An early childhood center is scheduled to open February 2007. Located at the intersection of Forestgate and Flintridge adjacent to Forestgate Park, this facility will offer a Before and After School Program for 6 weeks to 12 years from 6:30am to 6:30pm plus Pre-K 3 & 4 olds.

For more information, call 281-465-4069 or visit www.thekangarooforest.com

For most of us, our home represents the largest single investment in our portfolio. When the time arrives to sell a home due to relocation, expanded family, downsizing, etc., a wise decision must be made to maximize profit margin, minimize time on market, and minimize inconvenience to one's lifestyle.

For some, the question is whether to utlize the services of a Realtor or a For-Sale-By-Owner. For most, the decision is to utilize a Realtor. For the homeseller considering the For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) route, I would like to share several real estate industry facts as well as personal experience as a Realtor.

Facts -
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) 2005 survey reveals that FSBO sales are underpriced in the market by an average of 16%. In Texas, the Texas Association of Realtors (TAR) 2005 survey revealed that FSBO home sales in the state of Texas were underpriced by an average of 20%. This is calculated by comparing the average square foot selling price of Realtor listings versus FSBO listings.

The two factors below might be contributors to the underpricing of homes by FSBO's.

1. Lack of accurate up-to-date information on recent comparable sales in the market. While a Realtor has access to actual sales data as a member of the local MLS, the FSBO must rely on best-guesstimates, neighborhood grapevine, or a Zillow-style analysis (more on Zillow later).

2. Although the asking price might already be adjusted for the lack of a Realtor commission, the potential buyer seems convinced the price doesn't yet reflect the commission adjustment and asks for a further reduction.

Observations as a Realtor -
Realtors representing buyers tend to focus on Realtor-MLS listed properties due to ease of scheduling showings, quick access to property details, and availability of seller disclosure documents.

If a Realtor-represented buyer wishes to make an offer on a FSBO, the Realtor realizes that he/she will be processing both sides of the transaction increasing the potential for lawsuit liability. For example, a lack of knowledge of disclosure requirements by FSBO sellers.

In part 2, we will focus on choosing a full versus limited service Realtor.

There are currently 26 homes in various stages of construction in Carlton Woods with four homes available immediately. Ready for move-in is the estate at 14 Maymont Way, built by Jauregui Architect Interior Construction. Situated on .67 of an acre, this home includes a stone and stucco exterior with antique brick trim, privacy stone wall and 6,400 square feet of living space. Features include four spacious bedrooms with private baths and walk-in closets; guest bedroom, second study, and game room/media room on first floor; paneled study with hidden work room; private lush garden at the master bath; kitchen island with radiating beams; and wine room. Additional amenities include spacious terrace, summer kitchen, swimming pool and spa and a three-car garage. This home is priced at $1,850,000. For a private showing, call 866-276-8200

Celtic Concepts, a partnership of Brian Young and Colm O'Neill, is moving an authentic Irish pub from Midleton, County Cork, Ireland to The Woodlands Town Center, according to Dan Leverett, vice president, commercial for The Woodlands Development Company.

The partners, who own Brian O'Neill's Restaurant and Irish Pub in Rice Village in Houston and eight other pubs in Texas, Colorado, Michigan and Ohio, purchased the contents of a pub called "The Goose's Acre" located in Midleton, County Cork, Ireland. The bar and accoutrements are being shipped to a two-story, 7,400-square-foot retail space at 21 Waterway Avenue (pictured) on The Woodlands Waterway®, where they will recreate the authentic atmosphere, complete with a view of The Waterway from the outdoor patio.

According to Young, a big, open bay kitchen will be the main focus of the bistro, where a wood-fired pizza oven and rotisserie chicken display will present the menu specialties. Rotisserie chicken, grilled steaks, sandwiches, pub favorites, entrée salads and gourmet wood-fired pizza will be featured on the menu, which has been developed by a top corporate chef who spent four months in Italy studying Neapolitan pizza making. Desserts and a children's menu will also be offered. A wide variety of beers, stouts, ales and an extensive wine and premium spirits selection will be featured in the pub.