About Conroe's Lake Conroe

Last night as The Franke Team reflected on our victories at the Keller Williams Regional Awards, I wanted to post a blog about the concept of the real estate team.

Historically the real estate industry evolved as individual agents. In fairly recent history, the "team" concept has become more and more popular. We are proud here at The Franke Team to say that Marion was a pioneer in the team concept. Over a decade ago as Marion's business was exploding, she made the wise decision to add a very needed person to help her manage her business. Janice Oliver was the first agent that Marion added.

As the listings and phone call increased, Marion knew that she needed to add her first Buyer's Agent. The rest as they say is history! Today Marion has 7 buyer's agents, 4 listing agents, a full time technology director, and administrative team members. The Franke Team has now grown to 18 members strong.

What makes The Franke Team successful is having a group of individuals all with different strengths and talents working together with one common goal in mind - being the best at what we do! Most of our agents have many designations and there are three brokers on the team! Having team members who are constantly staying on top of their game is what makes our team stand out.

Marion is also very forward thinking and is always assessing and reassessing the way we do business. She has the insight to try new things and is not afraid to change. When the Internet was still a new concept, Marion realized this was the avenue to explore and she was right. The Franke Team Internet presence has truly revolutionized our business.

I am thankful to be on a real estate team and value each and every team member that we have. I believe too that the team concept will become more and more of the standard in our industry. Only time will tell.

Lake Conroe Real Estate

Today is Friday, January 23^rd, and I am volunteering at the Davis Museum in Montgomery. I usually refer to the building as "the little house on the prairie" which it probably was in 1851 when the original structure was built by Nat Hart Davis, a lawyer.

Mr. Davis had received an 1831 log house in payment for legal services, disassembled it, and moved the logs to a one-acre lot he had purchased.

As I place the two flags, United States and Texas, into their respective flag holders, I wonder what the traffic on FM149 might have been in the 1850's; certainly not the many motorcycles, automobiles, trucks and buses that I see now. Perhaps there would have been the occasional cowboy on horseback or a family traveling by wagon.

Of course the original house did not appear as it does today; as the Davis gamily grew so did the house with additions and changes to the log structure. The Davis family had everything they needed on this one-acre plot. In addition to their home, there was a law office, a barn, buggy house, saddle house, two small houses for house help, milk cowshed, chicken house, livestock area and a small vegetable garden; what more could one want.

The Town of Montgomery contains many historical buildings and the area is steeped in history; most notable for being the birthplace of the Texas Flag which was designed by Dr. Charles B. Stewart.

There are several books available at our county libraries should you desire to learn more about Montgomery and the surrounding area or stop by the Davis Cottage/Museum and a docent would be more than happy to share his/her knowledge. The museum is located on the northeast corner of SH105 and FM149 and is open Wednesday thru Saturday.

Article by: Janice Oliver

Lake Conroe Homes for Sale

To quote inspirational author & motivational speaker, John Maxwell, "Teamwork makes the Dream work".

Truly the evidence is in the #1 awards for the Keller Williams Realty Conroe South Texas region that the Marion Franke Team swept last evening. The Alley Theatre in downtown Houston was teeming with talented agents from Houston and surrounding areas. Just to be counted among them was an honor.

It is my belief that Marion makes the team work because she takes the "I" out of her vocabulary. Credit goes to her team, not just to her. Leading the team is no small chore; but she has surrounded herself with talented people who work together to make the team function and achieve such high levels of success.

Hats off to Marion for her foresight and ability in retaining the #1 ranking in the South Texas Region for Keller Williams Realty for the 8^th consecutive year!!

Thanks to the "Dream Team"!!! Proud to be a part of this great team!

2008 Regional Awards Summary:

• 1st Place - Group Listing Units
• 1st Place - Group Listing Volume
• 1st Place - Group Closed Units
• 1st Place - Group Closed Volume

Article by: Dixie Estep

Lake Conroe Real Estate

The ailing U.S. economy sent ripples across Montgomery County in 2008. "These are some of the toughest economic times our country has ever experienced..." said Michael Levitin, HAR Chairman. Levitin contributed the tough times to news of layoffs, declining oil prices and other negative financial reports.

However, during a late November stop in Houston, the National Association of REALTORS® Cheif Economist, Lawrence Yun, praised the stability of the Houston market. Currently the Houston area and the Denver area are predicted to be the nation's top performers in 2009. Other predictions include at least a 5% increase in home pricing, and month's inventory to hover around the six month mark in the greater Houston area. (Month's inventory is the average time it will take a home to sell) The overall national rate of months inventory is 10 months. (Note: month's inventory will vary from one subdivision to the next)

Increases in average sales price and median sales price is very positive for our area. All in all, Montgomery County is doing well in an economic mayhem. According to the Montgomery County website, compared to the rest of the country, the cost of living in this area is 16.89% lower than the U.S. average. Coupled with interest rates, (the lowest in 50 years or so) NOW is the time to buy OR sell!!

Note: Stats were obtained from The Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University & Montgomery County Website.

Article by: Dixie Estep

Lake Conroe Real Estate

This morning we attended the annual Keller Williams local awards, and the Franke Team's achieved the following results:

• Double Platinum Cappers (GCI = $1.5 million and 250+ units sold)
• 2008 Group Top Producer Award
• 2008 Group Top Listing Volume/Units

Therre were only 2 group categories, and one Capper level award, so we took home everything! That makes 15 consecutive years that the Marion Franke Team has been the number one Real Estate team in Montgomery County, Texas. We are also forseeing record numbers in our regional and national rankings despite the many local, national and team specific challenges we have faced over the last year. So please wish us luck in bringing home Top 10 for Keller Williams worldwide!

Article by: Jacob Hebert

Lake Conroe Real Estate