Agent proves you can go home again — even if someone else is living there
As Sharon Albert Brier of Greenwood King Properties planned for her 50th McAllen High School Reunion this month, she contacted Lisa Franz the current owner of the home she grew up in there. Lisa and Frank Franz purchased the home at 713 Nyssa six years ago when it was known as the Norma and Louis Albert home after Brier’s parents and the place which invariably entertained performers who appeared at the Civic Center there.
The Franzes had since enhanced the gracious space pool, spa, outdoor sitting area, bar, “man cave” and a gated landscaped area to the east as well as many interior updates.
Brier wanted to host a brunch during the reunion weekend for her closest gal pals at the home.
“Not only did Lisa say yes, she offered to make pitchers of Singapore Slings when she found out that was the drink of the ’60s for this group,” Brier said.
Brier brought a photo album of those days for everyone to identify themselves. As a thank-you gift, Brier presented Franz with a mini treasure chest with photos of some of the VIP parties held in the house, as well as a party package. Brier also gave Franz a Russian babushka nesting doll that had been on one of the shelves as a token of the roots of the street. (Brier’s grandfather, Adolph Westerman, who developed the street, was originally from Russia).
During the remodel, the Franzes found the original plans to the midcentury home completed in 1950 and framed one of the pages that had their new notes with Westerman’s old notes. The next time Brier and Lisa get together, they plan to bury a time capsule with memorabilia from both families.
••• A new Tanglewood home provided the perfect setting for the annual preparty for Houston’s fifth annual Bone Bash honoring the Arthritis Foundation. Bone Bash originated in Dallas and there are now 15 galas throughout the country. Hosts Erik Heyne and Sabrina Elias, agents with Martha Turner Sotheby’s International Realty, chose the home setting graciously provided by Steve Williams, Williams Residential Group. Elias introduced her daughter, Alyssa, the Youth Honoree for the coming Bash event, who shared an account of her journey with juvenile arthritis.
Guests included Martha Turner, MTSIR founder and chairman emeritus, who said, “Listening to Alyssa tell her story was a special moment. I am proud we were able to take part in spreading the word.”
The evening also included dinner, cocktails, a raffle, and David Peck models showcasing this year’s Miles David collection.
••• When agent Wanda Abel set out to announce she joined the Cypress office of BHGRE Gary Greene, she quickly realized the best place to start was her own neighborhood. Relying on her experience as the owner of a popular local yogurt shop, the Fairfield resident mapped out a plan to create an over-the-top National Night Out event with DJ tunes, line dancing, a puppy-kissing booth presented by Lucky Mutt Cypress, door prizes and more. More than 200 residents gathered in Fairfield’s North Park Pavilion.
“It’s gratifying to plan activities that actually help the community,” Abel said. “Plus, the event was a great way to introduce my new role with Gary Greene.”
••• Beth Wolff brought a whole team from Beth Wolff Realtors Real Living to attend the Greater Houston Partnership’s “The Business of Sports” at NRG Stadium. Greater Houston Partnership chair Jamey Rootes introduced the luncheon highlighting how professional sports teams contribute to the economic impact and image of the region. The panel of sports professionals included Bob McNair, owner of the Houston Texans, and Ric Campo, chairman of the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee. Those attending with Wolff included Jason Hendricks, Jeff Madden, Steve Sheffer, Shayne Stinson, Aldo DiVece, and Pam Greenwood.
••• Photographer and Title Houston Holdings exec Lynn Sullivan debuted her latest collection her latest collection —“L’amour est plus fort que la haine,” (Love is Stronger than Hate) — this month Sawyer Yards in Houston’s Washington art district. Among those in the industry joining her family, fans and friends at the opening were numerous local Realtors and title executives. Those attending Sullivan’s Oct. 1 show were Frank and Courtney Vandiver, Dovie Morgan, Janice Wilson, J’Lynn Proctor, Suzie Herring, Mary Collier, Amy McGee, Jeremy Fain, Robert Speigel, Louisa Glinski, Brandon Lopez, and Bob Mitchell.
••• MTSIR Cypress area agent Katie Elsbury recently was again this year a sponsor of the 100 Club Golf Tournament, which was held at Blackhorse Golf Course. Elsbury said supporting law enforcement is very important to her.
“My husband is a Houston Police Department officer, my in-laws were HPD officers, and my grandparents were Harris County Constables in Precinct 4,” she said. “This event benefits a cause that is near and dear to my heart.”
••• Renée Eads, relocation manager with John Daugherty, Realtors, was a speaker at the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Workshop recently in Austin. The workshop focused on current trends in the real estate market and effective strategies for serving today’s home buyers and sellers. Eads message focused on assisting worldwide moves and agent training.