Where to Move? (Houston, Rosenberg, Stafford: homes, transfer, neighborhood)

[NTexas2010]

Originally Posted by motorcycledoppelganger

Removing all the ones which are already under contract leaves 33 properties, which I admit is more than I was expecting. Several are immediately discountable (either in Del Webb - a retirement community) or in undesirable areas (several rebuilds from last year's flooding)

Most of the rest are in the neighborhoods I mentioned above, but there are a couple in Bonbrook, which is one of my favorite neighborhoods around here, and Summer Lakes which is also very nice! I'm surprised to see them on this list. I suspect they'll be gone VERY fast.

Valid points - I didn't go through and comb through the results. Mostly I did a quick search to confirm you can still find value in the $150-200k range, albeit with a careful eye.

There are a few homes from that search that are zoned to Foster HS or Fulshear HS that would be worth looking into at that price point (more so Foster HS, if the idea is to be closer to the 59 corridor.)

[NTexas2010]

Originally Posted by Failed Engineer

You can find some good options in Meadows Place, which will be really close to your work and truly excellent schools K-12.

Here's one that option pending that looks amazing right around your budget. Might find something similar.

11946 Brighton Ln, Meadows Place, TX 77477 - HAR.com

Second that opinion. Meadows Place is becoming an increasingly attractive value, given its proximity to both Sugar Land and Houston and still fairly affordable price points.

The only drawbacks are the homes are mostly older stock and the areas around Meadows Place are prone to street flooding. Neither of these would be deal breakers if I was looking in this area, but always something to consider. Conversely, the newer homes farther out have better drainage and are newer (could be a pro/con depending upon your tastes and opinion on builder quality over the years.)

[FredTech]

Originally Posted by NTexas2010

Second that opinion. Meadows Place is becoming an increasingly attractive value, given its proximity to both Sugar Land and Houston and still fairly affordable price points.

The only drawbacks are the homes are mostly older stock and the areas around Meadows Place are prone to street flooding. Neither of these would be deal breakers if I was looking in this area, but always something to consider. Conversely, the newer homes farther out have better drainage and are newer (could be a pro/con depending upon your tastes and opinion on builder quality over the years.)

Honestly, only things I really care about in a home is that it be near decent schools, I don't have to do a lot of work and that I can get AT&T Fiber (Optional but very high on the want list).

[motorcycledoppelganger]

IMO nearly all of the schools in areas you're looking at are of good quality. Some are fancier than others, for sure, and there are lots of opinions around about who's better than whom, but in the end I think there are only a few schools in the areas you're considering that I wouldn't go with, and they're largely concentrated in the much lower (even than what you and I are seeking) income areas.

*realizing now I'm only speaking for elementary, I don't know anything about the middle / high schools beyond reputation

[FredTech]

Originally Posted by motorcycledoppelganger

IMO nearly all of the schools in areas you're looking at are of good quality. Some are fancier than others, for sure, and there are lots of opinions around about who's better than whom, but in the end I think there are only a few schools in the areas you're considering that I wouldn't go with, and they're largely concentrated in the much lower (even than what you and I are seeking) income areas.

*realizing now I'm only speaking for elementary, I don't know anything about the middle / high schools beyond reputation

You're totally correct. Elementary schools seem to be at least decent across the board...but when it comes to middle and even more so high school..seems those vary a bit more.

[Sugarlandbubba]

Keep in mind about homes in the $200k range. They are targeted by investors with cash offers. If it's a nice home zoned to good schools, you may be paying full asking price.

[motorcycledoppelganger]

Originally Posted by Sugarlandbubba

Keep in mind about homes in the $200k range. They are targeted by investors with cash offers. If it's a nice home zoned to good schools, you may be paying full asking price.

You'll definitely be paying over asking price. Every offer we placed was above asking, each time we lost out to a cash/investor offer for even more above ask than we'd gone.

[TexasTony]

Originally Posted by Sugarlandbubba

Keep in mind about homes in the $200k range. They are targeted by investors with cash offers. If it's a nice home zoned to good schools, you may be paying full asking price.

I have seen this happen often in good Sugarland zoned school zones, not much in Katy and Richmond. The taxes & HOA fees are too high for an investor to do this in those areas since the asking price is already inflated (eats up the cash flow). Most of the investors are looking for foreclosures or below market value sale price for rental or flipping.

[Sollaces]

Just make sure you do your homework on flooding, homeowners insurance costs, tax rate, HOA, and all those little things that really add up like water districts. The best advice I can give is go drive around after a heavy rain and see if there's any flooding where you want to buy. A good tip is walk around the home and see if the brick close to the foundation is colored with a flood line -- Or if it's just sprinkler damage.


Meadows Place was mentioned - That's in Stafford. It looks like a good area and close to shopping and medical.


I do know Katy is out of the Hurricane strike zone - No need to evacuate. I don't know about Stafford. I do know Sugarland was impacted by Hurricane Ike with many downed limbs. Power outages were everywhere. Stuff to think about.

[FredTech]

Seems the home I am looking at is zoned to B F Terry High School instead of George Ranch. Anyone know if transfers are allowed?