Sunterra Blog

So, you've decided to host a cookie exchange. Bravo! You’ve just signed up for a sugary circus where flour flies like confetti and chocolate chips are practically a food group. If you're panicking about not living up to a Pinterest-perfect standard, relax. Your guests will be providing the cookies, you just need to provide the space to show off their festive ...

Want to get the most out of your culinary adventures in the kitchen? Try zoning out. Not in the sense of taking a mind vacation, more along the lines of setting up kitchen zones. Kitchen zones make preparing, cooking and cleaning more manageable. It’s like building your own culinary command center. So, take a deep breath and let us help you bring some order to the ...

The holidays are approaching and with them come holiday guests. How can you welcome them with style and grace, so everyone enjoys a happy holiday season? Remember that it’s all about creating a harmonious blend of sights, scents and sounds that envelop them in warmth and cheer from the moment they arrive. Here are five more tips: Make a Great First ...

You spent a wonderful day at the pumpkin patch picking perfectly shaped gourds to turn into jack-o'-lanterns. Don’t they deserve better than three triangles and a lopsided grin? This year, why not elevate your pumpkin carving game by using unique tools that can help you create intricate and stunning designs? Not sure where to start? Here are 10 great tools and tips ...

There’s a lot to think about when you have a baby on the way, but the most fun is decorating the nursery. A well-designed nursery not only serves as a cozy space for your baby but also makes daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. How do you do it? We have some ideas. Furniture that’s Functional Choose furniture that will grow with your child. It will be less ...

Everyone deserves the opportunity to own their own home. That’s the focus of Starlight Homes, the newest builder in Sunterra. They want homeownership to be accessible and affordable for everyone, particularly for first-time buyers. Starlight Homes, in conjunction with parent company Ashton Woods, has helped more than 60,000 families become homeowners. They do this ...

Who doesn’t want a spa-worthy bath, a place that blends luxury, comfort and a serene atmosphere. If you have purchased a new home in Sunterra, it’s entirely doable. All you need is your builder and these spa-tastic ideas: Make the Tub Your Focal Point A standout feature of any spa-inspired bathroom is a luxurious bathtub. Consider installing a freestanding tub ...

School has been in session for a few weeks and some of you may already being running out of packed lunch ideas. We get it. Packing school lunches can feel like a daunting task, especially when trying to balance nutrition, taste and variety. Have no fear, we are here to help you get an A+ in lunch with ideas that will appeal to the pickiest eaters. And you can do it ...

The mid-year RCLCO Real Estate Consulting top 50 master-planned communities report is out, and we have a lot of reasons to brag — we are No. 1 in Texas and No. 3 in the nation! The annual list ranks communities based on new-home sales from January through June. Builders sold a whopping 774 homes in that time, a 16 percent increase over the previous year. But ...

Summer isn’t over which means there’s still time for a road trip. Living in Sunterra puts you in a prime location for some fantastic day trips. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences or family-friendly fun, there's something for everyone within easy driving distance. Houston It isn’t possible to see everything Houston has to offer ...

Summer just got a whole lot cooler now that The Retreat at Sunterra is open! Our new amenity complex is ready to rock with a resort-style pool for splashing and a lazy river for floating your cares away. The beautiful pool features chairs for lounging and sunbathing, as well as covered areas to shield you from the sun’s rays. There’s even a lazy river where you ...

Homes (lots of homes!) and amenities have been under construction in Sunterra lately and now there’s something else — a Kiddie Academy. Construction started in February on the 11,500-square-foot facility that is expected to open late this year. It will be the first daycare facility for our community. The $4.5 million daycare will have 11 classrooms and an ...

Moving to Sunterra is an excellent opportunity for parents to make new friends. A great place to do that will be The Retreat which features a Kids Zone in the clubhouse. We’ll also have a playground where children can play and socialize and parents and caregivers can connect and build friendships. Here are some tips for striking up conversations and building those ...

Who hasn’t dreamed of rocking the resort lifestyle? Waking up in the morning and taking a stroll on a white sand beach, spending the afternoon floating serenely down a lazy river or kayaking on turquoise water? Sure, it sounds like a dream, but you can make it a reality when you purchase a new home in Sunterra. Resort-style living is coming soon to Sunterra, ...

The Retreat at Sunterra is under construction, and it won’t be long before residents have access to a beautiful resort-style pool surrounded by a lazy river. Which means residents will soon be planning the perfect pool day. If you are too, we’ve compiled a list of things to do to get ready for the pool: Pack the Essentials Pack a bag the night before, or just ...

Sunterra is the No. 1 best-selling master-planned community in Texas. What attracts families? Why do our residents love to live here? It’s simple. Beautiful homes, a Katy address, friendly neighbors, great schools, plenty of nearby attractions and some amazing amenities coming soon to our community. Your home is your launchpad to adventure, so you want to be sure ...

The Retreat at Sunterra will be an action-packed amenity village where families can engage in their favorite activities. We’re especially looking forward to the tennis courts, currently under construction. Tennis is a great way to have fun, get some exercise and meet your neighbors. Never played? Here’s what you need to know. Starting Equipment You'll need a ...

What’s the hardest part about purchasing a new home in Sunterra? Waiting for it to be built. How long will it take from start to finish? That depends on many factors, but here’s what you can expect so you can plan your move. Setting the Foundation Once you sign the paperwork, your builder can start laying the foundation. At this time, you will probably meet ...

It is trends time again. Time to look at what’s in and what’s out for interior design. Hold on. What about exterior design? You know, the front and back yards. The elevation. The front door. Things that make an impression. Where do you start when it comes to designing outdoor spaces for your Sunterra home? Here are a few of the latest trends for 2024: Pick Your ...

Walk-in closets are a wonderful thing. Of course, they don’t do you much good if they aren’t organized. Customizing your closet organization to fit your specific needs can help create a functional and visually appealing space. How? We have a few ideas. Double Hanging Rods Install a second hanging rod below the existing one to maximize vertical space for shorter ...

Sunterra is starting the new year at No. 3 on two lists of the top-selling master-planned communities in the nation. Our builders sold nearly 1,300 homes in Sunterra last year, enough to put us No. 3 nationally and No. 1 in Texas, according to RCLCO Real Estate Consulting and John Burns Research & Consulting. It was an increase of 63 percent over 2022 home ...

Whether you’ve just moved into your new Sunterra home or looking to change things up, window coverings play a crucial role in setting the tone for a room. How do you find the perfect balance of style and functionality? We have some ideas: Assess Your Needs The first step in choosing window treatments is to assess your needs. Decide how much light control and ...

Celebrating your first Christmas in your new home should be a memorable occasion. You’ll want to create special moments and traditions that resonate with you. If you are moving into a new home, here are some suggestions to help make Christmas a festive and unforgettable experience. Personalize Your Decorations Invest in personalized decorations that represent ...

When you talk to your Sunterra builder about the interior design of your home, keep one word in mind — consistency. Consistency in interior design refers to creating a harmonious and cohesive look throughout a space. How? Here are some tips: Define Your Style Whether it's contemporary, traditional, rustic or eclectic, having a defined style will guide your design ...

As Thanksgiving approaches, our thoughts naturally turn to giving thanks for what we have. Gratitude is an important life skill that can help children develop a more positive and appreciative mindset. Here are some tips: Be a Role Model Let children see you being grateful. Express appreciation for everyday moments, acts of kindness and the people around you. ...

Halloween is the perfect time to get creative in the kitchen and conjure up some spooktacular treats for your friends and family. Eerie and sweet, here are some bewitching Halloween treats you can make in the kitchen of your new Sunterra home. Ghoulishly Good Candy It’s easy to make these delicious and scary candy truffles. White chocolate bark with malted milk ...

Small spaces present a unique and exciting challenge for homeowners. Whether you've downsized to a smaller home or just want to make the most of your tiniest bedroom, the key to making the most of your space is clever design. Here are some tips to help you go big in a small space. Embrace Open Floor Plans Open floor plans are great no matter what size home you ...

Sunny days floating along a lazy river and playing in a resort-style pool are ahead for residents of Sunterra now that The Retreat is under construction. The Retreat will feature a resort-style pool with a water slide, lazy river, splash pad and more. A large clubhouse — complete with a fitness center, meeting rooms and event space — will overlook the amenity ...

Shopaholics, fashionistas and those that just need a little retail therapy are in luck when they move to Sunterra. Our Katy location puts you near a variety of shopping centers catering to diverse tastes and needs. Whether you're in search of fashion-forward finds, home decor or unique gifts, you are sure to find it at one of these shopping destinations: Katy ...

What is the one defining element no bedroom should be without? A beautiful headboard. Your headboard is an opportunity to express your style and personality while creating a welcoming and cozy bedroom environment. How does it work? Here are a few ideas gleaned from our gorgeous model homes: Headboards 101 When choosing a headboard, there are some things you should ...

Buying a new home is exciting but not always easy. It's a journey that requires careful consideration of financial factors while also listening to your heart's desires. What do you do when your head wants one thing and your heart another? We have some ideas. What’s Important Before you start looking at homes, decide what is important to you. What are your ...

Sunterra students go back to Katy ISD schools Aug. 16. You know what that means? It’s time to pack those lunch boxes! Keep things interesting and prevent lunchtime trading with these creative and delicious options. Start with Sandwiches Some kids really like sandwiches. That doesn’t mean they have to be boring PBJs. Bake up a batch of these Everything Bagels, ...

Moving can be an overwhelming experience for children. While you may be looking forward to your new house and neighborhood, they may be thinking about the things they are leaving behind. You can help by preparing them for what’s to come — turning a stressful experience into a great adventure. Here’s how. Talk to Them Communication is key when it comes to ...

Sunterra is a launch pad for family adventures and not just because it’s like having a resort in your backyard. Sunterra’s excellent Katy location puts you at the center of the Houston area’s many attractions, so a staycation is as easy as booking a great family-friendly hotel. Here are some of our favorites: Hyatt Place Houston — Sugar Land Overlooking ...

All home loans require you to pay interest. The higher the prevailing interest rate, the higher your monthly mortgage payment. Lowering the interest rate on your home loan should be a priority. Two of the best ways to do this are interest rate buy-downs and interest rate locks. If you don’t know what those are, here’s a primer. Interest Rate Buy-Down It is ...

Turn Your Bedroom Into an Oasis A bedroom should be more than a place to lay your weary head. It should be an oasis of calm, a place where you can relax and enjoy a good book or your favorite podcast. Your Sunterra builder can help you with that. They offer a variety of upgrades and options so you can create a room that is beautiful and uniquely yours. Crown Your ...

Teen Sunterra residents attend Katy High School. Known for excellent academics and fantastic extracurricular activities, the school also boasts a wide range of clubs and organizations. Getting involved in one or more helps students develop leadership skills, make new friends and enjoy their high school experience. Here are some of the many options students can choose ...

Keep kids busy all summer long at these amazing camps near Sunterra. From art to horses, there’s something for everyone to love. Art Camps Cordovan Art School Days and times vary, May 30–Aug.17 Ages 5-16 $272-$559 Gather paint palettes and smocks for some artistic fun. More than 40 themed, half-day and full-day camps are available teaching the use of clay, ...

What’s trending in kitchens this year? We’re glad you asked! Homebuyers are looking for bigger, bolder and brighter with a dash of comfort and convenience thrown in. Check out list of 2023 design trends then speak with your Sunterra builder to see about adding any or all of them to your new home. Do-It-All Islands Homebuyers are investing in longer, large ...

Think you only need a Realtor if you are planning to buy an existing home? Think again. Even if your goal is to purchase a new construction home in a community like Sunterra, a Realtor can help you navigate the home buying process, leaving you time for more important things. Here are the reasons everyone should consult a Realtor: They Represent You When it comes ...

Young Sunterra residents benefit from attending Katy ISD schools, and so can you! The Katy ISD Community Education Program is now enrolling adult students for the spring semester. For more than 30 years, the program has offered general public classes covering a range of topics from the arts to computer literacy. Classes are held at campuses throughout the district. ...

There’s something special about being the first person to live in a home. There’s no need to replace hideous brown carpeting, knock down walls, or paint old kitchen cabinets. Everything in a new-build home is fresh and, well, new! That’s not the only benefit. Here are five more ways buying a new home in Sunterra benefits you. It’s All You When you purchase ...

A holly jolly Christmas isn’t complete without a beautifully decorated tree. Many families will be flocking to local Christmas tree farms and lots. If you are one of them, how do you go about picking the perfect one? Here are some tips from Sunterra residents. Measure First If the tree you buy doesn’t fit your space, you will be doing a lot of tree trimming ...

Sunterra residents love holiday parties. Their gorgeous kitchens have everything they need to turn out delectable small plates to serve at potlucks, tree trimming and New Year shindigs. If you’re looking for a little inspiration for your own parties, here are some of their favorite dishes. Break Out the Dip Retire the dried soup mix and sour cream dip in favor of ...

When it comes to holiday happenings, Katy really knows how to celebrate. From turkey trots to Santa sightings, there’s something for everyone. If you live in Sunterra, you can easily make every one of these events. Races Run the Turkey Dash 7 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 24 Free to watch Get some exercise before you feast! Choose the timed 5 or 10K. Families can ...

Moving — the thought of it is almost enough to make you forgo the many advantages (energy efficiency, modern layout, new appliances — just to name a few!) of owning a new home. But with a little thought and planning, that dreaded chore can turn into something that is much smoother than expected. Let’s unpack those tips to get your stuff on the moving truck and ...

Trick-or-treating is a time-honored tradition kids look forward to every year. It’s an opportunity for them to show off their costumes and pick up a cauldron full of candy. To make the night even sweeter, pre-plan and take precautions for a safe and fun Halloween. Dress to Impress (But Safely) Having a great trick-or-treating experience starts with a great ...

The Katy High School football team is coming home on Thursday, Sept. 22, to play Mayde Creek at Rhodes Stadium. You know what that means. Time to break out the mums. Mums? If you aren’t from Texas, you might not know about this unique homecoming tradition. Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Here’s the skinny on everything homecoming in the Lone Star State, so when ...

You’ve chosen your floor plan and your homesite. Now it’s time to make your new Sunterra home your own by putting your stylish stamp on it. Flooring, countertops and cabinets, paint and more are available in a dizzying array of styles, colors and materials. How do you make the right choices for you? We have some thoughts. Define Your Style Are you a ...

The well-respected Robert Charles Lesser & Co. (RCLCO) mid-year report was recently released, and Sunterra crushed the competition, becoming one of the top 10 best-selling master-planned communities in the nation. The housing research firm ranks communities based on new-home sales from January through June. Sunterra scored the No. 8 position, with 450 home ...

You’ve made the big decision to buy a new home — congratulations! And you may have even made your next biggest decisions — where and which floor plan. Again, kudos to you! But your decision-making duties aren’t quite done yet. If buying new from the ground up, you’ll likely be taking a trip to your builder’s design center. There, you’ll choose your ...

Need art for your new home? The perfect plant? A unique gift? Find it all at Katy Market Day. The ultimate artisan fair happens from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every third Saturday of the month, March through November, in historic downtown Katy. Hosted and organized by Limited Edition Art & Antiques, the market has been delighting shoppers for more than 20 ...

There’s a lot to consider when you visit your Sunterra builders’ design centers. Countertops, cabinets and floors may be a priority, but spare a thought for lighting. The right lighting and fixtures can transform any home from drab to delightful. We break down the science and offer a few design tips. The Science of Light Choosing the right lightbulbs is the ...

Your new home in Sunterra is ready. All that’s left for you to do is unload the moving truck and meet your new neighbors. Sounds easy in theory, but many people find it difficult. Not to worry. Sunterra is all about building community. Follow these tips and you’ll be hanging with your neighbors in no time. Say Hello Sunterra residents are always ready with ...

When you want a home designed to balance beauty, function and sophistication, you want to build with Westin Homes. Westin Homes has been impressing homebuyers with their designs for more than two decades. Each floor plan has been carefully designed to meet both the practical and aesthetic needs of modern families. Take the builder’s popular Albany floor plan. ...

The goal of any high school is to turn out accomplished young adults who are well prepared to succeed in the future. Katy High School has been doing that for nearly 125 years. Generations of Katy residents have attended Katy High. Some — including Renee Zellweger and Andy Dalton — have even gone on to become famous. Famous or not, Katy Tigers have all received ...

Are you ready for your design center appointment? Ready to choose your cabinets, countertops, flooring, fixtures, paint and more? Sounds overwhelming? It doesn’t have to be. Builders provide you with design consultants to help you make the best choices. Still, it doesn’t hurt to come prepared. Here are some tips. A Blueprint for Success Your builder uses ...

A new home shouldn’t be any home. It should be your home. It should be crafted with you in mind. That’s why your new home in Sunterra should start with Empire Communities. Empire is a family-owned company that has been building homes for nearly 30 years. Because they are family-owned, they ask themselves the big questions. “How big would my kitchen need to ...

Got a kid who loves digging holes? Save your backyard and give them an experience they won’t forget at Dig World, Katy’s newest amusement park! The first construction-themed park in Texas, Dig World allows adults and children to safely operate real heavy construction equipment. That includes using a full-size Caterpillar 306 mini-excavator to fish things out ...

What is there to love about Katy, Texas? What isn’t there! From exceptional schools to family-friendly attractions, Katy has something for everyone. The city with the small-town vibe has won numerous accolades, including being named the third-hottest neighborhood in the nation by Opendoors in 2022, the 2021 No. 1 retirement spot in Texas by SmartAsset and the ...

It goes without saying that your home should make you happy. So why are we saying it? To point you in the direction of Gehan Homes, a builder who works hard to ensure that you are happy in your home for years to come. Gehan has been building homes for more than 25 years. During that time, the builder has won a bounty of awards — including being named the 2020 ...

You did it. You bought a beautiful new home in Sunterra. There’s just one thing standing between you and your new life – the move. Moving is right up there with marriage and having children when it comes to stressful life events. Not to worry. We have some tips that will ensure things go smoothly. Get to Know the Neighborhood Visit your new neighborhood and ...

When choosing your builder, you want a name you can trust. For more than 30 years, Highland Homes has been building trust on a foundation of customer service, livable floor plans and energy efficiency. The builder has won numerous awards, including the 2020 Houston Chronicle's Best of the Best and 2020 Houston Agent Magazine Builder of the Year. Highland is an ...

Homes are selling fast in Sunterra, with people drawn to the Katy community for the schools, amenities and availability of homes priced from the $200,000s to the $500,000s. In fact, home sales have just started, and builders are reporting more than 70 home sales for 2022. The sales price of the reported homes range from the $250,000s to $450,000s, and the majority ...

When it comes to your new home, it’s not how much square footage you have but how your square footage is distributed that gives you the space you need. HistoryMaker Homes maximizes the functional space in your home so it feels big, bold and uncluttered. Designed to give you more of what you want, HistoryMaker home designs minimize unused spaces like hallways, ...

Getting prequalified for a loan is a great first step when you’re ready to begin shopping for your first home. It’s an easy way to dip your toes into the process and understand how much home you can afford. If you’ve begun looking for a new home in a beautiful neighborhood such as Sunterra, you may have noticed that the homes range in price from the high ...

When it comes to choosing a builder to construct the home of your dreams, you want a builder known for a tradition of excellence. A builder that is committed to innovative design, high-quality construction and exceptional customer service. Perry Homes is that builder. Perry Homes ranked ninth on the Houston Chronicle’s 2021 list of top 100 private companies in ...

There are at least two reasons to make the move to Sunterra — a beautiful home and the opportunity to live a laid-back lagoon life. A third reason (if you need one) is the Katy Boardwalk District. The 169-acre mixed-use development project has been under construction since 2019. Located at Kingsland Boulevard and Prairie Parkway, just south of I-10, the complex ...

From home offices with enhanced Wi-Fi to multi-use workspaces near the kitchen, Pulte Homes gives you more for your homebuying dollars so you can get more out of life. Pulte has been building homes for more than 70 years. Their award-winning designs combine quality construction with unique built-in features that improve the way people live in their ...

Sunterra residents are in for a treat — having a Crystal Lagoons® amenity right in their backyard. But what is it? It’s a tropical experience like no other! Land Tejas has championed crystal clear lagoons in the Houston area and so far, is the only developer to invest in bringing a lagoon to a master-planned community. Much more than a pool, these ...

If you had the opportunity to send your children to schools in one of the top 20 districts in Texas, wouldn’t you? Of course. Which is why Sunterra is the smart choice. Our community is zoned to Katy ISD, ranked No. 15 in Texas and No. 2 in the Houston area. This year, Niche, a respected ranking review site, awarded Katy ISD the No. 2 spot on a list of the Best ...

With more than 50 years of building experience homes and multiple awards, Shea Homes could rest on its laurels, but it doesn’t. Instead, they are always on the lookout for innovative methods to meet homebuyers’ changing needs. Shea knows that the way homeowners utilize the living spaces in their homes is constantly changing. They focus on making their homes ...