Cut and Shoot, TX

Over the years I have come to regard rainy days as a sales tool. When you grow up in swamp city USA (my affectionate name for Houston), so much of the year is fraught with precipitation that it becomes a consideration in every thing you do.

Most people choose not to live where flooding is a frequent occurrence.... at least when it rains (last summer was so dry that half the trees in town died.) Around these parts, the flood plains change from year to year depending upon the development going on. Creeping concrete does not absorb water!

Today we got to accompany an agent as she brought her out of town clients to see our listing (a 40 plus acre tract out in rural Montgomery county.) The fact that they came to see it in the rain indicates more than a passing interest. The fact that they walked the entire property is even more proof that these may be real buyers.

The rain gives a whole different perspective to a property. If it looks good wrapped in a gray cloud, chances are they will really love it when the blue sky and sparkle f the sunlight on the lake are part if the picture.

The lake is filling back up from the summer drought and subsequent drying. Although it never did go dry, it looks considerably better with added water.

Rain also illustrates the water tight capabilities of the roof. It will show if a property drains properly. It illustrates whether gutters are clogged. Street drainage is another issue a good rain will point out.

In short aside from tracking mud into houses, rain can be an effective tool to illustrate how a property functions in the most basic of weather conditions. It is an excellent illustrating sales tool.

It is interesting to see how little you know about people you have thought you knew when stressful situations arise.

Last Monday we were faced with a situation I would never have dreamed of.

While checking on a rural listing we walked up on a man who was in the act of stealing a well pump.

The property is posted and there are several No Trespassing signs in plain view. It is also painfully obvious that there is no one living there right now.

Although the listing is about forty Miles from our office, we have made it a practice to go check on this place every few weeks.

We had seen signs of vandalism from the very first time we went,but the idea that we would catch someone doing it never really occurred to me.

The next surprise for my day was the reaction my precious husband had to finding the thief.

While my first instinct was to go back toward the car while dialing 911, Ralph took off after the retreating trespasser.

I could not believe my eyes as I saw my partner of decades pursuing someone who presented a real and present danger into the woods! Good grief! He seemed to think he was "Roy Rogers"or a Texas Ranger! I honestly believe he was thinking about making a citizens arrest.

My prayers were answered as Ralph did stop his pursuit before they both disappeared into the deep woods the other side of the lake.

This man who I thought I knew so well was willing to risk his health and life to confront a thief? He was, and he did! Not only did he do it... He has indicated that he would do it again.

It has become apparent that there is a side of my husband and Real Estate partner that I had no idea about!

You can be sure that I will be praying harder than ever for a sale on this property, so we do not have to go out there again!

One of the most tranquil places we have ever had the priviledge to list is right outside beautiful downtown Cut and Shoot Texas.

The property has 41 acres, a large lake, a cottage by the lake, a building once used as a church and a 1970s vintage ranch style house.

We have always taken time to check on the property every few weeks because it is vacant.

There have been increasing signs of vandalism over the past few months. All the copper has been stolen out of the lake cottage, the air conditioners are missing and today we caught a man attempting to steal the well pump off the lake house.

He was not expecting us, but we were not expcting him either! We just weren't quick enough with the camera to get his face but we did get a quick look though and could identify him in a line up. Ralph attempted to follow him as he beat a hurried path through the woods with his pack of probably recently lifted loot slung over his shoulder. Ralph hollered at him but he wouldnt even look back. He just kept walking at a pretty fast clip. And no the old bicycle in the photo was not his.

Ralph called the owner with the news and the owner called the sheriff. We were asked to stay at the property and meet the sheriff. Not very productive use of our time in my opinion.

We did get photos of the retreating side of the vandal and lots of other pictures of the ruts caused by trespassing vehicles all over the property. Another bright spot in the check up was the obvious signs of new leaks in the ceiling of the ranch house.

This place has always seemed like a tranquil retreat so the dutiful check ups have been a pleasant respite in our daily routines. Today with the obvious danger from the vandal and the having to stay someplace less than desirable for an extended time... My opinion of the place has been altered seriously, and it now feels like a huge liability. The duties now seem way outside my job description.

(Ralph's opinion..... Jeanne is afraid of almost everything.) If anyone from the Cut and Shoot area recognizes him from the back at 50-60 yards away give me a call. Maybe the "little Chicken Douche bag" would like to come back and do the Texas Two Fist behind the woodshed..... Just sayin.....

We have now had a lovely listing for six months that needs some refreshing. It's well priced and Reviews of area pricing have not produced any insights as to why it continues to sit on the market. We have had several favorable showings but no takers. No, that is not quite true. The first showing produced an offer which was withdrawn less than 24 hours later. No explanation for the withdrawal was given.

The property has the only small lake that we know of that has survived the summer drought with water still in it! The lake has maintained water since the late 1960s when it was dug. Considering that Lake Conroe is down 13 feet from normal, water is a big deal!

There are three structures of note on this 41 acres of native trees. One is a very appealing three bedroom built in 1976, the original lake cabin is highly remodel able and there is an old church too. Considering the potential, the uniqueness and the acre lake... We wonder just what we are. It doing to find the buyer? Insights and advice are being sought! Thanks for your help in solving this puzzle.

Would you like to have a home base where you could grow your own food, raise a few head of livestock, have chickens, stock your own lake with fish, control your water supply and have a couple of guest houses in the event you needed to take in family or friends?

Such a place exists! Right outside colorful Cut and Shoot Texas is a 41 acre tract where you can luxuriate in the quiet. You can also enjoy the shade from ancient hardwoods and many native shrubs and other trees. In many places these create a canopy of greenery making a feast for the eyes, and allowing for cooling breezes.

There is a main house with three bedrooms, two baths, and large living,dining and great rooms. Built in the 1970s it has stood the tests of time, storms and droughts. Look at it as a blank canvas to put your own mark on! There is also a cabin by the large lake. The lake was dug in the 1950s and has never been dry in all that time. A third rectangular structure is also close to the lake and can become whatever you need it to be.

All this is available for some lucky person. If you are not the one that needs to own it, who do you know who needs it! Today is a great day to search your memory banks for the new owner of this special place.