MARCH | APRIL 2015
Your Lakes of Parkway Neighbor and Realtor HOUSTON’S REAL ESTATE MARKET IS ONE OF THE HOTTEST IN THE WORLD!
KELLER WILLIAMS MEMORIAL 2013 AWARDS BANQUET
Here are the top five predictions for Houston real estate in 2014: 1. Home sales will soar; prices will reach a historic climax. The inventory of homes-for-sale is at a record-low. The pent-up demand is huge. Thousands of buyers, frustrated with losing in bidding wars and today’s small selection of options, jump into the market and buy houses as spring uncoils.
Claudia Hellmund awarded 3rd place Listing Volume Individual.
2. Apartment developers continue to binge-build in 2014. Trammel Crow’s Alexan Enclave, a 354-unit complex at 13411 Briar Forest west of Eldridge, is slated to open in the end of summer. Alliance Residential Co. is completing a 327-unit luxury apartment complex called Broadstone 7 Seventy at 770 Eldridge. Grayco is building 309 multifamily units and 70 townhouses on the edge of Terry Hershey Park west of Eldridge and south of Memorial, while a 300- to 900-apartment complex on the north side of Park Row west of Eldridge is planned. Grey Star Elan is completing a 324-unit complex at 14698 Briar Forest at Texas 6. 3. Shopping center market finally takes off, turns on the after-burners. Lots of retailers coming in: from grocers to fast food outlets. Fresh Market, Sprouts, HEB, Whole Foods, Aldi, all adding new locations. 4. Hoteliers get happy. Drought is over. More hotel construction slated. New hotel project will be the 1,000-room, 30-story Marriott Marquis, adjacent to Discovery Green and the George R. Brown Convention Center, will be able to attract larger conventions. 5. Home building roars in Houston, the best single-family market in the nation. Developers and builders will be in hot pursuit of land and new Grand Parkway expansions open up prairie for development.
LAKES OF PARKWAY MARKET REPORT ADDRESS SQFT BED BATH LIST PRICE SOLD PRICE
CURRENTLY FOR SALE 14319 Kingston Cove 14410 Kingston Cove 14322 Shadow Garden 14018 Hampton Cove 1627 Lakeshore Way 2005 Diamond Springs 1807 Watercastle 13803 Sedalia Springs
3,866 3,965 4,384 5,061 5,220 5,114 6,505 7,104
3-1 4-1 3-1 3-1 3-2 3-1 3-2 5-2
$746,138 $800,000 $994,000 $1,138,725 $1,162,700 $1,250,000 $1,390,000 $1,950,000
$193 $201 $226 $225 $222 $244 $213 $274
40 198 158 10 139 9 100 93
NEW CONSTRUCTION SOLD 14418 Kingston Cove 3,424 4 14442 Kingston Cove 3,839 5 14414 Kingston Cove 3,661 5
3-1 4-1 4-1
$625,000 $640,200 $680,100
$653,628 $673,737 $682,874
$191 $176 $187
0 0 0
RESALE HOMES SOLD 14311 Kingston Cove 1803 Cottage Landing 14207 Barnhart Blvd 13918 Hampton Cove
3-1 3-1 2-1 3-1
$699,000 $789,300 $799,950 $1,029,000
$689,000 $789,300 $800,000 $993,000
$186 $195 $222 $228
2 10 3 104
4 4 3 5
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.
sweet sailing Above deck adventures
LIST/SOLD DOM PRICE/SQFT
4 5 4 4 5 4 5 5
3,714 4,047 3,601 4,362
A N G E L E N O
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Homeownership Tax Breaks
More Green In Your Wallet!
Palate Perfect Roy’s Ahi Poketini
come sail away...
In Good Taste Roy’s Restaurant 818.888.4801 | RoysRestaurant.com
Totally over the crowded cruise scene? Bored with running to and from the same old beaches? Have we got a new vacation idea for you! Why not charter your own private yacht to cruise you and your crowd around the Caribbean? Or maybe meander about the Mexican Riviera in a catamaran with a few of your favorite friends? Yachting gives you a luxurious vacation experience unlike any other, all tailored to your specific needs and desires... without all the people. Sounds divine, doesn’t it? Whether you’re heading to the Virgin Islands or going south of the border to ole Mexico, chartering a yacht gives you several options to make the most of your time off. Charter companies can help you plan your trip, from what type of yacht to travel in to what you’ll see and eat along the way.
AHI POKETINI AHI & AVOCADO MIXTURE INGREDIENTS: 8 oz fresh sashimi grade Ahi, 1 avocado, 1/2 inch grade 1/2 inch diced 1 pinch shichimi togarashi JAPANESE SEVEN SPICE INGREDIENTS: 1 pinch Hawaiian red sea salt 1 tsp truffle oil 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp rayu (hot sesame 1/2 tsp rice wine vinegar seed oil) 1 oz. ogo, chopped 1 tsp furikake 1 tsp Sriracha sauce 1 tsp white sesame seeds WASABI AIOLI INGREDIENTS: 1/2 c kewpie mayonnaise 1/4 c wasabi 1/2 c water GARNISH INGREDIENTS: tobiko (flying fish roe) shiso leaf
2 limes, juiced Salt and pepper, to taste
The first decision after choosing a destination and getting your air transportation set is to pick the type of yacht in which to sail. Choices include catamarans, monohulls, and motor yachts. Most travelers select the catamaran for its speed, spaciousness, and smooth ride (seasickness is not really an issue on a cat), though those looking for a true, more romantic sailing experience may opt for the monohull. For larger groups who want the ultimate in luxury, motor yachts are the optimal choice. Next, you’ll need to decide if you simply want to charter a captain to cruise you around to all the hot spots or if you want a personal chef and extended crew along, too. With your own private staff, you have someone aboard to take you to all the top destinations and secret hideaways.
kaiware (daikon radish sprout)
AHI & AVOCADO MIXTURE/JAPANESE SEVEN SPICE DIRECTIONS: Gently toss ingredients together in a small mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper. WASABI AIOLI DIRECTIONS: In a small bowl, whisk together wasabi powder & water to form a loose paste. Add mayonnaise and continue to whisk until smooth. Add limejuice and honey. Season with black pepper to taste. Coat the inside of a chilled martini glass with wasabi aioli. Place a small mound of ahi & avocado mixture in center of glass. Garnish with caviar, kaiware sprouts and shiso.
MARCH | APRIL 2015
Want to snorkel? Your crew will have the equipment right there on board and know where to see the best marine life. And, you’ll not pay extra add-on fees as you do when coming ashore from a large cruise ship, battling the throngs. And when it comes to dining, forget the buffet-style food cooked up for thousands. On board a charter yacht, you pick out what you want to eat and when you want to eat it. Eggs Benedict and mimosas at sunrise on your own private deck? Done. Margaritas post snorkel? No problem. Lobster and champagne at sunset. Now we’re talking. For discerning travelers looking for the ultimate in privacy, service, and special memories, chartering a yacht may be just what the doctor ordered. Happy yachting!
TAX TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS
Going “green” may provide some more green in your wallet come tax refund time. Some of the energy efficiency deductions that were available to homeowners in 2013 have expired. But, there are some deductions still available that you can take advantage of. Homeowners have two more years (through 2016) to take advantage of a 30% credit for installing alternative-energy equipment such as solar hot-water heaters, solar electric equipment, geothermal heat pumps and wind turbines. With residential energy efficiency deductions you don’t just write-off the cost of the system itself, in some cases you may also include the cost of labor and installation. And a tax credit is actually better than a deduction. Deductions reduce your taxable income. With a tax credit, you get a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax liability. Use IRS Form 5695 to claim these credits. There may also be other tax rebates or tax credit programs available. Using the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) you can research to learn about any incentives available to you.
Event Calendar
Some other tax credits or deductions homeowners should be aware of are: • MORTGAGE INTEREST. Unless the size of your home loan exceeds $1 million, all of your interest is deductible. This includes interest on your primary residence as well as a second home. • MORTGAGE POINTS. Fortunately, come tax filing time, taxpayers can deduct all of the mortgage points they paid that year. Homeowners who paid points to refinance their mortgages or take out a home equity loan or line of credit are also eligible for the deduction. • REAL ESTATE TAXES. A tax deduction on a tax may seem a bit like an oxymoron, but this deduction is designed to keep income tax from being spent on property tax. • PROFIT ON THE SALE OF YOUR HOME. This exemption keeps homeowners from paying capital gains on the sale of their home. If you had a profit of $250,000 as an individual or $500,000 as a couple that profit falls within the tax free limit as long as you have lived in the home for at least two years before selling it.
• SELLING COSTS. Sellers can itemize costs incurred from selling their home. Marketing and realtor fees, closing fees, repairs and capital improvements can all be deducted. Consult your tax advisor or accountant for the particulars of your situation and which of these may apply.
Roga at the Pier Santa Monica Pier | March 14, 21, 28 310.458.8901 | SantaMonicaPier.org Start your Saturday mornings off right with a fun mix of running and yoga! First is a run at 8 AM which can vary from 2 to 5 miles (walkers welcome!). Then join in for some yoga to relax your body and mind. All yoga levels are encouraged to come, please bring your own mats. ASICS LA Marathon Dodger Stadium | March 15 213.542.3000 | LAMarathon.com One of the most scenic marathons you can be a part of! Begin your run at Dodger Stadium and end at the Santa Monica Pier. This is the 30th running of this marathon and the race has been named Best Big City Race and Best Marathon in the West. Make your run extra special by choosing a charity to run for! Simply Wine Festival CBS Studios | March 21 805.377.1933 | SimplyWineFest.com The Simply Wine Festival is sponsored by Tesla Motors. Last year over 1,500 people attended the event which featured 80 wineries and 15 restaurants. Enjoy your wine with food from restaurants and food trucks accompanied by some live music. Cocktail attire is required and all tastings will be complimentary with the admission fee. Food and Wine Festival Palm Desert 2015 Larkspur between El Paseo and Shadow Mountain March 27-29 760.832.6527 | PalmDesertFoodandWine.com Come join in for the 5th annual Food and Wine Festival Palm Desert! The festival gathers chefs from around the country for 3 days of extraordinary food and wine tasting. It begins with a James Beard 4-course luncheon on Friday, March 27 with Grand Tastings to follow throughout the weekend. Te Amo, Argentina Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium | April 25 626.395.4652 | CalTech.edu Te Amo, Argentina is headlined by Latin Grammywinning cellist Antonio Lysy, as well as sizzling international stars of tango dance Miriam Larici and Leonoardo Barrionuevo (from So You Think You Can Dance and Superstars of Dance). The combination of music and dance makes you feel like you are in Argentina!
come sail away...
In Good Taste Roy’s Restaurant 818.888.4801 | RoysRestaurant.com
Totally over the crowded cruise scene? Bored with running to and from the same old beaches? Have we got a new vacation idea for you! Why not charter your own private yacht to cruise you and your crowd around the Caribbean? Or maybe meander about the Mexican Riviera in a catamaran with a few of your favorite friends? Yachting gives you a luxurious vacation experience unlike any other, all tailored to your specific needs and desires... without all the people. Sounds divine, doesn’t it? Whether you’re heading to the Virgin Islands or going south of the border to ole Mexico, chartering a yacht gives you several options to make the most of your time off. Charter companies can help you plan your trip, from what type of yacht to travel in to what you’ll see and eat along the way.
AHI POKETINI AHI & AVOCADO MIXTURE INGREDIENTS: 8 oz fresh sashimi grade Ahi, 1 avocado, 1/2 inch grade 1/2 inch diced 1 pinch shichimi togarashi JAPANESE SEVEN SPICE INGREDIENTS: 1 pinch Hawaiian red sea salt 1 tsp truffle oil 2 tbsp soy sauce 1 tsp rayu (hot sesame 1/2 tsp rice wine vinegar seed oil) 1 oz. ogo, chopped 1 tsp furikake 1 tsp Sriracha sauce 1 tsp white sesame seeds WASABI AIOLI INGREDIENTS: 1/2 c kewpie mayonnaise 1/4 c wasabi 1/2 c water GARNISH INGREDIENTS: tobiko (flying fish roe) shiso leaf
2 limes, juiced Salt and pepper, to taste
The first decision after choosing a destination and getting your air transportation set is to pick the type of yacht in which to sail. Choices include catamarans, monohulls, and motor yachts. Most travelers select the catamaran for its speed, spaciousness, and smooth ride (seasickness is not really an issue on a cat), though those looking for a true, more romantic sailing experience may opt for the monohull. For larger groups who want the ultimate in luxury, motor yachts are the optimal choice. Next, you’ll need to decide if you simply want to charter a captain to cruise you around to all the hot spots or if you want a personal chef and extended crew along, too. With your own private staff, you have someone aboard to take you to all the top destinations and secret hideaways.
kaiware (daikon radish sprout)
AHI & AVOCADO MIXTURE/JAPANESE SEVEN SPICE DIRECTIONS: Gently toss ingredients together in a small mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper. WASABI AIOLI DIRECTIONS: In a small bowl, whisk together wasabi powder & water to form a loose paste. Add mayonnaise and continue to whisk until smooth. Add limejuice and honey. Season with black pepper to taste. Coat the inside of a chilled martini glass with wasabi aioli. Place a small mound of ahi & avocado mixture in center of glass. Garnish with caviar, kaiware sprouts and shiso.
MARCH | APRIL 2015
Want to snorkel? Your crew will have the equipment right there on board and know where to see the best marine life. And, you’ll not pay extra add-on fees as you do when coming ashore from a large cruise ship, battling the throngs. And when it comes to dining, forget the buffet-style food cooked up for thousands. On board a charter yacht, you pick out what you want to eat and when you want to eat it. Eggs Benedict and mimosas at sunrise on your own private deck? Done. Margaritas post snorkel? No problem. Lobster and champagne at sunset. Now we’re talking. For discerning travelers looking for the ultimate in privacy, service, and special memories, chartering a yacht may be just what the doctor ordered. Happy yachting!
TAX TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS
Going “green” may provide some more green in your wallet come tax refund time. Some of the energy efficiency deductions that were available to homeowners in 2013 have expired. But, there are some deductions still available that you can take advantage of. Homeowners have two more years (through 2016) to take advantage of a 30% credit for installing alternative-energy equipment such as solar hot-water heaters, solar electric equipment, geothermal heat pumps and wind turbines. With residential energy efficiency deductions you don’t just write-off the cost of the system itself, in some cases you may also include the cost of labor and installation. And a tax credit is actually better than a deduction. Deductions reduce your taxable income. With a tax credit, you get a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your tax liability. Use IRS Form 5695 to claim these credits. There may also be other tax rebates or tax credit programs available. Using the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) you can research to learn about any incentives available to you.
Event Calendar
Some other tax credits or deductions homeowners should be aware of are: • MORTGAGE INTEREST. Unless the size of your home loan exceeds $1 million, all of your interest is deductible. This includes interest on your primary residence as well as a second home. • MORTGAGE POINTS. Fortunately, come tax filing time, taxpayers can deduct all of the mortgage points they paid that year. Homeowners who paid points to refinance their mortgages or take out a home equity loan or line of credit are also eligible for the deduction. • REAL ESTATE TAXES. A tax deduction on a tax may seem a bit like an oxymoron, but this deduction is designed to keep income tax from being spent on property tax. • PROFIT ON THE SALE OF YOUR HOME. This exemption keeps homeowners from paying capital gains on the sale of their home. If you had a profit of $250,000 as an individual or $500,000 as a couple that profit falls within the tax free limit as long as you have lived in the home for at least two years before selling it.
• SELLING COSTS. Sellers can itemize costs incurred from selling their home. Marketing and realtor fees, closing fees, repairs and capital improvements can all be deducted. Consult your tax advisor or accountant for the particulars of your situation and which of these may apply.
Roga at the Pier Santa Monica Pier | March 14, 21, 28 310.458.8901 | SantaMonicaPier.org Start your Saturday mornings off right with a fun mix of running and yoga! First is a run at 8 AM which can vary from 2 to 5 miles (walkers welcome!). Then join in for some yoga to relax your body and mind. All yoga levels are encouraged to come, please bring your own mats. ASICS LA Marathon Dodger Stadium | March 15 213.542.3000 | LAMarathon.com One of the most scenic marathons you can be a part of! Begin your run at Dodger Stadium and end at the Santa Monica Pier. This is the 30th running of this marathon and the race has been named Best Big City Race and Best Marathon in the West. Make your run extra special by choosing a charity to run for! Simply Wine Festival CBS Studios | March 21 805.377.1933 | SimplyWineFest.com The Simply Wine Festival is sponsored by Tesla Motors. Last year over 1,500 people attended the event which featured 80 wineries and 15 restaurants. Enjoy your wine with food from restaurants and food trucks accompanied by some live music. Cocktail attire is required and all tastings will be complimentary with the admission fee. Food and Wine Festival Palm Desert 2015 Larkspur between El Paseo and Shadow Mountain March 27-29 760.832.6527 | PalmDesertFoodandWine.com Come join in for the 5th annual Food and Wine Festival Palm Desert! The festival gathers chefs from around the country for 3 days of extraordinary food and wine tasting. It begins with a James Beard 4-course luncheon on Friday, March 27 with Grand Tastings to follow throughout the weekend. Te Amo, Argentina Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium | April 25 626.395.4652 | CalTech.edu Te Amo, Argentina is headlined by Latin Grammywinning cellist Antonio Lysy, as well as sizzling international stars of tango dance Miriam Larici and Leonoardo Barrionuevo (from So You Think You Can Dance and Superstars of Dance). The combination of music and dance makes you feel like you are in Argentina!
SANTA MONICA Selling the Westside Since 1989
Tracey Hennessey REALTOR
310.779.6375 TraceyHennessey@hotmail.com CalBRE# 01017938
To put Tracey’s knowledge, expertise and skills to work for you, call her today!
Tracey Hennessey has received recognition from her clients and peers throughout her 27-year real estate career. She has earned admiration for her outstanding sales production and respect for her trustworthiness, which has played an important part in her success. With a reputation for high ethics and integrity, Tracey has been a consistent Top Producer since 1989. She achieved a level of sales that is the top 2% of agents internationally. Raised in Santa Monica, Tracey acquired a natural in-depth knowledge of the Westside, especially nearby Pacific Palisades and Brentwood. She makes it part of her business to stay informed on the latest developments and trends in real estate throughout these and neighboring communities. Tracey Hennessey’s dedication to finding buyers the home of their dreams, and negotiating the best possible price for sellers, has resulted in a business that is built almost entirely on referrals. She knows that buying and selling a home is an emotional experience, and one of the most important transactions many of us will make in our lives.
CLUB ON THE GREEN
Vol. 2 Issue 4
Fore!
The Coolest Room in the House Get Your Garage in Gear
Sonoma County Wineries
Bounty of Grapes
Fall in Love with Cheese
Fondue from The Melting Pot
Tracey Hennessey 11538 San Vincente Blvd | Los Angelels | 310.622.7425
TraceyHennessey.com | BuyOrSellInSantaMonica.com If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation for that listing.
Produced By Upscale Real Estate Marketing | 310.734.5917 | UpscaleRealEstateMarketing.com
Tracey Hennessey Providing Service Excellence On The Westside