North Houston's Finest Community! 3.5 miles from the new ExxonMobile campus.
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Summer is approaching fast and school will be out before we know it. No more school zones or morning traffic, but drivers do need to remember children will still be out playing. Here are a few tips and statistics to remind us all to be careful and be aware at all times.
Obey the Speed Limit — Many accidents involving children and pedestrians occur because people are driving too fast. It’s important to remember that speed limits are established for a reason, even if it may not seem obvious to you when you are driving. Sometimes roadways appear to be safe for faster driving than what is allowed, but lower speed limits are established for the safety of children who may be playing in the area. If you are driving too fast, it becomes difficult – and sometimes impossible – to stop if a child darts into the street or if you lose control of your vehicle.
Watch Carefully – While parents tell their children to avoid playing in or near streets from the time they are very small, it’s a fact that youngsters aren’t always as careful as they should be. When you are driving in or around places where kids might be playing, it’s important for you to be vigilant in watching out for children. All too often, children chase balls, pets, or other toys into the street without even realizing that they are running into traffic. Staying watchful at all times can help ensure that you don’t experience an unfortunate accident that could leave you and other people seriously injured.
Avoid Distractions – A large number of vehicle accidents occur because drivers allow their attention to be affected by various types of distractions. Getting distracted while operating an automobile is one of the most common and most dangerous driving habits than anyone can develop. No matter when or where you are driving, you should take care to keep your attention focused on the task of operating your vehicle. Keeping your environment distraction-free is one of the most important driver safety tips where children are playing. This means you should avoid using your cell phone (for any reason), eating, changing out CDs, or other tasks when operating a vehicle in areas where you can expect children to be nearby. Keep your eyes – and attention – on the road at all times
Fast Facts:
- Speeding in residential neighborhoods represents the single greatest complaint issue to police departments and city council representatives throughout the U.S.
- Most speeders on your street live right in the neighborhood.
- Crash rates increase faster with an increase in speed on minor roads (which includes residential streets) than major roads.
- Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children of every age from 2-14 years of age
- Speeding Triples the Odds of Crashing
- It is not unusual for speeders to be clocked in excess of 40 mph (and even 50 mph on occasion) in 25-mph zones.
- Speeding extends the distance necessary to stop a vehicle.*At 20 mph the total stopping distance needed is 69 feet.*At 30 mph, the distance needed is 123 feet.
*At 40 mph, the distance needed is 189 feet which may not be enough distance and time for you to avoid hitting an object or person on the road
For more safety info, visit http://safety.lovetoknow.com
Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with free concerts, fireworks presented by Wells Fargo, food, fun, strolling entertainers and more as The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau hosts “Memorial Day in The Woodlands,” May 25 – 26, 2013, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at Waterway Square.
On Saturday, May 25, bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the Country & Variety sounds of Leannasaurus Rex from 6 p.m. – 7:20 pm followed by the classic rock sounds of The Rock-a-Fellas from 7:40 p.m. – 9 p.m. Immediately following the concert, enjoy a fantastic fireworks display presented by Wells Fargo, weather permitting.
The fun continues on Sunday with the country/alternative band Josh Fuller and Dirt & Diesel taking the stage from 6 p.m. – 7:20 pm. Nobody’s Fool, with Kelley Peters, will close out the night playing a variety of sounds from 7:40 p.m. – 9 p.m. Once again, the night sky will light up with a dazzling fireworks display as the music ends. Memorial Day in The Woodlands is free and open to the public thanks to Wells Fargo, The Woodlands Development Company, The WoodlandsResort & Conference Center, Kyle Sherburne – State Farm Insurance, Munday Chevrolet, Wright’s Printing, Kroger, Bud Light and Xfinity. Paid covered parking is available at the 24 Waterway Parking Garage (located at corner of Fountain Plaza & Lake Robbins Drive), the Waterway Square Parking Garage (between Fountain Plaza and Woodloch Court) and the surface parking lot along the corner of Waterway Avenue and Timberloch Place. “Memorial Day” attendees will also find limited, free curbside parking along Lake Robbins Drive, Waterway Avenue, Waterway Square Place, and Timberloch Place.
Source: http://www.thewoodlands.net/
Great Article published by the Houston Chronicle:
Emily Ortiz couldn’t believe how fast houses were selling in Houston. Her husband’s job was being transferred here from Salt Lake City, where properties tended to sit on the market. When they started looking here in October, Ortiz noticed homes were selling within a week.After a few months of shopping, the couple put an offer on a four-bedroom house in Richmond that had been on the market around 10 days. They were certain they’d get it.Instead, they were told there were two other bidders and asked to resubmit an offer at their “highest and best” price.”I was totally shocked,” Ortiz said. “I can’t even hardly sell our house in Utah, and these people have three offers to pick from. “Situations like the Ortizes’ are multiplying as Houston’s housing market roars ahead after one of the best years on record for home-price appreciation.
Database:Search for your neighborhood
In 2012, the median price per square foot for a single-family house was up 4.2 percent over the previous year, to $74.25, according to an analysis of home sales in five area counties commissioned by the Houston Chronicle. That’s slightly higher than when the market peaked in 2007 and a striking increase in a place where the average price typically rises around 2 percent a year.
Experts say this trend will continue as inventory remains low and demand soars.
“We are coming into the really hot selling season,” said Evert Crawford of the Institute for Regional Forecasting at University of Houston‘s C.T. Bauer College of Business. “It’s going to be a really interesting spring and summer.”
Prices will continue to climb at an “abnormally high rate for the foreseeable future,” said Crawford, also of Crawford Realty Advisors, who conducted the study.
Above asking price
Evidence of the scorching market is widespread. Centrally located neighborhoods, as well as those in far-flung suburbs, have become seller’s markets. Frustrated buyers are finding themselves in bidding wars, making aggressive offers to secure homes.
The Ortizes paid $5,000 above the $189,900 asking price on the property they were competing for in the Richmond subdivision of Lakes of Bella Terra. They closed at the end of January.
“We were so sick of looking at homes,” Oritz said. “We didn’t ask for any closing costs to be paid or any concessions at all.”
Why the low supply?
A diminishing supply of properties for sale has put the market’s recovery into overdrive. Inventory has fallen to its lowest level in more than 10 years and far below what’s considered a stable market. For sellers, that’s great news.
“The people who have to sell right now and are lucky enough to own a property in the good neighborhoods and need to move their property quickly, they’re coming out pretty much ahead,” said Jim Gaines, research economist at the Texas A&M Real Estate Center.
He’s concerned, however, about the short supply heating up the market. By now, he said, he thought there would be a significantly higher number of properties for sale.Gaines speculated on why that hasn’t happened.Even if homeowners want to sell to take advantage of the rising prices, they’d have to turn around and buy something that likely would be much more expensive. Then there’s the greed factor, Gaines said. With prices up, homeowners might be waiting to see how high they go before listing their homes. Gaines is reconsidering his advice for buyers.
“I’d been saying last year it was a great time to buy a property because interest rates were so low,” he said. “I’m beginning to change my mind, that it’s neutral to be a buyer.”
The limited inventory isn’t frustrating just for buyers.
“All us agents are scrambling for houses,” said Alina Winford, an agent with Keller Williams in The Woodlands, where listings are relatively scarce.
Job market humming
Demand in the area has shot up amid additional office development and a coming relocation for thousands of Exxon Mobil Corp. employees. The world’s largest oil and gas company is building a campus off Interstate 45 at the Hardy Toll Road for some 10,000 workers. Indeed, the job market is driving the buying frenzy. Houston’s energy-rich economy is filled with companies bringing in out-of-towners who need homes. Other sectors are contributing to the boom.
Edwin Payne, an Army officer, is moving his family here from Los Angeles for a job near Ellington Airport. He’s been looking online for houses in the southeast part of town and notices properties selling within days.
“Unlike other cities, especially Los Angeles, it’s a seller’s market, which is shocking for us,” Payne said.
Areawide, home sales were up 10.6 percent in 2012 over the previous year, according to the housing data, which looked at sales in 1,882 Houston-area neighborhoods handled through the Houston Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service.
As the recovery strengthens, the data show pockets of softness. Although the foreclosure problem is down in Houston, it’s not over. Some areas, particularly east of Interstate 45 and north of South Main, are still experiencing above-average foreclosure rates.
“That is an area where there was an awful lot of the exuberant lending to people who weren’t qualified and they still can’t sell the houses for what they owe on them,” Crawford said.
The bigger picture
Still, the growth in real estate is feeding an overall economic recovery. With values up, more local homeowners are able to refinance and spend money in other ways. Construction employment is accelerating, too, as builders ramp up to meet demand.
Mother’s Day is less than two weeks away! Have you started planning? If not, no need to look any further than some of these great options right here in the area.
RESTAURANTS
Voted one of Houston’s Best Brunches, The Woodlands Resort offers a Mother’s Day Champagne Brunch from 10:30am – 2:00pm on May 12. Reservations are required. Visit their website at http://www.woodlandsresort.com/mothers-day-brunch/
Cru on Market Street also offers a brunch on Mother’s Day. Convenient location and great places to take mom shopping afterwords! http://www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com/Events/EventInfo/13-05-12/Cru_Mother_s_Day_Brunch
GIFT IDEAS
Looking for a unique gift from the kiddos? Potteryland can help you create an everlasting memory capturing those tiny hand prints or footprints. Mention the coupon found at the following link and save 10% off your entire purchase. http://www.woodlandsonline.com/evps/evitem.cfm?evid=57749
Things Remembered in The Woodlands Mall offers unique and personalized gifts. Bring the kids in now through May 4th and create a special gift in their handwriting. http://www.thewoodlandsmall.com/sales/write-from-the-heart-event-at-things-remembered
Massage Envy offers facials and massages at a affordable rate. A location is conveniently located right off of Rayford Road near Kroger. http://www.massageenvy.com/clinics/TX/Imperial-Oaks.aspx
YUMMY TREATS
Gigi’s Cupcakes offers a great selection of cupcakes. Included on their menu most recently, mini cupcakes and cheesecake. Place your order online for convenient pick up. http://www.gigiscupcakesusa.com/thewoodlandstexas
Chocolate Punch offers unique freshly made chocolate candy, dipped fruit and specialty drinks. According to their website, they are currently offering one of the most rare chocolates in the world. Additionally, they do host parties and special events. http://www.chocolatepunch.com/about_us
FALLS AT IMPERIAL OAKS HOA
2013 POOL TAG REGISTRATION AND POOL SCHEDULE
The Falls at Imperial Oaks swimming pool is available to residents of The Falls at Imperial Oaks who are current in the assessments AND have pool tags and an access card. If you are unsure of your account balance, please contact the management company at 832-593-7300 or the on-site office at 832-813-7170.
The Board of Directors has implemented the use of pool tags, an access card and a gate attendant to help regulate the usage of the pool to Falls residents only.
Guests must not be residents of The Falls at Imperial Oaks. Everyone will be required to sign in with their name and address each time they visit the pool. The name of children age 10 and under and guests should be listed under the name of the resident who brought them to the pool. Residents MUST have their pool tag visible at all times. Cost to replace lost or stolen pool tags is $5.00 per tag. Residents are allowed 4 guests per household per day and must purchase a daily guest token for each guest brought on a Saturday or Sunday. The guest token fee schedule is as follows:
1 Token – $3.00
5 Tokens – $12.00
10 Tokens – $25.00
20 Tokens – $45.00
FREE POOL REGISTRATION
Pool registration and pool tag distribution will be held at the Lake Club on the following dates/times:
Sunday, April 21st – 1pm to 3pm
Saturday, May 4th – 3pm to 6pm
Sunday, May 5th - 1 pm to 3 pm
Tuesday, May 7th - 6pm to 8pm
Please complete the attached pool registration form and bring it and your ID to the Lake Club to receive your FREE pool tags. Your assessments must be paid in full in order to receive your pool tag and pool tags will be distributed only to ADULTS 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER.
2013 POOL SCHEDULE
Pool opens Saturday, May 11th - 3pm to 8pm
May 12th – 10am to 8pm
May 18th /19th - 10am to 8pm
May 25th /26th /27th -10am to 8pm
June 1st /2nd -10am to 8pm
Friday, June 7th – pool opens for the regular season
Tuesday – Sunday 10am to 8pm
Adult Swim Tuesday/Thursday – 8pm to 9pm
Falls at Imperial Oaks HOA
2013 Family Registration Form
CIRCLE IF YOU ARE: OWNER / RENTER
Address:_____________________________________________________________________________
Home Phone: _____________________________
Cell Phone: ______________________________
E-mail:________________________________
NAME RELATIONSHIP
________________________________ ______________________________________
________________________________ ______________________________________
________________________________ ______________________________________
________________________________ ______________________________________
________________________________ ______________________________________
________________________________ ______________________________________
________________________________ ______________________________________
________________________________ ______________________________________
ONLY PERMANENT RESIDENTS CAN REGISTER
NO EXTENDED RELATIVES OR GUESTS CAN REGISTER
10 and UNDER DO NOT NEED A TAG (must be accompanied by an adult)
Are you a Pinterest Fan or at least love crafts? Or maybe just need a night out but want to be close to home? Well, you are in luck! The Falls will be hosting a ladies night of crafting and snacks at Lake Club on April 23rd from 7-9pm. This is a free event for The Falls residents, so come out and meet some neighbors and enjoy a creative and fun evening. All supplies will be ready and waiting so just bring your crafty self!
Scrapbooking more your thing? Lake Club will have tables set up from 10am-6pm on April 27th to come out and scrapbook and share ideas. Please bring your own supplies. Join in the fun for a few hours or stay all day its up to you! Refreshments will be served.
Please RSVP to falls@vanmor.com for both events. 
Get out and enjoy some great local events this April! Old Town Spring will be hosting the Texas Crawfish Festival starting Friday, April 19th. Inside the festival enjoy vendors, food, petting zoo, carnival rides, live music and meet Uncle Si from A&E’s popular show Duck Dynasty on April 20th. For more information and music lineup visit http://texascrawfishfestival.com
Enjoy a great meal, shopping or a movie at Market Street. Plenty of events throughout the month including Market Street’s Spring Concert Series starting Thursday, April 18. Also, take advantage of some great workout deals such as a complimentary Yoga class from Lululemon. Visit www.marketstreet-thewoodlands.com
Need a fun family event? The Woodlands Children’s Museum has some great educational activities throughout the month including Shadow Puppet Theatre Thursday and Storybook Theatre. Also, bring the family and your furry companion out for Spring Bark at Northshore Park on April 13th from 9:30am-4:00pm. Let your 4 legged friend try out the agility course or watch demonstrations from various dog sporting groups. Micro chipping will be available. More events and details at http://www.woodlandsonline.com/evps/
Dont miss out on this years swim team try-outs starting this Saturday, April 6th from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the POA Pool on Imperial Oak Blvd. Addtional try-out dates: Saturday April 13th from 10:00am to 2:00pm and Saturday, April 20th from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Please visit http://www.iostseals.com for more information.
The beautiful natural landscaping and lakes of The Falls at Imperial Oaks make our community a wonderful place to enjoy nature, a walk with the family or an afternoon at the dog park. Residents add to this great landscaping by taking pride in their yards. The Falls Yard of the Month Committee will start judging in April. All Falls residents qualify for a chance to win an Ace Gift Card and the opportunity to display the “Yard of The Month” sign. Here are some great tips on how to put that green thumb to work:
Begin mowing when the grass turns green in the spring. Low mowing in early spring before your lawn begins actively growing is damaging to St. Augustine grass lawns. St. Augustine Grass should be mowed at 2.5 to 4.0 inches. Mow often to avoid removing more than one-third of the leaf blade. It isn’t necessary to collect clippings unless they remain as clumps on the lawn surface. Mowing more frequently to avoid clipping buildup is more efficient than emptying the collection bag.
Spring is the perfect time to apply a quality fertilizer with a weed and feed element. A popular brand and example is Scott’s Bonus S Southern Weed and Feed.
Trim and shape bushes and shrubs so that they look appealing and do not block walkways or entryways.
Replace plants that did not survive the cold weather or add some color with seasonal flowers.
Lay new mulch in flower beds and around trees to enhance the visual appearance of yard, conserve moisture, and help prevent weed growth.
Visit local stores such as Ace, Home Depot or Lowe’s for help with yard products, questions and concerns.
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Falls at Imperial Oaks is a Holcomb Properties Community.
Professionally managed by VanMor Properties.
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