New homes in South Houston recommendation? (League City, Pearland: HOA fees, insurance, how much)

[huma281]

My in laws are currently in the market for a new home in the south side of Houston. Preferably Pearland/Friendswood/Clear Lake area.

Anyone know of a good builder/subdivision around $250k-$320k near I45 or beltway 8? I live all the way on the other side of the town, otherwise I would drive in their part of the hood and check out all the builders personally.

[Lcwashingtonre]

Pearland has 2 subdivisions that are pretty close to beltway 8

Highland crossing -builders are Beazer and Pulte
Highland park- Builder is Beazer

In Clear lake the only newer subdivision is The reserve at Clear Lake and prices start in the high 300's.

[t_marney]

Another Pearland option would be Cullen Estates by Castlerock (Cullen south of BW8). But, I think they've increased to be a little above your in laws' budget.

In Clear Lake proper your only new construction options are Edgewater (southern part of the area off NASA Road 1) or The Reserve at Clear Lake (northeastern part of the area near Clear Lake City Blvd and El Dorado) Westin is building in Edgewater from the upper 270's+ . CalAtlantic in the Reserve starts in the mid 300's so nothing there will be in budget.

Further south in League City are more options, if you go down I45 towards League City Parkway. Some of the communities to look into would be Tuscan Lakes, Magnolia Creek, Autumn Lakes.

And please make sure they have a Realtor, who goes with them to view the communities! Doesn't cost them anything and will give them some assistance when dealing with the builders.

[huma281]

Thanks guys, your suggestions are immensely helpful.

[texas7]

You might look at westover park in league city. However, just across the street is Westwood which is not as fancy of a community but NO mud taxes and much cheaper HOA fees.

[brightpuppy]

Originally Posted by texas7

You might look at westover park in league city. However, just across the street is Westwood which is not as fancy of a community but NO mud taxes and much cheaper HOA fees.

Hi Texas7,
Thanks for your views. Heard that storm insurance and flood insurance is must for galveston county and how much does it add up? MUD taxes make a huge difference...almost 0.92% between westwood and westover park. Does the fancy westover park really matter? Thanks

[texas7]

It only matters to the resident. Some people really want the master planned look with several pools etc. depends on if your in laws use that stuff and desire that stuff. If they don't really use the amenities of a master planned then it might not matter to them. Often older couples have less disposable income and are looking for the lower taxes and HOA. I don't even know if Westwood has a pool. If not perhaps they have one planned. That's why it is good to have a realtor familiar with the area who can give you all that info. Choose a realtor who is very involved and offices on that side of town.

[honeyinhouston]

Perry Homes in Shadow Creek Ranch (Pearland), Lennar Homes, Ashton Woods Homes in Southern Trails (Pearland). Coventry Homes and Westin HOmes in Sedona Lakes (Pearland/Manvel). Good luck.

[brightpuppy]

I visited the westwood builder and learnt that even though the tax rate is lower at 2.54 when compared to Westover park @3.34, there is an additional management district 1%, which bumps up the rate to 3.54 more than westover park. This information might be useful for anyone who is using the tax rate for analysis. Hope it helps.