Royal Oaks Country Club Lifestyle

September | October 2012

www.HeritageTexas.com 281.679.0101

11689 Westheimer, Suite C • Houston, TX 77077

Featured Cover P roperty 11506 St. Germain 4/4-1/3 Absolutely STUNNING Custom Estate home! Private gated courtyard entry, summer kitchen, loggia, gourmet kitchen with commercial grade appliances, huge island and lots of storage, formals, walk-in wine grotto, sprawling master suite up with balcony overlooking courtyard, spa-like bath retreat, custom closet with couture ambiance, game room, complete media room with stadium seating, casita/quarters at courtyard.

11422 Legend Manor Beautiful Non Golf Home • 4/3-1/3 Formals, study, game & media room

11430 Gallant Ridge Striking Golf Course Home • 3-4/4-1/3 Gated courtyard, water views, master suite with fireplace

Inspirations for Your Home’s Décor

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

Buying? Selling?

Real Estate Inspections & Repairs 101 11543 Noblewood Crest Home Overlooks Pool and Golf Course • 5/4-1/4 Have it all: study, game room, and media room!

11203 Royal Chateau Magnificent Home • 3-4/3/2 Award-winning pool design, huge master retreat, impeccable interior

3211 Sunrise Manor Amazing Home for Lease • 5/4-2/3 Gorgeous features, breathtaking outdoor living, prime interior location

BRANDEY HECKEROTH

JOANNE ESKRIDGE

AMANDA WALSH

Brandey@HeritageTexas.com

JoAnne@HeritageTexas.com

Amanda@HeritageTexas.com

713.254.3551

281.250.1864

Cyclone Anaya’s Gazpacho

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.

A Texas Twist on an Old Favorite

Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996

Royal Oaks County Club Real Estate Report

In Good Taste

Event Calendar

Featuring Cyclone Anaya’s Mexican Kitchen CycloneAnaya.com

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2012 Disney’s Beauty and the Beast The Hobby Center, Sept. 25th – 30th 800.952.6560 | HobbyCenter.org Based on the Academy Award®-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers. Treat your children or surprise your sweetheart and experience the romance and enchantment everyone’s talking about.

CHILLED TOMATO GAZPACHO INGREDIENTS: 6 ea. salsa tomatoes 3 cloves of fresh garlic 1 ea. red pepper 1 ea. green pepper 1 ea. cucumber 3 ea. celery 1 ea. red jalapenos 1/2 bunch of cilantro 1 ea. red onion 8 oz. can of tomato juice 1/4 tsp. of tabasco 2 ea. lime juice 1 tbsp. kosher salt 1 tbsp. Mexican seasoning mix 8 oz. of bread Mix all ingredients together in a 6 qt. container. Place the ingredients, in small batches, into the blender.

Puree to a smooth consistency. Place pureed ingredients into a clean 6 qt. container. Once all the ingredients are pureed, mix together well. Refrigerate and serve very cold.

TO PLATE: Pour into a cold bowl and garnish with a scoop of pico de gallo and slices of avocado. Top with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and tortilla strips.

As the temperature begins to dip a bit, why not consider tweaking your home décor to be in sync with the seasons? Especially at this time of year—and again in springtime— something inside us yearns for change as we find comfort in embracing the weather changes and traditions that harken in a new season. Surrounding ourselves with fresh items that reflect the ever-changing elements of the seasons promotes a feeling of progress and comfort which can be uplifting and inspiring to the soul.

Changing your surroundings to mirror the seasons can also be good for you, as studies have shown that one’s environment directly influences one’s mood and productivity.

Welcoming in a new season with décor changes to your home can do wonders for your creativity and inspiration, as the human psyche is directly affected by nature and the elements.

How to get started? In the spring, we’re inspired with growth and renewal and can reflect this in our home by lightening up our interiors, making rooms airier and open as the heat outside intensifies. This could mean simply altering your furniture arrangement to improve traffic and air flow. Reducing clutter will also help create a clean, spring vibe conducive to relaxing in the summertime. In the fall, we tend to want to make our spaces cozier, textural and den-like. Try creating an intimate reading or conversation nook in the fall and winter to encourage cuddling up with a blanket and a mug of coffee to be a daily indulgence.

A dramatic change can be felt by simply changing out linens, curtains, and throw

pillows. Think breezy and light window treatments and bare floors in the spring and more dramatic, heavier curtains and plush area rugs in the fall to give your space seasonal appeal. Add comfy throws and decorative accent pillows which can be eliminated or transformed with different pillow cases in the spring.

Your room’s color scheme can also give your home a seasonal lift. This can be done easily by changing out lighter accent colors in the spring and summer (whites, blues, lavenders and yellows) with darker, warmer colors (reds, oranges, browns and greens) that echo the changing hues outside. A room’s accessories can also add much to a seasonal interior design scheme, with the backdrop remaining consistent all year long. For warmer months, add seashells, nautical and beachthemed items, colorful floral arrangements and wicker and glass elements which all lend a relaxed summery feel. In the fall, replace these accents with heavy wood frames, stoneware, and fall-inspired florals to help your interior space reflect the natural passage of time.

Finally, don’t forget the importance of smell.

Think all-natural, light floral and citrus candle scents in the spring and summer and fragrant, spicy smells in fall and winter to give your home a true seasonal feel. These small details and minor tweaks give your home meaning and individuality and allow you to feel a part of nature’s cycle. And, as a bonus, these simple changes to your environment may also help boost your mood throughout the year as you turn back the pages of your calendar.

Most buyers will have an inspection on the property that they plan to purchase. Typical inspections include a general home inspection, pool inspection and other more specific inspections depending on the situation. For example, homes with a stucco exterior may require a stucco inspection to ensure the quality and condition of the stucco. Roof inspections are also common especially when the general inspector has raised a concern about the condition of the roof.

Buyers can request that everything, nothing, or a list of specific items that were found in the inspection be fixed. The seller, along with their real estate agent, should assess the situation and determine what they are willing to repair.

be inferior electrical wiring that could cause a fire.

• Has building code changed such that the item needs to be brought up to current standards?

• Is the item cosmetic in nature? Sellers are not usually responsible for cosmetic items.

An example may be a crack in the stone NAVIGA flooring. As long as the crack does not indicate a structural issue or a safety concern, the seller can opt to not repair this item.

How should the repairs be made? Many sellers want to do the repairs themselves or get their brother-in-law who is “handy” to fix the requested items. Instead, sellers should have

Things to consider are: • Does the item needing repair cause a safety concern? It behooves the seller to fix any safety-related issues so that they are not liable post sale for a safety problem. An example may

T

Cozy Up Your Casa For Fall & Winter Transform your abode with these easy changes for a perfect fall feel.

• Add faux-fur pillows and blankets to seating areas.

• Rearrange furnishings to set the scene for snuggling by the fireside.

• Replace clear glass vases, pitchers, and accessories with heavier, more substantial materials such as wood, leather and wrought iron. Update your tableware and tablecloths to darker, more dramatic pieces.

• Make your bedroom a tranquil retreat with inviting bedding such as a down-filled duvet, suede throw blanket, and accent pillows with brocade fabrics and rich textures.

Swap out window treatments made from cool cotton and breezy linen for heavier and more luxurious fabrics (think rich velvets, chenilles and sumptuous silks).

• Stash summer silk or dried floral arrangements out of sight and replace with natural fall and winter harbingers—think pine cones, acorns, nuts, pumpkins or dramatic tree branches in large urns. Adding tiny white lights to these helps the fall/winter season further resonate throughout your home.

• Change out sisal and cotton jute area rugs for thicker, cushier shag or wool carpets to keep your rooms looking and feeling toasty warm.

• Add groupings of candles, lanterns, and candelabras as daylight begins to fade earlier.

• Fall and winter to many is synonymous with family gatherings and the holidays. Bring out your most cherished photos from past celebrations and replace artwork with these special memories.

repairs that require a professional, be done by a professional that is bonded or certified for their industry – such as plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Receipts should be provided to the buyer showing when and who did the work.

The seller may prefer to offer a lump sum to I N G T H E the buyer so that the buyer can select their own repairmen and can oversee the repairs themselves. The downside to this approach is that the repairs are completed after closing and the buyer has taken possession of the home.

Some buyers may want to move into the home and have everything in perfect working order, so

Repair Process

this approach may not be agreeable in all cases.

Many real estate agents recommend that the seller purchase a home warranty for the buyer that will cover repairs during the first year for major appliances and systems (plumbing, heating, etc.) in the home. Purchasing a home warranty does not circumvent repairing items that were identified as malfunctioning during the home inspection, however.

Negotiating repairs is usually a crucial step in the sales transaction. As with any negotiation, it is a give-and-take process. Emotions often run high and it’s not uncommon for the entire deal to fall apart due to a disagreement on a simple repair. Your real estate agent is invaluable with helping you navigate through the process successfully.

Lunch with an Astronaut Space Center Houston, Sept. 28th 281.244.2100 | SpaceCenter.org Come to an “out-of-this-world” lunch & learn where you‘ll meet and spend time with retired NASA astronaut, John Blaha. Selected as an astronaut in May 1980, Blaha has logged 161 days in space on five space missions. Hear first-hand stories and receive a personalized lithograph. Plus, you’ll have admission to the Space Center with its over 250 exhibits and activities.

Battle of the Piney Woods Reliant Park, Oct. 6th 832.667.1400 | ReliantPark.com The Battle of the Piney Woods, presented by YP.com, matches long-time rivals Sam Houston State and Stephen F. Austin in a showdown for conference supremacy. Be sure to come early for a fun tailgate atmosphere and reconnect with friends and alumni in a great college football atmosphere. Let the battle begin!

Norah Jones Bayou Music Center, Oct. 20th 713.230.1600 | BayouMusicCenter.com The former lounge singer began her successful solo music career with the release of her album Come Away with Me which sold over 20 million copies. She has since released four additional albums – most recently Little Broken Hearts – and collaborated with many world-famous musicians such as Ray Charles, the Foo Fighters, and Ryan Adams. She is sure to delight!

Barkitecture 2012 Houston Pavilions, Oct. 26th – 27th 832.320.1201 | BarkitectureHouston.com Houston’s best architects, designers, builders and artists have been selected to create dog houses to be auctioned off to benefit Pup Squad, an animal rescue group. Enjoy a weekend of dog-day good times with a Yappy Hour, a silent auction of designer dog houses, Art + Bark (a photo contest) and spectacular shopping. This event is free and open to the public and your leashed pets are also welcome.

In Good Taste

Event Calendar

Featuring Cyclone Anaya’s Mexican Kitchen CycloneAnaya.com

SEPTEMBER | OCTOBER 2012 Disney’s Beauty and the Beast The Hobby Center, Sept. 25th – 30th 800.952.6560 | HobbyCenter.org Based on the Academy Award®-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. This classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers. Treat your children or surprise your sweetheart and experience the romance and enchantment everyone’s talking about.

CHILLED TOMATO GAZPACHO INGREDIENTS: 6 ea. salsa tomatoes 3 cloves of fresh garlic 1 ea. red pepper 1 ea. green pepper 1 ea. cucumber 3 ea. celery 1 ea. red jalapenos 1/2 bunch of cilantro 1 ea. red onion 8 oz. can of tomato juice 1/4 tsp. of tabasco 2 ea. lime juice 1 tbsp. kosher salt 1 tbsp. Mexican seasoning mix 8 oz. of bread Mix all ingredients together in a 6 qt. container. Place the ingredients, in small batches, into the blender.

Puree to a smooth consistency. Place pureed ingredients into a clean 6 qt. container. Once all the ingredients are pureed, mix together well. Refrigerate and serve very cold.

TO PLATE: Pour into a cold bowl and garnish with a scoop of pico de gallo and slices of avocado. Top with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and tortilla strips.

As the temperature begins to dip a bit, why not consider tweaking your home décor to be in sync with the seasons? Especially at this time of year—and again in springtime— something inside us yearns for change as we find comfort in embracing the weather changes and traditions that harken in a new season. Surrounding ourselves with fresh items that reflect the ever-changing elements of the seasons promotes a feeling of progress and comfort which can be uplifting and inspiring to the soul.

Changing your surroundings to mirror the seasons can also be good for you, as studies have shown that one’s environment directly influences one’s mood and productivity.

Welcoming in a new season with décor changes to your home can do wonders for your creativity and inspiration, as the human psyche is directly affected by nature and the elements.

How to get started? In the spring, we’re inspired with growth and renewal and can reflect this in our home by lightening up our interiors, making rooms airier and open as the heat outside intensifies. This could mean simply altering your furniture arrangement to improve traffic and air flow. Reducing clutter will also help create a clean, spring vibe conducive to relaxing in the summertime. In the fall, we tend to want to make our spaces cozier, textural and den-like. Try creating an intimate reading or conversation nook in the fall and winter to encourage cuddling up with a blanket and a mug of coffee to be a daily indulgence.

A dramatic change can be felt by simply changing out linens, curtains, and throw

pillows. Think breezy and light window treatments and bare floors in the spring and more dramatic, heavier curtains and plush area rugs in the fall to give your space seasonal appeal. Add comfy throws and decorative accent pillows which can be eliminated or transformed with different pillow cases in the spring.

Your room’s color scheme can also give your home a seasonal lift. This can be done easily by changing out lighter accent colors in the spring and summer (whites, blues, lavenders and yellows) with darker, warmer colors (reds, oranges, browns and greens) that echo the changing hues outside. A room’s accessories can also add much to a seasonal interior design scheme, with the backdrop remaining consistent all year long. For warmer months, add seashells, nautical and beachthemed items, colorful floral arrangements and wicker and glass elements which all lend a relaxed summery feel. In the fall, replace these accents with heavy wood frames, stoneware, and fall-inspired florals to help your interior space reflect the natural passage of time.

Finally, don’t forget the importance of smell.

Think all-natural, light floral and citrus candle scents in the spring and summer and fragrant, spicy smells in fall and winter to give your home a true seasonal feel. These small details and minor tweaks give your home meaning and individuality and allow you to feel a part of nature’s cycle. And, as a bonus, these simple changes to your environment may also help boost your mood throughout the year as you turn back the pages of your calendar.

Most buyers will have an inspection on the property that they plan to purchase. Typical inspections include a general home inspection, pool inspection and other more specific inspections depending on the situation. For example, homes with a stucco exterior may require a stucco inspection to ensure the quality and condition of the stucco. Roof inspections are also common especially when the general inspector has raised a concern about the condition of the roof.

Buyers can request that everything, nothing, or a list of specific items that were found in the inspection be fixed. The seller, along with their real estate agent, should assess the situation and determine what they are willing to repair.

be inferior electrical wiring that could cause a fire.

• Has building code changed such that the item needs to be brought up to current standards?

• Is the item cosmetic in nature? Sellers are not usually responsible for cosmetic items.

An example may be a crack in the stone NAVIGA flooring. As long as the crack does not indicate a structural issue or a safety concern, the seller can opt to not repair this item.

How should the repairs be made? Many sellers want to do the repairs themselves or get their brother-in-law who is “handy” to fix the requested items. Instead, sellers should have

Things to consider are: • Does the item needing repair cause a safety concern? It behooves the seller to fix any safety-related issues so that they are not liable post sale for a safety problem. An example may

T

Cozy Up Your Casa For Fall & Winter Transform your abode with these easy changes for a perfect fall feel.

• Add faux-fur pillows and blankets to seating areas.

• Rearrange furnishings to set the scene for snuggling by the fireside.

• Replace clear glass vases, pitchers, and accessories with heavier, more substantial materials such as wood, leather and wrought iron. Update your tableware and tablecloths to darker, more dramatic pieces.

• Make your bedroom a tranquil retreat with inviting bedding such as a down-filled duvet, suede throw blanket, and accent pillows with brocade fabrics and rich textures.

Swap out window treatments made from cool cotton and breezy linen for heavier and more luxurious fabrics (think rich velvets, chenilles and sumptuous silks).

• Stash summer silk or dried floral arrangements out of sight and replace with natural fall and winter harbingers—think pine cones, acorns, nuts, pumpkins or dramatic tree branches in large urns. Adding tiny white lights to these helps the fall/winter season further resonate throughout your home.

• Change out sisal and cotton jute area rugs for thicker, cushier shag or wool carpets to keep your rooms looking and feeling toasty warm.

• Add groupings of candles, lanterns, and candelabras as daylight begins to fade earlier.

• Fall and winter to many is synonymous with family gatherings and the holidays. Bring out your most cherished photos from past celebrations and replace artwork with these special memories.

repairs that require a professional, be done by a professional that is bonded or certified for their industry – such as plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Receipts should be provided to the buyer showing when and who did the work.

The seller may prefer to offer a lump sum to I N G T H E the buyer so that the buyer can select their own repairmen and can oversee the repairs themselves. The downside to this approach is that the repairs are completed after closing and the buyer has taken possession of the home.

Some buyers may want to move into the home and have everything in perfect working order, so

Repair Process

this approach may not be agreeable in all cases.

Many real estate agents recommend that the seller purchase a home warranty for the buyer that will cover repairs during the first year for major appliances and systems (plumbing, heating, etc.) in the home. Purchasing a home warranty does not circumvent repairing items that were identified as malfunctioning during the home inspection, however.

Negotiating repairs is usually a crucial step in the sales transaction. As with any negotiation, it is a give-and-take process. Emotions often run high and it’s not uncommon for the entire deal to fall apart due to a disagreement on a simple repair. Your real estate agent is invaluable with helping you navigate through the process successfully.

Lunch with an Astronaut Space Center Houston, Sept. 28th 281.244.2100 | SpaceCenter.org Come to an “out-of-this-world” lunch & learn where you‘ll meet and spend time with retired NASA astronaut, John Blaha. Selected as an astronaut in May 1980, Blaha has logged 161 days in space on five space missions. Hear first-hand stories and receive a personalized lithograph. Plus, you’ll have admission to the Space Center with its over 250 exhibits and activities.

Battle of the Piney Woods Reliant Park, Oct. 6th 832.667.1400 | ReliantPark.com The Battle of the Piney Woods, presented by YP.com, matches long-time rivals Sam Houston State and Stephen F. Austin in a showdown for conference supremacy. Be sure to come early for a fun tailgate atmosphere and reconnect with friends and alumni in a great college football atmosphere. Let the battle begin!

Norah Jones Bayou Music Center, Oct. 20th 713.230.1600 | BayouMusicCenter.com The former lounge singer began her successful solo music career with the release of her album Come Away with Me which sold over 20 million copies. She has since released four additional albums – most recently Little Broken Hearts – and collaborated with many world-famous musicians such as Ray Charles, the Foo Fighters, and Ryan Adams. She is sure to delight!

Barkitecture 2012 Houston Pavilions, Oct. 26th – 27th 832.320.1201 | BarkitectureHouston.com Houston’s best architects, designers, builders and artists have been selected to create dog houses to be auctioned off to benefit Pup Squad, an animal rescue group. Enjoy a weekend of dog-day good times with a Yappy Hour, a silent auction of designer dog houses, Art + Bark (a photo contest) and spectacular shopping. This event is free and open to the public and your leashed pets are also welcome.

September | October 2012

www.HeritageTexas.com 281.679.0101

11689 Westheimer, Suite C • Houston, TX 77077

Featured Cover P roperty 11506 St. Germain 4/4-1/3 Absolutely STUNNING Custom Estate home! Private gated courtyard entry, summer kitchen, loggia, gourmet kitchen with commercial grade appliances, huge island and lots of storage, formals, walk-in wine grotto, sprawling master suite up with balcony overlooking courtyard, spa-like bath retreat, custom closet with couture ambiance, game room, complete media room with stadium seating, casita/quarters at courtyard.

11422 Legend Manor Beautiful Non Golf Home • 4/3-1/3 Formals, study, game & media room

11430 Gallant Ridge Striking Golf Course Home • 3-4/4-1/3 Gated courtyard, water views, master suite with fireplace

Inspirations for Your Home’s Décor

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

Buying? Selling?

Real Estate Inspections & Repairs 101 11543 Noblewood Crest Home Overlooks Pool and Golf Course • 5/4-1/4 Have it all: study, game room, and media room!

11203 Royal Chateau Magnificent Home • 3-4/3/2 Award-winning pool design, huge master retreat, impeccable interior

3211 Sunrise Manor Amazing Home for Lease • 5/4-2/3 Gorgeous features, breathtaking outdoor living, prime interior location

BRANDEY HECKEROTH

JOANNE ESKRIDGE

AMANDA WALSH

Brandey@HeritageTexas.com

JoAnne@HeritageTexas.com

Amanda@HeritageTexas.com

713.254.3551

281.250.1864

Cyclone Anaya’s Gazpacho

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.

A Texas Twist on an Old Favorite

Produced by UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com • 877.660.0996

Royal Oaks County Club Real Estate Report