The "Energy Capital of the World" has made a sustained commitment to become the "Energy Conservation Capital" by turning off the lights on April 24, 2009. LightsOutHouston started in 2008 as a city-wide commitment to energy efficiency by commercial building owners and their tenants. The goal of the program has expanded to establish a sustained reduction in the use non-essential electricity by all buildings throughout the Greater Houston area. Participants are asked to sign a pledge of their commitment to energy conservation.
Security lighting, any obstruction lighting, emergency lighting and lights in occupied offices will remain lit.
When: Friday, April 24, 2009 at 10PM
Where: Houston's Downtown and other areas of Greater Houston
Who: All Class A, B and C office buildings in downtown and all government-owned buildings (excludes hotels, streetlights, etc).
Why:
To raise awareness among office building operators and tenants to go LIGHTS OUT when the office is not occupied.
To develop operating procedures, by the property owners and tenants, that change today's lighting habits, including working with janitorial service companies and building security to implement procedures to turn off lights when personnel is not present.
To establish a sustained reduction in the use of non-essential electricity in commercial buildings. The downtown area has approximately 35 million square feet of office space. It is estimated that by eliminating just 50% of the lights routinely left on overnight and on the weekends, we can save 8.4M KW-Hours annually. That equals to almost $1 million annually. This is enough energy to power more than 600 Houston area homes for a year!
To change Houstonians' habits at home by also remembering to turn off lights.
The Houston SPCA has gone green by renovating the barn to help the farm animals and the earth. Now, they are going one step further by inviting the public to join them as they recycle old papers to raise money to help the thousands of homeless and abused animals they care for every year.
PaperRetriever.com is a community-based recycling program designed for schools, non-profit organizations and places of worship to help raise money. The bin will be accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Each time a person drops off old newspapers, magazines, shopping catalogs, junk mail, school papers, office papers, envelopes and phone books into the bin, the Houston SPCA will receive $5 dollars for every ton of paper. The money received from the recycled paper will then go back to the shelter to help the animals in need.
With our commitment to both animal rescue and green living, the Puryear Team fully supports the Houston SPCA in this worthy endeavor! We hope you will too!
Around the country there have been signs of a bottom in the real estate market as sales finally begin to pick up. While prices remain well below the market's high and many homes still languish, in some Zip Codes listing prices are actually on the rise. BusinessWeek, in conjunction with Altos Research, looked at the nation's biggest metros to see where prices are up. For the most part, these were in affluent communities, such as Houston's River Oaks neighborhood, which came in No. 1, that have been less hurt by the economic downturn.
Editor's Note: One Zip Code was chosen for each metro area. The ranking was based on the annual increase in the average listing price for the chosen Zips. The asking price is based on a 90-day rolling median average ending Mar. 20. The "days on the market" figure indicates how long the average listing has been for sale.
Location: Houston (River Oaks neighborhood)
Metro: Houston-Sugarland-Baytown, Tex.
Annual listing price change: +14%
Average listing price: $1.1 million
Days on the market: 177 days
Houston's River Oaks community, one of the wealthiest in the nation, has seen an increase in the average listing price for a home largely because the mix of properties for sale has shifted to the higher end as those properties are taking longer to sell. Houston's economy has been one of the nation's strongest, but with the decline of oil prices and consumer spending, the once-strong housing market is also slowing.
As a resident of River Oaks, real estate agent Don Puryear and his Houston real estate team are uniquely positioned to help you buy or sell your home in River Oaks. Call Don at 713-302-6543 or email for your River Oaks real estate needs.
Stephen Schwartz, the creator of Wicked and Godspell, presents a deeply moving portrayal of tales that resonate in all of us. Children of Eden is a heartfelt and frank look at the age-old conflict between parent and child set against the backdrop of two of humanity's most treasured stories: the creation of the Garden of Eden and the Flood.
Children of Eden is a joyous celebration of life and is an inspiration to all who experience the wonderful diversity and love of family.
One of our very own, Michael Ross, plays the role of “Father” in this beautiful production. Don’t miss it!
Thursday, April 16 (8:00)
Friday, April 17 (8:00)
Saturday, April 18 (8:00)
Sunday, April 19 (2:00)
According to a study by Career Cast, "real estate agent" was named as one of the top five most stressful jobs in the country, along with surgeon, airline pilot, photojournalist, and advertising account executive.
The least most stressful were actuary, dietitian, computer system analyst, statistician and astronomer.
To learn more about stress and how to reduce stress in your life, click here.
The Puryear Team consists of four experienced agents, one of whom has been a lawyer for over 18 years and is also a licensed broker associate. Our goal is to minimize the stress of buying or selling your home. We specialize in Inner Loop neighborhoods and Inner Loop properties, and our expertise can help make the process of selling or buying smoother. Please keep us in mind when you need a real estate agent for the Heights, Montrose, Memorial Park, River Oaks, Upper Kirby, Midtown, Rice Military, West University, Southamptom, Braes Heights, Tanglewood or Bellaire. We understand that real estate transactions can be very stressful for everyone involved, and our job is to educate you and to bring our experience into the process to minimize the stress!
KB Home slashed its first-quarter loss by 78 percent as first-time buyers flocked to the builder's smaller and more affordable homes, but the company warned last week the U.S. housing market has yet to hit bottom.
The Los Angeles-based builder reported a 26 percent increase in new-home orders, the first year-over-year increase in more than three years. KB Home also expects to see sequential growth in orders throughout the year.
First-time buyers accounted for 70 percent of its sales in the first quarter, up from 53 percent in the first quarter of 2008, and they represent "the most attractive segment of the market as they do not have to sell a home before purchasing," CEO Jeffrey Mezger said.
Half of all KB Home's sales this year are expected to come from its new Open Series blueprint, a smaller and less- expensive model the company unveiled to compete with discounted foreclosed homes. KB Home is offering the Open Series in 30 communities, including some in Houston, Southern California, North Carolina, Tucson, Ariz., and Orlando, Fla.
Combined with data last week that showed an increase in sales of new homes and previously occupied homes from January to February, KB Home's earnings were a ray of hope for the housing market.
Location, location and lots of trees Garden Oaks residents love feel of the country living near the Loop
If location is in fact the most important aspect of real estate, then the 50-plus homes for sale in Garden Oaks won't be available for long.
Garden Oaks, located north of the Heights, is separated into five sections, with approximately 1,450 homes ranging from bungalows to ranch-style. Houses currently on the market are listed from $200,000 to $800,000, with square footage ranging from 1,000 to 3,500.
The average days on market, Zugheri said, is 90.
According to the neighborhood's website at www.gardenoaks.org, the western edge is comprised of GI homes built for returning soldiers after World War II.
Ed de Alba, president of the Garden Oaks Maintenance Organization, said the neighborhood's first section was built in 1937. Construction continued until 1943.
"Quite a bit of the housing stock is changing out now," said de Alba, who has been a Garden Oaks resident for 17 years, and whose wife Brenda has been there for 29 years.
"We have a lot of smaller houses being replaced with much larger houses. But we also have quite a lot of renovations going on in existing homes."
The neighborhood has all kinds of events, clubs and organizations to help promote a sense of community among residents. There is a book club, mom's group, Neighbors Night Out, fall festivals, bicycle parades and Citizens on Patrol.
It helps pay for beautification and maintenance of the neighborhood's green spaces.
In 2007/2008, the civic club was able to contribute $3,000 to the SPARK Park at Garden Oaks Elementary School. The civic club contributed another $35,000.
SPARK is a school park program that brings the city, schools districts and community organizations together to develop public school grounds into neighborhood parks.
The neighborhood is also home to the Garden Oaks Community Garden. Residents grow organic vegetables, the majority of which are then donated to food pantries.
"The main thing is that everybody is very, very closely knit here," said Briones, who has lived in Garden Oaks for 17 years. "I was leasing here, and then six years ago I purchased a house because I just didn't want to live anywhere else. We have a very active civic club and we also have deed restrictions that GOMO enforces, which to me is very important for resale of property."
Below is a look at local subdivision home price trends. Crawford Realty Advisors prepared the analysis based on sales handled by the Houston Association of Realtors' Multiple Listing Service. The study was done in conjunction with the University of Houston's Institute for Regional Forecasting.
Just like humans, it is unhealthy for a dog to be overweight. The American Kennel Club warns that excess weight endangers the heart, lungs and joints and makes a dog more susceptible to other ailments. Here are a few feeding rules every dog owner should keep in mind.
- Keep in mind the three stages of development when preparing a diet and exercise plan for your dog: puppies eat more and are highly active, adult dogs have normal routines and food intake, and older dogs might require special diets and limited exercise.
- Set Regular Mealtimes. An irregular eating schedule can affect your dog's digestive system and ultimately cause chronic digestive disorders. Digestive problems can usually be improved by a change in diet.
- Dogs don't easily adjust to a time zone change or to daylight savings time. To prepare your dog for a time change, gradually adjust her eating schedule over a few weeks.
- It is important that your dog's water and food bowls are kept in the same place every day. If you have more than one dog, make sure each dog has its own food and water bowl.
- Don't worry about your dog getting hungry pangs between meals. Your dog only needs one or two meals daily, if it is fed on a regimented schedule and receives a balanced diet.
- Set a 30 minute rule. If your dog has walked away from its bowl, it has probably had enough to eat. Discard the remaining food, since exposed dog food is unsanitary.
- Resist giving your dog people food. A begging pooch can be hard to resist, but your dog doesn't know how dangerous the meal you're eating can be. Grapes, raisins, chocolate, onions are among some of the foods that can be toxic to your dog in large enough quantities. Sometimes excessive fat in meats or diary products can cause digestive distress.
- Don't over-treat or over-supplement your dog. Too many treats will lead to unhealthy excess pounds. Too many vitamins can also have unintended consequences. Ask your vet about whether your dog needs any extras before starting it on a regimen of supplements. A veterinarian should always be consulted to discuss the appropriate diet and fitness plan for your dog.
Easter is right around the corner, and what more fun tradition is there than coloring Easter eggs?!!!
Did you know there are nontoxic dyes in your kitchen? You can color your eggs while following "green" principles!
Bright yellow dye: Add 2 tsp. of ground turmeric and 1 tsp. of white vinegar to 1 cup boiling water.
Light blue dye: Add several slices of purple cabbage and 1 tsp. of white vinegar to 1 cup boiling water.
Pale pink dye: Mix the juice from a jar of beets with 1/2 tsp. white vinegar and 2 cups water.
Purple dye: Mix 1/2 cup purple grape juice, 1/2 tsp. white vinegar adn 2 cups water.
Let the colored water cool before dipping! For a finishing touch, dab some vegetable oil on a cotton ball and rub over your dry dyed eggs. The oil will leave a pretty polish.
For more color options and suggestions, click here.
We are ecofriendly, environmentally conscious realtors. Jeanna Nelson & Don Puryear hold the National Association of Realtors Green designation and pursue green practices in their real estate. If you need advise on how to improve the energy efficiency or enronmental friendliness of your home, please give us a call. Or if you are a buyer who is looking for a green builder, let us help you understand LEED-certification, Energy Star and other rating systems as well as the kinds of considerations you should look for in a green home. And remember: Even older homes can be updated with green features to dramatically improve their energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. Call your Green real estate agents today. 713-302-6543
The results are in: According to HAR MLS (listing units sold), RE/MAX has outsold its nearest three competitors COMBINED for the past 10 years! When it's time to list your home, pick a winner!
Be sure to ask about the Puryear Team's HOME SALE GUARANTEE. We are so confident that we can help you position and correctly price your home, that we will guarantee a sale....even in today's market! And don't forget to ask about the benefits of hiring a TEAM, where you receive the benefits of several agents and a support staff for what you would normally pay ONE agent!!!
When not administering to the souls of his congregations, the Rev. Ned Pullum, one of Freedmen's Town's first black pastors in the late 1880s-early 1900s, tended to the needs of his family in his six-room, wood-and-brick, Colonial-style home at 1319 Andrews St.
That home, one of the first in Freedmen's Town to be made with brick, and constructed between 1898 and the early 1900s, received a historical marker from the Texas Historical Commission on March 21.
Debra Blacklock-Sloan, who researches applications for historic markers first approved by the Harris County Historical Commission, said the residence where Pullman lived with his wife, Emma Eddings and their two children, is one of five remaining Freedmen's Town buildings that will be restored by the Rutherford B. H. Yates Capital Campaign.
Under the campaign's plan, the five houses of prominent black families or individuals will honor an important aspect of life and prosperity in Freedmen's Town and the Fourth Ward community.
"The Pullum house will be restored as a health and business museum dedicated to the first black doctors, dentists, nurses and midwives," Sloan said in an e-mail to the Chronicle on March 19.
Sloan said Pullum, born in 1862 in Pickensville, Ala., was a force in the Freedmen's Town community. He moved to Freedmen's Town, an area founded by freed slaves and now part of the Fourth Ward, after serving as a pastor at Antioch Baptist Church in Beaumont, Texas.
After a brief turn as pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in the First Ward, he took over Bethel Baptist Church when its founder and first minister Jack Yates, a freed slave, an educator and generally considered to be Freedmen's Town's founder, died in 1898.
Five years later, Pullum organized and pastored for 24 years Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Sloan said.
He first purchased land he gave to the church, and raised $25,000 for its construction.
Pullum also was a member of Magnolia Masonic Lodge No. 3, and helped organize or establish Houston's Colored Carnegie Library, Sloan said.
"(Pullum) sold land to African-American doctors who organized People's Sanitarium (Hospital), an early medical facility for blacks, founded in 1917 and owned and operated by black doctors," she said.
She said that Pullum also achieved success in buying and selling real estate.
In 1904, he founded Pullum Standard Brick Works.
Soon afterward, he founded the People's Pride Shoe Repair Shop, as well as two pharmacies.
Throughout his entrepreneurial enterprises, he continued to minister to his congregation until his health began to fail, Sloan said.
Pullum died on June 18, 1927. He was buried in College Park Cemetery, 3500 W. Dallas St.
As the days get warmer, you may hear horror stories of friends whose pets - and homes - have been taken over by fleas. A little prevention goes a long way in battling these parasites that can make life miserable for our animals. Typically, mild flea infestations are simply annoying for both you and your pet. However, a flea infestation can become severe enough to result in anemia, serious skin disease, and in some cases, the animal's death.
Fleas aren't the only parasites that affect our pets: There are others that act more covertly and can be fatal. Pets are at risk of disease from heartworms and other internal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms and whipworms.
Once-a-month treatments for parasites are easy to use and are often worth the price, compared with the cost of treating an animal with heartworms or severe flea-bite allergies. However, one look at the variety of products available can be a little mind-boggling. Choices include pills, topical solutions and chewable tablets and a variety of sprays, powders and treated collars sold over-the-counter. Some are for fleas only; others are only for internal parasites, such as heartworms. Still others help control fleas, heartworms and internal parasites all in one product.
Finding out which is best for your pet will require a trip to your veterinarian. Some people try to skip this step and purchase items without knowing whether their animal already has heartworms or other parasites. If an animal is already infected, some products can cause adverse reactions. As with any drug or medication, it is important to determine the health of your pet so your veterinarian can provide the safest treatment or preventative.
Fleas and heartworms are year-round problems in Southwest Texas, where the climate is ideal for mosquitoes - which carry heartworm larvae - and fleas.
Flea infestations can be hard to eliminate. One thing to remember: If you see adult fleas on your animal, there likely are many times more offspring that will be hatching shortly. Not only do you need to treat your pet during an infestation, but your home (carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, dog beds, etc.), the car, the yard and anywhere else the animal has been will need to be treated, too.
If you keep having a problem with fleas, but can't find the source, look for someplace like an old rug, dog house or shade tree where the animal typically spends time - this could be your "ground zero."
The headline of the January 17, 1915 issue of The Houston Post noted the founding of a new town northeast of Houston.This fact in itself was not unusual.However, the fact that this newly incorporated community was all black was unusual.The newspaper article claimed that the town – named Independence Heights – was the first such community in the entire state of Texas.
The Independence Heights subdivision originated when the Wright Land Co., which is still in existence, platted the area in 1910 and began selling lots to African Americans for $6 down and $6 month.The boundaries – using current street designations – were East 30th on the south, East 40th on the north, Yale on the west and Airline on the east.Black carpenters and craftsmen were employed to build the modest houses which were primarily the traditional shotgun and L-plan.Soon the most prevalent style built in the area was the bungalow.
Families soon began moving into the area.Although there was no school building, O.L. Hubbard was hired in 1911 as a school teacher.He managed to get community leaders and county officials to move a two-room building from neighboring Sunset Heights.The school soon became overcrowded; new teachers were hired and additional classes were held in a general store.
The first church in the neighborhood – New Hope Missionary Baptist – was built in 1912.It was followed by the establishment of numerous other congregations, all of which played an important role in the life of the community.
By 1915 when the population of the subdivision reached 600, the residents filed a petition with Harris County to incorporate as a city.Attorney George O. Burgess was elected to serve as the first mayor, and the city hall was located in a house on 34th Street.
During the early 1920s, Independence Heights was a thriving community.It had about 40 resident-owned businesses, including grocery stores, restaurants, barber shops, an ice-cream parlor, a lumber company, a watch repair shop and an electrical company.One of the more successful business ventures was a cooperative general store, the General Mercantile Co., which was incorporated in 1920.Shares in the company sold for as much as $50 each.This structure is considered the most significant extant building in Independence Heights today.
Hubbard served as the community’s second mayor.During his term (1919-1923) residents saw such improvements as shelled streets, plank sidewalks, electric lights, telephones and streetcar service.
The Houston Informer served as the city’s official organ through its “Independence Heights Page”.Founded in 1919 by C.F. Richardson, St., the Informer became a strong voice within the black community as it advocated business and educational opportunities for all of Houston’s citizens and, at the same time, reminded Houstonians that inequities existed for the black population.
In November 1928, Independence Heights residents voted to dissolve the city’s incorporation because of their desire to become a part of Houston.The area was annexed to the City of Houston on December 26, 1929.Although the neighborhood survived, its prominent past seemed to fade from the memories of most people.
However, the efforts of a group of dedicated researchers led by Vivian Hubbard Seals, a native of Independence Heights, were rewarded in 1989 when a Texas historical marker was unveiled on the grounds of the Greater New Hope Baptist Church.Another step in preserving Independence Height’s history was recently taken when 55 acres of the original 330-acre city was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.As such, it joins seven other Houston neighborhoods as official historic districts.Hopefully, this designation will secure Independence Heights’ place in history.
Rates on 30-year mortgages fell to the lowest level on record for the second consecutive week after the Federal Reserve launched a new effort to assist the U.S. housing market.
Mortgage financing giant Freddie Mac said Thursday that average rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages dropped to 4.78 percent this week, from 4.85 percent last week.
Low rates have sparked a surge in refinancing. The Mortgage Bankers Association said its application index climbed 3 percent for the week ended March 27, on top of a 30 percent increase a week earlier.
The average rate on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 4.52 percent from 4.58 percent. Five-year, adjustable-rate mortgages fell to 4.92 percent from 4.96 percent. One-year, adjustable-rate mortgages fell to 4.75 percent from 4.85 percent.
To obtain a list of lenders with whom we consistently work with, shoot us an email!
Don't miss this absolutely pristine townhome that's just a short walk to restaurants & Washington corridor hotspots!
Located within a gated community, the lead-glass door opens to a soaring foyer and first floor guest bed and full bath. The second floor features an open living concept with hardwoods, fireplace, private balcony, tiled kitchen with Corian counters, breakfast bar, white appliances and a breakfast nook. The third floor includes another guest bedroom with full bath, and the master suite with carpet, fan, two closets and Plantation shutters. The master bath shines with dual vanities, tile, whirlpool tub and shower. The washer, dryer & refrigerator are all included.
Just reduced from $540k to $450K and now to $370k!!!! SHORT SALE
Experience sophisticated in-town living in this chic, sexy upscale building with a splash of Vegas and a touch of New York. Live in a building that reflects your success and caters to your needs. The Royalton has concierge, valet, fitness center, wine room, infinity pool, board room and a private theatre! This high rise is in it's own league! Spacious corner unit that has huge rooms for entertaining, stainless appliances and new hardwood floors.
The Voca People is an international vocal theater performance that combines vocal sounds and an acapella singing with the art of modern beat-box. Artistic Director: Lior Kalfo Music Director: Shai Fishman Producers: Revital & Lior Kalfo. http://lidorproductions.com/vocapeople/
PRIVACY POLICY
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CONTACT POLICY
By submitting personal information such as name, address, phone number, email address and/or additional data, the client/prospect gives permission to Don Puryear or her authorized representatives to contact client/prospect by phone, U.S. Postal System, or email. Permission extends whether or not client/prospect is participating in a state, federal or other "do not contact" program of any type.
PaperRetriever.com is a community-based recycling program designed for schools, non-profit organizations and places of worship to help raise money. The bin will be accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Each time a person drops off old newspapers, magazines, shopping catalogs, junk mail, school papers, office papers, envelopes and phone books into the bin, the Houston SPCA will receive $5 dollars for every ton of paper. The money received from the recycled paper will then go back to the shelter to help the animals in need. 
Around the country there have been signs of a bottom in the real estate market as sales finally begin to pick up. While prices remain well below the market's high and many homes still languish, in some Zip Codes listing prices are actually on the rise. BusinessWeek, in conjunction with Altos Research, looked at the nation's biggest metros to see where prices are up. For the most part, these were in affluent communities, such as 
KB Home slashed its first-quarter loss by 78 percent as first-time buyers flocked to the builder's smaller and more affordable homes, but the company warned last week the U.S. housing market has yet to hit bottom. 
Rates on 30-year mortgages fell to the lowest level on record for the second consecutive week after the Federal Reserve launched a new effort to assist the U.S. housing market.
