At Dress for Success and Women of Wardrobe's annual Summer Soiree, generously hosted by Tootises, fashion-forward attendees dressed in pretty pastels, bold patterns and lots of ruffles — many designed by Houston's Hunter Bell, who showed off her fall line alongside jewelry by Claudia Lobao. Chairs Karishma Asrani, Courtney Campo, Allie Danziger and Melissa Sugulas welcomed guests to the event, which toasted the 20th anniversary of Dress for Success, and raised more than $20,000 for the org.
How did you get where you are today? “Life is what happens while you’re making plans.” After graduating with a BBA from the University of Texas, I married, and was a stay-at-home mom. Divorcing when my children were just four and six, I became their sole supporter, and I chose real estate for the time flexibility and income potential. After four years working for another Broker, I founded my own company with one sales associate and 375 square feet. Little did I imagine this journey. Houston offers amazing opportunities for those who are willing to work hard and persevere! I have watched the city mature with the addition of all the wonderful, talented people from around the country and around the world who have made Houston their home. It was once said that Houston had a “can do, cowboy capitalism attitude.”
What lessons have you learned that might enlighten and inspire others? “The only constant is change!” I have found that we often cannot control events that affect our lives. Our power comes in the way in which we react to these events. We can learn from difficult times and must find strength and faith to press on, most recently we talk of “pivoting.” A positive attitude, which is sometimes hard to maintain, goes a long way in influencing the outcome.
It is important to have a passion for what you do. I think back and realize that I always wanted to be in business, although it was not common for women when I graduated from college.
I also found when I focused on others instead of myself, I became successful. Zig Ziglar said, “No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”
How has community service impacted your business? I felt so fortunate to be a woman in Houston that I wanted to give back to the city that had been so good to me. I started volunteering at the downtown Chamber of Commerce, now the Greater Houston Partnership, and was selected for the third class of Leadership Houston. I found that I received so much more than I gave. Eventually I served on their board and have been selected by five mayors to serve the city that I love so much. It is an opportunity to make a difference and has enriched my life. Most recently I co-chaired the Symphony Ball. The arts are so important to our city, not only for the quality of life but also economic development.
What’s new in your life or work that you are excited about? Beth Wolff Realtors is in its 44th year and has grown over the years. I never wanted to be the biggest, just the best. My son Ed is the president of the company and has been with me for 29 years. My daughter Cynthia has just joined us! Cynthia is an attorney and Realtor who has not been home since she attended Tulane and LSU Law School. The innovation and enthusiasm infused by their addition to Beth Wolff Realtors propels our firm to excellence.
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IS A HEALTHY, balanced real estate market finally here? Per HAR data, the answer is ... kind of? Inventory is at the highest level since 2011, prices are holding steady, and the city and metro area continue to grow in population. Having lost population after Harvey and Covid, the city welcomes significant yet sustainable growth — and a housing market that can handle it.
Modernized older homes on large lots, like this recently sold home at 6266 Cedar Creek, draw buyers.
Family-friendly and boasting a prime location just west of the Galleria, Briargrove is having a moment: The average sales price of a single-family home here during the 12 months ending in July 2024 was $1.23 million — a whopping 20 percent increase over the previous year. Homes are selling faster, too, averaging just 25 days on the market.
Suburban Sprawl
23454 Millbrook Dr. in New Caney is listed for $416K.
With a mix of “affordability, modern amenities and customizable options,” new-construction homes in suburban areas like New Caney, due east of The Woodlands, are in high demand. The Montgomery County community — twice ranked No. 1 by HAR in its quarterly list of Hottest Communities — boasts an average sales price of around $240K, and sold 140 percent more homes during the second quarter of 2024 compared to that of 2023.
Oaks With The Most
Listed for $998K, 1054 Gardenia in Garden Oaks sold in July after just seven days on the market.
Beloved for its Heights-adjacent location and charm, Garden Oaks is movin’ on up ... almost to the million-dollar mark. The average sales price of a single-family home here is more than $925K — and the number of transactions over the past 12 months ending in June increased by around 50 percent compared to the year prior. In neighboring Oak Forest, home prices jumped 20 percent, to an impressive $811K. Meanwhile, in the Heights proper, both sales price and the number of transactions remain relatively flat year-over-year.
Land Down Under?
Brian Spack lists 4934 Dumfries Dr. for $1.3M.
It seems like flood-prone Meyerland has learned a thing or two after all these years — and now it’s the rest of Houston that’s reeling from natural disasters. So while home prices across the city remain relatively flat, those in Meyerland are up 10 percent year-over-year, and houses — like this raised new build complete with a car lift in the garage — are sitting on the market for 25 percent fewer days.
West Side Story
Listed by Kim Perdomo with the Perdomo Group, 290 Knipp was under contract after just five days.
The Memorial area is often thought to primarily consist of the Villages. But go toward and beyond the Beltway and you’ll find scores of tight-knit comunities that make up the Memorial West market area — where home prices are up by 7 percent and days-on-market is down by about the same. It was named HAR’s Hottest Luxury Community of Q1 2024, with transactions up 33.3% year over year.
Explore the real estate report by-the-numbers here or the top real estate trends here.
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TWO OF HOUSTON'S greatest strengths — medicine and the arts — have once again been united in a moving display.
The Health Museum launched its new Healing Arts program to "bridge the gap between the arts and health sectors," and showcase ways in which art can be integrated into health education and practice. Rose Tylinski has been named the museum's Healing Arts Manager, and will spearhead initiatives such as Paint & Process workshops for those interested in blending creativity with psychological and medical insights; and Hearts of Hope, to support those struggling with mental health challenges.
Healing Hands is also new, a space within the museum to display works by community members who are caregivers. Through Feb. 2025, the gallery will feature art that tells stories about what it means to care for others, and the various pathways to healing.
The museum hosted a private opening reception for Healing Hands, attended by gallerists, artists and health advocates including Mathieu JN Baptiste, Carla Bisong and Anson Koshy.
Anson Koshy, Lori Raijman and Nader Adeeb
Ashura Bayya Lovelady
Carla Bisong, Crsytal Baptiste
Anson Koshy, Katie Scott, Mathieu JN Baptiste, Rose Tylinski, Gabriela Magana.
Michelle Vo
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