It’s hard to tell that the spring home buying season has begun because real estate transactions throughout Greater Houston never slowed during the traditionally quieter winter months. The addition of nearly 119,000 jobs over the past 12 months and the resulting need for housing, combined with continued low interest rates, helped make March Houston’s 22nd consecutive month of positive home sales.

According to the latest monthly data prepared by the Houston Association of REALTORS® (HAR), home sales jumped 17.0 percent compared to last March. Housing inventory, which had been at a 13-year low of 3.6 months during the first two months of the year, shrank slightly in March to 3.5 months.
The lower supply of homes and added demand sent prices higher. The median price of a single-family home—the figure at which half the homes sold for more and half for less—rose 6.5 percent to $172,000, an all-time record high for Houston. The average price rose 4.6 percent year-over-year to $236,195, the second highest level ever.

Contracts closed on 5,779 single-family homes. That is the largest one-month sales volume since August 2012. All housing segments experienced gains except for those priced under $80,000. Homes selling between $80,000 and $250,000 registered the greatest sales volume increase.

“REALTORS® continue to see multiple offers on single-family homes and condos throughout the Houston market, which suggests that our local economy is growing stronger by the day,” said HAR Chairman Danny Frank with Prudential Anderson Properties. “Governor Rick Perry recently stated that Texas is the fastest growing state in the country, and most of those people seem to be coming to the Greater Houston area because our job market is better than that of Dallas, Austin and San Antonio."
In reporting the addition of 118,700 net jobs during the past year, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics ranked Houston No. 1 for job growth among the 20 most populous U.S. cities. The 4.5 percent hiring increase returns Houston to its previous job peak of the fall of 2011.

Foreclosure property sales reported in the HAR Multiple Listing Service (MLS) declined 27.2 percent compared to March 2012. Foreclosures currently make up 12.3 percent of all property sales, down from 15.8 percent one month earlier. The median price of foreclosures climbed 5.8 percent to $86,000.

March sales of all property types in Houston totaled 7,006, a 19.4 percent increase over the same month last year and the largest one-month volume since last August. Total dollar volume for properties sold leapt 23.6 percent to $1.6 billion versus $1.3 billion a year earlier. 
March Monthly Market Comparison
March brought positive results to Houston’s overall real estate market when all sales categories are compared to March 2012. On a year-over-year basis, total property sales, total dollar volume and average and median pricing all rose.

Month-end pending sales totaled 4,433. That is up 6.5 percent from last year and portends the likelihood of another month of positive sales when the April figures are tallied. Active listings, or the number of available properties, at the end of March declined 22.1 percent from March 2012 to 32,704.

Housing inventory in Houston held at 3.6 months in January and February, but slipped slightly in March to 3.5 months. That remains the lowest level recorded since 1999. Inventory first fell below a five-month supply in August 2012 and then dropped below a four-month supply last December. The inventory of single-family homes across the United States stands at 4.7 months, according to the latest report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).

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Natural wood elements and embellishments have made a comeback, one that I could not be more excited about! Here are a few of my favorite accent pieces and accessories we have just received in stock at Woodlands Fabrics & Interiors.

The natural embellishment of the wood gives a warm and inviting feeling to your home. Stop in today to pick up these in-stock items to spruce up your space!

Also, if you are feeling like you want to add more natural elements to your home, here are a few inspiration photos to get you going.

Any of our designers here at Woodlands Fabrics & Interiors would be happy to help assist you with your project. Stop in or call us today!

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The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center has begun a $60-million expansion and renovation, an 18-month project that will add a new guest room wing, lazy river and restaurant while updating the property’s 60,000-square-foot conference center.

The award-winning resort and conference center is located in The Woodlands at 2301 North Millbend Drive.

The resort will introduce a third Fairway Pines building with 184 new guest rooms and suites with views of the property’s Panther Trail™ golf course, in addition to the transformation of its existing Fairway Pines guest rooms.

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The YMCA is open to the community during Spring Break week and the schedule is filled with a variety of free activities for all ages. Load up the children and head over to the YMCA for Spring Break Staycation. Your Passport to Free Family Fun includes family fitness classes, ZumbaTomic for kids, open swim, open gym, family adventure day, movie under the stars, moonwalk, climbing wall, family campout, summer job fair, Midnight March Madness and much more.

In addition to all the special activities, the community is invited to experience all the benefits of a YMCA membership including the wellness center, climbing wall, fitness classes, swimming pools and gymnasiums. Some age restrictions apply. For a complete list of all spring break activities, family classes and more March 9-16, visit www.ymcahouston.org/south-montgomery-county/ <http://www.ymcahouston.org/south-montgomery-county/> .

The fun begins March 9 with Family Adventure Day at the Creekside YMCA from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Families are invited to experience nature, challenge the 50-foot alpine tower, archery, canoeing and much more. For more information, call 832-698-1283.

Spend time together March 10 as a family, splashing in the pools or challenging new heights on the climbing wall.

On March 11, swimming is available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Shadowbend Pool; a variety of family fitness classes, including Family Zumba Class at 10:45 a.m. and Family Water Aerobics at 7:30 p.m. Open gym available with volleyball at Branch Crossing and basketball at Shadowbend from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

The March 12 lineup features Family Zumba class at 9:45 a.m. at Branch Crossing and 5:45 p.m. at Shadowbend, moon walk in Kids Gym from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and open swim from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Shadowbend Pool. Swimming available at Branch Crossing lap pool from 4-7 p.m.

March 13 highlights include climbing wall at both Branch Crossing and Shadowbend YMCAs from 9 a.m. to noon and 5-8 p.m. and open swim from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Shadowbend Pool. Kids ages 6 and older are invited to join the Kids Yoga class at 12:15 p.m. at Shadowbend Y.

On March 14, join the fun at the Family Zumba class at 9:45 a.m. at Branch, open swim is available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Shadowbend Y Pool, including Family Water Wonder Night starting at 6 p.m. Midnight March Madness, for ages 13 and older, will feature 3-on-3 tournament, free throw and 3-point shooting contest from 9 p.m. to midnight at the Shadowbend YMCA Gym. A Summer Job Fair, for ages 16 and older, is scheduled for 4-7 p.m. at the Shadowbend Y.

March 15 features family movie night under the stars. Featured presentation is “Madagascar 3.” Activities begin at 6 p.m. with outdoor cooking, including s’more and banana boats in the outdoor fireplace. The annual Spring Break overnight campout at the Creekside YMCA Outdoor Adventure Center is scheduled for March 15 beginning at 6 p.m. Limited space, pre-registration required for campout. Families must bring their own tents.

The Spring Break Staycation fun concludes March 16 with open swim available at both Shadowbend and Branch Crossing pools. There will be a variety of activities with a St. Patrick’s Day theme, so don’t forget to wear your green. A Summer Job Fair for ages 16 and older is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Shadowbend Y.

In addition to the complimentary community activities, the YMCA will be offering a variety of fee-based programs that requires pre-registration.

Spring Break Adventure Camp: March 11-15 for children 5-12 years old, 7 a.m. to 6:30p.m.

Spend the day outdoors discovering nature at the Creekside YMCA Outdoor Adventure Center. Pre-registration required. This is a great opportunity for kids to sample and experience summer day camp. Register for one day or all five days.

Spring Break Climbing Clinics for ages 5-9, at the Branch Crossing YMCA Adventure Center. Pre-registration required.

• March 14: 2:30-3:30 p.m., ages 5-9 with parent

Spring Break Lifeguard Certification Class, March 11-14, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Shadowbend YMCA pool. For ages 16 and older. Pre-registration required.

Spring Break Swim Clinics, March 15 and 16, 10-11 a.m. at the Shadowbend Pool for ages 6-12. Pre-registration required.

***

For more information, call 281-367-9622 or visit www.ymcahouston.org/south-montgomery-county/ <http://www.ymcahouston.org/south-montgomery-county/> . The YMCAs are located at 6145 Shadowbend Place, 8100 Ashlane Way and 6464 Creekside Forest Drive in The Woodlands. Please note the Branch Crossing Water Park will not be open during Spring Break Staycation.

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Woodlands Fabrics & Interiors has once again been voted "Best Interior Designers" in The Woodlands Online "Best of the Woodlands" 2013 competition. Woodlands Fabrics & Interiors also won the award in 2012.

Woodlands Online announced all the winners for Best of The Woodlands 2013 on their website. Voting for Best of The Woodlands took place throughout February allowing members to vote for their favorite local businesses and organizations in a large number of categories.

"Best of The Woodlands is a wonderful way for those who live, work and socialize in our beautiful community to tell these businesses and organizations how much they are appreciated," Jessica Fraser, CEO of Digital Texas, said. "Now in its fourth year, Best of The Woodlands aims to accentuate the positive in The Woodlands."

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Last month at the Dallas market, our buying team picked up a gorgeous new accessory line. This new line is known for their eclectic assortment of whimsical and inventive home décor, furnishings, accessories and lighting. The collection contains an array of styles including classical, modern, Old World, transitional and more!

Adding an unexpected accessory to your interior gives a sense of adventure and whimsy. We are sure you will find just the right piece from this collection, now in stock at Woodlands Fabrics & Interiors.

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It’s fun for all at The Woodlands Mall on Saturday, March 23 when the shopping center hosts Spring Kids Fest with free, family-friendly activities from 12 to 3 p.m. The highlight of the celebration will be an Easter Egg Hunt, where kids can win variety of prizes, ranging from candy treats to gift certificates. There will also be fun make-and-take crafts, face painting, music, prizes and more, while supplies last.
  “It’s spring! Days are bright and sunny and it’s time for fun. Our Spring Kids Fest is three hours of fun, especially for kids. We invite everyone to wear their Easter outfits and bring their baskets for the egg hunt,” says Noemi Cortez, marketing manager for The Woodlands Mall. “It all happens Saturday, March 23, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Come early and stay until the end so you won’t miss a minute of the fun."

Spring Kids Fest will be held outside in The Courtyard, Activities are designed for children ages two to 12, but all ages are welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. After the Spring Kids Fest, kids can hop over and visit the Easter Bunny in a springtime garden on the lower level across from jcpenney. Hours to visit the Bunny are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 6 p.m. The Bunny’s schedule, including times for occasional weekday breaks, is at www.thewoodlandsmall.com. He will be at The Woodlands Mall until Saturday, March 30.

The Woodlands Mall will be closed on Easter Sunday, March 31. Some stores, restaurants and entertainment venues at the shopping center may keep different hours. Please call individuall stores or restaurants for exact opening and closing times.

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Woodlands Fabrics & Interiors has just recently started carrying the Voluspa Japonica Spring Candle collection!
Voluspa Japonica Candle Collection pays homage to beautiful works of Japanese art. Delicate traditional Japanese floral designs applied to their most creative fragrance palette yet.

All the candles in this line are beautifully fragrant. The creamy coconut wax blend enhances fragrance, burns ultra clean, and is sure to delight.

Scents we are now carrying are:
Bella Sucre –
A sweet floral combination of Demerara sugar, tiara flower and coconut milk

Eden & Pear -
A delicate combination of lemon vervaine, galbanum and ripe Hosui pear

French Cade & Lavender – The rare French cade wood with lavender Bulgaria, verbena and moss

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The Woodlands High School Art Trust is gearing up for its third annual Palette and Paintings fundraiser Friday in hopes of making it the largest and most successful event for the group.

The event will be at The Woodlands High School, located at 6101 Research Forest Drive, from 6:30-9 p.m. It is free, and residents and students can enjoy an evening of visual and performing arts, representative Susan Cosculluela said. The event also features some hors d’oeuvres and drinks for guests.

“It’s been slowly growing and we’re definitely attracting a wider audience than before,” Cosculluela said. “We’re a small organization and it’s taking a little bit of time to get a hold, but we’ll likely have more palettes than ever to display.”

The fundraiser features a silent auction for 100 artist palettes, painted and crafted into original art pieces by students, faculty, alumni and residents. Attendees can watch the unveiling of five paintings by professional Texas artists, chosen by the TWHS student body from a total of 20. Paintings in the art collection often are shared around the TWHS campus and nearby schools to help promote the arts.

The five paintings selected will not only enter the Art Trusts’ own collection, but 18 of the artists behind the paintings will be available to speak with attendees about their creations.

“This event is more like a gallery settings,” Cosculluela said. “Where the artist is standing right there next to their artwork, and students can ask them questions on their inspiration and how they did it. This is a valuable experience not only for art students but for the community as well.”

Three Woodlands residents have their work featured among the top 20 paintings that were voted on by TWHS students. Liz Hill, Anita Marshall and Charlie Hardwick had work selected to appear in the top 20, among artists from across Texas.

Attendees can bid on a variety of artwork incorporating palettes.

“It’s amazing how these artists view the palettes and what they do to it,” Cosculluela said. “Some have painted on them, others have chopped it up and made it into a sculpture or simply used it as a small part of a bigger sculpture.”

Cosculluela said the Art Trust’s focus is to help promote creativity among the student body through involvement in the arts, as well as organize and maintain a student-purchased art collection.

“Some kids are lucky enough to be exposed to art regularly, whether it be museums or galleries,” Cosculluela said. “But many kids probably don’t go to museums that often or are exposed to it on a daily basis. By displaying these paintings in their schools, these kids will pass by them every day at some point and, whether they know it or not, they’ll be influenced by it in some way.”

More information about the event and The Woodlands High School Art Trust can be found at www.twhsart.com <http://www.twhsart.com> .

source: The Woodlands Online

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When it comes to what's important in a home's layout, the battle of the sexes isn't much of a fight.

Men may be from Mars and women from Venus but they both think a great kitchen is their No. 1 priority in a home, according to an informal survey conducted by two architects, an interior designer, and a home builder.

Even more interesting was that their ranking of priorities for other home features were almost evenly aligned. In fact, men and women shared the same top three priorities. In addition to kitchens, they ranked “function, function, function” at No 2 and “a wonderful master suite” No. 3.

The other seven items they chose for their lists were closely aligned in order of preference, except for the garage/workshop. That priority ranked last in the top 10 for women and seventh on the list for men.

Home builder Tony Crasi, architects Anne Postle and Jerry Gloss, and designer Doris Pearlman, revealed the results of their informal survey of 500 clients, friends, and fellows at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas Thursday, Jan. 24, during a session called: “He Said, She Said.”

While He and She said mostly the same things, they seemed to have different reasons for their rankings, said Crasi: “They got there on different paths.”

For instance, women and men polled ranked “a place to work” at close to the same level of importance, but the spaces they wanted differed. Women wanted command center–style areas near the kitchen at the heart of the house where they could listen for oven timers and dryer bells while watching the kids as they worked. Men preferred more traditional quiet spaces away from the fray, the presenters said.

Garages made the rankings for women because they are good for storage, create a sense of safety, and they’re practical in inclement weather. Men like garages for their toys.

There was one area of strong divergence. Women ranked having a space for guests as No. 9 on their priority lists while most men didn’t put it on their top 10 list at all. Men ranked home technology No. 10, while it was missing from the women’s top 10 list.

The items excluded from the lists of most men and women were green-ness, bonus space, and kids’ space. The thought among the panelists about why kids’ space and bonus space were excluded was that those polled most likely thought that kids’ space was already included on their wish list in other categories.

While the men and women surveyed as a whole seemed to be almost on the same page in home priorities, there were some interesting differences when the groups were sorted by age.

For instance, men and women under 30 truly could be from different planets. A wonderful master suite was most important to women of that age, while men wanted entertaining space. Men ranked outdoor living as their second favorite feature, while women preferred a great kitchen at the second spot. The only things they agreed on were “function, function, function” at No. 2 and the garage/workshop at No. 9.

While the survey results are interesting, Crasi warned they aren’t scientific. And things might be different in different parts of the country.

“What’s really important is you have got to know your own buyer,” Crasi said.

Reprinted from Builder magazine, Teresa Burney is a senior editor at Builder.

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