Bad News, Good News at the Top of the Market … Maybe

September 20, 2016October 20, 2017Cameron Ansari

Inventory at the high end of the market in River Oaks, which we define as properties priced at $4 million or higher, has climbed steadily since summer began. As of mid-September, the inventory is at its highest level ever. Most strikingly, much of the inventory is top-heavy – that is, well above...

Big Opportunity for A Small Space

September 16, 2016October 20, 2017Teresa Byrne-Dodge

A powder room may be the tiniest room in the house, but its impact can be – and should be – huge. Designers often suggest ways to make small rooms seem larger and airier. You can ignore that advice for the powder room. Instead, embrace the intimacy. Think jewel box. Here...

River Oaks Market Update: 2016 Mid-Year Edition

August 16, 2016October 20, 2017Cameron Ansari

The 2016 mid-year edition of the River Oaks Market Report, published by Cameron Ansari and Teresa Byrne-Dodge, will be released this week. The three main points in the new 2016 mid-year edition of our River Oaks Market Report are • High-end real estate buyers are getting younger. • There are plenty...

Dark Corners: Why Men Love Libraries

August 16, 2016October 20, 2017Cameron Ansari

I am still rather fond of our marriage. So when my wife and I embarked on the complete restoration of our 1920s house, I was determined to participate in the decision-making process only to the extent of nodding my agreement to anything she selected. Years of professional observation in the real...

X Marks the Spot: How to Begin a Map Collection

August 16, 2016October 20, 2017Teresa Byrne-Dodge

Intrigued by a collection of beautiful old maps of Persia that Cameron’s father has entrusted to us, we recently sought the advice of Ed Grusnis, owner of The Antiquarium on Kirby Drive. Grusnis, who bought the shop from its founders in 2014, deals in vintage maps, as well as antique prints,...

River Oaks Market – Sales Update

July 18, 2016October 20, 2017Cameron Ansari

It was remarkable to see the high number of house sales that closed in River Oaks in June of 2016. The 12 closings were the most we have seen in any single month since November 2005 and significantly higher than in recent years. (See graph River Oaks Sales All Price Levels.)...

Of Buttons and Buttonholes

July 15, 2016October 20, 2017Cameron Ansari

A man’s jacket is much like his house. And his buttons are as important as the house’s hardware, fixtures and architectural details. As with architecture elements, the entire button thing can seem daunting. What’s proper? What’s in good taste? Will people be impressed? Do I really care? In matters sartorial, as...

Finally, A Break at the Entry Level

June 17, 2016October 20, 2017Cameron Ansari

In the overall River Oaks market at mid-June 2016 there are just 40 houses for sale on MLS, plus six lots. Fourteen of those houses are in pending contracts, leaving just 26 houses for buyers to choose from. Perhaps that’s just as well as we head into the dizzying heat of...

Double-Duty Davenports

June 13, 2016October 20, 2017Teresa Byrne-Dodge

Cameron and I visit both the Blue Bird Circle and the Guild Shop – two of Houston’s best resale shops – every week or so. We’re not hoarders, but we do like to find old stuff for our old house: vintage light fixtures, brass hardware, old art books, blotchy antique mirrors,...

Pick Some Peppers!

May 26, 2016November 2, 2017Diane Blazek, National Garden Bureau

Click images for source Peppers and chiles, a highlight in any garden, are among the easiest plants to grow. Bringing a rainbow of colors, a plethora of shapes and different degrees of heat to your table, peppers are an attractive addition to any garden or patio container. It’s easy to value...