2009 may not have featured the outsize and grandiose visions, the stormy weather, or the hairpin turns of fortune that made the previous year so notable for Houston. But there’s still plenty to celebrate. For our second year, Swamplot will be calling out the best, most, and much too much of the local real estate world. And it all begins next week!

Starting on Monday, Swamplot will announce the categories for the second annual Swamplot Awards for Houston Real Estate, rewarding the neighborhoods, developments, designs, personalities, and dreams that have helped make Houston real estate so entertaining.

We’ll announce the award categories one at a time. But we need your help to come up with the right slate of nominees for each. You be the judge: What was notable in 2009? What caught your eye and wouldn’t let go? What valiant efforts are deserving of recognition?

There will be a few minor changes to the voting rules this year. But all nominations and votes for these awards will come from Swamplot readers. We hope you’ll participate and join in the fun!