I used to own a home in the Heights, probably too far a drive with Houston traffic.
Fondren, Sharpstown area has become a slum-stay away!
I would start with looking where the exemplary rated school districts are and go from there. We looked over 10 years ago so I’m sure things have changed . . . but that would be a good start. Spring, Katy, ???
Been here for 20 years. What side of town is she looking in?
I lived in the Clear Lake area until Hurricane Ike took my condo on the water away.
The NASA complex is located there but with the shutdown of the shuttle program, a lot of well-paid folks lost their jobs. I suspect the area has a lot of very nice undervalued homes because of the layoffs.
Not every home in the area is directly exposed to hurricanes although waterfront homes are and the new Federal Law on insurance is raising those rates through the roof, so if she looks there she should get an idea of the flood and windstorm costs.
Drive to downtown is a pain, however,if she works there.
Good luck to her. I would check here for a good realtor: http://www.daveramsey.com/elp/residential-real-estate/
His endorsed local providers are usually real go getters! We used one to buy our home and were very happy. No kickback to him either.
Omaha
I’d buy in the NW area. It might take her a little longer to get to work but it’s low crime.
Here’s a little close in community that’s gated. I know a guy who lives there and he says it takes him 20 minutes to get to the Galleria area during rush hour. The Galleria is at 610 and 59.
http://www.khov.com/Home/TX/BRT1045/_Properties_AUTH.htm
A little pricing advice. On new homes always ask for about a 5% discount. I know this builder will accept it or close to it. She wont’ need a realtor or a mortgage broker. The builder provides the mortgage. In Houston it’s pretty well accepted that to get a discount or some closing costs paid you have to use the builder’s mortgage company. It’s all on the up and up.
FReepers are the best.
My husband worked in the oil “bidness” for many years, so we lived in the Houston area twice, and have moved many times. The best real estate agent we ever had is in Houston. Her name is Karrilyn Ringnald, and she also knows a great home inspector. She is in the Katy Remax office. The master planned community of Cinco Ranch is very nice for families.
I live further out and commute. No way that I’d live in Houston or even Harris County anymore. Property taxes are already high and about to go up even more, according to a former tax comptroller.
I watched the Houston mayoral debates the other night - a very depressing spectacle. They would give you the moon for your vote. I wouldn’t live where any of those jokers could tax me. They all were either Liberal, incompetent or both. If Houston does not go broke like Detroit, it won’t be for their lack of trying!