Doris Snipp

Well it is the greatest city on earth and I know because I have lived in a lot of them. We are the friendliest, diverse, greatest weather city I know. We have arts, museums, all sports, feel family is important, will stop and help any one needing assistance, have a great job market and the best real estate buys in the world. We love the outdoor life and prove it with our boating, lakes, beaches and bays. Neighborhoods do differ. Each quarter of the city has a different flavor. We love traditional homes. I sell all areas in Greater Houston, some of the most requested neighborhoods are Kingwood, Atascocita, The Woodlands and Tomball. Then of course the south neighborhoods of Sugarland and Clear Lake are popular for many. Choose someone who knows the market in all of these areas and then visit and view homes in the various areas. You will know when you have found the right one. It just takes a Realtor who is a top producing Accredited Buyer's Agent and covers the areas you would like. Good luck Doris - Wed Feb 20 2008, 13:55

Well I will better you inudated with contacts. Choose an agent that is market savvy in the area. There are Realtors like my self who sell all of Greater Houston. Sometimes this gives you a different perspective on what a property is worth and the price that it can be bought. Agents who only work one area many times see it from a prospective that is outdated or predjuiced. (They need to get out more theory.) Good luck to you. There are lots of us who would love to have you for clients. Interview and see who is a good fit and knows the market. Doris - Wed Feb 20 2008, 13:49

Contact a Realtor who is leader in your area. They will valuable assistance to you. They can guide you through the process, give you stats on value and work with an escrow agent to not only handle the title but any homestead rights that might be involved. Even though she has moved out you need to know how you are currently holding title and what might happen to your property if she married or became deceased. I would get to work on this immediately while you are solving the buyout issue. - Wed Feb 20 2008, 13:45

When I am looking for a Realtor in an area where I know no one. I start by 1. Looking for credentials behind their names, these abbreviations mean they are serious about their job, constantly taking courses to improve their craft. Then call the broker and ask for one of their top 5 producers. Interview each and see which is the best fit for you and which is the most savvy in your area. Their track record should speak for itself. Your real estate is probably one of your largest investments. Select someone who can handle the job. This is not the time for friends to be considered unless they meet the criteria. Good luck Doris - Wed Feb 20 2008, 13:40

Lifestyle determines a lot. If you are retiring than Austin and surrounding counties are a great area. Of course Houston has the Clear Lake and Galveston Island areas also. The greater Houston market is stable and should remain that way in the future. We are becoming the nations 3rd largest city and that means steady as she goes. If you are still having to earn than by all means Houston is the place for you. Just select a market savvy Realtor to purchase you a home in an area that is desirable because of location, schools, etc. Finding a savvy agent that covers more than just the area in which she lives is a perfect choice. As we are a large city you will find most do not travel to other neighborhoods or if they do they may not know the area. Why not have the best of both worlds a condo in one area and home in the other? You can have an income stream from leasing one and live in the other. As we are just a few hours apart you could also do part time leasing and then visit the other for get aways. I am flying to Austin this week and my fare one way is $59 dollars. Of course by the time I get thru security, gate waits, etc. I could have driven there. Houston will continue to offer a job market and the people will need homes. We are in the sunbelt have an international airport, many companies located here and a deep sea port. That bears well for the future. All of the people will need a home. Austin is a much smaller market and could be stymied or more expensive as there are less choices. Good luck and welcome to Texas. You will love it. Doris - Wed Feb 20 2008, 13:36

The Houston market is stable. What are you life circumstances are you retiring, if so Austin and surrounding areas are a great choice, price becomes an issue on the area you choose. If you still needing to earn any income than Houston is the place to be. How about two places one in each city. You could live in on and lease the other until retirement or if you are retiring than you have the bay and beach at Clearlake and Galveston. You could have a condo in each place and visit back and forth. You could upon retirement sell one or keep one as an income stream. We are a short drive from one to the other and I am taking a 30 minute flight for $59 to Austin this week. Could be less than gas!!! Of course by the time I get thru security and actually arrive in Austin I could have driven. One thing is certain when there is a city with 5-6 million people in the sunbelt the market is going to continue to be stable if you buy the right home in the right area. More people are coming not leaving. We can get overbuilt in Houston at times but we can absorb it in a short period of time. Austin and surrounding areas will feel a slow down longer and quicker than city that people count on for jobs. What ever you buy remember find a market savvy Realtor to guide you. Many just are familiar with their own smal area where they live. Treat you investment well and be sure and keep it updated and maintained. The problem with resales today is that so few really show well when compared to new homes. Good luck Doris - Wed Feb 20 2008, 13:18