent show.

of its proceeds each year to a charity. This year, 10 percent of the proceeds of this show will be donated to WIRES: Wildlife Rescue-New South Wales.

SPX would like to thank the judges for the evening – Laura Branch Mireles (former producer of KHOU’s Great Day Houston and mother of Matt and Seth Mireles of Gray Falls), Adam Clay (SPX alumnus and founder and director of Houston New Arts Movement) and Sherrie Dunn (former speech/drama teacher in Cy-Fair ISD and producer of numerous talent shows, plays and other productions).

The students and Mr. Carlin would also like to send a warm thank you to band mom Margaret Sheffield for her support.

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Page 4B • Saturday, January 25, 2020 • The Leader

REALTOR SHOWCASE

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By Landan Kuhlmann landan@theleadernews.com The Houston real estate market constantly fluctuates, much to the chagrin of many potential buyers.

One thing that does no such thing is the service of Oakington Realty agent Abigail Bocchetto, who continues to go above and beyond for her clients. “I work as hard as I possibly can to make sure I’m obtainable to whatever my clients’ needs are,� she said.

Bocchetto comes from a long line of family invested in the realty business. So from real estate attorneys to aunts and uncles who specialize in lending or do the same work she now does, she never lacked a support system or background for her transition into real estate despite lacking previous knowledge of the business before starting at Oakington in 2015.

Nearly five years later, her clients run the gamut, from buyers and sellers all the way to builders seeking new plots of land for building or new developments inside Beltway 8.

Her hot spots include the Heights, Garden Oaks and Oak Forest, along with Montrose, Spring Branch and others. Over the last year or so, she said the buyer’s market has become highly competitive due to lower interest rates on homes around the area, necessitating some adaptation.

In order to account for that change, Bocchetto said she usually has clients contact a mortgage broker so they have an idea of what monthly payments would look like and get a better understanding of what’s in their price range. By doing so, she hopes help her clients find the home of their dreams, not one they’re cornered into buying. “That way, we don’t spend time looking

at something that winds up being unattainable,� she said. “Sometimes, that also means buyers are even able to afford a little bit more on their home.�

At times, Bocchetto said, that perfect spot can take many weeks or months on end to find. But at the end of the journey, the payoff is worth it – and she has never wavered in her mentality. “I’m willing to stay through it with them, for all the good and bad houses we look at,� she said.

That philosophy appears to have paid off, while Bocchetto’s resume looks to speak for itself. In an increasingly competitive market, many clients have come to her off her reputation – with a 5-star rating on HAR – and knowledge of the area, where she grew up in Bellaire, Meyerland, and the Heights.

What’s more, Bocchetto’s fervor extends to helping find a home suitable for not just the buyers themselves, but any auxiliary needs such as family pet. A dog owner herself with a passion for animals, she knows the comfort of an animal can be as significant a factor into the “howâ€? and “whereâ€? of the home buying process as anything. “Wherever that is, I’m willing to go there for them and I’m happy to clear my schedule,â€? she said. â€œâ€ŚI understand the needs not just for the people in the house, but the pets as well.â€?

Driven by her love of the community, she leaves no stone unturned on any front. “They can get a something a little more off of their wish list versus their ‘need’ list,� she said. “I work very hard at trying to find something that someone wants and meets their needs, not something they’re pinned into.�

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1/21/2020 3:24:59 PM

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