wine-cheese
Houston Lifestyle

ENHANCED OUTDOOR DINING

Here’s a list of some of Houston’s best restaurant patios, including shaded hideaways, discreet terraces and sprawling biergartens.

A’BOUZY
2300 Westheimer,713-722-6899
Perch at this Westheimer-facing patio and order exotic Champagnes or other wines. Pair these wines with an eclectic menu of French dishes that incorporate southern flair. Some of those selections include Boudin Stuffed Quail and Seafood Bouillabaisse Pasta. a’Bouzy is very popular, particularly during weekend brunch, and reservations are highly recommended. Continue Reading

September 24, 2020 by
ft-zipline
Houston Neighborhoods

SOME UNIQUE DAY TRIPS NEAR HOUSTON

Go ziplining at Wimberley Zipline Adventures with ten different ziplines at speeds of up to 30 mph, the views of canyons and meadows are amazing. With a friendly staff, even first-timers are instructed and welcome. wimberleyzipline.com

The Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center has over 300 species of flowers and plants. An amazing effort to return the gardens to their former state from the Harvey disaster, this is something not to miss. shangrilagardens.org Continue Reading

September 24, 2020 by
Resources

What to do to prepare for Hurricane Laura

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR A STORM

The most important thing in any storm is you and your family! Beth Wolff Realtors wants you to remain safe and prepared in the event a storm hits. There is the potential for Hurricane Laura to impact the greater Houston area with varying degrees of damaging wind and rain. We are providing the -following information to help protect you and your property in the event the storm does impact us.

PROTECTING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY FIRST

  • For the most current information on what to do and how to prepare for a storm click the following link: https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
  • Protecting life and health is always first. Property can be replaced, however you are irreplaceable.
  • Don’t forget pets if you are evacuating. If possible make arrangements to bring them with you. If you can’t you should still follow all instructions and evacuate if local officials say to do so.
  • If you see high water, “Turn Around, Don’t Drown”. It is hard to determine how deep water is until it is too late.

ITEMS YOU NEED DURING A STORM

  • Have flash-lights available throughout your home
  • Portable radios are good if the power goes out
  • Keep plenty of batteries for the above items
  • Have at least a gallon of drinking water for each person in the home
  • If possible charge any battery storage devices that can charge your phone if the power goes out. See the attached PDF from NOAA with other valuable information

IF YOU HAVE TIME BEFORE THE STORM ARRIVES OR YOU HAVE BEEN ORDERED TO EVACUATE YOU SHOULD TAKE THE FOLLOWING STEPS:

Remove all tree limbs close to your roof or dead foliage that may fall during heavy wind. Secure all outdoor furniture and items that may be picked up by heavy winds. These items can become projectiles that may cause damage to your home or your neighbors. Check to make sure all doors and windows are shut and locked, they may blow open during high winds. All electronics should have surge protectors or be unplugged. Power can surge on and off during a storm and may damage equipment. If you live in a low lying area and you are staying home, think about parking a car somewhere higher so you will still have a vehicle after the storm. If you can, check on your neighbors to make sure they are safe and ready for the storm.

To View More Resources: Download Here.

August 25, 2020 by
These Houston Holiday Events are sure to be a delight!
Houston Lifestyle

Holiday Delight in Houston

EVENTS TO CHECK OUT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Its the Holidays in Houston and our wonderful city has so much to offer!!  Check out just a few of our favorite Houston Holiday Events; we are sure you will find something for everyone!

Discovery Green Ice Rink

It’s time to hit the ice at the Discovery Green Ice Rink, open November 15 to February 2, 2020. Don’t leave without exploring the park’s new art installation, here exclusively for the winter. If you’re interested pick up tickets for $11 and rent your skates for $4.

Alley Theatre – A Christmas Carol

The Alley Theatre welcomes back the family-friendly retelling of the Charles Dickens story, A Christmas Carol—A Ghost Story of Christmas, on stage from November 15 to December 29.

Houston Zoo Lights

Grab a hot chocolate and take a stroll through the 15 miles (and more than two million lights) covering the zoo’s paths at Zoo Lights, November 23 to January 12, 2020. New this year is a 100-foot-long, Infinity Tunnel of Light, the 4-D Enchanted Forest, and a gigantic Ice Dragon that comes to life!

Magical Winter Lights

Magical Winter Lights in La Marque gives a fresh, multicultural take on the traditional holiday light shows. From November 15 to January 5, 2020 you can visit the 20-acre lantern festival to see 100 individual lantern sets, acrobatic performances, carnival rides, games, an interactive dino area and more!

Houston Ballet – The Nutcracker

Put on your favorite holiday outfit to see the Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker at the Wortham Theater. Catch the show from November 29 to December 29.

Children’s Museum – Real Snow Days

One not to miss with the kids, head to the Children’s Museum of Houston for any (or all) of their holiday happenings, like Real Snow Days.

Moody Gardens – Festival of Lights

For those willing to take a short drive, the Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens in Galveston goes all out, with outdoor ice skating, a giant arctic slide, a 4D experience, and holiday-themed light displays. Enjoy through January 12, 2020. 

Houston Symphony – Holiday Performances

Envision sugar plums, flying reindeer and a sleigh filled with toys with the sign along ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas by the Houston Symphony.  Enjoy some of your favorites like “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” Also there will be a craft station and other musical activities, like an Instrument Petting Zoo, in the Jones Hall lobby!. Tickets are available for the December 14 show.

The Square at Memorial City

The Square at Memorial City knows how to celebrate holidays! Mark your calendars for some of their crowd favorite concerts, movie nights and ice skating. 

Bayou Bend – Christmas Village

The Christmas Village at Bayou Bend is sure to turn any frown upside down. Th is special event includes carolers, Santa, a faux-snowball area, faux-snow slide and stunning light displays.   Kids and adults alike will remember this for years to come. Tickets are available from December 12 to December 30, 2020.

Dickens on the Strand

If bowlers and petticoats are more your style, Dickens on the Strand (December 6 to December 8) in Galveston, is sure to peak your interest.  The historical reenactment takes you back to 19th Century Victorian London for a holiday celebration for the whole family. Enjoy parades with countless entertainers, costumed street vendors, Tiny Tim’s Playland, holiday food and drink, plus much more!.

City Centre – Noon Year’s Eve

In conjunction with Texas Children’s Hospital West Campus, City Centre hosts a Noon Year’s Eve for those who can’t/don’t want to make it to midnight. On December 31, dance to a live DJ and countdown to lots of bubbles at noon. There will also be face painting, balloon art, and even a magic mirror photo booth!

If we’ve missed one of your favorite Houston Holiday Events, we would love to hear about it!  Either comment below or follow us on social to share what makes this season special to you.

November 23, 2019 by
Houston Lifestyle

‘Tis The Season – The Gift of Giving

The holidays bring about what can be a whirlwind of emotion and excitement! 

You might be thrilled at the thought of spending time with your family, enjoying festive activities. Or filled with joy in seeing the magic of the season. You may even be feeling pressure and stress to find the time to do all of these activities and affording the season.

Regardless of whether you’re donating for a family in need or volunteering at a local charity, giving back during the holiday season is incredibly impactful.  When people refer to this time as “the most wonderful time of the year”, it can easily be forgotten that for so many people, it is not.

Everyone can make an incredible impact for those who may not be so fortunate.  The true spirit of the holidays comes from giving back, giving thanks and helping those in need. 

In Need In Houston

Recently, the Houston Food Bank had a malfunction in their refrigeration system which caused over 62 truckloads of produce, dairy, and other perishable goods.  It will cost an estimated $3 million for disposal, clean-up and replacement. This year we feel it incredibly important to show support to this fantastic organization that does so much for our wonderful city!  

Find out more about the Houston Food Bank by going to their website or show support on your favorite social media platform.  Here are the links below:

Houston Food Bank Website
Houston Food Bank Facebook
Houston Food Bank Twitter
Houston Food Bank Instagram
Other Ways to Spread the Holiday Spirit

Here is a list of some other easy ways to give back and spread joy this holiday season:

  • Help an elderly neighbor put up their Christmas lights
  • Write a letter or send a card to a child in the hospital
  • Organize a food drive at the office
  • Volunteer at a soup kitchen
  • Donate Clothes to a local shelter
  • “Adopt a child” to buy gifts for Toys for Tots
  • Visit a nursing home and go caroling with some friends
  • Hand out bags of snacks and essentials to the homeless

How do you plan to give back this year?

November 22, 2019 by
Homestead Exemptions are Important When Buying a Home
Real Estate, Real Estate Market Data, Real Estate Tips

The Gift of Homestead Exemption

HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION DEADLINE FOR OWNERSHIP

DECEMBER 31, 2019

If you are currently looking for a new home, you may not have considered the impact that closing before the year end can have.  The homestead exemption helps you save on taxes on your home. In addition, you may be eligible for other exemptions, such as age 65+. In order to benefit from the applicable tax exemptions on owner-occupied residential property, one must occupy that residence on January 1st.

Real estate taxes, exemptions (if any), and tax rates are based upon location and appraised value.  They are determined by the County Appraisal district.

There is still time for qualified buyers to purchase your new residence and received this substantial benefit!

Contact Us for more information or visit your local appraisal district website for more information!  See a list of some of the local County Appraisal District websites below.

 

Harris County Appraisal District –  HCAD.org
Brazoria County Appraisal District – Brazoriacad.org
Chambers County Appraisal District – Chamberscad.org
Fort Bend County Appraisal District – FCAD.org
Galveston County Appraisal District – Galvestoncad.org
Liberty County Appraisal District –  Libertycad.org
Montgomery County Appraisal District – Mcad-tx.org
Waller County Appraisal District – Waller-cad.org

 

November 21, 2019 by
Real Estate, Real Estate Stories, Real Estate Tips

That’s why we don’t sell houses, we build this beautiful community!

In our 41st year as a real estate brokerage in Houston, Texas and in my 26th year of selling or managing the sale of real estate in Houston, Texas, the one thing I have learned is that I will never live long enough to have “Seen It All.” Every transaction and every client is different and the needs or requirements of each have unique situations that we encounter and deal with based on those circumstances. The benefit of the experiences we have had is that we can recognize potential issues and recall solutions from similar situations to resolve these issues before they occur.

The purchase and sale of real property is the largest investment most people make in their lives. Aside from the protection of this major aspect, it is also the place where families are raised, pets come and go, neighbors become friends and a sense of home is created for all who reside there. This is why we take our responsibilities so seriously. In a world where papers are signed with the click of a button and decisions are being made in nanoseconds, we have to step back and make sure that the things our clients are not thinking about or asking come to the forefront.

It is not the answers to the questions you ask that are most important, it is the questions you never knew to ask that matter most. 

I hope this blog will provide insight and answers and sometimes entertaining anecdotes about the world of real estate in Houston and sometimes beyond. I look forward to sharing more with you and am eager to hear what you think.

Thank you for your interest and engagement.

Ed

June 10, 2019 by