Royal Oaks Country Club Lifestyle

January | February 2013

www.HeritageTexas.com 281.679.0101

11689 Westheimer, Suite C • Houston, TX 77077

Featured Cover P roperty 11410 St. Germain Stunning estate home nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac street overlooking the 12th fairway. Iron double doors usher you into the two-story gallery, travertine floors, lots of natural light, expansive family room, granite island kitchen with commercial-grade appliances, integrated wet bar, planning station, master retreat and secondary bedroom down, secluded library, game/billiard and card area up with private balcony.

Incredible pool and spa with rock waterfall, fire pit, summer kitchen, lots of outdoor living space and breathtaking views!

11611 Versailles Lakes Amazing Custom Estate Home 5-6/5-1/3 Golf course views, two master bedrooms, elevator, spacious yard

11723 Bistro Extraordinary Golf Course Estate Home 5/4-2/3 Media room, library, pool, loggia, summer kitchen

Ideas to Freshen Up Your Interior Design

11331 Gallant Ridge Courtyard Home 4/3-1/3 Beautiful interiors, two bedrooms down, open layout

Your Realtor Relationship

What Legal Responsibilities Do They Have to You? 3211 Sunrise Manor Remarkable Home for Lease 5/4-2/3 Lovely interiors, cul-de-sac location, backyard oasis

3103 Noble Lakes Lane Spectacular Estate Home 4/3-3/3 Overlooks lakes, 9th and 18th greens and clubhouse

11543 Noblewood Crest Lane Home Overlooks Pool and Golf Course 5/4-1/4 Have it all: study, game room and media room

BRANDEY HECKEROTH

JOANNE ESKRIDGE

AMANDA WALSH

Brandey@HeritageTexas.com

JoAnne@HeritageTexas.com

Amanda@HeritageTexas.com

713.254.3551

281.250.1864

Morton’s Warm Blue Cheese Spread

281.451.8107

CHARLIE ESKRIDGE

281.827.9912

Charlie@HeritageTexas.com If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Decadent Dipping

Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996

Royal Oaks Country Club Real Estate Report

In Good Taste

Event Calendar

Featuring Morton’s The Steakhouse 713.659.3700 Downtown | 713.629.1946 Galleria Mortons.com

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2013 Date Night: Romantic Italy River Oaks Sur La Table, January 19th 800.243.0852 | SurLaTable.com Just in time for upcoming Valentine’s Day, learn to craft a romantic dinner à deux at this hands-on cooking class. You’ll learn to create a sumptuous Tuscan meal incorporating simple, fresh ingredients that produce mouth-watering, authentic cuisine. Prepare to impress your sweetheart!

WARM BLUE CHEESE DIP INGREDIENTS 8 slices hickory-smoked bacon, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup heavy cream 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives 2 tablespoons chopped almonds crackers, sliced baguette, or trimmed fresh vegetables, for serving PROCEDURE Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a nonstick skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes or until nearly crisp. Drain the bacon and wipe the skillet dry. Return the bacon to the pan, add the garlic, and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes longer or until the bacon is crisp. Take care the garlic does not burn. Drain on paper towels. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese until smooth.

Add the cream and beat well to mix. Fold in the bacon, garlic, blue cheese, and chives. Transfer to a

Making a home unique, special, and personally intuitive are challenges every

By Debra May Himes, ASID, LEED AP homeowner encounters whether the home is 1,500 square feet or 15,000 square feet.

Often, a home needs just a touch of glamour, or special visual interests, to take it from “nice” to “knock-out!”

No matter the size of the home or space, there will always be common issues to contend with. For example, how to bring interest to that space? What will make a home or space stand apart from another one? How should large spaces be fashioned to feel more intimate? How can smaller spaces feel larger?

Designing a home or space properly can also be quite an investment. If and when a homeowner decides to sell the property, the home should stand alone from the other choices on the market. Creating fascinating and compelling details is optimum, in that those remarkable elements and appealing design choices hopefully will remain in the memories of those who are viewing your home.

In many instances, a touch of drama is a great way to create interesting spaces. The trick though, is to understand exactly what that means and how to achieve it. For larger spaces, there is usually a bit of a stronger challenge, but properly designing the space will certainly include focusing on at least one area in the room to add that touch of drama.

Fireplaces, interesting art, important pieces of furniture, beautiful views and conversation areas will help determine those focal points.

The opposite will be true when designing smaller spaces. In this case the challenge is usually to make the space feel larger. The best way to achieve this may be to simplify.

For a smaller space, this may be achieved by determining a focal point in the room and addressing it with something that will demand attention when someone enters the space.

When incorporating some drama, you might take a cue from current design trends.

For color, the “new neutral” is definitely gray - not an icy gray, but more of a warm gray.

That gray is being paired with all sorts of other fashionable hues such as yellow, apple green, and purple.

Organic shapes versus geometric or linear lines are on-trend now and can be seen in furnishings, fabrics and even wall décor. Wall panels in all sorts of materials, shapes and patterns are a way to make a big impact. Check out InterlockingRock panels by ModularArts.com for inspiration.

A statement headboard in the Master Bedroom is another sure way to create drama.

These headboards can be upholstered in all sorts of gorgeous fabrics, crafted from wood or even made out of leather-upholstered large mosaic pieces.

Often, the use of interesting texture is all that’s necessary. A simple wall or other mundane architectural element can be absolutely transformed with the application of materials such as stone, metal, tiles, crystals...the options are as limitless as your imagination!

Now, get your imagination working on overdrive and plan to put a little panache in your home’s design as well!

Debra May Himes, Principal of Debra May Himes Interior Design & Associates, LLC can be reached at DMHDesign.com.

2-cup baking dish, top evenly with the almonds, and bake for about 30 minutes or until heated through.

Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or vegetables.

It’s important to understand what legal responsibilities your real estate salesperson has to you and to other parties in the transaction.

Ask what type of agency relationship your agent has with you:

UNDERSTANDING AGENCY RELATIONSHIPS

SELLER’S REPRESENTATIVE (also known as a listing agent or seller’s agent) A seller’s agent is hired by and represents the seller. All fiduciary duties are owed to the seller. The agency relationship usually is created by a listing contract.

BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE (also known as a buyer’s agent) A buyer’s agent is hired by prospective buyers to represent them in a real estate transaction. The buyer’s rep works in the buyer’s best interest throughout the transaction and owes fiduciary duties to the buyer. The buyer can pay the licensee directly through a negotiated fee, or the buyer’s rep may be paid by the seller or through a commission split with the seller’s agent.

SUBAGENT A subagent owes the same fiduciary duties to the agent’s customer as the agent does. Subagency usually arises when a cooperating sales associate from another brokerage, who is not the buyer’s agent, shows property to a buyer. In such a case, the subagent works with the buyer as a customer but owes fiduciary duties to the listing broker and the seller. Although a subagent cannot assist the buyer in any way that would be detrimental to the seller, a buyer/customer can expect to be treated honestly by the subagent. It is important that subagents fully explain their duties to buyers. Subagency is not common in Texas.

DESIGNATED AGENT (also called appointed agent) This is a brokerage practice that allows the managing broker to designate which licensees in the brokerage will act as an agent of the seller and which will act as an agent of the buyer. Designated agency avoids the problem of creating a dual-agency relationship for licensees at the brokerage.

The designated agents give their clients full representation, with all of the attendant fiduciary duties. The broker still has the responsibility of supervising both groups of licensees.

NON-AGENCY RELATIONSHIP (called, among other things, a transaction broker or facilitator)

DISCLOSED DUAL AGENT Dual agency is a relationship in which the brokerage firm represents both the buyer and the seller in the same real estate transaction. Texas does not allow dual agency, but rather intermediary, in which the consent must be in writing. Dual agency relationships do not carry with them all of the traditional fiduciary duties to clients. Instead, dual agents owe limited fiduciary duties. Because of the potential for conflicts of interest in a dual-agency relationship, it’s vital that all parties give their informed consent. Disclosed dual agency, in which both the buyer and the seller are told that the agent is representing both of them, is legal in most other states.

Some states permit a real estate licensee to have a type of non-agency relationship with a consumer. These relationships vary considerably from state to state, both as to the duties owed to the consumer and the name used to describe them. Very generally, the duties owed to the consumer in a non-agency relationship are less than the complete, traditional fiduciary duties of an agency relationship. In Texas, a non-agency relationship is not practiced. Instead, a Realtor in Texas either represents the buyer, the seller, or is in an intermediary relationship.

Source: REALTORMag. Official Magazine of the National Association of REALTORS.® www.realtor.org

Camelot Theatre Under the Stars, January 22nd – February 3rd 713.558.8887 | tuts.com Experience Camelot’s “one brief shining moment” as Lerner and Loewe envisioned it in one of theatre’s wittiest musicals. Recount the enduring legend of King Arthur, Guenevere, Lancelot, and the Knights of the Round Table in an enchanting fable of chivalry, honor, and brotherhood in this four-time Tony-Award winning show. The celebrated score includes the classics “If Ever I Would Leave You,” “The Simple Joys of Maidenhood,” and the title song.

NBA All-Star Jam Session George R. Brown Convention Center, February 14th – 17th NBA.com/allstar2013 As part of the All-Star weekend event, this is wall-to-wall basketball fun for all ages! Fans can shoot, slam, dribble and drive all day, compete against their friends in skills challenges and collect free autographs from NBA players and legends. Young fans can hang out in the Kids Zone, with hoops and interactive activities that are the perfect size for kids’ slam dunks, three-pointers and jump shots!

Top Hands Horse Show Reliant Arena, February 15th – 17th 832.667.1000 | RodeoHouston.com As one of the most endearing events during the rodeo, physically-challenged riders of all ages compete in six events, including equitation and barrel racing.

Therapeutic riding has proven to improve concentration and build confidence; and the courage and drive exhibited by these competitors never ceases to change lives – even for the spectators!

Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup and Best Bites Competition Reliant Center, February 17th 832.667.1128 | RodeoHouston.com As a premier event within the RodeoHouston experience, this is for those who wish to savor the delights of award-winning wines and taste signature dishes submitted for competition by area restaurants.

A highlight of the evening is the announcement of the top winners in the International Wine Competition.

Attendees serve as the judges in the Best Bites Competition, selecting their favorite dishes from more than 60 culinary entries.

In Good Taste

Event Calendar

Featuring Morton’s The Steakhouse 713.659.3700 Downtown | 713.629.1946 Galleria Mortons.com

JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2013 Date Night: Romantic Italy River Oaks Sur La Table, January 19th 800.243.0852 | SurLaTable.com Just in time for upcoming Valentine’s Day, learn to craft a romantic dinner à deux at this hands-on cooking class. You’ll learn to create a sumptuous Tuscan meal incorporating simple, fresh ingredients that produce mouth-watering, authentic cuisine. Prepare to impress your sweetheart!

WARM BLUE CHEESE DIP INGREDIENTS 8 slices hickory-smoked bacon, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 8 ounces cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup heavy cream 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives 2 tablespoons chopped almonds crackers, sliced baguette, or trimmed fresh vegetables, for serving PROCEDURE Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a nonstick skillet, cook the bacon over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes or until nearly crisp. Drain the bacon and wipe the skillet dry. Return the bacon to the pan, add the garlic, and cook over medium heat for about 3 minutes longer or until the bacon is crisp. Take care the garlic does not burn. Drain on paper towels. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese until smooth.

Add the cream and beat well to mix. Fold in the bacon, garlic, blue cheese, and chives. Transfer to a

Making a home unique, special, and personally intuitive are challenges every

By Debra May Himes, ASID, LEED AP homeowner encounters whether the home is 1,500 square feet or 15,000 square feet.

Often, a home needs just a touch of glamour, or special visual interests, to take it from “nice” to “knock-out!”

No matter the size of the home or space, there will always be common issues to contend with. For example, how to bring interest to that space? What will make a home or space stand apart from another one? How should large spaces be fashioned to feel more intimate? How can smaller spaces feel larger?

Designing a home or space properly can also be quite an investment. If and when a homeowner decides to sell the property, the home should stand alone from the other choices on the market. Creating fascinating and compelling details is optimum, in that those remarkable elements and appealing design choices hopefully will remain in the memories of those who are viewing your home.

In many instances, a touch of drama is a great way to create interesting spaces. The trick though, is to understand exactly what that means and how to achieve it. For larger spaces, there is usually a bit of a stronger challenge, but properly designing the space will certainly include focusing on at least one area in the room to add that touch of drama.

Fireplaces, interesting art, important pieces of furniture, beautiful views and conversation areas will help determine those focal points.

The opposite will be true when designing smaller spaces. In this case the challenge is usually to make the space feel larger. The best way to achieve this may be to simplify.

For a smaller space, this may be achieved by determining a focal point in the room and addressing it with something that will demand attention when someone enters the space.

When incorporating some drama, you might take a cue from current design trends.

For color, the “new neutral” is definitely gray - not an icy gray, but more of a warm gray.

That gray is being paired with all sorts of other fashionable hues such as yellow, apple green, and purple.

Organic shapes versus geometric or linear lines are on-trend now and can be seen in furnishings, fabrics and even wall décor. Wall panels in all sorts of materials, shapes and patterns are a way to make a big impact. Check out InterlockingRock panels by ModularArts.com for inspiration.

A statement headboard in the Master Bedroom is another sure way to create drama.

These headboards can be upholstered in all sorts of gorgeous fabrics, crafted from wood or even made out of leather-upholstered large mosaic pieces.

Often, the use of interesting texture is all that’s necessary. A simple wall or other mundane architectural element can be absolutely transformed with the application of materials such as stone, metal, tiles, crystals...the options are as limitless as your imagination!

Now, get your imagination working on overdrive and plan to put a little panache in your home’s design as well!

Debra May Himes, Principal of Debra May Himes Interior Design & Associates, LLC can be reached at DMHDesign.com.

2-cup baking dish, top evenly with the almonds, and bake for about 30 minutes or until heated through.

Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or vegetables.

It’s important to understand what legal responsibilities your real estate salesperson has to you and to other parties in the transaction.

Ask what type of agency relationship your agent has with you:

UNDERSTANDING AGENCY RELATIONSHIPS

SELLER’S REPRESENTATIVE (also known as a listing agent or seller’s agent) A seller’s agent is hired by and represents the seller. All fiduciary duties are owed to the seller. The agency relationship usually is created by a listing contract.

BUYER’S REPRESENTATIVE (also known as a buyer’s agent) A buyer’s agent is hired by prospective buyers to represent them in a real estate transaction. The buyer’s rep works in the buyer’s best interest throughout the transaction and owes fiduciary duties to the buyer. The buyer can pay the licensee directly through a negotiated fee, or the buyer’s rep may be paid by the seller or through a commission split with the seller’s agent.

SUBAGENT A subagent owes the same fiduciary duties to the agent’s customer as the agent does. Subagency usually arises when a cooperating sales associate from another brokerage, who is not the buyer’s agent, shows property to a buyer. In such a case, the subagent works with the buyer as a customer but owes fiduciary duties to the listing broker and the seller. Although a subagent cannot assist the buyer in any way that would be detrimental to the seller, a buyer/customer can expect to be treated honestly by the subagent. It is important that subagents fully explain their duties to buyers. Subagency is not common in Texas.

DESIGNATED AGENT (also called appointed agent) This is a brokerage practice that allows the managing broker to designate which licensees in the brokerage will act as an agent of the seller and which will act as an agent of the buyer. Designated agency avoids the problem of creating a dual-agency relationship for licensees at the brokerage.

The designated agents give their clients full representation, with all of the attendant fiduciary duties. The broker still has the responsibility of supervising both groups of licensees.

NON-AGENCY RELATIONSHIP (called, among other things, a transaction broker or facilitator)

DISCLOSED DUAL AGENT Dual agency is a relationship in which the brokerage firm represents both the buyer and the seller in the same real estate transaction. Texas does not allow dual agency, but rather intermediary, in which the consent must be in writing. Dual agency relationships do not carry with them all of the traditional fiduciary duties to clients. Instead, dual agents owe limited fiduciary duties. Because of the potential for conflicts of interest in a dual-agency relationship, it’s vital that all parties give their informed consent. Disclosed dual agency, in which both the buyer and the seller are told that the agent is representing both of them, is legal in most other states.

Some states permit a real estate licensee to have a type of non-agency relationship with a consumer. These relationships vary considerably from state to state, both as to the duties owed to the consumer and the name used to describe them. Very generally, the duties owed to the consumer in a non-agency relationship are less than the complete, traditional fiduciary duties of an agency relationship. In Texas, a non-agency relationship is not practiced. Instead, a Realtor in Texas either represents the buyer, the seller, or is in an intermediary relationship.

Source: REALTORMag. Official Magazine of the National Association of REALTORS.® www.realtor.org

Camelot Theatre Under the Stars, January 22nd – February 3rd 713.558.8887 | tuts.com Experience Camelot’s “one brief shining moment” as Lerner and Loewe envisioned it in one of theatre’s wittiest musicals. Recount the enduring legend of King Arthur, Guenevere, Lancelot, and the Knights of the Round Table in an enchanting fable of chivalry, honor, and brotherhood in this four-time Tony-Award winning show. The celebrated score includes the classics “If Ever I Would Leave You,” “The Simple Joys of Maidenhood,” and the title song.

NBA All-Star Jam Session George R. Brown Convention Center, February 14th – 17th NBA.com/allstar2013 As part of the All-Star weekend event, this is wall-to-wall basketball fun for all ages! Fans can shoot, slam, dribble and drive all day, compete against their friends in skills challenges and collect free autographs from NBA players and legends. Young fans can hang out in the Kids Zone, with hoops and interactive activities that are the perfect size for kids’ slam dunks, three-pointers and jump shots!

Top Hands Horse Show Reliant Arena, February 15th – 17th 832.667.1000 | RodeoHouston.com As one of the most endearing events during the rodeo, physically-challenged riders of all ages compete in six events, including equitation and barrel racing.

Therapeutic riding has proven to improve concentration and build confidence; and the courage and drive exhibited by these competitors never ceases to change lives – even for the spectators!

Rodeo Uncorked! Roundup and Best Bites Competition Reliant Center, February 17th 832.667.1128 | RodeoHouston.com As a premier event within the RodeoHouston experience, this is for those who wish to savor the delights of award-winning wines and taste signature dishes submitted for competition by area restaurants.

A highlight of the evening is the announcement of the top winners in the International Wine Competition.

Attendees serve as the judges in the Best Bites Competition, selecting their favorite dishes from more than 60 culinary entries.

January | February 2013

www.HeritageTexas.com 281.679.0101

11689 Westheimer, Suite C • Houston, TX 77077

Featured Cover P roperty 11410 St. Germain Stunning estate home nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac street overlooking the 12th fairway. Iron double doors usher you into the two-story gallery, travertine floors, lots of natural light, expansive family room, granite island kitchen with commercial-grade appliances, integrated wet bar, planning station, master retreat and secondary bedroom down, secluded library, game/billiard and card area up with private balcony.

Incredible pool and spa with rock waterfall, fire pit, summer kitchen, lots of outdoor living space and breathtaking views!

11611 Versailles Lakes Amazing Custom Estate Home 5-6/5-1/3 Golf course views, two master bedrooms, elevator, spacious yard

11723 Bistro Extraordinary Golf Course Estate Home 5/4-2/3 Media room, library, pool, loggia, summer kitchen

Ideas to Freshen Up Your Interior Design

11331 Gallant Ridge Courtyard Home 4/3-1/3 Beautiful interiors, two bedrooms down, open layout

Your Realtor Relationship

What Legal Responsibilities Do They Have to You? 3211 Sunrise Manor Remarkable Home for Lease 5/4-2/3 Lovely interiors, cul-de-sac location, backyard oasis

3103 Noble Lakes Lane Spectacular Estate Home 4/3-3/3 Overlooks lakes, 9th and 18th greens and clubhouse

11543 Noblewood Crest Lane Home Overlooks Pool and Golf Course 5/4-1/4 Have it all: study, game room and media room

BRANDEY HECKEROTH

JOANNE ESKRIDGE

AMANDA WALSH

Brandey@HeritageTexas.com

JoAnne@HeritageTexas.com

Amanda@HeritageTexas.com

713.254.3551

281.250.1864

Morton’s Warm Blue Cheese Spread

281.451.8107

CHARLIE ESKRIDGE

281.827.9912

Charlie@HeritageTexas.com If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.

Decadent Dipping

Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996

Royal Oaks Country Club Real Estate Report