The Sonoma Condominiums are located at 2401 Bolsover Street is the smack dab in the center of Rice University Place. This area is a well spring of urban living that has all manner of shops, restaurants and entertainment options. The condos themselves feature twenty four hour concierge services, a rooftop pool, private parking, a relaxing Kio pond, individual storage units,  a fitness center and theater. These amenities, in conjunction with the amazing condos, make the Sonoma Condominiums not just a living space but an experience worthy of being called a capital C Condo.

If you would like to see some of the available units in the Sonoma Condominiums simply enter your information into the box on your right and a rock star real estate agent will get in touch with you ASAP!

Whether as a renter or a home owner, downtown Houston has plenty of options for all tastes and desires. Rental buildings include the historic Rice Hotel, brand-new Park Place, or newly-renovated Houston House Apartments. For those wishing to buy a little piece of the history for themselves, you can experience true loft living at Franklin Street Lofts or the St. Germain.

The true luxury of downtown living is the ability to park the car once home on Friday afternoon and not drive again until Monday. With dining, nightlife, art, shopping, and more available every night of the week, downtown Houston offers some saving grace to those who may feel like their commute is a killer.

The new Houston Pavilions offers fun times at House of Blues and Lucky Strike Lanes. Jaunt over to the Theatre District (which is only beat in number of seats by New York City) to catch up with the symphony, opera, ballet, and traditional theatre. Parks such as Discovery Green and the new Main Street Square Park offer tasty food and beverages, along with programming that’s fit for the whole family (Fido included). Talk a walk or bike along the bayou with the new trails, tour historic pubs with daily walking tours, and walk to your latest film release, once Sundance Cinemas opens in November of 2011.

Really and truly, downtown Houston secretly has it all- a big city feel, but a walkable distance to everything you want to do. Beat the traffic and make yourself at home- downtown Houston is the place to be!

If you can’t resist all the awesome things there are to do in Houston you should really consider buying a CONDO here. To do that just enter your information into the box on your right and an amazing Houston real estate agent will get in touch with you ASAP!

The Manhattan Lofts are located at the corner of Post Oak and Hidalgo in the Uptown Galleria/Post Oak area of Houston, and faces one of Houston’s famed landmarks, the Water Wall. Uptown Houston is a distinct area of the city where the finest in shopping, dining and entertainment meet together and marry a variety of residential addresses. From single family homes, to loft or hi-rise living, The Manhattan Lofts are centrally located within walking distance to a wealth of shopping, dining and recreational choices.  You can have it all!

Upon walking up to Manhattan Lofts, the first thing you should notice is the architecture of the building. The building is reminiscent of the late 1800 and early 1900 architecture in uptown New York City. It is the first loft-style condominium project to be built in this thriving area of Houston. A small community of 63 units, the Manhattan Lofts has 22 floor plans featuring one to three bedroom lofts. There are also six 3-story brownstone style town-homes that face the lake on the property of Manhattan Lofts. The units at Manhattan Lofts offer features such as spacious kitchens with granite counter-tops and stainless steel appliances, large master suites with exquisite in suite bathrooms, and stunning views of downtown Houston and Greenway Plaza from the terrace. Residents can find rest and relaxation by the Mediterranean style pool area that has an outdoor grilling space. Concierge services and ample assigned parking is included at Manhattan Lofts.

The Manhattan Lofts are centrally located within walking distance to a wealth of shopping, dining and recreational choices. Manhattan Lofts offers a lifestyle of elegance and convenience in one of the city’s most prestigious areas.

Finding things to do near Manhattan Lofts is not hard to do. It is centrally located to all the Uptown Shopping and Dining you could ever want to find. The Galleria is just around the corner. If specialty shops and out of the ordinary dining experiences are what your looking for, look at Uptown Park offers a host of entertainment, dining and shopping activities all year long. One of the most anticipated are the New York runway style fashion and trunk shows held each spring and fall season. You won’t want to miss the annual Uptown Holiday Lighting Celebration which has been a Houston tradition for over 25 years. Manhattan Lofts offers a lifestyle of elegance and convenience in one of the city’s most prestigious areas. For more information on the Manhattan Lofts in Houston, Texas please contact us directly at 1-877-853-8836.

The 30-story tower houses only 80 units which range in size from 1,300 to 6,000 square feet.  All the units at Endeavour Condos are designed with high end finishes, stainless steel appliances and sweeping floor to ceiling windows that overlook Clear Lake, Every unit is equipped with a spectacular view.  If boating is something you want to be close to the Endeavour Condos is a place for you. Amenities at Endeavour Condos includes a fitness center with indoor resistance pool, private movie theatre, a great room for private parties, and a beautiful outdoor area which includes the swimming pool and outdoor whirlpool and dining for entertaining near the pool.

While living in this community offers great dining and entertainment, such as Houston’s Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston and 5 miles east to the Kemah Boardwalk, what really makes this area special are the local eateries, annual festivals and the farmer’s market of the Village of Clear Lake Shores.  If you want to know where the locals go for great seafood, check out Jo-Lee’s Seafood.  Another local place to check out is T-Bone Tom’s in Kemah, which was featured in 2010 on the Food Network’s Diner’s Drive-Ins and Drives.

This community has many parks and outdoor space for your family activities, public boat launches and approximately 10 festivals every year on of the most popular being the annual Ballunar Festival held at the Johnson Space Center and features hot air balloons from all over the country.

Being located in one of the most sought after areas in Houston is what makes Endeavour Condo’s attractive.  If you can’t find something to do here, don’t worry the newly opened NASA Parkway giving you immediate access to I-45 and a quick 30 minute drive south to Galveston Island and north into the city of Houston making travel throughout the area very convenient. For more information in how you can be a part of this active lifestyle, please call us at 1-877-853-8836.

For a wine night, you need look no further than Russo’s New York Pizzeria around the corner. With an elegant layout and a winery area, snuggle up on the couch and have a bottle of wine while dining on delicious authentic Italian antipasti or good, old-fashioned pizza. For a drink south of the border, head over to Cyclone Anaya‘s for a fishbowl margarita. It’s a good thing your home will be within walking distance, because these margaritas are made with Everclear! If wine and margaritas aren’t your thing, try Front Porch Pub across the street. Front Porch is a chill spot to have a few beers and watch the big game. With finger foods and burgers, Front Porch Pub is the perfect place to kick your feet up and relax. Christian’s Tailgate and Bar is another relaxing spot. From pool to darts to shuffleboard, Christian’s has plenty to do without being tired in the morning at work. If you’re craving a sweet treat, head over to Sweet Lola Yogurt Bar. With seasonal fat-free flavors and a one-of-a-kind topping bar, Sweet Lola’s will satisfy your sweet tooth guilt-free. Last but not least, to enjoy the beautiful summer sun, Midtown Park is just a block away. Lay a blanket out on the grass, take a cooler filled with food or drinks, and soak up some rays.

The Edge is also within walking distance of Midtown Market and a CVS Pharmacy. Whether you need groceries or you’re simply craving a late-night snack, you can walk over to either one. From nightlife to necessities, The Edge has it all!

Royalton
First up is the renown Royalton at 3333 Allen Parkway. Old World charm and refinement define the Royalton at River Oaks. Impeccable elegance, rich architectural detail, luxurious amenities and superior service can all be found here. 253 residences at Royalton with multiple one, two and three bedroom floor plans are designed to appeal to a variety of lifestyles. Whether you prefer flats, town homes or penthouse styles, all are available. Each residence features breathtaking views of the city, sumptuous gourmet kitchens, large master bedroom suites, private balconies and elegant designer finishes throughout.

Endeavour
Second up is the extravagant Endeavour at 4821 Nasa Parkway. The Endeavour Tower has magnificent views of Clear Lake from all rooms and spacious balconies. Known for its many amenities, some are: cabanas, resistance pool, screening room, sauna, courtesy boat dock, concierge, valet & controlled access. If the fact that there’s 26 units over 25 floors doesn’t get you to call us at 877-852-6636, you should know that you can also get 20% cash back on buyer’s commission!

Sonoma
Next up, we have the supreme Sonoma at 2401 Bolsover Street. It’s a wonderful feeling when you’re surrounded by compelling architecture, retail magic and coo condominiums. Live where days are measured by a world of stylish choices, compliments of the shops at Sonoma. Notable amenities include the retail shops, private parking, Koi pond, private theater, storage units, fire place and pit, fitness center, and a rooftop pool. Come laugh loud and live large at Sonoma Condominium at Rice University.

Cosmopolitan
Lastly, we have the uncompromising Cosmopolitan. You must see this absolutely stunning penthouse featuring huge entertaining areas, 3 bedrooms, a study, 4 full baths, penthouse separate parking, wood floors, 440 feet of balcony overlooking downtown and galleria. With 12ft floor to ceiling windows throughout, that right there is simply uncompromising luxury. Although low maintenance fees are charged for sky lobby, sky pool, gym, party room, media room and conference room, Cosmopolitan is surrounded by fine dining and is just a short walk to uptown park shops.

For more information or to schedule a viewing for any of these luxury condos and lofts, visit our website or call us at 877-852-6636.

Live the life you love.
Love the life you live.

56% of these agents said they’ve seen an increase in interest in urban living compared to market conditions five years ago. Gas prices are the most commonly cited reason for this, but also, “according to those who have seen an increased interest in urban living, other reasons behind this trend are:

* Having everything at your fingertips (91 percent strongly agreed or agreed)
* Being able to walk to places (76 percent strongly agreed or agreed)
* Being near public transportation (52 percent strongly agreed or agreed).”

An informal poll of a few Houston residents proved these reasons completely accurate. It’s nice when a social trend coincides with saving money, and the more that Houston turns into a city full of urbanized neighborhood pockets, the more socially and environmentally aware its residents will be. This, combined with gas prices, leads to people wanting to make decisions that lead to a higher quality of life as well as a greener lifestyle: walking or biking or taking public transport to work and social outings.

“Do you feel like you have everything at your fingertips?” I asked Joe, who works at an advertising firm on Kirby and lives in a large apartment complex near West University.

“Definitely,” he said. “My grocery store, my favorite bar, my office, and my wife’s favorite shops are all within about three miles of my house. During the summer, I still drive to all these places during the day just because it’s so hot, but I definitely don’t use nearly as much gas as some of my friends do who have real commutes. And at night, we walk.”

That’s the great thing about Houston, the defining element of its casual nightlife; it may be 100 degrees during the day in the summer, but at night, you’re going to want to go sit out on a porch or a bar patio somewhere and enjoy the night with friends.

I asked Lauren, who works at Memorial Hermann, if she moved into her high-rise because of its proximity to the Medical Center and the Metro Rail system. “Of course,” she said. “Have you ever tried to park in the Medical Center? It’s just not worth it. It’s really nice to just cut that expense and hassle out of my life most days of the week.”

So while gas prices may be the most commonly cited motivation behind urban living in this survey of real estate professionals, the other factors are just as important, and can affect your lifestyle in an even more positive way. You may find that life feels different when you don’t have to spend 2 hours staring at brake lights every day; you’ll have more time to spend with your friends and family, doing the things that you love.

Check out CondoDomain listings like the Capitol Lofts and more if a Houston urban experience sounds right for you!

That’s a lot of gas! And these days, a lot of gas means a lot of money. So what does this mean in terms of real estate?

According to a Coldwell Banker survey of real estate professionals, “75 percent said that the recent spike in gas prices has influenced their clients’ decisions on where to live, and 93 percent said if gas prices continue to rise, more home buyers will choose to live somewhere that allows for a closer commute to their work.”

In Houston, people have long been used to driving long distances to work. People make daily commutes from the suburbs to downtown, from midtown to the Heights, from Upper Kirby to the Museum District. Driving, traffic, and quite a bit of time and money spent at the pump is normal for Houston.

However, with so many options available in terms of housing and with the environmental movement finally reaching this Southern city, Houston residents are absolutely taking transportation costs into account as they choose new places to live. It’s estimated that people move, on average, 11 to 16 times in their life. The fabric of this city is constantly changing, and as people commit to ever-more-valuable jobs, they may choose their homes accordingly.

Alicia, a 25-year-old new Houstonite who works in marketing, said, “I only looked for apartments near work. Houston is so cheap relative to all the other major cities; why would I negate my savings by paying a ton of extra money for gas?” Jeremiah, a young architect who lives and works in the Heights, said, “I just sold my car and am finding that it’s easy to just keep going with a bike.”

Coldwell Bankers’ survey continues: “Drive time and racking up miles en-route to the office caused 89 percent to say buyers look for homes closer to work. Forty-five (45) percent are seeing buyers choose homes closer to shops and services as a result of increasing gas prices.”

There are other effects as well. 77% of real estate agents surveyed said that more buyers are interested in home offices. 56% said that buyers today are more interested in urban living than they were five years ago, and 91% of those respondents said that gas prices are one of their buyers’ main reason for wanting to do this.

Will we see this trend manifest in Houston in the coming years? Will young families stay near the city center rather than moving out to the suburbs to buy a single-family home? There are many reasons–environmental, social, and now, economic–to consider an apartment or condo residence close to the place you work. The lifestyle generally offers more amenities and advantages such as being closer to a variety of activities as well as public transportation.

If you’re looking to minimize your gas consumption and live closer to where you work, check out the listings at CondoDomain. There are condos near Hermann Park, in Midtown, and on Allen Parkway–and so much more!

(Photo from Flickr)

In addition: “Spot will get a doggie treat at check-in. And he will get to lay his head down in his own Heavenly Dog bed, a version of the hotel chain’s soft, cushy Heavenly Bed for humans.”

Luxury boutique hotels have long tailored their services to all members of a customer’s family, including the furry ones. But how about condominiums? Condo residents in Houston are attracted to high-rising living because of the hotel-like amenities and the superior, customized service. A majority of the luxury condos featured on CondoDomain boast concierge service, some even 24 hours a day. Will these hotels cater to your pup’s needs?

If you’re thinking of buying or renting a condo and you love your pet as much as I do, this could be one of those make-or-break factors that determine your decision! Investigate your listings of choice, and stay tuned for a roundup of the most pet-friendly condos in Houston.

According to the Houston Chronicle, “sales of townhouses and condominiums also fell last month. They dropped 15.2 percent to 419 properties compared to a year earlier. The median price declined 4.2 percent to $130,000.” This is a buyer’s market, no question about it. It’s great news for anyone looking to buy a condo or a single-family home in Houston!

If you’re a renter, you’re in good company. “Demand for single-family home rentals continued to soar in April, rising 27.9 percent compared to a year earlier. Year-over-year townhouse-condominium rentals increased 27.1 percent.”

The important thing to remember is that this economy is still working. People are still buying homes. People are still selling homes and condos. If you want to take advantage of the low prices of this market, why not do so now?