Northern Houston Real Estate and Community News

Sept. 26, 2023

Should I Buy a House Now or Wait ?

Deciding whether to buy a house now or wait until 2024 is a significant decision that depends on various factors, including your financial situation, local market conditions, and personal goals. Here are some key considerations to help you make an informed choice: 

Reasons to Consider Buying Now: 

  • Equity Building: Buying a home allows you to start building equity immediately. Over time, this can be a valuable asset. 

  • Avoid Future Rate Increases: Mortgage rates are currently high, and there's no certainty that they will decrease significantly in the near future. Buying now can lock in a lower rate, potentially saving you money over the life of your loan. 

  • Credit and Down Payment: If you have excellent credit and have saved enough for a down payment, you may be well-positioned to secure a favorable mortgage rate. 

  • Long-Term Investment: Real estate is typically a long-term investment. If you plan to stay in the home for a while, it can be a good time to buy, even with current market conditions. 

Reasons to Consider Waiting: 

  • Market Conditions: If home values in your area are still dropping or have not stabilized, waiting may be wise. Monitor local trends and consult with a local real estate agent for insights. 

  • Increased Inventory: In some areas, an increase in housing inventory can provide more options and potentially better bargaining power for buyers. 

  • Financial Readiness: If your personal finances are not in the best shape, waiting can allow you to improve your credit score, pay down debt, or wait for an expected windfall before making a purchase. 

  • Recession Concerns: The possibility of a recession can introduce uncertainty. Buying during a recession can provide opportunities due to reduced competition, but it also carries financial risks if you're not financially stable. 

Additional Tips: 

  • Local Market Analysis: Real estate markets are highly localized. Analyze your specific area, as market conditions can vary greatly even within the same region. Consult with a knowledgeable local real estate agent for insights into your specific market. 

  • Recession Considerations: Keep an eye on economic indicators and local job markets. If a recession seems likely, assess your job security and financial stability before committing to a home purchase. 

  • Financial Preparation: Review your financial situation in detail. Calculate how much you can comfortably afford for a down payment and monthly mortgage payments. Ensure that homeownership aligns with your long-term financial goals. 

  • Timing: Ultimately, the decision of when to buy a home should align with your personal goals and financial readiness. Consider working with a financial advisor or real estate professional to evaluate your specific circumstances. 

  • Flexibility: Be flexible in your decision-making. Real estate markets can change, so regularly reassess your options based on evolving conditions. 

In conclusion, the decision to buy a house should be based on a thorough assessment of your financial readiness, local market conditions, and personal goals. While waiting for more favorable conditions can be prudent in some cases, it's essential to strike a balance between timing and your long-term homeownership objectives. 

Sept. 18, 2023

2023 Agents' Choice Awards - MVP

Congratulations!
With a corporate background that began in marketing, sales and customer support, Lisa Fay’s passion for real estate began while working for a custom homebuilder.
Today, she leads Fay Realty Team, a top-producing, small team that operates out of a Coldwell Banker office in northern Houston.
As team lead, she brings her personal philosophy to selling real estate. And to Fay, that’s differentiation: doing common things in an uncommon way. The Fay Way.
Understanding that buying a home is one of the most valuable investments a client will make, she works diligently to ensure that every detail is handled expediently and professionally. She believes real estate should be frictionless and empowering.
That begins with marketing, a specialty of Fay Realty Team. They oversee professional photography, high-quality brochures, mobile brochures, direct mail, You Tube and social media exposure so that every property is uniquely positioned to sell.
Fay herself specializes in lakefront properties, equestrian properties and farm and ranch houses, along with luxury homes. She is a Coldwell Banker-certified Global Luxury Specialist, a Luxury Guild Elite Member of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing and a top-producing agent of the Greater North Houston area.
Aug. 22, 2023

Texas an Attractive Place to Buy

The main factors contributing to the booming housing market in: Texas and why it's considered an attractive place to buy a home. Here's a summary of the key points:

  • Economic Growth and Job Opportunities: Texas has a strong and diversified economy that has been    attracting businesses and job seekers. The availability of job opportunities has led to an influx of people        looking for housing, driving up demand for homes. 
  • Favorable Business Climate: Texas is known for its business-friendly environment, low tax rates,                   and pro-growth policies. This encourages economic development and attracts both individuals and        corporations to the state, further boosting housing demand.
  • Cost of Living: Texas generally offers a lower cost of living compared to many other states.                            This affordability extends to housing costs, making it an appealing option for those looking to buy a home.
  • Diverse Communities: Texas has a wide range of communities that cater to various preferences and       lifestyles, from urban to suburban to rural. This diversity provides options for different types of homebuyers. 
  • Land Availability: The state's vast land area allows for more land availability, which can contribute to lower     land costs and, more affordable housing options.
  • Regulatory Environment: Texas has fewer regulatory barriers compared to some other states,                    which can lead to reduced construction costs and streamlined development processes. This can help keep    housing prices more reasonable. 
  • Competitive Housing Market: The combination of factors like economic growth, affordability, and demand       has created a competitive housing market. While prices have been rising, they still remain relatively more affordable compared to some other high-demand areas.

However, it's important to note that while Texas generally offers more affordable housing options compared to certain regions, the affordability can vary greatly within the state itself. As with any real estate decision, potential homebuyers should thoroughly research and consider their own financial situation, preferences, and the specific location they are interested in before making a decision. Consult with a trusted licensed real estate professional to guide through this process seamlessly!.

Aug. 4, 2023

Homes Prices and Headlines

It's essential to have a clear understanding of home price trends and not be misled by headlines that might exaggerate or misinterpret the data. The real estate market experiences predictable ebbs and flows throughout the year, with spring being the peak home-buying season, and activity gradually tapering off as the cooler months approach. Home prices tend to appreciate the most when there is high demand, such as during the spring and summer months.

As the housing market moves into a typical seasonal rhythm, you might come across headlines using various price terms like "appreciation," deceleration of appreciation," and "depreciation."  It's crucial to interpret these terms correctly.  Appreciation refers to prices increasing, while deceleration of appreciation means prices continue to appreciate but at a slower or more moderate pace. Depreciation, on the hand, means decrease.

During the fall and winter months, it's normal to see a deceleration of appreciation, resulting in slower home price growth. However, this does not mean prices are falling (depreciation). It is merely a part of the seasonal market pattern. 

To avoid confusion or fear sparked by misleading headlines, it's essential to focus on the actual market conditions in your area and connect with reliable sources, such as real estate professionals, to get accurate information about home prices and trends. Understanding the typical seasonality in real estate can help you make informed decisions when buying or selling a home. 

July 5, 2023

Biophilic Design in Luxury Homes

Biophilic design is a trend that has gained popularity among millennial and Generation Z homeowners and tenants. It focuses on creating a connection between humans and nature through architecture and interior design. Here are five ways in which biophilic design is being incorporated into spaces:

  • Colors in Greens: Green color palettes are popular in biophilic design. Using shades of green in cabinetry, wall colors, and even toilets can create a relaxing and natural atmosphere. Incorporating green through paint and artwork is an accessible way to introduce biophilic concepts.
  • Living Walls: Living walls, which are walls covered with living plants, are trending in biophilic design. Millennials are particularly drawn to this idea and are incorporating living walls in their homes. For example, a Zen room may have a backlit green plant wall to bring the outside in. 
  • Natural, Native Materials: Using authentic and natural materials is a key aspect of biophilic design. Homeowners are opting for materials like natural stone countertops and hardwood floors, even if they come at a higher cost. Reflecting the immediate surroundings by using local hardwood for furniture or incorporating greenery from the local area is also common. 
  • Emphasis on Landscape Design: Biophilic-minded clients want their outdoor spaces to seamlessly blend with the indoors. This can be achieved by using the same plants or potted trees in both outdoor landscaping and indoor living areas. Transition spaces like screened-in porches and outdoor kitchens are also receiving more design attention. 
  • Zen Spaces and Meditation Rooms: Millennials are creating dedicated relaxation spaces within their homes. These spaces my include living walls, Zen areas, and meditation areas. Baby boomers are also requesting rooms designed for therapeutic activities such as saunas or steam rooms, even if they don't explicitly use the term "biophilic design".

Overall, biophilic design aims to create spaces that promote well-being by incorporating elements of nature. It goes beyond simply adding a few plants and encompasses the entire design of a space, including layout, lighting, and materials.

Posted in Market Updates
June 23, 2023

Prioritize Your Remodel: What Home Improvements Help Sell a House

When preparing to sell your home, you may be wondering, what home improvements will help you sell your house? Some homeowners remodel their homes to make them more livable and enjoyable. But if your goal is to improve a home’s value for resale purposes, you'll want to strategically prioritize your remodeling projects to help you sell your house. That's where a professional realtor can help.

A Fay Realty Team agent can offer home remodeling recommendations to help sell your home faster and at a higher price. We routinely gather feedback from the homebuyers we work with to understand what they like and what they're looking for in a home purchase.

A real estate agent can also help you decide which upgrades offer the biggest bang for the buck in quick and cost-effective staging solutions. Sometimes the smallest changes can make the biggest impact. In fact, the top remodel project recommendation may surprise you: painting!

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), almost half (48%) of surveyed realtors say they recommend painting a home’s entire interior space before selling, and 38% recommend painting at least one interior room.

Other interior remodeling projects among agents’ top five recommendations are kitchen upgrades (30%), bathroom renovations (26%), and hardwood floor refinishing (22%).

These projects also earned high “joy scores” from homeowners, meaning the projects feel satisfying and the result provide a sense of accomplishment. Refinishing your hardwood floors, tackling some painting projects, or making other interior upgrades can be fun and rewarding and increase the enjoyment and comfort of your home, even if you aren’t preparing to sell your home any time soon.

The NAR's report also examines numerous other interior remodeling projects. Even though real estate professionals were less likely to recommend completing these projects before selling, homeowners who invested in these upgrades still reported high satisfaction with their results.

In particular, new wood flooring, closet renovations, insulation upgrades, adding a new home office, and conversions of attics to living areas earned perfect "joy scores."

This is the first time NAR’s report has included pandemic perspectives. Notably, 40% of realtors acknowledged higher demand for home offices during the pandemic, even though only 3% recommended adding a home office before selling. We can imagine this is because it’s relatively easy to convert a spare bedroom into home office space.

Agents also observed increased pandemic demand for complete kitchen renovations (25%), kitchen upgrades (25%), bathroom renovations (19%), and basement conversions to living areas (17%).

 

If you're considering making home upgrades in order to increase the value of your home, it's important to speak with a professional realtor to understand the demand in your local market and help you prioritize these projects and make that money back in your sale. 

You can use our home worth estimate calculator to find out how much your home is worth today, and call us to find out what specific home improvements will help increase its value.

 

Sources: 2022 Remodeling Impact Report, National Association of Realtors; Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR)

Posted in Real Estate News
June 21, 2023

Best Master Planned Communities in Montgomery, Texas

Montgomery County Texas is known for it's easy access to all amenities and opportunities of a major metropolitan area. Whether you're looking for affordability, natural beauty, a strong community, or career opportunities, this county offers a compelling package for those considering a Texas relocation.

 

Where to live in Montgomery County:

Woodforest, a master-planned community located in South Montgomery County was developed with the vision to create a small-town community with a charming atmosphere and a wide range of amenities to cater to residents of all ages. The project spanned 3,000 acres of wooded terrain adjacent to the Woodforest Golf Club, with the goal of preserving the natural beauty of the forested land. 

Residents of Woodforest enjoy a variety of activities and amenities. Miles of scenic trails offer opportunities for biking and leisurely walks, while The Shops at Woodforest provide dining and shopping options. The community boasts a pool too unwind our tour the community via golf carts. Additionally Woodforest is home to the renowned Woodforest Golf Club.

Woodforest's popularity is evident from its consistent ranking among the nation's top-selling communities. The combination of its natural surroundings, well-designed homes, and exceptional amenities make Woodforest an appealing destination for homebuyers seeking a picturesque and vibrant community.

 

Bentwater, is a premier, gated, waterfront, and golf community located along 12.5 miles of Lake Conroe shoreline. It is situated between two remarkable natural environments: the 22,000-acre Lake Conroe and the 160,000-acre Sam Houston National Forest, providing a relaxed yet vibrant lifestyle. 

Residents of Bentwater enjoy a resort-style living experience while benefiting from the convenience of having all necessary amenities just minutes away from the community's 24-hour manned entrance. The centerpiece of Bentwater is the stately Country Club, which features 54 holes of championship golf, a 10,000 square foot Fitness Center, a Day Spa, a Racquet Club, Guest Vills, a Yacht Club, a Marina and the highly acclaimed and exclusive Grand Pines Golf Club. 

Whether residents are seeking a luxurious and active lifestyle, serene waterfront living, or a picturesque backdrop for their special events, Bentwater offers a unique and remarkable community that caters to their desires. 

 

Crown Ranch is a distinctive and luxurious gated community located in the hill country of Montgomery County, offering an unparalleled combination of acreage homesites and master-designed neighborhood amenities. Enjoy the freedom of owning an expansive homesite while experiencing the comforts and luxuries of a thoughtful planned community.

Nestled in the scenic landscape of Montgomery County, Crown Ranch stands out as one of the top gated communities in Houston. The community offers residents the opportunity to build their dream homes on spacious estate homesites, allowing for a sense of privacy and grandeur. What sets Crown Ranch apart is its unique location adjacent to the Bluejack National Golf Course. 

Living in Crown Ranch, you won't have to compromise on convenience or amenities. The community provides a wide range of top-notch facilities and services, ensuring that residents enjoy a truly luxurious and comfortable lifestyle. The community is designed to bring together luxury, comfort, and leisure, allowing residents to see their dreams come to life within this exceptional setting. 

 

Thank you for choosing Fay Realty Team! 

We take pride in our commitment to excellence, and we strive to maintain the highest level of professionalism in everything we do. Our team of skilled professionals are dedicated to ensuring that every transaction we undertake is completed to your satisfaction.

Posted in Buying a Home
June 6, 2023

Buying Farm & Ranch Land In Texas

When purchasing land, it is crucial to conduct thorough research regarding its current status, particularly if it benefits from an agricultural land valuation or tax exemption. Another step that is essential is buyers need to be aware of additional factors such as oil and gas leases, mineral rights, surface rights, and conservation easements when purchasing land. These considerations can have a significant impact on land use and ownership. 

An agricultural land valuation allows property taxes to be calculated based on the land's agricultural productivity (crops, livestock, qualified wildlife, or timer) rather than its market value. If you acquire a property with an ag valuation, you must personally apply to maintain that valuation by contacting the tax appraisal district. The valuation does not automatically transfer to the new owner. Failure to apply for the valuation and maintain the agricultural use can result in future issues. Not maintaining the the agricultural use after a year or two, they may bill you for rollback taxes.

It's also important to distinguish between an agricultural and a wildlife valuation. A wildlife valuation can be obtained for various purposes, such as bird watching or hunting ranches. It involves maintaining and enhancing the land's habitat for wildlife in some form or fashion. A yearly wildlife plan must be submitted and approved by the appraisal district. Applying for a wildlife valuation requires some effort but is not overly complicated. 

To determine the specific qualifications for agricultural or wildlife valuation, it's advisable to spend time consulting with the local appraisal district in the county where you're purchasing the land. The criteria for these valuations can vary from county to county. 

As a general guideline, a minimum of 10 acres is typically required for an agricultural valuation, but this can vary depending on the county. 

The overreaching principle is that the land must have been exclusively devoted to or continuously developed for agricultural purposes during the past five years.

It's crucial to conduct due diligence and consult with local authorities to ensure you understand and meet the requirements for maintaining an agricultural or wildlife valuation on the land you intend to purchase.

Posted in Buying a Home
May 30, 2023

Willis Texas, Diverse Town with a Sparse Suburban Feel.

Willis Texas is a fast-growing town with a positive atmosphere and several attractive features. The presence of new homes and businesses indicates economic growth and opportunities. 

As a suburb of Houston, Willis provides a sparse suburban feel, making it suitable for those who prefer a quieter environment while still having access to the amenities and opportunities of a larger city nearby. The above-average public schools in Willis are an advantage for families with children. 

The scenic Lake Conroe and the Sam Houston National Forest offer recreational activities such as wildlife diversity, hunting, and camping, making it appealing to nature enthusiasts. The town's history, named after prominent land and timber owners, adds a sense of heritage.

The combination of factors and diversity in the town contributes to its appeal as a great place to live.

Posted in Buying a Home
May 23, 2023

Quality of Life In Spring Texas

Founded in 1838, the town originally started in the area now known as Old Town Spring. 

With over 80 specialty shops and large annual events Spring has something for everyone. 

 

Two of the much sought after communities to live in are Benders Landing and Harmony. 

 

Bender Landing Estates is a remarkable acreage home community that exudes elegance and charm, deserving of the title "estates". 

With a substantial number of spacious lots, each measuring one acre or larger, this community offers all the essential elements for a traditional estate lifestyle set in a picturesque natural setting. 

One of the notable advantages of living in Benders Landing is the absence of MUD (Municipal Utility District) taxes and the presence of low property taxes. 

Truly a captivating community that offers acreage homesites, a serene, wooded environment, and a range of amenities for its residents.

Situated just minutes away from The Woodlands, north of Houston, convenient access to major transportation arteries such as I-45 and the Hardy Tollraod.

 

Harmony is a master planned community offering an extensive range of options to suit various price ranges, builders, and architectural styles. With 2,600 single-family homes, townhomes, and executive homes to choose from, Harmony provides residents with a diverse selection of housing options. Whether you're looking for a cozy townhome or a spacious executive home, you'll find choices that suit your preferences. 

One of the standout features of Harmony is its focus on outdoor activities and recreation: hiking, biking, and canoeing. The community is dotted with tree-lined parks, providing a serene and natural backdrop for outdoor adventures. Additionally, there are shaded playgrounds where children can enjoy playtime right outside their doorstep. 

If you're seeking a place that combines comfort, convenience and a strong sense of community, both of these is a fantastic choice to consider for your new home.

Posted in Buying a Home