Lakes Of Parkway Lifestyle

Lakes of Parkway November | December 2013

Your Lakes of Parkway Neighbor and Realtor Featured Cover Property SOLD In 1 Day

SO LD

September took the Houston Real Estate Market through 28 straight months of positive home sales. Single Family home sales increased 23.5% compared to 2012.

The rapid pace of home buying drove this month’s supply down to 2.3 months of inventory.

Lakes Of Parkway is facing a housing inventory shortage, which by many will be the right time to sell or to move up to the home of your dreams.

Contact me now, it will be a pleasure to represent you!

Houston Chronicle | Premier Agent Spotlight

13614 Meridian Springs | SOLD

A SAMPLING OF REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY IN LAKES OF PARKWAY

Houston Chronicle | Premier Agent Spotlight applauded Claudia for her experience and knowledge in helping her clients! www.chron.com/default/article/Premier-AgentSpotlight-Background-experience-4904420.php

Address

SQFT

Bed

Bath

List Price

List Price per SQFT

CURRENTLY FOR SALE 14322 Kingston Ct 14219 Summer Rose 14410 Kingston Ct 13607 Lakeshore 2207 Crescent Palm Ln 1627 Lakeshore 2408 Chatham Cr

3,429 3,687 3,965 5,038 7,155 5,220 5,730

3 3 5 5 5 5 4

2-1 3-1 4-1 3-1 4-2 3-2 4-2

$566,000 $639,000 $825,000 $850,000 $1,199,000 $1,250,000 $1,485,000

$165 $173 $208 $168 $167 $239 $259

claudiahellmund.yourkwagent.com WANT YOUR PROPERTY TO BE OUR NEXT COVER HOME?

Claudia Hellmund

Claudia Hellmund

Realtor®, GRI, CHMS, CNE ® Realtor GRI, CHMS, CNE

832.309.9390 HellmundClaudia@yahoo.com

832.309.9390

Accredited Buyers Representative chellmund@kwmemorial.com Accredited Luxury Home Specialist Certified Home Marketing Specialist Certified Negotiations Expert

® ®

Call Claudia Hellmund for the most effective marketing to sell your Lakes of Parkway property at 832.309.9390.

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Lakes of Parkway Homes for Sale Per Houston MLS If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996

Holiday Traditions

Creating A Season To Remember

Consumer Confidence Is Seasonal Spending An Indicator Of The Housing Market?

Fall In Love With Peli Peli’s World Famous Boerewors

Lakes of Parkway

Real Estate Report Presented By Claudia Hellmund

In Good Taste

Event Calendar

Peli Peli 281.257.9500 | PeliPeli.com

N OVEMBER | DECEMBER 2013 The holidays are almost here! Why not make this the year you create winter memories that will last a lifetime?

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, or Kwanzaa, holiday traditions will help you build family time that will be cherished for years to come. Here are a few festive ways to make this winter season one to remember.

First, make your home magical. Whether it’s placing your tree or menorah in the same special spot year after year or creating an ornament theme that grows and grows each Christmas, building rituals into your holidays will make them truly unique. A few more decorating ideas to consider: Hang elegant stockings

SOUTH AFRICAN BOEREWORS AND TOMATO GRAVY SAUSAGE INGREDIENTS: 2 lbs of chuck beef (fat and gristle removed) 8 oz of beef fat 1/2 tbsp of ground coriander

1 tbsp of salt A pinch of nutmeg 1/4 c vinegar 1 1/2 oz of pork casings

DIRECTIONS: Cut the meat and fat into small cubes. Sprinkle the seasoning over the meat, mix well and then mince together. Add the vinegar and mix lightly, but thoroughly.

Stuff into casing and refrigerate for 24 hours in a covered, non-metal container. For a great garlic flavor, add finely crushed and chopped garlic. Grill sausages 12-15 minutes over slow coals.

TOMATO GRAVY INGREDIENTS: 4 tomatoes 1 pinch salt & pepper - to taste 1 onion 1 green chili 1/2 green pepper 1 tsp pureed garlic 1 tsp brown sugar 1 tsp vegetable oil DIRECTIONS: Grate tomatoes with a cheese grater. Do not add the flesh. Slice the onion, dice the green pepper and chop the chili. Remember to discard the stem and the tip of the chili. Braise onion in pot using vegetable oil. Add green pepper to braised onion. Maintain at a medium heat. Add grated tomatoes to the onion and pepper. Add garlic, salt, pepper, sugar and chili. Stir over heat and let the mixture come to a light boil, then turn the heat down to simmer. The gravy should thicken slightly. Remove from heat and serve with the boerewors!

for Santa to fill, each embellished with your children’s names; get a second children’s Christmas tree that only the little ones can trim; don your staircase and mantle with evergreens and all-white candles; and don’t forget to hang mistletoe or a kissing ball for lovebirds who pay you a visit.

The exterior of your home should not be forgotten either. Get into the holiday spirit by lighting up a few spectacular trees in your yard or highlighting some of the unique architectural aspects of your house. Each year, your family and neighbors will look forward to your light extravaganza. Need inspiration? Head to the zoo to see its dazzling display of holiday lights.

Looking for a way to appreciate all the holiday lights in your own neighborhood? Try the old tradition of caroling from house to house. Gather your friends and family, pass out some festive sheet music, and don’t forget your holiday cheer. Best part about caroling? You can make it a White Christmas simply singing the song

by Bing Crosby, even if the weather

does not wish to participate.

Finally, there’s no better place to build holiday traditions than in the kitchen. After all, nothing says the holidays better than warm

Happy Holiday Spending!

In 2012, consumers spent 3% more on their holiday spending than the previous holiday season which resulted in over $579 billion in seasonal spending. Will the 2013 holiday season see a return of the Grinch or will consumer spending increase again?

US economy. Strong consumer confidence means that consumers feel that their standard of living is increasing. Confident consumers are more likely to spend more and make bigger purchases - such as a speedy car or new dream home.

Consumer Outlook

Retailer Outlook

“Consumer confidence” is an actual economic indicator which measures the degree of optimism that consumers feel about the state of the economy and their own personal financial situation. There are several “indexes” that provide a numeric measure of consumer confidence. The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) is based on data from a monthly survey of 5,000 US households consisting of five questions addressing current economic conditions. The CCI dipped slightly in September, 2013 to 79.7 but this is a far cry from the 16-year low index of 57.2 in May, 2008. Overall, the CCI indicates that consumers are currently “positive” about the state of the

Baynote, a company that helps multi-channel retailers increase consumer engagement, predicts a strong holiday season for mobile, online and “brick and mortar” retailers. In their August holiday retailing report, Baynote predicted that 2013 holiday consumer spending could increase by as much as 11% over 2012. In their report, Baynote indicated that consumers can look forward to flash sales, free shipping and Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) offers throughout the 2013 holiday season.

There are only 25 days between the Friday after Thanksgiving (aka “Black Friday”) and Christmas this year, as compared to 32 days in 2012.

gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa. Make the winter holidays special for the little ones by making homemade holiday cookies and treats (maybe even start up an annual cookie swap for friends and neighbors).

The kids or grandkids will really enjoy building a beautiful gingerbread house and will look forward to this event year after year. Create a photo album of your gingerbread houses through the years as a special memento.

While you’re in the kitchen, why not plan a holiday dinner that every member of the family will look forward to year after year? Forego the normal roasts and casseroles and prepare your partner or child’s favorite meal instead, even if it’s a nontraditional choice. Voila … instant family tradition. And don’t forget to whip up a signature seasonal cup of cheer – think cranberries, cinnamon, and spice. Happy holidays!

Weekends are the busiest shopping days during that timeframe and there are only four weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas versus five last year. As a result, one-third of retailers have said that they will begin holiday promotional offers as early as October. This means that neither retailers nor consumers can procrastinate during this year’s holiday shopping season.

The historically popular apparel and accessories category are projected to increase sales by 2.8% compared to 2012.

Also, sales in electronics and appliances are predicted to increase 2% compared to last year, with tablets and smartphones continuing to be wildly popular.

No Grinch To Be Found With the combination of strong consumer confidence and retailer’s positive outlook on holiday spending, there is no Grinch in sight for 2013. Although there are fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, consumers will still be able to take advantage of many promotional offers throughout the holiday shopping season in order to fill all those stockings hanging by the fireplace!

A Christmas Carol-A Ghost Story of Christmas Hubbard Stage | November 15-December 29 713.220.5700 | AlleyTheatre.org Houston’s seasonal favorite the Houston Press described as having “spectacular London sets… the inimitable Dickens’ tale-spiced with the usual fog and an unusual twist on the ghosts past, present, and future.” A Christmas Carol-A Ghost Story of Christmas follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey with three ghostly spirits that visit him on Christmas Eve. A Christmas Carol instills a powerful message about redemption and the spirit of the holiday season.

Architecture Tour of Asia Society Texas Center Asia Society Texas Center November 16 & December 7 713.496.9915 | AsiaSociety.org Guided tours of Asia Society Texas Center give you the opportunity to see Yoshio Taniguchi’s first freestanding structure in the United States and will focus on the materials, influences, and ambience of the building. Tour stops will include: the Water Garden Terrace, Fayez Sarofim Grand Hall, Elkins Foundation Water Garden, plus more!

21st Annual TXU Energy Turkey Trot Dillard’s By the Galleria | November 28 info@HoustonTurkeyTrot.org TurkeyTrot.ShelteringArms.org The 20th annual Turkey Trot was officially the best trot yet! More than 13,700 participants trotted together to raise a record amount of funds for seniors in Houston. Trot includes a competitive and nontimed 10K/5K for runners/walkers of all ages! Your participation, volunteering, and fundraising help more than 72,000 seniors, kids, and their caregivers whom Neighborhood Centers and Sheltering Arms assist every day.

Buffalo Bayou Kayak Trip Allen’s Landing | December 7 713.752.0314 | BuffaloBayou.org Meet at Allen’s Landing and paddle east to Buffalo Nature Park. Celebrate Houston in a whole new way and join the Buffalo Bayou Partnership for a kayak adventure through Houston’s stunning urban wilderness.

Holly Jolly Symphony Spectacular with the Houston Symphony Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | December 12 281.364.3011 | WoodlandsCenter.org Frolic in our Winter Wonderland, complete with snow, as the symphony performs holiday classics and popular carols. The North Plaza feels more like the North Pole as it’s all decked out for holiday fun.

Guests can visit with Santa, Frosty, and other holiday characters, listen to carolers sing, and much more.

In Good Taste

Event Calendar

Peli Peli 281.257.9500 | PeliPeli.com

N OVEMBER | DECEMBER 2013 The holidays are almost here! Why not make this the year you create winter memories that will last a lifetime?

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukah, or Kwanzaa, holiday traditions will help you build family time that will be cherished for years to come. Here are a few festive ways to make this winter season one to remember.

First, make your home magical. Whether it’s placing your tree or menorah in the same special spot year after year or creating an ornament theme that grows and grows each Christmas, building rituals into your holidays will make them truly unique. A few more decorating ideas to consider: Hang elegant stockings

SOUTH AFRICAN BOEREWORS AND TOMATO GRAVY SAUSAGE INGREDIENTS: 2 lbs of chuck beef (fat and gristle removed) 8 oz of beef fat 1/2 tbsp of ground coriander

1 tbsp of salt A pinch of nutmeg 1/4 c vinegar 1 1/2 oz of pork casings

DIRECTIONS: Cut the meat and fat into small cubes. Sprinkle the seasoning over the meat, mix well and then mince together. Add the vinegar and mix lightly, but thoroughly.

Stuff into casing and refrigerate for 24 hours in a covered, non-metal container. For a great garlic flavor, add finely crushed and chopped garlic. Grill sausages 12-15 minutes over slow coals.

TOMATO GRAVY INGREDIENTS: 4 tomatoes 1 pinch salt & pepper - to taste 1 onion 1 green chili 1/2 green pepper 1 tsp pureed garlic 1 tsp brown sugar 1 tsp vegetable oil DIRECTIONS: Grate tomatoes with a cheese grater. Do not add the flesh. Slice the onion, dice the green pepper and chop the chili. Remember to discard the stem and the tip of the chili. Braise onion in pot using vegetable oil. Add green pepper to braised onion. Maintain at a medium heat. Add grated tomatoes to the onion and pepper. Add garlic, salt, pepper, sugar and chili. Stir over heat and let the mixture come to a light boil, then turn the heat down to simmer. The gravy should thicken slightly. Remove from heat and serve with the boerewors!

for Santa to fill, each embellished with your children’s names; get a second children’s Christmas tree that only the little ones can trim; don your staircase and mantle with evergreens and all-white candles; and don’t forget to hang mistletoe or a kissing ball for lovebirds who pay you a visit.

The exterior of your home should not be forgotten either. Get into the holiday spirit by lighting up a few spectacular trees in your yard or highlighting some of the unique architectural aspects of your house. Each year, your family and neighbors will look forward to your light extravaganza. Need inspiration? Head to the zoo to see its dazzling display of holiday lights.

Looking for a way to appreciate all the holiday lights in your own neighborhood? Try the old tradition of caroling from house to house. Gather your friends and family, pass out some festive sheet music, and don’t forget your holiday cheer. Best part about caroling? You can make it a White Christmas simply singing the song

by Bing Crosby, even if the weather

does not wish to participate.

Finally, there’s no better place to build holiday traditions than in the kitchen. After all, nothing says the holidays better than warm

Happy Holiday Spending!

In 2012, consumers spent 3% more on their holiday spending than the previous holiday season which resulted in over $579 billion in seasonal spending. Will the 2013 holiday season see a return of the Grinch or will consumer spending increase again?

US economy. Strong consumer confidence means that consumers feel that their standard of living is increasing. Confident consumers are more likely to spend more and make bigger purchases - such as a speedy car or new dream home.

Consumer Outlook

Retailer Outlook

“Consumer confidence” is an actual economic indicator which measures the degree of optimism that consumers feel about the state of the economy and their own personal financial situation. There are several “indexes” that provide a numeric measure of consumer confidence. The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) is based on data from a monthly survey of 5,000 US households consisting of five questions addressing current economic conditions. The CCI dipped slightly in September, 2013 to 79.7 but this is a far cry from the 16-year low index of 57.2 in May, 2008. Overall, the CCI indicates that consumers are currently “positive” about the state of the

Baynote, a company that helps multi-channel retailers increase consumer engagement, predicts a strong holiday season for mobile, online and “brick and mortar” retailers. In their August holiday retailing report, Baynote predicted that 2013 holiday consumer spending could increase by as much as 11% over 2012. In their report, Baynote indicated that consumers can look forward to flash sales, free shipping and Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) offers throughout the 2013 holiday season.

There are only 25 days between the Friday after Thanksgiving (aka “Black Friday”) and Christmas this year, as compared to 32 days in 2012.

gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa. Make the winter holidays special for the little ones by making homemade holiday cookies and treats (maybe even start up an annual cookie swap for friends and neighbors).

The kids or grandkids will really enjoy building a beautiful gingerbread house and will look forward to this event year after year. Create a photo album of your gingerbread houses through the years as a special memento.

While you’re in the kitchen, why not plan a holiday dinner that every member of the family will look forward to year after year? Forego the normal roasts and casseroles and prepare your partner or child’s favorite meal instead, even if it’s a nontraditional choice. Voila … instant family tradition. And don’t forget to whip up a signature seasonal cup of cheer – think cranberries, cinnamon, and spice. Happy holidays!

Weekends are the busiest shopping days during that timeframe and there are only four weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas versus five last year. As a result, one-third of retailers have said that they will begin holiday promotional offers as early as October. This means that neither retailers nor consumers can procrastinate during this year’s holiday shopping season.

The historically popular apparel and accessories category are projected to increase sales by 2.8% compared to 2012.

Also, sales in electronics and appliances are predicted to increase 2% compared to last year, with tablets and smartphones continuing to be wildly popular.

No Grinch To Be Found With the combination of strong consumer confidence and retailer’s positive outlook on holiday spending, there is no Grinch in sight for 2013. Although there are fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, consumers will still be able to take advantage of many promotional offers throughout the holiday shopping season in order to fill all those stockings hanging by the fireplace!

A Christmas Carol-A Ghost Story of Christmas Hubbard Stage | November 15-December 29 713.220.5700 | AlleyTheatre.org Houston’s seasonal favorite the Houston Press described as having “spectacular London sets… the inimitable Dickens’ tale-spiced with the usual fog and an unusual twist on the ghosts past, present, and future.” A Christmas Carol-A Ghost Story of Christmas follows Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey with three ghostly spirits that visit him on Christmas Eve. A Christmas Carol instills a powerful message about redemption and the spirit of the holiday season.

Architecture Tour of Asia Society Texas Center Asia Society Texas Center November 16 & December 7 713.496.9915 | AsiaSociety.org Guided tours of Asia Society Texas Center give you the opportunity to see Yoshio Taniguchi’s first freestanding structure in the United States and will focus on the materials, influences, and ambience of the building. Tour stops will include: the Water Garden Terrace, Fayez Sarofim Grand Hall, Elkins Foundation Water Garden, plus more!

21st Annual TXU Energy Turkey Trot Dillard’s By the Galleria | November 28 info@HoustonTurkeyTrot.org TurkeyTrot.ShelteringArms.org The 20th annual Turkey Trot was officially the best trot yet! More than 13,700 participants trotted together to raise a record amount of funds for seniors in Houston. Trot includes a competitive and nontimed 10K/5K for runners/walkers of all ages! Your participation, volunteering, and fundraising help more than 72,000 seniors, kids, and their caregivers whom Neighborhood Centers and Sheltering Arms assist every day.

Buffalo Bayou Kayak Trip Allen’s Landing | December 7 713.752.0314 | BuffaloBayou.org Meet at Allen’s Landing and paddle east to Buffalo Nature Park. Celebrate Houston in a whole new way and join the Buffalo Bayou Partnership for a kayak adventure through Houston’s stunning urban wilderness.

Holly Jolly Symphony Spectacular with the Houston Symphony Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion | December 12 281.364.3011 | WoodlandsCenter.org Frolic in our Winter Wonderland, complete with snow, as the symphony performs holiday classics and popular carols. The North Plaza feels more like the North Pole as it’s all decked out for holiday fun.

Guests can visit with Santa, Frosty, and other holiday characters, listen to carolers sing, and much more.

Lakes of Parkway November | December 2013

Your Lakes of Parkway Neighbor and Realtor Featured Cover Property SOLD In 1 Day

SO LD

September took the Houston Real Estate Market through 28 straight months of positive home sales. Single Family home sales increased 23.5% compared to 2012.

The rapid pace of home buying drove this month’s supply down to 2.3 months of inventory.

Lakes Of Parkway is facing a housing inventory shortage, which by many will be the right time to sell or to move up to the home of your dreams.

Contact me now, it will be a pleasure to represent you!

Houston Chronicle | Premier Agent Spotlight

13614 Meridian Springs | SOLD

A SAMPLING OF REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY IN LAKES OF PARKWAY

Houston Chronicle | Premier Agent Spotlight applauded Claudia for her experience and knowledge in helping her clients! www.chron.com/default/article/Premier-AgentSpotlight-Background-experience-4904420.php

Address

SQFT

Bed

Bath

List Price

List Price per SQFT

CURRENTLY FOR SALE 14322 Kingston Ct 14219 Summer Rose 14410 Kingston Ct 13607 Lakeshore 2207 Crescent Palm Ln 1627 Lakeshore 2408 Chatham Cr

3,429 3,687 3,965 5,038 7,155 5,220 5,730

3 3 5 5 5 5 4

2-1 3-1 4-1 3-1 4-2 3-2 4-2

$566,000 $639,000 $825,000 $850,000 $1,199,000 $1,250,000 $1,485,000

$165 $173 $208 $168 $167 $239 $259

claudiahellmund.yourkwagent.com WANT YOUR PROPERTY TO BE OUR NEXT COVER HOME?

Claudia Hellmund

Claudia Hellmund

Realtor®, GRI, CHMS, CNE ® Realtor GRI, CHMS, CNE

832.309.9390 HellmundClaudia@yahoo.com

832.309.9390

Accredited Buyers Representative chellmund@kwmemorial.com Accredited Luxury Home Specialist Certified Home Marketing Specialist Certified Negotiations Expert

® ®

Call Claudia Hellmund for the most effective marketing to sell your Lakes of Parkway property at 832.309.9390.

All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Lakes of Parkway Homes for Sale Per Houston MLS If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996

Holiday Traditions

Creating A Season To Remember

Consumer Confidence Is Seasonal Spending An Indicator Of The Housing Market?

Fall In Love With Peli Peli’s World Famous Boerewors

Lakes of Parkway

Real Estate Report Presented By Claudia Hellmund