Katy/Fulshear Firethorne First-Quarter New Home Sales Up 284 Percent Over First Quarter 2009 to Break All Previous First-Quarter New Home Sales

    BELLAIRE, TX, May 19, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- West Houston's Firethorne broke all first-quarter new home sales records in 2010 in its five-year history, highlighted by a 284 percent increase over its first quarter new home sales in 2009. This figure represents the greatest percentage increase in sales -- double that of the next highest sales increase of 140 percent -- of any of the top 14 Houston-area master-designed/master-planned communities researched by Metrostudy, the leading provider of primary and secondary market information to the housing and related industries nationwide.

Firethorne, a 1,400-acre master-designed community located in Katy/Fulshear, 15 miles west of Houston's Energy Corridor, achieved 96 new home sales in first quarter sales in 2010, versus 25 over the same period in 2009.

"We are extremely pleased with the results of our Firethorne sales and marketing teams and appreciate the tremendous support of the local Realtor community," said Firethorne Marketing Director Janet Burkett. While she suggests the federal tax credits for first-time home buyers may have planted a seed in people's minds, she attributes the strong new home sales in the Firethorne community to the continued growth in the Katy and Fulshear areas and for being part of one of the best school districts in the state. The fact that there are three major Houston hospitals expanding in the area, plus energy companies relocating employees there, have contributed to the sales activity, as well, she said.

"Firethorne is the #1 community for Plantation Homes in the Houston market," said Plantation Homes-Firethorne Sales Consultant Charlie Russo. "We sell more homes at Firethorne than anywhere else." Russo also bases the company's success in Firethorne to the Katy/Fulshear location and the Katy I.S.D. school district.

To keep up with demand for new homes, Firethorne is plotting the development of the infrastructure of five more sections of lots, with work targeted for completion in the fourth quarter, 2010. Currently, Model Parks I and II showcase beautifully appointed homes by Perry Homes, David Weekley Homes, Plantation Homes, Highland Homes, Coventry Homes, Partners In Building and Parkwood Builders.

Firethorne recently hosted an appreciation event for Realtors who have sold new homes there in 2010. Realtors generate 75 percent of all new home sales.

Firethorne blends with the best nature has to offer: 150 acres devoted to parks and recreational amenities, a 12-acre lake with surrounding greenbelt, hike/bike trails, parks and playgrounds, discovery-rich wildlife observation area and a natural bird habitat. Firethorne combines the vibrancy of West Houston with the small-town charm of Katy/Fulshear. Served by the award-winning Katy Independent School District, the community is strategically located on FM 1463 near the crossroads of the 1-10 West corridor, the Westpark Tollway and the Grand Parkway.

To tour Firethorne, take I-10 West and exit Pin Oak to FM 1463, call the Visitor Center, 281-693-1011, or visit www.firethorne.info.

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