Indy, did you get the information you needed? Have you given thought to beach properties? There are deals to be made in the rebuilding of the beach communities. Give me a call if this might be of interest, have a great day!

write me at springrealtor@sbcglobal.net and I will give you specifics

Hello,
I can relate to you wintering here in Texas during the freezing winters. I have many Canadian friends here and enjoyed travelling to Canada many times. Which province are you from? There are a good many Canadians in The Woodlands, incase you feel the need for homeland fellowship, and of course many other areas of Houston. My Canadian friends live in Tomball, The Woodlands, Houston and Sugarland. A great deal will depend on the activities you desire. There are some wonderful retirement communities for the 'Active' retirees, without a lot of maintenance (especially if you're only planning on being here six months out of the year) Do you like to golf, or what do you like to do with your spare time. These are things to think about. Please feel free to visit my website for information and call me anytime to put you in touch with lenders and people familiar with international banking/tax laws. Cheers!

Hello Indy,

I am elated to hear you enjoyed living in Houston in the past and are considering a return here. I am originally from Upstate NY myself, so I can appreciate seeking property in a warmer climate for future endeavors. Snowbirds are snowbirds! I am not sure where you lived in Houston before or how long ago that was, but Houston continues to enjoy economic growth and the creation of jobs goes hand in hand with that. So with that our housing market has not been "hit" as hard as the rest of the USA. I am happy to refer you to a lender for preapproval of a loan to see what purchase price you qualify for and I will be very happy to set you up on a drip email campaign of homes that meet your criteria needs. The drip campaign is a wonderful tool for you to use, especially since you are in a different country. A lender is your first step, he/she can answer all of your questions on the procedure of funds. I can set you up on the drip email anytime. Just phone me or email me at 1-281-450-7761 or doreen.keierleber@garygreene.com. I am with Prudential Gary Greene Realtors in Sugar Land, TX.
Happy to help you out.
Doreen
1-281-450-7761

Hi Indy,
That's so great to hear! I would recommend working with an experienced agent (like myself) in helping you identify the perfect place for you. First, you need to get pre-approved if you aren't paying with cash. Then, you can start your search. Please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to help get you well on your way to homeownership in the Greater Houston area. Thanks!

Amber Carrillo, Broker/Owner
It Homes
ambersells@sbcglobal.net
832-643-5632

Indy,

What a great time to buy. Finally, the Canadian dollar has overtaken the US dollar! If I were in your position, I would start searching the Houston Association of Realtors site:

http://www.har.com/

And the Houston craigslist site. Almost all FSBOs (homes For Sale By Owner) as well as agent-represented homes can be found online. Start searching and contacting agents of the homes that appeal to you. Be clear and honest about your goals if you are looking for an agent. You could interview a few by phone to find out who you gives you confidence. Remember, you are hiring (albeit indirectly) someone to work for you, so make sure you feel comfortable with them. If someone strikes you as pushy, they may not have your best interests in mind.

Since you are desiring living here part-time, you might consider gated communities for security while you are gone. Explore all of the options you can online, find an agent you like, and then figure out when you can come down and preview some homes! I've sold property to clients from Hawaii, Asia, and Canada, and most of them needed to make at least two trips before deciding on a home. Don't let that discourage you! This is a wonderful time to invest.

Very good luck to you,

Kim Crieger Goodwin
Crieger Goodwin Real Estate Sales
541-729-8007