There are many events and activities offered throughout the year in Bellaire, Texas.  One of my favorites, though, is the  Friends of the Library Book Sale.  Ever since our daughters were little, Jim and I would take them to the sale and we would all stock up on books to read.  It has always been a lot of fun to go through the piles of books and the boxes while we each selected those special books.  Since the cost was very low for the books, we could each buy quite a few more books than we would if we went to the book store.Well, it’s that time of year again.  The Friends of the Library Book Sale in Bellaire, Texas is this Saturday, March 29, 2008 from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.   It will be held in the parking lot at 5111 Jessamine in Bellaire.

Great bargains are always found.  Paperback books are 50 cents each and hardback books are $1.00 each.

I hope that you can make the sale and stock up with all the books you desire.

Maybe we’ll see you there!!!!

My new GoDaddy representative called me yesterday morning and asked “Did you intentionally make the decision to not renew your domain names?”.

This question really got my adrenaline charging.  I hesitated on my response with a very sick feeling in my stomach . . . please don’t tell me they have expired . . . I worked so hard to get them.  How can I sell real estate in Houston, Texas without those domain names?  I finally answered, “Oh nooooooooooo . . .they can’t have expired.  I need them.  I worked too hard to find those names.”

The representative quickly calmed me down and told me that I had 4 more days before they expired.  I was so relieved. I renewed them for a couple more years.

I never thought to put the expiration date for my domain names on my calender.  I will from now on.  I can’t expect people to call me every time something that important is due.

HAVE YOU KEPT UP WITH YOUR DOMAIN NAMES???????

Meg and Jim Zoller – The Zoller Group of Keller Williams Realty, The Metropolitan

Please view our website, http://www.finehomeshouston.com/ . Also, feel free to contact us at:

Direct: 713-661-0884

Toll Free: 800-808-6153

E-mail: Meg@FineHomesHouston.com or Jim@FineHomesHouston.com

Cells: Meg – 713-875-4844 Jim – 713-545-6338

Note: Due to the large volume of homes sold in Houston, Texas, we usually need two months to compile data. So in March, I’ll be using January data which I obtained from the Houston Association of Realtors.

At the present time the mortgage company and loan problems you have been reading about have affected Houston housing much less than most other areas of the country. The year 2007 was the second best year in Houston on record based on the HAR statistics. Total property sales were lower than 2006, but the total dollar volume was a record high which is greatly appreciated by home sellers. So in a nutshell, there were less homes sold in Houston, Texas, but the ones that did sell sold for more money.

However, January 2008 sales declined 17.2 % from January 2007, to the lowest level in three years. January is usually low while folks recover from the holiday season, but this year we may be affected by the nation’s real estate and sub prime mortgage problems. The good news is that in Houston the January average sales price increased over last year by 4.9% to $190,233.The median price which is a price where half the homes sold for more and half sold for less was $139,000, a 2.8 % decrease from last year.

Townhomes and condo sales were down in total sold, but higher in sales prices. In January 2008, the average sale price was $160,455. This is a 9.1 % increase in price over January 2007.

In closing, the Houston housing market is still stronger in pricing than other areas of the country, although the foreclosures and sub prime lending problems appear to have affected us all. In Houston, in recent years, home buyers have been able to purchase a home for less than in many other cities and the value has increased. According to the National Association of Realtors, Houston’s current median sales price for a single family home is 35.1 % less than the national average. We had the second best year on record in 2007. This indicates the great value of living in Houston. If your credit is good and you look on the bright side, this mortgage mess has caused interest rates to decline, making this a good time for home buyers to find their new single family residential homes.

Location Characteristics: Known as both the Bayou City and Space City, Houston was founded in 1836 and named after General Sam Houston. With a population of close to 2 million, it’s the 4th largest city in the United States. The city has been a dynamic center of business since the early 1900s and is also the leader in space technology, being home to NASA and the Johnson Space Center. The port area is thriving and connected to the city by the Houston Ship Channel. Other well known areas are Interstate 10’s Energy Corridor, the Galleria, and the world class Texas Medical Center. Houston’s feel is diverse, with both a high rise skyline and waterways like the Buffalo Bayou, which winds through the city.

Recently, downtown Houston has been transferred into a dynamic area of the city for both entertainment and residential living. Many new lofts and townhomes have been built in and near downtown and other buildings have been converted from commercial to residential use.Houston has major league football, baseball, basketball ( men’s and women’s), and soccer teams, as well as AHL hockey. It also has separate horse and greyhound racing tracks.

For the theatre lovers, Houston is one of the few cities that has permanent ballet, orchestra, opera, and theatre companies.

Houston, Texas offers most everything you could possibly desire in real estate.

Meg and Jim Zoller – The Zoller Group of Keller Williams Realty, The Metropolitan

Please view our website, http://www.finehomeshouston.com/ . Also, feel free to contact us at:

Direct: 713-661-0884

Toll Free: 800-808-6153

E-mail: Meg@FineHomesHouston.com or Jim@FineHomesHouston.com

Cells: Meg – 713-875-4844 Jim – 713-545-6338

There are approximately 3500 single family homes which exist in Houston Heights with an average sales price per sq. ft. of $175 in 2007. Since 1994, this figure has increased every year. The values were $164/sq ft. in 2006, $156/sq ft.in 2005 and $150/ sq ft. in 2004. These figures were obtained from the Houston Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service . . .  as are the others cited in this article.

Currently, there are 141 single family homes for sale in the Houston Heights ranging from a 3 bed/1 bath, 1200 sq. ft. home in need of repairs on a 4323 sq. ft.  lot listed for $135,000 to a new construction, 4 bed/3 bath, 4080 sq. ft. luxury home situated on a 13,200 sq. ft lot and priced at $1,490,000.  The average list price per sq. ft. is $187.73. Many of the homes for sale are new construction luxury homes on small lots. However, there are a good selection of older homes. Home buyers have another 39 homes under contract as of 3/07/2008 but they haven’t closed to date.

ZIP Code: 77008

Approximate Location Boundaries: Downtown Houston, Memorial Park, Oak Forest

Location Characteristics: This historical neighborhood, with a mixture of bungalow, Victorian homes, and new construction (as well as some industrial and commercial property) was originally established as a planned community in the late 1890s. The location was partially chosen because it was 23 feet higher than downtown Houston, located 4 miles away. In 1918, Houston Heights residents voted for annexation by the city of Houston, Texas.

The single family home market in the Houston Heights consists of older Victorian era homes, older bungalows, and new construction. Many of the older homes have been remodeled and over 100 Houston Heights structures are registered in the National Register of Historical Places. The newer construction consists of everything from contemporary designs to Victorian style homes. 
 

Meg and Jim Zoller – The Zoller Group of Keller Williams Realty, The Metropolitan

Please view our website, http://www.finehomeshouston.com/ . Also, feel free to contact us at:

Direct: 713-661-0884

Toll Free: 800-808-6153

E-mail: Meg@FineHomesHouston.com or Jim@FineHomesHouston.com

Cells: Meg – 713-875-4844 Jim – 713-545-6338

According to information reviewed on Houston Association of REALTORS Multiple Listing Service, there are currently 134 single family residential homes on the market in Bellaire, Texas priced from $234,900 for a 1100 sq. ft., 3 bed/1 bath home on a 8190 sq. ft. lot near a highway feeder road to a high asking price of $2,899,000 for a 9662 sq. ft., 5 bedroom/ 5 full, 2 half bath, 3 car garage luxury home on a 18,450 sq. ft. lot built in 2004. The average list price per sq. ft. is $249.39. Home sellers have forty eight luxury homes for sale for over $1,000,000 and 25 homes priced at $400,000 or less. As of 03/6/2008 home buyers have an additional 32 homes pending under contract priced from $239,000 to $1,795,000.

During the month of January 2008, 12 single family homes closed with sale prices ranging from $239,900 to $1,864,000. The average sales price per average sq. ft. was $213.24/ sq. ft.

In February 2008, 12 sales closed with an average sales price per average sq. ft. of $203.09. The low sales price was $240,000 for a lender owned 1763 sq. ft., 4 bed/ 2 bath home on a 8450 sq. ft. lot next to the feeder road and sold “as is”. The highest reported sales price was $1,425,000 for a 5 bed/6.5 bath luxury home recently built in 2006 on a 8450 sq. ft. lot.

It is presently reported that there are 5 townhomes active on the market, priced from $199,000 to $325,000. The average list price per sq. ft. is $159.89.  Three sold in February and 2 are pending sale.

New construction in Bellaire, Texas is still strong and the prices are increasing due to rising building costs and lot prices. For the most part the older construction in Bellaire originated in the late 40’s and 50’s. Many of these original homes have been and are being purchased at what is considered “lot value” with the old homes being replaced with larger, new construction luxury homes.

ZIP Code: 77401

Location Characteristics: Bellaire, Texas, located on both sides of Interstate Loop 610 West, is surrounded by Houston and many subdivisions including West University Place, Southside Place, Meyerland, Willow Meadows, and Afton Oaks. It’s a very short distance to the Galleria, Reliant Stadium, downtown Houston, the Theater District, and the Texas Medical Center.

Bellaire is zoned for residential,commercial, and light industrial sections. The city is well known as a residential city. The city is well-liked for its police and fire protection, parks and recreation facilities, library, public works department, and recycling center.

Meg and Jim Zoller – The Zoller Group of Keller Williams Realty, The Metropolitan

Montrose market area residents continue to enjoy stable property values as reflected in the following data provided by the Houston Association of Realtors. There were 10 single family homes sold in February 2008 with prices ranging from $235,000 to $533,250; averaging $168.62 per square foot. There were 17 town house/condos soldin the Montrose market area during this same period with prices ranging from $72,100 to $475,000 for an average of $143.81 per square foot.

Sellers are currently offering 62 active available single family residential homes for sale in Montrose, which is a market area within the city limits of Houston, TX, with list prices ranging from $259,000 to $1,300,000 for a luxury home. Buyers have 11 properties pending sale.

There are 94 active available town house/condos in the Montrose market area with prices ranging from $77,000 to $749,900. It’s reported that there are 32 properties pending sale.

According to data provided by the Houston Association of Realtors, there were 121 single family homes sold in 2007 with prices ranging from $105,000 to $890,000; averaging $171.51 per square foot. There were also 167 town house/condos sold in the Montrose market area during this same period with prices ranging from $43,000 to $646,000 for an average of $135.77 per square foot.

ZIP Codes: 77002, 77006, 77007, 77019, 77098

Approximate Location Boundaries:  Montrose, a Houston, Texas subdivision is generally bound by Highway 59 to the south, Allen Parkway to the north, Bagby Street to the east and Shepherd to the west; Montrose market area boundaries expand beyond the subdivision.

Location Characteristics:Originally pronounced as if it were two words, that is, “Mont Rose”, Montrose is generally bound by Highway 59 to the south, Allen Parkway to the north, Bagby Street on the east and Shepherd to the west. The Museum District is located in the southern part of Montrose and many bars & restaurants, thrift/vintage/second-hand shops, eclectic boutiques and small galleries maintain the unique flavor of this part of the city.
Initially envisioned as a planned community and/or streetcar suburb and dating back to the early 20th Century, Montrose comes with the most distinctive character of eccentricity and diversity in Houston. It is one of the prettiest areas with renovated mansions, bungalows with wide porches and cozy cottages lining shady boulevards where people can walk and cycle easily. There is even a small pocket of homes called Courtland Place where all of the houses are listed in the National Historic Registry. Other surrounding neighborhoods include Westmoreland, Avondale and Cherryhurst, all generating a Southern, cozy atmosphere. Townhouse/Condos and Lofts are very prevalent in the Montrose area as well.

Meg and Jim Zoller – The Zoller Group of Keller Williams Realty, The Metropolitan

2006 was a good year for homeowners in Meyerland which is a subdivision of Houston, Texas.  Sellers sold 109 properties ranging in price from $197,000 for an older single family residential home up to $1,150,000 for a new construction luxury home with an average sales price of $368,966.  That calculates to be $133.73 per square foot showing a definite upward price trend. These figures are based on data collected from the Multiple Listing Service of the Houston Association of Realtors.

Meyerland residents continued to enjoy increased property values as reflected in the following data provided by the Houston Association of Realtors. There were 89 single family homes sold in 2007 with prices ranging from $200,000 to $1,000,000 averaging $144.73 per square foot.

Currently there are 40 active available homes for sale in Meyerland with list prices ranging from $239,900 to $1,150,000 . . .  and there are 16 properties in various stages of pending. The wide range in price reflects the new luxury home construction; however, the majority of homes in Meyerland are 3 to 4 bedrooms, 2 baths between 2000 and 3000 sq. ft.
In February of 2008 sellers sold 5 homes with prices ranging from $265,000 for a resale home to $847,500 for a luxury new construction home . . .  averaging $151.69.  This indicates that Meyerland homes continue to appreciate in value.

For the month ofJanuary 2008 buyers bought 5 homes in Meyerland with prices ranging from $319,800 to $395,000, averaging $147.05 per square foot.

ZIP Code: 77096

Approximate Location Boundaries:South of Beechnut, North of Bellfort, West of S Post Oak, East of Chimney Rock

Location Characteristics:  Meyerland is a residential area situated on the banks of the Brays Bayou at the outer southwest corner of Loop 610, just south of Bellaire. Just a 15-minute drive (or less) to downtown Houston, the Texas Medical Center, the Galleria, and the Reliant Park complex, the Meyerland community boasts excellent accessibility, beautiful parks, and strong community leaders. Homes range in price from the mid $100,000’s (usually lot value) to the $1,000,000’s and while some of the homes are the original 1950s bungalows, others are new construction from homeowners who like Meyerland’s ease and convenience.

Meyerland is the concept of three generations of the Meyer family. In the late 1800’s, Joseph F. Meyer started buying land in the southwest part of the area surrounding Houston, eventually accumulating 6,000 acres of which he paid less than $5 per acre. In the mid-1950’s Joseph’s son, George, saw the possibilities of a prestigious subdivision and after his father’s death, son George took the 1,200 acres he inherited and created Meyerland with 2,700 lots and an 80-acre reserve for a shopping center. George Meyer proceeded to develop homes that were affordable enough to attract middle America. Look magazine called Meyerland a “state-of-the-art neighborhood” while House and Home magazine claimed it was the “ideal plan for a subdivision.” Meyerland might be termed Houston’s first “planned community” in that Meyer held to stringent deed restrictions and strong architectural controls for its development. Characteristic of Meyerland are brick, contemporary styled homes, three and four bedrooms with two baths, an uncommon feature when built.

Meyerland Plaza Shopping Center was opened in 1957 as Houston’s second regional mall and was managed by George Meyer’s oldest daughter, Leota Meyer Hess. The third generation of the Meyer family sold the center in 1984. After years of neglect, in the mid-90s it was purchased and renovated by a new owner. The revival of Meyerland Plaza brought 927,000 square feet of new shopping space to Meyerland and the plaza now includes a variety of 50 shops and restaurants, several of which opened spring 2005.

Schools – Meyerland has numerous Houston Independent School District Exemplary schools and is zoned to nationally acclaimed Bellaire High School. Zoned neighborhood elementary schools include Kolter Elementary School and Lovett Elementary School, both located in Meyerland. The neighborhood is also served by Johnston Middle School (located in Meyerland), Pershing Middle School (located in Braeswood Place), and Pin Oak Middle School in the city of Bellaire (pupils zoned to Johnston have the option to attend Pin Oak), and Bellaire High School located in the city of Bellaire.

The Houston Public Library system operates the Meyer Branch Library at 5005 W. Bellfort, which serves the Meyerland community.
 

Meg and Jim Zoller – The Zoller Group of Keller Williams Realty, The Metropolitan

Please view our website, http://www.finehomeshouston.com/ . Also, feel free to contact us at:

Direct: 713-661-0884

Toll Free: 800-808-6153

E-mail: Meg@FineHomesHouston.com or Jim@FineHomesHouston.com

Cells: Meg – 713-875-4844 Jim – 713-545-6338

Sales in Braes Heights which is a subdivision in Houston, Texas, can be largely broken down as follows: 1)  older homes with few if any updates which are mainly worth lot value,  2)  older homes which have been completely remodeled, and 3) new or recent construction luxury homes.

Our marketing condition report uses information that has been gathered and reviewed on Houston Association of REALTORS Multiple Listing Service.  Currently there are 20 single family residential homes on the market priced from $410,000 for a “lot value” home on a 9375 sq. ft. lot to an under construction 4 bed/3.5 bath, 4600 sq. ft. luxury home priced at $1,299,000. The average asking price per square foot is $220.74..

Although no homes closed in February 2008, there are 7 homes pending immediate sale. The lowest priced home pending is a completely remodeled 3 bed/ 2 bath,1632 sq. ft. home on a 7875 sq. ft. lot, priced at $429,900. The highest pending sale is a new construction luxury home 4 bed/ 4.5 bath, 5737 sq. ft. home on a 10,800 sq. ft. lot priced at $1,500,000.

ZIP Code: 77025

Approximate Location Boundaries: See Characteristics section

Location Characteristics: Braes Heights is a Houston, Texas subdivision of mostly single family homes located inside the 610 Loop, west of the Texas Medical Center and south of West University and Southside Place. It’s street boundaries are roughly Holcombe to the north, North Braeswood to the south, Stella Link to the west and Buffalo Speedway to the east. Braes Heights is one of the subdivisions of Braeswood Place which is composed of seven subdivisions: Ayshire, Braes Heights, Braes Oaks, Braes Manor, Braes Terrace,Emerald Forest, and Southern Oaks. The neighborhood was built in the 1950s and is now mainly composed of the older ranch style homes and new construction luxury homes. There has been much new construction in the last 10 years . . . mostly two story homes from 3200 to 5500 sq. ft.

Recent developments in this neighborhood are a library, YMCA, Sheltering Arms senior citizens facility headquarters, McGovern Park ball-fields for children, Helen’s Park and Beal Park. Braes Heights is zoned to Mark Twain Elementary (newly built), Pershing Middle School(newly built) and Lamar High School. Children in Braes Heights are placed in the West UniversityLittle League. Braes Heights is part of the Braeswood Place Homeowners Association. 

Meg and Jim Zoller – The Zoller Group of Keller Williams Realty, The Metropolitan

Please view our website, http://www.finehomeshouston.com/ . Also, feel free to contact us at:

Direct: 713-661-0884

Toll Free: 800-808-6153

E-mail: Meg@FineHomesHouston.com or Jim@FineHomesHouston.com

Cells: Meg – 713-875-4844 Jim – 713-545-6338

Knollwood Village which is a subdivision in Houston, Texas, consists of both older and new luxury construction homes. The older single family residential homes, many of which have been remodeled, range from around 1300-2000 sq. ft., were built on slabs, and most have hardwood floors. Recently, the older homes in poor condition are often sold to builders who are usually building two story, 3500-5000 sq. ft. brick, stucco and stone exterior luxury home structures. The price range for older homes is generally $250,000-$400,000 and $600,000-$850,000 for new luxury home construction.

On March 10, 2008, our market condition report reflects that there are 5 single family homes for sale in Knollwood Village ranging from a remodeled, 3 bed/2.5 bath,  2134 sq. ft. home on a 7350 sq. ft. homes priced at $384,900 . . . to a new construction, 4395 sq. ft.,4 bed/ 4 bath luxury home on a 9330 sq. ft. lot priced at $872,599. The average list price per average square foot of living space is $181.11. Two additional homes are under contract and pending sale in the immediate future.

Two homes sold in February 2008. One was a  remodeled 1887 sq. ft., 3 bed/ 2 bath home on a 7770 sq. ft. lot sold for $340,000 . . .  and the other was a new luxury home construction 4 bed/ 4.5 bath home on a 9100 sq. ft. lot which sold for $785,000. The average sales price per sq. ft. for both homes was $180/ sq. ft.

Information used in this report was gathered and obtained from the Houston Association of REALTORS Multiple Listing site.
ZIP Code: 77025

Approximate Location Boundaries:Inside 610 Loop, south of S Braeswood , Buffalo Speedway area

Location Characteristics: Knollwood Village is a Houston, Texas inner loop, deed restricted, residential subdivision consisting of approximately 600 single family homes. It is close to the Texas Medical Center,downtown Houston, the Museum District, Reliant Stadium and the Galleria. Originally developed in the 1950s, the last few years have seen new construction in the neighborhood. The subdivision is zoned to Longfellow Elementary, Pershing Middle School, and BellaireHigh School although one should always check with HISD for boundary changes. Other subdivisions in the immediate area are Braes Terrace, Westridge, Linkwood and Woodside. 
 

Meg and Jim Zoller – The Zoller Group of Keller Williams Realty, The Metropolitan

Please view our website, http://www.finehomeshouston.com/ . Also, feel free to contact us at:

Direct: 713-661-0884

Toll Free: 800-808-6153

E-mail: Meg@FineHomesHouston.com or Jim@FineHomesHouston.com

Cells: Meg – 713-875-4844 Jim – 713-545-6338

As reported by the Houston Association of Realtors, sellers are currently offering 120 single family homes available for sale in West University Place, a city within Houston, Texas, with asking prices ranging from $257,900 to $3,650,000. While the majority of these luxury homes are of newer construction with a minimum of 4 bedrooms and 3000 sq. ft., there are also smaller, older homes available with 2 bedrooms that were originally constructed in the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s.  Other properties are being sold for lot value.

Sellers sold 14 properties in February of 2008 with prices ranging from $365,000 up to $1,899,000 for an average price of $884,642 or $277.06 per square foot. The average days on market for these properties were 66 days. Potential buyers had 33 properties in various stages of pending at the close of February as well.

For the month of January 2008 buyers bought 8 properties in West University Place averaging $615,812 or $217.37 per square foot.

ZIP Code: 77005

Approximate Location Boundaries:Kirby Drive to the East, Union Pacific Railway railroad track to the West, Bellaire Boulevard/West Holcombe Boulevard to the South, and Bissonnet and Law Streets to the North.

Location Characteristics: Commonly referred to as West University or West U for short, West University Place was developed by former Tennessee Gov. Ben Hooper. His idea for a community of country homes was conceived in 1910 when Governor Hooper bought a tract of land southwest of Houston out of an old Spanish land grant. The Houston West End Realty Company developed today’s West University Place First Addition and put the first lots up for sale on April 1, 1917. The name “West University Place” originated from its proximity to Rice Institute (now known as Rice University). The city of West University Place incorporated in 1924 and adopted a formal city charter in 1940.
There are approximately 26 subdivisions in West University Place to include Rice Court, Pemberton, Colonial Terrace, Sunset Terrace, Cunningham Terrace, Evanston, Matthews Place, Kent Place, Monticello, Virginia Court, Belle Court, College Court Place, Collegeview, Preston Place, Pershing Place, Academy, Quenby Court, Bissonnet Place, Fairhaven, College Park, and Krenzler Courts and some sections simply known as West University Place.

Students who live in West University Place are zoned to West University Elementary, Pershing Middle Schoolin the Braeswood Place neighborhood of Houston, and Lamar High School, in the Upper Kirby district of Houston.

Meg and Jim Zoller – The Zoller Group of Keller Williams Realty, The Metropolitan

Please view our website, http://www.finehomeshouston.com/ . Also, feel free to contact us at:

Direct: 713-661-0884

Toll Free: 800-808-6153

E-mail: Meg@FineHomesHouston.com or Jim@FineHomesHouston.com

Cells: Meg – 713-875-4844 Jim – 713-545-6338