Playoffs anyone?  Spaulding Torkelson is Happy Tails' Dog of the Week. 

Be the first to text me with the correct answer to the following question and win a copy of The Big Skinny: How I Changed My Fattitude by Carol Lay AND a $50 gift certificate to Ziggy's Healthy Grill. 

What is "Pete" riding in the video clip posted on my December 23rd blog entry?

Text the answer to 713-302-6543 and win!!!

PS If you haven't seen the two clips on that blog entry, PLEASE take a moment to watch them.  I promise it will be time well spent and will leave you with a smile on your face that will last the whole day!

Deal of a lifetime:  How would you like to win a million-dollar custom home? 

One lucky reader of my monthly newsletter will win a raffle ticket for the January 23, 2009 drawing for a million-dollar custom home.  If you aren't fortunate enough to win that raffle ticket, there's still time for you to enter the contest. 

The original structure is a log cabin built circa 1840, known as the "Caretakers House" or the "Alexander Randall House," that was home to the caretaker of the farm located between Church Creek and Gingerville Cove.  The larger addition measures nearly 4,400 sq ft over three levels.

For details or to enter, click here.

According to an Associated Press news release, over 2.3 million US homeowners faced foreclosure proceedings in 2008, representing an 81% increase over 2007.  RealtyTrac, a foreclosure listing firm out of California, has reported that over 860,000 properties nationwide were repossessed by lenders in 2008, over twice the numbers reported for 2007. 

And with the increasing number of layoffs, the declines in the stock market, and falling home prices, the worst is yet to come.   Moody's Economy.com has predicted that the number of homes lost by foreclosure will likely rise by an additional 18% in 2009, tapering off slightly through 2011.

Short sales have enabled many homeowners to avoid foreclosure, but there is a limited timeframe for distressed property owners to explore that option.   Surprisingly, as many as 8 out of 10 distressed properties go into foreclosure without ever seeking intervention or being listed on the open market.  

We are thrilled to have listed a stunning condo in Montrose/Midtown offering the best of both worlds -- today's luxury finishes and amenities in one of Houston's historic treasures.

Spacious, distinctive, first-floor condominium unit with high-end finishes in restored 1913 DePelchin Faith Home Building.   Iron gate with keypad access leads to landscaped grounds, mature oak trees, fountain, and sparkling pool with spa.  Limited-access glass doors open to luxurious foyer reflecting HHN Homes' remarkable attention to detail in the restoration of the stunning neo-Mediterranean-style stucco building designed by Mauran & Russell in the early 1900s.  Living area features hardwood floors, high ceilings, exposed brick, track lighting and large windows.  Island kitchen offers all of today's amenities:  Granite island with breakfast bar, stainless appliances, tile backsplash, and French doors to private patio.  Oversized master suite with high ceilings, berber carpet, fan, large walkin closet, exposed brick/conduit/plaster, and bonus room.  Master bath features dual vanities with antique-style cabinetry, oil-rubbed bronze, and whirlpool bath/shower combo.  Washer, dryer & refrigerator included.  Rooftop access offers city views!  VIRTUAL TOUR.

Stunning freestanding 3/3.5/2 stucco home by Silverwood Builders walking distance to River Oaks shopping and restaurants. Lead-glass door opens to foyer with travertine and curved staircase with hardwood treads & ornamental iron. First-floor guest bedroom with French doors, hardwoods and ensuite full bath with tiled tub/shower surround. Second-floor formal dining with ornamental chandelier and archways to living area with hardwoods, fireplace with marble surroung, builtins, juliet balconies overlooking the paved courtyard, and half bath with pedestal sink and travertine. Island kitchen with stainless appliances, granite counters, undercabinet lighting and bright breakfast area. (Refrigerator & wine chiller are included.) Third-floor guest bedroom features hardwoods and ensuite full bath. Spacious master suite with hardwoods and spa-like bath featuring rainfall shower, Jacuzzi tub, dual vanities, granite counters, travertine with inlay, and downtown view. Luxury finishes include plantation shutters, crown moulding, high ceilings and surround sound.VIRTUAL TOUR

Spacious recently constructed two-story stucco townhouse with private gated entry, landscaped walkway and back patio with flagstone and mature tree. Chef's kitchen with stainless appliances (side-by-side refrigerator included), granite counters & island, breakfast bar, undercabinet lighting, butler's pantry, and separate breakfast room. Formal dining with ornate chanderlier and archways. Open living area features hardwood floors, high ceiling, gaslog fireplace, builtins, and French doors to back patio. Flat-panel Samsung TV and mounted speakers included! Study with builtin desk and shelves on second floor. Extra large secondary bedroom with high ceiling and walkin closet. Hollywood bath joins guest bedrooms. Utility room with tiled floor-Full sized Kenmore Elite QuietPak9 frontload washer & dryer included. Master suite features carpet, coffered ceiling, fan, TWO large walkin closets, French door to 5x21 slate balcony, and spa-like bath with whirlpool tub, oversized framless shower, granite counters and dual vanities. VIRTUAL TOURS

1531 Blair: Beautiful Heights 3/2.5/2 home built in 2003, featuring wrought-iron fence, front and back porches, balcony off of the master bedroom, and porte-cochere. Leaded-glass front door opens to bright living area with hardwood floors, fireplace with river-slate surround and built-in media center on the first floor. Formal dining with contemporary lighting is just off living area. Half bath on first floor for guests. Island kitchen offers granite counters, breakfast bar, hardwoods, stainless appliances, and bay windows. Stairway with hardwood treads, ornamental iron, and square windows leads to second floor study area and bedrooms. Hardwoods throughout second floor. Master suite features coffered ceiling, fan, huge walkin closet, and French door to balcony. Master bath with granite counters, dual vanities, whirlpool tub and oversized shower with river slate. Two secondary bedrooms with hardwood floors and fans, and full bath with tub/shower. Back porch leads to paved patio. Washer, dryer and side-by-side refrigerator included.   VIRTUAL TOUR FLOOR PLAN