About Conroe's Lake Conroe

I hope that others of you out there are experiencing an increase in your phones ringing. November was our slowest month to date however, we are suddenly seeing a huge increase in the phone ringing and good solid offers coming in. I see this as a direct correlation with the interests rates dropping.

If Americans will keep the money moving either through major purchases or refinancing, I believe the economy can hold on. Hopefully the lenders will ease up a bit and begin to allow money to flow a little more. Of course so much is riding on consumer confidence. Everyone is still reeling from the mortgage crisis of 08 followed by the bank bailout and now the car industry. Couple that with the election and for those of us in the Houston area, we are still dealing with the aftermath of IKE. Yes, the challenges are out there indeed.

I am still maintaining optimism that 09 will be a healing year for our economy, the country and our businesses. I am using this time to study more and use this time to increase my knowledge and skills. I know that those of us who make opportunity out of a tough market will be the ones standing when things begin to go back up. And when studying economics, what goes down will go back up!

Wishing each and every one of you all of the best as we approach 2009. This is a time when those of us in the real estate industry can encourage one another and be a positive sounding board when needed. Here is to prosperity!

Lake Conroe Real Estate

One more Christmas Party and I think my eyes will turn into appetizers! Is it my imagination or are there more parties than ever? I really expected a downturn in parties this year, but I have been invited to more parties than I can ever remember. I really don't think it is my winning personality or my charming ways, but in today's mail came another invite to a "Cookie Exchange". How many chocolate chip cookies can be eaten over the holidays? Sorry if I sound like Scrooge, but no more parties. I need a night at home to get my act together. I think Christmas is only 9 days away and I have yet to finish buying gifts, much less get them wrapped. As for getting my cards out early, I guess I am too late for that! What happened to a nice relaxed, stress free holiday season?

I have less available time this year as I am working my little part time (36 hours a week) job, but where has the time gone? It was only yesterday that we were wondering when our electricity would be back on after Hurricane Ike. Could that have been 3 month ago? I wish I could adopt an easy Christmas like I did for Thanksgiving, but gifts didn't seem to be involved with the pilgrims. Gift cards don't seem so wise this year as so many stores are going out of business it is hard to know if they will be around long enough for the cards to be used. There has to be a way to have a fun and stressless holiday. Any Suggestions???? At least for my blog readers I can accomplish my goal - Hope you have a Merry Christmas and I wish for peas on earth.

Article by: Carol Hawkins

I just feel the need to discuss the topic of saying "Merry Christmas". Since when did this become offensive to folks? I have said this a million times and will say it again, the Constitution of the United States does not protect any of us from being "offended". It does many other things, but protection from being offended is not one of them. You know, we are all offended in some way almost every day. It just seems that in the past 5 years, someone came up with the statement "politically correct" and people took it way too far!

This country that we are privileged to live in WAS founded on and by Christian principals. No matter what your beliefs are, that is our history and our foundation. In fact, Christianity was the foundation of public education both at the primary level as well as our colleges. This country has been strong for so long because of the moral and upright system that was founded so long ago.

I for one am boycotting the "Happy Holidays" saying! If I am visiting another country or chose to live there, I certainly would not be offended by their values and traditions. I would respect those values and traditions as I am a visitor in their country. I wish those coming to this great nation would embrace or at least accept the traditions and values that we have here.

Americans must stop running from fear and stand up for what we believe in. I will never apologize for the Christian values that have shaped this country as well as my own life. For those of you who agree with me, it is going to take all of us standing firm in what we believe to not cave in to the secular pressures out there making the demands of literally changing what Christmas really means.

I would love to hear from you. I know without a doubt that there are more of us out there with these views than the other. Merry Christmas to you all. I wish you joy and blessings through this special time of year.

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!

The Marion Franke Team

Everywhere you turn, the talk is "going green"! We are having more and more informed clients inquiring about homes that have "gone green". So the question then becomes, should homeowner's begin thinking about making changes to their home that would increase their "green" value?

I believe that our environmentally aware society is heading towards demanding these changes. Of course many of the new home builders are already implementing "green" additions into their homes. Therefore, it would be a wise investment for homeowner's to begin taking one project at a time to get their home more "green" friendly.

One of the least expensive things that you can do right away is proper caulking of doors, windows and vented areas. Your local hardware store can steer you in the right direction to begin caulking away and sealing up those cracks where air flow can be lessened.

In the flooring department there are now many products that are labeled "green". Carpets that have the green seal do not harbor the gasses that are toxic. Wood floors from forests that are considered to be sustainable are wise choices. Bamboo flooring is also an excellent option as bamboo is abundant and makes a very nice flooring product.

Insulation is a major area that can make a huge impact on a home going green. There are many new products on the market one of them being a spray on soy foam insulation! It is being shown to be very resistant to molds and mildews and when sprayed on the wall, it expands and fills in the gaps. According to the United Soybean Board, this new soy insulation provides insulation characteristics that are as good as or better in four inch wall as traditional batting insulations with six-inch stud construction.

Your HVAC system is without a doubt one of the most costly items that a homeowner faces. No matter what the age of your system is, you must be diligent in the maintenance and repair of the units. Changing your filters frequently, checking Freon levels and having a certified HVAC checkup each year is key! When it is time to replace older systems, again there are many new options out there. Do your homework and seek out professional advice. Having an environmentally friendly HVAC system could add thousands of dollars to your bottom line when negotiating a sale.

Remember, you can't make all of the changes overnight! Take a room at a time and begin focusing on what is most important to you right now. Make out a budget and begin planning the best way to tackle getting your home "green".

Lake Conroe Real Estate

I love this time of year when we all get together with our clients and friends to enjoy the famous Franke Christmas Party. Each year, Bruce and Marion generously open the historic Moran Ranch up to hundreds of friends and clients. The 50's style ranch houses look as if you have stepped back into time. Original furnishings and decorations take you back to memories of visiting grandparents when times were slower and all we worried about were catching fire flies and the ice cream truck!

Moran Ranch was decorated beautifully as usual in all of its Christmas finery. Donna Franke does the decorating out there and she does a great job. Nothing is left undecorated! Throughout the ranch there were special Christmas reminders everywhere!

Everyone enjoyed the wonderful food that our own Brenda King provided. Not only does Brenda do real estate by day, she caters many events in the evenings and on the weekends. Don't know how she does it but she does a fantastic job.

Although the weather was cold for us Texans, (anything below 50 is VERY cold for us) we bundled up to go outside and enjoy the fantastic fireworks show! Jay Garrison our fellow agent and team member helped to put on once again an awesome show for us! Fireworks and Christmas are a great combination!

The live music added to the festive evening. We enjoyed dancing, singing and mainly just visiting with friends and clients. This by far is one of the highlights of the year for the Franke Team members. I know that everyone comes back year after year because this party is always a hit. Thank you to Marion and Bruce for opening up the ranch to us. Merry Christmas!

Lake Conroe Real Estate