As I crossed the bank lobby I thought I really didn't want to be at work this day. Up ahead a very old gentle man shuffled slowly to the teller line.

I noticed him because of his outfit...He had on a safari helmet, rain over-coat (on a sunny summer day) and his bare thin legs led to rubber boots. I secretly wondered if he was dressed underneath that coat! He was carrying a totally worn out medium sized brown paper bag, why he was carrying his lunch I had no idea.

Long ago I had stopped wondering about some of the people that did business at our bank. When you get a large group of people together in a small space, you are bound to notice the ones that "stand out."

He completed his transaction at the counter and slowly turned and shuffled out. Over the months that followed I would catch a glimpse of him wearing the same out fit...even in the winter!

His welfare stared to concern me when he came in at winter time still wearing the same out fit. I now started feeling sorry for him and wondered if I should talk to the Prez about him. He could maybe help this little old man out.

After an appearance I went up to the teller to inquire his name and discuss my concerns about his health and safety.

Mozelle said, "Don't you worry about him Sussie that little old man is filthy rich and he is so wealthy that he could take care of us all for the rest of our lives! That little brown bag is filled with cash each time he comes in. Always a deposit, never a withdrawal."

I was in shock. Here I was feeling sorry for him and then I remembered you can't judge people by how they dress. We laughed together and I turned to walk off and was immediately stunned.

In walked in a short little man guarded by FOUR big and tall burly man. Two in front and two in back...."mob boss" I thought.... having seen enough mob movies I decided it was time to go to my office in the basement and close the door.

So once again let me say don't judge a book by it's cover. The person who looks like he could not afford a house may be able to afford a house for you and me and a few other people to boot!

So if you are looking for a home to lease or a home to buy please contact me by clicking on one of the icons below....or just subscribe to my blog here on Active Rain.

Christmas is right around the corner and it is very evident in all the Houston stores!

Today I went to Crate and Barrel on Westheimer, just east of the Galleria. The store was full of beautiful staging ideas for your Christmas décor! Color was everywhere! Check out the pictures I took while there.

These are the Red Orniments. Notice the little red birds?

The little ginger breadmen were just so cute!

The little wooden boats would be good if you have a sailor in your family. We always did theme Christmas Trees and decorated 7 for the house. Each room had a tree.

..even the bathroom. That one was small.

As you can see the blue orniments were just as beautiful!

And more orniments.....I know the guys are getting bored by now so you ladies just keep on scrolling!

And of course there were some stockings! Unfortunetly these were the only ones in the store! Watch for the home staging post I will write that will be on table place settings!

If you liked this blog scroll right on up the the right hand top and subscribe to my posts!

Coming to you from Texas!....

WELCOME to Houston's River Oaks Real Estate, Houston Luxury homes and High Rise Condos for sale in Houston. From this site you can view hundreds of VIRTUAL TOURS from the privacy of your own home. Search through all the Houston Luxury Homes listed in Houston MLS and have Laura Watson, with The Watson Group Realty Re/Max Prestige, assist you in finding your dream home.

Location

River Oaks is an affluent community located in the geographic center of Houston, Texas. River Oaks is north of the Houston district of Upper Kirby, Montrose, east of Memorial, south of Memorial Park/Rice Military and minutes from Downtown Houston and is located in the 77019 zip code.

River Oaks is bordered by Buffalo Bayou to north, Shepherd Drive to the east and East Briar Hollow Lane to the west. It is just four miles from the Central Business District, with easy access to the Greenway Plaza area, The Galleria, Medical Center, and various museums, theaters, and other cultural events. This gives River Oaks a distinct advantage for the upscale home buyer, and because of that many of Houston's business, professional, political and social leaders make their homes there.

Some of River Oaks Neighbors and local subdivisions include: Avalon Place, Royden Oaks, Lynn Park, Oak Estates, Highland Village and Afton Oaks.
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Community

Nestled in the heart of Houston, this architecturally-stunning subdivision is characterized by the rows of mansions that line its streets and boulevards. Home to many CEOs, board directors, and entrepreneurs, it is one of Houston's most well-respected communities, and strong ordinances and deed restrictions enforced by River Oaks Property Owners maintain the neighborhood's elegance and grace.

River Oaks is Houston's most exclusive neighborhood, complete with white-columned mansions, maids' quarters and manicured gardens. River Oaks is protected by very comprehensive deed restrictions which ensure that the area can never be invaded by commercial structures or multi-family housing.

River Oaks History

River Oaks was developed in the early 1920's by William Hogg (son of the former Texas governor Jim Hogg) and his associate, Hugh Potter. Potter secured an option to purchase approximately 200 acres around the River Oaks Country club in 1923 and began selling lots for $2,200 in 1928. The area measures about 1,200 acres, with home sites ranging in size from acres to small lots.

Will, Mike and Ima Hogg began the construction of their stately southern-plantation-style home (Bayou Bend) on a 14 acre plot on Lazy Lane. The Hogg family gave an additional 1,000 acres to the city of Houston for use as a park, and today that park--which you might know as Memorial Park--benefits all residents of Houston.

River Oaks Real Estate

River Oaks real estate is among the most sought after in all of Houston. With its sprawling and spacious, meticulously landscaped lawns and elegant, palatial homes, River Oaks has long been known as the most exclusive residential area in Houston -- a reputation that is not likely to change with time.

Traditional architecture prevails in River Oaks, but it's actually a diverse mix of the traditional and modern styles of architecture. In fact, many of the homes in River Oaks were designed by nationally recognized architects of the era.

The median River Oaks home is appraised at nearly $1.1M, features approximately 3,700 of living space, a lot of 11,500 square feet, was built in 1941 and features 3.5 bedrooms and just over 3 bathrooms.

River Oaks offers a variety of homes that fulfill the diverse needs of its residents. Older homes may sometimes be found on smaller plats of land starting in the $400,000s. Recent or new construction and estate homes that sprawl over several acres are found throughout the neighborhood priced at millions of dollars. With its rich history and beauty, residents of River Oaks enjoy a comfortable, gracious lifestyle unequaled in the Houston area. Click on the link below to search for your River Oaks Dream Home below!!

All MLS Listings/Home Finder

View MLS Listings Presented by The Watson Group Realty Re/Max Prestige

This compilation includes listings of all HARMLS REALTORS®

Brought to you by!

The Watson Group Realty

Re/Max Prestige

11143 Huffmeister Rd.

Houston, TX 77065

Office: 281-797-3841

Direct: 281-797-3941

E-mail: thewatsongorup.remax@gmail.com

www.thewatsongrouprealty.com

River Oaks is the most exclusive residential area in Houston complete with white-columned mansions, maids' quarters and manicured gardens. It is inside the Loop 610 halfway between downtown and uptown. River Oaks spans 1,100 acres in area. River Oaks is north of the Houston district of Upper Kirby and west of Near town/Montrose. River Oaks consists of approximately 1,100 properties in a region bounded on the north by Buffalo Bayou, on the east by South Shepherd Drive, on the west by East Briar Hollow Lane, and on the south by Westheimer Road. River Oaks is considered to be one of the wealthiest communities in Texas and has one of the wealthiest zip codes (77019) in the United States. River Oaks Country Club Estates is is home to River Oaks Country Club which includes a golf facility designed by architect Donald Ross.

Many of the district’s streets are named after famous golf and country clubs in cities such as Chevy Chase, Maryland; Inverness, Ohio; and Inwood. The River Oaks area is also known for its quaint upscale restaurants, as well as its exclusive boutiques and shops. River Oaks is protected by very comprehensive deed restrictions which ensure that the area can never be invaded by commercial structures or multi-family housing. The River Oaks Homeowners Association, which is accessible to homeowners 24 hours a day, handles permanent maintenance of the area through the levy of a maintenance fee. The Association monitors deed restriction compliance, maintains the esplanades and parks, and contracts for trash collection services.

2009 River Oaks Real Estate Report

Number of Homes Sold	36
Average Day on Market	80
Sales Price Range	$399,000.00 - $6,325,000.00
Average Sales Price	$1,855,370
Number of Homes	1,279
Average Bedroom	3.3
Median Sq. Foot	4,262
Median Year Built	1942
Zip Code	77019
Area	Inner Loop, River Oaks, Upper Kirby
Web	houstonriveroaks.com

Square Foot Price Change Data  1994 - 2008 for River Oaks

Source:  Crawford Realty Advisors   Phone: 281-587-0132   E-mail: info@CrawfordRealtyAdvisors.com

For more information on buying or selling real estate in Houston Texas, contact Steven Teoh at (832) 298-2893 or E-mail: Steven Teoh, your Houston Luxury Homes Specialist.

wwww.Houston-Luxury-Homes.com

www.HoustonHighrise.com

The season is around the corner, fall is here, and the onset of Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years will be here before you know it. Everyone wants a fresh new look, but the economy is putting a damper on peoples finances nowadays. Not to worry, you can still get a new look using what you already own. That's right, it's called a redesign, and it can all be done with a professional redesigner using your furnishings in ways that you may have never imagined.

It's the perfect alternative! A whole new look for a fraction of the cost in a day or less. "Wow" your Holiday guests, and give your home an updated new look.

We can make any room look entirely different...you won't believe it!

After all, that is what we founded our company on Redesigns!

Give us a call to start your Holidays out right with a mini-makeover.

Our contact information is below.

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