Sugarland has developed quite the reputation as being a force in Houston’s real estate market. From upscale residential communities to a nice blend of retail, medical and office space, Sugarland is certainly a hot commodity when it comes to real estate.

Case in point; Lake Pointe, one of Sugarland’s newest communities, is a lovely combination of upscale restaurants, high-end shopping districts, world renowned medical facilities and, of course, fabulous homes.

Various Residential Offerings

Lake Pointe, which is another development from the developers of First Colony, is a community built around the Lake Pointe Town Center, a downtown neighborhood located in the heart of Sugarland. Some of the residential offerings of Lake Pointe include: gated, waterfront villas; urban stucco townhomes; Italian Renaissance-style townhomes with lake views.

The image of this beautiful community comes together with the addition of its bricked lined streets, antique light posts and a lovely array of architecture. Lake Pointe, however quaint, is quite a bustling urban village that affords it residents easy access to a number of restaurants and shops.

Convenient, yet Secluded, Location

Lake Pointe is conveniently located off Highway 6 and US 59, although it enjoys a secluded location on 190 acres of open land with a water frontage along both Oyster Creek and Brooks Lake.

Residents of Lake Pointe also enjoy an expansive, 37-mile walking trail that borders Brooks Lake. This trail is ideal for walking, running and cycling, and it also serves as a connection to several retail shops and restaurants, via pedestrian foot bridges.

The Communities of Lake Pointe

• The Villas – 18 waterfront villas among private, gated streets; priced from the $700,000s
• Kensington Park Brownstones – 27 authentic Brownstones, ranging in size from 2,400 to 3,200 square feet; priced from the $400,000s
• Creekbend – 87 luxury courtyard homes with private, gated streets; priced from $800,000s to $1 million
• Ravello on the Lake – 14 waterfront Italian Renaissance townhomes, ranging from 3,500 to 4,500 square feet; priced from the $880,000s
• Towne Court at Lake Pointe – Urban studio homes, ranging in size from 3,200 to 4,000 square feet; priced from the $600,000s
• The Enclave at Lake Pointe – 100 luxury Mediterranean, waterfront garden homes and brownstones, priced from the $400,000s

Premier Houston condominium living is alive and well and can be found at the exclusive Bellaire. Featuring just 27 private condominium residences, each boasting three levels of living amidst a beautiful, Mediterranean design concept, the Bellaire is a fine example of upscale, condominium living in Houston.

The Mediterranean-inspired architecture, along with beautiful, sweeping views of Houston, can be found throughout all of the condominium homes of the Bellaire. The exterior landscaping further adds to the exclusive, serene lifestyle of the Bellaire, as it features sidewalks and landscaped courtyards that include a controlled access entry.

All of the homes of the Bellaire are accessed via two, glass elevators that overlook the landscaped courtyards. All of the residents of the Bellaire enjoy controlled access parking and assigned parking spaces. All homes feature engineered soundproofing systems to ensure the ultimate in peace and serenity.

The interior amenities found throughout the homes of the Bellaire include:

• Open living spaces
• Double crown molding and custom baseboards throughout all living spaces
• Dual-pane windows and two-inch window blinds
• Hardwood flooring in the living room, dining room and foyer
• Ten to 12-foot ceilings
• Eight-foot entry doors
• Spacious, walk-in closets
• Pre-wired for cable/satellite television and high-speed Internet
• Wireless Internet available

Kitchen Features and Amenities

All of the homes of the Bellaire feature gourmet kitchens, which feature such exceptional amenities as: GE stainless steel appliance packages; stained oak or maple cabinetry; granite slab countertops; slate tile floors; undercabinet lighting and large pantries.

Master Bathroom Features and Amenities

The luxurious bathrooms of the Bellaire are also upscale, as they feature master bathrooms with oversized tubs and separate, glass-enclosed showers; two master-bathroom vanities with marble tops; porcelain tile; and antique nickel fixtures.

About the Design and Development Team

The Bellaire is a product of Rain Properties LTD, a real estate partnership between ArchiTECH Design and Development and Dr. David Suchowiecky. ArchiTECH Design and Development has designed and constructed a myriad of residential communities throughout Houston over the past, several years, including Bayou Island Park and Briar Hollow, as well as several custom homes.

The Woodlands has been Houston’s golden child for years, as the exceptional real estate opportunities found here have attracted many people to this fine area of Houston.

Aside from its unsurpassed home choices, the communities of the Woodlands offer much more. In fact, it is often just as much about the surrounding beauty and recreational opportunities as it is about the homes themselves.

Outdoor Amenities Abound

One thing’s for sure: the Woodlands have succeeded in creating a lifestyle for its residents, not just neighborhoods. All of the neighborhoods of the Woodlands boast wonderful, outdoor amenities, thereby encourage a strong sense of community and a strong appreciation of the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

One of the newest villages of the Woodlands, for example, features a multitude of parks and outdoor recreational activities, such as: 1,850 acres of parklands; the 1,700-acre George Mitchell Nature Preserve; the 20-acre Rob Fleming Park; and the 72-acre Lake Paloma.

Nature Preserves, Walking Trails and Kayaking Sites

The award-winning George Mitchell Nature Preserve features nearly seven miles of natural surroundings along Spring Creek. There are two trails in the nature preserve, both of which lead to more than four miles of soft-surface trails for everything from walking and running to cycling and bird watching. In addition, this village also features a kayak and canoe launch.

In addition, the Woodlands offer their residents nearly every thing they need, from grocery stores to elegant restaurants. For example, the Sterling Ridge community in the Woodlands offers a Kroger signature supermarket, The Woodlands Walmart Supercenter and the Village Center.

Golf Course Communities

Golf courses also abound throughout the communities of the Woodlands. Sterling Ridge, for example, boasts golf course homes in the neighborhoods of Veilwood, Player Woods, Player Oaks, Gary Glen, Knights Gate and Player Point.

The Houston Galleria District is a highly sought after area of Houston, for several reasons. It’s close proximity to downtown Houston, and all of the business opportunities found there, is certainly the number-one reason why so many Houston professionals call the Galleria District home. However, it is often the ambiance and the superb housing options that make this hip and trendy area of Houston so appealing.

For example, take the Empire Lofts and Flats. These grand condominium homes are certainly the epitome of all that is luxurious and upscale in the Galleria District. The Empire Lofts and Flats, which are the newest addition to this dynamic area of the city, offer fantastic, sweeping views of uptown Houston;  only to be outdone by the first-class amenities and services. From single professionals to empty nesters looking for a maintenance-free, carefree lifestyle, the Empire Lofts and Flats fit the bill nicely.

Large, Open Spaces and Soaring Ceilings

The homes of the Empire feature large, open spaces and soaring ceilings. The loft homes boast ceilings that extend nearly 18 feet, while the flats feature ceilings of nearly 12 feet. The penthouse flats of the Empire also feature 12-foot ceilings, which are highlighted by the enormous living spaces.

Sweeping Views of Houston’s Urban Landscape

Every home of the Empire enjoys either a balcony or a terrace, thereby affording residents with only the most fantastic views of the surrounding urban landscape.

Luxurious, Interior Features

Some of the interior features of the residences of the Empire include: over 29 designer floor plans; granite slab countertops; hardwood flooring; whirlpool tubs; stainless steel appliance packages; oversized stone-clad showers; and sound insulated construction.

Exceptional Building Amenities and Services

Visitors and residents of the Empire Lofts and Flats are welcomed into this beautiful high-rise by a grand lobby, complete with a concierge and a theater.

Some of the other features and amenities of the Empire include: an outdoor whirlpool spa; an oversized swimming pool and loggia; and an oak tree-lined motor court and entry.

Houston has become one of the leaders in environmentally responsible building. As a result, it has met Energy Star efficiency standards set forth by the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Houston boasts the most Energy Star homes in the country with 144,000 homes. The Dallas-Fort Worth area comes in second, with 103,000 homes.

Energy Star Program Features

The Energy Star program has efficiency standards that must be met using such things as: energy-efficient appliances; energy-efficient heating and cooling systems; and energy-efficient windows. In addition, Energy Star homes must meet a strict code of building standards that properly insulate and seal the home. All work in an Energy Star home must be verified by a third-party inspector.

Aside from the savings realized for an Energy Star homes, such as lower utility bills and better air quality, they may also qualify for a number of federal tax credits.

Healthier, More Comfortable Homes

The Energy Star homes in Houston create better performing homes that are generally more comfortable and healthier to live in. Lower utility bills help keep homeowners on budget, and the efficient construction eliminates heating and cooling waste.

Texas now leads the country in the number of Energy Star homes, as well as the percentage of homes in the market. The exceptional home starts throughout Houston, San Antonio and Dallas have helped Texas achieve this status.

What Buyers of Today Want

Energy Star homes attract many buyers who want excellent construction and the most energy efficiency. They understand the importance of environmentally sensitive building and they want to save money each month on their utilities.

In particular, homebuyers in Houston need homes that can withstand the heat of Texas. The energy efficiency of Energy Star homes help to reduce cooling costs, using such things as efficient insulation to Radiant barrier sheathing. Some of the technologically advanced materials used in Energy Star homes actually work by cooling the house.

The condos of Houston’s Inner Loop are hip, trendy and exclusive. Being located inside the Inner Loop has many advantages for residents, as they are likely close to business, shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities.

The Inner Loop, which technically refers to the area between Interstate 10 and South of Highway 59, includes a beautiful variety of museums, art galleries, restaurants, sports arenas and medical facilities, just to name a few.

The appeal of Houston’s Inner Loop is apparent when you consider the exceptional condo residences found here. Here are our top picks for hot Inner Loop condos:

• Jackson Place

Located in the Memorial Park/Rice Military section of the Inner Loop, Jackson Place features a mid-rise building, which was built in 2006. The contemporary architecture and modern design is accentuated by granite countertops, upscale stainless steel appliances, and solid maple cabinetry. The great outdoor swimming pool and sundeck, both of which are located on the third level, offer fantastic views of the surrounding Inner Loop neighborhoods.

• Cosmopolitan

Located in the Uptown/Galleria/Post Oak neighborhood, these exclusive condominium homes range in price from $400,000 to over $8 million. There are 20 stories in this high-rise building, 90 units and ten penthouses. Some of the exceptional building amenities afforded to the residents of the Cosmopolitan include: valet and concierge service, a movie theater, a wine room, a fitness center and private meeting room. Cosmopolitan is conveniently situated on the highly desirable Post Oak Boulevard, often referred to as Houston’s version of Rodeo Drive.

• The Mercer

The Mercer condos, located in the Uptown/Galleria/Post Oak section of the Inner Loop, are priced from the $400,000s to nearly $1.5 million. This high-rise building, which was built in 2003, features 30 stories with just one or two units on each floor. Some of the unsurpassed design features of the homes of the Mercer include: 12-foot ceilings, open floor plans, soaring windows with beautiful views, gourmet kitchens, hand-milled cabinetry and custom moldings. The building amenities of the Mercer include gated security, a controlled entrance, and a four-story parking garage.

The Texas economy, along with Houston, is expected to rebound quite nicely in 2010.

Job growth appears to be the driving trend of the Houston economy, due to its strong health care sector. And job growth always means a greater demand for housing and commercial properties.

Houston’s Positive Business Climate Impacting Commercial Real Estate Sales

Many investors are taking note of Houston’s positive business climate and healthy economy and are therefore keeping a close eye on commercial real estate. The resilient Texas economy is no doubt a strong factor for their interest.

Because most of the Texas markets never fell into the overbuilding net that many other areas of the country did, the housing boom and the subsequent housing bust simply ever took place.

As a result, Houston remains a huge draw for new businesses and new jobs. There is no doubt about it: Houston continues to attract people because of the available job opportunities.

Bringing an Equilibrium to the Market

Because overbuilding in Houston was avoided, the declining pace of new construction was replaced with leasing off vacant commercial properties, thereby bringing equilibrium to this market. In other words, the supply and demand factor has leveled off nicely.

For commercial investors interested in Houston real estate in 2010, they will likely see very low, bargain-priced properties. As a result, there are many commercial investors who have their sights set on Houston.

Larger financial institutions will likely finance more real estate transactions in Houston, thereby bringing back the new construction market. There is also expected to be a larger number of new construction jobs getting underway as a result of the release of the federal economic stimulus funds.

All of these factors are contributing to a very strong 2010 for Houston. Houston remains poised for growth in the upcoming year, and many investors and builders are sitting up and taking notice.

Downtown condos have long been known for being upscale and luxurious, and the Commerce Towers are no exception.

Located in the heart of downtown Houston, the Commerce Towers epitomizes upscale, executive residences. This high-rise building, which was built in 2002, features 125 units that range in price from $280,000 to $2 million.

Condo Features

The beautiful, exclusive residences of Commerce Towers feature sound-insulated walls , 11 to 18-foot ceilings, as well as hardwood floors. Commerce Towers boast over 50 floor plans; each one unique and spacious.

Commerce Towers recently received an “Award of Excellence” from Texas Construction Magazine.

The residences of Commerce Towers offer an alternative to downtown loft living, as they are fully furnished and feature detailed architectural elements. In fact, Commerce Towers even boasts three level  penthouse suites that offer rooftop terraces and custom designs.

Building Features

The building amenities of Commerce Towers are unsurpassed and exceptional, as they include:

• Two private residential lobbies
• 24-hour concierge service
• 24-hour valet service
• Porter service
• Five-passenger elevators
• Electronically controlled gate with garage parking
• Guest parking
• State-of-the-art fitness center
• Media room with wide-screen television
• Private party room with fully equipped kitchen
• Dry cleaning service
• Conference room
• Rooftop heated swimming pool
• Nicklaus Design putting green

Corporate Housing Options

The Commerce Towers offer sales and corporate housing. In fact, the long-term corporate housing and downtown Houston location attract many Houston professionals.

Excellent Location

The Commerce Towers are located on the Metro rail and near the downtown tunnel, thereby affording residents of this luxury condominium building a short walk to some of Houston’s major corporations and entertainment destinations. Other nearby locations include: the Theater District, Minute Maid Park, the Toyota Center, the Medical Center, the Museum District and Reliant Stadium.

Houston played it safe and came out relatively unscathed in 2009. Unlike others areas of the country that experienced the housing boom – and then bust – Houston kept its sights on its low-tax, business-positive climate to maintain a steady housing market and excellent growth.

In fact, home prices in Houston continued to rise through the first quarter of 2008 to the first quarter of 2009, which is a rarity among major markets in the United States. It is because of this steady growth that Houston’s future is expected to be quite promising.

The sound, local economy, which is buoyed along by the energy and health care sectors, has kept Houston real estate healthy and growing, thereby keeping a balanced housing market; despite the real estate debacle affecting most of the country.

Houston’s real estate numbers, as of the last quarter of 2009 (compared to the same time in 2008):

• An increase of 33 percent in single-family home sales
• An increase of 42 percent in dollar volume sales
• A seven percent increase in the average sales price
• Average days on the market: 76

It is important to realize that, although the numbers from 2008 are quite bleak due to Hurricane Ike, it can’t overshadow the gains made at a time when other markets around the United States were posting massive decreases in home sales.

November 2009 marked the third straight month that sales volumes increased and pricing recorded gains. Total property sales in November 2009, as compared to November 2008, were 32 percent higher.

A certain percentage of this increase is due to low interest rates and the federal home buyer tax credit.

The median home price for the last quarter of 2008 was $150,000, and the average price of a single-family home in Houston was $198,948, a nearly seven percent increase from a year earlier.

Midtown Houston is all things hip and modern with the addition of the Edge Condominium.

Dynamic, Midtown Location

This stylish, six-story mid-rise building features 93 units in the heart of Midtown Houston. The Edge enjoys a fantastic, central location to a near-infinite number of restaurants, shops and entertainment destinations. The Edge is also just a short stroll from the Metro and the downtown area, thereby making it a popular choice for Houston professionals.

In fact, the Houston Business Journal noted that the Edge is “the first new condominium community close to downtown in 30 years.”

The Edge is also just around the corner from the many shops and restaurants of Gray Street, and there are a variety of community parks and walking/jogging trails just blocks away. Other, nearby locations include the Cullen Center and the Continental, Mickey Leland and Exxon buildings.

For those who enjoy a dynamic, exciting lifestyle, the Edge certainly delivers.

Building Amenities Varied and Luxurious

Just some of the superb building amenities afforded to the residents of the Edge include: concierge and porter services; a state-of-the-art fitness center, a swimming pool; a community center; a theater; and a business center.

Prices for the Edge condominiums range from the $200,000s to over $500,000. Homes in this building range from 927 to 2,073 square feet in size.

Condo Unit Amenities and Features

All of the homes of the Edge include 10 to 12-foot ceilings, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors and 17 different floor plans from which to choose. Many of the units boast panoramic views of downtown Houston, while units on the west side of the building enjoy beautiful views of the towering oak trees on Baldwin Street. Units on the courtyard side of the building feature a plethora of beautiful landscapes and hardscapes, including a waterscape wall.

Other features and amenities of the Edge include:

• Private, garage parking
• Sound-insulated units
• Quiet, sound cushioned floor systems
• Hardwood floors in main living areas
• Berber carpeting in all bedrooms
• Wood bases and crown moldings
• Wood entry doors
• Common area storage closets
• Eight-foot living area doors