09/21/2017
The last few weeks have been extremely difficult for so many families in Kingwood. as a result of Hurricane Harvey. The storm has been devastating and 2941 families have been damaged by the torential and unrelenting rain. Although Ralph and I only experienced about 1-1/2 inches of water in our home, the water caused extensive damage We hired a mitigation company that removed sheetrock and lower level cabinetry, built-ins, wood flooring, carpet, bathroom tub and shower tile and much more. Mitigation is near completion, fans removed and after another series of moisture and visual testing, sheetrock throughout the entire home will be replaced and Brian Fostr and Sugar Creek Builders will rebuild our home.
We were so much more fortunate than many of our neighbors and friends who had as much as 7 inches to 7 ft of water. Their cars and all their belongs were lost. However, the kindness and generosity of friends neighbors and family was overwhelming. Many families are living with perfect strangers.. We too had an angel greet us as we were evacuated.. Diane Emmons welcomed us into her home and offered us shelter for as long as we needed it. She comforted us until our friends Bill and Jo Richard brought us to their home. I am sure Diane opened her home and greeted others as warmly as she did for us,.I am also grateful to Alison and Harry and their children who were with us and helped place our furniture out of harms way and Ted and Kristi and theirchildren who have shared their home with us.
We are members of a strong and resilient community and we will all come through this stronger and better than ever. I have encouraged my friends and neighbors to stay calm and not overreact. Please do not rush to place your homes on the market. Ask questions, call your realtor and seek advice. Negativity would be counterproductive. At times like these, rumors run rampant regarding values, depreciation and bottom feeders ready to scoup up deals. Please do not believe these rumors. they are NOT true. In reality no one has answers to what a home is or will be worth.. As always, the market will seek its own level and a price will depend on a willing buyer and a willing seller. Neighborhoods will be rebuilt and improved their homes. Values will be stronger than ever. Kingwood is a destination for many families who love its amenities and will return.
A realtor meeting was held this evening, consisting of about 20 of the top producing agents in Kingwood, Many issues were discussed. The tone was positive and encouraging. Neither appraisers nor realtors have answers, but we will work togehter to preserve the intrinsic value that exists. As we have been doing, we will continue to assist our clients whose homes flooded. We will guide them through the mitigation process, help them rebuilt and advise them intelligently if they wish to sell. Others are choosing to rebuild, update and enjoy their homes for years to come. Some will sell as is. We all believe that our beautiful community will come through this stronger and better than ever. I have lived in Kingwood for 35 years and sold real estate here for 32 years The strength of Kingwood is its people. I love this community and what it stands for and together we will rebuild and preserve its history and its future..
KINGWOOD STRONG
