The Planned Communities of Sugar Land

August 13th, 2010

Located in eastern Fort Bend County, Sugar Land is located just 20 miles south of downtown Houston. Sugar Land is a thriving, dynamic city that boasts a number of superb, master-planned communities, as well as top-rated schools and civic organizations.

Sugar Land has a strong commitment to diversity, and has been named, for the third year in a row, a Community of Respect by the Anti-Defamation League. The excellent quality of life in Sugar Land has made this city an excellent place in which to raise a family.

The planned communities of Sugar Land, which are then comprised of numerous neighborhoods that feature Sugar Land new homes, are quickly growing to meet the demands of the quickly population. Many of the Sugar Land new homes are quite reasonably priced, thereby making this community very attractive to homebuyers of many different income levels.

The Master-Planned Communities of Sugar Land:

  • Avalon – This waterfront community of Sugar Land, which boasts more than 427 acres and four neighborhoods, features more than 70 acres of lakes, thereby making this community incredibly popular among individuals who enjoy water recreation. Homes in this community are either of the custom or semi-custom variety, and prices can range anywhere from the $200,000s to more than $1 million.
  • First Colony – The green space alone is enough to lure any home buyer in to First Colony. From its expansive greenbelts and lakes to its beautiful lakes and pristinely landscaped common areas, First Colony is a large community of more than 17,000 homes. Homes in First Colony range from small apartments to larger, single-family homes and can range in price from the $130,000s to more than $1 million.
  • Lake Pointe Town Center – Lake Point Town Center, which is conveniently located in the heart of Sugar Land, features 190 acres of mixed-use development and a nice array of residential dwellings, including gated, waterfront villas, stately brownstones, mid-rise condominiums and sleek, urban-inspired townhomes. Homes in Lake Pointe Town Center can vary in price, from the $400,000s to over $1 million.
  • River Park – Homes in this community enjoy river-front property status, and are situated along a picturesque, natural park, which features wooded trails and wildlife preserves. Homes in River Park range from the $120,000s to the $250,000s.
  • Sugar Creek – Sugar Creek is home to two, private country clubs, a community park and playground, and a number of restaurants, banks and churches. More than 1,500 households are located in Sugar Creek. Sugar Land new homes here range from the $130,000s to almost $2 million.
  • Telfair – As Sugar Land’s newest home community, Telfair features 2,000 acres, with nearly 300 hundred of those acres being dedicated to recreational space, including a 70-acre lake and an extensive trail system. Sugar Land new homes in Telfair start in the $250,000s.

Uptown Office Towers get their Final Touches

July 19th, 2010

The Uptown real estate market is decidedly better off than it was just a few months ago, thanks to the addition of two new office towers.

17Seventeen McKinney and Saint Ann Court are latest additions to Uptown Houston’s already bustling office market. Located just a few blocks away from one another, both towers are a fine example of the value of building in Houston’s Uptown district. The Uptown real estate market, which is rebounding nicely after the fiasco of 2009, is becoming the hot spot for business and commerce – and the developers of 17Seventeen McKinney and Saint Ann Court are counting on it.

The doors of both of these buildings have opened, yet some construction does still remain. Builders of both projects expect the construction’s finishing touches to be wrapped up in just a few weeks.

17Seventeen McKinney

Work began on 17Seventeen McKinney, which is a 361,000-square-foot building, nearly two years ago, when the economy and the real estate market were booming. Although the developer plans to fill up this building rather quickly with tenants, 17Seventeen McKinney will certainly be one of the last projects for some time in Uptown due to tight credit restrictions.

17Seventeen McKinney, which was designed by Dallas architectural firm Good Fulton & Farrell, is a striking high-rise tower which boasts a concrete, steel and glass exterior. The ground floor of the building features a beautiful interior of polished wood and stone, and decorated works of art by local artists line the walls.

One of the most impressive spaces in the building, however, is seven floors off the ground. The seventh-floor, one-acre garden connects the office tower to the apartment building next door, thereby providing an “oasis in the sky” for the tenants of the building and the residents of the neighboring apartment building.

Saint Ann Court

Saint Ann Court, which is the product of developer Harwood International, is now at 70 percent capacity. This 26-story office tower is now the tallest office in Uptown. Some of the current tenants include: the Boston Consulting Group, McGuire, Craddock & Struther, Francis Enterprises and Daniel Sheehan & Associates.

Some of the impressive amenities of Saint Ann Court include a glass-floored lounge, a concierge desk and striking, vintage, Japanese samurai art covering the walls.

Fantastic Cypress Neighborhoods for Superb Northwest Houston Living

July 13th, 2010

Northwest Houston real estate is strong and dynamic, as many Houstonians are discovering the beautiful new home communities found here. We love Northwest Houston real estate because of its location and it great selection of homes of nearly every price point.

Cypress, a very popular area of Northwest Houston, boasts some excellent neighborhoods, many of which boast fantastic green spaces, community amenities and an excellent variety of quality real estate. Here is our pick for Cypress’ best neighborhoods:

  • Bridgeland – When considering Northwest Houston real estate, Bridgeland is tops. This superb neighborhood of Cypress features gorgeous, natural lakes and expansive green spaces. Bridgeland has a commitment to conservation and recreation, thereby making this community a great refuge for families. In fact, over 3,000 acres in Bridgeland have been dedicated to lakes, trails and parks. From its award-winning schools to its economic stability, Bridgeland has ranked as one of the top master-planned communities in the country. Community amenities include: recreation centers; a resort-style swimming complex; a community center, complete with a fitness center, playgrounds and tennis courts; and plenty of walking and biking trails.
  • Cypress Creek Lakes – The master-planned community of Cypress Creek Lakes is ideally located near a number of major roadways, including Highway 290, as well as a wide variety of dining, shopping and entertainment destinations. There are plenty of new homes for sale in Cypress Creek Lakes, many of which are built by the area’s most prestigious home builders, including Perry Homes, Coventry Homes, Brighton Homes, Meritage Homes and David Weekley Homes.
  • Fairfield – Northwest Houston real estate in Fairfield is excellent, thanks to this master-planned community of beautiful homes and excellent community amenities. Some of the community amenities of Fairfield include: neighborhood swimming pools; parks and playgrounds; trails and lakes; and a 15,000-square-foot athletic club, complete with a swimming pool, tennis courts, and a 20-acre sports complex that features both baseball and soccer fields. In addition, Fairfield has eight lakes and plenty of pocket parks and greenbelts throughout the community. Homes in Fairfield range from the $140,000s to the $700,000s and children attend the award-winning Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District.

What to Expect in a Real Estate Purchase Agreement

July 12th, 2010

A real estate purchase agreement, just like any other piece of legal paperwork, can be a bit confusing. In addition, there are many things that you will want to consider before signing a real estate purchase agreement.

In particular, you will want to make sure that the terms and conditions of the purchase agreement are suitable to you, the buyer for the purchase of an Uptown property.

The first thing you need to understand is that a standard purchase agreement for a residential real estate transaction is quite lengthy and quite complicated.  However, don’t use this excuse for not thoroughly reading the agreement, as this could spell disaster for you. Take the time to read the purchase agreement carefully and immediately ask for clarification on anything that you don’t fully understand.

Although you will need to be slightly flexible with the seller when it comes to negotiating your real estate purchase agreement, you should not sign it until it is satisfactory to you.

Here is a list of questions that you will want to ask yourself when reading the purchase agreement:

  • When does the inspection need to be completed? Who is responsible for making the repairs as a result of the inspection? Make sure your purchase agreement leaves room to negotiate repairs with the seller. A standard purchase agreement will likely have some language regarding repairs on the home as a result of the inspection report.
  • Is the seller providing a home warranty on the property? If not, it may be in your best interest (and the seller’s, for that matter) to purchase a home warranty for the property. Most of the time sellers are willing to foot the bill for a home warranty on the property.
  • When is the escrow due to close? The closing date on the purchase agreement is one of the most important details, for both the buyer and the seller, so pay close attention to the date and make sure that it is convenient and realistic for you. Once again, you may have to be flexible in this area, but it should nevertheless be satisfactory to you.

The Edge Condos – Midtown Houston’s Hottest new Address

July 1st, 2010

Midtown Houston is often an afterthought when it comes to Houston real estate – but it shouldn’t be! In fact, Midtown Houston is a fabulous place to call home and the Midtown Houston real estate here is superb!

Midtown Houston is often known for its cultural diversity, and is a hot spot now for both residential and commercial dwellings. This mixed-use community is pedestrian-friendly and home to many Houstonians who want to work, live and play in the same area.

Midtown Houston enjoys a great location, as it is situated between downtown Houston, Montrose and the Texas Medical Center, thereby creating plenty of job opportunities for the residents that live there. . The Houston Business Journal, upon completion of the condos in 2007, called the Edge Condos “the first new condominium community close to Downtown in 30 years.”

Because of the growing popularity of Midtown Houston, Midtown Houston real estate is now highly sought after. It is not uncommon to find a great array of housing options here, including condos, high rises and lofts. Midtown Houston real estate also boasts a number of newly constructed – and reasonably priced – townhomes.

The Edge Condos

The Edge Condos, which is one of the newest mid-rise buildings in Houston, boast excellent Midtown Houston real estate. Consisting of a six-floor building with 93 residences, the Edge enjoys a fantastic location, just steps from the heart of downtown Houston.

These reasonably priced condos, which range from the $200,000s to the $500,000s, feature a load of amenities, including:

  • Concierge service
  • Fitness center
  • Swimming pool and spa
  • Community center
  • Media room
  • Business center
  • Residence lounge with entertainment kitchen
  • Outdoor grilling stations
  • Indoor theater
  • Assigned, garage parking

The interior features of the Edge include granite countertops, tile floors and stainless steel appliances, just to name a few. In addition, the beautiful, modern lobby of the Edge features sleek furniture and soaring windows.

Many of the units boast panoramic, “front row” views of Downtown Houston. The units on the west side of the building feature a picturesque setting of mature old oak trees, while the units on the courtyard side feature views of the property’s beautifully landscape and waterscaped-designed wall.

It’s the Small Details that Count: Preparing your Home for Sale

June 30th, 2010

The real estate market is still a competitive one, as there are still many sellers looking to unload their homes. It is therefore important to understand that your home must be in excellent condition if you expect a quick sale.

Because buyers of today have such a wide selection of homes from which to choose, they are typically searching for turnkey homes; homes that they can move right into without changing much.

If you want your home to outshine others in your price range or in your neighborhood, then you need to go above and beyond in terms of preparing your home for sale. You may have already tended to the obvious: repairing broken fixtures; installing new hardwood floors; and giving the house a good cleaning; but have you considered the small details?

  • Driveway – Make sure your driveway is clear if any messes or stains, such as oil stains. You can rent a pressure washer to get the job done, or you can also hire a landscape or concrete company to do it for you.
  • Window screens – Repair or replace any damaged window screens. If you don’t have time to this, remove them completely from the windows, but keep them in storage because the next owners will likely want to use them.
  • Blinds – Give all the blinds in your home a good cleaning or replace them with new ones. And don’t forget to open all of the blinds in your home during a showing or open house so that the sunlight can filter into each room.
  • Light Bulbs – Make sure every light fixture in your home has a working bulb in it.
  • Chandelier – When was the last time you cleaned your foyer or dining room chandelier? If you can’t answer that question, then it’s probably time to get to work and make it sparkle again.
  • Appliances – Your appliances should be sparkling, inside and out. If they aren’t then you will need to get your elbow grease out and make them shine.
  • Landscaping – Grab the clippers and head outside to trim back any overgrown bushes or plants. Also, remove any dead plant or flower material from your beds to instantly freshen them up.

The Best Urban Digs in Downtown Houston

June 8th, 2010

Downtown Houston has some of the most spectacular condo living. In fact, downtown Houston condos are, without a doubt, the place to be if you want to experience urban living at its finest. From spectacular views and central location to loads of entertainment and excitement, downtown Houston condos are highly sought after and in high demand.

If you love downtown Houston condos, then consider one of the following three downtown Houston condo buildings:

  1. Live Oak Lofts – Comfortably situated in a quaint, historic district on the edge of downtown Houston, Live Oaks Lofts is a great combination of modern amenities and fantastic, historic construction. For example, Live Oaks was constructed within an old, 1930’s brick warehouse, thereby providing the coolest, urban industrial-inspired atmosphere. In addition, the interiors boast such features as exposed brick and ductwork and hardwood and concrete floors. However, you will soon find modern amenities and conveniences are all around you. From the granite kitchens and the stainless steel appliances to the spa-inspired bathrooms, Live Oaks Lofts have everything a modern, urban dweller would want.
  2. The Franklin Lofts- If you love loft living, then you will definitely love the Franklin Lofts. Located in the heart of downtown Houston, the Franklin Lofts are one of Houston’s premier lofts residences. Comprised of just six residential floors and just 11 condominiums, the Franklin Lofts all combine beautiful, historical elements, such as exposed brick walks, soaring ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows. The Franklin Lofts are also quite reasonably priced, as they start in the mid $200,000s.
  3. Cosmopolitan Houston – The Cosmopolitan Houston boasts outstanding architecture and world-class amenities, all within a fabulous, downtown Houston location. Often referred to as “urban getaway,” the Cosmopolitan Houston boasts such features as world-class gourmet kitchens and spa-inspired master bathrooms. Breathtaking, panoramic views of the city can be enjoyed from any one of the homes of the Cosmopolitan Houston, thereby making these downtown Houston condos the perfect home for any Houstonian seeking the finest in urban living. From wine coolers and gourmet coffee systems, the features found throughout the residences of the Cosmopolitan Houston are simply second to none.

A Closer Look at the Real Estate Market of the Heights

June 7th, 2010

With a fabulous location and a great real estate market, Houston’s Heights neighborhood is the place to be.

The Heights enjoys a close proximity to downtown Houston, thereby making it an extremely popular place to call home for many Houston professionals. It is also located just north of Montrose, another very popular neighborhood of Houston’s Inner Loop.

Although the Heights enjoys a prime, urban locale, there is no short supply of green spaces found here. In fact, there are five parks in close proximity to the Heights, along with a number of walking and biking trails.

A Hot Bed of Real Estate Activity

The Heights real estate market, since about 2007, has been a hot bed of activity. In fact, real estate here is now highly sought after because of its excellent appreciation value. The Heights real estate market is quite eclectic, as it is not uncommon to find older homes beside brand new ones. The Heights real estate market is varied, as this neighborhood features everything from single-family homes to high rise condos.

Although the location of the Heights is highly desirable, as it is close to both downtown Houston (just four miles away) and the Medical District, both of which are home to countless employers and businesses, the prices for Heights real estate remains quite reasonable. Many individuals, scared away by the steep prices of downtown Houston, find that both the home prices and the homes themselves are quite attractive in the Heights.

Some of the other surrounding neighborhoods of the Heights include: Garden Oaks, Timbergrove, Camp Logan, Crestwood and Memorial Park/Rice Military.

The Charm and Character of the Heights

The Heights real estate market is also quite desirable, thanks to its enforced deed restrictions that keep the charm and character of the neighborhood intact. The historical significance of the community, combined with its beautiful architecture and small-town character, make this area of Houston a highly sought after place to call home.

Some of other advantages to living in the Height include: the Heights Playground, its 19th Street Historic Business District and it outstanding public school system. This community also holds several, annual events, such as the Historic Heights Home and Garden Tour, the Heights Fun Run, the Heights Festival and Christmas in the Heights.

The Challenges of Selling your Home FSBO

June 5th, 2010

There are some homeowners who have successfully sold their Conroe house FSBO, but for the majority of sellers, it may be best to stick with a real estate company.

Although it may seem quite appealing to skip the realtor commissions and keep the profit from your house to yourself, but the fact of the matter is that there are many good reasons why real estate agents deserve a piece of the pie. And here’s why:

  1. You can’t list a FSBO property on the MLS. The multiple listing service is strictly open to licensed real estate brokers and agents, not for individuals who are selling their homes FSBO. The fact of the matter is that most buyers will head directly to the MLS when searching for a home, and if your home is not found there, you are missing out on a great deal of opportunities to sell your home. Simply put, there is no better way to achieve maximum exposure than by listing your home on the MLS!
  2. There are many buyer agents who will not show a FSBO home. When a home is listed with a real estate company, the buyer’s agent will receive a percentage of the commission received by the seller’s agent once the home is sold; however, with a FSBO property, there is no guarantee that the buyer’s agent will receive any type of compensation for their services unless the buyer has already signed a brokerage agreement that details compensation for their agent.
  3. A qualified real estate agent will ensure that your home is priced accurately so you can be sure to get the maximum amount of traffic. Many sellers who list their homes FSBO overprice their home, thereby deterring many potential buyers.
  4. Many buyers may feel uncomfortable dealing with a homeowner. Many buyers, in fact, may avoid FSBO properties because they don’t want to tour a Conroe home with the seller present and they don’t want to negotiate directly with the seller. This may, again, deter buyers from looking at your home.

Consider Objectivity when Purchasing a Home

June 3rd, 2010

Purchasing a River home is one of the biggest financial decisions you will likely ever make. It can be exciting, exhilarating and stressful. Because there are so many emotions involved with purchasing a home, you may find yourself letting your emotions guide you in the home buying process.

Although you may walk into your dream home and instantly fall in love, you have to take a step back and consider all of your needs and wants. In other words, don’t let your emotions get the best of you! It takes a level head and a lot of consideration to find the home that will best suit you, your family and your budget.

The Price of the Home

You may find a home that meets all of your requirements, but the price is just a little too high. However, upon walking into the River Oaks property and falling in love with the vaulted ceilings and gleaming hardwood floors, the idea of your budget may become a distant memory. Make sure to ask yourself plenty of questions, including:

“What will my monthly payments be if I were to purchase this home?”

“How much will I need to have for a down payment?

“Will I have enough money to comfortably handle home expenses, maintenance and moving expenses?”

The Condition of the Home

How much can you realistically tackle if the home needs upgrades or improvements? Can you afford to repair or replace the roof? Will the plumbing or electrical need upgrading? Will you have enough money to handle repair and renovation costs once you pay your monthly mortgage payment? All of these questions should be considered when purchasing a home that needs lots of TLC.

The Size and Layout of the Home

Does the home have enough bedrooms and bathrooms to accommodate your family? Will you need to consider a growing family and the space requirements that go along with it? If you’ve already fallen in love with the spacious master bedroom you may very well overlook that fact that the home’s backyard is simply to small to accommodate your small children, for example. Make a list of must-haves and bring it with you each and every time you view a home.